12-30-17

Harley keeping her ear to the ground.

Ya know, in case anything exciting is about to happen...

...like going to coffee with mom. :-)

Harley is my latte friend at SIP.

12-29-17

While we were in Iowa we exchanged messages with Johnson in Tanzania. He had a short break from college classes and was able to go to Marangu to celebrate Christmas with his grandparents. He also had fun getting together with some primary school friends!

Johnson, Alpha, Sia, Tosteness

Johnson & his grandfather Ignas.

They were enjoying temperatures in the 80's!

Johnson's Grandma Elionara. Lovely in her Christmas dress! 

Johnson also sent us his Acknowledgement page to his 5 page report due January 2nd. The report is on their safari camp experience in the Arusha region; including Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro National Park. Proud of his dedication to his college studies.

Bob & I are thankful we met Johnson on Kilimanjaro. And we are excited about his university experience and bright future! Merry Christmas to Johnson and Tanzania!

12-28-17

Good-bye to the snowy gravel roads of Iowa.

So-long to the sun kissed corn fields where I grew up.

Adios to my farm & midwest kiddos.

#farmstrong

Bai-bai to festive downtown, Atlantic.

(little town Elk Horn too).

Good riddance to freezing cold temperatures! OUCH!

Stay warm Iowa. :-)

Bob & I are back in 70 degree sunny Arizona now.

You can tease us about our temps in July. LOL.

12-27-17

Getting mom ready on Christmas day.

This photo makes me sad & thankful. Glad for Chrismtas back in Iowa with mom but sad that she can no longer participate in festivities at the farm or in Elk Horn (Caroling night). Mom can't go for rides in the car anymore either. :-( Thankful that mom, though quiet, can still understand conversation and she knows all her loved ones who come to spend time with her. Her kind self always shines through.

A few photos I have with mom on Christmas day...

Me, Kathy, Joan, Mom

Bob, Mom & I

Mom with 3 or her 8 kids.

Brent, Jane, Joan.

Mom with her sister, Sonja. Sonja's husband, Dick on the right.

Middle: Joan & Kathy

Front: Mom & I

Everyone had wonderful visits with mom. One highlight was singing Christmas carols in the care center piano room. We could hear mom singing every word. So special! Reminiscing about my brother, Rod was also very meaningful. Everyone shared favorite memories of him.

It was a Merry Christmas with God's Blessings.

12-26-17

Pics from Christmas Day on the farm...

Fingernail polish party!

Everyone wanted in on the fun...including Bob & the boys. :-)

Proud of our colorful results!!!!

Thanks, Janna for the great idea & for bringing the polish supplies.

Janna is catalystwellness on Instagram (her pic above). :-)

Playing legos in this room with the kiddos.

And more lego building in this room.

We miss Kavan & Riley in Arizona! We had so much fun with them & the other GREAT-nephews & nieces (as well as the GOOD-nephews & nieces too). Hahaha.

Oh, I can't forget the FINE-adults... love them too.  :-)

12-25-17

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

It is very cold in Iowa but our hearts are warm this holiday season!

Wishing all family & friends a special Christmas Day celebration.

12-24-17

Dressed in my Christmas Eve Day best while my brother shovels the snow. LOL.

Brent, Nancy, Bob & I stayed at mom's home. It was great to catch up with them and hear about their recent travels, home projects and their 3 kids & 8 grandchildren. Brent & Nancy live in Byron, MN & so does their oldest son, Owen with Leah & 4 girls. Kyle with family live in Minneapolis & Lisa with family are in Sioux Falls, SD.

Christmas running tights from Amazon. :-)

My t-shirt says... "Ain't no mountain high enough".

I need to add..."Well, maybe Kilimanjaro is!" hahaha.

Last night at Caroling there was a book reading of Penelope The Positive Pony.

Author Jerome read his cute little story (his talent).

Palmer turned the pages for children to see (her talent).

The Penelope illustrations (my talent).

:-)

Then...the book signing!

Fans couldn't wait to get their signed copy! Hahaha.

Penelope by Jerome & Jane

Today Bob & I spent the day with mom and other family visitors at mom's care center. Tonight Bob & I attended Christmas Eve candlelight service at Elk Horn Lutheran; the church I grew up attending.