Overachiever.

I would like to point out that this is my 2nd post for November.
Someone is reaching for the stars.
*insert cheering

*****

The holiday Lucky Day Sale went great!  I am afraid we have officially outgrown the Goss though.  Growing pains are tough but its a good problem to have.

The sweetest owls and fantastic furniture!

fun retro kitchen stuff galore

I always love the colors of the holiday sale!

Umm . . yeah . . . the first couple of hours were insane!!

And we filled up the sidewalk outside!

As always - - I can never thank you all enough for shopping our sale!
And the vendors are beyond talented!!

****
The Hamlin football team won the state championship.   HOORAY!!!
Boyd is a VERY LOUD athletic supporter (*hehe*).  I warned Cate that Boyd cheered loud so she might not want to sit with him . . . she looked at me and said: "That's okay. I like it!"
She's got spunk.  And loves the Touchdown Cheer. :)

After the game she insisted we track down the cheerleaders because she NEEDED to talk to them.  Brother2 could learn something from this kid.

A few of my favorite people.

Brother2 got in!!!

He is officially taller and weighs more than me.  Thank you, Jesus!

For those of you judging my 'non-Charger apparel" - in my defense, I originally had a Charger shirt on but then mom pointed out that we were supposed to wear BLUE (not gray and yellow).  So I changed.  And all day long I kept quoting Arrested Development in my head and snickering to myself:

****
I tried my first ever vendor fair.  My "neighbor" was a raspberry farm and their 6 year old daughter was along for the day.

What is your name?
Do you like My Pretty Ponies?
I lost 2 teeth.
I am in 1st grade.
My Pony's name is Rainbow.
Your hair is pretty.
I want a pony for Christmas.
What do you want?
And on.
And on.
and on.

*****

Boyd has started coaching 7th grade girls basketball.
Coaching gives me the shakes.
But not the good shakes . . .

*****
I realized that I have not done any book reports lately.  I have no idea if anyone likes book recommendations but since its my favorite hobby - I am proceeding.  Feel free to skip ahead.

1.  Blind Your Ponies by Stanley Gordon West:  This is my 2nd time reading this book.  I do this when I run out of new books to read and feel like I should not spend money.  Its annoying.  BUT this book is fantastic.  Its about a high school boys basketball team in rural Montana.  Parts of it are cheesy but overall you fall in love with the characters.  Plus, Gordon is one of my favorite authors.  (Until the Streetcars Come Back is one of my ALL-TIME FAVES by him)

2.  Pride and Prejudice.  Again - another reread by me lately.  But oh my . . . love this story.  I enjoyed it more the 2nd time than the first.  Which makes me think I should probably try Wuthering Heights again since I hated it the first time.  Love Lizzy and Mr. Darcy.

3.  The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion: ADORED this book.  The main character is socially challenged and goes about systematically finding a wife.  If you like Sheldon Cooper from the Big Bang Theory - you will love Don Tillman.   Hysterical read.

4.  Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler:  I'm not sure how to describe this book . . . beautiful?  Sad?  Inspiring?  This story alternates between present day and the 1930s where Isabella tells her friend/hairdresser about her past.  Romance.  Racism.  Friendships. Family Relationships.  It has it all.  Wonderfully well-written.  5 thumbs up!

5.   The Wanderer's Necklace by Henry Rider Haggard:  This book reads like an old fashioned adventure tale.  Prepare for epic battles, crazy plot twists and to fall in love with Olaf, the inspiring hero.  I thought the ending was a bit abupt and would have liked more closure but 98% of the book I thoroughly enjoyed.

Currently I am reading Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline.  So far so good.

P.S.  If you are an avid reader, please shoot me book recommendations! 

*****
Look at this cute little peanut!
And she is wearing Matilda Jane.
Surprise. Surprise.
I have no shame. ;)

Miss Ellie

******
Have a great Thanksgiving!!

Keeping on keeping on.

Today is Election Tuesday.
I do not love politics.
BUT, I did vote today.
Did I vote out of civic duty? Or because there was a bake sale next door?
I will never tell.

*********

Sister1 and her boys came for a visit.  It was so delightful to see them.
Oli got to spend the night with us and I had so much fun going for nature walks, Mario Cart, bonfires and snacks.  At one point he was swinging a large walking stick around and I asked him to be careful.  He replied with: "I'm giving us a force field!"
Oh . . well. . . in that case - keep up the good work!

Such a fun weekend with outdoor exploring! 

Papa made sure to have a few walking sticks that also worked as weapons should that be necessary.

*****

Kona has been extra special lately.  She was so excited to present me with a rabbit in her mouth.
I promptly ran back into the house and asked Boyd if it was dead.
He replied with "Well, that half of it is."
Gross.

She then promptly ran away and did not come back. 
I finally came to terms with the fact that she was gone forever.
As a last resort - I called the pound (which is 30 miles away).

Me:  Do you have a black and white husky there?
Pound:  Yes! We do!
Me:  ummm . . . . she might be mine.
Pound:  Is her name Kona?

*sigh*  yes. 
HOW DO YOU SEE HER NAME ON THE TAG BUT NOT THE CONTACT NUMBER?!

It is a mystery I have yet to solve.
Regardless, the runaway is back and we are trying Plan N which is to shave her neck and see if the shock collar works better.

She was DELIGHTED to be home and then promptly slept for about 48 hrs.

  ******
Hamlin just won their 2nd play-off game - one more AND THEN THE DOME!!
Love high school football.
Especially with these cuties.

Cate asked disgustedly: "Do we have to go to a game every time we come to Papa and Deara's?!"

And I really like this Charger - #2 (Brother2)

WHO DOES #2 WORK FOR?! (Austin Powers fans out there?)

*****

The Holiday Sale is nearly here.  (November 8th!!!)  The nightmares have begun.
And my strategic planning is well underway on how to get Boyd to finish a few projects for me without him realizing it.
Big.Fat.Fail.

Somehow he managed to dig up our entire yard in honor of sale week.
Love how it worked out perfectly for him to obtain the excavator at such a convenient time.
(insert sarcasm)

View from my front door

Let's all take a moment of silence.

This may look like dire circumstances but I just received an email from a "Barrister Alfred George" telling me I have an unidentified relative who left me $7.2 million in a West African Bank.

Things are looking up.

***
The other day Brother2 was over and I was showing him all the pictures I have of him when he was little - - proving how much we spoiled him.

He was the cutest:

Bunker with machine guns.

Side note:  I am pretty sure I saw him wearing this same jersey tonight at the volleyball game.

SNOW!!

Valleyfair with Nephew Jake and Brother2

Mom told us the story of how when he was in 1st grade he informed her he knew how to spell a bad word:
"S.H.T."
She told his first grade teacher and she replied with: "Sounds like we need to revisit the "it" family!"
Love Hamlin teachers.
Especially hot math teachers . . . .

  *****

Halloween has come and gone.

Thanksgiving and Christmas is just around the corner.

Which means the HOLIDAY SEASON IS UPON US!!

Miss Ellie and some pumpkin magic.

Autumn. Fall.

It is chilly and cloudy today.  Not my favorite.
(and technically today when I am posting - - it is WINDY and there were even a few flakes of snow this morning!!  *sigh*)

Recap from September:

The sale was amazing. I was worried because we had to change venues last minute once I found out that a car show in Watertown was blocking off our parking at the Goss.  I begged mom and dad and so we cleared out their house and set up a few tents outside.  The night we set up the tents - a freakish wind came up that night and demolished all of that work.  I would have cried but didn't have the time.

Despite the change of venue, the freakish wind, the tent situation, etc . . . . . the sale was a great success!  I could not have ordered better weather, happier shoppers or more amazing vendors.  My heart is STILL warm and full. :) 

A few shout outs:

THANK YOU to mom and dad for their relaxed nature to deal with their house being turned into a Shop overnight.  Dad even put up my sale signs the morning of the sale because Boyd was at a cross country meet. (I swear Boyd is busy every.single.sale)

THANK YOU to Jim and Phyllis for all the help with the barn!  Phyllis brought food during sale set-up which was a huge and unexpected help!  Jim has been a lifesaver with barn work and being there for the entire 2 days while they were moving it.  (Boyd had to work - first year of teaching and all!)

THANK YOU to Kayla Johnson and her family for lending us their big tent!  It was such a blessing for the sale.

THANK YOU to the amazing vendors.   Their creativity, infectious personalities and crazy helpfulness!  The sales would not happen without them.  Not.At.All. (Heather Holmen, Terri Gaikowski, Val Butler, Gaylene Christensen, Jolene Lieffort, Amber Jensen, Cindy Grantham . . just to name a few!)

THANK YOU to Stacey Stormo and Sister2 - they are the amazing check-out girls.  The sale is always a bit chaotic with all the tags and they handle it like champs! 

And a THANK YOU to my Grandma :)  She was so sweet to bring tables, food and organize the "sold section". 

Oh! And my bro-in-law Jordan!  He helped load up items throughout the day, ran to get pizza for lunch and was in general there to help.  And Brother2 - he pitched in too. :)

I know I am missing people - and for that I apologize.  Please know that you are appreciated! 

******

We are trying to get our house painted before winter.  Unfortunately we kind of suck at it. 
TAKING FOREVER.

The barn is officially HERE!!   We still have random vehicles driving down our road to check it out. Ahhh . . . small town excitement.  It needs a new roof and the floor needs to be reinforced - figure out electrical and plumbing . . .  All small things, right? :)

*****

Homecoming came and went.  I did not anticipate enjoying the whole "community stuff" as much as I do.  Which is a good thing since we live here and all. :)  Brother2 is a sophmore this year  and we end up at nearly every event he is in - I don't know what we will do when he graduates. 
Little Ellie might need to become a Hamlinite so I can stay involved. :)

I am back to painting furniture for the holiday sale. 
I love my cute little co-workers even though they offer zero help and input. 

That is all!  Enjoy the Fall Season!!
It is my favorite month of the year - even with a few chilly rainy days included. :)

*** I meant to post this about a month ago.  And Failed.

Currently I am subbing at the high school listening to a class of 30+ kids sniffle, snort and cough.  It is designed to annoy me and I'm sad to say . . . . they might be winning. 

End of Summer

Apparently I am a seasonal blog writer.

Cue the random updates:

Summer is wrapping up and I for one am ready for fall.  

Colorful leaves

crisp/energetic air

wearing PANTS

football games

Less humidity

CARBS and soups/chili

But most importantly - school is in session - which means . . . my husband is now earning a paycheck.  BAM!  and yes - - I am fully aware of what SD teachers make . . . but for now . . . focusing on the blessing of a paycheck regardless of the amount. 

***

Apparently I do not have a green thumb.  

The only thing in my vegetable garden that I was successful in growing were zinnias.  

And apparently they have no nutritional value.   Fail.

Boyd planted the tomatoes . . . and asked me to stay away from them.

Our barn has not yet been moved.  But we do have the concrete now poured for the basement. 

 We know some awesome people. 

***

Sister1 is now engaged and she and her boys moved to Colorado a few weeks ago.  I found some old comic books at a garage sale and sent them with for the car ride.
O loved the "Adventures! with the Brothers" or something like that . .
who knew they were hard to find?!  

Just snagged one off ebay to send back with him the next time they are around.

They seem to be liking Colorado and making friends like crazy.

But I certainly miss that little family. 

***

Our nephew Jake was here for a couple of weeks.  I felt like a REAL ADULT for once. . . making sure he was where he should be and that he was eating, sleeping and such.  

I improvised since I have very little parenting experience.  

But he survived and we loved getting to know him a little better.  

Such a fun kid.

4-wheeler lesson.

Paintball

***

We went to Rapid City awhile ago - loaded up the ugly van with Lucky Day stuff and had a sale. :)  

It was fun to catch up with all the family out there.

***

Brother2 was looking at my instagram app the other day and said: 

You only have 14 likes on a picture?

Only 40 followers?!

Ummm . . . I was not aware that I was supposed to be self-conscious about instagram!!  

What is it with teenagers and their spidey-like senses to make you feel like a loser in 3 seconds flat?

***

I have been helping my Grandma at her rental place in town.  Today Uncle Chuck picked us up in the limo and took us to lunch.  Normally, I find this sort of thing embarrassing since all 20 people who live in my town stop and stare - but Grandma was delighted and kept giggling and so I changed my mind and found it sweet instead.
(but still sort of embarrassing) 

***
 My goal this summer was to paint the house.  I am maybe 65% done.
It is a miserable job.
***

We went to Sioux Falls a few weeks ago for church and to see Brother1 and his family. Currently Caters finds me to be quite delightful so I am doing my best to appreciate it while it lasts.  I went to get her from the church daycare after the service (she did not know we were there)
I said: "I am here to pick up Cate!" and she turned around, squealed, started jumping up and down and climbing over the gate.
It was overwhelmingly adorable.

Cate modeling her new MJ

 ***

Little Ellie is getting to show more and more personality.  So fun to see her learning how to talk and express herself.  It is quite possible she will be a spunky little thing. 

Her mother certainly was.

Love this little peanut

Boyd thinks Ellie is the best.

***

My random jobs are going well.  Matilda Jane is adorable this year - best season yet!  And the Fall Lucky Day sale is just around the corner.  I'm working on a dresser today.  I don't feel the energy or the drive right now for a sale but know I would be disappointed if I didn't schedule one.

***

Is it a seasonal-change-thing?  Is anyone else feeling melancholy?  

Am I just getting old and therefore a bit panicked?

***

Betsy AND Lucy are both pregnant again. *sigh*  

Silver lining is that I stay pretty awesome in Cate's opinion for awhile longer.

Super cute, right?!

***

My little cousin Colleen is a teacher at Hamlin this year!  Go Chargers!  

She will be coaching volleyball and track and teach 1st grade.  

She is also recently engaged.  Her family all came down last weekend and we played sand volleyball.  I haven't played since 7th grade but I was amazing.  

According to no one. 

***

Speaking of the Hamlin Chargers - - Boyd and Coach Koisti organized the girls basketball team to play paintball for their "end of the year" celebration.  

These girls are tough - cannot wait to see them play this year!

 ***

I need to get back to work. 
Someone needs to keep the mayhem twirling.

A few pics of more summer randomness

Papa and his girls

I believe Boyd was "Sorry" once he started playing this never-ending game.

Boyd and Ellie

Owen went kayaking with me.  It was such a sweet afternoon.

Our neighbors across the lake this summer! 

Boys and a pool day

slip and slide!

Captain Owen taking things very seriously

Triathlon

Boyd and EJ got 3rd.  Dad and Josh got 1st.  I won't explain how dad only canoed for this 1st place privilege.

Camping in mom and dad's tree belt.  Well.. . they camped - I showed up for morning coffee.

Cooper and Brother1.  So fun watching Coop play ball.

Coopers fan club!

Boyd and G  - finalizing tent.

Oli.  This kid is always cracking me up.

  ***

My hope is to blog more often.  And exercise and do my devotions.

For some reason when there is a season change I get motivated again.  

Its like New Year's 4x a year!

Hope you all have a lovely fall. 

 Onward and upward!