Ridin' the tractor...

On Saturday, I drove down to Camargo and rode in the tractor with Will. Harvest is all but finished. There are 2 late bean fields left that won't be ready for a couple of weeks. We were pulling a tool called the "ripper." That was for about 2 hours. Then we stopped and took a walk to the pond and fed the fishies. The Cannon Farm has a nice pond with blue gill and maybe some other kinds. [I didn't learn my different fish in Girl Scouts. Will can tell what they are even under the water].

His great-aunt Martha had us all over for supper that evening. His parents, grandparents, Will, & I joined Aunt Martha and Uncle Dale. They were having a special family supper because Will's great uncle Tom and his girlfriend, Dorothy, were in town from Sacramento, CA. The meal was delicious. Sarah, Will's mom, amde Texas sheet cake for dessert. Mmm. Lovely end to a perfect Saturday.

I have begun training Martha at work. She was hired as my replacement. My last day is January 20th, 9 days before the wedding. So, I have about 3 months to train Martha. Things went really well today; I hope she didn't feel overwhelmed. My brain can sure get fried after a day like today. I think she'll do great. Martha is very personable and friendly. She has caught on really fast.

Annie's birthday is Thursday. She'll be 10! Oh my goodness. Will and Kami are coming up for supper and cake. It'll be fun! I cannot believe she is already ten. My, how time flies.

Tennessee Showers

Showered with Blessings Part II

On Saturday night, we had a family shower. Granny hosted it at her house at 6:30. There were so many guests that came! I was overjoyed and felt very honored and special. It was fun introducing Will to everyone, all of whom have known me since before I was born. Granny (and others) made a lovely supper of snacks, finger foods, chili, etc. She ordered a cake from Roger, who does lovely work. He even used the icing in the colors of our wedding; olive and dark purple. The decorations were even well thought out and extra special; lights around the carport, wedding bells hanging form the ceiling, and purple napkins and table cloths. We were showered with more beautiful gifts. Everyone was so thoughtful and generous. I enjoyed talking to to many different people, some I hadn't seen in years. They are all family, though some are not blood relatives. It was wonderful to hear everyone say to Will, "Welcome to the family."

Thanks to Granny and Grandpa for hosting such a great evening. Thank you also to everyone who came, wished us well, and helped us celebrate our upcoming wedding. I love everyone!

Showered with Blessings

On Labor Day weekend we traveled to Tennessee for no less than 2 bridal showers. Will, Mom, Kami, and Annie went with me. My extended family had never met Will before, so I was glad to get to finally introduce him to them. We are so southern. I think he definately enjoyed himself. Granny out did herself cooking, as usual. On Friday evening after supper, we all just sat out on the porch and talked. Amber came over after work and Uncle Sonny, Wyatt, and Codi were around some as well.

On Saturday morning, I drove Will around Fairview where I grew up. We saw the school, our old house, and down in the valley in and around Fernvale. The weather was beautiful. It meant a lot to me to be able to show Will my town. I am sure some things about me became clearer as he was introduced to everyone and everything. Lots more hills than Illinois.

Our first shower was at 2 in the afternoon. Holly McClung, one of our dear friends, threw the shower for us. Kevin stayed in that house full of girls, bless his heart, to keep Will company. Will had wanted to come and meet my girlfriends. The guys headed up to the loft to watch football and talk. Charlotte and Lisa were the first to arrive. It was wonderful to see them! Holly, Claire, and Annabelle were our hostesses. Rachel and Avery Rist; Kathy, Katie, and Emily Whitehead and their sister/daughter, Jessie Mikrut [and baby Mikrut on the way]; and Tarah Coleman and Mrs. Stella Rogers.

It meant a great deal to me that they could all come. They overwhelmed us with the sweetest gifts. The refreshments were excellent. Thank you to my hosts for their sweet preparation, ideas, games, love, and encouragement! You are all very dear to my heart. Thank you, too, to my sweet friends who came and celebrated our upcoming wedding. It was wonderful to see everyone and share those memories! I love y'all!

Farm Fresh

This evening I went to a friend's farm just outside town. I went for farm fresh eggs. She has twin daughters who are raising chickens. They have a large chicken pen with hens and roosters as well as pet ducks that come when called. It is lovely to hear the farm sounds; quacking ducks, cooing hens, crowing roosters.

Lorraine was making peach jam from Michigan peaches. She had at least a case. The girls showed me 'their' peaches, each absolutely enormous! They are going to the Illinois State Fair with their family tomorrow. Their cousins are coming in from California for a visit. Lorraine also told me that her daughter is coming in from Indiana this weekend, bringing her Belgian waffle maker. The twins' birthday is Saturday. Their birthday breakfast includes homemade pancakes topped with apples, Belgian waffles, and bacon.

I always love being around the Coffey's. Lorraine has so much knowledge and experience in so many areas. She and her girls are always pleasant, attentive, and welcoming. I went for eggs and came home with farm fresh eggs, peaches, and a small gourd. I love the farm life.

Bride for a Day

On Saturday I went shopping with my two sisters and Mom for a wedding dress. Kami drove up from St. Louis on Thursday just for the occasion. We had planned on going to Bloomington, but I decided against that and we instead went to Champaign Urbana. I had made an appointment Saturday morning for Michelle's and it happened to be the last appointment available! We went to the seamstress' home so she could measure Kami and Annie for their MOH and flower girl dresses.

At 11:30, we arrived at Michelle's. I was a bit nervous as I had neer had to try on dresses like this before. I am not a fancy person, but these gowns were beautiful. The girls helped me pick out 6 dresses to start with. The dressing rooms were huge, with large mirrors, but there was also a platform out in the store to stand on and look at the dress. After trying on a few, I came to one that I really liked. I had liked lots of them. It came down to 2 dresses- both were made by the same designer, the only dresses of this designer in the store.

I picked The One and asked that we get extra material, the same as the dress, in order to have sleeves made. There were other sleeves to choose from, but I didn't care for them as much. I can't go into a lot of detail or someone may read about it. But, I really am pleased with the dress I got.

After the final details were ironed out, the four of us went to lunch at McAlisters. Yummy. I really like that place. Next, we went to the mall to Bergner's and I found a dress for my bridal shower. I was glad that was a quicker decision to make. It was rather tiring trying o nso many dresses! We ran to JoAnn's to look at material for curtains, but I didn't get anything, just ideas.

I can't wait to get my dress and try it on again. By then, it'll be very close to the wedding day!

Blessings...

I just want to say how blessed I am to have the family and fiance I have. It is amazing how much a simple word can mean to me sometimes. How often I take for granted the people in my life. They are special, lovely, and I am proud to call them mine.

Corn off the Cob

French Style

I have had so much fun this summer with our garden. I'll admit, I have not been in it hardly as much as one should when maintaining a backyard garden. But, what I have done I have enjoyed. We got some corn [see Sweet Corn entry] from some roadside boys in Rossville. I cooked it and froze it. I know it'll be a treat this fall and winter. My favorite garden veggie is the green bean. They stand up to so much and produce quite a lot per plant. After our radishes were finished and Mom had pulled them up, I planted some more green plants in their place. They have not produced any beans yet, but it is nice to have them staggered. Hopefully when the plants producing now quit, these baby plants will be full of beans!

Yesterday Will and I made an important stop at Rural King [my favorite place...seriously]. I have been wanting a green bean frencher for a few weeks now. Finally, today I was able to take it out of the package, put the crank on, and french some beans. It took some manuvering. It is hard to crank unless it is clamped to something. I tried the table first, but it wasn't tight enough. So, after Jacob's suggestion, I clamped it to a tray. It worked perfectly. Now I have some freshly frenched and lovely, I might add, green beans. Perhaps we'll enjoy them this week!

"I'm pressin' on..."

VBS just ended tonight. The last night always means 'family night' at our church. It is nice to meet the families of the kids. Lots of cookies and lemonade, too. I did the registering this year as well as the newsletter each night. {I was known in the newsletter as Brenda Badger}. The theme this year was The Race is On! Our verse was John 14:6, "And Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me." It was great to hear so many of the kids recite it!

Shannon took pictures all week and made a slide show to let everyone see tonight. Since I didn't see the classes 'in action' it was fun to see the pictures. I hope some of the kids will come back! The love the music, games, and crafts. Yay for vacation Bible school!

There was one song that said "I'm pressing onward to the goal Christ has for me..." And, the song leader came up with actions for the songs. Anyway, I couldn't remember hjow it went. All I could think of was "Pushin, pushin', pushin.'" At least it matched the song movements. HA! Silly. I know.

Step by Step

Yesterday was date day. I drove down to Camargo after work. Will and I had quite a productive day- there have been so many things to plan and lists to make. We began by going over a few things with his mom, Sarah- she had some questions for me regarding registering, rehearsal dinner, etc. Next, Will and I went to visit his friend, Geneva, in the nursing home. She is 98 years old and very alert. She cannot see or hear very well, but knows dates, names, and news going on around her. She hasn't been outside in years I think, but is very content where she is. Her son, Carl, goes to see her a couple times a week. I met him at church with Will and he is very sweet. Will goes to see her once a week, unless he is in the field.

In the evening, we went to look at our future home. I was going to measure windows for curtains, but forgot the tape measure. So, I took pictures of every room to show to my family and to get ideas for decorating. We talked about things we'd like to register for, too. It's fun thinking about the future.

We went to Dairy Queen and had ice cream for supper. There was a storm that cooled everything down. The sky was dark in places and we saw a full rainbow. Will had me drive part of the way home in his 5 speed. I'm learning how to drive a manual for the first time. Guess a tractor is next...

Sweet Corn

Summer in Illinois equals sweet corn. It's like candy on a spoon. If you've never had it, you are missing out. Driving down the highway today toward Rossville I passed a homemade sign that read "Matt & Chett's Sweet Corn $3.00" in green paint. Two boys were stacking corn on an old table in their front yard. I decided I would definately need some sweet corn on my way back out of town.

After picking up my favorite boots from the cobbler's, I drove north watching intently for the sign. When I finally saw it, I pulled into their driveway and turned off my car. The older boy was instructing the younger to go to the field behind their house for more corn. So, the younger, Chett, I found out, got on his ATV with trailor behind it and drove toward the corn field. Matt, the older, filled my order for 3 dozen ears of sweet corn. I left a small tip. I think the boys probably grew and tended the corn all themselves and then were able to sell it. What a great way to teach kids a good work ethic, farming, and money managing all at the same time.

I can't wait to cook and freeze the corn so we can enjoy it later this winter.

Lovelily Busy Bee

How enjoyable to plan a meal for the ones you love. My family headed home from their week long missions trip in Cherokee, North Carolina. They were scheduled to arrive at 4 p.m., but got home even earlier. I was able to get a few things checked off of my list before they got here.

While listening to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on audio book, I folded 4 loads of laundry. Vacuuming the floor was next on the list. Indy jumped around the room with a bracelet he was apparently trying to save from the vacuum cleaner. Eight apples had to be peeled while Jim Dale read on.

The apple crisp turned out good, Mom said. I had to make one with regular white sugar instead of brown b/c I ran out. But, it tasted ok. Supper was very nice: fresh green beans, new potatoes, white cheddar noodles, Italian dressing marinated chicken, and boiled eggs.

Tomorrow I am driving down to the farm to go to church with Will. He said quite a few people wanted to meet me. After Sunday school is the church picnic. Everyone is to bring a covered dish to share and meat and drinks are provided. I decided to make potato salad and apple crisp. I still have the potato salad to make tonight. Right now the potatoes are cooling. This past Spring, I found out how much I liked it! I am sure it will be a fun day.

Queen Anne's Lace and Clover

I took the dog for his morning walk this morning and passed a patch of Queen Anne's Lace and clover for the hundreth time. But, it struck me this morning and I smiled. How simplistic it looks, but how intricate it is. Isn't it lovely to find joy in simple things while doing something as routine as walking your dog?

Simple Things

It is lovely how much pleasure one can get from the simple things. Today I sanded on my old metal bed. I am hoping to paint it a nice, pale green once it is finished. I found two tomatoes, a couple handfuls of green beans, and a few sugar snap peas. I added our beans to the ones I had snapped earlier in the afternoon that I had gotten from the farmer's market.

After walking the dog again, I got to work cooking. I made some chicken and put in the fridge for a couple chicken dishes later in the week. I also made Puppy Chow and Cornflake Cookies. I am sending some to John for his birthday and giving the rest to Will. After eating the rest of my left of Monical's meal, I made a small pillow and finshed the apron I had been sewing. With my new apron on, I grabbed the bowl of peaches I bought for cobbler and peeled them before putting them in the fridge.

I love productive days.

Farmer's Market

This morning, the family left for the mission's trip. I got up @ 4:15 to visit with them before their departure at 4:45. Once they had gone, I did most of my Sunday school lesson, got ready, and walked Indiana around town a bit. At 6:15 I left Paxton and headed to Urbana to the farmer's market. We had gone while in TN and I remembered how much I love them! It was very nice! Lots of venders, artisans, crafters, farmers. The first stop I made was an Amish tent that was selling homemade jams and butters. I bought Apple Butter, Rhubarb Jam, and Peach Jam. The last thing I bought was a loaf of homemade Oatmeal bread...I stopped by the tent earlier, but had to make my way back to it before leaving. Those two purchases will go perfect together. I ended up with 3 ears of sweet corn, a pound of new potatoes, a pound of fresh green beans, 3/4 lb of sugar snap peas, and a pint of tame blackberries (huge!). All together, I'd say it was a rather productive morning. Now I can cook something good for a handsome farmer I know.

Tennessee Fun.

Granny and Grandpa

Granny was hiding behind me in the living room. Most folks say I look a lot like her. She gave me a ring while we were down there- Grandpa had given it to her on their 12th anniversary. It's a gold band.

Grandpa is the strong, silent type. When he laughs, there's no noise, just a red face. His love for history and antiques has definately passed on to me. He took me to the cabin and showed me a few things, telling me the stories of the cupboard he made form scraps and pieces of ceiling and floor out of their old house. As well as a Chimney Cabinet, he calls it, made from scraps of an old neighbors house. Both were beautifully made and in excelent condition. Two of my favorite pieces in the cabin.

Our Journey South

We took our annual Tennessee trip over the Independence Day weekend. Kami, her boyfriend, Belmont, Jacob, Indy, and I left on Thursday morning and rode down in Belmont's car. We got to Fairview at around 3:30 and Granny and Grandpa were waiting for us with Annie Blue. Supper was delicious- way too much food (all week, as a matter of fact).

On Friday, I went out with my girlfriend, Tarah. We have been friends since 1st grade when we began girl scouts together. Her Mama, Mrs. Stella, was one of our troup leaders. tarah and I had lunch at a sandwich shop in Dickson and stopped by a little store that sold her jewerly. (It is amazing, by the way- check it out on her website). We came back to Fairview and visited with Mrs. Stella and Charlie Joe, Tarah's 3 year old. I got to tour the garden and wild flower beds and was thoroughly entertained by Charlie, who loves moster trucks, running, and surprises. Tarah and Mrs. Stella both gave me the sweetest gifts.

On Friday evening, the extended family came down to Granny's for supper. It was fun to see everybody. We sat out on the patio talking while the Grand Ole Opry played bluegrass on the radio.

Most of us went to Franklin to see the McClungs on Saturday. Kevin and Holly have 3 kids now; Claire, 7, Annabelle, 4, and Asher, almost 2. What precious little ones. We made our way to the farmer's market at the Factory in Fraklin. I remembered how much I love farmer's markets! And, we had Tennessee bar-be-que for lunch- devine.

Sunday: went to church at Christ Pres in Nashville. After church, due to something mentioned in the sermon, we headed out seeking Krispy Kreme doughnuts....perfect. That evening was the 4th of July celebration at my uncle and aunt's in Franklin. Food, games, family. It was so much fun. The fireworks were not as good this year due to the fact that they had been moved and we couldn't see them as well. But, when we got back to Granny's, the kids shot some off.

Highlights: doughnuts, family stories, seeing places I love, bar-be-que, friends
Lowlights: spider bite

Night Owl

After getting home from Chapmaign with my girlfiriend, Caity, I took Indy out and then came back inside and wrote a couple of cards. By 10:15 or so, I was heading up to bed. But, I got a late night text and could not go back to sleep. My mind was racing with wedding plans. Finally, at 12:20 or so, I got out of bed and came downstairs to type up my side of the guest list. Once I had done that to some satisfaction, I went back up to my room, only to find that Indy, scared that I had left him, had left me some presents in the floor. I cleaned that up and decided we should sleep on the couch. I still didn't get to sleep for another hour or so. People told me this would happen. And I'm sure it helps that I am such a list maker. ha.

On a Monday.

We are leaving for Tennessee on Thursday, so I had a list of things I wanted/needed to get accomplished today. After getting off work at 11, I came home adn took Indy out for a walk. The weather was very nice. Lovely blue sky with white, puffy clouds. I enjoyed the breeze.

I had to get a Sunday school substitute for the 4th, as we'll be gone. So, I took the lesson books to the lady who graciously agreed to take my sweet junior high girls class. I grabbed some lunch on the way home. When I got home, I checked my e-mail, only to be saddened by the note from Will that he will have to stay behind and plant soy beans instead of coming with us to see the family down South. I am so disappointed. But, I know that is the life of a farm wife. He is such a hard worker. I am glad they didn't get any more rain than they got last night. And, the rest of the week looks dry and sunny.

After getting my eyebrows waxed for the first time since high school, I came home and worked in the garden. Some of our green beans and sugar snap peas didn't come up. So, since Mom had pulled out the radishes from earlier this Spring, I planted green beans in their place as well as where they didn't come up before. And, I replanted some peas as well. It looks like we may have one surviving carrot plant. I was going to replant those too, but I had already used all the seeds. I watered everything, including Mom's flower beds and put the hose pipe away.

Indy needed another walk, so we went around a few blocks. I got online and made some phone calls regarding wedding plans. Then, I ran to True Value and looked at some possible colors for the iron bed I am sanding and repainting. I've never taken on a projext like this, so I am very excited. I had planned on going out after the sun had moved from the back yard and sanding on it some, but I am suddenly tired. Maybe I can do some work on it next week.

Pharm Girl

Work is a funny thing. Some days it is busy; the phones don't stop ringing, people in and out, and prescriptions out our ears. Other days; it is quiet, we get lots of catch-up work done, and the phones are steady. Today was almost crazy, but the time went by really slow.

On top of a hectic day at work, my mind has been overflowing with ideas and plans. If I could write them all down, I might write a book! Wedding plans: colors, dates, people, etc. VBS, Sunday school. Friends to see. Going on vacation next week. Craft projects to start or complete.

My, how many things there are to do in a day.

The Couple.

Will came up to Paxton and surprised me on my birthday. My wish came true!

We went Chtristmas tree shopping with the fam in December while Kami and John Wesley were home on break.

A Hot June Day

Saturday had to be the most perfect day ever created. It was Will's 30th birthday. To celebrate, he decided to plan a whole day for us. I only got hints now and then. None of them made any sense. But, on Saturday morning, we met in Champaign at Wal-Mart and rode together to our first destination: Robert Allerton Park in Monticello, IL. It is absolutely beautiful. I felt like I had stepped into an English storybook.

We began by walking around the visitor's centre and a few gardens and statues. The Mansion was lovely- complete with a lake and what appeared to be a bowling green. We got back in the car and made our way to the West Entrance of the Park where we found a huge Sun Singer statue. Will parked the Scion and we got out. After walking around the statue, we found a path that led into the woods and decided to take it.

Upon reaching a fork in the road, we found the rest of the path(s) flooded. We stood still for a few seconds. It was at that moment, he changed my life. Will chose that spot to propose to me. He got down on one knee, sand and all. After I said "YES", he prayed for us. We walked back up the hill and got in the car again. We were both pretty speechless for a few miles.

The rest of our day included lunch at the Brown Bag Deli and a train ride between two old depots in Monticello. It was warm enough that we had the windows open. At one stop, there were old train cars to tour. Our day was completed by going back to Paxton for a few hours and driving back to Champaign, where Will opened his birthday gifts.

It's hard to believe I'm engaged now. Something I've wanted my whole life. Now it's here. And, I can't imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else. God has so blessed me and put everything I love into one person. wow.