Sam's first Monroe Cheese Days 9-18-10

On the 18, we had a pancake breakfast to go to in Jansville, Wi. It rained a little on our way up and really poured a lot while we were eating our pancakes thankfully inside a hugh building. But as we were leaving (I knew it was cheese days in Monroe.) and the weather had turned sunny, I asked Gary how far Monroe was from Jansville. "Not far." was his replied. And we headed home. Why, oh why do I think he might get the hint...I would love to go to Monroe to get some fried chesse curds. When we are almost home, and after some talking about Monroe, Gary said, "We could go to Monroe and get a cheese sandwich for lunch." I'm thinking, not now, we are almost home. Let's just forget about it. Well, when we got home Brett was dropping Ann-Marie and Sam off so Ann-Marie could do her weekly laundry. Brett was going to Geneva to spend time with an old friend .

Ann-Marie had told me that she also knew it was Cheese Days in Monroe. "Hey, Gary" I yelled out into the garage, "Do you still want to go to Monroe for a cheese sandwich?" "Sure." was he reply. After putting Sam's car seat in, the four of us headed to Monroe. If you are wondering why we took this photo with it saying on this trash can, you will have to ask Ann-Marie about our conversation on the way up to Monroe.

Since Sam is starting to walk, he only likes the stroller when it is moving. But with such a hugh crowd, we just couldn't let him run freely. Upon arriving, we were all hungry. Gary and Ann-Marie had a delicious pork chop sandwich. I opted for a steak sandwich. Also delicious. Then Gary found out where he could get a cheese sandwich. So he had two sandwiches. But what Ann-Marie and I really wanted was the fried cheese curds. Getting the tickets was easy. Waiting in line was a whole new story.

Ann-Marie and I are somewhere behind this line.

Here we are somewhere getting closer to the tent to get our fried cheese curds. It took us a whole hour and ten minutes before we could enjoy them. Never in my life have I waited in line that long for anything.

But they were worth it. Nice and hot. And oh so cheesy.

Since Monroe Cheese Days are every other year, I'm glad we did go even if we had to wait in line so long. I remember when Bob and I would take Ann-Marie when she was a little girl and even purchase her a little beany hat that said Monroe Cheese Days on it. So it was important that we take our grandson, Sam. Of course he will enjoy it much more when he is older and can also enjoy the food and entertainment. And a special thanks to Gary who looked after Sam while Ann-Marie and I stood in line for one hour and ten minutes. That's a long time for anyone to look after a one year old. Thanks Gary!

Ali's Birthday Party Date: 9-11-10

We have so many family members that I believe that we could perhaps have a party every day of the year. I kid you not. But thankfully we love each other a lot and even if we can't always make all the parties...we do try. My brother Bruce's daughter Ali was turning 18 and Bruce was giving a party for her at his home in Huntley. In our car, besides us, we had my sister, Carol, Louise and my sister-in-law Venita. So you know we were having a fun time coming and going to Huntley. Not sure about Gary having as much fun with all us women. I'm so glad Jan and Darryl were also able to come. We don't see Bruce's mother-in-law Christina very often so we were also glad that she was able to join us.

One thing I love about parties is seeing some of my nephews...like Steven and his son,

my great nephew David.

Above is my brother Bruce with his two beautiful daughters, Melissa and Ali.

Above is the birthday girl with a button letting us all know that she is now 18! Ali is a senior this year and this will mean a graduation party this Spring. Just think, another party!

It was a great day. As always plenty of food, fun and fellowship. Thanking the Lord once again for my large family.

Projects - Never Easy.

If you have ever been involved with BIG projects, they always take longer than you originally thought. Point in case: Gary's shed. He has been wanting one in our backyard for several years. We finally decided to just do it. At the beginning he ordered the kit he wanted and started laying the ground for the foundation. This involved, at least while I watched from our kitchen window, a lot of hard work.

He had an idea when the lumber would arrive, so he kept busy getting the foundation ready.

Finally the lumber arrived and Brett came over to lend a helping hand.


I did get a little ahead of myself. Originally this was going to be a grandson and grandpa project. Gary had picked up Andrew on August 9. It was so great to have Andrew through the 19th of August. The lumber didn't even arrive the first week Andrew was here.

While working on the shed, many problems came up. Like warped wood pieces. Gary was getting so frustrated in the evening after trying to make each piece work. In the meantime, we took time out on August 18, which was Andrew's thirteen's birthday and went to meet Camille and Brigitte in Byron for supper. Brigitte came back with us so we could all go out the next day and enjoy the Berg's Farm. Brigitte had been wanting to get out to my sister's farm for a long time. It was a really fun day for all of us and a much needed break for Gary.

The shed was not finished, but Andrew needed to return home. So after our visit on the farm, we met Andrew and Brigitte's father in Byron.

After talking with several people, Gary was told that he should just return the whole kit. Which made so much sense. We had found out from his brother Don that he had purchased a shed all finished for more money but it sounded like a better way to go. Gary was able to return the shed and start all over on laying a different type of foundation. Of course, a lot of more work for him.




This finished shed needed a foundation of stone. Gary did a great job of getting it ready.

Finally the day came!! Here comes the shed. Here comes the shed. It arrived September 3, 2010.

I'm glad his brother came over the day the shed arrived. Gary had already measured the length between the house and the next door fence and knew it would fit. What a great experienced driver we had. It was very close, but the shed made it through without any dents in either the house or fence.

I have videos of how they put the shed in place. Very interesting. This man knew his work and was an expert at what he does.

Not a great photo of Gary, but I believe the other shed kit had taken it toll on Gary.

And I must say it does look great in our backyard. And the Lord even gave us this shed . Gary purchased it for less than the first shed and Gary didn't have to spend a lot of hours putting it together. And on top of everything, the delivery was free.

I know Gary is so happy to now have his shed in place. Whenever you are in the neighborhood, stop by and Gary will be so happy to show his shed to you and bore you with the details of trying to put the first shed together.

Jan's Grandkids at Berg Farm on 8-23-10

Being in such a big family you just don't know what may come up. One day my sister, Jan phoned and asked what I would be doing on the 23rd of August. "Well, I may be on Jury Duty." was my replied. Louise one of my other sister was sitting across the table from me. Jan was going to have Aaron and Linda's kids for a week. "I was wondering if perhaps we could come down for a few days. Right away Louise said, "That's fine with me. They can stay at my house."

I really wanted to see Molly, Spencer and the twins, Ryan and Dakota. But I didn't know what my involvement with the Jury Duty would be. Sunday night I phoned the court house and I was told to show up on Monday. From 9:00 a.m. many of us waited in a room waiting to be called. At around 10:30 a.m., the judge came out and told us that we could all go home. Plus with his sense of humor, he told us not to spend our stimulus package in one place. Before we left, we all got a check for $13.00!!!

When I got out, I phoned Gary and wondered if he would mind going out to the Berg farm. Of course he loves going out there also. So I was praising the Lord that I got to do both that day. Jury Duty and see Jan's grandkids. I believe so many kids would love to live with their Aunt Louise. So much fun. Spencer enjoyed swinging on the rope in the barn.

Caleb is great with horses and always helps his grandpa giving rides to other kids.

Above is Ryan having his turn on the horse.

And above is his twin brother Dakota enjoying his turn.

Molly got a ride on the horse too. Here we have Jacob and Molly enjoying one of the many cats you will find roaming around the farm.

Now, I tell you, doesn't Bruce look like a great farmer. It suits him very well.

Most of us like playing games...but Louise. We did talk her into playing golf. She did enjoy it. But on the second game, she left us to take a nap.

What can I once again but say, it was such fun! Great food and always great fellowship. Thanks once again also the the Bergs!!