Nuggets Along the Trail

Over the years, we've always compared our family life to a wagon train heading west. Just as everyone had to do his part to get to Oregon years ago, so everyone in our family must do his/her part to make our journey through life successful. If somebody climbs in the wagon and lets the others do the work, we just don't make any progress. We all have to pull our weight and work together. Along the trail we find lots of pebbles that make for a smooth ride and some bigger rocks that jar us a little; we hit the occasional pothole that can slow us down. But if we purpose to search diligently, there are countless gold nuggets and precious gemstones along the way as well. This journal is an attempt to preserve some of those precious moments for our children, and our children's children, as together we travel this trail called life.

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11

Thursday, January 18, 2024

TK Christmas 2023

Family Christmas 2023 had an unusual start with an early morning text from UDave that Grandma Steiner wasn't doing very well...

Thankful that our kids were all healthy and able to come, we enjoyed a delicious brunch,

and then Dad & I and Ben & Coreena went to see Grandma while the crew back here played toys and games. Grandma had perked up a little and seemed some better by early afternoon when we went to see her.

Back home again, we exchanged a few gifts -

A nice bonfire on a gray gray day to burn the boxes and trash,

and then another delicious PH supper.

After supper came my favorite gift - a program by the kids... and the grandkids!

Not sure I got px of all participants, but I think I got most of them -

And it was excellent!

Thanks kids!

And that's a wrap for TK Christmas 2023.

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Third Week Of December

Monday 12-17. Super cold, like high of 28d.

These kids are serious about their ice cream.

Can't beat a good ol' Mutual of Omaha.

Tuesday was bitter cold again; by Wednesday it had moderated to mid-40's.

Thursday 12-21. K'nex Day.

Gray but beautiful nonetheless.

Almost done...

Mom-isms

When you've got a lot of irons in the fire, sometimes you're gonna get burnt.
Much gain comes to him who hustles while waiting.
Good intentions produce little.
Efficiency is utilizing effective but careful shortcuts for the sole purpose of making more time for the next productive pursuit or service to others.
Laziness is utilizing shortcuts, careful and effective or not, for the sole purpose of making more time for the next selfish or nonproductive pursuit or activity.
Never try to multi-task while giving haircuts.
Carelessness hurts.
I've never met a mess that can't be cleaned up.
God made dirt not to hurt.
When you go on a walk, take gloves and a bag for trash.
Shortcuts usually aren't.
A job done right has been done twice.
When sick children are almost better, we always regret taking them anywhere.
When sick children are almost better, we are always glad we kept them home.