The View from Above

When Jim isn't planting or harvesting, people always ask what he is doing. One of the many things that he has to do is move the grain from the bins on our farm into town. On Thursday, he took these pictures of our farm from the top of the grain bin. It certainly gives you a new perspective of life in general!

Jim's Birthday

Friday was Jim's birthday. We bought him the new Jay Cutler (Bears's new quarterback) jersey. It was funny to see the kids try on the jersey!

Flower Bed

Every good farm has plenty of flowers. Well, after 12.5 years, I have decided to have a flower bed on our farm. I spent most of Saturday digging up the bed, laying the rock border, and planting the flowers. Trevor was a huge help with the rock border!! Now I will just have to wait, weed, and water while waiting for the flowers to grow!!

Community Night

On our trip to Chicago, we went to Sully's school to celebrate Community Night! Everyone had a blast. The kids made leis and bookmarks and we all enjoyed watching Sully hula. What a real treat to end the trip!!

Spring Break in Chicago

On Tuesday, Abby, Trevor, and I went to Chicago to see the cousins, the aunts, the uncles, and Gramma and Poppa. We went to Lincoln Park Zoo for story hour on Wednesday and enjoyed the singing and touring the farm! I am constantly amazed at the interest my kids take in the farm exhibits when we visit the big city...considering we live on a farm!

Quilting

Abby received this "Knot-a-Quilt" for Christmas last year. I think she is now old enough to do it on her own. She has gotten quite good!! After a brief refresher course, she took off and it won't be long before she has a blanket!

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Visit

On Saturday, the 14th, we took a roadtrip to Springfield to go to the Museum. The kids loved the museum, the movies, the log cabin, the white house, and Mrs. Lincoln's attic. They are at the perfect age and seemed to take everything in. It was Jim's idea to go and we all enjoyed ourselves!!

Our Joliet visit

On Saturday, Abby and I went to Joliet to visit with Bec, O, Gramma, and Poppa. Trevor was sick on Saturday so Bec and O couldn't come to the farm. We actually had a good visit and O finally warmed up to Abby and I. O enjoyed playing with Abby's babies...maybe practicing for her new baby in July!! We even got to sing Happy Birthday to Bec, Fr. Harry, Poppa, and Abby with Mom's famous red velvet cake for dessert!! What a great day!

Abby's Slumber Party

Abby decided to have a slumber party this year for her 8th Birthday. She invited 3 girls over. They played the Wii, Guitar Hero, DS, painted nails, watched movies, talked, and stayed up until about 2 a.m.!!! I think the party was a big success!!

10th Gup Testing

On Thursday, Trevor went to Soo Bahk Do to take his 10th Gup test. He is hoping to become a 9th Gup. He did very well on all of the tests -- written, arms, kicks, forms, and breaking a board. He was the only one who actually broke his board!! We will post again when we find out if he passed.

The Frozen Cullom Tundra!!

It has been really interesting at our house since the 19th. We were without power for 4 days...including no water (showers, flushing toilets, etc!!). We have learned to appreciate the small things!! Now we have power but our yard has been turned into an ice skating rink!!

The Angel and the Wiseman

Our church Christmas program was on Sunday, December 21st. Abby was the angel and Trevor was the wiseman. Were they cast correctly or what?!?!

Christmas Program

Abby's Christmas program was Wednesday night. Jim and I think she is definitely starting to look like a young lady. She did a great job and you can tell that she loves school, her teacher, her class, and singing!! We took pictures during the program, but they are too dark to publish!! Sorry...I guess I need digital photo lessons from Santa!!

Sammi's Back!!

Sammi's owners called us and gave us Sammi back. We were very excited and the kids and Jim couldn't wait to pick her up!! After a bit of dog play, the dogs are friends again and everyone is happy!! Welcome back Sammi!!

New Glasses

Trevor went for his yearly visit to the eye doctor and did need new glasses. As we were going home in the car after picking up the new glasses, Trevor said to me, "Wow!! Everything is so clear now!!" Amazing what new glasses can do for you!!

Riverman Hockey Game

We also had a great time at the game. There are so many fun things going on during the breaks from the game. We won a free dessert from Applebee's. Jim caught the coupon that dropped from the blimp!! We loved all the food and enjoyed bopping t0 the music in our seats. At one of the halftimes, they even had a karate demonstration...what fun for Trevor!!