Minute with Mindy

Well I haven't written for awhile because things have been kind of busy and I just haven't taken the time. Raegan and I had to go down to St. Louis for a doctor's appt. and to have a couple tests done for her.... she is fine by the way... but we did enjoy seeing the Children's Hospital there... it's very impressive but frankly never really want to see it again... if you know what I mean. She was strangely excited to go... it was like a little vacation for her with just the girls. We stayed down there the night before since her appt. was at 8:30 in the morning. She was thrilled because the hotel had two of her favorite things... a pool of course.... and popcorn and soda. It is so funny how easy it is to impress her! And at the pool we met a couple of Iowa State fans from Ames... such the small world isn't it!

The husband has been gone for the past couple of weeks... between work and guard... so the kids and I have been on our own. He is back now so life is back to normal. Things have been crazy for the husband lately. Between the market going nutso and some other things affecting the broker/dealer that he is involved with.... well let's just say he's been a little stressed! However, I'm hoping things will start looking up soon! He was elected to be the Chairman of the Board so hopefully that will help him to feel like he has a little more involvement in what is happening with the company.... it's got to get better.... right????!!!!!

Anyway, we went up to Iowa over the weekend so that the kids could see daddy.... he had drill over the weekend and since he had been gone so much I thought they would enjoy seeing him. Also, anytime Brock gets to see the kitties at Grandpa Tom's farm he is ALWAYS happy... except for when we tell him he can't bring one home with him. That kid really needs a cat.... he just loves them SOOOOOO much! The kids always have a good time at Grandpa Tom's house... they like the farm! This time they were able to take a ride in the combine with Uncle Sean which was alot of fun for both of them... although Raegan was worried that he was going to run over dad and I!! Tom is a unique character to say the least. He is a very genuine person and you never have to worry about trying to guess what he is thinking... good and bad. He would give you the shirt off his back and you can always count on him if you need anything. He is very passionate about most things that he is involved with.... but nothing could top his efforts to keep the bypass from going through his farm. We have been hearing about that bypass for years now... not even sure how many years it has been. His efforts have taken him to talk to as many politicians he could get his hands on and even made the local paper. I don't think anything has angered him more. Well Tom fought the good fight but it just didn't do him any good!!! So if you ever find yourself traveling on 34 around Fairfield Iowa.... you may see the following picture.... the highway goes right through the farm... one side is the pond that Tom built... called the "honky tonk" and the other side you can probably see their house (well .. their old house).... and of course... you can't miss the sign.