Back to Business for Me

I know I haven't posted for several days in a row, but we're still alive.  Mom has been here for a few days but left for home/Indiana this morning.  We've been babysitting the two little girls a lot while she was here so she could see them.  She misses them and they grow up too fast.

Yesterday we went to Okoboji and had lunch by the lake.  Okoboji is "the place to be" in the summer here.  Lots of people go there every weekend to their cabins or campers.  Camry saw the water and all the boats and said right away "Mommy, let's go home and get our boat".  She must be like me - when I see boats on the water I sure want to be out there too.  We looked at some of the shops in The Emporium where the restaurant was (similar to Tin City in Naples, FL) and other shops in town like the Barn Swallow Gift Shop and went to The Barefoot Bar which is at the Parks Marina.   They have live palm trees in the summer which is fun to have in Iowa!  (see below)  They move them inside in the winter!  We had some nachos and something to drink while enjoying the breeze and watching boats.

Bill went to West Bend this morning and is working on the combine today.  One of my stamping customers is bringing over five of her granddaughters tonight to see my craft room and all of my stamped card samples and things since they love to make cards.  She needs some help with her Big Shot.  So I have some work to do to finish getting ready for them.  I hope to have a couple of cards for them to make.    

Have several pictures to post in the next few days.

at The Barefoot Bar

Concrete Pouring Day

early this morning

It's concrete pouring day in the shed and the first guys got here at 6:00.  The concrete will start arriving at 7:00.  This is good timing for Bill.  He'll get his floor done before it's time to start getting equipment ready for Fall (which they usually do in Aug.) and then he can get the insulation done and inside walls put up maybe before winter.

It almost looked like rain - blue in the west - so I looked at the radar and all is clear.  I guess it's because it's already getting light much later and looks like it is going to be overcast.

Bill wanted us to grill hamburgers and hot dogs for the guys for lunch so last evening I got cheese potatoes and baked beans ready to go in the oven today and made Scotcheroos.  We'll eat in the screened porch or out on the patio since it's going to be a nice day with highs in the 70's.    

The concrete project has gone well today.  Bill and three others are still out there working at 9:30 tonight.  They had decided to go ahead and do two thirds of the building - both sides - since they had a good crew even if it meant a really long day.  They'll be waiting about two weeks to come back and do the middle third so that the trucks can drive on what was done today.  

 

pizza and Scotcheroos for supper

love this picture - this guy has good balance

Bill brooming the pad outside the little door

Another Beautiful Iowa Sunset

Last night I was typing an e mail to Peggy and noticed the sky was pink and told her I better go check out the sunset.  This is what I found!

Bill, Tim and Bryan have been working in our new shed getting things ready to pour concrete.  Bill's hoping they can pour it early next week.   They're going to do the outer thirds first and then the middle.

Bill cutting rebar

They've also been spraying beans (for weeds) and believe it or not, planting some beans.  We were not able to plant the last 300 or so acres of beans due to the ground being so wet and it got too late so now those fields are weeds.  What they're doing is having the elevator spread bean seed with a terra-gator and then Bryan is discing them in.  This will be a cover crop to keep the dirt from blowing for one thing.  The frost will kill the plants this fall and they'll stay there until next spring.  This is the first time they've ever had to do anything like this.

terra-gators

We were having lunch out on the porch today and heard a really loud June bug.  Bill says the old wives' tale says that when you hear those it's six weeks till the first frost!  That would be very early.

If You Like Crafts . . .

It's a Paper Pumpkin Sale!!

 

My Paper Pumpkin is a fun box of creativity that comes to your mailbox each month. If you are new to crafting or don't have a lot of supplies, Paper Pumpkin is perfect for you. If you are an avid crafter and experienced, then... Paper Pumpkin (in addition to your imagination and skills) is perfect for you.  

Also fun for crafty kids. 

So...if you'd like to get a surprise box of crafting in the mail each month, sign up for a subscription today!

 

Now through the end of August, new subscribers can get My Paper Pumpkin at 50% off - $10 per month for the first 2 months. What a great time to sign up and give it a try!!

 

Remember the promo code: PUMPKINDEAL

During our recent convention, Stampin' Up! had a commercial contest.  This one is about the Paper Pumpkin and is so cute!   Click on the picture to watch it. 

Paper Pumpkin FAQ's

 

Q: Why are we offering Paper Pumpkin?
A: Good question. Paper Pumpkin is the perfect introduction to Stampin' Up! We designed it for crafters that want to create a project each month, but aren't quite ready to build a stamp collection (yet).

Q: What comes in my Paper Pumpkin?
A: It's a surprise each month-anticipation for the surprise is seriously half the fun! No worries, though, you'll have everything you need to complete the project: paper, stamps, ink, accessories, and more! (You will need adhesive.)

Q: Does my Paper Pumpkin project come with instructions?
A: Yes, of course it does. The instructions will tell you everything you need to know. And they are so easy to follow-we promise.

Q: How long will it take to make each Paper Pumpkin project? (Now say that fast three times.) 
A: We know you wish you had unlimited creativity time (we all do), but since you probably don't, we designed each Paper Pumpkin to be completed in 30 minutes or less! (We think of it as a spa treatment for your creativity.)

Q: Should I get on the Paper Pumpkin carriage?
A: Definitely, yes. Just think of it-a Stampin' Up! surprise delivered to your doorstep every month (wahooo!) Paper Pumpkin offers a simple, creative experience each month. What's more-sometimes, your monthly kit features . . . wait for it . . . some exclusive products you can only get through Paper Pumpkin. Try it and see what you think. You can cancel (or put on hold) your membership any time.

 

Q: How much does a Paper Pumpkin membership cost each month?
A: Paper Pumpkin is $19.95 per month (but on sale now). Because your Paper Pumpkin ships automatically to you, we have already built in the shipping costs. 

Q: How do I start my Paper Pumpkin membership? 
A: Visit www.mypaperpumpkin.com to sign up-it's that easy!

Q: When does my membership expire?
A: Your membership will last until you cancel it.

Q: When do I need to sign up in order to get my Paper Pumpkin?
A: You need to sign up on or before the 10th of the month in order to receive your Paper Pumpkin for that month. If you sign up after the 10th, no worries! You will get your first kit the following month. You'll know your Paper Pumpkin is on its way when you receive your shipment confirmation e-mail.

Q: Can I skip a month?
A: You sure can! Simply log on to your account and click "manage my pumpkin", then click "skip a month" on or before the 10th of the month in order to skip the Paper Pumpkin for that month. If you do this on the 11th of the month, you will receive that month's Paper Pumpkin and not receive the following month's Paper Pumpkin.

Q: What if I want to cancel my membership?
A: You must submit a 10-page essay about why you would ever want to do such a crazy thing. (Just kidding.) It's simple. Simply log on to your account and click "manage my pumpkin", then click "cancel" on or before the 10 th of the month in order to cancel completely. Then, you will not receive any more Paper Pumpkin kits (how sad). If you cancel on the 11th of the month, you'll receive that month's Paper Pumpkin and will not receive any more Paper Pumpkin kits.

Q: What is the return policy?
A: If you are not thrilled with your Paper Pumpkin, please call us at 1-800-STAMP UP, we'll chat and make everything hunky dory.

Q: How do I see the upcoming Paper Pumpkin kits?
A: One of the best parts of your Paper Pumpkin membership is that you never know what is going to be in that beautiful red box. It's like opening a present every month-we don't want to ruin the surprise for you!

Q: What is the Welcome Kit?
A: The Welcome Kit is the very first Paper Pumpkin you will receive in your first month of membership. This initial kit is the same for everyone, regardless of which month you subscribe. If you are a new member, we'll send the Welcome kit to you for your first month. Bonus! the Welcome Kit includes a free gift-a clear acrylic block!

Q: When will the package arrive?
A: Your Paper Pumpkin will ship from the Stampin' Up! warehouse on or around the 15th of the month. You will get an e-mail notifying you that your card has been charged-expect your Paper Pumpkin soon!

Q: What if the package never comes?
A: If your Paper Pumpkin does not arrive on your doorstep please call us at 1-800-STAMP UP, and one of our friendly customer service agents will help you.

Q: When will I be charged? 
A: Your credit card will be charged as soon as your Paper Pumpkin ships.

 

Please enter my name as your Demonstrator.   

I hope you'll give My Paper Pumpkin a try and especially at this great starter price of $10 a month for 2 months!  How fun to get a surprise project in the mail with everything you need included!

 

Happy stamping, 

 

Cindy Kemna

Stampin' Up! Demonstrator/Sr. Manager

visit my web site:  www.cindykemna.stampinup.net   (order online 24/7!)

 

Great Weather !!

We're having amazing weather this week like much of the country.  Sunny, a little breeze, highs in the 70's and low's in the 50's.  Great sleeping weather.  A couple of days ago we even got an inch of much needed rain.   It's been so nice to have the air conditioning off and windows open.

Here are several pictures of the Firemen's Omelet Breakfast that was Sun. morning during Greater Rolfe Days and Sesquicentennial.  Bill and another guy grilled about 45 pounds of sausages on our grill and Don's here in our shed starting at 7:00 that morning.  They were hauled to town and kept hot in roasters.  The menu was large omelets with choice of ham, mushrooms, onions, green peppers and cheese, sausages, muffins, orange juice, milk and coffee.  We used to cut up fresh peppers and onions but have gone to frozen and already chopped.

This year something new and popular was the chance to win a Henry Golden Boy gun.  We served breakfast to about 350 people so a very successful fundraiser for the department.

Gun raffle

After grilling when Bill got there, we all had our jobs so he didn't cook omelets this year.  My job was making sure the ones cooking had eggs & cheese, keeping the fillings filled, cleaning tables, cracking eggs, etc.  We had 5 cookers for making individual omelets and a large grill that could do 4 at a time.   

I did get out of clean up this year because I then went on to help at 12:30 in one of the homes that was on the Tour of Homes.  I was stationed in the living room & dining room.  Carmella had about 5 of us throughout the house.

Bill and Don grilling sausages at our house

The Chief and his daughter making omelets.

Luke Dahl (middle) back from Afghanistan

Tim, Bette Jo, Bryan & Bryan's dad, Todd F.

Mike, in the cap on left, is our Rolfe Mayor

Cookbooks and other souvenirs for sale.

    

Happy Birthday to Bill !!

I got back from Salt Lake City last night just in time to help Bill celebrate his birthday today!  He says it's "just another day" but I'm making him a cake and a nice lunch.  He prefers "box" cakes to anything homemade so I've just baked a two layer Funfetti cake.  Will post a picture here later after it's frosted and all.  Gotta find the candles.

Had a great time in Salt Lake with 5999 other Stampin' Up! demonstrators so I have lots of pictures to post after I catch up a little.  There has been digging going on here while I was gone too.

Glenn was here since last weekend and left this morning so I didn't get to see him much.   He got to spend time with Bill and Diane and the girls.

It was fun to go - feels like I was far, far away for longer than I was really gone.  Always good to be home.