I was cleaning my purse out tonight and came across this business card. I've been carrying it around in my wallet for at least 30 years. It's from one of my brother Larrys 1st bands. Don't know for sure why I've never thrown it away - Hey, it's a part of history. They were a great band and alot of people of a certain age (mine or older) still remember them. I don't think I have any pictures of the band cuz the pic I have of Larry in the red leather pants is probably NOT from this group. :)

I admit it - I like American Idol. I'm not crazy about the audition part of it but tonight the judges are in Omaha. A kid from Dike IA should be featured. He does make it through to Hollywood but thats all they're giving away.. They also taped a little segment of him on a farm so that might be on too. Here is a link to the article in the paper. WCFcourier.com is the Waterloo-Cedar Falls homepage for all local news, sports, entertainment and events happening in the Cedar Valley
He sure has the "Idol" look.

You need long underwear in Iowa!! My car wouldn't start this morning. It was only minus 23 degrees. Luckily Barts brother Rick drives by here every morning so I have a backup. It's supposed to be warmer this weekend - up to 40 degrees - does that mean we'll have a flood? This is sweet Nora, Dan & Brittneys little girl.

Can't forget about Grandpa. Just not as many pictures to share.

..... and me. My boys wouldn't go up there without me. I'm not sure of the occasion and actually I don't know who the kid next to Brian is. Help me out Mom. 1988?

On to a new project. -My Grandma Sondag - I have all my mom's pictures and would like to organize and put them into albums. Someday! But for now I am scanning pictures and going to design a book and combine the pages that Grandma wrote about growing up and meeting Grandpa etc. This picture is Grandma's 1st Communion in 1911 . The littlest girl is her youngest sister.

Yeah- Aly book finished and sent to the printer. Here is another page from the book. 

Can you stand another weather picture? The lighting really is pretty this time of year! And I'll sneak one in of Nathan too. The Hanselmann family visited on Friday - Nathan runs from my camera too! 

http://www.mahalo.com/The_Steve_Jobs_90_Minute_Keynote_in_60_Seconds

These are my sisters boys. And they are a handful! The old picture is from 2001 - something I started and never finished (imagine that) I was probably just learning photoshop, cuz it sure looks like some scary extractions. Maybe why  I gave it up? The new picture is from September. I'm surprised I got such a good one. All they wanted to do is show off their new talent of arm farting. I wished they lived closer - I miss them.

So, Did anyone watch Persuasion with me??? At their own home? If you did and hadn't read the book or seen any other adaptions, you were probably very confused. They cut so much out and

Jane Austen season starts on Masterpiece Theatre tonight! I'm excited if only cuz it gives me an excuse to post a picture of Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. Mmmmmm! The season starts out with a new adaptation of "Persuasion", my third favorite Austen. Pride and Prejudice not even shown til the end of Feb. and it's in 3 parts. But it is the CF version and not a new one. Me and Bart will be fighting for the hi-def TV cuz there is also a new Lonesome Dove - Commanche Moon western and/or football. And How many times have I watched P&P ? don't ask!! :)

I thought I'd put up the rest of the Odneal family since I was posting the kids. Bruce is my younger brother and Kay is Barts
younger (and only) sister. I think 2002 was the first year I did their family picture for christmas cards. The kids have grown
up a little! The older boys have girlfriends - Ashley is Coles and Kyles girl is Taylor. Aren't they cute together?

Our Nephew Kyle

Tyler and Kyles "gatorade " commercials. Kyles team won the State Championship this last year. I've got lots of pictures from
that day that I shared on my photography website. I haven't done any paints from that game but I want to share a 'before
and after' paint I did for Kyle for Christmas.

A few more of Tyler - with his teamates and Coach. His coach is Taylors Dad. ( Kyles sweetie)

Bart and I just got back from our nephew Tylers basketball game. Tyler is in the 7th grade and is into football also. I caught
a few action shots but missed his 2 baskets. I did capture the grin on his face when he saw he was guarding #10 from the
other team. A good foot shorter than Ty. Wapsie won the game 44 to 18! Good Job Tyler - your Uncle Rick said Caleys can't
play basketball.

Happy Birthday MOM!

I made a calendar of pictures at our friend and landlord-Dale's Farm this past fall. I gave it to him and his wife Mimi for Christmas. Thought I'd share them month by month. I was pretty proud of my design and my pictures. Dale is a great guy with lots of "toys" on his farm. Lots of animals too. His wife has a mule, a horse, about 20 cats and a couple of chickens too.

I'm adding the picture for My Dad! I know he misses the Iowa weather. ; ) It is finally warming up a little.  Now they are talking rain!  So fog and drizzle - - lots of fun. The truck sits in my neighbors yard and it's one of my favorite props for senior pictures. Wonder if I can talk anyone into having their picture taken with it now? Bart is off ice-fishing this morning and I'm gonna do taxes for my business - for some reason I think I have the better deal.

Happy Birthday Amanda!

Showing off some more kids! They like to get their picture taken too. Can you tell?

Thought I better show off my kids. The "paints" of the boys are a couple years old,