More of Lily

Eden and Matt had to go run a couple of errands yesterday,(Eden is feeling much better) and I said "I'll watch Lily!!!!!!!!" So she and I had lunch, she had a bath, and a nap and a full diaper. LOL. She's so precious. I can't get enough of her. Here's some photos of Miss Lily and the rest of us.(more soon).....

We FINALLY found it!

Since we received Nana's ashes, Mom and I've been trying to find something for them that wasn't depressing or that looked like an urn. We were at a really awesome shop here in Williston, ordering Eden some lilies, when Mom asked them if they might have something that would work. The lady showed us several things and we both just knew when we saw it.

I think we did good. We think Nana would approve and we have her next to one of her cowboys she loved.  Here's some photos of it and don't look too close, I dusted the house AFTER the photo, why I didn't do it before is beyond me....LOL.

Long and overdue update from the North Dakota gang.

I'm trying to think when I last updated everyone...hmmmm...been a LONG TIME.
Ok, let me try to sum up the last month or so.....IT HAS SUCKED. OK. Done. No, really....
Buster and I were supposed to go to visit my best friend, Gina in Ohio the first week of May. Well, here in the lovely Williston, we had a blizzard the weekend before we were to leave. Power outage that lasted FOUR days, airport closures prevented our trip. Next, came the water....flooded basement (where there are three bedrooms, a living room , bath, storage and a laundry room). The kids are living in our main floor living room and dining room.
Speaking of the dining room, we (before the flood) had it redone. My friend and former coworker, Holly's hubby, Pete is a contractor and he took out our sliding glass door, put up a wall and added a window. LOOKS GREAT. We painted too. Before the blizzard and the resulting mess of our basement, we were planning on getting a new dining table (we will just later). Here's some pics(keep in mind this is before the cleanup and before the kid's relocation):

The red paint and the other wall is our 'accent wall that is where the kitchen door and bar is

Me after the great blizzard in early May 

 

 

 

 

Our neighbors across the street kept their sense of humor

Too funny

Not real safe, but we had to keep warm somehow. It was COLD

Buster and Nick working on the mess that is the Kid Cave

Had to run out as soon as we saw the water and buy the biggest shop vac I could find.

We ripped up all of the carpet. Some of it was new.

The drain in the laundry room floor

Buster and Nick attempting to clean up the kid's living room.

Needless to say, we were NOT happy people. Turns out it was good we didn't get to go cause of the basement, but that didn't help the feelings. So, two weekends ago, Buster took me to see Joan Jett and the Blackhearts in concert. LOVED IT. OH I had such fun! I yelled, sang at the top of my lungs, danced and had a blast. Not only did she rock the joint, but before the concert, we gambled and instead of losing, I WON. I was able to buy a concert t shirt, her greatest hits CD, the ENTIRE DVD COLLECTION OF SEX&THE CITY and several new things to wear. Not a bad late bday I'd say!
Here's some pics of the concert:

We actually DO get along, even if this pic doesn't look like it. LOL

The woman puts on a GREAT show.

Singing one of my faves "Playing With Fire"

A great view of the stage

Eden is happy as a clam. Actually, she's happier than I have ever seen her. She's thrilled with her job, is going to go back to school, (hopefully) next year, and she's crazy about a wonderful, sweet man who is equally crazy about her. His name is Matt Derry and he is a sweetie. Here's a photo of them:

Not the greatest photo of them, but you get the idea.

 Buster has a new job! The one he was doing, that he loved, kinda pooped out.What actually happened was, even though the company was making a ton of money here, even though most oil companies ONLY wanted to deal with Buster's crew he was working with, and even though they all got along, some big-wig in Texas didn't have the idea himself to come to ND to work, so he refused to give the ND gang any equipment, money, etc, so they closed. Before they closed, Buster had several phone calls from several companies wanting him to come work for them. He picked the one where he could be home every night. He's running the shop, building 'guns' and really enjoying it. He's been there almost a week. He bought a motorcycle from his former supervisor...here's one of his new helmets:

My job is still going great. I am no longer going to be the bookkeeper, but the circulation clerk and processor. I'm going to work the front desk, process the books,dvds and audio books, I make the library cards, mend the books that need extra love, help our patrons on computers and I also run the library's official facebook page. Follow us. Just search "Williston Community Library" and you'll see what I've been up to. I have made some really wonderful friends here and I feel like I've been here my whole life. 

A shot of my library from behind the counter.

Nick is in summer school after a rather tough year. He's just not much of a student, but he will do fine. He's a smart kid and is working harder now. I hope he will get to take Driver's Ed sometime. He wanted to this summer, but it's not to be. Nick worked at Million Dollar Lanes (the haunted bowling alley) for several months, but has decided to just concentrate on school. (wise idea)

Madison is wonderful. She was on Student Council and was in choir for a while. She is a hard worker and is always amazing her teachers due to her dyslexia and how she loves to write. She wants to be a writer someday and she loves to write poems, songs and stories. Next year, she's going to take guitar. I guess that means we'll have to buy her one, huh? LOL.

The Buzz is the Buzz. He's a mess. He has calmed down alot and doesn't mind when we have guests. He loves Eden's boyfriend, Matt, and only goes bonzo when the doorbell rings. LOL.

I think that's all. I THINK! 
Hope to hear from ya'll soon. Email, text, write or call. 
Love to all!

Some of the Bodas are coming to Graham in June

Floyd and Nick are coming to Graham to pick up Mom and Buzz and they are leaving Williston on June 30th. They hope to get to Graham and visit family and then pack up the U Haul and leave out to bring Mom and Buzz home. No, we don't have a house YET, (we thought we did until last night....sigh), but we have a bit of space for them and we want them here asap. 
So, if ya want some good books, family goodies, junk, or whatever, get to Graham and load up! Mom's been packing and working on all this, but you know what I'm gonna say...LOL. 
I'm doing ok. A tad down in the dumps about missing out on the house we wanted, but otherwise, doing fine. Well, I'm sick but other than that, I'm fine. LOL! Work is great, the gals are a blast to work with and I'm learning lots. Buster's hand still gives him fits but it's getting better. He's at work and slowly getting back into the swing of things. Madison had a bit of a stomach virus and missed a couple of days of school, but she's fine. Nick is doing fine too. They are both loving school. 
I'm reading the blog all the time, but I'm not posting a lot. I tend to house hunt when I'm online. LOL!
Ya'll take care!

Calling all available family......

Now it's not that we expect ya'll to drop EVERYTHING and run to Graham, but............
Mom can sure use help. Buster is planning on getting her in June/early July so if you wanna help go through stuff, help pack, help with a yard sale, help throw away stuff or just help, come on by Mom's house.

Buster and Nicky are driving down to Graham to load a UHaul and drive her back, but they aren't going to have time to pack and etc...so we sure could use the help.

If you can, call or email Mom with a date you can come by. Remember, Buzz lives with her, so you'll need to grab a Buzz treat when you come in the house!

Happy Easter

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday. Buster is working half a day today and I'm home cooking. Turkey, rice/broccoli casserole, mashed potatoes, deviled eggs,green beans and hot rolls. YUM. Then, I guess it's laundry for the rest of the day for me! The kids go across the street and play basketball some. It's gotten very nice here and not cold, just chilly. Madison jammed her finger yesterday and it's blue. She can move it so I don't think it's broken. Kids! LOL!
My job is going great and I am making some wonderful friends. We went out to a play ("Boeing Boeing") and dinner last weekend with a friend that Buster works with and his girlfriend. I think I could become pals with her easily.
Buster is busy and exhausted, but he's thrilled he's able to work. His hand hurts still and may always, but he's doing well.



Have a question for ya'll.....

Mom is going to move here to be with us hopefully this summer. She's got a buyer for her house and we are about to start the process of looking at homes here. Mom has no strength in her hands whatsoever and is weak. Can any of you come to Graham once in a while to help her pack and go through things? If it wasn't desperately needed, I wouldn't ask. Right now, it looks as though Buster will end up flying to Graham and then driving Mom here..but nothing is set as of yet. What she needs is help packing. She is going to sell a lot of things, but will also give items to family. Please, please, think about going and helping her out.

Mom

Today, while at work, Mom fainted. They called 911 and took her to the ER. She's fine. Not sure what the deal was..but she's spending the night in the hospital. Buster was there, or he went to Wal Mart to tell my mother in law, Ruth to take care of Buzz.
Anyway, she's ok, but a bit weak. I was terrified cause I'd been trying to call her all day and then finally called Walmart. They told me that "yeah, your Mom worked today, but she fainted and we called 911" No one called me. I wasn't happy.
Anyway, Mom is doing ok, Buzz is being taken care of and my stupid blackberry didn't charge, so I can't call Bula and John cause I can't get their number. Can someone let them know?
I'll keep you posted.
Love to all.

Diane....

I suppose you know that Diane is too busy to post. She's busy hosting a Rocky Horror Picture Show viewing at the local movie house. While hosting is a major undertaking, she's having to use all of her free time to get all of the make up on required to portray "Columbia" and it takes a while. If you see a perky, funny, yet oddly dressed woman with WILD make up and a top hat covered in sequins, that is our Diane.....stay out of her way til the movie is over!
"Let's Do The Time Warp Again!!"

Keri

Today in Williston North Dakota

It snowed!!!! LOL!
I have a feeling I'm not in Texas anymore!

Our living/diningroom

Update from Keri

Hey all....

I still don't have any dang photos yet, but I will...I promise!

We are doing GREAT. Buster is working alot and loving every minute of it. They gang he works with are all great and he's really enjoying it.

Nick started High School Tuesday and he said that everyone is great. He's making tons of new friends and having lots of fun. He's taking "weightlifting" class and is constantly sore. LOL!

Madison is blossoming in her new school. She's made some friends and each day when I pick her up, she's smiling from ear to ear.

I'm loving it here. I must say, however, the townhouse IS smaller than what I am used to, but I do love it. It's easy to 'feel at home' here.

It's COLD today. I'm getting a taste of things to come. 39 degrees at 3pm when I picked Madison up today. It MIGHT even snow tonight. Good Grief!!! LOL!

I've been home all day, except when I went to pick the kids up. I've made a honeybun cake and I'm making a stew now. All good cold weather food. LOL.

Bula has sent me a good bread recipe, anyone else have any casserole dishes or good yummy recipes to share?

Williston, ND

The town is great, the people are beyond nice and so far, so good. I am taking Madison to her future school after lunch to register and have a tour. I will probably take Nick today too. We went and bought groceries and have a full (well, beyond full) kitchen. I think some of my dishes and glasses are going to have to go to storage. I have too much stuff! Like I said, the new place is great, but not a lot of cabinet space in the kitchen or master bath. I DO have a ton of counter space in the kitchen which I am really loving.
We have cable (got to watch CSI last night, it rocked!) and internet, but as of right now, still no phone. I will post our number once it gets turned on.
I supposed I'd better eat some cereal and then try to find a place to put all of my crud in the master bathroom (the bathtub is much bigger than the one I had at the house! Yippeee!) and then I have to pack some unneeded dishes. Pack again? UGH!
Later!!!!
Keri

Greetings from Williston,North Dakota!!!!

Hello all!
We are loving it here in Williston. Floyd was given "an offer her couldn't refuse' and we are going to be moving here soon. Mom is going to get custody of our baby, Buzz, since apartment life wouldn't really suit him right now. Mom will move up when housing becomes available.
It's nice here. The town is larger than Graham, but not much. It's got parks for kids everywhere, bike trails, a skateboarding/bike park, ice rink, two movie theaters and more. VERY nice people everywhere and great weather. Yes, it's going to be cold as all get out in the winter,but we'll learn to adjust. I'm scared,nervous, excited and happy about this.
Eden (for now at least) will remain in Irving at DeVry. She is FINALLY employed and is moving to another apartment where she doesn't have to worry about her roomates stealing her food or smoking pot. (yeah, that's not good, is it?) She has made some good friends and is moving in with them and we are please. Eden has also found a church home in Irving and says her Nana would be thrilled.
So, in a couple of weeks, if you know anyone who loves yard sales, send them to 1908 Medora in Graham because we are going to have a massive moving sale where everything MUST go!
I'll send photos of the town when I can.
Love you all.
Keri

Mom

I had to take my Mom to the ER last night around 12:30. She has carpal tunnel in her left wrist and it flaired up so badly that she couldn't stand it. The ER doc gave her a strong pain med and a shot of steroids, and I took her home with me. She said that 'strong' pain shot wore off in no time and she didn't sleep much. She is hurting bad again today and is attempting a nap. I'll take her home in a while.
She can't get into her doctor til Aug. 12th, so she might be miserable for a bit. Just wanted to keep ya'll posted. I'll let you know how she's doing.

So, what's going on?

No one has been 'blogging' much lately...so I'm going to start again by filling you all in on my family's goings on....(try not to fall asleep)

I'm not working at the bank anymore.When Eden had her wreck, they were extremely rude and hateful to me, making a bad time worse than it was and should have been. That weekend, Floyd had to leave for who knew how long to work in North Dakota and I wasn't 'well'. He told me that my happiness was worth more to him that the little amount of money I made and so I quit. Honestly, I've never been happier.
Floyd has been home for a week, and has to leave out again Monday morning to go back to North Dakota. He may be there another two weeks, but who knows?
Eden is settling into life at DeVry. She has a bus pass, some good friends and is still looking for a job. (Anyone know anyone in Irving who'd hire her? LOL)
Nick (not Nicky, NICK) is doing well. He will being his freshman year of high school this year. He was going to be a Graham Steer, but has since changed his mind and is now more interested in theater. I love it. He does impressions and is very funny. I think that he'll be super at it.
Madison starts jr. high this year. She is nervous about it, but I'm sure she'll do great. At the moment, she wants to be a songwriter.
Buzz, (the rat terrier), our youngest is well. He was terribly upset when his Daddy was gone for two weeks, but after their reunion, he seems like his old self. It won't last since his Daddy is leaving again Monday.
I'm still running my websites and having fun with them. I've rediscovered cooking is a passion. I'm having tons of fun making huge meals for my family. They are loving it too.
Hope you are all well.
Keri

Something really cool I've been doing....

None of you may be interested, but I wanted to share.
I'm a creator of three websites, one is CSI Crime Scene Investigation based (mostly Grissom and Sara though) and we had a contest with real prizes last week. One of my administrators bought collector things like autographed pics, magazines and etc...but I am friends with one of the writers and producers on the show, David Rambo,so I asked him if he could send me some goodies for the contest. He did.

Here is what he sent. I didn't keep any of them. I got first place in the contest (I didn't run the contest, I wanted a prize!) and I won an autographed CSI magazine signed by William Petersen (Grissom) and Jorja Fox (Sara)

The package from the CSI Writer's Office

Autographed script (signed by the writer David Rambo) from "Young Man With A Horn"

Official CSI Season Nine Tshirt only available to cast and crew
Official CSI Season Nine cap only available to cast and crew

The Boda's Have Tons Of Fun!

Hey all!
I had some good luck a couple of weeks ago...on our local radio station, Cool 94.7, I won a prize package. All I had to do is tell them the artist that sings "All Summer Long" and I won!! WOOHOO!

I got a great prize package:
4 Tickets to the Trace Atkins concert at the Kay Yeager Collusium-We went, and even though I am NOT a country fan, I had a blast. It was Buster's first concert and we really loved it.

2 Tickets to "Buddy and Beyond" (a Buddy Holly and more tribute concert, that is endorsed by the Buddy Holly family). I took my Mother-In-Law, Ruth and we had such a great time. This guy, Johnny Rogers, is a freak of nature. He went from sounding exactly like Buddy Holly to Elvis to Willie Nelson, and more. He put on an amazing show and we each bought his CD and got them autographed.

8 Tickets to the Wichita Wildcats Hockey games! Buster and I took Nick and Madison to a game Saturday night, and we really got the royal treatment. When we got there, we sat down in our seats, and got comfy. Next thing we knew, some people from KYC came over to us and asked us to sit in the "Best Seats In The House" so we did. Those of you in Wichita probably know, but the "Best Seats" are sponsered by a furniture company and they are basically ON THE ICE right behind one of the goals. We sat on a comfy sofa and loveseat set and got posters of the team, whistles and had a great time. We were 'spotlighted' three times and the kids waved and so did I (I LOVE being in the spotlight!) and then the WildCat's masot, CrazyCat, came over to us and sat down between Nick and Mad and laughed with them, and autographed thier posters. He then came over to Buster and I and sat on our laps! LOL! We then got three pucks that 'flew' out of the rink and just had an amazing time. LOTS OF LAUGHS!

We are having my very best friend, Gina Hawkins and her hubby, Mark visit from Ohio later this month and we are going to take them to see the WildCats too!

Well, since I am at home with some terrible stomach thing, I think I'll go lay down again. ARGH!

Love you all!
Keri

Had a good weekend!

Mom had her birthday Saturday and I made one of her favorite meals. We ate and had cheesecake and just had a good time. It was a sad birthday for her, but we worked through it. I hope we can do as good for the holidays. We all miss Nana terribly and it's hard to get through it.
On to happier things, Eden ordered her (EEEEK!) graduation packet already! Lord have mercy!
I am only working two days this week due to Veteran's Day and some time off I had scheduled. Party, party!
The kids are doing great.....Nick's football is done for the season, I think he is going to want to be a Graham Steer next year when he starts High School. He's taller than I am and getting taller all the time!
Madison is a bunch of fun. She is writing songs, stories and she loves to read. That is a big deal seeing as how she is dyslexic. Yeah for her!
Our "other son", Buzz , is fat and sassy. Please, if you meet him, don't tell him he's a dog!
I am really enjoying the photos on this site. I wish I had more on my computer, maybe soon.

Keri wants to brag about something dumb!!!!!

Sorry to bother ya'll with things you might find stupid.....but....I am proud that I have been nominated for three video awards at gsrart and I'd like you to check them out. I have two nominations for Sexiest Video

And another one for Drama/Angst
Come see my website that I have created and run. I do tons of work on it and have a bunch of great members.
GSRForeverLove