Buy my stuff!

I'm so excited I could poop! 

I've finally decided I'm ready to start selling my wears. 

Paul has been encouraging me to do this for about a year now. But I only just recently felt confident enough to do so. At the moment all I'm ready to sell are flower crown(s).  However, down the track I intend on creating a bountiful amount of handmade wearables. 

So if you or your friends are in the market for a flower crown in a variety of colors and shapes, look no further! I'm your girl, seriously hit me up. I'll whip you up a custom rig.
msbollum@gmail.com

I haven't determined prices or a store name yet.
I'm waiting to see what kind of interest my facebook/instagram/blogger spamming provides. 

Mumma got hitched!

July 6th, 2013 my Mom walked down the aisle for the first time in her life.

All her kids, and grandkids were there to watch.

 Juzzy did Mom's hair while I painted her toes!

She's pleased!

 Heart to heart with Mr. F.

Something was wrong with the toilet. Leave it to Justine to fix that sh*t!

Chrissy and Molly worked on the decor.

 While the boys played some games.

Then it was time to sign the marriage certificate.

Dudes chatting.

 Paul caught a photo of me telling the groom good luck!

Mom's flower girls.

Patiently waiting.

Josh (Mom's youngest) walked her down the aisle.

Here comes the bride!

By the time they made it here I was a puddle. 

Mom with some of the grandbabies.

Molly caught Mom and I mid hug.

Mom and her kitties.

Jessica, the eldest on the far left, and pregnant.

Then myself, I'm Mom's third.

Josh is Mom's youngest.

Molly on the far right is Mom's second.

 The Brousseau family.

Sista, sista, sista.

Josh and Ted.

Juzzy and I dancing.

Overall, the day went swimmingly. The venue was changed last minute, just a couple weeks before the wedding. My Mom handled all the changes with grace. I would have had a meltdown if I was in her shoes. She made an absolutely beautiful bride and made us all very proud. Even the tough guy groom was caught shedding a few tears. 

Cheers to many happy years for my Mumma and Steve.

Independence day!

First things first.

On July 2nd, 2013 we submitted a major stack (4 pounds) of paperwork to Aus Immigration.

This was something we originally planned on having a year to gather. Well our plans didn't work out as we'd expected. We found out last minute that I did not qualify for the visa that we thought I did. So we were left with the decision to begin the visa process for my permanent residency. All in all this isn't a huge deal. However, we originally planned on having 12 months to do this; not the week that we had. Before our stateside flight we did paperwork every night until bedtime. We somehow got it all done, and submitted just a couple days after we landed in Mn. Then we were left to wait for my FBI check to complete the process. I'm happy to say that has been received and submitted as well. Now we're left to wait. Waiting we can handle. There's no real timeline. We've been told it can take anywhere between 5-12 months. This situation is far from ideal. But we don't have a choice. I had to go and fall in love with someone from another country. I made my bed and now I must lay in it. I will fly back to Oz in September for an extended visit with Mr. F. Then I will come back to Mn. a couple months later while we continue to wait for word from immigration. Well that's the plan anyway, but these things can change at a moments notice!

Boating with the Simpsons!

We spent our fourth of July like most red blooded Americans, on the lake!

The weather was absolutely perfect for boating. 

Dougie and Mandy hosted us on Lake Waconia. 

Mr. F and Dougie were doing what they do best...

being dorks.

We quenched our thirst with a capri sun, courtesy of Mrs. Simpson.

I haden't had one of these in about a hundred years.

Then Doug photo bombed us by showing off his synchronized swimming skills.

I'm so glad I got to show Paul what a real American Independence day is like. After boating we grabbed some subway. Paul and I were so pooped that we skipped fireworks. I'm a little sad that we didn't drag ourselves out of the house. But we were exhausted after a couple days of going non stop. We also saw fireworks the night before at the Twins game, so no harm no foul.

Please don't call them Twinkies.

Take me out to the ballgame!

Tuesday the 3rd of July was a fabulous pre planned Twins vs. Yankees game for us with the family. My Dad and Sister arranged everything before we arrived.

The motley crew included: 

Big P, myself, Daddio, Molly, Joe, Hailey, Big Kev, Joshy Loo, and Hanna.

This was an evening game with fireworks to follow.

Paul has never been to a baseball game, as they don't play baseball in Australia.

They do however, play cricket, which is about as close to baseball as they get.

My Dad took the charge on informing Paul on the ins and outs of the game.

Thank goodness, because I honestly know nothing apart from the whole hitting the ball and running the bases thing.

 Oh and the fact that we want a pitcher not a belly itcher (obviously).

We grabbed a bite with the Brousseau's before the game.

While there an overly comfortable squirrel was fed by patrons. I was very uncomfortable. Animals with possible rabies terrify me. I'm always convinced they can smell my fear & they'll jump on me for sure.

After dinner we took a little stroll along the Stone Arch Bridge.

Cotton candy was obviously on the menu.

Oh Molly, and look at Joe being an active fan.

Post game fireworks!

Kevin is the best at awkward family photos.

The game was a great time. I have self diagnosed sports A.D.D, so I don't pay much attention to the game itself. I do however, enjoy the atmosphere & company. I must admit I didn't enjoy getting sneezed on by a stranger though.