graduation party for Emma

Today Brad got to meet Anders' girlfriends parents for the first time in their beautiful home at Emma's Graduation party. It was a nice afternoon and we dodged the rainstorms. Kind of strange to have a child who is dating a high school graduate!


Thanks for having us and the party was lovely as is the graduate.

luther point bound

Today Brad and I delivered our two youngest to the shores of Wood Lake to Luther Point Bible Camp. Katie is attending with her 2006 cousins--Isaiah, Joe and Siri. She and Siri are bunking in the Pentecost cabin.

Osten is spending time at Grandparent camp with Grandma Betty and cousins Ivan, Henry and Dehlia. The house is definitely a lot quieter without their presence.

celebrating Dads

Today is reserved for very special people in our lives. Our Dads. I could not ask for a better Dad, Dad to my children and father in law.

Happy Father's Day!

happy birthday Kyle Dean!

My big brother Kyle ran Garry Bjorkland half marathon with his four children today. He also is celebrating 54 years of life here on earth. Happy birthday dear brother!

Liana, Adam, Kyle Sr., Ryan and Kyle Jr.

river time

Last night--Brad, Osten, Katie and I drove to Somerset, grabbed a bite to eat and then drove with our little fishing boat to the Somerset landing (just across the river from Marine on St. Croix in MN). We launched, did a little fishing and enjoyed the beautiful summer evening on the river. It took about 45 minutes to get there and another 45 to get back so we will probably do this again a little closer on the St. Croix. It was free to launch and that was part of the attraction of the location.

While on the river, I learned that a friend of mine lost her Dad yesterday. Bless Sarah and her family as they are mourning the loss of a dear Dad, grandfather, storyteller and friend.

new kicks for kicks

Katie and I went shopping for fitness attire as she is participating in speed and strength and basketball camp. We went to the Running Room in Woodbury to have her gait assessed and found that she is a pronator (like her Mom). She chose a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 in color purple. Looking quite lovely my dear...

9 ball

I'm so good at summer routine, that I unplugged from technology for a few days! Went to a fun movie with my friend Sharyl on Tuesday evening while Katie went to a movie with friends in the newly expanded Falls Theater.

Sharyl and I saw Oceans 8...I thought it was entertaining. Not an Oscar contender, but a fun movie that wasn't about women trying to impress men. It was a heist movie. This post is titled 9 ball because my favorite character is named 9 ball and I also am feeling a little behind of posting.

Katie, Morris and Cal saw Solo. Katie enjoyed her new level of independence. Walking to the theater, paying, hanging out with friends and walking home.

summer routine

Our summer routine is falling into place. Anders is working quite a bit. Brad is working his normal days. Osten is enjoying a little time off before summer school starts tomorrow. Katie is exercising her body with speed and strength every day and basketball camp two days per week. I did take her into the doctor to check on her icky cough and it is related to stuffy nose/coughing.

I have been doing laundry and plan on getting some big cleaning done today.

mac and cheese a la Ibby

Here is Ibby's macaroni and cheese recipe that she got from the back of an Aldi box.

8 oz. Reggano Elbow Macaroni
4 Tbsp. butter
4 Tbsp. flour
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp. salt
fresh black pepper to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (mild or sharp)
1/2 cup crushed cheese its

Prepare pasta as directed on package. Preheat oven to 400F. Grease 2 quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Melt butter in large sauce pan. Add flour mixed with salt and pepper using a whisk to mix ingredients. Pour milk in gradually stirring constantly. Bring to a boiling point and boil for 2 minutes. Reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes. Gradually add cheddar cheese and cook until cheese melts. Turn off flame. Add macaroni to the sauce pan and toss to coat with the cheese sauce. Transfer macaroni to the baking dish and sprinkle with cheese its. Bake 20ish minutes until the top is golden brown.

Makes 4 servings.

at the lake

Last night, we drove up to Wood Lake after I finished putting my classroom to bed for the summer. We enjoyed a lovely campfire and reconnecting with Brent, Molly, Siri, Ivan, Ike, Bud and Betty. What a lovely evening.

lady slipper

My big brother Kyle is a MN State history enthusiast. He has planted the MN state flower in his flower bed and it has bloomed: