Katie and cousins

Easter bonnets, sunglasses and bunny food

Katie and Trenton

Kathryn and Siri dressed as twins

Katie and Anna Grace

Thomas Blomgren fanclub member--that special 12 year old

Katie cuddling up to cousin Joe

Liana and Katie in Duluth

Katie loves loves loves her cousins--we are so lucky to have such wonderful family members.

Oscar

I'm hoping to carve a little time out this evening between baths, fireplace fire and story time to watch a little of the Oscars...guilty pleaures, but fun.

orange eater

This morning at breakfast, Osten dined on oranges, dried cherries, toast & water.  I think he is hooked on tart treats. 

We had the pleasure of eating at Grandma and Grandpa Olsons with Brad, Anders, Katie, Austin Mueller, Peter Noreen, Osten and Karen.  It was really nice and relaxing and pretty amazing how much bacon and eggs three growing boys can put down.

Next on the agenda, ice fishing.

More to come

Celebrating

Celebrations are incredible This past year, we were able to celebrate many events...




Anders 9th birthday



Anders' 9th birthday party

Katie's 5th birthday by popping corn

Brad's 38th birthday with bunny cake

Osten's first fall

Anders' football season

beautiful autumnal drive up the St. Croix



impending birth of Osten John

Grandma Grace's 91st birthday



Enger Tower in Duluth, Minnesota overlooking the harbor

Just browsing through my photos and found this magical photo of the last time we were in Duluth after the 2009 1/2 Marathon.  Kyle and Adam had ran a cross country meet here and wanted to revisit this awesome view.

I am hoping to run the 2011 race and to spend time with Kyle, Kim, Kyle, Adam, Liana and Ryan and introduce Osten to this outstanding tradition. 

I look hungry

Being the first born, Anders has accomplished many novel and wonderful things in his life.  Some of the more memorable moments/phrases from Anders:

Anders at Minnesota Children's Museum March 2009



I look hungry--I would say he started this phrase in late 2004-early 2005 when he wanted a little snack
pellows--name for marshmellows.  He was introduced to them at daycare in Rexburg Idaho.  I bought some at the store and they weren't right.  He didn't want the plain white ones, he wanted the multi-colored variety that Norma at Appletree Learning Center gave him. 
Dung coins--phrase for mini chocolate cupcakes--trying to say "that kind"--January 2004
Bew--started asking "where's my bew?"  After many attempts at guessing what a bew was, he pointed his finger and started shooting "bew bew bew".  January 2004
Dos Dos--a complex game where he wanted his playmate to put their foot on a chair, hang their arm and he would swing on playmates arm (thanks Grandma Betty for playing this game with Anders tirelessly).  Took us a while to find what Dos Dos meant, and then when we moved into our little River Falls home, we unpacked our movies and viewed a preview for George of the Jungle before his at that time favorite movie The Lion King.  Anders started singing "Dos Dos Dos Dos Dos Dos Dos" and I had an "AHA" moment.  January 2004-April 2004
Ankie, Ambo, Blocko imaginary friends who played with Anders from November 2004-sometime in 2007.  Ambo often was competitive with Anders and poor Ankie was always the loser in any game they played.  Blocko didn't often compete, but he was there to have a good time.   All three played many hours of Winter 2006 Olympic games--especially speed skating with Apoloantono--Anders name for Apolo Anton Ohno, the legendary speed skater.  Karen also went on many walks with Anders and his friends, competing in several speed skating challenges.
Scooter, Smoochie and Annie Anders', Brad's and Karen's baseball names.  These names were created by Anders one Saturday in early 2005 and shared with me after a day of work in the fabric department of Walmart in Hudson, WI. 
Green, red, white, purple...glass megatrons songs were created outlining the antics of all these megatrons.  March-October 2006.
Anders is a rock star a power ballad of Anders' creation that was performed at Grandpa Bud's retirement party--summer 2006
Sword and a Sword another Anders ballad.  An object of great affinity to Anders as every plaything became either a sword or a blade for several years.  I believe the song was created in summer 2006.


I will keep updating as I recall these outstanding memories...

Feeling blessed

Good morning, Sunshine! 

Today is a lovely winter day with lots of sunshine and snow.  So happy to be here at work today and am ready to tackle the day.  Osten slept great after having his nebulizer, his antibiotic, his tylenol and some vicks rubbed into his toots.

Anders slept great as we decided he needed an earlier bedtime to help increase focus at school.  We are also trying limited screen time, more family game playing and increased responsibilities (loading and unloading dishwasher, setting table--multiple command tasks).

Katie tossed and turned last night, but also bounded out of bed this morning.  Gymnastics went great last night and she really enjoyed doing the bar--she is able to pull her body above the bar and swing around.  I'm not holding my breath, but I think we may have a natural gymnast on our hands.

I also bounded out of bed with energy.  With training for the Twin Cities Marathon, I need to get moving so woke up about an hour earlier than normal and did my Leslie Sansone walking video.  It's not running, but it got my heart rate up and had some nice stretches and upper body building. 

Brad had his first council meeting last night.  I think he will be flexing he is finding his niche and doing great things for Ezekiel.

I am blessed. 

Sick baby

Poor baby O is ailing today.  Brad took him in for his nine month check up.  The coughing, runny nose, low grade temp he has been experiencing is not teething, but is a nasty viral infection.  He is on a nebulizer which he greatly appreciated today when Brad administered.

I would do about anything to make it me, not him who is experiencing these nasty symptoms.

On a better note, I attended Kathryn's conference at University Preschool.  She is doing great and is ready for Kindergarten.  Mrs. Kaiser shared Kathryn's journal---what a little imagination. 

After work today, we have Anders' conference.  I'm hoping it will be status quo...

Snowed In

I was looking forward to a nice outdoor run yesterday and then old man winter had a resurgence...I believe we have about a foot of new snow on the ground.

Therefore our little family enjoyed a day of spaghetti cooking, biscuit making, house cleaning, birthday calling, nap taking, shoveling and domino playing.  Much better use of our time I must say. 

Happy Winter Again!

Greenwood Carnival

What a super fun day we had!  It's my Dad's 77th Birthday--Happy Birthday Clarence Edward Blomgren Jr! 

Anders, Kate and I attended the Greenwood Carnival where we won a box of Quisp cereal, some granola bars, giant pixie stick, old maid playing cards and gift certificates...WOW!

Then we drove to meet up with Bruce and Julie, Grandma and Grandpa Olson at a hotel in Minneapolis for swimming and then dinner at Mort's Deli...it was really fun and yummy food.

Now off to bed to recooperate.  Osten was coughing like he had a 2 pack per day habit, so I hope that little sweetie can be back to normal soon.

Go guy go!

Osten is a Hamster with a capital H!  Right now he really loves to do "SO BIG", but before he does that he waves his hands and his whole body and sports a totally mushed up face.  When he does this, we say "Go Guy Go" and he laughs and laughs.

Today we had greenbeans for lunch.  He and Katie are home today--Osten with fever and cough and Katie vomited during the night.  Osten is not the biggest fan of greenbeans, but we keep trying so he has a well rounded diet in his future. 

Anders and Osten mushing faces after Anders' basketball tournament last Saturday

Weary

This morning dawned quite early after arriving in Minneapolis St. Paul at 1am this morning, Uncle Bruce driving us home and finally hitting the pillow at 3:30am.  I was up at 7:00 and to work at 8:15am.  I am not 21 any longer...

Osten on our flight to Arizona right after peeing all over the bathroom...quite pleased with himself

Been there done that!

Katie and I hiked two trails at Picacho yesterday!  We started and finished the .7 mile Calloway trail and we started the Sunset trail--along with Osten and then turned back to the vehicle.  After our rigorous hikes, we nourished ourselves with some yummy DQ treats.

Last night, Osten had kind of a rough evening as I think he got a little sunburned.  He slept very well last night though which is a major blessing!

Katie learned how to play spinner dominos and beat us all by a mile last night.  Great fun with the Blomgrens. We are going to make the most of our fleeting hours and will be back home in River Falls in less than 24 hours.

Picacho Peak is the goal today



Good morning!  Today we our goal is to visit Picacho Peak--I have been thinking of climbing for the past two years.  Katie would like to climb with me and I am thinking that will be quite an adventure.  I have been wanting to start jogging too, but we are having way too much fun in the morning to get going.

Yesterday, Osten and I went out for a stroll around the park and we also helped Katie, Grandpa and Grandma deliver valentines around the park.  Both Katie and Anders created a lot of smiles in our treks around the park.

After a yummy lunch, we drove to the Casa Grande ruins--a National Park here near Mom and Dad's.  It was incredible to see what people could do with such limited resources.  We also saw some quails and ground squirrels.

We stopped to pick up fresh produce--oranges, grapefruit and pecans--yum!  Then we went for a swim and enjoyed an outdoor dinner of lasagne followed by bluegrass jam session and a rousing game of dominos.

More tomorrow...

Casa Grande!



What a wonderful Valentines Day we have been having at the Blomgren's of Casa Grande.  We just endured 80 degree temperatures and got back from a dip in the pool.  Mom has made her world famous lasagne and Osten is talking so nicely to everyone.

We miss our sweet Anders, but hope he is having a blast in Wisconsin with Bud and Betty.

Happy Valentines Day!

warm sunny arizona sounds pretty good right now...

Temperatures below zero in the Midwest for quite a spell.  I'm thinking our impending Arizona vacation is sounds quite lovely right now.  We are heading south and will hopefully have some lovely memories to share when we return.  Good bye snow and cold and HELLO Mom & Dad and warm lazy days!

Below are some photos of our trip in 2009...

This will be baby Osten's first airplane ride and we will be reporting back when we get home.  Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Bud and Betty for taking care of Anders and our home.  

Super Saturday

Flash back to when we were expecting Anders ten years ago--I knew we should cherish every moment that was free--every weekend that wasn't jam packed.  Where you can go on a walk around the neighborhood, shop at the mall, lunch with friends, sleep until noon...

Scheduled lives is hitting a new level and I now with three kiddos with the age span we have, I know it will continue to get busier.

Today Katie had iceskating from 8-8:30am

 and Anders had a basketball tournament from 9am-2pm

The Spurs went 2-1 in the tournament and won 2nd place!  Thanks to our amazing team and coaches for a super fun season.  Anders scored twice today and hustled all day.  We are so proud of your drive an initiative!

Sleep over

Last night, Anders' buddy John spent the night--John's Dad needed some time to recover from a minor surgery, so John came over after school, ate dinner, played Wii & DS, watched a movie, played legos and then spent the night. 

Anders and John this summer--they have been playing just like this for about six summers.

Lights were out at about 10pm and were back on at about 5 minutes to 6 this morning.  River Falls had a late start to school this morning so they were up and ready to play again today.  Tomorrow is a basketball tournament that both boys will be competing...I just hope they are able to get a good night's rest tonight. 

It's great to see Anders developing positive peer relationships--smiles all the way around.

Newest tricks of Osten

Today I was talking to my friend, Cheryl and told her that I've always wanted to document when kids are doing new and exciting things.  This is the perfect forum for me to "journal" the cool things the kids are doing.

Osten is currently:

• Nursing about 4-5 times per day--once in the morning, once when I'm at work (Sheri the wonder caregiver delivers at 1pm daily), and then two to three times between 5pm-11pm
• He is sporting four teeth--two on bottom and two on top
• He is performing "so big"
• He is waving his arms frantically when we say "go guy go"
• He has a mushy face--squishes his eyes closed because he has such a big grin
• He likes to snuggle between Brad and I when sleeping at night
• Eating all sorts of yummy and nutritious vegetables including squash, beets, carrots, peas, greenbeans and parsnips and also rice/oat cereals.  Tried corn bread the other night and thought it was DELICIOUS.
• Loves to play with toys like kick and play, balls, tin pan
• Loves to holler and make "B, M, G, D, Na" sounds
• Really enjoys touching different textures--recently fell asleep while caressing a big teddy bear
• He has a very gentle touch and loves to touch faces--right now loves to dig in noses so if you hold him, you better have a clean nose or it will be cleaned for you in short order

By the way, did I write about how CUTE he is? 

Osten John Olson.  Schmokey Lonesome, Puppy Shoes, diaper boy...

Lotta

Astrid Lindgren wrote of a little lady named Lotta--what Astrid did not know at the time (late 1960s) that Lotta would come to life in 2006 and be named Katie.  Katie and I are totally enjoying the shenanigans of Lotta and discussing ways that we would react to the same situation.  Although we both would like to think we would act more honorably, I think Lotta's way would be the result.  Loveable, laughable and sweet. 

Tack Astrid, du är en otrolig berättare

Dawn of a new day



Good morning--it was quite brisk here in western Wisconsin today.  My thermometer read -9.  Tonight I will be busy with an open house for Jacob's Ladder Preschool---a place where I hope all three of our children will be educated.  Anders and Katie had wonderful experiences and I am so thankful what Kim, Cathy and Lisa do for the kids and families who attend.

509 weeks old

Anders Cole is now 509 weeks of age.  So many wonderful things have happened during those weeks and he has developed from a tiny infant of 9 pounds 5 ounces and 21.5 inches in length to a strapping 71 pound 58 inch boy. 

An Anders story--during the first year of his life, he was a traveling man.  Before he was 3 weeks old, he traveled from Illinois, were he was born, to Grantsburg, Wisconsin for his baptism on May 27, 2001.  Then, a few days later on May 31, 2001, he travelled with Mom & Grandma and Grandpa Blomgren through the states of Iowa and Minnesota to spend ten days in Mountain Lake.  We had visits from many loved ones before our grand move to Idaho including travelling to Flandreau, South Dakota to visit Great Grandma Margaret Blomgren. 

Early on June 11, 2001, aunt Ibby, Anders and I travelled from Mountain Lake, Minnesota to Mitchell, South Dakota, Wall Drug and on to Rapid City, South Dakota.  We were amazed by the "mountains" of the Black Hills even stopping to take a photo of their majesty.

Back on the road early on June 12 where we decided to take a "short cut" across the Big Horn Mountains (real mountains compared to Black Hills) in Wyoming and spent the night in Cody.  June 12, you would think would be warm and wonderful?  It started snowing on June 12 and when we tried to cut through Yellowstone on June 13, we had to drive several hundred miles south as the east entrance was closed due to heavy snow fall.  Goes to show, when Clarence and Vivian Blomgren tell you to stick to the interstate, you should.  We arrived late on June 13, travel weary to our little five bedroom apartment in Idaho Falls.  It was so great to reunite with Brad!

Next adventure was back to Minnesota on July 5, 2001 where we travelled to North Dakota to visit Great Grandparents Grace and Clarence and attended first bacherlorette party and wedding of dear friend, Julie Anderson Thibodeau. 

Another adventure in August 2001 to Los Angeles, California for cousin Erin Olson Batstone's wedding and Universal Studios/Pacific Ocean.  Back to Wisconsin for Thanksgiving 2001.

Two unexpected trips back to the Midwest for the funerals of Great Grandma Blomgren who passed away on February 17, 2002 and Great Grandpa Clarence Swanson exactly a month later on March 17, 2002. 

Our last big trip of Anders' first year was to Las Vegas in late March 2002 so Brad could meet up with Lambda Chi buddies from Mankato. 

In sum total, Anders visited Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, North Dakota, California, Arizona and Nevada--12 states in 12 months.  WOW!

More for later...

Super Bowl Fever

This is the first time in my recollection that I was super pumped about the Super Bowl and what the outcome would be.  I'm so happy the Packers are the reigning Super Bowl champions!

Our family was able to watch the game at an amazing party hosted by the Mueller's.  Thanks to Jennifer and Garth for a wonderful evening and thanks to the Packers for an outstanding game!

Uncle Bob

About a week ago, my cousin, Sarah wrote me a message on FaceBook letting me know that her grandfather, my uncle Bob, had passed away.  I have very fond memories of Bob --his wit, his card tricks, playing countless hands of "99" and his great teasing personality.  Here's to you, Bob--may you rest in peace!

I have copied his obituary from the Eidsness Funeral Home website below.  I also thank the family for postponing the funeral from the original date on Tuesday.  Winter weather havoc would not have allowed me to attend his funeral had the funeral not been rescheduled. 

Robert D. Lorden, age 83, of Elkton, died Friday, January 28, 2011, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Funeral Mass has been postponed to 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 5, 2011, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Elkton, with interment at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitations will precede services at the church on Saturday, beginning at 10:00 A.M.

Robert Dennis Lorden was born on July 16 1927 to Charles and Mary (Zahrobsky) Lorden on the Lorden homestead in Richland Township, Brookings County, South Dakota. He was raised on the family farm and attended country school District 48 in Richland Township graduating from the 8th grade. Bob then worked on his family farm until he joined the United States Navy in 1951. Bob served aboard the destroyer USS Wadleigh and obtained the rank of Petty Officer First Class during the Korean Conflict. Bob sailed around the world twice during his tour of duty and was very proud of his years of service to his country and the many memories and experiences he gained during that time. Following his honorable discharge from the United States Navy in 1955 he returned to the family farm where he continued to farm. He met and later married Audrey Blomgren on June 25, 1960, in Elkton SD and they had two children, Charles and Diane. Bob and Audrey formed a cattle and farming partnership with Ervin and Grace Kurtz which lasted until Bob and Audrey’s retirement in 1998. Bob enjoyed many activities; he was an avid hunter and trapper, he enjoyed fishing, playing cards and pool, photography, and he was a master at card tricks. He was a Minnesota Twins fan attended the 1965 World Series. He continued his education during adulthood in electronics and he became a certified EMT.

Bob served for 6 years on the Elkton Farmers Union Co-Op Board of Directors, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of the Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Elkton, SD and the St. Thomas Moore Parish in Brookings ,SD. Bob and Audrey traveled after retirement to the southwest and enjoyed their travels around the country meeting new people and renewing old friendships. Bob enjoyed sharing his military experiences with others, especially fellow veterans. He was an active member of Elkton Legion Post 198 and served for many years on Post 198’s Color and Honor Guards.

Bob is survived by his son Chuck, his wife Carol, and their children, Cameron and Cierra, of Elkton, SD, his daughter Diane Smith-Opbroek her husband Gene of Pickstown SD, her children Sara Smith of Pierre SD and Chris Smith of Watertown SD. He was preceded in death by his wife Audrey, his parents, sister Katherine, brother James and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

37 weeks ago...

Our family of four became a family of five.  Osten John is a wonderful, sweet, gregarious, absolutely perfect addition to our family.

This morning Kathryn and I were snuggling in bed together and regaling the times before Osten was born that we would read about his development in a baby book every morning during our snuggle time.  Kathryn said "now we don't have to read about him because he is here!".  So exciting. 

Kindergarten Registration

Today was the day of Kindergarten registration for our sweet five year old.  I had written on my FaceBook page about mentally preparing for the event.  Several responses were shared by friends including a note from our five year old's preschool teacher, Mrs. Kaiser.  Apparently the little girl we refer to as Katie has decided that she should now be called "Kathryn" her given name. 

After asking Katie about this, she says that she will now be Kathryn as she is heading into Kindergarten.  At registration, she signed her name Kathryn on her name tag and everyone called her that.  I think it may take me some time to get used to, but she does have a lovely name. 

Got a chance to catch up with Anders' Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Eggimann.  She thinks Katie will do just great in the transition to Greenwood.  We are thrilled!  We also recognized several people who were being registered and we excited to hear that Katie will have another Anders in her grade next year.  Great things are bound to happen. 

Here is a photo of the newly registered Kindergartner, Ms. Kathryn Olson

and a photo from our after registration date at Earth Angels coffee shop for a cup of hot chocolate.