stu

Stuart is 20 years old today.  I still have the audio tape of when my then sister in law Kelly called my dorm room to tell me that a little miracle named Stuart was born.  Seems like it wasn't 20 years ago, but the reality is that is was 20 years ago.  20 years ago today.

Happy birthday to a healthy and well rounded young man--and pretty darn handsome to boot.

By the way, congratulations on completing the Ultimate Tough Mudder on Saturday/Sunday.  You endured 60 miles in just 24 hours.  What a trooper!

Today in our morning meeting message, I asked the kids what year my nephew was born if he turned 20 years old today.  One of my biggest strugglers with math answered without a hitch--1993.  It was a proud teacher moment.

in his charming yellow hat

with cousin Logan (Stuart with Farm Bureau shirt)

piano practice

KGO has been taking piano lessons for several weeks.  Her technique has greatly improved with many hours of practice.  I hope her love of practice will soon blossom along with her piano playing ability.

sunday dinner at the Blomgren ranch

The incredible family of brother Kyle and sister Kim had us for a beautiful Sunday dinner at noon yesterday.  We had delicious chicken raised by Liana Marie, delicious beef raised by Kurt Martin, yummy potatoes, tomatoes and squash raised in the garden.  A feast fit for kings and queens.

Then the boys went out to play football while K and cousin Liana had a fashion show.  K picked out her Christmas dress for 2013 from Liana's closet.

It was great to dine with Kurt, Ross, Kyle, Kim, Clarence, Vivian, Kyle Jr., Liana, Ryan and our family of five.  Thank you for your hospitality and sharing the bounty!

home again

I am home in Mountain Lake again for the first time in three months.  We are smelling the most delicious lasagna in the world and will soon be consuming.  K says it's her favorite in the world--it's the ONLY lasagna she likes.

joe dirt

watching Joe Dirt for the first time in my life.  It's a movie that people have told me I should watch for years, but this is the first time I've had the chance.  It's pretty hilarious!

94

Happy birthday to Grandma Grace Swanson on November 14--you have seen many changes in your 94 years on earth!  We love you!

hieroglyphics

Our class was introduced to hieroglyphics through a really nice little book that I picked up at Fox Den books last week.  Write Like and Ancient Egyptian is the name of the book and the kids adored it! 

After I made the purchase, I was perusing the bookshelf in my classroom and realized it was already there!  The former teacher had also thought it to be a great book.  I think we will be going other places with the study of language (one of Montessori's Great Lessons), but right now, we will be spending our time in ancient Egypt. 

The kids created artwork by writing their names and have started to create little notes to one another. 

11 12 13

Yesterday our class was in morning meeting when I finally discovered the magic date.  Only one more of those magic dates until January 2, 2103.  I wonder if any of our children will be there to witness.  A will be 101, K will be 96 and O will be 92.  Something to ponder. 

veterans Day

Monday was Veterans Day.  Hats off to all those who have fought to defend our freedom.  Thinking especially of Dad, Bud, Brad and Stuart who are near and dear to me.  Thank you. 

self portrait

A self portrait of my very favorite 7 5/6 year old:

thank you Veggie Tales

On Wednesday evening, I went to confirmation class with A--it was parent night.  During the service part of confirmation, Minister Kim talked about Jonah.  She asked for a volunteer to tell what happened to Jonah after the fish spit him out.  A gave a detailed description of the events.  Kim was surprised at his detailed knowledge and so was I...where did he get all that information and how was it so meaningful to him that he could recall with such precision?  He confessed to me afterwards that he had seen the story on a Veggie Tales movie.  Kudos Veggie Tales and also our wonderful son for making that knowledge part of your bounty of knowledge.

d Day

A has discovered a new series on Netflix called Greatest Tank Battles.  It is very dramatic and he is getting good historical knowledge.  Right now he is watching an episode on D Day.  It will be fun to see if he has conversations with his cousins or uncles at Christmas about World War II.

first snow

We experienced our first snow that stuck to the ground for a little while (melted now) on Kim's birthday--November 6.  We thankfully had snow gear for all the kids complete with snow pants, hats and mittens--I finally found good mittens at Shopko last week.  2 new pairs for both K and O. I'm hoping that can last them the 6 month potential snow season.

happy birthday Kimberly Ann

The wonderful Kim Blomgren celebrated her birthday this week.  Wishing you a healthy and happy year dear Kim!

doll clothing making

K wanted very dearly to make a new jacket for her American Girl Doll Julie.  I gave her a piece of fabric to make the jacket and she took it to Grandma Betty who helped her design the jacket.  K sewed the seams and Grandma did some tucks and more detailed work and the jacket turned out beautifully.  They made quite a team.

jacket right after K stitched together

Julie with her new jacket after Grandma Betty did tucks and pleats

denver

Mr. Brad spent the past week in Denver at a business conference and meeting with clients.  We were so lucky to have Grandma Betty stay with us during the week!  She took care of kids, got them to where they needed to be, had dinner ready when I got home from school...a God send.

It was really nice to have Brad home safe and sound on Friday, but Betty is so great to have around as well, I was sad to say farewell.  Thank you Betty!  and thanks to Bud for sharing her with our family this week.

happy 5th birthday Ivan George!

Ivan George, the dinosaur expert turned 5 years old last Sunday.  Happy Happy Happy birthday to you!

one last day at the park

Last Sunday, K invited her friend Greyson to Hudson Castle Park for a final park play date of the year.  It was very windy and cold, but the kids didn't want to leave.  They were a little more willing when Orange Leaf Yogurt was offered.  We had truly delicious yogurt and warmed up in the cute little shop in Hudson.  I'm so happy A is still willing to hang out with little people and play at the park.  I'm sure those days are numbered.

at the park

still enjoying the park

loving the tot area of the playground

back to blog

I'm not really sure where the past ten days have gone, but I do know that we enjoyed.  Halloween night was fun with trick or treating.  K and I went with friend Kenny who also invited his friends Perry and Kyra.  Perry and Kyra happen to be in my classroom so it was great to spend time with them outside of the classroom

A went trick or treating with friends and Brad and O just went to a few houses and went to our friend Sharyl's place for a small get together.  K ran out of energy at about 7:00 so we made our way home, made some hot cocoa and popcorn and watched an episode of Cake Boss.  We had planned on going to the Samargia party too, but it was nice to have a little Mom and daughter time.

Over a week later we still have loads of candy to consume, so the evening was a success.