fall family fun fest

Last night, K and I attended the Greenwood Fall Family Fun Fest.  It was a gorgeous weather evening and we enjoyed visiting with friends and watching kids tearing around on bikes, scooters and rollerblades.  I got to visit with Sarah, Michelle, Michelle and Dawn.

When we got home, we went out to dinner at Juniors to celebrate A's football team victory--5-0 this season against Woodbury and to celebrate the end of another great week.  There was a band there and O and K did a little dancing.  Fun night.

When we got home, we discovered our 21 year old television (I had bought with my employee appreciation 50% off coupon at Mankato Walmart in 1993) had finally decided to poop out.  Brad packed it up and is bringing it to Grantsburg this weekend.  Bud is gifting us with one of his extra television sets so we will be back in business tomorrow.

When O discovered the television missing this morning, there were a fair amount of tears, but now he and K are busy assembling train tracks.  I have school work to do this morning, K will be getting her hair cut this afternoon and I hope to get some fun activities packed in the rest of the day.  It's probably a great blessing to be media free for a weekend ;)

T dog is 18!

Happiest of birthdays to our strong and handsome nephew Thomas Matthew.  May you continue to make the best choices as an adult!

the magic of Friday

Fridays are pretty exciting.  Today we will have our lesson, A has another football game, he and Brad are heading north to cut wood and K, O and I will be heading to Greenwood Family Fun Fest this afternoon after school.  We will more than likely be pretty tired when all is said and done, but I think we will have a good bank of memories.

preparing for the first great lesson

Tomorrow morning I will be teaching the first great lesson--how the world started with the formation of the sun, then land, then water, then volcanoes.  The older students have been asking when we will get into the study and tomorrow is the big day!

another win for A's team!

A's team played on Monday after school and won another game.  They are currently 4-0 for the season.  I hope they can keep up the good work and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

fall is here

The temperatures are starting to dip and the weather is getting more fall like.  The apples we received from the Blomgren's this weekend are incredibly delicious...the wonders of fall.

last day of summer

Today is the last day of summer.  While I'm writing this message, it is fall, but reflecting on this summer, it was one of the best ever.  It was busy and full, but wonderful.

coming home

We had a great weekend in Mountain Lake and are now back home in River Falls with four new family members.  Ryan Edward let us adopt four hens and they are now making their home in our backyard.  2 browns and 2 whites.  O has named one Mrs. White and one Mrs. Brown and has been visiting them often.  One of the whites already laid an egg!  I hope they are happy in their new home.

breathtaking attendant

Last night, we had the honor of attending the homecoming coronation at Mountain Lake Public School.  The program was nice and all of the candidates and attendants looked lovely.  But one stole the show for our family of five.  Liana Marie Blomgren was the one we couldn't take our eyes away from...we love you LMB!

with Grandma and Grandpa B after the coronation

52 years ago

my handsome brothers, Kent Edward and Kurt Martin made their appearance in our world.  Brothers, you have been excellent protectors and guides.  Thank you for watching out for all who you love.

Kent and Cory at Evan's confirmation in May

Kurt dunking a basketball...look at that height!

the kindness of strangers

Today, a good samaritan treated all the teachers in the River Falls School District to a treat of $5 or less at the Dish and Spoon Cafe.  Emily, one of our amazing new teachers and I went down and enjoyed our java.  What a treat!

school photos

Today River Falls Public Montessori Elementary had LifeTouch Photography stop by to take photos of our terrific kids.  O was really frightened of the experience and Ms. Becki came in to share that he really struggled with and had refused to get his photo taken.  I assured her it was not unusual for him to balk at pictures.  She told me that all the kids in class tried to calm him down, but he was just shaking.

Brad ended up coming to pick him up and they tried it again.  They did end up taking his picture, but he had a very sad/mad/scared look on his face.

His sister took photos on the 2nd and here they are:

Obviously, she is less camera shy.  I just love all the dimples in her face...

another victory

A's team played on Tuesday evening.  Unfortunately I was caught up in after school activities (bus duty, parent call, helping a colleague), so I wasn't able to attend, but he was really pumped to tell me that they won 42-0.  He has another game on Friday after school, but its in Chippewa Falls so I won't be able to attend.

Fingers and toes crossed that he continues to love playing and that I can witness another game this season.

swim club

Swim Club season has begun and now we have two swimmers who are part of the club.  KGO is trying to keep up with her big brother and is really enjoying the experience.

sun day

Sunday was full of sun and just an all around lovely day.  All of the laundry is washed and folded (not all put away) from our De-lousing activities this weekend.  I'm hoping our next weekend (planning to head to Mountain Lake) is footloose and fancy free!

the four letter word...

LICE.  A four letter word if I've ever heard one.  I'm really praying that this nasty little visitor will be eradicated from our home soon.  We are busy laundering, vacuuming and treating our hair this weekend.  I love going out with friends, but tonight we had to cancel due to our condition and the need to clean our house.

Fingers and toes are crossed....

24-0

A's football team won their first game of the season against Hudson...24-0.  It was fun to watch the boys in action!

He's number 57

ice bucket challenge

Our fearless leader, Nate Wells accepted the ice bucket challenge and was doused at our school assembly on Friday.  I am very proud of his bravery and willingness to raise monies for ALS!

uncle eldon

On Thursday, our family traveled to the Sturm Funeral Home in St. James.  The number of people attending the visitation for Eldon was staggering.  We stood in line for over an hour.  We were able to visit with Ruby, Doug, Michelle, Sandi, Rod, Shari, Ron and Dan.  We also got to see his grown up grandchildren--one who is expecting his first great grandchild.  It was a beautiful testimony to the wonderful person Eldon was during his time here on earth.

Here is an excerpt from his obituary at the Mankato Free Press:

Eldon Ekstrom, age 83, of Butterfield died on Sunday, September 7, 2014, at Mayo Clinic Health System-St. James.
  Funeral services will be 10:30am, Friday, September 12, 2014, at First Lutheran Church in Butterfield with Rev. Lowell Asplund officiating.
  Burial will follow at the Butterfield City Cemetery in Butterfield.
   Visitation will be Thursday at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James from 5-8pm and will continue at the church on Friday one hour before services.

 Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in St. James.
  Eldon Ray Ekstrom was born in St. James, MN, on March 17, 1931, the son of Algort and Helen (Youngdale) Ekstrom. He was baptized at East Sveadahl Lutheran Church on April 15, 1931, confirmed on May 20, 1945 at East Sveadahl. Eldon graduated from St. James High School in 1949. He then attended the University of Minnesota School of Agriculture in St. Paul. On June 27, 1953, Eldon was united in marriage to Ruby Pierson. Eldon worked as a creamery operator, farmed, was an Agri Business manager and currently did electric motor repair and refrigeration.
  Eldon served on the Butterfield Fire Department for 26 years, he also served as Fire Chief for 8 years. He was active in his church serving as a council member. Eldon also served on the board of Luther Memorial Home in Madelia. He enjoyed Fishing, hunting and camping, and watching sports. Eldon and Ruby hosted at State Park Campgrounds near Starbuck and Battle Lake each summer for the past 15 years.
  He is survived by his wife Ruby Ekstrom of Butterfield, his children Sandra (Rodney) Mitchell of Mankato, Shari (Ronald) Matyzsczyk of San Antonio, TX, Daniel Ekstrom of Butterfeild, Douglas (Michele) Ekstrom of Eagle Lake, grandchildren Ashley (Dustin) Roberts, Brittany (Charlie) Eppard, Kylie Matyszczyk, Jason Matyszczyk and Madelin Ekstrom, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Adean, granddaughter Sophia, brothers-in-laws & sister-in-law Larry & Beverly Ahern, Nels Pierson, Leo Zellmer and parents-in-law Nels & Anne Pierson.

chill in the air

There is a definite chill in the air.  Brad drove me to school this morning because it was raining, but I'm also thankful that he drove me because the air felt very cool today.  It was 48 degrees.  When one of my students checked the temperature at 1pm, it was still 51 degrees.  BRRRR.

Feels cold now, but in January, it will feel VERY warm.

Also reporting that O attended a lesson on the pink tower this morning--very exciting!

another good guy gone...

A parent of two students at our school died unexpectedly.  He always had a smile and was a kind soul.  So sad for his family.

goodbye Uncle Eldon

I called Mom and Dad late yesterday afternoon to catch up.  Dad told me that he was not doing well.  When I asked why, he told me of the passing of my dear Uncle Eldon.  I got choked up and really had a lot of great memories of a truly wonderful man flood into my mind.

This is a post from FaceBook from his son in law Rod...

Sandy Mitchell lost her father I a father In-Law Ashley Mitchell and Brittany Mitchell a Grandpa yesterday. Eldon Ekstrom 83 went to church, ate lunch, watched the Viks win and went to rest under a shade tree at Voss Park in Butterfield. As "BIG" a heart as he had it just couldn't keep up with him anymore Like all of us so many more will miss such a great man!

Your laugh and your smile will be forever in my heart, uncle Eldon.  Thank you for sharing them so plentifully over the years.

Eldon with his beloved Ruby, daughter in law, Michelle and son, Doug at the Pierson reunion on June 29, 2014

hanging with Julie at Teddy Bear Park

I got to meet my special friend Julie and her daughter Libby for a play date at Teddy Bear Park in Stillwater yesterday.  Picture perfect day.

art on the Kinni

I spent mid-morning to early afternoon meandering down white path near the Kinnikinnic River looking at artwork with friends and with Ms. KGO.  I even bought my Mom a new pair of earrings for her birthday.  I can't wait to give them to her!

end of first week party

After a marathon of getting a classroom ready, I had to miss the Redneck theater party at friend Sharyl's house, but the kids had a blast!

she's a member of the 40 club!

Happy birthday to the sweet Ibby Gina Olson.  Sorry we missed celebrating with you on your big day, but know that we love you mucho!

at Atherton this summer at a pre-40th celebration...being pushed by brother in a wheel chair.

7th day 2, 3rd, 4K and E1 day 1

A had his second day of 7th grade while we had our first day in 3rd grade, 4K and E1 (1-3 grade).  The day was sunny and just the right temperature.  Pure bliss!

day 1 of school

So I put in quite a few hours on September 1 to be ready to host parents on the 2nd.  The classroom looks really great and I am so excited to see everyone again and start a new chapter in our learning journey.

happy birthday to the best Mommy in America!

Happy 79th birthday to my very special Mom.  Vivian Grace, you are fair of face!  Loved you yesterday, love you still, always have, always will.

Mom and I at Trenton's Confirmation May 2014

playing on the lake

We had lots of opportunities to on the lake this weekend...it was extremely glorious to spend time in sun and the sand.  The water is still pretty frigid, but I would much rather has cooler air temps that warm lake water.  We all had a blast!

happy birthday Grandma Betty!

We celebrated grandma Betty's birthday a few days after the fact with a yummy birthday cake from Dairy Queen.  It was a lovely celebration of a sweet Grandmother, Mom and Mother in Law.

up north

The classroom is looking really pretty good and now it's time to head north to Bud and Betty's to help celebrate Betty's birthday, Bud and Betty's anniversary and Ibby's 40th birthday.  I'm just realizing I met Ibby and was invited out for her 21st birthday.  I've known and loved her for nearly half of her life!  Incredible!

Here is a sunset from our drive north...

play date with Ellea

K got to go on a shopping play date with her friend Ellea.  Ellea's grandmother took them shopping and bought them matching t-shirts that they plan on wearing on Tuesdays and also bought them each a summer dress.  I was thankful to see she purchased them on super clearance and the dress was so pretty K decided to wear it on her third grade pictures.  We will see how they turn out...I'm sure they are lovely.

football season begins

A just started jr. football on the 27th.  He volunteered to play center in the first practice.  He is one brave dude!

still working

The 26th was another day spent at workshop and getting the classroom ready.  This summer has been absolutely the most beautiful weather summer of our lives!

yikes...where did the past two weeks go?

August 28 through today has gone in a veritable blink of the eye.  I will try to recount what has happened in the past two weeks with accuracy.

On August 25, I returned to school and to workshop.  Most of my time that day was spent in meetings.  The kids played at home and I missed them very much.