birthday blessings

What a wonderful feeling to be greeted by 21 lovely children and have parents call to sing happy birthday and eat a delicious dinner and german chocolate cake from an adoring husband.

I am blessed.

she's golden

Jenna Louise Blomgren celebrated her golden birthday on the 29th. Much love to you nenna Weiss and I will love you forever and always.

fun with family

We got lots of family time this weekend...

yummy stuffing

birthday manicure

45 and 7

hunting shack

fancy shades

shared

by the

family except for Daddy-O

bros 4 ever

Kyle and Evan

my Daddy and my sweet husband

Kurtie and I

Grandma and Jenna

the 2000 and 2001 babies--Anders, Ryan and Abby

Apples to Apple

me and sweet Trenton

Kurtain on the Farm and his soon to be granddaughter, Stella

Kent and Abby

taking a dip

Adam, Kyle, Kourtney and Katie

black Friday

Ibby and I went on our 3rd annual Black Friday run to Lino Lakes and Planet Thrift. I love spending time with my fancy and beautiful sissy in law. We got a little silly with canes in Planet Thrift...there are just a few people that I would feel comfortable doing that with!

Love you Ibby.

deer in the freezer

So our caregiver, Bradley Cole shot a deer for our freezer on Saturday night. Thanks for taking great care of us sweet husband!

the hanging post where the deer was before butchering time

gobble gobble

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all! We are enjoying the Macy's Day parade at Bud and Betty's lovely home on the shores of Wood Lake. Seeing Red from the Angry Bird's movie.

happy 7th pretty little one

Our dear niece and cousin Dehlia Grace came into our lives 7 years ago. You shine and spread that light to all you see.

Dehlia being pampered by her big girl cousins this past weekend

cast party

The Cast of the 25th Annual Spelling Bee enjoyed a party at Mary's house. Our 15 year old had a blast  and called last night to spend the night. 23 kids had a really fun time and ended up spending the night. He did find his crew too!

the cast

Chip's Lament

finding her crew

Our 10 year old has just started playing basketball and on Monday night had a scrimmage. After spending time at Great Clips with the boys, I stopped by to pick up our girl from her scrimmage to find her hanging out with her team. I love that we live in a little big town and have these opportunities for our children.

my boys with haircuts

We spent the evening on Monday getting some much needed haircuts for these twin brothers who are separated by nine years a few weeks. They were both hesitant at first but as you can see by their expressions, they are feeling pretty good about their decision.

snow snow snow

We have finally seen snow again! After the play last night, three of the five Olsons headed north and started seeing snow about St. Croix Falls. Waking up this morning, we saw a lot of snow and got a chance to sled and play in the frosty beauty.

closing night

The Putnam County Spelling Bee took the stage 5 times during the past week--last night was the closing night and 6 special visitors came from Southern MN. Vivian, Liana, Jae, Kim, Pat and Adam. Thank you for making the trip and for making Chip Tolentino so happy!

happy 23rd birthday Stuart Martin

To our deliriously happy Stuart M....happy 23rd birthday

guests from another continent

Our class had fun visitors from Zizu University visit our classroom this week. We leaned origami, how to count in Chinese, calligraphy and play a hopscotch game. It was lovely to see our students interacting and learning with these brave young men and women.

conferences

I have the most amazing children and parents in our classroom. It's always fun to catch up and ask/answer questions about these curious minds that attend school every day.

new playground

Here is the new natural playground at our school. I love the imaginary play that is being generated. Notice it's mid-November and no snow yet!

happy 97th Grandma Grace

it doesn't seem like you've been gone, but wishing you a happy 97th birthday in heaven Grandma Grace!

confirmation day

Our 15 year old is now a confirmed member of the Lutheran faith. His confirmation verse is Matthew 18:22 Jesus answered, I tell you not seven times, but seventy seven times.

Here are some photos of the day.

more bee photos

Then Saturday night, the Ibby and her family, Cory, Joan, and Trenton and Bud and Betty came to town for confirmation at Ezekiel Lutheran on Sunday morning. The Blomgren's and I attended night two of the show...even better than the first night. A more responsive audience and just better timing in general.

opening night of the Putnam County Spelling Bee

Our son ACO had a BUSY weekend to put it mildly. On Friday, November 11, he played the part of Chip Tolentino in the River Falls production of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. It was a production not like the blockbuster Seussical, but it was entertaining none-the-less. He enjoyed and played the part to its fullest potential.