fun memory different perspective

 

Photo from Katie’s 2nd grade Christmas concert at Greenwood. I wasn’t there as it was my first year teaching at Montessori and I couldn’t imagine trying to write a lesson plan for a sub. A friend was taking a photo of her daughter and caught a little snippet of Katie being as charming as can be in the lower left hand corner. Thanks for capturing this moment in time Rachel! 

doing a few updates to start the new year

Our breakfast nook has endured a lot of cooking, baking and wood fires. The time has come to unload and dig into downsizing some of the food stuffs, cook books, and containers. In that, I realized it would be nice to update the wall color, so tomorrow plan on getting started in a painting project. 

Here are a couple before/after photos of some shelves that needed scrubbing: 

We all decided to add a little more seating in our living room. We were able to purchase from our thrift store second chances along with a coffee table and a sweet little frame for Brad’s military photo and Osten’s Kindergarten photo 

cleaning up Christmas decor

Anders, Katie, Osten and I worked together to get our Christmas decorations back safe in the attic. I love Christmas, but it feels good to have more space. I didn’t want to put Butch’s little cabin house decoration away quite yet, so we’ll enjoy until the battery runs out☺️

love time with Mom!

What a treat to spend two days with Mom this week! We cleaned her apartment, went to lunch with Julie and enjoyed visiting. Thanks for being the best Mom in America! 

Brother Cory and nephew Trenton installed the shelf above Mom's window. Kyeanna made the beautiful crocheted snowflakes hanging in the window.

happy 90th Ruby & hanging with Mom

Today I drove down to St. James to spend the next couple days with Mom. We went to a doctor appointment and also learned that Mom needs to have an appointment with a cardiologist. We went to see aunt Ruby on her 90th birthday, went shopping and also did some work at her apartment to ready it for sale. 

Now it’s time to settle in and sleep for the night. 

boxing day

Today dawned and it was sunny all day. I got a chance to try out the cross country skis we rented from UWRF and realized I need to watch some videos as it was quite challenging to do on Big Wood Lake. 

We got home this evening, unpacked, watched a sappy Christmas movie called Christmas Calendar and now are getting some rest for my adventure going down to see Mom tomorrow and Wednesday. 

our Christmas part III

Merry Christmas! Brad and Anders headed to the hunting shack to clear a path to get firewood home. Osten and Katie went with Siri to work out and I went to Bud and Betty”s to tie Osten’s Vikings blanket. 

Then we went back to Cross Hatch for coffee and back to the cabin to eat meatballs and open stockings. We had a great day and now are watching the e movie Date Night. Heading to bed soon. 

our Christmas part II

Today we saw the Vikings win their 11th game of the season versus the New York Giants in yet another nail biter! The Vikings kicker Greg Joseph kicked a 61 yard field goal to seal a walk off win 27-24. We watched at Bud and Bettys and then headed across the lake to an air bnb near Luther Point Bible camp where Bruce and Julie are renting an Air Bnb. Anders, Osten, Brad and I are staying in a spacious loft with 4 double beds. 

We had soup and lefse for dinner and then went to church at 7pm. Back to the Air bnb for egg nog and gift opening. Adults went first and I got a ball cap, a Tattersall gift card & some wooden bowls. Brad got a charcuterie board and a fun little oil lamp. Anders got steaks from a great meat market in Nicolett, MN 

In the kid exchange, Katie got a great outfit from Aerie & gum and a book & gift card from Godparents Brent and Molly. Osten got a great sweatshirt and basketball bag. 

The kids had fun playing and then it was time for bed! 

our Christmas part I

After going to dinner last night with Bruce, Julie, Christina & Isaiah, our family of five gathered in the living room to exchange gifts. 

Osten’s favorite gift was X Box Gold 

Katie’s favorite was new sunglasses and jewelry 

Anders favorite is his new iPhone 

Brad’s favorite is his new wooden map wall hanging of Snowbank Lake

And my favorite are mug new Steeger Mukluks from Ely, MN

As always, being with family is the paramount gift. I’m eager to see family in the next couple weeks…the Olson/Swanson/Moritz/Quintana branch first and the Blomgren/Olson branch on January 8. 

he’s 50, 50 years old

What a wonderful day when our kind, caring and funny husband and Dad was born 50 years ago today. Thanks for the memories and all the care you’ve given your family!