autumn

The equinox has arrived. One of my lovely first year students discovered the change in our class calendar this morning with the change of the season. He asked that if on December 22 he could change the calendar to the next season. I asked him what season that would be and he whispered "WINTER". His eyes were alight with excitement. I cherish these moments.

peace filled

Yesterday was the International Day of Peace. One of K's standout teachers, Mrs. K posted this on her wall yesterday. I showed it to my class this morning in our circle time and we've decided we will try out on the playground sometime very soon.

last day of summer

Today is the last day of summer! It's been a wonderful summer and it is looking like it will be a glorious fall.

birthday party birthday party!

The celebration of Mom's 80th birthday was really pretty magical. Kurt hosted a nice get together in his big pole barn and their were touches of Ross everywhere. A beautiful bench that Kurt's friends gifted him in Ross' memory, a nice game Ross made for a 4-H project years ago, his siblings, Jenna and Vance, his house, his farm.

It wrapped me in happiness to see that we will never forget that incredible young man but we can still celebrate family and all we mean to one another.

Those in attendance:
Vivian
Clarence
Kent
Abby
Kurt
Jenna
Cody
Vance
Kaitie
Kyle
Kim
Adam
Liana
Ryan
Cory
Joan
Evan
Trenton
Karen
Brad
Anders
Katie
Osten
Ruby
Loie
Tammi
Butch
Marilyn
Sydney
Chuck
Carol
Cameron
Ciera

The food was yummy and the conversation was delicious. Happy birthday dear Momma!

southern exposure and Happy birthday K and K!

On Saturday, after watching K and O play soccer, we headed south to 924 Mountain Lake Road. The weather this weekend was pretty incredible for a celebration of Momma's 80th birthday.

Also wishing my handsome and amazing brothers Kent and Kurt and very happy 53rd birthday!

believer yeah yeah yeah yeah

On Friday, Julie and I met in Turtle Lake Wisconsin to see one of my very favorite entertainers, Mickey Dolenz who formerly sang with the Monkees. It was a small venue compared to the last time I saw him at the Minnesota State Fair with an estimated 200 fans, but it was unforgettable. It was really great to hear him singing with his sister.

Julie got a great close up of the pair--just wish you could hear their voices weaving together.

after school yoga

On Wednesdays for the past two weeks, Maggie and I have been attending yoga in Lynn A's room at Greenwood. This week Michelle joined us. This coming Wednesday, the three of us will be traveling to New Richmond for our math grant meeting. I love the calming effect of yoga and am looking forward to my next class.

full swing

Now that the school year is in full swing, the days are slipping past too quickly.

Tuesday, September 15, beautiful day.

first time

For the first time in recent memory, September 11 didn't bring images of my second day of work at Artco to mind. The second day I dropped ACO off at daycare. The second day I was commuting 30 miles from our home in Idaho Falls (at that time apartment) to Rexburg, Idaho. I remember getting into the car, turning onto Woodruff and hearing of a commuter plane crashing into the WTC while we were listening to NPR. Then I heard of the second plane and it seemed like there was a state of emergency.

My parents and Leo and Loie had just taken off from Southern Minnesota to come visit us in Idaho Falls. They didn't hear of the events until they stopped for the night in South Dakota.

That was 14 years ago. I didn't think I would go through a September 11 without remembering, but it is possible.

125 strong

This morning, our church continued the celebration of 125 years during our service and at a wonderful potluck in the evening. Sunday School kicked off and the 126th year is under way.

Congratulations Ezekiel!

photos from the Ezekiel float at River Falls Days taken by my friend Carrie

soccer morning

K played at 9 am and her team France lost 4-3 to team Canada. There are two Katie Olson/Katie Olsen and three Finn's on her team. K played forward one quarter, in the backfield one quarter and then was goalie in the final quarter. She did a marvelous job.

O played Mini-kicks from 10-11 and it was a lot of fun to watch him in action. His soccer coach is so fun to listen to--he's from Australia, so he has a great accent.