summer school

This morning we woke early and got our 7 year old to his first day of summer school 2017. I got a chance to see my teaching friends Nate and Michelle and connect with Osten's Kindergarten teacher who will also be his Summer School teacher. She is such a great and kind teacher.

Also got to see some sweet hearts from my school and got a hug from the sweet Shawn. I sure miss my students and am eager to see them all again next fall.

photo from our day at primitive skills...he got pretty hot and tired. The temps were in the low 90s (see rosy cheeks)

first camp of the season

On Sunday morning, we woke in Mankato and drove through some stormy areas to River Falls to pick up our Luther Point Buddie to transport him to camp.

He drove part of the way and then I took over. The temperature was 61 degrees at Wood Lake--we were thankful to have stopped for a rain jacket on our way up because the forecast is for more stormy skies and rain during the week.

We were greeted by some very eager counselors...I think he is going to have a great time at Luther Point these next two weeks. We will be picking him up on Friday, but he will be right back at it next Sunday.

Our 2nd camper will be heading out on Wednesday. Now we just need to get her packed up.

school's in for summer!

On Saturday, June 10, our family sans our 16 year old attended a Primitive Skills School near St. Peter, MN. We headed down on Friday evening after attending the beautiful Maddie Bond and a quick drive by the handsome Charlie Flicek grad parties. We checked into the Garden Inn downtown Mankato.

On Saturday morning we awoke and headed to Brent's house to pick up Siri and then into the woods near St. Peter to meet our guide, Mason Grove who taught us to build a fire, make a wooden spoon with glowing embers and carving knives, identify edible plants, build a shelter, a food trap and the order of survival.

First shelter, second water, third fire and fourth food.

Ends up Mason spent time in the USVI at Mount Victory Camp...a place we visited several times during our time on island. The world can be very small.

the early stages of spoon crafting

Katie working on her spoon

Osten and Brad working on their fire

Siri working on her spoon

2006 cousins--Joe, Katie and Siri

found out online...

They are state bound! Way to go Evan Lee and the Rock Rock Central Falcons!

belly laugh from Momma

With all the busyness of Dad's hospitalization, funeral planning, funeral, opening beautiful tributes...Mom and I have spent some amazing quality time together. She is one of the strongest women in the world. I know her incredible faith and positive attitude play a large role in her fitness.

On Tuesday evening, I took a long walk around the city of St. James. As I arrived back at her apartment, we settled in for the evening when  I heard her amazing laughter. The laughter originated from this photo of my brother Kyle pouting after losing his beloved Monopoly game to his sister in law, Victoria.

I love my Mom. I love my brother. I love the spirit of my Dad living in all his family.

fun graduation party

On Saturday, June 3 we attended a fun grad party at the Wurdell's here in River Falls. Ben and Gabe swam with Anders this year and also have played in pep band with him. Their Grandpa Rich and our Grandpa Bud are cousins.

They had a bounce house (Osten and Katie enjoyed) and great shade on a beautiful day. Thanks Jill, Greg, Ben and Gabe for a fun day.

remembering Dad from Kurt Martin...

This sunset struck me profoundly Sunday night as I was spending time with family and my father at St. Mary's hospital in Rochester. I realized this likely was going to be Dad's last sunset on Earth. It also gave me a glimpse what was ahead for him and the glory he now shares with Ross. An hour and a half later I watched Dad slip gracefully and peacefully into his eternal reward. He was very much looking forward to getting called home. These two have taught me a lifetime of lessons of living life according to God's plan, regardless of their age. Rejoice in heaven Dad and Ross!

falcons baseball 2017

Nephew Evan Lee is playing outfield for the Red Rock Central Falcons and wears the #8. The Falcons wear black, red and silver, their season record is 20-3, nationally ranked 4116 and ranked 82 in the state of Minnesota. They are currently playing Westbook Walnut Grove in the sectional tournament.

Good luck Evan!

Evan is in back row very center

graduations

In the flurry of the past few weeks, I haven't gotten photos of my beautiful family who are moving from High School to College.

Liana will be attending St. Scholastica in Duluth for Physical Therapy

Evan will be attending South Dakota State University in Brookings for Agriculture

They both graduated on Friday, May 26. So proud of you both. 

summertime

I left the school year with just a week left and now returned and its summer! I still have some work to do to really truly be in summer, but when we got back from Dad's funeral first thing I did was to take K and O to the Glen Park pool. I hope to spend lots and lots of time there this summer.

remembering a great man

On Thursday, June 1 and Friday June 2, three celebrations were held in honor of my wonderful Daddy.

Thursday was his memorial service at First Lutheran where we saw lots and lots of people and got to visit with them about Dad and about their lives. I got to see several classmates' parents, my dear friend Ivy, some of my childhood friends, cousins, aunts, uncles, my brothers, nephews and nieces, sisters in law and brother in law. The photo displays I worked enjoyed by many.

Friday morning we had another visiting time before the service. His 15 living grandchildren filtered into the church with their families and each placed a red rose in a bouquet near his urn. There was one white rose in the vase to represent the grandson who now is welcoming him in heaven, our beloved Ross Isaac. Jenna, Evan and Vance shared memories of the grandchildren of their grandpa. Kurt shared memories from us 5 kids. They did a beautiful job and were guided by the Holy Spirit. Then Anders and Liana sang "I Can Only Imagine". Minister Karen gave a nice eulogy and the congregation sang "What a Friend we Have in Jesus", "Eagles Wings", the table prayer and "Amazing Grace". That was the song that got me...always does. We then went to the cemetery for part three.

We arrived at the cemetery and gathered under a tent. The military was already there and Mom and the five kids sat in chairs by the grave. There was a 21 gun salute followed by presentation of the flag. I have never been to a funeral where the flag was presented in that manner, but the solemnity and honor passed on was incredible. Mom graciously accepted the flag. We then said goodbye and visited with people at the cemetery. My dear friends Kari and Julie were there and so were my wonderful Bud and Betty were also there to lend support.

After the cemetery, we gathered in the church basement and had a nice lunch of ham sandwiches, potato salad, pickles and bars. So much visiting happened in that basement. Dad would have enjoyed the day for sure. After church, we headed to the home farm, Mom and I both napped and then we headed back to River Falls to rest and relax.

Daddy B, I am so happy to be your daughter and was blessed with 45 years of having you here on earth. I'm so happy you are now having a big reunion in heaven with all your family and friends who have already made the journey.