Dean's List

 Jacob made the Dean's List at NDSU for his first semester. So glad he's getting to class and doing the work without his mother there to nag on him!

Christmas

We celebrated Christmas at Mom's house one more time. 

Florida

Our timeshare week didn't land on Thanksgiving week this year, but we took the opportunity to sneak down to Florida for a couple of days anyway. We enjoyed some sunshine & ocean time. When it got a little cloudy & cool, we went to check for manatees at the lagoon and see turtles at the sanctuary.

All in for Chaska

Benefit Basher party for Miracle League Field raised $23,500. Our theme was Las Vegas. Had a pretty good turn out. The party was the day after mom's funeral, I didn't feel like a party, but powered through.

Goodbye Mom

I will miss her forever. She was the best mom, always encouraged, knew how to get someone to do something (“how hard would it be?”), and would do anything for her family - even battle when she just wanted to go to Jesus. The hole she leaves is unfillable.

Lessons from Mom

• Don’t judge anyone.

• Help when you can - when they ask for volunteers - that means you!

• Never pass up an opportunity for adventure.

• Save room for dessert, but you can share!

• Save the toilet paper rolls - you never know who's going to need them.

• Cleaning can wait until tomorrow.

• When you get stuck to the kitchen floor, it might be time to wash it.

• Life isn’t fair and we are lucky it isn’t.

• Share your talents & you will get way more in return.

• Make sure your kids know they are your priority.

• Be generous.

• A lot can get done in “20 minutes”.

• Stand up straight.

• Be grateful - say thank you & send the thank you card.

• Be careful not to say your children would “never” do something, it only ensures they will!

• Be careful of the big trucks on the roads, they will win.

• Eat your potatoes and bread last.

• You’ll never regret being kind.

• At least it was a good game (even if it was a loss).

• A nice drive is never a waste of time.

• Don’t plan anything during play (used to be spring) season.

• You don’t need a big piece of chocolate, just a little piece.

• A boy will tell you anything to get what he wants.(And they only want 1 thing.)

• If you don’t use your brain you’ll have to use your feet. (Mom said this is from Granny Ed)

10th & 7th grade

A day w Kate at the State Fair

A fun day of fair and food! Breakfast gnocchi, Amish donut, Holey ham loaf sandwich, grilled cheese bites, egg roll, butter ice cream w cinnamon toast, cosmo slushi & hot honey cheese sticks. We were just 2 people, but we did our best! Perfect weather & company.

Caught some of MN Live, Donna & Steve, 4-H arts in, and Twin Cities Live and got in our 10k + steps.

MN State Fair - second day for me

Started day w Cowboy Texas Toast & Chicken in a waffle (cone) at Blue Barn. Cheese curds, & Bee sting sundae. At International Bazaar we tried the Galaboa & Thai tea at Union Hmong kitchen. Got walleye cakes, corn fritters & crab fritters (no pic), Kiwanis malts (no pic) washed down with lemonade & orangeade. Took a short break before heading to milk stand, then had miserable kids (too much milk 🙄). Watched the parade & the U of M marching band performance- about 15 minutes long. They don’t just March & play, they dance, they yell, they sing. It looks exhausting! On the way out we got a deep fried Twinkie (second of the day actually) & onion rings. 

Left full & tired.

NDSU Move In

Late summer concerts

VRBO - Lake Wissota

Chippewa Falls