Today (11/27) is my Mom's 89th birthday. Danielle, Paul, Natalie, John, Abby, Jeff, and I helped her celebrate today. Mom has been a resident at St. Therese in New Hope for the last 3 and one half years. Early this summer she was transferred to the memory care unit. Understanding and communicating with Mom in her reality is sometimes challenging but she is my Mom and I love her for whoever she is today, tomorrow and yesterday. Happy Birthday, Mom!
Mom shares her birthday with Heather and Blair's wedding day. My Dad was deceased when they were married so a gift my Mom gave to Blair was a ring that they had gotten for my Dad commemorating their 50th wedding anniversary. When I see it on Blair's hand I often wish that he and Heather are able to someday celebrate 50 years together!
Heather and Blair are celebrating their "6th" wedding anniversary on the 27th. They have recently moved to Iowa due to changes in jobs. On Friday evening we shared a pheasant dinner and just tried to catch up with them. Heather shared about her new job - expanding her experiences in the area of speech therapy and Blair and Jeff had much to talk about the "construction industry". Warms our hearts to see and hear that they are becoming more settled in their new home which may be miles from ours but only miles. They have an extra bedroom in the home they are renting in DesMoine - so we will be visiting soon. Happy Anniversary! Love you Mom and Dad
Advent, the season of preparation! While on one of my excursions I found these and I try not to miss a chance to enjoy my sewing room - so each family received one of these with a booklet of ideas to experience during this time. Ian and Noelle are looking at one of the calendars.
On Sunday Heather became half my age - enough said right Heather :) We were at the quilt retreat and decided to remind her shortly after midnight that the day had arrived. She was a good sport and didn't even hang up on us. Heather is a busy gal - new job - organizing a new home! We wish you a great year Heather! Love you! Jeff and Barb
Going, going, and gone! The volleyball court has been enjoyed for a long time from couples volleyball, to the kids playing on teams, to faculty parties, family gatherings, friends enjoying an evening - but all things do change and this is now going to be our "family garden." Jeff's Mom who will shortly be 89 years old continues to enjoy her garden. From her wisdom Jeff and I continue to learn - and making this into a garden is another lesson. Hopefully we will enjoy ours in the next coming years as she has. The joy that comes from something so small that can grow and reap a harvest -- and so it continues........
Now aren't these cute trick or treaters - I think they should come in and stay awhile. John was a roaring dinosaur (I think he has been practicing his "roar" since his birthday!) and Natalie a kitty.
The lake level continues to increase. On 10/9 is one photo and the other was taken on 10/30. I think we can officially say the dry spell is over! We have an artisan well at the cabin. This pipe is in the lake and water flows through it continually throughout the year. It is a great visual of how much the water level changes.
This fall I started a new decade! Oh dear, that sounds really old; but you are what you are; it is only a number; all the words that we hear. The best part of this age thing is being able to look back and count all of the blessings in your life and to be very thankful for them. I am! A soul mate, children, grandkids - the list begins and hopefully will continue for a few more decades!
The season coming to a close - boat rides and hanging out on the dock! Ean and Grandpa enjoyed a tour around the lake - Ean figured out how to make the boat go faster and of course Grandpa loved it! Who is enjoying it more???? Ab, Dan, Ean, & Lauren basking in the fall sunshine!
Last winter when we were in Phoenix, we shopped at a flee market. There is always something interesting - so we found these Duro's! I brought a package for each of the kids. Well Ab did some research and this is what she did. You are the winner Abby! (She put them in the microwave.) They are even tasty:)
Ean's name was drawn as the winner of the Weber grill at the raffle at Mary Queen of Peace. It was fun to be there when Noelle received a call from the church secretary - she was unsure about this since she attend St. Walburga - brought back fun memories and much discussion. Jeff suggested that this year we write everyone's name on the various tickets - fun to have one of your own win!!!
This fall I was once again able to attend the AIA Convention. It was held at the Alerus in Grand Forks, ND. I enjoy these outings since I am able to hang out with Jeff and watch him in his "element". I realize that I am just a tad prejudice but he is a very successful business person. Such fun to hear others - even competitors talk about the remember when - and after 39 years there are a few of those. I also took some time to head over to the campus of UND. Noelle, our second oldest daughter graduated from there in 2000 with a degree in Social Work.
Here is Jeff finishing up setting up the FABCON booth at the AIA convention in Grand Forks, ND. Perhaps this will be the last time he attends this AIA gathering??? (retirement) It is enjoyable to be a by stander and listen and watch as competitors meet and chuckle about old times - as it was with Jeff and Dick - an unnamed competitor:)
Today (11/27) is my Mom's 89th birthday. Danielle, Paul, Natalie, John, Abby, Jeff, and I helped her celebrate today. Mom has been a resident at St. Therese in New Hope for the last 3 and one half years. Early this summer she was transferred to the memory care unit. Understanding and communicating with Mom in her reality is sometimes challenging but she is my Mom and I love her for whoever she is today, tomorrow and yesterday. Happy Birthday, Mom!
