Morning Glory

So, my last post about homeschooling challenges touched on just how difficult the day to day process has been in our family.  The choice to homeschool isn’t hard, but the day to day requires more than I ever thought possible.  It has been emotionally and physically exhausting. And, when you homeschool in an isolated area, it just compounds the problem.  For a while, I wasn’t doing/dealing well at all.  I knew it, but didn’t know how to help myself.  Somehow, the means to help myself (probably the result of many heartfelt prayers) offered itself. 

I was forced to make some major changes, especially this year.  I experimented a bit to see what would work for me before stumbling onto/into help.

First I tried staying up late to get some personal time for prayer, reading and just being alone.  If I can’t get time during the day, after everyone is asleep should work, right??  It doesn’t work for me.  I’m already tired.  The praying was dry and the only reading I can handle is fluff…just fluff.  I cannot concentrate or meditate on anything of substance in the evening or late evening hours.  The longer I tried to make this work, the worse my emotional well-being became and my frustration with everyone and everything around me grew.  I didn’t like myself very well and I’m pretty sure my family wanted to ship me off to Siberia.

Shortly before Lent, I knew I had to do ‘something’ else.  I needed to change my pattern; thankfully Lent creates the perfect atmosphere/attitude.  So, instead of giving up Chai or Dr. Pepper, I wanted to instead give up the poor emotional and physical health I’d been stuck in for a couple months.  But, how to do it?  These two books have been a huge source of help and inspiration:

and

Along with reading each of these every morning, I journal when necessary for accountability.  I like looking back to check on myself.  The most helpful advice thus far has been to determine the one thing, if changed tomorrow, that would help me the most.  Mine was rising by 6:15am.  At this season of my life, rising by 6:15am mostly works…if Dac stays asleep I get to read by myself in the pre-dawn light.  If he wakes, he nurses while I read.  My second ‘thing’ was going to bed by 10:30pm.  Necessarily, these two were done together. 

Rising earlier meant I had time to make myself a cup of Chai and read ‘33 Days to Morning Glory.’  It also created time to meditate on the words a little.  I’ve chosen to read ‘33 Days…’ first and then move to ‘Say Goodbye…’  Then, for fun, I play a game on my kindle (if you must know, it’s either Tetris…or ughhh! CandyCrush.  I succumbed and have not much else to say!).

Why has this made a difference?  Well, I believe it’s because oftentimes this is the only thing done during the day for me.  It grounds me.  It reminds me why I’m here.  Even if I end up yelling at the kids, the schoolwork isn’t done by the oldest (again), the 18mo didn’t sleep well last night, I didn’t get a shower (again), the walls are marked with permanent marker (and I just used up my ‘best’ organic cleaner; nothing else I have will take it off), and I generally feel as if I’m drowning in a sea of chores and to-do’s…I still FEEL like I’ve accomplished something I haven’t been able to do for quite some time…read a passage that is uplifting and brings me closer to Christ and His mother, Mary.

And, finally, there is a little bit of peace in my day.  I know I have a little sliver of peace to look forward to each and every day. 

 

Our Homeschool Challenge

Electronics.  When, how much time, what kind, which software, where do we put it?  Ughhh.  Being a parent is tough in this electronic age.  Both Eric and I use electronics for volunteer work and career, so it’s a part of our lives.

One of our children, Greg, will most likely study and work in a field saturated with electronic devices.  He started young and just never lost his fascination with all things computer and electronic.  It’s been a challenge figuring out how to encourage his enthusiasm without letting him go overboard, and yet figure out how to keep him interested in the ‘more boring’ (according to him) subject areas involving literature/English, writing skills, history, geography, music, art, etc. 

He likes science, but takes forever to work through his chapters.  Math, thank goodness isn’t hard for him, but he’d been stalled on a topic for over a month because it challenged him and he couldn’t figure it out as easily.  I don’t think it would have stalled him this long if he’d have spent a consistent amount of time on the topic each day, but I could NOT find a way to encourage or motivate him.  At his age, I cannot make him physically do tasks.  I cannot make him learn!  He has to want to do these things.

I suppose he’s been what you call a challenging child or unmotivated learner (when it doesn’t coincide with his purposes) or a difficult student.  And he is.  However, he is intelligent and none of the above mentioned subjects are hard for him.  I’ve seen him write A+ papers and do it in a short amount of time.  He can read well and make his way through what he refers to as ‘the most boring book’ he’s ever read and then write an essay…all without taking notes.  (Not that I haven’t encouraged note-taking, he just doesn’t agree.)

We’ve tried an endless variety of ideas, strategies, and the like to ‘change’ his attitude and study/work ethic.  They haven’t worked or only work for a time.

He’ll be a senior next year.  While I rejoice with relief that he’ll soon be graduating, my husband and I also find ourselves thinking of all the times he’s helped us with electronic/computer issues when we didn’t want to take the time to correct problems ourselves.  He’s much quicker, anyway.  Also, I find myself thinking about the days when I won’t have to struggle EVERY SINGLE DAY to motivate him!  I have wanted to give up; I really have.  But, I haven’t.  I’ve threatened so send him to public school, but I haven’t.  It it really an option? 

Eric has encouraged sending him to school; friends have encouraged sending him to school; and grandparents have encouraged sending him to school.  Yet, he remains here in our homeschool.  Even when I felt our relationship was at an extremely low point, homeschooling still presented itself, in my heart, as the best option. 

Home is the best place for him right now.

Greg knows this; I know this; his dad knows this.  Some days he listens better than others.  Some days are pure torture for one or the other!  This homeschooling route is really hard; I couldn’t do it without grace. 

Regardless of the obstacles, Greg and I continue to work on our relationship.  It’s evolved over time, thank goodness.  I thought we’d forever be stuck at opposing ends and he’d never want to come home after leaving for college, but I don’t think that anymore. 

And that is awesome.

This & That

Sometimes…well it’s honestly most times…I need to be reminded that I do accomplish quite a bit during the week.  I like lists and being able to cross an item off.  It’s satisfying to see a job through to completion.  And then there are those weeks where it’s just a good thing we all survived Monday…or Tuesday!

I’ve been trying to help Greg register for the ACT for the last couple days.  It wouldn’t let us register and I finally figured out why. Duh!  The site where ‘he’ wants to take the test doesn’t offer the test on the ‘date’ he wants.  Sheesh…at least it’s figured out.  He’ll have to drive a little farther to a test site.

Today has been one of those days where I want to duct tape at least three kids to their seats so that I don’t have to run off to find them (or in my case, yell up the stairs because I don’t have the energy to go up two flights…AGAIN!).  Focus, focus.

Apparently at snack time, which I’ve really tried to eliminate (due to the above reason!), Zeke decided his snack would be cookie dough.  Angelina told me he started tossing ingredients into a small bowl and then proceeded to eat it himself.  He mixed it with a WIRE WHISK!!  I only know this because he didn’t wash the whisk and it was sitting on the counter, full of cookies dough, when we all came up for dinner.  Other evidence was flour all over the floor and counter.  Ugh.  My brother and I used to do this with my mom’s spices in either a brown sugar or powdered sugar ‘base’.  We would then dare each other to eat the concoctions.  I often wonder if she figured out where her supplies went.

Eric is gone all week, again.  Last week it was for work, this week it’s for fun.  He went snowmobiling (can’t remember where, but East of ND) with a couple relatives and friends.  My brother, Collin, likes winter as much as I do and plans a snowmobile trip every year.  I actually encourage Eric to go.

It’s been a long time…

What can I say?  I’ve been in survival mode and something had to give.  Giving up blogging gave me more time and my presence was needed here, in my home.  Whether I wanted to be ‘here’ or not!  And believe me, I’d have rather been somewhere else.  Somewhere quiet, sipping Chai tea, or heaven-forbid…an adult drink. 

Maybe I’d be wearing an outfit that actually flattered me (beyond jeans and an old t-shirt) or wear a bit of jewelry.  I do have jewelry, it just isn’t worn very often because I’m afraid it’ll get ripped off my neck or out of my ears.  At some point in the last few months, I decided I didn’t care if the jewelry was broken.  What good is the jewelry sitting in my drawer?  It’s meant to be worn and I plan to enjoy wearing it as long as it lasts.

Today, I scheduled a haircut.  Pretty sad that I cannot remember the last time I had my hair cut.  I can remember my last confession better; that’s a good thing, right?

So, what’s giving me the time to give a little of my time to blogging today?  One less child in school helps, the baby is older, we’re over the sickness that’s been going through the children, it’s a New Year, I’m feeling like I have something to share or give.  For the longest time, I didn’t FEEL like I had anything I could possibly give.  There just wasn’t anything there at the beginning of the day, much less at the end.

Not sure how regular I’ll be on posting, but I’m still here.  Today there is hope and I’m feeling a little more like the ‘normal’ me.

Just stuff

Since this is my record/journal, I’m using it to record dates and facts I want to remember.  It helps me keep my head on straight sometimes to be able to look back!  I’m not sure it will be interesting to everyone, so just skip it if it doesn’t appeal.

---

1. I helped plan and facilitate a Reconciliation Retreat for the second graders in our parish on April 28th.  To my knowledge, this is a first for our parish.  Their teacher and I (in my role as DRE) are trying to implement diocesan guidelines.  The retreat, in my mind, was a success.  I switched out the saint play-acting with rosary making and the kids LOVED it!  It was gratifying to see them enjoy the activities and stations that their teacher and I planned out.  The diocese actually has a script we can follow, but we are able to add our own activities or choose those we want to include.  One young girl even said, “I thought this was going to be boring, but I’m having a lot of fun!”  This was said while we were making rosaries.  At least one parent per child was asked to attend, and they had a parent session with our priest.  I’m so thankful he was willing to give a talk.  I still need to talk with parents to get their perspective on the afternoon.

This happened to be the same day that Eric and Angelina were at the Aerospace Camp, so Zeke came along to watch Marcus.  So thankful the weather was decent so he could stroll around outside!  He’s such a good big brother.

---

2. Angelina ‘got’ shingles.  Yes, my not even thirteen-year-old daughter has been dealing with shingles.  They are on her upper right chest, go under her arm and around to her back.  They also travel down her right arm to just above the elbow.

When she first showed me, I thought it was just a rash or reaction to an environmental allergen.  But, then, as I sat and continued what I was doing, the pattern of the rash (which at the time was a patch on her upper check, a spot under her arm, and a patch on her back) started to bother me.  Within a very short time, it occurred to me that it could be shingles.  Both the pattern and the ‘texture’ of the rash were typical of shingles.  But, in a child so young?!?

It was too late in the day to make an appointment (May 9), so I called asap the next morning.  When asked why I was calling, I said something like, “Well, I know this sounds impossible, but to my non-medical eye, I believe my daughter has shingles.”  And then I described the rash.  Thankfully we were able to get her in to the clinic that afternoon.

They physician was skeptical as first, too.  But I said, “Wait until you see the rash, and you’ll see why I think it’s shingles.”  She then examined Angelina, and it was almost comical to see her reaction and expression of agreement.  It’s so rare for a child, you see.  And the kicker is that Angelina did not have the vaccine, she really had chicken pox.  For some reason I expected if she had a real case of chicken pox, any onset of shingles would come at a much later point in life. 

The physician did some research in the office…her database didn’t show any cases in children my daughter’s age.  I assume they just haven’t been recorded…I believe there are more cases, but maybe they were more mild than Angelina’s.  Anyway, the physician prescribed Acyclovir – 5 times each day.

The medication (which, by the way, is the first medication Angelina has EVER taken) really helped shorted the length of the shingles.  They scabbed over quickly, and the tingling pain subsided.  I pray she doesn’t have to go through this again, but contrary to common belief, you can get shingles multiple times.

At this point, the rash blisters are healed and it’s not inflamed and red.  You can still see where she was affected, though.  I am not sure how long that will take to fade.

And the three youngest boys have been exposed …maybe.  They can get chicken pox from shingles (we do not vaccinate for chicken pox), if they are exposed to the liquid from the blisters.  Shingles is not a respiratory ailment like chicken pox, so contagion is not as easy or as great if the rash/blisters are kept covered.  So, we’ll see.  I wouldn’t mind the boys getting chicken pox, but it’ll make for an interesting couple months if they do come down with it.  Prayers for God’s will appreciated because I’m not sure of my will!

---

3. It’s finally starting to green up.  The trees JUST budded out last week and the grass is greening up.  I even went out last week to see if any were living because buds weren’t visible!  Turns out the trees know what’s going on with the weather. 

I am worried about the landscaping we had done in the fall.  Hopefully everything will make it…but I have a feeling we’ll have the company replace at least a few plants/shrubs that winter-killed.

Last night was the first measurable rain we’ve had in some time and it was needed.  After so many wet years, this is a very different kind of Spring.  I like rain and not having to water the gardens and lawn.

The trees we ordered through the soil conservation service arrived on Friday, too:  two honeycrisp apple, one connell red apple, five black chokeberry and five golden currant.  The five nanking cherry were backordered.  Now to determine where I’ll plant!  You’d think I would have figured that out before placing the order, but I was not thinking as clearly and just wanted bit of Spring.

While the boys were away…

 

…we had some girls over to play.  I didn’t get a picture of the whole group, even though I intended to do so.  Oh well, we were just having too much fun.  Our 4-H club did a stencil painting project a couple months ago, and Miss T’s family wasn’t able to attend.  I promised that I’d have Miss T and her sister out to do more of the painting and this past weekend when the boys were away seemed perfect.  We invited another family, whose girls enjoyed the project and wanted to do more, as well. 

Angelina, Marcus and I headed to LaMoure to pick up Miss T and her sister after school was done (for the year for them) and then headed out to the country to pick up the other girls (who also finished up school for the year on Friday).  Five girls total, and the trip back to our farm was pretty quiet.  We’ve not done anything like this before, and truthfully, the girls didn’t know each other that well as they are different ages and attend different schools (though all attend the same church). 

Once they all got going on the painting, though, they let the quietness fall to the side and really started to have fun.  Two of the girls painted plastic buckets and the other three did various glass objects.  Angelina and Miss T are shown below with a sampling of their work. 

After completing the project they all went outside to do chores (gather eggs & other fun stuff) and then proceeded to just play.  One of the moms arrived and it was just so fun to sit and visit.  She wanted to clean up for me, but I didn’t let her!!  No regrets.  It was just pizza and paper plates.  I told her I was selfish and just wanted to visit. 

What a great, rare, girls night!

Human Floor Sweepers

 

Yep, this is how I keep my kitchen floor clean.  Forget about nagging and begging the older kids to do their duty/chore each day and just let the little guys do it.  They, at least, don’t complain.

Here’s what you do…set them down and give the smaller one about 30 seconds.  Believe me, he’ll find the biggest piece lickety-split.  Then, empty mouth with a finger sweep and toss in the garbage.  Next, brush off all the smaller crumbs over the sink or garbage – whichever is most convenient.

Footed fleece pajamas pick up the most lint, but knit works well, too.

Repeat until clean.

Staying Strong Despite…

This question was posed on the CCM (Confraternity of Christian Mothers) group on which I occasionally find time to post.  If you like the title/topic, I encourage you to post your own list. 

While the post was written long ago (last fall), I kept it in my drafts.  Every time I came to blogger, I’d look at it and re-read it and wonder if I should post it.  Everyone has tough times…my tough doesn’t seem so tough compared to others’ tough! 

For quite a while, I didn’t post anything because (in my opinion) there wasn’t anything positive or nice to write by the time I sat in front of the computer.  When I sit down, it’s usually to correct schoolwork, and it had become very frustrating to correct.  Truly it left me in a bad mood, whether in the morning or in the evening, so it was just better NOT to write.

I’m not saying the schoolwork correcting is better, but it is less because the younger kids have finished a few subjects, leaving me more free time.  Marcus is older, too, which also gives more time for free thought.  I have a better handle on my other responsibilities… for the moment!

So, here’s my list of things I try to remember when life gets tough:

1. Pray without ceasing.  Just short little prayers…sometimes long, extended prayer just takes too much out of me, so I keep it short and sweet.

2. Adore Christ in the Eucharist and just pour it all out.

3. Read a ‘light’ book to take your mind off ‘it’.

4. Do not compare yourself or your family to others.  Only God is omniscient.

5. Keep asking for help from the saints.  Find the saint who can best help with your prayer of intercession.

6. Ask someone else to pray for your intention because sometimes you just need to ‘not think about the situation’.

7. Sometimes you just have to find somewhere you can holler at the top of your lungs and let the emotions go.  That may not sound very dignified, but believe me it’s better than keeping it all bottled up inside.

8. If at all possible find someone to talk to about the trial.  Preferably someone who is content to listen and only give advice if you are open and willing to hear advice.

9. Set a goal, no matter how small, that you know you can achieve.  Maybe it’s cleaning the counter OR getting your sink clean OR writing that Thank You you’ve been meaning to write and send for the last 6 mos. OR clearing one pile of stuff OR doing one load of laundry OR just getting dressed in the morning.  Whatever it is, do it and ALLOW yourself to feel good about accomplishing the goal.

10. De-clutter.  I know that may sound odd, but it’s what’s kept me going for the last couple months.  De-cluttering is a form of cleaning; it gets the un-needed materials into the hands of someone who needs them; it leaves less for me (and the kids) to pick up and therefore creates a more calm and clean home.

11. Get outside.  Sit on the porch and have a cup..chai in my case…or get moving by walking down the driveway to pick up the mail.

12. Make sure to take your vitamins.  When I’m stressed, I tend to get worn down easier and have a harder time sleeping.  Both contribute to illness – take extra D, C, B’s and Zinc if needed to compensate.

Just Suzie…

I am not sure when I will find time to blog consistently again!  I seem to lament about this a lot – not so much online, but in my own head.  I see I am not alone in this lament!  However, REAL life keeps me in the present and away from a keyboard.  Or, maybe it’s the fact that one more little soul in the house leaves less time for idle pursuits.  Yes, in many ways, for me this is an idle pursuit.  I didn’t set out to make waves or gain ‘friends’, or become followed by many.  While I am pleased, blessed and fortunate to have made friends because of this electronic pursuit (and make them ‘in-real-life’ friends), that just wasn’t my goal.  I DID, however, want to record my family life!  So, I suppose my priorities have changed, or in the very least, I’ve adjusted them.  And, that is good.  Besides, posts bulging with pictures are just my speed right now and they will do.
For now, blog posts are caught up to real life.    What better thing to do during a BLIZZARD.  The kids enjoyed playing their electronic gadgets; we ate leftovers when hungry; Eric was the only one to venture outside into the blowing snow after we came home from church this morning; Angelina gave Marcus a bath by himself – he enjoyed it immensely; Eric read to the kids and maybe we’ll be able to watch a movie…cuz we sure won’t be going anywhere tomorrow!  Thank goodness the electricity hasn’t even flickered.
The lower third of the state was covered in red closed roads?  Yes, we won’t be going very far out of the farmyard.
This Blizzard has been in the forecast and predicted and talked about for the last two to three days.  We were in the 8-10 or 10-12 inch range.  Most of us hoped that the weather people would be wrong or that it was a late April Fool’s Day joke.  It’s not joke and the weather forecasters weren’t wrong on this one!  I’m sure we’ve had at least 8 inches, but it isn’t done snowing.  The snow is heavy, wet and sticky.  Drifts are deep.  Clearing it will be a chore, but my husband just said, “However, it probably means we can get the snowmobiles out again.”  Yes, I see snowmobiling being in the plan for tomorrow.
Do we take a snow day from school??  I’m not as sure on that…the kids may drive me crazy if they don’t have something to do for at least part of the day.  I’d sure enjoy it though!
Good night, friends!

March 17-31, 2013

Lent was good.  Even though it didn’t go as I planned, it went as HE planned.  And, His plan is infinitely better than mine. 

In these weeks, Eric and I started teaching NFP again after a 1.5 year hiatus.  Dash competed in the State FFA Crop Judging Contest and received a silver placing.  Our county hosted their annual Family Fun Night.  Lent ended and Holy Week began. 

All the kids, except for Dash and Angelina, took the whole week of school off.  Dash used the week to catch up and Angelina just needed to finish up a couple days in Latin.  I call it our Spring Break; we needed a break!

On Friday and Saturday, we did a bit of baking.  This lamb mold was on sale after Easter last year, and it was fun to use it this year.  It was amazingly easy to bake and decorate.  Just use a large star tip and it’s covered up in no time at all.  I used a black decorating pen for the eyes, nose & mouth.

Angelina and the boys made sugar cookies and frosted them on Saturday.  Each kid had a job – Angelina is very good at organizing who does what!  She sounds like me…I’m not sure that is a good thing sometimes.

And, Marcus is mobile.  He’s not fast, but he uses his hands and his right foot to scoot around and get where he wants.  His left foot and leg are usually up in the air!  It’s too cute.

 

We didn’t dye eggs, we grow them!  The Easter Egger’s lay colorful eggs and then the last two years, I’ve just written on the eggs with food pens.  The kids decorate with stickers…and we’re done!  Colorful, cute and easy.

Angelina had a new dress for Easter; I wish I’d have taken a picture.  I was thankful that I fit into some of my favorite outfits (FINALLY). 

This year, our family attended Holy Thursday Mass, Good Friday services, and the Easter Vigil.  Every. Single. One. Of. Us.  I’m not saying that everyone stayed awake!  This being the third vigil I have attended, I finally felt like the readings made sense or clicked with me.  Probably I wasn’t able to listen the other times I’ve attended…the first I had a busy 1yo (Dash) and last year I was pregnant and kind-of miserable.  This vigil just made an impression on me…makes me want to do it all over again.

Alleluia! 

He is Risen!

Happy Easter!

The kids checked out their Easter baskets on Sunday morning.  The family headed over to Grandma & Grandpa Green Acres’ home for a wonderful dinner followed by a choice of desserts.  The kids played and watched TV while Eric and I enjoyed visiting.

February 17-28, 2013

 

Let’s see, this is the beginning of Lent.  I actually felt very prepared for Lent this year.  I’d made copies of sacrifice charts, I’d colored a calendar for Lent and hung it in the kitchen, we all made it to Ash Wednesday services…basically I had a plan.  And then we all got sick.  For two and a half weeks all the junk that everyone else had been dealing with finally came knocking on our door.  Even Marcus had his first major cold – the kind where you sorta sleep in a chair so the baby is upright and can breath and maybe sleep. 

So, you can be thankful there are not pictures!

During this time, Angelina made it to NO dance classes on Monday, but she made it to every single Hunter’s Education class.  Yes, she is now certified!  And, I think she enjoyed the class as much as Zeke enjoyed reading her manual when she came home each night.

Eric missed everything because he, for the most part, was gone to a meeting or golf trip.  Lucky him.  That’s probably fortunate, because he was responsible for taking the kids to all their activities on the weekends when he was home.

He and Dash attended Citizenship in Action, an Extension sponsored event, at the state capital (Bismarck).  Dash was elected Lt. Governor, so had quite a good time and learned a lot.

Eric and Dash also went to the Catholic Youth Advisory Board planning meeting in Langdon.  This was their first planning retreat and they had a great time.  They planned out the Jr. High Youth Rally.

Our church had their Mission weekend the last weekend in February; I really wanted to attend because the talks sounded so wonderful.  I dropped Angelina off to help with childcare each day.  Eric and the three older kids made it to the Friday night mission talk…me?  Nada.  Sick kids.

HOPEfully we are covered in immunity!  And February is at an end.

Happy St. Valentine’s Day

 

My mom brought home Calla Lillies for me last week while she was here and my Hubby brought home beautiful flowers for my mom and I earlier in the week.  They were gorgeous!

The stargazer lily in my mom’s bouquet was at least 8 inches across.  It was just outstanding.  I cannot recall seeing such a beautiful lily in a bouquet.

January 2013

 

These two pics are noteworthy chiefly because I didn’t take many pics in January!  So, these meant something.

This first is a last minute 4-H demonstration that I used to replace my original glass etching idea because I’d forgotten ‘I’ volunteered to do it.  But these Rustic Apple Tarts turned out amazing and very tasty!  I’m actually thinking one of the kids could use it for a genuine 4-H exhibit if we amend the filling (cannot exhibit baked products that need refrigeration).

And this particularly cold day…why was I going anywhere?  Probably because I’d lined up multiple appointments and to reschedule would have been impossibly difficult.  Believe it or not, I actually saw it dip to –19.  Just a crazy winter.

Miller Ski Trip 2012-13 (#3)

 

Now, my dad has a crazy sense of humor. I may have inherited a bit of it, but I tend toward the sarcastic.  This is totally my dad!  He found these crazy hats at a truck stop and decided that his grandkids would thoroughly enjoy them.  And, they did!!

Our family trip wouldn’t be complete without pictures.  So, first it’s Grandpa & Grandma with all the grandkids.  With this many, it’s hard to get a bad picture …or a good picture depending on how you look at the scenario.

The headbands are a little big for the littlest Golden Acre Grandkids, but they persevered.

 

The Lahlum Family…and another of the headband conquers baby pictures.

 

My parents, to whom we are thankful for giving us life and these wonderful family memories.

 

I didn’t include all my sibling family photos, but I have to include my brother Eric.  He has a great sense of humor, too.  He was replicating the Karate Kid in the above shot.  I have no idea where that came from…

now, this…I take complete creative credit for the idea that began it all.  I made an offhand comment to Anna, my sister-in-law, that, “I think they should make NDSU.”  Said sarcastically, of course!  And, from there we have the following fun…we ladies stood up on the balcony and directed the guys into proper position…and LAUGHED and LAUGHED!

Don’t worry, the guys do get better with practice.  From scrunched up on the carpet…

…to rolling up the carpet and moving some furniture..

…to the best we could do with this many people and this little space.

Then, the guys had to have their own brand of fun!!

Happy New Year!  Go Bison…a few of the group will be headed down to TX at the end of the week for the championship football game.

While the snow cover on the mountain was sufficient, the night we left…on into the morning of our departure…it snowed A LOT.  Wish we could have stayed to ski one more day. 

I should note that I chose not to ski this year.  Getting all the kids to lessons and having a 4 month old baby would have made it challenging.  And, I did want to relax.  In addition, there was ‘baby weight’ and I had no desire to shop for post-pregnancy ski pants!  This was the year to ‘take a break.’  I enjoyed visiting, reading my Kindle, watching the kids in their ski lessons, and playing Scrabble with my brothers (they actually used a timer!!).

This is the view out the balcony door on the morning of our departure.  We left for home on Jan 2.  We drove all the way home.  Thank goodness traveling wasn’t affected by the snowfall.

Overall, another excellent Miller Ski Trip.