Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Memorial Day weekend on the Range



We had an awesome Memorial Day weekend. Heather pretty much covered what we did. Here is the evidence :) Kathryn turned three on Saturday, so we had Dairy Queen cake to celebrate in the evening. Heather thrilled the kids with 4-wheeler rides.










The Wellstone Memorial is tucked in the serene north woods; very condusive to contemplation.

At the Wellstone Memorial, Brian investigated the crash scene info. Later, we met Liz at Ely Lake. She has been instrumental in improvements made there as she is on the Park Board. It would be a great place for us to gather for a couple days of family camping!



Heather and Shawn's






Told Heather and Shawn we would post a couple pictures of their beautiful wood floors and the green kitchen wall we have been hearing about. They have done a fabulous job! Had to post some pictures of Heather's baby girls also. Ain't dae cute?! Now I remember why I had goats! Denise is going to be staying with Heather and Shawn during school next year. I have a feeling she will become attached to these girls. -becky

Memorial day weekend






We had a busy weekend around here....We went camping up near Flagstaff with about 8 other families, and the youth from our church, and it was a lot of fun. There were about 120 or so people there, so lots of visiting:) The girls had an absolute ball...we didn't go camping once last summer, so they were pretty excited to go! Lots of playing, laughing, and junk food! We got back Sunday night around 5 or so to beat the monday memorial day traffic, and just lazed around for the evening swimming and reading. Monday morning was spent doing the same (nothing) then in the afternoon Jari & Anita, Anna & Tia came over...the girls spent the afternoon swimming, and us adults got a few games of settlers in.

After Jari & Anita left, we decided to go visiting at Andy & Deb Forstie's....all was well until our drive home. Our van has acted up a few times in the last month with me driving, and last night it decided to conk out! I'm just thankful that it was when Frans was with us, instead of just me with all the kids! So it is sitting on Cave creek and the 101 at a gas station. As soon as the kids all get up we are going to tow it to the shop. Frustrating!! I am just praying that it is nothing major! I had a feeling something would happen, I drove it last on Friday, and it sputtered and almost died on me when I was almost home, so I told Frans that maybe we should stay home from camping....but of course he took it for a spin, and nothing happened with him driving! Anyways....minus our van problems, the weekend was fun, and I am anxiously waiting to hear what you others did...did you camp? laze around and do nothing? Get some home projects done? Whatever you all did, hope you enjoyed the long weekend!

Jenny

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Happy Birthday David

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear David,
Happy Birthday to you.

Hope you have a wonderful birthday!!
Heather and Shawn

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Alanys
Happy Birthday to you!!

Heather and Shawn

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

A Again

Another one of those weeks ... topped by a fabulous weekend.


Sunday night started the flu bug. It has been a very long time since I had 3 people upchucking at the same time in the same house. Yuck! Alyx first. Then Jari, Anna & Tia were sick in tandem. Brock escaped the whole experience. Not surprising .. he has been known to do that. Blayde stopped in one evening and I highly recommended he grab his stuff and leave. I never made it to the extreme the others did, just felt yucky enough to justify good long naps!


I put my brain to work once again and took an ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) class on Wednesday & Thursday. Not sure I can manage to keep any of you alive if I need to, but I can probably try a little better now! That is over with.


Friday evening Frans & Jenny came and visited. It was quite a traumatic evening. I lost a pitiful game of Settlers. Alanys must be growing or something. Haven't seen quite so many knocks on a noggin in one evening. Amazed she had a noggin left on her when they left! Amber Bratt, a young friend of our childrens', came to visit for the weekend & flew in on Friday evening.


I actually worked a Saturday. Okay. I am spoiled. I usually am scheduled Tuesday and Thursday. Someone was feeling quite envious tonite when I left work. I asked her if she'd like to switch days with me tomorrow. She can come teach Roman History and I'll go to work. She actually declined! We had sort of made plans to go to California for the weekend before I knew that it was actually Youth Camp as well. Tia chose to go to Youth Camp. My wonderful and awesome hubby came up with a great plan. He would drive with the kids (Alyx, Amber, Anna, Brock & his friend Ben) Saturday morning and I would fly in the evening after work. Marvy plan!! That's what we did. While I wiped buns at work ... they did the drive to San Diego, visited Silver Strand State Beach, went shopping, pool swimming, hot tubbing and chillin'. I was able to digest half of an awesome book while waiting for my plane and while flying. Anna must share with you her experience of valet parking ... wish I had been there to see it while the experience was still 1st day new!


Sunday we had breakfast at Denny's. The girls surprised me with a wonderful bunch of roses! Then we did some walkin'.
Oh.
My.
Gosh.
My knees still hurt!!

We toured the USS Midway which was really amazing. We strolled and strolled and strolled some more! The air was a bit chilly for these Arizona folks to be doing any swimming in the ocean, so we did other things. Went to Belmont Park again. We were there a few years back riding the same rides. I declined rides .. just enjoyed watching. I told Jari in the morning that he couldn't let me be a fuddy duddy that day. Back to the hotel to swim for an hour & on the feet again. Seaport Village was rather lifeless. Sunday evening must not be the time to be there. Should have gone there in the morning .. next time we know. I found a book called the Happy Book. Am going to post lessons for all of you. It is the 30 day plan. I'll try and do one a day. If I can't manage it, I'll double up. Was a neat book. Sunday night we were just a bit exhausted!


Monday .. the drive home. A stop at the sand dunes near Yuma where the sand was so hot that you burned your feet running in flip flops. No! Not through the bottom of the shoe! I said go for it .. I'll sit and watch. Heat is making me increasingly nauseated. I shudder to think of what my electric bill will be this summer if we have to pay one here. Is going to be massive ... I am having mental heat stroke. We picked up Tia, dropped off Ben and came home for 1 1/2 hours. Then off again. Our week for church cleaning. Off to mops, vacuums & window squeegies. Back home again to hang out and wait for Blayde to share his birthday cake. We have a 20 YEAR OLD SON!! And no, I don't feel a bit older .. just incredibly fortunate!


Another biggie this past week is that Blayde started and nearly finished the moving out project. He is sharing a rental house with 2 other guys on the other side of town. He started full time at Discount Tire several weeks ago and his job is on the other side of the world. I am going to cheat and share a photo with you. Hope he doesn't mind. He also added another special someone to HIS household. Her name is Lady and she is an absolutely adorable Boxer puppy. We all love her ... tinkles and all!


Enough of all that. Was a busy week. This week/weekend look to be a bit quieter. Not going anywhere. Having another Open House on Sunday. Keep your fingers crossed for us. Maybe I'll bake some pulla!

Happy Birthday Laurie

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Laurie,
Happy Birthday to you.

Enjoy your day!!!

Heather and Shawn

Monday, May 14, 2007

Happy Birthday Blayde

Hey Blayde! Thinking of you and sending warm birthday wishes your way from me and my boss! Hope your day is all that you want it to be and more!
~jen and Charlie~

Happy Mother's Day

I meant to post this on Friday, but couldn't, so it's late:

Happy Mother's Day to all of the Mothers
(Mom, Anita, Becky, Machelle, Jody, Jenny, and Laurie)

I hope all of you had a wonderful Mother's Day!!!

There are angels God puts on this earth who care for us and guide us.
You can feel their love and gentleness as they walk through life beside us.
God blessed me with a person like that she loves me more than any other.
And I'm thankful I'm the lucky one who gets to call her MOTHER. Anonymous
Heather and Shawn

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Ivan and Missi

Wow! I don't think I have posted on this new blog yet. This looks different. Well, it has been a long time since I have read the blog. I just read all the way back to February!! You all have such exciting lives. If I tried to blog that often I would have you all sleeping at the computer. But here is a brief overview of what has been happening here.

The wedding plans are going great. Now I am at the point where I have to wait, wait and wait some more. There isn't really anything to do right now. The next big thing is to get the invites started. I have finished the party favors and Ivan has picked out the tuxs. We meet with the pastor at the church this Wednesday to talk about the ceremony. That meeting will help me determine what time to have the ceremony start, which will then allow me to start the invites. By the way, Ivan and I did find a scripture that we like. We shortened one the church recommended. Thanks to all who gave their ideas! By the way, Jenny, did you get the picture I mailed you?

At work I am down to two girls again. I had a baby girl for four months, but her dad transfered his job to Belgium. They left this past Wednesday night. I was so sad to see her go, but it has been nice to only have the four and six year old again. I have more time to play and more time to clean. Now starting May 21st I will have an 8 month old boy Mon, Wed, and every-other Fri.

Ivan is doing a lot of side jobs while not working. He is also enjoying his free time on the golf course!!!! I went one time this spring, but I just drove the cart. That is fun, more fun than the whole golfing thing.

Friday, May 11, 2007

Fire

I'm putting in an article from the Mesabi Daily News:

Wildfire in Cherry 200 acres burn as firefighters respond
Charles RamsayLast updated: Thursday, May 10th, 2007 11:12:47 PM

CHERRY — About 212 acres of forest, grassland and brush in Cherry Township were burned Thursday during a “red flag’’ day of ideal burning conditions — stronger winds and dry, dry materials.
No houses had been burned, although some were threatened, and six were evacuated along Tamminen Road between Allavus Road and Iron Junction. A residence on Allavus Road sustained roof damage and a storage building with two snowmobiles burned. Residents were allowed to return by 8:30 p.m., the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department said Thursday evening.
No one was injured through the evening, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources spokesman Gene Mannelin said at 9:30 p.m. at the Eveleth DNR office, which was the command post Thursday.
But the fire, reported at about 1 p.m., centered along Allavus Road two miles north of Cherry School, got plenty of attention during the afternoon, with two CL-215 water bombers, several helicopters dumping fire retardant, several bulldozers and other tracked vehicles, and many local fire departments pitching in. About 50 or so firefighters were helping combat the blaze, he said.
“The fire departments and the DNR did a heck of a job,’’ he said.
The fire teams had lines around the fire, and a Minnesota Interagency Fire Center incident management team was to take over at 7 a.m. today. Forecast for today included a 20 percent chance of rain, less wind, and cooler temperatures.
At one point, the fire leaped across County Road 137, but the aircraft dumped retardant and dozers plowed some lines, which stopped it, Mannelin said.
The Cherry fire advanced quickly, as “due to the dry conditions, it’s been traveling much faster,’’ she said.
A “red flag’’ day means the DNR staffs all of its stations as much as possible as conditions develop. But “we’re stretched really thin because of the Ham Lake fire,’’ Mannelin said.
Departments helping out were from Cherry, Clinton, McDavitt, Biwabik, Biwabik Township, Buhl, Central Lakes, Chisholm, Colvin, Eveleth, Fayal, Gilbert, Hibbing, Kinney, Lakeland, Makinen, Virginia, Ellsberg and Silica, the DNR, State Patrol, Sheriff’s Office, county Rescue Squad, and county emergency management.


An anxiety provoking night. Shawn and I made sure that Randy's house was safe, the fire was west of him. The wind was blowing south and a little east, so he seemed safe. Went to Rob and Amy's and helped to load up some irreplaceable items into vehicles, move things around and hosed down the trees, sheds, house, etc. The smoke got worse and the ash got bigger. It hit their field, but was stopped there. The fire crossed the Taminen road by going under the bridge along the little river there. I was so amazed at the quick reactions and the coordination. It was amazing. Thankfully, everyone's houses are fine. Some of Steve and Sandy's woods was burned and he has new trails made as there were 10 crawlers out making fire breaks and more on standby.
The positive is there will be some blueberry picking next spring and some wood ticks have been cleaned out. Right now the air around here stinks for smoke. I could smell it outside at my house. I think a culmination of the Ham Lake fire at the BWCA and the fire in Cherry.

I hope things are going well for everyone.
Heather

Monday, May 07, 2007

Happy Anniversary

Mom and Isa:

Happy Anniversary!!!

A comment heard from an individual who was in one of the groups you faciliated:
"It was great that your parents facilited the group. Not only were they excellent facilitators, but to have two people who raised 10 children and are still married. Not only are they still married, they even seem happy to be together still. What great role models".

Wishing you both a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY and many more years together!

Heather and Shawn

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear BRIAN,
Happy Birthday to you!!

Hope you have a great birthday!!

Heather and Shawn

Friday, May 04, 2007

The Pebble and the Stream

God created both the pebble and the stream.
The stream may start as only a pool of water,
shining and shimmering.
Rains fall on the mountains far up high and joins
The pool of water, just as God intended.
The pool overflows and a stream begins to flow.
At times it pauses and is still,
at other times a storm forces it to move.
Its path may be changed during those storms,
and it winds a new path around the obstacles in its way.
What if we then are the stream?
Our path is not known to us, but only to God.
The stream in the mountain wouldn’t chart a new course
but for the Creator who sent the storm.
As people we try to chart our own course.
Sometimes we have pebbles thrust in front of us and
we are able to climb over those pebbles, continuing the path.
God sends the pebbles, lest the journey be too easy and
we not appreciate the smooth flow of the stream.
Sometimes the way is marked with larger stones.
As a stream, we work our way through the stones, picking our way.
What then happens when one’s stream has been
steadily heading down that mountain
The view of peaceful valley is in the distance
and the goal is within reach.
As it nears that place it has dreamed of,
it finds a field of boulders, not pebbles.
Every turn it takes leads to yet another boulder.
They are not pebbles now, or even stones.
A wall of boulders stands in front of the stream.
They weren’t there before.
They are new.
They have recently appeared.
The path is blocked.
Does the stream then forge ahead to cut a path through the boulder?
There are many paths leading from the place
where the stream pauses.
The stream is bubbling and anxious.
It is ready to wind its way
It is anxious to see new sights, smell new aromas, touch new things.
The stream can start to pound at the boulder blocking its path
Or.
The stream can silently and patiently wait.
It knows, and has always known, that God knows its path.
The Heavens will send a message
The path will become clear.
Perhaps it will lead to that valley it was yearning to reach
Or.
Perhaps God has a different plan.
Perhaps the gifts this stream brings are needed in another valley.
The stream must be patient.
It must sit quietly and wait for God to send his message.
Only then can it follow the plan that God has made for it.

-a

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Lake Powell


This is our campsight on the lower left...great spot!





Here are a few pictures from our Lake Powell trip last weekend with Jari and Anita. Other people there were Riita, Rhonda, Bruce and Jodi Barber, Dave and Amanda Barber, Steve Moll, and Fred. It was mine and Frans' first time since we've been married ever going over night somewhere without our kids! We had a lot of fun, and took plenty of pictures!






Sunrise on Sunday morning....Frans went for quite the walk to get a good picture!






And this last picture is on our walk through Antelope canyon....We probably walked in about a mile.

Happy Birthday Jen

Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday dear Jennifer,
Happy Birthday to you.

Hope it's happy!!

Heather and Shawn

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

spring




spring is here and summer now around the corner, the buds of trees are popping out...

today our windows were started and they look SO nice, my room is already almost done! Pool is up and running, it truly feels like summer is coming, it cools down to about 60 still at night but its beautiful! during the day today an average 80 with a nice small breeze, very nice! have a nice day all. -debbie

Hi there!

Charlie is standing over my shoulder, teaching me how to use this. Now that I know how to do it, he is going to be getting an update everyday on what's new on the blog. Any news for him to know?


~j~
Charlie's secretary