Saturday, May 30, 2015

Goodbye School!

There has been so much stacked into these past last 2 weeks of school for all the kids - picnics, field trips, practices - it's hard to keep it all straight!  We thoroughly enjoyed spending our Sunday and Memorial Day together - it was a much needed break and family time in the middle of May's chaos!

Here is a behind-the-scene look at our last 2 weeks of school - I'm so grateful that I am able to be a stay-at-home mom so I can actively participate in our kids' lives on so many levels and that, even though Scott's job is highly demanding, he is able to sneak away to participate in the big stuff.
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Last Monday we enjoyed our time with Betsy and then Keeley had her first Godahl Softball practice of the season - now if the weather would cooperate so we could get on the field!


Tuesday...she didn't want me to take her picture, but this is cute Kate entertaining herself while mom mows and bags the lawn.  Yes, Mom takes care of the yard work here as Dad already works enough hours (and mom is more particular about outside than dad is!)  After this I got cleaned up and went to court - just to be a body who represents Clint.


Tuesday night was the ECFE/Wee Saints End of the Year event - there is months of planning that go into an event like this...finding a performer, place, food...only to have to adjust it all because of the weather - God Bless Minnesota!


Wednesday I chaperoned Keeley's 2nd grade field trip to the Sioux Falls Zoo - a great time with these 4 girls!  Good thing I had a backpack filled with gum, paper, colored pencils, pens, pencils, and a Find It Games tube.


Me and my "forgotten middle child," Keeley. ;)


Wednesday night was the "Fifth Grade Fiesta".


Thursday was the (rescheduled due to rain) Elementary School Picnic...


and incoming 1st grade open house.  I can't thank everyone who volunteers to help with these events enough!  Planning this picnic was extra challenging as all the volunteers were lined up for the week before and 1/2 were unavailable for the rescheduled date.  I apologize to those I call on time and again to help with events - please know you are appreciated - it takes a special person to be left in charge of 20 kids in sib care, welcome families to school, or serve 350 people food without a break!


Jacob received his long awaited Regional Science Fair Award from AgStar (still waiting on the medal and money, though...)


Friday we took a semi to the last day of Wee Saints Preschool - the kids had a blast getting to climb all over a truck and trailer and learn some interesting facts, too!


After we visited Preschool we were off to 5th grade to check out their "Decades" projects.  Jacob and Hayden had 1900-1910 - of course it was filled with information about Case, Ford, and Hershey! :)


Mrs. Carlson's Room


Mrs. Meyer's Room


Mrs. Winrich's Room - we had SUCH an educational and good time visiting with the students enjoying what they learned and their outfits!  Well done 5th grade & teachers!!!


Kate's last day of Preschool - Officially a Kindergartner!!!!

After a day catching up at home on Saturday and celebrating Scott's and my birthday with his family on Sunday, Jake had his baseball blitz in the afternoon.  


After selling coupon cards for one last hour in the rain, Jake ended up with a grand total of 88 coupon cards sold.  He was the top seller and earned some money and a new baseball glove!  Thank you to everyone that supported this fundraiser!!!


Tuesday both Jacob and Keeley had field trips to the Cities - I was a 2nd grade chaperone again.  Ellie, Keeley, Payton, and Mia in front of the Landmark Center before watching "The Tortise and the Hare" and "The Ugly Duckling" at The Ordway Theater.


As soon as we got back from our field trips we did a costume change and piled in the car and headed to Godahl for another indoor softball practice - maybe we need a bus!


Wednesday afternoon there was a Promotion Ceremony for the Northside 5th graders who will be moving to the High School next year.


Jacob receiving his certificate.


Congrats, Jake!


Some foil packet fish on the grill to celebrate!


Supper on the deck on a beautiful night!


The last day of 5th and 2nd grade...


Northsiders with perfect attendance - way to go kids and moms and dads!!!


So proud of Keeley!!!


Now to prepare for having Katelyn in kindergarten at Armstrong School, Keeley in 3rd grade at Northside, and Jacob in 6th grade at the High School...I'll worry about that later...BRING ON SUMMER!!!


Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Memorial Day

Memorial Day always finds me heading back to my roots.  For as long as I can remember I have been attending Memorial Day programs in Sanborn, MN - population 300 something.  I have such fond memories of all the time I spent as a child with my grandparents in the Zion Lutheran Church and American Legion Colburn Post 286 in this little town.  It is where both of my parents are from - and several family members still live in or nearby Sanborn.  However, as time marches on, it is a place I return to with increasingly less frequency. 

I was raised to show respect to God and to those who have served our country.  So our Memorial Day always begins with the Memorial Day Service in Sanborn - it is not about family get togethers, grill outs, or a day to sleep in - it is all about those who serve our country and protect our freedom.  If you have never attended a Memorial Day program, then I strongly suggest you put it on the top of your list next year - take an hour out of your life to pay respect to those who protected yours.  I have been a member of the Sanborn Legion Auxiliary since I was 18.  Scott is a member of the Sons of the American Legion, and our children have all been members of the SAL or Junior Auxiliary since birth.  Keeley is currently serving as the Chaplain for the 2nd District Junior Auxiliary.  Here is our Memorial Day run-down.


Sanborn Legion


Since they were old enough to walk the kids have been in charge of handing out poppies.  Poppies are never "for sale" but donations are welcome.  100% of the poppy donations go directly back to veteran services.


The service was held in the Legion this year due to the rain.


A flag is placed in memory of each soldier who is no longer with us - sadly the list gets longer each year - and a wreath tribute to the unknown soldier.


Keeley enjoying the pancake and sausage breakfast served afterward - compliments of the SAL.


My Mom & Dad - Mom is the Sanborn Auxiliary President and Dad is a member of the Legion -  retired from 27 years service as a cook in the National Guard.


Sanborn Cemetery



The reason I was raised the way I was and why we keep coming back - Grandpa and Grandma were very active in the Legion and served in many different offices over their years.  I have never made it through a 21 gun salute without crying - it has only become more meaningful and emotional since Grandpa's funeral.


My Grandpa, Evan Brown, died from a farm accident when he was my age - only 34 years old - and he left behind a young wife and SIX kids.


Uncle Ricky


BEAUTIFUL - God's Country - even cattle in the background.


The Sanborn Corners - Hellickson Soft Water - previously owned by Grandpa and Grandma - now owned by my brother, Josh, and his wife, Franny.  The Dairy Queen - owned a LONG time ago by Grandpa and Grandma as well.


Sundown Lutheran Church where some of my paternal Great-grandparents rest - Katelyn Christine was named after my 101 year old Great Grandma, Ardella Christine Anderson.  Jacob and I even found some gravestones written in German - the oldest one was 1836.



A few lawn games while mom made supper!


Still working on the best way to grill pizza...


Bacon Cheeseburger - half with a homemade BBQ drizzle...


...and margherita and meat.


Typical weekend night - all the kids aren't even in the pic!


Then a trip to the cemetery in St. James to visit Scott's family.



I was lollygagging and ended up capturing this beautiful picture of Jacob caught in the moment.  I LOVE this boy!


Listening to Dad tell stories...



Before we left Jacob took off walking and said he had one more person to visit with...


Marvin.  I pray you all had a day full of reflection on those who have gone before us and, in particular, those who have served.