Monday Night Football Birthday Party

Tonight after football practice Nick had some of the guys from his team over for a little 18th birthday party. I forgot how much food football players can eat! We had footlong hot dogs, nachos and cheese, chili and hot fudge brownie sundae's. These young men find there way to each other's houses many times. It is so much fun to sit upstairs with Richard and hear the gut roaring cheers and laughter from the basement. Every one of the guys here tonight thanked us for the food as they went out the door. The last one left at 10:00PM...many of them toting their book bags having worked on homework as they watched the game. I went downstair to start cleaning up and every dirty plate, cup, napkin, etc...had been picked up, carried upstairs and thrown away. I continue to be blessed by these guys and will miss them when Nick graduates and they go their separate ways. Meanwhile, we have a whole school year to enjoy them. So, come back any time men, we love to have you here.

HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY NICHOLAS

You are 18 years old today. You were born on a beautiful autumn day. Dad was mowing the yard and was trying to finish but Grandma told him if he didn't quit and take me to the hospital she would drive me and we all know Grandma didn't drive! :) Grandma was getting a little bit nervous. You were born about 4 hours later. You weighed in at 7lbs 4oz and we were very excited to see you arrive. You were our blondie. Lindsay provided the red in the household, Jeff the brown and you the blonde. So, we thought our family was complete! We don't need to tell you who you are or what you are capable of...you just need to always remember that you are a child of God, our son, and we are so proud of you. Happy Birthday young man! We love you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDSAY!

Dear Lindsay, We hope you have had a wonderful birthday today. It sounds like it started out very well, breakfast made by your husband and a dozen red roses! Today you are 24 years old! Wow- how can that be? Happy Birthday dear daughter. We look forward to seeing you next week-end!

Another Last Time.......

I have listened to a few mother's talk about their tears sending their first born to school this year for the first time. I along with many of my friends this year are sending our last born to school for the last time. It seems just like yesterday that I was sitting in the hospital room for 16 days helping to keep Nick entertained as his leg was in traction. Yes, he is going to his first day of school in this picture but his first day of school came almost 3 weeks late. Nick chose to take on a culvert with his bike and it didn't work. So, with a cast up to his waist and part way down his other leg and a bean bag chair in the classroom he made it to kindergarten. Now we are seeing him on his first day of his senior year. Thank you Nick for letting me take this picture. I know you didn't want to but I just had to capture this last time. We are thankful this time no teeth are missing and both legs are intact! Have a great Senior Year!

Too Much Time to Spare???

Nick came home one evening after hanging out with a group of friends. We voted and he had to take it out before church the next day. Nice work girls! :)

A Summer At Inspiration Point

Jeff spent this summer working as a counselor at Inspiration Point Bible Camp. I found some of his pictures along with a few that I took this summer and thought they would be fun to post. Many of us have great memories at Bible Camp. So, here they are!
Gas Light Theatre has gotten to be a very popular venue at The Point. Does anyone recognize this guy?
Jeff and his good friend Darren. These two were counselors at camp together this summer but first met when they went to camp in third grade. Now they are enjoying time on the NDSU campus together.
Rabbit Hunt
The Swamp Hike
One of Jeff's cabin groups
I am not sure what all these fruit snack packages are doing on Jeff's face but they are sure having a lot of fun.
Senior High Week
First and Second Grade Camp.......they were a busy bunch!
When these guys stayed at our house for Day Camp in Fergus Falls they had a night out at Applebees. Love those dress coats!

College Visits and Camps

One year from now Nicholas will be going to college. We just don't know where that might be yet. So, this summer he attended a few camps and visited a few colleges to try to help figure that all out. Here are a few pictures taken as we traveled the country side and visited campuses.