Riz-bitz

Happy 3rd Anniversary Sam and Lindsay!

2012-01-03T01:10:00.003-06:00

Happy Anniversary to YOU! Here is wishing you have many more fun adventures and memories to make together in the years to come! We love you!

It's no secret.....

2011-12-11T09:39:00.004-06:00

that these two are celebrating their birthdays this week-end. Kaylie was born on December 10 and Jeff on December 11th!
So, Happy Birthday you two! We hope that you are having a great week-end and we look forward to celebrating with you next Sunday!! We love you!!

A FAIRY TALE ENDING!

2011-11-27T22:26:00.003-06:00

Once upon a time this student attended high school at the "castle on the hill" in Fergus Falls, MN. She was a student in an Earth science class taught by.......
this teacher, "Mr. Risbrudt."
Now fast forward many years when the student (Jolene Kavlie) married Dan Kowalski and they had three beautiful children. One of their children was this cheerleader who grew up to be a lovely princess!
The teacher also married and he and his wife were blessed with three wonderful children, one of whom is this football player who grew to be a handsome prince!
These two found themselves working together at Inspiration Point Bible Camp where they became very good friends
........................and fell in love.
Soon they will be married and they will live happily ever after! Jeff and Kaylie, we are so excited for you! We are very thankful the Lord brought the two of you together for this fairy tale ending!

Happy Birthday Coach!

2011-11-05T22:34:00.002-05:00

Glad to see you are still flying high! Nice jump!

Our September Birthday Kids!

2011-09-21T21:53:00.003-05:00

Two of our three children have birthdays in September. It really is a wonderful month for birthday parties. It is usually warm enough to be outside but not too cold or not to hot. However, we had one birthday in September where it snowed a bit and one party occurred in 90 degree temps. We have had parties before and after football games, at football games and during football games. We have had a 50's party, a barney party, a bowling party, swimming parties, and a"spa" party. We went on scavenger hunts , a limo ride, trips to chuckie cheese and space aliens. We had family parties, threshing bee parties, girl parties, boy parties, and boy and girl parties! We did it all over the years!

So, this year we just want to tell our September children on their birthday month that WE LOVE YOU and you are a blessing to us!

The 4th of July with family!

2011-08-19T22:49:00.005-05:00

This week-end we gathered at the lake and spent time together with family. These are my sisters lots on Long Lake near Dalton. Our lot is next to theirs but we are still "looking" at it. We are starting an official road fund so we can get to it!

There were wagon rides.
Competitive croquet games
Game playing
Visiting
Pontoon rides!
Swimming...
Fishing!
Some tried to run away!
And some sat still....
There was lots of food...
Some collected firewood....
for wonderful bonfires.....
and of course there were mosquitos! Thanks for a fun week-end!

A classroom in the making!

2011-08-19T22:30:00.004-05:00

Lindsay was blessed to get a new teaching job in Mandan this spring. She will teach K-5 music at Roosevelt elementary school. I traveled to Bismarck in July to help her work on her classroom a bit. This is just a little bit of the work we did. I hear the classroom is now done and ready for its class next week.
Fun to see her name on the door! I think the posters came down.

Waiting to make music!

We emptied a store room that had the supplies of a retired teacher of many years in it. So, we emptied it all on the classroom floor and sorted, tossed and organized about 10 closets like this one.

A trip to Jamestown

2011-08-19T21:59:00.003-05:00

It was fun to take a trip to Jamestown to see where Nick had settled in for the year. He is in a nice dorm called Seibold this year. The rooms have much more space. The picture above is the outside of the building.

Nick and his roommate from Cando, ND I think they are having a pretty good time. They decided to dress alike for church on Sunday morning!
Laura and the Bobbsey Twins on our way to church!
The 2011 Jimmy Football Team
These three guys played together as Otters too.
We got to sneak a peak at practice.
Laura and I enjoyed sitting in the bleachers watching practice and getting some sun!

91 Years Old!

2011-08-19T20:53:00.002-05:00

On July 28th Denise's mom turned 91. It took 3 puffs to get the candle out!

We took mom out to a special dinner. My sister picked her up in the Miata.
So fun to see them round the corner and a little white head in the front seat!
Happy Birthday Mom! We hope year 91 is a a great one!

We're going on a camping trip and we are bringing.....

2011-08-11T21:56:00.010-05:00

One can't have summer without a camping outing with good friends. In July this group traveled to Long Lake Campground by Itasca for a fun week-end together.

---------------------The girls!--------------------
---------How many people does it take to put up a screen tent?-----------
There is a long standing history where if Allen is along, there will always be some kind of electrical problem...there was! No power in our box! We survived without it!
__________________Doug and Val________________
------------------------Al and Carol-----------------
------------------------Mark and Marie--------------------
-------------------------Richard and Denise------------------
Our week-end was filled with biking, reading, swimming, napping and of course eating!

Let's not forget the fierce competition on the mini-golf course, playing cards and bean bags!

--------The official week-end hand and foot champions!------- THANKS FOR A GREAT WEEK-END FRIENDS! CAN'T WAIT TO DO IT AGAIN!

A FAIR FOOD ADVENTURE

2011-07-25T23:07:00.004-05:00

After working two years at Inspiration Point, Jeff is back in the concession stand working this summer. This summer he is creating the ultimate "Deep Fried Pickle!" Here is a quick look at how to make this delicacy!

First you take pickle slices. Dip them into the dry tempura mix.

Next put the pickles in the battering machine and coat them with wet tempura batter.
Then the pickle will drop into the panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
The pickles are now ready to be deep fried.
Last but not least find a cute customer to sample them!

JEFF IS 22!

2010-12-11T00:31:00.004-06:00

Jeffrey the years have gone by so fast. How can the little guy who loved playing with tractors and who loved to go fishing be 22 already? What a joy it has been to watch you grow up. I love watching and hearing from many of your campers how much they enjoyed you as a camp counselor. Thank you for being willing to share your time and gifts with them! We are proud of you Jeff. We love to see how the Lord is using you to further His Kingdom. Have a wonderful day today! Can't wait to help you celebrate!
We love you!

Happy 19th Birthday Nicholas!

2010-09-21T00:13:00.002-05:00

Nicholas we wish you a wonderful 19th birthday today. I remember the days when we planned those special birthday parties for you. You had a Barney Birthday and a Fish Theme Birthday. We had a swimming birthday party, a Chuckie Cheese Party, a mini golf/go-cart party and your first boy/girl party. Then there was the birthday that it snowed and the birthday that was extremely hot! What fun we had celebrating the birth of YOU! So, today we just want to say we are celebrating the wonderful gift that we were given when you were born to our family. Our family would not be the same without our "Nickerbocker". We love you Nick! Hold Jesus close as you grow and mature as a college student. Stand firm! We love you!

Happy 25th Birthday Lindsay!

2010-09-11T23:34:00.002-05:00

Today (September 12th) you turn 25. What a blessing you are to us. We are proud of you Lindsay. We still love to watch how God is using you as a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend and now as a music teacher. It gives us great joy knowing you are not only the daughter of our hearts but also a beloved daughter of the King. So, continue to be all that God created you to be dear daughter! We love you!

Moving Nick to College

2010-08-22T22:07:00.004-05:00

I have finally caught on how to blog on Richard's computer since our home computer crashed. So, I hope to go way back to March and catch up. But, for now I will show you Nick's latest news.

This is where Nick will eat 3 meals a day.
The chapel on campus. Nick attended chapel there this morning.
This is where Nick spends time in the weight room.
The court yard out his window. The freshman dorm is in a square with a large courtyard in the middle where a lot of activities are held.
Organizing his closet
He and his roommate Will bunked their beds. Nick is on top.
We laughed at their desks. Their legs don't fit underneath their desks! Have a good school year boys!

Sno-Ball

2010-03-12T20:19:00.003-06:00

One more "last time" for Nick as his senior year is getting closer and closer to the end. So, here are a few pictures of Nick and Laura at Sno-ball. They started the evening with dinner together with good friends at the Wilken House in Breckenridge followed by the Sno-ball Dance. True to the name of the evening and as the pictures show....it was snowing.

Dress Like A Teacher Day!

2010-03-12T20:17:00.001-06:00

During Sno-Ball week students were suppose to dress up like a teacher. So, this is the teacher Nicholas chose!

A Frosty Day in Minnesota

2010-02-24T22:26:00.002-06:00

One of the benefits of my job is the traveling I get to do when I go to schools outside of Fergus Falls to see clients. I took a few pictures one frosty morning and decided this is one one of the reason's I love Minnesota.

Band Concert

2010-02-19T23:03:00.002-06:00

Going to a formal band concert or listening to the Fergus Falls pep band at a basketball game is always a treat. No wonder the Fergus Falls Marching Band was chosen to march in the inaugural parade. They are excellent. Here are a few pictures of the latest band concert a few weeks ago. Nick is enjoying playing the baritone saxaphone.

REWIND.....

2010-02-19T22:50:00.004-06:00

I am getting way too far behind in blogging and I want to keep it up because I fully intend to print this and use it as a journal/photo album for our family. That's the real reason I do this. So I am rewinding to Christmas and going to get busy.

ONE YEAR AGO TODAY..........

2010-01-03T21:23:00.006-06:00

The bride was getting ready.......

The Groom was getting ready.......
and fortunately for the groom the bride's personal attendant was prepared with a nice pair of black socks just for him! :)
The decorations were done...........

The bridesmaids were beautiful and enjoying their day....

The groomsmen were having a fun game of hangman.......

The storm had arrived on schedule but didn't dampen our spirits........
The father of the bride had practiced his lines....
and walked his daughter down the aisle
The bride and groom were married.....
enjoyed a wonderful celebration.....
and danced the night away...
Happy 1st Anniversary Sam and Lindsay!

Happy 21st Birthday Jeffrey

2009-12-10T23:14:00.002-06:00

Jeffrey you are soon going to turn 21 years old. We trust you will have a wonderful time celebrating your special day. We will always love you Jeff. We just hope you dress a little bit warmer tomorrow on your 21st birthday then you did on your 3rd birthday. We look forward to celebrating with you on Sunday!

Grade School Days!

2009-11-16T21:57:00.002-06:00

On Sunday my best friend from my childhood called as she was driving through Fergus Falls. She had been at a quilt retreat in northern, MN and was headed back to Northfield, MN. There were so many years when all we did was exchange Christmas Cards but as our children are growing we are finding a little more time to reconnect. Nancy was my friend who would walk two blocks west, as I walked two blocks north each school day. We met every morning at "the corner" and walked to school together the rest of the way. We build the best snowforts together, played endless games of scrabble, camped at Meadow Lake in the summer, liked the same boy in fourth grade, and convinced our parents to let us take our first road trip together to Mackinaw Island after graduation. How fun to spend a few hours together on a Sunday afternoon! So,

This is not extra credit!

2009-11-16T21:51:00.002-06:00

Imagine being a junior in high school and taking Chemistry. Then imagine backing up and hitting your chemistry teacher's car. This young lady felt so bad when she came in tears to Mr. Risbrudt to admit her driving error. He graciously reminded her that cars can be fixed. Well, it is all in the life of a teacher. But, she won't earn any extra credit! :)

Happy 67th Anniversary mom and dad!

2009-11-16T21:42:00.002-06:00

On November 7th , 67 years ago my parents were married. This called for a celebration. How many people get to celebrate 67 years together??!! My parents are living in the Eventide Retirement Community. My dad is 92 and my mother is 89. We are blessed to have them a part of our lives. Here are a few pictures of the day.

Kimmie's Confirmation

2009-11-16T21:30:00.003-06:00

The first week-end in May found us in Moorhead at Triumph Church at Kimberly's confirmation. They confirm their students in 9th grade.
This is Pastor Jeff Seaver giving Kimberly the confirmation verse that he choose for her and telling her why he picked it just for her.
Kimmie's confirmation verse
Here is Richard with the confirmand and his sister Carol(Kimmie's mom) and his brother's Chris and Tim.
Here are the women. It was a nice day so we thought one picture should be outdoors. Here I am with Kimmie, her mom and sister Alison and her Aunt Sue from Wisconsin. Believe it or not it was so bright that we could hardly keep our eyes open. Congratulations Kim!

Good Morning Sunshine!

2009-11-16T21:15:00.003-06:00

Early one morning Nicholas awoke to sound of Wyld Life students and their leader running up the stairs coming to wake him up! Nicholas has been a part of this in the past as a Young Life leader and this time these young men were repaying the favor. Fortunately for him they arrived with breakfast! Here he is barely with his eyes open!

Here's Wishing Dad a Happy Birthday!

2009-11-05T06:53:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday to a great Dad and Husband! We hope you have a wonderful day!

A "SWEET" GET WELL WISH !

2009-10-24T20:37:00.002-05:00

One day Nicholas recieved a very tasty get well wish from three special friends when he tore his MCL. Erik, Noah and Annika (Levang) Bjorndahl made this get well card for #7. Well, I think they might have had a little help from their mom and dad. The good news is that the card is working. At the doctor yesterday he reported that Nick is 1/3 of the way there. So, we will just sit down and enjoy a treat and let the healing continue. Thank you dear friends!

Side lined photo's

2009-10-24T19:55:00.004-05:00

These are some pictures we have snapped of the football season. Since we don't have any to show in uniform we are just going to show a few side line pictures. We have to have some pictures for the scrap-books. Some of these are taken on Senior night. This was a common scene on the sidelines this year....Nick and Adam.
Lauren and Kathryn cheering on their Otters.
.................Mom with two of her favorite guys!..............
The senior moms. What a fun bunch of ladies to hang out and cheer with.
One of my favorite Otter Fans...Kathryn Walvatne
Nick and some of his friends on senior night
.....................THE TRIO....................

Nick's senior poster that mom and Lindsay made.
Introducing the seniors on Tuesday night
.......................The walking wounded........................

Nick and Adam with their mom's and Darin!

"SIDELINED"

2009-10-06T01:00:00.004-05:00

Who would have guessed that just half way through the Otter Football season these two young men would be comforting each other on the sidelines. Nicholas tore his MCL last week in practice and Adam fractured his Tibia during the second game of the year. So tonight they enjoyed watching the Viking vs Packer game together.

It's been said that "misery loves company". These two have demonstrated this more then once. In ninth grade they both had pnemonia in their left lungs at the same time and now....they both injure their left legs! We may need to separate them.

The coach has had enough of this. Who says it takes this long to heal a fractured tibia?

Do you think he might be serious?" Could we at least remove the rust from the saw first?

Darin, Adam and Nick or "The Three Muskateers". This was Nick and Adam's response when Darin came downstairs complaining that his leg hurt. With Darin's leg in their grip, they are trying to give him something to really complain about!

So, what does a mother say to her senior son when he hears his season is most likely over? As mother's we have an incredible need and desire to fix a hurt and yet the truth is that sometimes we can't do the fixing. So, as I wash Nick's maroon and gold uniform for the last time and know this is way too early, I wipe my tears. I grab his football shoes and begin to remove the dried mud caked on the leather. I see letters coming through the mud that spell "SCHU" . It is an abbreviation of Adam's last name. It was written by Nick on his shoes after the second game when his best friend fractured his tibia. I keep chipping away at the shoe and a bible reference that has been on all of Nick's athletic shoes for as long as I remember appears Philippians 4:13. "For I can do all things thru Christ who gives me strength". Then I am reminded that it will be His strength that will take our adversity and setbacks and make them building blocks rather then stumbling blocks. That God takes no pleasure in our misfortunes. He doesn't want to see us beaten down in life. But, God does expect us as His children to be overcomers and to achieve His will on earth. So, the first "Friday Night Lights" arrived after Nick's injury. It was more difficult then I imagined. I was sitting by Adam's mom as Nick and Adam were "sidelined" and it was with blurry eyes that I smiled as I saw Nicholas pat his team-mates backs, offer them encouraging words, and "coach" from the sidelines. It was then that I knew the healing process had begun and I was witnessing a true champion's heart.

Monday Night Football Birthday Party

2009-09-21T22:53:00.003-05:00

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

2009-09-21T09:10:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-09-12T22:42:00.002-05:00

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.......

2009-09-03T00:56:00.002-05:00

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???

2009-09-03T00:49:00.002-05:00

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

2009-09-01T00:22:00.004-05:00

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

2009-09-01T00:09:00.003-05:00

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.

Babies and Birthdays

2009-08-31T23:54:00.003-05:00

We have been able to get together a few times this summer to celebrate family member's birthdays. This particular day we were celebrating my brother's 60th birthday and getting together some new great nieces and nephews for the first time. Jeff just finished working at Inspiration Point Bible Camp so we were glad he could join us!
This is my one and only brother. The one who asked mom to return me to the hospital when I was born because he already had 3 sisters and wanted a brother. Happy 60th Birthday Den!
This trophy was made for my brother as a birthday gift. Rumor has it he was golfing with his brother-in-laws and made a hole in one this summer at a golf course in Fargo. Now this is a little hard to figure out because my brother does not golf often but there were witnesses!
These are the three newest members of the family. My niece Kristen with one year old Aiden, my nephew David with 6 week old Devin, and my niece Allyson with 2 month old Ava Yvonne.

PGA at Hazeltine

2009-08-31T23:39:00.006-05:00

What a great day when young golfers can attend the PGA tournament just 3 hours from your home. Nick was fortunate to have good friends who invited him to go to the tournament. Here are just a few pictures that he took that day. I know Tiger but that is about all!

Good Friends, Good Fellowship, Good FISH!

2009-08-15T15:02:00.002-05:00

Richard has been fortunate to go fishing this summer with his friend Steve C . They have gotten up bright and early and when you fish with Steve you catch fish! You may have to portage the boat to the lake but when you get to the lake there is fish. Not only does Steve show you a good time fishing , he cleans and has a fish fry. So, here are a few pictures of our fish fry. I love the sign on Steve and Diane's door. We knew we were at the right place.
Steve has a very good method of frying the fish
Diane is known for being a wonderful hostess
This is Tom , Steve and Richard. They had been out the night before catching the fish for the fry. Well, Steve and Richard caught the fish while Tom kept the conversation rolling.
Another wonderful creation in Diane's kitchen with wild rice that Steve harvested and vegetables from Diane's garden
With Tom's coaching schedule you don't see these two together very often so we thought we should grab this picture while we could!
The guys thought the ladies should be in a picture
Wonderful raspberry pie from you guessed it .....raspberries from Diane's garden. Thanks for a great time!

A Week-end in Bismarck

2009-08-15T14:46:00.002-05:00

Two weeks ago when Sam was on a trip to the Bear Tooth Mountains I decided to go out to Bismarck to see Lindsay over the week-end. Their house is in a great location. This is a picture of us walking to the Bismarck capital grounds for their summer celebration. We enjoyed looking at all the booths set up with various things for sale, sampling the food and listening to some great music. This was the one and only picture we took all week-end. We were just too busy to stop and snap!

"I wish I was Single"

2009-08-12T23:11:00.003-05:00

My dad loves music. He has traditionally called his children and grandchildren on their birthdays over the years and sang to them. Lawrence Welk is his favorite! This is a song we remember him singing just for fun over the years and we tried to get him to try it one more time.

Happy Birthday Dad!

2009-08-12T21:13:00.002-05:00

Not too many people get to help their dad celebrate his 92nd birthday. In July we did just that. Here are a few pictures to show you from that day. I am a little behind in my blogging because we are having trouble getting on our blog with our computer. So, I am trying to use Richard's apple and it is not easy to do! Here is dad with four of his children. a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" Opening present....he always says he doesn't need anything but it is still fun to have presents. href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ktDUNSarG6c/SoOOVTlK5RI/AAAAAAAAB44/n2Qya_s6gEg/s1600-h/IMG_0124.JPG">Blowing out the candles. We just blew out the two for 92!

Here is grandpa with some of his grandchildren who came to the party.
Here is my dad holding his newest great grandson Devin Henry. Dad has gotten 3 new great grandchildren this year. Aiden Jeffrery is a big one year old now and coming to visit next week from the east coast. Ava Yvonne was born this June. She is coming from Wisconsin so we can meet her for the first time. Her middle name is after my sister Yvonne who lives in heaven now. Devin Henry arrived in July.

Family Camp at Inspiration Point

2009-07-09T22:48:00.002-05:00

We had a great 4th of July week-end at Inspiration Point. Jeff is working as a counselor at I-Point this summer so our family traveled to camp to spend a four day week-end there and get a glimpse of what he has been doing. It was so much fun to see Jeff at work in various roles at camp. This ranged from playing a disciple at the Christ Hike, to singing in the staff choir, to being a part of gaslight theatre and the list goes on. Thanks Jeff for a chance to visit you. We had a wonderful time.
This is Jeff in a skit that he participated in.
The guys had been playing baseball so I asked them for a time-out to grab a quick picture.
Here are the cousins playing a very competitive game of foosball.
Camp is also a time for friends to reconnect. This is my friend Pam and I out on the kayaks.
Lindsay, Jeff and Sam ....Nick was still in Colorado.
Cousins working together at camp this summer.....Jeff and Alison.
There was even time for a little brother/sister bonding time.
This is in the recently remodeled auditorium. Mom, Dad and Jeff.
Some good carpetball competition. This picture is of Richard and Kimberly playing. Richard and Sam had a week-end long competition going. This is Jeff's good friend Darin who he first met at camp in 3rd grade when they were in the same cabin. These two have always enjoyed spending time together and now they are both counselors this summer at IPBC. Fortunately, they will move on to NDSU together this fall. More fun adventures and memories to be made for these two!

Dad and Mom's Mini-Vacation!

2009-07-09T01:22:00.004-05:00

With Nick off to Crooked Creek for a week with the Young Life Crew, Jeff working at Inspiration Point Bible Camp this summer and Lindsay married and living in Bismarck, Richard and I found ourselves in an "empty nest" for a week. So, we decided to take a mini-vacation. We were headed to Family Camp at Inspiration Point later in the week (pictures to soon follow) so we decided to vacation the entire week. Our first stop was Bayfield , Wisconsin.
I had always heard about this pretty little town in northern Wisconsin and so we decided to go find it. This is the cabin we spent our first night in. It was very cozy with a fireplace and we used it!
This is the view you can catch of Bayfield as you leave the waterfront area.
This is the small ferry we took over to Madeline Island.
Once we arrived on the island we decided it was time to try out exploring the island via mopeds. This was a ton of fun!
We worked up an appetite riding around the island so we stopped in and enjoyed some very good pizza at Grandpa Tony's!
We never stay too long in one spot so the next few nights we spent north of Duluth in a beautiful lodge. All the rooms looked over Lake Superior. We enjoyed the view!
We thought these chairs were fun so we stopped for a picture.
Split Rock Lighthouse was a fun place to spend a morning. We did some hiking up in the goose berry falls area. I love to spend time on the water whenever I can. We enjoyed a little canoeing one morning. We came home just long enough to wash a few clothes and pack up for a week-end at Inspiration Point. It was a great week.

A "sample" of Nick's Crooked Creek Adventure.

2009-07-07T22:40:00.004-05:00

This adventure is called called the "BLOB". You sit on the blown up trampoline and your buddy jumps from the tower sending you in orbit. The rule is no one can "BLOB" you that is over 60 pounds your weight. Well, unless Nick gained a few pounds his buddy Adam weighs more then 60 pounds over Nick's weight but I think that was part of the plan.

Nick's Adventure to Crooked Creek

2009-07-07T21:34:00.009-05:00

Last week Nicholas spent a week at Crooked Creek Young Life Camp in Fraser, Colorado. Nick says it was one of the best weeks of his life. Here is a little glimpse of what he got to do. Who wouldn't have a good time with a week full of fun, friends, fellowship, and adventure? This camp had resort style accomodations, thrilling rides and exciting adventures everyday...... along with "chef-prepared family style all you can eat" meals which made for a great week.
Here is a group picture with the 50 juniors and seniors from the high school and their chaperones right before they left for Colorado.
Suitcase checks!
Here are the group's chaperones sharing in a word of prayer before leaving on the bus. Beach volleyball was one of the many activities these boys enjoyed playing teams from other states. Rumor has it they were undefeated. One morning they went on an early morning trail ride and then ended up somewhere in the mountains where breakfast had been made for them by some "wranglers.". Whitewater rafting was the first thing these guys did when they got to Colorado. Nick said it was awesome. In this picture is Will, Austin, Taylor, Nick, Adam, Lucas and their chaperone Josh Mohagen. Here is a picture of the guys in Nick's cabin.....or should we say luxury suite. Part of what Nick enjoyed was meeting new friends. This guy (a football player from a state in the south) became a very good friend. Having a little water fight. The building in the background was their housing for the week. The senior boys and some of the girls. Biking was another adventure. Nick was very impressed with the speaker that they had this week. There were also a number of other people who shared their testimonies on how Christ changed their lives.

Relay for Life

2009-06-26T22:56:00.003-05:00

Tonight we went out to the fairgrounds for the Relay for Life event. This is a fund raising event for cancer. Richard was asked to sit in the dunking booth . He was fortunate to have such a warm evening to "be dunked". Having lost a sister to cancer, it was amazing to me to see so many people touched by cancer. There were a lot of yellow balloons released by survivors of cancer, which makes it so important to continue to raise money for a cure!
Feeling a little caged up!
Waiting to be dunked!
Down he goes!
Even I made an attempt but..............he was safe with the ball in my hand!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO TWO SPECIAL DADS!

2009-06-26T22:39:00.004-05:00

This is a little late but we wanted to honor the special Dad's in our life.
This is one of my favorite pictures of our children with their Dad. When we were doing concessions in Canada, every night in Edmonton there was a firework show at 11:00PM. The kids would have their baths and pajamas on and then we climbed up the ladder and onto the top of the cube van. We would sit on milk crates and we waited for Dad to come and when he arrived he had 3 bags of mini-donuts. It was an every night event and one of our special memories with Dad. Now I wonder what in the world we were thinking having 3 small children sitting on top of a truck!
Richard and I were out in Bismarck for Father's Day and this is a picture of a "painting break" when we celebrated and watched him open a few gifts.
When we got home that evening Nick was there and he gave Dad a new yellow shirt. Thanks Nick!
Sunday evening as we were driving home from Bismarck we stopped in Moorhead at my sister's house. We celebrated with my Dad who will be 92 in just a few weeks. What a blessing to have my Dad here for Father's Day. We didn't think to take a picture until after my sister, Jane had left to take our Mom home. This is my Dad with my sister Sandy, and brother Dennis and myself. You look very young for being almost 92 Dad!

Making the move!

2009-06-22T23:29:00.004-05:00

This past week-end we went to Bismarck to see Lindsay and Sam's house. They bought a home in Bismarck. I am not publishing a lot of pictures because it would be more fun for Lindsay to do that on her blog (gietzenground.blogspot.com) and I have great confidence she will do it soon.....but I will put on some pictures of the work we did and a few of my favorite things about this over a century old home. We had a great week-end of working and visiting together. It went so fast!
On the front porch there is a cute swing so I thought we should get a picture of these two on their porch swing. The dog belongs to us but loves to visit too.
This is a spot in the livingroom that Lindsay put her curb shopping table. You can get a glimpse of the paint she picked out.
This is a beautiful stain glass window in their living room. The window faces the front of their house and looks out onto the porch.
A peak of one corner of the kitchen. Scrubbed from the top of the ceiling to the floor.
Richard is painting in the livingroom. Lindsay is standing in the front entry where there is a nice bookshelf. You can see their bedroom door.
This ledge and the wood piece that Sam is putting up will help define the living room from the dining room. That is the old paint color you see in the dining room
I really didn't paint....but who wants their picture scrubbing toilets!
Richard and Sam installing a new light fixture. The camera did not portray an accurate picture of the soft yellows Lindsay picked out for this room. Pealing off the last of the wallpaper.

Fergus Falls High School Graduation

2009-05-30T01:04:00.002-05:00

Richard and I have really enjoyed the FFHS graduation services since he started teaching at the high school. There are three students who share about their school experiences , the choir, band and orchestra perform songs that have been carefully prepared and it is a lot of fun to watch the students get their diplomas. This year I was sitting in the front listening to the band play prior to the processional when I realized Nicholas was not playing. I saw him get dressed for the graduation, I saw him leave for the graduation but he was not sitting there playing his saxophone. So, I text messaged him with this note...WHY AREN"T YOU AT SCHOOL PLAYING IN THE BAND!! I had just sent it off when I looked over my shoulder and this is what I saw....
Nicholas and Emily Olson escorting the Senior Class of 2009 into the gym. They had been selected to do this and he failed to tell us. (We re-enacted this picture because of course my camera wasn't ready)! Anyway, good job Nick and Emily!

Mr. Iverson directing the band.
One of our favorite seniors Josh Campion getting his diplomaThis is Richard along with two other teachers and a support staff member who were voted by the class as being the most influential people in the their life. Ms Vicki in the black and silver is actually related to Richard. She is a third grade teacher. They are with Jane Schier the school secretary and Mark Boen a 4th grade teacher.

Section Golf Meet

2009-05-30T00:13:00.003-05:00

This is the Fergus Falls Otter Golf Team. They have worked very hard this year claiming the Central Lakes Conference Title. They have been known to spend up to 3 days a week missing classes and attending golf meets, returning home at 11:00PM doing their school work until wee hours in the morning and back in class the next day. There was no sleeping in on Saturday mornings because they were either at a golf meet or practicing. On Monday they started a two day section meet at Greystone Golf Course in Sauk Centre. Only 6 teams qualified to return on Tuesday and they were one of them. They were just 12 points out of first place. Tuesday however was a little difficult for these guys on the course. They came in 4th behind Moorhead, Alexandria and Rogers. Congratulations guys! You make us proud.
How about these Salmon color shirts! Trevor Gervais the only senior on the team got to pick out the shirts this year and this was his choice. It made it easy to spot an Otter golfer.
I didn't know golf was even a spectator sport until a few years ago. One of life's fun moments is just walking along a golf course, watching your son play golf while enjoying the sunshine and nature.

Nick's golf club cover Tigger came out of retirement for this tournament.
Nick and his assistant golf coach Ben who is offering Nick a word of encouragement before he starts to play.

CONGRATULATIONS JEFF!

2009-05-15T22:30:00.004-05:00

On May 14th Jeff graduated from Itasca Community College with an Associate of Science degree in Engineering. He will continue his education at NDSU this fall in Civil Engineering. Congratulations Jeff on completing two years of very hard work! You survived Physics, Chemistry, Multivariable Calc, Probability and Statistics and the list goes on........We are proud of you! It was a lot of fun to come up for your graduation and your Engineering dinner/recognition. So here are a few pictures of the day!

It was difficult to get a good picture of Jeff receiving his diploma because there were professional photographers in the way. But, this is one of Jeff waiting to get his diploma.
It was fun to have our family together for this event. Aunt Carol and Cousin Ally came too!
This is a picture of Jeff with one of the faculty members.
Jeff was a Resident Assistant this year along with Luke and Kjersti. They were the RA's in Itasca Hall.
It was great to have Lindsay come from Bismarck to be at Jeff's graduation. Nick offered to miss a a half day of school and a band concert to be there too! :)
Luke and Jeff. Luke and Jeff became friends last year when they arrived at ICC and found that they were rooming together in Wenger Hall.
This was a recognition program following graduation for the Engineering Students. Jeff is getting a certificate and shaking the hands of the faculty members.
This picture got a little blurry but this was the cook in the cafeteria who made many meals for Jeff over the past two years. She caught us twice in the hallway to tell us how much she loved Jeff and how she wished he wasn't leaving.

The food that was served was wonderful. I wont' get into all the details of the menu but it was excellent.
This is Itasca Hall where Jeff lived and worked this last year.
How many family members can Jeff fit in one small dorm room? This was Jeff's room for the year. Pretty cozy.
This was the dorm office where Jeff worked when he was on duty. He is striking a pose with Loralee Young the Director of Resident Life.
It just wouldn't be a trip without a stop at the DQ in honor of your graduation Jeff!

MOTHER'S DAY WEEK-END

2009-05-15T21:16:00.003-05:00

What a beautiful day we had for Mother's Day. The sun was shining! Nick came home from church carrying a plant for his mom and some "turtles" which are one of mom's favorite chocolate candies!
Mom has always wanted a photo enhancer program for the computer. She got the Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 program and is excited to try it out for adjusting and editing, retouching and enhancing all of the photo's she takes. Oh- And the Swiffer is a little family joke...
On Saturday night we met Dave, Sue, and Jill for supper. They were opening their lake cabin near Brandon and called to see if we wanted to meet them for supper. We went to The Peak and their food was terrific. It made for a very nice Mother's Day treat!

PROM 2009

2009-05-03T21:28:00.003-05:00

Lindsay has been asking to see Prom pictures all day. But, it has been busy so I will quickly blog so she can see them. I think she mostly wants to see the girl's beautiful dresses! On Saturday Nick was up at 6:00AM to travel to Detroit Lakes for a golf meet. Prom Pictures were at 2:00PM at Lauren McGovern's house but his golf team arrived back in Fergus Falls at 2:45! So, after taking the shortest shower of his life and dressing very quickly he was out the door in 15 minutes. He made it for a few pictures. Then this lovely (and economical) crew had one of the dad's (thanks Keith Olson) chaueffeur them in a bus to Stella's a restuarant in Battle Lake, MN. Dinner was at 4:00 PM. I heard the food was very good. Grand March followed at 7:00PM. I didn't take pictures there because it was just too dark in the gym. A post prom party was held after the dance . Richard and I had a very good time with the other parents and the students. It was a fun evening for the students and adults!
Here are the 8 couples that hung out together for the first part of evening.
Nick took Leslie Defiel to prom. She is a junior at the high school. She and Nick attended Morning Son Christian School together when they were younger.

It was a great day for pictures and the ice is off the lakes!

The guys did a good job of finding those vests to match the dresses!
Nick acting cool! :)
Here is a picture of Nick and Kathryn. They have been friends since the day there were born practically and shared many birthday's together. So, we just always need to get a picture of these two for our collection!
Loading the bus for Stella's restaurant in Battle Lake.

Women's retreat at Inspiration Point

2009-04-29T20:52:00.004-05:00

This past week-end I got to spend the week-end relaxing at Inspiration Point Bible Camp's Women's retreat. What a good time with good friends! Saturday was a beautiful day where we enjoyed a 3 mile hike, a pontoon ride all around the lake, listening to Casey Baardson who spoke to us on our heavenly Father's faithfulness, lots of food and great fellowship.
Laura, Pam and I didn't have nearly the time we needed to catch up on what was happening in each other's lives. We might need another week-end together!
This is looking out past the baseball field.
There is ALOT of water out at camp. This is as you turn into Camp and it appears another lake has grown out of nowhere!
You have heard of water trampolines...well camp has water swing sets!
Pam, Laura and I were trying to set the timer on the camera to grab a picture of the three of us but weren't being too successful. This young lady happened upon us and took a picture for us. So, as we started to talk to each other I discovered that we are indeed related! Candis you will love this. Her great-grandmother and my grandma were sisters! You never know what you might discover at camp....even a long lost relative!
One of the perks at camp is great food and we weren't disappointed! And we even did manage to get a little sleep. I guess it was a little chilly in our room. Laura might not like me after she finds out I snapped this picture...but I will take my chances!

Easter Sunday

2009-04-27T23:01:00.005-05:00

The Easter Bunny had helpers this year that hid a number of eggs and candy around the wet yard.
Easter Sunday found us gathered around the table together. This is one of the benefits of a long dining/livingroom. We could all sit around the table together. There were 25 of us.
Mom and Dad enjoying an Easter Dinner

Cole was being very patient waiting for the Easter Egg Hunt. In fact, we allowed him to get a head start thinking he couldn't possibly find over 75 eggs and 2 bags of candy that we hid. But, I think the rest would say he did a pretty good job!
Looking for some Easter Eggs!
Checking out his findings!
Some of the cousins hanging out in the basement.
Our Moorhead families had the computer on checking the river levels quite frequently. It had become a part of their lives the past month and some of them looked a little nervous being even an hour away from their homes.
Then there were others that didn't seem too nervous at all and were enjoying a Sunday afternoon nap.
Grandpa and Nick were enjoying a little golf on TV together combined with some Math homework.

Arizona Sunshine '09

2009-04-10T15:26:00.004-05:00

Richard and Jeffrey took a quick trip to Arizona during spring break a few weeks ago and stayed with Richard's uncle and aunt, Jerry & Bonnie Evavold. Thank you Jerry and Bonnie for letting us stay with you! We had a wonderful time in Arizona!

One afternoon, they were invited over to Bill & Donna Colbeck's home for lunch who were also escaping the snow and cold of Minnesota for a few months. Thank you Donna, you really cooked up a feast!

Richard and Jeff enjoyed a quick swim in the pool close to Jerry and Bonnie's home. On a warm day, it was "refreshing" to say the least!

Donna Colbeck, "Grandpa Bill" and Jeffrey

More Arizona Sunshine '09

2009-04-10T14:25:00.008-05:00

This is a picture of Jeff with Jerry and Bonnie by the practice putting green in the backyard of another one of Richard's relatives, Uncle Dennis and Aunt Dorothy Evavold where we had a great breakfast that morning!

Jerry and Bonnie had an orange tree in their backyard and it provided fresh orange juice each morning. One of Jeffrey's favorite colors is orange!

One of the nights, Jerry and Bonnie treated us to a great fish supper at the Country Club. It doesn't get any better than that!

The hot tub and swimming pool were pretty nice too!

Behind the Country Club was a pond that had good size bass in it. If anybody can pull out a fish, it's Jeffrey. He used a "barbless" hook and of course, it was "catch and release only."

April Fools!

2009-04-03T00:52:00.006-05:00

Richard's sister Carol and her family stayed with us for a week when they were also evacuated from their home. What a treat to have them with us. Carol took on the cooking duties this past week and we all gained the "Flood Fifteen". Nicholas is so sad they left because it just doesn't smell as good when he comes home at supper time! Anyway, while he was away pulling a few April Fool pranks his cousins Alison and Kimberly were busy doing a few things to Nick's room. There was the spider-web affect they created, short sheeting his bed, vaseline on the shower knob, vinegar on his tooth brush, purple kool-aid in the shower head, and green jello used to fill his shower gel botttle. April Fools Nicholas!

Just another snowy post!

2009-04-03T00:46:00.002-05:00

There have only been a handful of times in 20 years that we haven't been able to get out of our sub-division after a storm. Tuesday was one of them. We measured about 17inches.

Runner's up in Division 2

2009-04-03T00:18:00.006-05:00

We had a very busy week-end at the Risbrudt household. It was fun to have all the kids home along with other family and friends. Here are some picture of the week-end that includes eating, arm wrestling, playing games, tatoo creating, and of course playing basketball.

Mom comes to visit!

2009-04-03T00:10:00.002-05:00

My mom at 89 also had to evacuate her assisted living apartment. So, she spent a week in our home. She saw how wild and crazy it gets at the Risbrudt household. I knew she thought it was a busy place when she made comments like "where did you say everyone was sleeping" or "how many people did you feed for supper". But, she was a trooper and put up with all the busyness of our household. We enjoyed the storm day when we could settle in and watch a good movie. Mom even enjoyed sledding down our hill in the front yard. You go MOM! :)

Welcome to Fergus Falls Dad!

2009-04-02T23:58:00.004-05:00

Both of my parents live in the Eventide Retirement Community and needed to evacuate. We had requested earlier in the week that if an evacuation occurred that my dad be sent to Fergus Falls and 20 people were brought to the area.....however somehow he was not one of them. So,in an attempt to keep my dad close to family I went on a hunt for a room and we found a wonderful place for him to "vacation" at the Pioneer cottages. Here are just a few pictures of him arriving and of his new home away from home. I love having you in town Dad. Wish we could keep you here!

Sandbagging

2009-04-02T23:41:00.003-05:00

Our family has a vested interest in this flood with many dear family members living in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Jeff organized 40 plus sandbaggers that came down from Itasca Community college to sandbag. I don't have any pictures of that event but I do have some of Richard in the Moorhead area when the Otters took busses up there. Nick was there also but again no pics. Richard's group was assigned to work in the neighborhood that his sister and my brother live in.

How far can snow travel???

2009-03-11T23:05:00.003-05:00

Jeff enjoys traveling. This picture is one where he was hiking in the mountains of Colorado. He has spring break this week and left on Saturday for Arizona to visit a friend and some relatives. Richard joined him today. When Jeff was leaving he mentioned that he had been asked to "bring something from Minnesota". So, he wondered if snow could make it all the way there without melting. So, he went outside, gathered a rubbermaid container full of snow and packed it in his suitcase. Of course we awaited the phone call saying that the plane had arrived safe and guess what else arrived safe......the snow made it all in one fluffy piece! So, the next time you fly to Arizona you may want to bring some snow! There is plenty to share.

The Stare Down!

2009-03-11T22:48:00.003-05:00

Yesterday during the blizzard, Nicholas was upstairs when he glanced out the window. He noticed an owl in our front yard in the middle of the day staring at our kitchen window. Guess who he was staring at?????
It was Oreo and they quietly and intently were having a stare down. Could it be this owl was a little hungry for milk and cookies!

Congratulations Dad!

2009-03-10T01:05:00.003-05:00

Supt. Ness: Most Influential Educators
Written by Jerry Ness
Monday, 09 March 2009
Most Influential Educators
Last Friday, members of the Class of 2009 surprised District 544 staff by recognizing the most influential teachers and support staff, as voted on by the students. Representatives from the class and National Honor Society first served cake and lemonade as the staff gathered for an inservice in the high school gym.

Seniors Tommy Olsen and Amber Hovland were masters of ceremonies and, after introductions, senior Sarah Lyngby told staff why they were there and how much their positive influence has meant in the lives of the Class of 2009.
Matt Mithaugen presented the most influential support staff award to high school secretary Jane Schierer, and Erika Magnusson recognized elementary teachers Vicki Hanneman and Larry Goos. Mark Boen received the last elementary teacher award from his senior class mentor, Regan Helbling.

The middle school award went to Chuck Vigen, presented by Hanna Skaalrud, and Luke Wedll represented the seniors in naming Richard Risbrudt as the most influential high school teacher. Following the ceremony, colleagues, family members and the students congratulated the award winners.

The students pulled off the surprise and I believe warmed the hearts of our staff with their thoughtfulness. For an educator, being recognized by students is a highlight of one’s careers.

MAD GAB

2009-03-02T23:24:00.005-06:00

On Saturday night we went to Moorhead to have a night with my siblings and their spouses. We played Mad Gab. Mad Gab consists of puzzles of a set of unrelated words that when you read them aloud sounds like familiar phrases, or names or places. For example, "law sand jealous" sounds like Los Angeles". Teams try to solve 3 puzzles at a time before the timer goes off. Off course the women took on the men and we were short "staffed" as Paula was in Arizona with her sister. Here are a few movies and pictures of us playing the game.

IT'S VALENTINES DAY!

2009-02-14T10:41:00.002-06:00

Last night Jeff, Lindsay and Sam all came home. Jeff went through Sauk Rapids-Rice so he could support his brother at his basketball game. What a brother! Nick had his best games ever! Sam and Lindsay made a quick pit stop here and left early this morning for Minneapolis. Our family has always enjoyed Valentines Day. When the kids were in elementary school a special balloon or gift would arrive for them at school and Lindsay and I liked to cook for the guys or maybe even fondue in the evening. So, last night after everyone was in bed I left each of our children and Sam too a little valentine treat with a $10 bill attached to it. I refused to spend $4.00 on a card for each of them so we created our own simple card. Sam and Lindsay took theirs with before I grabbed a picture. Sam decided we needed a Valentine too so the last two pictures are what we found when we woke up!

A Winter Walk on Long Lake

2009-02-08T22:25:00.003-06:00

Saturday afternoon found my sisters and I along with our husbands taking a hike in the woods and on the lake at Long Lake. What a beautiful day to be outside and enjoy some nature.

Sno-ball

2009-02-08T21:40:00.004-06:00

Saturday night was Sno-ball at the Fergus Falls High School. Nick had a fun evening with friends. It started out with pictures at Lauren Johnson's home. They followed that with walking two doors down to the Petit house for a beautiful dinner. The 7 couples had a great time.
Nick's date was Laura Owen. Nick met Laura at Family Camp at Inspiration Point a few summers ago. This Alexandria "Cardinal" was a good sport to join the "Otters" for an evening.
Nick and his football buddies! That's right don't smile guys!

Good friends................ Adam , Kathryn and Nicholas

What do you feed a basketball team?

2009-02-08T21:19:00.002-06:00

Tuesday night after practice Nick brought home the basketball team. They needed a little bonding time. So, thank goodness for Pizza Hut!

A WINTER WEDDING

2009-01-29T23:57:00.005-06:00

Mr. and Mrs. Gietzen after the wedding ceremony
The Risbrudt Cousins
The Aune (mom's side of the family) cousins.
A special brother/sister dance...... Lindsay and Jeff
Sam and Lindsay playing the shoe game at the reception.
Yes, since every special event in Lindsay's life has included a storm of some type we were just counting on a snowstorm for the wedding day. She and Sam were married in the middle of a winter storm warning. It was a beautiful day!
Lindsay named the tables at the reception according to construction terms.
Lindsay and Sam gave Erik a devotional book for being their ringbearer and the pirate attire that went with it. Sam and Erik are taking time out to play pirates.
Lindsay with her cousins Kimberly, Alison, and Tiffini
The ringbearer and the groomsmen passing time in the lego bucket.
We took this picture while Sam was taking pictures with his groomsmen. So here is our family minus Sam.
Mom and her boys Dad getting his first glimpse of the bride

NHS Induction

2009-01-28T00:07:00.002-06:00

A few weels ago Nick was accepted into the National Honor Society at the Fergus Falls High School. This was a very formal service and we enjoyed the program. Here are a few pictures from the night.

Nick and Emily happened to be "matching" that evening so we thought it deserved a picture.
Nick and his high school principal Dean Monke
Looks like Richard got to be on stage. He was the speaker chosen by the students to speak for the evening. Tommy Olson and Hannah Rausch playing a trumpet duet.

Our Engineer!

2009-01-22T08:55:00.002-06:00

A WEDDING IN THE MAKING

2009-01-22T01:16:00.003-06:00

Here are a few pictures of projects we worked on prior to the wedding.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-22T01:03:00.004-06:00

Here we are spending New Years Eve with some of our favorite people. We took out the 2008 sealed New Year's Predictions to see how close we came. We also made new predictions for 2009. The food and fellowship was wonderful!

CHRISTMAS

2009-01-22T00:30:00.005-06:00

Christmas found us in Moorhead. We spent time with Richard's sister and her family and with the Aune side of the family. Here are a few snap shots of time together with family.

It wouldn't be Christmas without board games.

The German tradition of the HUNT for the Christmas Tree pickle continued once again this year. Brett was the winner!
Who is peaking in their Christmas stocking??? Or is she filling them!
Jeff with his cousin Kimberly">
Nick with his second cousin Aiden Jeffrey. Aiden came all the way from Baltimore to celebrate his first Christmas.

REWINDING IN PROCESS

2009-01-22T00:11:00.003-06:00

With a very busy December and early January we have failed to do our blog justice. So, we are going to rewind the camera and capture a few moments starting in the middle of December.
December 13th found us at Minnesota State University in Moorhead attending the college graduation ceremony and here are Lindsay and Jen Levang Rogness getting their diplomas. Lindsay graduated with a degree in K-12 Music Education and Jen received her Masters Degree. Congratulations you two!
What a special brother to take the time to drive all the way from his college in Grand Rapids, MN to surprise his sister and attend her college graduation.
Waiting to walk across the stage. It is official. We have our first college graduate in the family.

INTRODUCING MR and MRS. SAMUEL GIETZEN

2009-01-10T23:35:00.004-06:00

One week ago Lindsay married Samuel Gietzen on a beautiful snowy day. Here are just a few pictures from friend's cameras that were shared with us. We hope to have more soon but this gives you a glimpse of the day...snow storm and all!

Dad is getting ready to walk Lindsay down the aisle. I wonder who is needing more kleenex at this point?

Just a quick check of the weather before our guests arrive. It did not surprise us that there was a winter storm warning on Lindsay's wedding day. ALL special events in her life have involved a storm of some kind!
I love this picture of the front of the church with the cross and it's reflections. It was a beautiful candle lit service.
A picture of the reception room prior to our guests arriving.
Our precious flower girls took the lead as they lead these handsome ring bearers down the aisle. This is the one and only time all 4 of them walked down the aisle together whether it be at the wedding rehearsal or prior to the wedding. They chose the right time to make it happen!
Just in case the father of the bride forgot his line our wedding coordinator Candis Berge had it covered with a "cheat sheet". Our family of six!

A TRIP TO GRAND RAPIDS

2008-12-17T01:02:00.004-06:00

This week-end we went up to Grand Rapids to spend some time as a family. It was Jeff's birthday last Thursday so we thought it would be fun to go visit him at school. He found a great hotel for us to stay in and we stayed warm during the snowstorm. Here are just a few pictures of us out for Jeff's birthday supper, playing board games, watching football, sleeping during football and just relaxing together.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFF!

2008-12-10T23:12:00.006-06:00

Twenty years ago a bundle of blue arrived at our house on December 11th. What an exciting day that was! We are so proud of you Jeff! We wish you a great day at school and look forward to celebrating with you this week-end! We thought it would be fun to show you for your birthday some great pictures of .........
..............................................JEFF A SINGER!
.................................................JEFF A PAINTER..........................................JEFF A BUILDER ........................................JEFF A YANKEE FAN?????
....................................JEFF A QUARTERBACK
........................JEFF TURNING 14 WITH HIS FRIENDS
..........................................JEFF A HIPPIE!
..................JEFF....A RISBRUDT..A SON...AND A BROTHER
.................AND MOST IMPORTANT JEFF A CHILD OF GOD
WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU JEFF AND WE LOVE YOU!!!!

CHRISTMAS CARD PICTURES!

2008-11-17T21:16:00.003-06:00

I was thinking that when the children were smaller this is the time I started to try to create those perfect Christmas card pictures and how they hated to be posed. Well, I thought I would post a few pictures I found of our family and a few other people we know and love! Aren't pictures fun!

STATE QUARTERFINAL GAME

2008-11-11T16:11:00.005-06:00

This past Saturday the Otters met the Knights and had a very difficult game. What a great season the Otters gave us. It was definitely something to cheer about. Here are some pictures of the rally that was held in the gym on Sunday for the Otter football team and some pictures of the last game.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COACH

2008-11-05T22:02:00.003-06:00

Today is the Coach's birthday. So, I decided to post a few pictures. The last picture is how we see you the most these past few months....coaching! Happy Birthday to the best husband and dad around! We are proud of you! It has been hard to find computer time to blog these past few days because the Coach is busy watching game tape. We hope your day was a fun one and that your real birthday present arrives on Saturday with a victory!

IT'S CONTAGIOUS!

2008-11-05T21:58:00.003-06:00

OTTER FEVER THAT IS! HERE ARE SOME OF THE SIGNS AROUND TOWN THAT ARE STARTING TO SHOW UP TO SUPPORT OUR OTTER FOOTBALL TEAM!

State Tournament Bound!

2008-11-05T21:45:00.003-06:00

The Otter Football Team won their section championship game last Saturday at St. Johns University on a beautiful fall day. What a great day for football and we loved the outcome. They beat Sauk Rapids Rice 21-7. Now the Otters will take their team to the first round of the State Football Tournament on Saturday November 8th. The Otters will play St. Michael/ Albertville at 12:00 noon at St. Cloud State University. We would love to win this game and take the Otters to their first Metrodome experience. GO OTTERS!
Nick's sister, aunts, uncle and cousin were just some of the relatives that came for the game.
The guys have a great time in the huddle after the games encouraging each other in the popcorn session. We love our Otter Fans!
Nick and Josh Campion talking things over in the huddle.
Section Champs and on to State! Thanks Pam for all the pictures you took of this game!

WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS!

2008-10-31T08:51:00.004-05:00

On Tuesday morning I was explaining to Nicholas that Lindsay was coming home tonight because a shower was being given for her at church by our friends. Nicholas replied with "How many showers does a girl have to take before she gets married??" Well, we know that he was being funny but this girl has been blessed with showering. We thought we would share a few pictures of the event! Thank you to Candis for coordinating not only the wedding but this shower! So, thank you dear friends for hosting this wonderful event. Carrie (Levang)Bjorndahl is interviewing Lindsay about Sam so everyone could hear a little bit about North Dakota man! For those of you that look at Carrie's blog....this might be the only tummy shot you get of Carrie. Little Miss Bjorndahl is due to arrive very soon!
Ruth, Brianna and Heather put together a suitcase called "SAM"S SURVIVAL KIT". It was all the items that they thought he needed to live with Lindsay. Since Ruth and Heather had been her room-mates for two years they were quite insightful!
Lindsay opening gifts
Friends who attended the shower.
Lots of fun and fellowship!

More showering

2008-10-31T08:32:00.004-05:00

Some of the ladies who helped with the shower. Vicki is taking the picture.

Mom and Aunt Carol (thanks for driving down with Ally from Moorhead!)
Lindsay and Dawn.........that's how we got Lindsay Dawn!

On our way to the Section Finals.............

2008-10-27T23:25:00.003-05:00

The Otters beat Rocori on Saturday night to advance them to the Section Championship on Saturday November 1 at 1:30PM at St. Johns. We had a fun night in the fan section cheering on the Otters!
Erik loved to celebrate with Sam after every touchdown. The future ring bearer got a little bonding time with the future groom.
Howard traveled all the way from Detroit Lakes to take in the game. Thanks for coming Howard!
Cousin Brett , Jeff and Sam are seen in this picture...they look like they are up to something???
Here are the three muskateers. These three were roomies for two years at Moorhead State and they still like each other!

Great fun , Great food, Great friends!

2008-10-27T23:10:00.003-05:00

On Friday evening we had a great night at Paul and JoAnn Levangs house. They are the best when it comes to hosting a party. Tonight was an engagement party and we played games, gave advice and had a great time with food and fellowship. The Colbecks, Aases, Selvigs, Risbrudts, Berges, Levangs and an assortment of children were all together once again. It made me think of a bible verse that Carl and Diane shared with us and a quote they had made on a magnet for all of us to place on our refridgerator a few years ago. It was from Psalm 143:8 " Let the morning bring me word of you unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for you I lift up my soul." And for the quote "Jobs may Change but Friends will last forever! To our FOREVER FRIENDS.....Thanks for a wonderful evening and for your friendship!

Where is the Tide when you need it!

2008-10-21T17:05:00.003-05:00

The past two games were just a little bit muddy. This is what the uniform looked like before it hit the washer!
Uncle Greg, Aunt Carol and cousins Brett, Kimmie and Alison came all the way from Moorhead to Alexandria to cheer for the Otters.
What is this? A cardinal fan in the middle of Nick and Laura? You are a good sport Tyler!
I haven't caught a picture of these two together in quite some time. Here they are in Otter Colors. They have quite a long history over the years on the sidelines together.
Here is little Zoe Grace Levang daughter of Michael and Stacy. She had to have been the youngest Otter Fan in the stands at the Fergus Falls vs Alexandria game. She is all of 8 weeks old in this picture.

A RISBRUDT SHOWER

2008-10-21T16:41:00.002-05:00

In October we celebrated a bridal shower with the Risbrudts. Thanks to Aunt Carol, Aunt Sue and Aunt Laurie for hosting this shower. This first picture is of Lindsay and I with her Aunts.
We let Richard show up at the shower for a few minutes because he wanted to see his Ashby Aunts. Here he is with Lindsay and his aunts.
It just isn't a Risbrudt Celebration if our Great Aunt doesn't arrive along with her twins Gertie and Bertie. Somehow they insist we forget to invite them for these occasions but they always find out and show up.
They had made Lindsay her very own Sam's Club Card. It was quite original. (Actually, Uncle Greg should get the credit for this creative card.)
Here is a fun picture of Lindsay and her cousins Kimmie, Alison, Jill and Tiffini.

A FUN SURPRISE !

2008-09-30T21:35:00.002-05:00

Last week when the Otters played in Bemidji I arrived to find Jeff on the sidelines. What a nice surprise for us to see him. He drove down from Itasca in Grand Rapids to take in the game.
Jeff and Marie are cheering on the Otters. Carol Aase is in this picture too but I cropped her out so I could still be her friend! :)
These two little ladies were at the game in plenty of time. They parked their wheel chairs just down from the Otter bench. I don't know who they are or who they were cheering for but I hope when I am their age I will get out in my wheelchair on a rainy night for Friday Night Football! Yes, Nicholas almost landed in their laps as he flew out of bounds on a play. What an inspiration!

Wedding Countdown

2008-09-26T00:16:00.001-05:00

Birthday Buddies

2008-09-21T00:55:00.002-05:00

On September 21 and September 26 these two will be celebrating their 17th Birthdays! Wow they have grown up fast. Nick and Kathryn have celebrated together in the past so I thought we might enjoy seeing a few of those parties.
Here they are celebrating their 5th birthday with a pool party.
Then at 14 they had a party at the PAC in Perham. Nice braces! Thanks for putting up with me you two when I wanted to take a picture of the two of you again. I actually have a 4 year old birthday picture of the two of you in this same chair but I can't find it. Goes to show you I don't get new furniture very often. HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICK AND KAT!

A trip to Grand Rapids

2008-09-21T00:23:00.003-05:00

After a few short hours of sleep we were up bright and early heading down the road to see Jeff. It was "Parents Day" at Itasca Community College and we wanted to see Jeff. Here is a one of the pictures I took on the campus.
This is Jeff's dorm . He is an RA this year so we got to see his room and suite that he stays in. We brought him a bike so he can save on gas. I wonder who that is riding the bike?
These are just a few of the beautiful trees that we saw on our way up north today.

Football in the fog (literally)!

2008-09-21T00:01:00.002-05:00

The Otters played a very tough Rocori team this week. We were fortunate to come out on top. The guys knew it too. Josh Campion is leading the team in giving thanks after a hard fought battle.
Our little buddy E came with his dad to the game to cheer on the Otters. He had many roles at the game. He led the high school students in the wave many times and in this picture he is showing the team how to look tough! I think it worked!
This is Trevor Gervais kicking a field goal. It was a very foggy night! This summer on the golf course Nick and his golfing buddy Trevor had some serious conversations about Trevor coming out to do the kicking for the Otters. Trevor is a soccer player but once a week on Friday nights he is the football team's kicker and is doing an awesome job!
Nick is in the gold pants going up for a catch and he caught it. Thanks to Paula for "catching" this picture. Will and Nick after a hard fought game.