First Grade in Iraq

The Kindergarten teacher and her class have been corresponding with Jimmer and he sent this photo of a first grade class to her. She was very grateful to receive it. By the end of the day, the picture had been forwarded to the entire staff to remind us of how fortunate we are and a humble reminder of how much we take for granted. So, please take a minute to stop and appreciate all God has given you and say a prayer for those who lack the basic necessities. Also, say a prayer for our brave men and women that serve this great nation.

On another subject, I have been in contact with my advisor and have become increasingly stressed about finishing my dissertation and graduating this summer. He encouraged me to contemplate taking the summer to finish writing, take my comprehensive exams, defend and graduate in December. I think that will be in the best interest of my sanity! I am so thankful for the support of Eric and the girls, I couldn't do it without them...

A Few Last Photos...

I'm hoping these are the last two pictures of snow that I will need to post until Christmas...Kelsey, Eric and Kelsey's friend Sahali had fun playing in the snow on Saturday. Courtney and Hema stayed inside and played Barbies and gymnastics.

Enough Already!

We were hit with another winter storm on Friday. Our school released at noon and Courtney's school dismissed at 1:45. We spent the afternoon/early evening making brownies and watching The Bee Movie and Ratatouille on Direct TV. This morning the girls have created a tent and are playing "Zoo" with a bunch of their stuffed animals. Skittles doesn't seem to concerned about the snow:)

Have a good weekend!

Happy Birthday Sarah!

We'd like to wish our cousin and niece, Sarah a very happy 16th Birthday on Thursday! We love you very much...

Enjoying the Warm Weather...

Kelsey had her friend Levi over to play today after school. They had a good time playing outside.

Reading is Fun...

Courtney is reading Junie B. First Grader, Toothless Wonder. It is so great to see her becoming such a good reader in first grade. She is also getting ready for another play...her class is going to perform "Who's in Rabbit's House?" Courtney will play the part of a frog. Kelsey is participating in the Book-It program at pre-school, so she will sit and listen to Courtney read for short periods of time.

We're hoping to get outside this week and play on the swingset or read on the back deck:) Have a good week!

Courtney the Chameleon

Courtney starred as a chameleon in the Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. She really enjoyed being in the play and it was fun to watch her. Eric and I are going to the Bon Jovi concert this evening in Fargo. Daughtry is the opening act, and he is one of my favorite artists. We are going with a group of friends to save on gas:)

Kelsey is staying overnight at the Hagen's and Courtney is staying overnight at Jalen's house. Have a good weekend everyone!

Thoughts and Prayers...

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sue, Doris, Jill, Jerry, Joelle and families in their time of grief. Jeff was my oldest cousin, and although I never knew him very well, I know he had a big heart. He was a kind, caring person and will be missed. Rest in peace, we love you...

The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe...

Starring Courtney as a Chameleon! Courtney tried out for the Missoula Children's Theatre production today and received a part. Her friend, Jalen is also in the play, which will be nice. She is very excited and will practice with the cast after school every day this week. The production will be this Friday at 1:00 and 7:00! Everyone is invited:)

Snowmen in April??

Well, I arrived home safely from my conference in Minneapolis to find 5 lovely snowmen in the front yard. Courtney, Kelsey and Hema created the snowmen this morning.

Mindy, Carrie and I ventured to Minneapolis on Thursday morning to beat the snowstorm, after a quick stop in Albertville, we arrived safely. The conference was interesting and we enjoyed the trip. I had supper with Rowe on Friday night and took my first trip to Trader Joe's-what a neat place!

Enjoy the sunshine!

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Does anyone know what that is? Well, I have it and it's PINK EYE! My left eye started itching yesterday and was irritated. By this morning, it was very watery. I went to school and made an appointment at the visual clinic in the afternoon. The optometrist prescribed anti-bacterial drops that I have to put in both eyes every two hours. Fun, fun...I just hope the girls don't get it.
Mindy, Carrie and I are leaving tomorrow for a reading clinic in Minneapolis. We're planning on leaving early in the day to beat the big snow storm. We'll be driving back on Saturday.

More Pictures...

We were two hours late this morning and Courtney's school also had a late start. Fortunately, the temperatures warmed up today and melted most of the snow. I am posting a few more pictures that I received. I'm not sure who the sisters are, but I'm thinking one of them is my great-great grandmother? Have a good week everyone:)

Happy Birthday!

I'd like to wish my childhood friend, Rachel a very Happy Birthday on Monday! We hope that you have a very special 35th birthday:)

The girls spent most of the day yesterday playing outside and roller skating at the Hagen's house. I attended a training in the morning, and then Eric and I drove to Fargo for a date night. We ate at Red Lobster, walked around the mall and went grocery shopping. It is amazing how much cheaper groceries are in Fargo than at our local grocery store! I hope we don't get any of the snow predicted for today...

Family Photos

My great-grandmother, Nina (Peggy)-isn't she beautiful?
Grandma Thelma and Grandpa Bart with Dick and Bernice
My wonderful dad, Jim in high school and as a grade school boy

I received a package in the mail from my cousin, Diane today. Inside was a CD containing old family photographs of my grandmother, Thelma and her family. I love old pictures and this was a special treat. Even though I never had the opportunity to meet my grandmother, I know she was a special lady. So, I thought I'd share a few of the photos and thanks Diane for sending me the disc. I will share them with my brothers, if they're nice to me!

Happy Birthday!

I want to wish one of my best friends, a very Happy Birthday on Saturday! Jenn will be turning 35 on Saturday and I think we've been friends for close to thirty of those years! Jenn is a kind, considerate, selfless, lifelong friend. We've been through some highs (weddings, children, our trip to the Reagan Library) and lows (car accident, deaths of our grandparents). Our friendship has been a great journey and I look forward to the next 35+ years! Thanks for being my friend. You're the best and I hope you have a great birthday:)