Sunday, October 25, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
H1N1 Star
My little Mercedes is on the news again. This time for receiving her H1N1 vaccination. She and Dani are at the end of the clip. She must have been playing with the mic BEFORE her poke. Double click on the underlined to check it out.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Newsworthy
Mercedes has made the news. She is the first little baby with the white shirt on at the beginning of the clip. She sort of has the Grandma Davis look, "huh?" Mayor Curt Zimmbleman has proclaimed Pre-Term Birth Awareness Month. The clip goes very fast(I also had to wait quite some time for it to download) so if you missed it I will post her latest photos when she was at our house last weekend.
Grandma gear is engaged so let's show them all!!
The following: Lainey in the pumpkin patch.
This next one makes me laugh, I bet it goes with someone saying "Smile Lainey" at 2 1/2 years who knows what she thinks is a good smile.
Master Beau went to his first, of many I'm sure, Seattle Seahawks game. He brought them luck and they won after a few losses. Grandma even lightly follows the Seahawks!
Collin, he lives the closest and I haven't seen him in almost a month. Bad Grandma! I have to resort to an archived photo.
Grandma gear is engaged so let's show them all!!
The following: Lainey in the pumpkin patch.
This next one makes me laugh, I bet it goes with someone saying "Smile Lainey" at 2 1/2 years who knows what she thinks is a good smile.
Master Beau went to his first, of many I'm sure, Seattle Seahawks game. He brought them luck and they won after a few losses. Grandma even lightly follows the Seahawks!
Collin, he lives the closest and I haven't seen him in almost a month. Bad Grandma! I have to resort to an archived photo.
Friday, October 9, 2009
40 Days and 40 Nights
It is official, in a mere 40 days, henceforth 40 nights (sleeps if your into toddlereze) I will wake up and ask myself, "Gosh, what should I do today?" After all this will be my first day of my new life.
I didn't get a divorce, have gastric bypass surgery, (or breast augmentation either) win the lottery, turn Catholic, get a hearing aid, or hopefully not die and wake up heaven - although I do hope the latter is my eventual landing strip.
On November 18th I will wake up to my first day of my retired life. On November 17th (now that you have counted out the days) will be my last day of employment as the Activities Director at Souris Valley Care Center. I took the leap!
Not a blind leap either. Plenty of thought and sleepless nights went into this so called leap. I love my job, the residents are my extended family and so is the staff (Is that why we tangle at times, sisterly love?) I have worked there three months short of 24 years. It is a part of me, so to call it quits was not an easy decision but...
Tempus fug it, time marches on and waits for no one. I hope to pursue all the things that have been on hold, or brewing in my cranium - the cranium which many of my "sisters" have thought is rather empty at times.
Ron is now retired and it is because of this wonderful husband I have it is possible for me to take this leap. Thank you Ron, you're a good man, taking care of your good (???) wife.
So let the countdown begin!
I didn't get a divorce, have gastric bypass surgery, (or breast augmentation either) win the lottery, turn Catholic, get a hearing aid, or hopefully not die and wake up heaven - although I do hope the latter is my eventual landing strip.
On November 18th I will wake up to my first day of my retired life. On November 17th (now that you have counted out the days) will be my last day of employment as the Activities Director at Souris Valley Care Center. I took the leap!
Not a blind leap either. Plenty of thought and sleepless nights went into this so called leap. I love my job, the residents are my extended family and so is the staff (Is that why we tangle at times, sisterly love?) I have worked there three months short of 24 years. It is a part of me, so to call it quits was not an easy decision but...
Tempus fug it, time marches on and waits for no one. I hope to pursue all the things that have been on hold, or brewing in my cranium - the cranium which many of my "sisters" have thought is rather empty at times.
Ron is now retired and it is because of this wonderful husband I have it is possible for me to take this leap. Thank you Ron, you're a good man, taking care of your good (???) wife.
So let the countdown begin!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Dead Skier
This news isn't exactly new news, in fact it is one week old. On the 29th of September Karlyn Frantsen and I made our annual journey to the Norway Lutheran Church to see if in fact Sondre Norheim is still dead. Well we know he is but it makes for a good story. In reality, we make this trip each year to partake in the laying of the wreath at the grave of Sondre Norheim, the father of modern skiing.
My sister in law Lila spearheads all the work, along with her husband Kim. My other sister in law, Sandy, is a big help to her as well but she was unable to make it this year. Karlyn and I are the journeymen coffee servers and dishwashers for the coffee and lunch served. We dress in our Norwegian garb (this year I didn't as I had not yet hauled out my Norwegian sweaters. I also noticed my scarf doesn't match my jacket - what a misfit I was this year!) and drive the twenty-five miles to the oldest Lutheran Church in the Mouse River Loop.
This little soiree has been going on since 1982 when Elvind Stronde (norsk spelling is a guess) the curator of the Sondre Norheim Museum in Telemark Norway, came to see the grave sight. In 1984 Princess Astrid (now that was big doings!!) came to lay a wreath on his grave. Every year since... well you know the rest. My mother in law, Lilian, was the kingpin (queeenpin??) for many years making it all come together. When she was no longer able to, Lila took over.
Each year the format is relatively the same, but the Norwegian guests are different. The visitors are always impressed with our simple country church that over looks the Mouse River valley.
In Norway Sondre is heralded as quite a hero, much like our Babe Ruth. In the early 1880's he left the mountainous regions of Norway to seek his fame and fortune in America. Things didn't pan out as he anticipated and he died a pauper in 1897, never again to see the snowcovered mountaintops he so loved. He and his family lived just a few miles from the Norway Church. Many many years later, in 1966, his unmarked grave was found and later decorated with the stone, flag poles and such.
So each year as the Hostfest (Minot, ND) throws open its massive doors, this little out of the way ceremony is the unofficial kick off to the biggest Norwegian gathering in the entire USA, gosh maybe the world!
R.I.P. Sondre.
My sister in law Lila spearheads all the work, along with her husband Kim. My other sister in law, Sandy, is a big help to her as well but she was unable to make it this year. Karlyn and I are the journeymen coffee servers and dishwashers for the coffee and lunch served. We dress in our Norwegian garb (this year I didn't as I had not yet hauled out my Norwegian sweaters. I also noticed my scarf doesn't match my jacket - what a misfit I was this year!) and drive the twenty-five miles to the oldest Lutheran Church in the Mouse River Loop.
This little soiree has been going on since 1982 when Elvind Stronde (norsk spelling is a guess) the curator of the Sondre Norheim Museum in Telemark Norway, came to see the grave sight. In 1984 Princess Astrid (now that was big doings!!) came to lay a wreath on his grave. Every year since... well you know the rest. My mother in law, Lilian, was the kingpin (queeenpin??) for many years making it all come together. When she was no longer able to, Lila took over.
Each year the format is relatively the same, but the Norwegian guests are different. The visitors are always impressed with our simple country church that over looks the Mouse River valley.
In Norway Sondre is heralded as quite a hero, much like our Babe Ruth. In the early 1880's he left the mountainous regions of Norway to seek his fame and fortune in America. Things didn't pan out as he anticipated and he died a pauper in 1897, never again to see the snowcovered mountaintops he so loved. He and his family lived just a few miles from the Norway Church. Many many years later, in 1966, his unmarked grave was found and later decorated with the stone, flag poles and such.
So each year as the Hostfest (Minot, ND) throws open its massive doors, this little out of the way ceremony is the unofficial kick off to the biggest Norwegian gathering in the entire USA, gosh maybe the world!
R.I.P. Sondre.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Happy Birthday Bill
At precisely 1:00 pm today William Deane will turn 28. He was a whopping 9# 6oz. and 21 inches long. Today he must be close 200# and 6 ft. tall. He is a pure joy to his mother. Happy Birthday Bill, I love you! MOM
When he was thirteen, a mere fifteen years ago he opted to make his own birthday cake. His finished product was a masterpiece.
When he was thirteen, a mere fifteen years ago he opted to make his own birthday cake. His finished product was a masterpiece.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Three Big Moments
My world skids around most days with little or no excitement, same old - same old. Well, that was not the case this weekend.
First was the 5th birthday party of Collin at the park in Granville. Family and a couple billion yellowjackets. Only four bites for the guests. Collin was jetting around too fast to be captured and bit. Which by the way was my "learn something new everyday" for September 19th: yellowjackets bite and don't sting. But for the record their little bite is pretty painfull. I have yet to be bit but they do like my hair with its you can hang wallpaper with it hairspray, I don't think they could tunnel their way into my melon, let alone take a chunk.
Let's get to the Kodak moments.
The Pinata
Tad working Collin for some of the candy.
Grandpa Tim had a little gun cabinet built for Collin. He doesn't have a b-b gun yet, but he did get a sling shot for his birthday. After all he is a farm kid and somebody has to get those gophers, ya know!
Lacy wackin' yellowjackets with her shoe.
Then after all the presents were opened Mommy comes with one last bag for Collin, saying it was a pretty special present. So I get ready and aim with the Nikon, and yes, it took me a second or two to get it. I believe I said, "For real?"
Erik and Nicki, second time Mom and Dad. Baby Espeseth is due March 29th. That runs the tally up to five grandkids. How blest we are!!
This morning, the 20th, we were up and on our way to Minot for Mercedes Anna's baptism at Bethany Lutheran. What a nice service given by Pastor Janet Hernes Mathistad. Mercedes was as good as gold in her hand crocheted baptismal gown. She went from one happy holder to another.
With her sponsors: Teresa Witteman, Matt Peterson, Kylie Coffin, and Tony Malachowski.
Mercedes and Auntie LuLu.
My Precious Mercedes
Today, the twentieth of September, it is your special day.
We know sweet Jesus has been with you always
in your little life, but on this baptismal Sunday
you have been sealed with the cross of Christ forever.
What a glorious moment it is;
Oh, how the angels they must rejoice!
Love, Grandma
9-20-2009
First was the 5th birthday party of Collin at the park in Granville. Family and a couple billion yellowjackets. Only four bites for the guests. Collin was jetting around too fast to be captured and bit. Which by the way was my "learn something new everyday" for September 19th: yellowjackets bite and don't sting. But for the record their little bite is pretty painfull. I have yet to be bit but they do like my hair with its you can hang wallpaper with it hairspray, I don't think they could tunnel their way into my melon, let alone take a chunk.
Let's get to the Kodak moments.
The Pinata
Tad working Collin for some of the candy.
Grandpa Tim had a little gun cabinet built for Collin. He doesn't have a b-b gun yet, but he did get a sling shot for his birthday. After all he is a farm kid and somebody has to get those gophers, ya know!
Lacy wackin' yellowjackets with her shoe.
Then after all the presents were opened Mommy comes with one last bag for Collin, saying it was a pretty special present. So I get ready and aim with the Nikon, and yes, it took me a second or two to get it. I believe I said, "For real?"
Erik and Nicki, second time Mom and Dad. Baby Espeseth is due March 29th. That runs the tally up to five grandkids. How blest we are!!
This morning, the 20th, we were up and on our way to Minot for Mercedes Anna's baptism at Bethany Lutheran. What a nice service given by Pastor Janet Hernes Mathistad. Mercedes was as good as gold in her hand crocheted baptismal gown. She went from one happy holder to another.
With her sponsors: Teresa Witteman, Matt Peterson, Kylie Coffin, and Tony Malachowski.
Mercedes and Auntie LuLu.
My Precious Mercedes
Today, the twentieth of September, it is your special day.
We know sweet Jesus has been with you always
in your little life, but on this baptismal Sunday
you have been sealed with the cross of Christ forever.
What a glorious moment it is;
Oh, how the angels they must rejoice!
Love, Grandma
9-20-2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Birthday Times Two
Two special guys in my world have birthdays today. Son Carsten is 17 and grandson Collin is 5. My how time flies.
Carsten was born on a beautiful fall Saturday, with the temperatures about 75 degrees. I had worked the day before and remember sitting at the piano while Jim Sewick, our administrator at the time, read devotions to the residents. Our activity room, which is laced on three walls with big windows, looks out over the lush Mouse River Valley. One of the free perks of working at SVCC is gazing out the window at Velva, the grain fields and the ever changing weather. I lamented to myself that autumn day: the leaves must surely be at their peak. Within 48 hours my nine pound redheaded baby boy was born.
Collin on the other hand was a month early and came rather quickly. What I remember is hearing Erik's quivery voice telling me of the possible problems that could be ahead of them with this early birth. Prayers were answered and he arrived shortly after the phone call, in pretty fine shape at that. To see him the next day was one more treasured moment for me.
Carsten absolutely despises having his picture taken. The first one is his response to a photo attempt. Tried and true family members will know what is missing in this shot.
HaHa - gotcha.
Happy day fellas. This blogger loves you to pieces and always will!!
Carsten was born on a beautiful fall Saturday, with the temperatures about 75 degrees. I had worked the day before and remember sitting at the piano while Jim Sewick, our administrator at the time, read devotions to the residents. Our activity room, which is laced on three walls with big windows, looks out over the lush Mouse River Valley. One of the free perks of working at SVCC is gazing out the window at Velva, the grain fields and the ever changing weather. I lamented to myself that autumn day: the leaves must surely be at their peak. Within 48 hours my nine pound redheaded baby boy was born.
Collin on the other hand was a month early and came rather quickly. What I remember is hearing Erik's quivery voice telling me of the possible problems that could be ahead of them with this early birth. Prayers were answered and he arrived shortly after the phone call, in pretty fine shape at that. To see him the next day was one more treasured moment for me.
Carsten absolutely despises having his picture taken. The first one is his response to a photo attempt. Tried and true family members will know what is missing in this shot.
HaHa - gotcha.
Happy day fellas. This blogger loves you to pieces and always will!!
Monday, September 14, 2009
I Oughta Live Forever
If laughter adds hours, days, even years to your life I ought to live forever. I have hit on a website that is guaranteed to release all the good endorphins a body can possibly harbor. I discovered it yesterday tucked in the 10 most popular stories for the week in Time magazines. The People of Walmart is updated daily, but part of the humor is in reading the captions below. The pictures I used didn't include the captions, so I had to make sure I got shots that spoke for themselves. I have saved this site to my favorites under blogs, to ensure daily blasts of a good belly laugh. Tip: Do it before application of eye makeup or you'll get to work and someone will start a rumor that you look like you have been crying again!
I knew Wally world was more than just a store!
P.S. Double click on the underlined to go to the website.
I knew Wally world was more than just a store!
P.S. Double click on the underlined to go to the website.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
USO Show
Last night Ron and I went to the USO show held at the Dakota Territory Air Museum. This event honored our military (past and present) as well as a tribute to our patriotism, so rejuvenated after the 9 11 tragedy. All the hard work that went into this production was evident by a spectacular show - a good time was had by all. It was a wonderful night.
Pictured from left to right: Terry Aldrich, Jan Veikley, Pam Hopkins, Teri Hurley, Brenda Demke, John Witteman and Steve Veikley
The tickets informed us: semi formal, vintage or patriotic dress. I, of course, didn't have anything vintage. In the forties the clothes seemed like they belonged on the pencil thin figure which I have long since abandon for a more mealy look. Vintage for me would have been the maid's uniform.
There was a style show of vintage military uniforms, Red Cross workers, and a few forties ensembles. Terry Aldrich wore a stunning off white (hand made ) dress that accentuated a 17 inch waist, which I'm sure she had. Some of the guests did actually wear vintage. My favorites were Warren and Jolene Pietsch.
Jolene had on dress bought in a Douglas AZ thrift shop, toted to North Dakota by Robin Brekhus. She looked, for lack of a better word, adorable. When she danced her skirt flew out like a scarf in a summer breeze.
Warren stepped back into his heritage by wearing the suit his father Alfred wore the day he married his mother, Eleanor DeBilt, in 1945. After a hem drop on the trousers, the suit fit like a glove. Eleanor was at the USO show and beamed like a lighthouse when he went to the front, along with all the other vintage dressers.
The hour long musical tribute was performed by Java Jive Jazz, Sisters by Choice, and The Quarter Notes. A jazz band called Backyard Swing Band, directed by George Helm, provided the music. Live music makes all the difference.
I was disappointed in myself for not remembering the trusty Nikon. I only had the point and shoot unit, which doesn't capture my idea of a good photo; henceforth limited pictures. At least I wasn't a nuisance with the "lens in your face" routine.
For all of you merely reading this, you missed a special night!
Pictured from left to right: Terry Aldrich, Jan Veikley, Pam Hopkins, Teri Hurley, Brenda Demke, John Witteman and Steve Veikley
The tickets informed us: semi formal, vintage or patriotic dress. I, of course, didn't have anything vintage. In the forties the clothes seemed like they belonged on the pencil thin figure which I have long since abandon for a more mealy look. Vintage for me would have been the maid's uniform.
There was a style show of vintage military uniforms, Red Cross workers, and a few forties ensembles. Terry Aldrich wore a stunning off white (hand made ) dress that accentuated a 17 inch waist, which I'm sure she had. Some of the guests did actually wear vintage. My favorites were Warren and Jolene Pietsch.
Jolene had on dress bought in a Douglas AZ thrift shop, toted to North Dakota by Robin Brekhus. She looked, for lack of a better word, adorable. When she danced her skirt flew out like a scarf in a summer breeze.
Warren stepped back into his heritage by wearing the suit his father Alfred wore the day he married his mother, Eleanor DeBilt, in 1945. After a hem drop on the trousers, the suit fit like a glove. Eleanor was at the USO show and beamed like a lighthouse when he went to the front, along with all the other vintage dressers.
The hour long musical tribute was performed by Java Jive Jazz, Sisters by Choice, and The Quarter Notes. A jazz band called Backyard Swing Band, directed by George Helm, provided the music. Live music makes all the difference.
I was disappointed in myself for not remembering the trusty Nikon. I only had the point and shoot unit, which doesn't capture my idea of a good photo; henceforth limited pictures. At least I wasn't a nuisance with the "lens in your face" routine.
For all of you merely reading this, you missed a special night!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)