Tag Archives: Christmas

22 days: not so silent night

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One of the lesser publicized facts of a white Christmas in Minnesota (and just about anywhere in the Midwest) is dry air in homes and businesses. For a family riddled with allergies and sinus issues, there are definitely aspects that are not as appealing as idyllic Christmas cards of still, snowy nights. A few days ago, I purchased a humidifier for our upstairs to help with the onset of my seasonal plague of nose bleeds. Don’t get me wrong I am happy that I live in a warm (and draft-free) house on the prairie; yet, I am fully prepared to take counter measures.  I do, however, have to be very careful about which humidifier I choose because one daughter is off-the-charts allergic to mold. So there’s the rub – to find a humidifier that helps moisten the air but doesn’t moisten the air too much!

Perusing through the selections available, I purchased the one that seemed to fit best with the needs that we had. Here were the highlights of the one that made the cut:

  • Provides cool air (I am at an age where hot air is not on my wish list, unless of course, I’m going up in a balloon.)
    • Can provide moistened air to up to three rooms (exactly what I need)
  • 96% mold and bacteria free (due to UV light attachment. Well why not!!!)
    • Lasts for 36 hours (less filling and refilling!)
  • Quiet operation, fan will not interrupt sleep (Bonus!)

While I was gone for the evening, my sweetie unpacked, assembled, filled the water reservoir, and plugged ‘er in. When I got home, he was watching TV in our bedroom by the glow of the UV light sanitizer, which really had the effect of a fish aquarium for ambience. When we shut down the news, I knew we were in for a long night. I will be honest and say the light was mildly annoying (as I like it pitch black to sleep), but “quiet operation” must be industry code language for not as loud as a rock concert but definitely as loud as a jet engine.

Did. Not. Sleep. A. Wink.

As I lay awake, I started thinking about all the other purchases I had been duped by in my life. Nail art kit for kids was disastrous at best. Buns of Steel video in the 80’s could have been better labelled as a torture device. And my personal favorite was the first grill we ever purchased.

One Friday our best friends invited us over because they had bought a new grill and said if you help us put it together, we can all have a cook-out. Whipped it out the box, put the grill on the stand, and fastened two nuts and bolts, and we were cooking with gas. Literally. It was such a great evening we decided we too needed a grill. Off to the store, we found one similar to our friends with the same “Easy to Assemble” sticker on the box. Pork chops purchased, we raced home to assemble our new grill. Thank the good Lord we did not reciprocate the previous day’s plan with our friends. We opened our box to find 273 pieces and a 20 page manual of instructions. It took three days to complete. “Easy to Assemble” – my left toe!

When I returned the humidifier to the store this morning, the customer service lady asked me if it was defective. I explained it worked according to theory, but not according to needs. She could hardly contain her laughter when I blurted I probably would have gotten more sleep if howler monkeys resided in my bedroom. She read the box, gave me a understanding nod, and smacked a “Defective” label on the whole thing.

As I stood there waiting for the money to be returned, I realized how much like the misguided purchases in my past I had allowed my previous Christmas joy to be snatched away by flashy labelling, smoke and mirrors marketing, and shoulda’s (You should do this. Or you should buy that for your kids. You should have this.) I think you get the picture.

It was a pretty convicting moment.

When I pause and truly reflect, my favorite holiday memories are always about the simple things, and yet, I have been fooled more than once into believing I needed more of this or that to create a happy Christmas.

In reality, I don’t need anything more to be happy, and my kids don’t either. Why do I (or anyone else) allow the noise of the world to disrupt my heart’s contentment like crashing cymbals? I think my pledge to be present (even if it is the little moments this advent) is really rubbing off. So even though I have been functioning on no sleep, I have spent most of the day thankful for the realization of all the blessings I have, including the opportunities I have to spend with people I love.

And I am MORE than okay with that knowledge bringing peace to my mind and good will to my soul, especially if  it brings me closer to sweet sounds of a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.

23 days: Let heaven and earth rejoice

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I apologize that you will get two countdown blogs today. My travels took me away from home and brought me back safe and secure, although tired and exhausted. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to travel with a dear friend to hear her daughter’s collegiate Christmas concert. My sneaky friend billed it as girlfriend’s day with shopping, music, and fun. What she failed to mention was she would be belatedly treating me for my birthday.

We had a delightful time, but it was the concert itself that stirred my heart. The sweet college freshman happens to be the most current recipient of the Reed Stevens Memorial Scholarship; so, of course, I had a vested interest in more than one way to be present. While I thought that I was going to admiringly listen, for a second time I was completely surprised. This was not simply a concert. Truly, it was an experience!

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A conversation with another friend reminded me this week so few people actually understand the crescendo of anticipation the season of advent has for believers. The event we had the blessing to attend yesterday would epitomize that effect. My soul was stirred with joyful hope with every note. There were instrumental arrangements, small choirs, large concert choirs, stringed instrument bands, piping organ accompaniment, and hand bells. We, the audience, were asked to sing in worship at many varied points throughout the worship service. Yes! Worship, not a concert at all! We worshipped as we actively participated, both singing and listening, reciting and praying together, a communion of souls in peaceful harmony while remembering our Savior’s arrival.

Even my friend was taken aback. We were of one accord, envisioning the same thing. Well, this was the big leagues, and we were blown away by the talent and the professional production our senses delighted in. After the opening of various concert band pieces, the whole choir walked in and surrounded the chapel. They sang a few liturgical lines in Latin, and then the whole congregation was asked to join in another song.

My friend whispered in my ear, “I had no idea! No idea this was going to be this amazing!” With tears in my eyes, I replied, “I know. I keep closing my eyes and thinking this is what it will sound like in heaven!” So while we rejoiced with other earthly souls, my thoughts were on the choirs that my sweet children hear every day in heaven.

This advent, remember to rejoice in the little ways . . . because they truly matter!

Note: I wanted to see if there were any video clips that I could link to this blog. What I found instead was information regarding livestreaming of the concert.   The final performance will be this upcoming Sunday, December 7.   If you follow the link provided below, you find the information needed to watch from the comfort of your home. You will be blessed if you do choose to participate online and you will get to see “our” Rachel and other talented students from “out here”. The concert begins at 4 pm CST each day, but the instrumental preludes started about 45 minutes earlier. Be blessed and rejoice! https://blc.tixato.com/buy/christmas-at-bethany

24 days: The Retreat

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Every year, the women of my church gather for one weekend for rest and relaxation. Many, but not all of us, also use those three days to begin projects or to put the finishing touches on Christmas gifts. Every little nook or cranny is filled with tables of various crafts and of course, conversation. We have smaller retreats throughout the year held at our church, but for this annual gathering we travel about a half hour from home to a Danish folk school. Built in 1917, the tranquil and peaceful building has served for camps, schools, and worship services.

I don’t have one Danish bone in my body, but the moment I walk through the strong wooden doors of that charming brick building, I feel at peace. The rhythm of a group of women joining together in fellowship fills my heart. First hand, I have seen friendships form, broken spirits healed, God-sized dreams begin, and in some cases, grandparent “adoptions” solidified. There are plenty of late night giggles, opportunities to sleep in, chances to sing with other beautiful souls, delicious meals (that we didn’t have to cook), and without question, chocolate. (Although for the record, I am a girl who would pick cheese over chocolate any day!)

Every year, I fill my craft bags to overflowing, but my suitcase with the bare minimum. A wistful dreamer at heart, I believe that I am going to take on superhero stamina and finish all those Christmas gifts. It Never Happens! Typically, a fourth of the projects I brought go home completed because once a friend opens her heart and the conversation flows, I forget about all the things that my to-do list mandated.

I am almost ashamed to admit this, but I resisted going to this retreat for years. My job or my family might need me was an easy excuse. Well, that and I used to attend a regional Moms gathering a few weekends before. When they finally broke through my pathetic excuses  encouraged me to come, I went away with trepidation. Two weekends of being away from my family! Would we survive??

Not only did we survive, but I came home refreshed, not caring about an agenda. I arrived home knowing that I had bonded with a group of women who love each other, and despite our humanness and faults are loved by an amazing God, who designed us to desire fellowship with others. Quiet time spent in reflection, prayer or worship ALWAYS nourishes my soul and reminds me how deep His love truly is. This affirmation comes in the hand pat of a ninety-year old grandmother, the telling of a never told before story of something Reed had done, the encouraging word when my project isn’t going just the way I had planned,  or the shared tears of joy and sadness. God breathes through these women each year his constant love song for each one of us.

I cannot bottle up the wonder of the weekend; so, instead I have chosen to bring back a little piece (or should I say “peace”) of that soul restoration to my advent. Rather than stressing out about all the little details, I am choosing to fellowship with the present. Be that a person, time with God’s creation, or simply doing something I enjoy. In my own small way, I am allowing the moment to linger.

Somehow, I think God is smiling at that idea.

One of the quiet corners were I have spent with God and other women. That rocker is like hallowed ground to me.

One of the quiet corners were I have spent with God and other women. That rocker is like hallowed ground to me.

May your Christmas be Merry & Bright!

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Photo by Inspired Portrait Photography

Photo by Inspired Portrait Photography

This is the first family picture we have taken by a photographer who was not a close family friend because we struggle so much not having Reed in the picture.  The empty chair melted our hearts.  And if you know me at all, the photographer is now a friend.

I have finally found a few minutes to sit down and write our family’s newsletter.  We have gone from one sports season to another, and it seems that we are never too far from the bleacher view of the world. It is a good thing that Santa gave us bleacher seats a few years ago.  Recently, I have been teaching 2nd grade again at a local charter school which has certainly kept me busy.  I loved every minute of it. Other than adjunct teaching at the university, I have kept busy with writing, gardening, crafting, and working in my new ministry, Sweet Grace – all things that I love.  Following God’s will, my ministry took me all the way to Kentucky to meet new sisters in Christ.  It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I returned to a long lost love this year, as I took on the position of Cheer Coach for a football team Sawyer coaches.  After sewing skirts and a huge breakaway banner, I discovered – once a cheerleader might have some merit.

Daniel is still with the Schwan Food Company, working as an analyst.  He enjoys hunting, including the annual trip to Montana for mule deer.  He has snuck in some motorcycling, fishing, and volunteering with the Hunter Safety classes.  He enjoys a good project, and this year he finished the remodeling of our basement as well as the upstairs bathroom, laying new flooring for Cloie’s room,  and building a new fence for the hot tub.  However, if our kids are playing somewhere, all that goes on the backburner.  Following our kids’ activities is his number one hobby – hands down.

We all loved attending the Nowatzki family reunion, going to the Brookings Children Museum, and our super fun Easter weekend day trip to Sioux Falls.  For Reed’s birthday, we went hiking in his favorite state park and made cheetahs for his legacy program at the hospital where he passed. We made a special trip to the Ronald McDonald House to donate stuffed cheetahs and golden retrievers.  It was an amazing day to remember and to count our blessings.

Sawyer and Rachel take Brayden (one of Reed's friends to the prom).

Sawyer and Rachel took Brayden (one of Reed’s friends) to the prom.

Sawyer is still our gentle giant.  It is rare to meet a kid that isn’t instantly drawn to him. He is now a junior in high school, and he is so active that we seldom see him.  He earned letters in Math League and Football this year.  He wasn’t able to participate in golf this past spring.  (More on that below) He enjoyed attending HOBY Leadership and “med school” camp this summer.  He is president of our 4H club, FCA leader, Jazz Band Member, president of the Junior class, and a youth leader for his youth group.  If you were to ask him, he would probably list two things as his greatest accomplishments this year.  First, he is almost done with reading through the Bible in a year, and second, he led the Pumas (the Special Olympics football team he coaches) to an undefeated season, including a trip to play at the Minnesota Vikings Winter Park.  All too soon, we will be making college visits, and he works very hard to stay up on his studies.

Erin newspaper shot

Erin is a freshman this year. Playing college basketball is her dream, and she has spent countless hours to work toward that goal.    She played on her AAU team last spring in the Twin Cities, where she was nicknamed Super Star by her coach, and spent the summer trying to reach a goal of 20,000 made shots.  She did it, and we are seeing all that hard work pay off as she currently plays one half of the B squad and both halves of the varsity game.  Erin is a much sought after babysitter, and she has some neighborhood kids who adore her.  Aside from basketball, Erin plays first base in softball, is a Student Council Member, Vice-President of the 4H club, and active in youth group & FCA.  Daniel is not thrilled that boys have discovered her as more than one of the ball playing chums. Seriously, he doesn’t like it all.

Cloie turned 9 years old a week ago.  Where did the time go?  I think all of us big people are really struggling to see our baby grow up.  Following her big sister’s footsteps, she played basketball last winter and is looking forward to that again in the New Year.  She has been drug along to watch her siblings play sports since she was born, but we never realized how much she actually took in.  During a game last year, she had her hand in the face of the girl she was guarding.  The girl swatted her hand and told her to stop doing that.  She responded with “You must not know a lot about basketball because this is how you defend someone.” Her biggest goal is to become a professional singer like her musical idol – Taylor Swift. Erin & I surprised her with a trip to Fargo to see Taylor in concert, which she loved every minute. Currently, she takes piano, ukulele, and voice lessons.  Three times, she has sung the National Anthem at our school, and each time received uproarious applause. She is also active in 4H with the big kids, loves all things Lego, and writing her own songs.  One of the highlights of her year was having both Grandmas at her house for a few days – at the same time.

I have struggled with writing this newsletter because our year has had some dark patches.  Reed’s graduation was this year, and all of us were heartbroken.  It was a sadness that loomed over us for months, both before and after the actual commencement.  Additionally, Sawyer had surgeries 6, 7, and 8 that were a direct result of his injuries from the bus crash.  http://www.ksfy.com/story/23281897/avera-medical-minute-am-using-surgery-to-move-past-tragedy  The surgery featured in this news story was the one that kept him from golf.  Over the summer, Sawyer contracted mono which led to a late start of the football season for him. Then after years of pursuing some issues Erin has had, we felt like we had been punched in the stomach when we were told that her nose had been broken on the bus which had caused all sorts of problems and exacerbated other ones.  At times, it felt as if crisis was the only thing we knew how to do well.

I did the only thing I knew to do which was pray and try to cling as close to God as I knew how.  For those who follow this blog, I am sorry that it has been unusually silent.  I have spent the time rediscovering what joy really means.  I promise I have a lot to share on what God has taught me during this writing sabbatical.

Today’s devotion reminded me of all that I have been working on with God. His gentle ways have shown me that the origin of my joy began on that first Christmas day.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined. Isaiah 9:2

Yes, we have walked in dark places, but Christmas as foretold by Isaiah, provided an everlasting Light that shines so brightly in our darkness.   And guess what? We may have to walk in other dark places, but we will never truly be in the dark alone.  THAT is something for which to be truly JOYFUL!

We opened this newsletter with our portraits, but we will close with a couple pictures of the real Team Stevens – the ones who love Jesus and love a good laugh.

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Oh yeah – the ones who are really fond of superheroes!

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Dreams: Kid-tested & Mother-Approved

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Things simply are not the way they used to be.

I realize that opening line could be used as evidence that I’m getting older.  Hang with me, dear readers, because by the end of this blog, I think you will see that I am definitely still young in spirit.  However, the Christmases of days gone by are no longer with me. (Wait a minute – don’t tune out yet. I am not a merchant who is putting up tinseled trees before the turkey is carved. In fact, my favorite part of Christmas now is holding candles with my family while hearing verses and singing hymns.)  Yet, like a song from my elementary years, “Video Killed the Radio Star”, technology has intoned the death bell for my most nostalgic pastime of childhood Christmases.

The arrival of the Montgomery Ward Christmas catalog!

Oh, the hours I would dream!  Perusing each and every page, often with my little brother at my side, we would wish and hope for all types of gems and treasures.  Years ago I wrote about the Bye Lo Baby that I wished and waited for two years to receive.  Looking at those glossy pages was something I remember fondly, but other than a few specialty ones, my children live in a world where they don’t know the jubilation of the arrival of the toy catalog.

Still a true kid at heart (and one who desires to be childlike in her faith daily), I have had to resort to dragging my children to toy stores for nefarious reasons – just to see what is new in the toy world. The experience is no catalog dream fest, but it is the closest thing I have found as a substitute. To be honest, we don’t need any toys; so, my trip is rarely about buying anything.  No!  Those aisles are portals back to innocent days of long ago where I can imagine playing with each item that brings a smile.

So it was on a particularly amazing weekend, I found myself and my curly-headed bundle of energy marching through the aisles of a Toys-R-Us.  Just like her mom years ago, the Lego aisle was among our stops.  She has found enjoyment with the new Lego Friends sets designed for girls. (As a science and math teacher, I will interject that they are just as awesome as the “boy” Legos, and I love how one set has a tiny blackboard emblazoned with a geometry problem. Yay!)

Looking to see what new sets were available for her visions of sugar plums, my eyes fell upon the new Heartlake High.  What happened next probably stunned all shoppers in the vicinity as well as perhaps scarred my mini-me for life.  Yep – right there in the store – I let out a yelp of exhilaration!

These Lego sets are built on the fundamental idea that girls are relational and as more sets are created, more characters to Heartlake City are added to the story. That’s my girl’s favorite part – checking to see if she has that character yet. Well, if you are going to build a high school, you need a teacher, and much to my delight, there she was – the high school teacher, Ms. Stevens, who looks an awful lot like me.  Now, dancing for joy, I was prancing around singing, “Oh yeah, I am a Lego!” repetitively.

Lego 1

When I flipped the box over and saw that she appears to be a science teacher complete with telescope (I have one of those) and an owl in her classroom (Are you kidding me?  For years I had a snowy owl in mine!).  Tears flowed down my cheeks. At this point, imagine my husband’s shock, when I brought the box to him (still teary-eyed) saying, “My life is complete! I’m a Lego!” Normally, he is the giant kid in our household; so, I think my effusive gushing caught him off guard.

Lego 2

Hold your horses! Aren’t you married? Well, yes sirs and ma’ams, I am. During my first year of teaching at the junior high/high school level, much to the chagrin of one of my colleagues, the students started calling me, Ms. Stevens.  I had several who struggled with speech issues, and Miz Stevens was much easier to pronounce than Missus Stevens.  It just stuck.  To this day, I am still greeted as Ms. Stevens all over in the community.

For the skeptics still among us, I want you to know about another set of Legos that sits upon my dresser.  One Mother’s Day not that long ago, my sweet boy wrote to the company and told them the story about his brother, Reed.  He asked if they would create a Reed figure for his mom for Mother’s Day, because she LOVES Legos.  They contacted him and said that they don’t normally fill those types of requests, but asked nonetheless for a picture of him and his brother.  A few weeks, later, these two boys arrived in the mail.  One of the Best Mother’s Day’s presents ever.

Lego 3

Christmas has definitely changed, and I am going to have to accept that. At least dreaming remains the same – for kiddos and for mommas. Even though my catalog days have come and gone, I know one momma (I mean, sweet little girl) who will be dreaming of getting a Ms. Stevens for Christmas this year!

2011 Christmas Newsletter, Part 2

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Erin is now 12 years old and in the 7th grade.  She has shot up this year in height and most who haven’t seen her in awhile can hardly believe their eyes.  She went from a size 6 shoe to a size 9 in a school year.  Erin is involved in Student Council, FCA, Youth Group, FFA, Jazz Band, Southwest Swim Club, Scouts, 4-H, softball, and of course, basketball. 

One of the highlights of Erin’s year was to participate in an AAU team that competed in the Twin Cities for about 8 weeks this past spring.  She loved every minute of it, and basically, basketball could be her middle name.  The second highlight of the year for her was learning to quilt.  She has been taking classes, and has really done a nice job, including making some of her Christmas presents.  She is an often sought after babysitter, who adores the children that she watches, particularly three neighborhood boys.

Cloie, affectionately known around here as our one and only Sally Gal, will be 7 years old tomorrow.  We can hardly believe that can be true.  We remember that cold day she came into the world like it was yesterday.  She recently told one of Huck’s nursing home friends when she asked her about what it was like to get a puppy long ago, “I have no idea. I was born into his family.” 

Cloie is involved in 4-H, Girl Scouts and Southwest Swim Club.  Her biggest accomplishment was doing very well in her two events at the Beat the Blizzard swim meet.  Her face upon learning she won her heat was priceless!  She loves to play with her friends; anything to do with rocks, Barbies, or art; and school.  Cloie loves to read!  There are so many times that she takes our breath away, because she does so many things just like Reed. 

The family vacation was the Nowatzki Family Reunion in Devils Lake, ND followed by a week in Leeds to celebrate the Leeds 125th anniversary.  It was a fun seeing so many family and friends all in one place. 

Our second biggest event each year is the Lyon County Fair.  The kids all did fabulous in their projects: quilting, photography, aerospace, and our family favorite: pigeons.  We are exhausted at the end of each day, but the best part of August are the days spent at the fairgrounds getting the pigeons ready.  The kids work so hard on their projects throughout the year, and they enjoy earning their ribbons.  Some of the best memories of this year’s fair were Sawyer earning Reserved Champion in Showmanship, Cloie earning Grand Champion (3rd year in a row) in Open Class Junior Photography, and Erin earning a blue ribbon for a quilt she made all by herself. 

Even though, they are typical preteens and teenagers, a moment at the poultry show will forever be etched in my heart.  Sawyer, Erin, and Cloie are the only ones currently showing pigeons.  As they went through each class, Sawyer earned Grand champion and Erin earned Reserved.  When it came to the last class, Sawyer once again took top honors, but before he did, he turned around and said, “I’m so sorry, Erin.  I wanted you to win this one.”  Hot and sticky on an August day, I had to work hard to hold the tears back. 

We continue to look for God’s blessings in the smallest of pieces of our daily lives.  We can find His goodness in the time spent with friends, in the blessed bounty from our gardens, in the chance encounter with a stranger, and in any place we purposely seek Him. 

We pray that you and your family are doing the same!

2011 Christmas Newsletter, Part 1

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We can hardly believe that it is that time again!  Yes, time to write our annual update of how things are going around Team Stevens headquarters.  2011 has been a relatively good year.  It seems that as the kids get older and more involved, spontaneous events don’t just happen as often as we would like. 
 
 
Daniel and Kandy (along with Pastor Don and Sandy Leclere) struck out for a new venture this year – leading a grief recovery group called GriefShare (www.griefshare.org).  It was an amazing experience as we continue to heal ourselves while using the events of our lives to help others move from mourning to joy. 
 
Daniel continues to work at Schwans as an analyst in the Information Services Department.  At the beginning of the year, Daniel volunteered with 4-H Shooting sports focusing on Archery.  He is still a volunteer with Firearms Safety courses.  He and his friends took their annual trip to hunt in Montana, and he returned home with a deer.  As soon as the weather becomes nice, he hits the road on his motorcycle and just enjoys the time in the open air.  The rest of the time he is busy keeping up with our kids’ schedules and enjoying friends and family.
 
Kandy: As for me, I have had an interesting year.  I continue to teach as an adjunct at SMSU in the spring.  Additionally, I keep busy with my blog writing and speaking at Best Life (www.bestlifeministries.com) conferences and substitute teaching when it works with our family’s schedules.  This year I purchased a new sewing machine and a refurbished embroidery machine; so my just-for-me time  is spent crafting and quilting. My personal goal this year was to complete a triathlon which was a goal that Reed, Sawyer, and I started in January 2008.  Last year, I woke up one day and decided to finish that goal.  On November 18, two days shy of 42 birthday, I completed 1/2 mile swim, 17 mile bike ride, and 3.1 mile run/walk in 2 hr 37 min.  I was so proud of that accomplishment and for being blessed with the best cheering squad in the world!
 
We hosted our third annual Reed’s Run this year on 9/24  (www.reedsrun.com).  For the first time, the weather was absolutely gorgeous.  We had a great turn-out and we exceeded our fundraising goal.  We have a 5K run, 1K dog walk, and 1K kids run.  We still have a flagline honoring veterans, and we had the distinction of having all the major US conflicts represented except for WWII.  This year, we honored all the emergency personnel that responded to the bus crash.  There is a HUGE silent auction.  We had a Bear Factory on-site where kids could make Reed-a-Cheetahs.  Then the close of the evening was a luminary service honoring any child who passed away.  New this year we recognized 3 loved ones who passed away, but who had been very supportive of us in our darkest hour.  Finally, we ended with a showing of the movie “Soul Surfer”.  It is exhausting work, but to see all the people who come and remember Reed and support our mission is humbling.  Next year will be the last Reed’s Run as we  committed to only four years for many reasons.  We are working extra hard to make sure that the last run is memorable, because each year the event has grown larger and larger.
 
HUCK is hired!  Through a series of fortunate events, Huck found a way to heal.  Once a week, he and I travel to a nursing home to visit residents.  We have quite a large group of friends that help both us to remember that serving others is the greatest gift we can give to ourselves.   Our faithful friends threw Huck a fabulous 9th birthday party on Dec 7.
 
Additionally, Huck decided that we should celebrate Reed’s 16th birthday this summer.  We hosted a movie night in our backyard, and instead of presents for us or Reed, Huck asked for books.  He then turned around and created “Huck’s Heroes” which is a reading program at Mikinaak – a child care center on the Cass Lake Reservation in Northern MN. 
 
 
Sawyer is really growing up.  He is currently in the 9th grade, and he is involved in many different activities in and out of school.  He was able to play Junior Varsity and a little bit of Varsity this year in football (despite living in pain every day). He continues to doctor at Mayo for his injuries.  He is active in Scouts, 4-H, Math League, Student Council, FCA, Youth Group, FFA, Golf and Student Council.  There have been several highlights of his year, but there are two that receive top recognition.  Sawyer traveled with his youth group to New Orleans, LA for a missions trip.  Granpa Junior was able to drive over and spend a day with him.  It was an experience that changed Sawyer’s life forever.  He cannot wait to go to the next place God is calling him.  His second major highlight is his first ever hunting trip.  Sawyer and Daniel traveled to ND for deer season.  On the last morning of their trip, Sawyer finally got his deer.  He is definitely hooked, and ready to go spend time again with Dad at Uncle Bryan’s farm.