Around the house

Christmas Eve

My Little Tree!

Desired Things

Desiderata is Latin for "Desired Things". I've read this poem before but recently saw it on a this blog and remember how true it is. It is a great read during this time of upheaval in the world, a bad ecomony in our country and craziness with the holidays. It is good to remember that "With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world." Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Desiderata

Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.Strive to be happy.

Norm's Wayside

Saturday night Rod and Sheila, Renee and Monti and Richard and I ventured out for some Detroit style pizza and a couple of pops at the bar. We went to Norm's Wayside and had a festive and fun evening. It is always great to spend some time with this gang! Thanks for the presents Sheila!

Holiday Show Choir

Lizzie and Abby getting all gussied up for their holiday concert. The Bloomington Jefferson show choir is so impressive! It was my first time attending a real live "GLEE" event and it exceeded my expatations! These girls are outrageously talented and better yet, they are good girls who listen to everything their sweet mama tells them to do!!! hahaha are you reading that girls? The songs of the season really got me in the mood to celebrate Christmas and more importantly, go home and get my tree decorated!

Fun with T

Swim Team 2011-2012

Ice and Sunset

Francis Family Christmas Card

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A Christmas Carol

Thanksgiving 2011

Trick or Treat?

No more trick or treating for the Elliotts because we are too old and too tall, but we still had fun handing out candy and making a haloween fun-fetti! We only had a handful of trick or treaters this year. We bought way too much candy (6 bags) so next year take it down a notch!

UMD parents weekend

Aspen Vista

Santa Fe

River Birch

Richard re-shaped our little side yard garden, moved the rocks around and then planted a cluster of little river birch trees. The boys look huge next to the little trees, but in a few years the trees will reach for the sky!

Homecoming 2011

Pink Street Party

Little Froggy

Homecoming Invitation

Junk Bonanza 2011

Pardon My French

Duluth Photo Shoot

First Day of School

Britt and Joe Wedding

Will to UMD

Canoe on the Crow River

Minnesota State Fair 2011

Winnipeg

Summer Road Trip

Britt Bridal Shower

SSP Open

Annandale Triathlon

The Brotherhood

The boy cousins call themselves "The Brotherhood". Here we have Pete, Braeden, Kenny, Jack, Jake and Will over for a summer campout!

Hi Laura

Evan White came to visit us in Minnesota. On the way back from the airport, they decided to give Laura O'Neill a call...they talked to her for about 15 minutes and everytime they switched talkers they said "Hi Laura!"

Minnesota Grad Parties!

4th of July parade Annandale MN

A tradition in Annandale is the 4th of July parade. This year Richard was a driver for Country Chev. We joined about 12 others and had a nice showing of new and old Chevys. The day was gorgeous and the crowds at the parade were amazing.

Here is the crew of drivers at lunch! Thanks Country Chev!

Later in the day we went out to the Melgard's cabin...such a beautiful day.

God bless America!

Rod takes the kids out tubing on Cedar Lake in Annandale.

A very cool cake made by Sheila to celebrate Monty's birthday.

Hail Hail...

Today we were just minding our own business. Jack was out on the lake water skiing, when some very strange looking clouds showed up and dropped some crazy hail (and dented the boys truck) on us. Boohoo.

Jack Flies

On Saturday June 11, Jack and I went over to the Buffalo Airport to say hello to Uncle Mike who was there filming for his tv show The Flightline. While we were there, Mike Wiskus asked Jack if he would like to go for a "little ride" in his stunt plane. Uncle Mike gave him a camera to film the flight (some of that can be seen here). Jack headed up into the air and I stood on the tarmack and prayed! Thank the heavenly lord that he arrived back down to earth safely!

Francis Family Vacation

An amazing, incredible, rainy, cold and sunny at the end of the week trip to Gull Lake with the Francis Family! We were able to get a good family shot with the entire crew...all 47 of us!
Thanks to Grandpa for footing the bill so we could all get together! xoxo

Will's Graduation 6.10.2011

Grandy, Will and Grandpa

It is hard to believe that we've lived in Minnesota for 4 whole years and Will is graduating from Buffalo High School. He has truly embraced the move to the midwest and had an outstanding high school career. We are so proud of you Will and can't wait to see where your future will take you! Go out and change the world! xoxo

Will's last day of high school! 6.10.2011

I can't believe he is heading off to college in the fall!

Buffalo Triathlon 2011

The 2011 Buffalo Triathlon was raced on an amazingly beautiful midwest summer morning in our little town of Buffalo, Minnesota. The prep day ran smoothly and everything was set up and ready to go. Will and Jack brought their "A" game and both had great times in all three legs...Swim, Bike, Run!

Jack, Britta Oden, Chris Legh, Katie Oden and Will!

Graduation Rumpshaker 5.28.2011

In Minnesota, the kids graduating from High School usually have a big open house. We've been invited to about 35 grad parties. Will wanted to do something a little different, so he hosted a Graduation "Rumpshaker"! Cousins Kenny and Pete brought some great music and worked as the DJ's. Lots of the kids came in "vintage" costumes...Those in attendance danced their butts off! After the music was turned off (thanks to our nice neighbors who didn't complain about the noise) the kids had a great bonfire! Good times.