Norway Point Family Retreat

Each year Central Baptist Church gathers those members who would enjoy a weekend retreat and head to St Croix State Park for a weekend of fun, adventure, food, and lots of fellowship. The evening begins on Friday of Memorial Day weekend and lasts until about 1 pm on Sunday.
This year Gary and I headed up to camp with three teenagers and all of our stuff packed into our Escape. It was a bit cozy in the back seat but I, for one, didn't hear the girls complain at all.

Gary took the opportunity to pull out his camera and take pictures (which is one of his many pasttimes that he truly enjoys)

Todd Erickson was the speaker this year and what a message he brought us. Are we winners in the world's sight and losers in the God's sight or are we losers in the world's sight and Winners in God's sight? He had many stories that showed how we can be winners in God's sight if we just remember what his teachings are. Thanks, Todd.

Todd's also an awesome third baseman.

Saturday was spent taking walks with friends. Jill, Jonah, Kat, Dan and I started off on a hike to the river. Jill and her bunch made it part way and decided they were done so they turned around but Dan and I continued (reminded us of many past years where we would go for a long hike together. This year was a bit different in that we took the road less traveled (meaning it wasn't paved) but we arrived at our destination and then sat and chatted for a bit before our journey back to camp.

After returning from our walk, it was time to watch a little softball and talk with old friends. Barb and I had a chance to catch up on the kids we minister to in the youth group. And as always, I got a chance to tell her about my grandkids and my girls. Anytime you want to listen, just let me know, I love to talk about them.

Saturday night was a time for a little square dancing. The group was small this year but those that participated had a lot of fun. Gary and I started but his knee went out on him and so we watched and took pictures.

Sunday, as we were packing up to leave, this little critter decided to saunter past our cabin. I had never seen a porcupine in the daylight let alone as close as he was. It was fun way to end the weekend.

Memorial Day

What does this day really mean to you? For me Memorial Day is a time to remember and reflect on our loved ones who have left their earthly home.

Memorial day was a time, when I was growing up, that we would pack a picnic lunch and all pile in the car because we were off to visit the cemetaries where our grandparents were buried and then the day would end up at a lake where we would have our picnic and go fishing. First it would be off to the Danish cemetary outside of Plainview where Grandma Petersen was buried, along with several infant cousins and many other relatives and friends of Grandma and Grandpa (Grandpa is now buried there also). Then we would pile back in the car for the ride to pick up Grandma Hayes in Oakdale to visit where Grandpa Hayes was buried (and now Grandma is too). We would get to hear the stories that Grandma would tell about how Grandpa used to be in charge of the cemetary and how Grandpa was buried on a hill so he could see the land spread out before him. And always we would bring irises to place on the gravesite. It was always a time to spend as family remembering and looking at names on headstones and the different things that were said on each one.

Alas, it seems that those times are harder to do, now that I live in Minnesota and not close to the gravesites of any of my relatives who have died. I think especially today of my mom and two brothers. I remember all of the fights I had with my brothers and yet knew that no matter what they loved me and were very protective of me. I think of my Mom and her constant desire to be a part of our lives and how I wish that she could be here to love and enjoy my children's children.

Today is a day to remember and ponder all of the life lessons learned from all who are older and much wiser than we are. Especially think about all of the rewards of having known these people. We all have good times and bad times but they are still all memories once that person has died. Take a moment today and remember someone special in your life.

A Weekend to Remember

This whole blogging thing is interesting to say the least. I think I am going to get ahead and add something after I've had an enjoyable time or spent time with children/grandchildren. Then I realize that it is an entire week later and I haven't finished the blog. So here is an update from last weekend.

Those of you who know me; know that I spent a great deal of time with the junior high and senior high from Central Baptist Church. Last weekend we headed out to Alpine Slide up by Taylors Falls. It was a fun time had by all. AND best part -- I got to hang out with Ashley and Kylee and some of their friends.

The girls decided that rolling down the ski slope would be great fun. However, there was some grass that was rather pokey on the way down and they ended up quite dizzy.

After Alpine Slide we headed into Stillwater for Brown's Ice cream. A single scoop ice cream is enormous in my book. I asked for the child's size and ended up with a cup and a half of ice cream. It is amazing -- if you want good ice cream head on out to Stillwater and Nelson's Ice Cream shop.

Then came the best part of the weekend. I had won the opportunity to spend a few hours with Oliver, my grandson. Little did we know that Marmee (Margaret, Oliver's mom) would get sick on Saturday morning and need to rest and get better. But still Oliver came over and we played together. Here we are trying to take a self portrait -- I think Oliver got it but, me on the other hand, not so much.

I love spending time with him as he grows and changes.





By Sunday evening, Marmee was feeling better and even came over to hang out for a bit. It was a fun weekend that I hope I can remember for some time to come.

You ask WHY?

Ever have a time when you ask the question "why" never really expecting the answer? Today, was just one of those "why" days. Several people asked me questions that did not need an answer or there just isn't any way to answer them or who really cares what the answer might be.

For instance (this was early in the morning) Why is sugar white when raw sugar is brown (who cares as long as it's sweet, right?) Or how about Why do kids call themselves in sick from the school and in the background you hear the tardy bell ring? Or Why do we watch reality TV when we live it every day? Or like Melanie asks -- why is there a medium size when there is no small size? Why is the color blue used for boys? Why do worms come out onto the sidewalks after a rain? Why do fancy chefs wear tall hats? Why are tennis balls fuzzy? Why do donuts have holes? Why do we say to "mind your p's and q's" when we really just want them to be careful? Why is a face called a mug? Anyway you get my drift.

Gary says we come by it naturally. We are all very curious people and some things are just there for us to ponder. He says think about it -- at a very early age we ask the question "why". I'm sure you have met a toddler who asks "why", given the answer, only to ask "why" again, to be given an answer, only to ask "why" again. Many a parent have answered "because I said so" just to keep the toddler quiet. Think about it next time someone asks one of those silly "why questions."

Monday

Today started as many other Mondays -- off to work. This afternoon I went to watch Ashley and Kylee play softball -- this time sitting in the sunshine on a blanket on the ground. The first part of the game was fun to watch and the girls made some great plays.

Then it was off to do a "walk through" with Jeremy and Michelle of their home that they hope to close on this week (at least that's what we are all praying for). They have been waiting since before their wedding to close on this house. It is a cute home that will need some TLC but they are ready for the challenge and a "home" that they own.

After that it was off to watch Jerimy play softball. Of course, Oliver was there and I got to snuggle and hold him for a bit. Ask Margaret about the "ET" noses. It's always fun to see them and hold the little guy.

After coming home Laura called and shared a picture that she had taken of Danya in a dress that Nana had crocheted for a doll. Danya thought it was great fun to put the goofy hat on. Hopefully, Laura will post the picture on her website.

Tomorrow is Eme's birthday. Happy Birthday Eme!