Eckstrom Joy 2010

Spring update from the Eckstrom family

2010-04-06T21:59:00.006-05:00

Well, it has been awhile, again.

Essa has moved out on her own and is loving it. I am getting over it slowly. She is still going to Fox Valley for Criminal Investigation, Child cases. She made the deans list, still working at Buffalo Wild Wings 3rd year, I couldn't be more proud. She is dating someone semi serious but hasn't let us meet him yet, she seems happy about him and he treats her very well. We will keep you updated as we become more aware of the situation ;) She had her 19th birthday in Feb.

Ryan's wrestling is over and he did really good. 3 losses and 12 wins. He now is training for track and field. He pulled a hamstring Friday so we are waiting to see if he can actually compete this year. He pulled it close to his growth plate which is a bad thing. If it heals wrong it can ruin his opportunity to play ANY sports in the future so we are being careful.

Fritz was in the school knowledge-o-thon raised $476 ( thanks you all for your donations and support) he got all 100 questions right, plus some extra the judge threw at him. He will be starting up golf again this spring for the 4th year and is back into piano. He loves awana and has moved up to the TNT group. He had his first pine wood derby and didn't win but made a cool car with dad. He will be turning 9 in May, so this summer he can go to bible camp for the first time. He can't wait.

Bella, what can I say about her, Fritz is her best friend, and she is his. They are so funny together. She just giggles all day, sings and laughs. She is a delight. She still is all about glitter, pink, frilly things, singing coloring,dresses, just everything. She loves preschool and just turned 5 last week. So kindergarten here we come! She will start the piano this year and will be in dance and swimming again. She also wants to play soccer so will see how to fit that into the schedule. It looks like I will be living in the car again this spring and summer.

Dan and I are doing very well, adjusting to living in the country. This winter we made our own Maple syrup from our trees and it turned out wonderful. We have just finished our chicken coop and our chickens will be here this week. We have a new dog, Dodge. He is a 4 month old Border Collie, we all just love him. ( Lucy was taken by the human society due to him biting our neighbor :( we miss her)Dan and I both had birthdyas in January we are both now really old :)

Feburary we had the annual Sneigfest in Gilman. Womens hairest leg contest, mens beard contest, frying pan toss, you get it yet? Polka dancing, yea it's a polish festival. We go every year, the kids love it and so do we, but don't tell anyone :)
Ryan and I took first place in the frying pan toss and Dan took second. Essa still holds first place for the age 15 girls division from 2006. They had ice bowling and sled rides on yellow river, it was a great time perfect weather. the kids loved to play on the swinging bridge and king of the hill. he money dig was a hit too ;)

I had a nice trip to Cabo with my sister in laws, it was very restful and beautiful. I have never been on a trip without children or husband so I was looking forward to this. We had a little kink in the plans on Saturday and Sunday we had tsunami warnings so we could not be out on the beach, but we made due with city sight seeing and shopping. I have just finished pruning our apple tree and pear tree and planted my indoor starters for my garden I can wait to get my hands in the dirt! Fresh salsa ohhh I can't wait.

Last week we had the pleasure to see our neice in the performance of Oklahoma, in Spooner. She played Aunt Elli and she was perfect for the part. She did so well, we really enjoyed it. Ethan did great on the drums too, he made the dramatic scenes so much better.

This past week we had the annual Easter weekend celebration at our home and I have to say it was by far the best we have ever had! Everyone (10 kids and 9 adults) came with exception of the Gormongs, but we all understand why and it is a very good reason, but we missed them terribly! My beautiful lamb dinner with all the trimmings from everyone just went so well together. The traditional bunny cake, hot cross buns and asparagus tart. Easter egg coloring, hiding of the eggs and finding them. Sunday service was just moving and the reminder of Gods great gift to us, Jesus suffering on the cross and rising from the grave to save us all. What a great thing to celebrate! The kids loved making resurrection cookies and cross necklaces for the Gormong kid, it was all just perfect!

We are looking forward to our two week family trip to Washington D.C. in august and Bella, Fritz and I will be coming to Utah right after school is out for at least a month.Ryan has wrestling camp, bible camp and will be entering sea cadets this summer so his visit will be shorter. Dan is going to come out this year too, yea! but only for a week he has work ;)

We miss everyone and love you all. We hope you are doing well and God is answering our prayers and watching over you.

Love, Dan and Magan

Up to speed

2010-01-05T10:57:00.004-06:00

Well Happy New Year all.

We spent Christmas at our home on Windy Acres the whole family! This would be the first time in years we were able to have all the kids together on Christmas in our own home! We even had a wonderful visit from Grandma and Grandpa E on Christmas day they spent the night and we stayed up playing games and eating goodies.

We had our annual Eckstrom Holiday trip to the shores of Superior Lake. Wow, it was a beautiful frozen wonderland. We took a hike to Gooseberry Falls with the brothers and sisters. IT WAS SO COLD!
The lake as you can see from our pictures were just gorgeous. We did some ice skating, swimming and lots of games and eating. Lori and I had an all nighter with the teens and never laughed so hard. Thanks for the good fun ;)

Things are now back to the grind I am now a year older and Dan will be this month also. But we still live young!

Essa, will be moving out on her own this next month : ( and I will have to have a lot of support for this big event, my baby is 19, wow does time fly by. She is an amazing girl has a good head on her shoulders and is heading in the right direction. We know god will watch over her. She loves school and is doing well. She works two job Buffalo Wild WIngs and The Harty Platter as a waitress and going to school, this means she is to busy for a boy in her life (thank goodness)

Ryan is adjusting well in his new middle school. Football team only lost one game this season and he is looking forward to track starting soon. He is going through the "teen boy" stage if anyone of you have one you know what I mean. If you don't have one yet think twice, o9r prepare yourselves! We love his humor and he is quite adorable so we will keep him for now.

Fritz, LOVES science, reading and is really into Bakugans. He will play golf again this spring, and he will have his first year of football this fall.

Bella, wow is she fun! She is all girl. She is in Pre school all week 12-3 which has been hard for me but she loves it. Her teacher Mrs.Mohloch is amazing. She wants to start the flute, and she will be starting ballet and swimming again this spring. She and Fritz are best of friends and play so well together.

Dan is still with NEAsphalt and loves it. He travels A LOT. But we are managing. We miss him though. His trip to the Boundray waters went very well. Ryan had a great time. No majior bumps this year except Ethan was missing : ( He will also be going with the uncles on a traditional Yurt campout again this year, and to Scotland in April.

I am still working here and there for Valerie but mostly home with the kids. I will be going on a trip to Cabo with my sister in laws in Feburary and sooo excited I need sunshine! I will then make my way down and over to Utah with Bella for a couple weeks to visit family. Hopefully all the kids can go and Dan this time we are trying. Allthose pesky obligations get in the way , oh and school.

I hope you all have a wonderful new year we pray for you all and love you all.

Magan and Dan Eckstrom

Cancun Mexico 09

2009-07-06T17:36:00.021-05:00

Dan and I took a trip to Cancun for a week with out kids. Yes, I made it without calling once! We want to tell you all about it.

Our first day we arrived to our hotel @2:00 pm threw our bags in our room and walked main street the rest of the day. We ate at the best little restaurant, Santos Mariscos, (we defiantly recommend it) Dan had Sea food casserole with squid, octopus, shrimp bay scallops, wow was it good. I had Oyster Guacamole with chips and salsa. We also stopped and checked out Chocolate City, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, had a Starbucks coffee and walked around unitl late into the night.

I have posted pictures of our Hotel, Me Melia. The beach area, Maxium Beach, is rated one of the best in Cancun, it was very beautiful. The pool had wonderful beach cabanas to lounge on, white sand, and the water 85 degrees, you can bath in it! Dan could not get enough of the waves,I couldn't get enough of the sun shine!

Friday we had Brunch and hung out at our hotel. The pool had a swim up bar and tile lounge chairs inside the pool.
We ventured to the Royal Plaza to have lunch on the beach, also a great place to eat Fish tacos were a hit.

We then waked to the famous market 28 ( I do not recommend this ) I was looking forward to it, you know me I love to bargain, but they were just to pushy and it overwhelmed me. We managed to get some fun souvenirs for the family. We headed back to our hotel and quickly dressed for our lovers cruise on the Columbus Cruise ship. It was very romantic and the weather PERFECT! We watched them grill our lobster and steak while we drank champagne and cruised the Ocean. A dolphin followed us a long the way.

The next day we took a walk to a local restaurant for a Mexican breakfast, Dan had Cactus juice, yummy. We hooked up with a local for some advice on what to do next and he recommended Isla Murejes. (we originally had our trip planned for this Island, but due to swin flue it was cancelled). So we took of to the island on a cruise boat and rented scooters for the day, it was a blast. We went to Tortuga (turtle)Beach, Iguana Reef, where took a rest, shared some coconut milk, and hit the local shops. We were able to go from one end of the island to the other. This day was my favorite.
We took the boat back that night and had a nice dinner at the Lorenzillo's Lobster house. Good food, rude people.

The next morning we took off to the Cenotes and Chichen Itza Tour, WOW! It was amazing. Jorge, our tour guide, was the best, we recommend asking for him if you ever take this tour. Of course my Photographer, Dan took plenty of pictures to share. The ones I am posting are not his, they are mine, I know his are better ;)

An added bonus we went by the Aguava fields(this is the stuff they use for tequila:)

Our first stop was Cenotes, or sink hole. It is a natural underwater spring covered in stalactites. Dan took a dip in the water, I had my reservations and just took pictures. It was beautiful the sun came through the hole at the top of the cave and just lite up the water. We then took a little rest in a hammock, enjoyed the Lime trees and chatted with the locals.

We then ventured to lunch at a very Mexican buffet. We had some live entertainment with the young kids that danced while balancing bottles full of water on their heads. Then we did a little shopping in village.

We arrived at the final destination Chic hen Itza. The stories of this 5Th wonder of the world was awesome. Our guide had a lot of knowledge of this place to share with us and we took it all in.
We took a little nap on the bus ride back to our hotel. We then went out to the beach for a night swim in the warm ocean.

The next morning we were up and ready at 6:30 Am for our day of deep sea fishing. We caught 3 Barracudas, 2 Bonita Tuna, 1 red snapper, 1 grouper, 1 trigger fish,1 Nemo and 1 banana fish. It was a full day and very fun. The crew took our fish and cooked it up for us.It was delicious!

We then spent time at the beaches of Playa Del Carmen on the Mexican Riviera. We spent the day snorkeling and finally resting. We went back to have a nice dinner at La Habischuela, we also recommend this place. We had the pleasure of seeing a baby crocodile on the water while dining.

It was a great trip, Dan and I had some good rest, some great fun, and reconnected as a couple. I love him so much, I am grateful for such a wonderful husband,friend and father. I look forward to another fun 10 years together!

Essa's Graduation party!

2009-06-22T20:36:00.015-05:00

Essa is finally done with school, well she was done in January, but she received her diploma June 4Th and we celebrated with everyone June 6Th.

We were pleasantly surprised when we were told Great Grandma Kapp was coming out with Grandma Sue and Auntie Heather. We had a great little family reunion. Matt, Michelle and Maser came from Essa's dads side.

We had a nice luncheon at Liberty Hall.

She will now be going to college here in Fox valley starting in August, she is going to get her degree in Criminal Investigation, Children's unit.

During the week stay of the girls we had a spa day and every one got pedicures, including my 92 year old grandma who had never had one!

We went to a Timber Rattlers baseball game, yes, grandma Kapp went too, and we watched Essa's boyfriend (Pitcher, Jim) close up the game in the finally inning winning 7 to 3.

The next day we ventured up to Door county and didn't quite make it due to Essa rear ending my car and pushed it into the car in front of me. Yes, that is Essa's third wreck in two years, and no, she doesn't drive like me! We rushed one friend to the hospital with a crushed septum but she is doing fine now. No one else was hurt grandma didn't even realize we were in a wreck. Essa might not have a licence soon!

It was nice to have all the women in the kitchen again cooking with my children. Heather and both grandmas carried on the tradition of cooking with the kids. We made the best rolls!

Heather and Grandma Sue had a great time with Fritz playing with his new toys, Bakugan. It was pretty funny they went and bought their own before they went home.

Enjoy the pictures!

Good Luck Essa, we love you

Essa Prom Night 2009

2009-05-02T18:10:00.008-05:00

Essa's Prom May 2nd 2009

Her date is Nick Bedia, Nice young man that attends Appleton North.

The Prom is at the Performing Arts Center in downtown Appleton. They are having dinner at Pullmans on the water, limo ride through the town, then to the dance.
We took pictures down at the Yacht Club on the Fox River.

Catch up

2009-04-30T12:02:00.014-05:00

Hello, I hope you are all doing well, It seems I have some catching up to do. I do like to keep our friends and family updated on our events and activities. Living so far from everyone, know we appreciate hearing and keeping in touch with you.

Well, as most of you know we have cancelled our trip to Isla Mureies, Mexico due to this swine flu. I am way bumbed :( but we will go some other time. We do have other events coming up to keep our mind off the disappointment. Just to mention a few, Essa prom this Saturday, Mothers Day around the corner, Fritz has a birthday, Essa's graduation June 4Th, her party June 6Th, My mom coming that week to stay (very excited about that). Bible camp for Ryan, and Fritz goes this year too, Ryan's trip to Utah, Fritz piano, science camp, and golf lessons, Bella's Gymnastics, swim, ballet and Tap. And of course, my summer in the car reminding myself over and over that being a mother is a gift God gives us.

Easter was another successful evet at our home! Most of you know the last three years we have had Easter at our home for those who can make it out. This year we had Lori,Dave and thier 2 kids, Dale, Mom and Dad Eckstrom, Darren, Brandi and their 3 kids. A full, fun filled, house! The kids had a ball. Every time we get together as a family the men have to work on some project, so they cut down the trees for our neighbor, while the gilrs had a spa treatment that morning. We colored Easter eggs, I made OUR family traditional Easter Bunny Cake, with cupcake chicks this year, darling. We also made chocolate suckers, and this year we had a special treat of having lamb for dinner. I have never had lamb, or cooked it, so this was going to be an adventure. I have to say, it turned out wonderful! I recommend it for any Easter dinner. I made cute matching dresses for the cousins girls, (you'll see the pic) We had a nice Sunday Easter devotional by Uncle Dave, a Easter egg hunt, and church service. Sunday lunch went perfectly with Lori's stuffed grape leafs and marshmellow nests. We were just missing the Gormong family, with good reason, Uncle Ron is a Pastor, and it was Easter weekend! We sure love them, and missed them. In this time and place in life, family is so important. I am so grateful for my family and Dan's family. I love them all very much. we are all diffrent, diffrent ideas, personalities and lifestyles, but love each other all the same. Life is a journey of learning, loving, forgiving, excepting, we can improving ourselves everyday by remembering these in our lifes. Luke 24:46-47 ESV (46) and (Jesus) said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, (47) and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. AMEN OK, the remodeling of our room has been improving slowly, we have floors to refinish and new closet to re due and we are done! Dan had to re frame the windows, we finally got the paint right after buying 3 diffrent colors of paint, (tip, don't trust colors under florescent light, it totally changes under natural light). We found the perfect bed at Pier One, it ties in the antique Victorian feel of our home, with the fresh new today look. I will not post pictures until it is all done. Our garden is coming along as well. I am so excited for fresh vegetables! I really look forward to the fall,canning, making jams and bottling fruit, I know it is crazy. I hope this year to do it with my good friend Lynn who also loves the process as I do. Her garden last year, you would die, it was amazing, tomato vines taller than me.

This summer our project will continue outside yard work. Cement to pour and new drive to pave. We hope to extend the deck to wrap around the back. If we can finish these project by next year we can look to selling and moving to the country. Yes, you heard right, we are going to move again! We want to move to Lena, WI just an hour North from here. It is in the country, but close to city living, and closer to our good friends Lynn and Will Petska. We really are a country living family.

OK, I am going to post pictures of Ryan's first track meet Tuesday April 27Th. He won 1st place in the 4/100 medley, 1st in the 400m, and 2ND in the 800m. We are so proud of him. Essa's new tattoo, I told her no, but now she is 18, I know kids have to learn there own way, lets hope this lesson is learned and no more of these, I still love her though. It says, Never Give Up, it could be worse I guess, at her age I had her. Sturgeon Spawning, our first experience, wow it was amazing! Bella, in her first Ballet class, Tap class, and Swimming lesson. Bella's school party "Under the Deep Blue Sea" very cool! Ryans Snowboarding, Fritz and the piano, he loves his lessons Fritz, Ryan and Bella ice fishing with Dan, Lynn, Will, there kids and myself. Fritz played Johnny Appleseed in the school play and did amazing! Fritz had drive in movie night at Sparks (Awana, church program) very cool. He and Dan built a pretty cool car.

These pictures wont be in order sorry, I have my limits with how much time I spend doing this. OK, thanks for letting me brag about my children, I think they are pretty amazing.

Dan and I are doing well,staying strong, and just trying to keep up. We are so grateful for the lord,he has given us so much to be thankful for.

Love you all, keep in touch, Magan

St.Patricks Day

2009-03-24T23:54:00.004-05:00

We had a fun St.Patricks Day. We had some good friends from Utah over for a nice dinner and then off to the Durty Leprechun to see our friends band play. Shemus Fitspatrick and the McNaly Boys. We had a great time laughed alo! Appleton people can party, it was crazy!

Bella turns 4!

2009-03-24T23:47:00.002-05:00

Bella is 4 years old, can you beleive it? Where does the time go? We have not had her birthday party yet we are waiting until the warm weather comes, she wants it outside. Essa and I took her out to lunch where the waitresses sang to her and she had her ice cream with a cherry.Then we were off for her first manicure. She is all girl I tell ya. For some reason she started getting grumpy and later the next day we found out she had a bladder infection. :(

Family bowling night

2009-03-24T23:40:00.003-05:00

He had so much fun with the Wii bowling we thought it would be fun to actually take the kids real bowling. Very diffrent game. We all suck at real bowling! Essa and Dan were trying to keep score, its really hard to figure out on your own. Here are some highlights. One pictures is of Fritz throwing the ball the wrong way.

Camping in a Yurt

2009-03-24T23:34:00.004-05:00

Dan and Ryan went on there trip to the yurt in the porcupine Mountains while we were in Utah. They had a great time snow shoing and hangin with the guys.

Essa's new car

2009-03-24T23:31:00.002-05:00

Essa with her first new car. It is a 2003 Kia Spectra. She is growing up fast.

We made it to Utah

2009-03-24T15:31:00.012-05:00

Hello all,

It has been awhile since my last post. Well I have lots to tell. First I am sorry I didn't make it to see everyone in Utah, we had a death in the family and had to cut our visit short. Plus the weather wasn't helping. We were stuck in La point three extra days because the roads were closed.

We were able to visit Great Grandma Kapp. She will be 93 this year and still going strong. The kids had a great time with her. We miss her so much.

We had lunch with our favorite Aunt on my moms side, Aunt Patty.

Bella got her first hair cut from our long time family hair dresser Shawna. I was happy her first hair cut was from the best!

Grandpa Kelly Grandma Brenda and Uncle Kall were fun to visit. We were able to watch Kall's basketball and spend a couple nights with them. Grandpa Kelly Made us laugh with his silly songs and guitar. We were lucky to have Grandma Brenda show us her rock collection and she gave us some nice Topaz , Garnet and Amethyst stones we hope Dan will make some beautiful jewelry out of it for us. Kall was so nice to let me sleep in his bed and share all his stuff with the kids. We sure miss them.

We stayed at Kade and Amity's house a couple nights and play the Wii and had a little party. It was so nice to be with family.

I was able to visit a few good friends, Heidi, who was just made a grandma this week, congrats! It was nice to catch up and see her and her family. She is my oldest friend I have going back over 30 years.

I was able to eat at my favorite spot La Casita, margaritas with mom is always a hit.

The passing of my Uncle Steve was unexpected, my Aunt Jolene and our cousins are in our prayers. He went pretty quick, which was a blessing. We loved him very much.

We were able to visit Uncle Tyler and see our new nephew Sanders and what a doll he is and so sweet! The girls are so beautiful and they all had so much fun playing together. It was so good to finally see them. The kids were able to go to the deli and help Tyler make them sandwiches, we sure wish we had one right now!

We had a great time at grandma Durrants house(my mom). We had some pretty serious Wii tennis matches going on between Bret and Essa and found out Fritz can really bowl. Grandpa taught Essa to play Cribbage , Fritz beat grandma at checkers and Uno was the games for Bella. Grandpa helped Fritz tie some flies for dad. We had a great party for Essa's 18Th birthday. Grandpa Bret had very cool fireworks gave Essa a nice dedication and advice for the future. We had a bomb fire with marshmallows and fun stories. The kids had a pinata and pin the tail on the donkey with all the cousins. That was the only sunny day we had the whole trip! Cordova, Nick, Joyce, Gus, were able to make it up to celebrate with us, and we danced all night. Thank you for making it so special!

The kids loved feeding the buffalo every morning and we have pictures of my Buffalo Roamy. The others I have pictures of are June Bug and Daisy May.

We stopped at the Lincoln Memorial in Wyoming, and to the Dinosaur Museum which was Fritz's favorite place.

The drive was a nightmare as usual and Essa and I both got a speeding ticket, 10 over :( We were just so anxious to get home, we missed dad and Ryan a little ;)

Well I am home now and back to the grindstone! I have caught up pretty well that is why I am able to finally write a post! I hope spring is around the corner I need sunshine!

Enjoy the pictures from our trip!

Love,

Magan

Ahh Christmas....

2009-01-14T19:44:00.011-06:00

It is over thanks goodness. You can call me a scrooge if you want, I was not in the mood for the holidays. It seems it is all lost in decorations,shopping, money that you don't have, what gift to give your kid, did I spend enough, Christmas parties,are there enough presents, is the tree going to live, are there enough lights on the house, Christmas cards, school treats, presents for teachers, shall I go on?

This year we took a different approach. We started it off with a new tradition of Advent. This prepares our family for the birth of Christ. We light a candle each Sunday of the month of December and have a scripture reading of the story's leading up to his birth. We light the candles only on Sunday with a little verse for that color of candle, add one every Sunday up to Christmas then we light the fifth one for his birth on Christmas day. In between the Sundays every night we read a scripture and pray to keep us focused on the true meaning of Christmas. It help to keep the kids hearts in the right place during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. It also gave us all a little moment to relax and connect. A long time ago my Sister made me a beautiful Christmas book with scriptures, stories and Christmas music for every day of December. We have used this in the past to keep focused on Christ at Christmas and it came in handy this year again for stories between the Sundays!

We were home this year for Christmas Day and for the first time in years we were ALL together it was great! We got the kids a piano for Christmas so you know our house was nice an quiet.

Bella had her first Christmas pagent it was adorable! I have included pictures of that too.

On the 28Th of December we were off to Blue Harbor Or (Blue Harvor)if you ask Bella. Dan's family has a tradition to get together in a fancy resort compliments of Uncle Dale for a couple days of family togetherness with everyone. The last few years it was at Blue Harbor water park on Lake Michigan. The kids LOVE it. I have posted pictures of our time this year it was absolutely gorgeous! Nice view over the lake from our Presidential suites.

New Year was a quiet peaceful slumber. Dan and I woke two minuets before the New year rang in, the kids lit off fireworks and we all went to bed. Excitement is way heavy here in the Eckstrom home.

This new year we have a few things to look forward to. Essa turning 18, her graduation on June 4th. She will be off to college at Fox Valley into the Criminal Investigative program this fall. Dan and I will celebrate our 10 years together. I will be going home to Utah to visit for three weeks in Feburary.I can't think of anything else right now. I hope to see my sister this year its been way to long I miss her and her kids.

Well if you are wondering why you didn't get a Christmas card it is not because we don't love you. I plain forgot about cards this year. I tried a few months back to get a family picture to make a card and could not get everyone together long enough. Which tells me we all need to slow down a bit. We love you all even though you didn't get a card from us. You are in our constant prayers and thoughts. We hope you all had a wonderful peaceful holiday, we wish you all the best for the coming year. The kids and I will be out to Utah February 7Th-25Th. Hope to see some of you.

God Bless,
Magan and Dan

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-12-01T09:59:00.002-06:00

Hello friends and family,

I hope the the Thanksgiving holiday was a happy one for everyone. We had a nice weekend of turkey and hunting. Went to Dans family Thanksgiving dinner again this year. It is a tradition for the Welch family (Dans mothers side) to get everyone together for a nice dinner and social event for the adult and kids. This year we were able to have it in the Gilman high school cafeteria which was a blessing. The kids had the gym to run around in and the adult had the cafeteria to visit. With our growing families the extra space was welcomed. The Senior Citizen center, where we have had it in the past, just didn't grow with the 48+ people, 24 of those children!

The 3 day weekend included, 8 adults and 9 kids sharing a three bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home with visits from Brandi and her three kids. We have left feeling much closer to each other. We manage to all get along pretty well especially the kids they loved it!

Getting home Sunday afternoon, another 3 hour drive in the car, we didn't even unpack, we came in and changed in to comfy clothes and vegetated the rest of the day and night in complete silence it seem to help all of us come down from an eventful weekend.

Today I am unpacking, cleaning and preparing for Christmas decorating. I am sitting here thinking I never really said out loud what I am thankful for this holiday season to anyone. So I will take the time now.

This year has been another hand full of hardships for Dan and I but I have to say I am Thankful for them. Those challenges we face, make us stronger and appreciate that it could be so much worse. I forget that sometimes. I realize people around me loosing their homes, jobs, family members off to war, finacially stressed, lost spiritually. I know I am bad at losing sight of these fortunate things we do have, and need a little reminder.
I am Thankful for those fighting for us and the dedication it takes to leave comforts, family ,friends to fight these important battles, when they are not supported by many. I am thankful we have a democracy that we are free to vote and be apart of such an important process (even if the one you vote for doesn't win) I get the freedom to pray for the one that does. The freedom to go to church, read my bible, pray to God. I have food to feed my children, warm coats for them to wear, good schools for them to go to,a family that loves them, computer to keep in touch with those I love far away, the good health of our family. These things I am truly grateful for. This world has lost sight of the simple things, so many don't have.

Love you all, and I thankful for your love and friendship.

Magan

Halloween

2008-11-03T08:28:00.005-06:00

Well friends this Hallowen I really didn't get into into it all that much. I am sad to say. Most of you know I have been having health issues for awhile now and I think I just didn't have the energy this year.

The kids had fun they trick or treated for 2 hours, loads of candy! Here in Wisconsin they have trick or treating times 4-8pm only. I do like that. The halloween ritual is I take the kids candy and sort through it to make sure it is all safe, take out what I like, and hide the rest. We bring it out for treats and rewards it usualy last for a good two-three months.

This year only Bella and Fritz went. Bella was Abby Cadaby from Seasame Street and Fritz went as a scientist. ( that is what he wants to be when he grows up).
13 years old is the cut off in our home for trick or treating, but Ryan and Essa did dress up, Essa did for work, Ryan did to hand out candy here at home. Dan and I, for the first time, did not dress up this year.

I hope you all had a great HALLOWEEN!

Bella's Halloween party

2008-10-28T11:53:00.003-05:00

Beautiful Pictures Dan took Canoeing Boundry Waters

2008-10-24T11:17:00.002-05:00

Boys Boundry Water Canoe Trip

2008-10-23T14:11:00.003-05:00

Cuffs Pumpkin Farm

2008-10-23T13:48:00.004-05:00

Bella goes to PreSchool

2008-10-15T10:11:00.006-05:00

Bella goes to a Christian Pre-school, Christan Co-op. Here are pictures of her first day. She had a great time and her teacher is Mrs. Howard, Frit'z old Pre-school teacher

Ryan's final year with Pop Warner

2008-10-15T09:16:00.009-05:00

Ryan will now move on from Pop Warner to the big leauge, Jr. High school football!

Ryan #30 had an amazing last year with Pop Warner. Over all 4 wins, 2 loses, 8 touchdowns, three QB sacs, 2 interseptions , one leading to a touchdown, great tackles, nice blocks and sweet runs. Ryan plays defensive tackle, and running back. Here are some enjoyable moments for him.

You will see Dan in some of these pictures as well. He was the Defensive Coach he did an amazing job too.

Ryan and Bella

Ryan with Dad, takes a knee after another win 6 to 33

Pictures were taken by Uncle Darren

Essas Homecoming dance

2008-10-10T08:42:00.006-05:00

Essa went to her last Homecoming dance with a group of her friends. They did it in style, Hummer limo and all. They had a really nice time her date was Tyler. Dan and I were out of town so we had to get pictures from friends. These are not as good as we would have liked.

Fall is Here!

2008-10-10T08:20:00.001-05:00

My favorite Season, Fall. Homemade Soup, apple Cider, hot coco, the leaves changing color, warm sweaters, apple picking, hayrides, and of course my favorite holiday, Halloween.

Ryan last football game is Saturday he has won 5 games lost 2 pretty good season. He did very well as running back and tight end. This is his last year with Pop Warner he will now move on to the big leagues school football. He turned 13 in September which means we have two teens in the house no, pray for us!

Essa is doing well she is enrolled for Spring courses at Fox Valley College, wow time flys. She has decided to become a Criminal Investigator. They have a great program here in Appleton so she will remain home one more year, possibly two, to get her associates. I am happy about that!

Fritz and Bella are great growing fast and loving school.

Dan had his annual Canoe trip to the Boundary Waters. This year Ryan got to go. They had fun and Ryan learned what tough work is all about. The paddle broke the last day so they had it even tougher. All in all he had a great time with his uncles and his cousin Ethan. I will post some pictures.

We hope you all have a warm and colorful fall. I miss everyone and love you very much. Hope to see you before the end of the year.

Magan