Wednesday, October 29, 2008

John's first trick or treat

Yesterday John and I went with some friends and their kids to a trick or treat event at a local high school. This was John's first time to trick or treat since he was having too much fun giving candy away last year...boy that phase didn't last long.



John and his friend Thomas were both firemen. I had several people ask if they were twins, which is very funny since they look nothing alike.


John learned quickly the high school kids were handing out candy and that if he stood there long enough they would give him more.






Here is my little fireman...Happy Halloween.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

John and the firemen, or is it Katie and the firemen?

This week we had the opportunity to go to Mount Zion Lutheran Preschool for the firemens' visit. I got some razzing from those that know me about seeing the firemen because, as you all know, that was the highlight of the year for the preschool teachers of Messiah. The four firemen were very nice and very, very patient with the kids.

The first thing they do is talk to the kids about fire safety and what to do in case of a fire. This did not interest John so much but the other kids were very fire safety savvy
.

Then they dressed up in the firemen gear. I thought this might scare John but he seemed intrigued by this.



However, this is what my son did the whole time the firemen were talking about fire safety.



Then they got to go sit in an ambulance and fire truck. John was one of the first ones on the ambulance and sat there almost the whole time.


The fire truck was by far his favorite. He got to sit in the drivers seat and wear the headset.



He listened a little as the firemen showed the kids the gadgets on the truck. But then he had better things to do.


This is John with his friend Thomas. Sword fighting with branches beat out the firemen.

Monday, October 13, 2008

New Cabin

So, most of you know that Hans' family has land on the Canadian side of Gunflint Lake. It is a wonderful place full of family and beautiful scenery. Hans' parents just finished building a beautiful cabin when all the property on the Canadian side was destroyed by a fire over a year ago. This event was devastating to the whole family as many childhood memories are connected to this land. John and Solveig decided to rebuild. I am grateful for this for many reasons but most of all so that my children will create childhood memories here. Here are some pictures of the beautiful cabin, so far.



These two picture windows over look the lake. It is hard to tell, but the cabin is built up on a cliff so the view will be magnificent.


This staircase was designed by my father in-law and just installed. Isn't is gorgeous?



Hans and I both have many childhood memories going up to the lake (mine being in Silver Lake, New York) and I want so badly for our children to create their own memories at both places. With some coordination and determination our children will spend summers at Gunflint and Silver Springs with great grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

"Mommy, wanna make copcorn!"

I hear "I wanna make copcorn" at least once a day. And yes, he says copcorn, not popcorn. We have a routine down now and he runs to the place I keep the popcorn maker, helps me get it out and set it up and then goes to the cupboard to get the kernels and oil. He has gotten very good at this and I never realized he would like it so much.


If I didn't help to pour in the kernels he would try to make the whole jar!



Waiting paitently for his popcorn to be ready.


He knows what to do next...


Now it is ready to eat...where is your bowl?

Monday, October 6, 2008

Every life counts

Residents in Colorado have a great opportunity on November 4th to make a difference in the life of an unborn child.

The question you’ll vote on November 4, 2008 is just this simple:
Amendment Question #48:
“Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution defining the term “person” to include any human being from the moment of fertilization as “person” is used in those provisions of the Colorado constitution relating to inalienable rights, equality of justice, and due process of law?”
YES on 48!

I would think this would be an easy YES for everyone but as I live in liberal city I see that it isn't. It is very difficult for me to take a walk with my family in our neighborhood and see every other house have a sign in their yard saying "No to 48, it simply goes too far". I find myself very angry with these people, most of whom have young kids of their own. What are they teaching their children?

For me the choice for any presidential candidate is easy. How can I trust a man or woman to run our country if they don't value each and every life?