Life is a Gift

Living Life

By: Bonnie Mohr

Life is not a race~ but indeed a journey. Be honest. Work hard. Be choosy. Say "thank you", "I love you", and "Great job" to someone each day. Go to church, take time for prayer. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Let your handshake mean more than pen and paper. Love your life and what you've been given, it is not accidental. Search for your purpose and do it as best as you can. Dreaming does matter. It allows you to become that which you aspire to be. Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them. Some of the best things in life really are free. Do not worry, less wrinkles are becoming. Forgive, it frees the soul. Take time for yourself~plan for longevity. Recognize the special people you've been blessed to know. Live for today, enjoy the moment.

This piece touches my heart in many ways. Life is a gift...Owen's life is a gift. Today our family went to celebrate a gift that God so graciously gave us. A miracle is probably more accurate. We went to see our godson, Owen proudly walk the track with numerous other cancer survivors at the Relay for Life in Becker tonight. He is a shining example of God's greatest gift...life. Owen's family has been so touched by this gift, that words cannot even come close to describing the gratefulness felt within our hearts. The piece above is a great reminder to stop and live life with a smile on our face. Smile because God is good! Thank you God for the gifts you give us...thank you for the gift of Owen.

Happy Birthday Grandma Mary!!!

The kids and I were excited to help Grandma Mary celebrate her birthday today. We met her on her lunch break and took her to Subway. It was nice for her to get away from the office...and nice for us to see her on her special day. Glad it worked out...but to be honest, nothing quite beats her annual "beach party". Can't wait to celebrate w/ the whole family next weekend. Until then...Happy Birthday to you!!!

Celebrating the 4th

I've got a rocket in my pocket. I cannot stop to play.

Away it goes! I've burned my toes...

It's Independence Day!

The American Spirit

We started our 4th of July celebration at the St. Joe parade.

Of course, it was hot... just like every year we go, but the kids love it!

Little Miss Independence

(literally) :)

You're My Yankee Doodle "Dandy"

Mike and I, along with four other couples and their kids
had a great time at the Privatsky picnic.

Pint-Sized Patriots

Nolan simply adores MaKenna...
the two of them started daycare together when they were
just a few months old.

The kids swam in the pool, ran through the sprinkler, rode on the slip
and slide, played in the sandbox, and chased each other around the yard
all afternoon.

A Grand Old Friend

A holiday wouldn't be complete w/out my dearest friend Darnell!

KaBoom Time!

The guys talked us out of buckling up 10 kids and heading down to the park for the fireworks this year. The thought of hauling 10 kids, lawn chairs, and bug spray did sound like a lot of work, so we all sat back and watched a show put on by our hubbies. Good thing the local police were at the park patrolling...that table had about $500 worth of illegal fireworks. The guys were in heaven...and the kids were in ahhhh!

United We Stand!

WOW...our dads can really put on a show!

Diamonds in the Sky

It was a perfect day...thanks everyone for the fun memories!

Pampering Our Girls

Lilly invited two of her girlfriends over for a little pampering tonight. It just so happens both of these girls have brothers about the same age as Nolan, so Mike and I thought it would be fun to split them up and do "boy" things w/ the fathers & "girl" things w/ the mothers. Mike planned a Star Wars movie night in the apartment's theater complete with popcorn, snacks, juice boxes, and light sabers, and I hosted a princess party.

Unfortunately, Mike didn't take a camera to the movie theater...not that you can take pictures in the dark. Who am I fooling? He also thinks snapping an enormous amount of pictures (like I so often do) ruins the moment. :) I on the other hand, feel that the pictures retell the story and capture special moments such as this:

Maggie(5), Molly(4), and Lilly(3) all got pedicures from their mothers at the start of the party. We soaked and massaged their tiny toes before putting on their favorite polish. They thought it tickled, but seemed to really enjoy the fact that their moms were pampering them.

Look at those pretty toes. Each one chose a shade of pink. To be a little more glamorous, we added a clear, glitter top coat.

The girls spent close to a half an hour preparing for the ball. They dug through Lilly's dress up box and tried just about every combination on before coming out to strut their stuff.

The girls were all seated around the round table for a tea party. We taught them the word etiquette and showed them how to eat and drink like a real princess.

Napkin in the lap.

Elbows off the table.

Take small bites. Chew and swallow before taking the next bite.

Don't talk with food in your mouth.

Use your manners.

Dab with the nap. Ask for permission to the leave the table.

Thank the hostess for providing the snack.

The girls thought it was great. After the tea party, they disappeared in Lilly's room and played happily until their brothers crashed their party. Mike told me his went well and that they are planning to see the next movie in the Trilogy...guess that means another fun girls' night is in store.

80's Flash Back

Denell was eager to show us around her hometown.

This is the house Bob Dylan grew up in.

The Hibbing High School

Iron Range

Mining Truck

Bimbo's Bar

Hairball Concert

They may look a little creepy, but boy could they sing!

Denell and I, along w/ two of her co-workers took a road trip to Hibbing, MN this weekend for a short ladies' getaway. Denell and I just about date back to the 80's...lots of hours waitressing at Jimmy's, bridesmaids in each other's weddings, celebrating just about every holiday together, and of course...the joys of motherhood. We've been through it all. Hard to believe that we've been friends for over a decade and I haven't even been to her home-town. She talks very highly of Hibbing, her high school friends, and the home she grew up in, so I know they mean the world to her. It was an honor to be invited to the Iron Range. It was the perfect opportunity to see just where she took root.

We left bright and early on Saturday morning, because she had the whole day planned out for us. I don't think we stopped talking the entire three hour car ride, which made it go remarkably fast. (Good news for me, since I am not a big fan of car rides.) Her mom and dad greeted us when we arrived and served us lunch. We toured her home, which was once her grandmother's and then headed out for a tour of the town. Denell took us on Bob Dylan Drive and showed us the house that he grew up in. Her mom, Kathy, actually graduated with Bob Dylan! We got to see the Hibbing High School. WOW! It was an incredible school...almost looked like it should be in a town 10 times the size of Hibbing. She drove us to the beach where her and her friends used to hang out, across the main drag, and then out to the Iron Range. Mining iron ore is something I teach to my fourth graders, so this stop was very interesting to me.

After touring the town, we did a little shopping. Denell always scores great deals at the Super Walmart, so we of course had to check it out. For supper, her parents took us to a place called Bimbo's. They had great hot wings and pizza...and the atmosphere was perfect. We were then dropped off at an outdoor 80's concert. Hairball played the BEST 80's tunes for close to four hours. We danced, laughed, and squealed from our front row seats the entire time we were there. The music brought me back to my high school days...reminded me of time spent on the beach w/ my cousin and sister, jamming in my friend's cars down Division St., and cranking up the tunes in my own bedroom back home.

I can see why she loves to go home. The saying, "Home is where the Heart is" really makes sense. As we grow older, our lives become busier. Our schedules are constantly overflowing and time seems to go faster. It is almost like we forget what life was like. This weekend also gave me an opportunity to flash back to my high school days. Being in her parents' home reminded me a lot of my grandma's house. It is great to unleash those memories now and then. Thanks Denell for sharing this special part of you with me. It meant a lot...

Here We Go Again!

We are big fans of parades in the summer time...or at least the kids are. So anytime we hear of a parade that is not too far from home, we venture out as a family to take in the marching bands and candy. Tonight's happened to be in Sauk Rapids. I've always enjoyed this one because it's in my home town, and often times I get to bump into people I know. We took my grandma to the parade with us this year, so she too could enjoy all the people and music.

' Mike was so nice to go and put down chairs and blankets for us this morning, because finding a seat at starting time is near impossible. The kids could sit right along the curb or run around in the open grass behind us. This turned out to be a blessing, because the parade lasted close to three hours, and there is no way any of us could have sat still the entire time!

Honoring our Flag

Brandon is beating the heat w/ a yummy ice cream cone.
It turned out to be a VERY HOT night, so ice cold treats hit the spot.

Matt and Ellie tried to get a little relief under Lilly's princess umbrella.

Celina and I moved Grandma back into the shade. Thank goodness there was a little for us all to take a break in. We could still see the bands...that is if we weren't busy talking! It was nice for the three of us to visit and get caught up. :)

The princesses are of course a highlight for Lilly (other than the candy!), when we saw these three walking back to their car at the end of the parade we asked if they would pose for a picture w/ the kids. I believe they were honored to have the kids so in ahhhh over them.

It was a fun night for everyone!

Theater Camp

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Nolan, Lilly, and their friend Ellie spent the week developing their imaginations, building their self esteems, and gaining confidence through dramatic play at theater camp. The camp was put on by our local theater and featured a variety of creative movements, crafts, and literature-based activities for the kids. They spent an hour each day practicing for their big debut. Bear-ific was performed today for all the parents on the big stage in the high school auditorium. It was fun to see them up there under the lights. They did an outstanding job and are already gearing up for next year's summer camp.

Berry Blast

The kids and I left the house bright and early this morning to go strawberry picking. Even though we arrived when they opened, we had to wait for an open row to pick from. The kids entertained themselves while we waited for our turn.

Nolan had no troubles finding the red, ripe, juicy ones. He eagerly dug through the bushes searching for the perfect berries. His goal was 100 strawberries...great picking buddie!

Lilly picked until she could no longer carry her bucket. Her fingers got a little stained, but it didn't bother her because it reminded her of pink nail polish.

Look at all these delicious strawberries!
Yummy in my Tummy!

Nolan's wheels starting spinning the minute we got them into the car.

Let's make strawberry shakes tonight.

Strawberry sundaes would taste good.
We could even have strawberry shortcake!
How about strawberry jam?
Do we have any whip cream?

We cleaned a bowl full for lunch today, and boy were they delicious. There really is something to be said about fresh picked fruits and vegetables. I did call Mike during their nap today...ice cream, angel food cake, and whip cream are on there way. His sweet ideas were as sweet as the berries. Can't wait to enjoy more of them w/ my two sweeties.

BeAtiNg tHe hEaT

Lilly had a hard time keeping up w/ her cone tonight!

Nolan found us a shaddy spot to sit.

His vanilla shake hit the spot after playing so hard.

Mike and I took the kids to the Splash Pad in Sauk Rapids this evening as a way of staying cool. It had been almost a year since we'd last visited, so of course they were excited to get back there. Lilly came out of her shell and kept up with her big brother tonight. Usually she is pretty timid when we go to the pool or when she is near water- well, not tonight. She spent a little over an hour running through all the sprinklers. Nolan and Mike had a blast spraying each other as well. Nolan especially liked it when Mike held him upside down over the sprinklers. Where was I in all this you might ask?? Somebody had to keep the camera dry!!! I also spent the hour visiting...no surprise either.

We also got to spend a little time at the park nearby before ending the night with ice cream treats. The line at D.Q. was out to the curb, so off to Mc Donald's we went. Nolan thought it would be fun to sit in the grass near the highway and count cars while we ate. This is a new game of his...Nolan gets to count all the red ones that go by, while Mike counts all the blue. The first one to reach 20 cars, wins! Pretty clever! It was a great way to spend the evening.

We Love Our Daddy

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Nolan and Lilly were so excited about celebrating w/ their Daddy today. Thankfully, they love to give presents as much as receive them, so that was a big part of it. We had spent an afternoon last week searching for the perfect gift for him and all the grandpa's in the family. Nolan knew what his Dad would like the minute we stepped foot in Menard's. I am not sure if he was thinking of himself or Mike at the time?? It didn't really matter, because I knew it was something the whole family could enjoy together. Nolan and Lilly agreed on a variety of lawn games (Bocce Ball set, Lawn Darts, and the ever so famous golf ball on a string toss game). They will be lots of fun to play in our new yard later this summer. Mike did seem excited about them today. Nolan's enthusiasm had to have contributed. I really think it will be one of those gifts that keeps on giving. They are sure to bring lots of joy for everyone.

I know the kids love their father more than words can say. Just seeing their reaction each night when he walks through the door proves it. Mike is truly a one-of-a-kind dad. He plays like he is one of the kids. Whenever there are kids around, Mike becomes their entertainer. I often wonder where he gets all the energy, and how he can handle kids crawling all over him (literally). He is seriously a kid-magnet... children seem to gravitate toward him where ever we go.

Watching him interact w/ our children, makes my heart so happy. I honestly fall in love with him over and over again each time I see him with Nolan and Lilly. I could go on and on about what makes him the best dad in the world, but I thought it would mean more if it came from the kids, so I asked them what they love about their dad, and this is what they said:

Nolan:

I love when Dad takes me to the dirt hills.

He is fun to wrestle with.

We like to go fishing.

Pillow fights are fun.

He plays army with me.

I like when he tickles me.

He makes good suppers for me.

I love his spaghetti.

Dad finds good spots for us at parades.

He takes us fun places.

He helps me with things.

He makes me laugh.

He helps me run faster.

He always shares his treats with us.

He tucks me in at night and comes back to check on me.

My Dad is good a reading stories.

I like when he cuddles with me.

We get to go out to eat.

We like to go for bike rides.

He takes me to the park.

He is silly.

Lilly:

He lets me have treats.

He holds me.

He gives me hugs.

He tickles me.

My Dad plays princesses with me.

I like it when he picks me up from Jo's.

He is funny.

He makes me feel better.

He is my friend.

My Dad helps me when I am scared.

I love my Daddy.

Isn't that beautiful?! I had asked the kids while they were in the bathtub. This worked well because I had their full attention. Lilly fed off of Nolan's answers at times, and of course Nolan was quick to let her know that that was something he already said...so, Lilly worked hard to come up with some of her own. I am not sure how many more responses I could have received, because Mike actually came back from his run and walked into the bathroom while I was compiling the list. I thought it was so sweet to hear the kids talk about him that way...but was I surprised? ABSOLUTELY NOT! He is an amazing father!!! We love you Daddy!

P.S. Happy Father's Day to my Dad, Bruce, and all the grandpa's out there...you have not only made a difference in my life, but are also making a positive difference in the life of my children. I am so grateful for that and thank you for loving us and spending time w/ us. We are very lucky to have such special relationships w/ you!!! XOXO