one year ago

Grandpa & Grandma at Lars baptism.

Mmmm, chocolate cake!

Sitting peacefully at Aunt Jan & Uncle Wes house.

Quentin's Christmas program 2007.

Two peas in a pod.

This was taken in the midst of a tickle fight.

We've been thinking a lot about our dear Grandpa Ole this month. It was Election Day last year that Ole was called home. I've wondered many times over the past year how he is spending time in heaven. No doubt none of us will know until we are there. I imagine he is able to play cribbage nonstop and is enjoying a good arguement with his sister about what the proper blood sugar level really ought to be. With Wisconsin Deer seson sneaking up on us quickly, I find myself thinking about him a lot. I'll keep sharing stories of fun memories with my kids. Quentin asks me about Grandpa Ole a lot and remembers his love of sharing a handful of Tootsie Rolls. We miss him. With God's grace and mercy, when my time comes we'll share a round of cribbage, a saltine full of limburger cheese, and a Johnny Cash song together.

Fun

Once again, I am astounded by the blessings we enjoy as a family. Quentin had a classroom party for Halloween. Lars and I were invited to join the class to help with Bingo, we brought an enourmous pan of rice crispy pars that were laced with gummy worms. The kids had a wonderful time. It was a fun morning, Lars felt special to pretend to be in Kindergarten while Quentin had fun sharing his brother with his classmates. We even joined the kids for school lunch!

Quentin enjoyed his Luke Skywalker costume! Seeing a smile like that makes the fun of the season a treat to share with them. Lars was a soldier this year. It was a special treat to be able to bring his toy gun along with him for his adventures. Until Quentin explained what Trick-or-Treating was about, he was not interested in joining his big brother. However, once he discovered how to ring a door bell and get candy he found the evening a lot of fun. This was the first year we haven't had the stroller along for a while. Lars walked for about an hour before he was exhausted and happy to be home!

Jamie and I are making some preparations to enjoy the WI Deer Hunting Season at the end of November. Lists are being made and blaze orange is coming out of storage. It won't be long we'll be enjoying a nice week of vacation time!

We've used the last of our garden squash this week. I always wish we had a few more when they are gone. The following recipe was in a flyer from our local co-op, yummy!

Three Sisters Soup

4 lbs acorn squash

4 quarts broth or water

2 small yellow onions

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup garlic

2 teaspons thyme leaf, dried

1 teaspoon pepper

1 pound corn

2 15oz cans of cannellini beans

1 bunch green onion

1/2 cup white wine

1 large bay leaf

Prep-

Half the squash, scoop the seeds and roast in crockpot with 1/2 the broth. (around 1 hour on high) The liquid from the squash automatically stays in the pot. When soft, remove squash, allow to cool enough to scoop out the flesh. Smash with a fork. Return to the crock pot along with the rest of the broth and other ingredients. Allow to continue cooking on low for at least another hour. Remove bay leaf before serving.