Maddie and Abby are in a JAM

(Not really) But they made Jam Yesterday. Strawberry Freezer Jam. What I thought was great about this accomplishment....

1. They did it all on their own (besides the buying of the supplies)
2. Maddie learned this skill from someone other than me. Her Farmor taught her last summer. I love it when my children can learn good things from outside influences, especially a loving grandparent.
3. They enjoyed working together as sisters.....(unfortunately that does not always happen, so it was so sweet to see)
4. The Jam is going to be delicious......

Swimming

Abby had a swim meet today. She did great!! I love to watch her swim, (even with the early start time 6:30 a.m. warm-up). She cut time in all of the events she swam and is really improving in the accuracy of her strokes. The thing I love about swimming as a sport is that each time you get up to compete you are trying just to do a little better than you did last time, and that's all a mom, a coach, or yourself can ask. Just a little better each time, and those little betters add up to a little more success and improvement. Just like in life......And I think I remember some wise council that was given once "We all should try to be a little kinder, a little more patient, a little nicer to our neighbors or loved ones......" That's all we need to do, just try and improve a little each day, (and enjoy yourself in the water)

One other thing I love about my Abby and swimming.....She is always the first in line to cheer for her team-mate, and isn't that what we all need, somebody always ready and willing to cheer us on.....

4th of July

Happy Birthday America.....

We celebrated with family and friends. We were over at Jan and Laci's house helping them break in their new pool. What fun

Here are a few pictures of the evening.

The Flag Cake (I wish I could say that I made it,..... but no)



I love how this is really cupcakes, not a sheet cake...



Here are a few pictures of the fun with fire

Don't Mess with Her

When asked to do a task, Kate may moan a little, (she is actually my best helper when she wants to), but than she is going to do it and do it with her whole heart.

This morning I asked her to sweep the Kitchen floor....that went so well I asked if she wanted to mop....."sure that sounds like fun", so 30 mins latter she was happy with her job but did not want it to be messed up so....






Now why didn't I think of that!!!

A Kate Story

Anybody who knows Kate will love this story. It shows all of her traits, determined, obsessive, quick thinking, man if I can just get this kid to the age of 20.....

So we were over at my friend Emily's house the other night. Emily got on her lap top to show me something and Kate started in. "I want a laptop so bad" "my parents won't ever give me anything I want", "I am going to get married when I am 10, so I can do what I want and get a laptop", "I have wanted one forever, or at least since I was three (then doing quick math in her head)5 years"

So Emily, like all of my friends, fall for Kate rhetoric and says, "well if your parents say it is O.K. I have an old lap top that I can give you". Wow Kate's new best friend. She went home with fingers crossed that Dad would say O.K.. She woke up with fingers crossed.

So Flemming and I talk about it and figure it is worth a try but their had to be some rules established.

Rule 1. It is not your own computer......Kate's answer to that...."WHAT...Abby and Maddie can use the kids computer together....they need to learn to share....I am the youngest and already know how to share...." So she eventually accepted that rule.

Rule 2. It is mom's computer and she lets you use it as she sees fit....If you are not acting appropriately you will not get the privilege......Kate's answer ....urrrrgh

Rule 3. The computer could not be taken to her room and used....had to stay on the main floor....this kid may be only 8 but she is very internet savvy....I can not risk her using the computer in private.... Kate's response ......urrrrrgh

So at this point I felt like she needed to write out what she was hearing me say.....So I could check for understanding. The following is what she wrote....



I thought I might have a problem I talked to her more about the understanding of the rules and she ran off in a huff.....

Later I get this note (you must understand that I get these notes quiet often, the check yes or no was an added touch)




So needless to say, we went by Emily's house tonight.....and the picture speaks volumes....one very happy girl.....at least for tonight.....Thanks Emily

Oh Where Does The Time Go

I know I need to post a blog update....but I have Popsicles to eat, and sun rays to catch, and bicycle trips to go on.....This funny place I live called Minnesota, is funny because once the weather turns nice (which this year was not until June), nobody stays inside, I guess you have to catch the outside world when you can. So if I do not stay inside....when am I ever going to catch up on my blogging???? Hopefully for all of you waiting for some fresh info it will rain soon and I will be forced to stay in....but for now I am off to enjoy a walk in the morning blue sky....got to get out before the bugs do you know....I love this place....

Last Day of School

Let the games begin!!!