we could take a vacation every year with the money. I must admit I admire their spirit and work ethic, however they were humming a different tune by the end of the second weekend of doing nothing but wood. But Michael and I discussed it later about how proud we are of them. A lot of kids would complain about having to do wood or helping with chores, but they make the best of it and usually have a blast doing it. When we'd be out in the woods they had a riot riding in the back of the truck on the logs singing songs, or when stacking wood they would take turns telling stories or cracking jokes. I sure appreciated their attitudes and it took me back to my younger days when all my brothers and sisters and I would gather every autumn to help my parents do their wood for the year. A strong family bond is worth more than anything.
So other than wood, the kids were just busy with guitar, violin, saxophone, 4-H, and schoolwork. Nick's class got to go the local hockey rink one day for a reward in school and he loved skating on the smooth ice. He tried hockey skates instead of figure skates for the first time, so guess what - they're on his wishlist for Christmas now. :-)
We had a fundraiser dinner one night for a boy in our church, but other than that it's just been life as usual. The planning for the Summit and the Kettle Kickoff consumed a lot of my time and energy, so other than the daily grindstone, that's been about it.
On Friday, November 18th, the kids and I headed down to Fredonia for deer season. We got to spend 3 wonderful days with my mom, putting up her tons of nutcrackers, picking out her Christmas tree, watching the Pack, etc. I quilted while we visited and had coffee, which I think was my favorite part. One on one time with people is such a treat, especially with Mom. Went to a movie with my nieces, nephews and sisters, shopping with another sister, and had just an overall great time. The kids were with their cousins or aunts non-stop and they both hated to say goodbye. My sister-in-law Sandy had a gathering at her house for all of us "women folk" and as usual put on a nice spread. Plenty of eats and drinks. I'm still determined to try one of these chocolate martinis everyone is talking about however. Perhaps at our next woman's monthly group night.
My friends and I all take turns hosting a "craft night". Everyone brings their own hobby to work on and we just visit all night long. Some nights I get a lot done, other nights I laugh and talk to much. But we are all enjoying it. None of us are into the bar scene anymore, so this gets us out without the hubby and kids on a regular basis. January is my turn to host so I think I'll do a fondue and martini bar. Sounds good, right? Right. It's settled.
But back to Fredonia... my Mom went into the hospital on Tuesday to have her shoulder replaced and she came home on Thursday. She is recooperating quite nicely. My sisters had Turkey Day at one of their houses and I'm told it was very nice. I came home to Ojibwa on Wednesday night so that I could make dinner for the hunting crew. Kendie and Mikey joined us for 4 days and we spent it making Christmas cards, Christmas gifts, and miscellaneous stuff. The crew finally left on Sunday and I was able to reclaim my house. I spent a few hours just cleaning. You've never experienced quite a feeling as when you can clean a house after 15+ guys have been living in it for 10 days. They're a great groups of guys, but after 10 days there's no place like home - alone - clean.
And I think that's it. Whew. I'm exhausted. I will keep thinking and re-reading this over the next couple of days to see if I need to edit or add anything, but for now this will do. It pleases me to no end that you all are reading the website and enjoying it. Makes me feel so connected to you and means more to me than you'll ever know. We've found a home here in Sawyer County, but it will never replace the love we feel when we think of you all.
Until the next time... hugging you in our hearts and visiting you in our dreams.
