Junior Achievement

For the past four weeks, Dad and I once again spent each week teaching the Legacy's fourth-graders about business through the program called, "Junior Achievement" that ends at BizTown.  The students spend their day working in a business; focusing on their task to make products, sell products, and pay back their corporations' taxes and loans.

Ian's job was being the CEO at Polaris.  He was very excited from the start to be in charge of a company Dad used to work for.  He spent his day speaking in front of everyone, running his business meetings, keeping people on their tasks, and making sure Polaris was a success (which it was).  He really did a great job and in the end, loved his day!  

Spring Snowstorm

It never fails for spring in Minnesota that eight days ago it was 60 and beautiful; while today we are expected to get 8 inches of snow. At least the kids are having a good time in it.

Kallen Turns 12 Years Old

Today Kallen turned twelve; his last year recognized as a kid.  Kallen's personality hasn't changed much since turning eleven.  He still continues to be loved by many thanks to his gentle heart; or frustrates many with his non-stop talking. He also has a passion to help others and do what is right.  He still is a very determined young man, who is also intelligent, outgoing, funny, and loves cuddling under a blanket on the couch.

Kallen's favorite things right now are hanging out with friends, Loki, basketball, soccer, Legos, Blue his gecko, dinosaurs, and by far, playing video games.  

Happy 12th Birthday, Kallen!
We love you so much. Enjoy your last year as a kid, next year you become a teen!

Kallen celebrated his birthday today at home eating his meal of choice, burgers, fruit, veggies, and ice cream cake.  We then opened gifts and just hung out.  We hope to have a birthday party soon, Kallen just keeps changing the dates, because he only wants to have a party if his closest five buddies can all make it; an example of his kind heart.

Diabetes

So we had an unexpected surprise this past Thursday, February 29th: Elyse was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.  For the past few months, she complained of leg pain while sleeping.  I assumed it was growing pains; until she confessed on Wednesday that her leg hurt so bad she could not sleep and was up crying all night.  We researched and found leg pain can be an onset of diabetes in the youth.  We then put it all together: falling asleep at random times, drinking more liquids, headaches, and losing a ton of weight (which we have been noticing for the last few weeks and constantly mentioning to her).  Well, we went to the doctors on Thursday, they took her blood and informed us that she definitely has diabetes, and needed to go to Children's Hospital.  We were admitted and spent our time learning how to live with diabetes.  

Since being home; we have had to change a few things.  Thankfully, Elyse is amazing, hasn't complained, and is adjusting to her new normal.  We hope to get more information on Friday at her next appointment to make it even easier.  Overall, we love her so much and know God's arms are wrapped around her daily.

Special thank you to family and friends who prayed for us throughout the last few days.  Your prayers have definitely helped and been felt. 💛

Skiing

Today we joined Legacy’s 6th graders on the annual ski trip to Wild Mountain.  It was a first for Ian and Maddie; they tried a green and then decided to stay on the kiddy hill. We were proud they tried and stayed the entire time.  Overall, the day would be considered a success. 

Top Favorites of 2023

Once again I'm here posting on another year done; I really hate how fast time goes.  Anyway below (in no particular order) are our 10 favorite things that took place in 2023.

1. Kids experienced their first Broadway musical live on stage, Hamilton.
2. Ian got baptized.
3. Family road trip to the East Coast (Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C., New Jersey, and New York).
4. Celebrated 18 years of marriage.
5. Seeing The Lion King and Wicked live in New York City.
6. Kallen got a lead role as Young Tarzan in Legacy's production of Disney's Tarzan.
7. Got a hot tub for the family.
8. Watching kiddos participate in many sports (Elyse-volleyball, Caleb-skiing and golf, Kallen-soccer, baseball and basketball, Ian- basketball and golf, Maddie-volleyball).
9. Elyse and Caleb got their own bedrooms and remodeled the basement.
10. Elyse got her driver's permit.

Some other fun things that happened this year:

• Dad and Elyse's mission trip to Ensenada, Mexico.
• .Family went to Top Golf for the first time.
• Elyse, Caleb, and Kallen spent a week at Camp Lebanon and deepened their faith.
• Mom began teaching Elyse and more classes at Legacy: English and Psychology.
• Caleb got braces.
• Elyse colored her hair from blonde to black.
• Elyse started high school.
• Watched all the kids participate in the large obstacles of the MANE event without a parent.
• Swam together as a family in our pool.
• Visiting with extended family.
• Elyse, Caleb, and Kallen went skiing for the first time.
• Loki had Groot over for the week to hang out.

Well, that's a wrap for 2023; so here's to 2024.

Winter Break

Thanks to winter break we have been home for the week and doing a couple fun things. Besides the normal video game playing, Lego building, board games, puzzles, reading, and hanging out; we have spent our time at Mall of America and going to Top Golf. Maddie asked if she could join her friends for a play date instead of Top Golf. We missed her and will make sure to bring her next time. Thankfully she had what she called, “An awesome fun day”.