Williamson Family Zone

Last Post!

2006-12-25T11:47:00.000-08:00

notice: I have started a new blog. You can catch us there at
www.mrswilly-neveradullmoment.blogspot.com

You can delete this from your computer and add the new one.
Blogspot offers some new features so I decided to switch over.
See you there!

Christmas Eve

2006-12-24T04:45:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to you all!
It is Christmas Eve morn 2006. I am up early while the rest of the house sleeps. In the midst of the busyness of the season and the increased commercialism, I am reminded that there is a reason for this holiday. As much as the world moves us in any direction but the one that faces the manger.
This morning, I think of all our family and friends who are represented in a large stack of Christmas cards. Wishes of holiday cheer that found their way to us despite our many moves in 2006. I am grateful for each family member, each friend, each memory disturbed by the handwritten and typed greetings.
On this Sunday morning, in the stillness and quietness of morning, I pray that none of us are so busy that we don't take time to contemplate the true meaning of Christmas. May we all take time to kneel and face the manger. It is the reason we even have Christmas, that long ago a babe was born, wrapped in swaddling clothes. To a young mother, who was probably unsure as all new mothers are. May the birth of Jesus be more than songs sung, more than a story read, more than a lighted display on someone's lawn, more than a childhood memory. May it be alive and real in our hearts as we spend time with family and friends.
I treasure you all and are grateful for you.
Merry Christmas from the Williamson family to yours!

Countdown

2006-12-20T04:11:00.000-08:00

The days are counting down until Christmas....are you ready. We are in the midst of final preparations here. I feel like I am almost ready. Just a little more baking to do. The presents are all bought though which is a relief to me, so I don't have to fight through the crowds of last-minute-shoppers.
Last night was Brock's last basketball game of his season. But as I sat in the stands the coach of the "travel team" handed me a piece of paper and on it was the schedule for his next team. I hope Brock enjoys tonight off cuz practice starts Thursday after school!!!
We have enjoyed all the Christmas events in this new town. Another season to become accustomed to the life here in Sparta. The High School had it's Christmas concert which was very good. The girls' choir director also directs the Jazz Ensemble at Universtity of Wisconsin-LaCrosse; therefore they were able to come and serrenade us with a few songs. It was amazing!
I think that all of our holiday parties are over now and I can concentrate on some cleaning and baking around here.
We are hoping to take a little tour of the lights. It seems as it more houses in town decorate than don't so it'll be fun! Another Williamson Christmas tradition will continue....grab the hot cocoa and drive the streets of Sparta.

the girls after their Christmas concert, Monday night.

Grandmother Star!

2006-12-18T05:47:00.000-08:00

Last night was our Children's Christmas program at the church. The preschoolers started the evening with a couple of songs, fighting, crying and pouting. Somewhere in there you could hear Away in a Manger.
The children from grades K-6 have been working on a program for a few weeks now. Somewhere back in November I "volunteered" to play the adult role, which happened to be that of a GRANDMOTHER!
Randy wasn't happy with my grandmother outfit and so with about forty-five minutes left on the clock until I had to be at church he took Jessica and they went to Walmart in search of a new outfit for me. Jessie fixed my hair in a bun and Randy did the honors with the hairspray! I even added a little extra padding around the middle and backside!!! The play went well and the kids all did well.

Grandmother Star

A new Christmas Tradition for 2006

2006-12-16T05:26:00.000-08:00

The other day I was Christmas shopping in Eau Claire. I walked into the large bookstore they have there in search of a book series my son has asked for. I haven't been in this store before so I tried to peer over shelves looking for a sign that would point me to the children's section. Of course, it was placed in the back corner of the store. I walked through the shelves that formed almost a welcoming gate to the land of Children's fiction.
In front of me was a table set with Christmas stories for the young and my eye was drawn to one book in particular. I cannot explain the excitement I felt. It was a book from my childhood. A favorite. A long lost friend! (yes, books are my friends) I picked it up and thumbed through it making sure that they hadn't changed anything about it.
I am sure I was grinning from ear to ear as I walked on trying to find Brock's books.
I couldn't find them.
But it really didn't matter at that point. Clasped in my hands was the book from a distant memory and I had not seen it in years. I wanted it so much, that I hadn't even looked at the price. Have you ever done that? Found something so perfect that it really didn't matter what the cost would be, because you wanted it so badly?
Turns out it was less than ten dollars.
I took it home and much to my amusement my two older girls remember the book as one I had read to them when they were very little. In our many moves, it must have been misplaced because the younger two don't remember it. (that would put it around the Brampton to Minneapolis move)
Well, this year, we will have a new tradition. Everyone will be seated with hot chocolate and cookies in hand as we read our new Christmas book.

I guess they are hens.

2006-12-13T04:06:00.000-08:00

A couple of months ago our family was invited to dinner at the home of a couple from our church. The wife was a little apprehensive about hosting all six of us because her place is pretty small. As soon as we arrived, that evening we went for a walk out to the corral to see their two horses. We walked through a barn area and I noticed some beautiful looking chickens sitting on a ledge in a coop. I made mention to the woman how pretty they were, for chickens. She told me how disappointed she was because she had bought them in hopes they were hens and would provide eggs for her, but after having them a few months, they had yet to lay one egg!
Much to the kid's amusement and I think, embarrassment; Randy immediately started to pray over the coop for the chickens. The kids started giggling to themselves and making their way out of the barn.
We went inside and had the most wonderful meal of homemade stew I have ever tasted. I think Brock ate six bowls full that night. It was an enjoyable time and gave me a taste of this new community of people we have been brought to serve.
Last Sunday, was my birthday and I received a unique gift. I would have to say it's a first.
A dozen eggs.
All different shades of brown.
provided by the hens Randy prayed for.

It worked!

2006-12-08T04:17:00.000-08:00

Sydney and Vicki
I am trying out my birthday/Christmas gift. A new digital camera and photo printer! So much fun. Where's Al when you need him? I am highly computer illiterate but I did take this picture last night at Sydney's holiday concert and here it is on my blog so I must have done something right.
This week has been crazy busy and there is more to come. Tonight we host our Board of Deacons and wives to a home-cooked dinner. We had to move the event to the church because of our housing situation but that's alright. It requires a lot of work but I trust they'll enjoy it. Brock has had two basketball games this week, as does Jessie. Her first is a home game tonight that we will miss and then tomorrow she plays Wisconsin Dells. I asked her if she is playing at a high school in the Dells and she answered "no mom, we are playing at a Waterpark!"
We received word from that bank that everything is a go for the house. Now we just have to wait for our closing date. I am so excited!
As I mentioned Sydney's concert was last night. She blew them out of the water with a solo in a song called "Feel Good". She performed with a jazzy flavor and it rocked! There was much DRAMA at the middleschool this week when she was given the solo over another girl. Let's just say that her teacher and I are on a first name basis now.
Well, it's time to wake the troups. I have a long day ahead of me. Enjoy your weekend. By Saturday night I can put my feet up and actually watch "Pirates of the Carribean-2". It's sat by the DVD player since Wednesday.

The house

2006-12-04T07:05:00.000-08:00

Front view

Back view
Of course, nothing is official until we close but this is our new house!

Monopoly anyone???

2006-12-03T13:56:00.000-08:00

Well it's not "Boardwalk" but it is Park Place!
725 Park Place to be exact. That is the address of our new home! Yes, you read correctly.
Just a note to all you men, when you take a week's vacation hunting you never know what your wife is doing while you are gone. I bought a house!
As you know, we have looked for a long time for the right house for us and waited for the house in Hibbing to sell. So far it hasn't. But God opened some doors for us and we were in the midst of looking for houses that fit our budget and needs.
Right in the middle of "negotiations" on an older house in town, a new house went on the market and I was able to look at it last Tuesday with our realtor, Gene. He has worked tirelessly for us to help us in this quest for a home!
Tuesday, was our nineteenth anniversary and I tell you I got the best gift of all. The perfect house for the Williamsons was handed to us and I signed all the paperwork, waited less than twenty-four hours to find out that our offer was accepted!
Now, anyone who has bought a home knows that nothing is for sure, until you sign all the final paperwork. For us, that date will be January 8th, 2007.
This journey started months ago, with Randy making his home in the Best Western. After we all joined him in Sparta we rented an older home in town. We got notice that they had sold it and we had to move once again. We have slept on mattresses on the floor, our clothes have been laid in piles around the perimeters of our rooms, we have had no TV, no computer at home, no dishwasher and most of our belongings in storage or back in Hibbing.
When I answered the phone call on Wednesday morning telling me that our offer was accepted I fell to my knees and sobbed! For a long time. All the pressure, concerns and stress of living like this came to an end.
The journey is almost over.
I have to say that 2006 has been a most difficult year for us.
I have learned a great deal about myself and others.
I have learned that strength from God is all that will get you through somethings.
I have learned that God does answer prayer. Not in our time and not in our way.
But in the end it is the better way.
(I will post pictures and details next time)

Happy Anniversary

2006-11-28T05:35:00.000-08:00

Nineteen years....I was so blessed when God gave you to me. As a young woman there are many choices and paths to choose from; but God saw fit that your American path would travel to another country just so we would meet. I remember it like it was last week. Me sitting in the church office, you unpacking your boxes in your new office! From those first days of discovery to this moment I am grateful for you dear. I am grateful for a man who didn't let me sit in all my junk but always pushed me to be better, whether I liked what I heard or not. That is true love. Wanting the best for the other person. You have always displayed Christ's love to me...unconditional. What a treasure that is. I was drawn to your integrity and love for God and that is still what I cherish the most in you.
Laughter, tears, grief, celebration, the birth and lives of four other individuals, vacations, camping, shopping, travel, many cities, many houses, ministry intertwined in our personal lives, churches, family times, alone times, knowing each other better than anyone else in this world, security, peace, love, understanding, freedom, correction, holding hands, sharing lives...I look forward to many more of these things with you my dearheart.

Thanksgiving recap

2006-11-26T13:10:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was absolutely wonderful. We travelled to Wisconsin Dells and the kids enjoyed the waterpark until it closed at 9:00 p.m. The next morning we woke up and everyone but me got into swim suits again. We had to check out of the room by 11:00 a.m. and then we had our reservation for the Thanksgiving buffet. It was huge, and I have to say that I feel like I am not giving it justice by using that word. There were tables full of food! A salad area, a appetizer area, a dessert area, a ham and prime rib carving area, a main course area with about thirty dishes to choose from and even a kid's table, complete with corndogs and gummy worms. We were so impressed and the food was delicious not cafeteria style at all! We are pretty sure that this will be a Williamson family tradition. I loved that I could sit and relax and enjoy my family while we shared around the table.
After eating we got back into our swimsuits again which is just what I wanted to do after eating so much food! and we hung out on the lazy river for a few more hours. I did go with Sydney down this big waterslide. It was crazy! Jessie even got brave and tried a small waterslide herself. Besides that she and Britt sat and people watched (well probably "guy watched" is more accurate)
I wish I could share pictures with you, as any of you who know me can be sure I took lots. But this old computer isn't letting me upload anything! Randy has his laptop with him for this coming week. (he's away) So you'll have to just imagine the Pilgrim ice sculpture, the chocolate fountain and the huge elephant head carving the kids are sitting under! By the time he's home I'll have probably four more posts on here! Oh well!
Break is over and it's onto a full week of basketball games and a Madrigal Festival at the high school.
{special note to Amber and Brooke, Brittany wanted me to tell you that she finally had to give in and try pixi stix but didn't enjoy them at all. She'll stick to her favorite from now on}

Pumpkin anyone?

2006-11-22T06:17:00.000-08:00

Even the squirrels enjoy pumpkin. I guess the warm weather and the fact these decorations have been off the vine for quite a while now made them just soft enough to gain access to.

Too bad I couldn't get a picture with the hungry squirrels in the act. Anyway, my fall decorations are now Thanksgiving dinner for our neighbourhood critters! At least til garbage day.

Spartan Basketball

2006-11-21T18:18:00.000-08:00

Jessie had her first game tonight. It was in a town an hour and a half away, so Randy took that road trip. Spartans 70 Richland Center 38. Jessie made five three pointers and another basket. Brock played in a town fifteen minutes away and I took that much shorter trip.
Spartans 40 West Salem 14. Brock had a great night making fifteen points total.
All in all it was a good night of basketball.

An all American Thanksgiving-Williamson style.

2006-11-20T14:36:00.000-08:00

When I say Thanksgiving this year [ which might I mention has been the MOST upside-down, backwards, walk by faith year of my entire history on this earth (which is a long time people)] I think of:
water
surfing
slides
lazy river
swimsuits
buffet lunch
So can you guess what we're doing for Thanksgiving? Thanks to a generous goodbye gift we received last spring from our Hibbing church family we are taking the LONG fifty minute drive over to Wisconsin Dells on Wednesday after school. We will spend the night and enjoy a "homecooked" meal on Thursday then head back home. We are staying at a huge indoor waterpark/resort and enjoy activities that all families enjoy on Thanksgiving! Slide, dunk, swim, dive and ride until we are pruney.
This is the most atypical Thanskgiving I have ever known but due to the lack of a dishwasher and dishes, add to that the size of the second hand stove we are temporarily using a big meal seemed not really do-able this year.
Things I am thankful for?
a husband who makes the most of hard situations
children who don't ever complain
friends who encourage and love
my faith in a God who is always on the throne of my life
a roof over my head
food to eat
and this year...
The Kalahari waterpark!

word association

2006-11-17T06:26:00.000-08:00

When I say Thanksgiving what do you think of?
make a list.
I'll make mine.

nothing much...

2006-11-14T12:32:00.000-08:00

Today I picked up my 2006 version of the Williamson Christmas Card. Look in a mailbox nearest you in coming days to see yours! The weekend singing event for Sydney was a great success! Brittany and I headed up to listen to her concert. Jessie ended up having a basketball game and Brock... well he opted to stay home, can't really blame him. Last night his team lost their first basketball game this season. It was a tough one but he played the best I've seen yet.
All the snow has melted here in Sparta, which is too bad because it was so pretty! I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week already!
This weekend we are going to go to LaCrosse to watch another of Reid's football games. It is pretty funny but after taking the three hour trip up to St. Paul a couple weeks ago, his team will be playing in the play-offs against University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, this Saturday.(twenty minutes away) Who knew??? Brock is excited and I'm praying it stays about forty degrees like it is now!
Bow season ends this Thursday and Wisconsin gun season starts on Saturday. Randy saw the "trophy" yesterday and could barely sleep thinking about it. I'm not sure how much I'll see of him from now until bow season ends. He's on a mission!
The house in Hibbing has not changed it's "for sale" status. Any of you who have any energy left for this matter we would appreciate your prayers to help push this process along for us. It's been long enough now!
Well, that's the update on this Tuesday afternoon. All our midwest friends, stay warm!

Snow, at last!

2006-11-10T05:58:00.000-08:00

It's snowing! around this area we are expecting 4-8 inches. At 8:00 a.m. it is more like hail! Not as pretty as big, fluffy flakes, I must admit but it's on the right track. I really don't mind snow this time of year, it gets me in the Holiday spirit. I am hoping it clears by tomorrow as I have to travel up to Chippewa Falls, WI to watch Sydney sing at an area choir event. This morning at 10:30 a.m. I am going to head over to the Middle School for their Vetran's Day Program. Sydney was asked to sing the solo in the song, God Bless America. She's been struggling with a chest/head cold lately but she was doing a bit better this morning.
Last night, I found the school where Brock's game was without any problems. Sparta 7th grade "A" team beat Viroqua 32-12!
I'm heading home for a cup of hot chocolate !!

more about Brock....

2006-11-08T11:36:00.000-08:00

Take the life of a family of six and tip it upside down and see what you get. That's how I feel sometimes. Last night, we sat in new seats, in a new gym, with new school colors, new coaches, new mascot and a new season. Nothing is as it was. Each month brings that truth to me in some crazy way. Seems silly, but I had learned every school in our division in Minnesota, I knew how to get to them, where the gyms were and even knew some of the players from opposing teams (especially the good ones). On Thursday, Brock has an away game, so I need to get out my trusty, plastic covered map of Wisconsin (it was a gift from my husband shortly after we moved) and begin again. Searching for a town, searching for a unheard of highway, travelling roads never travelled; in search of... a basketball game.
At this point I could tell myself I am getting too old for all this change. But I would rather, throw my head back and laugh and enjoy the new journey and be thankful I have opportunity to see new things, hear new sounds, meet new people and travel those roads! When in doubt laughing is always a more preferred option than scowling and grumbling.

Last night, we did enjoy watching the game in the four year old facility. It was especially satisfying watching a game where everyone played together as a unit! I won't complain but in past years it was not always that way. It wasn't uncommon for one boy especially to have the ball most of the game. The coaches never corrected this and it was frustrating to watch. I think Brock and his team mates will get a lot more out of the "basketball-is-a-team-sport" theory of coaching. This way everyone learns the skills and more importantly sportsmanship (a highly underestimated trait for athletes).

Today we received a letter by mail telling us Brock was chosen October Student of the month and will be recognized during a future assembly. He gets a free lunch at Subway out of the honor as well. Randy and I are wondering what we get out of this deal? Maybe he'll share his sandwich with us!

..and they're off!!!

2006-11-07T05:59:00.000-08:00

I sat down this morning at my little antique pastry table in the kitchen and started to transfer Jessica's basketball schedule onto my family calendar. We are entering the "zone". I have one of those great calendars that has a spot for every person's schedule. Even this style is not going to work for us much longer. I might have to resort to a color coded desk style calendar! It is BASKETBALL Season!
Brock has his first game tonight. He has been placed on the "A" team for his grade which is great! Game days he has to wear a shirt and tie. Good thing we had bought one recently for a wedding we attended. He looked so handsome. Also, another thing I really wanted to note in this blog of family news. Now at twelve, Brock has begun scribbling down his first "sermons". After reading his recent thoughts Randy has decided that he might use some of them in a message on a Sunday. It's pretty amazing to me to see how even at twelve God is showing Brock insight into the Bible and that he has the gift of bringing it to a level of practics for our lives!! Who knows what is in store for him?

Jessica started her 'official' practices yesterday. Three hours long! She was placed on the Varsity reserve team so she was pretty excited about that. Here they have Varsity, Varsity reserve and then JV. Her first game is next week.
Sometimes Brock and her will have games on the same day!

Brittany is involved in the school's Madrigal dinner and got the role of a rose seller, (which was her first choice). We will have to search on line for appropriate period costuming for her. Her job those nights will be to roam the dinner and sell all the flowers she carries. Pretty fun. She's going to get busy with practices and preperation for this large community event the high school puts on the first weekend in December.

Sydney was chosen to sing at a State wide event for choir. This Saturday she will travel to Chippewa Falls, WI and join with other chosen students from the area to take part in "Singing in Wisconsin". Britt and I will travel up there for the 4 p.m. concert. Aside from that she is also preparing for her holiday concert at her school.

Last weekend Britt, Brock and I travelled up to St. Paul to watch an old friend play in a college football game. I had promised Brock we would catch one of Reid's games this season and we managed to get there for his last home game. Bethel University has a very good team that have only lost one game this season. They soundly beat their opponent on a beautiful, sunny fall day last Saturday. It was a great day.
Life with four teenagers, is busy and eventful and so much fun!!
Let the games begin!

Am I trapped in the TV?

2006-11-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad November is here; behold, the month of giving thanks and our wedding anniversary. Also, the month of basketball season starting. Jessie was asked to be point guard on the JV team and Brock was asked to join the Sparta travelling team for his age group! So we're off to a great start. The weather has turned cold...I took a little jaunt over to Onalaska and it was actually snowing a little on the way. Brrr.
This is a town of contradiction. Only here can one see; horse-drawn Amish buggies and camo military issued hummers, driven by real soldiers (the real life version of childhood toys my brothers littered our basement with) using the same roads. It is middle-America at it's finest. Simplicity and military. Peace and War. (or was that war and peace?)
Life is unwinding and becoming less unsettled for us. Winter will soon be upon us, another season to experience in our new town. Sometimes I feel like I am in a Gilmore Girl episode and instead of Luke's diner, we have "Ginny's Cupboard". It's where the Williamson women go for their coffee.Instead of Luke, we have Tony. Instead of Lane, there's Nicole. The town square is actually more of a straight line but the characters are just as real. I'm still looking for Kirk, I 'm sure he's here somewhere. We just need to find a cool theme song.
Happy November to you, until next time.

Birds, Bees and eyebrow waxing!

2006-10-30T06:59:00.000-08:00

Finally! Our third daughter had her 'turn'. What am I talking about? Well, in our home we have a tradition that when the kids turn thirteen they get a weekend getaway to discuss important life matters (sex and purity). Sydney turned thirteen last April. Life last spring, for us was what you might call chaotic with our transitioning and all, so poor Sydney's weekend kept being pushed onto the back burner (maybe next weekend) of one of those invisible stoves we all have in our homes somewhere. This past weekend our kids had a four day weekend and in a very spur-of-the-moment decision Sydney finally got her time with mom. We can't take credit for this tradition as it was first born out of a Focus on the Family program I listened to. But we have added some touches of our own to make it memorable and meaningful!
After we dropped Brittany off in Minneapolis to visit her old friends for the weekend, Sydney and I made our way down to the Mall of America for a special mother/daughter time of bonding. The overnight stay included eyebrow waxing (her first time), clothes shopping(a new church outfit), food(cheeseburgers and jukebox music at Johnny Rockets), laughter (thinking a restaurant said "Fresh Men" when after closer analysis we realized it was serving "Fresh Mex"), lots of talking (I'll spare you the details) and most of all as corny as it sounds LOVE!
I rediscovered the truth that when you have more than one child you can never underestimate the importance of spending one on one time with each of them on a regular basis. Sydney really is a "daddy's girl" if the truth be known, but this weekend I discovered she is a great friend of mine. That blue-eyed miracle child; can't believe she is now old enough to discuss boys with!
It was an amazing time away. Well, I had my three turns and now they are over (can you hear the relief in my voice). The next one is Randy's responsibilty!

smile

2006-10-25T06:41:00.000-07:00

Brittany with her friends ready for a night out. Charlie, Britt, Susan and Eric.

Busy family life.

2006-10-17T05:55:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer:
I guess, I just first want to put a little "disclaimer" at the beginning of this post. I once read on someone's family blog that they didn't share certain things because they had this fear that people would think they were bragging. That kind of stuck with me, in the sense that I hope no one ever thinks I am "Bragging". However, you need to realize that this blog is my main tool of communication with my FAMILY and friends who live overseas, in Canada and all over this country too. There are many exciting things that happen in our lives that I want to share with those closest to us.

As usual there is lots going on in the Williamson home. Never a dull moment. Brock played his last football game last evening. Thankfully, they won after loosing their last three games. He got a nice certificate of participation and gets two weeks off until basketball season.
I am learning more and more as the school year goes on. Things are run differently here than in Hibbing. For example, I recently had parent/teacher conferences. In Sparta, they want you to bring your kids with you and all the teachers are in the cafeteria where you sit at a table with them. In Hibbing, you went to individual classrooms, all over the school building and I never brought my kids with me.
Last night the two high school girls had their first choir concert of the year. They are both in Concert choir. I have a picture of them in their robes. I was so glad to see that the music program here in Sparta is important and well run. We had such a high standard set in Hibbing and you just never know what you are in for when you switch schools. I have to say it was reassuring. There are two smaller ensembles from the high school that were actually invited back to Carnegie Hall in New York City for a concert this spring. The choir director announced that Sparta High School was the only school in Wisconsin included in that invitation. I think that speaks highly of the quality of program here.
Lastly, we were so proud to receive a letter yesterday informing us that Jessica is being inducted into the National Honor Roll Society. The letter congratulated us as parents and Randy and I kind of looked at each other wondering what we had done. There are some intelligence genes in there somewhere! Or perhaps, hanging out with Jenni all those years had something to do with it. Either way, we are proud of her accomplishment and I wanted to let you know. Now enjoy a couple pics.

Jessie celebrating with her letter from the National Honor Roll Society. Silly girl.

Jessie and Britt in their choir robes. At least red is their color!

A late fall day

2006-10-15T17:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday our family travelled for another wedding. This one was Randy's youngest sister, Rebecca's wedding. She and Mark decided to marry at my in-law's home in Rib Lake, Wisconsin. The original plan was to have a lovely outdoor, fall wedding in the gazebo out back overlooking the pond. But the recent cold snap put a damper on those plans and the brief ceremony was moved indoors. It was a first for us, I don't think any of our family had been to a wedding in a house before. It was a very touching celebration.
We had lots of food afterwards and then headed back south, out of the snow to Sparta. As we drove south on Highway 27 I commented to my two eldest daughters, "you know I think we live in the most beautiful part of Wisconsin". They agreed. If you can close your eyes and picture beautiful trees carpeting the rolling hills of countryside. Every once in a while you'll see a red barn in the distance. As you look along side of the gently curving highway in the distance you can see the treeline part once in a while giving way to pastures. Those are called coulees. This area is known as the Coulee region. As we travelled into the late afternoon the setting sun shone on the tree tops and I thought to myself that this is beautiful. A childhood memory of James Herriot's novels came to mind; cows, horses, barns, old farmhouses, silos and corn fields.
It was the end to a lovely fall day.

Snowflakes and pigskin.

2006-10-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

Brrr...baby it's cold outside. the weather has taken a drastic turn these past couple of days. I know that some of our neighbours to the west have had snow on the ground. We have seen a few flakes floating through the air and that sudden craving for hot chocolate came over me lately so I know winter is on it's way. Today I will bundle up warm as I head over to Onalaska to watch Brock play his second football game of the week! He was asked along with five other boys from his seventh grade team, to suit up for the eighth grade team. Randy is out of town, otherwise I might just let him take this one. The season is over next week anyway and it's quite an honor to be moved up like that. Therefore, mom, cheerleader, coach, nurse, fan and personal driver will bundle up as warm as I can and cheer the boy on. This is what memories are made of. I'll be sure to grab a hot cocoa on the way!
This is one of my favorite pictures from this season, taken a game last week.

Bar Mitzvah

2006-10-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

Most cultures, world-wide have certain rites of passage into manhood. For the family Williamson of the midwestern United States of America that rite of passage is apparently the "bagging of a deer".
Wisconsin has a day set aside for young men who have passed their hunter safety to get a chance to get out and hunt before regular season starts. The young man has to be accompanied by an adult but that adult cannot shoot any deer themselves, they are present only for safety and assistance reasons. Randy was preparing all week for the big day yesterday. You should have seen him setting aside hats, camo pants, boots and purchasing the special liscence Brock would need.The two men of our house slept together on Friday night so that when the alarm sounded at 5 a.m. they could get their scentless showers and dress for the big day.
After a morning of sitting in the woods they came home and reported seeing some deer but not taking any shots. They ate a big brunch and went back to bed so they could go back out for the afternoon hours. At seven the call came. Brock had shot his first deer! You are now a man,my son! It is Williamson tradition, it is what makes a dad's heart swell with pride, it is the day Randy probably dreamed of since we first saw the ultrasound pictures that we were having a boy after three girls! Father and son can now share the tradition of the fall hunt. Quite a few calls went out to spread the news....Brock shot his first deer. Dad and boy are presently taking the nub-buck to the butcher!
Here are my two guys just before they headed out for the afternoon hunt!

Random Pictures of stuff.

2006-10-07T06:05:00.000-07:00

I thought I would just put a couple pics on here of interest. Well, that is highly subjective but anyway, you know what I mean.

here is our rental. Pretty nice eh?

this is a house in town that has huge ladybugs crawling on it...thought it cried out to be a part of my random pics post.

the Sparta High Marching Band leading the way in the Homecoming Parade yesterday.

Powder Puff

2006-10-03T05:54:00.000-07:00

Last night was the Junior/Senior Powder Puff game. Brittany was playing for the Juniors at cornerback and on the kickoff team. Some boys from the Varsity team were their coaches. It was so much fun! Brittany actually got to play quite a bit and hit the ground on more than one occasion. I think that qualifies her as a REAL football player now!
The girls met at the school and had a "hayride" through town over to the field. They had to wear red and black with homemade tie-dyed tshirts. Britt was number 39, she wanted 9 but it was already taken so she settled for a number that had 9 in it!
There were lots of people there watching the game, including Grandma and Grandpa Williamson who made the trip to see their grandaughter play. Despite the 22-14 loss it was a great way to kick off Homecoming week.
Of course, pictures are in order here!

Britt watching from the sidelines, she is the one on the far right.

Britt and her friend Nicole, who's a senior. Ready to fight!

Playing on the Varsity field under the lights. You can see some of the "coaches" lined up watching the field. They did a really good job.

Detroit!

2006-10-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

What an amazing weekend! It was perfect. We left Sparta at 4 a.m. on Friday morning and reached Detroit by early afternoon. My family arrived at the hotel shortly after we did. It is so hard to cram into hours what you need years to accomplish. Instead of trying you just live in the moment. I can't explain what it was like to be with them all again. I am grateful that we had the chance to visit even if it was for that short time.This is a picture of my mom, brother, sister and myself.
My nephew Justin, was so shy at first and it took a lot of self-control to not just hold him the whole time. We all went out for a delicious Indian meal for lunch on Saturday and by then he was more comfortble with us all. He really loved Brock! It was heartbreaking to have to say good-bye. But so worth the time we did have together.

This is just an perfect picture of the two cousins together. Brock and Justin!
After we said our good-byes to my family we had to get ourselves ready for the wedding. It was a lovely outdoor event. Although, it rained all morning the skies opened up about an hour before the wedding started. It was quite chilly though. Brianne and Jesse were married out in her backyard. It was very beautiful and meaningful for everyone. After the ceremony we made our way to a huge, heated tent. Brianne's dad suprised her with a hot air balloon for guests to ride in! How fun is that?
We renunited with so many old friends from our time there in Detroit. Sometimes it seems as though no time has passed. They all commented on the children of course. Brock was only two when we lived there! Before we knew it we had to head out and get back to the hotel. Early morning on Sunday.

The bride and her daddy waiting to take the walk down the aisle.

Brianne and Jesse, congratulations!
On Sunday Randy preached at the church of a young man who used to be in our youth group. He started this young church in an area of suburban Detroit. It was so great to see him so grown up and doing such an amazing job! We went out to eat and then hit the road.
What a busy, bittersweet, memorable weekend. Seeing old faces of people who were such a part of our lives. One man came up to Randy at the reception and told him how he was baptized the very last Sunday we were at the church there. We honestly didn't remember him and his wife but it was obviously very meaningful to have him approach us with such fondness of memory.
Life takes you many places and sometimes the road leads you back to a place where your life was different. One thing that never changes is the feelings you have for those people. I loved every moment. It filled up some parts of my heart that were empty. Seeing my family and friends....a bittersweet weekend.
We pulled up into the Sparta address at 1:30 a.m. Tired but full! Thank you to my family for making the trip and to all our friends in Detroit for making us feel so loved and appreciated.

A very rare photo of our whole family together. Here at the reception.

Road Trip!

2006-09-28T05:46:00.000-07:00

It's time for a road trip. The wedding of a young woman who we used to youth pastor calls us eastward back to Detroit. She honored Randy after all these years with the priviledge of performing her ceremony.
This family of six will squeeze into the dually and ride the nine hours to a city we lived in ten years ago. I can't wait to see my family who are taking their own road trip across the border. I am not sure I will ever let go of my three year old nephew whom I've never met!! My mom is recovering from her cancer surgery but feels well enough to take the trip also.
There are many friends we are excited to visit with again. I don't know that the weekend holds enough hours so we will make sure we savor every moment.

Randy will preach on Sunday morning at the church of another former youth of ours. Then we'll get back in the truck and head "home" to Sparta. A mini van looks pretty good to me right now.
I'll be sure to take lots of pictures so look for those early next week. Have a great weekend. And to those of you in Motown....see you soon.

Brittany the Football player????

2006-09-26T05:50:00.000-07:00

Next week is Homecoming week here in Sparta. We are learning that this is a huge deal here and there are lots of fun activities throughout the week. I will try to get a picture of the tractor day at the school!! inside joke for all you Hibbing-ites.
Monday evening kicks off the week with a Powder Puff Football game! Seniors vs. Juniors. As all of you know, Powder Puff denotes that this is a game for the girls only and Brittany decided she would sign up. She had her first practice last night and loved it! She relayed the following story.
"So mom, it was so cool, the quarterback of the football team was helping my group and he kicked the ball out to us. I caught it and I started to run. How many yards are between those lines? Is it ten?"
I answered "No, I think it's five"
"Oh, ok, well I must have run about fifteen yards and I was swerving inbetween girls and they were all saying 'where did she go?' and I just kept running. It was so cool!"
I guess I never pictured Britt as a football player but apparently she made an impression. There is actually a girl on our Varsity team at the school. Girls are allowed to play football at a high school level along side the boys here. I don't think Britt is ready to take it that far but it sure will be fun on Monday night watching her play. Who knew our former cheerleader had it in her?

Moving Day

2006-09-23T06:36:00.000-07:00

Just so you all know, Brock's xray came back negative. That is good news for us all. It's a bad sprain but doesn't require a cast and once we get the note from the doctor on Monday he can play football again. He is excited about that.
Today is moving day for us. We are moving out of the old Chester St. house into a four bedroom house on Walcott St. Now the girls have to just decide which two will share a room....gotta run, there's tons to do.

When it rains...it pours

2006-09-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

Well, just a quick update here. There is a trainer who goes to Brock's school on Thursdays so he took a look at Brock's hand and guess what? It is for sure sprained and he wouldn't allow him to play football until Brock had an x-ray to rule out any possibility of a break.
I called the local, small-ish clinic and they got me in right away. As it turns out the doctor wants a radiologist to look at his film because she sees something suspicious on the one view of his hand. Something that looks like a fracture. But she wasn't confident enough without the "expert" eye of a radiologist. Of course, it was like after five by the time this was going on and there wasn't a radiologist still there, so we have to wait. Tomorrow the doctor isn't there. She told me to wait til Monday. I asked if I couldn't just call in tomorrow and find out what the final say is. What a novel idea. Why, yes I can but of course if it is broken they want an orthopedic specialist to call the shots on treatment.
So Brock went home with a brace on his RIGHT arm and a note to the coach. He will have to sit out until we find out what is going on. The affected area is the right medicarpal, for those of you who needed further diagrams like I did, it is basically the knuckle bone at the base of your pointer finger. It is not affecting his growth plate, so for that I am thankful.
I am now going to type a paper for Brock here at the church. It is due tomorrow!

Heads or Tails?

2006-09-20T06:03:00.000-07:00

Brock was made a captain on his football team. Here is he watching the coin toss before yesterday's game. He is on the far right in red.
Sparta won 16-8!! Brock jammed his finger pretty badly and had to sit out most of the last half. A trainer comes through the school on Thursdays so his coach is going to have it looked at. It was so cold here yesterday, we all wished we had our winter stuff with us while we watched. Brrrr. It was still fun to watch though.

Just Sue, thinking aloud.

2006-09-19T06:20:00.000-07:00

I believe that things happen in our lives for a reason. I am sure everyone has a different take on this philosophy but I firmly believe it and have seen it in action over and over again in my life. If that is the case then this present circumstance we are in is also for a reason. Over the past couple of days I have come to the conclusion that we are going through things now in order to prepare us for things in our future. I enjoy being challenged in my character. Not initially of course, but after time I can see that I am not the same person I was even five years ago and I am glad for that.
I guess I just wanted to share that with you all. I hope it doesn't seem as though I have been complaining lately about our housing situation. I don't ever want to be a "complainer". Rather, I want to go through trials and testings and come out the other side having learned more, grown more and let the bad things inside me go to the wayside.
I know part of this revelation came by way of resignation. Meaning that, I have accepted our situation and am not fighting against it anymore. With that resignation came the revelation that.....whether we understand the things we go through in life or not, is not the important thing. The important thing is that we are becoming better people and refined people.
I am so grateful God has provided places for our heads to rest. That He has blessed me with a wonderful husband and amazing kids who encircle me with love every day.
I choose to walk through this gracefully.
I choose to let the junk that is inside me be weeded out and then actively make the changes I need to make.
I choose to be a model of character to my children.
I choose to look at this as an opportunity for growth rather than throw myself a pity party.
I choose to share these thoughts with you in hopes that you might be encouraged to do the same in your lives.

With a nick nack patty wack, give the dog a bone!

2006-09-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast September is flying by. This coming week we will once again put our belongings into boxes and take them to another location. It is usually called "moving" but I am thinking we need to just invest in a couple good work horses and a covered wagon. I never desired the gypsy life, but it's the hand that has been dealt for the time being.
We are thankful to have another house to go to. Right now we aren't sure which one of three houses we will be taking our things to but by Tuesday that will be sorted out and I will start loading up the car with our stuff.
Other news on our housing situation is just this: we need our house in Hibbing to sell! Without that happening our hands are tied. So even when we do find suitable housing here we can't really do anything about it. This gets frustrating but I am just glad we have a roof over our heads.

The kids are all doing well. Randy is great. I started teaching a Wednesday night adult class. So it's all good.
Today is Nanny's sixth birthday. I made a roast for lunch and gave her the large bone out of it. We all said Happy Birthday Nanny as I threw it on the back porch for her. Five minutes later I thought I had better check on her. She sat there panting and slobbering as she looked up at me with eyes that begged "Can I have more?" But....where was the bone? "Nanny" I asked, "Where is the bone?" Nothing. Nowhere. No sign the bone ever existed. Happy Birthday Nanny!!

A Win for the Hometeam.

2006-09-13T05:53:00.000-07:00

Final score: Sparta Spartans 22-West Salem Panthers 8!
A great way to start the season. We sat in the cool, rainy weather watching the Spartans defeat the Panthers in their first game of the season. Brock is a linebacker and the defense played very well. At one point the opponent was 1st and goal and they held them without a score. The eight points came on a fumble in the last minutes of the game. We had fun watching the game. Gotta love football season!
We continue to search for a house to live in.
The kids are settling in to school very well now. Brock loves it. His favorite subject is... Agriscience! He even wants to go to the FFA meeting this Friday (that is Future Farmers of America for those of you who are wondering).
Sydney is making friends quickly and likes everything except her science teacher is rather grumpy.
Jessica finds it all pretty boring and I know she misses her niche in Hibbing. But Britt and her were invited out by the neighbourhood boys on Saturday night just to hang and have pizza with a group of kids and she and Britt really enjoyed themselves. So as time goes on things get easier. Jessie likes choir and English. She's finding German 2 difficult but has gone in for extra help seeing as her teacher is so nice and helpful.
Britt loves it! She finds Anatomy most challenging but she likes all her teachers and kids are VERY friendly to her. We found out that Concert Choir here takes a trip every three years. So in the spring of her senior year they are going to New York City. Britt is so excited about the possibility of going. Jessie doesn't really care but our "city girl" can't wait!!
So that is the latest for us! Congrats to all our Minnesota fans on the Viking win. And for all our Packer fans, condolences!

Brock's team after their win yesterday. You can see Brock on the right, in front with a grey long sleeve shirt under his jersey. He is #20.

Game Day

2006-09-12T05:35:00.000-07:00

My Little Man

2006-09-08T05:55:00.000-07:00

This morning, after dropping off the two older girls a couple blocks from the high school I weaved my way through town finding a less congested route to the middle school. It was Brock's turn for "shotgun". (we came up with a system of oldest to youngest taking turns so there's no fighting) I pulled up into the long curved drive of the school. As usual the sidewalk was littered with sixth through eighth graders enjoying their last moments of freedom before the bell rang.
I pulled up to the curb and my little man leaned over and kissed my cheek. "Bye mom, have a good day". It struck me that he had no shame in kissing his mom in full view of his peers. It also struck me that these precious days are numbered. I don't know when but some day in the not to distant future my little man will probably just grunt as he hops out of the car!
What a blessing boys are. He takes care of me in such a grown up way for his young age. I know that having such a great example as his dad sure helps. He wants to be just like his dad, even in the way he protects me. I love it!
My little man...my football playing man. He was placed as a blocking back on his team. He's a little disapointed that he didn't get the QB position. Especially, cuz it went to a popular boy who according to Brock can't throw. My advice to him was to work hard and have a good attitude and be a leader. His "big brother" Reid showed him how to do that. No matter what always keeping a positive attitude. His dad's advice was to throw a few long bombs in front of the coaches before practice starts! (funny)
So this post is dedicated to my son and all those boys out there, who aren't ashamed of kissing their momma's cheek once in a while!

the new kids!

2006-09-07T06:03:00.000-07:00

After two days of school the kids are still trying to settle in. As different as our four kids are, is as different as their opinions and experiences have been so far. I do have to say that this is definately a small town. Seems as though word travels fast and Britt and Jess are already known as the sisters who are new, one plays basketball the other one plays the drums. The boys that live next to us have offered to walk home with them! Overall, the response has been pretty friendly. Jessie doesn't seem to like it but she really had her niche in Hibbing and that is hard to re-establish. Britt on the other hand, has received a more warm response than she ever has before and is enjoying that.
Sydney and Brock are at the middle school in town and are obviously making a hit there. Both have been asked out already. Yes, a girl asked Brock out yesterday. For Sydney it happened the very first day! No wasting time there.... that "compound" with the ten foot fence out in the woods, being homeschooled is looking pretty good. I'm kidding obviously. You wish you could shelter your kids from some stuff but this is life in 2006. So we just keep the communication open and help them make wise decisions. Parenting teenagers is so much fun. I LOVE IT!
Brock enjoyed football practice last night and is waiting to hear what position they put him at.

Randy and I think we found a home to rent and are just working out the details. We are thankful that we aren't going to have to resort to a campground! Thanks for thinking of us and praying for us during this time in our lives.
The cool, crisp, sunny mornings have a hint of fall in them. My favorite time of year. Football, bonfires, Homecoming, leaves and sweater weather. We have much to be thankful for!!!

First Day of School '06

2006-09-05T05:50:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of the school year. I think that the reality of our move to a new city and state went to a whole new level today as the kids prepared themselves for school. The nerves started setting in yesterday and by this morning they were full blown. You can imagine, being a teenager and having to walk into a school and classrooms where you don't recognize one person! Brittany was in third grade the last time she had to do this. She is now a junior and I have to say she was the most upset today. Of course, we prayed for them before we sent them out.
Last night we continued our tradition of Dairy Queen in our jammies. Sparta has a DQ thankfully so that was the kickoff to our family's official welcoming of a new school year!
This morning lunches were made and backpacks full of supplies were loaded into the car. Sydney fell down the stairs and hurt her tailbone, she couldn't sit down very well. I doubt they have padded school chairs. Poor thing!
I think that now the school year has started the kids will realize fully, the sacrafice of moving. I know they will miss the familiar faces of their friends in Hibbing. It is never easy to make huge transitions in life. It is always easier to stay comfortable. I know that today will be a day where their character is improved upon as they face this challenge.
Here are some fun pics.

The kids at Dairy Queen last night.

First Day of School.

The kids and I. Last official night of summer vacation 2006.

September 1st!

2006-09-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Well I figured I should send along an update from our little town. We are still in the process of finding permanent housing. As you know, we got word that we have to be out of the rental home we are in on September 25th. The owner sold it. Obviously, our greatest desire is to find a house to buy. The one older home I had described in an earlier post turned out to have some "issues". An extremely strong cat urine smell is what we define as an issue! Therefore, that option was taken off our list. We have found two other houses and have been patiently waiting(well most days) for our house in Hibbing to sell. We are moving ahead with some other ideas. Another option is to move to another rental. Ugh! This is certainly an interesting, challenging journey. I do trust that God has a plan and so we are just waiting for the doors to open and close.

Brock finished his hunter safety course last Wednesday night. He got 100% on his written test and passed all his physical tests also. He was thrilled and talked non-stop about hunting rules, guns, seasons, wildlife and other such subjects pretty much non-stop for days! He is so excited to duck hunt with his grandpa this fall!

Tonight we are going to our first Sparta High School football game here at home. They play Rice Lake. Go Spartans! Brock starts practice this Wednesday for his grade 7 & 8 team. School starts for the kids this Tuesday. Tomorrow we'll finish up the school supply shopping! The kids are all a little nervous, understandable so.

Now finally, on a more serious note...I would ask that all of you who read this blog to write the name Debbie on your prayer list. She is a good friend of mine, I have known her and her husband Dave since I was sixteen years old! They were my youth/music pastors in London, Canada and now live in Minneapolis. Debbie, is a vibrant, fun, taleted young mother of five. Debbie is facing brain surgery to remove a 2 cm tumor (not cancerous) in her frontal, left lobe of her brain. This is the area that controls language. Surgery is a must. Please keep her and her family in your prayers. If you want more info or a link to a Caring Bridge site for her let me know....I'll give it to you.

Greetings from Dairyland

2006-08-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

The smell of cow manuere (okay how in the world do you spell cow poop? I guess I had better learn cuz I might be using it alot more now) wafts through the air! I'm on a mission. To find a field of cows! Why? So I can take a picture of Brittany hanging out with the cows. She has this friend who was teasing her about cow tipping, so I loaded her in the car and told her we would have to get a shot of her for her myspace. We did.
Brock is in Hunter Safety Classes every night this week. He is enjoying them, none of the girls wanted to go. Mmmm...go figure!
He also endured his first physical at the doctor's office. It's a must to play football which of course he plans on doing. He is now five feet, four and a half inches tall! Oh ya, and his voice suddenly changed over the last month. We've had a couple visitors from Minnesota and they noticed. I am seriously not ready for him to grow up....too bad.
Finally, for this portion of our family news, yesterday we got the word that we have to be out of our rental home by September 25th! The owner accepted an offer. This is when you just have to laugh a little! As of today, we have no answers to your question...."so now what are you going to do?"
Her face says it all!! Oh ya, by the way...it's manure.

Some pics

2006-08-20T14:21:00.000-07:00

The Spartan in front of the high school.

The old house we are renting for now.

Our new town.

Paths crossing once again.

2006-08-15T17:23:00.000-07:00

It's a small world... isn't it? I have recently had the pleasure of running into some old friends. Some just from this computer and this blog, right Maria? Others in even more unsuspecting places.
As you probably know, Randy and I have lived in many places and met many interesting people in our travels. We have youth pastored and pastored in five different cities, in two countries. When Brittany and I recently went to Colorado I was in the restroom and struck up a conversation with some young women. I won't go into the whole story but it turned out that they were from Wisconsin! Out of seven thousand people, we run into a group of five from the same state as us. It gets better than that. Their youth pastor, it turns out, was a young man in our youth group back in Brampton, Ontario, Canada! Imagine that?! As I tried to arrange a way to see this young youth pastor of theirs (Rob, is his name), I realized that it would be God if our paths crossed in the immense sea of bodies we were a part of. Service was about to begin and all I had to go on was "he's bald and wearing a polo shirt". Well, that could describe pretty much 75 % of the youth pastors in America. But I didn't let that discourage me from at least trying to find him.
Brittany and I kept an eye out as we walked through the church lobby, which is the size of a football stadium. All of a sudden a familiar face was a few feet in front of me. As my mind was quickly recalling from somewhere in it's lost files, where I knew this person from, I was shocked into reality with a loud yell. Why was the bald, polo wearing man yelling at me! Rob? Is that you? We embraced, as my now extremely embarrassed teenaged daughter shrunk back behind me. What was everybody looking at? Did they not know who this kid was? I wish I could have told them of the history. The many years that had passed and now God had brought our paths together in Colorado Springs. Amazing.
Today I received a phone call from a seventy seven year old woman, calling from Alberta, Canada. I have not spoken with her for years. She is the mother of a boy I dated when I was sixteen. Even years after the young relationship ended she was always a friend to me, checking on me from time to time. Today, she asked me how old my children were, it felt like something hit me in the gut! Well, something inside hurt anyway. I reflectively replied....."my oldest daughter Brittany is sixteen. Wait, wasn't I just sixteen?" She graciously laughed on the other end. "Weren't we all?"

LYSOL!!

2006-08-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

Ahh. Well this past week has been um....interesting. Wednesday morning started a few days of lysol, pinesol, toilets, trying to pry open 80 year old windows and Randy living at the office. Are you wondering what is going on? Stomach flu!!! So the lysol and pinesol were flying everywhere! I hate having a closed up house when people are sick so I tried to open windows to create an airflow to air out the germs. Some windows complied, some did not!
Randy and Brittany escaped the dreaded germs. Randy by "living" at his office and dousing himself in Germ-X! Brittany pretty much is her father, so her actions were similar.
It was not fun! The kids missed a fun day at Valley Fair but when you are that sick nothing seems to matter at the time. Now, the disapointment is great! But that is life! Stomach flu in August! Trapped in a hundred year old house! Today we are all better.

Laundry glalore!

2006-08-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all. The kids are back from camp. They had no idea what to expect at this new camp but they all had each other to fall back on if they needed to. They each had their own experience but they did love it! It was Brock's first year at youth camp, it sounds like he had a great week! Playing basketball, swimming, getting dirty...what more could a boy want? The girls told me he was kind of a hit with the females but they tend to be protective of him.
Sydney enjoyed socializing and meeting new people. She came home tired but happy.
Jessie and Britt met some nice kids from Southeastern College in Lakeland Florida. They were the worship band for the week and because most of the kids at this camp were younger they enjoyed hanging with Pastor Aaron and the band. They picked up college information from Southeastern. You just never know where they'll end up!

They all loved the services, the speaker was great and of course we were glad they had a memorable week. Now things are back to normal at our house. It took two trips to the laundromat to catch up on their stuff. One day I did darks, today I did whites! Nine loads in all!! Funny eh? Thanks to all for your emails. I try to keep up on them but I won't be quite as quick as usual!
I'll be glad to find a house! And sell a house!

Casablanca

2006-08-04T13:21:00.000-07:00

no, not the movie....but the restaurant Randy and I went to last night for dinner! We had a fun date night with the kids gone and all and decided to try this restaurant in LaCrosse. Seeing as pretty much everything is new to us around here we just figured that perhaps they served Middle Eastern food and that it would be fun to try! Randy found it in the phonebook by the way.
Well, we had a little trouble finding it but once we did the moment we stepped in the door we felt as though we had been transported to the Middle East!! No kidding. The decor was amazing! We were greeted by a dark haired, middle-eastern man. He showed us to a table. He asked if he could have about five minutes so he could catch the 5:30 pm BBC news. It turns out he is from Lebanon and had lost contact with his family just the night before. He invited us to watch with him. Remember, we are in a restaurant now. But from the moment we arrived Mr. Matouk made us feel as though we were in his home. A side note that has nothing to do with our dining experience but has everything to do with people! I have to say that as Americans we sit and watch the news and get a little desensitized to all the video of the destruction over there. But stand with an older man who doesn't know where his family is, who is seeing familiar streets and buildings that are destroyed and watch the concern on his face and the reality of the need for peace in our world becomes a burden!
Randy and I sat in our seats and waited. Mr. Matouk brought us iced water and we declined the wine. Again, some moments passed. You know at this point I was wondering where the menus were. Actually, I probably wondered that earlier but ten minutes into our adventure and I was very sure that we were about to experience a dining experience like never before. I was right. So this is the way the night went. Nothing is frozen, he uses no microwave ovens, he uses only the freshest ingredients. His produce is locally grown by a farmer whom he supplies seeds to. There is no menu. He prepares food and brings it out course by course to you. When you have had enough, you tell him.
Course One: Asparagus and Veal soup....(Randy was brave enough to eat the tiny egg, I however no sure of where it came from didn't. Turned out it was a quail egg.)
Course Two: Red Snapper stuffed with Shrimp. Yummo! IT was amazing!
Course Three: Lamb Kabobs on chickpea/garlic paste (don't know the proper name for it but Randy and I were tasting garlic til this morning sometime.) Then there was a side of Tabouli. It was without a doubt the best I have ever tasted anywhere!!!
We were stuffed and our meal was finished.
We told Mr. Matouk we would be back, with friends and that we would keep his family in our prayers. After that experience it seems as though he was part of our family. He is the host, the server and the chef!! I have NEVER experienced anything like it. If you are ever in LaCrosse and you like to have a unique dining experience with amazing food, try Casablanca.

Another update.

2006-08-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

I am still amazed that a week ago I was in Colorado. It is such a beautiful state. Brittany feels that she is going to go back there someday soon, perhaps after highschool. She absolutely loved it there. We had a wonderful time at the conference and even though it was a youth/college conference I got so much out of it and like I thought before, there was a much higher purpose for me attending with Brittany. I felt challenged, inspired, humbled and refreshed. The past months had taken their toll in more ways that I realized. Sometimes things pound us down and it is so gradual that we don't even realize it is happening. It is always good to get away, step back and be alone.
This week the kids are at camp. All four children attended the same week so Randy and I are alone!! I cannot remember the last time that has happened other than some trips we have taken. We are fully enjoying it though. We spent Monday together all day in Onalaska and then yesterday a couple from our church took us on a boat ride on the Mississippi. It was a neat experience. I didn't know that if damns were not built at certain points along the river that you could walk across this large river. Also, no barges or boats could use the river for transportation. So every once in a while you come across what is called a Lock and Damn. Boats enter this area, then once the two large gates that are in front of and behind you, are securely closed, they lower (or raise) the water level to meet the water level at the next portion of the Mississippi you are entering. I had never seen, heard or experienced anything like it before. We travelled north and stopped in Trembeleau, WI for lunch. We then headed back down the River and arrived back in LaCrosse by mid-afternoon. The rain held out just long enough.
Today is a down day for us. I had laundry and housework to do and Randy had to go to the office. It is such fun hanging out together though!!
Please continue to pray for our Hibbing house to sell. We desire to get settled here in our own home. That's it for now!

From Colorado!

2006-07-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Guess where I am right now? I am sitting here in New LIfe Church with Mike and Brittany waiting for our last service to begin. Then we are back in the car for the long ride home!!! But I have to say that it has been so worth every minute scrunched in Dave's car. There is so much to talk about but I won't go into it all now. I just thought it would be cool to write from Mike's laptop. This has been so amazing and I thank God for the opportunity. Britt got to meet one of her heros, Lisa Bevere. I even got a picture of them together. For those of you who know the story....she met A.B. as well. She was amazingly brave and initiated the conversation last night. Most importantly we met God! We will never be the same. All you teens and young adults, plan on coming next year. There are over six thousand young people here! From literally everywhere. Well say a prayer that I stay awake driving tonight !! Love ya.

Desperation '06

2006-07-23T13:51:00.000-07:00

Well hey there everyone! Tomorrow morning Britt and I head out for Colorado! Crazy life! My kids always tell me to live like I was dying, so here we go... I had not planned to take this trip but some "stuff" happened. You know just life stuff... and Britt needed an adult female partner for her journey west! She had signed up for this nationwide youth conference back before we knew we were moving and well it's a long story but let's just say mom is taking the journey with her. So it's gonna be two young men from Hibbing, Britt and me. Okay that old Sesame Street song is running through my head; "One of these things just doesn't belong here, one of these things just isn't the same" Do you remember that song? Yup, it's me. I'm the vegtable in a car of fruits! Or the triangle in the group of circles. Whichever....I'm the oddball.

As with everything in life, I believe things happen for a reason. So I am believing that there is a greater purpose for this LONG drive out to Colorado Springs. The name of the Conference is "Desperation" and I think that when you drive fifteen hours to attend something you must be pretty hungry and desperate for something. I know that the next week will be an amazing memory for Britt and I to look back on. Seeing as she is probably only around our household for two more years I know that I have to treasure opportunities like this.
I have been uneasy about the coming week only because I don't really enjoy long drives in the car and the details were so unclear as to how everything was going to happen. I am not a spontaneous person. But I had a daughter who "desperately" wanted to attend this event and I know in my heart she is supposed to go. It occurred to me last night that we are to enjoy the journey as much as we are the destination. I believe there is something to be said for the hours inbetween the big "events" in our lives!
Our plans is that we will meet the male half of the entourage in Des Moines, Iowa, where I will leave my car and we will then all travel the rest of the way together. You can be sure I will have lots to blog about when I get back. My camera is ready to go!
Sometimes in life things happen out of order, or out of what our plans are. I am learning to embrace these things and make the most of them. I was in Colorado Springs three years ago and had hoped to get back there one day, it is absolutely beautiful there! I guess this is the answer to my hopes. So friends, no blogging from me for over a week! But be ready for lots when I return....Colorado here we come!!!

A Milestone!!

2006-07-20T12:25:00.000-07:00

It is official! Brittany passed her driving test today and is now officially allowed behind the wheel without me! Or her dad! The two older girls headed back to Hibbing last night after church with their dad. Brittany had her test at 1:00 p.m. today and she passed! You can imagine how happy she is. This is something she has wanted for so long! Jenny Clair likes to tell the story of how Britt would ask if she could drive when she was in Kindergarten back in Detroit. Sometimes Jenny would come by and pick her up for me so I didn't have to pile all the kids in the car to take her. The story is a cute one but at the same time gives a clear picture of our first born and her aspirations to be twenty since she was five! What a help this will be to me, especially once school starts! Congrats baby girl! You worked hard and I am glad it paid off for you.

One week!

2006-07-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

We have been here for a week now. Life is different I will say that. We are in the middle of farm country and so in church we pray for rain. It has been so hot and extremely dry here which is so hard for the farmers. Today, the rain came. I guess I had never thought of the impact the dry weather had before. But now I am very mindful as I drive the country roads and see the oceans of corn stalks, leaves bent down in the blistering heat. I hope it rains all day!!
I love the fact that I can walk everywhere. Last night after dinner we walked down to the library. Yes, we already got our cards and have signed out books. In fact Sydney finished one already and is on her second. I love walking down Water St. in town, sometimes grabbing an ice cream cone to eat on the way. Yesterday, I counted five times I laced up my shoes to walk. This town is full of old homes and I love checking out people's gardens!
The kids are doing well. They get out and do a few things. I know once school starts it will get a lot busier. They are officially SPARTANS now. They are all registered at the schools. Brittany and Jessica met with the school councilor and he helped them choose their classes for the fall. Britt especially has to be careful in what she chooses because now she is a junior her future plans really affect her course selection. There are much more choices here in Sparta for them. Jessie will take Driver's Training in school! Aside from their core courses they could choose from many electives. Britt is gearing towards the medical field, so her electives include a nursing course and anatomy. Jessie is taking German 2, Keyboarding and Business Law. Hopefully, they will get into all the classes they chose.
The councilor was so helpful and friendly. He even invited Britt to run with him and some of the Varsity Boy's Cross Country team, seeing as she is joining Cross Country this fall. The boys team is seperate from the girls here in Sparta. Anyway, I think he was a little suprised when Britt and Syd showed up Monday night to run. It was so hot but they endured the three miles. Britt was so sore and tired, so now she gets up every morning and runs. She is determined to be in shape by August 14th when practice starts.
That is about it for now. Randy is heading back to Hibbing tonight after church. He will check on the house and bring another load of things back to Sparta with him. I really forgot a lot of things. Who thinks to pack toilet brushes?? Not me, but they are very necessary! I guess I still feel very much inbetween two places but I hope that our house sells very soon so we can really settle down with all our things.
I hope you are all enjoying your summer! Take care

Forwarding Information

2006-07-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

Randy and Sue Williamson
c/o 720 Avon Rd.,
Sparta, WI
54656

608-487-4526 (Sue's cell phone)

Cheeseheads.

2006-07-16T16:03:00.000-07:00

Two days of 100 degree weather. I promise you I thank God for the air conditioning at least three times a day! This reminds me of where I grew up in southwestern Ontario. Very similar! I have enjoyed walking the streets and getting to know the town a bit. One of my favorite places is called "Ginny's Cupboard". It is a quaint old fashion soda fountain/restaurant downtown. It serves homemade sandwiches, soup, sodas, ice cream, malts etc. The boys behind the counter are called "jerks" and in the back hallway they even have a "JERK" hall of fame. Man my girls could add a few pictures to that wall!! Just kidding. The "jerks" are the boys who make the fountain drinks.
Another great experience so far was when a man from the church brought us dinner one night. He picked us up some KFC so I wouldn't have to cook. Cedric is a dairy farmer and works very hard milking twice a day. So once his second shift was over he stopped by to bless us. He handed Randy a white grocery bag and said "here are some snacks for you". We both thanked him as Randy set the bag on the counter. After Cedric left we went back into the kitchen and looked in the bag. Inside was a pound of fresh butter and two huge blocks of cheese!!! I had to laugh. Snacks from a dairy farmer!
We are all doing well and so glad to be together. Another update on my mom....I spoke with her today and she is doing great!! She actually had my brother take her to a store today and she walked around for a bit. She sounded wonderful. She isn't in pain except the odd pang and she is sounding like her old self. There's talk of food and finding a house to buy...so I know she is getting back to her normal self again!
That's the latest from Southwestern Wisconsin. Land of the Packers and Cheese!

Goodbyes and Hellos

2006-07-13T10:40:00.000-07:00

Well, Iam writing this from Randy's office desk, here in Sparta! Our last night in Hibbing we had a little stream of visitors come by to say their goodbyes. Thanks to those of you who took the time to do that. We were so blessed by theVelo family who took the time to drive out from Nashwauk. We stood in a circle and joined hands while they prayed for us. I don't think there was a dry eye. They also took the time to write personal notes to each of us on little index cards. They were special heartfelt messages that we will all treasure! Randy was so touched he actually told me that I had better write about it on this blog! Velos, if you read this please know that in the midst of a difficult time for our children and ourselves you took the time to love on us and we were truly touched by your kindness. I think that people who have an understanding of the ministry and all that is involved were able to look past themselves and think of us at that time. Thanks Reid and Chelsea for staying up with us til 1:30 and giving us great thoughts and memories to take with us! You better come visit!

Nine years ago on Brock's third birthday we had just been voted in to the Hibbing church. It seemed somewhat ironic that we had celebrated a new beginning when he turned three and as he turned twelve we closed the door on that chapter of our lives. We had come full circle! We spent Tuesday night at Randy's parent's place so Brock could have somewhat of a celebration. He opened his special gift from his grandparents, a twelve gauge shotgun. In Wisconsin, twelve is the legal age that you can begin hunting. I know that he was thrilled to receive such a special gift.

Wednesday we arrived in Sparta around lunchtime. We were able to get into the rental house immediately. It is about ninety degrees here and is supposed to reach one hundred by Saturday. We were grateful for the air conditioning after unloading boxes for about an hour. We are currently living in an old Victorian home that has three bedrooms. The girls all share a room. We are sleeping on matresses and cardboard boxes serve as dressers. But I'll tell you we are all just so glad to be together as a family.

Well that is the update for now. I will try to keep up with this the best I can. I am off to Piggly Wiggly to get some meat for dinner! Don't you just love that name?

Happy Birthday Son

2006-07-09T16:53:00.000-07:00

His birthday isn't until the 11th but seeing as we'll be on the road on Tuesday I had to post this now. The picture is Brock heading out for an evening of golf with Gibby. Mr. Gibson is a good friend of our family and has taken Brock golfing with him lately. Tonight's game was a birthday gift! Brock loves the sport and is working on his swing. Too bad I was taking the picture or I would have stood next to him so you could all see that he is actually taller than his mom now! His goal is to be 6'4"! We'll see! Brock enjoys sports of all kinds, he loves the Packers and the Timberwolves! He can out talk any of us and pretty much out eat us as well. He has a great imagination and is always coming up with original jokes or ways to improve the automobile. He's a thoughtful and sensitive kid. It isn't unusual for him to come home after a bike ride with a fist full of wildflowers for his mom. Well, Happy 12th Birthday Brock. "you are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy, when skies are grey, you'll never know dear, how much I love you, please don't take my sunshine away." I used to sing that to you every night. Dad and I are so proud of the young man you are becoming.

Creative cooking and other SIGNS!

2006-07-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

What do: packing tape, boxes, lists, man from moving company and creative cooking have in common? They are all signs of the reality that WE ARE FINALLY MOVING! A gal's mind can start playing tricks on here when you have mentally prepared for something but it never seems to transpire. You really start to go crazy! But finally the signs are all confirming the reality. I have to pack a few boxes and make a list of everything we'll need to live for two months. Just the VERY basics. Early next week when Randy arrives with a small trailer I have to have it all ready in boxes. The nice man from Atlas came by to take a look at all our stuff. The last sign, "creative cooking" otherwise known as "how to use up as many things from my fridge and pantry as I can". I hate throwing stuff away. But don't want to give a half used jar of mayo to anyone! So now I get to make up meals that use up the cans of soup, bottles of salad dressing, ketchup, dill pickles, rice, noodles and other items I have hanging around. If I come up with any great meals I'll let you know. I wouldn't hold my breath though. I wouldn't suggest you come by for dinner unless you want tuna and peanut butter! So finally, all you Hibbing folks can stop wondering "are they ever gonna leave?" I know it must have crossed some of your minds! Everytime I see people I know they always say "aren't you gone yet?" Soon. Very soon. YIPPEEEEE!

The Wait is OVER!

2006-07-05T06:20:00.000-07:00

At last....the Williamsons are outta here. God has made a way. In His timing, which is perfect. Randy has secured a rental home for us to live in short term. It is a long story that I won't bore you with on this blog but I think it has a lot to do with the prayers of friends and family. So the countdown begins. We have decided to leave our unsold house here in Hibbing (sound familar Jenny?) and trust that it will sell soon. But this fractured family will not wait. Randy will drop off our two bigger dogs, Nanny and Johnson at his parent's place and we will bring the little gangster with us. The yellow house with the red door becomes vacant on July 10th and we will move in soon after. There is another house with our name on it but it is receiving a complete makeover and needs time for that process to be complete. Hopefully, by mid to late August we will move all our belongings into our new place. Of course, there are details and papers and banks and all those other things that go along with purchasing a home. Right now it is still foremost in our minds and prayers that this home in the country would sell. It is the last rope around our ankles that ties us. The countdown begins. Less than a week! And we can be together as a family and ajust to our new town.

A very special Saturday

2006-07-03T06:36:00.000-07:00

Brock had quite the adventure on Saturday. He has a good friend, who is actually more like a big brother. For a young guy with three sisters, "big brothers" are truly appreciated. Reid has always been that figure in Brock's life, especially in the last two/three years. So his buddy, Reid was to receive a scholarship from the Minnesota Twins (our major league team) for college. They were presenting him with this scholarship before Saturday night's game. Reid was told he could bring one guest on the field with him. He asked Brock to accompany him. What a thrill and honor! So Brock travelled down to Minneapolis with Reid and his family. Before the game started they walked out on the field together. Apparently, the scholarship recipients lined up on the first base line and the "guests" gathered around homeplate. You can imagine how exciting this was to an eleven year old boy. I found it ironic that the Twins were playing Wisconsin's team, the Milwaukee Brewers. The Twins won by the way. My sleepy boy arrived home at 2:30 a.m. with a bag full of goodies and a heart full of memories. Thanks Reid, you are a wonderful role model of character.

Super Mabel!

2006-06-30T19:49:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those very hot summer days. After all it is almost July! So for my last post for the month of June I thought I'd post four pictures from our fun day at the lake. Brock had never gone on a tube before, but after his first try on "Super Mabel" he was hooked. It was hard to get him off. Thanks to our good friends for the wonderful day! We had so much fun with you all.

Twins?

2006-06-28T13:04:00.000-07:00

Where has the time gone? Do you remember when I used to dress you alike? I do.....(thanks to my friend from Canada for sending this pic to me)

Man's Best Friend

2006-06-27T06:42:00.000-07:00

My loyal, faithful friend...Mugsy! Every morning, we spend quiet time together. Dogs are wonderfully theraputic, especially on really bad days. Yesterday was one of those days. We all have them from time to time. Mugsy always listens, never judges, never interupts, licks away salty tears, looks at me with trusting eyes as if to say "your secret is safe with me". Jessie says he has almost a human look about him at times. I agree. His eyes sometimes seem so full of wisdom and understanding. He follows me from room to room, sometimes he will just sit quietly and listen, other times he will be my walking partner. He is my inside companion who seems to understand me more than most humans do. Mugsy Malone what did I do without you?

Bend it Like Beckham

2006-06-25T14:04:00.000-07:00

GO ENGLAND! Despite what people might say apparently Beckham isn't all washed up after all. His super goal today allowed a win for England. Just had to brag on the Brits a little. I love watching the World Cup games. If you haven't watched any yet, I would recommend it. Catch a game and see if you don't become addicted!

Pregnancy

2006-06-23T10:59:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been having vivid flashbacks. It is amazing how you can forget certain details of your life, until something happens that suddenly takes you back to that memory. When I was pregnant for the first time I was just so excited! When I was a teen, once I got past the "I want to be an actress" phase the only other thing I aspired to in life was to be a mother. When I finally found myself pregnant I was so excited. Sick but excited. I craved pancakes and had to eat peanut butter sandwiches every night to coat my stomach so I wouldn't throw up. My diet explains the embarrassing amount of weight I gained while pregnant. Anyway, the point is that as the month of December approached, every day I hoped it was THE DAY; the day I got to find out boy or girl and count the toes and fingers. The days dragged on and on. I will add at this point of the story that I was blissfully ignorant and that is why I was anticipating my first child's arrival. When I was expecting my second child I was fully aware of the LABOR experience and wasn't quite so anxious to repeat it. I am sure all you moms out there understand where I am coming from. My due date was December 18th, 1989. I had friends who had their babies early and was somehow convinced that this child would appear soon. Believe it or not I think I even hoped for our baby to come on my birthday, December 10th. How cool would that be? What a great birthday gift! How naive and stupid of me....the days ticked by....no baby....my due date approached....no baby.....surely this baby would come before Christmas!! I remember Christmas that year very well. I was huge, uncomfortable, not sure if my skin could stretch anymore and beginning to wonder if this was a big joke. Every time the phone rang it was someone asking me "so did you have your baby yet?". Those questions always frustrated me....God was testing my patience. Something I was in very short supply of. I even skimped on my Christmas dinner, just in case I went into labor. I had heard you don't want to do that on a full stomach. Still no baby!! Why is this memory so vivid to me now....I guess cuz I sense a lot of similarities to my current situation. "no we haven't moved yet", "no the house hasn't sold yet"....again my patience is being tried. I am about nine months pregnant now. With a dream and a hope. I know that just as that little girl arrived in God's timing on December 27th, 1989...so will our new life be birthed. Eventually. I am uncomfortable, I am impatient, I do all I can to be ready. Back in May, I thought there was no way we would be here still into July. Funny. Life has this way of coming back around at you in just in different ways. I know we are close now...soon we will step into the new chapter and out of this time of transition. Painful, lonely, confusing, stressful but good for me, if I let it be.I am being stretched as this dream grows inside me. Can't wait to see it!!

Father's Day

2006-06-19T05:47:00.000-07:00

Although, a new razor, golf magazine and pj pants are quite decent Father's Day gifts, I do believe the best gift award goes to the Board at our new church; who gave Randy the freedom to travel home and be with his family for Father's Day! It was a day of food, laughter, more food, more laughing, Scrabble, The US Open, World Cup Soccer (we kept going inbetween the two), food and golf with Brock. When one lives in a Best Western for going on three months, a good home cooked meal is highly under rated. So the day did consist of a lot of eating of favorites! We enjoyed spending the day together as a family, without any pressures of being somewhere at a certain time, without any appointments to look at houses, without anyone looking at ours.....just simple family fun. The kids enjoyed having their dad around and I could tell he loved being with his family. I guess it struck me that spending a day together used to be something we took for granted...now it is the best present anyone could give us! Funny how circumstances affect our appreciation for the "simpler things in life". Happy Father's Day!

Answers to prayer.

2006-06-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

Well, again it has been a long time since I have written. Just to let you know, today my mum went to the surgeon for the results of her body scan and other tests. I am so thankful to God that they found nothing other than the one little tumor on her intestine. There is not a sign of any other growths or problems. All her results came back clear. So she is booked for surgery to remove the troublesome growth on June 26th. They will still biopsy the tumor just to make sure it isn't cancerous. We are all so relieved. Thank you so very much to everyone who has prayed and asked about her. Thank you all! I would name you by name but don't want to forget anyone! You know who you are. In other news we just returned from a little trip to Sparta. I am pretty excited about a house we went to see. Right now we are taking some initial steps towards purchasing it. But as you all know, long is the road to home ownership. Especially, when you own a home already that has not sold! I don't want to say too much right now because it is far from certain. But you can be sure I will update you as the process continues. I'll tell you a little bit, just to peak your curiousity (I am pretty sure that is what all good writers do to encourage their readers to come back for the following chapters). The home was built in the late 1800's and has had only two owners, the original couple and then their only child who never married. I can also tell you it has a "carriage house", a clawfoot tub, stained glass and wood floors throughout. At present, it is being lovingly restored and receiving some necessary updates (electric, plumbing, insuluation, central air). The finishing date is still up in the air. I have already said more than I should considering it isn't ours....but I am excited about it. I trust that if it is meant to be our new home then all the details will be ironed out in good time.

Working Girl!

2006-06-08T06:57:00.000-07:00

Today I am taking a road trip to pick up my "working girl". Last week Brittany decided to take her dad up on his job offer of working in the church office. She excitedly packed up all her best clothes, jewellery, her makeup, hair appliances and everything else a young woman might need for a week at the office. I am happy to report that she LOVED it!!!! She answered the church office phone, even when a suspicious Mr Larry called her, I understand she handled herself very well. Perhaps, she has been inspired by Mr. Larry's wife all these years. What a great example to follow! Besides phone duty, she did filing, computer work and some other basic office tasks. Sometimes her job even included helping the book keeper choose a new hair cut! I really don't want to get all sentimental, Lord knows there has been enough of that lately, but it is just so rewarding to see the children you raise begin to unfold their wings and begin to fly. This week has been a week of testing her wings...waking up, working out, eating a healthy breakfast, preparing herself for her day, being ready for when her dad picked her up for work. Brittany loved every minute of it. She might even decide to persue a career in office management. It seems to suit her very well!!! You give your children roots in their formative years and then you have to let them go to become the people God created them to be. The time goes by so quickly..but it is part of the plan....I am proud of you my working girl!

Sydney

2006-06-02T20:21:00.000-07:00

Last Day of School

2006-06-01T05:56:00.000-07:00

For eight years I have taken my children to and from school. Not once did they have to take a bus. This morning I took the all to familiar drive into town for the last time. Normally, the last day of school is greeted by relief, cheers, joy and excitementment. In our home, it was met with sadness, grief and a silent dread. The girls quietly joked that they hoped they wouldn't cry all day. Our lives in Hibbing have been full of many things, school was always at the center of it all for our children. Our years have followed a seemingly never ending circle. The fall months meant getting back to the schedule of classes, homework and settling in with new teachers. It meant, football games, cross country, buying new clothes, Homecoming, N/K games, pk retreat, Minnesota Youth Convention and training for the upcoming sports seasons. Winter follows quickly in the north. For our family is was always busy with basketball! In our first years here the long winters were hard to adjust to. The bitter cold days that seemed to never end. There was skating at Greenhaven, High School hockey games, Christmas break and Jacket Jamboree to fill the winter months. Spring would always creep up as if to tease us. It seems we would always have some warm summer like weather only to be laughed at with snow a week later. Everyone always told me not to plant anything til after Memorial Day up here. After years of frost in early May I do believe them now. Spring has always been about celebrating the fact we could get outdoors again. As this was the time the school year was coming to an end it would be very full with concerts, plays, prom activities, track, baseball and field trips. The annual trip to Ironworld for Arbor Day...I did that four times as a parent volunteer. I think the Smokey the Bear song will forever be engrained in my memory. Then the last day of school with seniors racing around the school in their decorated cars, yearbooks being signed, short shorts, cheers and laughing. We came to this town in the heat of summer; the sounds of stock cars rumbling through the night air. Summers here meant Mc Carthy beach, trips up the north shore, Little League, family vacations, camping, bonfires, youth group activities, church camp, staying up late, sitting at the side of the highway watching fireworks, parades, sleeping in and touring the area beaches. We came here in the heat of the summer and that is when we will leave. Cherishing the years here. Remembering the special coaches, teachers and friends who will mark our lives forever. As I drove my children in to school for the very last time here in Hibbing, after our daily ritual of praying I spoke this to them ."For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11 We look forward to that hope and that future.

Last Day of May post.

2006-05-31T04:34:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is the last day of May. The month has flown by. Two more days of school and then another school year comes to a close. For us, it marks the end of our time in Hibbing as well. We are probably packing our immediate belongings and renting some temporary housing in Sparta, until we find a home. We think it is best that at least we are together as a family. I think we will be moving in about two weeks. This is becoming a reality. The kids will be able to settle in down there in their new community and youth group and it will just be better for us all. So far the house has not sold, but it is going back in the paper for another two week stint so we'll see what happens. In other news, my mom was hospitialized last week. They have found a tumor in her intestine and so she is undergoing further testing to see the extent of her situation. We are thankful that we have answers to what has been giving her so much pain and trouble for a year now and are praying that they can remove this tumor and she will recover back to full health. We appreciate your prayers for her. June will be a month of change for us. Starting with our final good byes to Hibbing and then adjusting to our life in Wisconsin. Change is hard, isn't it? But it feels good to be stretched and challenged. That is a little update. Along with a couple pictures. The first one is the girls and their "band mates" from the POPS concert. (per Brooke's request). The girls did a great job by the way! The second one is of the four kids with Tanner. He is a wonderful young man who attends our Sparta church. His family is amazing! This pic was taken as we said goodbye this past weekend. We went down to spend the long weekend with Randy.

Field Mice in the Window Well

2006-05-25T06:20:00.000-07:00

Early morning mousehunt! Brittany screamed. Jessie calmly inquired. Brock advised. I grabbed my camera. (aren't I a big help?) Jessie to the rescue. Jessie and the yellow glove. Can you see the tiny mouse near Jess? Mission accomplished. The mouse bounced into the woods.

Extra! Extra! read all about it!

2006-05-19T07:14:00.000-07:00

In today's paper! This article appears in our local paper today. As you can see there is a cute picture and quite a long article about the girls and their band! Pretty exciting stuff. The girls are performing at the Hibbing High School Pops concert next Thursday. It will be their last time playing in public before we move. It was so nice of the female reporter to take notice of them and put this great article in the Hibbing Daily Tribune. I will frame copies for Britt and Jess.

Our home makeover.

2006-05-18T16:36:00.000-07:00

Everytime Randy comes back to Hibbing, he picks a "project". This visit we turned our attention outside. Seeing as our weather has become warmer we thought it was time to do something about our sandbox, otherwise known as our yard. With the help of friends (bribed with food and beverages) the project was completed today. (thanks Jeff, Jim and of course Gibby) Randy apologized that this was done now we are leaving. But it's a good job done. Picture One is the before. Well before sod but after black dirt. Picture Two is of what our front yard looks like now. Picture Three is of Randy and Gibby during the process. Picture Four is what Nanny did while the guys worked. I know why they say "it's a dog's life!". I was in charge of purchasing some flowers for our sill boxes and I planted those yesterday. It is amazing to me the difference it has made.

my Mother's Day

2006-05-15T08:10:00.000-07:00

My Mother's Day was great by the way. Our crew went to a cool church in Duluth, then we hit canal park for lunch and then did some shopping. Of course, I am biased but I have the best kids! To top it all off Randy arrived just in time for dinner! The above pic is of the kids at lunch! The below pics are just us, messin' around on the way home.

Mother's Day post-a day late!

2006-05-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day! My mom was our safe shelter in a stormy childhood, putting our needs before hers. The greatest example I remember of this from my childhood, was how each of her children had beds to sleep in at night. But after the divorce, the living room became her bedroom and the sofa became her bed. Every night she would pull that thing out into a bed. It makes me sad to think of it. She sacraficed alot to make sure her four children were cared for. As I was writing parts of my previous post I thought of my mother. She is truly my friend in the way she has let me go free to discover my life, never weighing me down with any guilt. My siblings are spread near and far and she always supports us in our journeys and adventures. My mom doesn't have a computer so she probably won't even read these words, but I write it anyway...... as a tribute. To all the moms who are my friends and read my blog I want to wish you a Happy Mother's Day as well. I pray that you realize that what you do is a "calling". People say it but I hope you truly believe it in your hearts. I hope you all had a wonderful day being honored for all you do. Love you all.

A Lost Art

2006-05-13T16:15:00.000-07:00

I have had a lot of time to think about a lot of things lately. Probably too much time. But I have to say that in our current situation I have found the value in true friendship. I personally believe that our society as a whole cannot value it for it hasn't defined it. We all want good friends but aren't so willing to be a good friend. What are friends?...I have found that they are those who pour life into us, rather than take life away. They aren't always looking for the "what's in it for me?". Friendship is unselfish and never self-seeking. It doesn't care whether you are a doctor or a garbage man. It doesn't care where you live, how old you are or the color of your skin. It isn't jealous. If things go well for you, it rejoices and celebrates. In times of crisis, it puts aside comfortabilty and reaches out a hand. Friendship will speak TRUTH, even at the risk of offending. It doesn't find your faults and dance around them. Rather it will bring you the keys to rid yourself of those faults. True friends will seek your best rather than what is best in their eyes. Friends will graciously set you free to travel your journey; never loading you down with a burden of guilt. Being a friend costs something and requires something. It isn't just sharing popcorn at a movie or hanging out at the mall. Oh how we have cheapened our views so that we can fit the awesome responsibility into a neat package that fits into our busy, self-consumed lives. Friendship is a lost art. I pray God continues to teach me this art, for I have certainly not mastered it. However, I am thankful for the treasures He has given me and my children during this time.

Concerts and such.

2006-05-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

I have been terrible lately at keeping this blog up to date. It is really because there isn't much to tell. I wish I had some great story to share but I really don't. The kids informed me yesterday that there are eighteen days of school left. That means we have approximately four weeks left until we move. Our house is now officially for sale and so my days consist of trying to keep it clean should we get a call. I can't really travel too far, in case someone calls. It is akin to having a chain and house around your ankle. But I am happy to be a slave to this place if it means we sell it! Randy keeps looking at homes down "there" for us as well. He is definately getting a feel for the area. The children are doing well. Sydney has her last choir concert this coming Thursday. Her thoughtful choir director thought it would be nice to give Sydney a solo for her last performance. She will sing a few lines alone from the song, Matchmaker, from "Fiddler on the Roof". It just happens to be one of our family favorites. The older two girls have their concerts coming up in another two weeks. Their band was recently interviewed for the local paper and hopefully that story will run just before their performance. Brock....well Brock entertains himself by dicovering new ways of contorting his face, new noises his body can make and new ways of expending his energy especially if it involves annoying his sisters! So really that is all I have to report on the goings on in the Williamson clan. Not very exciting reading I am afraid!

Treasures

2006-05-01T10:57:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, I am by nature, a creature of habit. I am not sponantious and I like my schedule! When summer comes I enjoy the freedom of a relaxed schedule but by August I am craving the organized living that the school year brings. All that to say, waiting to move has it's challenges for me. Days of no direction, no meetings, no ministry and endless hours in an empty house gets old very fast for me. As you know Randy is already in Sparta, pastoring our new church. We felt it best that the kids finish out this school year and with that decision comes sacrafice. With all the strangeness of my life right now, I have to admit that I have asked God to show me the purpose in it. I am a firm believer of making the most of whatever stage of life you are in, whatever opposition you face, whatever obstacles may come. So I sat and waited for the answer......and I can say that I believe these days are a gift to me. If I want to look at them that way. Last night a young woman came over and wisked Britt away to "celebrate" something amazing that has happened in her life recently. When the two giggling girls returned they plunked themselves down on the sofa and Jessie and I joined them in a wonderfully delightful conversation. Before I knew it, hours had passed! The clock read, 11:30 p.m.!!! It was a school night! For this.....uptight? mother that normally would have stressed me out. And I have to be honest in saying I had a moment of "inner freaking", but it was overwhelmed by the appreciation of the moment. There is something to be said for knowing your moments with people are coming to an end. Something to be said about seizing moments that might never be again. I have grown to love this young woman as she has graced our lives for eight years. Not only is she embarking on adult life come this fall, but we will no longer have the contact with her like we do now. I wish that everyone would take the moments of their lives and live them as if they might never come again. Like they are the precious treasures they are. School night or not. I treasure these memories with my girls and their friends. Life is to be lived, felt, embraced, enjoyed, savored, tasted and appreciated. Every moment. Even the times when we feel we are displaced..

pic for Auntie!

2006-04-27T08:51:00.000-07:00

Hey Auntie Romila. Here's probably the best one of the girls together. Britt, Syd, Jessie and a youth worker, Beckie.

more pictures from prom.

2006-04-24T16:42:00.000-07:00

1. The ladies....2. The Gents......3. The Girlies

Prom Alternative 2006

2006-04-24T04:52:00.000-07:00

For about six months now I have been working on putting together the annual youth event at our church known as Prom Alternative. Briefly, it is a night for the youth of our community to come to a "prom" night without some of the more negative components that are associated with prom at the high school. This event is also open to grades 9-12, whereas, regular prom is only for juniors and seniors. Anyway, the past week I have been especially busy with all the last minute details of the event. On Saturday, at 4:45 pm the youth started to arrive at their reception at the church. They endured probably the worst part of the night at the beginning: parents and cameras! Need I say more? From there they loaded onto a coach and headed to Duluth for dinner at Timberlodge Steakhouse. After dinner they went bowling. Yes, bowling in Prom dresses! It is part of the fun. At around 1:00 am they arrived back in Hibbing for an afterparty. Their night ended with an awards ceremony and the "crowning" of Prom King and Queen. At 3:00 am we loaded the kids into vehicles and provided them safe rides home. I think I got to bed at 4:00 am. But can't be sure. Every girl dreams of dressing up and attending formal events like this. I know my girls loved having their nails and hair done. The weather was absolutely gorgeous. Last year it snowed so you just never know when you live in Northern Minnesota. But Saturday, it was warm and sunny and we were able to take pictures outside without the sleeveless ladies shivering! I will post more pics in my next post. It was a wonderful evening. I know the kids will look back on times like these and smile. For my girls especially, it was a special time to cap off their Hibbing memory book!

Prom Pics, hot off the press!

2006-04-22T17:53:00.000-07:00

Brittany with her date, Ian. Jessie and her date, Eric.

Who cares about grey hair??

2006-04-19T17:03:00.000-07:00

My first grey hair at twenty-six didn't do it...watching our first child go to kindergarten on her first day...crow's feet around my eyes....being the mom of three teenagers....my oldest driving with a permit.....turning the big four 0!!! All of these life events gave me hints of life changing and me getting older. But I have to tell you that none of those things moved me quite like what happened today. I had a reality check today. Funny how certain things hit you like a ton of bricks. I am now wondering how I can stop time. Or at least how I can slow it down. But I fully realize as sure as: I have to color my hair every six weeks, use every Oil of Olay product they make, sit in the passenger seat while my sixteen year old takes the wheel... time keeps moving on whether I am ready for it or not. Nothing prepared me for today. This is Brittany's first "prospective student" mailing from a college!

Mugsy Capone

2006-04-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

Brock and Mugsy

Back from Break

2006-04-17T05:36:00.000-07:00

We are back from our Easter Break! We had a wonderful time down in Sparta the past few days. The weather was amazing. Eighty degrees and sunny! While we were there our Sydney celebrated her thirteenth birthday. We no longer have little girls in our home. Three teenage daughters. Well, I have lots of pics and I will post some down below. This thing still doesn't let me make new paragraphs so they might be a little wacky on the page. The kids had fun at the local park. They have an area in town where there's a small lake. In that area is all the fun stuff; an outdoor municipal pool, the football stadium, four baseball diamonds, basketball hoops, tennis courts, hockey arena, bocce ball and the golf course is there too. We walked around the park a couple of times. We drove around a lot and I kind of got a feel for the town, where things are and such. We invited some kids over to the hotel pool for Syd's birthday. Randy's folks and his two sisters and their families joined us later and we had a nice time together. I hope you all had a wonderful Easter! God Bless.

Hoops!

2006-04-10T04:28:00.000-07:00

It is official, basketball season is over. Jessie and Brock played their last games as Bluejackets. It was bittersweet. Jessie played on Saturday and her team ended up loosing their last game of the day. I have to admit is was heartbreaking for my girl. She loves her team mates so much and will miss them terribly. She will hang up the old blue and white forever. Brock's team fared a little better which meant he participated in his tournament into Sunday as well. His team lost their first game but won the following three which gave them a fifth place award for the Chisholm tournament. He too will hang up the sleeveless jersey he wears for what seems most of the year! (the season starts in late November and finishes in April???) It is another hard experience in this journey of moving! Good bye Bluejacket Basketball! It has indeed been an great part of this adventure! Pictures are of Brock's team and coaches with their award. Jessie and her teammates awaiting their last game. Lastly, is Brock with the Varsity Boys' Coach.

Funny face??

2006-04-05T15:13:00.000-07:00

If you keep doing that your face will stay that way!!!

Basketball

2006-04-03T06:32:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday night we attended Jessie's Basketball banquet. The seventh through Varsity teams were introduced and honored with awards. Randy took time to say some nice things about his girls and express his sadness at having to leave the program. I have to say the girls seemed to really enjoy him as their coach. There were moments of laughter and tears throughout the evening. With a strong message that the Minnesota High School League will be hounded about the issue of calling technical fouls with 0.3 seconds left in a game. I guess there are some parents who are in place to fight for a clarification in the way things are done by officials. On a much lighter note, Jessie was awarded the "Spirit" award. This award was voted on by her team mates and is given to the girl with the best attitude basically. She was very suprised but very happy. Way to go buddy! We have one more week of basketball! Jessie was asked to be on the Pacesetter team which has it's tournament this Saturday. Brock's final Tournament of the season is also this Saturday. The tourneys are in different towns so this will be interesting to see how I pull this off. But after Saturday we are finished with the seasons! Normally, we would be transitioning into baseball or track or something but not this year. We'll just look ahead to the Fall sports and enjoy the breather for a while. Above pictures: Randy addressing his team. Jessie and her team eating at the banquet.

The Middle School Paparazzi

2006-03-30T13:35:00.000-08:00

Well, I am not really sure what to make of this!! Maybe someone out there has some suggestions. Here's the deal: we are being stalked by Paparazzi. Well, not exactly. There are no cameras involved. But there are screaming girls. Outside Brock's school they wait. Today, he saw them and turned around and went back to the school doors. At first, I was wondering what he was doing. Then I caught sight of "them". Finally, he quickly entered the car with a big sigh. Up ahead on the sidewalk was a group of pre-teen girls. They were watching his every move. I waited...they waited...the game was on. We have experienced this for a few days now so I knew what was in store. I figured that their patience to wait us out, was greater than mine was at that point. As my car approached the teeny bopping, bracefaced crowd the screams started. "Brock, Brock!!!" Giggling, jumping up and down, screaming and arms waving. All these things typically seen at a rock concert were in plain view, attracting attention at least a block away. Okay, now I am extremely embarrassed cuz every other parent waiting in their car is now looking at us to see if like, Orlando Bloom is inside our car. Nope, it's just Brock. Wow! What in the world? I am seriously considering picking him up in a different spot, either that or get some tinted windows. I was thinking that I would never have had the nerve to do that in front of the boy I like, let alone his MOTHER!! Am I wrong? And then a better question.....WHY AM I THE EMBARRASSED ONE?????

Good-bye

2006-03-27T13:53:00.000-08:00

Well, yesterday was our last Sunday at the church here in Hibbing. We had a very lovely send-off from the Board of Deacons inbetween the two morning services. They had cake and a short presentation in honor of our ministry here. It was very touching. I was feeling so strong as I walked downstairs. But it only took about five minutes for me and the tears started. It is so hard to say good-bye to the amazing people here. When you are a pastor, you connect with people and care for them in a very deep way. It goes beyond a surface relationship. Sometimes spirits connect. We have stood side by side with these people of the North Country. They allowed us in their homes and their hearts for these eight years. We stood side by side at gravesites, we prayed beside sickbeds, we watched many a beautiful bride meet her groom at the altar, we welcomed babies, we laughed and we cried, we received criticism and praise, we watched over these sheep and counted it a great honor to do so. Sometimes, you wonder if you can bear to open yourself up anymore for the pain is so great. But in life, the pain is also a part of the journey and you have to embrace it and feel it. For us it is a time for embracing the loss. I close with a quote from a movie about the life of CS Lewis called "Shadowlands".......'it is better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all'

Mom, is that you?

2006-03-25T03:58:00.000-08:00

I am sure there is a really cute and catchy caption for this picture but at 6:00 am on a Saturday morning it just isn't coming to me. Now that the weather is warmer our little Mugsy likes to spend more time outdoors. On Thursday while I was cleaning I looked outside and this is what I saw! I thought it was pretty funny. Nanny is like the best, most even tempered dog ever!

Music In Our Schools

2006-03-24T04:33:00.000-08:00

The Bluejacket choir. Britt is fourth from the right. The three girls dressed up ready for their concert. Last night was the annual "Music in our schools" choir concert at the High School. The three girls all participated. Just one more concert to go before the school year is over. The time has flown by. I seriously cannot believe that it is almost April. Brooke, Sydney, (in front) Amber, Jessie, Chelsea and Britt is back. On the steps of the beautiful Hibbing High School! Friends forever guys...we love you.

A New Season

2006-03-22T19:43:00.000-08:00

A new season of the year. The first day of spring has come and gone. The signs are all around.. I have to be honest in saying that spring has never been my favorite time of year. I suppose because I am not a huge fan of mud or rain. Both of which come in abundance during the spring. However, I am a huge fan of new life; baby animals, buds on trees, folded petals unfurling their way through the old leaves, sunshine that warms the longer days and rainbows. Change is necessary....'though, I am not a big fan of good-byes, of "lasts", of tears and doors closing. Yet just as the the rain and the mud bring forth good things so do those less enjoyable things in my life. There is NEW LIFE; buds of hope, baby steps towards our future, challenges pushing their way up from the ground of our lives, His love that warms my days and the promises that He will never leave us or forsake us. ~As March draws to an end our family is finding itself in a springtime of it's own.~

2006-03-21T10:56:00.000-08:00

Spring is here! The morning sun shines through an intricate pattern of melting snow.

The P words!

2006-03-20T09:32:00.000-08:00

Today a couple of my vices came back to haunt me. The two "P"s...Procrastination and being a Packrat. When we first moved to Hibbing almost eight years ago, we lived in the parsonage. It was a 1970-ish tri-level. The thing about tri-levels is that they have these fourth levels built into the depths of the earth. Some might call them a basement. But for me it was a door behind which I could put everything I didn't have a place for on the other three levels. We were so grateful to have a home to settle into as soon as we got to town. After a while we bought our own home and moved out of the lovely parsonage. Unfortunately, not all of our things made it out with us. I say, unfortunately because now we are leaving this town I have to go back to all our previous stops and collect all our belongings that haven't made the trip with us. There are the larger items, like our crib, change table and cradle. But this morning I made my way through the cobwebs to find things like plastic easter eggs, envelopes, yarn, baby socks, winter boots and other must have items. As I pull cobwebs from my eyelashes, I am wondering "And why didn't I feel I could throw this lovely plastic egg away?" Did I think I would actually miss it or use it? Then there is the issue of the broken items. I know what I was thinking..."I will glue this broken ornament back together one day and it will be as good as new". Never happened, never will. With age, I am getting much better at the packrat syndrome. I have no problem throwing things out now. There are about five large boxes full of junk to prove it sitting in the parsonage basement waiting to be disposed of. I have to face my vices, for sooner or later they come back to visit from behind doors long forgotten!

The circle...

2006-03-18T05:53:00.000-08:00

Today is a day that I celebrate the birthday of my brother, Bimal. And also mourn the passing of my Uncle Eric. The complete circle of life is before me today. Happy Birthday to my brother in Canada. I hope you have a wonderful day with mum and Romila. My thoughts are with you. Also, though another early morning phone call came. Cancer has taken another husband from my Auntie. She is a woman who is so strong and her life has been marked by tending to the needs of everyone around her. Much like my own mother has done. She is my mother's only sibling, my only aunt. Though she is an ocean away from me today my thoughts and prayers are with you today and with your two girls.

This is my final decision.

2006-03-17T04:37:00.000-08:00

After feedback I received from a few people I decided that I will continue on with this blog. Please, know that I am not "playing games" here. In all seriousness, I thought it best I stop writing for a few reasons. YOU (you know you all of you are) convinced me to keep writing. First of all, I find journalling theraputic. Lord knows how much I need that right now. Secondly, some of you actually like to hear about my kids. Then I got thinking about how much I would want to post pictures from Prom Alternative this year, as both Jessie and Britt are going. Not to mention how fun it would be for you to see our piles of boxes form. (ha ha) So all things considered, I am going to continue with the blog! As my mother always said "To change her mind, is a woman's perogative" People always get them mixed up and I always say they are nothing alike. Looking at this picture I would say I should eat my words. They look so much alike here! Don't you think? For those of you who are not sure. Jessie on the left, Brittany on the right.

Last blog post.

2006-03-14T07:24:00.000-08:00

So I think that I am shutting this blog down for a while. I will pick a new one back up once we settle in our new town. I'll continue to send out emails updating y'all so don't worry about that. This will just be one less thing for me to "manage" right now. Life is crazy! Thanks to all who read and care. Remember my email changed to mrswilly04@hotmail.com.

Resignation

2006-03-12T18:07:00.000-08:00

Today was a day I had dreaded all week. Do you ever have weeks like that? I knew that Sunday March 12th would be a difficult day for a lot of people. It is a day I wished we could skip over completely. Today Randy announced to our church "family" that we are leaving Hibbing after almost eight years. Our last Sunday at church will be March 26th. Two short weeks. Randy accepted a position at a church in Sparta, Wisconsin. The road we have travelled lately has been one of lonliness, secrets, searching, excitement and as always....adventure. It's a road of obedience. A road of faith. We have known for quite a while that we would be leaving, but weren't sure where we would be going. It has been hard for the kids to not be able to talk about this to anyone. They are coping very well though. The children and I will stay in Hibbing until school is finished the first week of June. We felt this was best. Randy will go on ahead and start the new work in Sparta, early April. He will have lots of trips back and forth as we pack up and prepare our home for the market. I won't go into too many details in this post. I just wanted to let you all know what's been going on. There are no words to explain how hard the next weeks will be as we say good-bye to good friends and collegues. Thanks to those who understand my silence and my need to focus on my family's needs right now.