Deer Hunting

Fall was always my dad's favorite season. He loved hunting with friends and showing his "city son-in-laws" the ropes. Last weekend Steve and Jason made the annual trip north for the big hunt. On Sunday morning they had some good luck and we're pretty sure that dad was leading those deer in to make sure we had venison for the winter. Thanks to Lyle, Krist and Shawn for taking up the guide service!

Call to Grandpa Myles

Tonight Erik decided he needed to make a special call to grandpa Myles. He wanted to make sure grandpa knew about his new car. He said, "Hello grandpa. Is Jesus taking good care of you? I have a new car that has two seats so there is room for you. I love you grandpa." I asked how grandpa was and he said, "Good. He misses us but Jesus is taking care of him."

Memories of the Little Brown House

The last month or so mom has been working very hard to get the house ready to sell. We'll head up north in a few weeks to help her move some things out and get ready to move into town. It will be a blessing for her not to have to worry about snow removal, mowing, and those little furry creatures that you get when you live in the country. As I think about my childhood it seems every room or place in the yard has a memory: My old bedroom:I can clearly remember the burned hole in the carpet that was made when I tipped my dresser over and the lamp full down. Dad was not very happy with me about that one! My new bedroom: I always thought I had the coolest bedroom with the loft, built in desk and fancy waterbed. I remember many nights playing in the loft with the Aandals and the night Travis decided to jump down! The basement: My sisters and I spent many days playing house down in the basement and having Barbie fashion show contests. I also remember some great birthday parties and playing pin the tail on the donkey downstairs in the basement. The playhouse: As I remember it Grandpa Rufus and dad worked together to build us a playhouse. We thought it was a deluxe model because it had sliding glass windows and a dutch door. Dad was never too busy to come through our drive-through and order a Big Mac. These and so many more memories are tied up in the little brown house. I was a lucky kid!

Dad's Apple Tree

The fall before dad passed away he helped us find a new tree for our front yard. The original tree that had been planted had taken a beating in the wind and so we needed something new. Dad loved this Honeycrisp apple tree and told us we'd have apples that first fall. We didn't believe him but last year we had a few apples. This year our tiny tree is full of juicy and delicious apples. Thanks dad! Every morning when I pull out of my driveway and see that tree I know you are with us.

Whist

This weekend we spent a bit of time at the cabin to break up the trip to Bismarck. On Saturday night we decided to play whist. I remember this being such a rite of passage for me. I knew I was "grown up" when I got to play cards with the adults. As we taught Steve and Jason the rules of the game lots of memories came flooding back: 1. Grandpa Kenny teasing grandma Eleanor that she was laying in the weeds when she didn't want to grand. 2. Grandpa Kenny saying he had a hand like a foot. 3. All of the adults admonishing us for "table talk" 4. Dad and mom playing against Grandpa and Grandma. 5. Grandpa Kenny always having an ace on the bottom. As we sat in the basement listening to the jukebox and playing whist I felt like Grandpa and Grandma Emerson and dad were right there with us cheering us on. PS...Mom and I won! Don't let anyone tell you differently.

Survival Kit

Last week mom was doing some packing to get ready to move. As she rummaged through boxes in the basement she found a bag packed with winter boots, snow pants and a pair of choppers. Sure enough...it was a bag that dad had packed for one of us to make sure we traveled safely. This reminded me of the time we got stuck about a mile from home. It was only twenty minutes that we were in the car but Myndy cracked open the survival kit and ate the chocolate bar right away. Dad just had to laugh.

Staining the Deck

This week Katy and mom are spending time at the cabin and working on a few projects. Yesterday Katy spent the day staining and wore dad's jeans as a tribute. She and mom thought about how dad would complete project after project without complaining. I remember when mom and dad bought the lake lot and how excited dad was when he thought about the great memories we'd make at the cabin. He always wanted it to be a gathering place for family. As we travel up north for one last hurrah on Friday we'll make great memories and hold dad near us in our hearts.