Fortunately N recoved enough from the stomach thing so we could go to a congregation "going away" party for Susan Swanson. She has moved to Spanish to help out over there. We are happy it is still in the same building, and we will see her from time to time. It was a nice turn out for the party, and her brother had put together a nice photo slide show on a computer for all to see. The kids had fun and later in the evening they had some dancing.
A couple weeks after that we also got invited to a Skating/Sliding Party by the Mysliak's. It was at Freedom Park in New Brighton, and they have a couple of really nice ice rinks and a good sliding hill and an awesome warming house for us parents to sit and gab in. That turned out to be a really fun day. It was us, and Mysliaks, and Amy Gammon and her 2 kids, and Heather and Chris Dolan and their kids. We were there from about 2:30 to 8:15 p.m. and Noah and the kids were outside for the majority of it. Noah hasn't skated since las year's party, so we had to get some different skates that week to fit him since he grew so much, and a new sled since his was buried under feet of snow somewhere in our deep back yard. ;-) Noah got to practice Hockey with the boys and Pat and Chris. He had so much fun. He was so sore the next day though...I kind of chuckled - he found muscles he didn't know he had that could hurt. But he did pretty good for rarely skating. He catches on fast since he rollerblades. Now just to work on the hockey skills. But it was great for all of us to get together and us parents could chat and reminisce about the "old days" etc. Totally a fun day.
This past week we found out our old family friends the Hoyes were suffering a huge loss. Doris (the mom) was losing a major health battle. She fell asleep in death early Thursday morning 2/3/11. She remained very faithful to the end and was putting her total hope in Jehovah God's resurrection promise. She was ready to go, but of course the family was not. It was a hard one, but her suffering is done. We drove down Saturday 2/5 for the funeral. It was very well supported, and we got to see lots of old friends and some of Brent's family from various areas. We were glad to be able to be supportive. They have a long road of readjustment ahead. "Normal" is no longer, so new roads need to be paved. A lesson my family had to learn the hard way a few years ago too. I did get a couple of pics of Connie and Kelly. I don't think I've had pics with Connie since maybe graduation or maybe wedding times. Isn't that awful, but still friends through the years. Me and Connie met when we were 4 and went to school together through like the 7th grade when they moved to Zumbrota. We used to have bookstudy at their house for years, and our parents were good friends. The ties that bind through the decades. My Noah got to re-meet her Noah and Hunter so added to his friends list. He hadn't seen them since my dad's funeral, so didn't really remember them, but now wants to get together sometime again...the next generation of friends! :) Thoughts and Prayers remain with that whole extended family as they cope with the huge loss.
Hoping February and beyond remain more peaceful!
Until next time!
Jen
