Hiking Expedition in the Rain

Bill and I have made a commitment to improve our health. We have decided that we are going to exercise as much as possible together now that we have all of this time on our hands. We are both only working one job each now and neither of us are taking summer classes! Yesterday we decided to venture out on a hiking expedition. We have both wanted to explore the Sheyenne Forest which is nestled in the delightfully beautiful Sheyenne River Valley. We decided that Memorial Day would be a great day to do this.

There are two trails to choose from and we decided to pick the Oak Ridge Trail.

The hike was great, pretty, quiet, peaceful, and a great workout for us both. I had to stop at one point when we made it up one of the hills so I realized not only was I in poor shape, it really was a great trail to walk. We made it to the top and were checking out the amazing view to the Northeast.

We then turned to look south and I believe Bill said a naughty word. All we could see was a huge thunderstorm heading right towards us. We decided to seek shelter under a tree. As you can see from the picture, it did not help us from getting wet.

It did however, help the pelting hard drops from stinging our skin.
We made it back to the pick up and realized that a ride home (about 75 miles) was going to be very uncomfortable in our wet clothes. Fortunately Bill had a clean shirt and pants in the pick up while I had a clean shirt and a towel. Thank goodness there is little traffic on the road because we stripped down and changed in the middle of road. While changing we realized that not only were we wet, we were covered in wood ticks. Gross! We picked off the ticks the best we could and headed on our way.
What an adventure we had!
We are going to head back down there soon because we were not on the correct trail to find the waterfall. Yes that is correct, there is a waterfall about 25 miles from my parents house and I have never been there! Crazy! I can not wait to venture out on the next trail now that we have mastered the Oak Ridge Trail.

We will blog more on our exercise adventures as they happen!

Vivian and Lloyd Jones Family

Over the past eleven years I have taken the trip down to Lake Crystal, Minnesota several times to visit the Jones family. The Jones family is a caring group that always makes me feel welcome. The family was gathered together again these past few days because the core of the family is now back together in heaven. Bill's grandmother Vivian passed away and has joined her husband, Lloyd. I am not sure how often we will be down to visit Lake Crystal now because Lloyd and Vivian have passed. I do know there is a wedding in August we plan to attend and after that, who knows. This family is a special group that I truly enjoy because of their soft-spoken, gentle, kind demeanor.

Bill's mother, Cindy, is in the top middle of her siblings. Vivian's favorite color was red. The church was overflowing with bouquets of red flowers and plants.

This is Cindy's group of sibilings with their spouses.

Lloyd and Vivian had twelve grandchildren. I have been told many times they both loved their grandchildren and were very proud of all they accomplish.

Lloyd and Vivian's grandchildren and spouses and Great-grandchildren.

Happy Thoughts

I am sitting in my bed thinking about this week. I would have to say it is not one of the best weeks. I started off the week doing pretty well. I graduated with my masters degree and I was gearing up for the last week of school.
We are heading down to Southern Minnesota tomorrow for Bill's grandmother's funeral. We did get a chance to have Brendan and Carter come over last night for a few hours of bonding and fun. Sandy was a bit disturbed with the fact she was having to share her couch but she later snuggled into her blanket and was OK with the night. Here are my two happy thought pictures to help me remember what is important and those who truly love me over the next few days. We were watching Scooby Doo with our Scooby Doo blanket, pillow, and stuffed Scooby. Sandy felt the need to partake in the fun as well. Gus was surprisingly well-behaved resting on the floor...creepy...

Gus and Sandy are heading to the kennel for the weekend...pray that I have nothing to blog about!

Graduation Day

Graduation Day was full of excitement and accomplishment.

Hooding ceremony

Jason, Mistie, and Dana

2009 VCSU Master's Graduates

Dana and Bill

All Done!

Dr. Corwin and I after graduation

My cake

My mom and I

Teaching with Technology

Zig Ziglar has many quotes out there that I love. Some make me laugh and some make me think.
Here are a few of my favorites that have gotten me through the past two years...

Building a better you is the first step to building a better America.

If you can dream it, then you can achieve it. You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want.

People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.

Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.

The reason I have been reading so many quotes in the past two years is because I have been extremely busy and needing motivation. Yes I am a teacher and a coach and those two hats keep me very busy. Yesterday I put an end to another hat I have been wearing for the past two years. I defended and passed my Teaching with Technology Capstone Portfolio for my graduate degree. I will be hooded on Saturday and walk across the stage as a Master Teacher. I am pretty proud of myself and I think this a pretty great accomplishment. During Volleyball season there were several nights I was up until 1:00 or later and back at the school at 7:00. Next season, I will probably not miss those crazy studying hours. I will however miss the work.
WHAT?!?! I know that is what most people say. I love going to school, I love learning, and I love to write papers. Sick and twisted you say? Well, I guess it probably sounds that way, however I like to learn and apply what I have learned with my students. Hey, is that not what the idea of a teacher should be? Someone who likes to learn? Mr. Metzger thinks I am nuts and he is probably correct. He told me to write a book if I have to appease my need for writing. Memoirs of Gus may be hitting the stands next year;)
Tonight was my first night of no school work. I mowed the lawn and did a bit of raking in the driveway. It is 8:30 and I am not exactly sure what to do next. I guess I will watch some Law and Order and search online for flowers.

Ducks

One of the things that VERY few people know about me is that I love birds. I am one of the nerdy weird bird watching people. I specifically enjoy ducks. Spring time is extremly fun for me because of my love of ducks. I love Scaups, Mergansers, Buffleheads, Scoter's, Blue-winged Teals, Shovelers, Swans, Mallards, the cute little Ruddys, but my favorite species of North American duck is the good old Aix sponsa. Commonly known as the Wood Duck. Ok I did not really know the scientific name, I had to google it;)
I have not seen too many Wood Ducks in my life time and am very excited when I do. Due to the flooding this past Spring I have had the priveledge to watch not one but two Wood Ducks in the ditch on the way to and from Casselton each day. There is a male and female pair and another lone male living on the East side of highway 18. Even the female Wood Duck is pretty to me.

There have been days that it takes me twenty minutes to travel my whopping seven miles because I like to stop and watch them. Today I stopped and nabbed a few pics of my favorite birds. I know many people will think I am an even bigger nerd than before but I had to share these because I truly love these animals and am fascinated by them. Bill humors me and pretends to listen while I talk about the birds, which I appreciate.

They Say It's My Birthday

Brendan and Carter Celebrated their 5th and 3rd birthdays! I can not believe how fast they grow. Brendan is beginning kindergarten next year. He sat me down and explained how things were going to go next year while he is in kindergarten. He explained that I am going to have to not disrupt him while he is learning or distract him while he is walking quietly in line! Ugh...what does it say about me when I am getting a lecture from my 5 year old nephew. Oh well! We had a great time at the party with Grandma Mac, Dale, Becky, Lonnie, Val, Marcy, Aaron, Dustin, Lissa, Bill, and Aunt Dana.

Carter felt the need to go into the dress up clothes and grab his Spiderman outfit. The party did have a Spiderman theme so I guess it makes sense?!? Spiderman was climbing the walls, literally.

What would a party be with out Batman showing up as well! Batman and Spiderman had a bit of wrestling before posing for a pic with their Great Grandma McLeod.

Grandma Mac thought the super heroes were pretty cute.

The outfits were put away and a nice super hero cake came out instead.

Uncle Bill always enjoys playing with the toys after the presents are all opened!

Happy Birthday boys!