R is for Ronnebeck!

I kind of feel like my whole world has been sucked into a hole the past week or so. I'm looking forward to getting back to my normal schedule and back to my normal self; well, as normal as life is going to be from now on. For those of you who have not been up to speed over at www.dianneshope.blogspot.com my Mother, Dianne Nielsen passed away after a long, hard fought battle with lung cancer on June 20th at 11:15pm. We were all around her bedside to bid her "see ya later" as she walked through the pearly gates of heaven. She was buried on June 24th at Mt. Hope Cemetery and celebrated at Relay for Life of Codington County that night. It has been a long and crazy road, and I promise once life gets back to what normal is from now on, I will catch up with you. Thank you for all of your thoughts, prayers and support as we head back to "normal"

1- How in the fighting hell can it be Tuesday all ready? It is kind of hard to explain but I feel like I have simultaneously been here forever and just got here. Days move kind of slow, but that's okay too. 2- The weather here has been very Seattle-esque; overcast with sporadic rain. The thunder and lightening at night has been welcome though I fear power loss at night for Mom and her Oxygen tank. 3- Kim, Amanda and kids left this afternoon and the house is quiet; maybe a little too quiet, but Mom seems to be resting so good. 4- I got an e-mail from a good friend yesterday that made me cry, in a good way. It's amazing the things your friends reveal to you in your time of need. Thanks Dawn, you're the best. 5- I have to quit eating!!!!!!! a.) I am an emotional eater b.) there's no such thing as bad food at Aunt Kathy's c.) I went from working out 3-5 times a week and eating lean meats to rarely leaving the house/couch and eating 5 meals a day. BLECH 6- My sister

 It's a little heart breaking to have spent the past 9 Months or so working on the Relay for Life Committee to have to abandon ship the month of to take care of Mom. Don't get me wrong, I'm where I need to be, I just wish I could have flew home for the night to relay. I love relay. However, I left it in very capable hands, and the outpouring of love and support that I saw happen through cell phone pictures sent to me from Eric, made me tear up... just a few times.  My co-workers and friends drove from near and far to walk in honor of my Mom; and their loved ones who have had to fight this disgusting disease.  Even the wee one's made laps... Go Ikiaka go!  Ivan and Dawn came down from Lynnwood to help make some laps go by for the team, and I'm sure it was a welcome relief.  Last I heard The Hope Corps were running out of Lap bead necklaces to sell! I guess it was a great fundraiser :) And Megan was there too; last I heard about her is that she had a blister on he

I got a Dual Auntie footrub tonight... pretty sweet deal. I love my family. Relay pics from Highline to be posted probably tomorrow - miss you guys too!

There's a few simple things in life that make me smile. Like last night, out at midnight with my Auntie Kathy, and Sister, with one glove, a flashlight and a plastic cup sneaking around the yard looking for night crawlers. You look around the dark dirt, and see them above ground, and then quick like a flash you need to snag them before they scamper away back into the ground. I collected 21 on my own last night! It was a fun night - a breath of fresh air!

 A few pictures from this week... The boys were running around playing cowboys and indians, only I think they were all pretending to be indians by the time they were done playing. Their laughter is a welcome sound in this household. These are our prayer shawls. aren't they beautiful? The red one's are Nani's and Kathy's the blue/green one is mine, and the tan ones are Shannon & Tony's. The tag reads "Prayerfully made by Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer Prayer Shawl Group." My heart is warmed by all the love and support we've recieved. Thank you,

I married the love of my life, I miss you sweetie - Happy Anniversary :) Here's to many more!

1- I feel like time is crawling, and then speeding past us at 110 miles per hour all at the same time. 2- We've been having a lot of visitors here, and that's a pretty beautiful thing. 3- Nancy gave our family prayer shawls today, and wow does it make you feel loved, and prayed for. I mean, I know I am, it's just a nice physical representation of that chair. 4- My sister has the next 6 days off what an amazing thing in my world. 5- My brother is kind of stinky. Did you know that? 6- I only worked 4 hours today - made me feel like kind of a slouch. 7- This is the most UN interesting ten on tuesday in the universe. 8- I'm sorry about #7 9- I miss my Husband 10- Just keeping it together right now... best we can do.

 Momma's been doing a lot of this... A Lot. That's a good thing. She really needs her rest, it makes her feel so much better when she does. In the meantime, we've been spending time together as a family... and sometimes doing our own thing. It's been a long week so far, and I haven't yet been here a week - mostly long because the nights are late, and the mornings are early.  Erica is a reader... she goes out and lays by a tree in the front yard and reads... it's kind of beautiful...  The boys and I have done some swimming... they LOVE to swim! I've been working. Quite a bit actually. I spend my mornings in my snuggie, with a cup of Folgers in my jammies. Heavenly. Perhaps work needs a new dress code? Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers, it means the world.

Angie had her baby girl last night - a mere 18 minutes after walking through the hospital doors. Congrats Big Sisters Kelsey & Allie! Congrats to you too Angie & Toby, she's a cutie!

 A few to make you laugh.... Told you she made $100 by jumping in the freeking cold pool!  And a few of the moments we've been spending together. Sweet Momma...

1- I'm in South Dakota - 3rd time this year, 2nd time in 3 weeks. Mom is sick, really sick, like not leaving the house kind of sick. We're all together though, that helps. 2- Working remotely has given me the chance to be with my family right now - what a wonderful blessing and thank you KMS for everything this opportunity has given me. 3- Kathy, Kevin, Erica and I set up Kathy's pool the first day I got here. I'm so excited to take a dip. 4- Erica was more excited than I was, she jumped in tonight - though Uncle Todd sweetened the deal with some cold hard cash. 5- Hanging out with Mom is so peaceful. I never thought I could be idle enough to just sit, hold my Mom's hand and gaze out the window. 6- My flight into the Rockies was Rocky... I hate flying into Denver. 7- I feel at home here, but I miss my Aquaman, Gracie and yes, that Husband of mine too. 8- Heart to hearts with your sister, aunt, grandma or niece can be just the right medicine. 9- We wo