Missy's Moments

Cha Cha Changes....

Rumor has it that I don't like change. Apparently in the past I have been known to get a little... shall we say "on edge" when things change. I am quite certain that I am making good strides in getting past my refusal to accept reluctance to change, yet there are changes happening in my life, and in the life of my children, and in Rick's life. The emotions with each situation are so different I wonder some days just how one can go to through all these different feelings and not loose their mind. Well I don't really wonder, I do know how, but it doesn't change the fact that some days the rawness of emotion is exhausting and frankly there are days where I just pray and thank God for those distractions that keep me going.

Last summer we made the decision to put our house on the market. We really had no timetable to keep for when we sell but honestly I don't think either Rick or I was prepared for the fact that it would take 9 months to sell our house and then have 35 days to find another house, pack and move. We are beyond excited about this change- it's a good change and a needed one. There are many benefits to this move and so this change brings about excitement, anticipation and a new chapter that we're ready to take in. We have a new house, we don't have to rent and we're 11 days out from all this happening. I WILL share more about the new house soon.

Sam turned 9 yesterday, Eric turned 10 the end of April. THEY. ARE. BOYS. no question about it. They have changed and grown so much in this last year. I love watching them grow. I love parenting with Rick. I have learned to not to be so fearful of them getting older. In the mist of some of the teenage years it's a struggle to not fear the little ones growing. You want to protect them from life, from the hard days, tough lessons and hurts but I know now that in wanting to protect them from those things that I would also prevent them from feeling the love, laughter and joy that comes in their accomplishments, in service and growing in their relationship with Jesus. They are in much better hands then mine and I feel so blessed to have them entrusted to us.

Jordan turned 18 this month. Jordan is facing some hard truths right now and can I tell you IT. SUCKS. to watch. But again I am awed when God gives me a glimpse of His plan and I am humbled when again I am reminded that it is not about ME. There have been many days in the last 6 years when I have struggled with anger, hurt, fear, anxiety and just plain felt heartbroken over the road my oldest son has traveled. I don't know why this is his road but I do know that nothing is out of the reach of God and I have been reminded of this day after day. When I again say "God why?" He just allows me to cry and kick and scream and then I feel His love when I'm done. God knows the hurt of watching your son hurt, his love for Jordan is all about watching His Son hurt for Jordan. Today my oldest son is uncomfortable. I know some of my greatest change has come from seasons of complete discomfort. I pray this to be true for Jordan and that He too feels the love that has never stopped coming from us or from God.

Kayla.... wow Kayla turns 20 next week. My baby girl, the one they laid in my arms and all I could think was "is she really mine?, look how beautiful she is" She's not only 20 but in 27 short weeks she will have a little one in her arms. This change is just as exciting as it is scary. To know the emotion my young girl is going to go through, that she is already going though... I never imagined what this would really be like. I know a few things to be certain. God doesn't make mistakes... this little grand-baby of ours is knitted together perfectly and has purpose. I am SO SO excited to meet him/her and love on this little gift. I know that Kayla is also loved and won't be alone in this new adventure of parenting and I am grateful for my own experience of being a young mom and the struggles that go along with that. I hope to be able to encourage her when those struggles get the best of a day. I know I have often said that I became a mother too young but Kayla and Jordan were the blessing that came from my broken road. Life is always worth celebrating. Ephesians 1:11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.... love that verse.

In early May Rick's Dad was brought to the hospital and admitted. His breathing was very labored and He was very weak. Since then we have learned that Dad has End Stage COPD. He has since been moved into a nursing home that also offers hospice care. We all know that at some point we will enter a season of life where our parents will end their time here on earth but let's be honest, knowing that doesn't mean it's any easier... it is hard. I am grateful for a few things that have come from this. 1. Dad is still here with us, nothing sudden has happened and we are able to go visit and spend time with him. He's just as convinced as ever before he's unbeatable at cribbage and His smart alec sense of humor is still in place. and 2. That He is being well cared for by each of his kids and Rick and his sisters have been in communication with one another, not always easy communications but none the less there isn't doubt that caring for their Father and loving on him in the time he has left of this earth is what the priority.

If you are still reading this would you do me a favor? Take just a moment to lift up any one of this life changing moments to the One who is unchanging.

I won't promise it won't be forever before I get on here again but know that I am bound and determined to make blog therapy a more regular part of my weeks

until the next time....

Jordan

There is a discharge date..... waiting for confirmation before I share :)

Click HERE to see some AMAZING pictures my sister took this weekend. The password is michael

My Mind at 5am.....

There should be some kind of disclaimer on this post regarding my mind and the fact that it hasn't had much sleep! Read at your own risk- possible rambling happening ;)

Jordan's home this weekend- got here yesterday will be here until Monday morning. I know I said I wouldn't say it but I believe we're about a month or so from him being home. I hope before school starts. That in mind I think he's going to paint his room this weekend. It needs it and I think it would be good to say good-bye with the old and hello to new. We have a new dresser for him and he and Rick will build a new frame for the full size bed that we are currently looking for. Have one that needs a home?

Kayla really needs to buckle down and get some decisions made regarding jobs/school etc.... The down side to the 18 and graduated thing is being really comfortable in play mode. mmmmmm those of you with a older teen probably know what I'm talking about- those of you without an older teen you really don't want to know. Thinking it's time for a mother-daughter date to chat (again)

One more week of baseball next week... whewwwww been fun but ready for it to be done.

My themes and bible lessons are all to be outlined and turned in by Aug 1. GATS that's only one week!

I kind of like mytheme I picked for the blog today- might leave it for the weekend. Rick have you come up with anything yet? I wrote a little about running last night. It was a good night but had a really hard time getting to sleep and staying that way!

Well off to Stepping Stone theater today with the campers. I need to finish sandwiches and keep moving. Have a great Friday!

June 2009- Jordan

Jordan was home to visit last weekend for 4 days. I think I mentioned in a previous post that he may returning home to stay sometime in late June early July and that date has been moved and I’m not going to go into detail about why. Instead of guessing I will just let you know when we’re within a week of his homecoming- We are driving up to see him tomorrow, we have family therapy and then Rick and I are going to take him out to lunch. Because of recent events he wasn’t able to be on the stage he needed to be to come to the lake with us. We’re all bummed about that and no doubt it’s feeling like salt on a wound to Jordan. My hope is the good that comes from it is the knowledge of a lesson well learned.

He also had a birthday in June and turned 16. Looking forward to driver’s ed and as he says ‘feeling like a normal kid”, wish I could convince him normal is only a setting on a dryer! ;)

The weekend that He was home I was sitting in church and the question was asked from the pulpit “If you could ask God to grant you anything what would it be?”, in a matter of a split second the thought that came to mind was “for Jordan to be better”. Please continue to keep him in your prayers, he struggles so and I wish I could fix it for him, I can’t but He can.

Dear Blog

Dear Blog AKA Missy's Moments,

Oh my how have you been? It's been far to long since we last chatted and I really have to say that I've thought so often about just dropping what I'm doing and writing but the days go so fast and there never seems to be enough time. So here I am- I have a million things to do but alas I just can't stand it any longer. There is much to catch up on so let's get started.

I'm sure you're wondering about Jordan, it's been ages since I've updated you and there is much to tell as he's been home for visits now since shortly before Easter. It's been nice having him home, seeing him with his brothers and Kayla, having a chance to "practice" for when he's home for good. I know I know it does seem like forever that we've been on this journey but even his homecoming will simply bring a new leg to this journey, not an end. I think we've all learned some patience and acceptance of what a new normal will look like. I know I have learned that being a mom of teenagers will bring out the very worst in me at times all while hoping for the very best for these young people we love so much. I do have some fun pictures to share of Jordan. He has changed so much and his long awaited growth spurt has finally come, hard to believe that he will be 16 in a month.

 

Look up in the tree- and in the second picture look who's taking notes!

 

Speaking of teenagers.... Miss Kayla attended prom a few weeks back. WOW did she look beautiful, but really you know her and I'm sure neither of us expects much less. We recently sent out the invites for her GRADUATION open house! YIKES I think I am somewhat in denial about that. Her plans are to stay close to home (maybe even stay home) and attend RCTC this fall with hopes of getting into the nursing program. She will soon take her state test to be a CNA (certified nursing assistant.) Hopefully she will be able to find a job in a nursing home, although she did apply to a local children's home and I think where ever she finds a job she will do great! Here are some pictures from prom. The gal with her is her friend Bobbi- they have been friends for as long as I can remember.

 

Have you read the Twilight series? OH MY GOODNESS did I enjoy that series- Poor Rick and the kids had to dig my head out of a book for a couple of weeks straight - the thing about me and a good book is it really is hard on my house- there must have been some strange wind that came through and created the mess I found when I finished the final book because I'm still trying to get it all straightened out. Really good reads and I recommend them if your looking for some summer entertainment and have nothing else to do for a couple of weeks. ;)

I'm still trying to work out weekly- as far as how often well it just depends on the week. This week I happen to have a nasty cough/throat thing going so I've only been down there once. To help motivate me again I've joined a 9 week fitness boot camp that begins in June. I'm really excited to be challenged and feel a bit more accountable to my fitness/health goals. I must confess I'm a bit of a chicken when it comes to running anywhere but a treadmill. I like the controlled environment of the treadmill I swear it has nothing to do with my other controls issues! ;) I am .7lb away from the 25lb mark. According to my "plan"I'm 10lbs above where  I wanted to be by this date but I am very content at taking things slow and steady. As long as I don't add numbers all is good.

This next week is my last week with the current 3 and 4 year olds I am with... I am going to miss seeing those sweet faces every week. What a great year it has been. I have decided to finish my educational hours necessary to apply for my Child Development Associate Credential and become lead qualified. I figured along with finishing out the year, planning a grad party it seemed like it'd be a good time to squeeze one more thing in! Gezzzz do I ever learn? I do work well under pressure and honestly I don't know if there ever really will be a down time. I wouldn't trade any of it and when the kids are grown I have a feeling I'll miss it so I've decided to just enjoy as much as I can.

Eric and Sam just finished swimming lessons yesterday. Sam passed, Eric didn't. Boy did I feel bad for Eric but he's such a good sport he just said he was close and he'll get it soon. What a great attitude. They can both move on to the next level in June and I'm sure time in the water this summer will help them along.

Eric turned eight the end of April. This is the year of no parties for either Eric or Sam but I think we managed to have some fun and provide a few wanted presents.

 

 

 

 

Both the boys love sports- they begin their baseball season in June and unfortunately they both play on the same nights at different fields so Rick and I will be busy playing baseball tag for awhile. Sam finished up his hockey season in March and is already talking about the next season. Eric played basketball as his winter sport and finished up the same day as Sam. In fact that was the weekend I was in the hospital.

 

Note the "hockey hair"- not sure I'm a fan of that but it's a battle that I've decided to let go. It's just hair. (that happens to drive me crazy!)

So that's kind of a snapshot into the life and times on our end. I hope to stay in touch better over the summer months and as usual I have this notion in my head that somehow someway things will be a little less busy! - keep laughing at me I know it's just my wish-full but thankful thinking.

Take care and God Bless!

January 2009 Recap

Every December I tell myself that I can't wait until the next month (January). I have this same delusion every year that it won't be as busy... HA! Although this month has been busy it has been good.

Just want to highlight a few things:

Sam decided that scrubbing pans for a nickel was quite fun... I don't mind it either

 

We've learned that we like to bowl together... we're all a little better at it in our family room with the Wii but we sure have fun going to the 'real' bowling alley and trying to put our new found skills into place

  

  

  

notice in both of these pictures Eric looks a little annoyed.... LOL

 

Eric started playing basketball this month with Champion Youth Basketball. He's waited so patiently to play. We had 'try-outs' way back in November and this month practices and games have begun. It's so fun to watch him play- He gets so focused on playing defense and guarding his guy that I think he forgets sometimes there's a ball being tossed around... the good news is the guy he's guarding isn't aware there is a ball anywhere either!

 

 

The boys have also had a chance to get out on an outside rink... this has forced Eric to skate w/out one of those walker things. Amazing how much he enjoys things once he figures out he can do it.

  

  

  

  Last week we went to the eye doctor (again). We have been there about every 2 months checking Sam's vision. Back in August the doctor adjusted his prescription and his vision was making steady improvements up until this month. B/C of that they have strongly recommended that we patch one to two hours a day for up to six months. We will check on his progress in two months. It has been a bit of a struggle as Sam doesn't like it at all! Well the other night he shocked us but not only wearing it but being able to read while wearing it. His testing last week showed that he couldn't see letters that small even with his glasses on so this was amazing to us! I am excited to see the outcome of his therapies... my prayer is that his eye is healed completely. I managed to get the video camera on my phone turned on w/out Sam catching me! Here he is... my one eyed reading wonder!

Well in other news.... ( my moment as a reporter there )

Kayla is working now at a clothing store in the mall.... the goal now is just simply to get some of her paycheck home!  She picked out her prom dress yesterday for her senior prom and I'm thinking I better get thinking about her graduation party. I'm not sure if it's denial or procrastination 
but I'm just not there yet.. 

Rick and I saw Jordan yesterday. He seems to be doing well. It has been recommended that he move to another unit within the same agency. This will give Him more of an opportunity to practice some of the skills he is learning there. It's one step closer to home. It continues to be a journey that leaves us all over the place as far as emotions go. We will continue to trust in God for wisdom and direction and most of all healing for Jordan in mind and spirit.

I started Weight Watchers again... it'll be two weeks tomorrow and so far so good, although I allowed myself some freedom yesterday and boy was it hard to stay focused again today. I felt like I fought with myself the whole day and then on top of it I cleaned (which I don't like to do). Made for a foul mood but I made myself some delicious 4pt chili, got a couple of things crossed off my to-do list and now it's time to call it a night.

Hope you had a chance to enjoy the beautiful weather here in Minnesota today! It was sure welcomed... praying that ground hog doesn't see his shadow Monday.

Christmas Pictures- Naughty or Nice?

 

  

  

 

OK This is the Deal....

To blog or not to blog... where do I start... where do I end... how much do I tell..... do I have anything profound, wise, witty... maybe I should post some pictures.... oh then I will have to sort them, oh I'll just put them up on Facebook that's faster (mind twirls, mind gets tired) oh I'll get to it later.

That's what has been going through my head when I think of blogging, and then tonight the obvious was pointed out to me and again I think balance, quit trying so hard and really what's the difference anyway. It's our family book that these pages go into right?

(Rick hint hint.. I really need a new book! )

I've been in a blog blur and the thing is this: I want to be real... actually a friend of mine recently got me thinking about this and being real creates community, it creates a bond with others that is genuine and that is necessary. I thrive in an environment where I feel like I can be me and I'm grateful God has placed me in a position to take the very real parts of me - the good parts and the parts that I'm not quite so fond of and use them for His good. That I can deal with... any of that make sense?

I think I'm coming out of my blog blur... along with a blog blur I'm constantly experiencing the whirlwind of life.

Rick and I have had our hands full with the kids. I think it's safe to say that Jordan is plugging away at the treatment program he is in. I don't think in August or September I was anywhere near a spot where I even knew what to say about all that has happened with our oldest son, it's humbling to say the least when I am reminded of just how powerless we are in the lives of those we love the most. We are cautiously optimistic and hopeful he will be home with us for Christmas, we really won't know for sure until the week before and although I don't have a choice in the matter I will choose to trust... but I must say I really want all six of us at Christmas Eve service this year together.

Kayla is done with cheer-leading for the year, she's only 6 months away from graduating, which seems just unbelievable to me. How did that happen? I swear it was just a couple of months ago I was upset sobbing as she went to her first day of first grade. (First grade is always the harder for me than kindergarten with my kids, I really don't like the fact that someone else sees my children for more hours in the day than I do!) It's really going to happen. She and I met with her counselor at school for her senior interview (to check on post-HS plans etc...) and right now the plan is for her to go to RCTC locally and live on her own with us. She is interested in nursing or human services but really has talked a lot about going into the the Peace Corp after getting a degree. I think it would be a great experience for her but selfishly if I think I was a mess when she went to first grade.... Oh Lord help me!

Well wouldn't you know it, I finally get on here and ramble and Kayla needs the computer for a homework project. Thanks for hanging in there with me....

Good Night all and if your here in the good'ole mid-west brace yourself I feel a heat wave  warm up- it's now above zero!

Things I Wanted to Blog About

Well technically it's after midnight and summer is officially over but for the sake of sanity and wanting to once and for all fill in some of the blanks over the summer months here it comes....the things I wanted to blog about and never got around to it!

 

Woman Lake Part 3- Water Fun dated: July 2008

Did I mention anywhere that I waterskied this summer? It' true and in fact it was a long awaited moment as I promised my dear husband that I would in deed get skies on in the summer of 2008- that promise was made while at Woman Lake in 2007! If memory serves me right I got up on the 3rd try and my memory isn't long enough to tell you the last time I even tried! I made a short trip around the bay and then let go of the rope as soon as I felt my back disconnecting from the rest of my body. Thank goodness for merices big enough to keep my very unused muscles still functioning the rest of the week! Oh and if I had to do it you bet your swimsuit Rick was next in line :)

There was water fun to be had by all. Because gas prices were (are) so high trips on the jet skies were a bit limited this year but everyone got a turn.

Loved Eric's hair after he'd been on a ride! LOL (kind of looks like Rick when he was a teenager ;) )

Jordan was a sportser on one ski this year. It was impressive!

And of course there was good ole water fun that Sam was more than prepared for! :)

 

I know there are no pictures of Kayla in the water shots. If you knew how long it takes her to straighten her hair you'd understand. She wasn't in the water much and when she was I was forbidden to take her picture! Some things you just have to respect with a teenage girl :)

 

The Flat Eric  Project   

Have you heard of Flat Stanley? It's a series of books for younger readers. The story of Flat Stanley leaves a boy flat after a shelf falls on him and Stanley enjoys many adventures being flat including taking a trip via mail to visit with some friends.

Eric's 1st grade teacher took pictures of the kids and mailed them to a friend for their very own adventure. Eric went to Virginia to visit a his pal Seth. Seth and his family were very kind to host Eric and we are looking forward to someday having a Flat Seth here in Minnesota, maybe in the winter I'm sure Seth would love to sled! :) Anyway Flat Eric had all kinds of souviners. Here is Eric reading to Sam about the travels Flat Eric had:

 

All the goodies Flat Eric brought back with him-

 

     

Listening for the ocean... "Can you hear it Eric?"

What a fun project. Even if Sam's teacher doesn't do this I hope to remember to have a Flat Sam project.

 

Oh the Messes and Projects!

 

No people it's not a dump but rather if you look closely you'll see that black chair in the corner. That is my chair, where I do our bills, blog, surf the net and at one point yes even scrapbooked. For months I had been collecting items around our home that I either needed to re organize or get rid of. I found great thing called Freecycle where I can list all of my treasures and then someone responds and comes and picks the item up to become their new treasure. It's a grand thing but it took me a bit to get everything gathered. I have since learned that I really can list one or two items and not wait until I need a shovel to get out of my desk area! LOL

disclaimer: it's not completely de-cluttered but it's getting there! 

Did I mention projects? I REALLY REALLY REALLY wanted a new kitchen floor. My floor is one of the only things we have not replaced since buying this home in 2002. I H>A>T>E> this floor. It's ugly, it gets even uglier when every little things shows on it and I just can't express my discontent with this silly floor. My sweet husband heard my pleas and we went out and picked out a new floor

Before:

After:

I was H.A.P.P.Y.!!! I know my kitchen is small, I know there counter tops are ugly, I know the paint is yellow (but it looked good at one time). I know all this but you see I didn't care... I GOT MY NEW FLOOR, all was well with the world... until my husband went to his best friends house, his best friends house where there is a new kitchen, new countertops, new this, new that and suddenly Rick is home talking about being a real man and spending money on a 'couple more things'.

Before:

   As of today here is how it is looking:

The new countertop and sink is in the garage. They go in next weekend. I think this says it perfectly!

 

Bikes - Training Wheels = FAST BOYS AND HAPPY DADDY

Did I mention that Rick has taken up running? ;)

seriously... Rick (and I) am so proud of the boys. They are both riding quite well without training wheels and if it wasn't almost 2am I'd upload a video but since they don't print in the books Rick makes me (hint hint honey) we'll skip it this time.

New Car

In the beginning of June we traded in the van for my first new car. It made the rising price of gas a little less harsh... not to mention it's cute!

 

The Hail 

Thankfully I was able to get my car in the garage just minutes before the big hail storm.... I don't think I had ever seen anything like this.

And this would be a good time to mention Rick's never-ending urge to clean out the gutters as soon as the down pour starts. Really if Rick is missing during a storm check the rain gutters I'm sure he's in the middle of cleaning them!

 

Hanging out and just having fun

The little guys and I have spent a TON of time at Deanne's house this summer. What a blessing our friendship is and it's a bonus that all of our boys get along so well. They play in the 'clubhouse' while Deanne and I laugh, cry (that's normally me), or just sit and enjoy the day. All while drinking her coffee which I'm pretty sure could be marketed. Rick and I had a chance to take Eric and Sam up to the Science Museum in St. Paul. The Star Wars exhibit was going. Was that ever cool. I think I had more fun then the little guys did but then again they are the ones that met these guys:

We also had a chance to visit with Grandma Eagen that day:

And Sam even smiled with mommy....

 

Just Other Misc Pictures:

My photo software keeps crashing so I haven't edited any of my pictures, uncropped and natural, almost as bad as having you over for dinner and sitting down with a photo album! LOL

My little angels.... (choke laugh choke)

 

Notice the glasses? We're going on day 6 with them. He's jumped a couple of hurdles with them. He wore them to Sunday School, Deanne's and every public place we've gone. The real test will be if he wears them to school without a fight.

Kayla cheered at Century's first game Friday night...

above notice my kindergartner below my senior WOW

At the lake

Kayla and my mom

 

In Closing

So there you have it... all the things I would have blogged about had I actually sat my rear down and wrote. I really do love coming here and as much as I've enjoyed so much of this summer it's also been a hard summer. Besides ripping bits of the house apart to make it look better bits of our hearts have been ripped and my hope is it's in an effort to make it look better. I do know that God always has our best interest at heart and becoming holy isn't about being happy. Along with the good there has been some not so good and again Jordan is not in our home. I wonder sometimes how fair it is to post pictures and stories knowing that in this season of life Jordan is a part of different stories and the picture is not the same. Please continue to pray for Jordan. That is really all I want to share on here for now. Maybe someday they'll be a door to share more but for right now please know that we love our son and would move heaven and earth to have him in the above pictures and stories. Our hope is that this is just a detour on an incredible journey that is already planned out for him.  

 

One Last Thing

This week (actually in about 6.5 hours) Eric will be in second grade. Kayla will be a senior and Jordan a sophomore. On Wednesday Sam will attend his first day of kindergarten and I will greet the new students entering Kingdom Kids. The boys will be back in AWANA, our new bible study will start up. None of that sounds very appealing to me, it should, all of it gifts yet it all means change. The kids along with Rick and I will grow and change and every year I find myself getting more resistant to it. Why is that? Does anyone else every feel that. I hear parents saying they can't wait for school to start and I wonder could I be one of the few that would be content at home with my kids for many more days than summer has to offer? I'm not sure but what I am sure about is with every changing season my normal looks a little different then it did before. My prayer before I close is that I open my eyes in the morning to the newness of the day, embracing the excitement Eric holds for school, remembering the days when getting my hair right before leaving the house was  as vital as passing my senior year and most of all knowing that there will be a mom this week that is bringing their preschooler to us feeling the same way I feel.

 

It's now 2:42am and I'm going to be one crabby chick if I don't shut my eyes soon! Now at least you know what you missed since I had no time to blog this summer ;).

Woman Lake Part One: The Fish

 

side note: I realize it's been since May... I'm sorry. I'll start with the easiest and work backward! My hope is for the sake of the good the bad and the cute getting the gap filled in :)

side note 2: I've had to use windows live writer because Internet Explorer has some issue with posting.... Jenna this really was ready to go just in the wrong program!

Anyway on with the story...

Grandpa has waited PATIENTLY for these pictures.... I mean the voicemail, the massage on the machine, the email I know he wasn't in a hurry or anything to see what would make any Grandpa proud :)

Catch #1... Eric headed out to the dock with Sam and Jordan. New fishing pole in hand and ready to get in the water. You know I don't even know what he used for bait because I don't believe we had been to the lodge to purchase any crawlers or anything yet but whatever he had worked. I'm not sure he knew what hit him or how to reel it in. Good thing big brother was around.

The next day Sam was determined to have a taste of how catching the big one was going to feel. One funny quote from Sam as we were packing up getting ready to go "Hey Mom, bring my comic book to take a break from fishing, I get sooooo tired catching fish" Well he didn't have his comic book in hand but he remembered his tackle box.

 

It didn't take him long to announce his first catch and he was PROUD! :)

He even took him off the hook by himself... poor fish (LOL)

Here is a video of another catch while he was putting his new unhooking skills into action :)

 

I think it is safe to say that the fishing this year was better than it's been in a long time. Reason being the water was C.O.L.D.! Jordan's first big catch was a northern that weighed in at 8lbs and was 35in. The next night I think he caught his younger brother. I'm guessing this guy (second pic) would have grown more if given the chance.

Then of course I wanted to get in on the action but I didn't buy a fishing license this year. That and the fact that Rick told me there "wasn't a chance in H.E. double  hockey stick I could catch a turtle" sent me on my hunt.

Don't tell me what I can't do! (giggle)

 

Jordan also went up to Leech Lake for a day with a friend from another cabin. His first real taste in Walleye fishing proved to also provide a tasty supper.

And of course the testosterone in these next pictures speak for itself!

 

Dad what do you think? :)