Student of the Month

Teresa received Student of the Month for April.

She earned it for being a quiet leader and someone who is always enjoying a good book.

Congratulations, T!

A Mary Poppins matinee

Yesterday, my mother-in-law Denise and I took the girls to NSU's production of "Mary Poppins."

Teresa loved last summer's "Hairspray" at the ACT and the school plays at Northwestern.

It occurred to me yesterday morning that this would be Rachel's first play.  With Mary Poppins actually flying on and off stage, it set the bar pretty high!  She said she loved it and it was like a movie.

I've decided these experiences need to be more frequent in our repertoire.  With our children now all old enough to appreciate (and sit through) productions, I can now begin to share my appreciation of theatre and music with them.  

Easter blessings

Happy Easter!

We began our Easter celebration with Easter Vigil on Saturday night.

We hosted Easter dinner at our house.  Nathan and Teresa planned something entirely new for the afternoon this year.  They practiced all day on Saturday to present a BMX Bike Race for our family.  As plans progressed, the race became not only for entertainment, but also a fundraiser for Cranio Care Bears. (Rachel decided to put her proceeds toward her American Girl doll fund.) :)

They got Rachel on board to sell lemonade and KoolAid before the race.  They also sold raffle tickets for five cents, with the winner getting to announce the winners of the race.

In the end, they raised $11.40, which will help mail care packages to families facing cranio surgeries.

the spectators

Cattle Dog

We had a little surprise when Macy opened the barn door to let herself out . . . and her bottle calf friends followed her out to play, too!

She was happy to help put them back in again.

What a good cattle dog. :)

Kebabs!

Landen decided to try something new--kebabs on the grill.

He looked up his own recipe, and with tips from Rachael Ray, marinated, assembled and grilled a DELICIOUS steak kebab supper for our family.

Teenagers are fun! :)

Bottle calves

Landen, Nathan & Teresa have four bottle calves to care for this spring!

Pictured above are Chubs, J.J., Bits, and in the back, Jorge Redman.

With A Chick, Chick here . . .

After months of waiting and an extensive construction project with Grandpa Melius (see above), the baby chicks have arrived!

Landen purchased his chicks after his basketball tournament on Saturday. Nathan couldn't wait and bought five, too.  

I don't have a photo of the boys with their chicks . . . just these chicks with the chicks. :)

Nathan's order of chicks arrived at the post office this morning.  Rachel and I went into town to pick up the noisiest and cutest package we've ever received in the mail!

The boys seem to have everything under control for their new chicks.

All we need now is egg customers come fall.  We are going to have A LOT of eggs around here . . . even more than the Melius family can eat!

Happy Baptism Day!

Gabriel John was baptized Sunday, April 2, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Aberdeen.  He had a beautiful baptism and a beautiful spring day to celebrate.

Congratulations, Gabe!