I have to include ONE picture!

We are not thinking about Halloween right now, but this is such a cute picture of my cute kids. And I haven't posted pictures recently. Caleb chose to be a "sleepy old man brushing his teeth" (is that the most random costume you've ever heard of?), Norah was THE MOST ADORABLE pumpkin (you should have seen her strapped into her carseat!), and Ivie planned to be a witch but changed last minute because she wanted to wear her new birthday outfit from Grandma. We just said she was a little French girl. I love these kids.

Thoughts

I can't believe how long it has been since I've done anything with the blog. No time and lack of desire have been the culprits, and I find that keeping in touch through blogs leaves me wanting. It is a great way to catch up on the latest happenings, but promise me something, let's not let blogs interfere with really keeping in touch...I so love having an actual dialogue with loved ones (which often occurs through email, but that's OK). From now on, if you post a comment on this blog, I'll do my best to respond. Then we can have a little dialogue, you know, ask and answer questions and so forth. Maybe a dialogue isn't necessary, but at least I'll feel better knowing that I let you know that I know you are there and appreciate you checking in.
Wes is on call tonight and I needed a little break, so I called a baby-sitter and attended a Christmas concert put on by the American Festival Chorus and Orchestra directed by Craig Jessop. My father-in-law sings in the chorus. What a treasure for our community! I was really touched as I contemplated the efforts of the performers in creating such a wonderful event, and as I listened to songs celebrating the birth of one child, one special child that changed everything. I'm thankful for times like these where I can take a break from motherhood and think of lovely things not always associated with motherhood! The best part of my evening is that the babysitter had all my children sound asleep and snug in their beds. That alone is worth a lot of money!
My quiet reprieve is over. I'm headed upstairs to soothe a child and cuddle with her in my soft rocking chair. Life is good.

Estrogen

In about 12 years, we'll have THREE teenage daughters and ONE teenage son. Won't that be fun?

Announcing another darling Mortensen female mid-February 2010.

Goodbye Minnesota

It is my last night in Minnesota. I should be packing, but my mind is busy thinking of the three years we spent here, and my heart is heavy as I prepare to leave this wonderful place and wonderful people. I am thankful for memories so I will never forget our time here.

I will miss...
Living "on our own", away from our roots. We solidified ourselves as a family here.
Cabins "up north".
Oxbow Zoo.
Apple Orchards in autumn.
Welcoming visitors and cherishing our time with them.
Our violin teacher.
Celebrating holidays in our first home.
The friends we've grown to love. You know who you are!
Every moment spent with Scott, Kara and Will. They are our best friends, always there for us to sympathize, laugh, and have fun. We're so lucky we are family too!

Here's to three years full of growth and wonderful memories.

Only in Minnesota

Gigantic Paul Bunyan, headwaters of the Mississippi (so cool), a cherry on a spoon...also gigantic, a little white church, a collection of hats on a screened porch (charming, charming, charming), chimney rock at Whitewater State Park, and Laura Ingalls Wilder's birthplace (well, it's actually in Pepin WI).

Farm Dreams

Minnesota is pristine farm country. I will miss it. I have always love farms, thanks to childhood memories of my father's farm. My father is a farmer...salt of the earth, hard working, industrious. When I drive out of the thriving metropolis of Rochester (which takes about 5 minutes), I enter a picturesque world of rolling hills, neatly planted crops, and immaculate farms consisting of red or white barns, silos, and neat homes. The farms here are so tidy. No broken, rusty tractors or tired fences. Just neat and tidy. I often imagine myself living on a farm in the middle of a wide open space with plenty of sunshine. I can see myself in the garden as the sun rises, reading a book on the porch swing while the breeze rustles the crops. I can smell the apple blossoms in the spring, hear the old screen door slam as the children run in and out, and see the crisp laundry hanging on the line to dry. It is quiet and peaceful.

Too bad Wes isn’t a farmer. Good thing, I suppose. I’m sure my dreams are more romantic than real farm life.

10 Years

Wesley and I have been married for 10 years, 3,650 days. If our happiness and love continues to grow at the same rate, I can't wait for the next 10 years!

I was very surprised by my gift of luscious pink roses and an anniversary band! I was surprised only because Wes has never given me jewelry. Except for the occasional bracelet, I'm not a jewelry gal.

When we became engaged I would walk across Utah State University campus, left arm outstretched so I could admire my ring. I often thought how beautiful it would look partnered with a band.

10 years later, it looks stunning.

I love you Wes.