More Transitions

We visited Sioux Falls last weekend for three purposes.  Niece Aanna graduated from Dordt College and got engaged, so we wanted to see her; Callie performed her senior harp recital, and we celebrated Mother's Day with Mom Stadem.  We arrived at about 4:30pm on Friday, and departed at 8pm on Saturday, as the Svea Sunday School kids sang in church on Sunday and needed Philip to sing with them and me to direct.

Our schedule boggles the mind:
Friday:
  5:00 - visit with Tom and Judy after bringing Andrew and Philip to their house; take a walk outside in the gorgeous sunshine
  6:30 - take Mom and Dad Stadem to Ruby Tuesday's for delicious dinner, compelling conversation and blissful blessing
  9:30 - meet Tom and Judy at the Shrine for ballroom dancing
 12:00 - back to Mom and Dad's condo to sleep
Saturday:
  8:00 - meet Aanna at HyVee for breakfast and all the details about Nick's proposal and their courtship
  9:30 - Pete finds a coffee shop; Kari drives with Tanya and Aanna to Brookings to drop the latter off so she can get a ride to Pierre for a wedding
 11:00 - Tanya and Kari stop by David and Callie's apartment so Tanya can see it and we can say hi
 11:30 - Pete helps Steve with log-splitting while Kari helps Tanya make lunch; we eat lunch with Steve, Tanya and her parents
  2:00 - Travel to Augustana
  2:30 - Enjoy Callie's fantastic performance on the harp.  All the above-mentioned people attend the recital as well
  3:30 - Help Laurie Berg serve Bundt cake and berries for a little reception after the recital.  Visit with the Browns
  5:30 - Savor Old Chicago pizza with the Bergs and the David's
  7:30 - Pick up Andrew, Philip and Greta at Tom's; bring Greta home; get coffee and tea while Philip jumps on Greta's trampoline with her
  8:30 - Travel home via Sacred Heart to wish Jeannette Agre a happy 60th birthday
  12:30 - Home!

It struck me that yet another transition forces our Sioux Falls visits to look very different.  In the past, our big blob of a family traveled down in the big van to someone's house for a big gathering with the whole family.  Now, the whole family doesn't get together much because half the cousins have separate lives.  The big group did gather on Sunday, but we couldn't be there.  Daniel and Sarah didn't even come with us because they had other things (Sarah homered in her softball game).  The fragmented family fractions require small groups instead of large blobs.  Although it makes for a lot of miles on the car, it's kind of nice to focus on individual conversation.  Every cloud has a silver lining.

Thanksgiving Thanks

Things about the Thanksgiving weekend that I'm thankful for:

1.  About 15 Sunday School kids showed up for the Thanksgiving Eve service.
2.  We had as many choir members as Sunday School kids.
3.  The kids were fairly focused during our rehearsal.
4.  The choir was so patient while singing "All You Works of God" 8 or 10 times so the kids could master their parts.
5.  The church service was well attended with the families of the kids.
6.  The accompaniment CD worked well and the sound balance was good.
7.  The Coats family arrived in time to join in on the singing.
8.  Communion at the service.
9.  Delicious pies afterwards.
10.  The visiting dogs settled down OK.
11.  David and Callie were here for three whole (and parts of two more) days.
12.  We made it through the cold windy part of the Turkey Leg 5K.
13.  We enjoyed the last part and Mary and I had a great conversation.
14.  Pete finally won his age category in a race this year.
15.  We won the Largest Family Group award, with 12 members running or walking, compared to 7 in the next largest group.
16.  The award was gourmet snack boxes.
17.  Mary's sweet potato dish and broccoli slaw.
18.  Jody Brown's pies.
19.  Seeing the Browns and the Coats, especially Cara and Elisabeth home from college.
20.  Traditional Thanksgiving food.
21.  Make-ahead cream cheese mashed potatoes.  Yummmmm!
22.  Cousin love.
23.  Family sharing time in the evening.
24.  Rahila shared about her school fund-raising for Heifer International and collected $63 on the spot.
25.  Browns brought me a poinsettia.
26.  We adults had a really excellent discussion about life, not always agreeing, but agreeing on the main things.
27.  Hugs.
28.  We got a 40" TV with an amazing HD picture and watched "Brave."
29.  Delicious Applebee's food and stimulating conversation with David and Callie.
30.  Even if I didn't have all these other things to be thankful for, I would still be thankful for Jesus Christ and His love for me.  He will never leave me or forsake me, and if everything else passes away, He will remain.

Thanks Lord!  Amen.

Another Busy Weekend

Today (Monday) I haven't been doing much - just the basics (teaching, essential housekeeping and making meals). I think it's because the weekend took a lot out of me and I don't have much energy for productive endeavors. This is my day of rest.

On Friday morning, Sarah and I went in to Herberger's Community Days to shop this great sale and use our $10 off coupons. Unfortunately, 80% of the sale items don't qualify for the coupon, but we finally found things we were happy to buy. Friday afternoon Pete got new poults, so I had to take Sarah to Cologne (about 90 minutes away) to meet up with Uncle Tom and his Sounds Like Love group from Sioux Falls - they brought Sarah the rest of the way to St. Andrew's Lutheran in Mahtomedi for this Christian singing and dancing event. When I returned home, I made a steak dinner to celebrate Joel and Daniel's 19th birthday; we 'd already given them their present.

On Saturday morning I woke Joel and Daniel and we went in to Herberger's, JC Penney's and Target and found good clothes and shoes for the boys - another birthday present. They will look sharp now! Back at home I helped Andrew and Philip complete everyone's Saturday chores - another birthday present - and made caramel bars for their bonfire party that night - another birthday present. Pete and I went to the YMCA to lift weights and picked up a few groceries before heading back home again, where he helped with the party and I got ready for Sunday's church and travel. Although Michelle was planning to pick Sarah up at the softball clinic, she wasn't sure she could get to the Sounds Like Love concert in time to bring Sarah to the clinic, so I had decided to go.

Sunday morning Joel wasn't feeling well, but everyone went to Sunday School and church anyway. Before departure, I had to get food ready for the Luther League potluck; gather the music, reading material, Sarah's suitcase and bat and flute and homeschool books; remind Andrew to get what he needed for the trip; eat, shower and get ready for church myself.

At church, I had to lead Sunday School music, practice with Eddie for his trombone solo, talk to several people about different things, figure out what to play for prelude, and then play for the worship service and make an announcement about choir practice. After one of the shortest postludes I've ever played, Andrew and I hopped in the car, stopped at home to pick up a couple of forgotten items, and were on our way. Fortunately, Mapquest allowed extra time for city traffic (I suppose) and instead of arriving at 2:30, we arrived at 2:10, even with a short stop for gas and food. We found the cousins and thoroughly enjoyed the concert by 200+ students, including Sarah and cousins Liz, Rachel and Nathan, led by John Jacobson and a fabulous jazz band. The choreography made it fun to watch and the band made it fun to listen to.

Sarah and I sped off to the clinic, leaving Andrew to go home with the Coats family so he could have some cousin time. Once again, Mapquest overestimated, and gave perfect directions, so we arrived at the University of St. Thomas with fifteen minutes to spare. I looked at a Christmas catalog and visited and walked with another mom, Linda, until the clinic was over and Michelle arrived. We went to Fuddrucker's and had yummy burgers, then hugged and I went to the Coats house. Mary and I discussed the Compline service that the whole Stadem clan will lead on the first Sunday in Advent, following which Andrew and I left for home. He entertained me most of the way with his thoughts, observations and knowledge. Nevertheless, I was exhausted when we entered the immaculate house - thanks Pete, Joel, Daniel and Philip! I went straight to bed and have been dragging around the house most of today.

When we signed Sarah up for this clinic, we agreed that we would take our Sabbath from Saturday noon to Sunday noon on weekends when she had the clinic. We didn't do it this weekend because we had to go in for Sounds Like Love anyway, but I can see that it will be very important to be disciplined about resting before traveling to the Cities on a Sunday!

A Great Day to be a Viking!

We had a wonderful weekend at the Augustana Homecoming. After arriving at Steve & Tanya's Friday night and visiting with the family until midnight, we were at HyVee's restaurant at 9 on Saturday morning for breakfast with them all. Grandpa came in later than the rest of us, and as he went from table to table getting hugs from all twenty or so, customers were looking, if not staring and pointing. :)

The Augie parade began at 10, so we headed over to watch and connect with Pete's friends from college. We ran into several and found Tom & Tacey by the Dignitary Tent - they're definitely dignified! It's always enjoyable to catch up with people from the past, and we kept visiting long after the parade was over and David was calling, "Where are you??" He had marched with the Augustana Marching Choir, singing "We are Marching in the Light of God" and doing Chinese fire drills and having lots of fun.

We went to lunch at Johnny Carino's with David, his girlfriend Callie, and her parents, Jon & Lori. They are delightful Christian people and we visited for a couple of hours. We will be praying for wisdom and discernment for David & Callie as they seek to know whether they are called to be together - permanently!

After a short nap, choir rehearsal for Pete, and a snack for him (Kari's tummy was upset, possibly because of the drugs she was taking to ward off cold symptoms), we saved 14 seats at Viking Varieties, the all-Augie talent show. When everyone had arrived, the show started - and what a show! The Brass Choir - David's roommate Michael played euphonium - performed a very long and impressive medley of New York-type tunes ("The Big Apple" was the theme of the entire weekend), followed by numerous individual and small group acts. David, Callie and 2 other friends offered a rendition of "Java Jive" which elicited laughter from the crowd as well as admiration for their vocal skills. David was one of the Augie Dancers and did quite well one two of the songs. Callie played harp and sang "Cartwheels" with another friend of hers - beautiful in every way. An international student from Kazakhstan entertained and amazed everyone with his explanations of Russian, Chinese and Japanese accents (in English!). Several female vocalists, male saxophonists, and a unicyclist displayed their lovely talents, and the set, choreography, costumes and lighting all combined to enhance the experience. The emcees may not have been of the caliber of Pete and Joel back in the day, but their original material and fairly smooth delivery made for good transitions. The last act, the Augie Percussion Ensemble performing "Stinkin' Garbage" - playing on metal trash cans - was very fun, exciting and astounding.

On Sunday Pete sang in the Alumni Choir for the worship service in the Elmen Center (gym). They did "O Day Full of Grace" by F. Melius Christiansen, a gorgeous arrangement that my high school choir sang, and also "Beautiful Savior" and "God Be With You til we Meet Again." Dr. James Johnson, who left last year after a 19-year stint with the Augustana Choir, directed the Alumni Choir. We were all invited to the President's House for a light brunch and official farewell to Dr. J. There was a lot of emotion from people who sang for him for 3 or 4 years - he was beloved.

Kari napped in the minivan while Pete and the kids ate subs and played at Tuthill Park, then we went to McDonald's for coffee with Grandma and Grandpa and played cards at their house. Then it was on the road again, turning off the Vikings game when it became apparent what a disaster it was going to be, and arriving home at 10:30. Another successful family outing!

David's Voice Recital Weekend

What a fun time in Sioux Falls this weekend! Our schedule:

Friday - depart at 3:45pm (Pete, Kari, Sarah, Andrew & Philip), hoping to avoid the slippery, snow-packed, low visibility roads that Pete had been driving in (moving turkeys) all morning. We sure did - it was sunny and the roads were perfectly clear all the way down.

Mom & Dad Stadem fed us delicious lasagna, the Tom's came over and the kids played computer and cards, the adults played a card game called 3-13 that we'd learned from Bev Young in Hawaii.

Saturday - We met the Tom's at HyVee, where Dad bought us all breakfast - very good. We visited until almost noon, then the kids went with the Tom's and the parents went to a funeral. We went to Augustana and met Michelle & David. We had lunch with them in the cafeteria and talked about the future - primarily Michelle's - until 4, strolled down to the Huddle and discussed it all until 6, then over to the HyVee Deli and ate Chinese and chicken until 8! We didn't really get anything resolved, but agreed to pray for unity in Christ regarding the decisions Michelle has to make. David has applied to Riverside Bible Camp, Campus Crusade's Summer Project, and summer research at Augustana. He'll wait to hear back from all 3 before making a decision.

When we had had enough, Pete & Kari picked up Philip & Beka at Tom's and brought them to Steve's, who had just arrived home from Lanesboro. The 3 youngest cousins had a sleepover there, and we went back to the parents'.

Sunday - At Gloria Dei Lutheran Church we were blessed by the praise team (Steve played guitar), the sermon and a middle school liturgical dance group. Kari cries during songs whenever she doesn't lead worship. What's up with that? Pastor Tim Selbow's main point: the devil may win certain battles but he's already lost the war. Pete & Tim have a friend in common - Jim Luebe, our colleague from Tentmakers, played baseball with Tim at Luther College.

Dad S treated us and the Steve's to pancakes and eggs at the VFW. Full of good food, we meandered over to Kresge Hall at Augustana for David's sophomore recital. He, Callie Berg and Ali Hoffman sang art music in English, Italian, German and French beautifully. We especially enjoyed an English song about "all the girls I swore to love forever" that really showed off David's range, tone, breath, and control.

Steve & Tanya hosted us all - Browns, Steve's, Tom's, the parents, and our family - for HyVee chicken, potato salad, lefse, chips and salad. It felt like we ate the whole weekend long! After visiting for a couple of hours, we had an uneventful drive home and prepared to re-enter the daily routine after losing an hour to Daylight Savings Time.

Thanks, Lord, for a wonderful family, great weather and beautiful music!

Norling Christmas Celebrations

We had the Norling Christmas gatherings this weekend. The Palmer Norling family (my dad and his descendants) celebrated on Friday evening at my brother's home, and the Albin Norling family (my grandpa's descendants - he's been gone for 25 years) celebrated yesterday at my uncle's home.

What joy! At my brother's, the cousins had drawn names to buy gifts for each other. I wish you could have seen the grateful and giddy expressions on the little ones' faces as they hugged the cousin who had drawn their names and given them just what they wanted (thanks to the moms for good lists!). And especially the expressions on the givers' faces as they realized what a blessing they had provided. The Thursday snowstorm had prevented my big boys from shopping, so they left work early and found their cousin gifts on the way to the celebration - and did a great job! Michelle had brother Andrew's name instead of a cousin, and she made a poster with candy bars taped to it and a message using the words of the candy to say she'd take him to a coffee shop some time. Very creative!

Of course, the food at both potlucks was superb - ham dinner at one, turkey dinner at the other. At my uncle's, it was great to see my cousin Torry and his family, who moved to Orlando this summer to work for The Jesus Film. We were a small crowd this year - only 60 - because 4 families, totaling 23, weren't able to be there. Why so many, from my grandparents who had just 2 boys? Well, my dad has 3 children and 16 grandchildren (in the picture above), and his brother has 3 children, 18 grandchildren (10 have spouses), and 20 great-grandchildren. We all believe God loves people and wants more of them! Feasting and visiting with fellow believers who share the same values as well as heritage just can't be beat.

Also at my uncle Ray's, he thanked everyone for their prayers. Last year he was diagnosed with 90% aggressive prostate cancer. After treating it with radiation, natural foods, and prayer, it had shrunk to the point where they removed it this last August. They spent 3 days in the lab cutting it up and trying to find some cancer. They found 0% - praise the Lord! Ray knew that over 100 people were praying for him.

My heart goes out to people whose family times are filled with stress, strife, anxiety or bitterness. I pray that they may find a peaceful, loving family in the Church of Jesus Christ.