VICTORY!!!

A couple weeks back, we had a little family ball game in our backyard. The challenge was between our family (Mork) and my brother's family (Robertson). We played regular softball last year and unfortunately for us...the Robertson family came up on top. This year, we decided to play whiffle ball instead. The game was fun, and quite competitive. We (the Mork family) were geared up to make a better showing than we did last year. The stakes were high. The dignity of our family was hanging in the balance.

We were down by three runs as we entered the bottom of the last inning. We were beginning to lose hope when Rigo hit a single home run. We managed to get two runners on base when I stepped up to the base. I really, really wanted to hit a home run. I really, really tried. I swung with all my might and hit the ball... right to the pitcher. Not too impressive. One out. Bjork stepped up to the plate. He positioned himself behind the plate. I have always liked this young man, but never really knew what a powerhouse hitter he was until he CRUSHED the ball out of the yard! It was a three-run walk-off home run!!! Our team went wild with excitement and the game was over! It was a proud day for the Mork family and Bjork was indeed the hero. Boy, am I glad he is on our team!! I am already looking forward to our annual ball game next year. It'll be sweet!

QUIET

Today, I had most of the afternoon and evening to myself. It doesn't happen too often these days and I loved it! As much as I love my family, I recharge when I have time alone. Here is what I chose to do on this day.

1. I made jelly (from plum juice my mom gave me). It's been in my fridge for a few days so I took the chance to get it done - by myself. (Sorry, Rigo!)

2. Dishes, by myself, of course.

3. I wasted some time on Facebook.

4. Scrapbooking. I rarely have a chunk of time to do this and I have a graduation coming soon!! It was very fun and relaxing for me.

5. Watched the end of the Twin's game - by myself.

6. Listened to the radio - by myself.

7. OK, I broke down and made a trip to DQ - by myself. If you must know, I ordered a dipped strawberry Blizzard!

8. I watched a movie - by myself.

9. It is 9:30 and Roselyn will be home soon. I think I will pop some popcorn and watch some TV.

10. Oh yeah! I actually WASN'T alone today. I spent the day with Bernie. It was AWESOME. By the way, he is much, much better. Hope YOU had a quiet day!

NEW RECORD!

Last fall, Steph was part of a relay that set a new Girls Medley Swim record. They finally put the board up today! We have been involved with Cambridge-Isanti Girls swimming for the last 10 years and it was so great to see Steph finally get the MORK name on the record board! Good job, Steph!! We're proud of you!!

FYI - Mork will be changed to MORK...The man who delivered the board noticed the mistake on his way to the school.

DISCONNECTED

Most of the books I read these days have to do with parenting. Raising Boys, Raising Teens, Boundaries, etc... My most recent book is called DISCONNECTED - Parenting Teens in a MySpace World by Chap and Dee Clark. It is very interesting and quite helpful as I try to stay connected to the teens under my roof.

According to these authors, "the period of adolescence has grown over the last few decades. When adolescence was first noticed, it took only a couple of years. When today's parents were kids, it lasted about seven or eight years. But today it is a long, drawnout passage that for most kids takes about fifteen years." Wow! I'm not exactly sure how I feel about that. Seems like a long time to me and frankly, it makes me kind of tired.! They go on to separate the years into early adolescence, midadolescence and late adolescence. I have children in each of these defined time periods...and some days, I am so overwhelmed with the choices and decisions that have to be made ...both for them and for me. It is a priority for me to stay connected with them which is why books like this intrigue me.

I understand the necessity of cell phones, Facebook and internet access in our world. However, these things have drastically changed teen culture even in the last decade... even since our first teenager came on the scene! It has definitely added to the challenge and complexity of parenting at our house. THAT is why I read books like DISCONNECTED so I can have a clue to what is going on and how I can be a better mom.

This books talks about the "world beneath". "The world beneath refers to the lone safe relational place midadolescents believe that have left --other kids. It is in this world where loyalty to each other is (usually) the greatest value they have. It is their own world where they do not feel they will be hassled or judged. It is the world where they have their own language, style, music and, for most kids at least during the midadolescent years, worldview. ...The best possible gift you can give your children as they move through the last decade of adolescence is the willingness to let them guide you, at least in understanding the world where you can never go." Interesting, and something to think about.

I get so consumed with the day-to-day business of running a household that I often don't take the time to learn about and really listen to my kids. It is an area I need to work on, no doubt. It takes time, energy and humility on my part. I am a work in progress, just like they are.

I would highly recommend DISCONNECTED if you have teenage children living in your home. It has made me rethink a few things about my own parenting. One last quote that I loved from the book... "Parenting is hard these day; perhaps it truly is, as the saying goes, today's most competitive adult sport." I would agree.

UPDATE ON BERNIE

Bernie is doing better today, but is still not his perky self. He has had little drinks of water during the day and a little bit of food tonight. It seems to be going quite well. His eyes look better too. Thanks for your concern!

BERNIE'S PHOTO SHOOT

While we were at the cabin, I couldn't resist taking some pictures of my favorite (and only) dog, Bernie. He usually doesn't come with us, was there for only a few days, and will never visit again. It is (understandably) against the rules. Kristin and Steph got into the photo shoot, but make no mistake, the real star in these photos is my dog - our dog. Isn't he the cutest?...

Sadly, Bernie became ill today and had to make an emergency visit to the vet. He is a sick puppy with a really bad stomach ache! I took some pictures of my Bernie boy tonight. Not so perky. Not so photogenic. It makes me very sad to see him like this. Hoping tomorrow is a better day.

GIRLS DAY OUT

This week, my four daughters, along with Allen's mom made a quick trip to Duluth for an overnight adventure. We went to the Glensheen Mansion and to dinner at The Scenic Cafe (located farther up on the shore). We stayed on Canal Park and did a little shopping at Miller Mall the next day. A quick trip, but lots of fun! The Glensheen tour was really interesting and I would give very high marks for the Scenic Cafe. Very creative food and VERY delicious! A trip to Cold Stone was the perfect ending to this warm and busy day!

The best part of our excursion was the time spent together. We set this date a long time ago and we all arranged our schedules to make this event happen. What a treat to spend some time with my daughters and my mother-in-law, Joan. Connecting family takes time and effort, but it is so valuable in giving us an understanding of who we are. It gives us a sense of belonging. I just like making memories together. This was a good memory for me and I hope we will do it again!

THE WINNER IS...

One of the highlights of our time at the cabin is our Iron Chef competition. We look forward to this every year. The rules kind of change from year to year, but it always means good eats! This year, we had three teams. Each team took a meal. Two were evening meals, one was brunch. The "secret" ingredient had to be something we could find in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. At the end of our dock were tomatoes and basil for us to use. There were raspberries (and maybe a few blueberries) just down the road. And of course, there were the plentiful pine needles, which were a clever garnish. Each team had an appetizer, a salad or side, a main dish and dessert. We voted on all courses except for our own and added bonus points when appropriate.

At the end of the competition, Lindsay tallied up the scores and announced the winners! Each group won one course and Team III narrowly walked away with the overall victory. It was some stiff competition, some creative and delicious meals, but my favorite thing, is watching everyone brainstorm and work together to create a beautiful meal. (Note - in case you didn't know... Lindsay has her own food blog and it is fabulous! Check it out at pinchofyum.com . )

If you have an annual family get-together, I would highly recommend an Iron Chef competition!

KING'S POINT LODGE

Lots of time in the water. Lots of fun!
























Our family makes a trek each year to Three Lakes, Wisconsin for several days of swimming, skiing, sleeping, boating, reading, napping, game-playing...you get the idea. Six years ago, Allen and I decided to find a place that would meet the needs of a soon-to-be growing family. At that time, we had no idea that we would be adopting three kids nor did we know who would marry into our family. We did know, however, that our family was in transition and would be growing and changing in many ways. Here we are, six years later with three more children and one son-in-law. Yes, indeed. Our family is growing!

Some of you have asked lots of questions about this "cabin". Kings Point Lodge was built in the 1940's. We like it because it has a rustic cabin feel, but will all the modern conveniences. The kitchen and bathrooms are very up-to-date but the rest of the building feels...old. We like it that way. Actually, there are 2 buildings - the main house and the boat house. Generally, the teenagers take the boathouse. It seems to work out well that way! Anyway...it is cozy with space if you need to get away. There is a beach area, but we spend most of our time on the giant boat dock. It's great for sunning, reading and/or just hanging out. Another thing we love about it is that it is located on the point, which gives us lots of privacy. We rarely see any of our neighbors. Anyway, we have enjoyed coming back to this place for the last several years and look forward to many more memories at King's Point Lodge.

Every year, Allen and I encourage our kids to try something new. This year, Rigo was ready to try kneeboarding and skiing. Roselyn got up on skis for the first time and the rest of us kept working on our own favorites! Poor Romeo! He broke his collar bone a few weeks ago so he had to settle for fishing and "gentle" tubing. I'll post more pictures in the next few days, but here are a few of our water games!