Walking in a Winter Wonderland

 Both Grampy and Daddy Schueler are off serving their country so Grammy has had the precious chance to go snag time with the grandbabes and also sleep at the “southern Schueler’s” at night in the case that momma gets called to a birth in the middle of the night. Yesterday the weather was pristine so I bundled up two cuties and loaded them into a sled. We spent over an hour out exploring Svea, making discoveries, playing at the park, greeting the school bus full of kids as the excitedly came off of their school day, greeted great grandma while she was up at church, tasted icicles and threw & stomped snowballs. The entire hour lil Miss Kelilah enjoyed a fresh air snooze. I love these brilliant ages of discovery and curiosity. 

Abram finds a new gear

Tonight was a swim dual between Willmar and Dassel – Cokato – Litchfield. We have never been to their pool before, and this matchup was set to be a close one. That is exactly what it was. The meet came down to the final relay, the winner would get the “W”. Abram had already had one of his best nights yet in the pool as he nearly broke into the :22  range on his 50 split in the 200 free relay. He also went a 1:56.96 in his 200 free and secured first place by nearly four seconds. He was also the winner of the 500 free which Coach let him lay back on because he knew he needed every ounce of energy for the upcoming relays. The relay was neck and neck when Abram took to the water against the top swimmer for DCL to anchor the 400 Relay. He held strong and he held his own, but in the end got narrowly out touched. There was no room to be upset as we opened up to see his split in our Meet Mobile app say that he did his 100 in :51.81. He was beaming! What a phenomenal night. He truly found a brand new gear tonight!

 

We love our new neighbors

It has been with great anticipation that we waited for Ayden and Kiana to settle into life just three-quarters of a mile south of us in Svea. Over the holidays, that dream became a reality. What a joy it is to glance at the back door and see my big boy standing there, just like he always used to. This is still home, and that door is always open for him and his sweet family.

This proximity has made spontaneous playtime between Grammy, Grampy, and the little ones— or between uncles and their niece and nephew—possible at nearly any moment. The other day, we were treated to clear blue skies and no wind, the perfect weather to head outside for some snow tunnel digging and sledding fun. Thaddeus was full of giggles, charming us all with his infectious laughter as he was pulled up and down the road and driveway by every willing adult. If the ride paused for even a moment, he’d immediately respond with an enthusiastic, “More! More!”

We’ve also enjoyed entire days with both grandbabes when Ayden and Kiana are at work on Fridays. These days are something we all look forward to. We’ve dusted off Grammy’s childhood toys, enlisted Thaddeus to help with Shabbat preparations, and created well-worn paths around the kitchen island as uncles chase and get chased by Thaddeus.

Equally delightful is watching Kelilah grow and change week by week. She’s determined to get moving, sit up on her own, and grab everything in reach. She’s a champion napper at Grammy’s house, and, surprisingly, loves being swaddled up for a snooze. She smiles as she’s bundled snug, and greets me with grins and a big stretch when she wakes from a good nap.

Having them close transports me straight back to the days when our own kids were small. It feels so familiar, so rewarding, so precious—so wonderful.

Resurrection Weekend

Oh what a joy, oh what a privilege, oh what an honor to be able to praise a RISEN SAVIOR not only this weekend, but every day our lungs are filled with air. On Saturday night the entire family converged on the farm. What a delight to have my groom, my eldest and his beautiful bride and sweet boy, my vibrant daughter and my two growing and handsome younger sons all together. My heart can hardly contain the abundant joy it beats with for this crew. And now we get to celebrate the greatest day in history together.

Sunday morning meant a chance to worship and serve the Lord. Abbott was busy loving on the school age kids down in KidsWorld. He serves by leading small group times each Sunday and he was also able to be a part of the drama this week as he portrayed Simon Peter. Mitch was standing on stage on the worship team this week. It has been a culmination of healing for about 11 years and he has felt released by the Lord to sing again. Thank you Lord! I also stepped outside my box these past few weeks and had my very first choir experience. I have enjoyed the opportunity to get to know the AG choir, but it is so much more than just a group of people singing. It comes with its own culture, humor and hungry pursuit of the Lord. I just can't wait to be with these people and sing to the Savior. The morning was drenched in the shame of sin turned into resurrection power. It was a Holy Spirit saturated morning that I didn't want to have it end. He is so worthy of all honor and glory, now and forever. 

What did Nana and Papa stack in this pail?

Storytime with Nauntie Aubrey

It was nearly nap time and Nana's lap was a perfect place to find some peace and quiet.

 The remainder of the day was spent with family. We had a traditional meal at Nana and Papa Reese's home. It was great to gather around a full table, sit and chat, catch up and laugh together. From there we headed to Gma and Gpa Schueler's house. Grandpa of course had set up an egg hunt for all the kids (no matter your age). His hunts hold egg seekers to a very high level of expertise. You have to be good to find Gpa's hidden treasures. Thaddeus also had his own mini hunt in the living room. In the afternoon we had family chats while Thad was trying his walking legs out. The big moment came in the living room at Gma and Gpa's farm, his FIRST STEPS!!! Oh how proud he was. What a big boy! 

These two do life with joy. Off and skipping to find their hidden eggs.

Our lil Amish girl with her skirt and farm boots

Did you find any on the gravity wagon Abram?

He's become a much better egg hunter over the years

Goofballs

Our kiddos egg hunting together

Egg hunt time

He grew more attached to his Funcle Abram over the weekend

My heart in one photo

It's a good and crazy life

 Aubrey headed back to Mankato in the evening and the rest of us relaxed at home the rest of the day. 

Monday was a brilliant 60+ degree day and we couldn't be convinced to go inside. Ayden, Kiana and Thaddeus were able to stay one extra day and they just couldn't convince themselves to get in that car to head north because we were enjoying the cows, the chickens, golfing lessons from Funcle Abram, loading toy dump trucks, blowing bubbles and swinging. It was the perfect ending to a blessed weekend. 

After visiting the chickens he had to visit the cows with Funcle Rabbit

Getting some hard farm work done

Lola has the best seat in the house.
She is the cleanup crew.

Golf lessons with Abram

Momma was trying to figure out how to swing the golf club with baby Kelilah in the way

Thad, Dad and Bentley

Farmer Thaddeus watching over the cows and seeing the road grater go by

My heart was all together for a full 24+ hours and now it disperses to Mankato and Cloquet and right here in Svea. I just take heart that the joy I get to feel is being spread to others wherever they go. 

Thank you Lord for family. Thank you Lord for this farm. Thank you Lord for dying for us. But best of all, THANK YOU LORD FOR DEFEATING THE GRAVE!

Willmar Cardinals Host 2025 Section 3A Championship

It is always bittersweet when you wrap up another year of swim. It means goodbyes are coming as the Seniors hang up their suit and towel one last time. Every year carries a different culture, a different feel. For the WHS Boys this season there has been a strong sense of brotherhood. Traditions returned and the 3 Seniors led this crew of 19 with humility. They were shining examples of solid work ethic and encouragement to their younger teammates. It will be hard to see them go but they are more than ready. They have led well and they finished strong. Thank you Alex Marcus, Evan Wallestad and David Lammers. It has been a joy to see you grow over the years and emerge as competent, great young men.

The night before Section Prelims the Newberg home hosted the final spaghetti feed of the season. The boys carbed up and then the heckling began. Group think took over and soon there were 3 shavers heating up on swimmers' heads. The boys were busily shaving one another down and hair was everywhere, laughter was in abundance and some stellar new hairstyles were modeled on those melons. The boys left filled with energy, high goals and the assignment to go home and shave those legs, armpits, backs and chests. Tomorrow would be like Christmas Day with all the gifts of taper.

2024-25 Sections Team

Let's get rid of that fried mop

Yes, he left it like this and swam prelims with this skullet and even went to school with it. He shaved the rest for finals.

Schueler boy #2 with fried locks

Alex shearing Abram

If this photo had sound you would need to turn the volume down.

David was Abbott's barber

"Mom, it feels like velcro."

Abram and Soren got to shave the Seniors

Most of the "After" crew. Some had already left. 

Section prelims was Thursday night. Ayden and Kiana rolled into town and were on deck as timers along with mom. Dad was in his typical roll as swim announcer and it was time to roll. Ayden was given the privilege of presenting a pep talk to the Cardinals in which he encouraged them to remember that their races may seem to be about themselves, but really, this was the time to race for your teammate standing next to you. Do it for them. Do it together. They were fired up and ready. The meet began with the most astounding rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner". The Willmar boys had led the singing of the anthem at most meets this season and today was only different in one way, there was about 150 boys singing it acapella together as 8 teams in one. 

The Schueler boys had an excellent night in the lanes. Abram placed 10th in the 200 dropping a mighty 4.23 seconds. He will swim it again at Saturday finals. His 500 wasn't quite the time drop he wanted, but the 8th place finish was exactly what he wanted. He will be swimming the championship heat and taking home a medal on Saturday. His goal quickly turned into, "I don't want 8th. I want to get off the floor and up a step or more." His 400 Free Relay did not have 100% of their lineup in the water and it was not a strong swim for them. They hope to capitalize on it come Saturday. The true "Cinderella Story" was authored by Abbott. He has grown to love the 500 this season and has been slicing time away from the 7:04 from the start of the year. All year he dreamed of a chance to swim at Sections and he earned that right. He wanted to experience taper, visualization and what it is like to be on the Section team. He took the plan very seriously and was found nervous, but anticipatory behind that block at prelims with his fastskin on. He entered with a PR of 6:34.29 and hoped to go under 6:30. One day amidst taper Mom had said to him, "I think you have a 6:19 in you that you will get to unwrap." The starter went and off he went. He was a guy on a mission. He swam fast and steady with each split surprising us all. When Abbott hit the wall it was only a second or two afterwards that I saw Coach Carl quickly marching over to Abbott's lane to congratulate him. While still in the water I saw my boy peer around his block to greet me with the HUGEST grin. We saw his time pop up. It was a 6:19.54, a drop of 14.75 seconds. He literally bounced out of that water, met Coach Carl for an enthusiastic fist bump before he plowed me over with a soggy hug and then ran over to his big brother Ayden and his sis Kiana who both wrapped their arms around him to celebrate as well. What an ending to his season. Well done Rabbit. You have put in so much time, effort and strength. It sure shows. Celebrate big!

Abram is ready for the 200 Free

Abbott was nervous and fidgety before tackling that 500

Abram was just two lanes over from his brother in the 500. I was timing the lane between the two Schuelers.

Enthusiastic congrats from Coach Carl

That is one happy kid about to give me a soggy hug

Saturday Finals truly meant "All Hands on Deck". Aubrey was home to time and brought her Maverick teammate Sydney along to time beside her. Ayden and Kiana had stopwatches around their necks again, Abbott was cheering from the side of the pool with his guys, dad was announcing and mom was on deck with front row seats along with Nana and Papa. By the end of the day there were 6 Cardinal swimmers with shiny things hanging around their necks, 2 relays were headed to state and David Lammers had snagged two individual state berths as well. Abram ended with a 13th place overall in the 200 Free and then he captured his goal in the 500. He stepped off of the pool deck and on to the 7th place platform to receive his first Section medal with a 5:21.55!!! The 400 Free Relay also found that mojo they had been missing and finished with a 3:31.46 and some 6th place medals. It was a great day!

Aftyn and Marin, managers on duty

7th place in Section 3A-Abram Schueler

6th place 400 Free Relay-
Abram, Alex Marcus, Soren Newberg and Evan Wallestad

Nana and Papa-top swim fans for over 45 years

Medal winners

Swim-it's a family thing

Abram's hardware

The other biggest swim fans-Gma and Gpa

Abram and his favorite manager

These buds have been in pools together for nearly all their lives

Parent's go out to celebrate post-finals

The following week Abram was given the chance to be an alternate with the State Team. He was thrilled to be with his guys, get to dress up and get a great meal at Bucca di Beppo, hang out at the hotel, shop the mall and cheer his brothers on in the Medley Relay and the 200 Free Relay. The 200 Free Relay even took home some hardware with a 7th place finish. What a great ending to a great year. 

Cardinal State Team

Abram with Jeff 2.0

Fans for sendoff

Go make waves boys

Off they go

Happy alternates-Abram, Anthony Buzzeo and Matthew Lammers

7th place-200 Free Relay

https://youtu.be/I9y0W9U4lJU?feature=shared