Lilligren Family Newsletter
Christmas 2008

What an interesting year 2008 was for our family! We had some "close calls" and got see our final college graduate.

Hannah
She had by far the most interesting year.  In pursuit of her degree in Languages and International Studies, Hannah's studies took her to classes in Washington, D.C, Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, and Russia.  Prior to her return from Russia, she spent a couple of weeks visiting friends throughout Europe.  What an opportunity she had to apply her studies!

On December 13th, she received her B.A. at St. Scholastica in Duluth.  We had a wonderful time together in celebration of her accomplishment.

Hannah continues to work at the Pine Medical Center in Sandstone.  She was recently promoted from her position as a nursing assistant to HUC (health unit coordinator).  She still plans to go back to school and finish her B.S. in nursing. 

The Family on Graduation Day in Duluth

Josiah
He still lives in Fargo, N.D., which apparently has more people than trees (a fact that is accentuated when he comes back to Pine County and gets claustrophobic, just by being outside).  He did some graduate studies at NDSU, but spent most of his time at his job as a nursing assistant in the orthopedic department at the MeritCare Hospital in Fargo.

His greatest loves at the present are reading books and researching history (no surprise there).  He still wants to pursue his studies, but is in no great hurry.  Hopefully 2009 will find him working in a field more in line with his academic background.

Some of Bel's flowers in bloom in July

Bel
Bel had quite a "close call" in November when she had a car accident just a mile from home.  Her car lost control and flipped over into the ditch.  Thankfully, she didn't get even a scratch, although her car was totaled. 

On her days off from her full-time job as server at the buffet at the Hinckley Casino, Bel was able to get quite a bit accomplished in both her flower and vegetable gardens.  As you can see by the photo above, there were some very colorful blooms this past summer.  It was not uncommon to see cars slowing down as they drove by, just to get a better look at the various flower gardens.

The vegetable garden this summer set a family record for green peppers.  We diced and froze enough to last until next season.  We also had our first successful season of growing watermelons (three different varieties).  What a blessing it is to eat of the fruit of our labors.

Dave
He continued to wear different "hats" in 2008.  Most days (especially in the summer) he was "Farmer Dave."  Other days, he was the "Computer guy."  And still other days, he was seen as the "Preacher," being involved in a couple of weddings as well.

As you can see by the picture above, Dave got a nice buck in a deer season that was tougher than most (fewer deer were seen and taken in our area). Also, he took more time out than in years past to spend some time on a few local lakes, fishing pole in hand.  What a surprise it was to find a lot of good  Bass action on nearby Grindstone Lake (as evidenced by the picture below).

Dave was able to spend more time working in "the Cities" as well, delivering Cisco certification training to QWEST employees.

Gus, the Blue Heeler, our oldest (and smartest) dog

DA FARM
A couple of times we almost lost Gus, our beloved Blue Heeler.  In July, while chasing a chicken out of the yard, he ran too closely to our haybine and sliced his front leg, all the way to his neck.  He was in surgery for quite a while, and had to wear a "cone" around his head for a couple of months.

Later in the summer, he suffered heat stroke twice, and almost died.  Some old electrolyte mixture, used primarily for calves, saved his life.  Thankfully, he appears to be back to normal health.  He is the best dog we have ever owned, and it will be a sad day indeed when we lose him.

Rosie, the Red Heeler, still appears to have a bit of "puppy" left in her, although she is learning much, and is demonstrating a great deal of loyalty toward Dave, following him wherever he goes around the farm.  Bel's two "puppies," Casey (the Shi Tzu) and Jackie (the black Pomeranian) continue provide us with amusement.

Last year we borrowed a Belted Galloway bull, and all ten of our calves born this year threw a belt.  One calf had a funny belt, though, that resembled the Honda symbol!

We still raised hogs, and were able to make our own bacon and ham this year.  Yum!  We cut back a bit on the chickens, and only raised 200.  They still remain the best tasting poultry we've ever eaten.  The egg-laying flock is smaller this year, but still keeping us (and some friends) eating wonderful free-range eggs.  We are so grateful for all the homegrown food with which we've been blessed.

And so, as we look back upon God’s goodness to us in 2008, we are humbled by His grace and mercy to us!

Soli Deo Gloria!