Hearts at Home Conference 2009

I've been looking forward to this year's Hearts at Home Conference for a LONG time... I think ever since the moment it ended last year! I remember going back to my sister's to pick up my kids (my husband was hunting) and asking immediately.... "Could you watch the kids again next year?? Same time?? Please......???" And thankfully she said "Yes!"

Last year my sister had to work, so we were able to drop off the kids about 4:30 or so?? I just remember as we were still driving in the Cities, all of the sudden the street lights were coming on. So by the time we got there, we were hungry... and we found one little vendor that was open (for a different event at the Civic Center) and got a candy bar and something to drink to tide us over. We did get to attend the "Moms Night Out" so that was good! Got to LOVE the Go Fish guys! We also realized that both of us had forgotten our socks!!! Who forgets their socks??! Oh wait... I know the answer to that one! Becky and I forget our socks! We were destined to be roommates! So we did a trip to Target to get some socks and then finally got to eat at Applebee's!

This year was going to be different.... we were going to remember our socks! And that's when it happened..... I got an "idea". So I quickly e-mailed Becky on Facebook with the title "GOT AN IDEA!!!"

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Laurel Rogers Fremling October 8 at 2:51pm
OK! What if we buy a big bag of cheap socks... and wherever we ended up playing cards... just leave a sock here and there?? ;)

Laurel

Becky Bills October 8 at 4:21pm
Oooo... we could put them under peoples pillows:)

Laurel Rogers Fremling October 8 at 4:55pm
And in them!! Especially if they brought them from home!!

Becky Bills October 8 at 10:10pm
Heck, we could hide them in their HAH bags!!!

Laurel Rogers Fremling October 8 at 10:32pm
Awesome!!! Socks showing up all weekend!! Where did this sock come from.... I don't know!!! Buwahahahahah!

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It's a clean little game, the socks are brand new... they're clean... no one gets hurt... and we get to have fun in the process! And of course... it'll help build "Unity". One thing about Becky and I... we are there for the group! ;)

So this year, my sister actually called me and said to drop the kids off at 3:00!! AWESOME! A lot earlier, and more time to have fun AND we actually would have time to eat before the Conference. The day finally came, I fought past the hunting traffic all the way to the Twin Cities... and I was EARLY! This was with a stop for lunch along the way as well! The kids were fine with being early and being able to go and get some ice cream while we waited. Everyone that was to ride with me was going to meet us at my sister's office. We finally got to my sister's office and Becky was already there.... and then Cindy came. My kids bolted into the building with their Aunt Holly.... very excited to make turkeys on her white board. Poor Becky then had to physically pry her daughter off of her and get her restrained in her car seat. Her mother was taking the kiddos for the weekend... as we looked over as they drove away.... Katherine had big tears going down her cheeks as she's whimpering "Mommy.... don't leave me Mommy...." talk about a way to break a mother's heart... but that was short lived. Rebecca finally showed up and we were on our way! Excited as can be to be with some of my bestest friends ever! Giggling and cackling and catching up the whole way down to Rochester (another 2 hours from the Cities).

When we got to the hotel, I was sharing a room/suite with Becky... so we broke out the socks while Cindy and Rebecca were in their room. We took a couple of pictures with our prized socks... stuffed a few in our bags and we were off! The evening was delightful! Awesome speakers, and skits and music. Music was the Go Fish guys.... you can NEVER go wrong there! Then it was time to go back to the rooms and have fun and eat. One problem... we still haven't gotten any of the socks off of us... and everyone was meeting in our rooms because our room and Rebecca and Cindy's room were right next to each other. So it was a logical meeting space.

The next morning Becky and I were talking.... "We just have to go for it!" We went to the lounge to get our breakfast and many of our friends were there (we had a group of 14). Ate a yummy waffle... all the while looking around to see how to get rid of these socks! Didn't see an opportunity. The problem with being in a group of 14, is that there are eyes EVERYWHERE and from every angle!! Finally we went into the lobby and Tam and Sonya were sitting there... Tam was sitting on the floor looking at Sonya on the couch... Becky distracted them (by just talking to them) and I was able to get my first sock into Tam's bag. Then I looked over and noticed a gentleman who had seen me doing something to Tam's bag.... so I stood up and told Becky rather loudly, "ONE!" Then the gentleman realized that I didn't take anything out of her bag.... so we were good to go. I was worried for a moment though!

The next opportunity came at the Birth Order Workshop with Dr. Kevin Leman... There was a coat and a purse sitting there... and also Tam.... Becky and I asked if we could sit with them and who's things were there.... "Well, the purse is Dawn's, but I'm not sure about the sweater...." So Becky sat down first, and I sat down next to her and directly in front of me was Dawn's purse.... so when they weren't really looking (how would they know to look for what I was doing anyhow?!?), I kicked Dawn's bag closer and got the sock in. Then momentarily after that.... came Dawn and Wuanita... I wasn't busted! But right away, Dawn began digging in her bag... Luckily Dr. Leman was already speaking on Birth Order.... and by the way.... we're still having lots of conversation on the whole birth order thing... I don't really fit in the "First born" category. But anyhow! Dawn found a sock, she had it in her hand, and didn't really seem to notice it.

After this workshop, we decided that we need to break up, or that one needed to distract... while the other put in the sock. Then it was time to go and get our lunch boxes that they had made for us... At some point, Tam had found her sock.... She said to Sonya that she must have her bag because it had a sock in it. Sonya looked at the sock and said.... "That's not mine." Tam and I had the same lunch box station... we had to wiggle through the crowds of another lunch box station to finally get to ours.... As we were going.... I didn't want to lose Tam... and I had more socks. So I grabbed onto her bag to hold on and to not lose her, and at the same time put in another sock.

We were able to meet up with some of our friends outside. It was beautiful out! It was warmer than October ever was and we basked in the sunshine! Out here with so many people.... again... impossible to get a sock in. But that is also where Tam found the second sock. Tam is hilarious.... and when she announced she had TWO socks... I thought I was going to split a gut, but instead was trying to look dumbfounded.... I am and always will be a HORRIBLE liar! (Side note: I really don't get liars.... and how some can even lie on things that you don't even have to lie about.... I don't get it!)

As we left lunch, it was Rebecca, Cindy, Becky and myself. Rebecca's bag was always sealed up tight, and impossible to get a sock in.... till now... I think a strap must've been undone or something... anyhow, I got it in.... And then I gave her a big hug and told her how much I love her... because I really do. I was also so happy to get it in without getting busted!! We sat through a "What Not to Wear" workshop. Again a great workshop! It was so bright in that room, which it did need to be... but it didn't help us get any more socks out...

Becky and I headed to another workshop.... We sat down and saw Tam... tried to get her to come and sit with us... but she must've really liked where she was sitting... but in came Holly. Oh boy.... here's another possibility... but then Holly told us she had just unloaded her bags and things back at the room.... She had everything zipped up and there wasn't an opportunity without being busted because she is pretty organized.

The next opportunity came while we were standing in line for the Color Analysis... Becky and I really worked out our game plan... OK... you distract and I'll put it in... I think our first victim there was Cindy. Becky's friend Carla even helped! We also got Karen at this point. One thing was bad... we weren't around all the ladies... so I hope that they didn't feel left out!

Then came the closing Key Note speaker.... Too many eyes.... and no more opportunities for us, although we were hoping. Emily's bag was WIDE open right in front of me.... but it was also on the side of her that everyone was facing. It was a fantastic conference, and we learned lots, and had a little fun in the midst of it all. All, just to build unity!

After the conference, we hurried out to catch our shuttle to the Canadian Honker for dinner. They took a reservation for 16 and were most gracious and the best service ever! We had 16 at this point because another friend of mine and her friend came and joined us. It was on the shuttle to the Canadian Honker that Tam announced to everyone that she had THREE socks... at first I thought that Becky had gotten her again... but then Dawn announced she didn't have any socks... all those that had socks were showing them off.... I didn't know it... but they were watching my reaction when Dawn said she didn't have any. She was in front of me... so I didn't think anyone would notice anything.... but they did. From the very beginning.... I was a suspect.... I don't know why! :) So I just would tell fibs and said things like, "Wow! Whoever is doing that sure is smart!" Then came the game at the Honker.... if anyone gets up to leave.... you stash your socks in their bags! Tam was the first one to get up... but we got busted by her.... Then Cindy at the end of the meal got up.... so she got quite a few in hers!

Becky and I ended up driving back to the hotel with my friend Sara who had joined us and her friend. I crawled into her baby car seat... and I actually, well kind of, fit.... I was buckled in so it's all good. We discussed a plan to get rid of the rest of the socks. "Let's leave a package for Tam at the front desk..." It was probably NOT a good idea to not monitor the rest of them going back to the hotel in a shuttle.

The rest of the evening was crazy and fun... Stolen tables, stolen candy, locking people out, "innocent" people returning the candy and such. Lots of screaming and laughing and fun.... One room was cards the other was just talking and hanging out. I went to walk Sara and her friend to their car.... and to go to the front desk to get "directions".... We had put all the socks into Sara's bag before the festivities in the room had began. When we got to the front desk... no one was there... after waiting for awhile... Sara finally called the front desk from the phone on the front desk. The lady was happy to take the socks for us. I thought she'd just wait to give them till they went to check out.... Nope.... she called and left a message. UGH! When I arrived back to the room.... I was being interrogated periodically by Dawn (who has a criminal justice degree and can tell when people are lying... especially people like me who aren't very good at it...). So I just kept playing dumb and lying more about those pesky socks. Tam was wondering why it took me so long to get my friends "directions" at the front desk. I don't think there was ever a question as to who started the whole sock thing. It was always fingers pointing at me.... I guess my Youth Director past just is a part of me....

The next morning.... Tam picked up her "package" at the front desk. "Hmmmmm..... I wonder what that could be? They called at 11:57 p.m. to let me know it was there.... hmmmmmm...." So since the socks were in a Target bag.... I said, "KAREN! It was you! You had a Target bag on your head during the Commando Invasion".... more lies... more lies.... more lies.... and I knew they all knew.... I'm a BAD liar! The lady at the front desk loved us! She said... "If you guys are having a party.... I want to be a part of it!" She was awesome! (We did make her a part of it as we left.... she was more than happy to oblige!)

So finally as we were packing up our things to go.... They came to our room... Dawn confronted me with the socks... and a big group of ladies.... and I finally admitted it and it felt good.... and then I took Becky down with me.... She was a fun partner in crime! So next year.... we're going to decorate tongue depressors.... everyone gets 5 and we ALL have to try to get rid of them! All of this for the sake of Unity for our group! It's so amazing how something so simple can be sooooooo much fun! Of course, it helps a lot to have fun people around you. What a blessing friends are!

A Farewell to John Fremling....

What a morning... the day to say Good bye to my beloved father in law John. It was sooooooo icy! We were so worried about people traveling from afar. We were preparing ourselves for this day... and it was here. One wonderful thing that happens when a loved one goes home to the Lord, is that the family gathers together. Vicki's (my mother in law) sister and her family were able to come from Colorado. Jill and Joseph stayed at Vicki's house, Jordan at Steve's, and we got the girls, Amanda and Alyssa, to stay at our home, as well as my parents. It is soooo wonderful to be surrounded by those you love!

Jere, Amanda, Alyssa and I squeezed into my parents car as ours was blocked in.... and we headed to Church. As we got closer to Church we noticed the flags of the color guard. We knew they would be there... but we didn't know so many (30 someone said?). It was absolutely amazing! John was very proud of his time that he served in the military. And these beautiful soldiers were lining the way for us. That caused me to tear up immediately. Jere let us out at the door, and a gentleman from the color guard opened the door for us. I told him, "Thank you so much for being here today. It really means so much." When we had talked to them on the phone. We were worried about the weather and how cold it would be... it was actually a bit warmer... hence all the ice, and we were assured that they would dress warm and take turns warming up. They were truly an "Honor Guard." If only John could've seen it... he would've been so very honored.

We got settled in at Church and I headed to the sound booth as I had a video that I had done a collage of pictures and also a segment of John's "Magic Pond". The "Magic Pond" was a soundless old 8mm video that he had made with his fishing buddy Chico. They had made it so that it went backwards, and the fish were jumping into their hands, into their hats, under their legs, etc... it was hilarious... and it was a perfect memory of him. I put the video in... it wouldn't load. Luckily for me, Pastor Dallas was standing there, as I started to panic... "It worked at home, I've done all these MOPS videos.... they all worked... I don't understand...." so we tried a different DVD player... and it worked. What a sigh of relief.

There were SOOOOO many people who came through, many who couldn't stay. The visitation went from 10 -12, with the funeral at 12. The Church was absolutely packed with only standing room, and they had overflow set up in the gymnasium. I keep wondering... if his funeral would be at a "normal" time of year, vs. Christmas time.... how many would've been there.... it was overwhelming and wonderful how all of these people were just pouring out their love to our family.

As the family walked in... it was incredible... Bryan was playing on the piano "He Lives!" it was so fitting, John would've loved it. We sat down. There were many representing the VFW on the one side of the auditorium... tons of wrestlers that were all very proud to have had John as their coach. I even met his first State Champion that I have heard about all these years. He was so proud of all of them. There were his fellow Gideons. One of my favorite memories of John was when he spoke for the Gideons at our Church last year, he actually got all choked up and was so angry with himself for doing so.... but you could TOTALLY see his passion for getting a Bible into the hands of those who do not know our Lord, so that they too may learn of his salvation, and come to know Christ. It was BEAUTIFUL! John touched so many lives for the Lord. It was such a blessing.

Then came a time for sharing. There was a song that was written when John retired from 17 years of coaching, "Big John"... it was a stitch... Noel Bailey read it.... It was a beautiful tribute to John. The last verse got us all though...

"Big John - Aitkin will never see another like this guy,
We don't have to say farewell or even good-bye
When you see him at the matches as a wrestling fan,
All will know there sits a big, big man - Big John"

And that was followed up with a lady who talked about how she thought she was married to her cousin, but then they weren't cousins... and John would tease her about that.... HUH?!! Talk about how to ruin a moment!!

The memories that people shared about John were precious. My daughter ended them all with the kicker.... "I went fishing with my Grandpa, and I got the biggest fish!" John was trying to say that his was pretty darn close to hers.... I could hear him mumbling something about it.... but he didn't do it in front of her.... competitive to the end... even with his own Granddaughter. I'm so glad that his last day was spent fishing with Jere and Kaila... he was so proud of how well she could reel them in, he spent REAL quality time with his wife cuddling and holding hands on the couch with NEVER happens, read through e-mails together..... one of which read... "be sure if you love someone to tell them before it's too late." So he told her he loved her and gave her a kiss. She went to bed as she had a cold... he went to bed later.... and woke up in the arms of the Lord. Can you imagine anything more beautiful?

A Morning I'll Never Forget....

As posted on Facebook:
My Status Read: Laurel thinks there is nothing like driving through a small town with a halo on. 8:24am - 3 Comments

Alyssa Hanson at 10:05am December 21
Now, see...this is the sort of Facebook status that requires illustration of some sort! ;)

Laurel Fremling at 8:40pm December 21
I know.... Unfortunately, no pictures, no performance... I got a frantic call the moment I arrove at Church this morning that my Father in Law had no pulse... we rushed to the house... but he had passed... He Loved the Lord with ALL his heart which makes it easier, but it was still so very hard.... and I still have glitter falling from my hair on top of it all.

My heart was absolutely breaking... but it had to make you smile to think of him meeting the Lord in all His GLORY! What an AMAZING event to look forward to... just so hard for those of us left behind who loved him so dearly....

Only in a Small Town

Today I had a deposit to make at the bank. Since my husband is gone to the Cities with the car, I usually end up driving his truck (I'm not good at parking the truck - but going straight forward I can do!). My daughter always is excited about going to the bank. She usually ends up with a lollipop.

I put my deposit in the little bin... and that's when I noticed it... I was higher and could see everything on the counter inside. On the counter, not only did they have the lollipops, they also had a bucket full of dog treats! Yes! Dog treats! I was so surprised to see them. I'll bet those dogs get just as excited to go to the bank as my daughter does! Only in a small town!

Hunting Opener

I woke up with much anticipation on Friday. It was the weekend that I was going to go and hang out with my friends from Crystal Free! We were on our way to the Hearts at Home Conference in Rochester. As the morning started, it was a typical morning.... Joel was up and playing quietly... and then Kaila joined him. I went and got them breakfast, got them dressed and went to take Joel to school.... that's when I realized.... it's HUNTING OPENER!

We don't live very far from the school, but far enough when it's cold to drive him to school.... OK who are we kidding... I drive him to school everyday because I'm always late and perhaps a bit lazy? As I drove to the stop sign that hits the main highway in our town... there was a parade going on... trucks, SUVs, ATVs, trailers.... all the manly vehicles ready to go and hunt! So I gunned it at a small opening to get across traffic. As we got closer to the school, we were stopped by the local traffic cop to let the busses out... I couldn't see behind me how far the vehicles were backed up... it was "as far as the eye could see"! I finally made the turn to the school. Luckily to return home, it was a right hand turn, and the opposite way of all of the City traffic that was coming.

I took off at noon, went to get Joel from school, I actually made it across decently... but the parade was still going! As we left town, I noticed something.... in a lot of the trucks/suvs they had placed their orange hunting hats in the front window. Is this a "rite of passage" for all the hunters? I don't think I've ever noticed hats in the front windshield like that before. Or is it just because they so bright that I just happened to notice them now?

It was a wonderful weekend, hunting traffic and all... I had a blast at the conference, my kids had a blast at my sister's playing with their cousin. And as we were traveling back.... some of the hunters had given up for the weekend... some were successful, some were not, and some with their orange cap in the front window.

FEET!

Today I was to have lunch at the local coffee house with my friend Lisa. Shortly before I left, Nikky called and asked if I would like to have lunch with her and Sandy. We all met together at the Coffee House. We were having so much fun, laughing and just having a good time.

Then Nikky looked at me. "Do you have the pictures for Tuesday?!", I was not following her at all….

"What pictures?"

She said "Sharon’s pictures"

"Huh?"

"Do you remember? The feet?!"

"OHHHH! YES!"

Then I looked at Sandy, "Quick! Take off your shoe! I need a picture of your feet!" Once we explained that we were preparing for April Fool’s Day. She took off her shoe so I could take a picture of her foot, and Lisa let us do the same, they both know Sharon.

Sharon has a foot phobia. She can not stand feet in any way, shape or form. How I found this out was last summer. I had sandals on, and was in the Church Office. My feet were really sore from working a funeral dinner that was being held. I’m like, "Nikky! Rub my feet! They’re sore!" and she said "Ok!"… she never did touch my feet…. It was said in a "joking" moment. Looked to over where Sharon was, and she looked SICK! Like she was going to gag or something and she was doubled over. Somehow it came out how she really hates FEET! Just the mention of feet can throw her over the edge.

So Nikky and I have been taking pictures of feet. We are planning to go in and post the pictures everywhere in Sharon’s area at Church. Put them in folders, in books, around her office… anywhere where she will find them… and hopefully no one else!

So anyhow! Back to lunch. We were cackling away and the local Sheriff came and sat down by us. He’s like "OK ladies! Now you have to start behaving yourselves!" And they all said that they weren’t the problem and proceeded to point at ME! So he told me he was watching me because I looked like trouble. I’ll tell you this… I am as innocent as they come!

So as he was leaving… he was harassing us a bit more (very nice fellow!) and I don’t know why but, I all of the sudden blurted out "Can I take a picture of your feet?!" Sometimes my mouth can be a problem… can’t get the words to go back in after they are spoken! He gave me the oddest look (wonder why?) to which I tried to explain "why"… my friends were cackling away…

Then after he left, my problem with my mouth happened again. We were talking… and they said "Now he’s going to find out where you live! And I said, "Oh… he’s already been to my house." Didn’t think at all about how that would sound.

"OH REALLY?!" they asked.

"Yes," I said, and then realized about how that sounded… and then the words just didn’t come at all! I couldn’t explain at all why he had been to my house!

After stumbling for awhile, I finally mentioned that he was at my house while campaigning… and that I wasn’t home… and…. UGH! Why don’t I just have a "shut off" valve on my mouth!

So shortly after the sheriff left Nikky’s Dad saw us and came to say "Hi!"… I wanted to get some packing peanuts for another friend in California for April Fools day…. So I was to go to his studio after we were done eating to get some, because he has TONS of them! So as I go to leave, and opened the door, all of the sudden the sheriff was walking by… and my friend Nikky? Yelled something, so he came in! With my hand still on the handle of the door. I tried to duck, but it was way too late! He’s like "I knew you were trouble! " and yelled back jokingly to the ladies in the back "Do you want me to take them out of here?" And then he asked me what I was driving… and my friend Nikky ACTUALLY GAVE HIM MY FULL NAME! (He’s her mom’s cousin) I’ll get her later!

So after all of that… I went to get my two HUGE garbage bags of packing peanuts! And was carrying them down the street. Waved at my friends in the coffee shop, was watching for the sheriff the whole time… I looked a bit odd carrying two big bags…. Hurried to the truck…. And WHEW! No Sheriff! Made it home, and now I think I’ll hibernate for a LONG time! Well… till I have to decorate Sharon’s office and mail the box of packing peanuts. Does anyone have a LARGE box? Oh…. And I never did get a picture of the sheriff’s feet! BUMMER!