Happy Halloween Everyone!!

We hope you all have a fun and safe Halloween! The kids are pumped to be Lightning McQueen and "Dora" the Mermaid! Too fun!

Husky Hot Shots Has Begun!!

We had a great weekend watching our oldest nieces, Skyler and Ella. The four kids began Husky Hot Shots on Saturday at Halenbeck Hall. Skyler and Ella did great...our kids on the other hand "learned by watching!"  Oh well, life is a marathon, not a sprint! :)

Skyler and Ella are growing up way too fast! They are so fun to be around.

On Sunday the Stang cousins sported their Halloween costumes at the farm. We were just missing Neely and Baby Emery, who were both feeling "under the weather." So glad Emery is home from the hospital today. Everyone is looking forward to Trick-or-Treating this Wednesday!

Happy Bday Gpa Shorty & Drewster!

My Grandpa Shorty would've turned 90 years old tomorrow...we love you Gpa Shorty and think of you every day!

 

Hard to believe our handsome ring bearer Drew Hmielewski turns 15 years old tomorrow! He has grown into such a great young man...we love and miss you Drewster!

A Great Awards Banquet...

 I was very proud of Jake watching him walk across the BIG STAGE to get his Leadership in Education award last night at the Civic Center. We had a fun evening together.

The award winners from the Dassel-Cokato School District...a very deserving group.

Congrats to Jake!!!!

Congrats to my incredible husband Jake...who has won the Leader in Education of Excellence Award from the Dassel-Cokato School District! I can't wait to watch you receive your award tonight at the St. Cloud Civic Center.

http://www.dc.k12.mn.us/ms/index.html

We're so proud of you! Love, Celest-Andray-Roslyn

JACOB STANG WINS LEEA AWARD

(LEADER IN EDUCATION OF EXCELLENCE AWARD)

Every year the Central Minnesota Service Cooperative honors one teacher from each building that demonstrates leadership, dedication, and professionalism in his/her building and district. Teachers in that building select that teacher to be recognized.

This year the Middle School teachers chose Jacob Stang, eighth grade teacher, to receive this award. Mr. Stang models excellence in his assignment everyday, and we want to thank him for his dedication and service.

Mr. Stang will be recognized at the LEEA banquet on Wednesday, October 24th, in St. Cloud.

The "Fun Fall" Days Continue...

A couple weeks ago we took the kids to Sleepy Hollow Pumpkin Patch...it was very enjoyable picking out pumpkins together as a family, despite the chilly weather!!!!

Jake getting his workout! Next year I don't think the two kids will fit in the wheel barrol, they are growing way too fast!

My "two peas in a pod!"

The kids up in our Maple tree before the leaves fell off...
LOVE IT!

 Have a great week everyone...hard to believe October is already half way over!

A Beautiful Funeral for a Beautiful Man...

 Yesterday was one of the saddest days for Jake and I as we buried his Gpa Andy Stang. However, it truly was one of the most beautiful days we've ever experience as well. I can't even begin to explain how special and powerful the funeral mass was. Not only did Father Mark (Gpa's son) do an incredible job with the mass and the homily, but the Bishop from the diocese was there, along with nearly 40 individuals from the clergy (priests, deacons, brothers and nuns). Not too many people can say they had the Bishop attend and speak at their funeral. Gpa Andy, you deserved this tribute and there is absolutely no doubt in our minds that you are resting peacefully in Heaven, you've earned eternal life with God!

 The out-pouring of love and support for the Stang family this week has been immeasurable. Monday night they said nearly 800 people walked through the receiving line at Gpa's wake, and they fed over 350 people at the funeral meal. I've never seen so many cars parked at the St. Nick church...what a site to see!

 God provided the most PERFECT fall day to honor such an incredible man in Gpa Andy!

 Monday night the kids came with Jake and I to the wake. They had a lot of questions about Gpa Andy. We were proud they were able to say their last good-byes to their Great-Grandfather.

 We will forever cherish the photos and memories we have of our children with their Great Gpa Andy!

Although Gpa Andy is gone from Earth, Jake has mentioned multiple times that his "legacy" will live on through the great-grandchildren. We promise to keep prayer and FAITH instilled in our children for you Gpa Andy...thank you for leading by example...we love you and you will forever be missed!

Our Handsome Altar Servers Have Earned Eternal Life in Heaven...

Seven years ago today my Grandpa Shorty left us on earth for Heaven...God works in mysterious ways as today we will celebrate the wake of Jake's Grandpa Andy Stang and bury him tomorrow with what I can only imagine will be a beautiful celebration of Gpa Andy's incredible life. October 15th will forever be a tough day for me and my family...not a day has gone by in the past 7 years that I haven't thought of or missed my Gpa Shorty. Jake and I are so fortunate that our grandfathers could serve as altar servers for our wedding mass...we love and will forever miss our Grandfathers! Rest in Peace...both of you!!

The Angels Are Singing in Heaven for Gpa Stang!

Hard to believe Gpa Andy has made his journey to Heaven, such a sad time for the Stang family. Gpa Andy passed away peacefully in his home in Richmond Saturday night, I'm so grateful Jake was able to be there to witness everything with his family. I can only pray that my Gpa Shorty was waiting at the gates of Heaven for Gpa Andy with a deck of cards and a big smile on his face. Oh, how we miss our grandfathers and are so thankful for the wonderful relationships we had with them on Earth!

 Jake and I are so thankful that Andray and Roslyn were able to know their Great Gpa Stang. I will forever cherish the memories and photos we have of our own children with their Great Gpa Andy.

Gpa's first time meeting Andray - Easter 2008.

Roslyn's Baptism  - July 11, 2009 - 5 generations of Stangs.

 Gpa was a true teacher and farmer.

 Gpa helped build this barn on the homestead with his own hands...very special.

 Four generations of Stangs - Thanksgiving 2009

 Jake has said time and time again...Gpa led by example. He truly built the Stang family foundation based on FAITH. God bless you always Gpa Andy!

What an incredible family and "legacy" you leave behind Gpa...you will forever be missed.
We love you!

Welcome to the World Emery Sandra!!

Welcome to the world Emery Sandra Rossman! Our niece was born yesterday on 10/11/12. Measured in at 6 lb., 14 oz. and 19 1/12 in.....can't WAIT to meet her today!

Congrats to Rachel & John and BIG brother Easton...beyond happy for all of you!

Papa Steve's 1st glance of his 8th grandchild...priceless.

Emery truly is PERFECT! Her Gigi Rhonda made this little pink hat for her, so sweet.

It's amazing how one forgets how little newborns truly are.

My newest niece...talk about an instant love! I can't wait for Jake and the kids to meet Emery tonight!
God truly is good!

Roslyn's 1st Dance Lesson Went GREAT!!!

We enrolled Roslyn in ballet and tap dance lessons last night. Her Pre-K 2 class (3 and 4 year olds) started the week of Labor Day. Jake preppred Roz on the way to class that she really needed to listen to her teachers. She took that advice very literal!  She stood and watched "intently" for the first half of class without moving...so sweet.  Bonus for Roz was that her class was assigned to Studio #4...and it had PURPLE walls, her favorite color!

Our pretty ballerina...Roz was kind of like a small "deer in the headlights" at first. So sweet!

Roslyn caught on quickly though at dance lessons. Andray was the "proud" big brother watching from the glass window. Even "Lamby" was an attentive spectator ;)

Roslyn loved the stretching exercises...so fun to watch her twirl in front of the mirror in her pretty Dora Ballerina dress!

 Andray was so pumped to give Roz a BIG HUG when she came out of the dance studio!

We capped off a great night with Andray informing me that he had "organized" all of his stuffed animals in his bed and that he even left "enough room" for himself to sleep. LOVE IT!

We continue to pray for Gpa Andy's safe journey to Heaven this week...we love him so much and are so grateful for the care of hospice and the loving support the Stang family has.

Celebrating 5 Years with Isabel Lucia!!!!!

Isabel Lucia officially made her way "HOME" to the United States 5 years ago on October 5th...she has been a TRUE BLESSING for our family!

I'm so proud to be Isabel's aunt! We love you Isa Lu!

Isabel brought Guatemala cupcakes to Gram's bday party this weekend to help celebrate her "Homecoming Anniversary," a special 'touch' to a very special day on the Lingl farm!

Praying for Jake's Gpa Andy...

 Jake's Gpa Andy is not doing well and has agreed to hospice. This is just so sad to witness...the most beautiful thing, Gpa is ready to go to Heaven and he's surrounded by Gma and his children at his home in Richmond. What a beautiful way to enter into eternity!

We are so thankful that Andray and Roslyn got to know their Great Gpa Andy the past four years, he truly is the sweetest man I've ever met. Praying that Gpa is pain free at home and at PEACE. Tough times for the Stang family!