March 2010 (clearly a warmer March than this one!)
What a difference 4 years can make. Everyone looks so little!
Friday, March 21, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
Wonderful Experience
I am currently tagging along on a work trip with Kirb. In California. Where it is currently about 70 and sunny! What a huge blessing. It's been more than 4 years since the last time we got away together (although my parents graciously swap houses -- and our kids stay with our house! -- with us each fall for a night or two around our anniversary). Plus, it's been a horrendous, cold, snowy, LONG winter and so some California sunshine is so very wonderful. While here, I have spent a little time "working" with Kirbs (meeting with donors), some time in the car, a little time by myself while he works and a little time together with him enjoying the MUCH nicer weather than what we've had at home this winter. Tomorrow starts our roughly 48 hours of pure vacation with no work commitments at all. Whoo hoo!
While in the Palm Springs area, we stayed with a wonderful lady that Kirby knows from work. We spent about 36 hours enjoying her hospitality and spending time with her and in her town. She took us to breakfast at this lovely restaurant on Saturday morning (not too early -- plenty of time for a mountain-view, outdoor (without layers of clothing), 7+ mile run to build up a good appetite!). There was outdoor seating in a fabulous setting (any good Minnesotan who has the chance to eat breakfast outside in the month of March in a place where the sun is shining and the food doesn't instantly freeze, better take the opportunity whenever they can!). We ate our delicious breakfast, looked around in the gift shop attached to the restaurant, which is mainly based around dates -- of all things -- since the restaurant is located in the middle of a date farm. I got quite the education on dates. SO very interesting! (really!). We noticed, while enjoying our breakfast, that there was a large fenced in area, labeled as "The Walk", behind the outside dining area. Nancy said she didn't know too much about it, as she'd never been back there. She didn't want to go after breakfast, because she had not brought along her sun hat. But we were intrigued.
We had a little down time in the afternoon and decided to go back and check it out.
I should really back up a bit . . . I was asked a few weeks ago to be a part of a collaboration surrounding Holy Week. Visual artists and authors from our area were asked to be a part of a "Stations of the Cross" exhibit to go along with our church's annual art show that we host each spring. I was honored (with a HUGE dose of intimidated and filled with anxiety!) to have been asked to be one of the visual artists! Yikes! I was collaborating on a significant, deeply meaningful project with some SERIOUSLY talented (and did I mentional, professional?) artists that I have major respect for and in whose artistic company I would never put myself in a million years! Yikes! (did I say that already?)
Anyway, I got the feeling this "Walk" was along the same lines as the stations of the cross and was hoping I might find a little inspiration for my part in the project (my piece is due at the end of this month. That's just over a week from now . . . cue mild -- or not so mild! -- panic!) It was, in it's most basic description, a visual walk through the life of Jesus. There were 15 stops along the way, each containing a sculpture and a verse of Scripture. Each "station" had a beautiful, meaningful natural backdrop that mirrored the life event in the life of Jesus. There was also a brochure that they gave you when you entered that showed a photo of each sculpture with a longer passage of scripture to go with each, as well as a commentary on the scene.
It was such a meaningful experience and I'm so thankful we had (and took) the time to do it. I am thankful that the Lord lead me to this experience to help me gain confidence (a little, anyway) for this lofty project I have been asked to do. If Nancy had suggested a different place for breakfast, I never would have had this particular experience (woudn't have even known it existed). If I hadn't had the blessing (HUGE blessing) of tagging along on this trip with Kirby, I never would have had this particular experience. If we would have not had some down time in our day while we were there, I never would have had this particular experience. I love how everything worked together to give me the opportunity for this extra insight and chance to be freshly reminded, in a new way, of the life and death of Christ. That's so like God to bring all those circumstances together! I am thankful.
Check out the website (linked above) and if you are ever in the Palms Springs area of California, check it out in person. You will be glad that you did! Also, if you're local to the Twin Cities, come check out our church's art show and Stations of the Cross exhibit this April.(and don't be too critical a certain, timid "artist" that will try her best to represent visually, in a meaningful way, what her Lord and Savior went through in the Garden of Gethsemane.)
Now I'm off to enjoy the last couple days of vacation! I think I will read a book while enjoying the poolside sunshine! (My apologies if you are somewhere where it is cold and snowy today . . . I feel your pain. Just not actually right at this very moment!)
On a related note, I could never, ever live in the Palm Springs area, where we spent the first two days of our trip (my trip anyway, Kirb spent a few days working in Phoenix before I arrived). I thoroughly enjoyed it and am so thankful for my time there. Truth is, although I find the mountains glorious, full of spendor and beauty, they kind of freak me out. (Maybe more than 'kind of'). If I did a 360 degree circle and looked toward the horizon, I could probably have seen mountians on the horizon (and often pretty much RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME) about 300 of those 360 degrees. I don't know about you, but that makes me feel a bit panicy and claustrophobic. I felt a bit trapped. "What if we needed to leave?" I asked Kirb. "That doesn't make you feel panicky that we're surrounded by mountians on pretty much every side?" He assured me it didn't and we shouldn't have to flee quickly in the next 48 hours and I should just enjoy the beauty. Easy for him to say! Mr. Matthew-6-who-never-ever-worries-about-anything! Therein lies the beauty of marriage. It's my job to worry and it's his job to not. At all. Ever. (I'm not even kidding about this one.). Man, do I love that guy!
While in the Palm Springs area, we stayed with a wonderful lady that Kirby knows from work. We spent about 36 hours enjoying her hospitality and spending time with her and in her town. She took us to breakfast at this lovely restaurant on Saturday morning (not too early -- plenty of time for a mountain-view, outdoor (without layers of clothing), 7+ mile run to build up a good appetite!). There was outdoor seating in a fabulous setting (any good Minnesotan who has the chance to eat breakfast outside in the month of March in a place where the sun is shining and the food doesn't instantly freeze, better take the opportunity whenever they can!). We ate our delicious breakfast, looked around in the gift shop attached to the restaurant, which is mainly based around dates -- of all things -- since the restaurant is located in the middle of a date farm. I got quite the education on dates. SO very interesting! (really!). We noticed, while enjoying our breakfast, that there was a large fenced in area, labeled as "The Walk", behind the outside dining area. Nancy said she didn't know too much about it, as she'd never been back there. She didn't want to go after breakfast, because she had not brought along her sun hat. But we were intrigued.
We had a little down time in the afternoon and decided to go back and check it out.
I should really back up a bit . . . I was asked a few weeks ago to be a part of a collaboration surrounding Holy Week. Visual artists and authors from our area were asked to be a part of a "Stations of the Cross" exhibit to go along with our church's annual art show that we host each spring. I was honored (with a HUGE dose of intimidated and filled with anxiety!) to have been asked to be one of the visual artists! Yikes! I was collaborating on a significant, deeply meaningful project with some SERIOUSLY talented (and did I mentional, professional?) artists that I have major respect for and in whose artistic company I would never put myself in a million years! Yikes! (did I say that already?)
Anyway, I got the feeling this "Walk" was along the same lines as the stations of the cross and was hoping I might find a little inspiration for my part in the project (my piece is due at the end of this month. That's just over a week from now . . . cue mild -- or not so mild! -- panic!) It was, in it's most basic description, a visual walk through the life of Jesus. There were 15 stops along the way, each containing a sculpture and a verse of Scripture. Each "station" had a beautiful, meaningful natural backdrop that mirrored the life event in the life of Jesus. There was also a brochure that they gave you when you entered that showed a photo of each sculpture with a longer passage of scripture to go with each, as well as a commentary on the scene.
It was such a meaningful experience and I'm so thankful we had (and took) the time to do it. I am thankful that the Lord lead me to this experience to help me gain confidence (a little, anyway) for this lofty project I have been asked to do. If Nancy had suggested a different place for breakfast, I never would have had this particular experience (woudn't have even known it existed). If I hadn't had the blessing (HUGE blessing) of tagging along on this trip with Kirby, I never would have had this particular experience. If we would have not had some down time in our day while we were there, I never would have had this particular experience. I love how everything worked together to give me the opportunity for this extra insight and chance to be freshly reminded, in a new way, of the life and death of Christ. That's so like God to bring all those circumstances together! I am thankful.
Check out the website (linked above) and if you are ever in the Palms Springs area of California, check it out in person. You will be glad that you did! Also, if you're local to the Twin Cities, come check out our church's art show and Stations of the Cross exhibit this April.(and don't be too critical a certain, timid "artist" that will try her best to represent visually, in a meaningful way, what her Lord and Savior went through in the Garden of Gethsemane.)
Now I'm off to enjoy the last couple days of vacation! I think I will read a book while enjoying the poolside sunshine! (My apologies if you are somewhere where it is cold and snowy today . . . I feel your pain. Just not actually right at this very moment!)
On a related note, I could never, ever live in the Palm Springs area, where we spent the first two days of our trip (my trip anyway, Kirb spent a few days working in Phoenix before I arrived). I thoroughly enjoyed it and am so thankful for my time there. Truth is, although I find the mountains glorious, full of spendor and beauty, they kind of freak me out. (Maybe more than 'kind of'). If I did a 360 degree circle and looked toward the horizon, I could probably have seen mountians on the horizon (and often pretty much RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME) about 300 of those 360 degrees. I don't know about you, but that makes me feel a bit panicy and claustrophobic. I felt a bit trapped. "What if we needed to leave?" I asked Kirb. "That doesn't make you feel panicky that we're surrounded by mountians on pretty much every side?" He assured me it didn't and we shouldn't have to flee quickly in the next 48 hours and I should just enjoy the beauty. Easy for him to say! Mr. Matthew-6-who-never-ever-worries-about-anything! Therein lies the beauty of marriage. It's my job to worry and it's his job to not. At all. Ever. (I'm not even kidding about this one.). Man, do I love that guy!
Monday, March 10, 2014
Multitude Monday
Here's my continuing Multitude "Monday" post which is part of a series started years ago on Ann's blog, which is a favorite of mine. If you've never checked it out, do yourself a favor and click on over. She's an amazing, gifted writer, a wonderful friend and an inspiration to so many (not to mention a mother of 6)!
3856. finding missing things :: a mitten clip and a social studies project
3857. great conferences
3858. wonderful teachers that work with our kiddos
3859. our Falcon community
3860. Joey's tired morning voice
3861. safe driving on HORRIBLE roads
3862. kids dancing without inhibition
3863. sunshine
3864. the smell of coffee brewing in the morning
3865. time with friends
3866. kids growing up
3867. encouraging words from others
3868. Joey's excitement about regionals
3869. Magic Eraser working its magic
3870. an understanding husband
3871. double coupon day at the gas station
3872. Joey home sick from school, curled up in his bed reading the Bible
3873. warmer temps
3874. Dunn Bros coupon
3875. "bigs" who are old enough to babysit
3876. my mom home safely from her trip to California
3877. playing Spinners with the kids
3878. watching Joe play hockey
3879. after 2 sets of x-rays and a MRI, finding out that there will be no surgery or casts in my future :: just rest, ice, advil and a brace. What an answer to prayer!
3880. melting
3881. running outside sans hat
3882. 43 degrees!
3883. Joey's swimming at regionals
3884. a fun run with a friend
3885. safe, fun trip to Iowa for Joe, Jacob and my parents
3886. Rebekah having fun and doing GREAT in her school musical
3887. my Bible study girls and how much they mean to me
3888. 2013 taxes filed :: bring on the refund!
3889. words from "Glitter and Glue" by Kelly Corrigan that resonated so strongly with me
3890. Anna and her imagination :: I just love to listen to her
3891. all the people who came to watch Rebekah in the musical and support and encourage her (we have THE BEST "village"!)
3892. glorious sunset through the trees
3893. encouraging, supportive friends
3894. planning for my trip :: just me and Kirb and a snow-less destination
3895. re-organizing the pantry
3896. my selfless, giving, helpful parents
3897. van headlight replaced (see #3896)
3898. hilarious text conversations with a friend :: laughter is good for the soul!
3899. the kids singing in church (even Joe!)
3900. 7 kids singing along to the multi-lingual version of "Let it Go" on the way home from youth group
May you realize all the blessings the Lord brings your way and take the time to make note of them. (you'll be glad that you did!)
"One Thousand Gifts"::
3856. finding missing things :: a mitten clip and a social studies project
3857. great conferences
3858. wonderful teachers that work with our kiddos
3859. our Falcon community
3860. Joey's tired morning voice
3861. safe driving on HORRIBLE roads
3862. kids dancing without inhibition
3863. sunshine
3864. the smell of coffee brewing in the morning
3865. time with friends
3866. kids growing up
3867. encouraging words from others
3868. Joey's excitement about regionals
3869. Magic Eraser working its magic
3870. an understanding husband
3871. double coupon day at the gas station
3872. Joey home sick from school, curled up in his bed reading the Bible
3873. warmer temps
3874. Dunn Bros coupon
3875. "bigs" who are old enough to babysit
3876. my mom home safely from her trip to California
3877. playing Spinners with the kids
3878. watching Joe play hockey
3879. after 2 sets of x-rays and a MRI, finding out that there will be no surgery or casts in my future :: just rest, ice, advil and a brace. What an answer to prayer!
3880. melting
3881. running outside sans hat
3882. 43 degrees!
3883. Joey's swimming at regionals
3884. a fun run with a friend
3885. safe, fun trip to Iowa for Joe, Jacob and my parents
3886. Rebekah having fun and doing GREAT in her school musical
3887. my Bible study girls and how much they mean to me
3888. 2013 taxes filed :: bring on the refund!
3889. words from "Glitter and Glue" by Kelly Corrigan that resonated so strongly with me
3890. Anna and her imagination :: I just love to listen to her
3891. all the people who came to watch Rebekah in the musical and support and encourage her (we have THE BEST "village"!)
3892. glorious sunset through the trees
3893. encouraging, supportive friends
3894. planning for my trip :: just me and Kirb and a snow-less destination
3895. re-organizing the pantry
3896. my selfless, giving, helpful parents
3897. van headlight replaced (see #3896)
3898. hilarious text conversations with a friend :: laughter is good for the soul!
3899. the kids singing in church (even Joe!)
3900. 7 kids singing along to the multi-lingual version of "Let it Go" on the way home from youth group
May you realize all the blessings the Lord brings your way and take the time to make note of them. (you'll be glad that you did!)
Friday, March 7, 2014
Friday, February 28, 2014
Monday, February 24, 2014
Multitude Monday
Here's my continuing Multitude "Monday" post which is part of a series started years ago on Ann's blog, which is a favorite of mine. If you've never checked it out, do yourself a favor and click on over. She's an amazing, gifted writer, a wonderful friend and an inspiration to so many (not to mention a mother of 6)!
3833. Melting :: the sights and sounds
3834. forgiveness
3835. a clean microwave
3836. temps in the 40's with sun!
3837. a visit from Brie
3838. fresh snow stuck on everything :: SO beautiful! (can you spot the cross in our yard? Joey built that -- with a little help -- it was all his idea.)
3839. a major snow storm and no need to leave the house (our first legitimate SNOW day after 5 days of no school due to extreme cold so far this winter)
3840. Kirby's hard work for our family
3841. the boys watching Olympic hockey at the Hansen's on their snow day
3842. safe driving on nasty roads
3843. crafting with Kaaren
3844. book club night :: can't wait!
3845. neighbor family that shovels out the entire block :: we have the most fabulous neighbors! who does that these days, anyway? not too many people, I imagine!
3846. time with friends
3847. Qwirkle and LOTS of laughter
3848. packing meals for people in Rwanda on a Saturday morning with my parents and the Newmans :: 3 generations volunteering together.
3849. going to Sam's basketball game (and as a bonus, they won!)
3850. going for a run, despite the cold :: I always feel better once I've been running, even if it isn't so fun to actually be doing it (the HAVE DONE feeling is good, even when the DOING is tough!)
3851. lunch at my Grandma's
3852. the funny things Sara says
3853. real mail :: going out and coming in
3854. the library
3855. thoughts of summer :: kids all registered for camp
May you realize all the blessings the Lord brings your way and take the time to make note of them. (you'll be glad that you did!)
"One Thousand Gifts"::
3833. Melting :: the sights and sounds
3834. forgiveness
3835. a clean microwave
3836. temps in the 40's with sun!
3837. a visit from Brie
3838. fresh snow stuck on everything :: SO beautiful! (can you spot the cross in our yard? Joey built that -- with a little help -- it was all his idea.)
3841. the boys watching Olympic hockey at the Hansen's on their snow day
3842. safe driving on nasty roads
3843. crafting with Kaaren
3844. book club night :: can't wait!
3845. neighbor family that shovels out the entire block :: we have the most fabulous neighbors! who does that these days, anyway? not too many people, I imagine!
3847. Qwirkle and LOTS of laughter
3848. packing meals for people in Rwanda on a Saturday morning with my parents and the Newmans :: 3 generations volunteering together.
3849. going to Sam's basketball game (and as a bonus, they won!)
3850. going for a run, despite the cold :: I always feel better once I've been running, even if it isn't so fun to actually be doing it (the HAVE DONE feeling is good, even when the DOING is tough!)
3851. lunch at my Grandma's
3852. the funny things Sara says
3853. real mail :: going out and coming in
3854. the library
3855. thoughts of summer :: kids all registered for camp
May you realize all the blessings the Lord brings your way and take the time to make note of them. (you'll be glad that you did!)
Friday, February 21, 2014
flashback friday
Fast forward a couple decades and my kids LOVE TobyMac (who was the lead guy in DC Talk). We got the 3 bigs tickets to his February concert at the Xcel center as a Christmas gift, and at the last minute we also got some back stage passes and got to meet him and have a picture with him. They were SO excited! I brought the two-decade-old picture along to show him. He loved it! Guess what else? My friend, Liz, from the picture above (purple and blue stripe shirt) was there. I hadn't seen her in over 20 years and we had a mini-reunion backstage at the concert. Her aunt is STILL TobyMac's agent/manager/whatever after all these years. What are the chances of that?
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Multitude Monday
I know, I know. It's Tuesday (again). What can I say? . . . here's my continuing Multitude "Monday" post which is part of a series started years ago on Ann's blog, which is a favorite of mine. If you've never checked it out, do yourself a favor and click on over. She's an amazing, gifted writer, a wonderful friend and an inspiration to so many (not to mention a mother of 6)!
3797. a Wild jersey in a bag of hand-me-downs for Joe
3798. fresh haircut
3799. time with a friend
3800. Costco . . . I love it there
3801. The back door on our mailbox :: so I don't have to walk into the middle of the road to get the mail
3802. 20 degrees and no wind
3803. a nice afternoon run
3804. a gifted hotel room from a friend who travels a lot for work -- so we don't have to pay for lodging for Joe to go to the regional swim meet in Iowa
3805. my parents willingness to drive Joe to Iowa for the meet
3806. a nice group of friends who came over to learn more about health and wellness
3807. dinner with a delightful family from church
3808. a fabulous concert with the 3 "bigs" :: watching them worship is good for my soul
3809. surprising the kids with the fact that we had back-stage passes and would get to meet Toby Mac
3810. an injury-free, fun first time downhill skiing for Lydia
3811. Valentine candy and kids who share
3812. 22 years since I first fell for my Valentine
3813. a weather warm up
3714. a Valentine tea party at my mom's house (just the girls)
3815. the beauty of fresh snow
3816. a long weekend
3817. planning for a warm-weather, kidless get-away with my Valentine
3718. pancakes
3719. dinner at my parents house
3720. after-dinner game of Spinners
3721. crossing stuff off my LONG to do list :: one thing at a time
3722. Joe's excitement about the regional swim meet
3723. a good book, a warm blanket and a cup of coffee
3724. SugaRush donuts :: yum!
3725. sunshine
3726. the sound of birds singing
3727. walking the kids to school
3728. the sound of snow crunching under your feet
3729. restocking our Little Free Library
3730. 10 years since Evelyn's transplant (she was almost exactly the age Sara is now when she got her new heart . . . so thankful for her donor, wise doctors and her life)
3731. seeing Clarence at church again following his surgery
3732. chatting with our favorite 90-something neighbor who was out shoveling as we were coming home from a walk
May you realize all the blessings the Lord brings your way and take the time to make note of them. (you'll be glad that you did!)
"One Thousand Gifts"::
3797. a Wild jersey in a bag of hand-me-downs for Joe
3799. time with a friend
3800. Costco . . . I love it there
3801. The back door on our mailbox :: so I don't have to walk into the middle of the road to get the mail
3802. 20 degrees and no wind
3803. a nice afternoon run
3804. a gifted hotel room from a friend who travels a lot for work -- so we don't have to pay for lodging for Joe to go to the regional swim meet in Iowa
3805. my parents willingness to drive Joe to Iowa for the meet
3806. a nice group of friends who came over to learn more about health and wellness
3807. dinner with a delightful family from church
3808. a fabulous concert with the 3 "bigs" :: watching them worship is good for my soul
3809. surprising the kids with the fact that we had back-stage passes and would get to meet Toby Mac
3810. an injury-free, fun first time downhill skiing for Lydia
3811. Valentine candy and kids who share
3812. 22 years since I first fell for my Valentine
3813. a weather warm up
3714. a Valentine tea party at my mom's house (just the girls)
3816. a long weekend
3817. planning for a warm-weather, kidless get-away with my Valentine
3718. pancakes
3719. dinner at my parents house
3720. after-dinner game of Spinners
3721. crossing stuff off my LONG to do list :: one thing at a time
3722. Joe's excitement about the regional swim meet
3723. a good book, a warm blanket and a cup of coffee
3724. SugaRush donuts :: yum!
3725. sunshine
3726. the sound of birds singing
3727. walking the kids to school
3728. the sound of snow crunching under your feet
3729. restocking our Little Free Library
3730. 10 years since Evelyn's transplant (she was almost exactly the age Sara is now when she got her new heart . . . so thankful for her donor, wise doctors and her life)
3731. seeing Clarence at church again following his surgery
3732. chatting with our favorite 90-something neighbor who was out shoveling as we were coming home from a walk
May you realize all the blessings the Lord brings your way and take the time to make note of them. (you'll be glad that you did!)
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Multitude Monday
I know, I know. It's Tuesday. I'm doing my best . . . here's my continuing Multitude "Monday" post which is part of a series started years ago on Ann's blog, which is a favorite of mine. If you've never checked it out, do yourself a favor and click on over. She's an amazing, gifted writer, a wonderful friend and an inspiration to so many (not to mention a mother of 6)!
3769. Dropping Jacob and a friend off at school BEFORE 7 so that they can go to Bible study before school. Watching them walk into school together to study God's word does my heart good. I can hardly stand it! Love those "kids"!
3770. A high school girl (who helps lead the Bible Study mentioned above) who I am friends with who texted to tell me she's been praying for me. How great is that?!
3771. before school hugs and prayers with my kiddos
3772. clean little girls :: post-bath
3773. ECFE mornings with Sara
3774. free bagel day at Brueggers . . . yum!
3775. Sara's funny conversations
3776. rocking sweet Casper to sleep. (oh how I love fresh little babes! . . . but he's getting SO big!)
3777. teeny tiny diapers
3778. our church family
3779. having family friends (and their 5 kids) over for dinner . . . wonderful fellowship (and lots of noise!)
3780. good kids at the dentist appointment
3781. baby shower at church :: all those tiny baby things!
3782. outside run with Kirb (it's a sad commentary that 12 degrees feels so warm!)
3783. watching Joe swim at state
3784. one-on-one time with Joe between events :: just the 2 of us. that'a a rarity!
3785. When we arrived at the state swim meet (big deal at one of the nicest aquatics centers in the country) I told Joe what I was praying for for him (that he'd do his best, have fun and not be nervous) he said "that's exactly what I was just praying for in the van". So good for my momma heart!
3786. really nice service for Jenn's grandpa
3787. LJ's honors chorus concert :: what talented 6th graders! They sounded fabulous!
3788. NOT missing the bus (thank you bus driver who waited -- blocking traffic on Lexington in both directions -- as my kids RAN down the sidewalk)
3789. beauty of the morning sky
3790. carpools
3791. a blanket and a (REALLY) good book
3792. before school Bible study at the high school
3793. Rebekah making a fabulous, yummy, pulled-out-all-the-stops dinner for our family
3794. Anna "reading" me the Bible before bed.
3795. a new volunteer "job" coaching for Mom's on the Run
3796. Sara playing with all her Little People . . . she's so imaginative
May you realize all the blessings the Lord brings your way and take the time to make note of them. (you'll be glad that you did!)
"One Thousand Gifts"::
3769. Dropping Jacob and a friend off at school BEFORE 7 so that they can go to Bible study before school. Watching them walk into school together to study God's word does my heart good. I can hardly stand it! Love those "kids"!
3770. A high school girl (who helps lead the Bible Study mentioned above) who I am friends with who texted to tell me she's been praying for me. How great is that?!
3771. before school hugs and prayers with my kiddos
3772. clean little girls :: post-bath
3773. ECFE mornings with Sara
3774. free bagel day at Brueggers . . . yum!
3775. Sara's funny conversations
3776. rocking sweet Casper to sleep. (oh how I love fresh little babes! . . . but he's getting SO big!)
3777. teeny tiny diapers
3778. our church family
3779. having family friends (and their 5 kids) over for dinner . . . wonderful fellowship (and lots of noise!)
3780. good kids at the dentist appointment
3781. baby shower at church :: all those tiny baby things!
3782. outside run with Kirb (it's a sad commentary that 12 degrees feels so warm!)
3783. watching Joe swim at state
3784. one-on-one time with Joe between events :: just the 2 of us. that'a a rarity!
3785. When we arrived at the state swim meet (big deal at one of the nicest aquatics centers in the country) I told Joe what I was praying for for him (that he'd do his best, have fun and not be nervous) he said "that's exactly what I was just praying for in the van". So good for my momma heart!
3786. really nice service for Jenn's grandpa
3787. LJ's honors chorus concert :: what talented 6th graders! They sounded fabulous!
3788. NOT missing the bus (thank you bus driver who waited -- blocking traffic on Lexington in both directions -- as my kids RAN down the sidewalk)
3789. beauty of the morning sky
3790. carpools
3791. a blanket and a (REALLY) good book
3792. before school Bible study at the high school
3793. Rebekah making a fabulous, yummy, pulled-out-all-the-stops dinner for our family
3794. Anna "reading" me the Bible before bed.
3795. a new volunteer "job" coaching for Mom's on the Run
May you realize all the blessings the Lord brings your way and take the time to make note of them. (you'll be glad that you did!)
Friday, February 7, 2014
flashback friday
Monday, February 3, 2014
Multitude Monday
Here's my continuing Multitude Monday post which is part of a series started years ago on Ann's blog, which is a favorite of mine. If you've never checked it out, do yourself a favor and click on over. She's an amazing, gifted writer, a wonderful friend and an inspiration (not to mention a mother of 6)!
3754. fun crafting
3755. date night
3756. fabulous production by Theater for the Thirsty at Art House North
3757. fun (and safe) weekend retreat for Jacob and Rebekah with our church youth group
3758. good night of fellowship with women from church
3759. much-needed 1 and 2 day breaks from the bitter cold
3760. flipping the calendar to a fresh, new (hopefully warmer!) month
3761. all the puke ending up in the toilet -- thank heavens for good aim!
3762. new holes in Rebekah's ears
3763. fun family day at MOA (except for the part where I fainted unexpectedly)
3764. finding another restaurant that Jacob can eat at
3765. nurse triage that calls to check on you . . . always handy to have a nurse as a friend!
3766. new pillows
3767. the hum of the washing machine (soundtrack of my life!)
3768. Sara's imagination (I love listening to the stories she makes up)
May you realize all the blessings the Lord brings your way and take the time to make note of them. (you'll be glad that you did!)
"One Thousand Gifts"::
3754. fun crafting
3755. date night
3756. fabulous production by Theater for the Thirsty at Art House North
3757. fun (and safe) weekend retreat for Jacob and Rebekah with our church youth group
3758. good night of fellowship with women from church
3759. much-needed 1 and 2 day breaks from the bitter cold
3760. flipping the calendar to a fresh, new (hopefully warmer!) month
3761. all the puke ending up in the toilet -- thank heavens for good aim!
3762. new holes in Rebekah's ears
3763. fun family day at MOA (except for the part where I fainted unexpectedly)
3764. finding another restaurant that Jacob can eat at
3765. nurse triage that calls to check on you . . . always handy to have a nurse as a friend!
3766. new pillows
3767. the hum of the washing machine (soundtrack of my life!)
3768. Sara's imagination (I love listening to the stories she makes up)
May you realize all the blessings the Lord brings your way and take the time to make note of them. (you'll be glad that you did!)
Friday, January 31, 2014
Flashback Friday
2013 was a year of renewed health for us! During the 12 months of 2013 (actually mostly in the first half of the year) Kirby and I lost a combined 70 pounds (give or take a few) and got way healthier and feel significantly better than we have in as long as we can remember. We are so thankful for the changes that has brought to our lives. Many people have asked us how we've done it. What's the secret? So I thought I'd share. It's not magic and it hasn't always been easy or without sacrifice, but it has been so very worth it! Every treat not eaten, every dollar spent, ever minute of exercise. All worth it to get to this place.
Here we are in August of 2012 (or maybe early September . . . we were at the state fair when it was taken). I am amazed when I look back at old pictures at how far we have come!
I finally had had enough! I was tired all the time, didn't feel good overall, and certainly needed to lose some weight. I also wanted to get in shape and just be healthier overall. I had tried changing my eating, exercising more and nothing ever seemed to work. Or to stick.
I had an acquaintance (friend of a friend) that I knew had lost significant weight with the help of some natural, whole food-based supplements. I was curious, but skeptical. Finally one day I asked her about it. Turns out it was more than I wanted to spend and I wasn't sure it was worth it -- or that I trusted it would work -- so I just kept on doing nothing. Then I found out that another acquaintance of mine (wife of a guy Kirby used to work with) had regained her energy and health AND lost weight (I wouldn't have thought she had any weight to lose, but the 15 pounds she lost were a bonus on top of the new-found health!) using the exact same supplements. I got more curious and less skeptical. I thought about it a few more months and finally bit the bullet and ordered the starter kit of supplements. They have a 30-day 100% money back guarantee, so I figured I had nothing to lose.
I started on the supplements in November of 2012 and lost about 6 pounds the first week and proceeded to slowly and steadily keep losing until I'd lost a little more than 30 pounds. I have kept that 30 pounds off now for nearly a year. Kirby joined me in using the products in January of 2013 and he lost about 40 pounds over the course of a few months and has kept his weight off as well.
Here we are in August of 2013. Almost exactly a year after that other picture was taken. What a difference a year can make.
More important to use than the weight we have lost is the fact that we have gained energy. We have gained health. I was able to go off a prescription that I took for asthma -- which, with the weight loss and overall health gained was no longer an issue for me. Kirb used to suffer from pretty regular migraine headaches and has not had one now in about a year. We can do better all the things we love to do and enjoy more the time with our kiddos without getting completely worn out. Being healthy is really quite wonderful and fun!
Anyway, it has been a life-changer for us! We both feel good enough and energetic enough these days that we've taken up running. I ran a half marathon last fall :: something I never imagined myself doing (or even wanting to do!) Kirb went on quite a few long training runs with me and was my cheerleader. We have made changes to our eating. Mostly in the times of day that we do our eating (earlier in the day, rather than later) than in the foods that we eat, although there has been that aspect too. We are so thankful to have discovered better health. What a blessing!
The supplements are from a company called Xyngular. The have a product line of about a dozen different supplements (what you think of as traditional supplements -- pills that you swallow with water as well as juice, freeze dried powder that you add to water and drink, protein powder to make shakes, etc.). They are fabulous, not only for weight loss, but for improved health over all. I started out a skeptic, but now believe that they are wonderful and have my own (new) life as proof of that. I had heard stories of people finding relief from migraines, chronic pain, eczema and psoriasis, asthma, increased energy and focus, improvement in ADHD symptoms, improved blood sugar levels for diabetics, less illness, improved immunity and many more. It's not magic and won't happen all on it's own, but I know it has made all the difference for us. We couldn't have done it without the help these products gave us. We continue to use some of the products to maintain our health, and I feel like that won't ever change. We don't use the entire line of products every day, but it has become a part of our life now and we are so thankful.
It is no where near as important to me as my faith in God, but it feels very similar in many ways. I feel evangelistic about the products, but also reluctant and timid in sharing that with others. They have made a major change in my life -- as has my faith. If you are at all interested in hearing more. Just let me know, I'd be happy to tell you.
Here we are in August of 2012 (or maybe early September . . . we were at the state fair when it was taken). I am amazed when I look back at old pictures at how far we have come!
I finally had had enough! I was tired all the time, didn't feel good overall, and certainly needed to lose some weight. I also wanted to get in shape and just be healthier overall. I had tried changing my eating, exercising more and nothing ever seemed to work. Or to stick.
I had an acquaintance (friend of a friend) that I knew had lost significant weight with the help of some natural, whole food-based supplements. I was curious, but skeptical. Finally one day I asked her about it. Turns out it was more than I wanted to spend and I wasn't sure it was worth it -- or that I trusted it would work -- so I just kept on doing nothing. Then I found out that another acquaintance of mine (wife of a guy Kirby used to work with) had regained her energy and health AND lost weight (I wouldn't have thought she had any weight to lose, but the 15 pounds she lost were a bonus on top of the new-found health!) using the exact same supplements. I got more curious and less skeptical. I thought about it a few more months and finally bit the bullet and ordered the starter kit of supplements. They have a 30-day 100% money back guarantee, so I figured I had nothing to lose.
I started on the supplements in November of 2012 and lost about 6 pounds the first week and proceeded to slowly and steadily keep losing until I'd lost a little more than 30 pounds. I have kept that 30 pounds off now for nearly a year. Kirby joined me in using the products in January of 2013 and he lost about 40 pounds over the course of a few months and has kept his weight off as well.
Here we are in August of 2013. Almost exactly a year after that other picture was taken. What a difference a year can make.
More important to use than the weight we have lost is the fact that we have gained energy. We have gained health. I was able to go off a prescription that I took for asthma -- which, with the weight loss and overall health gained was no longer an issue for me. Kirb used to suffer from pretty regular migraine headaches and has not had one now in about a year. We can do better all the things we love to do and enjoy more the time with our kiddos without getting completely worn out. Being healthy is really quite wonderful and fun!
Anyway, it has been a life-changer for us! We both feel good enough and energetic enough these days that we've taken up running. I ran a half marathon last fall :: something I never imagined myself doing (or even wanting to do!) Kirb went on quite a few long training runs with me and was my cheerleader. We have made changes to our eating. Mostly in the times of day that we do our eating (earlier in the day, rather than later) than in the foods that we eat, although there has been that aspect too. We are so thankful to have discovered better health. What a blessing!
The supplements are from a company called Xyngular. The have a product line of about a dozen different supplements (what you think of as traditional supplements -- pills that you swallow with water as well as juice, freeze dried powder that you add to water and drink, protein powder to make shakes, etc.). They are fabulous, not only for weight loss, but for improved health over all. I started out a skeptic, but now believe that they are wonderful and have my own (new) life as proof of that. I had heard stories of people finding relief from migraines, chronic pain, eczema and psoriasis, asthma, increased energy and focus, improvement in ADHD symptoms, improved blood sugar levels for diabetics, less illness, improved immunity and many more. It's not magic and won't happen all on it's own, but I know it has made all the difference for us. We couldn't have done it without the help these products gave us. We continue to use some of the products to maintain our health, and I feel like that won't ever change. We don't use the entire line of products every day, but it has become a part of our life now and we are so thankful.
It is no where near as important to me as my faith in God, but it feels very similar in many ways. I feel evangelistic about the products, but also reluctant and timid in sharing that with others. They have made a major change in my life -- as has my faith. If you are at all interested in hearing more. Just let me know, I'd be happy to tell you.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Multitude Monday
Here's my continuing Multitude Monday post which is part of a series started years ago on Ann's wonderful, amazing blog that is a favorite of mine. If you've never checked it out, do yourself a favor and click on over. She's an amazing, gifted writer, a wonderful friend and an inspiration (not to mention a mother of 6)!
3709. making another batch of chai (great on cold days)
3710. laughter
3711. the beauty of fresh snow
3712. the quiet of early morning
3713. time with friends
3714. Sam's first day back at school
3715. the little girls all bundled up, playing in the snow
3716. freshly fallen snow
3717. Bible study with my girls
3718. a good book
3719. Trader Joe's cinnamon graham crackers (YUM!)
3720. carpooling
3721. a long weekend
3722. a 2-day break from the bitter cold
3723. a 5-mile outdoor run on a sunny Saturday
3724. Lydia spending the day with her GG
3725. purging :: "spring" cleaning in January
3726. sound of a train whistle cutting through the still, quiet morning
3727. Joe pre-heating my spot in bed
3728. watching "Parenthood" with Kirb after a long day (tears. every time. tears!)
3729. Kirb bringing me a surprise latte on another (in a long line) "polar vortex" morning
3730. a warm home
3731. warm clothes
3732. a good book
3733. organized Legos
3734. almost 200 pounds of stuff gone from our house during my 10-day "spring" cleaning purge
3735. morning snuggles and iPhone devotions with Anna
3736. Saturday mornings spent with my grandma
3737. 2 vehicles that start, even when temps are well below zero
3738. the tropical feel of the pool deck in the middle of winter
3739. running while the snow is falling. BEAUTIFUL!
3740. the blessing of not having to scramble for childcare -- 3 polar vortex no-school days so far in January (with potential for a couple more next week)
3741. Rebekah's babysitting jobs keeping her busy (and making money)
3742. a cleaned out medicine cabinet . . . and kids who notice
3743. the library
3744. an extended weekend -- even Kirb home due to ultra cold temps and windchills
3745. Jacob no worse off after an allergic reaction sent him to the ER for a visit and a bit of a stay
3746. modern medicine and drugs to combat his reaction and bring his handsome self back home. whole and healthy. thank you, God!
3747. our (hard working) furnace
3748. quiet morning devotions
3749. fresh starts
3750. new Odyssey's for the kids to enjoy
3751. youth group on Sunday night
3752. Anna, the proud owner of her very own library card
3753. a great section swim meet for our 3 swimmers (there's a first place backstrok-er in the house!)
May you realize all the blessings the Lord brings your way and take the time to make note of them. (you'll be glad that you did!)
"One Thousand Gifts"::
3709. making another batch of chai (great on cold days)
3710. laughter
3711. the beauty of fresh snow
3712. the quiet of early morning
3713. time with friends
3714. Sam's first day back at school
3715. the little girls all bundled up, playing in the snow
3716. freshly fallen snow
3717. Bible study with my girls
3718. a good book
3719. Trader Joe's cinnamon graham crackers (YUM!)
3720. carpooling
3721. a long weekend
3722. a 2-day break from the bitter cold
3723. a 5-mile outdoor run on a sunny Saturday
3724. Lydia spending the day with her GG
3725. purging :: "spring" cleaning in January
3726. sound of a train whistle cutting through the still, quiet morning
3727. Joe pre-heating my spot in bed
3728. watching "Parenthood" with Kirb after a long day (tears. every time. tears!)
3729. Kirb bringing me a surprise latte on another (in a long line) "polar vortex" morning
3730. a warm home
3731. warm clothes
3732. a good book
3733. organized Legos
3734. almost 200 pounds of stuff gone from our house during my 10-day "spring" cleaning purge
3735. morning snuggles and iPhone devotions with Anna
3736. Saturday mornings spent with my grandma
3738. the tropical feel of the pool deck in the middle of winter
3739. running while the snow is falling. BEAUTIFUL!
3740. the blessing of not having to scramble for childcare -- 3 polar vortex no-school days so far in January (with potential for a couple more next week)
3741. Rebekah's babysitting jobs keeping her busy (and making money)
3742. a cleaned out medicine cabinet . . . and kids who notice
3743. the library
3744. an extended weekend -- even Kirb home due to ultra cold temps and windchills
3745. Jacob no worse off after an allergic reaction sent him to the ER for a visit and a bit of a stay
3746. modern medicine and drugs to combat his reaction and bring his handsome self back home. whole and healthy. thank you, God!
3748. quiet morning devotions
3749. fresh starts
3750. new Odyssey's for the kids to enjoy
3751. youth group on Sunday night
3752. Anna, the proud owner of her very own library card
3753. a great section swim meet for our 3 swimmers (there's a first place backstrok-er in the house!)
May you realize all the blessings the Lord brings your way and take the time to make note of them. (you'll be glad that you did!)
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Lose a ton
My (new) friend Amber, who I met this fall in ECFE, put a challenge up via Facebook to take part in a January purge of possessions in effort to simplify our homes and our lives and (hopefully) bless others in the process. She was looking for 20 people to commit to get rid of 10 pounds of stuff each day for 10 consecutive days sometime during the month of January. That is 100 pound per person/household for a total of 2000 pounds between the 20 of us. I knew finding time to take part in the challenge for 10 consecutive days might be tricky, but I was excited by the idea and knew that finding 100 pounds of unnecessary stuff in our house would (sadly) not be hard at all.
Here is a short recap of my experience ::
Day 1 :: I went through the kitchen and weeded out excess coffee mugs (I think those things multiple in the cupboard!), water bottles, vases, etc. for a total of 11.8 pounds.
Day 2 :: I had Bible study that morning. One of the girls in my Bible study has a sweet 8-month-old girl, so I pass down Sara's outgrown clothes to her. Before I left, I found 2.8 pounds of stuff to pass along to her. When I got home from Bible study my mom and I tacked my hall linen closet, which is a catch-all for things with no home! We took out ever last thing, wiped down the inside (actually my mom did those steps while I was at Bible study, since she was at my house watching Sara for me) and then only put back things we actually use or need and got rid of 17.9 pounds of stuff from in there that we did not need or was expired/ruined/worthless.
Day 3 :: I cleaned out my stash of craft stuff and came up with 21.8 pounds of stuff I didn't need or wasn't going to use. I plan to bring most of it to ArtScraps in St. Paul.
Day 4 :: Books! I went through our books and ended up with 28.4 pounds. I took some of them to Half Price Books (actually, Kirby did that) and got $10 out of the deal. Some I added to our Little Free Library and a few I passed along.
Day 5 :: 21.8 pounds of clothes from Rebekah and Lydia's wardrobes. Outgrown, ill-fitting, not their style, excessive (does she really need that many t-shirts? nope!).
Day 6 :: 17.4 pounds of clothes from the 2 boys.
Day 7 :: 13.4 pounds of clothes, mostly mine with a few pounds worth from Anna (most of her outgrown clothes get saved for Sara).
Day 8 :: 37.4 pounds of stuff. Some more clothes, some misc household things, a couple more books, some decorative pillows (we have more than our share).
Day 9 :: I tackled the bathroom on day 9. I took every last thing out of the medicine cabinet and wiped it all down. Then I only put about 1/3 of the stuff back in there. We had lots of expired medicines/creams/stuff in there. I also cleaned under the sink and in the drawers of our vanity. There also was a box full of kids jewelry (think beaded bracelets made with much love -- and not much visual appeal) that I tossed. The total that day was 8.7 pounds. My only day under 10 pounds . . . but I believe in averaging things out, so when I finished the bathroom, I didn't try to make up 1.3 more pounds of stuff and just called it good.
Day 10 :: 13.8 pounds of games and toys. We also re-organized ALL. THE. LEGOS. Which was a huge (but VERY worthwhile) undertaking. School was cancelled for our kids due to the crazy cold temps, so they helped me out. I think having them so well organized will lead to more desire to build with them! We cleared off the whole train table, so there's plenty of room to build!
So, my 10-day total was 195.2 pounds. I'm so glad I made the commitment and took part. Our home is more organized (although I still have plenty more areas that I could tackle . . . and probably still will, just not as formally -- no weighing in and daily purging) and we hope that the things we are no longer using will go to good use, and be a blessing in someone else's life.
Here is a short recap of my experience ::
Day 1 :: I went through the kitchen and weeded out excess coffee mugs (I think those things multiple in the cupboard!), water bottles, vases, etc. for a total of 11.8 pounds.
Day 2 :: I had Bible study that morning. One of the girls in my Bible study has a sweet 8-month-old girl, so I pass down Sara's outgrown clothes to her. Before I left, I found 2.8 pounds of stuff to pass along to her. When I got home from Bible study my mom and I tacked my hall linen closet, which is a catch-all for things with no home! We took out ever last thing, wiped down the inside (actually my mom did those steps while I was at Bible study, since she was at my house watching Sara for me) and then only put back things we actually use or need and got rid of 17.9 pounds of stuff from in there that we did not need or was expired/ruined/worthless.
Day 3 :: I cleaned out my stash of craft stuff and came up with 21.8 pounds of stuff I didn't need or wasn't going to use. I plan to bring most of it to ArtScraps in St. Paul.
Day 4 :: Books! I went through our books and ended up with 28.4 pounds. I took some of them to Half Price Books (actually, Kirby did that) and got $10 out of the deal. Some I added to our Little Free Library and a few I passed along.
Day 5 :: 21.8 pounds of clothes from Rebekah and Lydia's wardrobes. Outgrown, ill-fitting, not their style, excessive (does she really need that many t-shirts? nope!).
Day 6 :: 17.4 pounds of clothes from the 2 boys.
Day 7 :: 13.4 pounds of clothes, mostly mine with a few pounds worth from Anna (most of her outgrown clothes get saved for Sara).
Day 8 :: 37.4 pounds of stuff. Some more clothes, some misc household things, a couple more books, some decorative pillows (we have more than our share).
Day 9 :: I tackled the bathroom on day 9. I took every last thing out of the medicine cabinet and wiped it all down. Then I only put about 1/3 of the stuff back in there. We had lots of expired medicines/creams/stuff in there. I also cleaned under the sink and in the drawers of our vanity. There also was a box full of kids jewelry (think beaded bracelets made with much love -- and not much visual appeal) that I tossed. The total that day was 8.7 pounds. My only day under 10 pounds . . . but I believe in averaging things out, so when I finished the bathroom, I didn't try to make up 1.3 more pounds of stuff and just called it good.
Day 10 :: 13.8 pounds of games and toys. We also re-organized ALL. THE. LEGOS. Which was a huge (but VERY worthwhile) undertaking. School was cancelled for our kids due to the crazy cold temps, so they helped me out. I think having them so well organized will lead to more desire to build with them! We cleared off the whole train table, so there's plenty of room to build!
So, my 10-day total was 195.2 pounds. I'm so glad I made the commitment and took part. Our home is more organized (although I still have plenty more areas that I could tackle . . . and probably still will, just not as formally -- no weighing in and daily purging) and we hope that the things we are no longer using will go to good use, and be a blessing in someone else's life.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Multitude Monday
Without any further delay, here's my continuing Multitude Monday post which is part of a series started years ago on Ann's wonderful, amazing blog that is a favorite of mine. If you've never checked it out, do yourself a favor and click on over. She's an amazing, gifted writer, a wonderful friend and an inspiration (not to mention a mother of 6)!
3691. another fever-free, seizure-free night for Sam
3692. no middle of the night phone calls
3693. tamiflu for Kirbs' influenza A
3694. pancakes
3695. warmer temps
3696. Sam home from the hospital and sleeping in his own bed
3697. outside running 3 days in a row (one day in capris, even!)
3698. naps
3699. a "new" Garmin (how I love hand-me-downs!)
3700. hanging out at GG's watching the original Parent Trap
3701. Refresh prayer night at church
3702. cleaning out closets
3703. an almond latte (bought with a gift card!)
3704. my favorite blanket
3705. sunshine and 40
3706. Sara's new ECFE class
3707. mother-daughter date with Anna
3708. book club night
May you realize all the blessings the Lord brings your way and take the time to make note of them. (you'll be glad that you did!)
"One Thousand Gifts"::
3691. another fever-free, seizure-free night for Sam
3692. no middle of the night phone calls
3693. tamiflu for Kirbs' influenza A
3694. pancakes
3695. warmer temps
3696. Sam home from the hospital and sleeping in his own bed
3697. outside running 3 days in a row (one day in capris, even!)
3698. naps
3699. a "new" Garmin (how I love hand-me-downs!)
3700. hanging out at GG's watching the original Parent Trap
3701. Refresh prayer night at church
3702. cleaning out closets
3703. an almond latte (bought with a gift card!)
3704. my favorite blanket
3705. sunshine and 40
3706. Sara's new ECFE class
3707. mother-daughter date with Anna
3708. book club night
May you realize all the blessings the Lord brings your way and take the time to make note of them. (you'll be glad that you did!)
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