I can't believe it's already the last day of January; where does time go? I thought I was going to be better at staying up-to-date, but have failed miserably. A few highlights from this month...
We spent a weekend in Fargo. We attended my dear friend Lindsay's little boy's, Mason, First Birthday Party. Lindsay and I have been friends since 4th grade, which translates into us being friends for about 18 years! We even roomed together our Freshman year and part of our Senior year of college. We also hung out with one of Josh's high school buddy's, Jesse, and got met his lovely fiance. Of course we helped spur the economy and did a little shopping too. I was excited to see that they have a Forever 21 and a better Baby Gap then St. Cloud.
The next weekend was Potty Training! Much to my dismay Logan blew my socks off! We began the training at 9:30AM on Saturday and he refused to get off the potty until he had pooped and peed! I loved his determination and persistence. I tried numerous times to get him to take a break, but he wouldn't have it. Finally at 11:30AM he had accomplished what he set out for. I have to give God the credit for his determination. I don't know too many three year olds what would willingly sit on the toilet for two hours straight. We had been praying about this for some time. The rest of the weekend went well, with minimal accidents. He is finally telling us when he has to go instead of us asking him. We use Pull-Ups at nap and bedtime. It's so nice not to have to change his diapers! It's fun to see a new found confidence in him. He's growing into such a big boy!
Last weekend, we ventured to Red Wing for a weekend of skiing at Welch Village with some sweet friends. This was the first time Josh and I had left Shane and only the 3rd-4th time we had both left Logan. My parents were sweet enough to take the boys for us. Originally there were supposed to come to Alex, but last minute plans my mom brought the boys (& Hunter) to Wadena.
We left Alex at about 6pm Friday night. We planned to fit all of us in one vehicle, but of course we had too many bags. So it was girls in one truck and the boys in the other. We arrived around 9PM to the cabin. It was so cute. It was nestled along the Mississippi. Our friend's Uncle went before us and had everything set up and lights turned on. We stayed up until 1AM, eating pizza and snacks, playing games and talking. Saturday we hit the slopes. I hadn't been skiing in about 4 years, but it was just like riding a bike. The temp was 25F with a slight wind, the snow condition was fabulous on most runs. I, however, did not dress warm enough. I was chilled to the bone! I ended up buying a new hat and neck warmer + toe and hand warmers. That night we had homemade soup and tasty bread. Again, stayed up until 1AM talking. Sunday we packed up and headed home. It was a relaxing and much needed weekend. It was wonderful to only have to be responsible for yourself. I definitely missed my boys, but I think Josh and I need to make more time for us, as a couple. I am so thankful for the amazing friends God has blessed Josh & I with. It's so nice to be able to be yourself and know that they love and accept you for you. I look forward to many more weekend getaways!
My last announcement...I never thought I would be this statistic; probably because I'm too prideful, but I was in despair and joined Weight Watchers! After I had consumed 14 cookies in a two day time span, I realized that my eating is WAY out of control. I really appreciate how it makes you accountable to what you put in your body. I'm hoping to reach my weight loss goals by March/April--just in time for the summer months!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Is in over her head
I've been sitting at Caribou since 10AM (it's now 3:45pm) working on my book work for my business. I officially feel completely in over my head. I have put off all of my record keeping for 2010 until this week. I'm not asking for your sympathy because it's 100% my fault that I have just begun. Record keeping to me feels like pulling splinters out of your foot. I have managed to record the payments paid to me and have kept my receipts. I bought a book "Family Child Care Record-Keeping Guide" and have found it very helpful, but at the same time completely overwhelming. As I'm reading through the chapters I'm thinking of all of the things I needed to do last year when I first started my business and everything that I still need to do for 2010. I also am feeling stressed because this is something you have to do right, I don't want to mess with the IRS. One of my goals for 2011 is to do this monthly and not wait until the end of the year again. Or even better, would be to hire someone to do this monthly for me!
I'm calling it a day. My head feels like it's going to explode and I can feel my anxiety starting to build up.
I hope that each of you had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We had a great Christmas and New Years! 2010 marked us starting some new traditions with my little family. The 23rd of December will be the day that we celebrate our Christmas. We had shrimp for dinner (per requests of Logan), opened presents & baked cookies for Santa. I started a tradition of buying my sons an ornament that represents something significant that happened during the year and they each get matching Christmas pi's. Logan got a suitcase ornament to represent our first family trip to the North Shore and Shane got an ornament for his first Christmas. This year also marked Santa officially coming at night to bring presents to our family. I bought a special plate for Santa's cookies and Logan said that Santa needed to chocolate milk, not white milk. Christmas Eve AM the boys opened their presents from Santa and stockings too. Logan claimed that he heard Santa---so cute.
Christmas Eve we went over to Josh's parent's house. We had a lovely meal, went to church (minus Shane and Josh. Shane had a temp and Croupe---poor little peanut), ate some more, opened presents and had a slumber party. Christmas Day we headed to Detroit Lakes to my uncle's house for lunch and then went to Wadena to celebrate Christmas. My sister Eva surprised us and came home for Christmas, she was supposed to come over New Year's. Her friend, Aleece drove her up and also spent Christmas with us. My other uncle, girlfriend and daughter met us at my parent's house that night. We spent the night (its a grandparent rule).
New Year's Eve was spent at home organizing our home. I love Christmas and truly thinks that it's the most wonderful time of the year, but I can't help get stressed about where I'm going to put all of the gifts that we receive. The boy's rooms were just a disaster. I could barely walk in Logan's room there was so much "stuff" every where. I was on the verge of an anxiety attack, but with the help of my darling husband we conquered it! New Year's Day we co-hosted a party at our house. About 35 people showed up, it was a great time. People arrived at 4pm and the last person left at mid-night. I decided that we need to have quarterly parties. I LOVE to entertain and to have people in our home.
Well, that was our holiday's in a nut shell. I should be back on track again with blogging weekly now that the holidays are over with.
Cheers!
I'm calling it a day. My head feels like it's going to explode and I can feel my anxiety starting to build up.
I hope that each of you had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We had a great Christmas and New Years! 2010 marked us starting some new traditions with my little family. The 23rd of December will be the day that we celebrate our Christmas. We had shrimp for dinner (per requests of Logan), opened presents & baked cookies for Santa. I started a tradition of buying my sons an ornament that represents something significant that happened during the year and they each get matching Christmas pi's. Logan got a suitcase ornament to represent our first family trip to the North Shore and Shane got an ornament for his first Christmas. This year also marked Santa officially coming at night to bring presents to our family. I bought a special plate for Santa's cookies and Logan said that Santa needed to chocolate milk, not white milk. Christmas Eve AM the boys opened their presents from Santa and stockings too. Logan claimed that he heard Santa---so cute.
Christmas Eve we went over to Josh's parent's house. We had a lovely meal, went to church (minus Shane and Josh. Shane had a temp and Croupe---poor little peanut), ate some more, opened presents and had a slumber party. Christmas Day we headed to Detroit Lakes to my uncle's house for lunch and then went to Wadena to celebrate Christmas. My sister Eva surprised us and came home for Christmas, she was supposed to come over New Year's. Her friend, Aleece drove her up and also spent Christmas with us. My other uncle, girlfriend and daughter met us at my parent's house that night. We spent the night (its a grandparent rule).
New Year's Eve was spent at home organizing our home. I love Christmas and truly thinks that it's the most wonderful time of the year, but I can't help get stressed about where I'm going to put all of the gifts that we receive. The boy's rooms were just a disaster. I could barely walk in Logan's room there was so much "stuff" every where. I was on the verge of an anxiety attack, but with the help of my darling husband we conquered it! New Year's Day we co-hosted a party at our house. About 35 people showed up, it was a great time. People arrived at 4pm and the last person left at mid-night. I decided that we need to have quarterly parties. I LOVE to entertain and to have people in our home.
Well, that was our holiday's in a nut shell. I should be back on track again with blogging weekly now that the holidays are over with.
Cheers!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Not the brightest bulb on the tree...
My core is almost warmed back up to 98.6 degrees thanks to my caramel latte that I actually made--I know, who would of thought? I can almost feel my toes again thanks to my green and white cozy boot slippers. Let me explain myself...
This morning I took my daycare kids to Play & Pray at my church. One of my friends informed me about the Holiday Train stopping through town this afternoon. There was going to be Christmas music, santa, etc. That sounded like a great time. I called our transportation system to see if they could pick us up. The plan was McDonald's for lunch and then head to the train with some of the other mom's---this was going to be a fun surprise for the kids. Well, the bus was late to pick us up from the church to bring us to McDonald's. I knew there was not going to be enough time to eat there...we had about 25 minutes to spare. My girlfriend loaned me her van and I went and grabbed lunch for the kids. By the time I got back to the church the kids had 10 minutes to eat their food. The bus arrived five minutes early this time, but I had them wait so the kids could finish. We arrived at the park where the Holiday Train had stopped. One of my friends greeted us as we got off and she had brought a pair of boots for me to wear. As we were exiting the bus one of my little honey's has a major melt down, not sure if it's because she saw Santa, but she was determined for me to hold her the whole time. So needless to say, I never put the boots on. As we are walking towards the box car to join in the festivities I notice that a couple of the kids don't have their mittens on. They left them on the bus...fabulous. My kind friends gave us their mittens to my little kiddos. I have ballet flat shoes on, with NO socks on and only a North Face fleece and scarf (here comes the part of me not being the brightest bulb) and I gave my mittens to the little peanut that wouldn't stop crying. Initially I'm feeling no pain since I'm consumed with getting my kids bundled, but about five minutes later I was beginning to feel the pain; I'm sure the kids were too. Thankfully two of my friend's had vans that we could all pile into to warm up until the bus came to get us again. We maybe lasted 15 minutes out there.
I learned two things from this adventure gone sour...
1) I have the best friends in the world. I was overwhelmed by their thoughtfulness and kindness.
2) It was way too cold to be outside, even if the kids had hats, gloves, warm jacket and boots. I will always wear boots when taking daycare outings. I don't always know what the day holds, and today I learned the hard way.
Thankfully when we got home the kids didn't seem to bothered about being outside. They are all snuggled away in their beds for a nap. Learn from my mistakes, if the Holiday Train is coming to town make sure you and your kids have snow pants, hat, scarf, winter boots. scarf/face mask, gloves and hot cocoa in hand. I felt irresponsible and almost out of control (since I can't control the weather) that I even brought my kiddos out. We should have just went home, but I am thankful for Jesus protecting us from frost bite and for my dear, sweet friends!
This morning I took my daycare kids to Play & Pray at my church. One of my friends informed me about the Holiday Train stopping through town this afternoon. There was going to be Christmas music, santa, etc. That sounded like a great time. I called our transportation system to see if they could pick us up. The plan was McDonald's for lunch and then head to the train with some of the other mom's---this was going to be a fun surprise for the kids. Well, the bus was late to pick us up from the church to bring us to McDonald's. I knew there was not going to be enough time to eat there...we had about 25 minutes to spare. My girlfriend loaned me her van and I went and grabbed lunch for the kids. By the time I got back to the church the kids had 10 minutes to eat their food. The bus arrived five minutes early this time, but I had them wait so the kids could finish. We arrived at the park where the Holiday Train had stopped. One of my friends greeted us as we got off and she had brought a pair of boots for me to wear. As we were exiting the bus one of my little honey's has a major melt down, not sure if it's because she saw Santa, but she was determined for me to hold her the whole time. So needless to say, I never put the boots on. As we are walking towards the box car to join in the festivities I notice that a couple of the kids don't have their mittens on. They left them on the bus...fabulous. My kind friends gave us their mittens to my little kiddos. I have ballet flat shoes on, with NO socks on and only a North Face fleece and scarf (here comes the part of me not being the brightest bulb) and I gave my mittens to the little peanut that wouldn't stop crying. Initially I'm feeling no pain since I'm consumed with getting my kids bundled, but about five minutes later I was beginning to feel the pain; I'm sure the kids were too. Thankfully two of my friend's had vans that we could all pile into to warm up until the bus came to get us again. We maybe lasted 15 minutes out there.
I learned two things from this adventure gone sour...
1) I have the best friends in the world. I was overwhelmed by their thoughtfulness and kindness.
2) It was way too cold to be outside, even if the kids had hats, gloves, warm jacket and boots. I will always wear boots when taking daycare outings. I don't always know what the day holds, and today I learned the hard way.
Thankfully when we got home the kids didn't seem to bothered about being outside. They are all snuggled away in their beds for a nap. Learn from my mistakes, if the Holiday Train is coming to town make sure you and your kids have snow pants, hat, scarf, winter boots. scarf/face mask, gloves and hot cocoa in hand. I felt irresponsible and almost out of control (since I can't control the weather) that I even brought my kiddos out. We should have just went home, but I am thankful for Jesus protecting us from frost bite and for my dear, sweet friends!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Joy to the World
This year for Christmas the daycare kids and I "adopted" a family to buy presents for. Instead of me buying the kids/families presents I put that money towards this family. I hope that I can give the kids a glimpse of what it's like to serve others and to put other's needs before their own. I know they are small and by nature we are egocentric, but I think if we start to teach them at a young age it may be easier to do later on in life.
Last Monday, myself, Twyla and Mary ventured to Target with 13 little bambinos. The family that we were buying presents for has three children so each of us took a "team" and shopped for one specific child. It was so neat to see the joy and excitement they had shopping for the other children. I was so impressed that they didn't ask for anything either. I gave each team a specific amount of money they could spend, so the kids needed to be thrifty and get the best bang for their buck.
This afternoon the family stopped over to pick up their gifts. In the morning, the kids and I baked peanut butter blossom cookies and decorated sugar cookies. We designed a large "Merry Christmas" poster to hang outside the door to welcome them into our home. When the family arrived we had cookies and hot cocoa and the kids introduced themselves to each other. I asked if they could each open one gift, and the mom agreed. My kids were excited to watch them and told them who shopped for who. The kids spent the remainder of the time playing together. After the family left, I debriefed with the kids and asked them how it felt to give to the other kids, and they all had the same response---Good/Happy. I went on saying that their joyful giving delighted the LORD. It warmed my heart knowing how thankful and appreciative the family was. That is the true meaning of Christmas. God GAVE us the ultimate gift...his one and only SON. I challenge you this Christmas season to bless someone that wouldn't expect it. It doesn't have to be a monetary gift, it could be helping them with a project, cleaning, praying for them, calling them to say how much you appreciate them or love them, etc.
I leave you with this...
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER!"
2 Corinthians 9:7
Last Monday, myself, Twyla and Mary ventured to Target with 13 little bambinos. The family that we were buying presents for has three children so each of us took a "team" and shopped for one specific child. It was so neat to see the joy and excitement they had shopping for the other children. I was so impressed that they didn't ask for anything either. I gave each team a specific amount of money they could spend, so the kids needed to be thrifty and get the best bang for their buck.
This afternoon the family stopped over to pick up their gifts. In the morning, the kids and I baked peanut butter blossom cookies and decorated sugar cookies. We designed a large "Merry Christmas" poster to hang outside the door to welcome them into our home. When the family arrived we had cookies and hot cocoa and the kids introduced themselves to each other. I asked if they could each open one gift, and the mom agreed. My kids were excited to watch them and told them who shopped for who. The kids spent the remainder of the time playing together. After the family left, I debriefed with the kids and asked them how it felt to give to the other kids, and they all had the same response---Good/Happy. I went on saying that their joyful giving delighted the LORD. It warmed my heart knowing how thankful and appreciative the family was. That is the true meaning of Christmas. God GAVE us the ultimate gift...his one and only SON. I challenge you this Christmas season to bless someone that wouldn't expect it. It doesn't have to be a monetary gift, it could be helping them with a project, cleaning, praying for them, calling them to say how much you appreciate them or love them, etc.
I leave you with this...
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER!"
2 Corinthians 9:7
Monday, December 6, 2010
Getting into the Christmas Spirit
This past weekend was icing on the cake for me...it's official, I"m SO excited for Christmas.
This is how it all happened...
Kourtney and I decided to surprise our mom with tickets to the BLENDERS. They are a group of four guys with amazing voices. While attending college, our family would drive to Fargo, ND to hear them sing Thanksgiving night. We always attended their Christmas Show. Of course we bought their Christmas CD and listen to it 24/7 during the holiday season. Kourtney found out tha they were performing at the Pantages Theatre so we jumped on the opportunity.
Saturday AM my mom met me in Alexandria and we proceeded to the Twin Cities to Kourtney's house. On the way there my mom was talking about how we should make the first weekend in December a girl's weekend and how it would be so fun to go see the Blenders some time. I acted dumb and led her to believe that I only thought the Blenders performed in Fargo. We arrived at Kourtney's around lunch time and headed to the General Store for lunch and to admire all of the Christmas decor and products. I found a darling plate for Santa's cookies and a Christmas Journal. It's used to record what you did every Christmas, who you were with, where you went, and a picture of the family. From there we went to Knollwood Mall & Southdale Shopping Centre to do a little Christmas Shopping. I struck gold at H&M for my little boys and found Josh some nice clothing at LEN and GAP. We ran into the Kellogg's from Wadena who recently moved to the cities. It was a fun surprise. I used to baby-sit for their kids and now they are in high school and way taller then me. We had dinner at Big Bowl in the Galleria and there is where we shared the surprise with my mom. She was so excited! Originally she thought we were going to the Gopher Game since Kourtney's brother-in-law plays for them, Blake Hoffarber, and then she thought it was a play. We all ordered the same thing at Big Bowl...we are so habitual---creatures of habit. and then headed to Minneapolis to see the concert.
Funny story (or at least it would be if you were there)...
We parked in a parking ramp and were taking the stairs down to the main level. The stairway was congested since their was a T-Wolves & Gopher game going on. As my mom was rounding a corner onto a platform she bumps the big, round, red "Emergency Button!" Now, Kourtney is leading the way, my mom is in the middle and I'm bringing up the rear. We stop and look at each other in shock and bust into laughter, everyone else has a panic look on their face wondering what just happened. We bolted out of there as fast as we could. It was almost one of those moments when you laugh so hard you almost pee your pants. We joked with my mom that the police will be looking for her and that we can't take her anywhere.
We finally arrive at the Pantages Theatre. Our seats were awesome---four rows from the front. I could see their faces so clear. The concert was amazing, as usual. They are celebrating their 20th year together so they did a mix of Christmas and their hits. Before, when we attended their concerts they were strictly acappella, but this time they had a band for some of the songs. I loved singing along to most of the songs. After the concert it official felt like Christmas!
My darling husband agreed to watch both of the boys--Logan, 3 years old, and Shane, 3 months old. This was the first time I was away from Shane over night. I missed all of them and was calling every couple of hours. I am so thankful that I have a husband that is so hands on with the kids and doesn't even think twice about watching them. I love how he invests so much time into their lives and makes it a priority to include them in his day to day tasks. Before I left he had to make a special trip to the store to buy "guy food"---fish sticks. french fries, pop, etc.
In conclusion, the weekend was so very sweet and I adored the time I spent with my mom and sister---My love tank is full! If you are looking for a great Christmas CD buy the Blenders, you won't be disappointed!
Merry Christmas!!
This is how it all happened...
Kourtney and I decided to surprise our mom with tickets to the BLENDERS. They are a group of four guys with amazing voices. While attending college, our family would drive to Fargo, ND to hear them sing Thanksgiving night. We always attended their Christmas Show. Of course we bought their Christmas CD and listen to it 24/7 during the holiday season. Kourtney found out tha they were performing at the Pantages Theatre so we jumped on the opportunity.
Saturday AM my mom met me in Alexandria and we proceeded to the Twin Cities to Kourtney's house. On the way there my mom was talking about how we should make the first weekend in December a girl's weekend and how it would be so fun to go see the Blenders some time. I acted dumb and led her to believe that I only thought the Blenders performed in Fargo. We arrived at Kourtney's around lunch time and headed to the General Store for lunch and to admire all of the Christmas decor and products. I found a darling plate for Santa's cookies and a Christmas Journal. It's used to record what you did every Christmas, who you were with, where you went, and a picture of the family. From there we went to Knollwood Mall & Southdale Shopping Centre to do a little Christmas Shopping. I struck gold at H&M for my little boys and found Josh some nice clothing at LEN and GAP. We ran into the Kellogg's from Wadena who recently moved to the cities. It was a fun surprise. I used to baby-sit for their kids and now they are in high school and way taller then me. We had dinner at Big Bowl in the Galleria and there is where we shared the surprise with my mom. She was so excited! Originally she thought we were going to the Gopher Game since Kourtney's brother-in-law plays for them, Blake Hoffarber, and then she thought it was a play. We all ordered the same thing at Big Bowl...we are so habitual---creatures of habit. and then headed to Minneapolis to see the concert.
Funny story (or at least it would be if you were there)...
We parked in a parking ramp and were taking the stairs down to the main level. The stairway was congested since their was a T-Wolves & Gopher game going on. As my mom was rounding a corner onto a platform she bumps the big, round, red "Emergency Button!" Now, Kourtney is leading the way, my mom is in the middle and I'm bringing up the rear. We stop and look at each other in shock and bust into laughter, everyone else has a panic look on their face wondering what just happened. We bolted out of there as fast as we could. It was almost one of those moments when you laugh so hard you almost pee your pants. We joked with my mom that the police will be looking for her and that we can't take her anywhere.
We finally arrive at the Pantages Theatre. Our seats were awesome---four rows from the front. I could see their faces so clear. The concert was amazing, as usual. They are celebrating their 20th year together so they did a mix of Christmas and their hits. Before, when we attended their concerts they were strictly acappella, but this time they had a band for some of the songs. I loved singing along to most of the songs. After the concert it official felt like Christmas!
My darling husband agreed to watch both of the boys--Logan, 3 years old, and Shane, 3 months old. This was the first time I was away from Shane over night. I missed all of them and was calling every couple of hours. I am so thankful that I have a husband that is so hands on with the kids and doesn't even think twice about watching them. I love how he invests so much time into their lives and makes it a priority to include them in his day to day tasks. Before I left he had to make a special trip to the store to buy "guy food"---fish sticks. french fries, pop, etc.
In conclusion, the weekend was so very sweet and I adored the time I spent with my mom and sister---My love tank is full! If you are looking for a great Christmas CD buy the Blenders, you won't be disappointed!
Merry Christmas!!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Big Fluffy Snowflakes = Giddiness
I am full of Glee! I feel like a child when big fluffy snowflakes fall from the sky. I just want to stay outside and take in every flake. Tonight the boys and I are going to get cocoa, of course at Caribou, and then drive around and look at Christmas Lights. I'm way too excited!
Thanksgiving...
This year we ventured to Wadena and spent Thanksgiving with my mom, dad, Kourtney & Adam. We had a lovely time. The food was amazing, but the company was even better. The holiday season fulfills my desire to have quality time with my loved ones---it's one of my love languages. I love to just "be" with my family and friends. Thanksgiving was great having the (little) boys to entertain us, but it wasn't quite right now having my other siblings there---Lucas, Eva and Andre. They all live out of state so their visits are not often enough. My dad gave us a sneak peak of his light show, all I can say is he had out done himself again. The drive to Wadena is really worth it. This year the program is almost an hour long. He has had to rebuild a lot of his light show since the tornado hit this past summer. He has put some many hours into the light show--I admire his passion and perseverance. He added a ten foot wreath this year with a projection screen in the middle that plays video with various songs...so cool.
Friday when we got home from Wadena we partook in the Black Friday madness. Granted it was already after 11AM, the mall and Walmart/Target were still crowded. Josh & I managed to Christmas shop for the boys while they sat in the cart. It really was a team effort to pull it off. Our strategy included two shopping carts, walking up and down all of the toy aisles so Logan can tell us what he likes and then Josh takes the boys to get wrapping paper and I go back for the kill. I came to the conclusion that anything we buy Logan he will love. This year Santa will be coming to our home. Logan wants to make sure he's on Santa's "Nice" List. He is all excited to have cookies and milk for him. The holidays are more alive with kids. It's so fun to see the joy in their faces & their innocence is so sweet. I want to make everything extra special & start to set traditions.
My darling husband walked in the door with dinner in hand so I best be signing off!
Until next time.
Thanksgiving...
This year we ventured to Wadena and spent Thanksgiving with my mom, dad, Kourtney & Adam. We had a lovely time. The food was amazing, but the company was even better. The holiday season fulfills my desire to have quality time with my loved ones---it's one of my love languages. I love to just "be" with my family and friends. Thanksgiving was great having the (little) boys to entertain us, but it wasn't quite right now having my other siblings there---Lucas, Eva and Andre. They all live out of state so their visits are not often enough. My dad gave us a sneak peak of his light show, all I can say is he had out done himself again. The drive to Wadena is really worth it. This year the program is almost an hour long. He has had to rebuild a lot of his light show since the tornado hit this past summer. He has put some many hours into the light show--I admire his passion and perseverance. He added a ten foot wreath this year with a projection screen in the middle that plays video with various songs...so cool.
Friday when we got home from Wadena we partook in the Black Friday madness. Granted it was already after 11AM, the mall and Walmart/Target were still crowded. Josh & I managed to Christmas shop for the boys while they sat in the cart. It really was a team effort to pull it off. Our strategy included two shopping carts, walking up and down all of the toy aisles so Logan can tell us what he likes and then Josh takes the boys to get wrapping paper and I go back for the kill. I came to the conclusion that anything we buy Logan he will love. This year Santa will be coming to our home. Logan wants to make sure he's on Santa's "Nice" List. He is all excited to have cookies and milk for him. The holidays are more alive with kids. It's so fun to see the joy in their faces & their innocence is so sweet. I want to make everything extra special & start to set traditions.
My darling husband walked in the door with dinner in hand so I best be signing off!
Until next time.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Crazy Week!
What a week I had, it was a whirlwind! I'm not even sure where to begin. The main event was hosting Thanksgiving Dinner for my daycare families. I feel it's important for the kiddos to practice serving others, just like Jesus did when he was here on earth. Throughout the week, we made decorations for our "Thankful Tree" went over job duties, talked about what we are thankful, etc.
Tuesday I did spin class for the first time in 2 years. It rocked my world. I spun for an hour, the first 30min was "climbing a hill" and the last 20 min were sprinting down it. I used to pride myself in never having the urge to throw up from a work-out, but Tuesday changed that. I was on the verge of running to the garbage. (I guess it didn't help that I had a latte right before either.)
Wednesday was crazy! It all began when my food program lady, stopped for a surprise visit at 8AM. I was in the middle of making breakfast for six little kiddos and Shane in my arms since he wasn't feeling. Immediately the kids start to act up and I knew I was going to be in trouble since I wasn't up-to-date with recording my meals. I became so frazzled I forgot to make the toast to go with the eggs, fruit and milk which my food program lady reminded me of. On top of that my of my kids missed the bus to preschool. School started at 9AM and it was already ten after. Thankfully my food program lady watched the kids so I could drive her in to preschool. At nap time I went and dyed my hair brown, so it's official: I'm a BRUNETTE! It was entertaining watching the facial expressions of my daycare parents and husband as they saw my new hair. After work, I went with the boys to the bowling alley for a Sertoma event, did a Target run and picked up extra tables and chairs. By the time I got home it was already 8:30PM. I was feeling anxious and overwhelmed. I hadn't even started prepping for tomorrow night's Thanksgiving dinner. Mary, my mother-in-law, stopped over and dropped off the pumpkin cookies and ended up helping me peel 10lbs of potatoes and made sure I knew how to make everything. Josh was helpful too, clearing out the living room and setting up tables and chairs. I hit the hay at twelve bells.
Thursday was the big day! My mom came to visit to see the boys. Once all of the kids arrived we headed to Caribou before we were ready to work hard. Caribou is motivation in a cup! The kids excitement was contagious. They thought it was so cool that the couches were gone and tables were set up, the "thankful tree" was upstairs with all of the decorations on it and the thankful poster was hanging. I had them help me make the fruit salad and decorate the tables. Josh came home to help me get the Turkey in the oven and bring me the items I forgot at the store. At naptime I cleaned the house, mashed the potatoes, cooked the ham, brewed the coffee, and made sure everything was in order. Once every was up we divided into two teams---greeters/coat takers and beverage order. I also had each guest fill out a card of what they wanted to eat so that the kids could "serve" their parents by bringing them their food. By now the younger kids are out of control or should I say overflowing with excitement! THe parent's arrived between 5:30-5:45pm, the kids did awesome! The food turned out (minus the gravy) and no one went home hungry. It was an awesome night of fellowship. I am so thankful for the awesome daycare families that God has blessed me with! They are the best!
Friday was my Birthday, I turned the big 2-8! My Birthday has a whole new meaning to me. Last year at this time I was mourning the loss of a baby. I was newly pregnant and was so excited for Josh and I to tell our parents that we were expecting again that weekend. The night of the Thanksgiving dinner for my daycare families I noticed that I had began to bleed. I immediately thought the worse. I went to the doctor the next AM and they confirmed that I had loss the baby. I was a wreck. I was only about 8 weeks along, but it still hurt. I now look at my Birthday as a celebration of another year of life and another year that my precious little baby is with the Lord---It's my earthly Birthday and the baby's heavenly Birthday. I decided to name the baby Morgan since it could be either boy or girl. I can't wait to meet him/her one day. I know that God sees the big picture and can trust in his sovereign plan for my life and my children's. This year, Josh took me out to Bella's for a romantic dinner. He also surprised me. Earlier this month I hinted to him that I would really like a heart rate monitor. He made it a point to let me know that he thought it was ridiculous and all of the exercise equipment have heart rate monitors. I was actually annoyed that he had such an opinion. When he got home from work he told me that my present wasn't ready and that I would have to wait until next week. You see, I have a love/hate relationship with surprises. I can't handle the anticipation of what it is and but love the surprise of opening it. I was really disappointed. I began to question him, "where did you buy it from," "when did you order it," "can you please give me a little hint?" He led me on to believe that it had bought me gifts from clothing and sporting goods store. I had no idea what it could be. On the way to bringing the boys to his parents house he took a corner too fast (on purpose) and this box fell down to me feet. He asked me to pick it up and told me to open it. It was pitch dark so I had no idea what it was. He did it, he had bought me my heart rate monitor and it was pink!!
The week was fast and furious, but so memorable. Again, I'm sorry for it being so wordy. I have hard time summarizing. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Tuesday I did spin class for the first time in 2 years. It rocked my world. I spun for an hour, the first 30min was "climbing a hill" and the last 20 min were sprinting down it. I used to pride myself in never having the urge to throw up from a work-out, but Tuesday changed that. I was on the verge of running to the garbage. (I guess it didn't help that I had a latte right before either.)
Wednesday was crazy! It all began when my food program lady, stopped for a surprise visit at 8AM. I was in the middle of making breakfast for six little kiddos and Shane in my arms since he wasn't feeling. Immediately the kids start to act up and I knew I was going to be in trouble since I wasn't up-to-date with recording my meals. I became so frazzled I forgot to make the toast to go with the eggs, fruit and milk which my food program lady reminded me of. On top of that my of my kids missed the bus to preschool. School started at 9AM and it was already ten after. Thankfully my food program lady watched the kids so I could drive her in to preschool. At nap time I went and dyed my hair brown, so it's official: I'm a BRUNETTE! It was entertaining watching the facial expressions of my daycare parents and husband as they saw my new hair. After work, I went with the boys to the bowling alley for a Sertoma event, did a Target run and picked up extra tables and chairs. By the time I got home it was already 8:30PM. I was feeling anxious and overwhelmed. I hadn't even started prepping for tomorrow night's Thanksgiving dinner. Mary, my mother-in-law, stopped over and dropped off the pumpkin cookies and ended up helping me peel 10lbs of potatoes and made sure I knew how to make everything. Josh was helpful too, clearing out the living room and setting up tables and chairs. I hit the hay at twelve bells.
Thursday was the big day! My mom came to visit to see the boys. Once all of the kids arrived we headed to Caribou before we were ready to work hard. Caribou is motivation in a cup! The kids excitement was contagious. They thought it was so cool that the couches were gone and tables were set up, the "thankful tree" was upstairs with all of the decorations on it and the thankful poster was hanging. I had them help me make the fruit salad and decorate the tables. Josh came home to help me get the Turkey in the oven and bring me the items I forgot at the store. At naptime I cleaned the house, mashed the potatoes, cooked the ham, brewed the coffee, and made sure everything was in order. Once every was up we divided into two teams---greeters/coat takers and beverage order. I also had each guest fill out a card of what they wanted to eat so that the kids could "serve" their parents by bringing them their food. By now the younger kids are out of control or should I say overflowing with excitement! THe parent's arrived between 5:30-5:45pm, the kids did awesome! The food turned out (minus the gravy) and no one went home hungry. It was an awesome night of fellowship. I am so thankful for the awesome daycare families that God has blessed me with! They are the best!
Friday was my Birthday, I turned the big 2-8! My Birthday has a whole new meaning to me. Last year at this time I was mourning the loss of a baby. I was newly pregnant and was so excited for Josh and I to tell our parents that we were expecting again that weekend. The night of the Thanksgiving dinner for my daycare families I noticed that I had began to bleed. I immediately thought the worse. I went to the doctor the next AM and they confirmed that I had loss the baby. I was a wreck. I was only about 8 weeks along, but it still hurt. I now look at my Birthday as a celebration of another year of life and another year that my precious little baby is with the Lord---It's my earthly Birthday and the baby's heavenly Birthday. I decided to name the baby Morgan since it could be either boy or girl. I can't wait to meet him/her one day. I know that God sees the big picture and can trust in his sovereign plan for my life and my children's. This year, Josh took me out to Bella's for a romantic dinner. He also surprised me. Earlier this month I hinted to him that I would really like a heart rate monitor. He made it a point to let me know that he thought it was ridiculous and all of the exercise equipment have heart rate monitors. I was actually annoyed that he had such an opinion. When he got home from work he told me that my present wasn't ready and that I would have to wait until next week. You see, I have a love/hate relationship with surprises. I can't handle the anticipation of what it is and but love the surprise of opening it. I was really disappointed. I began to question him, "where did you buy it from," "when did you order it," "can you please give me a little hint?" He led me on to believe that it had bought me gifts from clothing and sporting goods store. I had no idea what it could be. On the way to bringing the boys to his parents house he took a corner too fast (on purpose) and this box fell down to me feet. He asked me to pick it up and told me to open it. It was pitch dark so I had no idea what it was. He did it, he had bought me my heart rate monitor and it was pink!!
The week was fast and furious, but so memorable. Again, I'm sorry for it being so wordy. I have hard time summarizing. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
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