Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Paloma's Plug
Tonight while we were supposed to be getting ready for bed and saying our prayers, Paloma removes herself from our prayer circle, crawls into bed and cuddles up with her blankets. I asked her why she wasn't joining us for prayer - her response, "I dunno know." Then I asked her if there was one thing she was thankful for. She curled up under her blankets in a ball - only to emerge 15 seconds later and say....
"Mama, God made everybody with a belly button."
What To Do
I'm not sure whether I should
A) Scream - because I am technically supposed to be in Wisc right now snuggling with my new little nephew Landon, but instead we are grounded because of the flu. My entire family has taken ill (me excluded so far) and there is no way we were going to make the flight today. So for the next 8 days, I'm playing nursey to my poor stricken family
OR
B) Praise God - why (for numerous reasons) but the number one right now is that had my family not gotten sick, and had we not canceled our flights but rather flown off into the sunset of Wisc, I would be spending the night in the MSP airport with two young children. Apparently, Northwest didn't get the memo that we canceled our flights and we received a surprising phone call tonight saying the flight from Minneapolis to LaCrosse was canceled for tonight and rescheduled for the morning. What a disaster that would have been.
God works in mysterious ways doesn't HE?
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Annual Pumpkin Patch Visit
The girls and I decided Monday night would be the perfect night to gather up our neighbor and head on out to the pumpkin patch. It was a bit chilly - but temperatures remained relatively conducive to an enjoyable evening outdoors.
First up - the petting zoo. Always a crowd pleaser. A bit disappointed this year since you couldn't get right into the pens with the animals as you could last year - but fun nonetheless. For our viewing pleasure - horses, goats, llama's, alpacas, a camel, sheep. They were all very friendly and very flirtatious. My kids loved them. Then we packed up all three children and headed out for the hayride into the pumpkin patch. Yeah! I love hayrides. After finding a pumpkin, we hopped back on and spent the remainder of the evening enjoying games, rides, food, etc. Here is just a sampling of the photos from our very fun adventure. Thanks friends for joining us this year.
First up - the petting zoo. Always a crowd pleaser. A bit disappointed this year since you couldn't get right into the pens with the animals as you could last year - but fun nonetheless. For our viewing pleasure - horses, goats, llama's, alpacas, a camel, sheep. They were all very friendly and very flirtatious. My kids loved them. Then we packed up all three children and headed out for the hayride into the pumpkin patch. Yeah! I love hayrides. After finding a pumpkin, we hopped back on and spent the remainder of the evening enjoying games, rides, food, etc. Here is just a sampling of the photos from our very fun adventure. Thanks friends for joining us this year.
Temper Tantrums - Take 2
My belief was (and correct me if I'm wrong), when we celebrated Mattea's 3rd birthday, I said good bye to those evil two year old tempter tantrums forever. Within 24 hours of turning 3, my sweet Mattea was a changed girl - until now.
Yikes!
What in the heck happened I'm asking myself these days. I don't know if this is some kind of ridiculous phase we are going through but her behavior is nothing short of annoying. I have learned that temper tantrums at 2 are challenging and somewhat frustrating - but at 4 - well those are downright un-lady-like. She has had the most rotten attitude lately and I sincerely believes she thinks that throwing herself to the floor like her sister will somewhat elicit a positive response from me. Thought she would have learned her lesson 2 yeas ago.
Any suggestions out there from you moms to struggle through this stage without throwing myself on the floor with a temper tantrum. Because one of these days, I'm quite sure mommy is going to be the one with the breakdown.
And in case you couldn't tell, I documented one of these events so y'all knew I was telling the truth.
Welcome Baby Landon
Feast your eyes on my newest little nephew Landon.
Yummy huh?
Born not to long ago, this little boy has warmed the hearts of our family for sure. We are so excited to be heading home to meet the newest addition. For a brief moment, staring at his sweet little eyes makes me want to try for a boy - like I said - brief moment.
Congratulations Rieber Family!!!
Yummy huh?
Born not to long ago, this little boy has warmed the hearts of our family for sure. We are so excited to be heading home to meet the newest addition. For a brief moment, staring at his sweet little eyes makes me want to try for a boy - like I said - brief moment.
Congratulations Rieber Family!!!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Food Fiasco
So what do you get when you take flour....
Pumpkin.....
Yeast.....
A very cute 4 year old.....
And an old mommy who has no idea what she is doing in the kitchen?
This! My attempt at pumpkin bread. Not so good huh? My husband said it tasted as good as it looked. Ummm, guess I'll try again next time. I certainly had a great helper though.
Pumpkin.....
Yeast.....
A very cute 4 year old.....
And an old mommy who has no idea what she is doing in the kitchen?
This! My attempt at pumpkin bread. Not so good huh? My husband said it tasted as good as it looked. Ummm, guess I'll try again next time. I certainly had a great helper though.
I Finished!
Wow - am I glad this weekend is behind me. The anticipation leading up to this weekend's half marathon has been a killer. I don't do well with built up anxiety.
But, worry no longer. In the ridiculously cold conditions of 41 degrees, rain, and wind, I was able to finish my very first 1/2 marathon. This is something I would have never seen coming years ago - even 2 years ago. But with the help and encouragement of others, I now have the pleasure of saying "I did it!"
This would be our champagne finish. My goodness, what else could you want after running 13.1 miles besides champagne?
We are all standing and all smiling. I'm so proud of all these girls!
And my dear sweet friend and her family were waiting at my house with a homemade sign. I have special people in my life who have been very supportive of this endeavour. Thanks to all.
Now, I will wallow in my ibuprofen, drive past the gym, and break my training diet for a couple of days before I jump back onto the beast (Treadmill that is) and train for another. Yipee!
But, worry no longer. In the ridiculously cold conditions of 41 degrees, rain, and wind, I was able to finish my very first 1/2 marathon. This is something I would have never seen coming years ago - even 2 years ago. But with the help and encouragement of others, I now have the pleasure of saying "I did it!"
This would be our champagne finish. My goodness, what else could you want after running 13.1 miles besides champagne?
We are all standing and all smiling. I'm so proud of all these girls!
And my dear sweet friend and her family were waiting at my house with a homemade sign. I have special people in my life who have been very supportive of this endeavour. Thanks to all.
Now, I will wallow in my ibuprofen, drive past the gym, and break my training diet for a couple of days before I jump back onto the beast (Treadmill that is) and train for another. Yipee!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
It's Hunting Season....
The temperatures are dropping....
Our freezer is empty......
The elk are bugling.....
The camo is coming out.....
It's time for my dear sweet husband to head out to the woods and "blast one." In all seriousness, it is not a sport but simply food on the table for this household. I think Dave is feeling the pressure since we have a few steaks left, a few packages of hamburger, and maybe one roast. Let's hope it is a fruitful year for us. I love feeding my kids "all natural, organic" meat. Doesn't get better than that. Good luck honey.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
There's No Going Back Now
I did it everybody! I can't believe I did - but it is done. I pushed the button, I completed the transaction and......
I just registered for my very first half marathon. After taking 4 weeks off due to a nasty cold/sinus infection, and heel injury, I decided to jump right back in and see if I could in fact pull it off. After not running for nearly a month, I came back to have a 25 mile week and felt awesome about each run - so with less than 7 days to go, I decided to commit.
I am extremely nervous about this event since in all technicality I have never run 13.1 miles before but.....
I got through childbirth so I can do this right?
I'll let you know at the end of the race which one is worse.
Philippians 4:13 will be my motto!
Wish me luck!
I just registered for my very first half marathon. After taking 4 weeks off due to a nasty cold/sinus infection, and heel injury, I decided to jump right back in and see if I could in fact pull it off. After not running for nearly a month, I came back to have a 25 mile week and felt awesome about each run - so with less than 7 days to go, I decided to commit.
I am extremely nervous about this event since in all technicality I have never run 13.1 miles before but.....
I got through childbirth so I can do this right?
I'll let you know at the end of the race which one is worse.
Philippians 4:13 will be my motto!
Wish me luck!
Mattea Moments
After lunch today, Mattea was bouncing around the house in her pretty new shoes - feeling so proud and so cool. I turned to her and said, "Mattea - you are cuter than pie."
She turned around and said, "I'm cuter than Paloma" than proceeded to walk upstairs.
Paloma just stood there and I just laughed.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
I May Be Biased...
but Dave and I make beautiful babies!!
I think both my children are absolutely gorgeous but Paloma simply takes my breath away...
I think both my children are absolutely gorgeous but Paloma simply takes my breath away...
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Mattea Moments
Today, in preparation for a scrapbook layout I'm working on, I asked Mattea a few questions. With absolutely no prompting from me, these are the answers I got. Thought I'd share them with you. Enjoy
I love: my sister, my dad, my mom, and me, and my puppies like Kody and Cora, my aunt & uncle and two cousins, my aunt's dad, grandma and grandpa and I love when we go to Disney, Colorado and camping. That's it.
I wonder: that I want to be a nurse when I grow up and check moms - like parents and sick kids and people who broke their legs and I want to check babies
I hope: that I'll get a girl and a boy and my boys going to be named Brennan. I hope I'll do a spaceship room for Brennan and princess room for Erin.
I wish: for a Merry Christmas and 'My friend Rabbit' movie. I wish I get one princess thing to keep headbands in and high heels, and a baby computer.
I don't like: a green room, when the sun gets in my eyes, chicken, yucky chicken, tomatoes, onions, and 1 more thing but I forgot.
Favorite food: grilled cheese, lettuce and spinach to make me strong.
Favorite color: pink and purple
Thoughts on God: thought that we have to pray for everything. I think in my head and then I pray to God.
Is there a heaven?: when you die and you get old and when you are a grandma.
What's in heaven?: Jesus and God in heaven, and a park and I think there's swings but I've never been there. maybe a slide. that's it.
I love: my sister, my dad, my mom, and me, and my puppies like Kody and Cora, my aunt & uncle and two cousins, my aunt's dad, grandma and grandpa and I love when we go to Disney, Colorado and camping. That's it.
I wonder: that I want to be a nurse when I grow up and check moms - like parents and sick kids and people who broke their legs and I want to check babies
I hope: that I'll get a girl and a boy and my boys going to be named Brennan. I hope I'll do a spaceship room for Brennan and princess room for Erin.
I wish: for a Merry Christmas and 'My friend Rabbit' movie. I wish I get one princess thing to keep headbands in and high heels, and a baby computer.
I don't like: a green room, when the sun gets in my eyes, chicken, yucky chicken, tomatoes, onions, and 1 more thing but I forgot.
Favorite food: grilled cheese, lettuce and spinach to make me strong.
Favorite color: pink and purple
Thoughts on God: thought that we have to pray for everything. I think in my head and then I pray to God.
Is there a heaven?: when you die and you get old and when you are a grandma.
What's in heaven?: Jesus and God in heaven, and a park and I think there's swings but I've never been there. maybe a slide. that's it.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Where Does Satan Hit You?
Funny question isn't it?
Yeah... kind of.
Many of you may know or not know, but during my adolescent years I participated in karate. Obtaining my black belt while I was 15 was a huge accomplishment. I loved the sport, I loved the discipline, but most of all, I loved the competition. I remember going to tournaments and preparing both physically and mentally for your sparring (fighting) matches. I vividly remember one particular tournament in which I was matched against a very dear friend of mine. We hung out and worked out together but on this particular day, we were out to get each other.
It was a good match. The fight was good but then all of a sudden, I kicked, she went down, and I was asked to bow out. I had hit "below the belt." Illegal in this sport. I would be penalized.
I think back to the match and many others in which I was the offender and also the receiver. Many times I received blows "below the belt." Didn't feel so good.
But I have to say that the blows I received below the belt stand nothing in comparison to the blows that Satan dishes out "above the belt." See, Satan knows right where to attack me and where my weak spot is - and that is my mind. My mind can be a vicious and dangerous tool. He knows how to slither in, manipulate, and twist my mind to play all kinds of games.
See, lately I have been analyzing my life and the elements within in and have completely realized I've allowed my mind to become captive to Satan's grasp. I have on many occasions felt like a failure in the many different roles that I "play" on a daily basis. Just when I think I am doing a good job with the kids, working and playing with them, teaching them, nurturing them - Satan walks in and shoots that idea down in a heartbeat. I begin to second guess myself - wondering why Mattea can't write her name, why Paloma refuses to learn her letters, why Paloma hits and bites and seems to have no remorse, why Mattea throws tantrums like a 2 year old monkey, why there are times of outright disrespect, why, why, why..... And that's not all. He doesn't stop with the kids, he infects all areas - my marriage, my job, my house, my life in general. He is so self defeating and can take a good day and make it rotten in the matter of minutes - if you let him. And that is the problem, I've let him. I have allowed Satan to overtake my mind and beat me down to such a point that all I have begun to see is failure. Instead of seeing the good, all I've been concentrating on is the bad. What I'm not doing instead of what I am doing.
I know that there is no such thing as a perfect wife, perfect daughter, perfect mother, perfect friend - I will never live up to those kind of expectations. I, on occasion, miss a friend's birthday, leave the house a mess simply because I am too tired, plop the kids in front of a movie rather than read to them because I'm too lazy, ignore aspects of my marriage that I know need to be addressed simply because the confrontation seems to stressful, ignore the laundry piles, pretend the grass hasn't grown in the last week, feed the kids macaroni 2 days in a row rather than make the effort to cook something healthier, choose to run on a day where the kids would rather go to the park. I could go on, but I'm thinking you might be getting the point.
What I have come to realize - although it hasn't been an easy task - is that the mind is such an intricate and delicate organ. It can be your best friend - but also your worst enemy. If you allow yourself to hear the self defeating, negative noise that occurs through Satan, you can be brought down to your knees in a matter of minutes. But, it doesn't have to be that way.
Recently, I've drug out the head gear - that's right, head gear. During our sparring matches, we made sure as competitors that we wore plenty of protective gear. An important piece of that gear was a head piece. It protected your head and face against illegal and potentially deadly blows. Well, since Satan has taken a liking to hitting my mind, I have brought out the head piece. May not always be pretty to wear, but I have it on. My head gear is not red and spongy like my karate gear but rather it is invisible. I know the only way to fight off Satan is through Christ. One whom I know I can't see but feel often. It is through His words and His teaching that I will defeat and win over Satan during this all too important match. I will be the one left standing.
How about you?
Yeah... kind of.
Many of you may know or not know, but during my adolescent years I participated in karate. Obtaining my black belt while I was 15 was a huge accomplishment. I loved the sport, I loved the discipline, but most of all, I loved the competition. I remember going to tournaments and preparing both physically and mentally for your sparring (fighting) matches. I vividly remember one particular tournament in which I was matched against a very dear friend of mine. We hung out and worked out together but on this particular day, we were out to get each other.
It was a good match. The fight was good but then all of a sudden, I kicked, she went down, and I was asked to bow out. I had hit "below the belt." Illegal in this sport. I would be penalized.
I think back to the match and many others in which I was the offender and also the receiver. Many times I received blows "below the belt." Didn't feel so good.
But I have to say that the blows I received below the belt stand nothing in comparison to the blows that Satan dishes out "above the belt." See, Satan knows right where to attack me and where my weak spot is - and that is my mind. My mind can be a vicious and dangerous tool. He knows how to slither in, manipulate, and twist my mind to play all kinds of games.
See, lately I have been analyzing my life and the elements within in and have completely realized I've allowed my mind to become captive to Satan's grasp. I have on many occasions felt like a failure in the many different roles that I "play" on a daily basis. Just when I think I am doing a good job with the kids, working and playing with them, teaching them, nurturing them - Satan walks in and shoots that idea down in a heartbeat. I begin to second guess myself - wondering why Mattea can't write her name, why Paloma refuses to learn her letters, why Paloma hits and bites and seems to have no remorse, why Mattea throws tantrums like a 2 year old monkey, why there are times of outright disrespect, why, why, why..... And that's not all. He doesn't stop with the kids, he infects all areas - my marriage, my job, my house, my life in general. He is so self defeating and can take a good day and make it rotten in the matter of minutes - if you let him. And that is the problem, I've let him. I have allowed Satan to overtake my mind and beat me down to such a point that all I have begun to see is failure. Instead of seeing the good, all I've been concentrating on is the bad. What I'm not doing instead of what I am doing.
I know that there is no such thing as a perfect wife, perfect daughter, perfect mother, perfect friend - I will never live up to those kind of expectations. I, on occasion, miss a friend's birthday, leave the house a mess simply because I am too tired, plop the kids in front of a movie rather than read to them because I'm too lazy, ignore aspects of my marriage that I know need to be addressed simply because the confrontation seems to stressful, ignore the laundry piles, pretend the grass hasn't grown in the last week, feed the kids macaroni 2 days in a row rather than make the effort to cook something healthier, choose to run on a day where the kids would rather go to the park. I could go on, but I'm thinking you might be getting the point.
What I have come to realize - although it hasn't been an easy task - is that the mind is such an intricate and delicate organ. It can be your best friend - but also your worst enemy. If you allow yourself to hear the self defeating, negative noise that occurs through Satan, you can be brought down to your knees in a matter of minutes. But, it doesn't have to be that way.
Recently, I've drug out the head gear - that's right, head gear. During our sparring matches, we made sure as competitors that we wore plenty of protective gear. An important piece of that gear was a head piece. It protected your head and face against illegal and potentially deadly blows. Well, since Satan has taken a liking to hitting my mind, I have brought out the head piece. May not always be pretty to wear, but I have it on. My head gear is not red and spongy like my karate gear but rather it is invisible. I know the only way to fight off Satan is through Christ. One whom I know I can't see but feel often. It is through His words and His teaching that I will defeat and win over Satan during this all too important match. I will be the one left standing.
How about you?
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Food For Thought
There are six things the Lord hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.
Proverbs 6:16-19
seven that are detestable to him:
haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.
Proverbs 6:16-19
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
1st Day of School
Preschool that is.
Mattea started 3 day a week preschool on Wednesday. After a long, relaxing, loose summer, our family jumped right back in to the rigorous routine that is the school year. That meant early bedtimes, early wake times, strict morning schedule, and that usual rush to get out the door on time without forgetting anything or anyone.
Wednesday went well. Mattea was tired because she hadn't fallen asleep right away on Tuesday night but she was generally in a good mood. Taking time to pose for some pictures she eagerly made her way to Mrs. G's class.
The preschool was able to accommodate the classes so that many of the children could stay with many of the same friends from last year which was nice. I don't think it was as scary to enter the new bigger classroom when so many familiar faces were there.
Here are a few shots of my beautiful baby on her first day back at school. She said she had a good time when I picked her up and was most excited to head back on Friday.
We are excited about what the new year may bring.
Mattea started 3 day a week preschool on Wednesday. After a long, relaxing, loose summer, our family jumped right back in to the rigorous routine that is the school year. That meant early bedtimes, early wake times, strict morning schedule, and that usual rush to get out the door on time without forgetting anything or anyone.
Wednesday went well. Mattea was tired because she hadn't fallen asleep right away on Tuesday night but she was generally in a good mood. Taking time to pose for some pictures she eagerly made her way to Mrs. G's class.
The preschool was able to accommodate the classes so that many of the children could stay with many of the same friends from last year which was nice. I don't think it was as scary to enter the new bigger classroom when so many familiar faces were there.
Here are a few shots of my beautiful baby on her first day back at school. She said she had a good time when I picked her up and was most excited to head back on Friday.
We are excited about what the new year may bring.
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