Good-bye 2009

2009 was a year of life changes for me, all of which I feel were great!

Looking back through the first 1/2 of 2009 my schedule was just jam packed. I was over-obligated and trying to balance a family with young children, a marriage, a career, and running a non-profit. As many of you know for about 6 years I was one of two directors of A Rotta Love Plus (www.arottalove.org). The demands of balancing all of these things left me tired, crabby, stressed, and always feeling like I was behind the eight ball and many times disapointing myself or others.

Around May is when this all started effecting my sleep and physically I was just reaching a point where I just could not get myself going. In June I officially resigned as a Director of A Rotta Love Plus. It was a hard decision but I can say now that it was a WONDERFUL decision.

In July, we bought our home! Our home was a "meant to be" home for us. We rented out our townhome (we use that as a rental) the same day that our home went on the market and we put in an offer the same day! Adam came accross a list that we had written out of all the things we wanted in a home...this was before we started our home search. Our home ended up having 18 of the 22 listed thigns we want, and many more posabilites that we would have ever imagined! This home was meant for us!!!!

In August, about 3 weeks after we moved in, Adam was up north with friends, a tornado went through our neighborhood. Thankfully my dad came over to be with us! I will never forget being under the stairwell with 2 kids and 2 dogs, me and my dad with no electrisity in the middle of the dark. It was VERY scarey. We had minor damage and a LOT of garbage to pick up. Chloe still is scared of the 'wind.'

Currently I volunteer in our church nursury once a month, I also volunteer at Pine Lake Pastures (horse back riding theraphy program).

In 2009, I learned how to "de-clutter" my life of all the noise and to focus on my family (my children and my husband). I have taken the time to entertain interests I have had for a long time, horses, my own personal dogs, sewing, and I have been learning how to cook! I feel more in touch with myself and those around me!

2010 will be a wonderful year!

Cheers,
Beth

Random thoughts

Last night Adam and I went over to a neighbors house, they are expecting their second little one in less than a month now! We had a wonderful time, after we left I just kept thinking about how blessed we are to live in the neighborhood that we live in and how wonderful it is to spend time with friends!

I am really excited about a curtain project that I am doing for the same neighbor we visited last night. Her sons new bedroom looks so great and I am glad that I can be a little part of making his bedroom a special place!

One thing I have been really wanting in recent months is a horse, I miss having horses so much. I felt SO blessed when the volunteer coordinator at the barn I volunteer at approached me and asked if I would help her get some riding hours on her horse! Isn't it funny how God answers your wants in needs, and in a way that is so appropriate to what I can handle right now!

Tonight we say good-bye to 2009 and hello to 2010!!! It amazes me how fast the years go by. We will be ringing in the New Year with good friends and neighbors of ours, Al and Amanda. We have grown close to them and I really enjoy their company!

Cheers,
Beth

Craft Project over nap time - Apron

I made my sister and mother in law apron's for their Christmas presents. They turned out really cute and I really enjoyed giving a gift that I made myself!

Now that I had made two aprons, I had the knowledge I needed to make a thrid one and to do so a lot faster! I decided while the kids napped yesterday that I wanted an apron of my own so I pulled out some scrap fabric from my grandma's house and made an apron. It turned out wonderful! It is a light pink and purple pattern and I used a white eylet (sp?) fabric around the neck, as ties and also to make a front pocket.

Here is a picture of my apron! I was so proud of myself, I had to share!



Cheers,
Beth

Christmas Presents

Santa was VERY good to my children this year! Thank you Santa!

Chloe amoung many other things got a little tent, of course with a matching sleeping bag and flashlight and compass. I set it up for her in her room and that is where she has napped and slept for the night since Christmas. SO CUTE!


Evan's highlight was a huge tool bench with tools, some of which are battery operated. He is VERY protective of his tools, here is a picture of him in his 'cars' slippers.


Christmas is so much more fun with kids! My kids I think get particulary spoiled since they are the first and only grandkids on both sides of the family.

We had a wonderful time with our families and are so thankful for everything that we have! Christmas is not about the presents, it is about Christ's birth...and that is the most important thing to keep our focus on!

Cheers,
Beth

Christmas Eve Church

Adam and I are so happy with the church we go to now. We have taken time to get more plugged in and have met a lot of new people we enjoy!

Our church has two campus's, one in Woodbury, MN and one in Hudson, WI. For Christmas eve service they combined the two campus's, which was so great! It was nice to see other people that go to the same church...just a diferent location.

We brought my mom and dad, and aunt Nikki with us to the service! It was a great time!



Cheers,
Beth

Macy's 8th Floor Exhibit - A Day in the life of an Elf

Every year in addition to going on a Chirstmas Lights tour we also go to the 8th floor of Macy's to see their exibit! They are always so impressive and fun for kids and adults alike! This year was "A Day in the life of an Elf," it was a repeat but when it is something you only see one time a year, I don't think that anyone would mind that!

We also like to go to the Holidazzle, this year we were not able to find the time which was a bummer.

Here are some pics of the Macy's exibit and the kids.



After we went through the Macy's display we brought the kids to see Santa. Chloe LOVED Santa and Evan was terrified by him. I kinda predicted that one!

Cheers,
Beth

Christmas Lights Tour

I am so excited to have some time to post about all the fun I have had this last week! I have so many post ideas, I can't wait to share!

On Friday the 18th we went on a family Christmas Lights Tour, Adam entered all of the addresses to look at in the GPS I got early as a Christmas present and off we went!

It was such a fun time! My parents came with us and the kids are at ages where they REALLY enjoy looking at lights and could get into it!

Here are some of the houses we looked at!


Creating traditions is something I think it meaningful...for us Christmas Light Tours are a tradition and something I really look forward to! It gets us all in the "Christmas" spirit!

Cheers,
Beth

So much to look forward to

I feel like a little kid right now!

I am SO excited about the next couple weeks. Tomorrow Adam, the kids, and I along with my parents are loading up in the Acadia to look at Christmas lights! I am SO excited, this is a tradition that Adam and I have done for years now…actually it is what we were doing when Adam proposed 7 years ago! Last year we stopped by this house and they had a man dressed up as Santa in the front yard giving out stuffed dogs! Evan and Chloe both got a stuffed dog, they were aw-struck and it just brought tears to my eyes!

Saturday I will be working hard to finish my Christmas gifts I am making. I am the queen of procrastination, which I HATE about myself but alas it WILL all be done before Christmas, I may just loose a little sleep doing it.

Next week I have a ½ day on Monday and Adam and I are Christmas shopping for the kids and finishing up everyone else. Then we are picking the kids up and going to the Macy’s Christmas display and to see Santa!!!! Oh it will be so much fun!

Wednesday I am SO excited about the possibility to help a friend exercise her horse in the morning and then Nikki (sister in law, but more sister than in law) and Terese (my mother in law) are going in the afternoon to a show together! I am excited.
Then comes Christmas with our families, we only do one family a day so we really get a chance to ENJOY the season!

It is a week FULL of fun and goodness and things to look forward to! This Christmas is a simpler Christmas for us and for many others, but for some reason…it is full of much more joy!

Oh and I have to mention, there is this customized Santa message that you can do for your kids. Adam and I did this for Chloe the other night and brought it to her in bed…she was beside herself! Check it out!
http://portablenorthpole.tv/home

Cheers,
Beth

Winter Time Fun!

Winter time can be such a hard time with young kids. You feel so cooped up in the house...sometimes for days at a time. I have been working hard to keep the kids busy with activities inside and to take time and bundle the kids and get outside!

Last Saturday I took the kids sledding for the first time! They LOVED it!!!! It was a lot of fun for me too. We lasted about 45 minutes and then we were done for.


Chloe and Evan have both loved coloring a lot and I have mixed it up with crayons, markers, pencils, and stickers!!! Today grandma T called and said that Chloe is getting an easel for Christmas...SO excited to see Chloe's reaction to that since we have been so into crafts lately!

Root-Beer Floats!!!

One of my goals as a mom is to make growing up a memorable experience. I want to create traditions and memories for my children to cherish and carry on when they are older.

Sunday, Chloe had a pretty good day so after dinner, we had a treat! I made root-beer floats for the kids. It was a nice little reward for a good day! I think little things like this create memories and are good motivation to keep up the good work.

I am a firm believer in goal setting and this includes being a mom. There seems to always be something that I feel I need to work on as a mom. Right now I am working on being more creative with my correction…rather than just defaulting to a time out all the time. Parenting, I don’t think you ever master this, you just learn and grow, each child teaches you something different. I love it!

Cheers,
Beth

My Wednesday with the Kids

My Wednesday with the kids was a great one! We slept in a little, woke up and made muffins for breakfast (the kids helped me), then we played play dough! The rest of the day was filled with playing, Disney movies, and a REALLY good afternoon nap! In the evening we decorated the Christmas Tree (pictures will come later) and hung the stockings!



After the kids went to bed, I worked on the home made Christmas presents I am making, they are coming along very nicely!


Today while Evan was playing, Chloe and I had Hot Coca together! I snapped a picture of Chloe enjoying her hot Coca, she could not get enough!



Today Isaiah, the little guy I take care of on Wednesday's was home sick (feel better Isaiah), so it was just me and my kiddos.

Sadly, my Wednesday's home with the kids after 1 1/2 years will soon be coming to an end. I am very sad about this, one of my co-workers has his own agency now (good job Colin- you deserve it) and so I have to come back to work 5 days a week. This is difficult for me, my time with my children is of utmost importance.

Cheers,

Beth

The Wal-Mart Tragedy

Whew, it feels like so long since I have blogged! I have to get back in the swing. I'll start by sharing my Wal-Mart Tragedy with you...

A couple Sunday's ago I decided to bring Chloe to Wal-Mart with me for a little mommy-daughter time, in hindsight this was not the best decision I have made as a mother as Chloe was really tired and had not napped well that day.

As we enter Wal-Mart Chloe announces "I have to go potty" and those of us mom's who have recently potty trained little ones, it is time for the mad dash to the bathroom. We arrive in the bathroom and all is well. Chloe proceeds to sit on the potty, and nothing happens, and she sits, and nothing happens, and she sits....you get the point. I sat with her patiently for about 15 minutes (longer than I probably should have). I finally announce that she needs to finish and counted down from 10 on my fingers. At the end of the 10 second count down and the "get off the potty" directions were given...they are met with a shrill...top of the lungs...SCREAM! I was mortified. After many attempts to calm Chloe down with absolutely NO luck I picked Chloe up and told her that was enough. I walked out to wash my hands thinking that the mommy walking away trick would work....and of course it did not AND Chloe KEPT screaming. This is not a little scream, it is top of your lungs....red faced scream. After my attempts to still calm her failed I walked out of the bathroom (just so it is said, Chloe is fully capable of opening the door it was light and the handle was low for her). And then....Chloe comes crawling out of the bathroom on her hands and knees and screaming!!!! I promptly proceeded to pick her up and walk out of Wal-Mart with Chloe kicking and screaming and making an absolute spectacle. I put her in her car seat and we drove home. I put on KTIS loud so I would calm down by the time I got home. When i got home, I brought Chloe upstairs and told her she needed to go to sleep NOW. Chloe cried herself to sleep, and of course after about 20 minutes I could not stand to hear her so I went and we took a nap together.

So, I was mortified and feeling like a horrible mom. I talked to a few people...my mom, my daycare lady, co-workers who all assured me that I am not alone and that events like this don't make you a bad mom! Thank you to everyone who encouraged me!! I needed it!

So, I was determined that GOOD things were going to come from this! #1, lesson learned, DO NOT TAKE CHLOE out when she is tired. I am just signing us both up for failure! #2, I have to start some type of rewards system for her to give her something to work towards! So I started a chore/behavior chart combined...Chloe earns stickers and after she earns 15 stickers, she gets a Prize, a Treat, or a Special Activity. I found customizable charts here (see below)...
http://www.dltk-cards.com/chart/
#3, I need to get more creative with my correction so I am keeping Chloe in her toes.

We have been doing this chart now for about 1 1/2 weeks and Chloe is into it! She really likes the rewards and I have seen an improvement in her attitude and also her and I are working TOGETHER on her behavior since we both want her to succeed!

So, good things can and do happen from bad events!

Cheers,
Beth

Bible Study: A Servants Heart

So today I am going to post something different than usual. Lately I feel like God has been teaching me about having the heart of a servant. Strangely enough the devotions that I read today was on having the heart of a servant. As I read through the devotions, I copied and pasted the text that I felt was jumping out to me. Here are the snippets that really stood out to me:

Real servants pay attention to needs. Servants are always on the lookout for ways to help others. When they see a need, they seize the moment to meet it, just as the Bible commands us: “Whenever we have the opportunity, we have to do what is good for everyone, especially for the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10 GWT).

When God puts someone in need right in front of you, he is giving you the opportunity to grow in servant hood. Notice that God says the needs of your church family are to be given preference, not put at the bottom of your “things to do” list.

Real servants make themselves available to serve. Servants don’t fill up their time with other pursuits that could limit their availability. They want to be ready to jump into service when called on.

If you only serve when it’s convenient for you, you’re not a real servant. Real servants do what’s needed, even when it’s inconvenient.

“Whoever wants to be great must become a servant” (Mark 10:43 MSG).

We serve God by serving others.

The world defines greatness in terms of power, possessions, prestige, and position. If you can demand service from others, you’ve arrived. In our self-serving culture with its me-first mentality, acting like a servant is not a popular concept. Jesus, however, measured greatness in terms of service, not status. God determines your greatness by how many people you serve, not how many people serve you.

Anyone can be a servant. All it requires is character.

Jesus said, “You can tell what they are by what they do” (Matthew 7:16 CEV).

11/19 Servants Serve with What They Have
11/18 Real Servants Pay Attention
11/17 Servants Make Themselves Available
11/16 We Serve God by Serving Others

Here is the link to the daily devotion I read:
http://profile.purposedriven.com/dailyhope/

Now there is some food for thought today!

Cheers,
Beth

Evan's Dedication

This Sunday, the 15th, was Evan's dedication. We had a nice little ceremony during church and after church our house filled with 21 people to celebrate Evan's dedication.

The menu:

I made lasagna and we also had bread and salad...and of course a veggie tray. I made a "Pineapple Lush" cake and my parents were so kind to order Evan's cake.

It was a wonderful day for a dedication, the weather was just wonderful! Thank you ALL who came to celebrate with us!

Some of you may ask WHY we dedicate rather than baptize. Here is a little background:

Some Christian churches baptize infants by sprinkling them with water. In those churches the covenant of baptism is seen as being similar to the Old Testament covenant of circumcision. Other Christians don't baptize infants. Instead they dedicate babies to God. There are several reasons for this. First, there are no clear incidents of infant baptism in Scripture. Baptism seems, instead to be an evidence of making a decision to follow Christ. Additionally, while some groups suggest that baptism imparts a special grace to children, there is no real scriptural support for this. Finally, in our society, often adults who were baptized as children desire to be baptized again as an expression of their decision to receive Christ as their Savior and Lord. During this Christian Dedication service a beautiful and solemn promise is made before God and the Church to care for this child as though it was God's child.

Here is the recipe for the Pineapple Lush Cake, it was SUPER easy and YUMMY!

http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/angel-lush-51103.aspx

Cheers,

Beth

Personal Growth & an Inspirational Poem (I beleive)

I have been struggling for quite some time with wanting to stay at home with my kids. My Wednesday's are such a treat for me. I get to stay home with my kids, maintain my household, cook dinner and I LOVE it. OF COURSE, staying at home is a LOT of work and sometimes it can get to be stressful but I LOVE it and being home on Wednesday's has solidified that this IS what I want to do.

One difficulty I have with wanting to stay at home with the kids is being patient and letting God work it out in His time. I tend to want to take it into my own hands and figure out how to make it work. For those of you who have young children, they grow so fast and I feel like time is slipping away right in front of me. The daily devotion that I read put this into perspective for me, check it out, I am sure that you will be able to see why it hit home. This is a two part devotional.
http://www.purposedriven.com/article.do?method=articlePage&contentId=202021
http://www.purposedriven.com/article.do?method=articlePage&contentId=202022

After I read the above devotions this morning, I was sent this poem by a good friend (thank you Sue), I wanted to share the poem:

I Believe...
That just because two people argue, It doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, It doesn't mean they do love each other.
I Believe...That we don't have to change friends if We understand that friends change.
I Believe....That no matter how good a friend is,
they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I Believe...That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.
I Believe... That you can do something in an instant That will give you heartache for life..
I Believe...That it's taking me a long time To become the person I want to be.
I Believe....That you should always leave loved ones with Loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I Believe... That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I Believe...That we are responsible for what We do, no matter how we feel.
I Believe...That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I Believe.....That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I Believe...That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I Believe...That my best friend and I, can do anything, or nothing and have the best time.
I Believe...That sometimes the people you expect to kick you When you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.
I Believe...That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, But that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I Believe...That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had And what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I Believe...That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I Believe...That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I Believe...That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, But, we are responsible for who we become.
I Believe....That you shouldn't be so eager to find Out a secret. It could change your life Forever.
I Believe...Two people can look at the exact same Thing and see something totally different.
I Believe...That your life can be changed in a matter of Hours by people who don't even know you.
I Believe...That even when you think you have no more to give, when A friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.
I Believe...That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I Believe...That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
I Believe...
The happiest of people don't necessarily
have the best of everything;
They just make the most of everything.

Cheers,
Beth

A Poem - Slow Dance

SLOW DANCE
Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short. The music won't last.
Do you run through each day on the fly?
When you ask how you are? Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head?
You'd better slow down don’t dance so fast.
Time is short. The music won't last.
Ever told your child, we’ll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste, not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch, Let a good friendship die Cause you never had time To call and say,'Hi'
You'd better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short. The music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere, you miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day, It is like an unopened gift....Thrown away.
Life is not a race.Do take it slower
Hear the music before the song is over.

An Acomplished Weekend - The Office and more

This weekend Adam was away hunting so I decided to put my nose to the grindstone and get some home decorating done. I have such a hard time getting all the decorating and other projects done with so much going on all the time, so THIS was the weekend to tackle those projects.

I learned from Terese (my mother in law) how to quilt on Friday night and got some hands on with my sewing machine. I am SO excited to start on my first quilt, I went out on Saturday and bought all the supplies I need to get my first quilt started. I can't post much about this since it is a Christmas gift and I don't need to spoil the surprise.

I ALSO tackled sewing the office curtains. My mom so graciously walked me through how to make the curtains. I am happy to say I did them by myself! I am pretty proud of that! Here is how they turned out:

After I finished my sewing project I decided to tackle the wall above the desk. I plotted out what I wanted to go above the desk and then, along with my dad, get to pounding nails! I still have to paint the big letter D a chocolate color (the same color as the chocolate wall in the kitchen) but overall you get the idea. I covered cork board with fabric, I printed out pictures of the spine on vellum paper so it kinda looked like a x-ray and put them in frames (for those of you who don't know, my hubby is a Chiropractor, thus the spine pictures) and I also hung a needlepoint picture that Adam's grandma did for him when he became an Eagle Scout.

The office has a MUCH warmer feel to it! I am excited about how it has turned out. I still have a few things I want to do here and there but overall I could not be happier and it is a great surprise for Adam!

Cheers,
Beth

YummY Frosting Recipe

Chloe and I made sugar cookie dough on Tuesday night and last night I finally had time to roll them out and bake them.

I wanted to frost the cookies and OF COURSE the store bought stuff I had was expired. So, I looked online for a simple frosting recipe. I happened to have some heavy whipping cream in the refrigerator so I looked for frosting recipes with heavy whipping cream in them. Here is what I found...

Recipe:
1 pint Heavy Whipping Cream
1 (4 oz) box of pudding mix

Whip together with a mixer, gradually increasing the speed of the mixer until fluffy...

I frosted the sugar cookies and then decorated them with sprinkles...they are so cute! This recipe is SO simple and it is SO good. The flavor is amazing and the texture is light and airy and it melts in your mouth!

Cheers,
Beth

A good morning chuckle

Chloe and Evan have little bags specially made for them by the hospice people, from when my grandmother passed away a few months ago. I pack the bags with toys that will entertain the kids in the car. Today Chloe asked if she could bring her and Evan's "purse's" with them in the truck while we went to daycare, of course I said yes.

Soon after we left the house I looked back to see Evan putting on the hats that were in his bag. I was lucky enough to have a camera handy and got a cute picture! I had to share!

What a great way to start out the morning, with a heart warming chuckle and two fantastic children! I love being a mom!

Cheers,
Beth

Pumpkins - Pumpkins - Pumpkins

Today I am at home with the kids, it is Friday and our daycare is closed, our daycare mom's kids are sick (feel better Allison).

So, since tomorrow is Halloween I decided it was about time to carve pumpkins! The kids and I had a blast. I am a HORRIBLE Jack-O-Lantern carver but we had a lot of fun in the garage sitting on our cardboard and cleaning out our pumpkins and then carving them!

After we carved our pumpkins the kids and I came in and cleaned the seeds. I am in the midst right now of toasting the pumpkin seeds....YUMMY! Here is the recipe I am using:
http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/toasted_pumpkin_seeds/


What a fun day at home with the kids!


Cheers,
Beth

Fun Crayon Craft Realized

Today was my day at home with the kids and we decided to try the crayon craft off of the Martha Stewart web site that I had posted a couple posts ago...

To the left there is a picture of Chloe with the crayons after we put them all into the holders. Chloe is currently experimenting with how to smile for the camera...

So, what I learned about this craft. First, try to use the same brand of crayons because different brands seem to melt at different temps. Second, make sure that the crayons are cut the same size so they melt at the same rate.

It was a fun craft, Chloe and I had a lot of fun. Evan wanted to join in the fun but he kept putting the crayons in his mouth so that was the end of that!

I am looking forward to using the crayons with the kids soon and OF COURSE giving away some crayons to our next door neighbors!
Cheers,
Beth

Evan's Dedication Invites

I am FINALLY done with Evan's Baby (ahhhemm - Toddler) Invites!

Take a look! I really had a creative mental block with these cards for some reason so that being said I was pretty happy with how they turned out...

I have always made Chloe's invites and felt a tinge of guilt that I had been such a slacker with making any of Evan's invites.

I am really happy that we are getting Evan dedicated, and in a church that we are plugged into and happy at!

Cheers,

Beth

Fun with old crayons - indoor craft ideas

Check this out!

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/crazy-crayons?autonomy_kw=crayon

What a FUN winter craft idea for the kids! I will be doing this for sure!

Once again thanks to Martha Stewart...gotta give credit where it is due!

Cheers,

Beth

Meant to be

Have you ever had something in your life that was just simply meant to be? I have had several, but one that I want to write about today is Brea. One of my two dogs...

When I was 22 I wanted a puppy SO bad. I actually knew enough at that time to research breeds of dogs (some people should take notes here), and then interview breeders, choose a responsible breeder, and meet the mother and father of the liter that I was going to pick a puppy from. I am not sure why I knew to do that as growing up I can't say that I had the best 'dog ownership' examples.

I told the breeder that I wanted a fawn and white female. I knew in my head just what I was looking for. I even got a second job to pay for this little pooch!

When Brea was born, she was the ONLY fawn and white female in a liter of 10! She looked like a little pig when she was born! Adam used to tease me about her but I have always been in love with her...

As time went by I got to bring my puppy home, it had been a long wait for her. I want to say the whole process was like 4 months, but she was worth the wait! I got her enrolled in puppy kindergarten and went on to do a LOT more training with her. Brea is the one who inspired me to get involved in A Rotta Love (www.arottalove.org)which I directed along with Rachel Anderson from 2004-2009.

It's been 6 years since Brea came into my life, the best way to describe her is my heart-dog. She can bring tears to my eyes just thinking about her (or writing about her as I am all teary now). Brea is kind, patient with me and the kids, she is my biggest fan. She LOVES to be on top of me in any capacity...we can be sleeping or sitting. Brea is often a contender for 'lap space' with Chloe and Evan.

People used to tell me, "when you have kids those dogs are going to fall by the wayside" and let me tell you...SO NOT TRUE! Brea was like my child before we had children and my love for her and the fact that she is part of the family has not and will not change!

I just wanted to post this and say...I love you Brea! You are my heart-dog and I am so happy that you were My meant to be puppy! This may sound so weird to some of you, but those of you who have a heart-dog...you know what I mean!

Cheers,
Beth

Zoo Boo

Saturday evening our family, and Adam's parents went to Zoo Boo at Como Zoo! How super fun! It is a non-scarey event for children and they do quite a nice job. Both of the kids had fun and we came back with lots of goodies, and thank God it wasn't all candy!

Zoo Boo encourages kids to wear their costumes, so Chloe was a Princess and Evan was a Tiger. I taught him how to "roar" like a tiger, he's doing a pretty good job but he is just too cute to be scarey!

I think they have Zoo Boo next Saturday too, it is a fun evening with the kids.
http://www.comozooconservatory.org/supp/ZooBoo.shtml

Cheers,

Beth

Tea Time

My Wednesday home with the kids was a great one! We had our neighbor friends Claire and Chloe over for a Tea Party together.

Of course I got caught up in the moment serving the little Princesses their tea and goodies and didn't take a picture while the tea party was in full force but I did take some pictures before the party began.

I had name tags for all three girls, a pretty table cloth, cloth napkins, and of course tea sets! The girls dressed up in their princess dresses and used their very nice manners!
It gave Jodi, my next door neighbor, and I a chance to get to know each other a little better and for the girls to have some structured interaction.

It was a very fun time! Chloe was really thrilled about her time with her new friends Claire and Chloe (yes there are actually 3 Chloe's in our small neighborhood) and kept talking about her party. The little things mean so much!

Cheers,
Beth

Halloween Craft: Make creepy halloween birds!

Halloween Craft: Make creepy halloween birds!

While browsing for Craft Ideas today I came across this Halloween Craft idea! Check it out!

Also, while you are checking this out, look at the rest of this blog (link above), they have some really neat ideas for a shoe-string budget.

Cheers,
Beth

"Mom, that Doll scared me"

On Friday we spent somewhat of a family 1/2 day by going to the Orchard and then to a Pumpkin place. We had a lot of fun. I was so excited that I got to see those Ghost Pumpkins that I had posted on the blog about a week ago.

Anyway, the kids got to pet some animals and we bought some apple donuts and apple butter...yummy! We headed over to the pumpkin 'patch' and let the kids pick out their pumpkins. While we were there we saw this hay bail decorated in a way that it looked like a perfect little place to put the kids and take a photo. We proceeded to position the kids for a photo and while I am trying to get their attention so Adam could take a picture there was this zombie looking woman on the side of the hay bail that was apparently motion censored and she started making spooky noises and moving and her eyes were glowing.

Evan just sat there like nothing was happening, but Chloe on the other hand screamed bloody murder! She screamed for MOM!!!!!!!!!! I picked her up right away, we talked about how it was just a doll but she still had a really hard time recovering from that incident...even looking over her shoulder to make sure that doll was not following her while we were picking out our pumpkins. She still keeps telling everyone "That Doll Scared Me" and then I have to proceed and tell the story. Of course with Chloe there I keep a straight face so she does not think I am laughing at her but this was one of the funniest reactions I had ever seen, simply because it was SO exaggerated!

Good lesson though, for these little ones, Halloween can be scary and we need to do what we can to make it fun and not intimidating or scary. Needless to say, after that we picked out our pumpkins pretty fast and left.

Cheers,
Beth

First Snowfall - Fall/Winter 2009

Well, winter has officially arrived! Snow is here. This morning Evan and I went outside for a brief moment to check out the snow. We didn't last long but I managed to get a quick snapshot while we were outside!

Stay warm!

Cheers,

Beth

More Fall / Halloween Craft Ideas

This is the second of two posts with some fun Fall / Halloween craft ideas. I'll share the rest in this post.

I can't wait to bring my kids to the pumpkin patch and The Boo Zoo at Como Zoo in St. Paul!
http://www.comozooconservatory.org/supp/ZooBoo.shtml


Window People (left)

These two "shadows" are paper cut outs, out of black paper or fabric and taped or sew en onto a curtain... Pretty scary looking. Not something I would be doing with kids 1 and 2 years old.







Spider Web votive (right)
There are a million ways you can do this craft project...even by using good old puffy paint! Neat idea!




Shadow Caster (left)
Ok, I am making these names up by myself so excuse me if they are lame! This is a neat idea, cut out shapes and attach them to a votive with to cast a shadow!




These ideas are once again all on the Martha Stewart Web site...
http://www.marthastewart.com/

Cheers,
Beth

Personal Vision of Ourselves in Christ

This is a very personal subject for us all but I thought I would share something that I did this week. I think that for all of us it is important to have a "Life Vision" for our lives overall but also in terms of who we are in Christ. What we want to strive for.

I read a article in the Christian Homekeeper Network, it was called You Can't Make Progress without a Vision (http://christianhomekeeper.org/blog/you-cant-make-progress-without-a-vision/). This article hit me because I have always had life goals, but they were more selfish...like what I want to do, obtain, etc. This was more like goal setting in your walk with Christ.

After I read the article I put together something on the computer and started filing in the blanks. What are my goals in Christ? Write them down, like the encourage you to do with any goal. Read them and pray about them. Of course they will evolve over time, which is a good thing.

I have shared below what I did, I wrote it like a prayer. I encourage you to try too, it was a neat way to clarify where I want to be and reflect on where I am now.

My Evolving Vision:

When you pray and ask God for a vision and begin to see that vision, write it down. You must involve God in your decision making process, for He is the one true visions come from. Having a vision for your life is essential for real growth. Visions change over the years, they mature and grow, you add to them and take away until you are sure that the vision you have is the one God intends for you. Then you stick with your vision over time and make the choices that will add to it. A vision gives you focus and purpose.

Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

Work-
Lord I pray for something that allows me flexibility and glorifies you. Give me the wisdom to discern what you want me to do and when the opportunity comes that is from you. Work in Your way, because that is the best way. I pray for an environment that allows me to spend more time as a mom and that is uplifting.

Ministry-
Lord I want to help children without a family. I want to offer a safe haven. Guide me to what you want me to do for you…your plans are the best.

Children-
I pray that I am a mom who is present, offers guidance, offers correction, and offers acceptance. I want to create cherished memories with my children and help them to grown into healthy balanced adults who follow you. I want to be a positive, intricate part of their life.

Marriage-
I pray to be a wife that Adam can be proud of, a woman that has the heart of a servant. I pray that I can be a woman whom is strong and independent. I pray to have a healthy marriage, a marriage that will last until the end. Bless Adam and my relationship; surround us with your hedge of protection.

Finances-
I pray that you will meet our needs, as you have always done. Bless us so we can bless others. Guide us in our spending so it glorifies you. Help us to control our ‘wants’ and to be resourceful and content with what we have.

Friendships-
I pray for friends who are grounded in their faith, ones that can be a mutual support and encouragement system. I pray to find friends with mutual interests that will come at just the right time in my life. I pray for friends who I can connect with deeply and that are real!

Church membership-
I pray for a church that will nourish me and bring me the opportunities to give back as well, I pray that my family and I are able to connect well and grow roots in the church and deeper in our faith. I pray that when we miss church we will feel a void and discover how You fill all voids in life!

Personal-
Lord, please guide me as I seek you. Help me to develop the fruits of your spirit…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Be my reminder when I get impatient to stop and put things into perspective. Help me to put others first. Clean up my inside thoughts and feelings. Help me to become self controlled and self disciplined so I can lead a life that is a reflection of you! Teach me grace, for others and myself.

Cheers,
Beth

Small Groups

Adam and I joined a new small group at church which started this week. We are really excited to connect with people that go to the same church as we do! Our last small group was not bad but they went to another campus than we do, so we were connecting with people who we were not going to church with, it just felt weird. The group we joined is a great fit for us...it is smaller, about 10 people, and everyone has kids around the same age! Right away I felt comfortable and excited to delve into things!

If you are not part of a small group in your church, I encourage you to look into it. It is a great way to create relationships and grown in Christ too! You grow roots in your faith, your church, and in many other ways!

On an unrelated note...

I ran across this poem that I am using in a speech that I have written for Toastmasters...wanted to share it.

Now think about these wise words from Randy Alcorn concerning Possessions:

THE MORE YOU HAVE, the more you want.
THE MORE YOU HAVE, the less you’re satisfied.
THE MORE YOU HAVE, the more people will come after it.
THE MORE YOU HAVE, the more you realize it does you no good.
THE MORE YOU HAVE, the more you have to worry about.
THE MORE YOU HAVE, the more you can hurt yourself by holding on to it.
THE MORE YOU HAVE, the more you have to lose.
THE MORE YOU HAVE, the more you’ll leave behind.

Cheers,
Beth

Fabulous Fall Finds - Fun Home Craft ideas for fall

I have really been enjoying Martha Stewart's web site lately. She has a lot of neat ideas on everything from recipes to decorating, entertaining, and much more. So, of course this is right up my ally.

I found a ton of pictures of craft stuff that I'd like to try... Thought I'd share them, I know I always like to look at pictures of fun craft stuff I can try.


White Lace Pumpkins (left)
This is such a neat idea, and with the white pumpkin it looks so classy. Who knew...a sophisticated Halloween! Considering the fact that I can barely carve a regular jac-o-lantern I will not be trying this but I do love the looks of this!


Candle-lanterns (below)
These look neat and simple to do with various size glass votive/hurricane lamps. Take some tissue type paper and cut out the faces using a exacto knife (I am sure there are some fun templates out there) and then use some spray adhesive to attach these cute little faces to the glass! There are actual instructions on how to do this on Martha Stewart web site...!



Spray Paint Pumpkins...anyone?
(left)
Isn't this such a neat idea! Spray
paint your pumpkins...so simple and this looks so nice. I think I am going to try to do this, I have a perfect place to put them on my hutch!







Glitter Skulls (left)

I actually just saw plastic skulls like this at the dollar store the other day. The same day I ran into this idea! Buy some dollar store skulls, some glitter and some glue and here ya go!




These are just a few of the Halloween / fall craft finds that I liked and wanted to share, I have a few more I will share later on. Thanks Martha Stewart for your inspirational web site!
http://www.marthastewart.com/

Lastly, I found this AWESOME DIY project for a cheap backsplash idea! Take a look...I think even I can do this!
http://www.hgtv.com/kitchens/clever-kitchen-ideas-easy-backsplash/index.html

Cheers,
Beth

Frugal Finds

I am a fan of frugal finds and today was one of the finest frugal finds (try saying THAT 3 times fast) I have had since my Free Curtain for Chloe’s room (see previous post with pictures).

I ran across a comforter at Target a while ago that I thought was really cute, I didn’t think much of it. The other day while I was browsing through the aisles of Target I saw the comforter on sale for $9.98. This is a good deal but I decided not to buy it.

Today over lunch I decided I needed to clean out my BIG purse and lo and behold I ran across some old Target gift cards…they added up to just about what the comforter cost. So, I decided to take a jaunt over to Target and see if the comforter was still there… Lo and behold, it was!
I was so excited when I got to the register and the cost of the comforter was $1.14! Hard to beat that price!

This came just in time as it is starting to get cold and Chloe only has one big blanket and a lot of other little blankets.

Now I just have to think of a way to personalize the comforter…hummmm…my wheels are turning! First though I have to finish Evan’s baby dedication invites…I’ll post about those soon!

Cheers,
Beth

Way to go Adam!

This weekend my husband ran the TC 10 mile! The family woke up REALLY early and bundled up really warm to get to the race and stay warm.
http://www.mtcmarathon.org/TenMile/index.cfm

After the race our family, along with Adam's parents went out to breakfast. It was a fun morning!

A couple years ago, Adam ran the TC Marathon. Incredible! As someone who could barely run a mile, it amazes me to see people train for something like a marathon. For a minute I was inspired to start running, but memories of me trying to run in the past soon sequestered that urge.

My husband, Adam, is quite easily the most self disciplined person I know, especially when it comes to working out! Check out Adam's clinic's web site here:
http://communityofhealth.com/delaforest/delaforest.html

Good job honey!

Cheers,
Beth

The BEST gift you can give your Children...

I am a firm beleiver that the best gift you can give your children is a strong marriage!

As a working couple with full time hours, it can be hard and guilt ridden to leave your children when you are not at work. We all want to maxamize on the limited time we have together.

This being said, the importance of date nights is paramount! Don't forget to create memories together, some day our kids will grow up and move out and you will be left with eachother...and THEN what?! So, keep that marriage strong.

This last Monday, the 28th of September Adam and I went to The Kings of Leon concert. We went out to eat before the concert. It was a late night, a great concert, but most important Adam and I got out and spend time together...we created memories! I have posted a picture of Adam and I at the concert...

When we make the concerted effort to see eachother, I am reminded how much I love my husband! Can't wait until our next date night!

Cheers,

Beth

Evan - The Big Hearted Little Mister

Evan is our little surprise and the one that I have learned SO many life lessons from, it makes me tear up. Evan is SWEET, sensative, ALL-BOY, rough and tumble, and in LOVE with mom!

We were surprised when Chloe was 7 months that Evan was on his way... This through us in a temporary tailspin but the end result has been so much better than I could have ever imagined.

Evan loves to dance and clap, he loves to wear anyone's shoes, he loves to be outside and pet Brea and Woody our two dogs! Evan is the BEST hand holder ever!

Here are some pictures of my Little Mister...

Evan LOVES to wear shoes!









Evan really IS to cute for time out!









Evan loves babies, he is going to be a great daddy!










Cheers,
Beth

Chloe - The Crazy Haired Princess Tomboy

I decided that I wanted to highlight each one of my kids... As most mom's my children are the highlight of my life.

Chloe was born January of 2007...after 32 hours of labor and over 3 hours or pushing the little lady was just not going to enter the world 'naturally' so by c-section she arrived. She is my typical first born...STRONG willed, smart, loves to learn, kind at heart, loves to push limits, and is a super good snuggle bug! Chloe is a princess because she LOVES to dress up and do her hair and change her clothes, she is a tomboy because she LOVES bugs and even likes snakes!

This is the little dear that stuck the popcorn up her nose...see my previous post about our expensive ER visit!

Here are pictures of my little lady Chloe...I heart her!

This is Chloe in her "blanket dress"









Chloe LOVES apples!

She is creative!

Cheers,

Beth