Toasty Buns

I can't let this year get away without documenting Teresa's favorite place in the house--in front of the EdenPure heater!
It has many uses--a table to play on, a chair, and, mostly, a bun warmer! If she isn't standing in front of our kitchen heater, she is probably standing in front of the living room one. Sometimes she will take a few bites of food and run over to stand in front of it during a meal. Once in awhile Nathan will challenge her for warming rights. It's a good thing we have two!

Dec. 29

Wow--we are quickly approaching the New Year! As promised, here is a little recap of our Christmas festivities.
We started out with David's family on Dec. 18.


Christmas Eve was spent with my family in Eureka. My grandma, who is 91, joined us for the day, too.

David got his very own autographed Holly Hoffman t-shirt from my mom & dad. The shirt was designed by two women with ties to the Eureka area.

Then it was time to get dressed up for Christmas Eve mass.

Landen had to help Santa's elves on Christmas morning and put the new wagon together. Those elves must be getting lazy! (The scoop shovels they got are further proof of this!)

Teresa got a new tea set.

We also shared our Christmas Day with David's parents. Grandpa & Dad got in on a stomp rocket battle. The stomp rocket was my toy of choice this year--all of the boys on my & Santa's list got one. As you can see, boys of all ages love them! (Dad had to get a little extra fire power.)


We finished up Christmas Day with the extended Melius family, and the 26th with David's mom's family. I don't have any pictures from those celebrations. I suppose I was too busy eating Christmas cookies & drinking hot cider. :o)
Happy New Year, everyone!

Santa Starts Them Young

I promise I will post a real Christmas synopsis soon, but for tonight I will leave this snippet.
Last Thursday (the 23rd) as we were coming home from having supper in town, there were jackrabbits hopping back and forth on the road.
Teresa saw them and excitedly said, "Baby reindeer!"

Powerful Words

For much of my life I sang Christmas hymns and carols, but never paid much attention to the words I was actually singing. This year I have been giving more attention to the words of these prayers put to song, and it makes them all so much more meaningful.
I love the traditional hymns and also have some favorite contemporary Christian Christmas songs as well. Most of these are on my Christmas playlist. One of my favorites, Chris Rice's "Welcome to Our World," is not, though, since it wasn't on the site.
I heard "While You Were Sleeping" for the first time a couple of weeks ago, although it was released a few years ago. This one is on the playlist. It is Casting Crowns' variation on "O Little Town of Bethlehem." I think it is absolutely beautiful and so very powerful.
I hope you enjoy it and it finds a place in your heart as you prepare for Christ's birth in just a few days.

"While You Were Sleeping"
Oh little town of Bethlehem
Looks like another silent night
Above your deep and dreamless sleep
A giant star lights up the sky
And while you're lying in the dark
There shines an everlasting light
For the King has left His throne
And is sleeping in a manger tonight

Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
For God became a man
And stepped into your world today
Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping

Oh little town of Jerusalem
Looks like another silent night
The Father gave His only Son
The Way, the Truth, the Life had come
But there was no room for Him in the world He came to save

Jerusalem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
The Savior of the world is dying on your cross today
Jerusalem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping

United States of America
Looks like another silent night
As we're sung to sleep by philosophies
That save the trees and kill the children
And while we're lying in the dark
There's a shout heard 'cross the eastern sky
For the Bridegroom has returned
And has carried His bride away in the night

America, what will we miss while we are sleeping
Will Jesus come again
And leave us slumbering where we lay
America, will we go down in history
As a nation with no room for its King
Will we be sleeping?
Will we be sleeping?

United States of America
Looks like another silent night


Kissing the Face of God
Morgan Weistling

The Tribe Has Spoken

In case you were one of the three South Dakotans not tuned into the "Survivor" finale last night, our hometown girl Holly Hoffman made it to the final 4 before being voted out. I was so proud of her that I wasn't as disappointed as I thought I would be if/when it happened. It helped that she made it to the Finale show and we were able to watch her all season long!
David and I have often commented over the past 10 years of "Survivor" what it would be like to have someone we know on the show. Would they act differently? What would the others say about them? How would it change our perception of the competition?
We just had our chance to find out, and, (except for the shoe-stealing incident), Holly carried herself with the grace and determination she is known for, no one ever said anything too terrible about her, and we enjoyed hearing the little insider information of their living conditions, etc. that she was able to give out throughout the season.
In November, my godson Jordan asked if I could get him Holly's autograph. At the time, I didn't know if she was doing autographs, but I was pretty sure that she would agree to do that. Not only was she gracious enough to send a 5x7 autographed picture for Jordan, but one for each of our three kids as well. They have them proudly displayed among their special tractors--that is a place of high honor in this house!
What a fun season it was for these "Survivor" fans. I am grateful that our children's new "Survivor" role model is worthy of their admiration, too.
Thanks a bunch, Holly. You made us all proud!

Safety First

Last night, Landen found our baby monitor. I still have it connected to our room so that we can hear anything that needs to be heard from downstairs.
He asked me, "Why is this baby detector still down here?"

One Step at a Time

Since the fall, I have dusted off the treadmill started walking again. I still like my WiiFit, but realized since September that I can burn more calories faster using one of the walking workouts preprogrammed on my treadmill.
It was one of those things I had to wait for my children to get a little older to do consistently--until this fall, I wouldn't have been able to get a couple minutes in before being interrupted. It is now so much the routine that the kids just know that Mom goes walking after breakfast while they watch a TV show or two. I look forward to my morning walk ALMOST as much as I look forward to my morning cup of coffee!
Exercise has never been a huge part of my life. That's probably because whenever I started to exercise, I would see the areas I was weak in, become overwhelmed, and give up. Or, I would get in a routine of walking, etc., then take a couple days off and completely get out of the habit.
I started out 2010 exercising because Mama Mii was a bit round around the middle. It is now nearly the end of the year and I have lost 11 pounds almost completely because of the extra moving around.
This month is maintaining month. I don't want to live a life where Christmas cookies are forbidden.
There have been other benefits, too. Walking has taught me to keep my mind in the moment more than I have done before. I noticed early that as soon as I got to a tougher stage of the workout and started thinking about all the tasks ahead of me in my day, keeping up a fast pace became much more difficult. I had never noticed how much this thinking and fretting ahead of time zapped my energy to live in the moment.
I used to be pretty skeptical of the studies that said exercise can help depression as much as a prescription drug. This time of year--with its shortened and cold winter days--is usually the most difficult for me. This year has been completely different. I have to say that I feel just as well as I did when I was taking a prescription for my depression.
In fact, that was my main goal when I started this new routine in my life--to be healthier and feel better.
The rest is just icing on the cake. Mmm . . . cake . . . .

You Know You're a Mom When . . .

you decide which is more important at the moment--using the bathroom or getting a drink of water--because you know you'll be interrupted before you can complete both!

Semi-Homemade Gingerbread Cookies

Remember last year when I made gingerbread cookies and substituted about everything except for the ginger? Well, those were good, but this recipe is even better--and easier!
As much as I watch the Food Network, it is rare that I actually make a recipe from a show. When I saw this one, though, I couldn't wait to try it. It is from "Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee." They roll and cut out sooo easily, which makes this recipe a keeper!
Our cooled cookies are waiting for Landen to get home so the kids can start decorating.
Semi-Homemade Gingerbread Cookies
1 package sugar cookie mix
1 egg
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup melted butter
2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice (I split it between allspice, ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and cinnamon.)
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 cup dark molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine & chill for 1 hour. Roll on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes. Bake for 8-9 minutes.

P.S. The Christmas card crisis is over--I will now be taking such projects locally! :o)

Arrrrghh!

Hit the panic button!
Operation Christmas card has hit a snag! The photo collage I designed wasn't developed correctly. Picnik.com will do it right, but will only guarantee a 12/24 delivery.
I have now decided to go local. I'll hopefully find out tomorrow if that store can come to my rescue and print them!
What's a compulsive Christmas card sender to do? Worst case is they will get out after Christmas day.
To me, that is like taking a baby home from the hospital with no name. It's not like there wasn't ample time to plan! :o)

I'm Baaack . . .

and I am in the Christmas spirit!
The Labeling/Stamping of the Envelopes Phase of Operation Christmas Card is complete and the Letter Phase is waiting for approval. Hopefully the Photo Order will arrive in the next week so that the Stuffing may begin!
I've just been feeling so cozy this week, wanting to decorate, bake, and enjoy being in my nice warm home.
Tomorrow is the State Oral Interp Festival and the last day of my job until March. As I look forward to tomorrow and am anxious for how my team will do, I am also thankful for the additional time and attention I can give to home projects after we are done for another year. It's just that seasonal change. As the weather gets colder, I start to hibernate for the winter. . . with plenty of chocolate to get me through!
It is all about balance for me--I need enough outside work to want to be home and enough time at home to want to get back to the outside world. It is quite the balancing act--that is for sure!
But, anyway, back to the Christmas spirit. My brother-in-law shared an email this past week. The words "Hallelujah Chorus" got my attention, so I clicked on it. I am so glad I did and want to share it with all of you. It is amazing!
If you have never seen a flash mob, it is a bunch of people staging a surprise performance in a public place. The first one I ever saw was on "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution" last summer when a group of students started dancing and cooking in the middle of their college campus.
This new flash mob, which just happened in November, brought tears to my eyes. I love the "Hallelujah Chorus." For a group of people to choose that song to sing in a shopping mall food court just seemed so unexpected and yet so appropriate.
When we get caught up in the Christmas shopping and wrapping and awkward pictures with screaming kids on Santa's lap, God is always there reminding us what Christmas is all about!

Are you curious?
Go to www.casttv.com and type Food Court Flash Mob in the search box.

HE SHALL REIGN FOR EVER and EVER! AMEN!

In Transition

Please excuse yet another blog break as I transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas-preparation mode. The house is halfway decorated, the Christmas photo order is in the mail, and our family's 2009 recap letter is a tiny glimmer in my head. Yes, I know it is only Nov. 29, but I LOVE these little steps I carry out every year. The day after Thanksgiving is my starting line.
Some people claim Christmas cards are too expensive or even obsolete. I say, "Don't steal my joy!" I love to send Christmas greetings as much as I love to receive them--in my mailbox or my inbox.
As long as they sell Christmas stamps, though, I will be stamping my envelopes with the Madonna & Child and sending the bulk of our family's cards via snail mail. With a very large extended family and great friends, the whole process can get to be . . . well, quite a process! Therefore, my spare "Moooommm!"-free hours will be devoted to this tradition for the next few days. I will love every peaceful moment as I reflect on our last year and those who loved us on our way.
In the mean time, enjoy some new Christmas tunes on the play list.
God Bless your first week of Advent!

Family Favorite Pumpkin Pie

Just in time for Thanksgiving . . . it's my top secret pumpkin pie recipe!
OK, so it's not THAT secret. I took it from the back of a Festal pumpkin can in the mid-1990's. (The time Landen calls "way back then.")
That first pumpkin pie was such a success that "my" pumpkin pie is still requested at family holidays.
I think the secret is using both white and brown sugar. The original recipe said to use one or the other, so I split it between the two. This recipe calls for more sugar than some other recipes do. Both of my grandmas bake by the motto, "Never skimp on the sugar!" I trust them.
The use of nutmeg makes a big difference in taste, too. Cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg should ALL be in a pumpkin pie. (In my professional opinion, anyway!)
And, so, here it is!
Family Favorite Pumpkin Pie
1 can unsweetened pumpkin
3 eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ginger
1 cup evaporated milk (or 2% works, too)
Combine eggs, sugar, salt and spices and beat well. Blend in pumpkin. Add milk and beat well. Turn into unbaked pie crust. Bake at 450 fro 10 minutes, then reduce heat and bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes. Pie is done when knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Isn't it pretty? Thanks to my mom-in-law for the pumpkin pie plate. :o)
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Platchinda

After I sent the boys out hunting this morning, I wanted to do one of two things today--shopping or baking. Shopping was not going to happen (except for my exciting trip to the grocery store), so baking it was!
I decided to try my hand at an old German specialty--Platchinda. I'm not sure what that literally translates to, but it is a pumpkin turnover. My Grandma Joachim made the best and I know I will have to practice many more times to replicate hers.
Mine did turn out pretty tasty. If you've never had an authentic platchinda, you would think it to be great. The smell and taste brought back yummy memories of being a little girl in Grandma's kitchen. I'm going to send a few back with my dad to give to her. I hope she likes them--and maybe she can give me some pointers for next time!
Platchinda


Make dough of:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup milk
3/4 cup cream

Filling:
2 cups (1 can) pumpkin
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp cloves

Roll dough out for one at a time on a floured surface (about 4 inches in diameter). Put filling in each and seal edges. Bake at 250 for about 25 minutes. Makes about 12.

Deer Hunting

The boys got to go out hunting early this morning with Dad and Papa Butter. Nathan took his gun along, too.

New Song

Last Saturday night, Teresa and I were making our way home from my hometown after a day of visiting. Teresa fell asleep shortly after we started our hour+ drive, so it was quiet--and dark--all the way home.
I hadn't listened to the songs on my van's hard drive in awhile (except for the Veggie Tales tunes my kids love), so I made my way through the list. One of my favorites, "Remember Me," was first. Then Martina McBride's "I Have Been Blessed" came on and I listened to it even though I had had another song in mind.
Isn't it strange how our brains work sometimes? As I listened to Martina, I remembered the slide show I made for my Mom's 50th birthday. Reba McIntire's "My Sister, My Friend" was first, then came "I Have Been Blessed," but what was the last song I used? I remembered it was a slow song, it had a powerful message, it was on a CD that I listened to a lot at the time, and slowly, slowly it came back to me in pieces. I remembered the last line, "How Could I Ask for More."
Today I discovered that playlist.com also has this song, so it is now on my playlist. I don't know how this song totally dropped off my radar since 2007, but I am glad it is back! It almost made me cry listening to it a few minutes ago, remembering some of the slide show pictures that went with the words--my parents together, our family at our wedding, my mom with her brand-new grandsons . . .
I hope you like it, too.

"How Could I Ask for More"
by Cindy Morgan
There's nothing like the warmth of a summer afternoon
Waking to the sunlight, and being cradled by the moon
Catching fireflies at night
Building castles in the sand
Kissing Mama's face goodnight
Holding Daddy's hand
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more?

Running barefoot through the grass
A little hide and go seek
Being so in love, that you can hardly eat
Dancing in the dark, when there's no one else around
Being bundled 'neath the covers, watching snow
Fall to the ground
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more?

So many things I thought would bring me happiness
Some dreams that are realities today
Such an irony the things that mean the most to me
Are the memories that I've made along the way

So if there's anything I've learned
From this journey I am on
Simple truths will keep you going
Simple love will keep you strong
Cause there are questions without answers
Flames that never die
Heartaches we go through are often blessings in disguise
So thank you Lord, oh thank you Lord
How could I ask for more?

2010 Photos

Our fall photos are complete! The boys have had their school pictures on the wall for a couple months already.
I had to wait until Teresa was officially 3 years old before I took hers. Then there was the added task of catching her in a good mood . . . in good clothes . . . with her hair combed . . . it was almost easier taking her somewhere else! We had a few minutes before going to church on Sunday, so I sat her down and snapped a few photos. My work isn't professional, but it gets the the smiling face on the wall--for a very reasonable price. :o)

Still Here

It's time for another "I'm still here" post. Things have been a little crazy lately! In the past week, I went on a road trip with my mother-in-law, aunt-in-law & Teresa, turned 32, organized our region's Oral Interp contest (the organizing is actually still in progress), spent some quality time with my dear friend Sarae and grandparents, and went to my sister's violin recital! Whew! I'm tired!
I'll catch up again in a few days--I promise!!!

Favorite Food

As part of our preschool's literacy project, a book about the students is compiled each month. Each month has a theme and includes pictures of each student completing the activity. This month's theme is "Favorite Foods." The instructions were to ask the student how to make the food, make the food with the student (while taking pictures), and include the original recipe with their recipe.

Sugar Rice—Nathan's Recipe
1. Put rice in the bowl.
2. Put sugar in it. Put water in it and cinnamon.
3. Put it in the oven. Bake it for 4 hours at 785 degrees.

Baked Rice (renamed “Sugar Rice” by Nathan)
1 cup white rice
4 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 1/3 cup milk
½ cup cream (or more milk)

Boil rice until tender according to package directions. Beat eggs. Add sugar and beat again. Add milk and cream and beat again. Mix cooked rice with egg mixture. Sprinkle cinnamon as desired. Bake 30-45 minutes at 350 or 1 hour at 300.

Our dinner guests were happy to help us eat our project. What did we forget? To take a picture with the finished product!
We'll have to whip up another batch before the end of the month. I don't think Nathan will mind!

Nathan's 5th Birthday

Nathan turned 5 yesterday! One thing we always remember about Nathan is the day he chose to be born. Daddy said, "Any day but Thursday." Shortly before midnight on that Thursday morning, baby Nathan was preparing to enter this world--no matter what the previous plans were! He's been doing things his own way ever since.
It is always hard for him to wait for his birthday, especially as he watches his brother and sister open their presents before him. This year, however, was different. He started opening presents on Oct. 30 and will finish at the combined Teresa/Nathan/Harvest is Done Party this weekend. Not bad for turning 5!

Here was the letter he began to himself before bed on Tuesday night. He planned for it to say, "Dear Nathan, I hope you have the best birthday ever at grandma and grandpa's house . . . ." That's how far we got before bedtime.

He was able to spend most of his birthday at grandma & grandpa's house, which he loved. He went between having "the best birthday ever" and "the worst birthday ever" depending on the situation at the time.
That's our Nater--all or nothing! Happy Birthday, Nathan! We love you!

Scenes from Halloween

Our princess, hunter, & Spider-Man. (He is shooting a web.)

We're all ready for our first stop!

The drive to our country stops was just right for a little nap.


We finished off the night with birthday cake at Grandma & Grandpa Melius' house.
Happy Birthday to our 3 year old!

Happy Halloween!

The costumes are ready and Teresa's birthday present . . . oops . . . is not quite wrapped. (There's no time like the present, I suppose!) ha ha hee hee
(Sorry, the pumpkin guts must have gone to my brain!) :o)
Today was pumpkin carving day! Grandma Shirley and Aunt Amanda were here to help with the event.
First we had to have a plan of attack.

Then we got to work!

I left the "gutting" to the boys and grandma.

You can see our finish products below. Look closely and you will see the resemblance between Landen and his creation!

Customize your own free ecard

If you still follow the tradition of lighting your jack-o-lantern with a candle (and cutting off the top as opposed to the bottom), I do have a couple tips. I use a birthday candle. The flame is big enough to illuminate the pumpkin and it burns itself out. It will stick right into the bottom. Also, light a dry strand of spaghetti to get your flame to the candle waaayy down inside the pumpkin.
Happy Halloween!

Baby Time

Today we are entertaining our friend Henry, who is almost 4 months old. He is easy to get along with and is very cute. We absolutely love his visits.
Days spent with babies fly by. There isn't much time in the three-hour eat/play/sleep cycle to get bored. Henry is also quite fond of spitting up (as were 2 of my 3), so that makes for frequent wardrobe changes for both of us. Then it's time to eat again and start all over!
Before Landen left for school, he said today would get me ready for another baby. I told him I didn't think that would happen, but we could certainly have fun with the babies who visit. He was fine with that. Whew!
Nathan and Teresa love their little friend and doted on him for the first couple hours he was here. Nathan can't wait for Henry to be big like him. He likes him as a baby, but isn't too crazy about the whole erupting thing.
Gotta run. It's changing time again!

Siblings

Nathan and Teresa are having another love/hate afternoon, but that's nothing new. Their relationship has always been a bit tumultuous. It took Nathan about a year to get over his dethroning and accept that our new pink wiggly baby was not going anywhere.
Once Landen started going to school, Nathan & Teresa became much better friends. It was merely out of necessity.
Most of their play is all good or all bad--and it can change without warning. Thus has been the play of this afternoon--giggling immediately followed by crying and, "Stop it!"
When it matters, though, Nathan has his little sister's back. I love to see him watching out for her (when he can't see me watching, of course). It will be a great help for Teresa to have two older brothers as she grows.
It is just too bad her big brother now spends a good part of his time hitting her in the back instead of protecting it!

My little SUPERHEROES from last summer

Busy, Busy

This week has been busy with getting ready for Halloween! I finished Teresa's princess tutu and fixed Nathan's Spiderman costume last night. He is SO excited for his party at school tomorrow and trick-or-treating on Sunday.
So, I apologize for my lack of posts, but hope I can make up for it with some cute pictures on Monday morning. :o)

Thoughts from Today

Wohoo! I managed to get 2 miles in on the treadmill while Teresa was entertained by her favorite friends, "Max & Ruby."
Meteorologist Shawn Cable reported that tomorrow will be the "Best Day Ever." I have high hopes.
I forgot to dust again. Oh, well.
It was pretty clever of Teresa to line up her animals in the coat closet and play "movie theater" with them.
Seriously? I need to drive David's cell phone charger to him again? Good thing he does a few nice things for me, too.
Yes! Teresa fell asleep on the way to pick up Nathan from school.
Lunch at 2pm? Such is life during harvest!
Nathan found his new calling as a teacher of his 2 year old cousin and sister. They did whatever he said and he was in absolute heaven being the "boss" for a change!
But, was it really necessary for the students to use 50+ random puzzle pieces for their lunch?
Having a night off from the Beach Boys was nice.
Landen wants to be a hunter for Halloween. This makes me VERY happy. I kept forgetting to ask him what he wanted to be and was afraid it was going to be something much more complicated!
As Nathan's tiredness increases, so do the number of things that hit the wall downstairs. That kid would have a ball in a padded room.
Not setting a place for my husband at meals has become normal. I don't like that.
Harvest is nearing completion and it is mid-October. I like that very much.
SERIOUSLY--stop throwing things against the wall!

Surprise Blooms

Something caught my eye in my backyard flowers a few days ago. My Cosmos were blooming again--in October! Earlier this summer they had light pink flowers and this time they are almost purple.
I brought a few into the house to enjoy. I hope you like them, too!

Tunes

The office moving continues. I have 99% of my stuff upstairs (David helped with the desk) and have been busy organizing. David's stuff will be downstairs until after harvest, but that is fine with me. Landen is the one who is getting impatient! He can't wait to move into HIS new "office"!
He found a CD/tape player that I had been storing downstairs. We don't have the cord anymore and I didn't have enough C batteries. I finally bought some today. Landen just couldn't wait to get his favorite CD playing on his own player. His grandma even gave him an old microphone to use yesterday, too.
Unfortunately, we found soon after the battery installation that the CD feature does not work anymore. He did not take this well. What followed was a wail as loud and incessant as the mating call of a moose. It was the most obnoxious sound--and I hear A LOT of obnoxious sounds in a day.
I had to put the player away until he cooled off. Then I suggested a tape. He had no idea there was such a thing as a tape that played music. I came downstairs and grabbed the first one off the top of the pile--The Beach Boys. It took him a minute to warm up to the idea, but after a few songs he decided it was OK. Now we are rocking away to "I Get Around."
He did have one question about how to find a song. I told him you have to push forward or rewind and you have to guess how long. "You have to GUESS?" he asked. He was horrified that finding a song could be so inconvenient!
Judging by how fast the turn around has been for "I Get Around" in the time I have been typing, I'd say he has it pretty much figured out!

Jesus Loves the Little Children

Last Saturday evening, our family was in town working on the Lutheran church lawn. I was mowing and David was trimming trees away from the parsonage. David told me this story after we got home. I thought our boys had finally gotten the concept that Jesus and our priest and pastor were all different people, but apparently not.

As they were trimming trees, Pastor looked out the window.
Nathan said, "Pastor is looking at us."
Then Pastor went back to what he was doing inside.
Nathan then asked, "Why doesn't Jesus want to look at us?

Moving and Stuff

I'm moving again! This makes . . . hmm . . . move #5 in the past 9 1/2 years, and I've never had alert the post office. That's right--all of those moves have taken place in the same house.
The new office is finally finished and is move-in ready! David wanted a dark brown, so that's what I started with. My friend/third-cousin by marriage (I'm related to most people here) Roxanne gave me the idea of staining the walls over the paint. She came over and gave me a run-down on the technique. The most important rule, she said, was to do it all at one time. That was going to be the tricky part!
Since I can barely use the bathroom without being interrupted (on a good day), my new brown walls stayed that way for a couple weeks--just waiting for the perfect opportunity. It was such a long time that David even suggested I just leave them as paint--and he has barely been home during that time to see it!
As soon as all three kiddos went home with Grandma on Sunday evening, I cracked open the can of walnut gel stain and got to work. It only took me 2 hours to do the room and it made such an amazing difference!
I didn't think to take a "before," but here are a couple "afters"


(That is the one completed corner I have moved into.)
These periodic mini-moves have been huge in keeping the level of stuff down in our house. I thought I had just cleaned out the basement office not long ago, but I was amazed at how much stuff I had still been holding onto! Back-up disks for my first 1995 computer? Gone. The owner's manuals for our circa 1980's microwave and previous phones? Gone and gone. Magazines I was holding onto for reference, but hadn't looked at in years? See ya! Two copies of "Your Pregnancy and Birth?" I allowed myself one out of sentimentality. 60,000 possible baby names? I kept 10,000. (You know--in case we get a goldfish or something.) All of my scrapbooking supplies? Newly organized in the previous dresser drawers!
Now I just need someone to help me move my desk upstairs. It isn't too heavy, but it is a two-person job. I hope Landen is feeling strong--and helpful--when he gets home from school today.

Copy Cat

I hate to be a copy cat . . . really I do, but I can't help it! It seems that Alicia at la famille and I have been on the same wavelength lately.
I have been hit with a bit of a bug. It is quite unpleasant and has hung on for weeks. It is a "comparing myself to everyone else and always coming up short" bug. I'm not proud of this, since I know that I have nothing to complain about, but I'm throwing it out there as further evidence that I am not, in fact, Super Wife/Mom.
At Alicia's recommendation, I bought a copy of "Calm My Anxious Heart" by Linda Dillow. It is a Bible-based woman's guide to finding contentment.

Usually I am quite content, but this bug has taken contentment from me. In many ways, I am thankful to be home with my children. BUT, when the laundry and dishes are endless, the crying and fighting constant, the toys are hitting the wall, and the "MOOOOOOMMMM"s never stop, I start to get a teensy-eensy bit resentful of my husband who is living out his dream career. I also start to think that every other mom and her children must have it all together, unlike our family. But, here's the scary part. I don't have a real desire to go back to teaching (my former dream career) when the time comes either. That's what, as Landen would say, "freaks me out."
I enjoyed every part of "Calm My Anxious Heart" and will refer back to it. It is full of Biblical wisdom. As I was reading, I realized how these quotes and readings were overlapping in my life--daily mass readings, Sunday readings, and the book. I started to realize God REALLY wanted me to get this message!
Here are a couple of my favorite images:
1. Psalm 16:5 "Lord, you have assigned my portion and my cup. You have made my lot secure." We all have different cups and different portions. The one I have has been given to me by God. It doesn't matter how it differs from others; it is the one I am meant to have.
2. On the difficult days/weeks/years, I need to remember that it will not be that way forever. I liked Andrew Murray's prayer, "I am here (1) by God's appointment, (2) in his keeping, (3) under his training, (4) for His time."
3. He will present the next step of the journey in His time.
The events of the past days have helped in calming my heart, too--a wonderful time with my sister at a women's conference on Saturday, spending quality time with my husband and family, and my mother-in-law's generous offer to take all three kids home with her last night.
Ahh . . . things are looking up.

Mom Quote of the Day

Here is my Mom Quote of the Day:

"Be quiet, guys! I'm trying to see!"

I am aware at how this mom business has affected my spoken grammar, but now I'm not even making sense!

Flat Tire

Today I experienced my first flat tire. Nathan & Teresa and I were taking dinner out to a field about 15 miles from our house.
Teresa had just dozed off, Nathan was quiet, I was gratefully listening to the radio. Then something odd happened. The low tire pressure signal came on. This time it was different than the times the tires were cold or a tire had a slow leak. This time the pressure in my left rear tire was dropping--and fast. I managed to get to a safe place to stop about a mile from where David was harvesting. We hopped out and watched the tire finish its descent to pancake status.
As always in situations where I am easily stressed, my husband was super patient and we worked together to locate and lower the spare tire, and put it on.
I think I could almost do it myself if it ever happens again, but I don't want to take that chance! Having a flat tire wasn't how I planned to spend my afternoon, but at least it happened close to our destination! It could have been much worse.

Oh, to Be a Goldfish

One would think that today would have been an easy day. I'm sure my husband thinks so. He has had at least one of our children with him all day, leaving only one or two for me at a time. It sounds wonderful! Too bad it hasn't been.
It just so happens, the child or children who have been with me at any given time today have been especially high maintenance. If they aren't fighting with each other, they have been challenging me. It's not even 7:30pm and I'm wiped out.
I sent Nathan & Teresa downstairs awhile ago after a pillow and temper-tantrum throwing incident turned me into Ugly Mom.
I sat down in my chair with a book to give me some perspective and the Food Network to soothe me. Then the funniest commercial came on TV. I had never seen it before. It is for a brand of frozen food--Farmfresh?--I don't remember exactly, but the commercial goes like this:
"When my kids were babies, they were so cute I could have just eaten them up.
Some days, I wish I had."
Sometimes God gives me a laugh when I need it most.
Here's to early bedtimes and a better day tomorrow!

Whew!

Today is a beautiful day. It is the last day of September, the trees are turning brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange. The sun is warm and there is barely a breeze. Best of all, there are no men with diggers and manure spreaders in my yard.
Allow me to back up . . .
As we were building our landscaping last summer, my brother-in-law stopped by and had a GREAT idea. Inspired by the dried manure we were using to fill in the planting spaces, he thought, "Wow. You should tear up your lawn and put a pad of manure over it. That would give you a really nice and even lawn." (Well, I was not actually able to read his exact thoughts, but it was to that extent.) He then verbalized this to my husband.
My husband--my brother-in-law's brother--was ECSTATIC when he heard this idea. "Yes, he exclaimed. Let us tear up the lawn in September. That would be GREAT! Then I can go back out to the field to harvest, my brother can return home to his plush lawn that was planted before he had children, and you can constantly keep our children off the manure, Laura, since you are home anyway! Yes, that would be absolutely SPLENDID!" (OK--I don't think I've ever heard David use the word "splendid," but it goes with this ridiculous enthusiasm he was suddenly expressing.)
And so this conversation continued for weeks after this initial light-bulb moment. Of course, I was the absolutely irrational one for not wanting a yard made of manure until the grass could finally grow and fill in.
Then a funny thing happened. I expressed my concerns to my friend Deb, who reminded me that the lawn across our road would go untouched, still giving the kids a place to play. I came home, told David he could rip up the lawn come September if he really wanted to, and I barely heard a word from him after that. With my husband, there's no joy in discussing a topic if it isn't going to be a debate.
So, here we are. September 30. No diggers. No manure spreaders. No kids rolling in dried cow poop. Thank God for small miracles.

Translations

Sometimes as parents we begin to acquire another language without even realizing it.
Teresa's favorite pattern is polka dots. She has a polka-dotted dress that is her favorite. She calls it her "coconut" dress. She also has "coconut" pants. She would love to have coconuts everywhere in her world--preferably pink or purple ones.
Yesterday morning David and I were questioning our boys on their eating habits at school. Mealtime is not as messy as it used to be, but they still each leave something to be desired. When Landen was in preschool, the class ate lunch in their room and each child was responsible for his or her own cleanup.
This year Nathan's class is eating in the lunchroom. Landen told us they don't have to clean up after themselves because the "janerator" comes around to do it. David and I tried not to laugh, but we just couldn't hide our giggles behind our coffee mugs. We assured them that they didn't have to give the "janerators" even more to do!

A Room for T

Teresa's room is now complete. She calls it her "purple room" and loves to show it off to everyone who visits.
She is not quite ready for the shoe theme I had planned, though. Whenever she sees a pair of shoes (no matter how tiny they are), she feels she MUST squeeze her toes into them! These shoes are then left in random places all over the house. So, the baby shoes I had planned to display are still tucked safely away for now.



I'm honestly not sure if I saw this ribbon curtain idea somewhere or if I thought of it on my own. I hung a white sheer curtain behind it to hide the window, but still let in natural light.
It is fun to channel my inner girly-girl when decorating for my daughter. I never thought a little sister to two brothers could be so tough and yet so girly at the same time!
Next up . . . transforming our former baby room into our new main floor office. Goodbye Rockettes blue and hello Caravel Brown!

Vanilla

The first batch of vanilla is complete! I started giving honey bears of it away in late July with little snips of beans to help it finish. It really works well in baking and anywhere else you would have a use for vanilla. (I bet it would also make a tasty drink, but I haven't tried that yet.) :o)
I have just started a new batch with the used Mexican beans and new Madagascar beans. I hope they can get along and make more delicious vanilla!

Crock Pot Applesauce

My aunt shared apples with me this weekend, so I have started up the applesauce factory again! Medium or large apples are perfect for making Crock Pot Applesauce. Just peel, core, chop, and throw in a few additional ingredients in the morning. You'll have warm applesauce by suppertime!
Crock Pot Spiced Applesauce
12 cups peeled & chopped apples
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup water
1 T. lemon juice
dash nutmeg, optional
Pour apples into slow cooker. Pour in sugar and cinnamon. Mix with apples. Stir in water and lemon juice. Top with nutmeg. Cover and cook on low for 5-7 hours or High 2 1/2-3 1/2 hours. Mash gently with a potato masher or stir for a chunky sauce.

Here's mine a couple hours into the process. My family loves this and it makes the house smell so good!

FYI

I heard back from Holly. "Survivor" was filmed on the Pacific side of Nicaragua--in case you were like Landen and still wondering!
I am ordering a 2011 Time for Kids Almanac for Landen for Christmas. Even with his 2010 edition spiral bound, some pages are starting to come out again. Of course, those pages contain his FAVORITE map!
Sometimes my kids can be a little careless with their books and things, but there is definitely nothing wrong with LOVING a book to pieces!

A Cake for a New Baby or a Jewish New Year!

Yesterday I attended my dear friend Deb's baby shower. She and her family will welcome their sixth little blessing at the end of this month. My friend Cathy had a fabulous idea. What does a mom of six need more than anything? We couldn't arrange for more hours in a day or make sure that little boy will give his mom a full night's rest from the start, so Cathy thought of the obvious. FOOD. Not only did the guests bring delicious food for Deb to take home, but Cathy made a fabulous brunch for us, too.
I just love cooking with Cathy. She's a Jersey girl. She moved out here to the midwest, fell in love with a South Dakota farm boy, and now she's settled amongst us farmers. Her specialty is Italian--yummy, real Italian food. Yesterday we sampled her frittata and bruschetta.
Since baking is my specialty, she asked me to bring a coffee cake. I tore out a recipe for Jewish Apple Cake from Relish magazine recently and couldn't wait to try it. Being a Catholic German, I have to say it was the first time I ever knowingly followed a kosher recipe! I was so happy when Cathy told me it was just like the cake her Grandma, who lived in a primarily Jewish neighborhood, used to make for her.

Jewish Apple Cake
6 cups peeled and thinly-sliced Granny Smith apples (about 3 large)
1 1/2 cups + 5 T sugar, divided
4 tsp. cinnamon
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 T baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
4 eggs
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup orange juice
2 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350. Grease, sprinkle a little sugar, and flour in a Bundt or tube pan. Combine apple slices with 5 T sugar & cinnamon; set aside. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and set aside. Beat eggs with remaining sugar and brown sugar. Add oil, orange juice, and vanilla; beat well. Gradually blend in flour mixture and mix until well blended (about one minute).
Pour 1/3 batter into the pan. Top with 1/2 the apple slices, draining off any liquid. Pour in 1/2 the remaining batter and top with rest of apples. Top with remaining batter, making sure the apples are covered.
Bake 55-60 minutes, until the top turns golden brown and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let cool 10 minutes in pan. Turn out onto a wire rack and let cool completely.

The hardest part was taking this beautiful cake out of the oven and not being able to slice into it until the next day! I hope you like it as much as we all did.

Survivor

If you live in Eureka, South Dakota, used to, or know someone who does or used to, chances are your TV was tuned to CBS tonight for the "Survivor" premier. One of our own, Holly Hoffman, is one of the Survivors this year. I grew up in Eureka and have known Holly my whole life. She is a real, genuine, nice person and amazing athlete.
David and I are "Survivor" fans from the beginning. We've missed just a few episodes over the past ten years, but certainly not since we've gotten DVR. (I think having guaranteed "Survivor" recording is what really pushed us to make the switch from our unreliable VCR.)
Some people golf together, some go camping, we watch "Survivor." Since we've had our children, they have been brought into our favorite TV night of the week, too.
We know it is TV, and not reality, but it draws us in every season for its entertainment value. We love the scheming, challenges, and twists. Our kids especially like the challenges. Tonight some past Survivors were on a commercial. As one came on the screen, Nathan said, "Russell!" Wow. I didn't know he actually remembered any of their names!
Landen immediately found his almanac to look up Nicaragua on the map and was wondering which coast they were on--Pacific or Caribbean?
The rest of the hour, I heard, "Holly!" whenever our newest favorite came on the screen. The boys asked me, "Is she REALLY there? Like REALLY there?" I didn't get into the whole explanation of pre-recorded TV shows and editing, but assured them that she--someone from Eureka--was actually there.
We hope Holly was able to go far into the season! (Can you imagine coming back from that experience and having to keep that secret?) She made it past the first tribal council with no problem tonight, so things are looking good. We're already looking forward to next week!

Hide Out

Nathan is into hiding out now (and sitting in chairs on his head, but that's a whole other entry). I hadn't heard from him or Teresa in awhile, so I went outside to check. I walked around our yard calling for him & Teresa with no answer. Even though they are older now, somewhat understand the concept of danger, and aren't usually the wandering type, I still hate the feeling I get when I call them and get no answer.
Finally, when I was ready to go back inside and make sure they weren't in the house, they both popped out from behind the tall weeds in the trees. Nathan said, "You didn't look in the hide out!"
Oh, silly me.

Nathan's First Day of Preschool

Nathan finally made it! It is his turn to go to preschool today!
After the open house on Tuesday, he told me, "I found my best friend." He couldn't remember his new best friend's name, but that's what today is for.
Have a great year, Nathan!

Picture Day

I just placed my picture day order for my boys today. Picture day is next Monday, but I'm not a big fan of sending money to school with my kids. Given the fate of several mittens and gloves, I decided to order online.
School pictures sure have changed! It has gone from one boring standard background to so many choices it is almost too difficult to decide. It makes it much more fun and personalized, that is for sure. Landen will have a brownish background and Nathan will have a blue one. Each will complement their eyes and their shirts.
The company has also started offering touch up service. Where were they for my 8th grade school picture? I'm not sure my parents would have paid the extra $6 for acne coverage, but I sure would have picked up a few extra hours of babysitting to pay for it myself! Kids these days just have it soooo good! :o)
So, we're all set--backgrounds chosen, shirts ready to go--now all we need are two handsome smiles next Monday morning!

Moving Coincidence

Exactly 7 years ago on 9/3/03, our first baby came home from the hospital and moved into our baby room. Today, on 9/3/10, our last baby is moving out of the baby room! Teresa's bed isn't quite finished, but she is SO excited to sleep in her purple room that she will sleep on a mattress in there tonight.
Children. I've said it before and I will say it a million more times--they are always changing and growing.
Except for a mini mid-mom crisis a few weeks ago, I have been fine with this latest transition. As my mom recently reminded me, "There is a time for everything."
Yes, it was wonderful having babies, and miss that precious first year with each of them (except for the pregnancy nausea, labor/delivery experience, monstrous Wal-Mart purchases, and mandatory sleep deprivation).
As they grow, though, it is also wonderful seeing a glimpse the little people God created them to be and what they will become. (I do plan to have a talk with Him some day about a few things he added that seem quite unnecessary in my opinion.) :o)
So, here's to my "big" kids in their big kid rooms. May you always have sweet dreams.
Daddy is especially excited to have you all moved out. He has been planning his main floor office for the last 7 years!

Summer Clover & Stuart Little

Our transition to move Teresa to her big girl room is off to a great start!
We bought the paint last week--Summer Clover--a shade just pink and just purple enough to satisfy my all-girl two year old. I didn't have a plan to paint; I just wanted to have the paint at home for when the mood and opportunity struck.
When my mother-in-law offered to watch Teresa today and my friend Roxanne was free to help paint (she loves to paint just like I do), I couldn't pass it up! The room took hardly any time at all and I already have Teresa's kitchen and dolls moved back in. (I promise I will post a photo when it is all completed.) I am in the process of painting her dresser and bed. At this rate, she may be ready to move downstairs by the end of the week.
After we finished the bedroom, I decided to re-paint a couple small walls at the bottom of our basement stairs. The first wall went just fine. On the second wall, I had to remove the light switch cover (no problem) and the large air vent grate. That was going very smoothly until I popped it off the wall and discovered a very interesting surprise inside--a decapitated mouse! I'm not terrified of mice, but I still wasn't very excited about this find. If I was going to get it out of there, I needed to put myself in the right state of mind. I kept repeating "Stuart Little" to myself to remind myself of the cute mouse with Michael J. Fox's voice (and one very unlike this little gray dirty thing that had met such an unfortunate fate.) I found an old painting trowel and scooped it into my garbage bag as quickly as I could. Ick!!!!!!!!
When David and my two youngest came home, I was still painting--this time touching up the green paint in our "baseball field" toy room. Changing the decor in that room has crossed my mind, but after seeing all of the nicks all over wall, I decided to keep it the same until toys are not flying quite as frequently. It does look much better now.
I love a good day of painting. The walls look fresher and the smell of paint even smells clean. I just hope there aren't any more surprises hiding in the walls!

Comfort Food

I appreciate a good box of macaroni and cheese as much as the next mom, but sometimes I just have to have the real thing!
Homemade mac & cheese can be as simple as a white sauce (butter/flour/milk) & Velveeta, but I REALLY like this recipe I found in the Mar/Apr 2007 Simple & Delicious. The flavors blend together so yummily. Is that a word? It is now.
Creamy Macaroni & Cheese
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 cup milk
8 oz. Velveeta
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground mustard
1/2 tsp pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Boil macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Reduce heat; stir in sour cream, Velveeta, Parmesan cheese, salt, mustard and pepper until cheese is melted and smooth. Drain macaroni; toss with cheddar cheese. Transfer to a greased 3 qt. baking dish. Add cream sauce and mix well. Bake uncovered at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
If your kids are like mine, it might take awhile for them to develop an appreciation of the "real" thing. If they never do, no problem. There will just be more for you!

Blessed

Yesterday we celebrated Landen's 7th Birthday just a few days before the actual big day.

It was a definite success. They all played well together from the beginning of the party to the end. Teresa didn't even mind playing with all of those boys.
David and I enjoyed our time visiting with our adult guests, too. Birthdays are a great excuse to get together. We are truly blessed with wonderful family and friends!

First Grader

Today was Landen's first day as a first grader!

His favorite part of the day was finding out he gets his own desk this year. Nathan can't wait until Sept. 9 when he gets to join his brother on the bus. Only 16 more sleeps!

Lake Date

Yesterday we spent the day at our family friends' lake home. The Melius & Johnston families have been getting together for these dates (and a pheasant hunt in the fall) for about 60 years now.
Since our children handled Lake Superior so well--and loved it--we decided it would be safe to take part in the fun annual tradition. It was no surprise they loved Lake Enemy Swim just as much!
After a practice run with dad, both boys were able to ride the tube on their own.


It was a beautiful day filled with boat rides, visiting, and lots of good food.

We can't wait for next August to get here so we can do it all over again!

Mixed Feelings

In just a few days, we will be back to the routine of a new school year.
I am approaching our first day of school with mixed feelings as I usually do. On one hand, I do not want to give up our family's summer routine. We are usually all awake and out of bed by 7:30am, which is not sleeping in by any means, but it sure beats our 6:15am school year wake up time! Our kids go to bed at 8pm year round, so thankfully getting back into a bedtime routine is not an issue at all. As they have gotten older, the summer days do not drag on for me as they sometimes used to. This summer has been especially nice as it is the first that I have been able to let them all play outside by themselves. They all seem to have a homing device built in, so most often they check in with me before I have to look for them.
On the other hand, I am more than ready to wave goodbye to that big yellow bus next Tuesday morning. I am ready for a break from the brotherly bickering and fighting, even if that means Nathan moping around the house declaring over and over again that he misses his brother. Nathan will get his turn at bus riding and school this year, too, going two mornings a week. He has the advantage that I wished Landen had when he started--an older brother to look after him.
Landen will be in the 1st grade this year and he's excited for it; Nathan will be in Preschool. This parenting stuff is a bittersweet business. It seems my children are always taking the next step in growing up. I just get through all three closets with the appropriate size clothes and before I know it, I am swapping those out for the next larger sizes. While it is wonderful to see these changes, it can also be heartbreaking for this overly-sentimental mom.
I suppose it is time for me to brew a cup of coffee and snap out of it. The school year will start if we're ready or not. I better go set my alarm clock.

Duluth

Ahh, vacation . . . and know that I use that term VERY loosely when vacation involves our three children. Some parts of traveling as a family are a relaxing break from reality, but others are much more difficult than everyday life. I have to say it was much easier driving to Denver two years ago, which was almost twice as far. The number of children has stayed the same, but now we have three talkers--all who are most willing to express their opinions and observations. All. of. the. time. Now, where was I? Oh, yes. The departure.
We finally departed on Monday at 5pm. I had hoped to make it halfway through Minnesota the first night, but shortly after we left our house I wondered if we would even make it through the corner of North Dakota! We did eventually cross the Minnesota border--barely--and stopped in Fergus Falls for the night.
We reached Duluth late in the afternoon on Tuesday. As soon as we crested the hill that overlooked Lake Superior, Nathan delared, "This is the best vacation EVER!" We spent the rest of the week doing the following: watching ships go under the Aerial Lift bridge,

climbing Enger tower, finding real acorns, throwing rocks into Lake Superior,

watching Nathan drink out of the lake,

wishing our cabin had air conditioning, touring the William A. Irvin Ore Ship Museum,

watching "Mysteries of the Great Lakes" at the Omnimax Theatre, playing in the sand and water at Park Point Beach,



figuring out how to use the world's oldest microwave (all by myself!),

hiking and coming upon a discarded toilet in the woods, picking wild raspberries, watching carpenter ants make huge piles of sawdust, playing Polish golf, mini-golfing, eating lots of good food, touring every possible public restroom with Teresa (sometimes more than once), and building a campfire just as the rain was beginning to fall.
We still have lots left to see and do in Duluth, so we hope to return again someday!