Clean up in aisle 1

This is evidence of why I typically don't even try to accomplish anything, let alone something crafty, while the kiddos are up. I took 2 steps away from my barrette project to get Ataly something to drink (that she asked for) and found the remainder of my already low paint supply dumped out. I think that little stinker asked for something to drink just to get her hands on the paint...what do you think :O)?

She patiently sat by me while I put the finishing touches on the barrettes. Not exactly the place I thought I would be doing that but it brushed on just fine off the floor.

Mom's creation

Hopefully soon I will be able to tell you who this beautiful new room is for but until then I will leave you with a little teaser.

My mom is amazing and got inspiration from this picture frame...

and created this!

There is a white picture frame in the middle but is blocked out for privacy. I don't think the picture does this room justice. I just love this room.

The color, the cuteness...everything is just perfect!

Reading Buddies

Evidence of God's grace.

Bitter cold temps...many inches of snow...busy schedules...just might be reasons to complain.

However, this winter God has taken care of us each time it snowed despite

bitter cold temps...many inches of snow...busy schedules.

At some point before we needed to back out of our driveway, someone came to save our day, plow us out and took a time out of their busy schedules to serve us!

Each time, I couldn't help but praise God for providing for us in this little but really BIG way that we didn't even ask for!

God is great!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Grandpa and Nana Visit

A fun time was had by all while Grandpa Tim and Nana stayed for the weekend!

Lots of games were played.

Lots of cuddle time was enjoyed.

Traeger ate up all the game time that took place.

The adults went out on a double date and came home to play Nertz until the wee hours of the morning.

Big smiles were seen all weekend....

because these two are amazing and love and serve us in such tangible ways.

Gas Pumping

The youth group had their annual CEYC Matthew 5:16 gas pumping event. It states, "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."

An evidence of God's grace from the day...Luke had the opportunity to share God's love with an elderly man who was on his way to the Marshfield Hospital to be with his wife of 65 years who was dying.

Warming up and filling up on pizza after a brisk morning sharing God's love with others.

The kiddos excited about hanging out with the big kids and playing at the youth center.

Go Raiders!

After cheering on the Medford Raider Boys Basketball team, Traeger got to try his hand at announcing.

Watch out Mr. Thurmaier...Traeger will be ready to take over your job soon!

"And starting for the Raiders...."

Toward the end of the game Traeger took it upon himself to start cleaning up under the bleachers. Gross I know, I tried over looking that and focused on his heart. After taking one load out to the garbage he came back in and said, "Guys, I've got a lot of work to do," and was off.

Cookie Cutter Bracelets

I'm always amazed and love to observe the differences between having a boy and a girl. I'm pretty sure only girls think of wearing cookie cutters as bracelets. I don't think it ever crossed Traeger's mind. Interesting...God's design is unique and fantastic!

Playmates

Great playmates!

I think they were off on an adventure...oh, to be a kid again :O)!

Game Time

Playing their version of Guess Who.

The boys have really been into playing Monopoly!

Donut Time.

While the Daddy's were working or at the Men's Retreat, the mommies and kiddos met for donuts...lots of sugar and quality fellowship!

Discoveries.

Drop the pill in and wait for the magic to take place.

Ta Da...a sponge!

Wild, Zany, Crazy Hair/Hat Night!

I admit we didn't have the wildest or the zaniest or the craziest hair or hats...but special nights at Awana sure are fun and bring a little variety to the night!

All ready with hats and my piggy tails for the night.

The girls....

and the boys :O)

Bob Lenz in Town!

Bob Lenz made an appearance in Medford for the second time. He first spoke at the Middle School this year. Later in the evening he shared the gospel message to the Youth Center, while the band rocked out after his talk.

Chelsea, Crystal and Me gearing up for the big night.

(and Bryan sneaking in)

A full house.

open ears.

Holy Spirit working.

decisions made to follow Christ as their Savior.

Bob is such a gifted man...

God uses him in such a real way to reach out and connect with the youth!

Excited!

I'm pretty excited about my logo I created. Skip to my Lu Designs is my small effort to help my sister's family in their process of the adoption of their daughter, who we affectionately call Lu, from China. I love making barrettes and thought, "Why not have the proceeds go to help them?" My minimal donation is a drop in the bucket compared to the extreme cost of adoption, but I figured this was my small way to support them on their journey.

Here are a few pictures of the products...

If you're interested in buying one or two let me know. I would be happy to make that connection.

Sometimes You Just Have to Laugh!

While getting ready one morning I looked down and realized how messy my bathroom was as a result of having little ones. I was slightly frustrated at the fact that I couldn't just get ready without the kids hanging out in the bathroom making a mess and pulling on me. Then I took a mental step back and realized that I just had to laugh. My kids won't always be hanging out with me (or on me) while I'm getting ready and really they were quite creative in making up the basketball game where they were throwing cotton balls into the potty training seat. This is just a stage in my life and I'm choosing to celebrate it! So consider yourself warned, next time you're here and ask for a cotton ball you know where they've been :O)

Grandpa and Nonnie Visit

Waking up Saturday morning to breakfast in bed with Nonnie...cheers!

Saturday after naps we bundled up to head out to a local hotel for a dip into a pool.

1, 2, 3 jump!

The kids loved it!

Traeger was Nonnie's kitchen helper...thanks guys for making some tasty meals!

This was a common sight throughout the weekend!

We so enjoyed your visit mom and dad!

Double Date/Diner Tour Continued

A huge thank you to our amazingly thoughtful husbands for setting up a double date for us as a Christmas present. They scored big with this gift. The date was set and we were finally on our way. Our first stop was Hot Haus Spa in Wausau.

The guys dropped us off for a 2 hour relaxing retreat and they headed off to kill some time at Best Buy. We only heard details but learned they rocked the Guitar Hero game. I can only envision the fun they had... Jeremy on guitar and Luke singing at the top of his lungs to "Yellow Submarine." He got 100%. Oh how guys and girls find relaxation in such different ways :O)!

First order of business for us girls was a half hour whirlpool soak, then we moved onto our joined hour massage. It was so glorious! As I was experiencing the undeserved joys and blessing of hanging with a friend and an amazing treatment to my body, my heart was filled with praise to God for his goodness to me!

The second stop of the night was to Iozzo's for the 3rd stop on our Diner Tour. We hadn't originally planned on going there so I didn't feel prepared with my attire nor was I confident sporting my greasy hair (from the massage), but I am on the journey of throwing comfort out the window and embracing the now and living it up (Luke's taught me a thing or two about that! :-)). I still have a long way to go, but God seems to constantly (and graciously, I suppose!) be having me face these kinds of situations. So here we are, my dear friend Chelsea and I celebrating stepping outside of my comfort zone, greasy hair and all :O)!!

The final stop of the night was the Zenners beautiful abode to cuddle up on a cold winter night to a movie!

A huge praise to God for great friends, special treats and loving parents who were in town and willingly watched the kids for us to have a night on the town!

Busted!

The kiddos taking advantage of the fact that I was in the shower and unable to participate in the decision of whether eating cake in the morning was an acceptable choice or not. They won. Sometimes I just have to step back and see the big picture...it does my body (and attitude) a lot of good :O) In the grand scheme of life...this was a great joy point in my day because it brought me much laughter and the kids are going to be a ok with a little extra sugar flowing in their veins earlier than I'd prefer.

Supper/small group

Have I ever told you how blessed we are by these 3 couples?

I know I have but will tell you again just how great they are and how grateful we are to be doing life alongside these guys.

They came over early for supper and then we got down to business with our video series we're working through. Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage is an amazing series that we highly recommend. Its content is relevant, shared in a hilarious/hyperbolic manner which creates meaningful and helpful discussion!

Texting

We recently got new cell phones. Luke loves setting up the new systems, getting ring tones, etc. While Luke was taking care of that the kids were playing with our old phones and the following conversation goes as follows...

Traeger: "I'm texting"

Us: What...who do you think you're texting?

Traeger: my girlfriend

Us: What...who's your girlfriend?

Traeger: Annabelle

Everyone: laughter erupts

I guess if Traeger thinks that his cousin Annabelle is his girlfriend, we're good with that for now :O)

How does this start so young?