Moms Connect Leadership Retreat 2013

Today I was blessed to be able to attend Wooddale's Moms Connect Leadership Retreat with this fabulous group of women (Vanessa, I am so sorry but blogger is cutting off your sweet self in both the group pics :(  Boo.) The retreat was held at the Minikahda Club Paddle House in Minneapolis. Seeing so many of these women after the summer break and getting to fellowship together was definately a highlight of my weekend. LOVE these women so much. They consistently inspire me to be a greater woman of Christ, a better wife and a better mother. So excited to work with them again this year! A slight change from last year, I will be attending the evening group in Edina instead of the morning group at Eden Prairie due to a change in my family's schedule.

I am starting a new job tomorrow.

Transitioning once again, from work-at-home mom to a working outside the home mama. This go round, I have been at home for 1 year and 4 months. My first lay off in Minnesota took place in January 2009...January 15 to be exact. I remember the day well because it was the two year anniversary of my dad's passing. It made sense for our family for me to stay at home for awhile, but then the time came for me to jump back in the workforce which led to a new job start in spring of 2011. One year later, history repeated itself. Tragic at the time, but a blessing in disguise. That's usually how it works isn't it? :) So much going on this past year...thankful to have had more flexibility with my schedule to be able to be at home with the boys and make precious memories with them. I have cherished being with them this past year...treasured and documented the not-so-good moments as well as the incredible ones.

Though I look at this change as being bittersweet, I am going to embrace the opportunities that come with it. This first month before the boys start school will be a little bit tricky and challenging, but I anticipate that come the second week in September, we will feel like old pro's. :) I feel so thankful that for this initial transition the boys are with our Texas family living it up and enjoying the spoils that having 3 aunts, 1 uncle, 1 set of grandparents and 1 great-grandparent brings. Yesterday I got a few pictures from KK and Nana...any guesses where they were?

 

If you guessed the circus you are correct. Word has it that they had a good time. ;) I think everyday in Texas with this crew is a grand adventure for our boys.
Thank you so much Nana, Poppie and girls for taking care of our boys for a little bit for us. We appreciate it so much!! Please give them big hugs and kisses from their mama and daddy. :)


...oh, and just in case you are wondering, the crazy hats were part of the party. :) I chose to decorate mine with things that reflect me: hot wheels cars (all over our house with 2 boys), pen (I love to write), a moms connect business card (because I am passionate about this group and in growing in Christ with other women of faith), a piece of Lindor dark chocolate (no explanation needed there ;)), a tube of MK lip gloss (love my lip gloss and I sell it), an airplane (a passion is traveling and I am married to a pilot), a book (yes, I hung a book from my hat because books are that much a part of me!), a bullet (as of June this year, I am legal to carry a gun in Minnesota...which makes my husband quite proud...which I think is cute), and of course photographs of our family (once again, no explanation needed.) And finally, to represent a Southern background, a handmade purchase tag hanging off the side just like my fellow Southerner Minnie Pearl would have flaunted. ;)

And now it's off to this bed for this working mama...wish me luck! :)

Young Couples at work with 363 days Service Project

This past Saturday, our Sunday School class came together to assemble sandwiches for 363days.org. It was a weekend I had been looking forward to for quite some time, remembering the fun times and good fellowship that came with assembling and delivering the sandwiches last year.

One of the reasons I love 363days.org is because as a Young Couple on a "young budget," Clay and I still feel as if we can come together and make a difference in the community. A volunteer can sign up to do as many or as few as they would like. If you are located near the Metro area, I would highly encourage you to check this organization out.

An idea for some moms out there...
For one of your playdate get-togethers, assemble 100-200 sandwiches. The kids (ages 2 1/2 and up) can lay out the bread and put cheese slices on the bread. Also, they can help by bringing you the completed sandwiches already placed in ziploc bags for you to place in bread bags. If your kids are anything like mine, they will get so excited over feeling as if they are helping in a big way too! :)

Another idea...gather some families from your neighborhood to help with a 363days project. Get everyone involved...husbands, kids and all!

Nine adults were able to crank out 520 sandwiches in just under 2 hours...and that was with the "help" of two excited little children and a hungry baby!! Though we only had approximately an eighth of our class able to come help with the assembly of sandwiches, everyone was able to share in a part of it by either giving financially or by coming to help with the production part on Saturday, or both! Think about the possibilities with this project...to give 2-3 hours of your time and a minimal amount of money (about fifty cents per sandwich) even once a year WILL make a huge difference for MANY in need. It's making a difference specifically for 520 hungry people in the Twin Cities area this month just from our little group that has young kids, "no time," and a low budget. This is something I get really excited about!! It makes me feel like I have a small part in feeding the 5,000!!

And here were our special helpers who were working so hard throughout the morning.  ;)

"The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed."

Proverbs 11:25

"Mom's Night Out"

Last Thursday evening was "Moms Night Out: Favorite Things" at our church--an annual event. I had excitedly anticipated this event for an embarrassingly length of time. ;) Clay was going to be off on this particular night, so I jumped at the opportunity to go. I had been a couple of years ago, and LOVED it. I have actually had the desire to host something like this (in a smaller version of course) at my home for the last several years. Hmmm...maybe 2013 will be the year. :)

I never take a single minute that I am out with my girlfriends for granted. It is counted as precious and much needed time. These moms inspire me as an individual and as a mom...did I mention I won some cute polka-dotted straws too?! :)

my breakfast choice + a cookie swap with friends

I had this (see picture above) for breakfast Sunday morning. After hosting a cookie swap at our home where we were left with 100's of cookies (plus, after getting less than 2 hours of sleep that night due to our smallest child continuously getting up for whatever reasons)...why not?! ;) After our 10 1/2 inches of snow that our area was blessed with that prior evening, the yummy winter treat just added to the outside morning ambiance.

 

What a great group of friends we have from our church!!! Thanks guys for coming out; you are all awesome!! (and so were your cookies! :0)

Like last year, the kids decorated their own Reindeer Cookies. Several of us parents joked that this year's event seemed busier than the last...might it be because of the ages of our kids. Nah, couldn't be that! :)

On Friday, prior to the cookie swap, the boys and I got in the kitchen to start our double batch of Oreo Cheesecake Cookies. This year, my cookie choice was based solely on EASE of baking with two little boys. Last year, I made delicious Gingerbread Cookies, but oh.my.goodness. The time that those took was unbelievable. We were literally finishing up the icing still as people were walking through the door. Yeah, that was totally not happening this year.

This year, I was determined to ensure that this season was peaceful and simple...stressfree (most days!) Not the continual harried, busyness that we had last year and the year before. This peace and simpleness included our 4th Annual Cookie Swap. :)

 

These Oreo Cheesecake Cookies were yummy....different than the classic cookies that I usually make but super easy and really good. They bake to a slightly crisp on the outside and moist and chewy on the outside. By Day 3, they are pretty crispy...same great flavor but crispy. So, depending on whether you prefer chewy or crisp cookies, you might take this into consideration before baking. This recipe is a great one to do with your kids. Parker and Cooper took the "Big tasks" of smashing the oreos (mostly Cooper...this helped keep his hands out of the dough!) and rolling the dough into balls then rolling the dough in the oreo crumbs (mostly Parker). In the end, I had to put Cooper on the floor when I caught him shoving a fistfull of oreo crumbs in his mouth.  It's all fun and games until they start shoving their fiesty little hands into the goods. ;)

Cookies with Santa and the Stricklands Annual Christmas Party!

This morning, our friend Ryan was having Santa come visit for some cookies and coloring. All 4 of us ventured out for some warm hot chocolate, cookies, and coloring time with Santa. What better way to start the month of December than with family time with Santa?

My Christmas cards came in Thursday, so I can't wait to get those sent off the first of the week! This afternoon we got our tree up and the garland on our banister. Tomorrow, we will hopefully get the rest of our Christmas decorating completed! So fun! I love this time of year!

Tonight, some friends of ours from church hosted their annual Christmas party. (After last year's, Clay and I could not wait for the event!) No babysitter was lined up, so Clay and I took turns attending the party. Clay took the first shift at home with the kiddos and here I am now (while he's at the party) taking the 2nd shift. Ericka and Mike, once again, did an amazing job at hosting.

Ericka has such a talent for baking. I always look forward to seeing her latest holiday creations...and of course, tasting them!!

Several of the couples from our Young Couples class decided to wear their favorite Christmas sweaters to the evening event. ;) I had to snap a quick picture of Jaime and Ben...love it!

 

Great fellowship and laughter...

Lauren even painted her nails for the special event!! How cute is that?!

Mr. and Mrs. Claus...our fabulous host and hostess. Thank you Ericka and Mike! We had a wonderful time once again! What a gift y'all have for entertaining!!

The Keeper of Joy and ramblings of our travels home

Today I was going to load my 1,210 pictures from and draft up a post about our fabulous 2 week stay down in Mississippi. Aaahh, it was wonderful getting to visit my home town and so many of my friends and family...so wonderful that the trip was extended at the last minute. ;)

Although I am thrilled to look through the multitude of photos taken over the last 14 day period, my mind is on something else, so I think I will write about that instead. Truly, I can't believe I am sitting here when my eyes are literally being forced to stay open at this point of the evening. It is cold downstairs, but my trusty little space heater is working quite nicely next to me right now. I keep pushing my glasses up onto my nose as if that is going to help keep my eyes open any longer. The tv is on with original intentional plans of propping my feet up on the couch to get lost in some pointless television show, but my fingers are itching to type. Pandora and YouTube are coming on with "Banner of Love" and "Before the Morning" as the tv is muted. I did try to load pics and blog while in MS, but had technical difficulties and was unable to load any pics to mom's computer. I can't write a post without a picture!?! Did I mention that it is cold here in Minnesota? I did just get back from Mississippi; it might take a few months for my body temperature to adjust. Maybe that's why I am wearing one of three robes tonight that I have had for more than a decade and have only worn a handful of times. ;)

On my mind tonight:
Today I was totally convicted by a discussion at our MOPS group early this morning. A mom of 4 girls and Bible study leader, Janna Northrup, came to speak to our group about Carving Out Time for God during the holidays. Much like myself, Janna has a love for words and everyday moments. To hear her speak, is like eating your favorite chocolate over good conversation with your best girlfriends (which we totally did!! Thank you for the Dove treats, Vanessa. I just finished off the last 2 that I snagged at the end of the meeting!!) Janna's words have been with me all day and I can't stop perusing the notes from today's session.

Here are some of the notes I quickly jotted down and smiled over:

• Have a passion to live intentionally!
• Invite God into our Everyday Lives
• Practice Love in your Home
• Carving out Time each day for quiet time will take determination and discipline. Now is the time to do it; this will teach your children the discipline of turning to God and seeking Him.
• Make your everyday mundane tasks a spiritual, memorable moment. (ie. vacuuming: sucking up all the yucky of your life, washing dishes: God washing away our sins every day)
• ...and the one that resonated with me most today...I am the Keeper of Joy in my Home.

Here's why I felt convicted of that last one. Yesterday, I flew back with the boys from Mississippi. The only time (and definately the LAST time) I did not travel with a stroller. Both boys did amazing in the Memphis airport and on the airplane. My focus was 110% on. Their airplane bag was packed and stocked with sweet and fun treats ready for playtime and creative time on the flight. We were complimented on behaviors and order by other passengers during our ride. However, everything turned sour when we got off the plane in Minne. First, Cooper did not want to get off the airplane; he wanted to watch the workers. Secondly, when I finally convinced him it was time to get off the plane to see daddy, he wanted to pull my bag (that was way too heavy for his little self. Fits started happening right and left.) Also, I was traveling with more baggage than usual. I think I have mentioned before that our family spoils us. Well, spoil us this trip they did. Suitcases were loaded down with Christmas gifts and "just because" treats. Admittedly, I was having a harder time managing all of the bags and kids (which is usually not an issue for me.)

So, here we were at gate G14 (or one of the G's) and my youngest son is about as pitiful as one little two year old could get...wanting to pull mama's bag but falling down (with the bag) from the weight of it. [insert fit of extra loud wailing on the floor right in front of the loading area where the gate agent stood waiting to board more than 150 people...since we were, of course, the last people off of the arriving flight.] At this point, I was not really that bothered by the sad scenerio. It wasn't until after Cooper squirmed off of my hips--while still screaming of course--and I had to carry him like a quarterback running with the precious ball across the field all the while dragging a couple of other players with him in the other hand, that I started to sweat a little. I actually had an airport employee come up to me and offer to flag down a cart to help me get to baggage claim. YES, Thank you. I patiently waited until a cart arrived, all the while thanking the girl for suggesting the service, then promptly loaded both boys and our luggage (the diaper bag, 2 carry-on suitcases, my purse, and a Christmas bag with short wooden handles) onto the airport vehicle. We had almost gotten into position and in go-mode when this rather large woman and her husband walk up and proceed to bless me out in front of more than 200 travelers and airport employees (the woman that is, not her highly embarrassed husband). Mouths dropped. The Caribou Coffee employees awkwardly stopped making coffee to watch the scenerio. This particular lady considered herself a handicap because of her size  and was quite upset that I was using the service to transport my children and our bags. I have to say I took the high road on this one. I am not sure if I was so shocked over the whole situation or if I just felt so sorry for her and what an unhappy person she was, but whichever it was, I simply let her have the cart. While she impatiently stood waiting for me to de-board myself, the kids and our bags from the cart, her husband with his head down, came and quietly thanked me and apologized. Not even a thank you from her. A few seconds later when she passed us by on the moving walkway, I couldn't help but notice she was sitting in the middle row (her husband on the back seat) chatting on her cell phone completely unaware of my crying child reaching for the passing cart that he was going to get to ride on but removed from because she was in a hurry and had a right to be on the carts and we did not. (P.S. For those of you wondering, those carts are not only for handicapped individuals but also "families in need of assistance.") Anyway, it was a long and not-so-fun trek to baggage claim, but make it we did!

Exhausted as I was, I think I did ok throughout the whole traveling process. Ok, that is, until I got home. I was done. I was spent. (Have I mentioned that the boys did not sleep well during the two weeks we were down South?) I did not want to think or do or anything. Clay was so excited to come pick his family up and get us home for a delicious grand supper that he had planned for us. Let's just keep it simple and say we had different ideas of what the boys and my needs were at that time (it did not involve a grand, late evening supper and me bathing the kids while dear hubby happily cleaned in the kitchen after the delicious and filling meal he had prepared). I had Heartnotes to prepare for the following MOPS day and wanted nothing more than to run downstairs--by myself--and crank out the session newsletter and go. to. bed. Our house was not so joyous during the late night hours just before the kids were in the bed. I was tired. I was past the point of tired. I needed alone time. Badly. I needed to sit down. I needed quiet...just for a few minutes even. That did not happen. at all. Therefore, a joyful atmosphere was forfeited for a bad attitude and frustration directed towards my husband for not giving me what I wanted and needed at the time.

"I am the Keeper of Joy in my Home"...well, not last night between the hours of 6pm-8pm. Guilty as charged.

Ever had days like that? I am beyond thankful for forgiveness and for God's unfailing love and forgiveness for me every single day. I am thankful for a loving husband who cares about his family and wants nothing more than to be with us and be a part of everything that we do. How lucky am I?! I am thankful for my awesomely incredible kids who truly did amazing during our travel time...with the exception of the arrival time in the MSP airport. I am thankful for my precious MOPS group and the friendships that have formed quickly this fall. I am thankful that my Heartnotes got done last night and were just how I wanted them to be. I am thankful for the 45 minutes that I got to sit and hear Janna speak her God-breathed words of wisdom to the moms in the room. I am thankful that I planned ahead and prepared meals in advance for the supper that I delivered tonight to a new mom (cause otherwise, she would have gotten a pizza delivered to her doorstep!). I am thankful for my family and friends who love me for who I am!!! I could go on and on and on, but I just looked at the time and gasped...I am going to hurt in the morning. I think we will be heading to the gym. The sweet tea and Thanksgiving leftovers are starting to take a toll on my body. ;)

One last picture...a picture of the Wave Pool Women (my MOPS table). Such inspiring women...I feel blessed to know each of you.

*Colossians 3:17*
 

Pictures from our Summer in Minnesota

Wow. I can't believe almost a month has passed since my last entry on our venture to Mississippi! Just when things started rolling one way...I was forced to take a fast sidestep in another direction. I could not help but laugh and think how God must just really enjoy cracking up over my many notions and plans. Some days I forget that I am not the ultimate Planner of my own days; though it is in my nature to try and be. ;)

After drafting and saving a number of blog posts, our computer crashed. Bye bye computer. I was slightly distressed for the first week of not having internet access and then surprisingly my mind was very much occupied by other things. Before I knew it, the computer was back and I did not even look at for 3 days before I checked my email again...and that was scary. It took me awhile to get through over 500 new emails. Sigh.

Life is full. Life is busy. Life is good...slightly stressful, but good. My boys are growing like crazy and I tear up about every 25 minutes thinking that tomorrow I will wake up and they will be in high school. So, I am filling my days with the 3 men in my life and the late hours of the day with current projects on my to do list. (more on my projects later....for now, let's just say that I am doing an organizational overhaul around here.)

Now for the fun stuff that I know our family can't wait to see! :)
Random pictures from the latter part of our summer...

These two have had a blast playing dress up from their costume box on around-the-house afternoons! (I have to also mention that the pajamas Cooper is wearing are Parker's old 3T ones...they never went into storage. Straight from Parker's drawer to Cooper's...a little big but definately wearable)

After getting back from Mississippi, we visited as many Minnesota kid-friendly lakes as possible. I think one week we went to 4 different ones.

The O'Conner and Nolen boys at Lake Elmo Park.

Chanhassen 4th of July festivities...

Haircuts for both of the boys. (They need haircuts about every 3-4 weeks.) Cooper decided he wanted a turn with the comb!

Parker in his typical relaxed state during his haircut.

For awhile, this was a typical late night scene. After moving into our new home, Clay and I would walk upstairs to our bedroom to go to bed and find Parker camping out on the floor outside his and Cooper's bedroom. I think we are finally past this...at least, we are keeping our fingers crossed...and doing our best to wear this boy out by lots of fresh air and activity each day so that he is too tired to crawl out of bed when we say night night. ;)

Cooper diving in at Lake Waconia Park.

And then there were tubes...

Parker started soccer several weeks ago and is LOVING it. He looks forward to each week of heading to the soccer field and meeting his new friends for practice and a game.

One of our before bedtime tricks this summer to help settle the boys down was to take a drive past some of the nearby lakes with the windows down and a country music station on. Worked like a charm.

Boating with some friends out on Lake Minnetonka.

A look at my organized coupons. And yes, they have actually stayed this way for quite some time now. I like to give myself a pat on the back for it every once in awhile. ;)

Tire swing fun.

 

5 birthday parties in 4 weeks

Twins playing at Target field

MN State Fair and other community Fair days



If I had the hours in my day I would show pictures from and talk about each one of our adventures, but for now this will have to do. I have a bed calling my name and about seventeen busy little 18-24 month olds that will be awaiting me bright and early in the morning. :)