The "S" word

SNOW!!!!! What did you think I meant?! (hahaha) As much as we had already gotten used to seeing the grass and could even smell the beginning of spring, it is March in Minnesota --- so more snow is to be expected!

Our bonfire pit re-covered in snow.....it won't be long before a raging fire will be burning there instead.
The kids were just playing tag yesterday in the front yard and I had just thought about re-filling the bird feeders.....guess I'll wait a little bit longer.

Even though our winter has been brutal this year, there is always something to be thankful for. So today I choose to be thankful -- the snow looks beautiful -- so sparkly and clean, spring IS coming and we got a glimpse of it over the past couple of days.

Dreams

Have any of you watched the show on ABC called "Secret Millionaire"? I've seen a couple episodes and it's an inspiring show. The show features a different millionaire each week -- someone who, for 1 week, will live undercover in a new city and find different volunteer opportunities. At the end of the week, he/she will decide which places to give some of their money to.

The people who run these organizations inspire me. They aren't out to make a lot of money -- they are simply doing what they feel passionate about. Tonight it really has me thinking about what I'm passionate about.....what I feel called to do.

See, I've had this dream for the last 8+ years to open a youth center. My ideas for it have evolved over time and every time I allow myself to think about it --- dream about it --- I get incredibly excited. I've shared my ideas with a few friends who have told me what an amazing idea it is. But I lose the excitement to discouragement when I think about how I would ever make it a reality. I guess the main question I keep asking myself is "How does a person make a dream a reality?"

Any thoughts?

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Green pancakes --- it's what's for breakfast! The comments from the kids when they came in to get their green plates with green pancakes on them ranged from "Oh cool!", "Mom, you're the best!", "I don't like them.", "That just looks gross, Mom." hahaha I love surprising them like that.

Happy St Patrick's Day, everyone! How are you celebrating the day?

Riding in trains with boys.....

At our local mall for the Christmas season there is something that appeals to all -- or almost all -- little boys. Or should I say boys of ALL ages. Eli has been staring longingly at this train everytime we've gone to the mall. So, the other day, we surprised him with a ride on this train.

The shining smile says it all!

He still talks about his train ride. I think it ranks even higher than seeing Santa! So, "thank you" Rosedale Mall for providing such a fun surprise for my little train enthusiast.

Sweetness

Whenever I have long stretches of non-blogging, it usually means something big is going on in my life. This time is no exception.



After 10 years of being a stay-at-home-mom, I have re-entered the working world. That's not to say that when I was home, I wasn't working. Those of you who have stayed at home and raised children know how much work it actually is!!!! I am incredibly thankful for those years with my 4 amazing children. I wish I could have had longer but God gave me the 2nd most perfect job for me. I'm working full time at the front desk (guest services) at Juut Salon and absolutely loving it.



It's been a HUGE transition for everyone. Surprisingly, the one who has had the most difficulty adjusting has been Joey. He has become a worrier -- so much so that he has stomach aches everyday. Some of them have been dibilitating enough that he has stayed home from school. He is afraid that if he gets sick at school that no one will be able to be reached to come pick him up. It breaks my heart to see him go through this and I wish I could take the fear away....but I can't. I can only reassure him that he's loved, cared for, and will be ok.


Noah gave me an early Christmas present today. If I had only been able to get a picture of his beaming face right before he gave this to me.....

It's a necklace he won in the arcade while at a birthday party today. He said he saw this necklace and really wanted it for me because "you deserve this, Mom, for all the hard work you do for us." Talk about a tear-jerker! What a tender heart in such an amazing young man. I love you so much, Noah. And I'm incredibly proud of the young man you are.

First days of school

The first day of elementary school was cold and rainy this year. But the kids were so excited to be going back. Even Noah was excited -- he was the one all summer long that told me he wished he had 4 more months of summer vacation.

In order: Abby is 9 and in 3rd grade; Joey is 7 and in 2nd grade; Noah is 10 and in 4th grade.

The very next day, Eli had his 1st day of preschool at the community center. It isn't obvious at all from his facial expression that he's excited, is it?! (ahem) This has to be my favorite picture of him!

Once he put his bag in the correct cubby, he made a bee-line for his favorite toys....dinosaurs! He had a great time and is ready to go back tomorrow.

My kids are growing up too fast!!!!! (sniff sniff)

Happy 9th Birthday, Baby Girl!

My sweet only girl, I can't believe it's been 9 years since you were born. That was an amazing day....such an unexpected, quick labor and delivery. Remember, you were almost born in the parking ramp!!!

I love your soft heart, sweet spirit, beautiful singing voice, love for Jesus and for other people....I have learned so much from you in these short 9 years.

I love you to pieces, Abbers, and my life will always be better because you are in it. I am proud and honored to be your mom.