Celebrating the True Meaning of Christmas

It seems that every year I stuggle with keeping my children from getting caught up in the "material" hype of Christmas. They talk about new toys, Santa, reindeer, and all the traditional Christmasy things they know about. While Matt and I have always tried to teach our children that Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus, giving of ourselves, and helping others, we too find ourselves caught up in the hype. Sure, we take our kids to church, read them the Christmas story, set up a Nativity in our house, and talk about ways we can give and help others, but somehow the buying, baking, and giving presents seems to come out in full force in the end.

This year, however, we had some help in celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. The first graders at our church put on their own Christmas pageant. They spent 3 Sunday School classes practicing for it, and they did a terrific job! Austin had a big role - Shepherd #1 - and he even had a speaking part! He looked great in his costume, and he certainly was a little nervous when he came out on stage to say his lines. The kids did a wonderful job showing their families what Christmas is all about.

Giving Thanks

I love Thanksgiving. I love the food, the family gatherings, the Black Friday shopping, and I love thinking about all the things that I am thankful for in my life. After the events of the last month, I feel like I have even more things to be thankful for this year.
I am THANKFUL:
For my two beautiful children, they truly make each day worth living.
For my husband, he is by my side every step of the way.
For my parents, who have loved me every day for 32 years.
For my sisters, who are my dearest friends, and definitely make life more interesting.
For our wonderful extended family.
For friends who are always there.
For a job I love, with wonderful coworkers to go with it. I am also thankful for
vacations from the job I love!
For our wonderful daycare provider, and the best first grade teacher in the world,
who give each of my kids a safe, positive place to learn and grow each day.
For our home, food to eat, and water to drink.
For the wonderful staff at Mercy Hospital, who have helped our family more than once,
especially those I met a few weeks ago.

I truly am blessed to live the life I live! Thanks to everyone who is a part of it.

Kaylie's "Big Girl" Haircut!

As soon as I found out I was having a baby girl, I had images of cute little pigtails tied with ribbons, braids, and all the other fun things that come with having long hair. Well, let me tell you, taking care of long hair was not at all like I thought it would be. Snarls, knots, Kaylie not leaving ponytails in......I finally decided it was time for a short hair cut. We took her to Kids Hair in St.Cloud last Sunday, and although it is not quite as short as I wanted it, Matt put his foot down when the stylist got to this length, and this is what we ended up with. I have to admit, it is so much easier to care for, and no more stuggles with ponytails every morning!

Mom's New Camera

After weeks of deliberation, reading online reviews, and talking with others, I finally chose my new camera. I was thinking I was going to have to wait for Christmas, but Matt surprised me by ordering it for me early. It arrived on Nov. 8, and although I had to wait a week to use it, I absolutely LOVE it! I haven't learned everything there is to know about it yet, but I am learning new things every time I use it. And I am having a lot of fun experiementing with all the editing options! I am looking forward to being able to capture all the special moments.

A Glimpse of the Future?

Yesterday afternoon, I sat in the pew of a church and watched my adorable daughter walk down the aisle in a white dress, her equally adorable cousin, Nathan, at her side (in a tuxedo). Behind Kaylie and Nathan, my sister-in-law, Mindy (Matt's third oldest sister), was beside the beautiful bride, her oldest daughter, Cassie. Suddenly, my mind flashed forward to a similar scene, twenty something (or so) years from now. The flower girl and ringbearer I couldn't place, but the bride and the woman beside her were unmistakeable. Instead of Cassie, it was Kaylie, instead of Mindy, me. Now, I know the days and years between now and then are many, but they will fly by, a whirlwind of school, homework, sports, vacations, holidays.....life. Someday, my cute, fun-loving, pigtailed toddler is going to be a beautiful young woman, standing in a church in a gown, waiting for me to walk her down the aisle......to give her away. When that time comes, I know she'll be ready, but will I? Will I be ready to give my daughter away? The thought only reminds me how fast time flies, how I need to cherish every day. Someday, my children will grow up.....

"While we try to teach our children all about life, Our children teach us what life is all about".
~Angela Schwindt

"Children are not yours, they are only lent to you for a time. In those fleeting years, do your best to help them grow up to be good people". ~Anonymous

A HUGE congratulations to our beautiful niece, Cassie, and our new "nephew", Ryan! We love you both and wish you all the best!

Is it Halloween yet?

My little pumpkin and my future Jedi are excited for trick or treating!

Apples and Pumpkins

Yesterday we took a family trip out to Collegeville Orchards near St. John's. The kids had fun petting and feeding the goats and llamas. The boys, along with Margaret and Grandma, enjoyed the wagon ride out into the orchards, while Grandpa, Beth, Matt, Kaylie, and I explored the pumpkin patch. The kids had a lot of fun picking out their pumpkins - thanks Grandma!