Lori's Lines

Whoa!

2011-09-26T17:05:00.002-05:00

So where have I been? It's been a long time since I have written anything down! It was a busy summer, but a fun one! We traveled to Wisc. Dells, went to the local water park, enjoyed some other local events, had visitors coming and going. It was fun, but went by fast!

House hunting? Well, unfortunately my husband "reminded" me (I don't recall him telling me-I guess I wanted to forget) about another debt we need to pay back, so house hunting will probably be put on hold. A renting we will be until we can get a few things cleared up or if we can find something that will be less then our rental. Needless to say I'm a little saddened. I thought we were on the upswing of not owing too much - we only had my truck to pay back and that should be taken care of in a couple of years!

So the business continues to haunt me! :( Oh well, this too shall pass!

Hoping we get an anonymous windfall to cover it all and have it pass sooner, but the chances of that are very slim. I hear you have to play the lottery to win the lottery! :)

We have been house looking and continue to do so. Hoping we can find something that will be less then what our rental comes in at each month. That would help us out as well. We have a very nice rental town home, but desire to "decorate" and make it our own! Also would like to get a little more space between us and the next door neighbor. One wall just doesn't seem to be enough! I don't care to know when they do their laundry, wash their dishes or make their meals. (Kitchen is next to our bedroom and they aren't very quiet when they make meals!)

Some day we will have a single family home again! I guess I need to wait a little longer......

House Hunting....

2011-06-27T19:16:00.003-05:00

Now that we have been in South Dakota for one year and one month, we are getting a feel for the area we would like to live. We are looking at houses, which is fun, don't get me wrong - BUT we have a small foot print of area that we can look in. We happened to get into a rental last year that is in a school district south of Sioux Falls and has a small area near the city that's included in their district. I am not interested in switching Nicolai to a new school. He has acquired a few friends and now that he is entering into middle school, I'm not going to add fuel to the fire!

I know we will find a house. I always thought it would be fun to be on an HGTV show like House Hunters or one similar. I have written to two different networks for two different shows and haven't gotten a call - just proof that our life really is boring and low key!! Oh well, I'll take it over chaos any day!!

So the hunting continues....

Busy, Proud Aunt!

2011-06-20T19:15:00.007-05:00

School let out mid May here in SD and I feel like I have been running ever since! I had the opportunity to see my niece, Emily, graduate from High School. She is the niece that lost her vision at the age of 16. Some of you were praying for her!

I had an adventurous flight down to August, GA, but finally arrived at ten in the evening on Tuesday, May 31. On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to meet a blogger/ now Facebook friend for the first time. It was so fun to connect after having chatted online for over four years!

On Thursday, my sister and two nieces were treated to a pedicure! That was fun! Then we went home and got ready for Emily's graduation. Emily was the last to get called up. Her name is at the end of the line! When her name was called all of her classmates, faculty and some of the audience had stood up and gave her a standing ovation! Incredible!! I am so proud of her perseverance and accomplishments!

Friday, we prepped food and decorations for her party which was held on the next day. My sister and Emily's Mom had commissioned me to make Emily's Graduation announcements and centerpieces. I had so much fun!

My sister had me use some of the hydrangea's from her landscaping. They turned out so pretty!

I had so much fun reconnecting with my sister and her family. It had been over four years since I had been to her home. It was hot, but it was fun to be down there!

I even got to meet our dog's cousin, Woody! Woody is my sister's dog.

Woody is on the Left and Tory (our dog) is on the Right! I think they would get along!

Thanks Janet and Emily for allowing me to be apart of your special day! I am so honored!

Three Steps Forward, One Step Back.....

2011-06-20T18:19:00.003-05:00

I haven't written much about Nicolai lately. He, for the most part, has been doing well. Until this week. Some of you who have frequented my blog remember from years ago, my comments and posts regarding him and the issues we continue to face. Those issues haven't gone away and they never will. We are dealing with something hereditary and other then teaching him how to deal with things despite the difficulties, we can't make it heal or go away.

Now that we are in South Dakota, we have two doctors from different offices (psychiatrist and psychologist) that actually communicate together! Wow! That has made a difference in treating him. I don't feel as if I'm having to plead his case every time we visit a doctor!

So yesterday, he fell into a rage that we haven't seen in him in over 5 years. It was rather scary, but the difference between years ago and yesterday was that yesterday, I felt we were more prepared and better armed for whatever it was that needed to happen.

So we press on and continue to leave him at the feet of Jesus where I know He will provide and protect!

Check It Out!

2011-05-02T21:38:00.005-05:00

I have been selling Norwex for several years now. It has been a bit challenging to gain a client list and maintain it. Norwex is helping us by setting up individual accounts for their consultants.

My website is: loriwestrum.norwex.biz If you are in the United States, you are welcome to order. I would need to check into it for international. I don't believe we are set up to accomodate international sales. But if you really are interested, leave me a comment with an email and I will check it out.

What is Norwex? It is a line of cleaning products that aid in improving quality of life by reducing the use of chemicals. The "Enviro" cloth and "window" cloth are two powerful tools in cleaning most of what you have in your home.

Thanks for looking....

A New Normal

2011-03-20T14:16:00.003-05:00

Now that we have been in South Dakota for almost one year we are finding our new "normal"! Nicolai is finishing out his fifth grade and Sonja is wrapping up in Preschool. This year has been a good year. Now if we can continue to connect with people and find our nitch!

It will come, it just takes time. As I was pulling away from church this morning, I wondered what God had in store for us now. We are meeting people every Sunday, but I still long for that closer connection. Someone who I can call or hang out with at a whims notice.

It will come, I know it will - it just takes time. For now, we are enjoying our new normal!

A Minication!!

2010-09-22T20:29:00.002-05:00

Yay!! My husband has taken a couple of days off of work and has taken me to Deadwood, SD! So far we are having a great time. No agenda, no schedule, no cooking, no cleaning.............ahhhhhh life is grand!!

We enjoyed our drive also. Stopped off in Wall to see the infamous Wall Drug! Yup, it's still huge and yup it's loaded with touristy stuff!

We got to Deadwood and walked around a little bit, snooped through an antique store and then enjoyed dinner at Morningstar Casino (it's acutally a restaurant above that, but I forgot the name!) It doesn't matter...........it's just hubby and me, relaxing!! SMILE!!

Checking in.....

2010-08-05T00:39:00.002-05:00

So I thought that I would be better at updating this, but as usual life takes over and I find myself running out of time in a day!

We are doing well. I have established all the necessary care professionals for the kids and I except for a chiropractor. I just need to call and set up an appointment. I will do that soon, but got side tracked with the dentist visits.

It turns out that Sonja needs to have surgery. She is being put under on Wednesday the 18th. She is having four teeth filled and an extra tooth removed. Poor girl! Her teeth got away from us. She is a sweets girl though and will consume any and all forms of sugar. She starts school in a week or so. She's excited.

Nicolai too needs to have surgery done. He is having two or three extra teeth removed as well. He will probably be put under for that as well. He is our "911" child! Any little cut or scrape and he's screaming at the top of his lungs because he is hurt soooo badly! He just got his hair cut.............very short! Too short actually. Both Joel and I don't like how short it ended up to be, but are thankful that hair grows! We do like the fact that it is shorter though. His hair measured 10" in a ponytail which means it was probably a little longer then that when not in a pony. He starts school in a week and half. Crazy how quick this summer has gone.

I continue to organize. I am very close to having all boxes emptied and/or put in their places. Except for one small trailer load of stuff - we have been able to fit everything into our new location even if it's 1300 sq. ft smaller. I say whoo hoo!! I think the next move we will be de-cluttering more........hopefully. I have been able to get new glasses and a new do. It feels good to have new glasses, lesser headaches because I can see properly again!

Joel continues to enjoy his job. He travels from time to time. He has been spending time establishing an office for himself. He was booted out of the first one they gave him and needed to set up shop elsewhere. He is almost completed with it.

Summer in SD has been unusually wet. Lots of flooding and rain. I'm tired of the rain. I'm hoping that Fall is 60's and dry!

I hope you have enjoyed your summer.

Someone wake me up.......

2010-06-15T22:30:00.005-05:00

I had a dream that we sold our home and moved to South Dakota!

..........oh wait - that really did happen! So I was running a few errands today and caught myself really thinking about our move. I honestly couldn't believe today that we had moved and that we really are living here. It hasn't fully sunk in yet. I'm sure it will as soon as I get a job.

I'm not looking forward to getting a job, but we are in need of just a little bit more for at least two years to get us through some back bills we are still paying for the company. Yes, the company is still dragging us down a little! We (my husband and I)are so grateful to be on the other side of doing business. We mention on several occasions to each other how glad we are to not be in business for ourselves. We are truly done!

Joel is still enjoying his job. I think he is more happy about it all now that all of us are together again and his commute is only 15 min. instead of 4 1/2 hours away!

We truly are blessed! It is very strange to only be living literally 5 min. from anything you could ever need or want. I'm use to "stocking up" or planning a trip to Maple Grove or St. Cloud when we need something more then just food. Oh yeah there was "wally world" to go to, but still that was at least ten minutes away. It also is strange to be living very close to neighbors and having traffic zipping by all the time. I do miss the 15 acres of quiet and nothingness that we had. I miss the wildlife that would saunter through the back yard. Now we have walkers and joggers that Tory adores barking at. It is nice to have unlimited sidewalks to walk. I never thought I would be happy about sidewalks, but I am! In the country we really didn't have dogs to worry about, we had snakes, turkeys and tics to worry about. Oh and the state bird..........mosquitoes!

I'm doing my best to keep the kids busy all while organizing and unpacking! We finally found the dog park and a few others. We are yet to try out the dog park. Maybe some night we will run over there.

The kids are learning what it means to wait for cars while crossing the street and waiting for the little walking man to light up before crossing at a light! Oh yes, my children are so deprived. They had 15 acres to roam and didn't have to worry about anything but keeping themselves from falling into a river!

My wonderful husband has been great about letting me sneak away for a couple of hours at a time to shop! We have a nice mall and awesome discount stores to shop! Hey scrapping friends, Jo@nns and a local scrap store is only a mile and a half away from our home. That could be a problem, but I haven't made it to those stores yet. Maybe I'll send Joel and the kids to his parents some time and ya'll can come on down for a craft weekend! That would be fun!!

Speaking of craft weekends, I'm looking forward to meeting up with some awesome friends from back home in November in Marshall, MN. We found a spot that is half way between here and Monticello that has a very nice refurbished farm house and shed that has been set up for crafters or whoever to enjoy! I can't wait! I'm really looking forward to it and hope that most of you who have talked about it, can make it!

I mentioned sneaking away earlier, Joel and I haven't been able to do any actual dates, so we have become creative after they go to bed! I do look forward to finding a babysitter again. We miss our babysitter, Hillary, horribly!! She did mention that she would be willing to travel down if we wanted her to - I might take her up on it!!

So Hill, you and some friends want to take a road trip?!

Well I'm just rambling, clearing my head, actually! So I'm going to sign off and go to bed. It is very weird to not have our typical schedule and events to do. It will be interesting to look back 6 months from now. Life moves so fast!

Blindsided!

2010-05-20T20:59:00.004-05:00

We are winding down the time before we leave for Sioux Falls. Joel has been commuting back and forth since February. His mind and body are already adjusted to Sioux Falls. He's anxious to get his family down there and become one again.

I don't blame him. I'm beginning to feel a little disconnected from him. It has been four months, after all! I also am still in Minnesota mode. I still see and talk with our friends on a regular basis. Pulling away is a little bit harder for me. As much as I am ready to be a family again, I'm sad to say "see you later" to amazing friends!

On Sunday, we plopped down in the area of church that we normally sit. Nothing was different, except that the band was missing. It was a one musician Sunday! (Paul did a great job, but I'm use to the band playing). I get it though - it was intentional.

It was a very good message. Our pastor was talking about team work, using your gifts and talked about the parable of the 1,2 and 5 Talents. (Matthew 25:14-30)(Click onto this link and then click onto "MP3" following the "Investing 101" message.

So we are listening to the message and our pastor, Michael, gets to a point where he begins to talk about two talent people. He mentions that there is a couple in our congregation that he thinks are solid two talent people. He then begins to mention Joel and my name. WHAT?!!! BLINDSIDED!!! He continues to talk about our recent closing of our business, Joel acquiring another job and this job taking us to Sioux Falls. He then calls us up to pray for us, continues to mention that there is cake following the service, that a picture of the church is available for everyone to sign and then a video is played with pictures of our family "Doing Life" at our church, The Quarry.(The video had 38 Special "Back Where You Belong" playing in the background - Andi, How did you know they were my all time fav band in high school?) WHAT?!!! BLINDSIDED!!! Totally did not see it coming.

First of all, I don't consider myself a two talent person. There are sooooooooo many who should have been on the stage before us and instead of us. We are so blessed and honored to have served alongside so many in our church. We were apart of a team and wanted to serve where God had asked us to. We have learned and have been "built-into" by so many.

It certainly was a blessing to be loved on. THANK YOU to everyone who gave cards, hugs and well wishes. THANK YOU for the celebration! I know I am going to miss so many in our church. Someone much wiser then I, told me that we were going to be able to meet the rest of the "family". Meaning the family of Christ-followers. Some day we will all be in heaven again together, celebrating and doing life! I pray that some day we will get the opportunity to see and maybe serve alongside our existing family again, this side of Heaven! So if you find yourself in Sioux Falls, be sure to stop in and say Hi!

Whirlwind......

2010-05-11T22:31:00.003-05:00

Wow! Life is just a tad bit CrAzY right now!! On April 23, we had a one day garage sale. With help from my husband's parents and friends from church we were able to pull it off in a short period of time. It was a huge success. My mother-in law decided to sit out and open up another day and we managed to get rid of even more on our second day. Yay!!

On April 15th Joel had taken occupancy of a twin home. He had been staying there and after a week and a half confirmed that he was not happy with bringing his family to that particular twin home. He couldn't pin point the reason, but just felt that it wasn't the place we were suppose to be. On April 29th, he took occupancy of a new place just two or three blocks (as the crow flies) away an got into another twin home. This time, for only $100 more, found a space that was a little larger, included snow removal and lawn/landscaping care and was in a quieter neighborhood. He moved in and finally was able to feel at home. He didn't have any concerns about bringing his family there. Now that I have seen it, it has a few things that I would definitely change if I could, but over all it is very nice. It has a fireplace! We've never had one. Kinda fun!! See pics above!

Okay, I will be honest with you - there was a little bit of my fleshly self that had to work through downsizing from approx. 5000 sq. ft. (house and pole building) to 2400 sq. ft. That is some serious downsizing! It really has confirmed that we have too much STUFF and we need to get rid of some of that STUFF! I already have done a little bit of unpacking and have gotten rid of three box fulls so far. I expect to get rid of more!

We had amazing help loading and unloading our moving trucks. On Friday, May 7th we loaded up two trucks in Big Lake and on Sat., May 8th we unloaded in Sioux Falls. I was able to spend a couple of full days unpacking. It hardly made a dent in the garage that is full of boxes, but we will get it! We are so blessed to have amazing friends and family to help!

We are closing on the house this week. The kids and I will be staying with friends until school is done in June. We then will be moving to Sioux Falls and finally joining Joel to be a family again. It has been a crazy time. I look forward to home made meals again and having a normal bed to sleep in!

On Sunday after having moved our STUFF to Sioux Falls, Joel and I went to M D's to have breakfast before trying out a local church. I was surprised by my emotional state! I had basically had a melt down in M D's. Reality was setting in. No longer would my parents be three miles away. No longer would we see on a weekly basis friends. I know that we will have new friends and family to add to our current list of friends and family. God has a plan for us and I praise Him for carrying us through this CrAzY whirlwind!

God found the buyer!

2010-04-17T14:52:00.001-05:00

After two days of negotiations an offer is on the table that all parties agree with. We close May 13th. Praise God!!!

Thanks for praying with us..........

Surprise!

2010-04-12T11:41:00.002-05:00

So Wednesday afternoon last week, my in-laws made the trek from Fargo/Moorhead area to come help me with the kids. Thursday morning, I left at approx. 5:15am (too early) and drove to Sioux Falls, SD to surprise Joel on his 40th Birthday! I finally at approximately 9:45am pulled into his office. Joel was standing out by his truck and he had to take a few looks in total surprise before coming over to see me. Awe...I love surprising my husband!

So then I waited for him until it was lunch time. He had made arrangements over lunch to have me look at the twin home we were renting. Looking at the twin home was difficult for me. It was one more step into reality and what was about to transpire! I am leaving 3500+ sq. ft. of space and moving into 2300 sq. ft. of space. That's some serious downsizing. I'm confident we will be able to do it. We will need to store a few things - things we won't need for the town home, but items that are too expensive to sell and try to re buy when we get ourselves into a single family home again. Don't get me wrong - the town home is nice, it's spacious for a town home. It has four finished bedrooms (a fifth that is unfinished for storage) and three baths. So as far as living there - we certainly will adjust. I'm excited to have a deck - something we haven't had in over 10 years. I am letting go of a craft room area and a back entry. Our current back entry is 13X13 and the town home has 0!! The front entry fits two adults and that is it! Not kidding. You enter the door and can go up stairs or down or out to the garage. Our back entry is something we use every day. It allows us to keep our shoes out of our closets in our room and it allows us to keep all of our jackets in one spot. It's not the end of the world - but it's an adjustment. I'm a clean freak and enjoy having organized space. I think I will be challenged, but I know I will figure it out.

The adjustments will be nothing a year from now, but for right now, they seem like hills to climb! It's funny - I thought I would really struggle with not having a craft room, but my biggest struggle is not having a back entry! LOL!! I will be getting a job when we move and won't have the time to craft like I did here.

Another adjustment is not having a yard. This twin home has no yard and it backs up to a large drain in the cul-De-sac. I'm sure my kids will be creative, but not having 15 acres for them to roam is an adjustment.

After seeing the twin home, I went to check out the mall while Joel finished up work. We then joined up again after work, freshened up in the hotel and headed out for dinner. We ended up at a quiet little pub in downtown SF. It was nice to have a quiet dinner with Joel.

We then went back to the hotel and enjoyed the free snacks and drinks area on the concierge level. Because Joel has been renting for a couple of months - he is eligible to upgrade to the concierge level.

Friday morning Joel went to work as usual and I spent the time waiting for him relaxing in the hotel and doing a little site seeing before leaving.

We then got back home and had a nice pizza party for him with the kids and his parents.

It was nice to get away for over night and celebrate Joel! I can't wait until we can be together as a family again. Yes there will be some big adjustments, but being together again makes those adjustments seems small!

Thank You and just thoughts........

2010-04-06T00:01:00.004-05:00

Thank you to all who have left comments with kind words of encouragement and for praying. Keep the prayers coming, we haven't had anymore showings, but have fixed and redecorated Nicolai's bedroom. His bedroom was pretty beaten up and wasn't anything to look at, but now it's a new "guest" bedroom! Nicolai has finally moved to the basement - where he has always wanted to be! We are continue to trust God for this house and what He has planned!

We are now down to two months before we move. The time will go way too fast!

I'm enjoying every minute I can. I stop and stare out of the back windows of our home, thinking about the good times and trying to burn into my memory how beautiful it is.

I enjoyed our Good Friday service (something I will miss) and Easter Sunday! Our Good Friday service is always a special time. We simply have communion, but it is done sitting on the floor around a low table and sharing communion with each other. It's a great picture of what it could have been way back when..........

I hope you had a wonderful Easter!

There is a buyer out there, there is a buyer out there...

2010-03-22T23:30:00.002-05:00

Well we had our first showing today! I busted my bootie cleaning up this morning and as I was opening the garage door, the realtor pulls up with the client! He was ten minutes early!

We received feedback this evening and they thought it was below average.....so they are moving on! So am I!! There's a buyer out there and they will be the RIGHT ones! The ones I've been praying for..............

Really?!

2010-03-16T18:59:00.005-05:00

Jan. 6th? Is that really the last time I posted? WOW!! So much has happend since......hang on for the ride!

So early February, my husband finally got word that he was chosen for a Foreman position in Sioux Falls, SD. Yeah....we're moving!

Joel had applied for this position back in November and hadn't heard anything so we were thinking it was not going to happen, but yet we were faced with having to sell our home.

Speaking of home.....I will post some pics for you. It has finally gotten listed. We listed March 1st and haven't had any action, but our very talented realtor says that the website is getting 27 hits a day! Now if we could turn those gauckers into buyers we would be set!

Tory (the dog) just got spayed. She is now walking around with a cone on her head. I'm hoping this recovery goes very quickly!!

Nicolai is in his self defense class again. He's actually in two classes and is trying to get as far as he can. He won't make black belt and he's a little bummed about that since that will be his next step if we were staying.

Sonja still loves preschool and is learning lots. She adores her cartoons and "movies" from time to time.

I have been procrastinating on packing a little, but realize that I need to get crackin' or it won't happen! We aren't sure of an exact move date yet, but we are looking at the first weekend in June as a reference point! Nicolai is done with school June 3rd and so we will probably have everything wrapped that week and take a long weekend to get moved in!

As June approaches, reality is beginning to set in. We won't be living in our community anymore and we won't be seeing the friends that we see every weekend and some that we see throughout the week. That's hard to think about. This is the part that I truly don't like to think about! Blah! We have such a great group of friends and will miss them horribly!

I am excited that the snow is finally gone and that Spring is beginning! The river in the back is up and our "lake" is returning like it does every Spring! I'm going to miss seeing the river changes and the wildlife that literally passes through our yard. It's hard to think about not seeing it anymore! God's creation is so amazing!

I won't miss the wood burner! But I will miss the heat it produced!! God has blessed us so greatly in this place. I know that He will bless us wherever we end up, but it's hard to think that there is anything that can match such a great setting already! I will find contentment in wherever God has us and I'm grateful for memory! I won't forget the memories that were created here with family and friends!

Happy Spring!

Here are the pics like I promised! If you are interested in this home by chance then please leave your email in the comments and I will forward it to our realtor to contact you! And Thanks in advance if it should work out!!!

Can't you see yourself living here? I can! This home is in Central Minnesota. Thirty minutes from Minneapolis, Twenty minutes from St. Cloud, Five minutes from the train that can take you to downtown Mpls. and right to the Twins front door! This home sits on 7.57 acres off of the beautiful river that flows on two sides of the property. You need storage? We got it! Four stall garage attached to the home and a pole building. All insulated and heated! This home has four bedrooms, three baths, two family rooms, a large kitchen, a office loft, a large craft/hobby room, in floor heat, whole house entertainment system, large back and side yard with large patio, landscaped around the entire house, lots of wildlife: deer, fox, geese, ducks, turtles, swan, turkeys and many birds! Oh and don't forget the Hawks and Eagles!

You want to live here - I just know it!!!

New Venture?!

2010-01-06T09:21:00.002-06:00

My husband and I have made the decision to sell our home. Last year at this time, we were without any income and we were fighting to keep our home! God did all the work and allowed us to maintain our mortgage - Praise God!

After much prayer and discussion, we have decided to sell. I will post updated photos soon (if for some reason - you might be interested in moving to MN)! So now the new venture is getting this house "staged" and ready for market!

We are not certain of what our future holds or where we will be, but we are 100% certain that God will guide us and carry us. Please pray with us as we seek Him for the details.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2010-01-01T00:09:00.001-06:00

Hello 2010!! A new year, a new decade!!! I gotta feelin' that this year is going to be a good year!!

I pray that you and yours has a fabulous 2010!!!

Bye bye 2009!

2009-12-31T23:25:00.002-06:00

A Year in Review-

~ We closed our business doors.
~ Nicolai turned 9.
~ Sonja turned 3.
~ Joel and I celebrated 17 years of marriage.
~ Joel received new employment with a major railroad company.
~ God carried us through an uncertain year.

I'm happy to see 2009 go. Anxious to see what God has for us in 2010!!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T23:18:00.005-06:00

Yea - I know...........little late! I meant to do this earlier in the week, but with all of the hosting I have done this week I didn't have time!

This Christmas was certainly different then last, but they both were good in so many ways. Something that never changes is the fact that we praise God for sending His Son for us. What a perfect gift!

This year has been a whirlwind year. We started off by closing our business doors, working hard to find Joel a different job and with God's help we did just that. He now works for BNSF Railway and we are so grateful for the job!

Nicolai is 9 1/2 and in the 4th grade. He continues to do well in his self defense class and recently acquired his brown with red stripe belt. He is doing well in school. He also recently became the top player of cribbage in his class. He's a numbers guy!!

Sonja is 3 1/2 and enjoying her first year of Preschool! She loves her preschool and Sunday morning class time. She is becoming quite the little Mommy! She loves to play with her dollies and is getting into B@rbie!!

Our new addition in September is Tory! Tory is a mini schnauzer and seems to be a good puppy so far. She is mellow and loves to be loved! She is very affectionate!

Joel continues to work hard. He teaches Sunday school for the 4th and 5th graders and is Chair of the Elder board at church. This new job is keeping him busier, but he still finds time to play with the kids! We are still trying to find good balance, but are getting closer and closer to figuring it all out! It's been a year of adjusting to change!

I continue to enjoy scrabbooking and card making. I find myself running errands, picking up kids and cleaning more then anything else, but I know it's just a season! I do enjoy a weekly Discipleship group and we host a Small Group on Sundays.

I hope this post finds all of you healthy and happy! I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas!

Onions?!

2009-10-21T19:14:00.002-05:00

This has been circulating throughout the web......it's interesting if nothing else!

ONIONS FOR COLLECTING THE FLU VIRUS

Forget the flu shot. Just put a onion in your rooms and you will be safe.

In 1919 when the flu killed 40 million people there was this
Doctor that visited
the many farmers to see if he could help them combat the flu. Many of the
farmers and their family had contracted it and many died.

The doctor came upon this one farmer and to his surprise, everyone was very healthy.
When the doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was
different the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in the rooms of the home,
(probably only two rooms back then). The doctor
couldn't believe it and asked if he could have one of the onions and placed it under the
microscope. She gave him one and when he did this, he
did find the flu virus in the onion. It obviously absorbed the virus, therefore, keeping the family healthy.

Now, I heard this story from my hairdresser in
AZ. She said that several years ago many of her
employees were coming down
with the flu and so were many of her customers. The
next year she placed
several bowls with onions around in her shop. To her
surprise, none of her
staff got sick. It must work.. (And no, she is not in the onion business.)

The moral of the story is, buy some onions and place them
in bowls around your home. If you work at a desk, place
one or two in your office or under your desk or even on top somewhere.
Try it and see what happens. We did it last year and we never got the flu.

If this helps you and your loved ones from getting sick, all the
better. If you do get the flu, it just might be a mild case..

Whatever, what have you to lose?
Just a few bucks on onions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow! Where has the time gone?

2009-09-06T15:00:00.005-05:00

I haven't been very good about this journal thing lately, but would like to get back into it. I miss my Blogtown world and hope that I can reconnect! There really hasn't been much to discuss, but here's our world of late....

Sonja (3) has successfully mastered the toilet!! We never thought it would happen, but she surprised us and did it!! She is going to start preschool next week and is very excited. We are sending her to a local church in town who offers a Christian preschool. We are excited for her!

Nicolai (9) has been busy this summer keeping up with his Wii scores and playing with the neighbor boy. He too starts school next week and is entering the 4th grade. We are hoping to find some extra online courses that will keep him challenged. He is reading an eighth grade level book and comprehending and he is doing a six or seventh grade level math. He is very smart!! When you ask him his favorite part about school? he states that it is gym, math, recess and lunch! We have been praying for his teachers, the other classmates and the district. We pray that this year will be a great year! We are going back to the doctors this fall to look further into things. The ADHD medicine has never really been enough and hasn't completely helped us out. We are going back to talk the possibility of Bipolar. I'm not excited for this, but would like to find out what is going on. We have finally determined that it isn't our parenting (some people still think it is), but we know that he is not your average child. He has a little more going on inside of his head and his actions then the average child. We are seeking after God for guidance and strength.

Joel (I won't tell you his age, but he's creeping up on a big number!!) Loves his new job with the railroad. God has truly blessed us with this job. He certainly has provided and protected and continues to do so. Joel comes home with exciting things that he got to see or do. His stress levels have diminished! Praise God!! Joel continues to serve as Chair of Elders in our church, a teacher in our children's program and as "Grandpa Henry" in our Family Service dramas.

Me (I just turned another number) It was a great birthday! No hot air balloons this year, but a beautiful arrangement of flowers and a couple of fun gifts! I am currently doing administrative things for our Student Ministries program along with a variety of other odds and ends for our church. I keep busy! I continue to make cards when I have the time and get away for a weekend here and there to scrap with friends!

We have had a good summer overall! We had to finally get rid of the "dog dish" if you remember, I use to call our pool the dog dish and wondered if Clifford was ever going to show up. He never did, but our "dog dish" died! The pump stopped working and didn't want to start up for us again.

This summer has been a summer of adjustments. One getting use to a paycheck again....that is weird, but we praise God every day for it! After nine months of no income, we are forever grateful for the opportunity of a job! With this job though has been an adjustment to Joel's schedule. He is on call and can be called in at anytime. He could put in a full day of work and be called back in because of an emergency, but we are adjusting and figuring it all out. We are still grateful despite the crazy hours from time to time!

I hope you have had a great summer!

ROCK THE RIVER

2009-07-17T20:16:00.003-05:00

Quarry Student Ministries is going to Rock The River on August 16th. You are welcome to join us! There will be seven hours of music from Kirk Franklin, SUPERCHICK, DecemberRadio, Flame and so much more. Tickets are $10 at the gate, $30 for an immediate family of three or more.

Ride the bus with us, we are leaving Monticello Middle School at 800 East Broadway at 12:30pm. Transportation, parking and a tail-gate meal is included for $10 ($30 for a family of three or more).

If riding the bus, be sure to register with Lori at loriwestrum@hotmail.com. To save your seat, register by August 12th. Bus fees are due at time of registration. Tickets for Rock the River are due at the gate. Be sure to bring extra money for event venues or extra food, sunscreen, rain gear and a lawn chair or blanket to sit on!

Checking in............

2009-07-01T11:04:00.005-05:00

Hello - Yes, I'm still here and alive!! I just have been busy running to the chiropractor. It's amazing how out of wack I really was and how crummy I felt. I now feel much better. My chiro has me on a nutritional program as well. I am still selling Norwex, making greeting cards and occasionally scrapping. Now that summer vacation is half over........WHAT?!! It seems like last week Nicolai was finishing the third grade! I am finally back to having energy to do things with the kids. I took Nicolai to see a movie yesterday. Night at the Museum...it was cute! I was disappointed at a few spots of the movie that were unnecessary, but all in all it was cute!

Nicolai finally got his hair cut...........a little! His hair is all one length now which looks better. Nicolai will be entering the fourth grade next Sept. He still enjoys his St@r W@rs characters and "acting"! I am still in search of a program to get him into. He now wants to be an actor. I will have to check out the community programs.

Sonja is three and almost potty trained. She does really well during the day, but struggles at night still and sometimes nap!

We finally got the "dog dish" (pop up swimming pool) up! It still needs the filter attached and the pump. Not sure how to do it, so waiting on Daddio to take care of that! It's been cold the last few days, so the pool hasn't been missed!!

Well I hope all is well with you.......my blogger friends!

My Niece!

2009-05-30T20:59:00.003-05:00

Check out this article regarding my niece, Emily! She is the one most of you have been praying for - Thank you!! Emily

I haven't forgotten...

2009-05-01T20:40:00.001-05:00

At Easter time an anonymous friend sent an Easter Card and a gift inside!! IF IT WAS YOU.....THANK YOU!! That was very generous and very helpful - thanks for thinking of us!!! I posted a thank you on Facebook but never got around to posting here!!

God's Goodness continued....

2009-05-01T14:03:00.003-05:00

On March 11, 2009, I wrote a blog entry regarding our current status. I wrote how God had carried us through four months without a steady income and how He used friends, family and anonymous gifts to get us through. Not much had changed until mid April hit!!! What a whirlwind...

I need to back up a little....back in September of 2009 our neighborhood had been blessed with a new couple. They moved in across the street from us. They have no children, but have desired to. Joel had gotten to know them while out in the yard and chatting from time to time. I was yet to meet them.

I finally met "A" in early December. She had walked over and rang the doorbell. Joel answered, but I was on the phone. My neighbor left and returned home. When I hung up the phone finally, I felt compelled to get dressed and walk over to meet her. I'm so glad that I did.

We sat down and chatted for over an hour and within that hour's time we had shared many things. Womanly issues, religion, faith and work situations. I don't know why, but I felt compelled to tell her our current financial status. She felt very bad and took it upon herself to try and find my husband a job. She spoke with her husband and he in-turn found out that his place of employment had positions opening. Joel applied and we waited. And waited. And waited!!

In the meantime the neighbor would pop over and ask if we had heard anything yet regarding the position. We hadn't, so she continued to talk with her husband about it. She asked on several occasions if he had heard anything. Thankfully her husband did some checking around and found out that Joel's application and resume' were put into a "reject" pile. Upon further investigation he found out that the people hiring were skeptical and thought that Joel was over qualified. Our neighbor insisted that they take another look at his application and reassured them that we had indicated we were done with our business. We were closing our doors and no longer were going to be open. They then pulled out Joel's information again - PRAISE GOD!!

He finally heard on April 9 via email that he was expected to be at a certain hotel at a certain time for an all day testing, background check and interview process. We were so excited! In the meantime Joel had made arrangements to fly up to AK and do some temporary electrical work to get us by. He was all set to go and the confirmation and travel was to take place the following week. On Wed., April 15, Joel made sure that he was on the location he needed to be and was ready for the interview. It was a long day, but he felt very good about how the day went. Before leaving the interview, he was told that the candidate picked will be notified the following week.

On Thursday, April 16th, Joel was all set to travel and get up to AK on Friday, April 17th. All of his flights and information was confirmed at 3:30pm. At 5pm on April 16th, Joel received another email from a major railroad company, thanking him for interviewing on the 15th and offering him a position for conditional employment. WOW!! Our world was getting very interesting by the minute!!

Joel weighed the pros and cons with a friend about still going to AK for a shorter time or not. He decided he needed to stay in MN to be available for the further testing and background checks that this railroad needed him to perform before starting. I was relieved to hear that Joel wasn't going to travel to AK. The next morning instead of hopping on a plane, he called up to AK and announced that he had been hired here locally!! Praise God!! The people in AK completely understood.

Over the next two weeks, Joel would run off to appointments that were set up for him and finally on April 29th he received another email congratulating him on passing all of his testing and wondering if he could start work on the 1st of May.

We were excited. It has been a journey of emotions. Closing down a business, turning a leaf to a new career has been quite the transition. We are so grateful to God for everyone he put in our path to help us on our journey. God has carried us every step that needed to be taken.

God provided a neighbor who stuck his neck out and was an advocate for my husband, who he had barely known.

We are so excited for Joel's new job. Today was his first day and I'm anxious to hear how it all went. God has been there for the closing of our doors and the opening of this door. He carried Joel through interviewing and testing. I know God has carried him through his first day. I can't wait to see what God has for us now through this job and with our neighbors!!

Eight....

2009-04-24T14:31:00.002-05:00

My sister in Christ,-Jane Jane has tagged me. So here goes...

Rules for Eight...
~ Mention the person that tagged you. (check)
~ Complete List of 8's (gonna)
~ Tag 8 Bloggy friends - not sure I have that many?
~ Go tell them you tagged them.

8 Things I am looking forward to:
~ Heaven
~ Meeting Jesus face to face and having him answer my questions.
~ Seeing my children as adults
~ My husband starting his new job.
~ Having our business completely closed.
~ Being comfortable in my own skin.
~ Hopefully traveling on vacation again.
~ Starting a new!

8 Things I did yesterday.
~ Read my Bible
~ Showered
~ Changed Sonja's pants
~ Peeled the WEI logo off of our work van.
~ Made dinner
~ Talked with the neighbor
~ Facebooked
~ Neglected the dirty dishes

8 Things I wish I could do.
~ Sing the National Anthem in front of a large stadium of people and sound good.
~ Fly a plane
~ Not get frustrated with my children when they make wrong choices.
~ Get Sonja to be completely potty trained.
~ Ignore sweets, sugars and anything bad for me.
~ Consume only water, veggies and fruits (and an occasional protein).
~ Open an orphanage and not have any red tape from any governments.
~ Grow a huge garden and love working in it.

8 Shows I watch.
~ The Locator
~ How It's Made
~ The Office
~ Deadliest Catch
~ Chase
~ The Amazing Race
~ Jon and Kate Plus 8
~ Biggest Loser
I don't catch these on a regular basis - I watch when I have time - which isn't much!!

~ 8 Bloggers I'm tagging.
~ Sorry - I haven't been blogging for well forever - so if you are reading this and want to play along - YOU ARE TAGGED!!! Have fun!

Happy Birthday, Babe!!

2009-04-08T08:20:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday, Honey bunch!! :) I LOVE YOU!! I am proud of you for all you have endured lately and how you have found your strength in Christ to keep plodding forward. It hasn't been an easy time, but with God's grace and strength we have made it six months without a paycheck!! That is huge!!!

I thank God for you and am so blessed to have you as my husband. You are an amazing husband and father!

I'm sorry we aren't going out or doing a huge party, but I think you will like what I got for dinner! It's your favorite!! I hope the grill has gas!!!

Happy Birthday!!

Spring Canoe Run 2009

2009-03-29T19:47:00.004-05:00

Today Joel decided to pull out the old aluminum canoe and take a spin in our river...er I mean...Lake! The river is up approx. 6 to 7 feet. Here are the pics from today...

Oops - these pictures posted backwards - what up?!

Returning from the little trip!

Check out the height of the river...

The Voyagers

Sonja is ready and waiting for Daddy and Nicolai to return with the canoe.

Not much new.....

2009-03-26T14:34:00.001-05:00

Hi - I know I have neglected my blog quite a bit lately. I'm busy with various things. I have been doing a few Norwex parties here and there - so thankful for them! They have helped put groceries in our cabinets and in our fridge! I have been putting together a few cards and working on ministry "stuff"!

I'm loving my newly organized home. My husband and I have completed the under-garage and the upper garage. There is nothing in them - lovely!! Life is so much simpler with an organized home! It has felt very freeing!

Onto other stuff....

Nicolai is wrapping up third grade pretty well. He ran into a little bit of trouble on the bus so I pulled him. Yeah! He doesn't think so - it was his social networking, but I am thankful because I don't like the bus! We needed it for a few years, but now that Sonja is not sleeping as much, we can have more flexibility to bring and pick up Nicolai from school. Nicolai's favorite thing to do is read. He has been reading H@rry P0tter books lately. He gets through them pretty quickly.

Sonja is napping less and less. I'm sad about that, but realize she can't stay little forever! She does a great job of imitating her family. She "talks" on the phone like Mom, "Reads" books like Dad and jumps around and dances around like her big brother. She loves to ride her bike.

Joel continues to look for work while wrapping things up at our business. It's taking its toll on him, I think. We will get through this though. This too shall pass!

As I said, I'm busy with various things. Picking up Nicolai from school every day (we share the duty with the neighbor lady and her daughter). Nice! Scrap booking with our church group and some friends. I'm making cards here and there for friends. And also working on Youth flyer information. I'm looking forward to warmer weather! We have gotten a taste of it. It seems that whenever the basketball tourneys are going on - we have bad weather, but once they finish up then the warmer weather comes quickly. Waiting for the B-Ball tourneys to get over with!

Happy Spring to you and yours!!

God's goodness!

2009-03-11T14:12:00.002-05:00

If you haven't figured it out by now, we have had a tough year. Joel stopped receiving paychecks in October of 2008. Since then we have stepped in faith that God will provide and protect. We lost our insurance due to lack of employee number requirements. We had to lay everyone off. We are now down to just Joel working, but not receiving a paycheck. When you are the owner and not enough money comes in, you are the first to let go of your paycheck. At least in our business, that is how it has worked. We have always put our employees and suppliers first.

God certainly has been amazing to us. We have been protected and provided for. In mid-November, an anonymous gift card to the grocery store showed up on our island. We were also able to sell a trailer. Praise God! In late November God brought a buyer for one of our trucks. That sale allowed us to get through all of December and most of January. Praise God!
At Christmas time, someone left another anonymous gift card to a local grocery store. That allowed us to feed our family for a few weeks. Family and friends made sure they bought an extra gift for the kids at Christmas. Praise God!
In January a friend sent a gift card to T@rget. I was able to get more groceries for my family and a little treat for myself. Praise God!
On several occasions friends have treated me to Chai Tea at St@rbucks or C@ribou - yum! Praise God!
In early February, another anonymous giver gave us a greeting card with cash in it. I'm not sure if those people knew or not, but that day it was given to us, was our 17Th Wedding Anniversary! Praise God! In late February, we had a garage sale, that allowed us to get caught up with our bills for Feb. It turned out to be an extremely fun weekend. Several people came out and were very excited about a garage sale in the winter time! God brought me a friend to help us out and walk me through how to successfully get lots of people through in a short period of time. Without her, I would have been a stressed wreck! She made it fun! Praise God!
I wasn't sure where March was going to be covered, but never was I worried. I knew that God was going to provide all of our needs.
Just a week or so ago, some friends of ours gave us an envelope with more cash in it. Here's the cool thing. Just a week prior to the envelope landing in our hands, I had told that friend that we were short a certain amount of money for our electric bill. I found out later that the money that was set aside for us and determined, was decided a week prior to our conversation. The amount that we were behind on our electric bill, ended up being covered by the garage sale. The garage sale allowed us to pay part of March's electric bill too, but it left us short to be able to pay all of March's electric bill. The amount that our friends handed to us in the envelope was the amount needed to cover March's electric bill and get us caught up (without being late). Praise God!! How cool is that?!
This couple wasn't aware of the shortage amount when they determined what they should give. God impressed upon their hearts to give and so they faithfully did. It ended up being what we needed!

God has gotten us through four and half months without a steady paycheck coming in. How amazing is that?! God has brought to us amazing friends who have given us so much. From a cup of tea at St@rbucks or C@ribou, a night out scrapping, a gift card, gift of money or a helping hand - we are so grateful!

We continue to seek after God for our needs and what He would have us do. We also continue to pray for His protection.

Matthew 6:34 (New International Version)
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Thank you to all who continue to love us through this season in our lives. We are so grateful for your generosity. God is so great at providing and protecting in the coolest ways!

For Sale

2009-02-19T21:55:00.002-06:00

For the last four months or so, I have been on a mission to declutter our home and get rid of the excess. My plan all along was to sell whatever wasn't getting used, or was collecting dust and things that didn't have a specific space. My hard work and time have paid off, our home is 100% decluttered and organized. Now I am left with an enormous pile of "stuff" waiting to be priced and displayed!

Our selling must have had some sort of an impact on our son. Nicolai has decided to sell his bedroom. He has it on the market for $221,875 dollars! My only request is that if you should choose to purchase his room: 1) You bring with you no pets. 2) You promise to keep the room clean at all times. 3) You allow my son to share his bunk bed with you! I don't think that's too much to ask for a measly $221,875 dollars?!! :)

I koh-rumba! Never a dull moment in this household!! :)

Psalm 145

2009-02-10T10:26:00.002-06:00

1I will extol You, my God, O King,
And I will bless Your name forever and ever.
2Every day I will bless You,
And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
3Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised,
And His greatness is unsearchable.
4One generation shall praise Your works to another,
And shall declare Your mighty acts.
5On the glorious splendor of Your majesty
And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.
6Men shall speak of the power of Your awesome acts,
And I will tell of Your greatness.
7They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness
And will shout joyfully of Your righteousness.
8The LORD is gracious and merciful;
Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.
9The LORD is good to all,
And His mercies are over all His works.
10All Your works shall give thanks to You, O LORD,
And Your godly ones shall bless You.
11They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom
And talk of Your power;
12To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts
And the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom.
13Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
14The LORD sustains all who fall
And raises up all who are bowed down.
15The eyes of all look to You,
And You give them their food in due time.
16You open Your hand
And satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17The LORD is righteous in all His ways
And kind in all His deeds.
18The LORD is near to all who call upon Him,
To all who call upon Him in truth.
19He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He will also hear their cry and will save them.
20The LORD keeps all who love Him,
But all the wicked He will destroy.
21My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD,
And all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever.

17 Years?!

2009-02-08T19:41:00.004-06:00

WOW!! Where does the time go? I seem to be asking that question a lot lately!! Time is flying by!

Joel and I celebrated our 17th Wedding Anniversary today! Despite financial down-turn we were able to still get away and celebrate. My parents babysat - so grateful and we grabbed the gift card that was given to me at my birthday back in August and headed to P.F. Ch@ngs!! Yum!! We had a great time talking, dreaming, looking to the future and remembering the past!

One thought that always comes up every year is our honeymoon experience of spending two nights in a hotel room eating 0reo cookies and drinking C0ke because of the lack of fundage! Hmmmmm you think we might have learned something!?! Just kidding. This financial strain is due to business and lack there of!! It really has been out of our control. We were in control and turning a good leaf on June of last year and then October hit and the bottom fell out! What ya' do? Pray and keep moving forward!

Today was a fun day to get out. We also managed to catch a early movie and got cheap tickets! Yeah baby!! We chose to see "Taken". All I can say is, WOW!! It's not a movie I would recommend or promote, but if you are an adult and can handle a few scenes, language and violence - go see it! The love that a father has for his daughter is compelling! It's a "on the edge of your seat" kind of movie!!

I am pretty proud to say I am still married and married to my best friend that I met and fell in love with 17 years ago. (Actually, 18 years ago, but you see we met at the end of April and were engaged mid July of the same year and we were married the following February!) We know what we want when we see it!! It's been an interesting travel, but a good one!!!

Happy Anniversary, Babe!! I love you, always and forever!!!

PS. If you were hoping to help Nicolai out with his Jump Rope fundraiser! Sorry, it's over!!

A Message from Nicolai!

2009-01-30T14:03:00.003-06:00

Hi - It's me Nicolai!! It's that time again when I overtake my Mom's blog and ask for your donations to help me make a difference. I'm doing the Jump Rope For Heart again. Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer; stroke is the number 3 killer and a leading cause of serious disability? Well, now you do!!

Click HERE and it should bring you to my Jump Rope For Heart Donation page.

Thank you for sponsoring my Jump Rope For Heart day and for helping American Heart Association get the word out about a how you can have a healthier happier heart!

Nicolai

WOW!! Where did January go?

2009-01-27T08:47:00.002-06:00

I can't believe it is already the 27th!! So where have I been? I have had a few people comment and wonder what has happened to me. It's called facebook!! I check that at least once a day along with my emails and that's it! I don't have much time for anything else.

I have been busy with Norwex. A few nice folks have had an in-home party for me. Thank you!! I'm looking for anyone willing to open their home and invite their neighbors, friends and co-workers. It's a great way to get to know them better! It doesn't have to cost you anything. In fact, I ask people not to go crazy with snacks and drinks because then it intimidates others from having an in-home party. Several people are sending E-vites for their parties and then sending a reminder or follow up invite from that same site. It's pretty easy. So what do you think? Wanna have a party? It's easy, it's product that EVERYONE can use and you get a boat load of free stuff depending on how well your party turns out to be. Email me - I'm open to book parties too. So if you live far away - I'll send you catalogs and you can share with your friends. loriwestrum@hotmail.com

I also have been busy with my portfolio. I put together a portfolio of Wedding invitations, RSVP cards, Thank You Cards, Menu Cards, Place-cards, and other party related items. A local company is willing to share with their clients my portfolio, so I'm hoping to generate some income that way as well! I'm praying for excellent, understanding clients. No Bridezilla's please!! :)

Joel and I continue to seek God for direction with our company. It is not looking good, but we continue to plug away (no pun intended)!

Nicolai continues to have good and bad days. We are on the mostly good days swing. Occasionally we have an upset of epic proportions, but he seems to be coming out of them sooner. We currently don't have insurance and so we have put his medical care on the back burner. That sounds bad, but without medical assistance, we can't afford the care that he needs. So we continue to help him with occupational therapy tools and tricks at home. He isn't on any medication and seems to do better without the ADHD medicine then when on. I am reading a book called, "The Bipolar Child". Sadly, most of what it is talking about fits our situation, so I'm trying to do more research so that when we receive insurance again, I can talk with a doctor with more of an educated mind then not.

Nicolai is excited for karate to start up again. This turn around he is trying for the red stripe - I think! He has picked up reading and can actually lay on the couch and read for hours! It has been a very nice change!! :)

Sonja continues to struggle with potty training. So I have given up on it for now. I remind myself that she won't want to have to change a diaper on her dates when she is 16 or 18 depending on when we allow her! I'll stick to potty training for now - can't think of boys and dating just yet!! She loves her dollies, purse and pretend makeup! She is 100% girl with attitude!! The Sunday School Teacher told me on Sunday that she put a couple of the little boys in line when she yelled at them to "share". The boys weren't playing nice and sharing and Sonja yelled, "SHARE"! They were scared!!

Well that's my world in a nut shell! I hope you are having a great month! Adios Amigos.....til' later!

Hello 2009!

2009-01-01T15:06:00.003-06:00

I hope all of you had a wonderful New Year's celebration. We hung out at home! We had some yummy fondue, played games with the kids and then watched movies into the new year!

I am looking forward to what God has in store for 2009! It's guaranteed to be interesting, especially with what is going on in our lives right now!

May God richly bless you in 2009! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Goodbye 2008!

2008-12-31T09:31:00.002-06:00

I'll be honest, I'm somewhat anxious to see 2009! 2008 Was a good year, but challenging!

We have all stayed healthy and I'm thankful for that. We have seen our business continue to spiral downward. We are in transition. We aren't quite sure what that means, but we are anxious to see where God takes us.

Despite the challenges in 2008 we had some good times and memories as well. Nicolai turned 8, Sonja turned 2! Nicolai continues to blow us away with his intelligence. Sonja too! She continues to talk and learn new things every day. I was able to take a trip to Ecuador. It was a wonderful week and half. I was hoping to return in 2009 with my husband, but it's looking like that will have to wait until 2010!

We were given a week away to Breezy Point, which was a fabulous time for all of us. I turned 40! Everyone warned me of the changes and I didn't really believe them - NOW I BELIEVE THEM! I was given a ride on a hot air balloon! Something I have always wanted to try.

God has truly been so good to us. It hasn't been an easy year, but God has truly blessed us through it all. He continues to provide and protect. We are continually grateful to a God who has unconditional love!

I pray that you have a wonderful New Year's celebration! Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T10:23:00.002-06:00

I wish you a Merry Christmas to you and your kin! I pray that this Christmas season brings good cheer and great memories! I'm sorry if you are missing a loved one, or are without while they are a way. May God bring you peace to endure this season without them.

Thank you to those who sacrifice their time away. Thank you for those who make it possible for us to celebrate our Jesus' birth.

Merry Christmas!

May you experience God's love today!

Lori

"Stay Happy"

2008-12-22T21:49:00.002-06:00

Today I attended a friends funeral. Not just any friend, you could say that this friend is....well, an uncle. Let me tell you a little bit about Harry. He was born in the Free State of Danzig. He was the oldest child to his parents. He had one sister and one brother. He received technical training in Germany and continued training after he entered the German Navy. He was wounded and then transferred to Berlin and then Landsberg Lech until American troops came. Germany was economically shattered after the war, so Harry volunteered for a job as a machinist. Harry then met and married Ursula in West Germany. They then had one daughter (Barb). Times were hard and they qualified for a relief program that brought them to the United States. They needed a sponsor and work lined up. That's where my other uncle Ben, comes into play and his church. Ben attended a meeting where they had pleaded for people to sponsor and help families immigrate and start a new life. Ben signed up and brought them to our family farm in Princeton, MN. They were given our extra home on the farm and a local mechanical shop hired Harry on. His life continues with another daughter being born (Kris) and Harry being hired on at a power plant and climbing the success ladder. My father, Alvin and his brother Ben continued on at the family farm. Family continued to grow and gather together, just like any family. Our family was extended when Harry and his family came over. The bond and connection didn't end when Harry found other work and was able to purchase a home of his own in town. We still gathered, reunions, Christmas and weddings. We were family. I remember growing up and especially at Christmas time, being told that we were going to go to Harry and Ursala's. I really thought they were family until I was told that we consider them cousins, Aunt and Uncle, but they aren't blood related. I guess I wouldn't have had to hear that. I really don't understand the difference. As an adopted child, I was taken in, just as the family from Germany was taken in. My family will always be my family. Just as Barb and Kris' family will always be family to me and my extended family. I will certainly miss Harry and Ursala. (Ursala passed on in 89') Ursala was a very happy bubbly person and she had an infectious personality! She loved Christmas time, just as I do.

I can't help but think of them as they traveled through a war torn landscape on a train to a new place. A new place they had never seen, but only heard about. They then traveled by boat (I believe) and saw Ellis Island as they first set their eyes on North America. How they must have felt relying and depending on people they had never met. I know I would wonder if these people are legit and wonder if we truly can trust them to provide, sponsor and help us get back on our feet. The family has told our family many times what a blessing we were for taking them in. What they don't understand is the blessing was them. It has been a blessing to have them in our family.

Harry's service today was beautiful. The family asked our family to walk in with them. What an honor to stand with them as they lay their father to rest. The musician began with "Silent Night". My all-time favorite Christmas song. The musician then began singing in German and my heart melted. What a beautiful song sung for a beautiful person!

Harry will be missed. Harry had a slogan or saying everywhere he went and it was..."Stay Happy"! Harry had much to be happy for. He had a great life here in the United States and I know Harry will "stay happy" in heaven.

Nicolai's achievements!

2008-12-19T14:16:00.001-06:00

Nicolai recently aquired his purple belt! He is so proud and so are we!

Purpose

2008-12-15T16:29:00.000-06:00

Do you know what your purpose in this life is? What is it and why?

AAaaah Christmas....

2008-12-08T16:36:00.002-06:00

My favorite time of year. Despite the tough Fall, I am looking forward to a great Christmas season. It will be lean, but all the better! I don't get excited about the purchasing and receiving gifts. I do enjoy giving and so I have, once again, become "crafty" in being able to figure out how to do that! Time is running out though. Did you know there is only 17 or so more days left until Jesus' birth?! Amazing how time flies!!
I have managed to squeeze in two Norwex home parties, which is very exciting. My first official home party will be on Sunday, November 14 and my second will be Thursday, November 18. I will have to pull up my boot straps and put my selling hat on. I'm not a sales person by any means, but the product is good and is something that will improve your lifestyle so I am willing to sell it!
Thanksgiving was very quiet, but very nice! We spent the morning playing bingo with the nice "grandmas and grandpas" at the local nursing home. We returned home and "vegged" the rest of the day! It was actually very nice! We then spent Friday celebrating with Joel's family at his brother's home.
Joel continues to work hard at adding improvements to our commercial building, up town. We have completely filled it with leasers - PRAISE GOD!! January we should start seeing a positive cash flow! Whoo hoo!!
As for business....ummmm....not so much, but we continue to pray for God's guidance and direction through the current valley! He has never failed us, He continues to provide and protect. We are so grateful!
I hope all of you are excited for Christmas. I'm thinking of those who will be missing a loved one, and I am so sorry that you need to endure Christmas without them. I will be praying for you, that you will remember the joyful Christmas' you had with them. I will be thinking of the families who will be missing a loved one who are serving for our country. I have never had to deal with that. I'm sure it's not easy!
I am thankful that I have my family and friends close to celebrate with. Well that's it for now. Sorry I haven't been keeping up with my blog. I haven't forgotten about my blog buddies. I have joined the Facebook craze and so you can find me there most days. It's time to make dinner and off to another meeting.......til' then.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-25T09:03:00.002-06:00

I am wishing for you and your family to have a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration. I'm also remembering to thank God daily for His amazing love and for what He does for us, has done for us and continues to do through us. May you find complete contentment and peace throughout the holiday seasons.

Norwex

2008-11-14T14:07:00.007-06:00

In the past I had indicated that I was going to try and sell greeting cards and paper crafts. Honestly, that takes the fun away for me. I really enjoy doing those things, just to do! Instead of selling cards, I have chosen to try my hand at selling Norwex. To learn more about Norwex and it's products, visit my page.

They are truly these incredible cloths that with water alone clean many many things!! I love them! Let me know if you want to experience Norwex for yourself. Save time, money and your health by switching to Norwex.

Contact me also if you are interested in hosting a catalog party or a home party (if you live close by)! I would love to help you out!

Contentment!

2008-11-11T11:10:00.002-06:00

con·tent·ment Pronunciation: \kən-ˈtent-mənt\
Function: noun Date: 15th century 1 : the quality or state of being contented
2 : something that contents

I have been learning contentment all year! It has been a rough one!! God is amazing as always!! He has provided for and protected us in more ways then we will probably ever know. Business has been steady, but the income has been hit or miss. A couple months back, my husband was approached by one of our supplier reps. The supplier rep. had mentioned to Joel that there was another electrical manufacturer starting up a new service/programming rep program. They were picking one company or person from each state to service and program their lighting automation systems. It was between my husband and one other guy from MN. My husband was chosen. THANK YOU GOD!! Joel is in Austin as I type this being trained for certification to become one of the Reps that will service and program their automation systems. It's exciting. We learned on Sunday when he got down there that it wasn't going to be just for MN but the Midwest. Yelp!! We aren't sure exactly what that means yet. I am only guessing that it will mean traveling. I'm not too excited about that, but am excited for the opportunity. I'm praying that this opens some doors for us to financial freedom. I am not looking to be a billionaire or anything, just wanting to be debt free! That's all!! Debt free is the goal and steady income would be nice too!! God has given me peace about our current situation. I am content with where we are at, but always open to new adventure if God leads us.

On other news....I am struggling with potty training. Sonja seems to be fine with wetting her pants. I probably need to relax and find contentment with her going only a couple times on the potty a day! Sonja loves "class" at church, she has wonderful teachers. She also enjoys coloring, play-doh and playing on her toy laptop. She will bring her laptop and sit right next to me at the table while I'm on the Internet. It's cute! The laptop is annoying with sounds, but it's cute!!

Nicolai continues to struggle socially. We recently were bringing him to an OT. I wish someone would have told me sooner about Occupational Therapy! It opened a whole new DRUG FREE world! We tried three years of various ADHD meds and none of them were successful in aiding our son. Unless you consider four hour tantrums, being threatened by and very irritable- aiding!! We are learning new things about him every day. I may have mentioned this before, but we found out that he is unable to get dizzy. The OT put him on a swinging platform and spun him as fast as she could in a circle and then let it go. She stopped him abruptly and checked his eyes for movement and there was NONE!! So I took him home and had him do the baseball bat spin - yeah know the one where you place one end of the bat on your forehead and the other on the ground and then spin around it as fast as you can. He did that and didn't get dizzy. He stood up, stood still and said, "OK - now what?!" I would have NEVER figured that out! I continue to give the vitamins and minerals from time to time. He doesn't take them every day. They do help, but not enough. Academically he is doing really well. He has been placed into advance math classes. Recently we were approached for him to join a special group of gifted children. We are in the process of completing the forms and learning more about it. He enjoys coloring, his hand-held gaming system and playing with the neighbor boy. He is becoming more and more responsible with Sonja too. He wants to babysit and get paid for it. We left him for the first time on Saturday for only an hour while Sonja was napping. It went well, he called me and told me he got her up and then put her back to bed. I don't know why, but it all went well. We won't be doing that very often - I was a nervous wreck!!

I many times feel inadequate or feel as if I missed my calling. God has been teaching me contentment and that He has me where He can best use me at this time. He is teaching me many things through finance, parenting and marriage. I am praising God for a wonderful husband and strong marriage, beautiful children who teach me new things every day and contentment with what I have. He provides and gives us exactly what we need!

I Voted!

2008-11-04T12:53:00.001-06:00

Your Invited.....

2008-11-03T14:51:00.002-06:00

To a Norwex party!! I'm hosting my first Norwex party at my home on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 6:29pm. If you live near me, you certainly can join me in my home to learn about this new amazing product!

If you don't live near me or are unable to attend, go to www.norwex.ca and click on products. You will see some pretty cool things to help you clean your home completely chemical free. If something interests you, please contact me at Loriwestrum@hotmail.com. You may also email me for directions if you are near by. I will be placing an order the day after my party, November 14th. You will receive your product before Christmas, so be thinking of Christmas gifts as well!!

What if I told you that your home could be more sanitary by cleaning with only WATER and a revolutionary Antibacterial Microfiber Cloth?

What if I told you that you could even go so far as to remove the bacteria to a 99.9% clean surface with ONLY water and a Norwex Enviro Cloth? That's right - NO CHEMICALS whatsoever!! Would you believe me? Most of us need to try it for ourselves before we'll believe something so far from the mainstream methods of cleaning.

Norwex believes so strongly in their Microfiber and other environmentally sound products, that the entire product line is backed by a 60-day money back satisfaction guarantee, and warranties of 1-5 years depending upon the product!

Norwex will save you money, time, your health and environment. I invite you to look at a revolutionary way of cleaning your home! Check it out!!!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2008-10-29T10:50:00.000-05:00

That's what I'm talkin' about!

2008-10-26T13:31:00.003-05:00

The following is a copy of a daily devotional I receive via email. It hit home! It got me thinking and I can honestly only answer with just a few names. That's sad. Our connection with friends seems to always have an event, meeting or agenda attached to it! I long for more authentic relationships where there is no agenda, meeting or event that brings us together. A relationship that is because we love and want it to be together, not because we happen to have the same meeting or event that is happening.

Regaining the Art of Community
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
10-25-2008

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin (1 John 1:7).

I have a friend who spent three months living in Israel with Jewish believers. During one of their conversations the Jewish man noticed how often my friend came to visit him only to discuss a project. He turned to my friend during dinner and admonished him: "You western Christians! You always seem to need a program or an event to get together. Why can't you fellowship with one another just because you love each other!?"

My friend was convicted by his assessment. They began to talk about how Jesus modeled love for the disciples and how they simply hung out together because of their love for one another. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35).

Jesus often spent unhurried times of fellowship with the disciples. They shared countless meals together. It is often during such times we get to know others at a deeper level.

Love for one another is one of the greatest signs of faith in Christ. However, the pace of life often contributes to a life being lived for the next event instead of a relationship rooted in the love or Christ.

How many relationships do you have in your life that would allow you to fellowship simply because you cared for one another?

Great Week!

2008-10-23T11:37:00.002-05:00

This is our last day to enjoy our time out of reality! Joel has had to do a little bit of business and check in, so reality has always been looming! Which is probably a good thing!

It has been nice to get away from the phone and regular routine of life for a short bit. I'm sad to see the time end, but sooner or later I will miss the kids too!

We have been enjoying crafts that Breezy offers over the last two days. Yesterday we made plates. Today I painted a piggy bank and Joel and I will etch some glasses later in the day. It has been nice and relaxing to sleep in, swim and relax in the hot tub.

Tuesday night we even enjoyed some bingo. The resort offers free bingo to those staying at Breezy. I won three games and Joel won one. We won three litres of pop and a garbage pizza at a local restaurant.

It has been nice connecting with some of the other tenants as well. There isn't a lot of people here. Joel and I had the pool and hot tub to ourselves last night at 9:30pm! Have I mentioned how nice it's been?!

Thanks again to Joel's parents for helping us with the kids - it's been marvelous!!

Relaxing!!

2008-10-20T11:39:00.003-05:00

My husband and I have had the opportunity to enjoy four full days together at Breezy Point. Joel's parents purchased a timeshare many moons ago and no longer care to use it, so they have graciously allowed us to. I can't remember the last time Joel and I spent four full days alone together!! We are having a fabulous time.. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Lake Six for letting us use the timeshare condo and for watching our kids while we do so!!

We are so blessed...

~This morning...woke at 9am.
~Watched a little TV.
~Rolled out of bed and went to the pool.
~Swam a few laps
~Relaxed in the hot tub for a few minutes..
~Back to the condo for a fabulous brunch...

Life is good!!

Life got ya' down....

2008-10-12T22:03:00.002-05:00

With today's economy and Stock Market...here's what ya' gotta do....

And don't forget to thank God for giving you life and allowing you to dance!

When asked.....

2008-10-08T16:14:00.003-05:00

When Nicolai was asked at school today to write down what makes him special...this is what he put:

God Jesus
My family
My snakes (which he doesn't have unless you count the ones in the yard!)
My electronic games
My self phon (Cell phone)(He doesn't own a cell phone either)

I thought that last one was pretty funny! A true statement- "self" phone!!

Meeting new friends....

2008-09-29T10:32:00.006-05:00

That I have known via Internet for three years. About a week ago, my family had the opportunity to meet Heidi and her family. We met at Noodles and Co. for dinner and then took a stroll around a pond nearby. It was bizarre, cuz even though we had never met before, it felt as if we had known each other for a long time. I met Heidi and her husband when I happened upon their blog three years ago. Her husband is a Youth Pastor and they were starting the adoption adventure. Heidi and I became connected and started emailing each other with questions, answers and for support. After two adoptions and adjustments they are setting up for a new adventure...they are moving to England to serve at a church plant and reach out to the people there who have not yet met Jesus. They have a really cool story - hop on over to their website and read about it. AND if you can, maybe help them out a little! Here are some pictures of our meeting:

Myself and Heidi

Heidi, Elijah, Carter and Scott

Elijah, Sonja, Carter and Nicolai

Elijah and Nicolai (Nicolai whispered to me during dinner that he liked Elijah cause he had similar skin color and hair). He liked Carter just as much, but it's funny how innocent a comments kids can be!

Road trippin' through the eyes of an eight year old!

2008-09-23T09:03:00.003-05:00

In late August, Joel took Nicolai on a two night road trip/camping up North to Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Duluth. They had a wonderful time. They camped at Sawbill. They then went to the Alpine Slide and Gondola (sp?). Joel let Nicolai use our camera and get almost 250 pictures!! He took pictures of EVERYTHING! Here are a few of them!!

This is the sweatshirt that Nicolai picked out for my birthday! It is very nice, but a little big. Guess who took the picture?!

Thank You, God!!

2008-09-17T13:53:00.000-05:00

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Hebrews 13:5

Oops!

2008-09-15T12:51:00.003-05:00

A conversation I recently had:

The phone rings and I answer, "Hello?!". The caller on the other line is a telemarketer, "Is Joel in?" My reply, "No, he is not". Telemarketer, "Oh, OK, would you like me to call later?". Me, "Umm, No". Click! Oops, I think he asked the wrong question! I know he is just doing his job, but I think he needs a new job!

Still believing for a miracle....

2008-09-11T10:54:00.002-05:00

Last Thursday, the specialist tested Emily's eyes and determined that they needed to try and do surgery again. Friday she went into surgery, they found that her carotid(one of the main ones) artery and her optic nerve or vascular were fused together and so they separated the two and cleaned up the area in hopes to get better blood flow to her eye area. Tuesday or Wednesday of this week another MRI was done and it was determined that there is no blood flow to her eyes and therefore they are dead.

We are still believing for a miracle. God can still restore her vision if it's His will. She is possibly being released to go home tomorrow. Emily is anxious to get home.

They will be looking into occupational therapy and a near-by school for the blind, eventually. Please continue to pray for the adjustments that everyone will need to make.

Thank you to everyone who has remembered Emily and her family in your prayers. It is greatly appreciated.

It has been hard to be so far away. I know that Emily is not the first or the only to have to go through this, but this is something very new to our family. If you have had experience with this, could you please leave a comment with web sites or suggestions. She will need to learn again to do day to day things, now in a different way.

If nothing else, educate me on what she may experience having been able to see for fourteen years and now experiencing blindness. I don't know what that is like and any insight into emotions, obstacles, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Are there tools or other things such as audio books, etc.? Thank you!

2008-09-05T10:32:00.002-05:00

Matthew 18:19—Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.

Mark 11:22-23—So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.”

Joel 3:10—....Let the weak say, “I am strong.”

Hebrews 13:8—Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Ephesians 6:10-17—Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Emily II

2008-09-04T10:43:00.003-05:00

Her MRI looked good. The doctors got the tumor. A specialist will be in to determine if her optic nerves are damaged or if her vision loss is due to swelling. We are believing and asking for a miracle that it is due to swelling.

Please keep Emily and her family in your prayers. Ask God for peace, strength, understanding and perseverance for John, Janet, Andrew, Matthew, Emily, Sarah and the extended family.

Emily I

2008-09-03T08:08:00.001-05:00

Emily's surgery went well. The doctors said her optic nerve looked good, but she had no vision coming out of surgery. The doctors thought and were hopeful that it was due to swelling. Hopefully when the swelling goes down she will have returned vision. That's what we are praying for.

Remember Emily

2008-09-02T10:34:00.002-05:00

I hate that we are facing this again, but God must have a plan for this. Emily is going into surgery again today to remove another tumor found on her pituitary gland. She is struggling in school and struggling with her vision. She is fourteen and just wants to be a normal teenager. Please pray for Emily, the doctors, her family and her teachers/school for understanding. They say this surgery will be more invasive then the last one. Ask for complete healing in prayer and for understanding of God's will. Thank you!

Please also remember all of the children heading back to school or who have already returned. Pray for Nicolai and his teacher, Ms. Wanner. Pray for understanding. Thank you!!

Celebrating Continues...

2008-09-01T09:59:00.005-05:00

So here is how my weekend went down....

Thursday evening, as you know from my previous post, Joel and I went out and he surprised me with a balloon ride that needed to wait. Friday evening, my girlfriend Heather B., took me out to dinner. While out to dinner, she got a phone call from my neighbor, Heather, who was calling to talk with her regarding the party and coordinating everything. (Heather B. made up an excuse that it was a friend from church calling her.) Now that I look back, Heather B. was going crazy trying to keep this all from me.

Saturday morning, Joel and I took the balloon flight. Before we left for our flight at 5AM, my Mom says to me (very emotionally) that they are leaving in the morning for South Carolina to be with my sister and my niece. My niece's tumor returned and is having surgery on Tuesday. My Mom was probably torn on what to do. So, Joel then is SCRAMBLING, to make arrangements for our children who were going to be with my parents.

I felt bad, because I had a suspicion that something was going down. My husband was stressing about what to do. He called several people. He kept running to the garage to use that phone. Later I found out that he called Heather B. panicking and she got her Mom and Grandma to come and help her husband's Mom watch all of the kids. He tells me that he got the neighbors to watch our kids.

So now it's Sunday morning. We get ready and go to church. A few people at church wished me a happy birthday, but most seemed to "avoid" me. Everyone was acting weird and "off"! I sensed something anyway! We get home from church, have lunch and by the afternoon our neighbors come over. So Dave, Heather and Macy come walking over to watch the kids and we leave to "go out" for a little bit. Before we leave Joel slips Heather a note (I didn't see it), but they all have these weird looks on their faces. Joel has this huge grin on his face while putting on his shoes. He doesn't think I see him. Meanwhile, I'm thinking, Heather told me she had a party to plan for her Mother-in law and so how can they watch my kids while planning a party - they are amazing! Which, they are anyway, but this was over the top!!

Joel and I went to St. Cloud to "kill" time, I mean go-out. While we were out, Dave and Heather ran to Dan and Heather's to drop our kids off there so Dan and Heather's Mom's /Grandma could watch their kids and ours. Then Dan and Heather and Dave and Heather and Macy were at our house decorating and preparing food. We were suppose to be home by 6pm and we were running late. I'm in the car telling him that he should call Heather and apologize for being late and that we will be there soon. We finally pulled in at 6:15 or so. Joel makes up the excuse that he needs to go to the bathroom. Dave is putting his shoes on and saying, "OH I had better go get Macy and get home so I can help with the party at our place". So I suggest to Dave that he should just leave Macy play at our house for a little bit since Sonja and her were playing so nicely. He says that it's ok and walks out the door. I head down stairs to check on the kids and....

SURPRISE!! Everyone who was here comes walking out of the hallway and area to surprise me. IT WAS A SURPRISE. By the time we got home, I was thinking, "Ok there is nothing happening now". "Dave and Heather do have a party at their house for her Mother-in law and so maybe Sonja, Macy and I will just run to Coborn's and get a movie to watch". Oh little did I know what was happening. I thought I had it figured out! My husband was exhausted and thrilled that the parties were over! He worked very hard to surprise me.

Heather and Dan B. & Dave and Heather worked VERY hard to surprise me as well. I am so thankful for amazing friends who are willing to go to ALL that work just for me!! It was fun! Everyone left pretty early which was a bummer, but we had kids to get back home and into bed, so it worked out really well.

Thank you to ALL who came, gave gifts, cards, wished me a happy one and helped my husband pull this off! YOUR AMAZING!!

I had an amazing 40th! Thank you to all!!

I hope you have an amazing Labor Day!

Thank you, Honey! You did a great job!! I'm proud of you! Both, you and I know you are NOT the surprise type of person! You did an awesome job!! Thank you!!!

Up and Away we finally went...

2008-08-30T11:05:00.020-05:00

We got up at 4:30 AM this morning and headed to Stillwater to attempt the hot air balloon flight again. It happened...we took off and it was soooooooo beautiful!! The wind was perfect, the ride was absolutely breath taking! I wish ya'll could of been there! We lifted off of the ground approximately 7am and saw the sun rising as we lifted.

Here are some pictures of our amazing adventure...

Joel helping the crew blow up the balloon.

The top of the balloon.

Raising up the balloon.

The other balloon. This is a complete private balloon ride. Two people and the pilot.

Coliding with the other balloon on take-off.

Stillwater overlooking St. Croix.

St. Croix River.

Reflection of our balloon in the river.

Ripples and dripping of water from our balloon. The pilot "dipped" our basket into the river. I wasn't too thrilled about that! It was a weird feeling being in a balloon and sitting on top of the water.

The other balloon touching down to the water.

In-flight photo

Minneapolis Skyline

One of the people out of about three who ran out of their house to catch a picture of the balloon. We were so close, we could talk with them. Crazy!!

Getting ready to land...looking for a place to do so.

Safely landed and packing up

We found a road to land on and ended up in the ditch a little ways. The crew then "bounces" you back to the road or flat place to lay down the balloon. We climb out of the basket one at a time and then the balloon gets laid down and packed up.

The compartments of the basket. One couple per compartment on the four outside corners and the pilot was in the center.

We headed back to the apple orchard and had a traditional champaign toast. We received a certificate indicating that we had taken the balloon ride. They then gave us a t-shirt that says, I flew over the St. Croix in a Hot Air Balloon.

What a fabulous time! Thank you Honey for a wonderful surprise! This has been a wonderful birthday so far and my actual day of birth is yet to come. Tomorrow I turn 40. Oh my goodness! I know it's just a number, but it seems weird when you feel like you are 30. I think when I grow up I want to be a Hot Air Balloon Pilot. :)

Up, Up and Away....

2008-08-28T21:21:00.005-05:00

....Just not today!! :( My husband surprised me this evening with a wonderful dinner overlooking the St. Croix in Stillwater, then taking me to an apple orchard where they give hot air balloon rides!! Yes, we were going to go up, up and away in a hot air balloon. The pilot got the balloon filled with air and ready to go, then checked the weather and it turned out it was too windy, so we were unable to go. We were soooooo bummed, but are excited that our certificate is good for one year. We will try again soon to take that flight!

What an awesome surprise! My husband done good!! He done reeeeal good!!!

Here's some pix of how far we made it tonight!

The restaurant we ate at.

The basket of the balloon holds four couples and a pilot.

Ready to go, the weather wasn't.

Out of my comfort zone!!

2008-08-28T11:25:00.003-05:00

The past few days/weeks I have been a little bit out of my comfort zone. The BIG 4-0 is happening this weekend for me and my husband has got some surprises in store for me! He has already begun the celebrating by giving me a two day break from making meals and tending to kids and a really nice sweatshirt from the BW. But he tells me there is more.

See, I'm a planner. I'm a highly organized person and so when events are coming up - I like to ask questions and be prepared for what's to come. I don't think it's a bad trait! This weekend though, my husband has been taking care of everything - WHICH I LOVE - but on the other hand is hard for me! I can't plan anything, I need to just sit back and let it all happen. I also need to make sure I don't commit to anything - otherwise he is having to call that person back and tell them NO - SHE WON'T BE ABLE TO HELP YOU, ETC.

My husband has only surprised me maybe four times in our 16.5 year marriage! So this is not a common thing!!

So today is another surprise...stay tuned! I'm sure it will be great!

Well, I just got a call from him saying that I should be ready by 2:30pm to leave, to dress casually and wear shoes that I'm comfortable hiking in.....Hmmmmmmmmmmm...

Keeping his options open...

2008-08-16T23:00:00.003-05:00

All week I have been showing Nicolai different sports that are on in the Olympics in hopes to peak his interest in something. I tried showing him Fencing, I think it would be a great sport for him. It requires him to strategies and it's physical and quick! I might look into a Fencing camp next Summer, we will have to see! Right now Nicolai is too interested in his latest little girlfriend, Shawn Johnson!! He loves her!!

Unexpected Encourgement!

2008-08-12T19:13:00.008-05:00

This evening Nicolai had his Karate Belt Ranking Ceremony. He acquired his Green belt/Purple Stripe. He sat so well and didn't blurt out comments when sitting (which is usually what happens). He did really well, I was so proud of him and I told him several times.

Part of the ceremony, Nicolai's instructor says a brief speech or story which usually has a lesson to it. He shared with us tonight about a boy named Mikey who was eight years old at the time. He struggled in school, he didn't have friends, he was diagnosed with ADHD and turned out to be somewhat of a trouble for teachers. (I'm thinking - wow, don't you mean Nicolai?! - cuz this story is hittin' close to home!) The school had sat Mikey's Mom down and proceeded to tell her all of the issues her son had and their concern for him. She stood up after the meeting and told the people in the room that she was not going to receive what they had said to her. She was not going to receive any of the negative things they were saying to her. She believed in her son and believed that he could do what he put his mind to and left the meeting. She didn't share anything with her son, instead she told him that he was magnificent, she believed he could achieve his dreams and that he was great child. (Not exact words he used, but that was the gist of it) Mikey's Mom told him this every day. The instructor went on to share that the Mikey in the story was Michael Phelps. The Michael Phelps who is winning medals on most, if not all of his events in the current Olympics. I was blown away by this story. I was convicted by this story and realized that I too need to try harder at building into Nicolai. I try now, but there are many times that Nicolai tells me I'm faking it or he doesn't believe me. I need to work through those moments and press on. So many times I am told that I am fat, mean, hated and that he wishes I was dead or that he wants to kill me. There are several moments and times that I am told my cooking is not good or that I say or do something incorrectly in Nicolai's mind. That constant battering can wear me down. It makes it extremely hard to build him up or into him when that is the response or the attitude that I receive. I don't have future expectations for him other then to just make it through each moment and each day, other then your typical parenting expectations. I don't wish for my son to be a lawyer, doctor or anything else for that matter. Whatever he wishes to do in life, I support him and if I don't approve, I will try my best to love him through it.

Nicolai's instructor's story struck a cord. In addition to praying for my child every day that he would grow to love and know Jesus Christ as his personal savior, that he would make the right choices that he is faced with and that I would have eyes like Christ to see and love my son the way He sees him. I also need to be praying for God to give me strength to encourage him and build him up.

As school season approaches quickly, this story encourages me to NOT receive the negative things I hear about my son on, sometimes, a daily basis from teachers and others around us. I need to trust and believe that God will help to protect my son from those things that are said. I need to trust and believe that God will continually give me strength and perseverance to love my child the way God intended me to.

(Please don't misunderstand me, we do have several friends who love Nicolai and tell us and show us and him on a regular basis. If it wasn't for them, and God putting them in our path to encourage us, I would think that I'm a huge failure as a mom too often. I'm thankful for those friends and family who encourage us and love Nicolai for who he is, not what they want him to be. And can love me and encourage me when those days of constant battering by him is too much and I need a break!)

More cuteness...

2008-08-10T21:49:00.005-05:00

Here is more cuteness... Sonja is smiling and "posing" for me now when I take out the camera. She is so funny!! Afterwards she wants to see what the picture looks like!! I would put up her brother, but he doesn't allow me to take pictures of him or at least that's what he says!! :)

Sonja is jabbering non-stop and more and more of it each day becomes understandable! She doesn't like bugs or anything that shouldn't be on her, on her! She is climbing EVERYTHING! The other day she climbed up and got the milk out of the fridge so that she could fill her "sippy" up!! I went up to the kitchen later on in the day and the milk was a little "beat up" and sitting in the middle of the kitchen floor! I think it tumbled out of the fridge and onto the floor! She's a strong little cookie! Speaking of cookies - that's all she would eat, if I let her!! It doesn't seem like she eats much at all these days, but she's growing and definitely getting heavier! She's still cute...

As for her brother - he is reading much more - which is nice! He is in karate and will be acquiring his purple stripe on his green belt tomorrow evening. He is also in VBS this week. I send him to our old church for this. He remembers and asks about going, so I send him! My girlfriend, Heather, (not my neighbor) who attends the church, invited him and paid for him to go this year!! That was a huge blessing for us!! She is so sweet!! She is also heading up the VBS program - I'm proud of her! She seems to take on big projects and pulls them off beautifully!! She doesn't sit idle! She has four children and runs, runs, runs!!

Not much else going on. I'm looking forward to a scrap weekend away, coming soon!

Some birthday cuteness...

2008-08-09T11:23:00.004-05:00

No it's not Sonja's birthday, it's our neighbors! Happy Birthday Girlfriend!!

Thanks...

2008-08-06T20:01:00.002-05:00

Thanks for the input! It's what I thought you would say, and I know, but it is hard to communicate with someone who is not like-minded!! There are a few other things that have gone on, that I honestly don't know how to address. The parents have HUGE potty mouths and I'm probably not going to allow Nicolai to be there much if at all. The friend will have to be here! School is starting soon and they will be able to see each other there!! It has given us several teachable moments regarding language and how to be a good example for his friend. He says he gets it, I just hope he actually does follow through!

What would you do?

2008-08-04T15:24:00.003-05:00

Ok, I know that I need to love, I'm called to love as a Christ follower. There are times that are hard to love though, here's one I'm struggling with... What would you do?

Nicolai has a friend from school. They live just a mile maybe mile and a half away from us. When the friend wants Nicolai to play, he calls up and asks, which is great. When Nicolai goes there, I drive him over and pick him up. No problem there.

Whenever Nicolai calls and wants his friend to come and play, his friends parents pick up the phone and alot of times hang up on him or say that he can't play.

The friend has only been here a couple of times, and here's how it has gone down:

One time, the friends grandmother drove up (no phone call) and had the friend come to the door and ask if he can stay and play. Not until I walked out to the grandmother's vehicle did she tell me that she needed to get some sleep because she's a nurse and works at night, so would it be ok for her grandson to play here for the day?!

The second time: The friend calls up and asks if he can come to our house and play, it's fine, until I could here the father in the background yelling to the friend (just ask if you can play or not). So I say, yes, that's fine, but I have a baby napping and can't come and get you- you need to have a parent bring you and tell them I will return you home by 4 - 4:30pm. So they get here and the friend gets dropped off and the dad shouts to me before he drives off - can we have you bring him back 5 - 5:15 instead? Would that be ok? I said yes - but what am I suppose to do? These people seem to be taking advantage of us. If they would just say that they need help -then I would be more then happy to help! Maybe they aren't trying to take advantage, but sometimes it seems that way. What would you do?

Oh no....

2008-07-30T14:49:00.002-05:00

There she goes again growing up... I think our napping days our over! Sonja lately hasn't minded going into bed for nap, but then sits and chats with herself for 2 plus hours or more. She might take a half hour snooze, but it takes two hours to get her to that point. AWwwwwwwwwwee she's growing up!! I do enjoy nap time though - so I'm not ready to give it up!! :)

The drama continues...

2008-07-28T14:02:00.004-05:00

Actually I think it has stopped, but the first few months of sch00l will tell!! Joel and I haven't made any fast and hard decisions about sch00l. We have discussed it, somewhat, but we aren't on the same page with homesch00ling, so public it is for now.

Joel went in to the princip@ls office about a month ago, to follow up and get a copy of Nicolai's records pertaining to the "incident"! The @ssistant Princip@l had said that they were grateful in how we handled things and had said that the information that was in his file was going to be shredded. She also indicated that the other family had pulled their child and moved her to another district in our area.

Joel felt as if "they" (the Princip@ls) were somewhat embarrassed as to how things went down and what they had to do. It was as if the other family was the squeaky wheel and they had to tend to it because it got so loud.

They were very grateful in how we handled it and how Nico handled things, not complaining or and doing what they asked of him.

Reflecting...

2008-07-26T19:14:00.004-05:00

As I was checking in with some of my blog buddies, current and old, I was thinking about blogging and how long it's been. I think I started this blog back in 2005 and can't believe that it has been that long!! Almost three years since I started this thing - crazy!! Where does the time go?! My blog friends have been a revolving door as well. I have some that we have stayed connected since day one, but I also have several that I haven't heard from and honestly, I've lost their addresses to and so I have no idea how to reconnect. And I know I have the lurkers, who honestly haven't stepped up and told me who they are. That's ok. I don't mind if you are amused by my boring life!!

Life is status quo...business is waaaay down - slow!! Church is hoppin'! Kids keep growing. Blog posts - still keep coming, not sure how much longer?! I just need to figure out how to back up my post entries - anyone want to help me with that? I will be forever grateful!!

Well that was a random post - but then again - life is kinda random!

A change...

2008-07-20T21:30:00.002-05:00

...for now!

I went from this...

to this... this week!

It feels good to have short hair again. I know that I will grow it out again and it won't take me long. I have THICK fast growing hair!!

C-a-w-razy busy!!

2008-07-20T20:27:00.007-05:00

It has been a crazy week. Nicolai is up at his grandparents (Joel's) since last Tuesday and will return this Tuesday some time! It is so wonderful that they are willing to take him for a week. He loves it up there and they enjoy having him around! It's great Grandparent bonding!!

I spent Thursday, Friday and Saturday designing flowers and setting for a wedding. It was a beautiful set at St. Anthony Main in downtown MPLS. over looking the river.

I designed 12 wreaths and hung them all. Here's a pics of them.

I also assembled eight of these.

Here they are on the front deck.

Here's a couple of cool things my neighbor designed.

There is a bracket or flower arrangement suction cup container. It is so cool. This floral arrangement is being stuck to the mirror. So cool!

It's always long hours, but it's fun to do and to see it all come together!

Prayer for a little boy...

2008-07-15T17:26:00.002-05:00

Hop on over to Jane's page for further information.

So Sad!

2008-07-13T22:14:00.003-05:00

Nicolai is down to one fish! Big Al is hanging in there! We started out with five fish and after a year or so we are now down to one! I'm sure we will be making a trip to the pet store soon! :)

How's your dash?

2008-07-12T17:55:00.002-05:00

You will need to hop on over to Margaret's page and read her post for today. This poem was read at a friend's funeral today. I really didn't know Becky too well, but I learned a great deal about her today. She is a wonderful lady and she left a great legacy. My heart goes out to her two daughters, Nichole and Kelly and their families.

Dance of the sprinkled toes!

2008-07-08T20:28:00.000-05:00

Found some pictures!!

2008-07-07T13:58:00.004-05:00

Here are a few of the pictures I found from the recent Ranch Reunion!

We had one family week where at the end of it, there was always a rodeo. We had bull (cow) riding, barrel racing, pig catching and so much more! Even clowns!! At the farm side of the Ranch (where I lived) we had up to 20 horses at one time and during the various camp weeks, we offered horse back riding!

This is Shanna and me! I remember trying to teach her how to ride my motorcycle one time - she never got it! It was funny though!! I use to ride motorcycle with the "boys" that brought up their cycles. We had 1200 acres to roam and roaming we did! We always ended up in the swamp mudding around!!

This was the yummy pork that was served at the reunion! They did a great job and I hear they will be back next year!!

The Mess Hall Bell! I told you about this in a previous post! This bell rang 5 - 6 times a day all summer long!

The "Rat Pack" Ranch Kids! A lot of the people in this picture spent every summer and sometimes all summer long up at the Ranch. Ooooo the fun we had, but the trouble we got into!! :) See the gal behind me in the light green shirt? That's Nicole. She and I were glued together all summer long. We played Barbies for hours and hours on end! We had so much fun!!

And finally the Ranch sign that was a few yards down the road indicating that you had arrived!

Have a safe one!

2008-07-02T23:22:00.002-05:00

In God I Trust....

A Great Time!

2008-06-28T22:28:00.002-05:00

Wow! I would have never guessed it, but there were almost 300 people at the reunion today!! It was fabulous!! I had so much fun seeing old faces and catching up with them. We told old stories, looked at pictures and laughed! Someone brought the old bell that hung at the "Mess Hall" and it was rung periodically throughout the day. It was so cool to hear it again! I know, it's just a bell, but if you heard it five times a day throughout the summer growing up - it would have some sentimental value to you too!!

My friend, Amy, did an incredible job of coordinating this day. Way to go!

I forgot to bring my camera, so I'll be on the hunt for pictures from whoever took them!!

My husband was amazed that so many showed up. The Ranch changed lives and impacted so many. One guy even wrote a song about the Gospel Ranch and named it after the ranch. What a fun day!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2008-06-27T23:47:00.004-05:00

I've been busy lately - parent's 50th Anniversary/Reunion party, working with my neighbor again - oooooooo my feet are so sore, attending our towns celebration and going to a Ranch Reunion. Mentioning also printing a few things for some much deserving friends, making Ice Caffe - YUM, and making quick Thank You's.

Life goes in waves - just ridin' it!!

My husband and I did manage to get out tonight. We found ourselves sitting at a really nice restaurant in the cities. We were going to go to a concert of some friends tonight, but I was just extremely wiped out - couldn't do it with this 3? year old body! Yes, I'm still in my thirties, but counting the days - cuz yes, it's gonna change!! OR I'm going to start declining again! :)

Ya'll have a wonderful weekend and I'll c/ya when I c/ya!!

Not one of my finer moments!!

2008-06-23T23:07:00.002-05:00

So I take Miss Princess and head off to the outlet mall to return a pair of pants and maybe find a cute shirt on the 60% off clearance racks!

I'm in one of the stores dressing rooms trying on a couple of shirts and realized that Miss Princess isn't smelling like a princess anymore!!

There is a bench in the dressing room, so I decide to change her there (laying down a changing mat and then putting her on it). So I get the opened dirty diaper a little ways out of our way so that I can continue to change her and she moves her foot that results in kicking the diaper over. MORTIFIED, I quickly pick up the diaper to find that her diaper had been filled with pebbles that rolled so gingerly out of the diaper and onto the floor! MORTIFIED!! I quickly grab the wipes and pick them up and put them back into the said diaper and close it up tight. I go back to finishing up Sonja, getting her clean diaper on. While I was doing that, I had taken my shoes off previously so that I could try a dress on that I had seen for cheap cheap cheap. I hadn't gotten my shoes back on and so when I stepped a little to the side, I felt a warm gushy thing under my toe. MORTIFIED!! So I quickly get more wipes cleaning the rest of the floor and my toe, quickly got dressed and got out of there! OH MY GOODNESS!! (Just so the locals know who shop at the outlets...I scrubbed the floor the best I could!) I normally don't take my shoes off, I stand on them while I'm changing, but had to keep myself from falling over and ended up with my foot on the floor. MORTIFIED!!

Parenting 101

2008-06-22T19:00:00.001-05:00

Scroll down and turn off the music. Scroll back up and hit play! This guy is funny - I need to see him live some time!! It would be a great date (JOEL)....hint, hint!!

Yeah..IT'S OFFICIAL!!

2008-06-20T10:55:00.009-05:00

Sonja Dinora W________ is officially Sonja Dinora and she is officially ours!!! We are so happy to be done with the adoptions!! Whooo Hoooo!! Praise God!!

We arrived at the court house at 8:30 this morning. Way too early!! We signed in and entered the court room when the bailiff called us in and then sat and waited for our turn. Yikes - to keep two small children quiet in a quiet court room - yikes!! They did really well though!! Nicolai played his Gameboy and Sonja had her breakfast. They surprised me and did really well!! We only had to shush Sonja once and so we handed her candy and she did fine! Candy for breakfast on her special day when she needs to sit quietly in a very quiet court room - No Problem!!

We went through probably eight or ten cases and then the Judge called us for an Adoption hearing. We stood up and while we were making our way to the tables, the Judge asked everyone else to leave except for family and friends of ours.

Joel answered all of his questions and then he announced that Sonja was adopted into our family and that her name has been changed to Sonja Dinora. Then we asked the Judge if we could get a picture with him and he was more then happy to do so.

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehaawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!! Our adoptions are complete!! Praise God for carrying us through them! Thanks to family and friends who joined us today and for praying!

The four adopted who are in the immediate family! Me, Sonja, Nicolai and Joel's Mom, Dianne.

My parents who adopted me thirty something years ago.

Joel's parents. Dianne was adopted as an infant.

Clean Sweep

2008-06-19T21:00:00.001-05:00

Tuesday, I got tired of seeing my son's destroyed room, so I decided that we would pretend we are on a show called Clean Sweep and clear out his room! Like that show a lot!!

Here's what 1/8 of what was in his room looked like after removing everything and putting a few things back.

We created three piles: garbage, keep and give away. He has so much stuff and doesn't take good care of it. He usually gets a toy or character and within two days Joel or I are trying to super glue it back together!!

So we spent all morning unloading everything to the front entry and hallway and that afternoon and evening Nicolai and I spent it sorting and putting it back! He needed a break, so I allowed him to go swimming in the "dog dish" for a little bit.

We did finally get our self-rising pool up - it looks like a huge blue dog dish! And yes, I say that every year!! I think the temp is only at 70 degrees, but he still loves it and is in it every chance he can!

Here's the finished product. Nicolai was so proud of his room and has kept it clean for at least two days. We will have to see how long that lasts!?! Last night he put back his toys and straightened up his room before turning the light off! I wondered who stole my child and replaced him!! He was a new kid!!

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-15T15:10:00.003-05:00

I hope all of you Dad's out there have had a fabulous day!

I have been celebrating the day with my Dad, Mom, Sister, Janet, Niece, Emily, Joel and the kids here for lunch. I made it into another Thanksgiving!! We had a turkey, potatoes, bean casserole, fruit and gravy! My husband is a meat and potatoes kind of guy and so meat and potatoes is what we had!!

Everyone is chillin' and snoozin' from the triptophan! :) (however you spell that!)

I wish the best to all the Dad's out there and hope you enjoy the rest of your day!

Thanks to my Dad for all that he does for us and has done. My Dad made sure we saw the United States. We traveled all over the place! I have been to 48 states (including Alaska), some two or three times over, seven provinces (?) and now that I'm married I have been to a few foreign countries! Those trips were great and I remember most of them!

I'm grateful for a Dad that was there for me!

I thank Joel for being such a wonderful Dad to our children! He is always there for them. Thank you, babe, for all you do!

Too good to not share...

2008-06-11T10:30:00.001-05:00

The following is from a daily devotional that gets emailed to me. It hit too close to my heart at this point and time in my life when I feel like I'm being tested in so many areas. I hope you get something from it too!

Testing for Obedience
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
06-11-2008

"Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind" (Ps. 26:2).

Throughout the Old Testament, we see many situations in which God tests His people in order to determine if they will follow Him or follow the systems of this world.

The nation of Israel was tested many times during the 40-year sojourn in the wilderness: "Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands" (Deut. 8:2).

You might ask, "Why does God need to test us? Doesn't He know everything, including what we would do in every situation?" Yes, God knows?but we don't know ourselves! God doesn't test us in order to find out something He doesn't already know. He tests us so that we can learn about ourselves and His love, power and faithfulness.

In Genesis 22, God tested Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice his son Isaac on a mountain in the land of Moriah. Isaac was Abraham's only son by his wife Sarah?the son God had promised to Abraham. By demanding that Isaac be sacrificed, God seemed to be nullifying His covenant of making a great nation of Abraham. How could God's promise be fulfilled if Isaac was dead?

God tested Abraham to reveal whether or not Abraham truly trusted His promise. Yes, God knew what Abraham would do, but He wanted Abraham to know as well. So God put Abraham to the test?and Abraham passed. As Abraham raised the knife to sacrifice his own son, God stopped him and provided a sacrificial ram instead.

Every test involves obedience in one way or another. When God tests us, He reveals the true state of our hearts. Are we obedient to His will, or are we self-willed? We might think we know the answer, but we would never truly know unless we were tested.

Read to your children every day....

2008-06-08T17:54:00.001-05:00

Or have the oldest who has learned how to read, read for everyone! :)

I'm so excited and can't wait...

2008-06-08T16:46:00.003-05:00

F.M.S.T.C.T.S.!! I would tell you but it's a secret!! The person that we (S.& M.) are surprising might read this blog and so I have to keep it a secret!! Can't wait for Saturday!!

It might be a long week, but then again, maybe not! I have lots to clean and do before Saturday!!

Bowling in Heaven!

2008-06-05T15:34:00.003-05:00

I know that I should not have probably made up this following story, but I was desperate at the time and now it has stuck!

I told Nicolai when he was probably three that the thunder and lightning was not anything to be afraid of, because it meant that Jesus and the angels were bowling in Heaven. When the thunder booms it means that someone threw the ball down the lane and when it lightnings out, it means that someone got a strike!

He no longer was afraid of the storms. He actually sleeps through them pretty well and doesn't freak out on us if he happens to be awake.

So this afternoon, it is storming and Nicolai mentioned, "whew someone got a good strike", after seeing the lightning strike in the sky! Without a worry he made that comment and kept on playing his game.

Some day, I will tell him the truth, if he doesn't figure it out by himself first!

As promised...

2008-06-01T14:23:00.016-05:00

Here are a few pictures from the last three days. I was helping my neighbor at her work, designing flowers and setting up and decorating for two weddings. My neighbor had five weddings to design flowers for and coordinate. She did an incredible job!!

My first flower design job! Very simple!!

I put these together too! It was fun!!

This is my incredibly talented neighbor, Heather. She is designing a bride's bouquet.

These two pictures are the finished bouquet. This will run the bride $300.

The next pictures are from day two. I went to a gated community's country club in Eden Prairie to decorate. This was a beautiful wedding.

This was a candleabra. I assembled seven of them. The finished product stood 4 - 4 1/2 feet tall. They were super cool!

More centerpieces for this wedding.

Head table.

This picture was suppose to flip - not sure why it didn't! This was the isle decor.

A Flower Girl Wagon! Super Cute!!

This was a wedding that I help decorate on Saturday. It was flower power overload!! This gal loves flowers and flowers she got!

What's going on - I flipped these pics! Sorry!! This is the isle decorations.

Head table.

One of four different center pieces.

Sorry your neck is probably getting sore.

This is a candy bar! We did not do this, but I thought it was cool! This is the latest craze at weddings! Candy/Snack Bar!

Well that's what has kept me busy for the last three days. I'm wiped out!! It is all good though! I plan to help out when called this Summer - if I can get child care lined up!! If you liked what you saw and are in the Minneapolis area give Festivities a call! They will help you with all your party needs!!

After all the decorating was done, we headed back to the shop to pack up and go home. There were extra flowers and brought back flowers from Fridays wedding, so I loaded them up and brought them to church today. Here is my first attempt at floral arranging without any assistance! I used the loose flowers that I brought home and then allowed people to bring them home to enjoy! I still have some training to do!!

sorry for any typos - spell check is not working!! Come on Blogger!

Isn't it funny?...

2008-05-31T22:07:00.002-05:00

How we can't wait for the snow to leave, but when it hails we collect it in a bowl and freeze it!

Thank you!

2008-05-29T20:58:00.002-05:00

Thank you to all who bid and tried to get something from our auction! We appreciate you and your willingness to purchase or at least try to purchase!! We are thankful that it is over. We pray that everyone will be in Monday and Tuesday to pick up their items and that they will be satisfied with what they bid on.

We praise God for carrying us through this time and for bringing forth good results! Thanks for praying!!

On another note... I spent the day with my neighbor at her work putting together floral arrangements and getting things set for five weddings. Tomorrow I get to decorate for one of the weddings and get to see how all the various things are pulled together for someones special day! Pictures will be coming... I had fun, but I'm tired. I haven't worked out of the home for approximately 2 years and it has been over 10 for someone other then myself or my husband! It was good to get out of the house again!

Time is ticking away... AUCTION CLOSES

2008-05-28T08:45:00.005-05:00

Time is almost up for our online auction to close. Today is the viewing day. Those who are interested in bidding or have and want to see a life size of the items, touch or kick the tires can head over to our shop between the hours of 9am and 4pm today and check everything out. Remember you can click onto K-Bid, click onto WESTRUM ELECTRIC and then click onto VIEW AND BID ITEMS and you are in to see all that is up for auction.

I sure hope that a few things get bumped up, because if they don't, someone is getting a bargain of the century!!