Sunday, November 28, 2010

Something to Think About

We sang the hymn "Just As I Am" in church recently and one verse really stuck with me:

Just as I am though tossed about
          with many a conflict, many a doubt.

          Fightings and fears
    
           within without

           O Lamb of God I come.
        
                I come.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thankfulness

Happy Thanksgiving!  It's hard not to be thankful this time of year. 


I have been counting my blessings all year.  I haven't written about this on my blog, because I want to be respectful of privacy, but I feel the need to share.  An immediate family member had a health scare in the spring that required a week of testing at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.  It was a very scary and stressful time.   Have you ever heard the saying, "It's all okay in the end.  If it's not okay...it's not the end."?  That totally applied.  Everything is alright now, but it took months for things to go back to normal.

I am sorry to be so vague, but it is not my story to tell.

All year I have imagined the "what ifs".  What if it can't be fixed?  What if it's cancer? What if it is debilitating?  What if I lose a loved one?  What if everything is not okay?

And now that we are through this trial, I can't help but wonder...

What if I forget all that I learned?  What if I forget to be thankful for my blessings every day?  What if I neglect to tell my loved ones how much they mean to me?

I don't want that to happen.

I am so blessed.  I have an amazing husband.  Our marriage is eleven years old and in it for the long haul.  He loves, supports and challenges me.  (And he can drive me crazy too but the feeling is mutual.)  We make a really great team.  We don't always agree but we do always love one another no matter what.  He accepts me for who I am and I am so thankful for that!!!!!  He is a great father and provider.

I have three incredible kids.  I'm not sure why God picked me to be there mama, but I really lucked out.  They are all so funny, caring and VERY imaginative.  We laugh every day.  We cry most days too but I'll take the crying if I get to experience seeing their personalities develop.  I'm not sure I know three funnier girls. 

I feel very blessed to be a stay-at-home mom.  Travis has made that dream come true for me and has never complained about it.  (Even when we were on a VERY tight budget.)  We waited a long time to have kids and I don't want to miss a thing.  Of course I would like my "job" better if it didn't involve so much housework but who am I to complain?  Three tornadoes follow me around as I try to clean each day but I wouldn't have it any other way.

We are very thankful for our families.  They were with us supporting us through the health scare.  They all helped out in lots of BIG and small ways.  Mom, Dad, Stacey, Carrie, Kate, Karen, Lisa, Bonnie, Kurt, (plus spouses, nieces and nephews) we are so thankful to have you all in our life!  We really appreciate all the support you gave us.

I am very thankful for my friends.  They have been with me through ups and downs.  They have supported me, uplifted me and loved me in my darkest times.  I am so lucky.

I have watched helplessly the past few months while people very important to me have lost loved ones.  It is hard to know what to say or do.  Nothing I say or do can take away the pain.  But what if we let their struggles change our life?  What if we start TELLING and SHOWING people how much they mean to us?  It would be a great way to honor those who passed.

So in honor of Brad and Irv I am writing this post today to let the people I care about know how much I love them.

Happy Thanksgiving.  I hope you have a lot to be thankful for!

Lori

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Fun/Not Fun

Fun:
Eating supper with my parents and sisters who live here three nights in a row last week.

Not Fun:
We were free three nights in a row because Travis was in Portland, Oregon working. He was gone for four days. A couple weeks ago he went to Cuba* for four days so we have been missing him.
*Isn't that random? Vestas has four wind turbines on the base at Guantanamo Bay. For some reason they are in Trav's region and he is responsible for them. You know, because IOWA and CUBA are so close together, right?



***************************************



Fun:
Realizing what a strong bond Travis (Papa) has with all three of his girls.

Not Fun:
Realization occurred because all three were very upset he was gone. Violet cried out in her sleep for him in her raspy adorable voice.


***************************************

Fun:
Violet snuggling with me for hours on end. She has been on the move so much she doesn't snuggle as often.


Not Fun:
She's so snuggly because she is getting FOUR teeth at the same time. We're talking fevers, drooling crabbiness (slight understatement), sleeplessness...


****************************************
Fun:
Christmas shopping! I am almost done. Hopefully I can finish up on Black Friday and get wrapping. Now if I could just get my tree up...
Not Fun:
Where to store/hide all these presents???? We have been trying to declutter and all these tubs of gifts is not working for me.
**********************************
Fun:
Getting a new bathroom door and trim.


Not Fun:
The door breaking trapping Travis inside our bathroom. It took me a half-hour to get him out.
Who am I kidding????? I don't consider it NOT FUN. I consider it hilarious!


Yours sincerely,

Lori
(Did you think I forgot about the "yours sincerely"? No such luck.)

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

First Snow

The first real snow this (almost) winter was absolutely beautiful.  The weather was gorgeous.  Not too cold, no ice yet, just big beautiful flakes and three eager girls.  They couldn't wait to get out there and play!

Photographic evidence:

Madeline catching snowflakes.

Cheese!

Even Josie was having fun.

Vi and I in the fun mirror Travis put in the backyard.

Violet was unsure at first but decided she loved the snow.

Papa and Vi.

Two goofballs.

Zella
I really love living in a place that experiences four seasons.  It is going to be a great winter!

Yours sincerely,
Lori

Friday, November 12, 2010

At Least I'm "Famous"

Note to self: before going to vote make sure you are showered and presentable.  Besides seeing everyone you know (bonus of small town living) there may be a photographer there taking pictures for the paper.

I opened the paper to find a small, unflattering photo of myself voting.  I had to laugh when Madeline said, "Oh well, Mama.  At least you're FAMOUS."

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Just Like Papa

Tonight Madeline was changing into her pj's in the living room.  She was about to pull off her tights and she announced,

"GET READY TO SEE SOME LADIES UNDERWEAR!"

I can tell you that without a doubt she gets that from Travis. 

Hilarious!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Have You Seen CUTER Costumes?