Dreams on Ice 2010

Emma 7 years old 1st year skating.

Emma and Reise BFF's

Proud momma's and their future soloists :)

She was tired and cold at this point of the night, but was still up for a pic with Cinderella.

Emma has had such a fun time during her first year ice skating. She has met a lot of new friends and has grown her friendship with her bff Reise. The finale skate on ice was for the two day show that the girls perform before the "entire" town of Crookston. There were 2 halves and 25 acts, Emma was in the first half act 13. Here her group is performing "Let's get together."

Sorry, it is so dark. The best way I can clue you in on where E is, is she is the shortest one on the ice that the camera is following. :)

She is looking forward to next year, and to be honest, so am I! :)

Thank you to all who sent words of encouragement and love to her on her special night, she truly did feel so special!

Proverbs 31

Who doesn't want to be that woman described in Proverbs 31? I have to admit, some days I do, some days, NO WAY! Well, whatever, I have found this wonderful website Proverbs31 that is written by women who have a heart to uplift and enlighten us women that feel so out of it sometimes with the business of little children and household chores day in a and day out. Hopefully, you will be able to stop by and be blessed just the same.

The Cutest 2 Year Old on Skiis

I can't believe I haven't blogged about our skiing season!

So, it started on January 16 th, we took the kids for our Anniversary and purchased our season pass to Buena Vista. Creed was so excited! However, we didn't time things right and it was around his nap time that we actually got on the slopes after renting our equipment. (It was after that whole charade, that we made the decision to get our own equipment for our next excursion.)

This is the rope that drags you up the Bunny Hill (this got old really fast and we found it easier to take him on the lift between us.) Creed loved going down the hill, and wanted to do it again, and again.

Here is one happy baby and a super tired dad :)

He's Been Working Out...

Land of 10,000 Lakes

It is MARCH! MARCH 15th to be exact, and we are already seeing lakes upon lakes all over the fields as they thaw. Rob says we are only 25% thawed and we are already having huge water problems. The Red River is swelled and most ditches are still filled with snow, unlike the ditch you will see in the video.

This "road under water" sign is about 4 miles north of our place on HWY 14.
We have been under fog for the last week and 1/2 since the thaw. Rain has helped move along the thawing process; I am sure it is a nightmare for those that are trying to prepare for the annual Spring flood that happens along the Red.

Fortunately, for us we are built upon a natural ridge, we will not have to deal with flooding too close to our place. In our back yard there is a lower ditch that is already filled, but we shouldn't have to put sandbags around the house.

I have to say that this is the earliest the thaw has happened and I don't think we have gone through the worst of it yet. Stay tuned.

Creed-O at 2.25

Creed's Interview is as follows:

Creed, what is your favorite color? Red

Creedy, what food do you like? Red

Do you like to sleep? No!

What game to do you like, Hunny? Football Game

Creed, who's your favorite brother? Brother (pointing to Micah)

Who's your favorite sister? Emma *big, big smile on his face*

Do you want to go Nigh, night? No

Do you like school? Yup

Who's your dog? *Barks*

Do you like songs? Good

Do you have a book you like to read? Momma (Mommy Loves Me)

At 2 years old, Creed is more like a 4 or 5 year old. He is always keeping up with his brother and sister. His favorite friend in the whole world is his Ollie, a brown fleece with a faux suede owl embroidered tag blanket I made for him before he was born (idea from Suzanne McKay). Ollie makes EVERYTHING OK! It is very sweet how he calls for him when he gets left in another room.

Creed is our most impatient one, he has such a temper.

He is fairly deliberate; he seems to learn from his mistakes.

He's pretty compliant for his age.

He is the most polite one of the 3.

He has been great at clean up and tends to put things back where they belong without being asked. Something I don't take for granted at ALL!

He is such a cuddle bug and I love it!

His vocabulary is large and can put together 5 word sentences.

He is gregarious,

Boisterous,

Energetic,

Flirtatious,

and such a ham!

We have been so blessed by Creed. We have all learned so much about ourselves and as a family through him coming to us. Together we prayed for him and together we are helping him grow. I pray that he will continue in his sweet ways; that Rob and I would have the wisdom to mold and shape him for the honor and glory of God. This, of course, pertains to all of our children, not just Creed. May they all bring Him honor and glory. Amen!

A Few of My Favorite Things

I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel! Spring is springing around here. The snow is melting rapidly with the light rain we have been having daily.

This has made me think of all the things that I have fallen in love with over this winter. They have truly made the long winters fade, at least on my skin, emotion, and senses.

• Daisy Blue Naturals Awesome Almond Sugar Scrub and Body Butter! This amazing creamy blend moisturizes your body for up to 24 hours. It has taken away the dull nasty winter skin that creeps up on me during the months of January and February. I love, love, love this stuff!
• Cookie Lee Jewelry I am not a person that wears alot of jewelry, but ever since I was introduced to this line of fine jewelry I don't go a season without buying at least a piece or two to tie all the outfits together. I have this one piece that compliments everything I wear, I wear it almost everyday.
• I have fallen so in love with these CD's this winter. I have had such a wonderful time seeing the calming effect they have on my kids in the car. I especially love listening to them sing each track because they know it by heart! Plumb's Lullaby Album Blink and Tal and Acacia's self titled album.
• Sherwin Williams! I have painted alot over the past few months and I am not done yet!
• Pier 1! Need I say more!
• My Mac Book-the best Christmas present EVER!
• This crazy tool is the best money ever spent if you have hair like mine! Paul Mitchell's hair straightener Express Ion Smoothe 1.25 obviously isn't a Chai but, I have used both and see and feel no difference at all. This tool leaves my hair so straight and without the dried out look. I don't know how I managed without one for so long.
• Finally, Satin Sheets by Scentsy. Just a couple of weeks ago I had a party and now I am up to my eyeballs in all sorts of different scents. But satin sheets is by far my favorite! It is such a romantic smell that makes you feel warm, loved and relaxed.

I am revved up for Spring even if that means losing my husband for the next 6 months. Sometimes you have to take the bad with the good. I can tell that my body is finished with the hibernating and the love handles are ready melt off with the 2 races I am training for this Spring (at least I hope so). Either way running outside rather than on the treadmill is a welcome change to heart, mind and body!

Thank the LORD for the promise of Life!

Interview with Mr. Micah Jacob

A glimpse of M in 20 years...

You don't raise heroes, you raise sons. And if you treat them like sons, they'll turn out to be heroes, even if it's just in your own eyes. ~Walter M. Schirra, Sr

Micah is our scholar, he loves to read. If you can't find him or he is being to quiet, he isn't getting into trouble; he is just deep into a book. He is currently reading "The Fellowship of the Ring". His goal is to finish this 458 pg. book by April 1st.

He is our quiet, soft spoken and sensitive spirit. he is very analytical in his thinking and can reason well. He has been known by his teachers as the "negotiator."

Micah is beginning to enter the "I'll wear whatever" phase- I thought the "I will wear only straight leg jeans" phase was terrible!?! At 8 years old I am having to monitor his choices. Ha!

He would rather be bundled up in all his snow gear and be outside when it is zero degrees out than in shorts and t-shirt and have it 80 degrees.

He doesn't take his place in this family lightly. He loves being the oldest and has done a great job so far setting the example for his little brother and sister.

Micah has an amazing memory, however he has no sense of direction. When he asked me what this meant I explained it as "If you were to get lost, you couldn't find yourself!" He laughed and said it was true, but that is why he carries a compass! Ha!

If Micah could survive on a liquid diet-he would!

• What is your favorite color? Purple and gold
• What is your favorite game? Life
• What is your favorite book? The Fellowship of the Ring
• What is your favorite movie? The Two Towers (The Lord of the Ring)
• What is your favorite food? Steak and Pizza (not together)
• What is your least favorite? Brussels Sprouts
• Are you a night owl or a morning person? Morning person
• Where would you like to live when you grow up? Minneapolis
• Do you have a nick name? Nugget
• Name your 3 closest friends? Noah, Quinn and Ty
• Who is your best friend? Ty
• What is your favorite time of the day? 3:00 Why? Because it is snack time!
• What is your favorite number? 2
• Who is your favorite athlete? Dad
• What is your favorite sport to play? Football
• Who is someone you want to be like when you grow up? Pastor Dale
• Would you rather eat worms or 1 prying mantis? Ummm, prying mantis

A Little One-on-One with Emma Niari

Here is a look at my daughter through my eyes. This picture is a common one in our home; me sippin on some coffee in my p.j's, while E is sippin on her Chai in hers. I am so blessed to have such a sweetie. I hope to have this for years and years to come.

Emma

Our free-spirit. She thinks in a way that is very creative and non conformitive. She has the brightest smile that completely lights up her eyes.

Em is very controlled, and loves routine. She has eaten the same breakfast, oatmeal, for 5 years with the exceptions of pancakes, waffles and occasionally cereal. She doesn't like to be thrown off her game, surprises, unless their fun, are not something she can take without a melt down of some level.

She isn't picky, but knows what she likes and how she likes it. She is very kinistetic. The other morning she had the bathroom faucet on very low and was fingering the water trickling out and mentioned to me how beautifully soft and smooth it was.

Our Emma can make friends very easily. She has such a warm heart and can find something beautiful in anyone. She is a natural nurturer, she loves to take care of anyone that has been injured especially if there is blood and a band aid involved.

Emma is great at asking questions so she can be in the know in just about everything. I know this will be great for her in the long run, but sometimes, it is just too much! Ha!

She can find anything anywhere, she is so observant! And her memory is amazing!

A Lazy Morning Interview

1. What is your favorite color? Purple, mom, you know that!
2. What is your favorite song? For the beauty of the Earth.
3. What is your favorite food? Chicken nuggets
4. What is your least favorite food? Tomato Soup
5. Do you enjoy school? Sort of
6. What is your favorite subject? Math
7. Are you a night owl or morning person? Morning person
8. If you could live anywhere in the world were would you live? Montana, it is so big!
9. Do you have a nickname? Sweetie
10. What is your favorite time of the day? Rest time
11. Name your 3 closest friends? Zoe, Reise and God, He is my best friend
12. Who is your best friend? God
13. Do you prefer chocolate or flowers? For the most part flowers, because chocolate isn't that good for you.
14. What is your favorite movie? Bolt
15. What is your favorite game? Sorry
16. If you could be an animal what would you be? A hamster
17. What is your favorite number? 8
18. What do you like to do to relax? Lay on my comfy bed.

"In My Daughter's Eyes"

In my daughter's eyes I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I wanna be
In my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light and the
world is at peace
This miracle God gave to me gives me
strength when I am weak
I find reason to believe
In my daughter's eyes

And when she wraps her hand
around my finger
Oh it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about

It's hangin' on when your heart
has had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light
It's in my daugter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes I can see the future
A reflection of who I am and what will be
Though she'll grow and someday leave
Maybe raise a family
When I'm gone I hope you see how happy
she made me
For I'll be there
In my daughter's eyes

Flat Stanley and Gold Cup

Flat Stanley came for a visit this past month. While he was here we went skiing, ice skating, had piano lessons and he went with us to Gold Cup in Grand Forks.

Creed posing in front of the piano preparing for his future Gold Cup!

Micah and Emma both had 4 songs to play. Two hymns and 2 solos. They both received Superiors in both categories. Micah has one more year to achieve his first Gold Cup if he gets another Superior next year. Emma has two more years.

We are so proud!

The Updated Library

Our New Formal Dining Area

My New Living Room

I began this remodeling job the day Creed started feeling better, it took me one whole week, but I have it just the way I want it. The best thing is the only thing I purchased was paint! I had everything else, I just got creative...which is difficult for me :)

I went from a frosty purple color to Warm Stone on the south and west walls and Sun Dried Tomato on the north and east walls.

I took satin black spray paint to the shelf and small table

and the corner shelf.

Now, I have another small table and spray painted it black to have near the t.v console and it holds a small beaded lamp.

Rob isn't fond of the tiles across the wall but for now that is what we have.

The ultimate plan is get the awful t.v. out of there and have this room as our parlor/music room, and of course, beautiful espresso colored leather furniture...in due time. For now, I am so pleased with the warmth the colors bring and it is so relaxing.

Phew! What a Week!

I am so glad and thankful to be starting a new week. Since we returned home from Utah, if it hasn't been one thing it has been another.

Micah got really sick on the trip home, we thought it was due to the movie they watched going through Montana (he is prone to motion sickness anyway, not a smart idea on our part) I am sure that didn't help any, but little did we know...

Four days later I was up to my eyeballs in VOMIT! Sunday night Creed woke up around 9 puking, this was new to him so naturally he was a bit scared. He became very familiar with it because for the next 6 hours he puked on average 2 times an hour. Right about the time Creed was puking his last (around 2 a.m.) Rob was in the bathroom not knowing from which end it was going to come!

Thankfully, Rob's lasted no more than an hour...we thought Creed was through with it as well, but little did we know...

Monday I had a very tired little boy and I honestly didn't know how it was to go, Creed has never been sicker than a runny nose. So being with him was so strange, he was laying around, quiet and sleeping all the time. Must have been the hand of God granting his little body strength for the next round.

Tuesday we were back to vomiting, than it hit Emma late that night (again, thankfully Emma's lasted about an hour and we kept her home from school Wednesday). Wednesday Creed was still vomiting, Thursday diarrhea and vomit, Friday I took him to the clinic because it was visible that he had lost weight(according to my scale he was down 3 lbs.) He had a good day so I thought he was on the mend, only to start up again Saturday night with more diarrhea and vomit. By Sunday I was on my last leg, and Rob sent me to be with my SIL Sandy as she needed a ride to Fargo to fly home. Rob kept Creed Sunday all day and other than being a bit "crabby" he had a good day. Monday he was back to normal and boy was I ever glad to have my boy back!

We have never had the flu so bad before; I was really concerned about Creed. I don't know if it attacked him so violently because he had never had even a touch of it before or what, but I pray for his sake (and mine) that he can withstand the next time like the rest of us.

Tonight as I was laying him down for bed, we went through our nightly routine and he reminded me of his music (as if I had forgotten before) and then said "Good night, Sweetheart!" Oh, how I love that boy!

Winter out at the Farm

While we were in Utah we had a ton of snow come through and left a hefty amount of snow behind.

Sure is beautiful!

5 foot drift in front of one of our sheds.

There was enough snow up against another shed that the kids were able to just about reach the top.

Another old shed covered by the snow.

Ice Skating 2010

Emma has been in dance for the past 4 years, unfortunately her dance teacher is no longer willing to commute 70 miles to teach 3 days a week. Can't say I blame her, but I am sad, she was an excellant instructor.

Emma's best friend Reise has been in figure skating for some time and really enjoys it, it was an easy sell to Emma. Other than the super freezing cold she really is doing well and likes it alot. We started her out in snowplow 1 for beginners and she easily moved into Reise's class basic 3 within 2 short weeks.

>

Their first recital is sometime in April (I think) so they are well ahead of schedule on their formal pics, which is nice.

Victory Bells

Emma playing Victory Bells

One of the numbers she will be playing in February at the Music Festival.

She needs work on the dynamics and timing a bit, but she is doing really well.

If You Give a Moose a Muffin

My darling Sister In Law Angie gave us the most fun and creative gift this Christmas...

It all started with Creed's gift~If You Give a Moose a Muffin by Laura Numeroff

She then decided to make Emma and I aprons and then wondered what to make for the boys...what about baker's hats. She and her mom did a wonderful job! Thanks, Brenda!

Each of their gifts included their homemade item along with their cookie cutter initial, and necessary ingredients to make lollipops.

Rob didn't get a baker's hat, but he got the recipe and lollipop sticks in his gift box.

What a wonderful family project, we are hoping to do it soon.

Here's too...If You Give Angie a Book! LOL!

Wolf Creek~Eden Utah

Mom and Dad rented a condo @ the Wolf Creek.

We were so excited to return to the Wolf Creek because 12 years ago March 29th Rob and I had our first date from the Wolf Creek where Amanda and Ryan were married.

It was fun to bring the kids there and tell them the story of our family's beginning.

It was cold but bearable comparative to Minnesota.

M had so much fun snowboarding down the nice hill.

I really love and appreciate the Utah Mountains.