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| As you can tell Jordyn was over joyed with her little Cousin Cassie |
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| Chris, Emily, Conner, Cassie on January 25th, 2013 |
Monday, January 28, 2013
CONZINS
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Thats MY Christmas Tree!
It was decorated with care by little hands, the ornaments hung on the branches and the red rope tinsel was wrapped carefully from top to bottom. The final thing was to place the angel on the top of the tree, plugging it in so it could blink on and off.
That tree has stood there for over a month - It is January now, the Wise Men have arrived at the stable to see the baby Jesus...
it is time daddy thinks
to take down the tree.
He brings up the box from the basement and starts to dismantle the ornaments, the red rope tinsel, and then finally the angel. He is placing everything into the box...
When suddenly what did appear?
But a little girl from the kitchen, protesting for her daddy to hear...
Stop that right now the little girl did say...
That is my Christmas tree and right there it should stay!!
So she hooted and cried and daddy did still
But knew that the Christmas tree had to be put away if you will.
So he did some fast talking and in the box it did go
Jordyn is not happy - this her daddy did know.
STOP once again she called out
That is MY Christmas tree you are boxing about!
Daddy picks up the box as she looks at him with surprise
He can see Christmas still in her eyes.
So they decide right there and then that Christmas is all year in the Harren house.
But the tree will be boxed for now, all will take part - even the mouse!
Little did we know back in July that Jordyn would be the proud owner of a Christmas tree
The Spirit lives in her heart and always will be.
Bye bye tree until next December
But when it is time to put it away, this little story we must remember!
Friday, January 25, 2013
Truly Blessed
Lindsey went in for her weekly check on Thursday morning and sent out this txt...
- Things are looking favorable. I could have done an elective induction this weekend but opted not to as there is no medical reason at this time. Next apt is Thurs next week, but Dr. thinks baby should be here by then. Prayers are going up and fingers are crossed that she comes on her own soon. 3cm and 75% effaced.
- Waiting for on-call doc to call, but pretty sure my water broke... will keep you posted - Jan 24th at 8:09pm
- They aren't sure if my waters broke or not yet, but I'm 6cm dilated so they are admitting me :-) - Jan 24th 9:36pm
- Please keep grams updated for me. Jan 24th, 9:37pm
- Things are good... had epidural though... can't wait to see you all!!! Love you! Jan 24th 11:20pm
- He says yes... (josh doing okay) needs more airborne. :-) things are moving fast! Jan 24th 11:24pm
- They think the cord is wrapped so have to do a c section. Jan 25th 1:25am
- Everything went well. lbs 6oz. Jan 25th 3:12am
- I did breastfeed...cord was wrapped around her chest and causing lots of stress so had to do c section... that was scary, but went well. Can't wait to see everyone. Love you!! Jan 25th 4:04am
- Just got some eating. Snuggle and nap time for all!! Jan 25th 6:02am
- When were you thinking you'd be here again?? Missing everyone and can't wait to see you!! Jan 25 8:34am
So gramma Dorius got her hair done, we got donuts from Kicks bakery, bacon from the Arlington Market and headed on down the road to Maple Grove Hospital, Maple Grove, Mn. On a whim grams and I decided to take Hiway 25 through Buffalo and Monticello to 94 East. It worked out perfect, the hospital was 20 miles from Monticello. Not a lot of traffic and this ole grams did good navigating the car. We arrived about 12:30 to see our precious bundle of newborn love! She was indeed perfect and looks just like a little Cassandra Grace, "Cassie". We visited and held her a little and then went to the cafeteria to get something to eat. Mom, dad and Cassie had a little sleep. The hospital is beautiful, new and easy to navigate. We stopped at the gift store, got a little chocolate and a cupcake outfit for Cassie. We just sat around the room and loved on each other waiting for Emily and her family and Lacey. They all arrived about 6:00. Conner and Jordyn were happy to see their "cousin Cassie". Jordyn had spent some time practicing the name and had it down pat when they arrived. She had her own baby with also, dressed to the 9's with a pull up on over the stripped pants. Jordyn laid her in the bassinet while she helped momma hold Cassie. While the girls were all talking grams and I got ready to leave about 6:30. Josh and Chris came out with us and we unloaded the stuff in grams car for each family. Grams and I on our way home arriving in Arlington at 8:07. One stop in Monticello for gas and drinks.
It sounds like the girls left not much after we did and then the Johnsons came to see their first born grand-baby. As hard as it was to leave, Emily handed the little bundle over to Jenna.
I was so thankful that Julie and Jim were able to go to the hospital during the night (3:00am) to see Cassie right away and to be their for Josh and Lindsey. I really could not wish for any better in-laws for my middle born baby.
Thank you Jesus for this trail of events...
We are just so truly blessed.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
The fish
I needed to post this picture again...
of a little boy, his papa
and a great big ole fish!!
The drain
After the 15th time of hearing " I DON"T WANT TO TAKE A BATH"
We hop into the warm bath water and play with our toys.
After the 16th time of hearing " I DON"T WANT MY HAIR WASHED"
We yell a little and get our hair washed.
Then it is time for the water to drain, we must gather the toys so they don't get down the drain.
Suddenly,
she starts to cry " I DON"T WANT TO GO DOWN THE DRAIN!"
Much assurance is given as we rub in the lotion, giving a massage as she relaxes on the bed...
" you won't go down the drain Nola Jean, you are to big."
Nola explains the whole drain thing to Lila and you can tell she is feeling better.
Next she lays her head on her momma's lap and I gently blow dry her hair.
She holds her momma's hand as the air warms her.
It seems a long time she is still in this moment and her momma and I soak in the joy of her contentment.
Now, your momma will get everything ready to go and grammie will start the car for you.
" I DON"T WANT TO GO HOME, I WANT TO GO SEE GRAMMA DORIUS!"
and I am in awe that she can figure these things all out.
She had been told they were going to see Gramma Dorius and I left that part out when talking about what their plan will be.
Yes, little one, you will go and see Gramma Dorius...
Have fun,
maybe she will read to you from the Thesaurus
We hop into the warm bath water and play with our toys.
After the 16th time of hearing " I DON"T WANT MY HAIR WASHED"
We yell a little and get our hair washed.
Then it is time for the water to drain, we must gather the toys so they don't get down the drain.
Suddenly,
she starts to cry " I DON"T WANT TO GO DOWN THE DRAIN!"
Much assurance is given as we rub in the lotion, giving a massage as she relaxes on the bed...
" you won't go down the drain Nola Jean, you are to big."
Nola explains the whole drain thing to Lila and you can tell she is feeling better.
Next she lays her head on her momma's lap and I gently blow dry her hair.
She holds her momma's hand as the air warms her.
It seems a long time she is still in this moment and her momma and I soak in the joy of her contentment.
Now, your momma will get everything ready to go and grammie will start the car for you.
" I DON"T WANT TO GO HOME, I WANT TO GO SEE GRAMMA DORIUS!"
and I am in awe that she can figure these things all out.
She had been told they were going to see Gramma Dorius and I left that part out when talking about what their plan will be.
Yes, little one, you will go and see Gramma Dorius...
Have fun,
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| November 2nd 2012 |
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| Gramma Dorius and Nola Jean |
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| In Christmas dress from Gramma Dorius, December 2012 |
Thesaurus's and other fun things!
Her momma went to Glencoe.
Well, that is okay... grammie pammie or pammie pammie and papa will watch the little tot.
Sometimes it is so fun to be in charge, when you really aren't in charge anymore.
You have raised your baby girls and now they are raising theirs.
They are doing such an excellent job with their babies, you wonder if you can match up at 52.
Can you keep them from the junk food, bad TV shows, steps, and bathroom all at once?
Can you get the Clifford diaper on the right way so it won't leak out over night?
Will she sit down with you just a little bit so you can smell her hair and touch her baby soft hands?
It is time you can tell, the words take on an even faster pace...
I need to play toys...
I need to sit by papa...
I need a snack...
I need cartoons...
Well, little tot, pammie pammie knows what you need and it is that little crib set up in the bedroom just for you. It has soft blankets, a clean pillow, and a couple of toys left over from last night...
just for you.
So we change the Clifford and zip up the jammies, kiss grandpa,
and get twirley and pinkey.
I follow her up the steps as she perfectly matches her feet to each one, and she steps lightly to her crib looking around the room
...she will need a drink from the water bottle that has been there a few days
...she will need the YaYa Sisterhood book
...and please don't forget the 15 pound Thesaurus!
Good night little one, my baby my own
Sleep tight
See you in the morning light...
Good night pammie pammie...
and she lays down to read her Thesaurus in the dark.
Well, that is okay... grammie pammie or pammie pammie and papa will watch the little tot.
Sometimes it is so fun to be in charge, when you really aren't in charge anymore.
You have raised your baby girls and now they are raising theirs.
They are doing such an excellent job with their babies, you wonder if you can match up at 52.
Can you keep them from the junk food, bad TV shows, steps, and bathroom all at once?
Can you get the Clifford diaper on the right way so it won't leak out over night?
Will she sit down with you just a little bit so you can smell her hair and touch her baby soft hands?
It is time you can tell, the words take on an even faster pace...
I need to play toys...
I need to sit by papa...
I need a snack...
I need cartoons...
Well, little tot, pammie pammie knows what you need and it is that little crib set up in the bedroom just for you. It has soft blankets, a clean pillow, and a couple of toys left over from last night...
just for you.
So we change the Clifford and zip up the jammies, kiss grandpa,
and get twirley and pinkey.
I follow her up the steps as she perfectly matches her feet to each one, and she steps lightly to her crib looking around the room
...she will need a drink from the water bottle that has been there a few days
...she will need the YaYa Sisterhood book
...and please don't forget the 15 pound Thesaurus!
Good night little one, my baby my own
Sleep tight
See you in the morning light...
Good night pammie pammie...
Monday, January 21, 2013
The due date (another chapter)
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| April 1st 1985 - due date! |
all things -
under control.
I breathe deep and I let a prayer drift over my soul and I send it up like incense to our Lord.
The date is soon Lord,
hold my baby girl and all that she loves close to you Lord, that your heart would beat with theirs, that there would be a comfort and an all knowing power that goes before them into the hospital. All of the Dr's and nurses that they come in contact with would know that something is here besides them, they would know that You are with them - You have gone before them - Lord, would you please
guide their hands and their words? Hold them so close that when the baby is born, the heart beat will sound in such a way that anyone having any doubt of You will shout with joy!
She is here! And God has her in the palm of His hand.
Amen
25 years
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| Jeff and Emily Jo |
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| Jeff and JaciAnna |
Small town girl
I saw many people today that I haven't seen in a long time. I looked around the school and took my seat towards the back, all the others were filled with them. I called on the Spirit of God to flow through out all of them gathered together to pay respects to a man and his family. The man has left this earth to join those in Heaven, leaving behind many sad hearts, leaving a hole in the place where he had once been. This man, like me, chose to live most of his life in Arlington. It sounds like he left several times to go to college. find a job, visit other places, but, mainly he lived in Arlington. I didn't know him real well personally but I did know him my whole life. When I came into the world he was here, and when he left the world I was here. His close family member was just laid to rest before Christmas, and now we lay him to rest. I can't figure it all out. He wasn't very old, a kind, gentle soul giving so much of himself to the people of Arlington...
finding his wife that went before him of a disease they still have to figure out.
She was beautiful and loved her children, I knew her, my mom and dad knowing all of their parents very well. Going before her parents to lead the way? How about the children they leave behind? The grandchildren just twinkles at that time, now walk behind their grandpa's casket with tears of things that were yet to be.
And this is when we question how all of this works God... this is when we ask why?
I look around me, in front of me the man who worked with my mom in school for 30 plus years, beside him his boys whom I haven't seen in at least 30 years. Those 30 years have been kind to them, they are as handsome as I remember, their smiles telling of the history of this place. To my right I see girls I graduated with, their husbands, and their mothers with them. A sadness hangs in the air as we look to each other and remember all the years gone by.
The singers start and my heart sings with them - it is all so beautifully sad.
The preacher starts talking and my soul talks with him - it is all so beautifully true.
And I slow down my mind of all the questions...
I slow down and breath deep.
I don't know if it is more time that we want but I do know we want enough time. Enough time to laugh long, and sing with joy.
And I remember when he died. My favorite man, my dad.
I felt like I should have left home, left Arlington.
Wouldn't this have been easier if I had moved far away and hadn't gotten so close with all of these people?
A gentle whisper flows through my veins and I look around again at all gathered here in this place. All gathered here in Arlington once again.
In this place we learned, we sang, we laughed, we danced, we cried...
I see in my hearts eyes, all the wonderful people that have left this town, they have left and yet stayed in contact with each other, kept this place in their hearts...
I realize quite rapidly, and with a force from God...
that for now, I am meant to be right here.
I am meant to be in Arlington, where I have always been, so that when the saddness comes home to celebrate life I can connect and say to them...
I remember,
I understand,
I will be here...
This is your home before Heaven and you are always welcome back here.
This town has turned out a lot of really good people -
And as they all leave this place the singer sings "Save a Place for Me" -
I remember this man with a great joy in my heart,
realizing deeply that he is not gone, but has gone ahead.
He will save a place for those he so dearly loved.
And I will pray that all who gathered will know the great love of Jesus Christ our Savior, and will all feel welcome to come home to this small town at any time.
I pray they will feel that they are living life so fully, so that when the time comes they are fully ready to die.
Should I stay here yet another year in this small town?
As I ask this I feel His arms gently holding those who mourn.
I can't understand this kind of grief. It hurts,
but I can feel God's Grace and know in time we will all say "now I understand".
finding his wife that went before him of a disease they still have to figure out.
She was beautiful and loved her children, I knew her, my mom and dad knowing all of their parents very well. Going before her parents to lead the way? How about the children they leave behind? The grandchildren just twinkles at that time, now walk behind their grandpa's casket with tears of things that were yet to be.
And this is when we question how all of this works God... this is when we ask why?
I look around me, in front of me the man who worked with my mom in school for 30 plus years, beside him his boys whom I haven't seen in at least 30 years. Those 30 years have been kind to them, they are as handsome as I remember, their smiles telling of the history of this place. To my right I see girls I graduated with, their husbands, and their mothers with them. A sadness hangs in the air as we look to each other and remember all the years gone by.
The singers start and my heart sings with them - it is all so beautifully sad.
The preacher starts talking and my soul talks with him - it is all so beautifully true.
And I slow down my mind of all the questions...
I slow down and breath deep.
I don't know if it is more time that we want but I do know we want enough time. Enough time to laugh long, and sing with joy.
And I remember when he died. My favorite man, my dad.
I felt like I should have left home, left Arlington.
Wouldn't this have been easier if I had moved far away and hadn't gotten so close with all of these people?
A gentle whisper flows through my veins and I look around again at all gathered here in this place. All gathered here in Arlington once again.
In this place we learned, we sang, we laughed, we danced, we cried...
I see in my hearts eyes, all the wonderful people that have left this town, they have left and yet stayed in contact with each other, kept this place in their hearts...
I realize quite rapidly, and with a force from God...
that for now, I am meant to be right here.
I am meant to be in Arlington, where I have always been, so that when the saddness comes home to celebrate life I can connect and say to them...
I remember,
I understand,
I will be here...
This is your home before Heaven and you are always welcome back here.
This town has turned out a lot of really good people -
And as they all leave this place the singer sings "Save a Place for Me" -
I remember this man with a great joy in my heart,
realizing deeply that he is not gone, but has gone ahead.
He will save a place for those he so dearly loved.
And I will pray that all who gathered will know the great love of Jesus Christ our Savior, and will all feel welcome to come home to this small town at any time.
I pray they will feel that they are living life so fully, so that when the time comes they are fully ready to die.
Should I stay here yet another year in this small town?
As I ask this I feel His arms gently holding those who mourn.
I can't understand this kind of grief. It hurts,
but I can feel God's Grace and know in time we will all say "now I understand".
Thursday, January 17, 2013
GOLDEN NUGGETS
time has changed.
The girls had talked with each other this year and they were thinking that Christmas just isn't the same
...and it isn't.
When the girls were growing up we always celebrated Christmas at our house with just us - and it was all about them. They were blessed with grandparents who lived close to our house, and they were the only grandchildren. They were the only nieces, of my only brother. The gathering was always very special and the decorating before was also. I would get out all the stuff and we would decorate the tree. The ornaments that each one collected, and the ones they had made at school and sunday school, were carefully hung... each girl putting their ornaments on the tree. Each year a different girl would have daddy lift them up to reach the top of the tree, and they would place the angel on top of the tree. As I have already blogged in "The great decorated hallway", and the "Blue eyed Santa"...
the girls loved Christmas as much as we did.
Now, things are changing as those little girls all grew up, and now have families of their own.
We have to share with other families, and we come up with new ways to celebrate. Our party changes as our family changes. When the girls were all young the atmosphere was light and fun and full of wiggles. As they grew older the sharing became more intense, and this year it seemed it became profound. The same cycle repeats itself it seems.
This year was very special as each girl got to spend the actual Christmas with their spouses families.
We then all got together the week-end after Christmas ((Dec 29th) and got to relive it all again. They all got to stay overnight which made it a two day celebration!
Emily came up with the idea of the "GOLDEN NUGGET". She explained about the golden candies (being gramma Dorius's favorite). Jaci would hand a candy to each of us, one at a time...
when she gave us our GOLDEN NUGGET we were to share a story of our favorite memory.
The first one was to be of our favorite time when we were all together.
The second was a time when we weren't together but wished that we were.
It went over wonderful and we all shared tears of joy...
Next year our plan is to start the tradition of an annual celebration, a birthday party for Jesus. A once a year time to pause and review God's grace in our life and to recommit our selfs to knowing and loving him better.
Yes, this Christmas was different but we were blessed beyond our imaginations...
as God came down
and poured His Spirit over our family on this new and changing Christmas Eve.
The Shag Clash Bash
We had two births, Evelyn Reagan and Jack Charles.
We had a wedding with Nick and Heather.
We will have another birth by the time we meet, Cassandra Grace.
We have had job changes, house changes, washer and dryer issues, smartphones, flatscreens, kindles and Ipad changes...
when we stop to put this all down to paper, we realize it is once again time for the SHAG reunion.
The dates that we have come up with are:
SATURDAY MARCH 23rd
SATURDAY MARCH 30th.
SATURDAY MARCH 3rd.
Would you please look at your calendars and see what would work the best for all of you? We are hoping with the early notice that if you had to work you would be able to take off a little early or something to that sort...
The plan would be to meet around 3:00 so naps could be done and then we would have a dinner supper.
Each family would be asked to bring:
1. A dish to pass of the healthy sort
2. A white elephant gift
3. Wear a CLASHING outfit
4. Bring an idea for a game that could be played, somehow, with everyone? We loved what we did last year with the writing our favorite things about each other - does anyone have another great idea? Please let us know!
We are so excited that through the years we have all stayed in contact of some sort...
we are family...
we are blessed!!
With the most of love to all of you!
Jordyn turns two! (Jesus Loves Me This I Know)
Conner falls asleep while momma and daddy head down to the retirement party,
Jaci and Jordyn lay by gramma...
Jordyn is used to a crib, dark and quiet -
we have none of them.
So, after her hand accidentally lays on Jaci's face, and Jaci lets us know, I decide Jordyn and I better head to the floor. We lay down on our bed made of blankets and she looks at me with those big brown eye's and smiles.
The next morning it is time for a family swim. Everyone in the water but me.
I watch as they gather all the love they have for this special time.
With the buzz and the huzz of this crazy ole world it seems there is few times like this.
I sit
and enjoy
as I see our little two year old lay her head on her daddy's shoulder
she sings with him (loudly on the words she knows!)
JESUS LOVES ME THIS I KNOW.
Then we all shower and clean up and head to our favorite Chinese Buffett to have a dinner breakfast. Conner D. is hungry and we are not sure if he will make it...
but he does...
and we enjoy the best conversation -
... the food wasn't bad either!
And I am beginning to understand some of life.
We were made to know, love, trust, and serve God.
We were made for far more than success. We were created for significance.
We will not find that in possessions, pleasures, or positions.
It appears our significance comes from service - giving our life away for a purpose greater than us.
I can look around me and see
this is what God created me for and this is why Jesus came to save us.
Happy Birthday to our little Jordyn Noel Harren ...
WE LOVE YOU!!
and "JESUS LOVES YOU THIS I KNOW!!"
New Years Eve gone by
We then head to Dave's place in Lafayette - I guess just to say we did! We made it past 12:00 and then we head on out to Carol and Du's - yes, we have another feast!
We all go to bed...
sleeping soundly...
with visions of
2013 strong in our
heads!
Christmas 2012
Christmas was another beautiful time for our family. I believe in the Spirit of Christmas. When God sees His people gathering together in His name to celebrate the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ...
He smiles...
He pours His Spirit over those who can receive it.
The celebration of Christmas and the gift giving, the tree, the baking, food, candy...
it has all been made up by people through the years...
but, the fact still remains as written in John 2: 8-14...The angel said that Christmas would bring "great joy... for all the people."
No matter what our background, religion, problems, or circumstances, the best news that we have ever gotten - or will ever get for that matter is Christmas.
I want to just slow myself down here a few minuets and write out some of the memories of our time together as family and friends...
celebrating Christmas
celebrating our salvation
celebrating our reconciliation!
We started out with Carol and I taking our annual 50th birthday week-end. (another blog, "shuffle off to Buffalo".)
We came back from Buffalo on a Saturday (November 2nd).
Mom and I went to a play in Chanhassen with KNUJ travels on Sunday. We had dinner together and saw a wonderful play, "Bye bye Birdie". Mom and I decided this would be our Christmas present to each other. It was a wonderful time together and a great way to kick off the season.
We celebrated Thanksgiving in Foley. (another blog, "The gathering")
The next time we celebrated together was at Carol and Duane's. Carol had the house decorated beautiful and we sat down to a beautiful supper made by Carol and Du. ( another blog, "such a time as this"). This truly seemed to kick off Christmas with all the beautiful decorations, and a relaxing time with friends.
On December 1st we had a gathering at our house for who ever could come to the Arli-Dazzle parade! ( another blog, "Arli-Dazzle). It was the warmest day on record I believe and we so enjoyed our family and friends!
The month was filled with different things, kids Christmas programs, driving around to see the lights, advent at church, phone calls and love.
On Monday December 24th I worked until 2:30. Mom and I got supper ready and we along with Curt, Jeff and Tim Berger sat down to a wonderful lasagna supper together. After the meal we went to church at 7:00 and worshiped with all of our church family and their extended family. We had calls from the kids. Emily, Chris, JaciAnna, Conner D., and Jordyn Noel celebrated in Roseau, Minnesota. They left on Sunday after Chris got off work. Jaci Anna sang "Silent Night" with Paige for their church service. It had been a few years sense they had Christmas together and they all enjoyed each others company very much. All the kids were healthy, Emi made meatballs and peeled potatoes! I will be sure to get pictures on here of all these splendid events!.
Lindsey, Josh, and baby (due January 23rd) celebrated in Blaine with Josh's family. They had a great time together with lots of food and all went to "Celebration Church" service together. All of Josh's family was home and they were able to enjoy one another.
Lacey, K, and Nola Jean left for Chicago on Saturday to be with K's family. They had a wonderful time together celebrating the birth of Jesus. The weather was good for traveling, they came home the 26th of December to unpack and then pack up for Arlington.
On Friday December 28th I worked until 4:30. On my way home I got a call from Emily that her and her family would be coming to Arlington tonight... they were leaving at 5:30. They arrived at our house around 8:30 and we got to spend some time together. It seemed it had been so long sense we had seen anyone... which isn't true, but, it was sure nice to hold and love on each one of them.
On Saturday December 29th Lindsey, Josh, baby, Lacey, K, and Nola J. came with everyone arriving about 12:00. Dinner was ready to go by 1:00. We really had quite a menu, mom did a lot of the cooking.
Swiss steak in tomatoes
Dilled chicken over noodles
Green bean casserole
Scalloped corn
Lettuce salad
Calico beans
...and of course a red tray full of goodies from Missy and family.
After eating we went immediately into the family room for the kids to open their gifts. JaciAnna handed out all the gifts...
and they opened.
It was very exciting and so fun to be a part of seeing their faces and the joy in the opening!
Now it was time for playing and naps and then I set out some more food for supper.
After supper Allysa went to Gramma Doris's apartment with Jordyn so she could go to bed. It was about 8:00. Nola Jean went to bed here. We had thought that Jaci would stay with Jordyn also but it turned out she was a great help in the adult gathering. Her and Conner Dallas were perfectly behaved while the adults opened gifts and then shared a "golden nugget". Golden Nugget will be a separate blog.
It was a night to be remembered, as we gathered up our gifts and the paper and headed to bed with visions of Christmas dancing in our heads!
Thank-you Lord Jesus for this opportunity to celebrate Your birth here on earth with my family and friends. Life is full of Joy if we look...
Here in this time of crumbling economics, the fretfulness of parenting, the dizziness of the twenty-first-century spin...
we learn to trust in You...
trusting in the good news of Jesus, the saving work of our God.
He smiles...
He pours His Spirit over those who can receive it.
The celebration of Christmas and the gift giving, the tree, the baking, food, candy...
it has all been made up by people through the years...
but, the fact still remains as written in John 2: 8-14...The angel said that Christmas would bring "great joy... for all the people."
No matter what our background, religion, problems, or circumstances, the best news that we have ever gotten - or will ever get for that matter is Christmas.
I want to just slow myself down here a few minuets and write out some of the memories of our time together as family and friends...
celebrating Christmas
celebrating our salvation
celebrating our reconciliation!
We started out with Carol and I taking our annual 50th birthday week-end. (another blog, "shuffle off to Buffalo".)
We came back from Buffalo on a Saturday (November 2nd).
Mom and I went to a play in Chanhassen with KNUJ travels on Sunday. We had dinner together and saw a wonderful play, "Bye bye Birdie". Mom and I decided this would be our Christmas present to each other. It was a wonderful time together and a great way to kick off the season.
We celebrated Thanksgiving in Foley. (another blog, "The gathering")
The next time we celebrated together was at Carol and Duane's. Carol had the house decorated beautiful and we sat down to a beautiful supper made by Carol and Du. ( another blog, "such a time as this"). This truly seemed to kick off Christmas with all the beautiful decorations, and a relaxing time with friends.
On December 1st we had a gathering at our house for who ever could come to the Arli-Dazzle parade! ( another blog, "Arli-Dazzle). It was the warmest day on record I believe and we so enjoyed our family and friends!
The month was filled with different things, kids Christmas programs, driving around to see the lights, advent at church, phone calls and love.
On Monday December 24th I worked until 2:30. Mom and I got supper ready and we along with Curt, Jeff and Tim Berger sat down to a wonderful lasagna supper together. After the meal we went to church at 7:00 and worshiped with all of our church family and their extended family. We had calls from the kids. Emily, Chris, JaciAnna, Conner D., and Jordyn Noel celebrated in Roseau, Minnesota. They left on Sunday after Chris got off work. Jaci Anna sang "Silent Night" with Paige for their church service. It had been a few years sense they had Christmas together and they all enjoyed each others company very much. All the kids were healthy, Emi made meatballs and peeled potatoes! I will be sure to get pictures on here of all these splendid events!.
Lindsey, Josh, and baby (due January 23rd) celebrated in Blaine with Josh's family. They had a great time together with lots of food and all went to "Celebration Church" service together. All of Josh's family was home and they were able to enjoy one another.
Lacey, K, and Nola Jean left for Chicago on Saturday to be with K's family. They had a wonderful time together celebrating the birth of Jesus. The weather was good for traveling, they came home the 26th of December to unpack and then pack up for Arlington.
On Friday December 28th I worked until 4:30. On my way home I got a call from Emily that her and her family would be coming to Arlington tonight... they were leaving at 5:30. They arrived at our house around 8:30 and we got to spend some time together. It seemed it had been so long sense we had seen anyone... which isn't true, but, it was sure nice to hold and love on each one of them.
On Saturday December 29th Lindsey, Josh, baby, Lacey, K, and Nola J. came with everyone arriving about 12:00. Dinner was ready to go by 1:00. We really had quite a menu, mom did a lot of the cooking.
Swiss steak in tomatoes
Dilled chicken over noodles
Green bean casserole
Scalloped corn
Lettuce salad
Calico beans
...and of course a red tray full of goodies from Missy and family.
After eating we went immediately into the family room for the kids to open their gifts. JaciAnna handed out all the gifts...
and they opened.
It was very exciting and so fun to be a part of seeing their faces and the joy in the opening!
Now it was time for playing and naps and then I set out some more food for supper.
After supper Allysa went to Gramma Doris's apartment with Jordyn so she could go to bed. It was about 8:00. Nola Jean went to bed here. We had thought that Jaci would stay with Jordyn also but it turned out she was a great help in the adult gathering. Her and Conner Dallas were perfectly behaved while the adults opened gifts and then shared a "golden nugget". Golden Nugget will be a separate blog.
It was a night to be remembered, as we gathered up our gifts and the paper and headed to bed with visions of Christmas dancing in our heads!
Thank-you Lord Jesus for this opportunity to celebrate Your birth here on earth with my family and friends. Life is full of Joy if we look...
Here in this time of crumbling economics, the fretfulness of parenting, the dizziness of the twenty-first-century spin...
we learn to trust in You...
HATS
While we are talking about hats and the many uses they have...
I wanted to post a few pictures I found of people and their hats.
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| Jordyn in Nimrod Sept.,2011, Jaci at farm 4 yrs old |
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| Jaci in Minerva's hat - approx 3 yrs old |
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| Jaci's 6th birthday |
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| Nola visiting Jordyn at hospital in St.Cloud |
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| Nola in her Christmas hats - 6 months and 1 yr 6 months |
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| Conner with grams in SD |
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| Conner and Uncle George in SD |
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| Jordyn one year |
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| Mocha Christmas 2006 |
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| Conner and Chris at a Vikings game 2012 |
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| Jordyns 2nd birthday |
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| Nola and Addison at Arli-Dazzle |
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| Jaci in 2004 (?approx) |
Toys in my hat
Has there ever been one of those times where you are busy getting ready to go home and you think "hey, where is Nola"?
One evening Lacey was getting ready to go home and we were all in the kitchen and our little Nola was no where in the kitchen...
living room...
bathroom...
bedroom...
oh, she is coming in from the garage?
We look at her and it seems her pink and yellow ice cream hat is full of more things than just her head!
We are laughing so hard, trying to get a picture before she discovers that yes
we can see the outline of the toys in her hat, we are pretty sure there is more in there than meets the eye!!
Nola loads up in the car to go home to Mpls and we continue to be in awe of how smart she really is... hiding things she would like to take home with her from gramma and papa's house.
Nothing she has in there is more important than this moment -
this moment of seeing her go on with her life as if nothing is different -
nothing is in her hat that hasn't always been there!
Lacey calls me when they get home and informs me that Nola took her hat off and emptied the goods into her lap and then fell asleep for the rest of the drive.
What was in there one might ask?
Well, there were toys, some jewelry and the key for our radiators!
What a precious memory this is...
One evening Lacey was getting ready to go home and we were all in the kitchen and our little Nola was no where in the kitchen...
living room...
bathroom...
bedroom...
oh, she is coming in from the garage?
We look at her and it seems her pink and yellow ice cream hat is full of more things than just her head!
We are laughing so hard, trying to get a picture before she discovers that yes
we can see the outline of the toys in her hat, we are pretty sure there is more in there than meets the eye!!
Nola loads up in the car to go home to Mpls and we continue to be in awe of how smart she really is... hiding things she would like to take home with her from gramma and papa's house.
Nothing she has in there is more important than this moment -
this moment of seeing her go on with her life as if nothing is different -
nothing is in her hat that hasn't always been there!
Lacey calls me when they get home and informs me that Nola took her hat off and emptied the goods into her lap and then fell asleep for the rest of the drive.
What was in there one might ask?
Well, there were toys, some jewelry and the key for our radiators!
What a precious memory this is...
Monday, January 7, 2013
LOVE
Jordyn Noel turns two! 1/11/2013
and that is how I see it...
she has brought such a joy and a love to our family. We are so thankful to be a part of her growing up and we thank God every day for little girls
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