Lent {2014}

Lent {2014}

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

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Hi friends. Sorry I have been MIA. It's been a crazy couple of weeks with me being sick and still recovering and then a sick Hubby AND a sick little one. It's just so exhausting and I feel like I am JUST getting my world back on track and into some sort of routine again.

I wanted to touch on the subject of Lent and what I am giving up this year. I usually try and think hard about something sort of sacrificing in my life and go with it. This year is no different and although I have struggled with it (it hasn't even been a week, yet), I am so glad I decided on this particular thing to "give up."

This is NOT a religious post by any means, but more of sharing with you all and holding myself accountable in this little journey until April 20th, which is Easter.

That's right folks. You read it. I am going to refrain from personal clothes shopping for myself until after Easter.

A few exceptions I am giving myself...I have several special occasions between now and April 20th (Easter):

A Bachelorrete party;
A wedding shower;
2 birthday parties;
2 SURPRISE birthday parties;
A wedding;
A baby shower; and
Oh yes, my birthday.

Uffda. That seems like a lot between now and then, but such is life. I will be allowing myself to MAYBE purchase something for those, but I am limiting it to those occasions only and ONLY if I need something.

I LOVE to shop (especially online), so when I told my Mom and sisters about this, they were like,.."Wha? Huh? Well, good luck with that!"

My Mom already asked me if I wanted to go shopping this past Saturday when I was down there visiting. Um. Yes, I would LOVE to, but no, I am going to refrain.

So that's that. I'm not limiting myself as far as make-up or toiletry items are concerned. I just can't go that far. But I think if I put a limit on my general spending, it will be a step in the right direction for saving money and make us one step closer to that HOUSE!

Are you giving anything up for Lent?

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Hailey's Baptism

Hailey's Baptism

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

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Hailey was baptized on Sunday, April 22, 2012. She was surrounded by all her family and both her Godfather, Uncle Andy, and Godmother, Aunt Amie.

Pastor Susan did the baptizing.

After the actual baptism, Pastor Paul swooped Hailey into his arms and carried her around the sanctuary to meet the congregation. She smiled and waived at everyone. A big hit with the crowd as always.

 Of course she was all smiles. She never ceases to amaze me.

After the church ceremony we took a few pictures with sponsors, Pastor Paul and family.

Great Green Grandma flew in from Arizona for the week;

and The Horton Family came to celebrate, too!

Great Grandma Kleene and Great Aunt Laurie drove up for the day from Clara City.

I love our church.

After pictures we headed to our house, had lunch and cake.

Wayne helped Hailey open her gifts.

It was very memorable day and I can't wait to tell Hailey all about it when she gets old enough to understand what it all means and why all her family was there to celebrate her that day. Thank you to everyone who came to help us celebrate!

Another one with Great Grandma Kleene.

You are getting to be such a big girl and I love you so much!

God Bless you, Hailey Jo!

Christmas {2011}

Christmas {2011}

Thursday, February 9, 2012

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December 24, 2011 - Christmas Eve

Christmas overall was pretty laid back this year. Since Wayne had to work from 10a-4p on Christmas Eve we didn't travel anywhere. About a week before Christmas Hailey received these from our friends down in Florida. They are Santa booties and a bib. Love them. Thanks Lynn and Mark for the gifts for Hailey!

Hailey and I went to The Horton's house for a noon gathering. It was The Horton Gang (Mark, Dianne, Veronika, Aly, Rachel, Evan, Elliott, Grandma Jo and then Jared stopped by for a bit) and then the Danielson Gang (Me, Hailey, Kim, Paul and Andy came, too). We hung out for the afternoon, talked, ate, opened gifts and then we were on our way home.

Hailey opening up her gift from The Hortons. She didn't know what to think about the bow or the paper. You can see she was wearing the "I <3 Santa" bib. You can't see that she was also wearing the booties, but she was.

I had to take this classic picture. She's the best gift I've ever gotten!

Evan, Elliott and Rachel

The Danielson Gang had plans to meet at church for the 5:30p service. We went to Calvary Lutheran in Golden Valley. It was different than my normal church in EP, but it was great. We did the candlelight service and sang Holy night, which is my absolute favorite on Christmas. There was also a lot of singing and we sat right in front by the band. Hailey loved it. It is a huge church, but so beautiful, too. I snapped this picture with my phone of Hailey in her Xmas dress (from our friends John and Jess). She's sitting on Wayne's lap just taking it all in and enjoying the music.

We had planned on spending Christmas Eve with Wayne's side of the family and then Christmas day at his Mom's also and then Christmas day night with my side.

So, after church we went to MIL Kim's house. She had the table all decked out. I love Christmas decorations.

She had wine for me, too. Love her wine glasses.So festive.

Wayne had started his diet that Thursday before (yes, 2 days before Christmas). It was not his choice, believe me. But everyone was so accommodating with his meals. Kim is such a wonderful cook, so while we ate ham and au grautin potatoes (you know all the REALLY good stuff), Wayne ate fish and broccoli.

He ate it and didn't complain one time. I am still working on a post about his new diet and everything that comes along with that. Let's just say he has done such a great job so far, and we have a long road ahead.

We opened some gifts and had lots of laughs. Hailey loved her puppy from Gramma Kimmy!

She also got some clothes and a rocking horse from Green Grandma!

It's going to take a little bit for her to grow into it, but we know she will have a rockin good time when she does.

Sunday, December 25, 2011 - Christmas Day

Wayne and I got up Christmas morning and exchanged gifts. This year we agreed not to tell each other what we were going to get them and have it be a complete surprise. Usually we each pick out our own gift and we go from there. I got him some bu-ray movies. Elf, which neither of us had ever seen, so when it was on sale I couldn't pass it up. I also got him Fast Five and Due Date, which we both have seen, but love. They were nothing spectacular, but that's what he likes, movies and video games.

Wayne is so much better at gift giving than I am. He always has been and he always will be and this year he didn't fail. He surprised me with this:

ADELE - Live At The Royal Albert Hall DVD

I haven't watched it yet, can you believe that? But I have watched the trailer several times and I can't wait. I just need to find a night where I can take some time to REALLY enjoy it while I watch it. He also surprised me with this:

I picked it out while we were Christmas shopping for his Mom's charm bracelet. I told him to wait, cause once again...we were Christmas shopping...for others...not for me. I told him it could wait until Valentines Day. He thought otherwise. It's a pearl with diamonds around it. Hailey was born in June and one of the birthstones is pearl. I LOVE it. Like I said HE IS SO GOOD!

Every year on Christmas Day, my MIL Kim has an open house type thing at her house. She makes a butt load of great food and everyone comes in the afternoon to hang out, catch up and eat some grub.  So that is exactly what we did. Minus Wayne pigging out because of his new diet. He didn't waiver one time with all the temptations. I think I ate enough for both of us though.

Later that afternoon we had plans to meet my side at my parents house for our little family Christmas. My Mom had planned on making spaghetti. She did and we all ate that, except for Wayne who stuck hard to his diet and had chicken and veggies. He also hadn't cheated at all at his Mom's house earlier in the day, so I was so proud of him.

After dinner we opened some gifts:

Hailey mostly got some books and some clothes this Christmas. She wasn't playing with too many toys, yet. She did get a johnny jump up, which she still LOVES!

You can't tell by this picture, but trust me she does. Wayne and I got a brand new desktop computer. Thanks parents! It has come in very useful because if you have read my previous posts, our laptop died about 2 weeks ago. Sucky! 

We played dominoes as we always do and sat around until the late night and chatted. We then headed home and put Hailey to bed. Both Wayne and I were crushed as Hailey's first Christmas was over. Just like that it was done. But it was great. We did snap this quick family photo that night and you can see that she did wear the booties.

I love our little family of 3! Merry Christmas!

Mrs. Mama D

I'm Thankful {Days 24 - 30}

I'm Thankful {Days 24 - 30}

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

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November 24th: I'm thankful for food and tradition and laughter.
 

I don't know why, but it's the only time of year I usually eat pumpkin pie. We also watch football and play dominoes as a family every year and have lots of laughs. It's such a happy time.

November 25th: I'm thankful for holidays. This is my favorite time of the year and it will be our first with child. I usually get the day after Thanksgiving off. We usually put up Christmas decorations and the tree. This is our tree this year. It's a pre-lit that we bought a few years ago at Walmart. It's never looked so small. Maybe we'll have to invest in a bigger one next year. Nevertheless it still makes me happy.

November 26th: I'm thankful for the gift of life. Today we went to a baby shower celebrating the life of Elliott Horton. His Mommy, Rachel, is married to Wayne's cousin, Evan. Elliott is exactly 3 months younger than Hailey. So that means today Hailey is 5 months old (6/26) and Elliott is 2 months old (9/26). Rachel had a very rough pregnancy and was in the hospital 7 times (8th time he was born) and on complete bed-rest from about week 27. Let's just say he is a very blessed little boy with lots of people around him that love him. We are so happy he arrived safe and healthy. Here is the 4 of us today.

November 27th: I'm thankful for my Church (Immanuel Lutheran) and pastors (Paul and Susan).



I have been at the same church since I was in 3rd grade. I have had the same pastor (Paul) since I started confirmation in 7th grade. Pastor Paul saw me through confirmation and also married Wayne and I in 2006. It is such a great community of faith.

November 28th: I'm thankful for my DVR. It is something silly and trivial, but anything that makes my life a little bit easier and more convenient I am a fan of.

November 29th: I'm thankful for memories. I found out last Wednesday (23rd) that a childhood classmate took his life. His parents found him and it is a terribly sad situation. It definitely put a whole new meaning on being "Thankful." His funeral was today and I cried a lot at what everyone had to say not only about Jimmy, but about life in general.



A quote from the day that will always stick with me was said by Pastor Paul..."Love them while you can and love them well." A message to anyone that feels like nobody cares...there is always someone and it will get better.



And a message to those who care, always say I Love You. You never know when it might be the last time.

November 30th: I'm thankful for movie night. There is nothing better than getting comfy (usually in PJs) on the couch (with a blanket) and either a soda and popcorn or candy (or both) and putting in a movie with the lights off. It's the sense of escaping to another time and place or even a whole other world.

Leah

I'm Thankful {Day 12}

I'm Thankful {Day 12}

Saturday, November 12, 2011

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November 12th: I'm thankful for being an American.

Honor Our Military

Let’s honor our military,
The men and women who serve,
Whose dedication to our country
Does not falter, halt or swerve.

Let’s respect them for their courage;
They’re ready to do what’s right
To keep America safe,
So we can sleep better at night.

Let’s support and defend our soldiers,
Whose hardships are brutal and cruel,
Whose discipline we can’t imagine,
Who follow each order and rule.

Here’s to those who choose to be warriors
And their helpers good and true;
They’re fighting for American values;
They’re fighting for me and you.

By Joanna Fuchs

Thank you Veterans.

This was most appropriate for yesterday (Friday, 11/11 a/k/a Veteran's Day), but I had to dedicate the 11th to my Husband.

Leah

First Weekend of April {2010}

First Weekend of April {2010}

Friday, April 30, 2010

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Thursday, April 1st, which was also Maundy Thursday, my sister, Kate, had her first communion.

Leah & Kate in church before the service.

All 4 of us, Leah, Kate (10 years), Amie (she was 12 in this picture, but she is now 13) and Ross (18 years in this picture, but he is now 19):

Friday, April 2nd was Green Gramma's 70th birthday. We celebrated with family and a greek dinner. It sure was a "Good Friday."

Saturday, April 3rd I woke up and drove to the airport to pick up Green Gramma's best friend, Shirley, from high school. Gramma had no idea she was flying in from Idaho.

[Shirley, Green Grandma and Karen]

After picking Shirley up, we went to the Original Broadway Pizza in Minneapolis for Sharon's surprise 70th Birthday Party. Since the family started the restaurant it has a lot of memories.

[Eddie Peck aka Uncle Oddie was the founder of Broadway Pizza]

[Mamie is Uncle Oddie's Mom and Green Grandma's Grandma]

[The room was packed with family and friends]

See the mural covering the wall on the left? It's still there after all these years.

[Uncle Oddie]

[And his wife Dorothy]

[Green Grandma cutting her cake]

Sunday, April 4th, which was not only Easter, but Amie's 13th birthday.

The 4 of us again on Amie's birthday after she opened gifts.

The girls, meaning Mom, me, Amie and Kate celebrated just the 4 of us and went to see:

After Amie's birthday celebration I then went over to The Horton's and finished the day with Wayne's family. Shirley, Dana and the boys left early Monday morning. The first weekend of April was busy, but a happy one. I was so happy that Gramma's party was a success and that so many of her friends and our family could make it. The next weekend was my birthday. Stay tuned for my 27th Birthday post.