Nora's Notables

This girl is three and a half years old as of January 11!

She remains spunky, unpredictable, clever, smart, chatty, independent, and lots of fun, but I thought I'd share some specific updates about her as well.

She has some pretty great sayings right now.  Some are just mispronunciations, like: plan-note (piano), e-nnoying (annoying), Mills Feet Farm (Mills Fleet Farm), and eyeflashes (eyelashes).  But, she also loves to dramatically say "Awwww, bummer" when she's disappointed.  Not sure where she got it, but it's adorable:)  I'm still hoping to get it on video.  She also says she wants some "energy" when she want she really wants is some "privacy".  She just never remembers that word:)

She is officially potty trained!  My goal for 2015 was for her to be potty trained by the end of the year and I think we even beat that goal by a couple months.  We officially started training around Labor Day weekend.  The first month was up and down, but she really caught on in October.  We kept her in pull ups until November just for mine and Brent's peace of mind, but decided mid-November to move to underwear and she's done great!  She still wears pull ups at bed/nap, but wakes up dry frequently (again, just a precaution).  The only real struggle I'd say we have left is overcoming public restroom anxiety.  Actually, I should say anxieties.  She's afraid of automatic flushers, hand blow dryers, and the prospect of any other bathroom patron flushing their toilet without warning.  Whew...as you can tell, this list entails just about every single public restroom.  It's a newer development in the past month, so hopefully it's just a phase.  It can get tricky when we have a busy day out and about or a road trip, but we're making the best of it.

This girl is a show girl!  Just last night she started singing a song she made up and ended up singing every word until she went to bed (about 20 mins).  She even stuck a few rhymes in the song...I'd love to believe she's genius, but it was probably just coincidence;)  She can't help but move to music and loves to chose her own songs to listen to on Gma's auto-play electronic piano.  We've also started an intro dance class.  She loves getting dressed up in her tutu that Aunt Audra made her and wearing her ballet slippers.  Even though dance is totally out of my realm of experience, it's very fun to watch her joy and excitement for it.  

After dance class last week

Before Christmas, Nora was very confused and even discouraged that there was no snow.  I don't know if it was Christmas music or cartoons that made her believe that there should be snow for Christmas, but she wanted it!  January has hit us smack in the face with winter here in Rochester (which was nicely delayed after a very warm November and December), so she's gotten her chance to play in the snow and build a snowman with Gma.

Adorable!

Even though Nora loves to dance, sing, and talk, she also LOVES to work on projects, workbooks, and coloring books.  Once she gets started on a workbook or coloring book, she goes completely silent and becomes committed to the task!  I often forget she's in the room when she's working at the table and I'm busy in the kitchen.  She got lots of craft projects for Christmas so we've been keeping busy this January!

Proud of her coloring work
on the grapes

Nora went through an e-nnoying stage this fall where she was "afraid" of her cousin, Piper.  Piper is a year and a half and adores Nora.  Nora, however, did not like Piper in her business once Piper got to walking efficiently.  But, Gma said that Nora and Piper have been getting along a lot better and really enjoy each other's company.  They both love to dance, swing (my parents have swings in their basement), chase each other, and watch Disney Junior:)  Nora better get ready because another baby cousin is coming on the scene in June!  Piper's little brother!

Watching toons together:)

Lately with Luke

There are periods of life that I have several blog posts floating around in my head, but I just don't take the time to get them typed out.  Well, sometimes waiting works out for the best:)

Today, I read this post about how our kids need us at all stages of life.

Just last night I had a reality check that my responsible, grown-up-in-so-many-ways, nearly 10 year old boy still needs me.  He may not need me to help him get dressed or to cut up his food, but he still needs me to protect him.

Luke is a sensitive, introvert, who goes with the flow very easily, but wears down rather quickly when he's had too much stimulus.  As a result, sometimes Sunday nights at bedtime can be sad times for him.  If we had too much going on over the weekend, and he didn't get enough down time (especially time with Brent) he can be quite sad or complain of a stomach ache.  Last night, he was even to the point of tears.  From my estimation, he was worn out from the weekend and already a little overwhelmed by the week ahead.

This was my reality check: my son may not even be able to voice it, but I still need to help regulate his time and his commitments.  Just because he wants to play traveling basketball, does not mean that it's the right decision for him or for our family.  Even though he likes to play video games, and we both see it as his "down time", it is still stimulus and he needs breaks without screens.  Even though he's very responsible, he is still maturing and we need to guide him through these decisions.

I wish I could just wave a magic wand and make it all work out, or see in a crystal ball how each decision will play out.  But, I can't.  What I can do is pray for my boy, listen to my intuition as a mother (and fellow introvert), and list to his verbal and non-verbal cues.

Luke, I love you and am
so very proud of who you are

House Progress

I've gotten many questions about how the building process is going for us and I can truthfully say it's going great!

We're building a home in Stewartville, MN with Radcliffe Homes, a local Stewartville business.  Bob, our project manager, has been great to work with.  Even when we have run into little snags (and I truly mean little), he's quick to answer our questions and talk us through the process.

Brent and I have been doing a lot more shopping for interior finishes for the house and I'm so grateful we work so well together.  These appointments could be long, drawn out, crabby, and overwhelming, but instead they are fun and we have rarely had a hard time coming to a mutual decision!  We've worked with wonderful consultants at several local businesses who have been so helpful and I recommend them all.

• Ferguson Plumbing - Tracy is awesome
• Hutchinson Cabinets -  Kyle and his team make the cabinets right on site in their small shop
• Tile Superstore and More - Wanda was SO helpful in weeding through the MANY choices
• Northern Lights and Furnishings - We had the pleasure of working with Greg, the owner, and he was wonderful.  He even got us a bid within 24 hours!

Currently, everything that goes on behind the walls is being installed: plumbing, electrical, HVAC, sliding doors.  Then comes insulation to keep a Minnesota home nice and toasty:)

 

Without further adieu, pictures from last weekend...

Roof and windows installed and concrete
poured in the basement, garage, and front stoop
(the driveway and sidewalk will be poured in spring)
Luke's window is in front

View of the great room from the front door

View from front door down the stairs
 (yes, there will be railing:))

View of entrance and stairs to basement (right of door)
 from great room

Basement living room is the first three windows,
the last window will be a bedroom

Another view of the long, basement living room
The door on the left is to the utility/storage room

View from the back:
Top left: Nora's Room
Top middle 2: Living/Dining with door to future deck
Top right: Master
Bottom left: Bedroom
Bottom other 3: Living Room

We don't have an official move in date yet, but Bob is telling us late February/March 1.  It's really hard to believe this will actually be our home, but I'm sure we'll settle in with no problem once it's ready:)  

In the mean time, Brent's parents have welcomed us into their home and I think I can safely say that we've all adjusted to our "new normal".  

They're all enjoying their time together:)

"You Are Me, And More"

As I mentioned in a previous post, Nora and I saw The Good Dinosaur.  It was an adorable movie and I highly recommend it.

One of the quotes from the movie has stuck with me and actually tied into a post I was wanting to write.  In a conversation between Poppa dinosaur and Arlo (the young dinosaur and main character), Poppa was trying to encourage his son in finding a way to leave his mark on the world.  The dinosaurs were farmers (stick with me...I know this sounds strange) and each member of the family of five was working to "leave their mark" by doing something big for something bigger than themselves.  Arlo was feeling inadequate because he wasn't gifted in the same ways as his parents and siblings.  Poppa told him "you are me, and more".  I love this beautiful and simple statement.

This quote ties in perfectly with my thoughts on how quickly things change between generations in a family.  For instance, in terms of just education, there have been many changes since my grandparents' generations.  My maternal grandma was only able to finish school through eighth grade due to her family's circumstances.  My mom, her daughter, was able to attend technical school.  My sister and I were both able to finish college.  Big changes in just seventy years. Another thing I think about is overall opportunity.  My paternal grandparents were married young, had three kids pretty quickly, and lived with my grandma's uncle so they could all support each other farming.  I've heard that my grandma always wanted to be a teacher. But, opportunities for a young wife and mother in rural Minnesota to become a teacher were scarce if not nonexistent in the late 1940s.  In rural Minnesota, most post high school plans involved continuing to farm or enlisting in the military.  Farming was what they knew, it was a necessary livelihood for their family and the community, and there weren't many other opportunities.



This quote also makes me think of personality traits.  I can see many traits in myself that I learned or inherited from my parents and grandparents, but I also see where I have new-to-our-family traits that don't seem to link to my family.  Then of course there are physical attributes. I love looking at Luke and seeing how he is Brent's mini-me in so many ways, but that he is also his own unique person.

My wish for my own children is that they will take what we teach/leave/give them and do/be more.  I don't mean this as a pressure to our children to achieve, rather I look at their future with hopeful anticipation.  It's fun to think of who they will be and become and how they will be a part of continuing life, family, opportunity, education, and the list goes on!

And, just for fun, some pics to go with all of the family talk.

My mom's parents and brothers

My maternal grandparents with their granddaughters

My paternal grandparents with their first baby, Ruth
They look like babies themselves!

Just a few years later with their first three kids
They had three more children later

Early December Highlights

We've had a full and fun schedule to kick off December!

Saturday, December 5

• We met Bob (our builder...I know, "Bob the Builder"';)) for a walk through of the kitchen layout.  It's always fun to check out the details in person and to be able to ask Bob any questions we come up with.  Something has been clicking in my brain recently about the reality of actually living in this house we're building (I know, I can be slow sometimes).  I'm starting to day dream about what it will look like, how we'll use it daily, etc.  It's probably becoming more real to me as we pick out more finishes and the house layout comes to life in the process.
• Luke had two basketball games, one of which was tied in a buzzer beater to go to overtime and ultimately won in overtime.  It was a very exciting game and the boys played their little hearts out:)
• My parents, the kids, and I attempted to check out the Oxbow Zoodazzle.  But, when we saw the line of cars waiting to get in, we bailed and decided to check out the lights in downtown Rochester.  It was a beautiful night to walk around with the kids and we even ran into my mom's friend and former coworker with her husband, daughter and grandkids. 

Taking in the lights downtown

Sunday, December 6

I headed to visit my dear friend, Liz, for lunch and some shopping. We explored the adorable Afton, MN with lunch at Sail Away Cafe and shopping in some cute shops: Eye Candy REfind and 3:17 Vintage Furniture and Home Decor.  I'm so glad Liz suggested it!  I'll definitely have fun doing some shopping in both places once we're moved into our new place.

Monday, December 7

• I'm currently participating in a clinical study at Mayo Clinic and I had a day full of tests so I took the day off work.  The huge perk was that all of the tests were done in one place and I got to hang out and relax all day in the same bed while watching movies and dozing on and off:)  They even fed me lunch after everything was done (I was fasting for the tests).  Call me crazy, but being a patient (thankfully a healthy patient) was pretty relaxing.  Even the pokes weren't bad:)
• Since I was incapacitated for the day, Brent took the day off to be parent on duty for the regular stuff (like getting Luke to school, etc) and to just hang out with Nora for the day.  Nora loved having his undivided attention for the day!
• Monday evening, Nora and I went to a PAIIR Movie Night to see Curious George 3 in the Hoover Elementary School gym.  She and I have been to two movie nights with PAIIR and it's always a good time:)

Wednesday, December 9

I surprised Brent and Luke with tickets to the Timberwolves vs Lakers game.  Brent has been a big fan of Kobe Bryant since he was drafted into the NBA from high school in 1996.  Brent's seen him play once before, but I wanted him and Luke to experience a game together during Kobe's last season in the NBA (he's retiring).  They had a fun night out, but the Lakers aren't great this year, so they lost in overtime.


Thursday,  December 10

A typical Thursday night with Brent's city league basketball game.  I've always loved watching him play and it's fun to watch him as a family.  After basketball it was my turn to head out to bunco!  I'm in a league that plays once a month.  It's always a fun night out with good treats, catching up with friends, and rolling dice:)

Friday,  December 11

• Our super responsible boy had an orthodontic check after three months of living without braces and with a retainer.  I had the appointment on the calendar, but he was the one that remembered he needed to bring his retainer to the appointment.  I'm telling you, this boy is a gem!  Also, he had a great check up and wears his retainer regularly (again, his doing, we don't even remind him).
• Nora and I had a Friday with nothing planned...that VERY rarely happens.  We had a voucher to see The Good Dinosaur, and Nora loved it!  I needed a potty break during the movie and she said "Hurry, we're missing my favorite movie!"  Something about dinosaurs have been very interesting to her recently:)

Saturday, December 12

• A friend asked if I wanted to help with their holiday baking day so I joined in the fun:)  It was especially fun to see the recipes she had planned.  I especially loved the Vanilla Bean Angel Pillows and will need to make more!
• Twas a Saturday, therefore Luke had two basketball games.  It's a busy time of year with basketball, but definitely fun too:)
• Brent and I had an appointment at the Tile Superstore and More to check out flooring and countertop options.  If you've never been, this store is huge!  We were very grateful for Wanda's help in narrowing down our choices, answering many questions, and guiding us through the process.  We landed on a laminate wood floor (main living space), granite counter top (kitchen), and tile (mudroom/laundry and bathrooms).  We're still waiting on the bid to make final decisions, but we really liked what we picked.  Brent and I have both enjoyed working together on picking finishes for the new house, but I think getting this behind us was the biggest relief for me.  I feel like now that we have these large decisions, it will help guide other decisions (like coordinating colors, etc).  Again, we're so very grateful for Wanda!
• My parents, sister, and neice decided to head to Sibley Park in Mankato to check out the Kiwanis Holiday Lights Saturday evening and they invited Nora along.  It looked like a very fun outing from the pictures Bridget took and it was a warm night for exploring the park.  Nora loved it!
• Brent and Luke spent the evening watching MMA fights at Troy's house.

Kiwanis Holiday Lights

Sunday,  December 13

• After a morning at church, I met my friend, Laura, for an afternoon out.  We started with lunch at Nupa, one of my local favs, then took in a show at the Rochester Civic Theatre.  We saw It's A Wonderful Life and it was great!  Such a lovely story at Christmas time:)

High Five for Friday

#1: Nora the Night Owl

Since day one, Nora has needed less sleep than Luke.  She's also proven as a toddler to be quite a night owl.  We used to put her to bed earlier than Luke, but decided about a year ago that she may as well go to bed at the same time since she was never asleep by the time we put Luke to bed.  So, she and Luke go to bed around 9pm.  Luke is usually sleeping by 9:30pm, but Nora sits in bed reading books, singing songs, and chattering until 10:30/11pm regularly.  Recently we started thinking we needed to shorten her naps to help her fall asleep earlier.  But then we got another idea:  limit the number of books she can have in bed so she's not as distracted by the large pile of books next to/in her bed.  The other night, I told her she could only bring three books to bed.  Her response: "Really?  Thanks Mommy!"  She didn't even realize it was a restriction:)

#2:  Kobe Game

Brent and I do not give each other gifts regularly (like holidays or birthdays).  We figure being married to each other is gift enough;)  Not exactly...but we do surprise each other every once in a while with something special.  This week I got one of those special ideas for Brent!  Kobe Bryant, a professional basketball player for the LA Lakers, announced that he will be retiring after this season.  Brent has been a fan of Kobe from the beginning: 1996 when he was drafted by from High School into the NBA. He has seen him play once in person...until this coming week:)  I got Brent and Luke tickets to the Timberwolves/Lakers game on December 9 at the Target Center.  I am SO excited for them to go!

#3:  Starting a Bible Reading Accountability Group

I am so grateful for my friend, Laura, for many reasons.  This past week, she asked myself and a few other friends if we wanted to start a Bible reading accountability group.  We follow a reading plan for the month and check in daily online with our thoughts about the passage.  It's such a great way to keep me on track with reading and studying the Word.  I'm loving the routine and accountability already!

#4:  Luke's Haircut

Our boy has been growing his hair since fall 2014.  He had a couple trims throughout the year, but he always wanted to keep the length.  Thanksgiving weekend Brent and Luke talked about cutting the sides and back shorter and Luke agreed!  We all love the cut, including Luke:)

Check out the difference a year made:

Third Grade - Fall 2014

Fourth Grade - Fall 2015

Before and after his haircut last weekend:

 #5:  Date Night

We don't do it often, but oh how sweet it is when we do:)  Dinner at Five West to share my favorite nachos and a free night stay at a local hotel.  What a nice retreat.  Sometimes in the midst of life, I forget how much I enjoy talking to my husband:)

High Five for Friday

#1: Thanksgiving

We were blessed with the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with my cousin, Jamie, and her husband, Matt, who traveled from California for the long weekend.  We only get to see each other every year or two so it's always special to see them.

I also got to congratulate my grandparents on their 6th wedding anniversary last week:)

All in all, Thanksgiving is just a lovely day in my mind.  Love the time with family, good food, and time to intentionally reflect on the many blessings in our lives.

More pics on Facebook.

My loves

Awww!

#2: A Life Intercepted

I finished reading A Life Intercepted, by Charles Martin.  He's one of my favorite authors.   This wasn't one of my favorite books of his, but still a good read.  The author's note at the end of the book warmed my heart though.  Charles wrote the book as a way to share with his high school aged son that football is not what defines you as a person or your value.  I am not big on football, but I appreciate this perspective as a parent and spouse of a player.

Here are some quotes that I appreciated from the book.  All were referring to football, but I think they have very good implications for life in general.

Quotes:

If you want to succeed out there, you've got to risk failure. ... A lot of players equate losing with failure. ... But losing and failing are not the same thing.  Play this game long enough, and you will lose. ... Every time you step on to any field, you have a fifty-fifty shot at losing or winning.  So get over the numbers, they are not the measure of your value. ... Don't buy into the lie that says you don't count if you don't win.


I couldn't change my circumstances, but I had a lot to say about who I was in the midst of them.  And who I became.


The only thing you have control over is how hard you work, so if it's in your heart to be good at this, don't let anyone out work you.  And when somebody beats you -- because they will -- well...good for them.  Tell them. ...  Your performance on Friday night is not the measure of you value as a man come Saturday through Thursday.


Forgiveness offered -- especially when so undeserved -- cuts chains off the human heart that no other power in the universe anywhere can rattle much less break.  Love does what hatred could not and never will.


The wonder and majesty that is football is not what you accomplish in solitary feats of greatness,  but who you get to play it with.  The heart of football is found in the huddle -- not the highlight reel.

#3: Five Day Weekend

I really like my job, but I also like a break from the routine.  This week I had off Wednesday through Sunday for the holiday.  It's been lovely staying up late, waking without an alarm, freedom in schedule to do what we like when we like.  Brent even took a four day weekend to join us:)

#4:  The House

As of today, we have a shingled roof!  According to Brent, next the steps are completing the electrical and plumbing in the basement, then pouring the concrete in the basement, then windows.  I'm excited for windows:)  I like to see the obvious progress;)

#5:  Ladies' Morning

Last weekend, my aunt and cousin came to do some shopping at the Mayo Clinic Employee Craft Show and have lunch with my mom, sister and I.  It's always so nice to have excuses to get together:)