Oh gosh - life has been seriously hectic.... I have a video below of one of my favorite things this week. But to catch you up on what's been happening since my last post
1. Dad's party, August 20th - complete success and lots of fun!
2. Eli's 3rd birthday, September 25th - theme: Clifford the Big Red Dog and we had a book party so we have lots of new books to read (yay!)
3. Beautiful Women's Conference at our church - TONS of work and how I spent most of my free time over the past two months. It was sooo worth it, just a bit time consuming. I actual have a post Beautiful list that I am now working on. All the things that got pushed aside while preparing for the conference. Hence, this post! And getting together with friends whom I have neglected (sorry friends!)
Eli has been singing a lot lately - here he is singing one of his favorite songs from church in the bathtub called "I'm Not Ashamed" by Hillsong.
Lyric Translation:
I'm Not Ashamed of the Gospel Lord
Your power and Your love saved my soul
Now I'm alive in You
I live in the risen son
(repeat, repeat, repeat!)
I also like 2 other things: Dirty Jobs and Tim's iPad. So, now I am going to go watch an episode on the iPad in bed... night! I will try harder to post more often!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Working and Parties and Fairs - Oh My!
Once again, it's been too long....
I do have a "remodel" update to post but it's not quite done - maybe next week?
For now, just a quick update on what's been happening.
Dad's early 60th Birthday Party coming this Saturday. Tim and I have spent a lot of time out at mom and dad's place preparing for the big event. The guys have done "big" projects and mom and I have really focused on her garden, and cleaning. Cleaning windows on an older farm house isn't exactly easy. They don't have screens on the windows so we had to get out a drill and unscrew the storm windows from the outside and then clean all the windows, then screw them all back in. Once we got the hang of it, it didn't take long, but it took us a while to gain motivation and know how! A big shout out to mom for just grabbing the drill and going for it!
The guys have successfully moved dirt, dad put down rock, the two of them built a deck and did some sheet rocking in the basement! But the place looks gorgeous, there will be lots of seating and some projects they have talked about accomplishing are now done! I love the way "company" motivates us all to finish things. It's a good incentive!
Why are we doing this party now? Well, dad turns 60 in November, but we thought it wise to do it while it's nice, not snowing and still warm enough to utilize outdoor seating. For those of you who have been to mom and dads, there house is awesome, but not large enough to host 60 guests! And frankly, not sure if I know anyone who is set up indoors to do so, without renting an alternate location!
So, here's to the party! Dad's siblings, friends and business partners all plan to come and celebrate. Ryan, Genny, Tim and I will probably be the youngest ones there but we are on "staff" for the day to help with whatever needs to be done!
We also went to the Turner County Fair this week with Eli. We love this fair over Sioux Falls' because it's small town, free, very friendly and food/rides are very reasonably priced. We went earlier in the week and earlier in the day this year which proved to be the best decision we have made re: this annual outing. We normally go end of week after Tim gets off work. This year we went on Tuesday and left Sioux Falls around 4pm (takes 30 minutes to get there). It wasn't nearly as busy and Eli could literally get off a ride and get in line to get right back on with no wait time. We all liked that! More rides and more bang for our buck (Grandparents bought E a wristband for unlimited riding!) Eli also got to experience his first snow cone, first fair prize (light up sword) and a car ride he went on about 75% of the time we were there! Tim and I enjoyed the usual: Indian Tacos, Chislic, Funnel Cakes! Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy!
Hope all is well - I plan to blog in a few days about another thought that's been on my mind. I will forewarn you that it's more of a shameless plug for some needy children. Be on the lookout!
I do have a "remodel" update to post but it's not quite done - maybe next week?
For now, just a quick update on what's been happening.
Dad's early 60th Birthday Party coming this Saturday. Tim and I have spent a lot of time out at mom and dad's place preparing for the big event. The guys have done "big" projects and mom and I have really focused on her garden, and cleaning. Cleaning windows on an older farm house isn't exactly easy. They don't have screens on the windows so we had to get out a drill and unscrew the storm windows from the outside and then clean all the windows, then screw them all back in. Once we got the hang of it, it didn't take long, but it took us a while to gain motivation and know how! A big shout out to mom for just grabbing the drill and going for it!
The guys have successfully moved dirt, dad put down rock, the two of them built a deck and did some sheet rocking in the basement! But the place looks gorgeous, there will be lots of seating and some projects they have talked about accomplishing are now done! I love the way "company" motivates us all to finish things. It's a good incentive!
Why are we doing this party now? Well, dad turns 60 in November, but we thought it wise to do it while it's nice, not snowing and still warm enough to utilize outdoor seating. For those of you who have been to mom and dads, there house is awesome, but not large enough to host 60 guests! And frankly, not sure if I know anyone who is set up indoors to do so, without renting an alternate location!
So, here's to the party! Dad's siblings, friends and business partners all plan to come and celebrate. Ryan, Genny, Tim and I will probably be the youngest ones there but we are on "staff" for the day to help with whatever needs to be done!
We also went to the Turner County Fair this week with Eli. We love this fair over Sioux Falls' because it's small town, free, very friendly and food/rides are very reasonably priced. We went earlier in the week and earlier in the day this year which proved to be the best decision we have made re: this annual outing. We normally go end of week after Tim gets off work. This year we went on Tuesday and left Sioux Falls around 4pm (takes 30 minutes to get there). It wasn't nearly as busy and Eli could literally get off a ride and get in line to get right back on with no wait time. We all liked that! More rides and more bang for our buck (Grandparents bought E a wristband for unlimited riding!) Eli also got to experience his first snow cone, first fair prize (light up sword) and a car ride he went on about 75% of the time we were there! Tim and I enjoyed the usual: Indian Tacos, Chislic, Funnel Cakes! Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy!
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| Testing the camera :) |
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| Petting the kittens |
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| CARS!!! |
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| Carousel with Dad! |
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| Dinosaur ride - this went round and round AND lifted up in the air. |
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| First Sno Cone |
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| Car Ride Again |
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| Outta here! Notice how he has to push the stroller rather than ride in it. |
Hope all is well - I plan to blog in a few days about another thought that's been on my mind. I will forewarn you that it's more of a shameless plug for some needy children. Be on the lookout!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Let the home projects begin
Okay,
So I have been promising home projects and because it's summer and nice out, not much time is being spent indoors to get things done. However, I did find an hour or two to spruce up our upstairs bathroom today. A few things to know about it:
- The only room in the house that hasn't been totally redone
- It's very 70's ish - complete with shell sink (see below)
- My color scheme was off
So, everything in my house is warm fall colors (rust, mustard, sage, etc.) except for the bathroom. It's tan and I had a green blue shower curtain, sea foam green rugs, and some really old pictures. Probably had this bath set for about 6 years.
My mother in law recently shopped for a new shower curtain (and by recently I mean 9 months ago!) and gave me one she purchased and couldn't return, because she didn't care for it. I love it, it matched the rest of my decor and I have just failed to put it up because I knew I had to then get new rugs, towels and artwork - which can add up.
Cue birthday money (gift card to Target) and a few good clearance deals and we have a NEW Bathroom. Granted, we still need a new vanity, sink and light fixture, but our house (like almost everyone's) is a constant work in progress.
Here are some before pictures:
And here are the AFTERs:
Stay tuned.... I hope to paint my pantry and closet this weekend. If I get to it. I promise to post pics!
Other things we hope to accomplish: Staining the deck in the next month. Finishing our wood floors on the stairs and hallway upstairs. These are both more involved!
Hope you all had a GREAT July!
So I have been promising home projects and because it's summer and nice out, not much time is being spent indoors to get things done. However, I did find an hour or two to spruce up our upstairs bathroom today. A few things to know about it:
- The only room in the house that hasn't been totally redone
- It's very 70's ish - complete with shell sink (see below)
- My color scheme was off
So, everything in my house is warm fall colors (rust, mustard, sage, etc.) except for the bathroom. It's tan and I had a green blue shower curtain, sea foam green rugs, and some really old pictures. Probably had this bath set for about 6 years.
My mother in law recently shopped for a new shower curtain (and by recently I mean 9 months ago!) and gave me one she purchased and couldn't return, because she didn't care for it. I love it, it matched the rest of my decor and I have just failed to put it up because I knew I had to then get new rugs, towels and artwork - which can add up.
Cue birthday money (gift card to Target) and a few good clearance deals and we have a NEW Bathroom. Granted, we still need a new vanity, sink and light fixture, but our house (like almost everyone's) is a constant work in progress.
Here are some before pictures:
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| Baby Blue, Sea Foam Green, and White Curtain/Green Rugs |
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| Pictures are nice, but very water spotted as they are in the bathroom and have no glass on them |
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| This picture is well.... outdated but it matched so I kept it up |
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| This is the lovely shell sink. In person it's like a faded nasty yellowish color |
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| And the simple light fixture - both the sink and fixture stay for now, but will be replaced some day |
And here are the AFTERs:
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| Colorful curtain in my classic decorating colors, new black rugs which bring out the black diamonds on the floor |
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| These mirrors were on Clearance at Target. I subscribe to some design blogs and apparently decorating with multiple mirrors of all shapes and sizes is all the rave. I wanted to do this in the bathroom so felt really blessed when I got to Target and found the last two mirrors on clearance! I thought about antiquing these as well but have to research how to do that! |
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| This wall now has no picture. I have ideas but haven't found what I like, I would love to buy some fabric that accents the curtain and frame it on this wall.... still searching. For now, it's a blank canvas. |
Other things we hope to accomplish: Staining the deck in the next month. Finishing our wood floors on the stairs and hallway upstairs. These are both more involved!
Hope you all had a GREAT July!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
The Pool
I love the pool! The weather has been super duper hot here the last few days. The only way you can play outside and enjoy it is if you go to the pool! So, that is where we have spent our evenings. It's so fun to see Eli jumping through fountains and sliding down slides. He is much more outgoing in the water this year. Last year he was a little "cautious" which was a bit frustrating for me, I must say. I just wanted him to swim and jump because I knew how much fun he could be having. So, this year, it's awesome to see him enjoying the play areas and even the other kids.
One thing he totally doesn't get is lines. At the sides, I say "Get in line honey" He just stands there and lets all the kids keep walking in front of him and when there is a brief break in the action, he finally brings up the rear and is the last kid down. Although he doesn't seem to mind! I jsut tell him, "Stand behind this little girl/boy and after they go, you can go." But if another child approaches, he just moves out of the way and lets them in! It's really quite sweet that he is thinking of others (at least that's what I like to believe!) but it also leaves me a bit baffled because the other kids are pushing, shoving and cutting in line, which is what I fully expected him to be. That's just normal kid behavior.
Anywho, I know I promised home projects and they will come. On the list, painting pantries and closets on the main level, a step we skipped when we moved in. But I am really looking forward to this one: Painting Eli's dresser. May sound boring to some, but I bought a nice oak dresser at an antique shop. It was inexpensive and little beat up, but very sturdy and I thought it would be a good starter for him. So, we use it and it works great but I have been inspired to paint it a sunny yellow (Banana Split is the paint color). There isn't a lot of yellow in his room, just hints of it here and there so I thought that would be fun to accent with. And it sits in front of his window which dons chocolate brown curtains - so it will really pop! I subscribe to a few home remodel, design blogs and seeing what some have done with dressers got me thinking.... It may flop, but I will journal all of my progress. More on that in a few weeks!
Tim is gone for a week. He is chaperoning our youth group to Youth Camp in Oklahoma. We are in between youth pastors and since he used to be our youth pastor, they asked him to fill in. It's a lot of work driving, overseeing and being the man in charge of the teenagers for a week. He's fully capable, but it really is exhausting. So, please keep them in your prayers this week if you think of it. Also, the heat down there is in the 105 degree range and they do spend time outdoors in the afternoons. So, pray for safety, strength and SLEEP!!!
One thing he totally doesn't get is lines. At the sides, I say "Get in line honey" He just stands there and lets all the kids keep walking in front of him and when there is a brief break in the action, he finally brings up the rear and is the last kid down. Although he doesn't seem to mind! I jsut tell him, "Stand behind this little girl/boy and after they go, you can go." But if another child approaches, he just moves out of the way and lets them in! It's really quite sweet that he is thinking of others (at least that's what I like to believe!) but it also leaves me a bit baffled because the other kids are pushing, shoving and cutting in line, which is what I fully expected him to be. That's just normal kid behavior.
Anywho, I know I promised home projects and they will come. On the list, painting pantries and closets on the main level, a step we skipped when we moved in. But I am really looking forward to this one: Painting Eli's dresser. May sound boring to some, but I bought a nice oak dresser at an antique shop. It was inexpensive and little beat up, but very sturdy and I thought it would be a good starter for him. So, we use it and it works great but I have been inspired to paint it a sunny yellow (Banana Split is the paint color). There isn't a lot of yellow in his room, just hints of it here and there so I thought that would be fun to accent with. And it sits in front of his window which dons chocolate brown curtains - so it will really pop! I subscribe to a few home remodel, design blogs and seeing what some have done with dressers got me thinking.... It may flop, but I will journal all of my progress. More on that in a few weeks!
Tim is gone for a week. He is chaperoning our youth group to Youth Camp in Oklahoma. We are in between youth pastors and since he used to be our youth pastor, they asked him to fill in. It's a lot of work driving, overseeing and being the man in charge of the teenagers for a week. He's fully capable, but it really is exhausting. So, please keep them in your prayers this week if you think of it. Also, the heat down there is in the 105 degree range and they do spend time outdoors in the afternoons. So, pray for safety, strength and SLEEP!!!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Bad Blogger
I just thought I would take a moment to confess that I am a bad blogger because I haven't posted in several weeks now.
So, here is quick fill in on what's been happening.
Coming back from vacation in June was like the harshest reality check I have had in a while. I am not sure what caused it but was thinking that it was the first vacation I took since taking on two part time jobs. So, I think coming back and getting into the swing of both jobs and house cleaning and all the other mom/wife duties just took me for a loop. Which also testifies to the fact that we really did a whole lot of nothing on vacation, exactly what was needed! But my mind wasn't ready to engage so quickly into a normal routine!
After that it was just busy! Tim and I both have been busy at work and putting in extra hours, making our time together pretty slim.
And before we knew it the Kole Family Reunion had arrived! That was a great time of connection and fun! It was so good to catch up with family and see the kids play. Rook was my favorite, so a huge thank you to the youngest Roskamp cousin for bringing cards! I hadn't played in years and it's one of my all time favorite card games!
So, since then, we came home to a very sick puppy. She is finally on the mend. Stella stayed with Tim's mom over the weekend of the reunion and she ate their doggies food (which she has done many times before). The vet said she just had a reaction to it which ensued uncontrollable diarrhea for several days. Poor girl! She was quarantined to the outdoor areas for several days. I think she is finally over it, on an antibiotic and special rice/chicken diet! I gave her another bath today (fourth time this week!) and think that should be the last one for a while. I have some friend that are groomers and they are going to supply me with some ointment to help with the "rawness" factor (enough said about that!)
Hope you are all amazing and that you have a very happy Fourth of July! We plan to chill out as much as possible this week because Tim is leaving next Sunday to take 9 kids from our church youth group to Oklahoma City for Youth Camp for a week! Back in the saddle of youth ministry for a week :)......
Much love,
C
p.s. I am going to take on some remodel projects here soon (some of them firsts!) so will post pictures and progress!
So, here is quick fill in on what's been happening.
Coming back from vacation in June was like the harshest reality check I have had in a while. I am not sure what caused it but was thinking that it was the first vacation I took since taking on two part time jobs. So, I think coming back and getting into the swing of both jobs and house cleaning and all the other mom/wife duties just took me for a loop. Which also testifies to the fact that we really did a whole lot of nothing on vacation, exactly what was needed! But my mind wasn't ready to engage so quickly into a normal routine!
After that it was just busy! Tim and I both have been busy at work and putting in extra hours, making our time together pretty slim.
And before we knew it the Kole Family Reunion had arrived! That was a great time of connection and fun! It was so good to catch up with family and see the kids play. Rook was my favorite, so a huge thank you to the youngest Roskamp cousin for bringing cards! I hadn't played in years and it's one of my all time favorite card games!
So, since then, we came home to a very sick puppy. She is finally on the mend. Stella stayed with Tim's mom over the weekend of the reunion and she ate their doggies food (which she has done many times before). The vet said she just had a reaction to it which ensued uncontrollable diarrhea for several days. Poor girl! She was quarantined to the outdoor areas for several days. I think she is finally over it, on an antibiotic and special rice/chicken diet! I gave her another bath today (fourth time this week!) and think that should be the last one for a while. I have some friend that are groomers and they are going to supply me with some ointment to help with the "rawness" factor (enough said about that!)
Hope you are all amazing and that you have a very happy Fourth of July! We plan to chill out as much as possible this week because Tim is leaving next Sunday to take 9 kids from our church youth group to Oklahoma City for Youth Camp for a week! Back in the saddle of youth ministry for a week :)......
Much love,
C
p.s. I am going to take on some remodel projects here soon (some of them firsts!) so will post pictures and progress!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Vacation
Well, one of the things I like is VACATION! We recently took a trip out to the Black Hills. Tim's grandfather has a cabin up in the mountians by Hills City. We got to stay there which was awesome. It's beautiful, quiet 2 bedroom cabin with a full living room and kitchen with running water and all the appliances you need. So, we set up shop, cooked there, slept there, played there and of course did some sightseeing as well.
We went to Old McDonald's Farm - a petting zoo/farm place where you can get up close and personal with the farm animals, complete with pig races, tractor rides and pony rides. Best part is that one day's admission (about $10 a person) is good for three consecutive days. So, you can enjoy it more than once. We also went to the Ellsworth Air Force Base Air Show (free admission, expensive food!) and Evans Plunge (I don't recommend this pool/waterpark). All in all we had a great time and spent our evenings relaxing in the quiet mountains.
We had beautiful weather - 70's in the daytime and 40's at night - perfect! But what most of you want is pictures - so here are a few! (couldn't figure out how to rotate a few of them, so do the "head tilt")
We went to Old McDonald's Farm - a petting zoo/farm place where you can get up close and personal with the farm animals, complete with pig races, tractor rides and pony rides. Best part is that one day's admission (about $10 a person) is good for three consecutive days. So, you can enjoy it more than once. We also went to the Ellsworth Air Force Base Air Show (free admission, expensive food!) and Evans Plunge (I don't recommend this pool/waterpark). All in all we had a great time and spent our evenings relaxing in the quiet mountains.
We had beautiful weather - 70's in the daytime and 40's at night - perfect! But what most of you want is pictures - so here are a few! (couldn't figure out how to rotate a few of them, so do the "head tilt")
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| Happy to be at the cabin |
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| Picking up pine cones |
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| Playing with his favorite cars |
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| In front of the cabin sign |
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| Fishing |
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| Dad showing E the ropes |
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| Petting the baby goats |
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| Feeding the goats |
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| Pony ride at Old McDonald's Farm |
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| A tractor/train ride (his favorite part!) |
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| Chillaxin' in the hammock at the cabin |
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| Photo op with dad! |
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| Posing for the camera |
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| Photo op with mom! |
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| Having fun together... |
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Great friends
We feel so blessed to have some amazing friendships with co-workers, family and people we worship with at church. They afford us opportunities to build relationships, expand our mindset, challenge our thinking.... and occassionally do something we never would have been able to.
Tonight, a friend of ours from church, who is a pilot and flies F-16's, allowed Tim and Eli to come out and watch the planes take off. The boys had a great time! Tim also got to invite some co-workers and their kids. Although I was not able to go, I am so glad "the boys" could spend some quality time together watching the planes! I talked to Eli on the phone afterward and he was clearly excited, telling me all about the planes and how they had to go to bed, so sadly they were on their way home to see me! It was priceless.... And since a picture is worth more than a thousand words....
Eli is sitting on our friend's lap (Josh) inside an observatory vehicle. Tim's co-workers are taking a photo opp on the passenger side :) Even Tim was grinning ear to ear when he got home!
Tonight, a friend of ours from church, who is a pilot and flies F-16's, allowed Tim and Eli to come out and watch the planes take off. The boys had a great time! Tim also got to invite some co-workers and their kids. Although I was not able to go, I am so glad "the boys" could spend some quality time together watching the planes! I talked to Eli on the phone afterward and he was clearly excited, telling me all about the planes and how they had to go to bed, so sadly they were on their way home to see me! It was priceless.... And since a picture is worth more than a thousand words....
Eli is sitting on our friend's lap (Josh) inside an observatory vehicle. Tim's co-workers are taking a photo opp on the passenger side :) Even Tim was grinning ear to ear when he got home!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Eli's Music
We had some open houses to go to this past week and spent a little time in the car. Eli loves music and that is something I adore about him. He loves to drum and when he doesn't have drums in front of him, he plays the air drums. Lately though, he has been starting to sing alot and make up songs. He catches lyrics pretty quickly.
Please excuse the video quality -it's from my phone :( That's a whole 'notha story
Here he is in the car this past weekend singing: Something Holy by Stellar Kart
Please excuse the video quality -it's from my phone :( That's a whole 'notha story
Here he is in the car this past weekend singing: Something Holy by Stellar Kart
Friday, May 13, 2011
Reading
Well another thing I have really started to enjoy is reading. I got a Kindle this past Fall, right before Thanksgiving and that pretty much sealed my love for reading. The books are cheaper and the device is portable (not that books aren't, but multiple books on one device is ideal) which makes it easier to bring everywhere.
I have read a lot of great books in the last 6 months, but the most recent I have read and really loved is called: Unplanned. This book is about a gal who used to work for Planned Parenthood, a pro-choice Christian, and loved the work she did there. However, after a change in her life and the company, she is now pro-life. It follows her journey through several years of this process of change. I am always a sucker for true stories, so this was right up my alley!
I encourage everyone to give this book a chance if you're a reader. No matter which side of the "fence" you are on, you are bound to learn some new things about the other side. I know I did!
The next book I want to read is called: Signs of Life. Another true story.....
I have read a lot of great books in the last 6 months, but the most recent I have read and really loved is called: Unplanned. This book is about a gal who used to work for Planned Parenthood, a pro-choice Christian, and loved the work she did there. However, after a change in her life and the company, she is now pro-life. It follows her journey through several years of this process of change. I am always a sucker for true stories, so this was right up my alley!
I encourage everyone to give this book a chance if you're a reader. No matter which side of the "fence" you are on, you are bound to learn some new things about the other side. I know I did!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Easter
I think quality time is one of my love languages so I really liked the Saturday prior to Easter. We spent the whole day at home coloring eggs, making cookies and having a bunch of quality time together. The next morning we hunted eggs and Eli kindly posed for a few pictures before we had to get ready to head to church.
And of course I like Easter - is there anything to be more thankful for? We spent the remainder of the morning at church celebrating the Freedom we have in Him!
And of course I like Easter - is there anything to be more thankful for? We spent the remainder of the morning at church celebrating the Freedom we have in Him!
It's official
Well, I am taking the plunge.... stay tuned for pics, updates and a random post or two about things I like.
Things I like will simply focus around things in my life that I like (deep huh?). It will be good for me at the end of a long and busy day or week, to sit down and focus on something I liked about it. I hate to admit that I lean towards the negative at times. Call this part therapy, part hobby!
I don't want it to be complicated or deep, just fun and lighthearted. Hopefully some of the things I like, you'll like too!
Things I like will simply focus around things in my life that I like (deep huh?). It will be good for me at the end of a long and busy day or week, to sit down and focus on something I liked about it. I hate to admit that I lean towards the negative at times. Call this part therapy, part hobby!
I don't want it to be complicated or deep, just fun and lighthearted. Hopefully some of the things I like, you'll like too!
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