Issues and the New year

Hi there.

Merry (belated) Christmas! We enjoyed a nice time visiting my family in WI and despite all of us coming down with a 24 hour bug, we had a great time. It’s been nice to be home though getting things back in order and of course playing with all of our new things.

Elizabeth is *obsessed* with her new baby doll and stroller that we gave her. She learned the word baby in about 5 seconds flat and now spends her days getting frustrated over the buckle on the stroller and yelling “baby”. It’s hilarious and equally maddening to say the least.

First things first…something is going on with the blog. SO if you normally come to the blog via www.comeabide.com things are looking crazy so you’ll have to bear with me while I fix the glitch. You can find the whole site at the old address: www.comeabide.blogspot.com

And now back to the holidays and the fact that 2014 is just a day away.

Life with a toddler means that we will be hunkered down at home tomorrow night but hopefully I’ll get my act together and make some delicious meal for us. I already have New Year’s Day brunch planned out so we shall see.

But one thing I do have planned out for 2014 is my word of the year. Last year on a whim I decided to join Layla at The Lettered Cottage in choosing a word of 2013. I chose “Grace”. If anything this word has been on my heart, in my mind, on my lips all throughout the year. Not only do I feel like I’ve learned not only to receive and give grace but accept it as well.

A couple of months ago I began thinking of a word I wanted to focus on for 2014. The one that kept coming to mind was “Prudent”. I’m not hoping to transform myself into the 21st century version of the word but instead the Biblical attribute. I need to grow in prudence; becoming a forward thinker, being wise about what’s to come, and using discernment and forethought. I’ve always been more spontaneous and impulsive and though that’s great for a million reasons there are some things that would be improved upon if I used some more prudence.

PROVERBS 13:16 “In everything the prudent acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.”

Going into the year, I never thought choosing a word to work through, focus on, or grasp would be as beneficial as it was. I found that having one thing, in my Bible reading, my studies, my mothering, etc. to think through or focus on was such a blessing. The word GRACE is atop a shelf in my office/craft room and it’s been right where my eyes focus. I’m not about to change the word to PRUDE for 2014 but I will be trying to find other ways to focus my attention on growing in wisdom and discernment.

Join me?

Merry Christmas!

This year Christmas has looked and felt a little different. Piles of cabinet doors, finishing touches, pulling in our purse strings and a thousand little decisions have vied for our attention. And unfortunately our attention at times has not been solely focused on the birth of Jesus.

While our stockings were hung to commemorate St. Nicholas, our advent felt tree was up, and our stacks of Christmas books were out and read over and over again, sometimes our heart is just a bit amiss.

This time of year has felt a lot like we’ve been going through the motions because in some ways we have. Family struggles, the busyness of the season, and trying to finish our house have seemingly gotten in the way of celebrating the way we think we ought to. But just knowing that  carols have been sung and we’ve talked and talked and talked about the baby Jesus due to our many nativity sets around the house gives me grace to know that at least the story has been heard even if in small snippets throughout the day.

Somehow I always think the Christmas season will look for us like something straight of Pinterest with advent readings every night and some fantastic Christmas craft each day and our hearts always in the right place. And then I’m reminded as I have been throughout this year as a whole that the vision I have in mind is not always the vision that takes place.

And I give myself grace.

Because happily ever after and a perfectly executed Christmas and advent season isn’t what we’re after and neither is it, I imagine, what God wants for us either. Because right now, throughout advent and this season, I’m seeing grace anew, and that’s one thing that’s only possible because of the advent season we’re walking through right now. Without the birth of Jesus, grace wouldn’t have come.

Praying the grace of Jesus will find you this Christmas and you will know, as angels sing victoriously in the heavens, that Jesus is the Lord.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

photo by Leah Fontaine

On St. Nicholas

Growing up their was one occasion in December that we as kids anticipated almost as much as Christmas Day. And that was the eve when St. Nicholas came! On December 5th, at our house, St. Nicholas “would come” and we would receive treats and toys in our stockings.

After reading this on Wikipedia, it makes sense why so many did this in WI. Given our German heritage and protestant background it’s no wonder. We also hide a pickle ornament on our Christmas tree…do any others do this? Friends of ours recently had a German exchange student and unfortunately this is an entirely made up American thing. No German ties whatsoever.

Last year I wrote about our thoughts on Santa, and while they remain the same this year, Alex and I would both love to continue the tradition of St. Nicholas. And no, their will be no thought that St. Nicholas really came, it will be more of a purposeful and fun learning opportunity of who the real St. Nicholas was and how he gave gifts to the poor. Hopefully as Elizabeth grows this will also allow for a great opportunity to give as well.

After polling Facebook I came away with these great books to help our learning of St. Nicholas to grow. I haven't’ read any of them yet but look forward to searching them out and reading through them.

1. The Secret of St. Nicholas

2. The Legend of St. Nicholas

3. Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend

So join us tonight in hanging your stockings and teaching your kids about the real origin of Santa Claus:) He originated through the story of St. Nicholas, the saint who took gifts and set them in the shoes of children.

Great post on The Art of Simple on St. Nick and why and how to celebrate. Hits all my sentiments on the head:)

http://theartofsimple.net/st-nicholas-the-real-santa-claus/

Favorite things for a snowy winter

It’s been a long time since I’ve written about some of my favorites and as someone who has grown up in the snowy Midwest I thought it may be fun to make a list of my favorites for surviving the winter. I’ll be honest that after 8 years of nannying and now having our own little one, my favorites tend to be pretty practical. When it is blustering cold out and snow is everywhere, usefulness and practicality trump trendiness and fashion, although I hope these are not too utilitarian.

Ever since we’ve been married (just over 7 years) I’ve been working to transform my closet from one of very inexpensive, only last a season or two things to items that can last quite a bit longer. For me that means buying quality brands, made of quality materials, and usually means I spend a bit more. Though as one who can rarely pay full price, most items are scooped up at the end of season for a steal. I often, for bigger purchases, think of the cost per wear and the perfect illustrations would be designer jeans (my favorite pair just got a hole in the knee after 8 years) and a great wool coat (lasting many, many years.) Both items are investments but I like things that still look new after a few years and wear well. Although my favorite places to buy designer denim are EBay and Nu Look Consignment in Mpls.

Winter Coats:

This is one area where I’ve really morphed from wannabe fashionista into I.just.want.to.be.warm. I have four winter coats all for different purposes. Might sound excessive and really it probably is but they all have a purpose and they’ve all lasted seemingly forever. I have a ski coat, a down sweater (which might be my favorite), a long down coat, and a wool coat. If I had to get rid of any of them it would be a toss up between my ski coat and the wool one. Surprise you?

I’ve just realized that there are a few criteria that really matter and here they are in order of preference:

1. Warmth factor  2. Easy to clean/wipe/wear with kids   3. Somewhat fashionable

#2 has easily become something that has risen from the bottom to the top. Wrangling a toddler with messy boots or snowy coats or just wrangling them in and of itself with everything else like groceries, etc. I want what I am wearing to withstand the abuse and still keep me warm.

It follows along with the reasons I still carry a diaper bag. I want my nice coats and purses to stay nice. That’s what it has come down to. I want to be able to go out with girlfriends or my husband and not have dried snot on my nice coat or spilled milk in my purse. Because inevitably no matter how hard I try otherwise those two things will eventually happen. If I pay a premium for a nice thing I’ll try my hardest to keep it that way. I’m enough of a klutz to ruin it myself. I

So I’ve surrendered to motherhood and if I look like a mom, good. I waited a long time.

As far as boots…I’m still deciding. I want something that is easy to get on, is waterproof, still looks somewhat fashionable but more importantly keeps my feet warm and dry. These are the two top contenders from REI. By the way, REI is amazing. Did you know that you can return things a year later? That is so handy when you buy kids winter clothing at the end of the year and need to buy multiple sizes because you don’t know what will fit. AMAZING!!

And as far as the rest of our family goes in surviving the Midwest winters…Elizabeth and Alex have down sweaters. Alex’s is from Eddie Bauer (usually their coats go 50% off) and E’s is from REI, the REI brand. I’m hoping they made a version this year because I would snatch it up in an instant for next year. Best part about the down sweaters are they are incredibly warm. You wouldn’t think so given their size and how light they are but seriously warm. And they compact well so car seat straps can still get really tight.

 

 

Top Row: 1. Kids Down Sweater 2. Merrell Nikita Boot  3. J.Crew Wool Coat

Middle Row: 1. Eddie Bauer Down Coat 2. Upcycled Sweater Mittens

Bottom Row: 1. Eddie Bauer Down Sweater 2. Sorel Tofino Boot 3. Patagonia Down Sweater

 

As far as buying, sales get incredible right after the holidays. I’ve scooped up all the coats above at least 50% off which is incredible pricing for the quality. I’m hoping to hold out on boots until I find a fantastic deal but I might cave considering we just got a slew of sloppy wet snow. And as far as gloves are concerned…I love upcycled sweater mittens. They keep my hands toasty warm and wool is amazing at keeping water out. I’m on the hunt for a pair for Elizabeth. I bought mine at a local craft fair but they are available all over Etsy or you could make your own:)

And somehow I forgot, but warm socks are a must. Our drawers are full of Smartwool and REI brand wool socks but this year I learned of a new winner: DARN TOUGH. They have a lifetime guarantee. LIFETIME GUARANTEE. We rarely get holes in our wool socks but they can occur. That is amazing.

What are your families favorite things for surviving the winter?

Celebrating

Today I sat down at my computer at 1pm and it felt as though my whole body exhaled. With the baby down for a nap and so many things on the list, just exhaling and starting at the top seemed to help get things in order.

We’ve been on the go for the past week like so many with Thanksgiving and then my birthday last week. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind.

Times like this always tend to set me a bit on edge. I like a slower pace and having things in order and being able to accomplish most of my list each day and when we are gone and get back I begin to feel like a fish swimming upstream.

Not to say our time away wasn’t worth it, it definitely was. We spent the weekend of the 23rd back in my hometown with my family for my 33rd birthday. I have loved my 30’s. By far my favorite decade. We spent my actual birthday cheering the Packers to a tie with the Vikings at Lambeau field in the freezing cold and it was so. much. fun. And getting to spend the evening with family and blowing out candles with my sister at my side was so worth it. We couldn’t remember the last time people sang for us and we spent our birthdays together (I was born on her 8th birthday).

And upon returning on Monday, we started off the week a day later than normal only to have another gathering upon us. Thanksgiving was spent at Alex’s brother Jeff’s land just south of the Cities. Being without cell service may have been the best part alongside being outdoors, eating amazing food, and being with family.

And somehow we managed to emerge without buying anything during Black Friday, well unless you count groceries because somehow the fridge was empty and needed to be filled on the busiest day of the year:/ But my favorite find of the week was a new vacuum cleaner. I’ve definitely become that person that asks for household items for birthdays and Christmas. An iron is also on my list if anyone was wondering:) I’ll jot the vacuum as my best household deal ever found. 64% off.

And now we’re trying to catch up just in time to almost miss advent. It always amazes me that no matter how much I prepare in advance or try to get things under control I somehow come up just a bit short. And then I’m frantically trying to catch up. The fact that our house is still in disarray may be adding to my frenzy. But I’m realizing as the days go by that none of the little things I think matter really do.

It’ll be okay if we don’t do everything on the list or if everything doesn’t get decorated or put away. I just keep reminding myself of all the things we DO have so I don’t get swept up in what isn’t yet accomplished or finished.

But let’s just be honest…some days remembering this is easier than others.

Happy belated Thanksgiving and beginning of advent:)

Elizabeth’s mid year update

(1st bus ride on the way to her 1st time at the State Fair-Sept. 2013)

I was going to title this “Elizabeth’s 15 month update” but as of today she’s 17 months old. Um, that’s not going to win me mom of the year, but maybe just maybe, acting like a fool day in and day out with her playing with toys just might. At least in her mind;)

Elizabeth is seriously hilarious. This kid has me in stitches day in and day out. Her latest thing is “helping” clean. She pushes around her mini swiffer and loves to pull out wipes and wipe down any surface that is nearby. She did not get this from me. At least I don’t think so. But she does do it so frequently that she must have. She’ll drool all over the floor and then run to find a wipe to clean it up. Fine by me.

(*by the way…if anyone has an old swiffer sweeper you can take out two of the bars that make up the handle and it becomes the perfect size broom for littles*)

When she’s not taking over the cleaning duties, you can find her dancing to music, walking throughout our basement holding her picnic basket (and has the bruises to prove it), or stomping her feet on the tabletop that is soon to be her toddler table. I swear she didn’t learn any of this from me, or by that I mean she’s learned all of this from me, her very quirky mother.

(playing outside-October 2013)

Needless to say, I’m amazed at who she’s become since her 1st birthday. She mimics most any word we say to her even though they all kind of sound the same. But she has the intonation down which is just part of the process. She loves to pray and often reminds us at dinnertimes by folding her hands and not eating. I can imagine her in her head being like “seriously, they teach me this and then they forget. hello, it’s time to pray!” Thankfully she’s not saying that yet.

The past few weeks have been a little interesting over here as we wrap up our remodeling project. All four of her incisors are cutting through as we speak and then hopefully 2 year molars will not come in any time soon. Once these four are in, she’ll have 16 teeth. With that mouthful she can eat just about anything with her favorites being: pickles, celery sticks, pretzels, cheese of any kind, rotisserie chicken, dried apricots, popcorn, scrambled eggs, apples, and peanut butter. She eats peanut butter by the spoon. And that she did learn from both of her parents. We’re all obsessed.

(Halloween 2013 - right before trick or treating)

Books have taken a back burner for her, although she does like to page through them from time to time, but that’s fine by me. She’s always ebbed and flowed so I’m sure they’ll be a favorite again. In their place have come puzzles, which she can actually place some pieces in, balls, and driving her cozy coupe outside. Still a rough and tumble girl she’s always game for climbing, tickling, and running outside. My in-laws just got a new dog and I think she was the perfect thing to get Elizabeth past her dog fears. They’re so much fun to watch with each other. She also by her own volition loves girly things like carrying bags and putting on headbands and wearing necklaces. Accessories are her best friend.

I think we have officially moved to one nap after a few weeks of being flexible and now she sleeps from about 12;30-2. Not long but she seems to make up for it at night and has been sleeping from 6:45/7pm-7:45/8am. Yesterday she didn’t wake up until almost 8:30 and we definitely were pacing outside her door:)

I can hardly believe that almost 1/2 of her 2nd year is almost already over. I mentioned to my girlfriends on our weekend away, but I’ll mention it here too, we really feel blessed to spend each and every day with this kid. Seriously, we don’t take the days for granted. Not to make it sound like it’s all bliss, it’s not. There’s times when pulling my hair seems more fun and exasperation is the air we’re breathing, but that’s part of the job. I’m not sure I’ve ever had a job where I’ve loved every minute of it but for me, this one comes pretty darn close.

We’re in the midst of my favorite age range for kiddos and I’m over the moon to sit and have a front row seat to see who she’s going to become. Fascinating. Watching kids learn and grow and develop and become adults. I wouldn’t miss want to miss that and I’m grateful I don’t have to. To be short and sweet, we’re all doing well and taking each day as it comes!

my weekend away

Sunday afternoon I walked in our house around 1:30 pm and was greeted my the best thing my eyes had ever seen.

My husband.

I know I’ve loved him more at other times, but for many reasons, Sunday at 1:30 I loved him so much it felt as though my heart might burst. He had given me the greatest treat; a weekend away with my girlfriends and not only that, but he held down the fort with so much finesse it almost baffled me for a minute.

But then it didn’t. Because I was immediately reminded of all his excellent attributes and any misgivings I may have had easily floated away.

But I may have had a moment of slight panic when he sent this picture of our daughter to me on Saturday afternoon:

It. cracked. me up.

What on earth. Apparently the hardest part of the entire weekend was figuring out what she would wear. Next time I think I’ll just lay the clothes out:)

Daddy and his girl had a great weekend at home running to multiple hardware stores, playing, and working around the house. And while they did that, my book club girls and I had a very life giving and encouraging weekend away up north strengthening our friendships and getting to know one another better. I cannot wait until the next time we can get away…

I am so grateful that I was able to go and more importantly I am grateful for cell phone service and texts because it was my first time away from our baby for an entire weekend. And while it wasn’t sad or painful, I couldn’t hide my excitement to be back home and reunite with my two loves.

I’ve said it before on here but there’s just something about coming home that does our little family in every time.

Home will always have my heart.