books

I just have to admit that I am a book junkie. Once my head gets stuck in one it isn't coming out until I am all done. It does terrible things to my mothering abilities, my housework, my time for creative play, etc... not to mention my husband thinks it is nuts, doesn't get it, and wishes I would come up for air and help him out once in a while. I can't help it though, I keep saying one more chapter, and 4 chapters late I think, well, I am almost half-way I might as well keep going. Then I think, well, half-way I might as well read it all. Supper? um... leftovers? oh, yeah, we had those for lunch... um... how about a pizza?
One of my favorite authors is Karen Kingsbury. She is truly gifted and uses her gift from God to bring Him glory. Her books are tear jerkers but speak so much Truth in them. I have favorite lines from all of her books. Trust me, try out one of her books, you won't regret it. I finished the last one of a series yesterday. (to tell, you the truth, I also started it yesterday :) ). Anyway, she had a line in there that stuck with me... "all of this and Heaven too." Doesn't that just speak volumes? I look around and see all that we have, all that I have. So much, so so so much and just think, at the end of all of this, Heaven is waiting for me. I think I often forget, or just don't give thought to, that my life here is short. Sure, I should enjoy all of the blessings I have and live each day to the fullest but don't you think my main purpose is to make sure that others will know they can have "all this and Heaven too?"
- K

Are you ready for some football?

One weekend a month, 2 weeks a month and sometimes more, we get to say goodbye to Nick. Nick has been in the Air National Guard for over 10 years. It can be hard and frustrating not having him around, especially when the kids were young. Plus, it seemed every weekend he had guards it would never fail to have one of the kids wake up at 2 in the morning sick with the next kid following soon after. Never failed, I could almost count on it. Seriously. However, sometimes having Nick being in the guards isn't so bad. Take for instance this weekend. We recieved 6 free tickets to the MN Gopher vs Montana State football game at the Dome. We even all received free t-shirts made especially for guard members and their families. Since we had 6 tickets and only have 5 members in our family, Nick invited his dad to join us. There is nothing like watching football, live at the Dome. Plus, it helps when they win! I totally enjoyed it. The kids did well the first half but were tiring out by the 3rd quarter. What an experience though. At half time the marching band marched out each of the military emblems, they did a special tribute to the military, a military man sang "Proud to be an American" and it was just a great experience for the kids to realize what a great man their dad is and how he serves his country - and to get recognized for it. So here is to all the great military men and woman - and to the Gophers for winning! (I would have added the Vikings too but they didn't pull out a win this weekend :( )
enjoy your week!!- K

finding my groove...

School started, projects due, family visiting, and big shows happening. These are a few of the things happening around here. Can you believe I forgot to take pictures the first day of school???? (and the second, third etc.) I have been camera forgetful lately. We went to my MIL's and I forgot to bring it there! I couldn't believe it. My sweet little niece was home along with my niece and nephews little girls and I forgot my camera.

I have to admit I have been struggling a bit with juggling life. I suppose I have been spoiled by being a stay at home mom before I started working at school last Christmas. It didn't seem to affect me too much then though so I didn't think anything of it this fall. I just can't seem to fit in "everything". Part of it is that "everything" is happening or due at once too and the last few weeks before school were hardly what I would consider productive, fun yes :) but not so productive.

I do feel I am slowing, (too slow for my taste) coming into a somewhat of a groove. Plus, I did just get a bunch of new glass pendants waiting to be worked on and hung on some silver chains. That is always an incentive. I did decide not to do to much for a show this weekend but will work on the next... priorites they say. I hate to feel rushed or not give my best because I don't have time. (I know that is more an excuse not to do something than it is the truth ;) ) Like I said there is family visiting and that is important to me. Keeping my kids on a routine schedule is important to me also. I get tired, I can only imagine they do to. Eventually we will all get into this school groove thing - and then it will be Christmas break! ha!

I did get some freezing done, which I love. It is just so satisfying to pull out of the freezer home grown veggies that I froze. Granted, I did grow them but friends did and that is close enough. They just make everything taste so much better.

It is Fall, my favorite season and with that time for some SOUP, one of my favorite things to make. Lately I have been baking up these though to no end. They are awesome! (so is her blog - trust me, you will check it everyday).

Well, it is just about my bedtime so I will leave you with some pictures of some veggies, exciting - not so much but the colors are so wonderful ;) -K

I had to leave you one pic at least of the little blue-eyed sweet pea that has stolen our heart. She was pretty tuckered here and kind of sad since the Vikings lost. She may live in California but her team is the MN Vikings - just ask her mom. (not her dad, he has a different team)