Just Another Weekend in MinneSNOWta

You may have heard...We had a blizzard here yesterday.

A BIG blizzard.  

The 5th largest snow in Minnesota's history, actually.  

Yep, it was big.  

It started snowing on Friday night, while we were coming home from our date.  It was gorgeous out, the kind of night that is incredibly romantic...still, quiet and full of big, wet flakes.  Beautiful.  By the time we woke up the next morning, this is what we saw.  

 A white haze and snow that was falling faster than I've seen in many years.  

It was crazy.

 Normally, we can see right through our screened-in balcony, out into our neighboorhood.  But not yesterday.  Yesterday we just saw white, and lots of it!

 We had our own accumulation going on right inside our balcony!

 When we went to bed last night, it was dangerously cold with total white-out conditions.  We had something like 14 inches of new snow, on top of our 6 or so that was already on the ground.  It was a definite "snow day" if I've ever seen one!  We thoroughly enjoyed it and stayed in all day with the kids.  We watched movies, baked cookies, cleaned up, read, took naps, and just relaxed.  It was a great day.  We also invited our sweet neighbor over to have dinner with us, which was fun.  She gave us another face to look at after hours and hours of being home :) 

 This morning when we woke up, the snow had stopped, but it was BITTER cold outside.  

Like 2 degrees with a -25 windchill.  

Not ideal in any sense of the word.  

The sun was shining however and Trav had to go out to get to Church.  

Because in Minnesota, we don't cancel Church, even with 20 inches of snow and 20 below wind chill!  

Life goes on, but the kids and I stayed home :) 

 We have several inches of snow, just inside our balcony!

There is so much blowing snow because of the wind, you'd never know we are screened-in!

A view of our parking lot, which had been plowed at least 5 times when this was taken!

We've spent a lot of time doing this...

...just lounging around and napping :) 

 At the request of my brother-in-law, I did venture out for a few minutes this afternoon and take a few pictures of the "aftermath."  

Those black dots are the remnants of a bush, covered in 2 feet of snow!

 And this is our freshly plowed sidewalk...

 Some of the drifts by our parking garage...

 ...and sadly, this is Trav's car.  Totally snowed in.  

We do have a heated parking garage, but only one spot.  Because my husband loves me and is kind, my car is warm and toasty inside, but his is not.  Because I love him and I don't want him to freeze, I'm happy to stay put and give up my car in weather like this.  There is no where I want to go that badly!  

Here are some drifts at the end of our lot, at least twice as tall as I am.  

I'm pretty sure this pile will be there until April.  

And I'm totally serious.

 This is a tall tree, that now looks like a bush.

 And this is a view of a our big hill in our backyard, which now looks like a giant, snow covered parking lot.  

 One of my boot prints :) 

I was sinking fast and quickly pulled my foot out before I had snow up my pants.  

Man, I hate that!

Fittingly, as I walking back to our front door, a snowmobile went by.

And he quickly sailed up that big snow hill!  

Only in Minnesota do you have to look out for snowmobiles on your neighborhood sidewalks.

The pile of snow by our front door, where our landscaping used to be :) 

Jesse, this post was for you!  

We have lots of snow, can't wait to see you soon so I can throw you in it!! Ha Ha ha...

All in the Family

We are in the middle of an epic blizzard and thus having a wonderful day at home!  I decided to hang out in bed as much as possible today, which has been amazing by the way, and do some fun things I've been wanting to do for awhile...

When Carter was just 10 days old, I had his newborn pictures taken by a former student of ours, Janelle.  She is a college freshman and is turning her photography hobby into a very thriving business!  She is incredibly talented and we LOVED every picture she took of our sweet Carter.  I just got the disc back from her on Wednesday night, so I have been pouring through them, getting Christmas cards ready and choosing our favorites.  One thing that has been so fun about it is to discover just how similar Ava and Carter look at this early stage in both of their lives.  I'll post my favorites of Carter later, but today I want to show you both kids.

When Ava was about 3 1/2 weeks old, we also had her newborn pictures taken, but one of my gracious blog friends, Erin.  She also did a beautiful job and I just love what she captured in our little redhead!  This afternoon I pulled out a few pics of both kids to compare and show you what I mean.  But, let me make the following clarifications before I show you the results...

1.  My haircut is much better this time around.  Hindsight is 20/20...

2.  Yes, I used the same blanket in both shoots and I'm so glad I did.  One of the advantages to having babies 18 months apart!  We still have it and it's in good shape :) 

3.  Travis was with me for the Ava's photos, but had to work when we did Carter's.  Thus, only one pic of him and several more of me. 

4.  We apparently make babies with full heads of hair. 

5.  We have the cutest kids in the world.  Sorry for the outright bragging, but it's true.  

Ok, now that I have that cleared up, here are my sweet babies...

Ava

Carter

Ava

Carter

Ava

Carter

Ava

Carter

Ava

Carter

Ava

Carter

Ava

Carter

See what I mean??  Although there are distinct differences and they each have their own look, they are definitely siblings!  Ava is taking after my side of the family and Carter appears to be taking after Trav's. Either way, we're so glad they belong to us!!  

We sure do love our babies :) 

2 Months Old!

Carter, you are 2 months old!  

And what a BIG 2 month old you are!!  

In fact, size is the story of your second month :)  We knew you were getting bigger and bigger because you were getting heavier and heavier, but our hunch was confirmed when we took you in for your 8 week appt.  Here are your (amazing) stats...

-You are officially in the 95th percentile for weight, weighing in at 13lbs. and 7oz!!!  That's crazy big Carter!  You have grown SIGNIFICANTLY from last month :) 

-You are also in the 99th percentile for height!  In fact, your doctor told us that you are really the size of a typical 4 1/2 month old!  But he wasn't concerned about you at all, he thought you were very healthy and obviously a great eater.  And yes, Mommy can certainly attest to that!  

-You are wearing a size 1 diaper, but I think it's time to move you up again to a size 2.  

-You've totally outgrown every newborn thing you have, in addition to most of your 0-3 mo clothes.  You are wearing size 3-6 mo. for the most part.  I can't believe it :) In so many ways you are the polar opposite of your sister!  She wore her clothes for MONTHS before outgrowing them, but you're averaging a couple of weeks at this rate!  I'm doing my best to get clothes on you as fast as I can before you're too big for them!  Usually your tummy isn't the problem, it's your long legs and torso.  It will be fun to see if you keep this trend up...maybe you're going to be a tall guy??

You've definitely "woken up" from the newborn haze of the first 8 weeks.  You are very alert when you're awake and love to stare into our eyes for a long time.  Lately you stare at us and then break into a very slow grin.  We LOVE it!!  I especially love it when you smile at me while I'm nursing you.  You're a little heart-breaker already Carter!  

In addition to waking up this month, you've also found your voice.  

And you are not shy about letting us hear you scream when you are not happy!  

I can't believe how loud you are...You're definitely "all boy" in that regard.

 Even when you're unhappy Carter, your sister loves you so much.  She usually runs over to you and tries to shove a paci in your mouth :) It rarely works for you, but it's so sweet of her.  Her little mothering instincts come out and she doesn't like to see you cry.  I have a feeling she's going to be your second mother for years to come!

 She also loves to be with you when you're happy too!  You light up when she's around you, especially when she talks to you.  You've started giving her more smiles and I know that makes her happy.  One of my favorite memories that I tuck in my heart is when you're laying somewhere and she comes over to you, gets right up in your face and in her best "sing-song" voice says, "Hi Buddy!"  It melts my heart to see your relationship start to bloom.  Your Daddy and I pray that you'll be the best of friends as you grow up.  You are a sweet little brother and you've got a great big sister!  

 You officially became an Iowa Hawkeye fan this month!  You were born in the middle of football season and you've watched lots of games with Daddy and I.  You're too little to show much emotion  yet, but we know you are cheering for those Hawks already!  

 I love being your Mommy Carter and I'm so thankful you are my son.  I just love how cuddly you are and I'm slow to put you down when you fall asleep in my arms.  I know how short this season is and I don't want to miss it!  The afternoons are when we get to spend the most "alone" time together and I look forward to it every day.  I am doing my best to stretch my time between you and your sister and you have been so sweet to just "go with the flow" most days.  I'm hoping that is a glimpse of your personality buddy :) 

One of the best developments this month is that you are officially sleeping through the night!!!  We typically feed you at 10:30 and lay you down around 11:00 every night.  Most nights you wake up again around 6:30 or 7:00 and then we both go back to bed until Ava wakes up.  It's wonderful Carter!  We are proud of you and OH SO GRATEFUL that you are sleeping so well!  We were hoping that would be our Christmas present from you, but you gave us that gift over Thanksgiving break and you haven't looked back since.  Way to go Carter!!

 Although we mostly call you by your first name, we have started to call you "Carty" and "Car-tu" as well.  Ava calls you "Car-tu" and so that naturally rolls off our tongue, but she also calls you "Car-ker" which is cute too.  Daddy calls you his little "Sumo" :) 

 This month you got your first taste of snow!  I'm quite certain you had no idea what it was, but because we live in Minnesota, you'll get to used to it really soon.  

You looked totally cute in your snowsuit, by the way!

 You love your Daddy Carter!  He is the one who usually calms you down when you're fussy, because he's willing to walk and walk and walk until you're happy or you fall asleep!  

You have a very patient Daddy.

 And more than ever, we are starting to think you look SO MUCH like your Daddy!  As you get a little bit older, you are really starting to resemble one another.

No wonder I think you're so handsome :) 

I got to take you to a Women's Christmas event at Church this month and the ladies thought you were so cute!  When your sister was the same age, I got to take her to a women's event too.  Both times I just held my sweet babies in my arms and thanked God for the privilege of being a Mom.  This is a season of life where you are pretty much attached to me and although it makes for some long days here and there, it's also a season I cherish.  I love taking you along with me :) 

Carter, you and your sister have changed our lives forever!  We can't believe you are 2 months old already and yet, it seems like you've always been a part of our family. 

 Because Christmas is only a few weeks away, it seems appropriate to tell you that you are the perfect gift this year!  We love you so much Carter and always will.  

Happy 2 months buddy!

Another Recipe for Your Arsenal

***Updated to add:  Yes, traditionally scones are hard and somewhat dry.  Most people don't like them.  However, these scones are just the opposite :) Very moist, soft and loaded with flavor.  

They will restore your love for scones.  Or perhaps create it...I promise!*** 

I'm about to make a big admission, but before I do, everyone has to promise not to tell, ok??  

Don't rat me out until you hear me out...

When it comes to signing up for volunteer jobs at our Church's VBS every year, there is one MAJOR factor that sways my decision.  

Every.  Single.  Year.  

It's not what you're thinking and yes, I'm actually admitting that there is not any "spiritual" backing behind my decision making.   

I sign up for Registration and all the "hard work" that goes along with that, because I know that near the end of the week, my cousin Jenny will show up with her famous white chip & craisin scones for all the registration workers and I simply don't want to miss out.  

Yes, they are that good.

 This is my handwritten copy from the very first year that I "visited" Registration, on the day she brought treats.  After my out of body experience, I made her write the recipe down.  Immediately.

Jenny is an amazing baker, although she would NEVER admit it!  But that's ok, I'm willing to announce it to the world for her!  You're welcome Jen.  She's the kind of gal that makes everything from scratch and always has a hot treat in the oven when her kids get off the bus...or when her 30 year old cousin stops by.  

I heart her.  

Anyway, because she doesn't have her own blog to share this on, I'm going to step in and steal her thunder.  Well, not really.  I am giving ALL the credit to her right now :) 

By the way, raise your hand if you think Jenny should start a recipe blog...

(Both hands in the air over here)

Yep, it's official.  We want you in blog world Jen!!!  

I promise you she is reading this and dying of embarrassment right now, and dreaming up all kinds of reasons why no one would be interested in her recipes.  Well, let me just tell you, after you pop one bite of these scones in your mouth, you'll be begging me for her phone number!!  

So, without further ado, my baking buddy (Carter) and I want to share this awesome recipe with you...

 Right Carter?  

(Nice hair by the way...)

Ok, here we go:

Jenny's Famous White Chip & Craisin Scones

 The ingredients:

2 C flour

1/3 C sugar

1.5 tsp. baking soda

1.5 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

6 T cold butter

1/2 C buttermilk

1 egg

1.5 tsp. vanilla

2/3 C craisins

2/3 C white chips

  Buckle up Carter, it's about to get crazy in here...

 Start by mixing together all the dry ingredients, then cut in the cold butter.

Next, stir wet ingredients together and then add to dry mixture.

 Dump in craisins and white chips.

 Then stir gently until mixed well.

**Try to refrain from eating dough by the spoonful.**  

 Give yourself a nice floured surface to work with.

 Roll out a rectangular shape, about 1/2" thick.

Now pay very close attention, as it's about to get fancy...

You too Mr. Monkey.

 Using a knife, cut 3 vertical lines in the dough, creating 4 rectangular strips.  

Then make diagonal cuts to form triangles.

Marvel at your geometry skills and make a mental note to one day use as an example when your children ask, "Why do we have to learn geometry???  When are we every going to use this??"  

Ah-hah!  When making Scones. Who knew???

Carefully place scones on a greased cookie sheet and bake in oven at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

**Jenny's tip is to also brush a little milk on each scone and then sprinkle with sugar before baking, for that really pretty golden look***

 When they look like this, take them out of the oven and let them cool.  

If you're fancy like Jenny, pull out your cooling racks and let them cool there.  

At this point, your house will be smelling like a yankee candle and you'll be dreaming up excuses to get out of taking these where ever you planned to go!  You'll now just want to grab a cup of coffee, 1 (or 4) scones and plop yourself on the couch to stuff your face with enjoy the fruit of your labor!

As well as appreciating the fact that your baby is now sleeping, giving you no reason not to sit down and pig out!!  

So there you go.  Another recipe for your arsenal.

Thanks Jenny :) 

We Have a Winner!!

We Have A Winner!!!

First of all, let me just tell you that I LOVED reading all about your favorite Christmas memories this weekend!  Not only did they give me great ideas for our little family, but they reminded me of so many of my favorite Christmas things.  I think the common denominator was "being with family" and I have to agree, that is my favorite part!  I love the music, the decorations, the beautiful snow, and a chance to give in a tangible way, but the best part is just being with the ones I love to celebrate the birth of our Savior.  Doesn't get much better than that!!

So thanks for playing along!  

According to random.org, lucky #18 was our winner this morning and after I scrolled through the comments, #18 is you Shanna!!!  

I will email the info to you so that you can start shopping!! Yay :) 

 SM Anderson said...

First of all I love your new title with the great new picture of Carter. Secondly, I love give aways so I just have to give it a try. Lastly, it is hard to decide what I love most about Christmas. I love Christmas eve candle light services where we get to sing all the wonderful Christmas songs. I guess I will go with that since I can only pick one! Stay warm!!!

December 3, 2010 10:42 PM

CSN Giveaway Time!!

Anybody interested in a little Friday afternoon giveaway??

It's snowing here, in fact we've got a HUGE storm headed our way tonight and I thought I could use a little distraction while I'm snowed in for the next 24 hours :) 

If you're like me, you've got a Christmas to-do list a mile long.  

Christmas cards, holiday parties, cooking/baking, Church events, decorating, SHOPPING, etc...it never ends, right??  

Well, would you like to win a $35 gift certificate to spend this Christmas??

Maybe you need one more thing for your kids, or you're stuck on what to get for your in-laws?  Maybe you're already done and you'd just love to surprise someone with a "just because" gift or maybe you could use something for YOURSELF???  Either way, I've got the place for you...

If you remember, I've told you before about a great website called CSN stores.  They have literally thousands of things for everything or everyone you can think of.  I've purchased several things for my kids, but I've had my eye on lots of other things, including this site while I was looking for drop leaf tables this summer!  Yep, tables :) 

I told you.  They've got it all.  200+ stores to be exact and very easy websites to navigate.  

So, if you'd like to win $35 to spend on ANY product from ANY of their 200+ websites, then here is how you can enter:

1.  You MUST leave me a comment with your name AND a valid email address, so I can contact you.

AND

2.  You MUST tell me your favorite thing about Christmas.

 Just because I want to know :) 

So that's it!  You've got through Sunday night at 12:00am, CST.  On Monday morning, December 6th, I will announce the winner and you've got 24 hours after I contact you to claim the prize or I will choose another winner.  

This giveaway is open to US entrants only and does not cover the cost of shipping.  A winner will be chosen at random and you may enter only once.  

Go ahead and blog about it, retweet it, facebook it, whatever....Just enter!  

Merry Christmas :) 

I hope YOU win!!

Tattooed

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?  Though she may forget, I will not forget you!  See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands..."  

Isaiah 49:15-16

I always wanted to get a tattoo.  I didn't do it and probably won't at this point in my life, but I'd be lying if I didn't say there was a part of me that wanted one.  For a few years, I tortured my parents with the idea of this, although considering what I wanted, they could have had it worse.  I wanted a daisy.  On my big toe.  Doesn't that sound cute??  I thought it sounded really cute, until a tattoo artist told me that I picked an incredibly painful spot for some ink.  Apparently, there isn't much "meat" or flesh on your big toe.  Who knew??  Needless to say, the idea of extreme (and unnecessary) pain was enough to derail my plans.  I didn't get my daisy tattoo and honestly, I haven't lost any sleep over it! 

But that's not the point of where I'm going with the post.  

It fascinates me to see what people choose to engrave on their skin, permanently.  Or not.  It's equally as amazing to know that should you indeed break up with the one whose name is inked across your bicep, you can actually get that removed.  Or altered.  For a price, but still, removed.  Hmmm, parents around the world should breathe a big sigh of relief over that advancement in technology!  

Again, I digress.  

I suppose because I'm nursing a baby or maybe because I'm tender to the subject, but as I read those verses from Isaiah today, I sat in my living room, amazed at the permanency with which my Lord loves me.  It's easy for me to identify with the intensity of the bond between a mother and her nursing infant.  My entire day right now, revolves around Carter and his needs.  If I'm not feeding him, then I'm getting ready to or I'm watching the clock until it's time.  I am fiercely protective of my little helpless babe and my mama-bear instincts are in hyper mode right now.  There is just something about a newborn that keeps his Mother never more than a few seconds from his defense.  My own eating, sleeping, waking and playing are pushed aside for the needs of my baby.  And yet...

Because I am human, and extremely tired, it is possible to sleep through a feeding or mis-judge a cry.  It's possible to get distracted by something immediate or lose focus of who needs me and why.  It's even possible for my selfish nature take over and resent the fact that my own needs are not being met.  

But that's just me.  And to the glory of God, thankfully, that's not Him.  Even as strongly as a nursing mother cares for her child, He cares more.  He remembers always.  And He never forgets.  In fact, He holds his children so closely in His hands that they are engraved in has palm.  Tattooed on his flesh. 

I find great comfort in that for many reasons, but today it especially ministered to me.  Over Thanksgiving we were able to reconnect with some of my extended family that we hadn't seen for years.  It was good and sort of awkward and very unexpected.  But mostly good.  One of those reunions in particular was especially difficult for me.  Difficult because for years, someone whom I loved and knew very well, essentially fell off the face of the earth and had no contact with us.  And it hurt.  Deeply.  Mostly because after 23 years, it was as if they just forgot about us.  About me.  I couldn't understand it, didn't understand it and still don't know what to think of it.  But, because life is short and grudges aren't worth their weight, an opportunity presented itself and we took it.  And it was bittersweet.  Good to see them again and yet, full of emotion that comes from being hurt.  In an instant, a lifetime of memories came flooding back and we were able to catch up.  It's not perfect and there is an undeniable gap of time that has passed, taking with it some of the most significant milestones in my life.  

As I thought about the sadness of that broken relationship, I could not get past the promise of knowing that no matter what our lives hold or the choices we make, we have a Heavenly Father who holds us tightly in his grip.  He cannot forget his children and He has no needs, only ours.  He has tattooed me on those nail-pierced hands and there is nothing regarding my life that He has missed.  

I'm not sure what the holidays are like for you, but for most families they aren't perfect.  There are people we love and some we struggle to tolerate.  Some of us are blessed with families and memories that are dear, but not always.  There are opportunities missed and relationships that seem beyond repair.  Generations of grudges may abound, but we each have the opportunity to be a cycle-breaker in our own way.  I hope it's as comforting to you as it is to me, to know that no matter what your holiday season brings, you can rest in knowing that there is One who will be the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  He will keep His word and He won't let years go by without outrageous attempts to win you back.  

I love this time of year and I'm incredibly grateful for the many blessings in my life.  I can't wait to experience Christmas with 2 babies this year, the emotion of that is sweet and overwhelming.  But I want to be sensitive to the many who struggle through December and whose hearts are full of more than joy.  You are not forgotten.

Not by me...

But especially not by Him.  

Take comfort in knowing that today.  There is someone who carries your name, tattooed on his palm...He knows everything about you and loves you just the same.  Invite Him to carry more than just your name.  Let Him carry your hurts and your expectations and your pain.  Don't let another December go by with wasted time and unresolved hurts.  Forgive.  Reach out.  Make amends.

  

Life is short.

And He can redeem anything and anyone.  

As I type this today, I'm thinking of you and praying for your December and for mine.

It can be the most wonderful time of the year...If we let it be.

After all, it's not about the presents or the traditions or the snow.

And it's not even about us.

It's about Him.  

It's about hope being born in a hopeless situation.  

So if you need a gentle reminder or a little nudge this year,  than consider this your love tap from a girl who needed one too.  Love well this Christmas.

  Not because we have the strength to, but because He does.  

Ready or not, Happy December!