Surprise Weekend!

On Friday morning, Abby and I woke up to our husbands handing us a piece of paper (she slept over the night before). The paper was a clue, leading us on a treasure hunt that resulted in a one hour massage at the deluxe Spalon Montage. When we were finished getting pampered, a lady behind the desk handed us another clue, with money for coffee, and instructions to get home quickly. When we arrived, we discovered the boys had planned a surprise camping trip to Temperance River. We packed up as fast as we could and spent a wonderful weekend together camping, hiking, resting, eating and shopping. It was wonderful. Thank you Ben and Jared!

Hiking on Temperance River

Cool foam patterns on the water

One of the "violent waterfalls" we were to watch out for

Ben and Abby

Ab scaling the rock wall

At the top!

Abby and Ben in the woods

Me and the hus

Pretty

The river raging through the rocks

Da boyz
We found a deep pool that was beautiful...

...and stopped for a snack
The boys decided it was time for a dip-- in the 55 degree weather!
1, 2, 3, JUMP!
Laughing cuz it was SO COLD. I think out of hysteria.
We rested while they swam.
That evening, after HOT showers, we went shopping in Grand Marias

Enjoying hot coffee and homemade donuts.

I Got Tagged

Ten Years Ago: I was fourteen, going to homeschool co-op, playing with friends, loving up my 3-year-old sister, trying to navigate through that bumpy pubecent year. Fourteen was my worst "transition" year.

My To Do List Today:
-Run a load to storage
-Do laundry
-List junk on Craig's List
-Look at Baby Names
-Start a sewing project
-Call Andy

Snacks That I Enjoy:
-Oreos and ice cold milk
-Ripple Chips and french onion dip
-Apples and peanut butter

Things I would do with a Million Dollars:
-Tithe
-Pay off all our debt
-Buy a house (with a huge garage, a workshop for Jared, a big yard, and a double bathroom sink)
-Set up college funds for all our kids
-Put a lot into savings

Married Alive!

PRODUCTION: Married Alive! (At Chanhassen Dinner Theaters)

DURATION: Playing through November 1, 2008. The show runs approx. 2 hrs 10 mins. For a schedule of show times, visit their website.

COST: Show-Only: $27-$45* OR Dinner and show: $39-$57*
*depending on which showtime you choose

CONTENT: It is hilarious and touching. It is a 4-man show that takes you into the lives of a newly-wed couple and an older couple. It takes you on the journey that a typical modern marriage follows these days. There are the out-of-control funny moments, and the sober, sad moments that every marriage encounters. This show engaged all of my emotions.

RECOMMENDATION: I would definitely recommend this to ANY married couple (wouldn't be so funny to dating or singles). It was totally worth every penny.

Here is the description on their website:
MARRIED ALIVE! is a funny and touching new musical that looks in on two married couples, one newlywed and one oldywed. The production focuses on the trials, joys, triumphs and defeats that are found in contemporary marriage. It's fast paced and at times sharp, but always affectionate. From babies to empty nests, job stress to domestic bliss, four actors and one piano comprise the evening's entertainment. Recommended for adult theatre-goers.

Click here for more information or to order tickets.

The Most Amazing Man

And he's all mine! We celebrated our 4th anniversary this week. Jared planned an amazing date to a dinner theatre to see a comedy show called "Married Alive." It was the best show I have EVER seen there!! In fact, it was so good that I am going to write a separate post about it and inspire all of you marrieds out there to go see it yourselves!

The following day, Jared brought me and Sophia to the State Fair, which is something I look forward to every year. We had a wonderful family date walking around at Sophia's first trip to the fair!

We exchange gifts every year too and I was so touched by his gift to me this year that I cannot breeze over this point. As most of you know, I have had a hard time feeling beautiful throughout my pregnancy. On that note, Jared did something I would never have imagined. (He is pretty amazing at thinking things through and coming up with incredible ideas.)

I opened a box filled with popcorn peanuts. There was an envelope laying on top, on which was written the following message (edited):

No matter how beautiful I think you are, or how blue in the face I get from telling you, I believe that for a girl being beautiful is feeling beautiful. I hope that these gifts, and one day alone with me will help you feel beautiful, even if only for a day.

Enclosed in the envelope was a gift certificate for a haircut at a salon, with my favorite stylist (she gave me one of the only haircuts I've ever truly loved!). I couldn't believe he remembered not only the salon, but also the right stylist! Then I dug through the popcorn peanuts and pulled from the box gift cards to JC Penny, Bath and Body Works, Kohl's, Old Navy, Forever 21, and Victoria's Secret. He gave me a shopping spree, accompanied by him, with lunch and overflow included. I couldn't believe it and burst into tears. After the baby is born, he is taking me out and I get to pick out whatever I want to make myself feel more attractive. And while I know that beauty comes from within, sometimes the things on the outside help make a woman FEEL beautiful.

I never imagined I would receive the gift of beauty this year. It was the best, most thoughtful gift he has ever given me. Thank you, my prince.

Teenie Bopper

My sister Anna turned 13 this month! I can hardly believe how fast she has been growing up. I was 11 years old when she was born and have, thus, watched her grow from Day One.

You have been an amazing sister, Anna, and as you enter your teen years I am praying that you continue to follow God with all your heart. The way will be tough, as growing up always is. But keep your eyes fixed on God, and He will clear the path and help you blaze your trail. I love you and am here to support you every step of the way as you begin this new chapter of your life.

Happy 13th Anna!!!

Rocket Vs. Rocker

I find it amusing that Jared's latest and greatest BIG purchase was a crotch rocket. He researched endlessly until he found "the one," and then purchased it with excitement glowing in his eyes.


I find it amusing that my latest and greatest BIG purchase is a rocking chair. I have been endlessly researching Amish swivel gliders for days, but have not quite found "the one" yet. I am soooooo excited about getting this chair, and it's pretty much all I can think about.


He will spend hours riding that rocket with the wind in his hair. I will spend hours in my rocker, with a baby pulling my hair.


He will take joy rides on that rocket. I will take joy rides in my rocker.


We are world's apart, Sweetie.

"This smooth operator can do two things at once"

Will someone please tell me why my Herbal Essences 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner is marked with these directions:

"hurry. let your hair drink up. rinse and repeat. it's twice as nice."

Isn't the point of using shampoo + conditioner that you only have to put it on once?

First Family Vacation!

We had our first ever family vacation this weekend. We drove down to Milwaukee to attend a family wedding (Jared's cousin, Staci). It was a mini family reunion, as we saw most of Jared's relatives (Jan's side) that we haven't seen in a few years. It was a very fun weekend catching up with everyone. We were a little uncertain of how Sophia would do since we have never traveled with her, but she blew us away. She was a little trooper and did GREAT the whole time.

Starting the 5 hour road trip

Jared drove the whole way. Thanks honey:)

Passing the time on Sesame Street
Stretching her legs at the hotel!

"Hmmm....What can I get into next?"
Playing with the ever-fascinating drawers

During the wedding ceremony, Sophia and I had to watch through a window. Sophie thought it would be fun to talk to the bride and groom as they walked by, and everyone else in attendance. We had play time in the hallway where she found two other babies to talk to. One would babble, then the other would respond with babble, then Sophie would babble. It was actually quite funny.

Family photo after the ceremony

Mr. and Mrs. Butalla

Jared and Sophia at the reception

Me and my girl at the reception

Eating our yummy dinner

Family dance

Sophia jivin' with her Daddy

When the music started and the disco lights came on, Sophia was totally amazed. She just couldn't get enough of the swirling lights.

Dancing with Cassie and Brandon

Congratulations Staci and Eric!

Ooooooh yeah. I'm ready to hit the road. Let's go home. (At McD's on the way home.)

Work In Progress

So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Lately, I have allowed myself to be caught up in the busyness of life. I have let the demands of motherhood distract my heart from truly engaging with Christ. For this, my heart is heavy and sorrowful.

I am feeling unrest. I know the Spirit is moving and working on my life in unseen ways. I feel like I'm nearing the point of understanding what is going on within me, but God has not opened my eyes just yet.

I have gone through a vast range of emotions including consuming sadness, to fear, to abundant joy. I am delighted to learn from, and see the result of this spiritual work, yet so frustrated that I can't grasp it.

I have a deep longing to know and be intimately close to God. There are times when I feel in communion with God, and times when I feel completely detached. I am praying daily that these walls of stubborn resistance will crumble and allow me to run to my Savior wholeheartedly.

I have been soaking up words of wisdom like a sponge. Today, as Pastor Tim spoke in church, my heart was thirsty. I found myself wanting more. I could have sat there all day.

There is so much I don't yet understand. I know my life has a deeper purpose in Christ. Lately I have just been living. I know He will give me courage to fulfill His purpose for me. One of my biggest faults is that I try to do it all on my own. I don't ask for His help, which always leads to failure. Realizing this fault, however, and praying against it, is the first step toward progress. I'm walking forward.