Happy 2 Years Lia Marie

Lia Marie -

Happy Birthday! Or as you would say Happy Happy. It's so hard to believe that you have been in our lives for 2 years. While it is so hard to even remember our life without you, it seems like just yesterday I was holding you in that hospital room. The last two years have been filled with lots of sleepless nights, joy, laughter, tears, exhaustion, and memories. It has been a fun year of seeing your learn new things, learning to talk, and seeing your personality.

As each day goes by, my prayers for you grow stronger and stronger. You are very strong-willed and some days I struggle and struggle on how to handle that, but my prayer is that as parents we can teach you how to channel that will and not diminish it. That you use it to grow into a independent women, who will have the gumption to be obedient to the Lord, no matter what He asks.

You are full of life and personality. You have so much joy and your smile and your eyes can light up a room. I pray you use this to encourage others. To be a light among the dark. Keep your hope. This world is very dark and it needs your light, so let it shine.

My prayer is that you will have compassion. That you will see others that are hurting and be driven to do something.

I also pray that the Lord will show Himself to you. That He will pursue you and that you will pursue Him! I pray that you will see your depravity and your need for Him. While you have an independent spirit,  that you see your need for Him and that you learn to be dependent on Him.

Lastly, may you always remember..."The Lord your God is with you, He is might to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17.

Love you always,
Mom

{Friday Favorites} - October 16

It has been a long time since I have done some Friday Favorites! So long, that I now have a new blog design. This is my second blog this week! Trying to get back into it. It's a release for me!

1. It's getting a little cooler, so it's harder to get out and play! Playdates inside help us get through it! Aren't they cute!! They did this all on their own, so of course us mommies had to take a picture!

2. Harvest time....each night we are in the field, bringing daddy, grandpa and the other guys supper. She's just chilling a way. 

3. I love these new mugs I got from target! Seriously as if I needed new mugs!

4. I started a new workout program - Turbo Fire! I love the high pace and cardio burn! I love that Lia watches and learns good habits!

5. Sunday, I took Lia out for a perfect fall shoot! I may be biased but I think she is the cutest!

Have a great day!!

Momfessionals

{September Goals}

Well, July & August came and went. Work was super busy and I tried to make every effort to live in the moment and enjoy our "summer". Because of that, the blog suffered! I'm back this month, and what better way to start then my monthly goals! I just had to use the fall pic of Lia from last year! Look how little she was...

Here we go with those goals!

1. Work trip to Florida

2. 100 of 1000 gifts

3. Help 5 - 7 more people reach their health and fitness goals

4.  Build my Beachbody Team

5. Attend a football game - I love football!!!

6. Take a family picture - Seriouslly we have like 2 total and they are selfies :(

7. Read 1 non-fiction and 1 fiction book

8. Another Round of 21 Day Fix - Want to do it with me? 

9. No spend September - Only spend money on the necessities. This is hard for me, I love shopping in the fall (reminding myself that we wear these clothes for 6 months)

10. Participate in Bible Study

11. Get Lia to sleep through the night  - Help this mommy needs sleep!!

 12. One date night before Harvest

13. Friday Favorites blog every week.

What are your monthly goals? 

{Happy 1st Birthday Lia}

Happy 1st birthday baby girl. 

I'm not sure how it is possible that a year has already passed by, but you changed our world and we've loved every minute. 

I love you more than I ever dreamed possible. I've tried to enjoy the last year: the sleepless nights, the snuggles, the cries, all of your firsts...knowing that it won't last forever. You are so independent, I know there will be a day, sooner than I would like, when you will say, "Mommy I do it myself." Part of that will break my heart, even though I know it is a good thing. 

You like to play in the water, you like to climb, you like to read books, you like cows, you like to play the guitar with your daddy, you like to be chased, you like to give hugs and kisses, you like mac and cheese, you like fruit. you like to drink out of a straw, you like to talk and you like your Nuk. 

You are independent, social, determined, and spunky. Your smile and eyes dance...you make people smile. 

I pray for you all the time. I pray that God will draw himself to you and turn your heart to him. I pray you are content and selfless. I pray you have a desire to give to others and that you learn to love. I pray you fear the Lord, but live with a reckless abandon towards Him. 

I love watching you grow and getting to know more of your personality.
God created you to be you! You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are not a mistake, you were planned and knit together by the All-Knowing God. 

I love you more than you will ever know. 

Mom

{July Goals}

Why is it that the summer months always fly by? I love Minnesota Summers...The longs days, weekends at the lake, baseball at the park, boat rides, etc. with that being said, June is over...let's see how we did. 

June Goals

1. Read 1 fiction/1 non fiction book -I got through 2 fiction books and 1 non-fiction

2. 100 of 1000 gifts -I love this habit...one of my favorite things to do each morning.

3. Help 5 new people reach their fitness goals - Had a great month and I have seen people make incredible transformations!

4. Run a half marathon - Ran in Fergus Falls half and PR'd

5. Date Weekend- this is the one I'm most proud of!! We left Lia with my parents and spent a night away. We had hibachi and relaxed in our hotel!!

6. Use Wife after God book as a devotional this month. - I did this a couple of years ago, but such a great book to focus on our marriage.

7. Spend a couple nights at the cabin as a family.- We spent 2 Friday nights there! I loved it!!

WOW!! I didn't think that would ever happen...completing every goal. Here we go for July.

July Goals
1. 100 of 1000 gifts
2. Start a 1000 gifts IG account - Just an IG account to document these gifts!
3. Read 1 fiction/1-nonfiction book
4. Help 5 new people reach their fitness goals
5. Start training for another half marathon.
6. Trip to Chicago
7. Do something fun every Friday

I hope you all have a great month!!

{Happy First Father's Day}

Claudy -

When we first met, I remember watching you with kids at different orphanages or schools we would visit and thinking, wow he is so good with those kids. Then, when we were engaged, I watched you take my nieces and nephews and make bonds with them. I would watch you play with them, tease them and just spend time with them. I always thought, you would make such a good dad. In fact, when I watched you with them, you reminded me so much of the qualities I loved about my own dad.

When we found out we were pregnant with our baby, you were so excited... you were connected immediately and you would talk to the baby, etc.

Then it was time for the baby to come. You were nervous and unsure you would want to be in the room, but like any dad, she came and you did great!!!

We really had no idea what we were getting ourselves into and how hard this year would be, but we have made it!


You love our little girl so much and it shows. You take time to play with her, talk with her, feed her, etc. There have been many times that I think, "Wow, he is such a good dad." I don't always voice it out loud, but you are so good to our little girl.

I love when she cuddles up next to you in our beds and touches your face to feel you near. I love when she gets fussy in the evenings and you take out your guitar and start playing worship music and singing together. I love when you play basketball and soccer with her. I love that she goes to sleep better for you. I love how protective you are of her. I love that you are making memories and forming bonds with her.

You have grown so much in this last year. Becoming a daddy has changed you. I loved you before you were a daddy, but my love for you has grown in ways I didn't even realize it could.

I'm so glad you're the one Lia calls DAD!!

I love you!

{June Goals}

May was one of those long, but short months...Like I can't believe that it is already June, but May seemed like it lasted forever! 

I love summertime, so I welcome June with open arms!

Here's a recap of my May Goals. 

1. Read 1 fiction/1 non -fiction book:I did it :)

2. Two play dates this month. - We only got in one last month

3. Go on a family trip!! - We went to Haiti! Such a great trip

4. Girls Night - This didn't happen

5. Write 1 hand written note each week. - Neither did this one

6. 100 of 1000 gifts. I love this habit!

Now for this month. 

June Goals

1. Read 1 fiction/1 non fiction book - This is my yearly goal. Also, I've felt convicted lately about how I spend my time in the evenings. So, I've been turning off the tv and internet and just reading :) 

2. 100 of 1000 gifts - Again this is a yearly goal

3. Help 5 new people reach their fitness goals

4. Run a half marathon

5. Date Weekend (It's are anniversary this month). 

6. Use Wife after God book as a devotional this month. 

7. Spend a couple nights at the cabin as a family.

{Lia's First Trip to Haiti}

We just got back from a trip to Haiti and this was Lia's first trip! I didn't get a ton of pictures, but here are some of the ones that I took. 

Helping me pack her suitcase, she wanted to go inside. 

I was packing our supplies and she was taking it out faster than I could put it in. 

At the hotel, we all slept in the same bed, so I didn't have to load the pack and play at 2:30 AM

Obensen - she loved him. I think it looks like he liked her too!

The girls at the orphanage loved Lia. They were very curious about her and her daddy!

Sometimes a box is better than a toy!

Meeting Grandma!! Claudy didn't tell her we were bringing Lia, she was very surprised!!!

Playing in the Kivet to cool down. 

3 generations!

With "Uncle" SonSon

With Daddy and his Friends

Playing soccer. She will have to learn!

Daddy helping. 

With Islande's family. 

With My friends Quinton and Rebekah

We had a great trip! Lia did amazing! So fun to have her see her dad's country. 

{Lessons Learned During Motherhood}

I by no means have this whole mothering thing figured out. In fact, each day I realize how much I have yet to learn and how much I daily need God's grace to get me through the day, but I have learned some lessons even in my first year of motherhood.

1. Every child is different - While I think it is good to seek advice from others, I've come to realize that no child is the same, they all learn to sleep through the night at different times, they like different foods, they learn to be mobile at different times, etc..

2. Stop comparing - Everyone's life situations are different, but everyone is doing the best they can...stop comparing to other moms and other kids. 

3. Be intentional - While Lia is still very small, I've noticed she still desires all of me. I work from home and feel like this is where I struggle the most. Sometimes I feel that I don't spend enough intentional time with her. I've been trying in the evenings to put my phone away and just to be with her until bed time. I've noticed she is way less fussy and she loves the time of playing. 

4. Take time with your spouse - I'll be the first to admit we aren't the best at this, but it's important that my hubby still comes before Lia and it's great for her to see us working on our marriage. 

5. Don't stress the little things - My mom told me this over and over again. It's amazing how it applies to every aspect of life, including motherhood. 

6. Give your children to God - Lia is a gift...one of God's greatest gifts he's every given me, but ultimately Lia is his daughter. There is a lot of fear in parenthood, but their is freedom in letting Her go and placing her in the hands of her Father! 

7. Be consistent - Lia loves a routine and I know as we get into her life more consistency with discipline will be key.

8. I'm a work in progress - I don't have motherhood figured out. In fact, when I think I have a handle on my little girl, something changes, we have a week of no sleep, etc...Also, there are so many times, I act out of selfishness, instead of out of grace. I'm a work in progress and that is ok.

9. Motherhood is about looking more like God - I was running with a good friend a couple of years ago and we were talking about marriage and how it was refining me, it was a like a mirror looking back at me. She commented that marriage is one of things God uses to make us look more like him, then she added, motherhood will do the same. She is right, Motherhood has shown me more areas of my life where I am weak and where I need God's grace.

What have you learned about from motherhood?

A special shout out on this fine day, to my mother! Thank you for loving me, thank you for being an example of a a Godly wife and mother and thank you for your selfless love! I love you!

{May Goals}

April was one of those month, that has me going, "it's over?" Yet, at the same time, it felt really long. Do you ever have those months? There is a lot I am looking forward to in May, but we have to take it week by week, because....those SENIORS!!! Any teachers out there feel my pain! I just need to keep remembering that I really do love them and in 4 weeks, they too will be different!

Here is a review of my April Goals. 

1. A date night with my hubby.  - This didn't happen. I would like to put it on my May list, but that is looking unlikely!

2. Read 1 fiction/1 non-fiction book. - I finished "Miracle on Voodoo Mountain" this was written by my friend Megan! I love her heart and her story of obedience is extraordinary. I finished half a fiction book :) 

3. Take 1 picture everyday on my good camera (not my iphone).  Ok, I didn't take one everyday, but it was close, so I'm crossing it off!!

4. Record 100 of my 1000 gifts. - I love this habit. It makes me focus on the little things to be thankful for and allows me to see what God is doing everyday, even in the small things.

5. Go to the park at least once a week.  Lia loves the slide and the swings! So fun to get out!

6. Help 5 more people reach their health and fitness goals.  I love this...I've seen some gals those 15 + lbs this month! Some fitting in clothes they haven't in years! So incredible.

7. Blog at least once a week.  - I only got in 3 :(

8. Send 1 hand written note a week.  - I loved writing to my friends!! So fun!

9. Listen to 1 sermon podcast a week. - I only managed to do this twice!!

Now on to May!!

May Goals

1. Read 1 fiction/1 non -fiction book: It's so nice to sit back and read!

2. Two play dates this month. We need to get out more and have friends here more. 

3. Go on a family trip!!

4. Girls Night - As much as I want a date night! I would love a girls night too!
5. Write 1 hand written note each week.
6. 100 of 1000 gifts.

Do you set monthly goals?? What are yours? 

{We Dedicate You, Lia}

Lia -
On Sunday, we dedicated you in front of our church, family and friends; to the Lord. We feel so honored that God chose us to be your parents. You are a gift.

We are asking them to pray with us, these specific things for your life.

* for your salvation

* for conviction of sin

* for a humble and submissive spirit

* a desire for God's word

* protection from evil

* free from the need of others approval

* security in your worth in Christ

* strong work ethic 

* a heart that desires to extend her hand to those in need

* a joyful heart

* wisdom and wise choices

* godly friendships

* future spouse

* for obedience

* sexual purity

* contentment

You are a precious gift to us. We give you back to the Lord. You are His. Our biggest desire is that you know Him and follow Him!

Love - Mom & Dad

{Friday Favorites} - April 10

It has been a while since I've posted. It seems like all of my pictures are of Lia these days and we stay in a lot :) But, now that it is getting nicer out, look for that to change!

1. The 2015 Masters tournament is this weekend. I know it's a little weird that I like to watch golf, but I do! Anyways, go to the Masters in on my bucket list of things I would love to do. Can we talk about that course...it always looks so perfect!

2. DUKE WINS!! I have been a Duke fan for a long time, but was a little torn going into the finals...They prevailed! Going to watch a FINAL FOUR is also on my bucket list. I love the last 3 weeks in March and all the basketball that we watch. On Monday night, it is always a little sad, when the last game is over. However, ONE SHINING MOMENT...is one of my favorite things each year. Each year, I'm always a little teary-eyed when I watch it. Here is this years video :) 

3. 60th Anniversary - On April 3rd, my grandparents celebrated their 60th anniversary. While the last 10 years, my grandfather has had Alzheimer's and lived in the nursing home for the last 7, my grandma has shown and modeled what it is like to love in all circumstances. She visits him daily, baths and shaves him, she truly serves him. It is such a picture of love and devotion (even knowing you will get nothing in return).

4. LiaMarie is Walking...seriously, she is not even 9 months, she was taking steps for a couple of weeks, but this week she really started choosing to walk. Time slow down!!

5. BBQ & Bikini's: We started a new April Challenge group. This month we are focusing on Summer!! We have a monthly meal plan all with delicious grilling recipes. It's been a fun group and I've seen some of my gals losing 10-15 lbs in the last month or so! It's so fun to see people reaching their goals!! 

Have a great weekend!!

Momfessionals

{Friday Favorites} - February 27

I've been slacking....it's true. Especially on this whole blogging thing. I've been so tired in the evenings, and just haven't had the energy to muster up a blog post. I've been trying to be present in the evenings, not wanting our time as a family just to pass me by, but to enjoy it. 

1//Last weekend we went to watch my niece Dani play basketball. I love Dani and I love basketball....Clearly Abby and Troy, were not as easily entertained...they turned to making faces at each other. 

2//I've been trying to keep my camera near me...She gives the best smiles...her whole face lights up. I love this girl to pieces. 

3//We worked upstairs a couple of days this week and the cat came to visit us. It was her first time seeing the cat, I wish the picture had sound...she was squealing for like 5 minutes. 

4//Passport pictures....do you know how hard it is to get a good passport picture for a moving baby. After about 40 pictures, this is the final take. Luckily I can crop it. She is actually standing up, it was the only way to make her not move :)

5//I registered for 2 half-marathons this summer. It's been a long time since I've done any longer races and I'm so excited :) 

Hope you have a great week!

 

Momfessionals