The Afermath

How many months ago was our tree cut? We had to haul the tree out of the house on Christmas day. It was a giant mess and such a major fire hazard. Yes it was watered and the base was freshly cut. Who knows!

The tree

Not a tear was shed this year while picking out the tree. We certainly were close a couple if times but if you feed children enough marshmallows they simply do not cry! We made our way to Lenderinks on Friday afternoon. What a place! It has been a long while since our first visit and I had forgotten just how cool a place it is. "I mean they just have so much free stuff," remarked Hayden as we headed for the car. They had hot cocoa, marshmallows for roasting a hot bonfire, saws, greens and twine all for the taking until your heart's content. A far cry from the Klackle orchards of the world where there is a charge for everything. It was a fun hour at the tree farm and easy to find a favorite blue spruce. Hayden was such a bog help this year so once we made it home I found myself venturing into the kitchen to make a pie instead of holding the tree in place with Bob. We had a nice dinner, read the Christmas story out of two different bibles, donned new Christmas pajamas and reminisced about the meaning of our unique ornament collection. Bring on December. The Strobel tree is ready!

The other day I told someone that I have stuff I need to say. What exactly is that all about?

As I am rapidly approaching 40 (two week countdown) I am realizing that there is so much inside of me screaming to be said. Yet when I sit down to write my thoughts on paper, or computer, they often disappear as if they were stolen away in the night. 

I find my life to be so amazing and I am grateful everyday for the gratitude I feel about all the many blessings I have been given. I have an amazing and I mean amazing husband who is so unconditional, fun, real, smart, funny and the best role model to our children. I have three darling little men who are growing like weeds and require so much nurturing. The nurturing and teaching keeps me on top of my game and ever mindful of my responsibilities and duties as a citizen of the world. I am grateful for sisters, three, who are all so different than me. They crack me up, challenge me, make me proud and sometimes freak me right out all in one short conversation. I am reminded of my Dad and in-laws who are so selfless in their approach to being there when we need them. I am mindful of friends, so many, but a special handful who share with me, trust in me and listen to me. So I ask myself who could ask for more?

Life is just so funny. At forty (well almost) I have a house to keep (and unfortunately I do feel somewhat compelled to vacuum almost daily), children to deliver, chase and train, a husband to speak to at least on the weekends :) and so many projects that tempt me. I have irons in the fire to adopt a daughter from Nepal and so many places I want to see. I have creative stuff churning inside.  I have a strong pull to do more in the philanthropy department and on and on I could go. I can't help but wonder how I will fit it all in? There is so much left to do and I hope I am around many more years to continue trying to do my part. Like I said... I have things I need to say. 

I am so fortunate to feel blessed, supported, loved and respected. I hope that I can continue to pay it forward when it comes to service to others. Life certainly is what you make it!

out of the mouths of babes

a few recent quotes:

Hayden- "Mom I know who the democrat is. It's Obama and the republican is McCain."

Me- Good Hayden. "Now do you know when the election is?" 

Hayden- "Ahh I would say September or November."

Me: "It's November 4th, just one week before your birthday."

Hayden- "Oh good! That way Obama can make it to my party!"

Owen during his almost out for the night sleepy state, "Mommy, I love you all the way to Disney World and back." Then I heard a snore.

I Wonder?

I wonder how God created the world.

Did he do it with his hands?

Does the world look like a toy?

How does he line everything up perfectly?

What did he use to create our bodies?

Is he bigger than the sun?

Does he have a lot of fun?

Did he use dust and turn it to color?

How did he name every little number?

How did he create space if it never ends?

Hmmmm.

I wonder.

-Hayden Strobel age 7  

  

Why blog?

I have forever wished I could write about the ordinary, the simple everyday bustle of life.

After all, don't we all believe we have something important to say? So much of my life is filled with chaos and drama that I couldn't make up if I tried. I'm telling you, going way back I have crazy stories to tell. So writing down the wild and hectic days of family life is my way of trying to forever remember the good the bad and the ugly. :)  I am blessed to generally be able to see and share the extra in the ordinary. Welcome to my space all about me... and the characters I call the heart and soul of my wonderful life!