New Years G-O-A-L

Its that time.  New Years Eve means making a plan and a path for the next 365 days.  Here's mine:

 

I am going to run 2,017 miles in 2017!

 

Or rather I am going to keep track to see how many of the 2,017 miles I can run in 2017.  Because, you see, in order to run 2,017 miles in one year you must complete 5.5 miles every day.  Every. Single. Day.  That is just not going to happen - I know this, I admit this, I am not ashamed of it, there ain't no way.  This is strictly a personal competition with myself to see how many I can achieve.

 

I'm not a crazy person, I did not think of this myself.  In the wonderful time consuming life trap that is Facebook, I discovered this legit challenge.  There is even a website where you can pay to register yourself or a team and work together to complete the challenge.  Take a look at the video - it is very inspiring:

 

 

I am choosing to not register online through their website but instead keep daily track on a calendar and blog about it on here.  On the last day of each month I will post the amount of miles completed as well as a running total for the year.  I would love for you to join me in this challenge by posting in the comment section of the monthly blog.

 

There is only one "rule" for this challenge and its a simple one:

 

The miles completed for this challenge must be intentional set aside time for exercise miles.  Not "I have a fit bit that counts my steps and calculates it into miles therefore I already walk five miles a day so this will be no problem" miles.    

 

We set aside time, manage to find the time, or squeeze things into our daily life that do not benefit our health.  This challenge will help prioritize your health and have fun doing it.

 

So... are you ready to start?

Official

I have been pretty low key about this.  I cannot even say that those closest to me know yet.   But the time has come to make an official announcement.

 

As of December 31st, 2016

 

- after 18 years and 2 months of dedication -

 

I am retiring as the Children's Librarian at the Wauseon Public Library.

 

 

I've had my career and its been wonderful.  I loved meeting new people every day, seeing your children grow, and never could have dreamed of the experiences I would have working at a library over the years. But now is the time to focus on my children - they are only this young once afterall - and my mother whose health requires a little extra care.

 

I'm excited and scared at the same time.  I may always question if I made the right choice by leaving.  But at the end of the day, when I look back over my life and see my smiling children, the answer will be crystal clear.

 

 

Mr. Fred the Elf 2016

Hanging with the newest ornament - DISNEY!

Fred didn't like the taste of the "cookies" he found and decided to point out a better recipe to try... and pronto!

That's a mint cream filled Ho-Ho, people!  MINT!

Everyone can use an extra helping hand during the holiday season!

 

 

Who doesn't photo copy their derriere? 

(I totally had to google how to spell that.)

And speaking of derrieres...  Mr. Fred stole a pair of everyone's undies.

 

Colored on eggs isn't just for Easter.

Poor, poor Fred.  Stuck in the hanging plant for three whole days because NO ONE could find him!!

And with three days all alone, Fred had some time to think.  Maybe Mr. Fish, swimming all alone, might be lonely too and so three more fish were delivered.

 

Guess who's shipment of toilet paper arrived?!

Two weeks after decorating the tree, it hit me... er, Fred, that Holly does not have an ornament of her own!  A special 'H' ornament was purchased, wrapped, and left for the little to awaken.

 

 

With the wall of toilet paper still in the living room, Fred used it to his advantage to hide behind it with a special gift - a new Christmas movie!

Its how many days til Christmas?!?  Better get wrapping!

A last minute trip to Frankenmuth needs a last minute road buddy.

Every now and then you have to take a break from Christmas prep to sit back, relax, and play a friendly game of Jenga!

Time to say goodbye to Fred for the season.

Merry Christmas to ALL

At the beginning of December, my sister-in-law and I hosted a Christmas Craft Night.  We made two yummy treats (one to keep and one to pass on), a set of wooden presents, and these beaded icicles:

 

 

In fact, we made 58 beaded icicles:

 

 

Why 58? 

Well... that's all we could manage. 

But the reason we made a surplus is to take here:

 

 

 

Our local hospital. 

 

A simple gesture of a small icicle ornament, beaded with care, given to those who are in the hospital on Christmas Day, is a reminder that those whose health is failing them are truly in our thoughts and prayers and gives them a little piece of hope to cling on to.  And although this Christmas season is far from over for me, I'm already in the planning stages of what to make for next year!

 

Merry Christmas - to everyone - everywhere!

 

A jolly, happy soul

I think our snowman has been doing a bit of waist-training. 

 

 

#Advent2016  #ilovemyshepherd   #graftedheart

Newbies

We took our first family trip up to Frankenmuth, Michigan yesterday which means we made a stop into Bronners.

 

 

 

Armed with money sent from Great Grandma, they set out to explore the 7-acre store to find one ornament each to call their own.

 

We spent hours walking around, carrying one ornament until something better came along.  When final decisions were made, we had them personalized and brought them home to adorn our tree.

Anyone who knows Jacob knows what  perfect fit this is.

 

It wasn't until the very end that Jim found this carved wooden toy ornament and Bree, excuse me, Gabrielle just wanted something sparkly and blue.

 

Holly recently has been fascinated with puzzles.  Putting it together just to rip it apart and put it back together again time after time after time.

 

And me?  Well, this ornament is two-fold.  1.  Its Elf, hello!!  Can that be any more perfectly fitting for me?  And 2.  Its the very first ornament in 9 years that has 'Mom' on it.

 

These will all be treasured ornament for years to come.

 

#Advent2016   #ilovemyshepherd   #graftedheart

O Christmas Tree

A few weeks into the season last year, I was so fed up with lights burning out on my kitchen tree that I went to the store and bought three strands of LED lights.

 

This year a strand on our main Christmas tree burnt out just a few days in which sent us running to the store for more lights to make it through the season.

 

However, our bedroom tree right now...  I'm calling defeat.

 

 

I think it still looks beautiful though.

 

 

 

#Advent2016  #ilovemyshepherd  #graftedheart

Christmas Mail

There is something exhilarating about walking out to your mailbox and discovering an envelope, handwritten with your name on it, isn't there?  Your heart skips a beat while your mind searches for whose handwriting this belongs to.  Its a wonderful feeling.  And sometimes that can happen with an email too.

 

Today I received an email that at first I thought was junk mail.  My name was misspelled and it started out as one of those 'you've had a family member die and leave you millions of dollars!' emails.  And just as I was about to hit delete, my eyes caught some key words, my heart skipped a beat, and all at once my world was validated.

 

 

Dear Rachael,

 

I just want to tell you how much I, personally, appreciate the time and effort that you and your family put into preparing and serving the Thursday Community meals.

 

As you know, there are a variety of individuals who come each week. Some are here because they need the meal to help them make ends meet, while others come because they enjoy the fellowship of being with others. And, of course, there are those who come for both.

 

I try to come each week, just to visit with people, just to welcome them and to build a relationship with them. It has been fun to get to know them and there have been times when they have asked me to pray for them or a friend or family member. But again, one thing that they all have in common is their enjoyment of getting together.

 

I do recognize that this is a huge job for you and I just want you and the others who work with you to know how much it is appreciated.

 

God bless and Merry Christmas!

 Pastor Mike Berne

 

Money does not grow on trees nor does my time expand limitlessly.  Because of this, I choose my charities and volunteer opportunities carefully.  I firmly believe that God did NOT put us on this planet to be alone.  This is evident from the very beginning in the Old Testament in Genesis when God says to "Be fruitful and multiply" to the New Testament when Jesus says "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men."  With this as my biblical background, I do not choose charities that segregate out certain types of people.  I seek ways to bring a sense of belonging and community to everyone - regardless of your financial status.  In some way or another we all know the feeling of being picked last or wanting to crawl in a hole and hide from the situation and I do not wish that on anyone.  The cruelty, unfairness, and cracks that so many people slip through in this world is enough to make us turn off the news, stop reading the paper, and change the radio station.  If the only light in people's life is a simple meal eaten at the park or a community dinner, then I'm happy to help - always have, always will.

#Advent2016  #ilovemyshepherd  #graftedheart

Joys of the season

Oh the glutton-ness, glutton-ness trap that is holiday eating.

 

 

There are the days when we eat because we're hungry. 

 

Annnnnd.... then there are the days when we eat because the food in front of us holds sentimental value.  A mere drop of that food on our tongue takes us back in time to days when life was simple.  While the recipes of old are great to bust out at family gatherings, it is also fun to play around with new flavors, to make new memories and tradition with a new generation.  And thanks to Pinterest, that's so much easier!   

 

I don't have a picture of the finished product, but here is a new, simple, super-moist, you seriously can't go wrong with it version of banana bread.

 

Quick and Easy Banana Bread

1 box cake mix

I used Spice cake, the recipe recommended Butter Pecan

1 stick melted butter

2 eggs

3 ripe bananas

 

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray bread loaf pan with non-stick spray.

 

 

In a large mixing bowl, mash bananas and melted butter together.

 

Pour in dry cake mix and eggs.

 

Mix until well combined. (As this base is a cake mix, there is no risk of over mixing the batter.)

 

Pour into bread pan and bake for 45 minutes - 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.  *I know I had to bake mine slightly over an hour until it was done.

 

ENJOY!

 

#Advent2016  #ilovemyshepherd  #graftedheart

 



Sing along

It seems a bit odd to say that our children's most beloved Christmas ornament came from none other than....  Menards.  And it seems even more odd to say that I remember very specifically purchasing it.  But my favorite ornament?  I have no recollection of where it came from, what year it showed up, or if I bought it for myself or if it was a gift.  Its funny how some things get ingrained in our heads, isn't it?  But no matter where it was purchased, its because of this very special ornament that is very strategically placed on our tree, that our children know 'O Holy Night' by heart.  From the very first note or in the middle of a stanza, they jump right in and that makes my heart sing.

 

 

#Advent2016  #ilovemyshepherd  #graftedheart

Comfort

Take a look at these mugs:

 

The first three belong to my children, loving personalized with their names by my crafty sister.  But that fourth mug, the simple one with the brown stripes, that belonged to my dad.  Stained with a permanent ring inside from all the years of drinking black coffee (with a little sugar, of course), it hangs in a place of honor in my kitchen.  Although we may never use it (or I may never let my children use it), it brings a sense of comfort just by being there.  And that is what keepsakes are for.

 

#Advent2016   #ilovemyshepherd  #graftedheart  

Beauty

I'm not a very materialistic person.  I don't collect anything (besides craft supplies). I would much rather make something for someone else rather then myself.  And I can never get rid of enough things out of my house (hence the 2-3 garage sales per year).  I do have a favorite coffee mug from a local artist I cherish and there are two bowls from a local charity event I am ever so careful with.  But ultimately, its all just stuff.  And when our time comes to go to the Great Beyond, we can't take it with us.  I guess that's why when it comes to Christmas, I don't have a favorite decoration for myself but rather for my children.

 

Let me explain.

 

 

These decorations aren't much to look at and most definitely will not last over the years.

 

But the memories of making them?

 

The simple days of childhood... the excitement of getting to use glitter... the ability to create a work of art, the joy of wrapping it in construction paper sealed with staples, and the pain staking anticipation of Christmas day to arrive so your parents can open your gift?

 

Those memories will last forever and will continue to bring joy year after year - long after the material item is gone.

 

#Advent2016   #ilovemyshepherd  #graftedheart

Longing

This is the view from my couch:

 

 

During the Spring....

I watch the trees bud and the grass slowly return to its vibrant shade of green.

 

During the Summer....

I watch the children run and play and picnic under in the shade.

 

During the Fall....

I watch the farmer harvest his crop and enjoy the slow tumbling of the golden maple leaves.

 

But winter is my favorite.

 

During the winter...

 through my eastern facing door, I get to watch the dark snow clouds roll in - bringing that delightful white stuff.  I watch flake after flake, inch after inch, swirl to the ground while Christmas music plays in the background and I'm working on a few homemade presents.  And on bitterly cold weekends, my view becomes twice as nice with a fire crackling away in the fireplace.

 

Now I wait as patiently as I can for it to snow.,,,

 

#Advent2016  #ilovemyshepherd  #graftedheart

To Believe...

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Yes, I am a Christian.

 

Yes, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." applies.

 

And

 

Yes, we celebrate and welcome Santa into our home.

 

My dear friend over at ilovemyshepherd.com has so wonderfully collaborated and compiled a daily devotion and Advent photo challenge this Christmas season.  Today's feature is none other than St. Nick.  For those of you who may be struggling with how Santa fits into your beliefs and what you teach your children, please take a moment to read her words. 

 

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

Colossians 3:12

 

Before he became known as St. Nick, Nicholas of Myra was a pastor and bishop in the fourth century.  He was passionate about his calling and stood up for what he believed in, or rather who he believed in - Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  He's remembered for the care he brought to people.  He made use of whatever resources were available to him in an effort to help those in need.  When you see the coat or red, the black boots, or the floppy hat remember that you too hold the Spirit of kindness and compassion in your hearts, and you have a firm faith to share, just as St. Nick did so long ago. 

Page 4 of 11

 

 

#Advent2016  #ilovemyshepherd  #graftedheart

Merry and BRIGHT

"250 strands of lights, 100 individual bulbs per strand, for a grand total of 25,000 imported Italian twinkling lights!"

 

Okay, so maybe our tree doesn't have that many lights on it but there sure is something magical about the room being lit by only the glow of the Christmas tree.

 

 

#Advent2016  #ilovemyshepherd  #graftedheart

 

From your nose to your toes

We are a family of blanket lovers. 

 

Not because we are cold, but because there is something comforting about having a soft, familiar and, yes, warm blanket wrapped around you.  Snuggles in the chair are better with a blanket and beds are so much cozier with blankets piled high.  However, to compensate for all the added blankets in your bed, you must then sleep with a fan on - no matter the season, no matter the temperature.  Trust me on this one. 

 

When a sister in law reminded me about the wonderful charity that is Project Linus and expressed interest in making tie blankets to donate,  I happily jumped on the Black Friday sales at JoAnn fabrics.  

 

 

 

I only purchased enough material for us to make 8 blankets.  But that's 8 more children (or teens) who are "seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need" that will know the security, comfort and warmth that a blanket can bring.  Its a simple act on our behalf but to the recipients, the effects are ever lasting.  

 

#Advent2016  #ilovemyshepherd  #graftedheart 

Simpletons

I've heard it.  You've heard it.  We know it in our hearts.  And yet... at Christmastime we tend to forget it.

 

 "Its the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary."

 

No frills.  No bells and whistles.  No stressing, no supplies, no time involved.  To countdown the Christmas season in our home, all you need is a simple 97 cent Chocolate Advent calendar from Aldi's courtesy of an aunt who delivers them every Thanksgiving. 

 

 

The excitement that ensues until the countdown that begins is almost unbearable!

 

 

And when December 1st is finally here, the children run to the special spot that holds their calendar.  They search out the corresponding day and ever so carefully open the perforated window to reveal a special symbol that represents the Christmas season.  One chooses to nibble the candy, one prefers to hold it in their mouth allowing the chocolate to slowly melt, and one just gobbles it down.  But.  Everyone savors the moment. 

 

And everyone is happier all because of a small piece of chocolate.

#Advent2016   #ilovemyshepherd   #graftedheart