Sparkle and Women of Faith Conferences

I just had to blog about River Valley’s first ever women’s conference, Sparkle! I am actually blogging about it a few weeks later, and recalling how much I liked it. I just returned from another conference this weekend, the Women of Faith conference in St. Paul. Perhaps it is unfair to compare the two, because they were so different, but it is advantageous for me to see which situations are the most beneficial for me, I think. At Women of Faith, I was struck with the sheer magnitude of the event. The production crew, quality of the speakers, etc. was very impressive! It was amazing to see the Xcel Energy Center (the same venue that houses those crazy Minnesota Wild fans) full of women seeking God and His presence. I love worshipping in large settings such as these, because they are the closest glimpse to heaven that I think we have! I enjoyed Sparkle so much too. The worship was intimate and full of enthusiasm, and the speakers challenged me on a very personal level. I am looking forward to next fall very much!

It was fun to have my high school friend Kyla and her friend Mary join me for Women of Faith. They drove all the way from Mitchell, SD, and I’m so glad they came! We are stopping for a cup of joe prior to the conference (see photo). Look for more photos in the Sparkle Conference photo album on this website!

Our New Couch

In our efforts to promptly furnish our home when we moved in in March, I admit to having made some hasty decisions...most notably, in buying a white couch. Let me re-phrase that. A light as snow, unblemished and undeniably WHITE couch. True, we have no pets upstairs to worry about. Those inhabiting our Dylan Drive dwelling are even more destructive - children!! After one too many rounds of cleaning spaghetti fingerprints or the misplaced goop of chocolate chip cookie on our once stark white couch, we decided to welcome ourselves into the inviting existence of leather furniture. Since this existence often carries a hefty price tag, we opted for used. Labor Day was a perfect opportunity to load up the kids, the trailor, our GPS, and the optimistic hope of leather in our living area. Our second stop proved an irresistible deal. The original offer for the leather couch was for $375. Tom, being the effortless bargainer that he is, offered $300. The owner, an elderly gentleman, paused momentarily and then spoke. “How about $250?” We were dumbfounded! He explained that we could use the extra $50 to buy the kids “something nice.” What a blessing! That “something nice” turned out to be a contribution for mattresses in Ian’s room and the guest room. Practicality wins out everytime! :)

Ian's First Music Class

Today was a momentous occasion for Ian, but probably more significantly, for me. Ian’s first class at Yamaha Music School (coincidentally, my place of employment...) was an adventure! He is not quite accustomed to a group learning environment, but he and the other 4- and 5-year-olds will grow more comfortable with that. All the kids had a palpable enthusiasm as they were introduced to their very first session of piano instruction. I could tout the Yamaha horn until I’m blue in the face, but what I love most is that the method is adapted to interest a younger age group, and I think it is sheer genius!

So of course I couldn’t resist a photo opt on our way out. Ian is most likely uncertain what journey he is embarking on, but we know he enjoyed himself in class! And thanks to Tom and Nina, for trekking to Edina with us on our adventure!

Raspberry Picking

Yes, I know... I blog on this EVERY summer. But it is such a fun tradition for our family! Ian and Nina are of wholehearted assistance in their berry picking. I appreciate their enthusiasm for the simple (but yummy!) things in life. Of course it is lovely to be able to eat as you pick, although for the kids, not much is being done besides eating. Or in their case, eating what OTHERS have picked (no elaboration necessary!). Tom and I tackled our first session of home canning and made some raspberry jam. It tastes delicious and I’m sure we’ll try it again soon!

Also, compliments to Tom and his amazing photographic ability!!

Time Well Spent

Here is a photo of what I do best...CUDDLE. I attempt to do it whenever possible and as often as I can, without intentionally making anyone uncomfortable of course. Okay... I suppose I MOSTLY cuddle with the little ones running around our place. And Tom, who started the whole thing in the first place. I might even go so far as to say I have perfected the art of cuddling (not to be mistaken for “canoodling,” which is not necessarily platonic), based on extensive research and years of honing my craft. I’ve realized that a cuddle is truly a non-verbal “I love you.” And that makes an indelible impression.... without even saying anything.

Raising Kids

It is entertaining to notice the differences between my two children. Some differences are due to gender, others from personality variations. But I have never believed the saying “No two children are alike” more passionately than I do now! I am especially enjoying having a girl. Boys are great too, and I feel like had we had another boy, the differences wouldn’t be as pronounced in the two of them. Nina is social, dramatic and enthusiastic. Ian can be enthusiastic too, but is much more even-keeled and orderly. I have always been fascinated by birth order differences and wonder if my children can be categorized in the traditional roles. Hmmm... firstborns are conscientious, reliable, sometimes perfectionistic. Youngest are charming, like to show off, sometimes manipulative, and precocious. Those aren’t entirely accurate for my children at least, but I admit that some of those qualities are “spot on!” I am cherishing their differences and enjoying every little phase of our kids’ development!

Birthday Girl

Here is our little doll on her very first birthday. She was tentative, then enthusiastic as she poked at her chocolate birthday cake. Ian was of great assistance (candle blowing, present unwrapping...) and I think wishes his own birthday was a little sooner!

It is so rewarding as a parent to experience my kids’ “firsts” with them. Somehow we seem to loose our enthusiasm over the little things in adulthood, and it is truly magical to observe and participate in the experiences of my own children!!