February Birthdays

I don't have time for a lot of blogging with the North Dakota Homeschool Convention coming up (I hope to see some of you there!) but I wanted to share some pictures from two recent birthdays. :-)

First of all, our youngest, Ethan, turned a big 9 years old on February 9th!!! But, a couple of us had had a stomach bug the last few days before his birthday, and Ethan started his special day throwing up. The poor guy slept all day and only woke up a few times to open presents or cards, or watch his birthday movie (Cars). For those of you who know Ethan, he was pretty sick to be laying down and sleeping ALL day!!!! :-)

Opening his new Star Wars Lego watch

Taking a nap with mom's blinders

So, we had to postpone our trip to Golden Corral until everyone was well enough to eat the buffet!! So this past week we went, and decided to take a before picture (I took this one so I'm not in it) . . .

 . . . and an after picture!

Mom's birthday was February 23rd, and it was her golden birthday too!!! ha ha :-) I'll let you decide for yourself how old she looks (I think 23 sounds pretty good!). For her birthday, dad and us kids ran into town and picked up Pizza Hut pizza and a movie (Like Dandelion Dust) for mom's special day! She stayed home alone and was able to relax a little, but not much with the big convention coming up! (Yes, Pizza Hut pizza is her FAVORITE!)

That evening she opened cards and gifts. :-)

 

 

She enjoyed her beautiful gifts and flower from Aunt Jan, and her new Packer sweatshirt from the guys in the family!

Then today, she was surprised to receive a Packer t-shirt in the mail from a friend!

Since she didn't want to share, I had to take things into my own hands. :-)

Happy birthday mom and Ethan! WE LOVE YOU BOTH!!!!

Picture Post

I've been wanting to post some pictures for a while, and now I'm finally getting around to it! On February 5th, we got together with some friends at a local community center and had a great time playing games, talking, eating, fellowshipping and more!

Everyone gathered for a game of dodge ball  . . .
 

 . . . and when they were hit they sat out!

Basketball was lots of fun too . . . . . . .

 . . . . . even for the little ones! :-)

Some of us enjoyed playing "Occupation" upstairs . . . .

 . . . . and the guys did a men's basketball game (with a little more roughness than when us girls joined in, I'm sure!).

The mothers enjoyed visiting and taking turns holding the new baby in the group!

 

The younger kids enjoyed some group games . . .

 

 . . .  and playing with the big beach balls!

 

I REALLY enjoyed the fellowship . . .
 

 . . . and of course the food as well (yes, my mouth is full in this picture)!!

It seems like the kids enjoyed the food too. :-)

We had fun tossing the football around (especially considering the fact that MY FAVORITE TEAM was going to play in the Super Bowl the next day - and THEY WON . . . . WAHOOO!!!!!!!!!!).

My favorite game was Do You Love Your Neighbor . . . we even got some of the parents to join in! :-)

It was a great afternoon/evening of fun, food and fellowship and we thank the Lord for such wonderful friends!

P.S. A HUGE THANK YOU goes to Maria and Clara U. (and any other U. sisters that used the camera) for taking all the wonderful pictures I've posted! Thanks girls - they turned out great! :-)

Giveaway Winner!

And the winner for a one-year subscription to The King's Blooming Rose is . . . . . .




















LIBBI H.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Congrats Libbi! Please leave me a comment with your full name and address (I won't publish it). I pray that you will be blessed by this magazine! Enjoy!

And for the rest of you who have never subscribed to this magazine, don't forget to order your free sample copy. :-)

Don't Forget . . .

 . . . to sign up for my giveaway (scroll down)!!!! You only have until Sunday night! :-)

Picture post coming soon!

Winter Minimization Media Challenge by LTLM

Winter Media Minimization Challenge from Loving the Lord Ministries on Vimeo.

Check out the Loving the Lord Ministries blog to find out more!

Heat Wave in Minnesota!

NOTE: This was not staged but was done by a professional stuntman. Please do not try this at home.

GIVEAWAY!

I would like to give away a one-year subscription to the King's Blooming Rose magazine!! I HIGHLY recommend this magazine, which is designed to encourage young ladies in their walks with the Lord! I started recieving it a few years ago when Hidden Wisdom was no longer being printed, and I love it! I am encouraged and convicted with every issue. Even if you don't win this giveaway, all you young ladies reading this (and older ones too!) should consider buying a subscription of this God-glorifying magazine! It is very affordable at only $7.00 a year (four issues). If you would like to try out a FREE sample issue, go here.

FROM THE KBR WEBSITE:

The King's Blooming Rose magazine began in February 2005, when homeschooler Sarah Bryant published the first issue. It was very small and sent to about twenty friends. The Lord has greatly blessed this ministry and hundreds of families now receive KBR Magazine all over the United States, Canada, and beyond.

While Sarah handles much of the regular editorial work and design of KBR, her parents often offer guidance and entire family provides support - without it, this effort would be impossible. We are very grateful for the Lord's blessing of this ministry, and for various ways others support this effort!

In 2009, Sarah wrote a book entitled The Family Daughter: Becoming Pillars of Strength In Our Father's House, [note: I HIGHLY recommend this as well!] and we expanded the KBR ministry when she published it in 2010.

TO ENTER:

1. To be entered once, leave a comment sharing about a favorite Christian magazine you currently subscribe to, or would recommend. Or, if you'd rather, you can share about an inspiring book you've read latey!

 2. To be entered twice, do the above and also share about this giveaway on your own blog.

3. To be entered three times, order a free sample of KBR, and do both of the above!

 Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each entry. This giveaway is only eligible for those who are in the USA, and do not already recieve the King's Blooming Rose magazine.

I will randomly choose a winner on Monday, February 21st.