Carpe Diem

By the looks of things, 2014 is shaping up to be our worst blogging year yet! A little disappointing after my record setting 2013. But so life goes, and us along with it. These days when I get a "free" moment, blogging isn't even on my radar... so for all you who've lovingly thought when you checked the link, "maybe today is the day, I'll check on the blog"...

TODAY IS THE DAY!!

Our little family, in our little neck of the woods, has been going, going, going. Much, it seems, like the rest of the world. Today, however, I am seizing this moment to sit, reflect, and write to you.

It's hard to believe but we now have two preschoolers! Brianna is going three days a week and Carl is going two days a week... but all of us heading to drop off five days a week! Whew! I actually like the consistency of getting up and going, it's remembering who I'm packing the backpack for that's the tricky part! Jon's been busy balancing homework (his MBA program), his work-work, and family time. And me, well, like most moms, I carry many titles, but all well worth carrying!

I've been trying to do my best at taking advantage of the opportunities that God throws our way. Sometimes I miss, but sometimes, even the little things count to make our story and adventure worth it. Things like: Jon being able to go full swing into his MBA program and loving it; Jon and I celebrating 10 years of marriage, where has the time gone; two little crazies at preschool beginning to develop friendships; a few extra days at the end of summer to swim in the pool; a dog who allows pretty much anything to happen to and around him; a trip with just Brianna and I to drive Aunt Betsy back to MN for a month; a new roof so we don't have to worry about leaks; the arrival of two new cousins into the clan; Brianna learning to ride two wheels; going camping with church friends; strawberry picking; twins games; and so much more.

Amidst the busy, there is always time to pause and be thankful.

Today, this is the pause in my day to be thankful. AND thank you for following along with our Bonkoblog.

No Rumble Strips Please

This is what happens when we travel with Eko in the car and we inadvertently go over the rumble strips on the road...

... he goes from the very back of the car, all the way up to the front seat - even when that means he'll be sitting on someones lap. He's 85 lbs! Rumble strips make him extremely nervous and make him shake nonstop. When he shakes, he sheds. It was pleasant.

When Jon asked, "So, did you want me to pull over?" I said, "I have a dog on my lap, who's scratching up my legs... of course!!" Thanks Eko, for giving us a reason to stop at Lock & Dam number 5!

We avoided the evil rumbles the rest of the way home.

When These Two Collide

There is just so much to love about these two! I was thankful we took a moment at our cousin's wedding a few weekends ago to take this photo; it seems to capture their smiles and personality perfectly. I especially love how I can always count on smiles and laughter when they are together!

Our family photo turned out well too... even with Uncle Jeff's shadow photo-bombing!

Summer Moments

There have been so many fun moments this summer that I have not been blogging about! One such moment, was when Carl and I, with Uncle Jeff, Micah, and Kaitlyn, went to the Twins game. It was a hot day, so Carl and I decided to take a break out of the sun when who should we cross paths with... TC Bear!

Carl told me later that he thought I was going to leave him with TC, which is why he was acting shy, but he was actually really excited to see him! We made it all the way through the game and enjoyed every minute together. GO Twins!

Family Photos

On the eve of the week leading up to Carl's third birthday, I've been a little emotional! It's hard to believe he will be three in just a few short days. Seriously, where did three years go! He is maturing into a dedicated, loving, helpful youngster; give him a job and he is all over it. I am so blessed to hear everyday, him call me mommy!

We had family photos taken at the end of May and I'm pretty sure he stole the show. He has such a contagious smile and laugh that is hard to resist. Both Brianna and Carl did wonderfully when they were asked to do this or that, but Carl certainly figured out how to take over the camera! We choose a park near our house that has an old train car and platform and maybe that's what helped his excitement.

Whatever the driving factor, we were blessed with some great photos.

Thanks to our photographer, Ben Berndt (benberndtphotography.com) for the wonderful memories captured by the lens!

Our First Field Trip

I think my excitement matched Brianna's for her first ever school field trip! We went to a farm and got to see sorts of baby animals; some only just days old... so cute! When it came to the baby chicks, my ears heard the farmer suggest some parents help pass around the chicks and I went straight up there. Can you say excited! 

One of my favorite memories from elementary school (not sure what year, maybe 1st grade), we got to learn about baby chicks, and they brought some into school. We all sat around in a circle and I couldn't wait to hold them. When it was finally my turn the baby chick cuddled up in my long hair and nestled in. I was so happy! That was then, so today when the farmer mentioned a couple parents or teachers could carry the chicks around I just walked right up!! I was so proud of Brianna for holding the baby chick and not being scared. She had perfect placement with her hands to hold it securely but not too tight. SO thankful for another preschool mom who snapped this picture of us and emailed it to me as we boarded the bus to go home. She also got to pet a lamb, a baby goat (a kid), a piglet, a calf, a kitten, a 10 day old puppy, and even took a hayride.  

Also, so thankful the crazy storms they had forecasted for today lightened up in the morning so that we could enjoy the farm in the warm sunshine! Wow, it's hard to believe Brianna is four and growing into a beautiful little lady. 

Negative Turned Positive

Just prior to nap/quiet times, I got a call from my sister saying she needed a little help. She went on a morning adventure and it just so happened her keys took their own adventure (thankfully just trapping themselves in the car). We had just finished lunch so I said I'd run and get the extra keys and help out! I'm glad I did! 

We had a fun excursion to a new park she had seen before but had never been to yet. It was pretty neat, tree house type theme, down by the river. I'm glad her little mishap happened and gave us an unexpected chance to get together! Plus, I grabbed her camera at one point and managed to shoot a super cute self portrait of the two of us. Probably the first picture in too long to be taken. Let's do this more often!!

I mean... look at the love rolling down this slide!! 

Thanks for sharing the pictures with me Margaret!

4 Hours - 50 Degrees

All talk after church this morning was focused on the weather and what your plans were for the beautiful afternoon. My response was to be outside, as was most everyones. I mean, can you blame us... after a crazy winter storm on Friday and now temps in the 50's, who wouldn't want to be outside!

With that said, not once did I think my response of being outside would have included four straight hours of play. Let me tell you, I am tired!!! After baking a loaf of bread and fixing a batch of cookies, I heard the sounds of children increase from the bedrooms below. Instead of struggle with them to be quiet for "quiet time," we headed outside. The kids and I played with neighbors, I cleaned out my car, the kids adventured around the yard, they played with Eko, we went for a walk to the end of the street, Jon took a break from his homework and we all went for a longer walk, on the way back our neighbors were out again so we played some more, we rode bikes, we stomped out some snow, played tag... I think you get the idea!

I am SO looking forward to being outside this spring and summer. Hoping that I can boost up my energy a little bit more, although I suppose being wiped out after a day of play isn't a bad thing!

Happy Spring!

I am so grateful to our neighbor across the street for getting such a kick out of us this morning, that she even brought out her camera to snap a few pictures! She said, "We have such good breakfast entertainment that I just had to come out and take a picture!" I love our new neighborhood!!

As soon as Carl saw the snow outside, as we were walking up the stairs from his bedroom, he asked if we could go outside. He has been dying to use his sled outside but the snow had all melted in our front yard. So when he asked, I just couldn't say no. We didn't even bother eating breakfast! Jon took a late morning because of the weather, so while he plowed the driveway, the kids and I took the sled out! This is pre-8 am on April 4... you've got to love spring in Minnesota! I'm actually truly grateful for the one last snow fall that didn't come with bitter cold.

Hope you had good travels today and are now enjoying the warmth of the sun!

What One Has, Can Be Lost

Today I was reminded that what one has, can be lost just as quick - especially when in the context of a 2.5 year old boy.

My sister knit this fabulous winter hat for Carl (and took this picture)! He loves it and loves the cowl too for that matter (also knit by my sister). He quickly puts both on whenever asked and generally doesn't leave home without it. This hasn't been an issue since it's been so cold, but now that spring is semi-here, I tend to forget when he has it and when he doesn't. With such sentimental value I feel sometimes as though it should set on a pedestal and not be worn... but what good would that do!

Earlier this winter, Carl dropped it in our local floral shop and after another stop and running home, we realized it was missing. AHH! Thankfully it's not a big shop and the hat is quite memorable on this smiley young boy, that when I called, the girl quickly checked and saw the hat on the floor. We returned to pick it up and I gave Carl a friendly reminder to hold onto his belongings.

This brings us to today - strike number two. After a lovely day spent with my mom at the flower show, lunch, and a little shopping, we returned home and continued our day. When we decided to go back outside to play a little before dinner, again I realized there was no hat. I called my mom and it was not left in her car, which meant it was left where we had been shopping, a good 40 minutes away. UGH! I tried calling the store, but their recommendation was to call back in the morning, because "it's a big store and we don't usually sweep through the store until after closing." Well a lot of good that call did. I wasn't going to wait, so instead of playing we packed back in the car to the store.

Upon arrival I asked Carl where he left his hat. He told me, "in there!" Well good, that's where we are headed! I searched every place the kids rushed into or by or stopped to look. As we approached the very back of the store, in the far corner, blending perfectly into the concrete floor, was the hat. WHEW! I could not believe it. Carl and I had a deep heart to heart right there in the store, to which he apologized to me. What a sweetie! We headed home with still enough time to play before dinner.

I was ready to give up, deeply saddened by it's loss, but really what can you do? Things happen, little boys happen! We talk about responsibility with our toys and belongings, but again... he's 2.5!!

Here's hoping that strike number three never strikes!

One Thing I Love...

One thing I love - there are so many but today I focus on one - is that where these three are together, you can guarantee there is laughter! Carl frequently, as soon as Jon gets in the door from work, will run to the living room carpet and request to be tickled, "tickle me daddy!" Brianna quickly joins in and before you know it, uncontrollable laughter has erupted! It really is hilarious to watch them go to a point where they almost can't breath because they are laughing so hard, recover, then ask for more. It is quite something.

I love that Jon can put smiles on all of our faces in a matter of seconds (I think we could start our very own variety show). One of the many reasons I fell in love with him. Here's to laughter today! Enjoy a good laugh with someone you love!

Phew... We do still exist.

For those that check back from time to time - I apologize for the laps in blog posts!
For those that haven't checked in a few months - welcome back (I include myself in this category)!!

The last few months have been a little blurry for us! We have been keeping super busy - Jon's work and work functions, 2 rambunctious ready for winter to be over kids, church, a few house projects on the house, managing ice dams and the knee high snow on the roof, church, a women's retreat, outdoor activities when it hasn't been too cold out, and time with family and friends. Oh, and one more, adjusting to a new job! That's right, as of December 15th, I am now working 15 hours a week for our church.  Which means we've spent the last few months adjusting to and balancing our "church work" and our "24/7 work" or really just LIFE! It's taken a few months to really settle into a groove, but I think we're finally getting it. After all, it had been just about 4 years since having Brianna then deciding to stay home full time. I think a few months is acceptable!

Besides just taking time to figure all these new things out and adjust, it has been such a joy to be using my brain in this new capacity. My title is Project Manager, which means I might be asked to do just about anything but layered in there is a focus on communications. It's perfect for me since I love to work on many different types of tasks and I like to tinker! Carl really enjoys his time at the office too! When Brianna goes to preschool in the morning, Carl and I head into the office - which is literally right across the street. (talk about convenient!)

I've been so thankful for my mom, Jon's mom, my two sisters, and some friends that have helped me watch B & C on the days I have a meeting. They have loved the added time with Grandmas and Aunts, and I've been blessed to know they are in good hands!

SO... if you don't see consistent blog posts from me for a while, it means I'm choosing family time over screen time! As much as I'd love to keep you up to date, in some seasons of life, it's just not in the cards. However!! You are welcome to stop on by and see what we're up to!

Monkey's Eat Bread, Right?

One thing we have not had as a family in ages is Monkey Bread. It has long time been a delicious morning treat around the holidays in my family, but something I had yet to conquer gluten free. I was so grateful to receive a new cookbook this year with a recipe in there for Monkey Bread!

Yes, that's homemade dough everyone!! Very proud!

We were so excited! Even the kids who really had no idea of what I was talking about. Carl kept telling me that “Monkey’s no eat bread!” I think he was a little confused!

It turned out so yummy! I’d make a few modifications but it’s good to have it back in the running as a family tradition! I'm just a little sad I didn't get a picture of the final product... to busy wanting to eat it...

Turning 4 - Princess Cake and All

I truly cannot believe my little girl turned 4! I'm pretty sure she is hitting a growth spurt too, because she's definitely getting taller, and just all around more grown up. I am so amazed by her comforting, loving, helpful, tender spirit. She can still be shy and clam up in front of groups (like she did when opening her birthday gifts), but for the most part she's happy and loves to share her stories. She received many new books for her birthday which will be great, since she loves looking through and "reading" her books.

Brianna,
You are a perfect reminder to me of how to love God and love others. Your affection and tender heart melt mine almost daily. I love when you remind me that, "I'm still little mom, and sometime little girls need help." It keeps me focused on today and how I get to treasure these moments, because they will certainly not last long. You are strong, curious, insightful, and extremely helpful. I love you Brianna B. Happy Birthday!

Love,
Mom