New Traditions for the MN Dunigans

For the first time since I was on best rest, the MN Dunigans stayed in Minnesota for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We went to WI later on in the afternoon on Christmas Day, but my kiddos got to wake up in their own house on Christmas morning. From the moment we made the decision to stay, I was looking forward to making our own traditions.

On Christmas Eve, Brandon had to work for most of the day, so I took the kiddos swimming at the YMCA. We had the pool to ourselves for the most part, and it was a great way to get some exercise before the Holiday Feasts began.

We had gone to Christmas Church services the day before, so the evening was completely open. The boys were super excited to find out we were going to Red Lobster! Griffin likes the crab legs, and Grayson eats the shrimp. The manager was on her game and even let the kids explore a lobster outside of the tank.

When we got home, the kiddos spread the reindeer food on the lawn (Thanks, Pam!) and put out some cookies and milk for Santa. Off to bed they went dreaming of what would come the next morning.

As much as I love seeing family and friends over the holidays, I truly enjoyed EVERY second of our time together as a family of four. I look forward to this tradition continuing :)

2013 Elf on the Shelf Favorites

Portable North Pole

These were the smiles that occurred when Griffin and Grayson received a video message from Santa!

A bump in the road...

Last week I hit a bump in the road with my dissertation. There were a few days where I had come to the conclusion that a May graduation was simply impossible.

Thanks to my wonderful husband, I was able to get back on track this weekend. I spent most of the weekend hibernating at Caribou Coffee. 20+ hours were spent making changes and adding in new research findings. Journal articles were read, pages were typed, and survey questions were altered. I still have a long way to go, and a spring graduation is still going to be tricky, but it's back in the realm of possibilities!

Thank you, Brandon!

Harry Potter

Griffin and I began reading the first Harry Potter book last weekend. We are about halfway through, and the goal is to finish by Christmas Break so that we can watch the movie.

Hands down, this has been one of my favorite parenting moments. I obviously enjoy reading with my kiddos, but this is just a whole new level of reading experiences. For the first time, I get to discuss an entire novel that I fell in love with during college with my son. To be honest, it is actually quite difficult to read the book aloud, especially Hagrid's lines, but it is worth the trouble and discomfort. Griffin is asking questions, making predictions, and falling in love with a book I adore. It doesn't get much better than that!

Best Griffin Predictions/Reactions:

• I wonder if Lord Voldermort gave Harry some of his powers when he gave him that scar?
• I'm not so sure about Professor Snape. I bet he has something to do with Lord Voldermort.
• I don't mind it when people call me Gryffindor anymore.
• I am going to now call my Bear Bear Potter.

Stationery Card

Stationery Card

View the entire collection of cards.

Family Pictures 2013

We were lucky to have family pictures taken last weekend. I think she captured some AMAZING shots of our boys, and I am excited to make our Christmas Card

 

 :)

Board of Trustees

I was honored to be a part of the Board of Trustees meeting for Bethel this fall. I was asked by the head of the doctoral program to represent the graduate program for the day. I didn't hesitate to say yes even though it meant taking a personal day at work.

It was a humbling experience to say the least, but I consider it a true blessing to have been chosen to attend. It is no secret that I hold Bethel in such high regard, and it is my HEART'S DESIRE to one day be a full-time faculty member there. I was moved by the opening prayers and devotions, and being able to attend Chapel in the middle of the work day inspired me to keep me Bethel dreams alive and well.

Two things struck a chord with me, and I hope to never forget them.

• Our struggles, trials, and tribulations can be meaningful or meaningless. WE decide.
• It's okay to reach a breaking point where we feel we can't go on. It is then when we can truly let God take over.

Feeling blessed by this campus and my program on a continual basis.

Truly.

Don't Blink

Because this day will be here before I know it :(