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 :(

My Mini-Tennis Pro

Grayson started tennis lessons this weekend. We are so fortunate to have found the PIT. The youth tennis instructor is phenomenal and a GUSTIE :) Grayson had a smile on his face the whole time, and he is stoked to go back. Better yet, he was a great listener. So proud of him!

Impromptu Math Lesson

Thanks to Krissy, a dear friend from college who now works for Thrivent Financial, we turned a candy problem into a math lesson. We allowed our kiddos to keep 25 pieces of their favorite candy, and then we made different deals to buy the rest. Pieces of candy were worth 5 cents, 10 cents, or 25 cents, depending on the type. When all deals were made, I made them count out their earnings. The money was then put into each of their three different piggy banks. I then took the rest to school to put into my prize bin. WIN. WIN.