today's the day



I'm celebrating 30 years today. So crazy. And so good. I like where I'm at in life and don't feel too taken aback by such a number. I feel strongly that a woman is her most beautiful between 35 and 45, so the best is yet to come. This means I might be a wreck on my 45th birthday. But not on this one.
I've seen this done a lot on various blogs as a way to mark the year and to set goals for the 365 days ahead. So here is my list of 30 hopes in my 30th year.

(And, a tip from my mom: When you make a list, it is always important to write down a few things that you have already done that day so that you can cross things off the list to get your engines fired up. You'll notice a few of these are already done. Go me!)

1. New hair color and style
2. Host a Favorite Things party
3. Join the Y
4. Learn how to use the manual mode on our camera
5. Make a small quilt
6. Keep a prayer journal
7. Use my water colors
8. Join a creative arts club
9. Create a place where Bible can stay out all the time
10. Make modge podge art scenes
11. Collect frames for wall collages
12. Print pics, fill frames and hang on the wall
13. Paint the bedroom
14. Make this kind of bread15. Pick color scheme for wardrobe overhaul
16. Finish and print 2010 digi scrapbook pages
17. Make lemon ice and eat it with my sister
18. Get a consistent plan together for visiting Mount Olivet Home

19. Honor the Sabbath
20. Eat more veggies
21. Write and mail letters by hand
22. Introduce Ivar to Lake Superior
23. Make cupcakes with large decorating tip
24. Try a few new soup recipes
25. Find a monthly mom's group
26. Keep writing
27. Make a picture slide show for Grandma's party
28. Present my 'Passing on the Faith' workshop
29. Frequent the library
30. Grow fresh herbs

29 accomplishments in my 29th year

Tomorrow I turn 30. I'm excited. And I'm also reflective. I just went through my blog, pulling out 29 favorite accomplishments. They are, and in no particular order:

Grew a life inside of me
Attempted once-a-month-cooking
Put on 45 pounds, took off 35
Stopped talking on my cell phone while driving almost entirely
Hired 70 incredible college students for camp ministry
Enjoyed the bounty of a patio garden
Backed up my computer…on my own!
Realized the key to warm feet is thick socks
Survived labor and found an inner strength I never knew
Took thousands of pictures and actually printed some of them
Put together an adorable nursery
Made a rainbow cake and shared it with my sistah's
Realized I have journaled my entire life
Learned how to knead dough (sort of)
Organized a parade
Shared a hotel room with a stranger
Spoke at an adult retreat
Moved states
Read a new favorite: Million Miles in a Thousand Years
Received all sorts of mama and fatherly wisdom
Launched and failed "becca-anna's banana's"
Watched this video countless times
Scrapbooked on the computer
Baby-mooned on the North Shore
Celebrated 5 years of marriage
Rested
Discovered Trader Joes
Was celebrated and supported big time
Grew in love in ways I never knew possible

It was a good year, 29. Thanks for being so good to me. Now if you'll excuse me, I have another decade to report to.

a guest blog post

I recently ran into a life-long Mt. Carmel friend (best surprise ever) at Ikea in the candle and vase area. We wondered together if the candles were any good from Ikea, because the price was amazing. Well, Rene got to the bottom of this one for us and I thought I'd share her findings :)

Today she sent me an email with the subject line: "If I had a blog..." and her first line was, "...Today's entry would be this: (thought you might like to know)"

Take it away Rene!

LIGHT A CANDLE FROM IKEA

Last weekend I purchased an orange (melon-smelling) candle from IKEA for $1.99

Since I like candles and have tried a few different brands over the years, here is my review.

(show photo here - before burning)

I would give it an A+ for the price

a B for the 'clean melting down the sides' ability (but do think I can recycle the glass jar when done - IKEA suggests using it for their votives, of course they are trying to sell you more stuff)

an A- for the smell - it was good, but have you ever tried a Colonial Candle? YUM! (But you do pay for that wonderful smell!)

(another photo of half burnt candle)

So, I think these 3 grades average out to an A-. Go ahead, pick one up on your next trip to IKEA. It's well worth it for the price!

This is some helpful stuff. I do believe I will be zippin over to Ikea one of these days for some A- candles of my own.

Exponential Improvement

I have a friend who had a baby recently and I shared this story with her in an email as a bit of mama-encouragment that life will get a bit more "normal" with time...

Ivar got his four month shots today and I was in awe at my improved state of wellness since the last time we were there. I remember for his two week check up I could hardly make it to the check in counter. Rory was holding everything and I hobbled to the elevator slow as molasses. Then for the two month check up, Rory still held the carrier and diaper bag as I made my way to the elevator at his same pace. But I was exhausted that day. And so happy to have him there.

But today, Rory and I met at the clinic. I got there first and I carried Ivar and his many props in, took the stairs even, and couldn't believe the exponential improvement I have experienced since this little boy was born. I wouldn't have believed it at month one or even at month two, but it’s like my energy has doubled each month since having Ivar. I still need naps occasionally, and I still wonder what it might be like to get an uninterrupted night’s sleep in, but on the whole? Well, I actually think I’m going to make it!

the snowy day

We took Ivar out to play in the snow. It lasted for three minutes and consisted of a photoshoot and an attempt at a baby snow angel. It was a fun introduction and has me excited for the day we can build forts together. His little outfit reminds me of The Snowy Day. I might need to go and find the board book version of this favorite...