I'm really not sure where the time has gone.  How can it be that my baby is 13 today?  It feels like yesterday, that I was miserable being pregnant and nervous to give birth.  
 
My spastic muscles made carrying a baby for 9 months extremely difficult.  I had horrible morning sickness that really lasted all day long and my walking was extremely limited.  Plus, Steve had to do nearly everything for me: get me dressed, help me use the bathroom and feed me.  My independence was gone, but I'd do it all over again because the result was one of the best gifts that God has ever given me...Winona.  

Sure, pregnancy was difficult and felt like it would NEVER end, but it's something that not everyone is able to experience, no matter how much they want to.  In fact, a friend of my husband has been trying to have a baby, but it just hasn't happened for them.  Therefore, they are seeking out someone who is looking for a great family for their child.  In fact, they have created a FB page in order to share their story and hopefully find a baby.  

Please click the button (as well as share) below to read about this wonderful couple who are hoping to adopt.   I would love nothing more for them to experience the love that a child can bring to a family.  

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I'm overwhelmed.  There's no doubt about it.  I spent the last two days unpacking and doing laundry (we spent 5 days up at the cabin over Thanksgiving) all while running after a toddler.  I try to keep my stress levels down by going to the YMCA, but taking care of a family with three children is a lot of work.   ​

I  know I have so much to be thankful for and count my blessings every night before I go to bed.  I don't seem to ever finish giving thanks since I always seem to fall asleep first.  I am beyond grateful that I have the physical capabilities to do all the things that stress me out.  I know that sounds silly, but now that I can do more, it adds a stress that I never had to deal with in the past. 

Luckily, I have people in my life who offer help (ie: A basketball parent brought Winona home from practice tonight).  I also have people in my life who offer words of encouragement which always makes life easier.  The best part is that I have two daughters that make the world a better place (corny, I know) and help me out immensely with John. ​

I will get through this holiday season with a smile on my face.  And I will be sure thank God throughout the day for everyone He sends my way.  ​

This past weekend we went up to the Boundary Waters and stayed at a cabin on Moose Lake.  While there, we spent a day fishing.  We met our fishing guide, Sue, at the dock at 8am and didn't return until nearly 7pm.  This was a first for me and prior to our departure, I wasn't a bit nervous.  I knew that I would be able to sit in a rocking boat for several hours and walk into the woods to use the latrine. 

When we headed to shore for lunch (our guide brought a shore lunch), she asked me to jump out of the boat and hold it just enough so it wouldn't float away.  I have to admit, I wasn't sure if I would be able to do it and my sister-in-law, Emily, offered to do it for me.  Even though I was uncertain of my abilities, I had to try and I knew that there was a good chance I would fall into the shallow water in the process. 

As soon as I got to the front of the boat and we were inches from shore, I put my right leg on land and quicly said, "I'm glad I've got long legs!"  And that's when I just about did the splits over the water.  I had one leg planted on the ground and the other still in the boat.  I was able to get both legs on land without falling in the lake.  I was proud that I attempted this task, but after lunch I asked Steve for help getting back into the boat.  I wasn't about to press my luck and wanted to stay dry the rest of the afternoon

I really enjoyed spending the day fishing, talking with Emily and getting to know Sue, all while watching the great view God had created.  I must add, that I caught nine fish. Not bad for a rookey. Of course, I couldn't have done it without the help of Sue.   ​

I can't help but feel grateful for the new life that God has given me.  A little over three years ago, I couldn't take my kids to the park and now here I am swinging with a toddler in my lap.  I was able to do this without worrying if I would fall off the swing or drop my little boy.  And we had so much fun together! ​

Thirteen years ago, I climbed into my bed and prayed to God that I would get a good nights sleep (my phsyical abilities were always dependent on the quantity and quality of sleep).  My prayers were answered and I had the best night of sleep that I have ever had.  And because of the exceptional night of rest, I was able to throughly enjoy my wedding day.

As I think back to that beautful summer day, I can't get over how lucky I am that God gave me Steve.  He has been by my side through it all, both good and bad.  I don't know if there is another person who could have handled this journey better than him.  I am so grateful for His gift of love. 

Happy Anniversary Steve! ​

​Once again, I was overcome with so much joy.  My niece, Mikaela, chose me to be her sponsor for her Confirmation.  I met up with her and the rest of my family at the Cathedral of St. Paul.  The beauty of the church alone is enough to stir up emotion in me, but knowing I had the ability to walk around among the hundreds of people and be a part of Mikaela's Confirmation brought tears to my eyes. 

I love her so much! Fourteen years ago, I went to Mikaela's baptism.  I had difficulty standing and sat for most of the day.  As I stood behind her in the long line waiting for her turn to be Confirmed last night, many thoughts swam through my head:    How did she grow up so fast?  How can I be standing here in this long line independently?  I'm wearing sandals and I'm not worried that I'll walk right out of them (or fall).  And then I felt the presence of God as a bright light shone above me.  All I could do is pray for Mikaela and give thanks for the life He has given me.