When the going gets rough…

Man…sometimes life is just tough. There is some nasty things that happen to us and those around us, and it sure is hard to "act like everything is ok" and that you "have it all together" all the time. 

In a world consumed with things like Facebook/ blogs/ etc, it is even harder because it appears that everyone else's life is all peachy, and their biggest problem is what paint color to choose for their brand new house. When reality is, we all have junk that we have to endure. However, it's so easy to believe otherwise. Maybe it is just me, but it seems like we are so consumed with giving off the facade that our life is great. We have so many guards up that even those we would call our closest friends are not aware of the things we are going through. This is not okay. 

When the going gets rough {because it will}, we have a choice. We can either seek after God or be consumed with fear and sadness. I for one have a habit of doing a combo {leaning a lot more to the latter of the two}. That's human, I know…but that is still not what we are supposed to be doing. 

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

Isaiah 43:2

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

The ever so popular battle of FOOD.

I have been told my many "experienced mothers" that if they could do it all over again, they would have lightened up A LOT when it came to battling with food and their children. I found myself agreeing, and trying to remember that in my own life. However, as a mom, I think most of us have a sense of obligation to ensure your child is getting a well balanced, nutritious diet. 

 My sweet spirited little daughter is also very strong willed, and to this day I absolutely cannot figure out where she got that! ;)

Saying "NO" to noodles. 

It took her a few weeks to stomach baby cereal…so at about 7 months, after weeks of spitting, sloppiness, and denial, she finally decided she would eat oats. AWESOME! I then slowly started making different fruit and veggie purees, which she surprisingly did not mind most of them. At about 10 months, I decided…hey…I think its time you start trying to eat some mashed/ table foods. And from my understanding, this is a very normal time to do this. Well…Addie thought otherwise. The only things she will eat are simple carbs and cheese. Almost Everything else doesn't even make it in the mouth, or touch her without tears. And we all know that a diet of formula, bread, and cheese does not quite cut it. And don't even get me started on her lack of desire in drinking from anything but her bottle. 

So the question…do I battle with her and keep trying the big girl foods, or go back to making pureed fruit/ veggie mixes? Well, fighting with a kid gets old real quick, and I myself don't desire to spend the time I have with her doing that…and being that she is in the 1st percentile for weight, she's not exactly at a point where nutrition can be skimped on. Thus, today, I found myself back at the blender, making some new creations. And what do you know, she ate them just fine! No questions asked.

Apple/Spinach!

I guess we won't be where we had thought, sharing meals with Addie by the time she is one. And I guess that is okay. Just another one of our "parenting expectations" that is inaccurate!

I know these things are all SO SMALL in the grand scheme of things, but they are still big in the sense that it DOES fill up much of days'  of efforts, thoughts, and worries. So they are important to process though and learn. And as mom with my first kid, hey, I'm just trying to figure it out! Aren't we all?!

So, if you don't know where to find me, just look by the blender, I'll be there…but my child will be well fed and happy :)

What we like to call the "Grandma without teeth- silly pucker- lip smack!"

Detoxified

The rain is falling…as are the leaves. It is indeed a cozy week! When there is more time spent inside, there frankly is more time {or so it seems} Lately, I have been really striving to dive in further to my passions and priorities in life…and while doing so have found myself asking these questions:

What are the most important areas of my life to devote my time/ efforts to in this season of my life?
In what areas do I need to step out further, and get a little "dirty," even when it is so much more comfortable to stay inside the box?
What example am I setting for those around me, whether a stranger or dear to my heart?

And no, I most certainly do not have the answers figured out to these questions, but pondering, and starting to act on them definitely puts me one step ahead of where I was last.

As I have written before at the end of this post, I have really tried to simplify my life. To not overload it with junk, even "good" junk. I feel like this concept has become more natural to me now. I am saying no to things I would have once felt obligated to do…I am soaking up most mornings at home, being silly house bums with my girl {and sometimes Sam!} 

However, now that I have cleansed my life of most excess things, I am feeling strongly that it is time to refill it a little bit... with the things I am truly passionate about or need in my life. Fellowship with positive/ like minded people, crafting, the youth, digging deeper into a more faith filled life, and giving to others.

Let myself, and possibly you be challenged with what takes hold over our life? Have we intentionally filled it with what things are best and balanced for the right now?…or is it the stuff we think we should or have to do?

Sam and I have just begun to read the book Soul Detox by Craig Groeschel together… I think it is going to be good on so many levels…I am thoroughly stoked!

OH what an eventful week!

Wow, the past 6 days have been anything but boring. The craziness started last tuesday when I started to get Sam and I packed up for a 3 day trip to Atlanta for a leadership conference- and little miss Addie packed up for her first time away from mom and dad at Grammas!

It is crazy how many emotions are tied up in leaving your daughter for more than a night. Now, I in no way was nervous to leave her with my mom, I just simply missed her! I missed every silly, and seemingly monotonous part of my days with her. I believe those are the most precious moments, and what I cherish most. However, she had an AMAZING time with her Gramma who she adores, and I think it was good for the both of us!

We had a GREAT time at the conference! There was a group of 8 people from our church that went along. We got the privilege of sharing the company of some truly well rounded and solid group of leaders :) The conference was intense…a lot of great speakers with useful and inspiring content all packed in to 2 days. I honestly think I am still processing everything I heard, and I think that goes for a lot of the people that went! Needless to say, I believe change and growth will happen as a result of it, making us better leaders at our church!

Now onto the next biggie of the week…my MARATHON! 6 months ago, I felt like this was something I needed to do (for many reasons). I knew it was going to take A LOT of dedication and hard work, but that I WAS CAPABLE, so I said yes! The training was hard at times, but overall it really solidified my love for running. Running is, and for the past several years has been my exercise of choice, but never had I run more than 6 miles! So…I stuck to my training schedule like glue, only missing two short runs, and worked hard on not only my physical strength, but my mental strength as well.

After months of preparation, the day had finally come. I was very nervous and emotional as there was so much anticipation leading up to this moment! The first half of the race went pretty darn good, and at about mile 19-20 I just got TIRED! My body felt like rubber, yet I had no doubt I was going to finish this marathon! My personal cheerleaders along the way made it SO much better, and I have to say I very much enjoyed the other thousands of crazy spectators along the way! I know God was behind me in all of this, from the moment I decided to do it, to the funds I raised for clean water, to the moment I crossed that finish line, just 6 minutes shy of my goal! I also know that it would not have been possible without my amazing husband's support and sacrifices during the training and on the big day! WOW, am I blessed!

Run a marathon after each kid!? Sure why not! Thats my plan :)

Now onto a much more relaxing and low key week ;)

9 months already?

9.2.12 was the 9 month mark for little miss monkey… everyone says it, and everyone is right- time really does fly with these little ones! She didn't even make it 9 months growing in my stomach, and that time seemed to last FOREVER! 

I don't think that there is a day that goes by that both Sam and I aren't overwhelmed with joy by our blessing- Addie. Im serious, it seems like we both are in constant shock [daily] that God entrusted us to raise his little girl. She is just so perfect, and we are so flawed… yet we get to try everyday to be better people, spouses, and parents so that this little girl has the best chance at becoming everything God has planned for her life! 

She is all over the place…and that is no understatement! Climbing, curious, and determined our little one is! It's a little scary knowing how quickly she could get hurt…Thus, I think it's time for me to downsize on the multi-tasking and keep two eyes instead of one on her when I am trying to get something else done! 

9 month stats: 

14 lbs 12 oz (1st percentile) 

26 1/2 in (15th percentile)

I am loving fall, pumpkin spice lattes, and running in this cooler weather! Less than a month until the marathon…ahhh! I am so nervous, but as long as this ankle keeps behaving I believe I will be able to do it! 

Happy 50th!

This is my 50th post…yay! However, considering the fact that I've had this blog for a couple years, maybe I should pick up my game a little bit! Anyways, here are my thoughts right now…

Summer is actually winding down. To me, this is marked by none other than the MN State fair, and the talk of all the kids going back to school as well as the youth ministry starting back up full swing again. I am sad to see summer go [as I am every year] but the beauty of change and the beginning of something is also quite exciting and fills me with hope and anticipation! [I am not referring to the State fair when I say this, although I am quite excited about the pizza on a stick and animals we will get to enjoy ;)]

Us at the fair last year!

Greatly anticipating her arrival!!!

As a somewhat newly married couple [3 years] and as new parents, we get the joy of experiencing many "firsts" together. From then on, we get the opportunity to form traditions and things we as a family regularly do! This summer has not been any exception. Everything was a first for Addie, given she is only 8 1/2 months old, but how fun it was to experience so much along side her and each other!
The many trips to the zoo, walks around the river and neighborhood, camping, and more than that, just the simple joys of trying new everyday things were so fun!!

She is now fully on the move…She decided to wait until 7 months to sit up on her own, and just a few days later started crawling! Now she is a speedy Gonzales around the house and is pulling herself up on almost everything, but is still too wobbly to stay up for too long. Bring on the 'bonked heads' and hopefully they don't occur too often ;) It's is amazing how creative one can get while baby proofing! For us, we removed the major 'no-no's' and then its more of a change it as we go type of game, as we see what she likes to get into and how we can avoid that without turning our house upside down.

One of her first discoveries- of course!

Despite popular baby belief, kleenex does NOT really taste good!

She is such a delight [as grandma-sh as that sounds, but truly she is] Still a little shy with those she doesn't know well, but we are working on that ;) Sam and I were just reminiscing about how this stage is pretty easy compared to the first 3-4 months and what is to come in the toddler stage etc, and are fully prepared to soak up every minute of it right now!

Excited for another wedding shower for Auntie/ Godmother Tiffany!!!

Next mission: try to get Theo to be as in love with Addison and she is with him! Seriously, the look of awe and love and many laughs that get sent his way are unreal! Don't get me wrong, he likes her, but is still pretty guarded. We are hoping they really buddy up, because right now, he honestly seems like more work than her! And I guarantee, that has nothing to do with the fact that he has been completely spoiled and babied until we had her ;) lol

This says it all...

Last thought….Ever since Addie was born, I have really tried to live my life more simply. Away with the years of going going going [as I wrote about a while ago Here] and being involved in so much that what you are involved in becomes a task and not the help it maybe should be. I  [and sam too] have been trying to soak up every day as we are able. Simplify, simplify, simplify! [My love for efficiency also helps!] Packing your life with "good stuff" can be just as destructive as "bad stuff." So we try, and sometimes we fail, but none-the-less it is still the motto of how we want to live our lives and be as a family. So no, I may not be able to do as much as I once did with others or make more money by working more hours, but I am putting those things that are closest to my heart at the top of my priority list…in order to have a balanced, happy home!

LOVES to be upside down any chance she gets!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

We took the family camping July('12)

I love camping. I really do. Those who know me can attest to the fact that I usually scream bloody murder at the presence of a bug/ or gross things of that nature. However, when I am outside anything goes, and my tolerance for those nasty little critters diminishes (with the exception of ticks and biting mosquitos) When I am camping, I get to enjoy one of my greatest loves…the outdoors! I thrive on fresh air, THE SUN, the heat, and everything green :) I also love the simplicity that camping brings. I am a firm believer in sticking to the basics when camping…cooking everything on the fire and only creating work to be done when its a necessity. It's a time to get away from the expectations and chaos of everyday life. Sam on the other hand hates the heat & the beating sun... but as a whole, generally enjoys camping. Therefore, as a family on a tight budget, camping has been and will become even more of an activity that we will embrace together!

So, on a weekend with temps in the high 90's- low 100's why not drag the troops camping? This time was a little bit different for the following reasons:

A. We have a 7 month old, who we had obviously never camped with, so it was a trial run to see how she would do
B. We only had saturday afternoon-monday morning to go due to both of our work schedules
C. Sam still had to work Sunday morning
D. It was going to be HOT

The solution? Camp at a beautiful campsite right here in Hudson! The 3 Dittrichs (+ Theo) as well as my parents ventured a whole 3 miles from our house to Willow River State Park. This way, Sam could leave Sunday morning to go to work, we wouldn't waste time driving and we could always stop home if things got rough (with Addie) etc etc.

Sam setting up our new tent!

Despite the fact that we were one of the last people to reserve a site at the campsite (leaving us with a very UNshadded campsite) we really did enjoy ourselves. We made do with makeshift shade, AC trips to the car, spending a day at the "beach" and picnic area where there were lots of trees, and a lot of laughter! Other than the fact that poor Addie was pretty hot a lot of the time she was a gem and played in her pack-n-play so well (she even took a few short naps!)

Reading in the shade with grandma!

I myself, really enjoyed the heat and beating sun, however I spent a lot of time worrying if Add was cool enough and making sure she was okay. Sam…well, he of course hated the heat. Therefore, I think our future camping trips will take place in the spring and early fall. I can bake in the sun right here at home where no one else is subjected to it ;)

Who knew picking daises could be so much fun?!

LOVING exploring in the tent!

hot hot hot!

My first EVER motorcycle ride with my bro (note: thankfully our max speed= 25 mph)

Laughing with mommy :) 

Overall, it was a good trial run for us and our growing family & We didn't even need to stop home! We learned what we need to change for next time! I loved spending time with my parents (and the day visit from my brother). I look forward to exploring this campsite and many others in the future Spring and Fall months for years to come:)

Who wants to sleep when everyone else is hanging out by the fire?!