4 In Joy/ Marriage

40 reasons…

Happy 40th Birthday Ted! You live a life worth CELEBRATING!

Ted and Luke

Here are 40 reasons I love you:

Your integrity
Your work ethic
You’re hot!
You are strong
You love me well
You are an amazing dad!
You draw the best out of people
You are articulate and an excellent communicator
Your love for reading and learning
You are a great teacher and coach
You are inspiring
You are a strong leader
You’re a man of God
You’ve got a great sense of humor
You are loyal
Your smile
You are a protector – you make me and our boys feel safe when we are with you
You are an encourager
You have a superb memory
Your knowledge and understanding of Scripture
Your love for your family and friends
Your healthy eating and lifestyle
You are an excellent writer and a published author!
You work hard and are a wonderful provider
You are a great listener
You are thoughtful and have self-awareness
You is good…You is kind…you is important (You really are, I’m not just quoting a line from a movie)
You are handsome (did I already say that?)
You are helpful – when you see a need, you jump in and get it done
You are organized and prepared
You are the best laundry folder!
You are intelligent
You are Interesting and insightful
You chose me and keep choosing me, day after day, year after year
You are a man of conviction and stand up for your values
You are not afraid of a challenge
You get the most out of life and encourage others to do the same
You have earned my respect and the respect of others
Everyone who knows you, loves you!
You make this world (and my world) a much better place!!

Leave a comment for Ted on my blog or on Facebook – letting him know what you love about him! Let’s shower him with love today!

August 8, 2018 By Kathryn

13 In Free stuff/ Minnesota/ Things to do in Minnesota

My Top 25 Minnesota Bucket List

Something special about moving to a new state is discovering the things that make that place UNIQUE – the things you can ONLY DO in that state.

I enjoyed discovering the best things to do in Colorado Springs and created a top ten list here, and now I’ve created one for Minnesota. It’s been fun talking to locals, looking on Pinterest, and exploring the “only in your state” website. I’m excited about all the things we will get to see and do here in the land of 10,000 lakes!

1.Hike Minnehaha Falls

I checked this off my bucket list soon after arriving in Minnesota – we LOVED it! Click here to read that post and see pictures.

2. Spend time in St. Paul – Drive down Summit Avenue to see the historic mansions, stop and visit the Cathedral, tour the Minnesota State Capitol Building, then eat a Jucy Lucy at Matt’s

3. Eat Breakfast at Hope Kitchen, then visit the Minnesota History Center

Hope Breakfast Bar is inside a beautiful old fire station and is a restaurant that invests back into their community. The History Center is close by and is a fantastic ‘hands-on’ museum where you will learn more about Minnesota.

4. Visit Walker Sculpture Garden

5. Stop by Cafe Ceres for a latte, then take a walk around Lake Harriet

We visit here over and over and it never disappoints! The lake is pretty, but the historic homes surrounding the lake are even prettier.

There is a 3-mile paved path around the lake for bikes, walking or running. You can also fish or play at a small beach. There are concerts at the Pavilion and a food stand too.

Visit the Roberts Bird Sanctuary or pack a picnic/get takeout and have lunch/dinner at the Beard’s Plaisance park!

6. Ride the roller coaster at Nickelodeon Universe in the Mall of America

Click here to read about our visit and the BEST DAY to go!

7. Visit Como park zoo and conservatory

Take the kids to Como Park across the street for a picnic and to play. Click here to read about it.

Como Zoo and Conservatory

8. Walk across the Mississippi River headwaters in Itasca State Park

9. Visit the Minnesota Zoo

10. Visit the Science Museum of Minnesota

Our family of 6 visited the Science Museum and loved it. I can’t wait to go back!

11. Attend a Minnesota Vikings Game

My husband and son went to a game last season and had a great time. I hope to go soon too.

As a family, we went to see the Vikings practice. Click here to read about that.

12. Explore the Mill City Museum

Click here to read about our visit and what we thought about Mill City Museum

The Remains of the inside of the General Mills Factory

13. Minnesota Children’s Museum in St Paul

All four of my boys loved it and want to go again!

14. See the Northern Lights.

Get as far north and away from lights as possible and wait for midnight, when they tend to shine brightest.

Northern lights

15. Walk across a frozen lake

A frozen lake covered in snow is like a GIANT art canvas! My kids made paths and snow fort. They also shoveled a section for an ice rink.

16. Visit historic Minnesota towns like Stillwater and Red Wing

17. Go Ice Fishing

18. Spend a weekend in Duluth, then drive along the shore to see Gooseberry Falls and/or Split Rock Lighthouse

We finally made a trip here and ABSOLUTELY loved it! Click here to read all the best things to do in Duluth.

Love this place and these people

19. Canoe and/or Camp in the Boundary waters

20. Visit the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

This place is AMAZING! Click to read my post here.

21. Explore the Bakken museum inside an old Mansion

Click here for peek inside and our review of this museum.

22. Visit the American Swedish Institute (inside a different mansion!)

Click here for a peek into our visit to this magnificent mansion!

Turnblad mansion

23. Eat at all the best restaurants around the Twin Cities.

I’m especially excited about the restaurants on water!

Colita is one of the best restaurants in the Twin Cities

24. Go skiing and tubing at Buck Hill

25. Explore the beautiful parks around the Twin Cities:

– Lebonon Hills Regional Park

– Eloise Butterfly Garden

– Nine Mile Creek

I know this list is only the tip of the iceberg, but I had to start somewhere! PLEASE leave me a comment if there is something I need to do, see, eat or you know of a place I must go.

Have you been to one of these places and have something to say about it, please leave a comment.

If you’d like to read a few tips about fitting in as a Minnesota transplant, click here.

Click here to read the 20 gifts Minnesota Give the world, CLICK HERE.

August 1, 2018 By Kathryn

9 In Colorado/ Faith/ Finding our place/ Inspiration/ My Journey

All of My Feelings were Hurting!

Recently in the middle of the bedtime craziness, my youngest son Luke cried out:

ALL OF MY FEELINGS ARE HURTING!!!!

I tried not to laugh and was able to comfort him that night with a hug.

However, his words stuck with me because throughout the last couple of months, I completely understood what he was talking about:

ALL of MY feelings were hurting! I was feeling sad, mad, worried, anxious, and fearful.

Sad that I have to say goodbye to people and a place I love
Mad that a job was moving us to Minnesota
Worried that we wouldn’t sell our Colorado home or find the right house to purchase in Minnesota
Anxious about all of the changes and everything that I needed to do to move across the country
Fearful of the unknowns

Then I read Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud. It was full of truth and ENCOURAGEMENT and was the exact book I needed during this transition! He put into words everything I needed to hear. I didn’t know if it was okay that ALL of my feelings were hurting. People move EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. NBD!

And then I read:

“When you don’t feel your feelings, you remained tethered to them in some way” Dr. Henry Cloud.

This gave me the freedom to FEEL all of the feelings, to process them, write about them, talk about them, cry over them and pray about them. I also allowed others to pray for me, hug me, remind me of God’s truth and encourage me.

“To the degree we were invested in something that’s ending, we will have to work the grief through our system in order to be ready for whatever is next…

“When you feel grief, you are saying: I am looking this reality right in the face and dealing with it. Grief also means I am getting ready for what is next, because I am saying goodbye to it.” Dr. Henry Cloud

I said Good-bye.

After processing all of the feelings, I said goodbye. Goodbye to the sadness, anger, worry, anxiety and fear. I also said goodbye to the priceless Colorado adventure and looked back with gratitude!

Then I said Hello!

Feeling the feelings and processing them allowed the closure I needed to end that glorious chapter and to say hello to a NEW one! New friends, new opportunities, new memories and experiences.

I will take my memories, my friendships, and what I’ve learned and build on that in our new place. I will discover new things and develop new relationships.

Treat endings with respect.

“Look at the experience, break it apart. What was good about it? What did I learn? What skills did I attain? New knowledge? Take all of that and make it a part of you. It becomes part of who you are. You are now smarter and wiser for having that experience.”

“Face your grief, work through it and let it equip you will make for a good necessary ending.” Dr. Cloud

Thank you Dr. Henry Cloud! I LOVED your book (especially Chapter 12 – Embrace the Grief: The Importance of Metabolizing Necessary Endings!) It said everything I needed as I ended one chapter to begin a new one.

If you are about to have an “ending” of some sort (or know you NEED to end something) – I highly recommend you get this book!!! And maybe start with Chapter 12.

(Affilate Link)

Have you read this book? If so, did you like it too? Leave a comment!

July 29, 2018 By Kathryn

0 In Food/ Recipe

Yummy, crispy baked potato recipe

Once again, I can thank my mom for creating a recipe that is absolutely DE-LISH! (Thanks mom!)

My boys devour these potatoes. They make great side to nearly any main dish.

Ingredients:

Small potatoes (red or golden)

Panko crumbs

Olive oil

Butter

Parmesan cheese – grated AND shredded

Salt/pepper or any seasonings you enjoy!

Directions:

Pour 1/2 cup of olive oil in the bottom of a 9 by 12 in baking dish

Put a couple pats of butter in (optional)

Pour in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese AND

1/2 cup of SHREDDED Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup of Panko Crumbs

Cut potatoes in half and lay down inside oil/parm mixture

Pour a little EEVO on top.

Sprinkle seasoning on top – whatever you want! I usually sprinkle a tiny bit of seasoning salt, some pepper, and garlic powder.

Put in oven and back for about 30 minutes at 375 degrees.

This might take more or less time depending on the size of potatoes you use. Stick them with a fork after about 25 minutes to see how well yours are cooking.

ENJOY!

July 27, 2018 By Kathryn

2 In Memories/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

Who’s the teacher here?

Picture of Luke chasing bunnies taken by Courtney Freeman in Colorado Springs

As a former teacher and a mother to four, I often want to teach my children. There are so many things I want them to learn and to know. However, I am surprised at how much I can learn from THEM and how much they can teach me!

For instance, they teach me about LOVE. I love them because they are my children – not because of what they do, but because of who they are. This is how God loves YOU and me. We don’t need to do or be anything to be completely loved by Him!

They also teach me to enjoy the small things. The frog jumping through the grass, the ants on the sidewalk.

They taught me how much FUN backyard games can be. I can’t stop laughing during a game of Tag or Sharks and Minnows! It’s exhausting but it’s so.much.FUN!

They teach me to slow down. Little steps will eventually get you to where you need to go.

They teach me to look forward with anticipation and not behind (with regret or sadness). When I told my kids that we were moving, they didn’t wallow in what we were leaving behind, they were excited about a new adventure! They were looking forward to meeting new friends and wanted to know all about the state that we would call “home!” They said goodbye cheerfully and waited with anticipation to make Minnesota their new home. Since arriving, they’ve been ‘all in!’

I’m thankful for what I’m learning from them each day. My goal is to stay engaged and to keep learning from them. Hopefully, they learn a few things from me (and Ted) too.

What have your children taught you? Leave me a comment!

July 25, 2018 By Kathryn

2 In Book Review/ Faith/ Family/ Inspiration

Before you quit, read this!

Do you feel Overwhelmed? Exhausted? Are you ready to quit?

Faith does not look at the FACTS and say “Well, I might as well give up.” Faith looks at circumstances that have “impossible” written all over them and then listens to what heaven is saying. In heaven, you will never hear God say, “You should quit. This is impossible.”

Scripture is clear that faith has nothing to do with what we feel or see. We walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Cor 5:7

If you listen, you will hear God telling you that He is on your side, he is FIGHTING FOR YOU, that with Him you are more than a conqueror!

Determine today, as a person of FAITH, to move your eyes off your situation and open your ears to God’s voice.

When you are in crisis, God is not. When you are in depression, God is not. When you are lost, God is not. When you want to quit, God will not. God has not vanished. Just because you may not understand the path you are traveling doesn’t mean God is not leading you! Choose to trust Him.

Choose to believe:

He will comfort you in all your troubles. Ps 23:4

God will meet all your needs (Phil 4:19)

He will turn your darkness into light and make straight your crooked path (Is 30:5)

Joy comes in the morning (Ps 30:5)

God will not forsake you (Ps 9:10)

When Marcus Luttrell (Lone Survivor) was training to be Navy seal he noticed that men around him were quitting, giving up and not fulfilling their dream to be a Seal! These men were STRONG, some stronger than Marcus. Though they had physical strength, they didn’t have the mental strength. When you make up your mind that you are not going to quit, the battle is WON! There comes a time in every marriage, family or situation when it’s easier to quit than endure. Decide now that you WILL NOT QUIT!

I am never going to quit loving.

I am never going to quit serving.

I am never going to quit forgiving.

I am never going to quit praying.

I am never going to quit believing.

I am never going to quit being kind.

Inspiration came from the book “Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt” by Jentezen Franklin.

Click here to read “Rediscovering Joy: A Journey of Self-Reflection, Resilience and Faith”

Books are affiliate links.

July 20, 2018 By Kathryn

4 In Family/ Finding our place/ House Hunting/ Minnesota/ Moving/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys

A Peek into our week – Saying Goodbye to Colorado, Hello to Minnesota

Enjoying our final Pikes Peak sunset from our home in Colorado

Last week we said goodbye to Colorado – to our friends, to our home, and to that beautiful chapter of our lives.

Jared and Holly Newman – life long friends

Lots of friends came over to give us one last hug, we went to the Newman family’s house for one last dinner and I went to church one last time to see Kari Jobe and Louie Giglio! (It was so good!)

Early Wednesday morning two kind gentleman showed up at our house and started packing. Somehow, those two guys had my house completely packed and loaded on the moving truck in just 3 days!! (I think it took me 6 weeks to pack when we moved to Colorado)

Our family flew to Minneapolis on Saturday morning. Clark asked if we were in “first class” because the flight attendant offered him a snack and a drink. (He’s only flown one other time – and that was on another airline)

We stayed the weekend in a hotel.

Saturday – lots of swimming!

Sunday – Mall of America!

Before we moved, I told the boys that when we arrived in Minnesota, I’d let them spend $20 each at the Mall. It gave them one more reason to get excited about the move.

Our first stop – the Lego Store!

George was THRILLED to explore this place and had a hard time just picking out ONE thing. $20 doesn’t go very far there, but he found a set that he was excited to build.

Clark chose to buy a remote control car.

Paul wanted new running shoes. (I gave him a little extra since he chose RUNNING SHOES!)

Luke picked a Lightning McQueen toy.

I picked where we ate – Wahlburgers. (It was great!)

They wanted to ride ALL the rides – but we picked one – The Ferris Wheel! It’s kind of crazy riding a Ferris Wheel inside a MALL!

Monday morning, we met the movers at our house.

There were a few things about this house that made me fall in love with it:

I could tell it was a neighborhood with LOTS of kids – nearly every house has a play set, a trampoline, a soccer net or a basketball hoop.
It has a nice backyard…big enough for FOUR boys to run some of their energy out with a game of tag or soccer.
It has LOTS of trees! Since I’d no longer be able to see Pikes Peak, I wanted something pretty to look at and I do! I love all the trees and water in Minnesota.

Within an hour of pulling up to our home, the boys had already met the neighbor kids on both sides. They played all day. Clark called it the “best day ever” and said he’d be sad if I picked ANY other house in Minnesota.

George agreed and said this is his favorite house we’ve ever lived in.

All the boys have been sleeping SOO good in this house. I haven’t been wakened at all by any child! It may have something to do with the fact that they RUN, JUMP, PLAY, and SWIM all day! (Maybe that’s the title of my new book?!!)

We are grateful for a smooth transition and looking forward to making many happy memories here.

Thanks for your prayers, comments, texts and encouragement through this process!

July 18, 2018 By Kathryn

0 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Family/ Memories/ Motherhood/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Colorado

A PEEK into our WEEK: Breckenridge, hiking, time with friends, and racing!

Our Fourth of July

We took some red, white and blue pictures in Colorado Springs, but spent the 4th in Breckenridge! The boys loved the Parade and playing in the huge pile of snow that’s still on Peak 8. Ted and I enjoyed getting one last visit to Breckenridge before our move. We always enjoy the drive there – you never know what wildlife you’ll see. We stopped to watch some Buffalo roam on this trip.

Spent time with a childhood friend

Becky, a childhood friend, and two of her kids came to visit from Broomfield, CO. It was so fun having them spend 24 hours with us!

We hiked and explored, cooked together, and enjoyed catching up. We’re both Indiana girls and been friends all of our lives. I’ve enjoyed spending more time with her since we moved to Colorado.

Overdrive Raceway

The #eglyboys have been begging me to take them to Overdrive Raceway! We finally made it there, and they LOVED it! Clark drove as fast as he could – speeding around corners and weaving in and out between other drivers. George was slow and steady; cautiously driving around corners, and leading Paul “safely” around the track.

Hiking

We explored the Starsmore Nature Center and hiked in Cheyenne Canyon with friends. There are all kinds of trails you can follow in Cheyenne Canyon. However, Clark remembered one specific hike from a field trip and insisted we follow him. He promised us it would be beautiful! Somehow, he found the right trail, we followed him up a narrow passageway and from the top, we had an incredible 360 degree view of mountains and The Broadmoor! He makes an amazing tour guide for an 8-year-old.

The trail Clark insisted we follow.

One of my favorite things to do in Colorado is hiking and exploring with my boys!

Admiring the view!

That was our final ‘regular’ week in Colorado.…now we are packing and wrapping things up at home before we head to Minnesota! What did you do this week? Leave me a comment!

July 11, 2018 By Kathryn

14 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Faith/ Family/ Finding our place/ Moving/ My Journey

Life is Either a Daring Adventure or Nothing – Helen Keller

When we moved to Colorado, we thought we’d be staying here forever.

Ted found a good job.

We found a beautiful home.

We met so many new (and old) friends.

I began a job that I love at an amazing church.

I’ve become a writer in Colorado:

I write for YOU (Thank you for reading!)
I recently began writing for Colorado families through the Colorado Springs Mom blog,
I write for churches and families throughout the United States through Homefront Magazine,
I write for mother’s through the Help Club for Mom’s Bible studies
I even published a Colorado children’s book – hoping to make it a series.

Our family has thrived here, and we absolutely love this place. There is so much beauty all around us every day. It’s soul-filling.

However, changes are ahead.

We are about to embark on a new adventure: We are moving to Minnesota.

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. – Helen Keller

My husband has accepted a job with Target Corp. He will be working in Executive Leadership Development at the Target headquarters in Minneapolis.

Until a couple of weeks ago, I had never been to Minnesota.

The only two things I knew about Minnesota were:

Minnesota was not on our radar. It was not in the plan.

I guess sometimes we go off script and follow the adventure of the unknown, unfamiliar.

After I went through the stages of grief, I’m choosing to move forward in joy, trusting we will find and create beauty in a new place.

Though we chose Colorado as our place, my true place is with my family. Wherever they are is home. Where they are is my place. They are my people.

My people. My place is wherever they are!

My favorite quote over the last couple of weeks has been:

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Thank you Dr. Suess!

Our friend and pastor, Daniel Grothe, reminded my husband that when we moved to Colorado, we were ALL IN! He recommended we have the same attitude in Minnesota. Be ALL IN. This is such a good reminder, such wisdom. Thank you Daniel!

I’ll be re-reading the book: This is Where you Belong: Finding Home wherever you are. I’ll also refer back to this POST: 8 ways to LOVE where I LIVE – as we adventure into a brand new place.

I’ve begun following the Twin Cities Mom Blog, and other blogs and checking out Pinterest to see all there is to do in Minnesota.

I’m looking forward to:

meeting new people,
finding a good church,
discovering the best places to eat,
learning how to stay warm in winter,
exploring this beautiful state!

Have any of you been to Minnesota? What can you recommend we do and see? Where should we go?

July 9, 2018 By Kathryn

0 In Colorado/ Product Recommendations/ Things to do in Colorado/ Traveling

10 Best places to eat in Breckenridge

1. Crown coffee

We love their “breck coffee” and overall environment.

2. Mi Casa

Stop by Mi Casa if you are craving Mexican food! We loved the enchiladas, and the salsa was so good! Super quaint atmosphere inside and nice patio outside!

3. Duggans Deli

This place has fantastic sub sandwiches. It’s a hole in the wall, so don’t plan to eat inside. I recommend picking up subs, walking to the Gondola, taking the ride to the very top, and eating on the patio at Peak 8.

4. CB Potts

This restaurant is right in the middle of all the action with great seating in the front on Main Street or in the back, on the patio. The burgers are great!

5. Eric’s Downstairs

Eric’s has good pizza, burgers and wings but I only recommend going if you are willing to drop some ‘dough’ on video games. Half of the place is food/half is a gaming area. My kids like coming here – not necessarily for the food, but because of the games!

6. Starbucks

We love this place because it’s so darn cute. It’s an old YELLOW house with such history inside. And if you want to know how to get your Starbucks for FREE, read this.

7. Crepes a la Cart

I thought I didn’t like crepes…until I tried one from Crepes a la Cart. This place ALWAYS has a line out the door! Our family devoured the cinnamon roll crepe in 3.5 seconds.

8. Extreme Pizza

This place has some really creative (and delicious) pizza creations! I recommend the “Kickin Chicken!”

9. Kenosha Steaks and Burgers

Kenosha is a great place to go with family and friends when the weather is nice. You can sit on the back patio and enjoy the backyard “games” while you wait for your food! My boys like the burgers and wings! I ordered the Bison burger – it was great! My husband enjoyed his Caesar salad. We also shared a plate of nachos with Bison Chili – one order is enough to feed the whole table.

10. Pho Real

This is a great place to get a hot bowl of soup on a cold day. It’s very small without much seating, though. I recommend ordering Pho to Go. Take it up the Gondola and eat at one of the tables at Peak 8.

Honorable Mention – Fuzziwigs candy shop

Obviously, this isn’t a place you’d go for dinner unless you want a SUGAR RUSH, but it’s gotta go on my list because it’s my kids favorite spot for a treat in Breckenridge. They give you a little bag and you can add as much or as little of the 400+ options. My kids eat something right away and save some for the drive home.

There are so many quaint restaurants along Main Street. Please let me know in the comments where you love to eat in Breck!

For all my favorite FREE things to do in Breckenridge, CLICK HERE!

July 7, 2018 By Kathryn

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