Lori's Lines

Onions?!

2009-10-21T19:14:00.002-05:00

This has been circulating throughout the web......it's interesting if nothing else!

ONIONS FOR COLLECTING THE FLU VIRUS

Forget the flu shot. Just put a onion in your rooms and you will be safe.

In 1919 when the flu killed 40 million people there was this
Doctor that visited
the many farmers to see if he could help them combat the flu. Many of the
farmers and their family had contracted it and many died.

The doctor came upon this one farmer and to his surprise, everyone was very healthy.
When the doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was
different the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in the rooms of the home,
(probably only two rooms back then). The doctor
couldn't believe it and asked if he could have one of the onions and placed it under the
microscope. She gave him one and when he did this, he
did find the flu virus in the onion. It obviously absorbed the virus, therefore, keeping the family healthy.

Now, I heard this story from my hairdresser in
AZ. She said that several years ago many of her
employees were coming down
with the flu and so were many of her customers. The
next year she placed
several bowls with onions around in her shop. To her
surprise, none of her
staff got sick. It must work.. (And no, she is not in the onion business.)

The moral of the story is, buy some onions and place them
in bowls around your home. If you work at a desk, place
one or two in your office or under your desk or even on top somewhere.
Try it and see what happens. We did it last year and we never got the flu.

If this helps you and your loved ones from getting sick, all the
better. If you do get the flu, it just might be a mild case..

Whatever, what have you to lose?
Just a few bucks on onions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow! Where has the time gone?

2009-09-06T15:00:00.005-05:00

I haven't been very good about this journal thing lately, but would like to get back into it. I miss my Blogtown world and hope that I can reconnect! There really hasn't been much to discuss, but here's our world of late....

Sonja (3) has successfully mastered the toilet!! We never thought it would happen, but she surprised us and did it!! She is going to start preschool next week and is very excited. We are sending her to a local church in town who offers a Christian preschool. We are excited for her!

Nicolai (9) has been busy this summer keeping up with his Wii scores and playing with the neighbor boy. He too starts school next week and is entering the 4th grade. We are hoping to find some extra online courses that will keep him challenged. He is reading an eighth grade level book and comprehending and he is doing a six or seventh grade level math. He is very smart!! When you ask him his favorite part about school? he states that it is gym, math, recess and lunch! We have been praying for his teachers, the other classmates and the district. We pray that this year will be a great year! We are going back to the doctors this fall to look further into things. The ADHD medicine has never really been enough and hasn't completely helped us out. We are going back to talk the possibility of Bipolar. I'm not excited for this, but would like to find out what is going on. We have finally determined that it isn't our parenting (some people still think it is), but we know that he is not your average child. He has a little more going on inside of his head and his actions then the average child. We are seeking after God for guidance and strength.

Joel (I won't tell you his age, but he's creeping up on a big number!!) Loves his new job with the railroad. God has truly blessed us with this job. He certainly has provided and protected and continues to do so. Joel comes home with exciting things that he got to see or do. His stress levels have diminished! Praise God!! Joel continues to serve as Chair of Elders in our church, a teacher in our children's program and as "Grandpa Henry" in our Family Service dramas.

Me (I just turned another number) It was a great birthday! No hot air balloons this year, but a beautiful arrangement of flowers and a couple of fun gifts! I am currently doing administrative things for our Student Ministries program along with a variety of other odds and ends for our church. I keep busy! I continue to make cards when I have the time and get away for a weekend here and there to scrap with friends!

We have had a good summer overall! We had to finally get rid of the "dog dish" if you remember, I use to call our pool the dog dish and wondered if Clifford was ever going to show up. He never did, but our "dog dish" died! The pump stopped working and didn't want to start up for us again.

This summer has been a summer of adjustments. One getting use to a paycheck again....that is weird, but we praise God every day for it! After nine months of no income, we are forever grateful for the opportunity of a job! With this job though has been an adjustment to Joel's schedule. He is on call and can be called in at anytime. He could put in a full day of work and be called back in because of an emergency, but we are adjusting and figuring it all out. We are still grateful despite the crazy hours from time to time!

I hope you have had a great summer!

ROCK THE RIVER

2009-07-17T20:16:00.003-05:00

Quarry Student Ministries is going to Rock The River on August 16th. You are welcome to join us! There will be seven hours of music from Kirk Franklin, SUPERCHICK, DecemberRadio, Flame and so much more. Tickets are $10 at the gate, $30 for an immediate family of three or more.

Ride the bus with us, we are leaving Monticello Middle School at 800 East Broadway at 12:30pm. Transportation, parking and a tail-gate meal is included for $10 ($30 for a family of three or more).

If riding the bus, be sure to register with Lori at loriwestrum@hotmail.com. To save your seat, register by August 12th. Bus fees are due at time of registration. Tickets for Rock the River are due at the gate. Be sure to bring extra money for event venues or extra food, sunscreen, rain gear and a lawn chair or blanket to sit on!

Checking in............

2009-07-01T11:04:00.005-05:00

Hello - Yes, I'm still here and alive!! I just have been busy running to the chiropractor. It's amazing how out of wack I really was and how crummy I felt. I now feel much better. My chiro has me on a nutritional program as well. I am still selling Norwex, making greeting cards and occasionally scrapping. Now that summer vacation is half over........WHAT?!! It seems like last week Nicolai was finishing the third grade! I am finally back to having energy to do things with the kids. I took Nicolai to see a movie yesterday. Night at the Museum...it was cute! I was disappointed at a few spots of the movie that were unnecessary, but all in all it was cute!

Nicolai finally got his hair cut...........a little! His hair is all one length now which looks better. Nicolai will be entering the fourth grade next Sept. He still enjoys his St@r W@rs characters and "acting"! I am still in search of a program to get him into. He now wants to be an actor. I will have to check out the community programs.

Sonja is three and almost potty trained. She does really well during the day, but struggles at night still and sometimes nap!

We finally got the "dog dish" (pop up swimming pool) up! It still needs the filter attached and the pump. Not sure how to do it, so waiting on Daddio to take care of that! It's been cold the last few days, so the pool hasn't been missed!!

Well I hope all is well with you.......my blogger friends!

My Niece!

2009-05-30T20:59:00.003-05:00

Check out this article regarding my niece, Emily! She is the one most of you have been praying for - Thank you!! Emily

I haven't forgotten...

2009-05-01T20:40:00.001-05:00

At Easter time an anonymous friend sent an Easter Card and a gift inside!! IF IT WAS YOU.....THANK YOU!! That was very generous and very helpful - thanks for thinking of us!!! I posted a thank you on Facebook but never got around to posting here!!

God's Goodness continued....

2009-05-01T14:03:00.003-05:00

On March 11, 2009, I wrote a blog entry regarding our current status. I wrote how God had carried us through four months without a steady income and how He used friends, family and anonymous gifts to get us through. Not much had changed until mid April hit!!! What a whirlwind...

I need to back up a little....back in September of 2009 our neighborhood had been blessed with a new couple. They moved in across the street from us. They have no children, but have desired to. Joel had gotten to know them while out in the yard and chatting from time to time. I was yet to meet them.

I finally met "A" in early December. She had walked over and rang the doorbell. Joel answered, but I was on the phone. My neighbor left and returned home. When I hung up the phone finally, I felt compelled to get dressed and walk over to meet her. I'm so glad that I did.

We sat down and chatted for over an hour and within that hour's time we had shared many things. Womanly issues, religion, faith and work situations. I don't know why, but I felt compelled to tell her our current financial status. She felt very bad and took it upon herself to try and find my husband a job. She spoke with her husband and he in-turn found out that his place of employment had positions opening. Joel applied and we waited. And waited. And waited!!

In the meantime the neighbor would pop over and ask if we had heard anything yet regarding the position. We hadn't, so she continued to talk with her husband about it. She asked on several occasions if he had heard anything. Thankfully her husband did some checking around and found out that Joel's application and resume' were put into a "reject" pile. Upon further investigation he found out that the people hiring were skeptical and thought that Joel was over qualified. Our neighbor insisted that they take another look at his application and reassured them that we had indicated we were done with our business. We were closing our doors and no longer were going to be open. They then pulled out Joel's information again - PRAISE GOD!!

He finally heard on April 9 via email that he was expected to be at a certain hotel at a certain time for an all day testing, background check and interview process. We were so excited! In the meantime Joel had made arrangements to fly up to AK and do some temporary electrical work to get us by. He was all set to go and the confirmation and travel was to take place the following week. On Wed., April 15, Joel made sure that he was on the location he needed to be and was ready for the interview. It was a long day, but he felt very good about how the day went. Before leaving the interview, he was told that the candidate picked will be notified the following week.

On Thursday, April 16th, Joel was all set to travel and get up to AK on Friday, April 17th. All of his flights and information was confirmed at 3:30pm. At 5pm on April 16th, Joel received another email from a major railroad company, thanking him for interviewing on the 15th and offering him a position for conditional employment. WOW!! Our world was getting very interesting by the minute!!

Joel weighed the pros and cons with a friend about still going to AK for a shorter time or not. He decided he needed to stay in MN to be available for the further testing and background checks that this railroad needed him to perform before starting. I was relieved to hear that Joel wasn't going to travel to AK. The next morning instead of hopping on a plane, he called up to AK and announced that he had been hired here locally!! Praise God!! The people in AK completely understood.

Over the next two weeks, Joel would run off to appointments that were set up for him and finally on April 29th he received another email congratulating him on passing all of his testing and wondering if he could start work on the 1st of May.

We were excited. It has been a journey of emotions. Closing down a business, turning a leaf to a new career has been quite the transition. We are so grateful to God for everyone he put in our path to help us on our journey. God has carried us every step that needed to be taken.

God provided a neighbor who stuck his neck out and was an advocate for my husband, who he had barely known.

We are so excited for Joel's new job. Today was his first day and I'm anxious to hear how it all went. God has been there for the closing of our doors and the opening of this door. He carried Joel through interviewing and testing. I know God has carried him through his first day. I can't wait to see what God has for us now through this job and with our neighbors!!

Eight....

2009-04-24T14:31:00.002-05:00

My sister in Christ,-Jane Jane has tagged me. So here goes...

Rules for Eight...
~ Mention the person that tagged you. (check)
~ Complete List of 8's (gonna)
~ Tag 8 Bloggy friends - not sure I have that many?
~ Go tell them you tagged them.

8 Things I am looking forward to:
~ Heaven
~ Meeting Jesus face to face and having him answer my questions.
~ Seeing my children as adults
~ My husband starting his new job.
~ Having our business completely closed.
~ Being comfortable in my own skin.
~ Hopefully traveling on vacation again.
~ Starting a new!

8 Things I did yesterday.
~ Read my Bible
~ Showered
~ Changed Sonja's pants
~ Peeled the WEI logo off of our work van.
~ Made dinner
~ Talked with the neighbor
~ Facebooked
~ Neglected the dirty dishes

8 Things I wish I could do.
~ Sing the National Anthem in front of a large stadium of people and sound good.
~ Fly a plane
~ Not get frustrated with my children when they make wrong choices.
~ Get Sonja to be completely potty trained.
~ Ignore sweets, sugars and anything bad for me.
~ Consume only water, veggies and fruits (and an occasional protein).
~ Open an orphanage and not have any red tape from any governments.
~ Grow a huge garden and love working in it.

8 Shows I watch.
~ The Locator
~ How It's Made
~ The Office
~ Deadliest Catch
~ Chase
~ The Amazing Race
~ Jon and Kate Plus 8
~ Biggest Loser
I don't catch these on a regular basis - I watch when I have time - which isn't much!!

~ 8 Bloggers I'm tagging.
~ Sorry - I haven't been blogging for well forever - so if you are reading this and want to play along - YOU ARE TAGGED!!! Have fun!

Happy Birthday, Babe!!

2009-04-08T08:20:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday, Honey bunch!! :) I LOVE YOU!! I am proud of you for all you have endured lately and how you have found your strength in Christ to keep plodding forward. It hasn't been an easy time, but with God's grace and strength we have made it six months without a paycheck!! That is huge!!!

I thank God for you and am so blessed to have you as my husband. You are an amazing husband and father!

I'm sorry we aren't going out or doing a huge party, but I think you will like what I got for dinner! It's your favorite!! I hope the grill has gas!!!

Happy Birthday!!

Spring Canoe Run 2009

2009-03-29T19:47:00.004-05:00

Today Joel decided to pull out the old aluminum canoe and take a spin in our river...er I mean...Lake! The river is up approx. 6 to 7 feet. Here are the pics from today...

Oops - these pictures posted backwards - what up?!

Returning from the little trip!

Check out the height of the river...

The Voyagers

Sonja is ready and waiting for Daddy and Nicolai to return with the canoe.

Not much new.....

2009-03-26T14:34:00.001-05:00

Hi - I know I have neglected my blog quite a bit lately. I'm busy with various things. I have been doing a few Norwex parties here and there - so thankful for them! They have helped put groceries in our cabinets and in our fridge! I have been putting together a few cards and working on ministry "stuff"!

I'm loving my newly organized home. My husband and I have completed the under-garage and the upper garage. There is nothing in them - lovely!! Life is so much simpler with an organized home! It has felt very freeing!

Onto other stuff....

Nicolai is wrapping up third grade pretty well. He ran into a little bit of trouble on the bus so I pulled him. Yeah! He doesn't think so - it was his social networking, but I am thankful because I don't like the bus! We needed it for a few years, but now that Sonja is not sleeping as much, we can have more flexibility to bring and pick up Nicolai from school. Nicolai's favorite thing to do is read. He has been reading H@rry P0tter books lately. He gets through them pretty quickly.

Sonja is napping less and less. I'm sad about that, but realize she can't stay little forever! She does a great job of imitating her family. She "talks" on the phone like Mom, "Reads" books like Dad and jumps around and dances around like her big brother. She loves to ride her bike.

Joel continues to look for work while wrapping things up at our business. It's taking its toll on him, I think. We will get through this though. This too shall pass!

As I said, I'm busy with various things. Picking up Nicolai from school every day (we share the duty with the neighbor lady and her daughter). Nice! Scrap booking with our church group and some friends. I'm making cards here and there for friends. And also working on Youth flyer information. I'm looking forward to warmer weather! We have gotten a taste of it. It seems that whenever the basketball tourneys are going on - we have bad weather, but once they finish up then the warmer weather comes quickly. Waiting for the B-Ball tourneys to get over with!

Happy Spring to you and yours!!

God's goodness!

2009-03-11T14:12:00.002-05:00

If you haven't figured it out by now, we have had a tough year. Joel stopped receiving paychecks in October of 2008. Since then we have stepped in faith that God will provide and protect. We lost our insurance due to lack of employee number requirements. We had to lay everyone off. We are now down to just Joel working, but not receiving a paycheck. When you are the owner and not enough money comes in, you are the first to let go of your paycheck. At least in our business, that is how it has worked. We have always put our employees and suppliers first.

God certainly has been amazing to us. We have been protected and provided for. In mid-November, an anonymous gift card to the grocery store showed up on our island. We were also able to sell a trailer. Praise God! In late November God brought a buyer for one of our trucks. That sale allowed us to get through all of December and most of January. Praise God!
At Christmas time, someone left another anonymous gift card to a local grocery store. That allowed us to feed our family for a few weeks. Family and friends made sure they bought an extra gift for the kids at Christmas. Praise God!
In January a friend sent a gift card to T@rget. I was able to get more groceries for my family and a little treat for myself. Praise God!
On several occasions friends have treated me to Chai Tea at St@rbucks or C@ribou - yum! Praise God!
In early February, another anonymous giver gave us a greeting card with cash in it. I'm not sure if those people knew or not, but that day it was given to us, was our 17Th Wedding Anniversary! Praise God! In late February, we had a garage sale, that allowed us to get caught up with our bills for Feb. It turned out to be an extremely fun weekend. Several people came out and were very excited about a garage sale in the winter time! God brought me a friend to help us out and walk me through how to successfully get lots of people through in a short period of time. Without her, I would have been a stressed wreck! She made it fun! Praise God!
I wasn't sure where March was going to be covered, but never was I worried. I knew that God was going to provide all of our needs.
Just a week or so ago, some friends of ours gave us an envelope with more cash in it. Here's the cool thing. Just a week prior to the envelope landing in our hands, I had told that friend that we were short a certain amount of money for our electric bill. I found out later that the money that was set aside for us and determined, was decided a week prior to our conversation. The amount that we were behind on our electric bill, ended up being covered by the garage sale. The garage sale allowed us to pay part of March's electric bill too, but it left us short to be able to pay all of March's electric bill. The amount that our friends handed to us in the envelope was the amount needed to cover March's electric bill and get us caught up (without being late). Praise God!! How cool is that?!
This couple wasn't aware of the shortage amount when they determined what they should give. God impressed upon their hearts to give and so they faithfully did. It ended up being what we needed!

God has gotten us through four and half months without a steady paycheck coming in. How amazing is that?! God has brought to us amazing friends who have given us so much. From a cup of tea at St@rbucks or C@ribou, a night out scrapping, a gift card, gift of money or a helping hand - we are so grateful!

We continue to seek after God for our needs and what He would have us do. We also continue to pray for His protection.

Matthew 6:34 (New International Version)
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Thank you to all who continue to love us through this season in our lives. We are so grateful for your generosity. God is so great at providing and protecting in the coolest ways!

For Sale

2009-02-19T21:55:00.002-06:00

For the last four months or so, I have been on a mission to declutter our home and get rid of the excess. My plan all along was to sell whatever wasn't getting used, or was collecting dust and things that didn't have a specific space. My hard work and time have paid off, our home is 100% decluttered and organized. Now I am left with an enormous pile of "stuff" waiting to be priced and displayed!

Our selling must have had some sort of an impact on our son. Nicolai has decided to sell his bedroom. He has it on the market for $221,875 dollars! My only request is that if you should choose to purchase his room: 1) You bring with you no pets. 2) You promise to keep the room clean at all times. 3) You allow my son to share his bunk bed with you! I don't think that's too much to ask for a measly $221,875 dollars?!! :)

I koh-rumba! Never a dull moment in this household!! :)

Psalm 145

2009-02-10T10:26:00.002-06:00

1I will extol You, my God, O King,
And I will bless Your name forever and ever.
2Every day I will bless You,
And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
3Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised,
And His greatness is unsearchable.
4One generation shall praise Your works to another,
And shall declare Your mighty acts.
5On the glorious splendor of Your majesty
And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.
6Men shall speak of the power of Your awesome acts,
And I will tell of Your greatness.
7They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness
And will shout joyfully of Your righteousness.
8The LORD is gracious and merciful;
Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.
9The LORD is good to all,
And His mercies are over all His works.
10All Your works shall give thanks to You, O LORD,
And Your godly ones shall bless You.
11They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom
And talk of Your power;
12To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts
And the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom.
13Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
14The LORD sustains all who fall
And raises up all who are bowed down.
15The eyes of all look to You,
And You give them their food in due time.
16You open Your hand
And satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17The LORD is righteous in all His ways
And kind in all His deeds.
18The LORD is near to all who call upon Him,
To all who call upon Him in truth.
19He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He will also hear their cry and will save them.
20The LORD keeps all who love Him,
But all the wicked He will destroy.
21My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD,
And all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever.

17 Years?!

2009-02-08T19:41:00.004-06:00

WOW!! Where does the time go? I seem to be asking that question a lot lately!! Time is flying by!

Joel and I celebrated our 17th Wedding Anniversary today! Despite financial down-turn we were able to still get away and celebrate. My parents babysat - so grateful and we grabbed the gift card that was given to me at my birthday back in August and headed to P.F. Ch@ngs!! Yum!! We had a great time talking, dreaming, looking to the future and remembering the past!

One thought that always comes up every year is our honeymoon experience of spending two nights in a hotel room eating 0reo cookies and drinking C0ke because of the lack of fundage! Hmmmmm you think we might have learned something!?! Just kidding. This financial strain is due to business and lack there of!! It really has been out of our control. We were in control and turning a good leaf on June of last year and then October hit and the bottom fell out! What ya' do? Pray and keep moving forward!

Today was a fun day to get out. We also managed to catch a early movie and got cheap tickets! Yeah baby!! We chose to see "Taken". All I can say is, WOW!! It's not a movie I would recommend or promote, but if you are an adult and can handle a few scenes, language and violence - go see it! The love that a father has for his daughter is compelling! It's a "on the edge of your seat" kind of movie!!

I am pretty proud to say I am still married and married to my best friend that I met and fell in love with 17 years ago. (Actually, 18 years ago, but you see we met at the end of April and were engaged mid July of the same year and we were married the following February!) We know what we want when we see it!! It's been an interesting travel, but a good one!!!

Happy Anniversary, Babe!! I love you, always and forever!!!

PS. If you were hoping to help Nicolai out with his Jump Rope fundraiser! Sorry, it's over!!

A Message from Nicolai!

2009-01-30T14:03:00.003-06:00

Hi - It's me Nicolai!! It's that time again when I overtake my Mom's blog and ask for your donations to help me make a difference. I'm doing the Jump Rope For Heart again. Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer; stroke is the number 3 killer and a leading cause of serious disability? Well, now you do!!

Click HERE and it should bring you to my Jump Rope For Heart Donation page.

Thank you for sponsoring my Jump Rope For Heart day and for helping American Heart Association get the word out about a how you can have a healthier happier heart!

Nicolai

WOW!! Where did January go?

2009-01-27T08:47:00.002-06:00

I can't believe it is already the 27th!! So where have I been? I have had a few people comment and wonder what has happened to me. It's called facebook!! I check that at least once a day along with my emails and that's it! I don't have much time for anything else.

I have been busy with Norwex. A few nice folks have had an in-home party for me. Thank you!! I'm looking for anyone willing to open their home and invite their neighbors, friends and co-workers. It's a great way to get to know them better! It doesn't have to cost you anything. In fact, I ask people not to go crazy with snacks and drinks because then it intimidates others from having an in-home party. Several people are sending E-vites for their parties and then sending a reminder or follow up invite from that same site. It's pretty easy. So what do you think? Wanna have a party? It's easy, it's product that EVERYONE can use and you get a boat load of free stuff depending on how well your party turns out to be. Email me - I'm open to book parties too. So if you live far away - I'll send you catalogs and you can share with your friends. loriwestrum@hotmail.com

I also have been busy with my portfolio. I put together a portfolio of Wedding invitations, RSVP cards, Thank You Cards, Menu Cards, Place-cards, and other party related items. A local company is willing to share with their clients my portfolio, so I'm hoping to generate some income that way as well! I'm praying for excellent, understanding clients. No Bridezilla's please!! :)

Joel and I continue to seek God for direction with our company. It is not looking good, but we continue to plug away (no pun intended)!

Nicolai continues to have good and bad days. We are on the mostly good days swing. Occasionally we have an upset of epic proportions, but he seems to be coming out of them sooner. We currently don't have insurance and so we have put his medical care on the back burner. That sounds bad, but without medical assistance, we can't afford the care that he needs. So we continue to help him with occupational therapy tools and tricks at home. He isn't on any medication and seems to do better without the ADHD medicine then when on. I am reading a book called, "The Bipolar Child". Sadly, most of what it is talking about fits our situation, so I'm trying to do more research so that when we receive insurance again, I can talk with a doctor with more of an educated mind then not.

Nicolai is excited for karate to start up again. This turn around he is trying for the red stripe - I think! He has picked up reading and can actually lay on the couch and read for hours! It has been a very nice change!! :)

Sonja continues to struggle with potty training. So I have given up on it for now. I remind myself that she won't want to have to change a diaper on her dates when she is 16 or 18 depending on when we allow her! I'll stick to potty training for now - can't think of boys and dating just yet!! She loves her dollies, purse and pretend makeup! She is 100% girl with attitude!! The Sunday School Teacher told me on Sunday that she put a couple of the little boys in line when she yelled at them to "share". The boys weren't playing nice and sharing and Sonja yelled, "SHARE"! They were scared!!

Well that's my world in a nut shell! I hope you are having a great month! Adios Amigos.....til' later!

Hello 2009!

2009-01-01T15:06:00.003-06:00

I hope all of you had a wonderful New Year's celebration. We hung out at home! We had some yummy fondue, played games with the kids and then watched movies into the new year!

I am looking forward to what God has in store for 2009! It's guaranteed to be interesting, especially with what is going on in our lives right now!

May God richly bless you in 2009! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Goodbye 2008!

2008-12-31T09:31:00.002-06:00

I'll be honest, I'm somewhat anxious to see 2009! 2008 Was a good year, but challenging!

We have all stayed healthy and I'm thankful for that. We have seen our business continue to spiral downward. We are in transition. We aren't quite sure what that means, but we are anxious to see where God takes us.

Despite the challenges in 2008 we had some good times and memories as well. Nicolai turned 8, Sonja turned 2! Nicolai continues to blow us away with his intelligence. Sonja too! She continues to talk and learn new things every day. I was able to take a trip to Ecuador. It was a wonderful week and half. I was hoping to return in 2009 with my husband, but it's looking like that will have to wait until 2010!

We were given a week away to Breezy Point, which was a fabulous time for all of us. I turned 40! Everyone warned me of the changes and I didn't really believe them - NOW I BELIEVE THEM! I was given a ride on a hot air balloon! Something I have always wanted to try.

God has truly been so good to us. It hasn't been an easy year, but God has truly blessed us through it all. He continues to provide and protect. We are continually grateful to a God who has unconditional love!

I pray that you have a wonderful New Year's celebration! Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T10:23:00.002-06:00

I wish you a Merry Christmas to you and your kin! I pray that this Christmas season brings good cheer and great memories! I'm sorry if you are missing a loved one, or are without while they are a way. May God bring you peace to endure this season without them.

Thank you to those who sacrifice their time away. Thank you for those who make it possible for us to celebrate our Jesus' birth.

Merry Christmas!

May you experience God's love today!

Lori

"Stay Happy"

2008-12-22T21:49:00.002-06:00

Today I attended a friends funeral. Not just any friend, you could say that this friend is....well, an uncle. Let me tell you a little bit about Harry. He was born in the Free State of Danzig. He was the oldest child to his parents. He had one sister and one brother. He received technical training in Germany and continued training after he entered the German Navy. He was wounded and then transferred to Berlin and then Landsberg Lech until American troops came. Germany was economically shattered after the war, so Harry volunteered for a job as a machinist. Harry then met and married Ursula in West Germany. They then had one daughter (Barb). Times were hard and they qualified for a relief program that brought them to the United States. They needed a sponsor and work lined up. That's where my other uncle Ben, comes into play and his church. Ben attended a meeting where they had pleaded for people to sponsor and help families immigrate and start a new life. Ben signed up and brought them to our family farm in Princeton, MN. They were given our extra home on the farm and a local mechanical shop hired Harry on. His life continues with another daughter being born (Kris) and Harry being hired on at a power plant and climbing the success ladder. My father, Alvin and his brother Ben continued on at the family farm. Family continued to grow and gather together, just like any family. Our family was extended when Harry and his family came over. The bond and connection didn't end when Harry found other work and was able to purchase a home of his own in town. We still gathered, reunions, Christmas and weddings. We were family. I remember growing up and especially at Christmas time, being told that we were going to go to Harry and Ursala's. I really thought they were family until I was told that we consider them cousins, Aunt and Uncle, but they aren't blood related. I guess I wouldn't have had to hear that. I really don't understand the difference. As an adopted child, I was taken in, just as the family from Germany was taken in. My family will always be my family. Just as Barb and Kris' family will always be family to me and my extended family. I will certainly miss Harry and Ursala. (Ursala passed on in 89') Ursala was a very happy bubbly person and she had an infectious personality! She loved Christmas time, just as I do.

I can't help but think of them as they traveled through a war torn landscape on a train to a new place. A new place they had never seen, but only heard about. They then traveled by boat (I believe) and saw Ellis Island as they first set their eyes on North America. How they must have felt relying and depending on people they had never met. I know I would wonder if these people are legit and wonder if we truly can trust them to provide, sponsor and help us get back on our feet. The family has told our family many times what a blessing we were for taking them in. What they don't understand is the blessing was them. It has been a blessing to have them in our family.

Harry's service today was beautiful. The family asked our family to walk in with them. What an honor to stand with them as they lay their father to rest. The musician began with "Silent Night". My all-time favorite Christmas song. The musician then began singing in German and my heart melted. What a beautiful song sung for a beautiful person!

Harry will be missed. Harry had a slogan or saying everywhere he went and it was..."Stay Happy"! Harry had much to be happy for. He had a great life here in the United States and I know Harry will "stay happy" in heaven.

Nicolai's achievements!

2008-12-19T14:16:00.001-06:00

Nicolai recently aquired his purple belt! He is so proud and so are we!

Purpose

2008-12-15T16:29:00.000-06:00

Do you know what your purpose in this life is? What is it and why?

AAaaah Christmas....

2008-12-08T16:36:00.002-06:00

My favorite time of year. Despite the tough Fall, I am looking forward to a great Christmas season. It will be lean, but all the better! I don't get excited about the purchasing and receiving gifts. I do enjoy giving and so I have, once again, become "crafty" in being able to figure out how to do that! Time is running out though. Did you know there is only 17 or so more days left until Jesus' birth?! Amazing how time flies!!
I have managed to squeeze in two Norwex home parties, which is very exciting. My first official home party will be on Sunday, November 14 and my second will be Thursday, November 18. I will have to pull up my boot straps and put my selling hat on. I'm not a sales person by any means, but the product is good and is something that will improve your lifestyle so I am willing to sell it!
Thanksgiving was very quiet, but very nice! We spent the morning playing bingo with the nice "grandmas and grandpas" at the local nursing home. We returned home and "vegged" the rest of the day! It was actually very nice! We then spent Friday celebrating with Joel's family at his brother's home.
Joel continues to work hard at adding improvements to our commercial building, up town. We have completely filled it with leasers - PRAISE GOD!! January we should start seeing a positive cash flow! Whoo hoo!!
As for business....ummmm....not so much, but we continue to pray for God's guidance and direction through the current valley! He has never failed us, He continues to provide and protect. We are so grateful!
I hope all of you are excited for Christmas. I'm thinking of those who will be missing a loved one, and I am so sorry that you need to endure Christmas without them. I will be praying for you, that you will remember the joyful Christmas' you had with them. I will be thinking of the families who will be missing a loved one who are serving for our country. I have never had to deal with that. I'm sure it's not easy!
I am thankful that I have my family and friends close to celebrate with. Well that's it for now. Sorry I haven't been keeping up with my blog. I haven't forgotten about my blog buddies. I have joined the Facebook craze and so you can find me there most days. It's time to make dinner and off to another meeting.......til' then.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-25T09:03:00.002-06:00

I am wishing for you and your family to have a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration. I'm also remembering to thank God daily for His amazing love and for what He does for us, has done for us and continues to do through us. May you find complete contentment and peace throughout the holiday seasons.