Show the frog to mom

Another funny moment in the Holder House!

Family Camp

Once again...I'm WAY behind in updating all the happenings in the Holder Home. Instead of back-tracking I'm just going to push forward for now and maybe go back in time later.

This past weekend over the 4th of July we packed up (what felt like our whole house) and headed to Crystal Springs Family Camp. We enjoyed great fellowship with old friends and new friends. The weather was perfect for playing outside, enjoying the beach and spending a great time as a family.

Taking our 'circus act' isn't always easy, but we made it! We knew this year would probably be harder then next year and the years to come as our kids (mainly Seth) gets older, but we didn't want to miss out on the memories that could be made right now. We enjoyed great times together and here are some pics that I...oh wait, I'm a horrible mom who forgets to take pictures...that Amy took...enjoy!

Geocaching

The weekend fun continued today....

I had told Dan about Geochaching a few weeks ago and today we took a couple minutes to figure out how it works. Well...it's fun! Using the GPS on our phones we enter coordinates for various locations and then we go to them and have to find Geocaches. They come in all sorts of containers and are hidden in all sorts of locations, but when you find it, you sign your Geocache name and sometimes add a small trinket to the box (if it's big enough) and then move on to find another one somewhere else.

Today, we did this for the first time and it was a lot of fun, the kids loved it! It's free and it's fun -- that works for this family! :) We found one in a railing in a bridge, one hidden in a fake rock by a waterfall, another hidden handing in a tree, one more in a tree stump and then the last one of the day was in a tube in the ground. It's a great game of Hide and Seek or Treasure Hunting and yet, it's free!

We found some not far from our neighborhood, but then later we took a family surrey bike ride in Lindenwood while we were Geocaching around there. It was great!

At the end of the night we put our hands in the middle and said, "Treasure Hunting" and when we were done, Alayna reminded us that our greatest Treasure is Jesus. She's so right! She loves the song, "Treasure" by Desperation Band.

Birthday Fun!

Ok...if you don't know my hubby and I here are a couple things about us you should know. We don't keep secrets from each other...if we try, we usually fail. We are more connected then probably most married couples and so if either of us tries to get away with something we usually fail because we always know what the other is doing. You should also know that we have been married over 9 years and my husband has yet to surprise me. Don't get me wrong...he has tried. He's come close once or twice, but I've ALWAYS had an suspicion and then it was proved true in the end. Even when he proposed, I had a suspicion it was going to happen that day, I just didn't know how. I digress.....

Anyway, friends of ours were in town for the weekend. We were planning a double date for Friday night. I KNEW my husband was up to something. I told him that and he admitted that he had a surpise for me after we went out to eat. His surprise (or so I thought) was a boat ride on the Red River. Don't get me wrong, it was a fun relaxing ride with our friends, but it wasn't anything to write home about (sorry SS Ruby!). We had to get home early because Grandma and Grandpa had to leave to get some work done by 7pm (it's not uncommon that they need us home a little earlier then we had maybe planned, so again, I thought nothing of it) and so after our boat ride we went and got some Dairy Queen and then headed home.

I walked in the door first because I was moving a bike out of the way for Dan to park and then when I walked in the door I saw some food set out, but it still didn't quite sink in yet....then I walked into our kitchen and saw a bunch of our friends starring at me and then saying, "SURPRISE!" He got me...he truly got me! I thought there might be other friends at the boat ride...when there weren't, I assumed it didn't work out, and that was ok. Then we got home and I realized I fell into his trap. He was grinning from EAR TO EAR! Thanks for making (3 days before) my 30th birthday really special!

Our ride on the Red River

Another Bloggers Post...

I read this tonight and thought it was well written and so I wanted to share it. I don't know who all reads my blog and I don't know where your marriages are at...but it would be worth your time to read it and reflect on your marriage.

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/06/5-ways-to-make-marriage-last.html

Holder's Happenings!

I realize that it has been quite a while since I have posted anything, so I'm just going to hit some highlights. School has been out for a few weeks now and so we have the 'no schedule - summer schedule'. I can't complain because it means more time with Dan home and I LOVE that! We have enjoyed some summer activities for the kids which has kept us busy as well as just being outside (when it's not raining...although we venture out in the rain too b/c we just like to be outside).

Here are some of the 'Happenings' since my last post:

- Dan isn't teaching summer school this year, so that has made our 'no schedule - summer schedule' even more out of whack this year....but it's been good!

- Josiah enjoyed a week of basketball camp where he went for 3 hours each day. He had a blast...he may not me an MBA player, but I'm glad he's having a lot of fun.

- We went and visited the "Amazin' Farm" with some of Dan's family and had a great time.

- We got some house projects done that have been on our list for a bit too long....we got a roof on our swing set (it still needs to be stained though..we can only do so much!!) We also were 'gifted' with paneling for our basement walls from my sisters house b/c they didn't want it anymore and we have GREATLY appreciated it in our basement!! No more falling down insulation!

- We've had a couple trips to the zoo and Seth seems to NEVER bore of seeing the animals though we have a super small zoo.

- Josiah and Alayna have LOVED swimming lessons and we'll find out how they did on Friday.

- Josiah is in Rookies baseball this summer...when it's not raining.

- Alayna has wanted to be in gymnastics for a REALLY long time and this summer she's finally having the opportunity and she is enjoying every minute of it. It's been fun to watch her excitement each time she realizes she gets to go. :)

- We have not forgotten dear Seth...he has had a great time to bond with Dan as I've taken the older ones to activites and it's pretty fun to see that though he's still a mommy's boy, he has definitely come to realize how SUPER fun his dad is! He's my first and only mommy's 'kid' and that might change quickly as he spends more and more one on one time with his daddy.

- Mr. Seth has also learned a new skill...in just a couple tries he has mastered riding Josiah's old 16" bike with training wheels. He hops on and rides at lightening speeds!!!!! There is no walking next to him...it's a FULL OUT run! He doesn't do ANYTHING 1/2 way! :)

Well, that's a quick recap...now you're semi-up to speed with the Holder's Happenings!

Mr. Independent

This morning Dan had to leave really early because he was having breakfast with a friend before heading off to work. That's all fine and dandy, however, that means I have my shower and all the kids are roaming free....obviously my darling 2 year old is the only one I worry about during this time. This does happen from time to time and normally things are just fine. I checked on him before I got in the shower and he was playing pretend in Alayna's room surrounded by all the people and animals she has in there...I took my shower...hopped out and with a towel wrapped around me when to check on him right away.

Hmmm...he wasn't in Alayna's room anymore (that was NOT a good sign!). I went down to the kitchen and as I looked I saw bread SWIMMING in honey....the counter also covered in honey....I asked him what he was doing, he looked at me SO innocently and said, "I hungry for a 'sanwich' mommy." Yes, yes you were son...however, that sandwich went into the trash....I scrubbed stickiness off of him and then wiped and wiped and wiped the counter of stickiness before I was able to actually get ready for the day. After purchasing more honey today, it is going to make it's way into 'kid proof' cupboard. Ahhh...never a dull moment around here!! :)

Parenting....

A friend/co-worker of Dan's and his wife are expecting their first child this fall. He made a comment on facebook after feeling the baby move that he is excited and scared. Dan replied with this response...it was a great description of parenting:

"It is kind of scary though (to be a parent). Like the scary feeling before riding a roller coaster. Once you're on, you can't get off. There's usually a lot of waiting before the ride. You feel totally helpless (at times) while riding. Yet somehow during the ride, the fear turns to joy! All the puke, poop and mess of that little life will be put into perspective when they throw you around a loop-d-loop of emotion by giving you a giant cheesy smile and say with a 2 year old voice..."Daddy!! I miss you daddy!" That's when the rider runs back to the end of the line and goes through it all over again."

A Great Celebration!

We had a fun day celebrating Josiah! We woke up and had pancakes (Josiah chose to have a green one and so his was made to order), then he got to open his presents from mom and dad. Back in January I mentioned some great deals I found and one of them has been in storage since then. Here he is riding his new bike and wearing his new shoes...as well as his pajamas. :) He was pretty excited!!

Later that morning our family (minus Seth...it was nap time for him), along with some of Josiah's friends and his grandpa Holder headed off to the Red Hawks game. They have a party package which equals NO planning needed...ahhhh...what a fun birthday! :)

The party crew

We got to eat (food was included as well as a DQ cake) down by the dugout so the players came over and signed hats and gloves. With the party each kid got a new baseball hat so most kids had theirs signed....pretty fun!

Sporting his new hat and the gapping hole in his mouth!

Grandpa Holder and Alayna enjoying the game

Even Hawkeye came and gave the kids his signature!

During the 7th inning 'stretch' the boys got to go up and sing "Take me out to the ball game" over the speaker system. It was pretty cute! I have it recorded. Though I came home with a bit of a sun burn, it was a PERFECT day for a baseball game, all the boys had fun, Josiah felt loved and he greatly appreciated his fun party.

Happy 8th Birthday Josiah!!!

8 years ago this morning I woke up early with some back pains. Knowing my due date wasn't until the middle of June I assumed I was having 'braxton hicks' contractions or that I was just getting so pregnant that I was having more pains. We timed them and they weren't overly consistent so Dan and I each went off to work later that morning.

I got quite a few phone calls from him that day checking in with me and the contractions continued all day at work. Though I was having them regularly all day I didn't tell anyone initially b/c I assumed they would tell me, "it's nothing, don't worry about it" and so I would just hold my back a little when they came and when dealing with a customer I'd put a smile on my face and hope they would soon dissipate. I was supposed to work late that night at the bank in the drive-up, so I finally mentioned to someone what was going on just to get an opinion as to whether or not I should go out there by myself. Still thinking it would probably be nothing and that I'd go to work, I told them and to my surprise they told me to head home and they'd find someone to fill that spot.

At about 5:30 I headed home....on the way home they got progressively worse and by the time I reached our apartment and saw Dan they were getting quite a bit more intense. I took a bath to relax, made sure our bags were packed and Dan called the hospital to see what we should do. They told us to stay home as long as we could and so we did. After my bath I paced in our apartment, Dan rubbed my back and then he was feeling a bit more nervous and felt like we should get going at about 7 or 7:30. I said "ok, but can we please leave the bags in the car b/c I KNOW they are going to tell me I'm not in labor and send me home and then I'll be embarrassed". He didn't really respond and so we got the bags, got in the car, stopped at a gas station for a calling card (this was 8 years ago, remember) and we went to the hospital.

Riding in the car was HUGELY uncomfortable during contractions, going up to the hospital floor was uncomfortable (and I was embarrassed b/c Dan insisted that I was in labor and he was bringing the bags no matter what I said). We got registered and they checked me right away and I was 4cm dilated, the nurse was shocked. My first question was, "does that mean you won't be sending me home?" The nurse laughed and said, "no, you're definitely in labor", you can imagine my husbands delight to hear that he was right!! :)

After sitting in the jacuzzi tub during multiple intense contractions, I got out and was going to walk the halls for a while. The nurse mentioned she should check to see if I had dilated anymore first and shock of all shocks I was 9cm dilated!!!! As a first time mom that was a bit intense because all of a sudden everyone was moving really fast and coming in and out of my room super quick. The contractions got even more intense and the nurse told me to get ready to push. I looked up at her and said, "how long does this part normally take" (I had no drugs and was wondering if I was REALLY going to be able to do this)....her response, "for most, about 2 hours". You can imagine my fear!! Well, thankfully she was wrong. It was probably closer to 15 minutes and 5 pushes later that we welcomed Josiah into the world. It was amazing....welcoming our first born into the world....it was a moment I will never forget.....

I feel so blessed to be his mom. Watching him grow and seeing who God has created him to be has been so rewarding. As a parent there are times when it's stressful and challenging, but then you step back and look at the big picture and you realize how incredible it is to be called a parent.

Dear Josiah: I love listening to you talk about Jesus, you ask challenging questions that hopefully will continue to stretch and strengthen your faith. Josiah, you are an amazing big brother...Alayna and Seth are blessed to have you. The fact that you take time each day after school to wrestle your brother and to play with him is adorable. You have really taken to heart our conversation about how your friends will change over the years and that's ok, but you need to work at making your brother and sister your friends because they will always be a part of your life. You desire to do what's right and are often challenged to be an example to those around you. Just a couple weeks ago you came home from school and were telling me how a kid told you that, "everyone gets yellow slips in school" (which means a note sent home to the parents and a trip to the office) and you came home and told me that it frustrated you that he said that because you have never had a yellow slip. My heart smiled. Your heart is precious and I love to sit back and watch you....you aren't perfect and you make mistakes and that's ok, but continue to strive to be obedient to us and even more importantly to God's word, He has great things in store for you. I love you my precious first born.

A Great Reminder...

Every year around our anniversary we try to take time away from the kids to just be together. This year was even more important...with a busy school year for Dan we wanted to make sure we had some good time together. And we did!! Thanks mom for watching the kids! People always ask us what we are going to do....sometimes we go places (nothing far away...usually the cities), but it's not about where we go or what we do...we just love that we can talk and do anything we want without worrying about nap times or schedules. It's fun to remember that we truly enjoy being together with or without our kids. Yep, if I had to do it all over again...I'd marry him again in a heartbeat. :) Maybe next year for our 10 year...how about a trip??? We'll see.

We did move into the 21st century this weekend though by getting cell phones which was a lot of fun. We enjoyed dinner and a movie (a RARE combo for us to do) and we also enjoyed sleeping in and going to brunch together. Overall, it was an amazing relaxing weekend with great conversation and a lot of fun. I'm always sad when I talk to couples that have kids and they tell me they don't have time for date nights or weekends away....I have to say, those times are vital to make sure as a couple you're still connected and I'd sacrifice in other areas to make sure we can have those times together. I loved my husband before my kids were ever in the picture. Though even after 2 nights I was missing them like C-R-A-Z-Y and I had great cuddles when we got home....I'm glad we had time as a couple and I'm glad our kids have grandparents that love to have time with just them too. What a blessing!

To My Prince

You are my husband and truly my best friend, 9 years ago today we got married...can you even believe it's been that long ago already?? I thought I loved you then, but I had no idea the depth of love I would gain each year of our marriage. I'm grateful to have you as my husband. You are considerate and unselfish. You put me above your own interests. You love God's word and take your role as husband, father, teacher/principal and church leader as a serious calling. Thank you for providing for us and loving us. Josiah and Seth would do well to follow your lead and I pray that Alayna would find a man like her daddy one day. I love you and I feel truly blessed to be your wife! Here's a little trip down memory lane....our wedding day.

I love you and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us and for our family as we continue on life's journey together!

Another Season...

Today marked my last time being a part of Exhale (formerly MOPS). It is bittersweet to close that season. I so appreciated the ministry and friendship of other moms with young kids, but after 6 years, it's time to move on. I'm not sure what next year holds (even though I've been asked numerous times what I plan to do), but I do know that though I will miss seeing many of the moms on such a regular basis, I know this was the right next step for me.

Mother's Day

For Mother's Day we took a trip to St. Cloud to celebrate birthday's and what better way to celebrate Mother's Day...then with your mom! The kids enjoyed fishing in the pond out back, and of course playing with their cousins (we're blessed that they all have cousins that are similar in age to each of them...that makes for fun times!) All in all...it was another great weekend!

My family....brother, mom, sister, me

The "MOMS" on Mother's Day...me, mom, sister, sister in law

**did you happen to notice my new necklace?? A very pretty present from my hubby and 3 kids!

Cabin Fun...in the rain

We have had some busy weekends lately, but they have been a lot of F-U-N too! Two weekends ago we headed up to my brothers cabin and our families hung out along with my mom and step-dad. The weather conditions weren't ideal, but the kids found ways to have fun in the rain anyway. I love great family time

Good Friends = Good Times

These boys have been a good example of maintaining friendship. They were forced into friendship by their parents (b/c we are friends), but it's paid off. Even after more then 2 years of living in different cities, they still write letters to each other and seriously anticipate getting to hang out again (just like their parents). It's pretty sweet...ironically enough, they lost their other front tooth at about the same time so we needed to have a picture of their gap faces together. :) Good times, good conversations and we look forward to visiting again sometime soon!

2 year old + Markers = ?????

Get angry...or get the camera?? I opted for getting the camera. Really, it was pretty funny all things considered. Don't get me wrong, we still had a serious chat, but I was more rational at least. You can't tell by the picture, but the water had a serious green tint to it because of all the marker on him. The kids know to keep their markers up high on the shelf...bummer is...he is now tall enough to reach the shelf. UGH!!!

Gap Face

We officially have a 2nd grader with no front teeth. He wiggled and wiggled and wiggled that tooth and it finally came out. How is it possible that he is still so cute even with a gapping hole in his mouth?!?!

Scaling Back....

There are a few things I need to update on here, but I'll start with something that I'm/we're working through right now. If you know us well, you know that Dan and I don't function well being super busy and not having margin in our life. Well, for the past 6 months or so it has felt that way.

Dan has been more busy in his role as part-time principal and part-time teacher...surprisingly enough over the last 8 months or so my business has grown that I am working more and more all the time. What's my primary job? Graphic designer? Nope...wife...mom. To be honest, I feel like I have been spending more time working and less time being a mom. We are blessed that we now have the opportunity to make some changes. Why and how you might ask?

Last week Dan was offered an assistant principal position at West Fargo HS and he accepted. (HOORAY, this was a LONG TIME prayer request!!!) Initially we planned on having me continue working...after a weekend of craziness and God working on both our hearts, we sat down Sunday night to reconnect and talk and we came to the conclusion that something needs to change. God opened the door for Dan's job and we're so thankful for that and for this season while we have young kids I want to go back to having more focused time with them. It will be an adjustment again, but it's kind of a breath of fresh air!!

Embarassing Mom Moment #2437

After dropping Alayna off at preschool this morning Seth and I went to run an errand together. He is a pretty good little helper/shopper. As I was getting the things on my list, one of them was orange juice (you know where this is going???). Anyway, I got the orange juice (plastic jug) and was going to put it in the back of the cart, but Seth wanted to help me (he normally takes the item and puts it in the back of the cart for me). He was buckled in the front of the cart and when he took the orange juice, it was heavier then he thought and when he twisted, it dropped to the floor...and the lid cracked = OJspillage!! He was holding it himself (without my help like normal) b/c I had just let go to wave "Hi!" to someone we knew. Bad timing!! Thankfully, the person I was saying "Hi!" to came over and chatted with me during the 'episode' and a store worker was nearby and said he'd take care of everything. Seth kept saying, "sorry mommy"...amazingly enough, it wasn't his fault..this time. :)

Let's Go Fly a Kite!

What a great idea on a day that is gorgeous with just the right amount of wind to fly a kite nice and high!! The kids were pumped (and if we're honest, Dad LOVES flying kites too)! With my camera ready to capture Seth's first kite flying experience...let's go!

Alayna and Evan gearing up to help get things started....

Seth VERY excited to get to be the first person to really FLY the kite!!

The kite is flying high in the sky.....maybe a bit too high...and now it's flying without string...MAYDAY - MAYDAY....we have an unmanned kite! Less then 10 minutes after beginning our kite flying adventure...it has come to an end. Dad and kids are out on a mission to find the kite...will they find it?? Stay tuned!

Seth Sayings

I'd like to get in the habit of writing out some of the silly things my 2 year old says...as I was talking to another mom this morning I was telling her that Josiah and Alayna still say silly things once in a while, but not as consistently as what a 2 year old does. I want to remember some of these things....here are a couple to start with:

-- as I'm trying to explain to Seth why he can't wear the shorts he found in his room outside he looks at me and says, "Not shorts mommy...little pants" -- how can you argue with that??

-- I love to hug and kiss my kids....as I was kissing Seth over and over on his cheeks he asked me, "Hungry mommy?"...I said, "Yes, I'm hungry for a baby Seth"...."Ok mommy, you can have more" and then he leaned in for more kisses...have I mentioned that boy brings lots of laughter into our home!!!???

Stay tuned...I'm sure there will be more to come...there's never a shortage (it's just whether I remember to write them down)

Horses and Tractors and Donkey...Oh My!

This year we celebrated Easter out in Kindred. It was seriously the nicest Easter weather that I can remember. God blessed us with PERFECT weather for playing outside. Here are some picture highlights of our weekend....in no particular order...

traditional family picture

we didn't even plan the white shirts...but it worked great!

grandpa and all his girls

a little 4-wheeler action after church

when outside he must say "Hi!" to the horses...especially Jim.

he was outside ALL day...no nap...just playing...can you tell?? He is FILTHY, but he had a GREAT time!

throw all the kids in, it's time for a wagon ride

chatting with mom

we did a lot of this....sitting and chatting around the fire while the kids ran and played...it was GREAT!

what a great picture!

his second favorite thing to do on the farm....

by far his FAVORITE thing to do on the farm...

although he kicked grandpa off right away b/c he likes to ride by himself...yes, he's fearless and feels VERY comfortable on a horse

precious

4-wheeler fun

We had a great weekend of celebrating in a variety of ways the fact that we serve the one true God. He died on a cross for our sins and 3 days later rose again...what a MIGHTY God we serve!