Dec. 23, 24, 25...computer isn't allowing me to post...Merry Christmas for now.

Dec. 22

Micah is battling a head cold and it hasn't made for a peaceful house. Praying tonight we're not up from 3:00-5:30 am again. He also didn't nap well today...wakes up coughing...so it was not a pretty sight before he went to bed tonight.

We've been trying to get the car packed tonight so we can leave before the "Winter Storm" hits the area. Sounds like it's going to be an interesting couple days in the Midwest.

More to come...but probably no pictures for a few days. Something to look forward to AFTER Christmas!

Goodnight....

Dec. 21

Happy Birthday Mommy....were fun words I was able to hear today. It was a good day with lots of fun little surprises...some goofy surprises...like the way my day started out. Our water heater is a bit small in the house so when you are taking a shower if water runs in ANY OTHER part of the house...you notice it! My warm shower quickly turned cool when I noticed Steve was brushing his teeth in the kitchen. After shrieking at the top of my lungs...the 3rd time he realized it was ME and not the TV. I was definitely awake by that time. (which probably was ok as I spent much of the night awake with a lil' boy that would cough & wake himself up.) Micah had a mild fever today so stayed home with Steve in hopes of getting him back to health before the Christmas festivities. Tomorrow Micah has a little party at school so we're praying he's healthy enough to be there.

Ahhhhh today....fun blessings of the day: A husband & son that made a sweet little card (and artwork) for my birthday, getting to work and finding a fun yummy coffee drink & balloon, donuts--yes, Chocolate Covered bismarcks with bavarian cream & bagels, lots of great well-wishes, cards, giftcards, fun supper with friends topped off with ice cream, calls from friends, a great lunch to celebrate & send off some fabulous co-workers, and so much more.

Tonight I'm praying we are all able to get a good night's rest...I think last night was the first night I've ever wished we had a king sized bed...with Micah in the middle (ok...my side)...it didn't leave much room for me.

So......Sleepytime here we come...before anyone wakes up!

Cheers to a Good Day!

Dec. 20

Today we found ourselves at the two smaller country churches just outside of Dalton, MN. Steve preached at them both...and while he preached, I chased Micah. Our child has no interest in sitting still. Even when he sees other kids in church sitting in the pews, he sits for the first few minutes, looks through all the books that I can physically carry in a bag, runs the cars up and down the bench a few times, uses his "outdoor voice" (yes, in the sanctuary!), until, alas...I find us hauling all our stuff out to the back where he can run run run. I sometimes hear Steve's sermon if he doesn't decide he wants to go up and down the stairs or run laps in the fellowship hall. At the second church we were at today there weren't really any other kids besides Micah...so before Steve does his Children's Sermon, he prefaces it by saying something like, "I'm going to continue to have the Children's Sermon today if, for no other reason, to give my wife a little break." Of course Micah marches up there, sits down & starts saying loudly "Mommy Coming, Mommy Coming"...so then I go up & sit with Micah & Steve. Ugh....it was quite the morning!

One interesting thing that Micah has picked up lately is calling his Daddy "Steve." I've tried to start calling Steve "Daddy" so Micah will go back to calling him Daddy. The other day I called him one of the many other nicknames I have for him, "Hoss, Biggs, H, " So Micah started calling him Biggs. Today after we left the church, Micah started calling him "Pastor Steve."

Ahhhh...today the train continued to go go go around the bottom of the train. Micah is getting good at starting & stopping it...and derailing it. I'm getting better at turning the whistle off & the music off. Those batteries are outliving my patience that's for sure!

Micah & I did need a little "outside adventure" today though. We both get a little stir crazy inside all day. So...we bundled up, shoveled a little, then headed for a stroller ride. We ended up at the skating rink where Micah watched, then proceeded to go on the ice in his boots. He was enjoying it at first...until he fell flat on his butt/back. That ended that & my already overtired boy had a bit of a meltdown. So we returned home.

He finally took his Sunday afternoon nap at 5:30 pm. He actually fell asleep in his daddy's arms as he was watching Youtube. Yes, we've found Youtube to be a great place to find clips of trains. Micah is also good at informing us when it's time for "nother one."

So...that's our day in a nutshell. I spent most of the day rather crabby as I could have used a nap...finally when I snapped out of it...Steve snapped into it with the Vikings loss! Thankfully the day is over and a new one starts tomorrow!

Dec. 19

So yesterday we were given a train from some friends that are moving to the west coast. We didn't have enough batteries for the train yesterday so I had to hide the engine. It's a battery-powered Musical Christmas Train...it plays 3 songs & has a high pitched whistle. Since Daddy came home with batteries around noon today, the only time the train has been off was when Micah was sleeping. During Dinner we were able to turn the whistle and the music off. Other than that....it's been going going going ever since. We usually find Micah in some odd position trying to watch the wheels go around and wanting to make sure he is close to the action. Little does he know there was another train they gave us too. Electric. But I think we'll wait until the tree comes down as the Christmas train goes around the bottom of the tree. He also has a little Goodwill treasure from his "Gumpa" that Daddy brought to the basement without his knowledge. Again...don't want to overstimulate the child...not to mention we do need a place to walk! He definitely has caught the train bug!

Steve is close to finishing up the semester. Just an essay exam to finish. (Praise the Lord!) We both need a break from papers. 20 credits this semester hasn't been a treat. Next semester should be a little better...but sounds like he will be making the weekly commute to Mpls for a class. Thankfully, he doesnt have a Sem class on Mondays so it should be better in that regard.
There is some paperwork for his MetroState U. degree that could use your prayers. Some things have changed on that front...all for the good...but requiring maybe a little more patience. Something you'd think I'd be good at by now!

I've been helping some friends move this week and have been continually reminded as to how blessed we were for our friends that helped us move last year. To think it was a year ago we were up past our eyeballs in boxes. I'm thankful we're not in that position today...but I know I have flaked on my resolve to go through a box a week from last year. So...looks like this year I may have to up that to 2 boxes a week (could I really have more than 52 boxes to go through???.... ok, some of you don't need to answer that!) I'm figuring I have at least 2 years before a move...so I should start now!

My health is doing ok. Still don't feel quite like myself, but definitely improving. I can't seem to shake the sinus thing. Phlem, coughing, headcold stuff. Physical Therapy helped greatly for my head....now it's just to continue doing the exercises so I don't end up where I was again. It's amazing how easily we slip back into our old habits if we're not careful.

Today was more of a catch up day---laundry laundry laundry & hanging out with a lil' boy that loves trains & life. It's been good.

Praying that you are able to take time to enjoy the simple things in life this Christmas season.

Dec. 18

Here we have Micah and "Gumma" & "Gumpa"
Ahhhh...Micah givin' Mommy a lil' love. (More like Micah puttin' Mommy in the chokehold!) That boy is getting strong!The family foto: Uncle Johnny, Gumpa, Gumma, Uncle Jimmy, Aunt Crystal, Mommy, Micah, Daddy.

Dec. 17

Today was only busier...must sleep...early morning meeting tomorrow. We'll catch up this weekend! Nutshell version: packing, caroling, typing, soon to be sleeping!

Dec. 16

Again...super busy...need to sleep.

Highlights: Christmas parties, Grandparents here to entertain Micah, a guest bed that no longer has a mound of clothes on it, temps above zero!

Goodnight!

Dec. 15

Super Busy day...hope to post tomorrow.

Dec. 14

So....I'm keeping with writing each day....however, I think the spunk of the season is faded today. Thankful today is almost over and praying tomorrow I will have more energy than today.

I must....it's the office Christmas Party! (Deck the Halls)

Dec. 13

No pics today...just a little update on us. Yesterday Micah helped shovel the walkway...trying to train him in. He thought it was funny...of course more of the snow was all over but it was cute. We also fixed our lights so they are back up. Had to use tape because the plastic sticky things wouldn't stick in the cold. Yes...we've officially slipped back into the deep freeze. I wasn't counting on this cold until mid-January. Praying it doesn't stay this cold all winter long! We are able to get both cars in the garage again. It's so nice not to scrape/chisel the ice off the windows in the morning.

Today Steve preached at one of the churches in the nearby town of Dalton. We've been there a few times. Micah is definitely finding himself at home there...runs around like CRAZY. He was a little wild during the children's message....nice?!!? Ugh. After that we headed for the toy room "nursery" where we put together puzzles for the remainder of the time. Maybe next week I'll hear a couple of sentences of Steve's sermon when we are at the other 2 country churches in Dalton. Micah seems to dictate how much of that I hear. Oh well....he is growing extremely fast, so I'm cherishing what time I have with him. He's talking more and more...putting together longer phrases and surprising us with words he uses. Last night he even counted to 8 in a book that we were reading. WOW!

speaking of Micah..he's coming to tackle me so looks like that's all for today.

Later...

Dec. 12

Sometimes Micah likes to take the camera & take pictures ...mostly of himself. It's quite humorous to watch him point the camera and say "cheeeeeeeeeze."
Here's a shot of my two favorite boys! Especially good as Micah has his "paci" and "blanket." Ohhhhhh....praying Christmas of 2010 we won't have these two lil' additions.

Dec. 11

The decorating inside is mostly done...whenever it gets to a point where I think we've finished. Micah seems to "re-decorate." So...here is our tree (pre-Micah rearrangement) and if you notice in the background he has one of his train videos on!
This is our little helper!!!

We attempted decorating the outside. This is what it looked like before all the plastic clips fell off the little peak. The snow man & bushes still look ok...but until I fix the lights...I've been too embarrassed to turn the lights on. Once the temp jumps into the single digits ABOVE zero...I might attempt it. Not to mention I'm still trying to get over the "gunk" that I've acquired. So tired of being sick!

Dec. 10

After Thanksgiving we rode the new Northstar train from Coon Rapids to Minneapolis. Micah had some friends join him for the ride. He liked it, but I do think he still likes watching the trains more than riding in them. Maybe someday that will change. It is a bit cheaper to watch than ride though!
Here are the boys havin' a good time.

Dec.9

Ahhhh...Thanksgiving! Here we are with our little Wiggle Worm trying to get him to hold still for a picture. You will see this common theme in most of these Thanksgiving pictures.
He decided he would play us a few tunes on Grandma Walswick's piano.

Auntie Angela struggles for her picture with the active one...

And when he does stop moving, then he puts his hands to his head or mouth so you can't see his face.

Whew...he sat for a few...

And seemed to do better when we were just trying to get a "cousins" shot.

.....Ahhhhh....The Cousins!

Looks like Micah isn't the only one that has trouble posing for pictures...check out his dad in this one! (he claims he was being pinched...I can't imagine either of his siblings doing anything like that to him?!!?)

The Siblings....Take 2...

The Walswick Group Photo...

...Another attempt...

Thank you Grandma & Grandpa Walswick for hosting Thanksgiving at your house! We had a great time. It was a little weird for us as this is the first time since we've been married that Thanksgiving wasn't at our house. A fun change in 2009. Micah seemed to like running around the cities for a few days hangin' out at each of his Grandparents' houses.

Dec. 8

It's Lefse time!!! Yes, we were granted a huge sack of potatoes and my wonderful husband said, "Wouldn't it be fun to make Lefse with some of these potatoes." For those non-Norwegians.. lefse is kind of like a tortilla--just made from potatoes (or sometimes flour?). So...the fun began as I searched the cookbooks for what I thought to be a relatively painless recipe while Steve searched for a lefse grill & the goods to borrow. After a little hunting, we were ready to go. I quickly realized making lefse was more work than anyone may ever give it credit...I had a new admiration for those who make it year after year. After rolling out the first 2 I was thinking I may be experiencing my first and last lefse adventure (not wanting the work)...while Steve was on the phone to his dad to see if they still had his grandmother's lefse grill. I think one of us was having more fun with this adventure than the other. Or...maybe 2 of the 3 of us were.
Micah decided HE wanted to help too.

Yes, I quickly realized the best time to roll out and grill the floury mess was after Micah was sleeping!

After attempting one batch on my own, I was informed of a "Lefse night" at a local church where they were sharing their baking tips. I went and now have a wealth of info on lefse from local gems who have been cranking out this baking treat for years. I even found out that the local WalMart had a section with lefse gadgets! Amazing...I don't ever recall seeing this section in the WalMart in Davenport, IA or San Bernardino, CA!

I ended up making 3 more batches and believe that will be the extent of the LefseFun for this year. If your interested in more lefse info...I've found www.lefsetime.com to be helpful!

Happy Peeling, Cutting, Mashing, Mixing, Rolling, & Flipping! (I left out Ricing...but I chose not to do that step!)

Dec. 7

We got a little snow back in October...Micah decided he would test out the sled...yep, it works!
We attempted a little sidewalk drawing...I think we both need our coats cleaned after that adventure.

Micah liked it...

He likes to be outside, so he doesn't mind what we do. As long as it can be outside. Ahhh... a boy after my own heart! :)

Dec. 6

Sorry...this post has only text...realized I need to upload more pics but it's late, and there are a few more days till Christmas. We are again fighting the bug at the Walswick house. Micah has been running a fever on and off since yesterday. I'm praying he wakes up like he went to bed...WITHOUT ONE! I started coming down with a sore throat last Thursday. Today I officially could not talk. (Probably not the worse thing that could happen to me as far as a significant other may be concerned). To top it off Steve mentioned not long ago that he is coming down with "something." Pray pray pray that he doesn't get it...he has such a busy next 2 weeks with papers, finals, etc.

More tomorrow...

Dec. 5

These pictures ended up being a little out of order...but you get the idea.... (again...pix from October)...we'll get caught up by Christmas at this rate!
Micah pum-kin

Elmo Slippers...

Tried to have him be an engineer for Halloween...but wouldn't keep the hat on...

Our first attempt...but wouldn't ditch the paci & blanket

He's also "Chef Micah" with his "helping ladder"

Here he is whippin' up some pancakes...mmmmm

We love him!!!

Dec. 4

Back in October Steve had a Birthday...here's Micah givin' Daddy a Birthday Love!
Followed by a little wrestling fun...

We took a trip to the Pumpkin Patch....wow...was it a chilly day at the Pumpkin Patch...breakin' out the winter coats in....October???!!!!

Complete with a Hayride...pulled by this illustrious Machine. I'm not sure who was more thrilled...Micah or Daddy!?!!!

At the Pumpkin Patch they also had animals.

And Chick-n-s...

It was a beautiful day to begin with...but by the time we left it was blustery and cold. It was fun and we'll definitely go back next year!

Dec. 3

Micah loves trains...good thing his middle name is after my dad...Robert...who also loves trains! These pictures were from Bandana Square, a place that has model trains to watch. Micah (and my dad) could honestly spend hours there. Micah cries when he has to leave. I think my dad has grown out of the crying when leaving part.

Here he even gets to drive the Thomas train and gets a certificate when he's done.

Earlier this fall, the Seminary Women had a 2 day retreat at Inspiration Point Bible Camp not too far from Fergus Falls. This is the sunrise I was able to witness. Thank You Jesus! Oh Christian Camping how I miss you...

Micah at home doing a little coloring...it usually doesn't last too long, but he gives it a shot.

Fergus Falls is home of the Otters...so...you guessed it...there is a giant sized otter at one of the parks we frequent often. Micah was running toward it not because its his favorite thing there... but because he didn't want to leave the park when we were ready to go.