Carving Pumpkins

A few years ago, I heard an amazing sermon on the Jack-o-lantern. It explored the significance of it and what it truly represents. Since then I have never looked at a carved pumpkin the same. In all our ugly, Christ still wants us!

Our pastor talked about how we need to look for ways to be ambassadors for Christ no matter what we are doing or where we are. He started out carving a pumpkin and began talking about how, when you think about it, we as humans are a lot alike. We are gross, smelly and pretty empty inside. When Christ gets a hold of us and cleans us out, He begins forming us into His likeness. Then, he started carving the face of the pumpkin... he described how we all have an appearance or emotion, sometimes silly, sometimes sad, sometimes happy and this makes us who we are. When he finished the face and closed the top of the pumpkin, he reminded us that we are dark inside. We are empty, giving nothing to those we come into contact with.

He then put a candle in the center of the pumpkin. The flame was burning bright and strong. It gave off the most beautiful glow. As he turned the lights out, he explained that with Christ we can be a light to the world. No matter if the world around us is cold and dark and ugly.

So, as your walking around your neighborhood or simply handing out candy at home, remember the carved pumpkin, remember the simple truth of Christ. He is our light, even when we are gross, empty and all kinds of ugly. He is there to redeem us!

Sinterklaas} St. Nicholas Eve and other Christmas Traditions

Thursday night, December 5th we put our wooden shoes out and hopped for cookies when we woke up on Friday morning, December 6th. This has been a family tradition since before I was born and it is one of the best days of the year. Who wouldn't want cookies for breakfast. The secret recipe that we use has been in the family for many generations. Excited to pass it down when our babies get older!

Last weekend we headed up to the mountains to pick the perfect tree. I'd say we found a good one. Levi loved putting up the lights with Daddy and enjoyed decorating the house with me. The snow globe is one of his favorites!

Looking forward to temperatures climbing above freezing this week. Not a fan of Siberian weather!

November Thankfulness

I will admit, when November 1st rolls around, I so easily get caught up in all there is to be done before the holidays. Gifts to be made. Parties to be planned. Treats to be given. I forget about the true meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas. My mind races with the million things that
have. to. be done.

I want this year to be different. That is why I am committing to posting things that I am thankful for. Care to join me?

day one.

I am thankful for the opportunity to stay home with my boy. I love to watch him grow and learn new things from him. This wouldn't be possible without the hard work of my amazing husband who is letting me live my dream. Thank you my love.

our life as we know it.

I realized it had been awhile since I've posted and update. These past few weeks have been a bit crazy! It seems as soon as summer hits, it's non stop. Before I get too much more behind, I thought I would update you all on life as we know it.

At the end of May, Andy and I celebrated 5 years of marriage. I am more in love with him everyday and so blessed by him. Looking forward to 100 more!

Over Memorial day weekend we got brave and decided to take Levi on his first camping trip. We were planning on camping up in Deckers by the Colorado Trail, but all of the campsites were full so we had to settle on camping at my parents property. It actually went perfect and was better to do our "dry run" there... now we feel better about actually going to a real campsite!

A few weekends ago, some of Andy's family came to visit (really only to meet Levi!) We all headed up to the Georgetown Loop Railroad. I had never been, so it was fun to experience that. We also had the opportunity to tour the Lebanon Mine when we were up there as well.

Our church, Pathmakers, had our first successful VBS last week. It was so fun to be able to put one on and have kids to participate in it. I was blessed by it for sure and I know this is the first of many awesome VBS weeks to come! (Levi did awesome too. He loved watching the BIG kids run around and napped like a pro when I was leading games!)

For Fathers Day the Lautenbachs and Denlingers invaded the ColorRun! It was so fun. Andy's dad babysat Levi so we could all run. It was an experience to say the least! I am still trying to get the color out of my hair, clothes... you get the point!

Well, that pretty much sums up the last few weeks of our life.
Until next time....

tulips.

Every year the sleepy town of Pella, Iowa draws thousands of people for it's annual Tulip Time. Since my family's heritage is rooted deep there, we try to get back every few years to visit family and take in the festivities... so, last Wednesday (yes, the day is snowed 10 inches in Denver) we headed out on our 12 hour road trip to Iowa! This was Levi's first road trip... and he took it on like a rockstar (especially since he endured the whole trip with two toys, a pacifier and a bottle... first mom lesson #1,000,000 - don't forget the books and stuffed animals you set out the day before)! When we got to Omaha, he had his first Cabela's experience (which was a must!). All this to say, we pulled in at 10:45pm with a sleeping baby.

We couldn't of picked a better week to go!... It rained Wednesday through Saturday morning non-stop. Even though all of the events for Thursday and Friday were canceled, it was good to catch up with family and walk through a few museums we hadn't been to for awhile. Saturday the rain finally stopped  for a short time... so we were able to take part in scrubbing streets and being spectators in the parade.

All in all it was a great adventure if nothing else. The tulips were gorgeous and the weather reminded us all of the Netherlands. So, if you're ever passing through Des Moines the first week of May, take the 45 minute drive to Pella... it will be a experience you will never forget. To make it even more memorable, don't forget to stop at Jaarsma Bakery and Ulrich Meat Market for some authentic Dutch treats!

een prettige day!

Spring in Colorado.

Seems like we have been going non stop this past week, but I wanted to sit down and share some fun pictures of a little thing we call life!

Levi's first Easter was a success. He obviously didn't understand what was going on, but his parents sure had fun making it "a day not to forget". On Saturday we went to a Easter Egg Drop (eggs are dropped out of a helicopter onto the high school football field. Pretty fun to watch!) Then, Sunday we went to church and headed to my parents house for Easter dinner. Here are a few pictures.

Yep. Levi's shirt says "chicks dig me". I just couldn't resist.

Jess also got baby ducks last week. Levi loved watching them crawl all over him.
Just wait until he is crawling and they are following him around!

Friday I tagged along with the boys and took Levi to his first Opening Day. The weather was beautiful (75 degrees to be exact) and the Rockies won! It doesn't get better than that! My dad, having never missed an Opening Day in all 20 years of Rockies existence was on cloud nine that his little Levi now holds the same record. :)

Papa, Grandpa, Levi, Me and Andy

That 75 degree day seems like a distant memory now! The wind is blowing and we are supposed to get 10-15 inches of snow tonight and tomorrow. Maybe even hit a record low tonight. I'm cold just thinking about it. Better trade my shorts in for some long underwear... winter is making a comeback, oh I forgot... I guess this is just Spring in Colorado!

ending 2012... beginning 2013

I realize I have been a bit absent recently with blog posts. So, I wanted to send an update while a have a few free minutes.

2012 ended with an overwhelming feeling of how blessed we are. I was thinking back to the last few months and I am so grateful that I am married to such an amazing man, we have a healthy baby... and we are provided everything we need.... nothing more, nothing less! God is so good and I am humbled at what we have been given. We are blessed.

Christmas flew by ... I'm not sure if it was because of the lack of sleep or that time just goes by much faster now that I am all grown up and have a family to take care of. Either way, I can't believe another year has passed. Here are a few pictures of Levi's first Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Levi's first Thanksgiving... the four of us

Putting our wooden shoes out on Saint Nick's Eve

Hunting for the perfect tree...

we found it!

all dressed up for the Christmas party!

already smiling at the camera! 

Levi's first sled!

Christmas morning with Daddy

Happy New Year!!!

As we begin the new year, we are excited to see what adventures God has for us, with learning to raise a little boy at the top of the list! So, check back soon for pictures, stories and life lessons from Colorado.

Happy 2013.

Handy + Levi

it's beginning to look like christmas!

After the flakes stopped falling today, we ended up with around 13 inches of snow! Welcome to winter... I love snow around christmas. In every way it makes it feel like a Christmas in Colorado is supposed to... snowy!

The baking is almost finished and the presents are wrapped, now it is the perfect time to cuddle up with a cup of hot cider and a good Christmas movie (we are watching It's a Wonderful Life as i write). 

Andy's grandparents are also coming to Colorado for Christmas! They fly in tonight, and we are so glad they are making it in after the brunt of the storm. Now it is time to let the festivities begin!

Here are a few pictures of our tree and decorations! So fun to spend another year here. We have truly been blessed. 

Don't know if you can see my log end tables... so excited
about them. Got the idea from Pottery Barn (which i obviously
could not afford) then i went to the man my parents get there
firewood from and he made them for a fraction of what they
cost at Pottery Barn! Love it!

Thanks to my hubby for picking out such a beautiful tree. 

keep calm!

I just got this for my desk today... it is a great reminder (although a little blunt). When i  start to get overwhelmed by all of the things that i have to do in a day, or all of the projects i have to finish before Christmas, God gives me a bit of a nudge and reminds me "i've got your back... don't worry!"

so with all of that, remember in the middle of it all, God is always there... in control of everything!

finally time for a little baking...

Every year there are always certain cookie recipes that i pull out and make during Christmas. one of them, which is definetly up there on the list, is the Almond Crescent Cookie, one that my mom made every year when i was growing up. so... a Christmas without them just wouldn't be right. Tonight i finally had some time to pull out the mixer and whip up a batch (tough working 40 hrs a week during Christmas...)

here is the recipe if you are interested.

Almond Crescent Cookie
yields 3 dozen cookies


1 cup (2 sticks butter)
1 cup confectioners sugar (divided)
1 tsp almond extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup finely copped almonds

In a large bowl, beat butter with 1/2 cup confectioners sugar until light and fluffy. Sift flour and gradually add to mixture, along with almonds, Blend together until it forms a dough. Shape dough into a ball, seal in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. heat over to 350 degrees. Divide dough into 8 pieces, Lightly flour hands and work surface. Shape each piece into a 1/2 inch thick roll. Cut each roll into 2 inch pieces. Arrange on un-greased cookies sheets and shape each into a crescent, tapering the ends by gently pinching them. Bake 18-20 minutes or until faintly brown.

When cookies are complete cooled, dust tops with sifted remaining sugar. Store in airtight container. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas! Happy Baking!