Successful half marathon

This past weekend we headed up to Duluth in order for Mike to run the Grandma's half marathon early on Saturday morning (6am!). It turned out to be a fun time - we were fortunate to be able to stay at Grand Superior Lodges which our S-I-L's parents own. It is a big place with a spectacular view of Lake Superior about 50 feet from the window.

I am so proud of my dear husband who ran the half marathon in 2 hours and 20 minutes. His goal?! To finish in any sort of decent time and keep up with the buddy he ran it with! And he did! This is especially impressive since Mike was only able to do minimal training with such a busy spring and weather outside that was less than inspiring to run in.
We both ran the full Grandma's marathon in 2007, but Mike forgot his running shoes! Since he wasn't able to finish that run because his feet were about to fall off in the new shoes he bought, it was even more fun to see him enjoy completing this race.
Unfortunately we weren't able to be at the finish line to cheer him on since late Friday night I got pretty sick and was fairly miserable; I stayed back with the kids in the morning which may have worked out for the best since Mike left at 4am (!). The rest of the weekend I was fine and we relaxed by watching movies, eating good home cooked meals and enjoying the jacuzzi. Can't ask for much more! I don't think I have ever seen Faustina so excited as when we arrived at the lodge. She was bouncing off the walls and exclaimed, "I want to stay here for FIVE minutes!....or maybe forever!" She doesn't have a great grasp of different times yet, so she covered it all, I guess.

Our bubble gum girl

Faustina had her big spring recital today, and she did a great job! This group of 2-3 year old have come a long way this past year. Faustina was very comfortable standing in front of her audience without dancing her routine during her first performance last December. A few weeks ago on the car ride home, I asked her why she still wasn't always dancing with the group. She promptly responded that she was not suppose to dance, Miss Laura told her to watch. And she is right, her teacher DID tell the girls to watch her in order to imitate her dancing. Faustina was only doing the 'watching' part and not the 'dancing' part. So Mike and I grilled into her head over the last few weeks that she is suppose to watch AND dance. In fact, the whole point of her performance is for people to come and see her dance. Well, it seemed to work - because she did dance for us this time.

Coming to class every Friday for 30 minutes these girls [started to] learn how to be graceful young ladies. They learned to work as a group, follow instructions, they memorized a routine, performed in front of a large group of people and were pretty much as cute as could be. Faustina had her parents, Grandpa Lee and Terry, Grandpa Gary and Jeanne, Uncle Travis, Aunt Kim and Lizzia there to support her in her big debut. Afterward, Grandpa Gary treated us to very nice dinner. We're so proud of you, Faustina - you've got the groove! (Unfortunately, the video quality is poor, but it gives a general idea!)

Learning new skills

This past year I have dove 100% into quilting and it is quite addicting. I embraced the long winter since I was happy with a cup of tea and the sewing machine in the basement working on quilts.

Quilting quickly opened my world to sewing and all the beautiful things I could potentially make. When Faustina moved into her 'big girl bed', I thought "What the heck, there are so many beautiful fabrics, I should just make Faustina's duvet.". I did and it was a fun project.

Unfortunately these crafts are not always as economical as going to the nearby Walmart and buying something made in China. Unfortunately. But, as I gather JoAnne coupons and look for deals, it can cut even with buy store bought stuff.

Many individuals ask me, "Why would you spend so much time on these projects when you can just go buy something?". Well, I guess there are a few reasons I would give.

1. I love doing things with my hands. That is probably just the way I'm built - I love manual labor type projects and creations. I sometimes joke that I should have been born hundreds of years ago - I enjoy doing sewing, knitting, cooking, outdoor work etc. Now these activities are more hobbies than necessary labors.

2. I like being creative.

3. I enjoy learning (I learned how to make button holes doing this duvet cover)

4. I think it is important to learn and practice skills. It is the case 'these days' (I sound like an old crabby person) that people don't have any practical skills. This could prove to be a big problems in the years and decades to come if the NEED for skills in life arises again and we don't have everything at our 10 second disposal.

5. I appreciate handing these skills, traditions, and culture to our kids. I know my Mother did and I am so appreciative.

6. It can save money done in the right way.

The duvet cover is from Amy Butler's 'In Stitches' book which has many very cute ideas and has a good range of beginner patterns to more experienced. Here is a picture of the duvet pattern from the book and then a picture of the book.

We have a dishwasher...

It finally works!

THE CRIB IS HERE!!!!!!!!!

Close up of the gorgeous wood

What Faustina has been listening to lately... what a snob!

Grandpa Lee sets up the amazing crib...

Cousin Xavier goes crazy

She loves it... and her garage-sale mobile too!

Grandpa Lee is making me a crib... and it's almost done!

People, gather 'round. This is an amazing piece of woodwork. Grandpa Lee has fashioned this completely from scratch; he even planed his own wood down. No kit here.

He has poured in many, many hours for little Faustina, and this crib will be a priceless heirloom in our family for generations (God willing!) to come. We are all spoiled for receiving such a work of art; and Faustina gets to sleep in it!

We thank Grandpa Lee and all his hard work. There is literally no way we could repay him for all the dedication, time, and love poured into this work of craftsmanship.

It is inspiring to watch Gramps create things out of wood, and it is just another example of how the Lord gives us, His creation, the potential to partake in His own nature- namely, to create and fashion. Of course, we can't totally share in His nature, for God creates ex nihilo!

Producing a work of art like this is truly an act of love- the highest form of art.

Thanks, Grandpa Lee!!!!!