Love

"We Love Him, Because He first loved us."

1 John 4:19

You know that giddy feeling you get when you're a teenager and your boyfriend is coming over to get you and he is just the greatest thing ever and he just makes you weak in the knees?  I remember it all too well.  We had many ups and downs in our high school dating years, but we pushed through it all-all the drama of teenage life and made it into our twenties with that same feeling of giddiness and love but a more respectful understanding of each other.  

We got married at 22/21 years old. We thought we knew it all. We moved away from home and started out our married life thinking how easy it was going.  We bought our first home, had jobs that allowed us to buy what we wanted and kept food on the table. But something was missing.

We moved back home after 3 years, and realizing the love of our family was bringing us there.  We were happy to be home and started actively trying to have a baby. With no luck, we seeked medical attention only to discover that our love just wasn't going to be quite enough to create our miracle.  Through many Dr. visits, tears, nervous breakdowns, money and long drives to the clinic we got our wonderful news--we were pregnant. 

Our love for each other had shown through all of this, and the power of prayer was bringing us our miracle baby.  He was born 9 months later and became a new love in our lives. I remember crying tears of joy when he was put into my arms in that hospital room.  There is just something so sacred about the love you feel for a child.

"For this child I prayed"

1 Samuel 1:27

To know that God loves us in the very same way and is there for us everywhere and all the time. All we need is ask.

We have been through many things in our married life...going on 16 years now. We have been through the heartache of not being able to have more children-a heartache that I wouldn't want any other person to feel. We been through many obstacles that were very stressful: a flood, a car crashing into our home, building a house (not an obstacle but stressful to say the least), having hard work destroyed by weather.  These things all seem like tests. Testing our marriage. They have only brought us closer. Our love for each other outweighs any stress or problem that comes our way.  We must keep God close as a third party in our home.  He will comfort us in our sorrows and bring us out of any trouble that comes our way.  We must trust Him!

"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

Proverbs 3:6

This man I have beside me has my back, and I have his. He loves me unconditionally. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful person to call mine. He's my one and only. I'm so glad all those years ago God put him in my path. He could see our future and knew we were a perfect fit. He's my pilot, I'm his navigator.

He's My Love. 

A Fresh Start

Since it's been nearly 2 years since my last blog post, I thought a new start is in order. I updated my header and added a few new profile items. After that long, a few things have changed around here--including me!

It seems life has gotten better-we are happy, settled, and we seem to have this life of ours all figured out. Haha!! Okay--maybe not ALL figured out. ;)

We have added new things and creatures to our little farm/ranch/hacienda--whatever you want to call it.  We now have 30 chickens, a horse, a donkey, 3 dogs, 4 cats, a bunny, and 6 sheep (and soon to be 6+ lambs). Wow-that's a lot of animals--and we are thinking of getting more.  We built a barn last summer with much help from family and friends. It was an ordeal-but it's up and withstanding, for the most part, these horrible ND winds we've been getting.  We ran out of nice weather to finish all the trim on it-but it worked to keep our animals warm this winter.

I started a new little endeavor myself. I started making signs and such with barn wood or re-purposing drawer fronts or really any kind of wood I can get my hands on.  It's been a fun adventure; I was in a local vendor show before Christmas. I mainly sell to local people via a FB for sale page or my "business" FB page.







Those are just a sample. It's fun coming up with new ideas and running with them.  I love getting custom orders and seeing the face of my satisfied customer.

More to come soon....

Resurrection Sunday

Easter is probably my favorite holiday. It is a great celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, it symbolizes new life and new beginnings. 

{It also is the start of spring here in ND--which is always a blessing after a long cold winter!!}

Today was a glorious day filled with praising God, family, and fun.

We started the day off with a little candy hunt at home and an Easter gift for Ryder-a new bike.  

Then we went to church-what a glorious service!! Wonderful music and an excellent message!

After church we had dinner with my extended family, then came home this afternoon and got company and went to visit some neighbors in the evening.

There is nothing more glorious than what Christ did for us on that cross. He died for our sins, making us new again-all we must do is believe in Him and know that He died for us!

  What a wonderful  day to remember this!

This song just touches my heart, so I must share! It just says it all! 

I have come to the realization that I must do more in my christian walk. I need to attend church more regularly and read my bible on a daily basis. This is no time to take this lightly. Jesus is coming back for us and I have to be ready!  I need to show my son {more often} the power there is in reading God's word.

I must be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend. And I can only do this through Jesus as my guide.

20 years....

So, yesterday I spent the day working on this house-getting things finished up, and starting a few new projects in the mix.  

I also spent the day loving on my dearest of 20 years!! Yes--I said that-- 2-0 years! He asked me out with a note in choir class our freshman year of high school and the rest is history. Ha!

I don't know where time goes, I can't believe it's been that long knowing this wonderful man. We've had our fair shares of ups and downs in our relationship, but we have always made it through.  We have learned that our struggles in life have only brought us closer together. We've come along ways!

In the mix of working and loving yesterday, I also made this delicious cake! We had it for dessert after supper-it took much longer than I anticipated to make!! I had originally planned on having it for an afternoon snack. I found the idea on Pinterest which was originally from here. It turned out just how I imagined-lovely. My honey told our son that I "poured my heart into it". 

{ Swoon. }

A new wave {product review!}

So, we were in town over the weekend and the salon supply store is always out of the hair product I like {Bed Head Creative Genius}. So I decided to try some new products. I ended up bringing home 3 different products but I think one of them I will let my mother in law have. She needs a new one as well.

So yesterday I decided to do a trial run on product #1. Bed Head Totally Baked and my diffuser on my blow dryer. 

 I used my diffuser which I don't normally use because my hair has ALWAYS been stick straight. But I noticed a few days ago after my bath that my hair had a little wave to it from the humidity. So I gave it a go. And what came out was absolutely wonderful! I loved it! It gave my hair a texture and a slight wave which I have never had. I LOVE finding new products that actually work!! Even my bangs look pretty darn good and those I did nothing with other than blow dry them to the side.

I still have two more products to try too!! How exciting. It's the little things in life that make it all worth while--right?!

Coffee time

Here I sit, in my new home, in my office with my cup of coffee enjoying the morning sun shining in. God has blessed me with so many wonderful things that I can't help but be happy.   The people in my life that make it so much more enjoyable are always around to make me feel loved!

 

This is a time every morning for me to ponder on what my day is going to bring. Today-I get to continue to pack this house-put our belongings in there rightful place. That is NOT an easy task. I am missing a few things here and there as well. I am sure they will show up eventually, but it's strange that things just got stuck in an odd place that I don't remember. Ha!

 

We are totally moved out of our storage unit. We still have a few things scattered at our family's homes here and there-but not much. For the most part-we are HOME. Now just to make it a home. One that is fully functional and organized. Okay-at least somewhat organized. I am good at that but sometimes it seems I just want to give up!! One place I haven't mastered yet is my pantry. I also have a lazy-susan in my kitchen-so deciding what goes where is quite the task! I never realized putting food away would be such a thought provoking matter! With a little oomph I know I can do it!

 

Oh-and I get my haircut today. What to do what to do. I am thinking of cutting bangs again? But not sold on it yet. I like the length of my hair right now but it needs some texture to it. It's just too blunt. Maybe I'll come back later and show what I've done.

Journey

I have started reading a book called "Women Living Well" by Courtney Joseph.  I have only read the first chapter as I am following along on the authors blog book club. So far I am enjoying it. I need to do things like this for myself more often. I need to dig into God's word and realize that He is the maker of all and that I need to make Him my top priority.

As I do this, I believe my life is going to only get better.

 

Carving out quiet time isn't an easy task. It seems there is always a tv on or someone on the phone. I need to find my quiet place though {once this house is done!}. It will happen!

 

I hope to get on this blog and post more as well. It's good to get your feelings out and not just in my head.  I have felt a little low lately, down in the dumps.  I shouldn't-but I do. It's winter in ND-hard not to feel this way sometimes.

Relax....

Here I sit, at my new snack bar in my new house with a wonderful cup of coffee and my laptop. This was a long time coming-and it's still not technically done. Oh well. 

We moved into our house the weekend before Christmas, we only came with what we needed-so beds, clothes, food. It has been nice to be in our own place! It's been way too long! There is still some work to do-some doors and baseboards, a few counter tops need to be finished, but I am holding steady at the fact that I am here and can monitor any work from here on it first hand!

It has been a long stressful build, but we are nearing the very end, and I think all the stressfulness is over. Well-the banking side isn't done yet-so that may still get the best of me. But for now-I am holding out that we are good to go. Pictures to come.

Hurting

What do you do for a loved one that is hurting so badly, but you don't know what to do for them?

 

You listen and just be there for them.

You don't have advice because you haven't personally been through what they are going through. You make sure they know you love them and will help them in any way you can. 

You pray for them, for the healing of their heart.

 

I have gone through a heartbreak in my life that no one in my family had experienced-and they were there for me. They didn't know what to say or do or how to act. But they did what they could.

 

Now, I am here for my brother. I am here to help him to the best ability that I can.

 

The bible tells us that if we just believe in Jesus and have faith, pray about everything and don't worry-that we will experience God's peace. 

This isn't always an easy thing to follow and do-but we must try. 

 

We must have faith.

Faith that God has a plan for all of us, we just have to trust in his timing.

Even if it isn't right in our minds as the right time.

 

 

Life

Sooooo....where did the last 5 months go? Hmm...well-here's the skinny on what's been going on with the Hagel's:

We moved out of our house in June-took longer with the bank, of course.

 



We finally closed on our land deal last week. Yes-last week. And the land owners screwed us over-that's putting it lightly. But it's done and we officially own 15 acres.

 

Our house is up and is almost ready for shingles.

 

I miss having a house-this living in a camper ordeal is getting old.

 

We've been living in the camper on my parents farm for the summer so that's been good for Ryder-getting to play, swim, have kitties, help on the farm.

 

We named our new place-Hagel's Hideout. Quay and Ryder got me a big metal sign that needs to be hung yet. I designed it myself. :)

 

Ryder will be starting 2nd grade next week. :(   Boo.

 

Ready for some normalcy. Whatever that may be.

 

Building a house is stressful.

 

So that's been our summer in a nutshell.

 

We could use a vacation but that would mean spending money that we just don't have right now-so we'll just have to pretend we went somewhere. 

 

Not living in a house all summer has really put into perspective what a person misses the most. I think I miss my washer and dryer the most. If a person can love an appliance in their house-that would be my soul mate. As much as I hate doing laundry-my Maytag front loaders made it very easy and quick. I can't wait to get them back out of storage.  Next would have to be a real closet and dressers.  I have clothes stuck everywhere in the camper for the 3 of us and it's no fun fitting them all in.

 

Okay-that's it for now.

 

Here's our house-thought I better share.

 



 



Slacking

I know I have been slacking on this. It sucks.

So much to catch up on. 

 Our house is sold, just waiting on a closing date from the bank.

Our new house should be getting a start today.

Our land deal is STILL not done-waiting on some paperwork from seller. Sick of waiting.

 Our house got hit by a car at 2am about a month ago-so that's been very stressful dealing with the insurance companies.

Packing is going slow-I did pack a whole trailer worth, but it's come to a halt at the moment.

I am ready for spring.

 

 

So last night as we were watching "The Bible" I was in total awe.  The program was showing when Jesus walked down to meet John the Baptist as he was baptizing people in the water. I swear my heart almost stopped beating as I thought about the feeling I would have looking into the face of Jesus for the first time.

 What a glorious day that will be!!

I got a true relaxed feeling overwhelm me as I watched, thinking of that moment. Even as I think of it now, tears fill my eyes, and joy fills my heart. Oh what a day it's going to be when I see the face of God! He has helped me  through so much in  my life, and I just praise him for his never ending love!!

 

Easter is my favorite time of year, I have decided that. I always thought it was Christmas, but I think Easter really is #1 in my heart.  The newness of it all-knowing what Jesus did for us on that cross-knowing my sins are washed clean if all I do is ask. Jesus lives in my heart and He is there to stay!!

Love my boy so much!

So, yesterday  as I was going through Ryder's school papers  I come across a brochure for a summer camp. He asked me what it is, so I continue to read it to him. There is a camp for 6-8 year olds {beginners} that is only 3 days long. I tell him that we would take him {it's an hour drive from our house} and leave him there and there are camp counselors and lots of other kids.

He  BROKE DOWN. He laid his head on the table and just burst into tears-"I can't be gone from you and Dad for 3 days!!"

My poor little boy must take after his mama-I never wanted to be gone either. He's such a softy. I personally don't like going places without Quay {longer than a day or so that is}, after I am gone I just feel like half of me is missing.

So glad my little boy still likes being with us. :)

It's 2013 already!!

So, it's been over 2 months since I sat down and typed on here. Figure I better get with it. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's eve are all over. They went too fast but were spent with family so all is good. Quay and I had Influenza A the week before Christmas. Oh what fun that was {no-NOT really}.  Ryder got everything he wanted this year from Santa. He was over the moon! Santa finally came through. Quay and I bought cross country skis for Christmas. We had a lot of fun doing it, but now the snow is rock hard, so we need to wait for some powder again.

On to the new year-2013. Wow-seems like it was just 1999! Oh boy. So our land deal still isn't finalized. Still waiting on the deed and abstract. But-we have a builder and are narrowing down the specifics on the build. We plan to start picking out specific things for the house in a couple of weeks. It all makes me a little anxious-so many decisions!

Life in general has been busy. Oakley keeps me occupied at least 4 days a week, he is getting to where I can put him in his bouncy seat though and he just watches me work. Who knew taking care of a baby is so time consuming? I guess I have forgotten since Ryder was that little.

I am trying to get our house in shape to put it up for sale. Not sure how I am doing yet. I cleaned our bedroom yesterday from top to bottom (except the closet). I have done a few things in Ryder's room, but that has a long ways to go. I just want it to look neat and orderly-oh and clean!

Life as it is

Oh life why must you go so fast. Before I know it I will be old and grey. Oh wait....life...slow down! We don't want that yet!

 

So October has come and gone. It was a very warm month, so fall was extended somewhat. I took Ryder to the pumpkin patch. Quay wasn't able to go with, so Steven tagged along. We did a little shopping later and went out for lunch. We ended it with a visit to Andy and Shelly's house.  It was a very fun day! I love spending time with my boys! (yes-Steven is considered one of "my boys" since he's my brother) I have a lot of boys in my life and I love them all!!

 

What a beautiful morning sunrise!!



 

Andy and Shelly had their 2nd annual Halloween party. Last year we didn't make it, but this year I went. We watched a movie and played a game...Halloween style. It was a great time with all my siblings (minus my husband who had to work).

 

We got a pumpkin carved, my boys cleaned it out and I did the face carving. So it was a team effort!  The next day was halloween. I helped out for Ryder's class party-what a great group of children. They all love to tell you interesting things! I just love kids! Ryder decided this year he wanted to be a Ghostbuster. Those are his favorite movies!  So many kids didn't know what he was-I guess they don't watch the classics. Ha! Trick or treating that evening was a chill-fest as normal. We all dressed appropriately and were still cold. But, lots of candy was given (and we still have a lot!)

 

 

 

My Halloween party attire for the 1st grade party! :) 

 

 

It's now November, and the snow has come. This was a beautiful snowfall-big flakes! I love snow-but only for a month or two. Unfortunately here in North Dakota we aren't that lucky.

 



Fall wreaths

 

So, I have been busy lately making my fall wreath.

I used a pool noodle from the Dollar Tree for the wreath itself.

I wrapped it in yarn, then made all my own flowers. They are made from old clothes or fabric remnants that I had. Some of the clothes were my grandpa's old shirts.

 

After I finished it, and my mom said she loved it, I decided to make her one as well.

For mom's I wrapped the pool noodle in fabric, and again made all my own flowers from the same fabrics. I thought it would be fitting to have some of her dad's old shirts on her wreath as well.

 

 

Then I also made one for my mother-in-law.

I wrapped this one in fabric as well and made the flowers out of fabric she picked out.

 

I was a busy lady for a week!



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Oh boy!!

Well, so many things have happened where do I start?

 

The big news first I guess....I am a new auntie!! My sister in law had the baby on Sept 25th. A BOY!!

He is so absolutely adorable. His name is Oakley. And he is coming to stay at my house in one month while mama and daddy are at work.

He had to stay in the hospital a little longer than normal, but he's been home for a couple weeks now and adjusting well according to his mama.

 Look at that precious face!

 I got some snuggle time in while he was in the hospital

 Proud new uncle...aka my hubby

 Ryder and his new cousin

The little mama and her new boy.

 

 

Okay-so fall has set in here in ND. Ryder made some leaf piles a couple weeks ago. It's his annual tradition to rake and jump. Good thing he did it before we had the hurricane force winds for the last 2 days!!

 

 

We had a wedding last weekend. My cousin married her sweetheart. It was a lot of fun and of course a good family photo op!

 

 

Quay bought Ryder a truck. Definitely a fixer-upper. But they have several years to get to it. Ryder loves it!!

 

 

Quay turned 34 on Tuesday of this week. He has caught up to me again. Hehe. I still feel young, so that's all that counts right?

 What's a birthday without goofy pictures?

Ain't he handsome!

 

Oh and the other big news.....I chopped off all my hair. I needed a change. If you have made it through most of my post, you maybe noticed in our family pic above. But here's one from today, didn't put on much makeup and did minimal styling, but it still looks pretty good.