Caps for Sale

Eerrgh.  I *WISH* we had caps for sale.  That seems easier!  Instead we have half of a storage unit up for grabs.

Others may think we are a little hasty or spontaneous about purging our goods, but we happen to think we are just less attached and by the way, purging feels really good.  No not that kind of purging, the *getting rid of excess stuff kind of purging!

We’ve been thinking over our future lately, how long we will rent, when we will purchase our next home, and the absurd amount of money we pay to keep our things locked up across the highway.  It’s actually not that absurd, but still if we can save a little by downsizing our unit, then it’s cash in hand.

So this past weekend we put our thoughts into action.  Only problem we didn’t have a plan in place.  We just sauntered over to our unit, gasped in horror as to how much was actually in there, took almost everything out and then stared at each other.  Um…we need a plan.

We had furniture and goods for Goodwill, we had boxes to sort through, and plenty of tools to open a small hardware store.  So we rented a truck right there on the spot and got to moving.  Oh, and it felt so good to rid ourselves of so much stuff.

Our plan by the way was focused around the future.  We don’t know where we will end up but we are certain, in our frugal minds, that we will end up in a smaller starter home sometime in the next 5 years.  At the end of the day, we’d rather save and save until we can BUILD the house we really want.  That or renovate the perfect house.  Whichever one comes first.  To be honest, we're just really waiting until we can attain a mortgage for the same amount we are spending on rent and we spend peanuts on rent.  We'd also like to have money to run the company and invest in rental property.  We could be in a house now, but wouldn't as easily be able to BOTH of the other things.   Right now, we want the other things more, that and Alex has a view on when the housing market will hit bottom and his estimation is not for awhile.

So back to the caps or in our case stuff.  I’ll post a list later today with all the items and their cost before everything goes on craigslist in case anyone is interested.

One valuable lesson we learned, it doesn’t take a lot to make us happy and content and for that we are eternally grateful.

Tying my shoestrings…

Running is an endorphin lifter.  It’s been researched and proven.  Well, I think that can be said of most exercise.  But running for me is a way to clear my mind, let go, and just be me.

I stated it on Facebook and I will state it here as well.  I am training for my second half marathon in the time we are taking a break from trying for babies.  I am hoping if I say it out loud enough it will become true in my head and I will get motivated to train.

You see, today is the first day in a long time that I am tying my running shoes for the activity of running.  It’s been almost an entire year from training…I’m hoping for the best, that I can still run for 10 minutes without having to stop and gasp for air. 

Lord, help me so I do not keel over and die on the side of the road from exercise induced exhaustion.  Wish me luck:)

Ps…what is your favorite exercise activity/endorphin lifter?

Enough

The all-sufficient one...El Shaddai...The Lord is enough

For Abraham in Genesis, the Lord was enough.  He was the "pourer forth," the one who pours himself out for his creation (noted from Lord I want to know You, Kay Arthur).  His Grace is sufficient, He is enough.  This is what the Lord has been teaching my heart these past few days.  No matter what comes our way, no matter the day and hour, He is all sufficient...enough.

When I am honest with myself, like I was yesterday, I know I am not acknowledging the Lord as enough.  There are things I want, things I don't understand, things that hurt.

As a child, I always wanted to be the mommy to my dolls, stuffed animals, to anything.  I'm a nanny.  I was a early childhood major in grad school.  It's obvious I love children.  Right now, the one thing I was ready for, wanting, thought might come a little easier, is not.  About a month ago, I was referred to an Infertility Specialist.  Disheartening, yes.  Encouraging, maybe.  A test of faith, absolutely.

Maybe we'll get pregnant, maybe not.  But at the end of the day, I hear my Savior asking, "Am I enough?"  Yes Lord, whether you open my womb or not You are ENOUGH!

As I stumble down this new road, new path for our lives, I'm grasping hold of the verse that always comforts my heart:

"You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off";

fear not for I am with you,

be not dismayed, for I am your God,

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  ( Isaiah 41:9b-10)

God's righteous right hand refers to Jesus...I want to be upheld by Jesus, the perfecter of my faith.  God hasn't promised to open my womb, to bless us with children, to make life easy, but he has promised that He will be with us every step of the way...rejoicing with us and suffering with us and at the end of the day, that is more than ENOUGH!

A Short Sabbatical

We're on a short sabbatical.  We've been sharing that it was a vacation, but after much thought and reflection, it's far more than a vacation...it's a sabbatical of sorts! 

Sabbatical or a sabbatical (from Latin sabbaticus, from Greek sabbatikos, from Hebrew shabbat, i.e., Sabbath, literally a "ceasing") is a rest from work, or a hiatus...In recent times, "sabbatical" has come to mean any extended absence in the career of an individual in order to achieve something.

There is a reason.  There is a purpose.  

2 years ago on our first anniversary, Alex and I dreamed big in our little cottage at Madden's Resort in Brainerd.  We took the weekend to ask big things from the Lord and well he answered.

          -we watched a lot of flip that house (we didn't have cable then, so on vacation we watched tv)

            and we dreamed big...what would that look like, wouldn't that be fun to flip a house?

          -we discussed our house and where we would live, when to sell and if we should sell

          -we cast vision for South Face and our desire to work as a team in growing the company

Well, if you know us, you know the Lord has answered, directed, established, and blessed our prayers.  In the past two years, despite many days and weeks of sweat, tears, labor and love we accomplished all of these. 

            -We bought and sold our first flip and learned to depend on the Lord in new ways

            -After a year and a half of fixing, remodeling, and relinquishing, our house on the lake sold

            -After two years, the Lord answered our prayers for clarity on where to direct South Face

The Lord has answered, directed, established and blessed us.  Now it's time to refocus, reenergize, and seek again His guidance for these next years.  May You direct our minds to see Your will for our lives.

Our trip to Great Britian is not quite a vacation.  It's really a sabbatical.  We're taking a rest from work to reevaluate, refocus, reenergize: so we can hit the ground running when we get back and most importantly reconnect as a couple.  These past two years have made us stronger, but there hasn't been a lot of time to relax and really enjoy each other.

After 10 years of owning his own company and all that entails, Alex has earned a break.  It's not easy.

Things we're dreaming of right now:  a family, a design firm that allows us to work as a couple in the best capacity possible, a chance to flip another house, to be a couple that does not waste their life but instead lives it with a single passion: to display Christ.

A Run to Remember

Today was a big day.  I ran in and finished my first half marathon.  Thinking over that statement, I think I am still in awe of accomplishment.  Not only because I finished but because I raised almost $1200 in the process for Lorenzen Cancer Foundation, a leading non-profit that uses its money to fund Pancreatic Cancer Research.

I wrote about my stepfather Jim and my desire to run with a purpose back in May...see this post. Last fall while we were busy flipping houses, I decided to start running again to beat the stress...I mean, who are we kidding, at that point there was a lot:)  So then when it was too cold to run, I sort of just stopped exercising all together, unless you count a few random dates with Jillian Michael and her 30-day shred.  So when spring came around, I jumped at the chance to start running again.  So in May, I got serious.  I laced up my shoes, paired it with a race, and got going...training for what ultimately would be my first half-marathon.  So anyone can do it...3 months to a half!!

So back to the race...

Last night I was so nervous and giddy all in one little package, ready for the race.  I laid out my things, wrote a reminder note, and set the alarm for 5:15.  After an okay nights sleep, I awoke ready to go.

(here's my stuff...pants/shirt/socks, HRM and watch, Ipod charged up, waistpack with water, and shot bloks for extra energy)

(this is my friend Shari and I before the race...she did awesome!!!)

So after grabbing coffee and a peanut butter english muffin, I hopped in the car with Alex.  He so generously and lovingly drove me to Woodbury, held my things while I found the nearest port-a-potty...just in case, and came to four different mile markers to cheer me on...i love him.  There were around 400 people running in the race.

 To give some background, I haven't been training very vigorously, just trying to log some miles and get that long run in.  In the past 3 months, I've ran about 7 long runs, and lots of 3 mile runs.  Last week when I ran 10.5 miles I was averaging 12 minute miles, on Thursday I ran 2.5 at 9 minutes a mile, so for this race I was shooting for 11 min. miles, even if I came in dead last.  I was just trying to finish:)

(here I am gearing up for the start)

(here I am freezing hoping it will start soon...it was around 50 degrees this morning)

(around mile 6, jamming out to Third Day, Bebo, and others...getting my Praise on)

(crossing the finish)

Biggest accomplishment after raising money for a fantastic organization...I ran at a pace of...10 minutes and 30 seconds, torching 1200 calories!!!  Far beyond what I ever thought and ready to race again...it's fun:)

Play...do you have it?

As a nanny, I am daily confronted with children whose minds are an arsenal of creativity. They are not today's children, in fact they represent a small percentage of children whose parents still see the need for a young brain to flourish in creative and imaginative play. As a student of early childhood in college, play is essential to one's development and later function as an adult. I think that when I was a kid, play was lacking from my repetoire. I was reading this article from NPR and if play coincides with executive functions, aka ability to self-regulate, and non-play or structured play coincides with higher drop-out rate etc. then I definitely fall towards the latter, though I didn't drop out. Very interesting topic, very interesting article. In short, I was kind of a loner kid who loved my barbies, my little ponies, and sesame street. But I was definitely not the kid that decided to elaborate into grand, sweeping sagas of personal entertainment through creativity and private speech. I was the one who looked at the Barbie house, put the furniture in place, and then said "okay that's finished, now what?" These kids I watch, they make pretend/imaginative play seem like the norm...I like that, but not when they take my Lego creation and turn it into something far more spectacular...I need to get my play back!

A 10-Mile Race

I've been awaiting an opportunity to really push myself mentally and physically for quite some time, the problem, well if I'm honest, not enough motivation.  I've also been awaiting an opportunity to support Pancreatic Cancer.  I found my perfect chance and I'm motivated.  Why?

For those that don't know, four years ago my step-father Jim, of 12 years passed away after a courageous battle against Pancreatic Cancer.  Though my relationship with him was always touch and go through my teenage years, I was always thankful for his place in my life.  I lived with him and my mom for years and by watching them the Lord opened my eyes to what a strong and faithful marriage was, what enduring and thriving looked like, and how to be passionate about something while also maintaining the utmost integrity.  He wasn't perfect, we all are not, but in those last months of his life, my eyes were opened to all I had missed out on in my years of adolescent angst.  I treasure those months deep in my heart.

His death was the first in my life of someone who had great impact on my life and of one I loved dearly.  I want to run for him and for all those who are affected by Pancreatic Cancer.  Why?  Because, of the 40,000 that are diagnosed a year, 37,000 die that same year.  Because of cancer research and experimental trials, Jim was able to live longer and with a better quality of life.  Every May it's still sad as our family mourns his death and yet we are so thankful that he's worshiping Jesus right now.

So I'm doing it.  I'm going to run in the Medtronic 10-miler in October.  I'm running the race, not because of me, but for him.  And just so you know, I was always a sprinter not a runner, until today.  Today I ran 7 miles, nonstop, and I will be running all the way until October, when I hope to make him proud and raise support for a worthy cause.

To an amazing man and my journey on the pavement.  I'm ready to run.

Date night with the Brogle's

date night is not a new idea in our house. but we are trying to be more consistent. you see, life get's in the way. there's only so much energy. we do life together 85% of the time; working, sleeping, eating, talking. we are together a lot. hence why we need date night. because date night is not about work, food, talking, or sleeping. it's about having fun, and no computers are allowed. two happy people on date night. i like date night. this week date night was alex's choice. we rotate. then 50% of the time we get to do something we like. we are for the most part polar opposites in how we spend our free time. that's what makes life interesting, don't you think. alex chose el loro. amazing mexican food. and red box, james bond. it was really fun:) two happy people stuffing their faces. thanks for coming along. enjoy date night!

Humpty dumpty sat on the wall of Jericho

probably because i am more black and white than gray all over, it's very difficult for me to take a stand on more gray area topics. such as: -how much tv is too much? -where should we spend most of our time and with whom? -is this movie okay? -what kind of music should we listen to? -should we eat organic? -what kind of beef should we buy? -how green should we be? -should we paint the walls blue or green? -homeschool or public school (note: we do not have children yet!!) i think by now you get what i mean. my mind is daily bogged down by questions that remain unanswered and in all truth will probably not be all that important at the end of the day. i'm like humpty dumpty up there on the wall, not knowing what to do. i need joshua's army to come and rescue me with the blasts of the trumpet, to crumble the wall before i fall and my pieces are unable to be pieced together. i think my black and white mentality makes this even more difficult, because one way has to be the best. wow, that is so wrong. one way will be the best, but it will be what is best for our family:) can you help me...what are some ways you tackle the questions...do they fall to the wayside? do you take a stand? or do you prioritize what is most important? i think the latter may be the best way. it's so overwhelming.

Black and White and Blue in Between

are you a black and white thinker? i hate to admit but i am. i see things in extremes. it's always or never, yes or no, good or bad. this is a problem i have dealt with throughout my life, and when you think this way, more often than not, it brings along with it the blues. lately i have been tuned in more than ever to my need to change this way of thinking. you might ask why, and you may already know why. black and white thinking in my opinion, is not kind to the Lord. because with this mindset he is either giving or taking away, punishing or blessing, good or bad. i have to fight to see joy, to find grace, to see my sin as not all consuming. which is good, but more often than not i see myself as unworthy instead of saved by grace. it's a hard fight. one i will always have, but i want to fight in a God glorifying way. just this past week i have been struggling earnestly with some sin. even after confessing it and filling my head with grace-filled scripture, i still felt like i was a horrible, sinful person unworthy of the cross. now that is just sinful pride and satan whispering you're not worthy. but it usually takes another person to come along side of me and speak truth over and over again. i'm thanking the Lord for my grace-filled and ever patient husband. i've been reading "how people change" by Timothy Lane and Paul Tripp. i've been thoroughly encouraged by their words namely these: "God calls you to be dissatisfied. You should be discontent, restless, and hungry!...The life of self-examination and joyful disontent should not be confused with a life of paralyzing self-condemnation. God does not call us to self-loathing but to a willingness to examine our lives in light of our hope as new creatures in Christ" (how people change, 2006) ...and i'm clinging to these truths: -God is not surprised by my struggle -The Bible is for people just like you and me -Christ enters into my struggle. He has been there!! -Christ will help. I am confident I am not alone. -Christ pleads my case to the Father. I have an advocate. -I can come to God with confidence. I am beginning to take my black and white and conform it into many more shades of gray to in hopes turn my blues to reds as I look to the blood of Christ as my perfect redeemer. I am praying that one day I will be able to see myself as a flawed person in a broken world with a view of myself as filled with gospel infused hope, where I am not discouraged, but encouraged. what kind of thinker are you?

what we've been up to...

last weekend alex and i headed to appleton to visit my family. we had a great time, playing with my nephews and niece, seeing my brothers and sister-in-law, hanging out with my mom, and dining with my dad and step-mom. it's always busy, but worth every ounce of energy! highlights: -seeing 'slumdog millionaire' and eating movie theater popcorn with mom -playing with the trippies in luke's bed tent -chatting it up with chris and jen -enjoying the melting pot with dad and teri and matt -just relaxing together:) lowlights: -coming back home:( but i am very excited to be able to go back to appleton for an extended time over the week before easter! other news on the homefront: our house is up for SALE again...with a new lower price! let's cross our fingers that maybe we will be two for two on the house sales! why are we selling...well because we don't want to find ourselves stuck in a place too small, too far away, and at times too expensive. so we are spending our time getting things all ready and in order for potential home buyers! that's about it!

And then there were four!

Welcome Sylvia Joy Darling!

Yea for Aaron and Bethany and big sister Hazel. Sylvia Joy was born to one of our good friends this past Friday. What a sweet and adorable baby! We are so blessed to have Aaron and Bethany as friends and as so happy to see their family growing; healthy, strong, and so solid in the Lord. A big baby 9 lbs. 8 ozs. and adorable through and through! Proud of all of you and so happy to call you friends!

The Good Nearby

"I may not have all the money to give you, child, but know this: I love you more than anyone in the world, and I want you to know you're special. You're going to do something important someday. It may not change the entire world, but it'll change the world of the people around you. You'll be the good nearby....People don't realize good is closer than they think...the good nearby." (excerpt from The Good Nearby by Nancy Moser)

I just started this book the other night, and it's really good. But the one thing that caught my attention was the way the grandmother spoke to her granddaughter about being the good nearby. After Pastor John's last couple of sermons on scripture memorization and abiding with the Lord, I got to thinking that the two are linked.

When God abides in you, you are able to be the good nearby. These past eight months have been difficult for Alex and I, difficult for our marriage, for our walk with the Lord, for our friendships. And yet, I don't think either of us would change a thing. We've done without, learned to live on little, and depend on the Lord like never before. And through it all there have been plenty of people around us as our good nearbys. Thanks to everyone who was our good nearby!

We've been challenged to be the good nearby for our families and brothers and sisters in Christ even more. Praying this year you would join us in offering a willing heart to the Lord to be used by Him in ways outside yourself to help those in need and those who are in difficult circumstances.

"By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him...if we love on another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us." (1 John 3:16-17, 4:12)

A new day, a new jacket:)

During the football games on New Years Day, the girls were chatting away, and my friend Nichole mentioned that there were some great deals at the outlet mall in Albertville. Always one for a great deal, I grabbed my christmas money and decided to head there on Saturday while we were having a showing at our house. I love the outlet mall, or any outdoor mall for that matter. The day wasn't horribly bad weatherwise out there, so I enjoyed the walk to and from various stores. There were indeed some great deals.

I was able to pick up a dress shirt and sweater for Alex for the spring and get a new jacket for myself. I have always wanted a puffy jacket, but didn't want it to make me look like a snowman when I wore it. At the Gap Outlet they had fabulous deals on their jackets, so after a phone call to Alex for the color choice (white or brown), I found myself walking out of the store with a new coat! Yea for a good deal.

Here it is:

As for the past week...

it's been a busy...but good busy. A little glimpse into the past week... New Year's Day- We had a bunch of friends over for a very casual and fun day of football watching, chatting, and enjoying the company of friends we haven't seen in awhile. That night, hungry as can be, Alex and I went in search of dinner, ending up at Davanni's. With pizza in hand we went home for a dlightful picnic on the floor. Friday- It was back to work for both of us, for me that meant playing monopoly with Riley and keeping the energy of three boys in check as cabin fever set in. Alex on the other hand was busy finishing up a basement remodel in Lakeville. That night we settled in for some comfort food and enjoyed the peace and quiet. Saturday- Another busy day. On New Year's Eve we had two showings of the St. Louis Park house. In turn, one couple was very interested and requested a second showing for Saturday. After a very relaxing morning, we got our act in gear, cleaned up the house, and headed out. Me to the Outlet mall in search of some great deals and Alex, to well, the backyard. He was set to head out in the work van but it wouldn't start. With me in Albertville, he was stuck to the van, so he holed up in there with blankets and work:) poor guy! That night we spent the night with Nate and Sarah from our small group...so much fun getting to know them better! Today- Church, brunch with my great friend Shari and her boyfriend Mike and an afternoon of quickly getting our seller's disclosure finished, wishing my brother happy birthday, and relaxing. Alex just headed out to watch the game with friends so I am settling in with a new book! We're ready for the week ahead, please pray with us for God's guidance and hand in next days over the house in St. Louis Park. Oh that His will would be for it to sell!

2009! Happy New Year!

Last night after we finished up working and quickly getting the house ready for two separate showings, Alex and I snuck away to Caribou for a large coffee for two. It's these little moments that seem to make the world of difference in our busy days and weeks. Afterward we were free to hustle and bustle and get things ready for our small group New Year's Party. Thanks to the Goodall's for hosting and for a fabulous night to ring in the new year! We are so thankful for the friends we have made through our small group...definitely a blessing:) So last night we got into listing things we were thankful for so I thought I might be able to recap what we are thankful for, each on our own. Here goes: Andrea: -God's continual provision and guiding through the past year...I never would have thought back last January that here we would be in 2009 having completed a house flip, carrying two mortgages, Alex trading in remodeling for freelance work, etc. In October we budgeted and had money to carry both mortgages through Jan., then in December through God's provision until March and now until May. GOD IS AN AMAZING PROVIDER...in ways we would have never fathomed. -For Alex, his love, grace and sense of humor, work ethic, drive, and faith in Christ. With him I am complete, a better person and more loving wife. -For my job and that family...their kindness surpasses and the humor of children keeps me sane -family, friends and BBC, for support, love, and prayer Alex: -for my wife, her trust in me to go out on a limb and try something new, support even when all plans have been changed, altered, and have not come out as planned, sense of humor to keep me laughing even when I am extremely stressed -God's provision and ultimate plan...like Andrea said, God has provided in stolen tools, broken cars, through family and friends, in ways we couldn't ask or imagine. To be brought to this place of seeing provision with new eyes is the perfect place to be -The lessons we've learned through the past year, ways we've been taught to love more, discern, and trust were huge

{Praying for 2009 to be even more than we could ask or imagine...for us, you and yours}

Recommended Reading

Ever since the school year started, I have been reading non-stop. Isn't that funny how I still think of things in terms of the school year:) Well that might be because I am still nannying and a perfect, free activity is visiting the library weekly.

In the past couple of months, I have read some really great books I thought I would share.

Reading right now:

Things I Want My Daughters to Know by Elizabeth Noble

-really good, emotional, and intriguing

Have just finished:

Rain Song by Alice Wistler

great, set in the south, funny, cute

Rebecca's Reward by Lauraine Snelling I love this series; totally laura ingalls wilder but more grown up One Perfect Day by Lauraine Snelling really good, but sad. about organ donation

The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square by Rosina Lippi really cute, good read, and just really good, there's slight romance:)

Our belated anniversary!

On September 2nd, Alex and I celebrated our second year of marriage. I am so blessed to have such an amazing husband... A for amazing, authentic, awesome, athletic L for loving, loves to learn, laborer E for energetic, enthusiastic, enjoyable X for extra caring, extra gracious Along with these he is a hard worker, generous provider, faithful, filled with Jesus, and he's my best friend. These past two years I have been so humbled and challenged as a wife and fellow believer...I'm thankful God chose Alex to be my husband and fellow sanctifier. The second year was different from the first with its own challenges and blessings. I can't wait to experience all the years to come. We spent our anniversary at Kincaid's for dinner and celebrated with m&m cookies. Here are some pics from our wedding two years ago!

the venue, a vineyard in stillwater mn

our engagement pic courtesy of our friend Neal...thanks!

our first dance

at our rehearsal dinner, Buca of course!

Election Day...

Well today is the day...GO OUT AND VOTE! I believe it's our duty in a democratic society to voice our vote through elections for those things we feel strongly about. At the same time, my beliefs assure me that it is not up to us but to the Lord. He's sovereign...the new president will not be a surprise to Him...He knew before time began who would serve our country...O God that you might lead our nation to know You. If you vote here is what awaits you: -Free cone at Ben and Jerry's -Free 12 ounce cup of coffee at Starbucks -Peace of mind...priceless

New Photos of the New House!

After the past few weeks, so many changes have happened over at the Kipling house (the one we will move into in August)! The garage has been built, everything has been framed, the master bedroom is finished, the soffits and fascia are being done, the roof is on, windows and skylight are in, and the new front porch is being finished.

Alex will be taking the next three weeks off to finish up the railing on the stairs to the lake and some landscaping at our house in prior lake. After that the drywall and such will be happening at the Kipling house, we will leave for our trip to Europe (yea!) and when we return all the fun things will be happening, paint, cabinets, etc.

Things have been moving along really smoothly with the houses. If only that were true for our cars. Two weeks ago I was rear ended and a couple of days later the alternator on the jeep went out. Thank the Lord that we have a work van so we could get around and that we did not have to try and figure out how to get a new car. The alternator is replaces, jeep is running well, and the honda will be finished in about a week. The rental car we have though is great...the little hyundai gets great gas mileage!

Enjoy the pics!

Skylight installed in the new mud room

New garage/access from the alley

New soffits/fascia

View of house from the alley

Windows