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Archive for March, 2011

Mar

28

2011

This may get to be a long post.  You have been warned.  :)   At the beginning of the month it was my birthday {don’t forget you still have a few more days to jump on the March Special} and I mentioned that IF/WHEN my birthday wish came true, I would then let you, my readers know about it.  Well, it didn’t take as long as I thought to come true. 

Long story short, for the past nearly 6 years my husband has worked a job that has kept him away from home.  Since moving to Hague nearly two years ago, it had become even harder.  We anticipated it might be a challenge, but this winter was just plain horrible, and if he wasn’t away working, he was away because he simply couldn’t come home because of the roads.  My husband even had a terrible accident on interstate just before Christmas ’09, being rear-ended by an F1500 truck at 80 mph while he was coming to a stop behind a flat bed semi because of an accident up ahead.  Fortunately my husband had his old F150 which is obviously built stronger than the newer ones are today.  Had he had his little tin-can Nissan, I shutter to think what the results would’ve been being hit that hard by a truck that size.

Anyway, as the kids are growing up it’s just getting harder on them to see him go.  There have been times this winter where, because of a combination of weather and work, he was gone for a week straight.  This is no way to live life;  it’s just simply too short.  A person’s health and well-being suffers as well as it’s a job that’s very hard on the body with 24/7 on call hours, never knowing when you’re really going to work, no family life because you can’t plan anything, the list goes on and on.  However, his job had been a blessing and a curse.  I was able to build my business to what it is today with the support of his job, as I was able to put what I made back into my business.  It’s also given us the opportunity to move to a place where we love and are happy to call home. 

So…okay, I said long story short-gone are the days of being a single mom for a week at a time, gone are the days where we have 3 minute chats on the phone, gone are the days where I attend family functions without him, and gone are the days of just not living life as a family.  Beginning in April, we will for the first time in 6 years, be together each and every day.  Eating every evening meal as a family and planning things as a family.  I know with this will come trying times as we need to be more conscious on where our money goes, but I KNOW this will be a turning point for our family and is the best thing for our children.  So…yes, my birthday wish to have my husband home with me and our family has come true.  And honestly, I have BisManOnline to thank for that.  I found our home on BisManOnline and now I found employment for my husband in the very town in which we live, also on BisManOnline.  Who would’ve “thunk” it?  Certainly not me.  BisManOnline can change your life in ways you wouldn’t even think!  Crazy how life works out if you just have a little faith.  So there it is…Happy Birthday to me once again!

In other news, we had a few days of worry for our son, Xavier, who will be 6 this May.  He’s been a sick little boy off and on for quite a while.  Looking back in his baby book, ever since he was 2 months old, he’s been sick frequently.  Lately though it’s been a lot of unexplained fevers, with really no other symptoms.  Recently he had a case of bronchitis and considering other signs, he was tested for Cystic Fibrosis this past Friday.  The results were negative, thank goodness.  I am left to believe that I just have a child that gets sick very easily.  I’ll take that any day though over a chronic disease.  It was a scary few days though and as a mother, the helplessness you feel is indescribable. 

I am a grateful mother.  As crazy as my children make me some days, I’m thankful they’re healthy and that God felt me worthy enough to have me be their mother.  I pray that anyone reading this who knows someone who is dealing with a terrible illness of a child in a family, just pray for them.  Not just say “you’re in my thoughts and prayers,” but really mean it and do it.  Pray for them.  The power of prayer can be an amazing thing and when you feel all hope may be lost, miracles really do happen.  I think of a little girl, Miranda, who remains in our thoughts and prayers each and every night.  God has given her a second chance and she has taught so many people so much. 

Okay, so enough of the emotional talk!!!  I just wanted to tell you of a little service I came across earlier today actually.  It’s www.lintonclassifieds.com and there isn’t a whole lot listed there yet but as more and more people know about, the better the service will be!  To close, I’d like to share a pic of my 3 little “knuckleheads” sporting their new helmets for a child 4-wheeler they got recently.  Once it’s warm, I’ll share a pic of my son on it.  Our youngest obviously won’t be riding herself for quite a while and neither will our middle daughter.  She has her own way of doing things and doesn’t always really listen that great.  Our son though is pretty mature though for only going to be 6, so it’s a good time to teach the basics.  What’s nice is it has a remote with a kill-switch where the 4-wheeler can be shut down.  It also can be set to only go as low as 8 mph, which is still kinda fast for a little kid but they’ll grow into it and in the meantime will just learn how to properly ride it and care for it, etc..  That’s what’s so fun about living in Hague..it’s about as close as living on a farm as we’ll get, while still having a few conveniences of town-life. ;)  {BTW, these helmets are better quality and also cheaper than those at Wal-Mart}

Until next time…Live, Laugh, and Love the one you’re with for life is too short not to. :)

Mar

23

2011

I was just going to post this on my Facebook business page but for some reason or another the image would not show up but rather show older images from albums on my FB page.  FB seriously has a mind of its own.  If this keeps up, one day there won’t be a need for Mr. FB CEO and he’ll be replaced by a robot! lol!  Okay, lame joke.
Anyway, if you’re like me and thinking about Spring and then look outside only to become broken-hearted and then downright crabby…then just close your eyes and imagine yourself {like some clients of mine now honeymooning in St. Thomas-lucky ducks} wearing spring attire and feel the sunshine on your face.  Okay, back to reading this post-for now you’ll just have to settle for looking at this example of what you could be wearing in your la-la land! ;)

Another thing I’d like to mention is someone is suffering right now just to breathe and he needs our help.  His name is  Daniel Vander Wal and he’s a teacher in Leola, SD suffering from the lung disease interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis {scarring of the tissue between the air sacs of the lungs}.  He was diagnosed in 2008 and to help defray medical costs, there will be a Pancake & Sausage Supper on Saturday, March 26th from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Pollock, SD School and Community Center.  There will also be an auction starting at 7:00 p.m.. 
If you are unable to attend, an account for donations has been set up at Strasburg State Bank/P.O. Box 307/ Strasburg, ND/58573.  Please make checks payable to Daniel Vander Wal Benefit Fund.  Anyone who would like to donate items for the auction or help with the benefit in any other way should call  (701) 336-7722 for more information. 
I know I take my ability to simply breathe for granted and I plan to make my own donation. I also wanted to help by sharing his story.  Not everyone gets the Emmons County Record and it’s just about people helping people.  I know a lot of benefits go on throughout the year for people for a number of reasons and it can difficult to donate to them all.  Just tell others and that’s helping in a huge way too. 
Have a great week everyone!

Mar

21

2011

This is posting late today because it took me a while to realize it was already Monday today!!  And the weatherman sure knows how to rain on a girl’s parade!  The weather is turning to crap tonight and the temps for the next week are expected to be in the 20′s.  Yay!  I’m overjoyed {eyeroll}.  WHEN.WILL.IT.END????

This will be a quick post today as first of all, it’s been a very “off” kind of Monday and secondly, my head is spinning of things on my mind, to-do lists, and just life in general.  But I wanted to quickly share a senior announcement I recently finished.  He loved it and it was a fun one to create;  design possibilities are endless!

I’ll be back next week with more today…I’m sure of it!  Until then, Live, Laugh, and Love the one you’re with as sometimes a moment of silence is a good thing. ;)

Mar

18

2011

Well hello Friday, nice you finally made it!  And this Friday is especially special because I’m starting the first of my new feature to the blog titled “Friday Feature” where I feature a new small business.  I hope to do this every other Friday or so, granted I can find small businesses that would like to participate.  I don’t get anything out of doing this, I just feel it is important, being a small business owner myself, that we support each other.  It can be a dog-eat-dog world out there and there will always be those that will challenge your ideas with their own.  So, isn’t it nice just to get a helping hand every once in a while? 

 

My hope is that this brings their small business more web traffic, creates buzz, and gets the word out about who they are, what they do, and how their business can serve you-my wonderful cilents, area community peeps, and blog stalkers {are there any out there?}. :)   I actually know Rami, co-owner of Knotty Blocks.  We are both Wishek Badger Alumni!  Go Badgers!…oh wait, I can’t say that anymore.  Go South Border Mustangs!  Anyway, it’s been coon’s age since we spoke, but I heard about her new business venture through a very good friend and decided instantly that the products they offer would be something unique I can tell my own clients about!

    

So, without further ado…Rami and Becky of Knotty Blocks-in their own words!  **Read to the end for a March Discount Alert!**

 

A little about Rami and Knotty Blocks inception

My name is Rami Hansen, co-owner of Knotty Blocks. I grew up in Wishek, ND. However, in my adult years I have moved throughout the country, many times, hours and hours from any friends or relatives. My family and I have recently just moved to Rochester, MN.  My husband Kyle accepted a position working at the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.  He is an Emergency Services Helicopter Pilot for Mayo One . {Victoria here-how cool is that?}…Helping to save lives:)

 

Since relocating I have found myself looking for a new job. In the mean time, I am a stay at home mom to Ryker (4) and Vance (1) and craving some adult interaction as well finding an outlet for my creative juices
 
 

 

Enter Knotty Blocks.
 
Together with my fantastically talented and creative friend Rebecca Hiltner, we teamed up to form our brand new business venture. There is no one on the planet I would even contemplate entering business with other than her!

A little about Becky and our Products

 

I am Becky Hiltner, the co-owner of Knotty Blocks. Rami and I met on the very first day of our freshman year at Minnesota State- Moorhead. We have been best friends ever since. Although miles have separated us, our never dull friendship has kept us together. She approached me about the idea in January 2011, and I immediately became interested in the endeavor. If I know one thing about Rami, it’s that she does nothing half way. Her amazing web design and knowledge came into play quickly as she created our site and ordered business cards and brochures.We dove in head first by having her husband help out with cutting of wood products and we did the design details. In one weekend together we produced an array of examples that we thought would catch the eye of friends and family. The blocks are all unique…not one set has turned out like the other. We are sure to listen to the customer’s desire and create to suit. Photos can be added to the blocks to add even more character.
We live in two separate cities in Minnesota which makes working together a bit tricky sometimes. I am in Richmond, and she is about 2 ½ hours southeast in the city of Rochester. We have business calls on Skype, email, and text constantly to stay in touch regarding our customers’ orders and other ideas we come up with. It is our goal to see each other at least once a month to go over the designs and physically swap ideas and blocks.
In celebration of our successful launch and March being Craft Month, we are offering 10% off your total order with us. This special is good through the end of March. Come check us out. There is something for everyone!

 

 

Check ‘em out:  www.knottyblocks.com / Like us on Facebook!

 

 
 
 There you have it!  My first small business feature!  So go take a look around their site, let them know you love their stuff by leaving some blog love, place an order with their March special, then go tell all your friends! ;)   Hey, past clients-if you’d like to place an order but want to use an image from your session with me, just let Rami or Becky know and they can get in touch with me. I’ll send the image right over to them for your Knotty Block product!  How sweet is that??
 
  **If you have a small business or know of a small business you think others would love, let me know and you or they just might be featured on my blog!  I prefer the business be one year old or less, have an online presence, and shares my vision of supporting other small businesses.  I’m particularly partial though to anythingcrafty or a business that provides a service to the community.  I’m excited to hear of new businesses that even I may not know about.  So please, send me your info!  The next business feature will be at the beginning of April.  A client of mine is a crafty bee too and creates baby blankets, bibs {that are reversable and too cute for words}, changing pads, and even quilts….and saying they are gorgeous is an understatement.
 

 

 

Mar

14

2011

It’s the start of the third week in March and I’m sure everyone will agree when I say “Haleluiah!”  The storm we had this past weekend threw everyone for a loop, I think.  My son ended up staying in Zeeland with a classmate and I appreciate the generosity of his family opening their home to him and a few other children as well.  Reading Facebook posts, it seems generosity was abundant and another reason I’m proud to be a North Dakotan.  When the going gets tough, you bake something, donate, volunteer, work in someone else’s field, feed a neighbor’s cows, etc.,  and in this case, grab your shovel, your tractor, and your courage.  So many stories came out of this storm but the common thread in them all is the willingness to give, either of time, labor, prayer, or caring thoughts. 

Although we were dealing with our own headaches here, they fail in comparison to the millions dealing with loss and devastation in Japan.  The earthquake that hit was the fifth strongest to ever hit anywhere…ever, according to 20/20 on ABC.  No wonder those on the west coast saw the ribble effect.  And so…another reason to be thankful to live in the middle of the country and also not on a fault line! :)  

Other than all the crazy weather this past weekend, I had a newborn session with 6 days new Levi.  His mom felt so bad because he was just not happy for me at all.  Actually, he was quite happy….when I left him alone that is! lol!  His big brother JD became my side-kick though!  And talk about sweet….he would kiss my hand and several times he radomly said “I love you mommy.”  Awwww…what mom wouldn’t love that?  Too cute!  So…without further-ado…..Here’s Levi-6 days new …

I like the “everything is A-OK” with his fingers! :)

Mar

7

2011

What a crazy, busy month February was and a fun first week of March!  I was able to celebrate my birthday with my husband home and that was the best present.  He hasn’t been home much this winter and partly because of this crappy weather we’ve been so blessed with this winter.  Doesn’t that sentence just ooze sarcasm?  Anyway, it was nice he was able to be home and on my birthday too.  I wanted to share my day with you and also because my kids are growing so fast and it’s been a while since I posted some pics of them on here.  I just LOVE the expression of my youngest.  I set up my tripod and the timer and it took a good 3-4 shots but then I just told my youngest to watch the camera snap.  Her face is just priceless! It brings a smile to my face.  Aren’t those a heck of a lot of candles too??  Sheesh!  It’s a sad day folks when you go from needing not one box of candles to two!  It was a wonderful birthday and I look forward to what the next year has in store.  In case you’re wondering what my wish was….I can’t say…then it might not come true.  When & if the day comes, trust me, I’ll be pretty excited and I’ll have to share.  I’ll probably want to scream from the tallest buildings and the highest mountains.  You have no idea! 

This past weekend I also was able to get some work done!  I finished a gallery and I just have to share this image.  My clients loved this one and I do too and this image just makes me happy.

 

In other news…I’m running a birthday special this month!  This applies to portrait sessions only.  Here are the details……

Well, I think that’s all I got for today.  I also got some custom design stuff done over the last week but I can’t share until my clients have approved/received them.  Have a great week everyone!

Until next time…Live, Laugh, and Love the one you’re with……and wish big.  You never know, wishes really can come true.

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