I saw this floating around and thought I would give it a go too for fun!
Best adventure, travel, or trip
We had so many adventures this year from Michigan to our big roadtrip to Washington, D.C. but our move to South Africa takes the cake! I’m still so grateful for how easy travel went, how well the kids did, and that we really did it! We moved 6 people and a whole lot of luggage (10 bins, 2 suitcases, 1 guitar, 5 carry-ons, 6 personal items, 2 strollers, 1 car seat, 4 booster seats) across the pond to a new country!
Best trend you tried…
Making reels on instagram! I had fun putting pictures and videos to music as we shared about moving and about our journey.
Best new podcast listen, newsletter subscribe, or blog follow
I thoroughly enjoyed the Fight Hustle, End Hurry podcast with John Mark Comer and Jefferson Bethke. I also have found Nathan Finochio a fun follow.
Best Book
Wow. Just one?! Tough order. Let’s change it a bit and do some books! I read 50 this year (not counting the Bible) and had some great ones. A Spirituality of Fundraising and Unoffendable were my favorite non-fictions that challenged my thinking. Cultivate and Sparking Gems from the Greek were my favorite devotionals. Sachiko and Rees Howells Intercessor were my favorite audiobooks. Then I also read a bunch of great historical fiction and some interesting recommendations from friends too! So many good books out there.
Best TV show
The Great British Baking show! I always love the bakers, the bakes, and the way everyone helps each other. Such fun seeing and being inspired to bake new things!
Best Movie
None really come to mind as being like amazing movies but we had fun watching movies as a family with popcorn for Christmas Eve. We watched the new Chicken Run and then an Arthur one about Christmas. Mainly, I loved the popcorn and the time together.
Best album, song, or artist
Okay, another tough one! My Spotify playlist for 2023 had 53 songs on it which is more than usual! So many good ones. Anna Golden and Benjamin William Hastings had the most songs on it. We Give You the Highest Praise by Housefires, Ryan Ellis, Davy Flowers is one that I find myself singing the most.
Best friend memory
Oh! Anytime I got to see Carrie and Ally were so fun and sweet for my heart. I also loved meeting my MM girls. Time with Hannah too. Pickle ball with Nicole and tennis with Twyla.
Best thing you tried this year
Pickle ball! I’m so glad my friend asked me to play because I had a blast!
Best Habit You Created
Not a new one but continuing to take Bible notes and record gratitude each day. Also, running and hiking.
Best Home Improvement
Finishing all of them! The basement and then staging the house too! And selling the house!
Best little luxury you’ve enjoyed
Rooibos tea! Felt special in Minnesota and fits right in here in South Africa.
I’m sure there are lots more fun categories I could add to this post but I’m leaving it at this for now!
Ha. Not sure if anyone reads or comments on blogs anymore but if you do, let me know your bests!
I had been hoping to be in South Africa by the time the Leaf Mountain Footrace came around but since we had not received our visas I was happy to sign up! Ryan even ran the race too! This was my third year doing this Barkley-esque race and I would do it every year if I could. My first year I was still nursing Arrow so I did 2 loops. My second year I ran the first loop with a friend and then two loops by myself to finish it all. So, this year I was ready to tackle all three again!
Though, I had not trained nearly as well as last year with a busier schedule with all of the Africa prep, the visa trip, and finishing house projects. I still felt confident going in that I could run well and have fun.
This year they switched the race back to a morning start which was okay but I had learned to love the evening start. Though, this did make it easier with childcare! As always, the race keeps you guessing and wondering. Instead of marking out a loop, the books were marked on the map and not revealed until right before. This changed the strategy and made for some fun calculations.
With the first loop, I stayed steady and the plan was for Ryan and I to run our own races. We weren’t together for most of the loop. Though, Ryan’s group overshot a book and had to turn back and added some extra time and miles. By the end of the loop, we were together and decided to stick it out for the second loop. I wish I had slowed down in the transition to talk through our plan but I thought I knew it and was trying to keep the transition time short. Unfortunately, the route we chose added some extra miles but we had fun and found our books.
The last loop included a book out on the edge of the park. This was one of the more memorable parts of the run as we kept thinking the book had to be coming soon but no it was way way way far out on the top of the hill. Keeping us guessing! Thankfully, we found it and were slow but able to finish all three loops together!
I am so grateful for the ability to run well and do something fun as a couple. I’m excited to see what races I’ll find in South Africa as well!
This year was my second year running the Leaf Mountain Footrace. I’m so glad I found it and gave it a go that first year. The race is so unique, fun, and full of surprises!
2021 race
Last year, I ran 2 loops and then stopped since I was nursing. My youngest was ready to eat and go to bed! The race has had a evening and late afternoon start the last two years. This year started at 5:08pm.
We planned to camp in the group camp since we could and thankfully the weather turned out to be nice for camping! My kids were very excited to get to camp. Getting to sleep involved some loud noises but we made it.
Campsite!
Back to the race itself, we arrived around 3:30 since check-in was from 3-4:30 and the race could start anytime between 4:37-5:22. I guessed 5:02 so I was pretty close to the actual start!
I planned to run all three loops and was relieved to hear at the pre-race meeting that there were no cutoff times this year. My good friend came to run the first loop with me!
Pre-race picture
The race is part scavenger hunt and involves some navigating. The course is unknown until you check-in on race and day. To show you completed the loop, you need to find books and take out your page (based on your bib number). Books are located every .5-1.5 miles but exact locations are unknown. They are thankfully mostly visible! I made the course map my Lock Screen on my phone which worked really well for looking at the map to see where we were on the course.
Course Map
For the first loop, we started off out of group camp and up a long slow gradual hill followed by a decent climb to the first book. Then we got a little lost and had to backtrack to the second book. I was thinking of last year’s course and took us up the ridge instead of staying on track. Thankfully, some girls helped direct us back!
After that, I felt nervous about navigating but kept working on enjoying the run. We chatted away and fell into a fairly comfortable rhythm. My friend said she definitely realized how flat Grand Forks is compared to Glacial Lakes! We saw other runners coming through and even the first few men were chasing each other. Mostly though, everyone was happy to cheer each other on in the race!
The first loop included wooded areas, some prairie, and the spot of the highest elevation with a beautiful view.
Taking a break on a bench at the top of a hill!
6 books later and we were ready to turn our pages in to be checked. Thankfully, we had all 6 and I was cleared to go onto the next loop! My friend happily stopped at one loop—I was so proud of us for doing that loop together and for her finishing on a tough course when you’ve trained on flat ground! A hug to my friend, asking for my husband’s hat in prep for night, and a quick chat with my kids all happened before I headed off into the prairie for the next loop.
I had been told in the check-in area that I would likely catch up to the girls who had helped us before. This helped motivate me to get going and I was just ready to run! That first gradual hill again had me walking some but I stuck to my plan of running most of the flats and walking the hills. I felt a bit daunted by the amount of time I had been on my feet but was determined to keep going.
The sun was setting and I had my headlamp even if it wasn’t on my head yet. I had it in the back of my pack.
The books on this loop felt pretty easy and I felt good. I caught up with one other racer for the 7th book. We were both relieved to know we had not missed it! I said happy trails and kept on running even though it was tempting to stick with someone else. Shortly after that I met up with the group of girls. They were making their way and had headlamps out already. I passed them and we all met up at the next intersection. We made our way to the donkeys on the course. At this point, we were all a little confused at where the next book was. Finally, I went further down the trail and found it. 9 down and 3 to go.
Hanging out in group camp with Betty
I kept working my way and started seeing people on their third loop out on the course. I kept wondering what the third loop would hold. They told us that we would get the map after we finished the second loop.
Right when I was starting to wonder if I would find book 12 another runner encouraged me that it was just ahead.
With the last page of loop 2 in my hand, I headed toward camp! At this point, most of my desire to be done at 2 loops had ended and I knew I could finish. I hadn’t trained for being on my feet this long but I knew I could keep going even if I had to walk.
As I ran into the group camp, I was excited to see my family and to my surprise my aunt had decided to come out to the race! She took some pictures and then I handed in my pages.
They asked if I was going for a third and I said yes. They pulled out a map and told me that there were 2 books to get for this loop. One out on the first loop course and one on the second loop course. They told me one book was under a garbage can and the other on the ground. I wrote this down so I wouldn’t forget. Someone asked if I needed anything else before heading out so I took a little water bottle since I didn’t feel like taking the time to fill my hydration pack. Later, I would realize this was not very comfortable. They did warn me someone had been seen in the park who was acting strange. The rangers had escorted one but couldn’t find the other. I still decided to keep going.
Happy to see everyone after 2 loops!
I waffled a little bit about what book to go get first but then committed to go get the one on the loop I had just finished. I set off and was encouraged by other headlamps in the distance. Grateful I was not the only one out there even if these people were getting their second book already.
Writing down the instructions for the third loop. Telling me where to go.
I ran into the donkeys coming back from their spot and they asked if I was okay. I got a little nervous I was on the wrong route but it all was okay. When I finally made it to the area where the book was, someone told me that the book was a little was ahead on a post on the left. Confused by the info but going with it I found the next post but there was no book. I got nervous but choose to keep going since sometimes “a little ahead” can mean much farther. Another runner told me almost to the top of the hill. To my relief, the book was there and the page was soon in my hands.
Watching a movie since it got late.
I headed quickly back the way I came and started off toward the Oak campground to find a garbage can. I ran into another runner coming from the book and encouraged him. He asked if I was on my first or second book. I said second. He was too. He had to head to the prairie still.
Waiting for mommy
Thankfully, this was fairly easy section for me and I even took a picture of the book cover. This one made me smile. Feeling excited and exhausted I ran as much as I could back to group camp. My legs were tired even if I wasn’t out of breath. At some point, I began racing the clock wanting to finish before 5 hours. I snuck in at 4:54 on my Garmin. I handed in my pages, got my medal, chatted with the runner I ran with last year, and jumped into chatting with my kids. After eating some chili, I was ready for bed.
I’m proud of myself for training hard, having fun, going longer than I thought, sticking with it, encouraging others, and for taking time for myself. I always feel better when I’m able to run and talk with God—this summer was no different. All the trail and road miles talking about big and little stuff with Him.
Canon, I love watching you grow! You learned so much this year. Your Lego creations impress me and you use your creativity as well as take into account engineering elements. You say such fun and funny things. You can be so serious and go after what you want. You know how to use your voice and even say that God gave you super loud noises to use. We have built train tracks and forts. You’ve kept me company while I did many hours of landscaping rock. You are still quite the chef and had fun making your cakes. You bring me such joy with you being you! May this next year be full of adventure.
Arrow! Wait. You’re not a baby anymore and you’re already 2! I love seeing you grow. You repeat so many words and know so many words. You communicate well and are learning to speak up for your needs. You have a good: “____ did it” when it come to sibling squabbles. You still snuggle close and love to rub your own head. You’re rocking one afternoon nap and going to bed around 8pm. I love your sweet hugs. You are quick to be independent and don’t usually look for a hand to hold but you will hold my hand if I ask. You have a good start on playing with legos and trains. And of course you’re good at taking things apart. You know how to let us know you’re hungry and love picking out what food. You had a cast this year and I’m grateful that you rocked it and are already back to mostly normal. You climb anything and sometimes I ask you to come lower because it feels high to me. You are a joy and I’m so grateful to have you in our family. Keep being you.
Sometimes I wonder what words of mine rumble around in other people’s heads. I know there are words and situations that pop up for me even when it has been years after they happened or sometimes they’re from last week. Some are fun, happy memories and others leave me with that pit in my stomach feel of not knowing how they could say that or not say anything. They remind me to speak as kindly as I can because words stick. I know I have fallen short and I get to choose what to do with the words from others. I am invited into doing the work of forgiveness and the practice of clinging to the words from the Lord—He gets the final say.
Running, hiking, walking, and being outside are my go-to fun activities! Lately, I have been hitting the trails for runs. This season has required some flexibility in scheduling so I’ve come to love early morning and late evening runs to keep my mind and body happy. Though, really, any run or hike brings me joy. I always am happy I went afterwards even if I feel intimidated beforehand.
Adventure and exploring new places are high on my list of things that bring me fun. Looking at plane tickets, dreaming, and planning trips are all part of the fun. I love researching the details of places to eat and things to do.
Books definitely come into my for fun category! Reading a book I can’t put down, a cookbook, a travel book, a Christian book, leadership book, WW2, historical fiction, biography, fantasy, and others. I like variety and have grown to be more selective as I’ve gotten older. I’ve read 31 books so far this year.
Throwing pottery on the wheel and even this last year I grew to love hand building.
Cooking, baking, and trying new recipes.
Quality time with my people. Give me time to talk, play a game, or just hang out with those I love and I am very happily having fun.
What is your pace in this season? How do you feel about it?
When I think about this season’s pace, speed work and hill runs come to mind. We have specific goals and deadlines we are trying to hit but are needing to put in the work to be ready. Our basement and house projects are cruising along but then we hit a hill that takes a bit longer to tackle. Supply issues, scheduling, and life with four littles are some of those hills. Yet, we are still showing up to do the work and run hard and fast while we can.
I’m feeling a bit sad that this summer has not been one full of camping, travel, and quality time. I have a little bit of hope that this season will come to an end and we will see a finished house ready. Throw in some feelings of stress and overwhelm as we navigate finances, time management, and decisions. Add in a lot of decisions to be content, prayerful, trusting, cheerful, and keep my gaze on the Lord.
I shut my eyes and I can feel the dirt underneath my feet as I keep making my way down the road. Everyone else is occupied and I am out by myself. The African sun is high above me and I work my way downhill. I am running toward the gate past the classroom and the other houses. The road bends and there might be some old pavers peaking through to help cars make their way up. My eyes are open taking in all the scenery has to offer but my mind is still focused elsewhere. I am mulling over the lesson during class. The ideas seem so foreign but I feel hunger for more. I did not know what was possible or that this was even a gift for today. Logic threatened to keep me held back but my heart wanted to try. I reasoned that at worst nothing would happen and at least no one was there to point it out. So, I opened my mouth and tried.
Favorite Book: Warriors, Dog Man, I survived, Hazardous Tales
Favorite Song: None
Favorite Movie/show: Dinotrux, Rescue Riders Dragons, Ninja Star Wars, The Nut Job, Open Season 2
Favorite Animal: dogs
Favorite sports: Basketball and golf
Favorite toy: Model boats, army guys, airplanes, books
Favorite thing to play: Army guys
Favorite place to go: Grandma’s house
Job he wants: General in the Navy
Place he wants to visit: Acadia National Park
Favorite Bible story: David and Goliath
Friends: Xavier, Rudy, Ezra, Phillip
Another year has passed and you’re that much closer to double digits! First grade was filled with all sorts of adventures. You missed some things because of us being sick but you got to do the Marathon and the Spring musical. You took off reading and say that you can read books like water. You grew two more inches and already weigh 60lb! We finally let you switch your car seat to a booster. Your Lego creations, army setups, and creativity are fun to see!
Asher, I see you as bold, fun, intense, thoughtful, kind, and creative. I love seeing the games you make up and how you are always wanting to come up with another plan or adventure. You go up to librarians to ask for help, you seek out others, and love to play. You tell us when we are overreacting and are good at showing your own emotions. You got glasses this year but don’t always remember to wear them. You had fun in basketball, tennis, golf, and swimming lessons! You were not too sure about going off the diving board but you did awesome naming your limits and trying what you could. You are definitely ready for us to be done fixing the house since you seem to love quality time. I love spending time with you too. You’re my best Asher. I’m excited to see what God has for you in this next year.
I’m coming in only a few weeks late but here it is! My baby is 11 months.
What we have learned…you are quite the climber! You aren’t walking all the time yet (just taking a few steps) but you can climb onto the table and chairs. You can climb onto beds and all the things. You love to explore!
What we are enjoying…your smile and sweet nature. I love snuggling with you and how you lay your head on my chest still.
We are struggling with…slowingdown time! I keep wanting to soak up all the time with you and your siblings.
Most exciting milestones…you are standing some and taking steps! You know how to go down backward from things but still need to be reminded.
Arrow seems to like…eating everything, standing, climbing, cars and toys, being held, music, and being included.
Dislikes seem to include…toys being taken from him, getting stuck in the high chair, being “sat on” by his siblings, and being left alone.
Sleep looks like…getting up usually once in the night to eat around 4-5 but then back to sleep. Usually waking up around 7-8. Still rocking a morning nap around 9/10ish and an afternoon one around 1-2ish. Totally rolling with all our flexibility.
He’s eating…all the things! He likes Annie’s bunnies, pancakes, pizza, and he eats whatever we are eating. He’s still nursing 4-5 times—working our way toward weaning. Still takes him about 10-15 minutes to eat.
At the last doctors appointment…he weighed 18 lb 13.5oz and was 29.25 inches long. His head circumference was 46cm.
b'ahava 