Fun at MOPS!

Wow.. the MOPS meeting last night was a lot of fun!

We were able to enjoy a cooking demo from Sue Doeden, Bemidji Pioneer chef. (she's in the paper every week) She gave us lots of fun ideas to "spruce up our menus!" It was so neat to watch her create these amazingly good (and easy) dishes!

(But this is me you're talking to, I would watch food network 24/7 if I could!)

I got a lot of neat tips on kitchen prep, too! For instance, if you put cilantro in a pint size jar full of water, then put a sandwich bag over the top, it will last for 2x as long in the fridge? Cool tip! We also did a very fun craft (magnetic picture frame). It was a great evening!

But the best part was at the end, though! We had prize drawings and my name was called! I won a batch of "Mexican Muffin-Tin Meatloaves" we had made that night at the cooking demo. They are sooooo good and so easy!

I thought I would put the recipe here so all of you can enjoy it too!

Mexican Muffin-Tin Meatloaves

1 1/2 lbs ground beef

1/2 Cup mild chunky salsa

2tsp Chilli Powder

1 1/2 tsp Cumin

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 Cup Oats (quick or old-fashioned)

1/4 Cup chopped fresh cilantro

Preheat oven to 400. In large bowl combine all ingredients, mixing well.

Press about 1/3 Cup of meat mixture into each of the 12 medium muffin cups.

Bake 15-20 minutes or until centers are no longer pink.

Serve warm with salsa and cheese on top.

(meatloaves can be frozen for future use! Before baking, line each muffin cup with plastic wrap, (large enough to wrap around the muffin-loaf) then pack mixture into cups and wrap with plastic wrap. Stick tray in the freezer until all the cups are frozen. Remove from muffin tray and place in freezer bag. Then, thaw and bake at your convienience!)

The next MOPS meeting will be April 26 from 6-8 pm at the First Lutheran Church.

Write it on your calendars! It'd be great to see you all there!

Happy Birthday to Leah!

Monday was Leah's first birthday! It's still so hard to believe... a year ago, I would have been in the hospital with her, a newborn! Time really flies, huh?

Sunday night we had her birthday party at our house. Most of Josh's family came from Warroad, my family, and my Aunt and her family. It was a houseful!

It was a great party, we all had so much fun visiting, except for the fact that Leah was sick for the first half of it. She had a fever, and was so miserable... she just wanted me to hold her the entire time. But eventually, we got her to open presents and after that she was just fine!

Some of her favorite gifts were; the dolly we gave her (she carries it everywhere!), the wood blocks set, and the big green rubber ball.. (she plays with that for hours)

When we sang "Happy Birthday" to her, she was so funny, because she was scared of the candle! Silly Leah. All in all, it was a great party, I just felt so bad that Leah was feverish the first part of it. But after cake and presents, she was her normal self again.

Happy Birthday to our Leah Rose!

Our funny one year old!

I love my dolly!

Fun playing with her ball!

The Crappie King!

Well he did it again! My husband is the Fishing Wonder!

My brother Isaac and Josh went out fishing yesterday, and they came back with the most amazing catch of crappies! The huge crappie (AKA "The King") is the biggest crappie I've ever seen! The guys had a blast catching their limit of fish, and all before dark!

Is that amazing or what?

Here's the pics you have to see to believe!

Embarrassing Mom Moment!

I just finished taking a LONG walk with Leah in her stroller.. (It's such a lovely day outside!)

I had been baking cupcakes all day for her b-day party tomorrow and some of the batter had spilled on my oversize T-shirt and skirt that wasn't exactly flattering. ( Hey, they were comfy, and It's a saturday!) I brought along my portable CD player, and the only headphones I could find were the ones I used when I was a teenager. You know the ones, the big and round, cover-your-ears, ugly headphones. I figured, well, it's better than nothing. So off I went. It was so nice, walking outside after a long winter, plus listening to my favorite tunes to keep me moving.. :)
Then, a car comes along... not a big deal. I just keep moving and stay on the side. Well, the couple driving was an older couple, and they slowed waaaaay down... so slow in fact, I saw my reflection in their van as I passed by. I looked so CRAZY! Like one of "those moms". You know, the moms with no style, their hair going everywhere, their big outdated headphones telling everyone that passed by, "Hi, I'm trying to be cool, but it's not my fault this headphone style died in the 80s!"
I laughed so hard at myself when the car had passed. I realized, I just didn't care what people thought. I knew I had style, (come on, I put together my rockin' outfit today right?) and I knew I was loved for who I am... who I really am. ;)

It was a great day altogether, yet I still laugh at the image of me... a "crazy mom." I'm glad I have a sense of humor, otherwise, I'd be reeeeally embarrassed!

Now, your turn, fellow moms. Fess up! Anyone else have a "funny mom" moment?
Please tell!

WY here we come!

For our family vacation this year, we are so excited to travel to Wyoming with Josh's family, (yes, all of them!) during Memorial Day weekend. We'll be visiting his Grandpa and Grandma in southeastern Wyoming, and doing all sorts of sight-seeing on the way there and back!

Josh, Leah and I will be renting a small car because it would be a LOT of mileage on our new van! Plus, air conditioning will be a must for WY in summer! :)

We'll be going through South Dakota and North Dakota also, so if anyone knows some great things to see that might not be on the travel guides, please let me know! (We'll of course see Mt.Rushmore, Black Hills, Rocky Mt. Nat'l Park, and Devil's Tower.)

We're really excited about it, and it will be so much fun for me especially. I have only ever been as far as Devil's Tower, so I am very excited to "go west, young man!"

I'll update with more info when we find out more about our trip! I can't believe it's coming up so fast! Less than 2 months! :)

Can you tell I love traveling?

Birthday Dresses

I decided to make her a couple summer dresses for her birthday present this year!

Also, I've just been itching to start sewing clothes for her! The dresses were so

easy to make and very cute! I love the new pattern I used... it's the Twirly Dress from Sew Baby Patterns. I love the fact that you can use a T-Shirt for the bodice, if you like! (blue dress) It's way easier and actually cheaper! But, making the bodice was easy too. (pink dress) It took me about an hour a dress to sew them. Very nice for busy moms! :)

Yet, they're a little big, but by summer she'll be walking and running and able to move better in them! I think i'll make little bloomers for her to go underneath, for modesty sake, too!

So fun to get sewing again!

Here's a sneak peek at her cute birthday presents.

Weaning Leah, a mom's story

Leah is one year old next week, and is now fully weaned!

I feel like having a party just for weaning ! :)

It started 3 weeks ago, I noticed Leah really wasn't nursing for food, but mainly for comfort. But, I needed to have her sleeping through the night, and not relying on me, as the mom, so much! So, I decided to drop one full day of nursing, cold turkey. You know what? She didn't even miss it at all. I was really surprised!! She still did nurse at night, but that really wasn't anything at all.

So as of this week, Leah was weaned of day-time feedings, but still not sleeping through the night. (Grrrh) So, I decided to try weaning of night feedings too. And you know what? Leah SLEPT THROUGH HE NIGHT the first night. She didn't miss it, because instead of nursing, I rocked her when she got up. (as she did the next night)

So, last night was the big test. Will she sleep all the way or not? Well, she didn't, but I stuck to my guns, and didn't nurse her, I got to sing and rock with her, which was soooooo precious. I almost didn't want to go back to bed! To have her asleep in my arms, just like when she was a baby! It was great.

So I am proud to say, Leah Helweg is now weaned completely!!!!!!!

What a great way for it to happen now... I really wasn't planning on weaning until after a year old, but she was ready! (Getting 2 more teeth in this week)

Such a grown up girl already! Wow!

Laura's Pirate Plunder!!!!!!!!!

Ok, I know I am an obsessed fan, but I have been waiting for this trailer for a LONG time! Pirates of the Carribbean 3: At World's End, releases May 25th! Finally!
This movie looks so good, I had to post the newly released trailer here... for you all to see it! Enjoy!
This will be the blockbuster movie of the summer!

Josh's Biggest Fish Yet!

Here is my Ice Fishing Husband, Josh, with his biggest fish he's ever caught Ice Fishing!

Every Sunday afternoon he goes fishing with my dad and brother. They have such a great time, trying out the "Secret lakes" in the area. A good fisherman never reaveals his secrets! :)

Especially since Josh and I just bought a HUGE Ice house, a Clam Sleeper! It has enough room for 4 holes, and you can stand up in it! It's so nice! The best one you can get!

Josh already looks forward to next year, when he and Leah can go fishing....
I can't wait for that either... as kids we always had fun fishing with dad!

Plus, It's a chance for the "women" to visit, while the "men be men". Great weekends at home!

Here's my sister Anna and her friends, Kristen and Kathryn,in front of our new fish house!

Spring is Coming... right?

I recieved a beautiful gift of daffodils from a friend of mine this week, and looking at them makes me wish and long for spring.

That makes me think of "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Orphan Mary Lennox, tending her own secret garden says to her friend Dicken,

"See? Behind the ivy, there's a doorway. Come on, it's my secret garden and I'm the only one in the world who wants it to be alive."

Doesn't that sound just like our Jesus?

He found us, in the dry soil of our lives, waiting for his living water. He purchased the key to that garden with his death on the cross. Then, he waters us, he enriches the soil of our lives with his truth and plants seeds of love in our hearts, that with his help and care blossom and grow into a beautiful, frutiful garden!

Wow! Spring really is the season of rebirth and growth!

I look forward every day to the new season here in MN, but I pray I may also see it as as opportunity to experience a new season with Christ, here and now!

Special spring blessings to you all!

Granola Baking Day!

This week I decided to make my famous peanut-butter granola.

Growing up this granola was my absolute favorite. (and that is saying something, because I've never been much of a granola fan!)

It never lasted long in our house, especially fresh-baked! And true to it's legacy it never lasts long in our little family either! Both Leah and Josh love it! (and they don't even realize it's healthy and good for you!) (evil laugh) :)

I love the smell of fresh-baked granola as it lingers through the house... but my favorite has to be eating a bowlful with milk. Mmmm! Such a yummy treat!

Here's my family's recipe so you can make sure to try it!

Peanut Butter Granola

4 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil

2/3 Cup Peanut Butter (I use creamy, but chunky works)

1 Cup Brown Sugar (or 1/2 Cup honey)

5 Cups Oats (quick cooking works!)

1 Cup raisins (add after baking)

Stir oil into peanut butter until creamy. Stir in sugar (or honey).

Add oats until well mixed. Spread on large non-greased cookie sheet.

Bake @ 300 for 15-20 min, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.

Add raisins when granola is cool.

(Makes 1/2 Gallon Container full.)

MOPS Group starts on March 29th!

Hi to my mom friends out there...

I just discovered a MOPS group starting in our area... Bemidji!

Wow! To have a night with other moms, encouraging one another, doing fun crafts, really anything without the kids... what a treat and sanity-saver! Plus, we come back home energized and encouraged! What a great ministry!

I think MOPS is great, it focuses on such an important part of the church and society which is often overlooked... moms! Yet here we are, stay-at-home moms or working moms, shaping and molding our children for their future, spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

What more important job is there in the world?

God has really been working on my heart telling me being a mom is more important in his eyes then having a degree or going back to school. Those things bring importance in the world's eyes, but it's what God thinks that matters.

That's why I am so excited about MOPS coming to Bemidji. To get to visit and share with other moms, be encouraged in the word and find fulfillment in just being a mom.

I'd love to see you there!

Hey, Moms!

SYMPTOMS: Do you...Think spaghetti is a finger food?Sleep “like a baby” (up at 10, 2 & 4)?Write your grocery list in crayon?Say “bye-bye” to everyone?

DIAGNOSIS: Mother of Preschooler (M.O.P.S.)!

TREATMENT: Attend a M.O.P.S. meeting! Relief is usually immediate!

joinus for teaching, discussion, creative projects, presentations and community.

M.O.P.S. is for all mothers with children from birth through kindergarten. Child care is provided.

Join us at 6 p.m. on the last Thursday of every month at First Lutheran Church.

This month, that’s March 29!

Hannah's Here!

My sister-in-law was finally able to come and spend a week with me!
We had so much fun getting our new computer system set up, shopping, playing with Leah, going to the Newsboys Concert, and even dishes and cleaning! (anything is fun with Hannah!) :)
It was great to be able to have her, because all of us homemakers know life can get really dull staying home 24/7!

It was a great visit and I was so thankful she could come and relieve my "cabin fever" for a while!

Sisters are so fun!

Hannah and Leah "dance" to the music

Having way too much fun with a camera!

True Beauty....

No wonder women/girls in our society feel the need for outward perfection! I was amazed at this video, and the power our culture really has on us. The world's definition of beauty really is far different than God's. Yet, his beauty is what truly matters in our lives and the ONLY one that should matter to us. I hope this video inspires you!

Our New Computer

Well, we finally got one! Our first home computer system!

It's a Dell E520 Desktop, 19" Flat Planel, and a HP 1380 All-in-one Printer!

Plus, High Speed/DSL Internet, which is so wonderful!

So fun to have our own computer, and get to stay in touch that much more! Yay!

Pics of Leah

Great way to eat your vegetables, Leah!

She LOVES to eat celery sticks! Well, she kind of shreds them, then sucks the juice out until you're left with the little strings! But it is good for her and is good for her four teeth!

Yes! She just got two new teeth on top.. her canines!

Leah, Cyra and Cigyn... my parent's corgis.

She loves to see the dogs, especially Cyra, who is always excited to see her!

Leah, wearing a fuzzy dog collar on her head!

.

Leah can fit inside her toy box and Grandma & Grandpa's!

Enjoying "licking" the spoon after baking muffins with Auntie Anna.

Leah loves her bear!

Leah loves her little pink bear! She hugs it, throws it around, sits on it, cuddles with it, and talks to it. It's so fun to see her enjoying her stuffed animals! This bear was a gift from my Aunt Noreen when she was born. It's so fun to see her interact with her toys! I laugh sometimes... and other times grab the camera.. enjoy!

Fun Learning Letters

I bought Leah some magnetic letters for our fridge to play with while I do dishes and cook. They were a big hit! Except they end up all over, not just on the fridge! Oh Well! They keep her busy when it counts!

Here's out budding preschooler with her new toy...

Trip Pictures!

Here are a few pictures from our trip to Warroad this past weekend! It was a great trip and a really fun visit with everyone!

Josh hasn't lost his touch!

Leah sharing her cheerios with her cousins and uncle Isaac. :)

The "girls" have fun chatting.

Auntie Laura with Amber

New Niece Pictures!

Our niece Amber is now 10 weeks old, and I just love her cute little smiles!

Getting to see her today was such a treat, she is so little compared to our Leah.. it was so fun!

Here are some pics of our "newest addition" to the Helweg Family. ( I love being an auntie!)

Amber and her Mother, Michelle

Little Amber Joy at 8 weeks old

Fun with Family!

Our future concert pianist!





Uncle Michael and his "favorite niece"




Auntie Hannah and Leah share smiles!


These are some fun pictures from when Josh's family came to Bemidji the last week of January!
Leah is the center of attention, and loves every minute of it!