: : ben and mindy : :

Excited for school!

2011-06-22T13:40:00.000-07:00

Elianna, almost five, starts Kindergarten this fall!

Painting

2011-06-22T13:10:00.000-07:00

The way of the girl....

The way of the boy.

Music Recital

2011-06-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

Elianna at her spring music recital
with her teacher, Frances VanDorn

Annika the Graduate!

2011-06-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

Annika, my oldest niece, graduates from homeschool.
Congrats, Annika! Love you!

Snapping Turtle

2011-06-22T12:42:00.000-07:00

Ben and the kids went for a ride back in the woods,
and they came back with a great big snapper! He was huge and ugly.

Did you know they're edible?
And they have an extremely powerful hooked jaw?
Spooky.

Teaching character

2011-06-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

The Little Carons....er, little sponges!

You've heard it said, "Character is more caught than taught." It's true.

Teaching my children the hows and whys of obedience, attentiveness, gratefulness, virtue, etc. is one thing. But to SHOW them how to live it from the heart is where the true character training begins. I'm finding if I want my children to act or respond a certain way to life's circumstances, I-me-mom must first be the example.

My attitude = their attitude
My words = their words
My actions = their actions
My patience = their patience

The Bible says - "Train yourself to be godly" (1 Timothy 4:7). Could this be an important key to successfully training my children in good character? Eureka!

Big brother

2010-10-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

Elijah has this amazing ability to draw

smiles out of people...especially his baby sister!

Baby Shower!

2010-10-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

My wonderful church family threw a baby shower for Analise - a complete surprise to me, being she is my fourth baby! But what a fun night we had; such a blessing! Thank you all!

My Mom and sister-in-law Beth
(look how big Analise looks!)

I love this one of my mom and Analise!

Elianna took great delight in opening gifts with me.

Growing up

2010-10-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

The "BIG" kids in our family:

Elianna (4) & Elijah (3)

Ben and I were driving into town last night
and from the backseat of our suburban, we hear two
sweet little voices start singing in unison:

I love you Lord

And I lift my voice

To worship You

O my soul, Rejoice

Take joy my King

In what You hear

May it be a sweet, sweet sound

In Your ear.

(yes, it was sweet to our ears...made both of us tear up!)

Nothing better than...

2010-10-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

...holding my 7 week old baby girl, Analise.

Cherishing these days...because moments like these don't last forever.

Introducing...

2010-10-16T13:19:00.001-07:00

Our Fourth Blessing from God

Analise Noelle Caron

8 lbs 11 oz ~ 20 inches long

September 4, 2010

(photo by Erica Berge)

Liam's Dedication

2010-08-16T20:35:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, we dedicated Liam Allen Caron to the Lord.
What a precious time!

Our wonderful church leaders and parents gather around to pray for
Liam, his future, and wisdom for Ben and I as his parents.
I love what my Dad said in his prayer, "Children are a blessing from God's hand..."

My sister Melanie, my mom, and I sang a song to
Liam called "Your Whole Life Long"....here are the lyrics:

I pray the Lord will hold you close and keep you through the night,
That you will wake up smiling in the early morning light,
That He will always comfort you and make you brave and strong,
I pray that you will follow Him your whole life long.

I pray that you will grow up to be wise and good and true,
I pray that you will please the Lord in everything you do,
I pray that you will hear His voice and learn to sing His song,
I pray that you will follow Him your whole life long.

I pray that you will follow Him,
I pray that you will follow Him,
I pray that you will follow Him your whole life long.

I pray the Lord will bless you with His presence every day,
I pray he will protect you every step along the way,
Help you love what's right and lead you far away from wrong,
I pray that you will follow Him your whole life long.

My mom and Liam

Our great support team... (a.k.a. FAMILY!)

Melanie and I with our beautiful niece, Katey.
(notice my big tummy...only a few weeks away from my due date!)

Elianna and Grandma Caron

Liam trying to pull it together after the big day!

Elianna holding her sweet cousin Mariah - so adorable!

Auntie Melanie and Elijah...just love the joy in these two faces!

It's been a huge blessing to have my sister Melanie, David & Mariah home from Ireland for the past 5 weeks. Tomorrow will be our last day with them; I'll try not to cry the entire day...so hard to say goodbye to your very best friend in the world. P.S. A future trip to Ireland this spring is in the planning....(!!!!)

Bluegrass Concert!

2010-06-24T13:02:00.000-07:00

The Franz Family,
along with the Durocher Family
are performing this weekend! Don't miss it!
(The Franz Family played at our wedding - we love 'em!)

Grand Rapids, MN
Myles Rief Performing Arts Center
Saturday, June 26th, 7:00 PM

&

International Falls, MN
Backus Community Center
Sunday, June 27th, 6:00 PM

There is no admission for either concert.
Free will offering. Seating is limited.
Grand Rapids, MN: Call 218 259-5166
I-Falls: Call 218 259-5166 or 218 285-7225

Weekend of Blessing

2010-06-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

A weekend with cousins!

Elijah and his cousin, Simeon, embrace in a big bear hug!

Elianna with her cousin Erina - they were inseparable!

My amazing sister Melissa and her tenth baby, Johann Daniel

Beautiful Charisma holding her youngest brother

Front porch pickin'!

One of my sister's amazing flower gardens

Dad made breakfast for close to 40 people one morning!
He's the BEST pancake maker in the world.

The kids played so well together.
These four were almost always together exploring,
playing, and having the time of their lives.

Little Johann was dedicated to the Lord on Sunday morning.
Their pastor, elders, and our Dad prayed a special prayer of dedication over Johann's life.

Thank you, Sahlstrom Family, for your generous hospitality
and inspiring example! We LOVE you!

My Parents

2010-06-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

Happy 41st Anniversary, Mom & Dad!

It's hard to express in words the admiration I have for you. You have been a tremendous encouragement to me through the years as I've observed your commitment to Jesus Christ, His Word and your marriage to one another. I consider your counsel to be wise, for I know you have traveled long and hard journeys; sometimes not by your own desires, but out of obedience and love for God. Your faithfulness has shaped so much of who I am today. Thank you for giving me a model of genuine LOVE! May God continue to use you to impact lives - as you have done mine.

Elianna's Recital

2010-05-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

Elianna's 2010 Spring Recital

Eliza (violin instructor) & Ella

The talented musicians!

Sing to Him a new song;
play skillfully on the strings,
with loud shouts!
~ Psalm 33:3 ~

Art, Kids & Scripture

2010-04-29T09:17:00.000-07:00

Today is raining, so after breakfast and violin practice, Elianna suggested doing a craft. She LOVES her art book that Gpa & Gma Berge gave her for Christmas - The Usborne Complete Book of Art. She carefully looks through the book and chooses which art project she'd like to tackle. I read her the directions and assist her with collecting the needed art materials (p.s. Miller Pads and Paper is a great resource for art material).

She did a beautiful job creating "thumb" birds on a tree using her thumb and a paintbrush. Elijah and I gave it a try too. We hung our completed art pages on the fridge to dry and then placed them in our special keepsake binders, complete with name and date.

"Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value then they?"
Matthew 6:26

Next, Elianna thought this project looked really fun, so we hunted the house down for a piece of cardboard, tissue paper, black marker and tape. Ella asked if I would draw the buildings for her (to which I was delighted - 'cause by this time I'm getting into this art stuff!).

We taped our little city to the window and it was cool how the light shone through the tissue paper and gave the appearance that the lights were on inside the buildings. This reminded me of a verse...

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."
Matthew 5:14

Light reflects onto things.
What am I "relecting" onto others, especially my family?
Is it love, enouragement, joy and praise?
In my home is where light takes flame.

Friends

2010-04-03T14:24:00.000-07:00

Elijah & Elianna,

I pray... "That your love may abound yet more and more
in knowledge and in all judgement;
That ye may approve things that are EXCELLENT;
that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ."
Philippians 1:9-10

He is Alive!

2010-04-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

Elianna making "nest cookies" with
two wonderful sisters ~ Katelyn & Eliza

Happy Resurrection Sunday!
Romans 6:6-11 - it's not about the eggs... :)

Liam Report

2010-03-05T14:56:00.000-08:00

~ Liam ~
I especially love how this boy cuddles; he's so loveable.
Rocking him at nap time and in the evenings are so precious;
I know this stage doesn't last forever.

Each day Liam wears an eye patch for a few hours to strengthen his weak eye. After several days of practice, he finally is used to it and doesn't rip it off in the first five minutes! He'll wear the patch for several months, then we go back for another evaluation to see how he's doing. Step-by-step!

Through a life built upon prayer, we learn to transfer our burdens onto Christ's capable shoulders — and when He carries our burdens, we are free to run and not grow weary; to walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40)

Our new Suburban!

2010-02-27T13:24:00.000-08:00

Ah-ha, we found it—the new Caron family hauler!!

What do you think of our new suburban? I'm lovin' it!

With a budget in mind and a small chunk of change in the bank (we like to pay cash for our vehicles if possible) we hit Craig's List for several weeks trying to find a good deal....and although it took longer than we anticipated, guess what? Our patience paid off - and God blessed us with more than what we were looking for - at an unbelievable price! We are thankful!

During this time of searching for a suburban to buy, I have to say a big "THANK YOU" to my parents for lending us their conversion van during the weeks we were without a second vehicle. I don't know what we would have done without it! We all loving nicknamed the van "Lazarus." Cuz it just won't die. It's old. It's like the Energizer bunny. No kidding, this van has been all over creation and was The Berge Family's primary source of transportation during our music ministry days. We traveled everywhere in it. It is kind of nostalgic and maybe, just maybe, we'll shed a tear the day it bites the dust. But for now, no worries, it runs like a champ and the kids thought it was awesome - it was like a house on wheels. :)

So why didn't we buy a fuel-friendly mini-van? I know this question is burning in many of your minds. Well, the answer is actually very simple. For one, this GIANT gene pool of a family is a far cry from normal. Have you seen the size of some of us? :) And think about it - four years of marriage and going on four kids....technically we've already outgrown a mini-van. So why not just go for the plunge and buy the 12 passenger van while we were at it? Well, funny, the thought of having more kids isn't half as terrifying as driving a 12 passenger van.... Oops, now I've revealed too much. Moving on...

So, the reason we (ok....mostly me) avoid mini-vans is not because I think we're too cool to drive a mini-van. This mom of four has little time to think about looking cool. Thus, the reasons I love suburbans are pretty obvious: (1) the long legged 6'8" man of the house and mini just don't mix. (2) I LOVE 4-wheel drive. If you're going to live in a state that is snow, slush and ice infested 8-9 months out of the year, it's a big must in my book. (3) The best feature....have you seen the trunk space in a suburban? It's beautiful! My double stroller, baby carrier, diaper bag, groceries, extra diapers & wipes, toys, books, you name it—there's room for it all! (4) My Hubby can use it to pull the boat to any lake he wishes. So there is really only one thing left to say...

SOLD!

Lasting rewards...

2010-02-12T14:44:00.000-08:00

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.
Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."
Psalm 127:3-5

We LITERALLY believe what God has spoken!

Three sweet babies + one due 9/2010 = 4 under 4!!

It is with great joy that we announce...we are expecting another sweet baby! We are all very excited! This new little one is due at the beginning of September - right between Elianna's 4th birthday and Elijah's 3rd birthday. As for Liam, he turns the big "1" next month, which seems unthinkable....didn't I just give birth to him? Ok, well, yeah, actually I did! :) You might be thinking something like I thought when I found out I was pregnant: "Duggers, here we come." (ha, ha!)

Yes, it's wild, it's crazy, and it's busy. But it is also SO very rewarding! It makes me smile.

There is no greater call on my life than that of being a mom. If God is handing me the opportunity to give life once again, I do not wish to turn something so rewarding away for selfish reasons. I'm on board—for whatever God wills, He always, without question, provides!

Bringing in the new year with a "bang!"

2010-01-10T14:32:00.000-08:00

On Sunday morning, one week ago, we crashed our suburban.

It started out as a normal Sunday morning. We went to church, and after the service we were invited over to our friends' house for lunch...we were all excited! They live several miles out of town, so we followed them—enjoying the beautiful drive on country roads. As we approached their home, there was a sharp curve in the road, and not realizing how icy the road was, we went into a skid, missed the curve, and ended up on a well-groomed snowmobile trail! No problem, that's why we drive a Suburban....we put it in 4 wheel drive and backed-up onto the road once again. Taking the corner a little more cautiously, we pulled into our friends' driveway and had a chuckle about missing the corner. We had a wonderful time - an amazing meal (turkey and all the trimmings!!) and enjoyed our visit that afternoon - we are so thankful for friends that inspire and have a tremendous example of faith.

Around four o'clock, we decided to load up the kids to head home. We jumped in the Suburban, buckled up the kids and ourselves (normally I'm the last to buckle-usually a mile down the road when I remember!), then started for home. I remember looking at the temp readout in the Suburban—it was a chilly -18 below...brrrr. Less than a mile down the road, one of the kids dropped a toy on the floor. Ben reached back to pick it up (how many times have we done that???), and because the road was very narrow, we drifted just slightly to the left, the snow drift caught the right tire and before we knew it we were in the ditch going 35 miles per hour. Unfortunately, there was a gigantic TREE in the ditch too - I cried out, "LORD, help us!" We hit the tree head on...I can still hear the CRASH! The impact was a force I've never felt before....incredible. We came to a dead stop. The air bags deployed in our faces, smoke from the air bags filled the car, and the kids started screaming at the top of their lungs. Ben looked at me and asked if I was ok. "Yeah, are you?" I uttered, both of us completely stunned at what just happened. We quickly checked the kids over for injuries and tried to calm them down. They were all in perfect shape - just really scared. Thank you, Lord.

But that's not all....that was just the second mishap of our day.
There was a third.
No, I'm not kidding!!

Ben ran the 1/2 mile back to our friends' house, and they came to bring us back to their house. We called Ben's dad, and asked if he could come pick us up. He was gracious of course and was there to help in no time at all. After transferring car seats and loading all our belongings from the suburban into his mom's mini van, we were on our way home...again....this time it was dark out and a lovely -20 below!

Five miles or so later, while peacefully traveling at a good speed of 55-60 mph, out of no where, three deer and one being an enormous buck came bounding through the ditch and onto the highway and ran full speed into the side of the mini van. The deer's antlers shattered through one big side window with a noise that sounded like a gun shot, and then through the other big side window. Tiny pieces of glass shot through the van, and landed all over our three kids and myself - it was in our hair, down our coats, in our laps, in the diaper bag...everywhere. Elijah's head was only 12 inches from where the deer's antlers had shattered the window. He was terrified, of course, as was Liam who was next to him. Elianna, who was sitting on the opposite side was completely silent - which worried me at first, but then after checking her over I think she was too tired to put forth the effort of crying.

We pulled the van over and once again checked to make sure all the kids were ok. Amazingly, there wasn't even a scratch on any of the children. I swept Liam's mouth with my finger because he had been wailing in the back seat in protest of being buckled in his carseat at the time the glass came flying in. My first thought was the possibility of him inhailing peices of glass. It was a scary moment. He was fine - thank you, Lord.

We collected ourselves and then realized the remainder 12 miles or so of our journey would have to be with completely missing windows in -20 below weather. Great. Ben put his coat over Elijah who was the closest to the missing window, and we started our journey home....trying to stay warm.

This time we made it. :)

When we returned home, as we put the kids to bed, Elianna wimpered, "Momma, it feels like I'm sleeping on rocks." She was rubbing her neck and I thought, oh no. If she was feeling what I was feeling, something was wrong. I too had a pain in my neck and my left arm was completely numb and my left fingers were tingeling. I had been sitting side-ways in my seat when we hit the tree, so my left side got most of the impact. We talked about taking a trip into the emergency room to get checked out, but Elianna instantly was afraid at getting back into any car. "Momma, I don't want you to get in an accident!" She was very scared. And honestly, I didn't want to go either! I wanted to stay warm and cozy in our little cottage home. If we didn't see Ella moving her head freely before she went to bed we would have gone immediatly to the ER. So Ben decided he'd pray over us and in the morning, if the pain was still there, we'd go in for x-rays.

God answered Ben's prayers. In the morning, all the pain and numbness was gone. We prayed again—praising God for His healing touch.

Through it all, I was especially impacted by my husbands response to the day. After getting the kids in bed and having time to let the events of the day sink in, Ben responded very soberly,
"We have so much to be grateful for."

He didn't say,
"I can't believe we have to buy another Suburban"
or
"Why did God let this happen?"
or
"I wish we could start this day over."

No, I think Ben could see past the surface events and look at the bigger picture; God has us in the palm of His hands. And like my Mom said to me, "Nothing can touch you that doesn't first pass through God's hand."

A few days later, a thoughtful friend of ours (a young girl who attends our youth group) emailed this poem to us that she had written:

Lord Help Us
by: Sharmane Murphy

Traveling through the night to reach their destined place,
A family fell in danger and their hearts began to race.
Though peril was the circumstance on that Sunday night,
The Lord was looking over His servants during this fearful sight.
He heard their cry to rescue them and rescue them He did.
Mom and Dad walked from the wreck and so did every kid.

In a new transportation now, they continued on their way.
Wanting to be home safe and sound without single delay.
But more danger lay ahead of them before the day was ended.
The next mishap was awfull it was not at all splendid.
A buck was hit and shattered window's glass.
Yet the Lord let no danger come to pass.

In all these things this family was spared.
God let no harm come because He cared.
Just a simple prayer sent to God that day,
Could be what saved them that Sunday.
When danger came instead of fuss,
They just prayed, "Lord help us."

Violin Fairy

2010-01-08T09:43:00.000-08:00

There is no such thing as a boring violin practice with
Elianna—she goes all out. She says dressing up "helps her play better."
(and I found it hilarious that she wanted a towel wrapped around her tummy so her belly button wouldn't show....apparently the dress up clothes were a little too small. Such a proper lady. :)

I love three year olds.

Biscotti

2010-01-08T09:18:00.000-08:00

Homemade Biscotti for Christmas gifts!

Fun with Eliza

2010-01-08T09:08:00.000-08:00

Our dear friend Eliza (whom my kids adore....as do I!) came over one day before Christmas to teach a violin lesson and brought with her a craft for the kids too! Using felt, ribbons, buttons, and more, she helped them make an ornament for our Christmas tree. They LOVED it and still ask to do the craft again and again.

Here Elijah is picking out his favorite ribbon.

Elijah's finished ornaments - how cute is that?!

Eliza teaching a violin lesson!
What a fun day; thank you Eliza!!

Christmas Program

2010-01-08T08:24:00.000-08:00

~Glory to God in the Highest~
Ella & Elijah's very FIRST Christmas Program!

An amazing production of the greatest story ever told.

Ella, Elijah and all their little friends were sheep - much to their delight!

Watch a short video clip of their performance of
Joy to the World!
(and uh, pardon the shaky video - I was holding Liam with one hand and holding
the camera in the other and had to cut the video short due to Liam's loudness.... :)

Christmas Concert

2009-12-08T16:11:00.000-08:00

Our family sang and played music at a Christmas Tea last weekend. It was really special to play music again - I miss it a lot....although it's hard to play and sing without Melanie! Thankfully, my brother Matt has joined the group and does a great job; I'm grateful for him and his enthusiasm for family ministry. If it wasn't for him, we probably would have been done for good when Melanie left for Ireland!

My brother Matt occupying the younger ones before the concert...although Matt looks a little entertained himself... :)

Cousins - Thomas (5) and Elianna (3) sang a duet called "Come On Ring Those Bells" - a song they learned by our well loved friends, the Wissmann Family. This was Elianna's FIRST time participating in a Berge Family Concert! A joy to see the next generation taking part.

Three Generations
Me, Elianna, and my Mom - Becky

Out to eat to celebrate family ministry togetherness!!

Thank you, Lord, for opportunities that are bigger than serving ourselves!

Guilty

2009-12-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

The guilty boy I found when I came back into the kitchen...

Liam's Eye Surgery

2009-11-18T13:11:00.000-08:00

"Peace I leave with you;
My peace I give to you."
—Jesus

Today marks the day of Liam's successful eye surgery! We praise God that everything went so well; thank you so much for praying. We felt a tremendous peace - so much so, that the nurse even commented on it! That is the Lord's doing, and we praise Him. He heard the prayers of our dear friends and family. Our sincere appreciation to each of you for your thoughtfulness, prayers, cards, and emails letting us know you were remembering Liam. You upheld us - thank you so much. We could feel the power of prayer at work.

A special thanks to my parents for caring for Elianna and Elijah while we were away, and to Ben's parents & family for the meals and amazing support. Much love to you all!

Here is little Liam, at the Children's Hospital waiting to see the doctor.
We arrived around 6:15 AM

He looks pretty proud of his stylish little hospital pjs!
All ready for surgery.

Out of surgery - a hungry and sleepy boy!
The last feeding Liam could have was at 2:30 AM. He didn't eat or drink again until after the surgery at 9:30 AM - what a trooper!

A very tired boy after all was said and done. The 4 hour ride home went smooth - Liam slept most of the way. We are amazed at the outcome and are thankful Liam is recovering here at home!

Love this boy.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.."
II Cor. 1:3-4

violin lessons!

2009-10-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

"Make a Joyful NOISE to the Lord!"

~ Psalm 100 ~

Following in the footsteps of her Auntie Melanie,
Elianna has started violin lessons!

Here she is getting measured for her violin

Weekly lessons take place at Bemidji Music Studio

And she ADORES her music instructor, Eliza Tingelstad!

We are having a blast with music practice everyday. Elijah practices right along with us and is learning by watching and hearing. Eliza showed me a great tool in getting a two and three year old to practice for 30-40 minutes each day. If you place a gummy life saver candy on the end of their bow, they can eat it at the end of their practice time...works like a gem - a true "life saver!"

Love & Learning...

2009-10-12T15:48:00.000-07:00

Thursday marked 4 years of marriage for Ben & I...
and I know what you're thinking ~ 4 years 3 kids - not bad!

Well, like Ben says, "We're off to a good start!!" :)

Four years has taught me a lot, but I have much yet to learn. Like...

(1). I'm learning, always learning, what genuine love really is..."Love...seeketh not her own."

(2). I'm learning that motherhood is a continual dying to self and a time to be greatly treasured...

(3). I've learned that giving birth means intense pain, yet it gives life, and that is greater...

(4). I'm trying to get a grip on the fact that in order to be organized you have to be organized...

(5). I'm seeing a great amount of people questioning God's words in the Bible and coming up with their own conclusions...which makes me pray for the Lord to search me and reveal to me any area in my life that I may do this...

(6). I'm learning that when I complain, it drains the energy out of people!

(7). I'm learning about being a wife and mother ~ It's not about me, my energy, my abilities, my capabilities, my time, my schedule, my hobbies...it's about GIVING without any expectation of personal gain. "For God so loved the world that He GAVE his only begotton Son..." John. 3:16

(8). I'm finding it truly amazing that I married Ben Caron. Still can't get over it...

(9). I'm learning that I do not cope well with my sister Melanie in Ireland...too ridiculously far.

(10). I'm learning to never turn my back on a two year old...

What are you learning??!?

Liam's eye surgery

2009-09-22T13:02:00.000-07:00

Liam has esotropia in both eyes (cross-eyed). His upcoming surgery is called Bimedial Rectus Recession, and is scheduled for this fall. My mother's heart worries, but I know God is working out what is best for Liam, so I'm resting that HE is in control and leading & directing us. If you think of him, please pray for Liam in the coming days as his surgery approaches. Love you all!

dancing beauty

2009-09-22T12:22:00.000-07:00

The brightness of her smile
Her love for beautiful things
Oh, that she may know the power of inner beauty
That the beauty of the Lord may be seen in her
My dancing beauty!

The Blessing of Friends

2009-09-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

Go over to Tim's 2 Girls blog and see the fun we had yesterday with friends!! (Thanks, Eliza!)

A boy in training...

2009-09-14T16:16:00.000-07:00

A New Life!

2009-09-14T12:27:00.000-07:00

A warm congratulations to my sister Melanie & her
husband David on the birth of their precious baby girl:

mariah grace
9lbs. 8 oz. :: 09/09/09

Welcome to the family, sweet one; you are adored!
We are anxious to meet you!

Biking

2009-08-28T14:19:00.000-07:00

On a family bike ride - love this time of year!

Nature Walks

2009-08-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

"Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life."

My kids would live outdoors if they could...

So, as part of our daily "school-time", they run, and I mean RUN, out the door with full enthusiasm when I say, "Ok kids, get on your shoes; it's time for our nature walk!"

"Never be within doors when you can rightly be without."
- Charlotte Mason

Family Fun at the Pioneer Farmers Show!

2009-08-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

Every third weekend in August, for as long as I can remember, my Grandpa Berge would set-up all his inventions, mostly hot-air engines, at the Lake Region Pioneer Farmers annual show. It has become a tradition to many of us in my family to attend this event; not only because of Grandpa's influence there, but because it holds and creates so many fun family memories.

Elijah was so very proud of his pop;
he carried it like it was his baby!

Train Rides!

Garden

2009-08-16T18:43:00.000-07:00

Harvest time!
(well, except for the tomatos...still green)

Elinor

2009-08-16T18:36:00.000-07:00

This is my cousin Audra's baby, Elinor.
I couldn't resist posting this one - she's the cutest thing!

Birthday Buddies

2009-08-16T18:35:00.000-07:00

Elianna with her Great-Grandma Berge
(76 years between them)
August birthday buddies!

But we Your people, the sheep of Your pasture,
will give thanks to You forever; from
generation to generation
we will recount Your praise.
Psalm 79:13

Festival Memories

2009-08-14T23:33:00.000-07:00

Melanie and David - The Irish Duo performing a lovely melody at the festival

My favorite past-time ~ singing with my family!
(my dad, me, sister-Melissa, David, sister-Melanie, my mom, and brother-Matt)

Just like old times - boy, do I miss it!

(photos by Deborah Fraser)

The Family Music Festival was wonderful this year - so many friends and great music! I'll have to post more photos when I get a chance. These past few weeks have been so incredibly busy - I can't wait to share with you what has been happening...super exciting news!

Well, tonight we said good-bye to Melanie and David - they leave in the morning to return home to Ireland. Hard to see them go. So hard to say goodbye - especially knowing there will be a precious baby born to them in a few short weeks (5 to be exact!). But happy all the same knowing the blessings of the Lord are upon them. Wish I could be there to welcome their baby into this world; just as Melanie was with me for my first two babies. Someday soon I hope to make the journey so I can kiss the face of my new little neice or nephew...and join Melanie in singing lullabies to her baby!

Ella

2009-07-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

Look who's 3 today!

Melanie's Home!!

2009-07-13T08:53:00.000-07:00

Oh, JOY!
My sister's home from Ireland!

Liam and I surprised Melanie & David at the airport!

Melanie and our dear Mama
Do you see Mel's little bump?! She looks so adorable!

On Sunday afternoon we had the privilege of hanging out with family and friends at a concert by Freedom's Call - what a glorious afternoon! Loved it to pieces.

Annette Tingelstad playing with my boys
Annette is my mentor, a Titus 2 woman of God who has taught me so much about life. She is a dear friend and very close to my heart!

Playing with friends after the concert

Dan and Liam

David and Matt catching up!

We are heading out for a family vacation in the Black Hills, so more pictures and tales to come!

Investments

2009-07-09T23:25:00.000-07:00

My darling, Liam

“Our only permanent investment is in the souls of our children. Let’s not sacrifice our children on the altar of our perfectionism. What is life really all about? Yards and homes and possessions are just a physical vanity, all destined to decay. Our children are our masterpieces—our life’s spiritual work. They are the only works we will leave behind by which others will know who we were.” —MP

Uncle Sam's Farm

2009-07-09T20:12:00.000-07:00

Melissa (my sister) & Sam's beautiful home! We all love visiting this place—which Elianna affectionately calls "Uncle Sam's Farm."

A beautiful yard with fruit trees everywhere!

Fun to be had by all! Elijah & Ben on a motorcycle cruise through the farmyard.

Ella & Elijah mesmerized by the cow.
"What's the matter city-kids, never seen a cow before?!"

Elijah has no fear of anything....poor little chick.

Cousin Becca feeds the calf

Elijah LOVED the barn and all the animals, especially the chicks!

Ella tries to be brave.

The great adventures with cousins!

Adored

2009-06-14T19:27:00.000-07:00

I am in love. As I sit here writing, next to me on the bed is little Liam—sleeping. His soft breaths; each one so sweet it makes me want to curl up beside him. My comforter is wrapped up close around him since the windows are cracked to let in the cooler summer night air. He is precious.

The other kids played hard all day long with cousins, ran through the sprinkler to cool off on this beautiful day, and ate more watermelon than ever. So after we said good-bye to cousins, we made a quick meal, did a much needed bath time in a snap, and before I could finish praying for them, they were fast asleep in their beds - dreaming of a perfect world of cousins, watermelon and sprinklers I'm sure.

God is good.

P.S. the photo above of Liam and I was taken by my talented & handsome nephew, Benjamin.

Determination

2009-05-28T22:36:00.000-07:00

"To have failed once is not so much a pity as is to not try again."
—John Wanamaker

Reaching a goal requires more than skill—it requires determination. Often, failure is due NOT to a lack of talent or ability but to a lack of persistence during difficult times.

Dreams

2009-05-20T22:26:00.000-07:00

A good & valuable reminder...
Paul Tripp on the church: "You can't fit God's dream for His church inside of the American dream and have it work. It's a radically different lifestyle. It just won't squeeze into the available spaces of the time and energy that's left over." In this interview, he argues against busyness...

On the same note, read this for a short bit that'll make you ponder all day - "are my dreams Christ-centered?"

Let's play!

2009-05-20T21:41:00.000-07:00

Today I chose to play...

They will not stay children forever.

One day my small boy and girl will grow older
and walk out the threshold of my home...
and return a man and a woman.

I cannot reclaim these days.
So today I did what my heart has been
nudging me to do...PLAY!

Choose to ignore your 'to-do' list today.

Time is running out.

Music Training 101

2009-05-20T21:36:00.000-07:00

First, (if you're a boy) you need to figure out how to work the locks on the guitar case...very important.

Second, (if you're a girl) you will daintily hold the pick while softly strumming and sweetly singing a song about loving one another. She will then abruptly stop in the middle of the song to inform all who are listening that she is singing a "New One" - which means she is making it up all by herself. Makes me smile.

Third, (if you're a mom) you'll say "Be careful with it; no-no, please be gentle; oh, that's pretty!" several times while wondering at what age children begin to sing on tune...

Then there's the trill of dropping the pick down the sound hole...

Heritage

2009-05-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

Elijah with his Great Grandpa Fred

Grandma Donna holding her newest great grandson

"Carve your name on hearts, not on marble."

Melanie's Virtual Baby Shower!

2009-05-12T11:12:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know her, let me introduce you to my beautiful sister, Melanie!

My sister on her wedding day

Recently (ok, well, almost a year ago now!) Melanie married a godly man of strength and valor, David, and moved to beautiful Ireland....yes, a real life fairy tale it is! Melanie is thirteen months older than me, and we have always been very close and the best of friends - so seeing her move so far away was extremely difficult, yet joyful as I knew she was following God's call and embarking on an amazing adventure with the love of her life!

There are still days, I'll admit, where tears flow because the loneliness for her close friendship is so great! I really do miss her. And I miss her even more now with the news of her and David expecting a BABY in September! A time to rejoice and celebrate!

Although the distance apart is great, we have been able to stay in close contact through an amazing invention called Skype. How wonderful this real time video feed has been - to be able to see her face and talk to her as if she was in the room with me!!! It was with the help of Skype that my sister-in-love, Angie, and I were able to throw a VIRTUAL Baby Shower for Melanie and David.

Melanie's Virtual *surprise!* Shower

how we pulled it off...

:: Invitations by eMail
Angie and I started by creating an online baby registry for Melanie at Amazon.co.uk. We decided the best way to get gifts to Melanie was to go through a UK shopping source....because the shipping costs from US-to-Ireland are outrageously expensive! We selected items that we knew every first-time-mom couldn't live without and emailed the registry link, along with the shower invitation, to all of Melanie's friends and family here in the US. We also had everyone fill out an advice form and send it back to us. We then complied all the advice forms and sent them to Melanie in a book format (she LOVED it...the best of all the gifts she said!).

:: Hiding the Gifts
Hiding things from Melanie is not easy, so we knew we would need to be very careful in keeping this whole thing a surprise. So, we arranged to have all the gifts shipped to Melanie's inlaws in Ireland (who live only a mile down the road from her). Her mother-in-law, MaryAnn, got on board with our plans and turned out to be the GREATEST help - we couldn't have done it without her! She wrapped and hid all the gifts in an upper room of her house and successfully kept everything hush-hush. There were a few close calls - like when Melanie stopped in spur the moment for a visit, and Maryann had to scramble to get rid of boxes that had just arrived!

:: May 9th - Surprise Day!
All guests arrived for brunch on Saturday morning at Angie's home. There were close to 50 people in attendance!! At exactly 11:00 am (5:00 pm Ireland time), we gathered together and called Melanie via Skype on my laptop (which we had set-up in Angie's livingroom, connected to a video projector, so everyone in the room could look up on the wall and see Melanie). Once she answered, we all yelled out a big "SURPRISE!!" followed by wha-hoos and clapping and lots of smiles. :) Melanie's facial expressions where priceless - expressions of total shock and looks of "what is going on?" to smiles and looks at David as if to say, "did you know about this?!." Hard to capture the moment in words! The best part was after we said the big surprise on our end, Melanie's in-laws came walking into her house with arm loads of gifts....that is when she REALLY caught on to what was happening! We were able to watch her open each gift. What joy!! Enjoy the photos...

Ella

2009-05-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

Look at how much Elianna
has grown in a little over one year!

The Past...

1 year old

The Present...

My big 2 year old!

"So teach us to number our days,
that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."
—Psalm 90:12

Fly Fishing

2009-04-20T19:30:00.000-07:00

Ben's latest steelhead catch while fly fishing on the Brule River.

Long Day?

2009-04-13T16:56:00.000-07:00

Someone had a long day...poor little guy!

Kissable!

2009-04-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

Endurance

2009-04-09T12:08:00.000-07:00

Endurance
vs.

Discouragement

Endurance is based on hope. A runner will endure rigorous and painful training for the hope that he will win the race. Jesus endured the cross and despised the shame for the joy and hope of knowing that His death would conquer Satan and bring redemption to the redeemed for all eternity. A mother's hope is that by enduring the trails of training and teaching of her children, she will one day have no greater joy than to hear that [her] children walk in truth (III John 4), and one day hear the voice of her Savior saying, "Well done thou good and faithful servant."

As mothers, we are really soldiers who are in the most critical spiritual war ever waged. The war is for our children's hearts and souls. The enemy is seeking to destroy; and there is such a great pull to lay aside my responsibility to train and teach my children in the character and instructions of God. There are days I feel so weary and tired that I want to hold up a flag of surrender and give up. But looking into the faces of my dear daughter and sons, I can not. I am reminded today that God always enable me to do what He calls me to do....obedience first, then He gives the strength to endure. Press on!

"He giveth power to the faint; and to them that

have no might he increaseth strength." —Isaiah 40:29

"And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due

season we shall reap, if we faint not." —Galatians 6:9

Family & Friends

2009-04-05T14:44:00.000-07:00

Liam is 10 days old today, and we've had a BLESSED first week adjusting to being a family of five! We've been so encouraged by dear family and friends who've stopped in to visit or made delicious meals for us. Here are just a few snap shots of some of those friends and family....

Here's Elizabeth Westlund holding Liam. The Westlund Family generously brought us a meal and pumpkin pie the other evening. We enjoyed hanging out with them and eating the good food - thank you Westlunds! Elianna and Elijah had so much fun playing with the girls. You can see more photos of our evening together over at Jessica's blog.

On Friday afternoon, we were delighted to receive a call from the Tingelstad's telling us to get ready, they were coming over with lunch! Annette, Katelyn and Eliza are just incredible; they really know how to bless and encourage this mother of three. :) What a joy and blessing it was to spend our afternoon with these dear friends.

Eliza and baby Liam

Katelyn and Liam

Here is my Auntie Bernadine with Liam. Auntie "B" is one of those dream aunts! The kids and I just love her frequent visits; she is always upbeat and blesses our day with her encouragement and thoughtfulness. She brought over a gift for Liam, and special gifts for Ella and Elijah as well - much to their delight! That's Auntie B - always thinking of others and always so generous!

Grandma Berge holds her new great grandson. We live next door to my Grandma and count it a privilege to see her so often. She is an amazing person and we love her! She also is the best cook on earth (especially Indonesian & Chinese food!) and just recently made us a scrumptious meal and homemade apple pie!

Look what the Lord has given!

2009-03-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

It's a Boy!!

Liam Allen Caron
9 lbs 10 oz. ~ 22 1/2 inches long
March 26, 2009 ~ 10:57 AM

Elianna was right. It was a boy!! We just returned home from the hospital this afternoon. Ella and Elijah are currently captivated by their new brother - such a wonderful gift he is to us!

1+1=2 - Doing the math myself....

2009-03-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

Wondering if I'm in labor yet? Well, we might be waiting a little longer....read on!

Our doctor told us my due date was March 5th. I totally took him at his word and didn't think twice that he could be weeks off.

Well, here we are, March 19th, and no baby yet. I'm feeling great and seems to me I could go another week or more with baby! So....I did what I should have done long ago and did the math myself. Looking back and counting the days since my last cycle, I calculated that my due date is the END of March rather than at the beginning!!!!!!!!! What?! I have NO idea where March 5th came from. I'm really curious what happened though....

Guess I made the big mistake of falling into third baby syndrome—overly busy, being more relaxed, and not on top of my pregnancy like I should have been. Being this will be my first hospital birth, things are so much different than my home birth experiences.....my midwives were so much more detailed oriented on procedures, explaining every detail to me, very concerned about my health, and kept me accountable on eating habits, birth preparations and so on. Not saying that I'm not grateful for my Doctor because he was the one that practically saved my life after hemorrhaging severely after Elijah's birth! I'm just saying that hospitals just do things so differently....I'm learning.

Anyway, talk about a rollercoaster of emotions! I'm grateful God is in control....I thank & praise Him. His plans are perfect, and I know He allows all things to work together for good!

Baby's Cove

2009-03-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

As we wait for Baby to arrive, we've been eagerly preparing for this new family member. The other night, we made a corner of our bedroom into the "baby's cove." Ben put the crib together, put in a ceiling hook for the netting, and hung the baby photo ~ I washed baby clothes, blankets, sheets and the crib bumper - we decided to go white since we do not know what we are having. If you ask Elianna, she will say it is a boy, but then quickly adds, "...but only God knows." Elijah, well, he just points to everyone's belly, man or woman, boy or girl, and says, "baby" while trying to pull up their shirt.

Oh my word. What's a mother to do?

Anyway, my wonderful sister-in-law Angie gave us an extra crib she had (thanks, Ang!), which enables us to keep Elijah in the old crib....which makes me sigh a sigh of relief. I'm not smart enough to know what the mature age is that boys graduate from crib to bed, but I'm guessing that the rowdy age of one and a half is still crib age...in this house anyway!

So the other night, we had an "awakening" for a boy's name and firmed up our favorite girl's name - both complete with middle names too.....so just stay tuned for one of them to be announced! Should be any day now...

"The woman must bear her children in pain, and in providing for his family the man must reap many thorns and thistles, and labor in the sweat of his brow. This burden should cause both man and wife to call on God, and should remind them of their eternal destiny in HIS kingdom. Earthly society is only the beginning of the heavenly society, the earthly home an image of the heavenly home, the earthly family a symbol of the fatherhood of God."

~ Dietrick Bonhoeffer

Thomas' Bday!

2009-03-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

My brother Matt's son, Thomas, turned five years old on Thursday!

Cousins....Thomas - 5, Elianna - 2

Here Thomas is opening a gift from Grandma & Grandpa

Guess he really loved what they gave him, because this was his reaction!

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY,
THOMAS BERGE!

Siblings

2009-03-02T21:03:00.000-08:00

Siblings are the people who teach us about fairness and cooperation and kindness and caring - the ones who become our closest friends in the end.

Going to the Sahlstroms!

2009-03-02T20:16:00.000-08:00

A few weekends ago, Ben and I drove down to my oldest sister's house for a visit. It was SO fun to have my parents ride with us! As you can see, at the start of our travels the men were a little preoccupied with business calls.

On our way down, my Mom and I sang a GAZILLION songs - just to keep Elijah & Elianna entertained....ok, so we had fun too. :) It made me really miss singing with my family.

My sister Melissa, her daughter Annika & son Ben, and their two foreign exchange students sang in a special Valentines Day choir - it was excellent, they did a great job!

On Sunday morning, we were blessed to witness the baptism of my niece Charisma. What a powerful testimony she gave to the church....there was not a dry eye after she was done. God has done an amazing work in Charisma's life.

Charisma Faith - a true believer - sanctified by the blood of Jesus Christ!
"I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back!"

I am grateful for the influences and friendships my daughter Elianna experiences each time we are with her cousins - what a blessing!

Winter fun

2009-02-05T10:48:00.000-08:00

My cousin Audra stopped in one afternoon to visit - it was so fun to see her and her little Elinor!

Ella & Elijah LOVE Elinor!

This is a bed-time routine - playing with Daddy!

Winter days get me in the mood for baking - which brings great excitement to Elianna! What a sweet helper!

Wearing hats and gloves - just for fun! :)

Yep - this one says it all - come little baby come!

5 or 6 more weeks to go...we haven't found out if it's a boy or girl, so we are really excited for the day of arrival!

Catching Up

2009-01-27T11:01:00.000-08:00

Where do the days go?!?!

I'm sure by now you are all sick of looking at the "Ex-static" post below!! I have no excuse but to say I've been busy with family life and design work. So rather than be responsible and make the most of the time while my kids are napping (like wash the dishes!), I thought I'd post some quick updates...

Elianna & Elijah ~ Christmas 2008

EX-Static!

2008-12-17T10:49:00.000-08:00

What we do for fun on cold winter nights....

Play-Doh Fun!

2008-12-17T10:47:00.000-08:00

Remember the good old days of playing with Play-Doh? That soft squishy goodness between your hands and the salty smell and taste (not that I know...)? Remember how fun it was?! Well, if you've forgotten, I suggest you go out and buy yourself some Play-Doh; it's therapeutic and may relieve stress. After a few short minutes of play you'll feel like the calm blue people above—trust me on this.

Another one of the rich blessings of being a Mom is having the opportunity to do totally fun stuff right along with my kids! Elianna always asks me to make "people" and as you can see I'm not that artistic, but at least they resemble the basic idea. If we want artistic Play-Doh sculptures, we would have to invite Auntie Mellie or Uncle Matt over for help....they are the artistic ones in the family. As for Elijah, well he is slowing getting the gist of what the purpose of play-doh is for....and one of them is NOT eating!

The joys of childhood!

Skype

2008-12-17T10:44:00.000-08:00

I am in love with technology! Both Melanie and I have web cams, so we are able to talk to & SEE each other often....it's wonderful! As you can see, Melanie is doing very well over in Ireland. David still is having a hard time taking his eyes off her....even when Ben and I are trying to have a conversation with him. Isn't that what they call "love sick?" Earth to David....

Anyway, I thought I'd share with you the amazing power of Skype (and it's free!).

Alzen Family

2008-12-07T18:02:00.000-08:00

We were very excited this past Sunday to have the ALZEN Family over to our house for lunch. What an awesome family; Ben and I were so impressed with their sweet children. My parents were able to join us too, and Ben made his favorite fetteccini alfredo with grilled chicken.

Friends are a gift from God!

O Christmas Tree

2008-12-01T15:06:00.000-08:00

Our Humble Homegrown Christmas Tree
(Notice the lone little mitten ornament hanging on the right side of the tree...cracks me up. I have yet to put up the beautiful/breakable ornaments - a little nervous to do so considering the stability of this tree and my clumsy-little-prone one year old...)

Kevin & Kristen's Wedding!

2008-12-01T07:42:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we attended my cousin Kevin's wedding and had so much fun seeing family and friends! Here are a few shots from the wedding.

My beautiful cousins: Amanda, Erica, Katelyn, and Janna (the crazy one of the bunch! ha!). They all four sang at the wedding and did an outstanding job. They sounded like angels!

Christmas Tree Hunt

2008-11-30T12:57:00.000-08:00

We all piled in the truck and drove back behind our house in search for the perfect Christmas tree...

After our big search, we settled on this one. Ben is showing Elianna how to cut it down...

Kind of a scary tool for a two year old, eh?!

But she was lovin' the task of helping Daddy!

Smelling the fresh scent of pine....ahh!

Elijah takes a rest from walking

I love Elijah in this one....just gotta love him to pieces!

What a fun adventure!

Winter-wonder-land

2008-11-28T20:58:00.000-08:00

Christmas Times A-Comin'!!!

I love how our city comes alive in the winter, especially the day after Thanksgiving! "The Night We Light" is a celebration that our city puts on every year; complete with a winter parade, the lighting of the city with millions of Christmas lights, and horse-drawn sleigh rides!

Ben and Elianna all bundled up for the big parade

Oh, yes, candy too (much to the children's delight)!

Elianna sharing her sucker with Daddy

Uncle Gabe holding Elijah and Ben with Ella.
(It was cute: later that night Gabe came over to our house to hang out, and Elijah LOVED him and wanted him to hold him...pretty sweet to see your kids love their uncles!)

Looking at all the pretty lights

Austin, Theresa & Dennis enjoying a horse-drawn sleigh ride around town

Baking Day at Great Grandma's

2008-11-28T20:41:00.000-08:00

The other day the kids and I walked over to Great Grandma Berge's house and found her baking bread. Elianna and I watched carefully as Grandma showed us how to make the most delicious buns you ever did taste!

Elijah had fun running his hands over the freshly greased pans (how did he get up on the chair that fast?!?!? Yikes, that boy keeps me on my toes!).

Great-Grandma gave Elianna some dough and a little pan to make her own bun. She was thrilled beyond words!

Over a week ago, I had my 30th birthday, and my Grandma (pictured above) baked and delivered a Boston cream pie to my door early in the morning. What a deliciously sweet treat; and so special to have it delivered by my dear Grandmother! She is such a wonderful example; I want to be like her someday.

Outdoor Adventures

2008-11-25T20:14:00.000-08:00

We Have This Moment

2008-11-25T20:00:00.000-08:00

Lord, thank You for another day

within this life of mine.

Give me the strength to live it well,

whatever I may find.

Bestow from Your abundance

whatever I may lack.

To use the hours wisely,

for I cannot have them back.

Lord, thank You for another day,

in which to make amends

for little slights or petty words,

inflicted on my friends.

For sometimes losing patience

with problems that I find.

For seeing faults in other lives,

but not the ones in mine.

Lord, thank You for another chance,

in which to try to be

a little more deserving

of the gifts You've given me.

For yesterday is over,

and tomorrow's far away,

and I remain committed

to the good I do today!

Children's Songs

2008-11-16T13:32:00.000-08:00

If You're Happy and You Know It
...Clap Your Hands (*clap *clap)!

You all know the song, right?! Well, it's a favorite around here - I probably sing it a least three times a day. All I have to say is "If you're..." and already Elijah is clapping his hands.

One of my favorite ways of teaching is through music. I remember learning the books of the Bible at a very young age with a song, and also many Scripture verses as well.

I've also really loved the "Hymns for a Kid's Heart" series. These books come with an audio CD that contains classic hymns - the quality of the singing and of the arrangements is outstanding! Each song contains a true story to enhance the song. It's great for teaching God's truths, music and history.

Here are some other fun songs to teach your kids - now if only I had room for a piano in my little house.....!

Hunting

2008-11-16T13:08:00.000-08:00

On opening morning of deer season here in MN, at 5:30 AM sharp, Ben and I drove the three miles down the road to my parents house for breakfast. It's tradition that my Dad cooks breakfast for all the hunters, and this year there was a crew of us - over a dozen in all (wish I had a photo of all of us together)!! We bagged seven deer opening day, and my husband and others are actively pursuing more to the count...one week left.

Me with my buck & doe, Annika's first deer hunt experience(!), Dad with his buck, and my sister Melissa with her buck and doe! My brother Matt also shot a really nice buck and doe, and my cousin Audra shot one too....a successful hunt!

Speaking of hunting, visit Justin & Meg's blog to check out the enormous buck shot by Justin!! Way to go-wow!

Homemade Christmas

2008-11-06T19:55:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Abbi over at Proverbs 31 Living is hosting "A Homemade Christmas" every Monday until Christmas - lots of great ideas! Be sure to check out her blog for more great ideas on being a mom and homeschooling - she is one of those incredibly-talented moms that I've learned so much from! Thank you, Abbi, for sharing with all of us!

Bright Lights Begins!

2008-10-31T10:08:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to let you all know that the second year of Bright Lights will start again on November 6th! The leaders of this year's group are Beth & Hannah Schoenfelder, whom many of you remember from last years Bright Lights meetings. For those of you who attended last year, we will be continuing where we left off with many more character building lessons, activities, and fun evenings together. And for those of you who would like to join us this year, our purpose and vision for this discipleship group is to encourage and challenge young ladies to pursue Godliness, to provide positive peer pressure and accountability during important decision-making years, and to have a group which will minister to others. At each Bright Lights meeting, we share a lesson covering Biblical principles, character traits of godliness, and other topics that will be essential for us as we aim to be strong for the Lord. Our group will also enjoy singing, activities, biographies, snacks and tea. Each girl who attends receives a Bright Lights notebook and then at each meeting she will receive that week's lesson to add to her notebook.

Some of the topics for this year are Contentment, Meekness, Self-Control, Discernment, Courtship, Friends, Polluting Influences, and Humility…we’ll also be learning about manners, how to crochet, cookie decorating and other fun things. There are special evenings planned with mothers and fathers, reading Christian biographies around the fire, testimonies from older girls and hands on projects to do. Bright Lights is geared for girls ages 10-18, however older girls and mothers are more than welcome to join us anytime!

Bright Lights meetings will be held at the Covenant Church in Bemidji every other Thursday, starting November 6, 2008, and will run from 6:30-8:00 pm. Call to register: 218-751-3044. If you are a young lady looking to deepen your walk with the Lord, we welcome you to come and bring a friend. We look forward to seeing that the Lord will do as we seek Him together!

Fall - it's my favorite!

2008-10-25T10:43:00.000-07:00

Family - what a treasure!

You know what I truly think makes a family strong and full of blessing?

~ LOVE ~

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another." 1 John 4:11

Real love. Not the kind that just speaks the words, but the kind that puts love into actions and lives it in truth (spending time with one another, playing, talking, hugs, smiles, and showing patience). What is the greatest action of love I can show my family? "By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers [my husband, my children]." 1 John 3:16

So with that thought before me, I want to walk in love this week and cheerfully serve my children and husband. I do not wish to seek my own glory, ease, or pleasure, but truly lay down myself and think of them first.

Family Photo Drama

2008-10-15T20:14:00.000-07:00

This family photo was taken at my Dad's birthday party by my talented cousin(s) Janna (& Erica) Berge.
(Their brother John helped by jumping around and waving his hands in an attempt to get my ultra serious kids to smile. Instead they have that "what's wrong with that guy" look...oh well, the ever looming task of getting a normal family photo lives on....)

Fall Birthday Party

2008-09-29T10:48:00.000-07:00

One tradition I love on the Berge side is that we make every excuse to get-together! We don't let birthdays slip by without having a party - usually celebrating every birthday in a particular month. This last party was in celebration of four birthdays: my Dad, Matt, Karen, and Elijah. It was a very COLD evening for an outside picnic, but that didn't put a damper on our fun. :)

Justin and Audra with their precious baby girl, Elinor!

Enjoying Grandma Berge's special Poppy-seed Torte

Elianna wanted to sit in Elijah's high-chair to eat her cake

Karen and Grandma

Matt opening cards and gifts

Look at Grandma's beautiful cake! She's the best!

Lucas getting ready for his slice of cake

Two of the birthday people:
Elijah (1 years old) and my dad, Ken (60 years old)
Same birthday - 9/26!

Birthday Bunch: Matt, Karen, Dad, & Elijah

Elijah opening gifts - ah, new gloves!

Daddy helps read the cards

What a joy to all be together!

Daddy!

2008-09-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

The best part of my day is when Ben drives up the driveway returning home from work. I get giddy and excited - he just does something to me!! I eagerly tell the kids, "Guess who's here, guys?!" Elianna instantly runs and climbs on the couch to look outside and says, "DADDY!" She then runs to the door ready to greet him with a hug and kiss. When Elijah sets his eyes on his Dad walking through the door, he smiles really big and hurries over to his favorite man on earth. What a joy and privilege to be married to Ben Caron...I still can't believe it.

Dad's 60th Birthday Party

2008-09-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

My brother Matt getting ready to show his amazing
video/slide-show presentation he made of Dad's 60 years.

Matt's daughter Katey was a life-saver as she
watched Elijah while I set up for the party.

Family and friends arriving to celebrate.

Enjoying the slide-show with much laughter and "aaahh's"

My father is living, for his children and his grandchildren, a rich legacy of faith in Jesus Christ for us to follow. I'm so grateful he is an active part of our lives.
(P.S. If you're wondering what Elijah is wearing, we dressed him up as a Ken Berge look-alike and future construction worker—complete with a black mustache like my Dad's, but the mustache didn't last too long (my Dad owns Ken Berge Construction).

My Dad and Elijah - born on the same day, 60 years apart.
Love this picture.

Football Game

2008-09-20T06:07:00.000-07:00

We had a "ball" at a football game the other night!
We went with Ben's brother Jason and his wife Angie
and their two little boys. What fun to be together! :)

Melanie's Wedding Photos!

2008-09-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

Melanie's Wedding

click the link above to watch a beautiful slide-show

Photography by Abigail Vander Hamm

Marker Fun!

2008-09-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

Elijah's after effects of finding a blue marker...

Slowing Down

2008-09-13T15:17:00.000-07:00

As Ben and I took the kids on a walk this morning, we both agreed that fall is our favorite time of year. Around this time, it seems that life slows down to a steady rhythm, and we are able to once again enjoy the simple things - like family walks, coffee together in the morning, friends over for a meal, campfires at night, etc.

Ben is preaching at church tomorrow morning, so while he's at his office studying on his sermon, Elianna and I made chicken and rice for supper and are waiting for Daddy's return. Elijah is having his pre-supper snack of watermelon and I'm afraid has made another mess of himself. Oh well. :)

Ben and Elijah - workin' men :)

Doesn't this look uncomfortable?!?

Helping Daddy pick up firewood

Life At the Sahlstroms!

2008-09-13T14:40:00.000-07:00

The kids and I had a most WONDERFUL time at the Sahlstrom's farm a few weeks ago. My sister Melissa, her husband Sam, and their nine children are such a joy to be around. You would think with so many people in their house that they would have little time for others, but they are the most "others-oriented" people I know. And as for my sister Melissa—she's my greatest role model and inspiration.

Elianna keeps talking about the fun we had, especially the puppies, "Sam's house? Touch puppy? Bite? No, nice!"

Here are a few photos:

Elijah loves corn on the cob!

Simeon and Elijah - 10 days apart in age

Good morning, Elianna and Erina!
Enjoying Grandpa Ken's breakfast.

Elijah stole Simeon's highchair,
so Simeon said, "Fine, I'll steal your food!" :)

Grandpa Ken's 4-wheeler rides were a BIG hit!

Elijah thought Ben was the coolest. :)

Down By the Riverside

2008-09-05T18:30:00.000-07:00

Vote for Tim Tingelstad

2008-08-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

THE LIGHT OF TRUTH TO THE HIGHEST HILL (Psalm 43:3)

www.HighestHill.com

Please vote for Tim Tingelstad on September 9th, 2008
at the Minnesota Primary Election

Also, if you are in the Bemidji area,
come to the Liberty Auction this Saturday, August 23rd!

Look Who's Two!

2008-08-13T13:18:00.000-07:00

Our sweet Elianna Grace turns TWO today!

Elianna with her cousin Thomas

Getting ready to blow out the candle

Blow!

On her way to show Grandma her new necklace

Opening gifts & reading cards

Ben and his Mom

Elianna's play kitchen from Gma & Gpa Caron - "Wow!"

Elijah thought the new car was hot!

Great Grandma Berge celebrated her 78th birthday with Elianna's.
Their birthdays are a day apart.

Cousin Lucas helping Elianna open her guitar

"Guitar - like Grandpas!" :) She loved it!

Elijah had enough.

The kids: Jack, Lucas, Austin, Elijah, Thomas & Ella

Adorable little Jack

What fun birthdays are when you have kids!

Elianna, life with you is more alive and rewarding!
We never take a day with you for granted.
We pray you will grow in the knowledge of God and come

to love and serve Him at an early age! We love you!
Happy Birthday!

Festival Video Clips

2008-08-10T21:14:00.001-07:00

Hey! You gotta see these!! Head over to my brother's blog to view some cool video clips he made of this year's Lake Itasca Family Music Festival!

Oh wow, the festival was one of the greatest thus far! We had a record number of people attend, some amazing family bands, the world's best funnel cakes you have ever eaten, my husband's "Banjo Cafe" grand opening, some unforgettable toe-tappin' music, and greatest of all - eighteen people gave their lives to Jesus! To God be the glory for HIS working and the freedom we have to proclaim His name above every name!

Melanie's Wedding

2008-08-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

My big sister is MARRIED! Yes, she officially is Mrs. Melanie Darragh and will soon to be residing in Ireland. Her wedding day was the most beautiful day - she looked radiant!

While waiting for the professional wedding photos to come, here are a few photos for you to see (these were taken by my cousins: Karen, Karla, & Janna...I stole um). Enjoy!

The three amigos born just days apart:
Elijah, Sabria, & Simeon

These are Wonderful Days

2008-07-12T11:52:00.000-07:00

With painting our house, the Berge Family Reunion, a load of design work to be done, festival prep, and wedding details to think about, there is little time to blog! Hey, but all that means the opportunity for some good stories to tell and photos to share later...

Meanwhile, Elijah is crawling everywhere and says "Ma-ma, ma-ma." As for Elianna, her vocabulary is increasing rapidly. She calls her brother "Lijah" and herself "Nanna." She is looking forward to being a flowergirl in her Auntie Melanie's wedding next weekend. Everytime she hears Auntie Mellie's name, she says, "Nanna, dress!....Lijah, suit." :)

You should have seen us this morning....somewhere between three and four o'clock in the morning Ben heard Elijah crying and brought him to me; then an hour or so later, I opened my eyes to see a curly haired little blue-eyed girl looking me straight in the face and saying, "Nanna, up?" Somehow she managed to open her bedroom door and found her way to our room. Tell you what, four people, one being 6'8" and one who loves to pull hair, in one bed doesn't really lend itself to a good nights sleep. But, it does lend for some sweet memories!

Some photos from our busy July:

Dave's Pizza with the Berge relatives
(going out for pizza after the family reunion has become a tradition...we just can't get enough of each other)

My cousin Kenneth - a ton of fun

Elijah trying to be cool like Kenneth

My sweet boy

Ben and Ella playing

My favorites

Swingin'

Elianna's attempt, when Mommy wasn't looking, at applying facial powder to her face like Momma does. Guess I forgot to tell her when it comes to makeup, less is better. :) oops.