Three Men and a Lady!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Floods

It rained and rained and rained here in the south this week.  Reports of up to 10 inches fell in our town in 48 hours.  It has been devastating.  My stomach churns thinking about the loss of homes, businesses and parks in our town of 25,000.  Our home is dry tonight and I cannot express how blessed we feel. My daycare, unfortunately, was one of the homes effected by this tragedy.  Praise God, the water stayed in the basement but Ms. Sara did loose a great deal of her possessions.  I know these are just "things"  but it heartbreaking to look at the piles of "things" in the yards of these people.  Thankfully, no one has been injured and the state has considered our area a disaster zone.  I pray that these people are helped financially so they can began the process of rebuilding and fixing.  The memories of these days will remain years from now.  The pictures make your jaw drop and your heart ache.  Please keep these residents in your thoughts and prayers tonight.  If you live nearby, lend a hand, cook a meal, or offer to watch their children.  Even if it is a small gesture, these people will be touched by your kindness. 

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Another Blog

I have decided to start a photography blog and a little business on the side!  Check out my "in progress blog" at: http://www.lifethrualens-photographybylisamarie.blogspot.com/

Sunday, September 19, 2010

"The Apples of my Eye"

What did the Korbel Klan do on this beautiful fall day?

Explored the orchard




Taste tested some round red treats









We discovered





We baked



These two really are "the apples of my eye"!

Cancelled Campout

Due to inclement weather ( us becoming wimpy) and a surprising "DECLINED" day off our family camping trip was cancelled.  We were a little surprised to find out even though Paul requested the day off several months ago, his boss "misplaced" his request and he was forced to work Friday.  I was a little bummed and really kind of hurt he wouldn't be spending the day with us.  
"I forgive you Mr. Boss and I pray you take the time one day to spend an entire day with your family, I think you will find you can have a wonderful time, mo matter what you do.  Work will be there tomorrow and no amount of money compares to the value of your children and spouse. "

Easton and I dropped Owen off at school and ran a few errands.  We picked up Owen at 10:30, packed up the van and headed east!  We made a stop at McDonald's (I know not the most nutritious, but going once every few months won't damage the kids) and had lunch. 

We arrived in Rochester about noon and the quest to find our destination began.  If you know me you probably are aware I am pretty good at directions.  My husband (bless him), is directionally challenged and I made the mistake of calling him on our way to give me guidance.  However, in this case it was not him, but and Internet "map" that led me in the wrong direction.  After about literally 45 minutes and a few "please be quiet (s)" to the kids, I found my way. 

The boys were asleep and I, having bore two children, desperately needed to find the restroom when arrived at the Quarry Hill Nature Center in Rochester.

Once everyone was awake and relieved we explored entire place.  Some of our favorites were:
*the bee hive
*bird watching room
*the library
*watching turtles (literally of every kind)
*looking under the microscope
*the giant T-Rex skull

What a wonderful place full of adventure, discovery and education.  We definitely will go back.  It began to rain while we were there so we were unable to enjoy the trails, but the boys and I took a quick walk around the pond and the butterfly garden before Owen said he was ready to go.

We then drove north and headed to the camper.  The sun came out and the boys played on the deck while I unpacked the van.  Mimi and Papa arrived a hour later and I started a fire to make dinner (Pizza Pockets).  Paul drove down after work and we stayed until after supper on Saturday.

Owen had a blast playing with his new remote control boat from Aunt Kelly.  Paul, Papa and Uncle Eric spent most of the day fishing and were successful.  I read a few chapters in my book, "Bringing Up Boys" and Easton took a few good naps and played. 

So the weekend didn't turn out exactly as I had hoped, but in all we enjoyed ourselves and our time together.  We slept in a little this morning, cuddled for a while and all went to church.   We ate a simple lunch and Easton was more then ready for a nap.   Now we are bundling up the "Klan" and getting ready to leave for the apple orchard.  I think some together time and apple crisp will be the perfect end to a perfectly unplanned weekend!

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Falling into Autumn

Fall is settling in and the Korbel Klan has be busily blessed.  Some of the "Highlights" from our last two weeks include:

*A weekend trip to the lake (cut short due to illness (Paul) ) complete with a late night laugh session with Mimi and Easton.
*The first day of Kindergarten that Owen states was "AWESOME".  He hasn't stopped smiling and I cannot help but feel our decision to send him to St. Mary's was a good one.
*A quick visit to see Grandma Tralle and check out Papa's HUGE pumpkin (Owen cannot wait to carve it).  There is nothing more awesome then watching your kids run around the yard you remember playing in as a child.
*Morning coffee with friends from Nebraska complete with reminiscing and monkey bread!
*Rally Sunday at Church complete with a skit in which daddy played the lead, Noah!  My husband excels when it comes to standing in front of a crowd.  Talent I tell you!
*A huge hug my dear friend Michelle and an announcement she will be moving back to Owatonna soon!
*An email announcing my wonderful cousin and her husband got a referral from their adoption agency and are "patiently" awaiting the arrival of their beautiful baby "M" (GOD is good!) Their prayers have be answered, they are parents!
*Finishing our first chapter book with Owen.  I highly recommend the "Sugar Creek Gang" series, especially if you have boys.  A great deal of adventure and fun with awesome christian values.  An added bonus is he likes to cuddle in close while I read.
*A trip to St. Paul to visit Lisa and her beautiful baby boy, Thomas.  Not only is this little guy adorable his manner and scent are oh so sweet.  Motherhood looks amazing on her, she truly glows!
*A cancelled dinner date with my friend Amy because she was in labor!  Welcome Will and Elijah cannot wait to snuggle you two!  After years of struggles with infertility she is finally a mommy.  Congratulations Amy and Nick. 

It has been a good few weeks.  We are looking forward to a, "Korbel Klan Only" weekend.  While we love our extended family and friends, spending time with just the four of us is necessary.  Praying the weather will hold up as "tenting" is our plan.  I am sure there will be stories to tell and photos to share!



Tuesday, September 7, 2010

K is for Kindergarten

Clothes are picked out and pressed.  There is money in the lunch account.  The backpack is set with supplies.  I have the camera battery charging and tissues in my purse.  Tomorrow is a BIG DAY!

This little man start Kindergarten!!!!!

Friday, September 3, 2010

It's movie night......

Have you heard of the Christian Radio Broadcast and DVD collection called, Life at The Pond?

Here is a little information from the creator, Charlie Richards:

When I first decided to hang up my short-lived television writing career to do a children's program, a friend in the business asked "but you'll keep writing other scripts, right?"



"Of course," I said, instinctively. But, in reality, I hadn't thought that through. In truth, my television career had barely started. I spent years working to get there, and finally had a break.


As happens in this industry, breaks are often followed by a quick fall. The show was cancelled.


But shortly after we got notice, my agent got a call. Disney wanted me to pitch show ideas for kids. I'm not sure why. I was hesitant to go. After all, I was a sitcom writer. Didn’t God know that?


So I worked out some ideas and gave it a shot.

They rejected everything I pitched. I developed more. They rejected them all.


Two things I discovered the networks weren't interested in: Morals, and you. They didn’t care what parents thought. To me, that seemed simply nuts.


In the process, God gave me a burden for children’s entertainment. The Pond was born from that.

I want The Pond to be a trusted friend of parents and kids alike. Something that teaches a Biblical lesson and reinforces good parenting.


Tonight we watched the movie, "The Alligator Hunter".  It was a sweet movie that teaches us about loving our enemies and the importance of listening to our parents. 

You can find more of these Christian dvd's, music and listen to the radio broadcast at: http://www.lifeatthepond.com/

What is round and yummy and sticky all over?

Wanna make this adorable little guy?



All you will need is a few of these......
About 32 of these.....

A bag of these...

Food coloring and almond bark melted....


and presto...PINK PIG PERFECTION!!!


You will go "hog wild" for this candy coated recipe:
16 Large pink or white marshmallows
1 Tbsp sugar
Almond Bark
2 Tbsp shortening
3-4 drops of red food coloring
32 double-stuffed Oreo cookies (I used the Target Brand)
32 Popsicle or craft sticks
64 miniature semisweet chocolate chips
64 M&M's

1.) Cut marshmallows into thirds horizontally; cut the center portion of each into four wedges for ears. Roll cut sides of ears in sugar to prevent sticking. Set aside. (We added food coloring to the sugar so they looked pink)
2.) In a microwave, melt one square of Almond bark and a little shortening; stir until smooth.
3.) Twist apart sandwich cookies.  Dip the end of stick into melted baking chip mix and place on a cookie half: replace cookie top.  Repeat.  Place pops on waxed paper lined baking sheets. Freeze for 10 minutes.
4). Melt remained bark with remaining shortening add several drops of food coloring.  Return  to waxed paper-lined baking sheet. While wet, position a marshmallow slice on the cookie for a snout.  Add wars on the top edge of cookie; hold a few seconds until set.  Add chocolate chip eyes. Place two M&M's on snout, securing with a dab of baking ship mixture.  Repeat.  Let stand until set. 
YIELD: 32 pops 

Recipe From: Country Woman Magazine