Our Blessed May!

Summer may finally have reached the frozen tundra we call Minnesota.   The last few days have been lovely with an occasional shower (becoming somewhat of a theme here). 

The Korbel's are busy counting our blessing.  May brought us lots of joy. 

Paul got a new job here in town!!!  No more filling up the gas tank three times a week.  He will be working as a forklift/company truck mechanic for a local glass coating company.  We were humbled to know this job comes with WONDERFUL benefits (something we have not had in a LOOONG time), awesome hours (off work by 3pm) and good pay.  Our prayers were answered!!! 

I completed my first WALKING half marathon with a time of 3:28:16 (I had a goal of 4:30).  My almost 57-year-old mom and I crossed the finish line hand and hand and completely soaked.  Yes, it rained all but 100 yards of our 13.1 mile walk in the countryside. 

Owen's first year of school is winding down.  With a mere 5 days left of Kindergarten my eldest son will officially be a 1st grader.  We, after lots of praying and discussion, have decided to keep him at St. Mary's again next year.  We have been impressed with the Christian Education he has received and look forward to his continued growth educationally and spiritually. 

Easton, our baby, turned 2!!!  He is ALMOST potty trained!  Since May 5th he has been in underwear.  We continue to put a diaper on him at bedtime as he tends to wake up wet.  At this point he is telling us when he has to go "poopy" (the word he uses for all  bodily functions).  He has had NO accidents since Saturday and I am hopeful this continues to be the trend. 

We spent Memorial Day weekend at the lake with Papa and Mimi  fishing, grilling and reflecting on the lives given for our freedom. 

We are counting down the days until we head NORTH (the north shore that is) for our annual family vacation.  We all are in need of a little  R&R. 

Bring on summer God!  We have our bug spray, sunscreen, swimsuits and weeding gloves ready!!!

The time has come...

It's here.  In less than 48 hours I will don my walking shoes, tighten my laces, and walk 13.1 miles.  It has been a journey.  I have gained endurance, faith and confidence.  I have lost almost 30 pounds.  I have sacrificed a little and learned a lot.  I can run with my boys and fit in my "old jeans".  Saturday is more than a race to the finish, it is just the beginning of a healthy new life. 

"Motivation is what gets you started, habit is what keeps you going."  -author unknown

We're Baaaaack!

It is hard to believe an entire month has flown by since I last posted. The Korbel's have been BUSY! Spring, though it feels more like March, is hear and we are doing our best to enjoy it.


Here is a brief run-down on the Korbel Klan:

Paul- Busy as can be. Gas prices are definitely rearing their ugly heads this month. The drive to Albert Lea is getting expensive. Even though we have been experiencing below normal temps, Paul was happy to put the snow boats away for the season and deliver the papers in tennis shoes. My awesome hubby put his amazing mechanical skills to the test this weekend as he did an emergency repair on my van. A few hundred dollars later and without a hoist; my new alternator "runs like a charm".

Lisa- I continue to train for my 1/2 marathon which is now a few short weeks away. Despite a strained posterior tibialis I have pushed thorough it and am proud to report doing great. Mom and I completed an almost 13-mile jaunt on Sunday with no problem (although I must admit I was tired on Monday). Work has been incredibly busy, so I am looking forward to hiring a new staff member soon and reducing my work hours.

Owen- Owen is nearing the end of his first year of school. Through pray and God's grace he will attend St. Mary's again next year. He continues to amaze us with his maturity, manners, faith and academics. I am so proud (even if he has an insufficient in the Hail Mary ((he doesn't have to pass this since we don't practice Catholicism))) He is so happy spring is here and wants to spend every moment possible in the great outdoors.

Easton- Easton, my baby, turns 2 on Saturday. I can hardly believe this little blessing has been part of our lives that long. He recently climbed into the 25% for size (looking back, at two, Owen was 10 lbs heavier and 6 inches taller) A milestone was reached tonight, as he told me he had to use the potty and actually went. Not expecting much, but would love to ditch the diapers soon. Each day brings more vocabulary for this growing boy. He is determined to keep up with his big brother.



It seems the days slip away from us, but we make sure we always count our blessings.

Can you guess what our favorite season is????

MUD SEASON!!!

This boy can eat!!!!!

I cannot believe how much food my 24 pound, almost 2-year-old can consume.

Today's Menu(s) included:

Breakfast:  2 bowls of Toasty O's (Trader Joe's version of Cheerios) with almond milk
                 1 cup almond milk
                 handful of blueberries
                 Trader Joe's granola bar

AM Snack:  1 handful of Annie's Sour Cream and Onion Bunnies
                    Snapea Dried Peas
                    sample of banana chips, ginger snaps and juice at Trader Joe's

Lunch:  Panera BP &J sandwich
            Yogurt
             Soy milk
             Dessert: 1 scoop cotton candy ice cream from Cold Stone

PM Snack (s):   1 handful blueberries
                         1 apple
                         banana chips
                        Annie's Bunny Grahams
                        Pb & J Crackers (3 small)

Supper:   Whole wheat fish taco with cheese, lettuce, and orange peppers
               Strawberries
               1 bite of a brussel sprout
               1 cup almond milk


Bedtime Snack:  Pirate booty white puffcorn
                          1 cup chocolate almond milk


Not to mention about an additional 4 cups of water


I am scared to see what it is going to be like in the teenage years.  I see lots of $$$ signs now!

My To-Do List

After reading a old friend's blog I decided I too need a to-do list.
I figure posting it on my blog will help, as you all can hold me accountable. 

1. Walk a half marathon with my mom- Since Feb 5th I have put more than 100 miles on my walking shoes.  I cannot wait until May 21st when I tie them up and walk 13.1 miles.  It has been a journey, let me tell you.  I never thought a little walk could change my attitude on a healthy lifestyle, but it has.  I also am enjoying all the mother/daughter time I have shared with my mom as we have been training.

2. Lose 40 pounds by June 25th (when we leave for vacation)- I am proud to say since I began training in February I have dropped 14 pounds.  Not only am I enjoying the feeling from working out, but I like the results too. 
3. Daily devotions- Paul and I have made a commitment to do a daily devotional together.  We are utilizing the 365 days of devotions by the authors of the Love Dare.  This is all new to us and even though we go to church, teach Sunday school, pray with our kids and speak daily about God we have never had the intimacy of praying and learning together.  I admit the first night was a little awkward, but it was pretty awesome to have my best friend and life partner to take this challenge together.  We look forward to enriching our marriage, faith and our relationship with Christ. 

4. Save more and work less-  It is my hope (and my daily prayer) that by summer I will be working less and spending more time with my precious sons.  Saving money and spending less is becoming more habitual for us and we continue to learn how to be more frugal daily. 

5. Organize- My back store room could use an overhauling.  We desperately need to organize and label the boys things.  Not quite ready to part with anything yet, as we are not sure our family is complete yet.  Time to break out the label maker (one of my favorite electronics).


Cannot wait to check these off of my TO-DO list!

I'm a big boy now!

It is official.  Easton is a big boy!

No....more.....crib......