{A Year Ago} on Not The Last to Know

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!

This day in {my} history, plus pictures that I may not have ever posted.

2013

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2012

• OhLife entry: Got to Jess's around 4:30 and the rest arrived by 5. We enjoyed a yummy steak, salad, green beans, garlic bread and mashed potato dinner. Finished it off with blueberry cupcakes made by Jen and Ethan. Mom opened presents before we had the cupcakes. Tomorrow while dad and I are at Deo rehearsal Jen and Jess are taking mom shopping to spend her birthday money.

2011

• Happy 60th Birthday, Mom
• What Happened in February 1951?

Deflated Dome - February 2011

2010

• FB post: Happy birthday to MJ & of course my mom!! ;o)

What did you do last year on this day?

Happy New Year {300th Post!}

I finally hit my 300th post!

Here's a quick look at my 2013 in a few pictures:

Have a blessed 2014!

{Giving} Thankul to God for His Provision

I don't know if any of my readers do not already give 10% to their local church as a tithe of their increase, and don't need a reminder, but maybe you need some encouragement about your giving.

Today's sermon from I Corinthians 16 got me thinking about giving and it was a good encouragement. The sermon was mainly about the Corinthian church giving to Jewish believers (purpose) because out of solidarity and indebtedness they wanted to give back. Pastor reviewed some principles of giving and pointed out that if you think giving a tithe (10%) is legalistic, then you should compare Jesus' teaching on giving - to give all you have.

I had a hard time catching the rest of Pastor's main points because I started thinking and reflecting again over the past 14 1/2 years of paying off my student loan. Once the topic of tithe came up in the message, I thought about how I believe I had been most successful in paying down my loan when I was regularly giving to God.

I do believe my paying off my student loan (as of Monday!!) is a direct result of God's faithfulness to me. And I think that is the point - that I would recognize God's role and give him the glory. It's not about me and how much I make, or even about when this debt gets paid off, but it's about God and God working in and through me.

I'm grateful for my godly heritage - grandparents, parents, church leaders, bosses, friends... - who set a good example for me to follow in this area, but I had to come to the decision/practice on my own as an adult. I don't recall when I determined how much I would give, but I'm thankful for God providing for me and enabling me to give money back to him.

There's a lot to be said about Biblical giving and I'm pretty sure that I'll touch this topic again and again here on my blog. I think a future topic to discuss would be generosity. One of my favorite people in the world is also the most generous person you will meet - and by generous I don't just mean with money, but time, kindness, and much more.

For some reason God seems to use money to teach me things about Himself and about living Christ-like...I sure hope I've learned my lesson about debt. I'm ready to work on lessons about saving!

What is God using to teach you about Himself?

 

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.  –Jeremiah 29:11

 

 

{Father Knows Best} Happy Dad's Day!

Happy Father's Day to My Dad!

 

Love you!!

{ERIK! the Bike Man!} Happy Birthday, Eric

If you, dear reader, thought we had a lot of birthdays in May... June is stacking up to be just as popular!! My sister, my niece, now my first brother-in-law...

Happy Birthday, Eric E. Markgraf!

I won't say how old you are, but we did celebrate your 40th birthday a couple of years ago... :0)

Here's a pic from a few days after I first met you!

 

 

And now for your viewing pleasure...something that always makes me smile and think of you, Eric, when I hear it! :))

 

(you only need to listen to the first 3 seconds - you're welcome!)

 

 

 

{Celebrating 4 Years}

 

Happy Anniversary, Jess & Luke!



 

Remember that a special day...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

{Little Peanut} Margot Louisa Levang

Rejoice with those who rejoice...

 

Romans 12:15a

 

This week, while a bit quieter at work, kept me hopping after work: Monday was Morgen's birthday celebration, Tuesday was free, Wednesday was Lindsay's Master's Essay Presentation, Thursday was taxi for Morgen to swim lessons, and Friday was a fun surprise...Lindsay had her baby!

For readers who wonder who Lindsay is...well, she's my sister-in-law Meg's sister which makes her one-sixth of the Auntie-hood for Lily and Ella. Oh, and she used to be my upstairs neighbor until last July when she got married to Chris. 

This morning I was getting ready for work (and running late) when I got a text from Lindsay that Margot Louisa Levang was born at 1:26 am. She weighed 5 lbs 15 oz and was 19.5 inches long.

Since I didn't have any plans except working out after work, I asked Lindsay if I could come meet her tonight. I went up to the hospital around 7:30 pm to meet Margot. Her great-grandparents from Iowa and her Grandma Tuttle were there giving her lots of love. I got to steal her away from Great-Grandpa and hold her for a bit. She is sooo cute!

I realized today it's been five years since I held a one-day old baby! I've added two nieces in the last 3 years, but I'm thankful I got to see them when they were about a month to six weeks old.

Mother's Day ~ 12 May 2013

Lindsay Levang ~ Master's Essay Presentation ~ 22 May 2013

Graduation is Saturday, but one graduate will be missing! 

 

 

 Margot Louisa Levang ~ 24 May 2013

 

 

Congratulations, Levang family!

 

 

{Goodbye, 20Eleven}

Happy New Year!!

Here's a little pictorial summary of 20Eleven:

January	February	March
Since 2010 was kind of a recovery year financially from 2009, I had lots of goals for 2011 one of which included paying off a credit card.	Mom turned 60! Lots of snow in Minneapolis!	Dad turned 60! Got to go to a few hockey practices - Nephew Carsten’s new past time!
April	May	June
Morgen & I enjoyed sunny walks at Medicine Lake.	Carsten and I walked for Metro Women’s Center – raising money for their new Amazing Grace home.	Niece Lily turned 1! Flaming Family Reunion
July	August	September
Beautiful “We’re sorry” flowers from Morgen, Carsten, and Ethan...	Our tradition for the past 3 years has been to have Jess’s birthday party at my house.	Finished paying off my credit card so time for a haircut…just a shape up since I spent 7 months growing it out!
October	November	December
Jess and Luke were certified foster parents for over 6 months when Safya came to be a part of our family for a short few weeks. Looking forward to them having another placement sometime soon!	I decided to chop my hair. Absolutely no regrets!	Mom and Dad moved to Spooner, WI. I took back their tree I had borrowed for 5 years and helped them decorate.

Christmas lunch

My firm's annual Christmas lunch came early this year. Our "virtual" assistant was scheduled to be in town the first week of December so the lunch was set for then too.

A few links about past Christmas lunches:

• Last year we were at The Cheesecake Factory which happened to be 2 days before my birthday.
• In 2009 we went to Fogo de Chao for dinner instead of lunch, but I can't find a post about it or pictures! I'll have to check with Jen because she went with me.
• In searching for blog posts about where we've had our Christmas lunch I found this for 2008 but I don't have any pictures from that lunch nor do I have pictures of a post for 2007s lunch...not sure where it was at either!

So now for this years lunch...we went to Manny's Steakhouse. I've heard about Manny's almost since I started working for Box. Various vendors have taken the guys there, but I'd never had the chance to go...until now!

We started out with some bread and then appetizers: Maine Lobster Cakes and the Not-Dog. Here's a picture of the Not-Dog (the biggest slab of bacon you've ever seen covered with chili and put in a hot dog bun):

For the main course I had the Tenderloin Steak Salad (sorry no picture). The steak was delicious, but the dressing, LARGE onion and LARGE tomato were only so-so.

But...Boss1 also ordered "Sides to Share" - Manny's "Loaded" Hash Browns, Broccoli, and Mac N Cheese. The hash browns were the best - so yummy!! (again, sorry no pictures)

I did take a picture of my co-worker's "The Duke", which was a large hamburger topped with a steak! There was no picking this up with your hands!

  

Another co-worker chose the Surf and Turf Mini Burgers. Her mini-hamburger was not even as big as half of "The Duke"!

  

We were really too full to eat much after all the bread, appetizers, main course, and side dishes. But even after all of the yummy food, the best part was The Manny's Brownie (Boss1l had asked the waiter if one order of the brownie would give us each a bite):

Um, we got more like a slice, not just a bite! No other words are needed, the picture shows exactly how yummy it was.

In between all the food we had a nice time just hanging out. We're all usually so busy getting work done that we don't take time to just chit-chat.

I wonder where we'll go next year?!

Happy Birthday, Jen!

It's Jen's birthday today!! She's my #1 sister and continuing this year's tradition of birthday celebrations, here's...

38 Reasons I Love You, Jen!

1. You're my #2 mom!
2. You made me an auntie when you gave me my first beautiful niece!
3. Oh, and you gave me two handsome nephews!
4. You've succeeded in your career goals: wife, mom, piano teacher.
5. You daily demonstrate your faithfulness to God. 
6. You're the shopper among us!
7. You found a great partner for life in Eric.
8. You're not afraid to try new things: 5k, crockpot meals, crocheting, etc., etc., etc.
9. You'll always be early - not "on time", not late, but early...just like dad!
10. You might not be the best joke teller, but you let us get excited for you when you do crack a funny!
11. Through the years you've encourage me to do things I wouldn't have done on my own (ear piercing, leg shaving, fashion trends, moving...)
12. S-U-P-E-R, Super-dup, that's what you are!
13. You're one of the main reasons I could listen to/watch piano playing for hours.
14. You used to be my travel buddy - trains, planes, and automobiles!
15. Speaking of travel...you helped me survive my first year overseas when you came to Guam to visit.
16. You're known as J'f-nerd, but that's just your name - you can't help it! ;)
17. I like to think that sometimes you copy me, but really I'm just copying you!
18. You're an excellent party planner!
19. You're an inspirational home decorator.
20. You inherited a green thumb from mom...how come I didn't get one?
21. We can always count on you to have your camera. It might not have charged batteries, but you have your camera!
22. You're generous.
23. You're not an animal lover...poor Snickers!
24. You look like mom.
25. You always have a plan.
26. Did I mention you are quite the shopper?!
27. You are a smart dresser and a great date (i.e. work dinner at Fogo and work anniversary gala).
28. You're a leader among your peers and your friends.
29. You're taller than me. (What?! I need tall people around me to reach the stuff on the top shelf!)
30. You're a good cook!
31. We got to go the same college.
32. You're a world traveler: Mexico, New Zealand, Guam.
33. You're a fierce competitor when it comes to Racko...dare I say, champion?!
34. You have common sense and an excellent sense of direction.
35. You like Princess Di.
36. You're newly conscientious about dangerous toxins.
37. You're kind, loving, caring, helpful.
38. You're my sister!

Read about more family birthdays here.

Happy 32nd Birthday, Jess!

It's Jess's birthday today!! She's my #2 sister and continuing this year's tradition of birthday celebrations, here's...

32 Reasons I Love You, Jess!

1. You're the middle child. ...If you weren't, Jake and I would have to duke it out! ;)
2. You had the reddest hair in the family until Lily came a long!
3. You're courageous.
4. You love participating in athletics.
5. You work hard and know how to get the job done.
6. You're strong willed.
7. You're our very own Joanne Liebler - so glad you found your Dean Johnson ;-)
8. You're a licensed foster parent - can't wait to be a foster aunt!
9. You're a class act. 
10. You're a wise counselor to your friends and family.
11. You don't give fashion advise.
12. You're an expert Flaming Tea maker. (But I don't mind if you practice more on me.)
13. You know God's Word and you share it.
14. You're low maintenance.
15. You do impersonations well.
16. You're not embarrassed easily...unless you wake up in the emergency room...
17. You're a loving aunt to our shared nieces and nephews.
18. You have a servants heart.
19. You listen well.
20. You're a good coach.
21. You're respected by many.
22. You were a great condo mate.
23. You love Jet's pizza - any pizza, really! You'd eat pizza for any meal.
24. You know how to pick 'em! ...Thanks for giving me a cool B-I-L!
25. You're determined to do what's right.
26. You taught me the one basketball play I know.
27. You're not afraid to make a mistake.
28. You talk in your sleep. Whaaah-t?! it's cute!
29. You've kept your first real job for a long time.
30. You're good with them numbers and figures and such.
31. You look like our mom.
32. You're my sister and friend!

Read about more family birthdays here.

Happy 29th Birthday, Anna Grace!

This is a special day for my li'l cop sis', Anna. Today she turns 29. She's the last of us 5 kids to be in our 20s...hope she's enjoying it!!

29 Reasons Why I Love You, Anna Grace:

1. You're my baby sister.
2. You love God.
3. You're brave, bold, and beautiful.
4. You cut your hair short once but grew it out again (I'm trying to do that!).
5. You finished 2 years of college, then 2 more.
6. You love to read :)
7. You're loyal.
8. You're my friend.
9. You tell it like it is and make no apologies for it.
10. You take long road trips by yourself to see your family.
11. You like guns and you know how to use them - yeah, you're a real-live, Annie-Get-Your-Gun-Oakley!
12. You have good ideas.
13. You drink coffee.
14. You're our runway model (uhh...that's code for something else ;)
15. You like Sarah Palin.
16. You're our nieces' and nephews' 2nd favorite :P
17. You're passionate about your police work.
18. You love Notre Dame football.
19. You let me call you Ann...at least, I think you do :)
20. You taught yourself how to play the guitar - and you're good at it!
21. You're the Boss.
22. You, Jess, and Jake used to count the days until Jen and I came home from college.
23. You've made tough decisions and help me make some of mine. 
24. You're not afraid to try new things.
25. You save money.
26. You used to play dress up...but the end result did not mean you were completely dressed!
27. Someday you'll be Mayor of Carmel!
28. You kick butt and then take names!
29. You've got Bridgewater eyes.

Happy Birthday, Anna!!!!

Read about more family birthdays here.

birthday week cont.

Taking a time out of this busy week to stop and smell the roses...er, whatever these trees are! I actually took the picture because it looked like snow! We're very familiar with snow around here, but are enjoying the lack of snow this week! ;-)

While we haven't had snow for a while, it's actually LILAC time!! And you know when the lilacs bloom, it's time for my first niece's birthday! (These lilacs are courtesy of the side of the road. I wanted to pick more, but a car was coming!! My house sure does smell lovely!)

We celebrated Morgen's 7th birthday tonight with a small family affair including white sauce & chicken pizza and an ICE CREAM cake from DQ. Of course this was all at the birthday girl's request and it was delicious!!

Dinner was followed by presents and my parents were able to join us via Skype! The funniest part was that my parents video feed was frozen so they were talking to us but we were just looking at their picture. Ethan seemed intrigued and kept showing them the presents and chatting with them - giving his version of a play-by-play. Once the presents were opened we were able to get the video feed corrected and then Ethan was not so sure about talking to them...weird kid!

I remember the day this sweet girl was born - May 20, 2004. It seems just like yesterday! Her birth day was scheduled so it was not a surprise. I worked a half day and drove up from Watertown that afternoon. While she was born at 8:30 am, we did not learn her name until mid-afternoon because her parents were still deliberating. Morgen Rae: Morgen means morning in German and Rae means little lamb in Hebrew. I still remember Eric telling me, "Our little lamb was born in the morning."

Seven Reasons I Love You, Morgen Rae:

1. Your smile is infectious!
2. You're a girlie-girl and love to play dress up (and go shopping).
3. You know I want you to stop growing up but you don't listen to me!
4. You have so many characteristics of your mom and your aunts, but you're your own person too! 
5. You love horses and dolls and coloring.
6. You'll drop anything to do a PROJECT - you call yourself the Project Girl!
7. You watch movies that I like - Annie, Little Women, and more!

In case you missed it, click here to read about Ethan's 3rd birthday!

Blog Housekeeping: if you'd like to keep up-to-date on all my blog posts, please click on the "Follow" link on the left of the page or enter your email address to get notified whenever I post!

birthday week

MAY is typically a BUSY month for anyone, but add two family birthdays in one week and busy is taken to a new level!

The two-birthdays-in-one-week started three years ago when my nephew Ethan joined us. We celebrated his 3rd birthday this Sunday.

Of course there was a crowd of people (two families of my sister's clique who have a few kids each, plus uncle Luke and the aunts-Jess & me), a big lunch (pork roast - his favorite meat, can-you-believe-it?!), lots of presents (race cars, race tracks, $, etc., etc.), and of course, cake -- a chocolate, dinosaur cake!

This picture captures the essence of the birthday boy on his special day - he was so well behaved! He even said "excuse me" multiple times while he politely (and excitedly) played with his new toys (that he gets to share with his older brother)!

Three of the Many Reasons I Love You, Ethan:

1. You're my one and only Bubba!
2. You love to play "a phone on your game" (game on my cell phone) and ask to play ALL. THE. TIME.
3. Your fun to hang out with so I do it a lot - I especially like reading books to you, especially We're Going on a Bear Hunt!

From the Archives: Enjoy a short stroll down memory lane with two old posts from MAY 2008 when Bubba joined the family. 

Blog Housekeeping: if you'd like to keep up-to-date on all my blog posts, please click on the "Follow" link on the left of the page or enter your email address to get notified whenever I post!

{happy mother's day}

To the BEST Mom in the whole world...

In case you need a reminder, go here to read about the 60 reasons why I love you!!

Happy 60th Birthday, Dad!

Here Are 60 Reasons Why I Love You, Dad:

1. You’re my dad!

2. You encourage me in my strengths and challenge my weaknesses.

3. You get me.

4. You’re practical.

5. You’re a teacher.

6. You’re faithful to your responsibilities.

7. You’re thoughtful.

8. You sacrificed much to put me through a Christian school.

9. You’re there for me whenever I need you.

10. You’re my moving van - one man & a truck.

11. Your wisdom has helped me with many decisions.

12. You’re creative.

13. You’re strong.

14. You’re quiet.

15. You are unchanging.

16. You’re not ashamed to say “I don’t know.”

17. You like driving.

18. Your hair looks good no matter what.

19. Deep down, I believe you are adventurous.

20. You are honest.

21. You love Mom.

22. You taught me that education matters.

23. You are patient.

24. You forget clothing items or shoes for big trips so you have to get new ones!

25. You listen to me.

26. You love me.

27. Your kind heart.

28. You made me believe I could do anything.

29. The values in which you instilled in me.

30. You don’t know much about fixing cars, but you love 'em!

31. You taught me to love to sing.

32. You like Cowboy music.

33. You’re other name is “Fred”.

34. You taught me right from wrong.

35. You are always there when I was ready to ask for help.

36. You supported my decisions, even when they were dumb.

37. Your strong work ethic.

38. Your willingness to help others, asking nothing in return.

39. You could always talk/relate to older people really well - and now you are one! :)

40. Any daughter would be lucky to call you Dad and I can.

41. You’re a gentleman.

42. I have fun memories of watching dad work

43. You love Jesus.

44. You taught me how to swing a bat, throw a baseball, and shoot a basketball.

45. You work hard on the job and at home.

46. You pray me and my siblings.

47. You’re very clean and organized, and you showed me how to be like that.

48. You want me to do what’s right.

49. You make a good Laurel or Hardy.

50. You continually seek the Lord for direction in his job and personal ministry.

51. You enjoy music (and musicals!).

52. You now own a gun (or two).

53. You got the best groceries when you went to the store fore mom.

54. You make me laugh.

55. You look out for me.

56. You listen to classical music.

57. You’re smile is sweet.

58. You like taking road trips.

59. You’re an artist.

60. And you’re the best dad for me!!

Read about more family birthdays here.

what happened in March 1951?

Today is a special day for my Dad - he turns 60! In case you were wondering what was going on 60 years ago, here's a peak at March 1951:

Tuesday 06: The trial of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg begins.

Wednesday 07: In Korea, United Nations troops led by General Matthew Ridgeway begin an assault against Chinese forces.

Monday 12: The Dennis the Menace comic strip appears in newspapers across the USA for the first time.

Wednesday 14: Korean War: For the second time, United Nations troops recapture Seoul.

Sunday 18: Darrel Lloyd Flaming is born the Flaming Family.

Friday 30: Remington Rand delivers the first UNIVAC I computer to the United States Census Bureau.

Can you add anything else to this list?

what happened in February 1951?

Today is a special day for my mom - she turns 60! In case you were wondering what was going on 60 years ago, here's a peak at February 1951:

Saturday 03: Dick Button wins the American figure skating championship for the fourth consecutive time. 

Tuesday 06: The Broker, a Pennsylvania Railroad passenger train derails near Woodbridge, New Jersey. The accident kills 85 people and injures over 500 more. The wreck is one on the worst rail disasters in American history. 

 

Monday 12: Soraya Esfandiary Bakhtiari marries the Shah of Iran Reza Pahlavi at Golestan Palacein Teheran at age of 17. 

Saturday 17: Terry Lynne Bridgewater born to the Bridgewater Family. 

 

Sunday 25: The first Pan American Games are held in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  

Tuesday 27: The Twenty-second Amendment to the United States Constitution, limiting Presidents to two terms, is ratified.

Can you remember anything else from February 1951?