5 Week Workout Challenge: Week 4, Day 3 Night With Nate
We got some new nail polish called Ella and Mila that is low on the toxicity scale. It’s the least toxic I’ve been able to find that is also affordable and works well. Cat painted Princess’ and my toes and put cute little feather decals on too.
After running around with the kids all day and Nate’s long work days, it can be hard for us to find time alone. I thought it would be fun to join him for a night-time walk before bed.
It was a beautiful, warm night. Being as hot as it was, I wore my pajamas on our walk. My pj’s were cute matching shorts and a t-shirt, acceptable for wearing in public. I personally wouldn’t be comfortable during the daytime, but I didn’t think we would be seeing many people. As it turned out, since it was such a warm night, there were a lot of people out taking walks.
Nate and I walked up to a gas station where he got something to drink. In the harsh lights, I felt awkward in my little PJ shorts, but I tried to play it off like it didn’t bother me.
As we walked back toward home, I could hear thunder rumbling in the distance. Beyond the trees, I could see occasional flashes of lightning. The storm looked like it had passed us over for the night.
We met a man out walking who asked us if our power was out. It turns out, that half the city was without power. We chatted with him for a little while before heading the last couple blocks home. Fortunately, our power was unaffected.
Unfortunately, poor Princess had a small fever and had been asking for me while we were gone. Cat said she had been doing mostly well but had only gotten hot shortly before we got home. Poor kiddo was either sick with a virus or was having an allergic reaction to something mildly corny she ate earlier in the day.
What do you do for alone time when money and time are short? Do you enjoy taking walks at night, or do you prefer going in the daytime?
I have always joked about having a brown thumb instead of a green one. I have good intentions with plants, but I usually kill most of them. My problem was that I watered them too much. For me, caring for a plant equaled watering it. I literally loved them to death.
I did manage to keep hardy plants alive, to my great joy. My brother got me a Philodendron as a gift when I was 13. It’s the only plant that has survived this long.
My parents were great gardeners. As a child, they had a huge garden in our yard. I can remember working with them to weed, pick off pests, gather ripe plants and care for my own little garden plot. And occasionally, they had me get to lawn care and landscaping near me to make the garden more aesthetic-appealing. My favorites were the raspberries bordering 2 sides of the garage and the strawberries.
When I was given my own little corner plot, I planted Shasta daisies, echinacea, and zinnia among a few other flowers. I loved flowers and the butterflies that they drew to our yard. My Mother had flower gardens in raised planters that my Father built all over our property.
After my own children were born, I gave plants a renewed interest. I tried a few easy house plants, a few palms, some morning glories outside during the warm months, hanging petunias or impatiens. I tried peppers many times but they rarely produced peppers and if they did, were never large enough to eat. I’ve overloved and killed many orchids over the years.
With the addition of extreme allergies to my life, I’ve had to learn to grow my own food. Organic food from health food stores is usually incredibly expensive and is not always guaranteed to be corn free. The safest option is home grown because I control all of the factors of what my food is exposed to.
When I first moved to this house, my Mom helped me plant a small outdoor garden. The weeds overtook it to my great frustration. Creeping Charlie choked out most of my plants. I did get some tomatoes and small ears of corn (ironic, right? This was pre-corn allergy.). After that, I gave up planting in the ground. Nate built me a planter around the mulberry tree in the backyard, which I grew flowers and hostas in, for an easy to maintain, decorative garden.
Inside, I grew potted plants. I tried basil by the sink but I ended up overwatering it. My next sink plant was rosemary, which, as it turns out, LOVES being overwatered. In fact, if I don’t water it often, it starts to die. I also grow potted plants on my porch and bring them inside over winter. My theory was, if they die, that’s ok because they would have died if I had left them outside to die by frost. If they live, I have another plant to enjoy.
This last year, my gardening skills have grown, as has the number of plants in and out. I have several plants that live inside year round, Outside, on my porch, my number of potted plants has grown. After installing a critter fence, it was clear that the plants where staying healthier and growing faster. Those pesky critters can really make a dent in most plants. Those interested in the specific fence used, I found it here. I renewed my attempt for ground grown plants. I planted several things around the porch outside and started a new side garden. I’ve also planted raspberries and blueberries along the fence.
I am not an expert gardener. I have, however, turned my brown thumb into a green one with persistence and determination. I’ve never given up. If my plants die, I try again. I do more research. The best way I’ve learned is by experience and trial and error.
I recommend everyone give gardening a try. It is so rewarding. When I eat food from my own garden, I have a great pride and satisfaction that I have never gotten from bought food.
If you are afraid of killing plants, don’t let that deter you! Keep trying! Start with potted plants. Try something easy to maintain, like impatiens, petunias, philodendrons, or palms like I did. Otherwise, try checking out the end of the year plant sales that most greenhouses have. You can usually get plants cheap or for free. Use the mindset that if it dies, at least you tried. Research what you can do differently next time.
Do you care for any plants? What do you grow? Have you also overcome a brown thumb or has gardening come naturally to you?
5 Week Workout Challenge: Week 4, Day 2
Historic Fort Snelling
Today we visited Fort Snelling. My parents, my sisters Shannon and Liz and Liz’s boyfriend Jimmy had a lot of fun! We’ve been here many times and every time I find something new to enjoy.
Although I’ve always visited Fort Snelling as a tourist, my Dad visited as a child, before it was restored as a historic landmark. When he was a child, his uncle and cousins lived here!
Fort Snelling has always been one of my sister Liz’s favorite places. Since she was a child, she’s always loved the cannon blast. That might be because, when she was little, my Dad used to tell her that they set it off just for her.
After hearing the cannons go off, we went to get root beer and cream soda for the non-allergy people. Then, we practiced walking on stilts. My Dad was the best, to everyone’s amazement.
We checked out some of the usual buildings, like the tower and the schoolhouse, but my favorite was the medical rooms. There were some new displays that I haven’t seen before. I especially got a kick out of the weather diary. The climate here was judged “the most excessive among all military posts in The United States.”
Liz, Jimmy and the kids had great fun making star wands in the arts and crafts building. Liz has always excelled in making a four-sided star. In usual tradition, she gave her star to the youngest in our family, Princess. Jimmy was kind enough to give his star to Mr. Awesome.
After we were done for the day, we cooled off inside the gift shop and art gallery area before heading to our cars. This year’s exhibit was a display of beautiful photography by Paul Kitagaki. Accompanying the portraits were moving stories of families and people who had lived through the Japanese internment. There was also a fascinating display of old clocks.
Later that night, we met up with my friend Joleen and her son Drake for fireworks at our local golf course. It was a lovely evening. The fireworks were beautiful and seemed to be right on top of us. It was the perfect finish to a fun day.
Have you been to Fort Snelling? What is your favorite part? What historic sites are near your home? I’d love to hear about it, share a link to your blog post in the comments!
4 Year Old Adventure
5 Week Workout Challenge: Week 3, Day 4
The big kids went to the drive in with Grandma and Grandpa, so Princess and I decided to go on an adventure. We went on a walk downtown and along the river. It was the perfect evening for a walk and we had a lot of fun!
Princess LOVES going for walks. She is a little outdoors girl. If we could live outside, she would be so happy. One of her favorite activities is camping. She’s always asking me when we can go play outside together. I let her lead us on this 4-year-old adventure.
I’m naturally a home body. I love hiding inside. I’m always looking for ways to motivate myself to go outdoors more because the outdoors are beautiful and they always make me feel closer to God. Doing this exercise challenge has been a great way to do that. I do love to explore new places too, but it’s nice to have a little girl who pushes me to do so.
I hope we’ve been inspiring you to get outdoors too if you are naturally a home body like me. Exercise doesn’t have to be gruesome and horrible. Getting outside, exploring the world and all of the wonders that God created for us to enjoy is fun and exciting. The person who moves slowly on the trail is still moving faster than the person at home on their couch. So get out there and get some fresh air!
Have we motivated you to get outside this week? Do your kids love to go outside as much as my little outdoor girl?
5 Week Workout Challenge: Week 3, Day 3
2nd Convention Day, Covered Bridge Park
The second day of the “Don’t Give Up!” convention was great! I felt bad for the people next to us because the kids had to get up and go the bathroom in alternating shifts. I suppose that’s typical with kids. Since my kids are all getting older, they sit pretty well except for the bathroom breaks.
After the convention, Princess wanted to go all the way to the top of the parking ramp. I brought us up and parked the van so the kids could take in the view. It was a beautiful and windy day in Rochester.
On the way home, we stopped in Zumbrota to see the covered bridge. I have always wanted to go check it out. It’s really beautiful and in great shape! I’m so glad we got a chance to visit!
We took a walk along the creek and then stopped at an amazing wooden park. It reminded me of a park that used to be in Burnsville called Skyland. It was torn down to put in a modern park several years ago, which has always made me sad. I loved playing at Skyland when I was younger. I’m really glad the children had the chance to enjoy this park. They want to come back every time there is a convention.
Have you been to the covered bridge in Zumbrota or do you have one near where you live? I’d love to hear about it or see your pictures!
UPDATE: I made a typo! It turns out that it was advertised as the only remaining “original” covered bridge in the state. There are other “non-original” covered bridges. I did find a list of all of the covered bridges, check it out! http://www.dalejtravis.com/cblist/cbmn.htm
Today was the first day of the “Don’t Give Up!” convention. We really enjoyed it! We left right before lunchtime. Every time I’ve tried to stay for the second half, I’ve had an anaphylactic attack from airborne food allergies. The last time, I had to have my dear friend Karen drive me home because I couldn’t walk, much less drive.
I could have gone to the E.R., but I usually try to avoid it if at all possible because there’s always the potential that they could do more harm than good with corn allergies. Hospitals are full of corn derivatives. In the severe allergy support group I’m part of, I often hear stories about how the ER accidentally gave them something that made them worse because they didn’t understand what was safe and what wasn’t.
This was the first time I left during the final song instead of after. I think this was also the only time I’ve ever left not gasping for air or incredibly dizzy. From now on, I’ll always leave during the final song before lunch. I always wish that I could stay, but I’m thankful that I’m at least able to attend the first half.
My favorite part of the conventions is hearing the singing of thousands of people. I love the Kingdom songs and hearing that many beautiful voices always brings tears to my eyes. Seeing everyone work together to pull off such a large event is always another of my favorite parts. There are always so many smiles, helpful people and a feeling of love and unity that I haven’t found anywhere else.
After leaving, the kids and I enjoyed a walk along the river in Rochester. It was a beautiful day. When we got home, Cat and I stopped by our local health food store for gluten free tortillas, then made a quick trip to the library to return books.
I’ve challenged Cat to read four classics over the summer. She really enjoyed Romeo and Juliet during school. Hopefully, she’ll learn to love the older classics as I have. Lately, she’s been into learning about Japan and learning more about drawing.
Have you attended the “Don’t Give Up!” convention yet? What was your favorite part?
5 Week Workout Challenge: Week 3, Day 1
Hastings Riverwalk
We started off week three with a walk along the river in Hastings, Minnesota.
Before leaving for our walk, Princess enjoyed checking out our lilies at home. This is the third year since we planted them and they’re doing great! I can’t believe how many came up this year!
We’ve enjoyed walking Hastings Riverwalk many times. This is where I took the kids pictures a few years ago. The Hastings Rivertown Carnival is also hosted here every year. Earlier this year, Cat and I came here for our 52 project, cold.
Along the trail, there are a lot of interesting things to see. There are giant vine woven orbs hanging in the trees as part of an art installation. I got the privilege to see the artist creating them since his studio is not too far from my house. There is a great view of the new Hastings bridge. There’s a spot on the side of the trail that has a piece of the old Hastings bridge. Along the trail, there are signs with bits of history of the area. There are a lot of beautiful wildflowers everywhere too.
At one point when we were exploring the edge of the river, Nate found a tiny, baby frog. As it turns out, they were all over the place! They blend in so well with the ground that it’s difficult to see them, even if you’re looking right at them! I really hope we didn’t step on any of the little guys!
After our walk, we went to pick up a desk for Cat’s room that we found on Craigslist. We got to travel quite a ways into Wisconsin and explore an area we’d never been before. After that, we picked up pizza at Papa Murphy’s for the gluten tolerant side of the family. Then we came home and made gluten free pizza for Cat, Princess and me. We watched Enchanted for family night while eating in the living room. It was a great way to end a fun day!
Have you been on the Hastings Riverwalk? What is your favorite part?
Attempting to Break My Plank Record
5 Week Workout Challenge: Week 2, Day 4
After my first plank yesterday, I wanted to try again, with my arms rested. Planking is a lot harder than it looks! Trying to hold it for long is incredibly difficult! I might try again throughout the summer to see how much I’ve built up my arm strength.
I was amazed at how long Mr. Awesome was able to hold his plank for! Princess had a hard time not slipping on the carpet. Maybe in the future, we’ll have to figure out a way to be less slippery.
Have you tried planking? How long did you make it your first time? What is your plank record?
My First Time Planking!
5 Week Workout Challenge: Week 2, Day 3
We tried something new for this workout! We challenged ourselves with sit ups, push ups and planks. It was a lot of fun!
Unfortunately, there was a camera glitch for sit ups, so my sit ups were not filmed. I did reach my goal though! The kids all did awesome jobs and were really excited about challenging themselves. I think we might give this another try in the future.
We probably did not do the exercises as they should be done, but that’s ok. My goal was to get the kids excited about exercising and work out. We can work on being more precise as we become more experienced.
Having never done a plank before, I was shocked at how difficult they are! They appear incredibly easy! I even looked up the average plank time. This article suggests that two minutes is a good goal, so that’s what I set mine as. I did not even get close! Perhaps in the future, I’ll be able to work my way up to a minute! Haha!
Sit Ups
Name-Goal-Completed
Melissa-40-40
Cat-45-50
Cupcake-25-25
Mr.Awesome-42-81
Princess-A Lot-18
Swimming By The Ruins of an Old Mill
5 Week Workout Challenge: Week 2, Day 2
Old Mill Park
Nate has been working on the RV a lot recently. He took off a week of work and spent most of that time taking off the old roof and damaged wood and rebuilding it. By taking the kids on hikes, I can keep them out of the way while the debris is on the ground. At the end of the day, I help him clean up the garbage and put the tarp back on. I plan on making a few posts on the progress he’s made.
Since it was a hot day, I let the kids wear swimming suits for our hike. With swimming on their little minds, the idea of a hot hike to view the falls was not an exciting prospect. They were little troopers and made the whole hike there and back before making our way down to the river.
Getting from the top of the cliff down to the river is not an easy feat. It’s not extremely difficult, but it’s also not an easy climb. There are two ways down, one is through the debris of the old mill. The other is down some very small wooden steps. The wooden steps end and leave one to slowly work down the rocks that have become smooth and slippery from frequent visitors.
Once you arrive at the bottom, the view is breathtaking. The river is bordered by tall limestone cliffs. On one side, the old mill towers into the sky. It’s amazing that it’s still standing after a fire 123 years ago. If you look close enough, you can see charred wood on some of the pieces up higher on the wall. I can only imagine, that if it hadn’t been burned by arsonists, it would still be a beautiful and impressive building today.
The kids had a lot of fun playing in the water, building sand castles and relaxing in the cool water. We found a spot in the rocks where a small spring trickles down to the river. Cat found a little creature that may have been a baby crayfish. Mr. Awesome built it a giant wall so it would have more space to move about in.
This is one of our favorite spots to visit and we recommend it for all ages. There are parking lots on both the side of the falls and the ruins which make it easy for a short walk to a view. Most of the paths are asphalt and easy to walk. We took a few off road paths on this day since we are more familiar with the area.
Have you been to see the Vermillion Falls of the old mill ruins? Let us know in the comments!
