Happy Halloween?

Happy Halloween...question mark. Trick or Treating is canceled throughout the state of NJ (thanks Sandy...) so I'm wondering what to do with my 2 girls who were very much looking forward to trick or treating....and are chomping at the bit to get their costumes on..I'm thinking an in-home Halloween party. Not quite as exciting, but better than nothing? But really, I'm whining about Halloween being postponed and that I totally get that doesn't matter at all. My heart goes out to all those who were severely affected by this crazy storm. We lost power Monday night, and with that goes our water. But thankfully, my sister in law has both and we've been able to spend the majority of our time over here. #grateful 
I was thinking the other day, what is it with Halloween week and bad weather? Last year, it was the snow storm, and we didn't have power then either.  So crazy. 
Anyways, like I said...so incredibly grateful that we are safe, have someplace to go, and that we took the warnings seriously and prepped! I'm prone to cynicism, and was wondering how bad it would actually be or if it was mostly hype..but as the days went on I became pretty convinced it was going to be a bad storm, and I'm so glad I listened and prepared us (as much as I could..). 
I'm thankful also there's something for the news to talk about besides the upcoming election. I know it's important, and I am a big believer in voting. But I get soooo sick of hearing all the trash talking and hate. There's no such thing as "fair news"  today, and it's annoying. #rantover
Well anyways, life is good.  I'm eating a yummy slice of homemade pumpkin bread while sipping on some nice warm mint tea. (Yes, for me food = a good life.)  Stay safe and remember to keep everyone affected by Sandy in your prayers. The damage is insane. I feel incredibly blessed that my family did not get hit harder. Also, remember to keep the clean-up crews and everyone working to repair the damage in your prayers as well. So much work to be done. And of course, Happy Halloween! No question mark.

October Catch Up!

Ahhh, so it's been a while.... my apologies. Life's been busy lately..like really busy. But last week, my body decided it'd had enough of all the craziness, and I was knocked out sick. I'm calling it a cold because that's obviously what the girls had...but its been almost 2 weeks of yuckkk. Sore throat, chills/sweats, coughs, congestion, stomach aches, body aches, headaches, ache, ache, ache...bleh. I think I might be turning the corner though...One can only hope. But anyways, since I've been forced to lie low for a week, I've been able to catch up on some of the things that usually get pushed aside. Such as? I have finally finished the Harry Potter series #betterlatethannever #behindthetimes... I have organized all of my jewelry (and threw away a bunch of missing-their-other-half earrings). I deep cleaned our bedroom (You can actually thank the Comcast guy having to enter into my room for that one...), and I am right-this-minute catching up on my blog. See? Being sick has its own set of advantages. Power of positive thinking..
On the news front...quite a bit has happened in the last month. I ran my first 5k (33.09 people!! -my aim was to be under 40 min, so I definitely succeeded!). That was a huge personal accomplishment because I neverrrrrr (there could not be enough R's on that..#emphasis) thought I could run, and I had to prove to myself that I'm capable. Miracle of all miracles is that I actually find myself enjoying it...not that I've gone at all since contracting this monster cold. But anyways, that was huge to me. I'm so blessed...
Jon and I also got to go on a weekend retreat with our youth group..fun times. It was good, and the weather was beautiful! I absolutely love spending time with teens and feel so grateful that God's let me work with them. And, maybe this is bias (Ok, it totally is), but we have the absolute best youth group around...just sayin'.
Addison turns two in a month (Nov 24th!!)..I can't even believe it. We're having an Elmo birthday... she's obsessed. I'm going to try to make these absolutely adorable Elmo cupcakes I found on pinterest.. #bakingadventures #we'llsee. I'm thinking I should probably try to decorate a few before the party too...I'm the worst for last minute mess-ups that you can't fix in time...good thing I also have a sense of humor and am laid back...Note to self: practice for other people's sake.
The girls and I went to see my mom in RI in the beginning of October. We had such a good time! I love visiting family...wish we lived closer...but 4 1/2 hours really isn't that bad, and is definitely much closer than when we lived in VA.
Oh, something else happened this month...#dontjudgeme...I finallyyy took the girls back to the library! I've been avoiding it since ohhhh, April? I was pretty sure I had a huge fine waiting for me... and the last time I returned books, I received a call that one was possibly colored in and did I know anything about that? (Who, us?) Anyways, I wasn't even concerned with the amount of the fine, nbd, I'll pay it. I was more so embarrassed at the whole thing and nervous I'd be called out on the condition of my last returns in front of people...ha, writing it out makes it seem that much more stupid, but these are the things that go through my mind everyone...#welcomein. So anyways, Addison and I braved the return one morning while Bella was at preschool. We walked in with our heads down, but were surprised and very happy to discover our fine was only $13, and the coloring was not mentioned once. Apparently time was the answer...or at least that's what I tell myself to justify months of re-reading our boring books. #lifeslessons
Ah well, life is good around here. We're happy, extremely blessed, and learning to remember to be thankful for everything we've been given. It's easy (for me) to forget the everyday, little things that God gives me. I'm truly rich in blessings. <3

Fall

Wow....So, I didn't realize it had been that long since I last blogged. We have been so busy lately it seems. 
About a week ago, Isabella and I got out the fall decorations during Addison's nap. She was *so* excited to help put away summer flowers (I only do fake because they can't die), and bring out the fall ones. Our small stuffed scarecrow is her new favorite of "Mama's Toys" (just wait until Christmas decorations come out --your days as favorite are numbered Scarecrow..).  As we were doing all this, Bella asked me why we had to change decorations. So I told her, because fall has come to the Ramberg house. And it has. In more ways than one. I love fall. I always consider summer my favorite season, but fall is inching its way on up to the top. I love the change in the air -I'm so ready to be done with the heat. I love the change in clothes -yay for not having to bare my legs in short shorts anymore. Jeans are a Cellulite Sally's best friend. I love the colors -orange has long been my favorite, so a season full of orange is over the top wonderful! But this year, what I've loved the absolute most is getting into our routine! Bella has started preschool (gasp). But we love it! She went for the first time, Tuesday (and the second, today). It's been wonderful!! She loves having her own place to go. Instead of just going on Mama's errands, we go to her spot. She loves being around the other kids too -little social butterfly.  I still, on occasion, find myself in shock that we've already entered this next chapter in our parenting lives, but God is good and has blessed us with a great preschool. #thankful
Another big part of our routine is youth group! We started up on Sunday and it was so good to be back. Even though summer went quickly, it seemed like forever since we'd met. I'm so excited for the year ahead. My small group girls have been great so far! Jon and I also lead a Junior High Bible Study on Wed. nights, which is a lot of fun too. We're doing Case for Christ this semester, and I'm really, really looking forward to it. Anyone read that? I haven't yet, so I'm excited to go through it with the kids!
I'm also attending a weekly ladies bible study in PA with two friends of mine (just started yesterday). Very excited about that too! I'm so pumped for this fall. So many great things starting up in our lives! It's going to be a busy year, but I think it's going to be a really awesome year.


Some verses I've been thinkin' on lately~
Colossians 3:12-14 As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 

Love that. So much truth packed in those verses. I need them as a daily reminder...maybe by the time I'm 80 I'll get it. So thankful my Savior is patient with me. Enjoy your beautiful September day! <3

Rejoice!

This morning I was reading in Philippians 3. The first verse says "Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord". Usually, I would read this quickly, as an intro to the chapter, and kind of skim it to get to the "meat".  But today, God stopped me there. I was thinking about it, and wondering how often throughout my day, I actually rejoice in the Lord. After looking up the word 'rejoice', I decided (if I'm being honest), not very often. (FYI: rejoice- delight, celebrate, glory, revel, be overjoyed, triumph). I think I rejoice in certain circumstances or in blessings that are obvious. But that's not really rejoicing in the Lord. If I'm truly rejoicing in Him, it is constant. Regardless of situations, circumstances, blessings or trials -I am celebrating, delighting, reveling, and triumphing in Christ my Savior. #thingstoconsider

All that being said, I have some adorable kids that are easy for me to rejoice in (most of the time.). But this past week was a trial. Addison was teething something awful. Bella never teethed like that. We're talking high fevers, screaming, drool that could fill a swimming pool, and crying -lots of crying. She was beyond miserable. The worst part was there was nothing I could do for her. Motrin was given around the clock as soon as it could be given...but it could only bring the fever down. It couldn't relieve the excruciating pain in her gums. Poor girl. Oh and did I mention, the only thing she was absolutely sure she wanted was me to carry her 100% of the time. It was long week.  But I'm happy to report she is on the mend, and slowly returning to her happy, go lucky self. Praise the Lord.

Bella was such a good big sister during whole thing. Last Thursday (aka, the beginning of our disaster) I came into the living room where Addison was lying on the couch, and saw Bella bending over her giving her a hug and kiss. She also reassured her sister, "When I am sick, Mama takes very good care of me, and then I feel better."   Ummm...Melt. My. Heart.

So, yesterday we decided to play in our new sprinkler (shout out to Grammy Matchett) for a little while. Isabella was in pig-heaven (I think that's the saying right? I'm so bad with sayings...). Louis (our shih-poo who usually hates water) even joined in...Addison on the other hand, was not the biggest fan of water falling on her head. She apprehensively checked it out then ran back to where I was sitting on the porch, and grabbed a towel. She proceeded to place said towel over her head and return to the sprinkler -covered and safe. Maybe I should give the child an umbrella next time?

I'll post some pics...from my NEW CAMERA!!! Jon finally got me the camera I was supposed to get for my birthday (which was in May). In all fairness to him though, he had bought me one on my actual birthday. But it didn't work. So we returned it, and being the incredible procrastinators that we are, we just got around to buying another one to replace it. But I love it. It's a Canon Rebel T3i. It's my new baby.

Poor, sick Addison :o(

Beautiful Bella!

Haha, I can't look at this without laughing! Louis -after some sprinkler mayhem!

Well, that's all for me today.... enjoy your gorgeous Wednesday! :o)

Happy Monday!

Hmm...well, I have written a paragraph and erased it, written another and erased it. Apparently I have nothing good to say. I'm going to blame my lack of brain on the cleanse. Oh yes, I'm on a cleanse. It's supposed to last 3 days...we'll see. I've committed to 24 hrs. I'm such a whimp. It's not even a hard cleanse. It's 8-10 glasses of green tea a day, and nothing but fresh fruits/vegetables. But lemme just say, every food on the face of this earth (minus green tea, fruits, and vegetables) is calling my name! This is me punishing myself for a summer's worth of poor eating. All or nothing with me! SN: three letters...B. L. T. yeeeeesssssssss.

In other news, Jon and I go away on Monday. Nothing romantic though. We're going to Harvey Cedars Bible Conference on LBI with our youth group. Should be a really fun week. The kids are beyond excited, and I kinda am too! My girls are going to a different beach with their grandparents for the week and are equally excited. Bella informed me that the trip down is going to be the best ride of her life. Good to know. Oh and, while I'm on the topic of camp, people need to realize how hard it is to find a one peice bathing suit (that's not cut down to my belly button)! I look everywhere. Finally found one at Old Navy (but it was my 3rd ON...). I had almost resigned myself to swimming in a tshirt and shorts, and who really wants to be that girl?

But anyways, this was a really shore post. I'm sure I'll have mucccch more to say post-Harvey. But for now, this is it!:)

Happy Monday!

Let's try that AGAIN.

Ok, so apparently I'm pretty bad at blogging. Or was. I stopped. For a good year...so it's not even like I can pass it off as "taking a break"....But I'm back, and I'm going to try to keep up this time.

As you can probably guess, things have happened in the last year...like quite a bit!

Let's see, starting last summer and working our way through...

*I went to Memphis! Mama vaca to see my best friend and college roommate...it was great!
*At the start of the school year, we became youth leaders at our church -we lovee it!
*In September, Jon took a job with Flemington Car and Truck Co. (Need a Chevy, Buick or GMC? Call him!)
*In October, we had a hugeeee snow storm and lost electricity for about a week (including halloween)! Thankfully, Jon's sister had power, and we were able to stay with her.
*Addison turned ONE in Nov, she is the happiest little chunk...love her!
*In December took a job as a CNA at a local hospital, found that I absolutely hated it (not even exaggerating!), tryed to stick it out but ultimately, left in April. -And I don't miss it at all!
*Of course, Christmas happened...and New Years. (As they usually do)
*Sweet Bella turned 3 (going on 30) in February, and is completely convinced she is a princess. Why crush her dream? If she's a princess, I'm a queen..fine by me! :o)
*Jon also had a bday in Feb, and he became old. (He's four years my senior, so I can say that!)
*We broke ground on our first ever summer garden! We have wonderful tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, green beans, honey dew, cantalope, peas, carrots, strawberries, basil, oregano, lettuce, spinach, onions, watermelon, eggplant, corn, swiss chard, and sweet potatoes. Delish! And lots of fun to work on/watch grow!
* My first baby brother (IE the middle child) got married to a great girl! (and Bella was a flower girl who took her job very seriously!)
*My second baby brother (the real baby) graduated high school -still not sure when he grew up?
*My best friend and college roommate (Yes- Memphis girl) came to see me for Memorial Day (sooo much fun!)
*Jon is taking classes at Liberty again (online) -soo sooooo proud of him! He is going for his dream, and following God's calling on his life. Love that man!
*My grandmother on my mom's side passed away in June and we went to NY for the funeral. Good to see family -not good circumstances.
*We spent the 4th in Ocean City (NJ!) and enjoyed a parade, bbq, the pool, and of course fireworks on the beach!
*I decided to go to hair school, and start at Paul Mitchell in September (beyond excitedddd!).

So, there's our year in a nutshell.  It's been fun...and busy, and a full of learning experiences. PTL!

Here's to hoping it's not another year before I blog again! (Just kidding!)

PS. This pic is from a recent photo shoot with a BFF of mine --Heather Danner Photography, check her out! She's wonderful <3

Love you all!
Becca