so pretty

so pretty, originally uploaded by jodyrow.

A few more pics from my holiday kitchen!  Yummm!

toffee

toffee, originally uploaded by jodyrow.

my homemade marshmallows

my homemade marshmallows, originally uploaded by jodyrow.

I decided to make this fairly easy recipe for homemade marshmallows. They turned out very yummy. One regular batch and one peppermint...to make peppermint mochas! It was fun and let me break in my early Christmas present from luke (a kitchenaid mixer)! I think we will make it a Christmas tradition!

christmas fun

Cindy inspired us to make one of our own- check out the link

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1467008528

recent baby purchases

I have been spending a little of my craft money on these cute homemade baby items. Nothing really important things like bottles, strollers, or diaper genies, but too cute to pass up all the same!

my mossy wreath

Look at my festive front door! Just kidding! Martha Stewart motivated me to make this cute Christmas moss wreath. I thought if was a great idea since the moss was free right in my front yard. The wreath was cute for about a day or so until the moss dried up a bit and shrunk down leaving ugly bare spots. By then the snow had covered the ground so I could not harvest any more moss. So I will not post a picture of my sad looking Christmas wreath. Here is a pic of what Martha intended it to look like.

Christmas favs

Christmas favs
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

Just a few favs that i found on flickr that make me excited for Christmas! They make me want to bake some sugar cookies or gingerbread men and get out the sparkly ornaments and twinkle lights.

1. cutoutbells, 2. Carly's tree in the snow, 3. Soft Trees, from The Purl Bee, 4. The Holly w/o the Ivy, 5. Avi's Christmas Stocking - Elf Shoe Style., 6. 2006 Holiday Ornament Swap, 7. christmas lights, 8. A Snow Heart For You :) xoxox, 9. felt ornament dove, 10. Dried Cranberry Shortbread Cookies, 11. tinsel tree, 12. Christmas Colors, 13. ready to eat, 14. my favorite time of the year, 15. then came a christmas wreath, 16. loner

Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

festival of trees

festival of trees
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

We just finished with our first craft fair. There were about 150 vendors. It was a lot of work but I think worthwhile. We perfected our sales technique, when we noticed that when you greeted lookers with a hello, most would quickly move on. Most preferred to look in silence..proof that we were in Northern MN! We sold burpies, hats, and hair stuff. I am excited to put the glue gun away for a while though!

Originally uploaded by jodyrow

ponies

ponies
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

There are boy ladybugs!!

halloween
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

We took ty to the church's annual fall fest yesterday. I couldn't resist the costume. Luke said he was a boy so he couldn't be a ladybug. I informed him that there are plenty of male ladybugs. Ty looked so cute and was a hit with all the kids! He is sitting here...something he learned at obedience school along with come, heal, turn, stay and we taught him to shake and give five. He is learning, and most nights he does better than all the big collies and labs. Hopefully he does well tonight at class...I won't make him wear the ladybug costume!

gettin in trouble

gettin in trouble
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

This is what happens when you leave your crocheting project on the couch for a bit!:)

Kids at Minnesota Youth Convention

Kids at Minnesota Youth Convention
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

We took a group of 16 kids to Minnesota Youth Convention in Rochester this last weekend. It was encouraging to see them worshiping getting into the speakers. They loved the Tom Bach band and the comedians. Everyone behaved well and all went smoothly. Thank you all for your prayers and support. I think it was the best year yet!

hiding

hiding
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

Our little Ty loves to find a pile of blankets to make his nest in. I thought he looked so cute here, he just blended into everything. So cute!

First pregnancy education night

info night brochures
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

Info night with the girls. I met with 5 other friends from church who are also pregnant for dinner at the Brewhouse. After dinner we headed to a birthing options information night. There were booths and classes on all the many birthing options. There were midwives, and doulas, and BROCHURES GALORE! It was very informative and not too overwhelming. I got lucky and won a series of pregnancy yoga classes! They had classes on infant massage and home birth vs hospital and birth stories. Very fun!

applefest

Originally uploaded by jodyrow

We had a chance to go to the bayfield apple fest this weekend. We have been trying to go for the last couple of years and finally made it this year. It was so fun even though it was a little chilly. It was a beautiful fall drive to such a cute town. We sampled apple goodies and listened to a bluegrass band. My favorite was the grilled corn and luke liked the apple squares. I hope we can make it next year!

new nephew

new nephew
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

Our new nephew is finally here from South Korea. We have only gotten to see pictures but everyone says he is adorable and chubby. We are excited to see him during the holidays... and we gladly welcome him into our family!!

My fav's this week

My fav's this week
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

I love flickr. Not only does it organize my photos, but I can also explore other peoples creativity. I like searching by camera to see what other people are snapping with the same camera. I get inspired just looking around. I think everyone should sign up. www.flickr.com Here are a few of my fav's this week! 1. craft show mini totes, 2. loner, 3. their first harvest, 4. another monday, 5. wake*up, 6. bright spring/summer prints, 7. sidewalk 4, 8. odd view, 9. filling up the dark spaces in my mind, 10. getting wet, 11. colorweek :: turquoise, 12. colorweek :: red, 13. vintage ric rac and moo card, 14. cocktails while we cook, 15. the stash, 16. contrast, 17. Summer Festival, 18. mi corazon, tu corazon, 19. Rain dance, 20. connectedness, 21. happiness, 22. w, 23. end, 24. cantina chair, 25. books

Artsy afternoon

Artsy afternoon
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

We spent Sunday afternoon with the Olsons at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Luke was in heaven. He loves history and looking at old things. We left him in the dust as he likes to read every word about every item. My favorite was a beautiful quilt, and a painting that looked just like a chalkboard with scribbles (click on picture to see other photos). We hope to go back soon!

The pie girls together again

The pie girls together again
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

We went to Liz and Dave's wedding reception this weekend. They got married in april and we celebrated on saturday! How fun to see eveybody again. We snapped this pie house pic before the festivities started. Everything was beautiful...I especially liked the cupcake tower. Congrats Liz and Dave! Click on the picture or the link to see more photos!

little angel

little angel
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

Little Angel is finally here! She was born yesterday a little over 4 pounds. Parents Chad and Missy say she will remain in NICU for about a week. Doctors say Angel is healthy and Missy says she is feeling good. They hope she will be healthy enough to travel to Mayo with them for the rest of Missy's treatment. Keep them all in your prayers as they all continue to fight this disease!

Waiting

colorweek :: red
Originally uploaded by house on hill road

Do you ever feel like you are waiting. WAITING for tomorrow, waiting for the next thing...just waiting. I always feel like I am waiting. I think it is the part of me that likes to be PREPARED so I am not sure it is all that bad. I know they say that too many people go through life waiting for things to happen instead of making them happen! I don't think that is the case for me...at least I hope not. I am excited about today and waiting for where God brings us tomorrow!

tough competition

tough competition
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

We hit up the Great Minnesota Get Together this year. It was the first time Luke had been there. We both had a blast. We got to see a calf being born and of course the endless wall of corn that all looked the same to us! We visited the baby piggies and the honeybees! I hope we can go back next year! Click on the photo to see more of the pics!

hangin with my BF

hangin with my BF
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

The little guy nappin with his froggie

The Suite View

the suite view
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

We celebrated our 1 year anniversary...yeah we made it!:) Just kidding..it has been a wonderful year. Luke suprised me with my favorite flowers, a room at Fitgers, and a spa day at the salon. You can't beat a hotel that has aveda products in the bathroom. We both had facials and massages. So relaxing!!! We endulged in our wedding cake topper...yummy! This was the view from our room. Click on the picture to see more pics!

newlyweds

newlyweds
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

Dani's married! We are so excited for the happy couple. I had the job of personal attended, and all went smoothly, except for almost leaving without the honeymoon luggage. She planned the most beautiful day. The ceremony was on wisconsin point by the water, and the reception at the encounter was perfect. I loved the colors! Click on the link to see more wedding pics!

missy

missy
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

Hey friends and family,
We are asking for your prayers for our sister in law Missy Rowan (luke's brother's wife). She was recently diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) in her 22nd week of pregnancy. She and her baby Angel are fighting strong, but please keep them in your prayers. There is a link to her caring bridge site in our links lisif you would like to keep updated or leave her a note of encouragement.

wedding days

wedding day
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

We had the priveledge of attending our friend pete and angies wedding this past Saturday. All I have to say is beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. After the ceremony we took a train ride up the shore. Then we all met at the tent overlooking Lake Superior where we dined listening to a swinging jazz band. It was such a perfect day for the happy couple. We were reminded of our wedding...almost a whole year now! Click on the photo to see more pics...

yard games at the 4th party

yard games at the 4th party
Originally uploaded by jodyrow

We had a great fourth. Around noon we walked with Ty down to 4th fest but couldn't stay long it was way too hot for the pup. Later that day we headed off to the olsons for a BBQ. Luke took his favorite place at the grill with the men. As we spit watermelon seeds and cherry pits we knew it was finally summer in duluth. After a few yard games, Luke and I left the party to meet the Ohmans/Byers down by the waterfront to watch the fireworks. It was cool to see them up close and personal!

Flat tire!

Yeah so I am sitting here at the car place. I got a random flat tire on the way to work today! So fun! At least they have internet to play on! So I thought I would update our blog. I have decided that we are going to try to update more often...promise! Not a whole lot happening in the rowan house. We are still lovin have a puppy. He is so cute. Luke is enjoying his new job of youth and young adult pastor! Lots of activities this summer. Well the mechanic is hailing me! Talk soon!

our baby- 4 months old!

 

My wife told me not to say anything stupid!

Got a credit card? CUT IT UP! I have been fully-100% converted. I am a disciple of Dave Ramsey and Jesus-of coarse. This past Thanksgiving when I was at my in-laws, my brother in-law, Brian, was looking up stocks on the internet. I asked him what he was doing. Brian informed me that he was making some adjustments to his retirement portfolio before the end of the year. He started talking the jargon of finance guys and my head began spinning. At that moment I realized I was FINANCIALLY ILLITERATE! I felt so overwhelmed, however for the next hour or so he patiently answered my questions and wet my appetite for financial knowledge. Before the night was over Brian laid out some steps to take before we met again at Christmas.

A few days later I was listening to Focus on the Family podcast, and they were playing their #1 requested show before the end of the year. The show consisted of an interview with a crazy Christian financial guy named Dave Ramsey. In the show, Ramsey layed out the step of finanical freedom called the Baby Steps (Brian's are similar). The Baby Steps are as followed:

1. Save an Emergency Fund of $1000
2. Pay off all debt using the Debt Snowball
3. Put 3-6 months of Expenses in savings
4. Invest 15% of household income into a Roth IRA's and pre-tax retiremnt
5. College Funding for children
6. Pay off home early
7. Build wealth and give (Dave teaches tithing-no matter where you are at in the Baby Steps)
Invest in mutual funds and real estate

Jody and I started the baby steps in January with a plast-sectomy. We vowed to not used credit cards ever again. We have started a budget and set several goals and are on our way to becoming financially fit. We have almost become a little obsessive in following the plan. Jody and I listen to Dave Ramsey's podcast everyday-check it out! The cool thing about all this is how God has blessed us in our pursuit of financial responsibility.

Luke

Resources
Websites
www.daveramsey.com
www.money.com
www.mvelopes.com (Budeting software-evelopes style)

Books
Total Money Makeover-Dave Ramsey (about: Wealth building tools and knowledge) Excellent
The Wealthy Barber-David Chilton (about: Solid financial knowledge and investing) Very Good

Publications
Money Magazine

Podcast
David Ramsey
Money Matter (Crown Financial Ministry)

GO OPRAH!!!

Oprah's Leadership school in South Africa

one life

As I was researching for our missions emphasis for the youth I came across these stats. How painful are they?- It seems so hopeless, but we serve a big God, who did give us one life to do something with...

HIV & AIDS in Africa
As the sun goes down on another day in Africa, more than 6,000 fresh gravesites show the day’s toll. And tomorrow AIDS will claim another 6,000 lives. The day after? Yep, 6,000 more. AIDS does not discriminate - it can kill anyone, and does, every day. It does not take holidays off, it does not spare the innocent.
 
In Africa, an entire generation is dying. Mothers. Fathers. Teachers. Farmers. Even pastors. Working men and women. Dead. In their shadow are more than 15 million innocent children who have lost one or both parents to AIDS.
 
Here are just a few of the real-life facts:
• In 2005, more than 2.8 million people died because of AIDS – that’s equal to a plague killing off the entire population of Chicago.
• 15 million children have lost one or both parents to AIDS. Think about it – that’s around the same as the total number of high school students in the U.S.
• By 2010, an estimated 20.2 million children worldwide will have lost a parent to AIDS.
• In Swaziland, one of every three people is HIV-positive. Imagine if that were true in your youth group? Your church? Your own family?
But this is not a hopeless situation. Not if people like us are willing to stand up and use their One Life to Do Something about it.

wacky aussie cooks

Reciently Luke and I have discovered the wide world of podcasts. Are they for real? I can't believe...its FREE! I feel like I should be getting a bill in the mail any day now. How amazing is it that you can listen to the BBC news, or the latest sermon from a church in western Texas, or Rochester MN. We started our podcast journey by enjoying a few sermons that would download weekly...then we discovered that you could listen to your devos on the way to work, you could learn better grammer, or you could listen to the highlights of the Wall Street Journal. We don't have a TV so we started to get some news programs so we could stay updated. First we listened...but now the nightly news just pops right into the computer...and we can WATCH it when we want....amazing. And yes...still free. You can learn to speak Chinese, or do yoga. Totally FREE! There are podcasts that will motivate you to clean the house or stay on a diet. Our new favorite is a cooking podcast called "Crash Test Kitchen." It's a poor quality home video of this austraulian couple who don't have any idea how to cook. Nor do they have any of the right equipment( they reciently shattered a glass bowl while trying to saute onions in it over their gas burner). But they dive right in and learn as they go. They are totally wacky and fight about what they are cooking in their 10 min cast. There are many other cooking podcasts out there, but this one has been very successful, even making it into TIME magazine. Check it out...Its Free!!