The following is an excerpt from a journal I kept during our most recent deployment like. This is what deployment is really like for the spouse left behind.Another excerpt can be read here. More on military life can be found here.
What is it really like to have your spouse deployed? Here’s what I wish I knew before deployment.
I’m often asked what deployment is really like. What things come to fruition that I expected, what didn’t happen, what took me by surprise, what’s hard…?It’s hard to come up with answers when I’m not living it. Once the deployment (or any type of prolonged separation) is over, the feelings and the reality of what daily living entailed becomes blurry in my mind. Knowing specific feelings and specific circumstances of deployment living would have been such a gift to me when I was a young wife, completely clueless as to what a lifestyle of routine separation would look like and feel like.
I hope I can extend that gift to someone else, now that I’ve lived and learned from years as a military spouse.
This part is painful. It catches me off guard, but also perfectly encapsulates what deployment is really like.
Something painful that catches me off guard everytime Derek has to be away for a length of time is the seeming erasure of his presence from our daily life. It happens gradually. First, he packs up his items from the medicine cabinet, leaving gaps where our nightly and morning routines were tangibly intertwined. A chunk of clothes and uniforms are gone from the closet. His boots aren’t next to the door.
After he leaves I gradually move anything he has left out of place and put it away. His notebook, his flight bag, the small pile of cough drops on his night stand–they are all sorted and stored.
In a week or so, there are no more of his clothes in the hamper. They are all clean and replaced in the drawers where he’ll use them again, but not for months. Soon after that, the foods he prefers have gone bad or I’ve eaten them, and they don’t reappear on the grocery list or in the cupboards. The smells that accompany him–his shampoo, the scent of his shaving cream, the uniform smell that clings to his flight suit–they are gone.
Eventually, the gender-neutral scented body wash we share runs out and I’ll replace it with something specifically feminine. I stop hanging the car keys up and instead keep one set in the diaper bag and one set in my purse. No one else needs to use them, or find them.
The Last Bit
A few days ago I changed the sheets on our bed. Yes, I know it’s been more than a month and maybe that’s gross. But honestly, keeping my own bed fresh has been the least of my priorities since Derek left. I both loved and hated getting into a gloriously clean bed. Everything felt so fresh, like sleeping at a hotel. But with the washing of sheets and swapping them out, it was like officially washing Derek out of our bed too.
Yes, he’s coming back. That doesn’t stop me from feeling grief in a season of my life spent with evidence of my husband’s existence removed from my daily living.
The gaps that his things left are soon filled. I leave a few more shoes of my own by the door. A few extra toiletries have migrated to the medicine cabinet. I’ve created a cocoon in the middle of our bed and my night time necessities take residence on both night stands. The hook where his towel hung is occupied by Silas’ sleepsack. The hanger that held his coat is empty and leaves extra room for another of Gideon’s sweatshirts.
It’s a visible trail of absence. It happens every time Derek leaves. I wish someone would have prepared me for it. It’s an odd feeling. I know he’ll come back and I can’t wait to push my things aside to make room again.
What is deployment really like? It’s like that.
I NEED YOUR HELP | ONE MORE THING BEFORE YOU GO…
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Happy Minot Monday! Minot’s hallmark subzero temps are here at last. So today I’m offering 10 tips for living in extreme cold. Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. BeLOCAL is a guide to thriving in our town. Read the publication and follow them on socials for tips, tricks and events happening in Minot.
If you are new to Minot–or reading this because you are planning a move to Practically Canada in the near future–here are my two cents about living in extreme cold.
First of all–at a certain point, cold is cold. I honestly can’t tell a big difference between a 10˚ day and a -10˚ day. It’s cold. You’re not going to be hanging around outside for long periods. Cold is cold. Don’t get stressed about the number on the thermometer.
Second, I think there’s something magically refreshing about being exposed to extremely cold air. It’s a zip you’ll only understand once you’ve felt an arctic chill on your cheeks. If you can allow yourself to enjoy it (think small, like a finely made espresso in a tiny cup), living in extreme cold can bring you clarity, wake you up, stop a toddler tantrum in its tracks…Just remember, treat the cold like an espresso–tiny and powerful. Don’t loiter. That’s dangerous.
Hopefully that gives you a little encouragement. But if you still want more, here are 10 simple things I do when the extreme cold temps hit our region.
1. Shut Some Vents
It may seem counterintuitive, but this is one of my favorite cold-weather hacks for indoor comfort. When the temps outside drop, help your furnace focus on heating the areas of your home you use most by closing some supply vents. Doing so will force warm air into the rooms you’re using. For example, close the vents in the guest room and close the door. That heat will be forced into other rooms and keep the house warmer.
For us, we always close a few vents on the first floor at night, to force the extra heat upstairs into our bedrooms while we sleep.
2. Change Your Furnace Filter
Help your furnace work effectively by giving it a fresh filter. Even if it’s now quite due for a swap, this will help with heating.
3. Turn on Your Circulating Fan
If your furnace/thermostat has a “fan on” option, turn it on. The circulating fan will keep air moving in the house and help stabilize the temperature–instead of letting the air completely cool between times that the furnace is running. Doing so will make a difference, and it uses little energy.
4. Scoot the Beds
If your bed (or your kids’ beds) are against an exterior wall, consider scooting it away from the wall. If you’ve got great insulation you can skip this–but staying away from walls and windows will keep you more comfortable while you sleep.
5. Moisturize
During extremely cold days remember to moisturize. Run humidifiers if you’ve got them. Be intentional about putting lotion on your hands (my favorite is Eucerin.) Put on lip balm before you head outside. If your littles have sensitive skin, put vaseline on their cheeks to prevent them from getting chapped.
6. Remember Your Jewelry
Extreme cold can hurt and crack soft stones (like opals). If you regularly wear one, give it an oiling (rub it with olive oil) and put it away until spring.
You’ll also be lotioning more often, so I like to limit the rings I wear so they don’t get gunked up.
7. Plan Extra Time to Get Out of the House
Getting anywhere takes longer when the air outside is extremely cold. You can’t cut corners on getting coats and winter gear on–so you’ll need more time than usual. Add padding to your schedule.
And speaking of things that you’ll need to do upon leaving…
8. Cover Exposed Skin
When heading outside, cover as much skin as possible. The cold can be biting. Don’t leave without a hat over your ears and gloves on your hands. (Check out my ultimate winter gear guide for tips on purchasing cold weather clothes and gear.) I don’t wear a scarf, except on the coldest days–the wind on your neck can be brutal.
9. Let the Car Warm Up
Your car may not need to actually “get warm” to be driveable, but during subzero days you’ll want to let it warm up for your own comfort. This is something I typically skip…until the temp drops below zero.
And speaking of the car…
10. Help Your Car Start
Park your car a garage if you can. Extremely cold temps can cause your starter to freeze or malfunction. Keep jumper cables handy in case you can’t get it going.
For more positivity and intentional living…
I love teaching others to flip the narrative on negative thinking (including living in Minot) and see God’s goodness in all circumstances. I’d love to have you hang out with me on Instagram and Facebook so we can get to know each other better!
Here’s some of the most helpful + encouraging parenting advice I’ve ever gotten. In fact, it may be the best parenting advice I ever got.
“Becoming a parent doesn’t mean stopping. It doesn’t mean putting the work God asks of you on hold. It’s not God’s way of telling you to hold off on ministry and using your gifts until your kids are sleeping through the night, in school, potty trained…fill in the blank.
“Becoming a parent in an opportunity to welcome a child into your life’s ministry. To continue to do the work of God—and let your children in on the joy of serving and loving God + others.”
These words were spoken from a pulpit years before I became a mom. But I still remember it vividly as a moment when the lie that children are a burden, not a blessing began to crumble. I used to live in fear that my dreams would never come to fruition if I was a mom. That is simply not true.
What is true is that after I became a mom, the things my heart naturally craved started coming closer. When I had all the time in the world, I was unable zero in on what gifts needed my attention most. I chased after jobs that came easy, but never felt quite right. The work paid, but I always ended up frustrated that my “real” gifts were sidelined. The things I dreamed of never got closer—even though on paper it looked like I had everything I needed to “go for it.”
“After I became a mom, I was able to hone the skill of prioritizing.”
After I became a mom, I honed the skill of prioritizing. Having a baby in one arm meant that I needed to let go of all the “filler” jobs and skills that were awkward to hold—even with both arms. Suddenly my other arm was open to embrace the things that God had actually equipped me to do. I needed to be picky when saying “yes.” I became bolder about walking toward the things I am naturally inclined to do. For me, it’s writing, speaking, teaching, telling stories. For you, it’s probably something different.
I started to see firsthand that the work I was naturally gifted for didn’t need to stop because I had kids in my home; this was an opportunity to welcome them into ministry with me.
This was an opportunity to set an example of praying through how my time should be used, confidently stating the skills I excel at, and showing how God wires us all uniquely for Kingdom work. By allowing my boys to apprentice in this work, I pray that they’ll grow into confident men of God—who can identify their natural gifts and put them to use.
I think back to that statement from a pulpit I haven’t seen in years almost daily as I work on the things God has called me to. So most days you’ll find me in our “office” sitting at this tiny table working as much as I can alongside my best helper and apprentice. Sure, there are tasks I reserve for quiet moments when no little fingers are around to “help” type—but I cherish the moments we spend side by side, each working on our projects. I hope he always remembers that he was included and an important part of the ministry of our family. That he was welcomed into our callings. Never the reason we hit pause on working for the Kingdom of Christ.
A Word to the Not-Moms
Now, a word to those of you without littles in the home. Listen to me. Being a mom is not the key to being more effective for the Kingdom. Don’t get hung up on that. Instead, learn from my mistake of believing that there will be a better time “someday.” Run from the lie that you need to pursue money, or someone else’s definition of success, or even your own ideal of success. You are uniquely created to do unique work. Be confident about your gifts and start praying today for courage to use them to their full potential. This is a practice I’m still working on, and would be honored to have you striving alongside me.
With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, it’s time to talk about fresh date night ideas. I often find myself having a hard time coming up with date ideas that don’t involve eating out. Right now, eating out can be tricky for several reasons. Maybe you (or your employer) aren’t comfortable with public dining for pandemic reasons. Or maybe you don’t want to sabatoge your New Year’s diet goals. Or maybe quarantimes have taught you to love cooking for yourself.
10 Terrific Winter Date Ideas in Minot
Whatever your reason for wanting a date that isn’t your standard “dinner and drinks” I’ve got you covered. Here are 10 terrific winter date ideas in Minot that aren’t dinner.
In Minot it’s easy to find a hockey game that fits your date night schedule. Bundle up and go root for the Minotauros or the MSU hockey teams. (Click the links for team schedules.)
Hit the Driving Range
Minot Parks recently opened a driving range inside the “MSU Bubble.” Open to the public every Sunday evening from 7:30-10pm for adults. See here for additional information. (More on the Bubble, it’s use and location is here.)
The Putt District downtown offers fun, neon mini golf year round. They’re open year round, seven days a week and stay open late (except Sunday). As a bonus to the fun activity, Putt District also serves beer, wine, Pride Dairy ice cream (in my opinion…the BEST!), and offers all-you-can-eat pizza with golf on the second Thursday of the month. See BeLOCAL’s feature on them here and information on hours, etc here.
Escape Point is Minot’s escape room. Puzzles are well thought out and challenging–and there are several options for only two players. (And lots of options for double dates.) See BeLOCAL’s profile of them here, and their website + room info here.
See a Movie
Still wary of going out to the movies? Catch a movie at Oak Park Theater. Audiences are capped off, the theater is clean, and there is plenty of space to socially distance. For a complete Oak Park Theater date night idea, see this Minot Monday post. If you still want more information, go to their website.
Go Skating
If weather is nice grab your skates (or borrow some from a friend) and hit one of Minot’s outdoor skating rinks. If the weather is not so nice, head to Maysa Arena to enjoy open skating. A list of skating rinks from BeLOCAL can be found here. Information on Maysa’s skating hours is here.
Take advantage of the snow for sledding or skiing date. Find a list of places to sled in town here. Information on cross country skiing in town is here. If you’d rather get out of town for downhill skiing head to Huff Hills or Bottineau Winter Park. Bottineau Winter Park also offers tubing (with a lift–so you don’t have to hike to the top of the hill.)
Go Curling
While they’re not open for lessons everyday, the Minot Curling Club offers “learn to curl” days/evenings and fun spiels for amateurs. I love curling. See a whole Minot Monday post on curling here. Check out the curling club’s event schedule here.
See a Show
Mouse River Players is back and offering limited seating shows–including one coming out over Valentine’s Day. Check in with their website for current and upcoming show information.
If relaxing is more your scene, spend some time relaxing together at LOR Spa. Check their website for a list of services–including couples massages.
More Positivity and Minot
For more encouragement for daily positive living and lots more stories about life in Minot, join me on Instagram and Facebook. For more Minot Monday posts–go here. To see more date ideas from BeLOCAL go here (pg 36). I’m so glad you’re here.
This guide of affordable gifts for the whole family is partnership with Minot SCHEELS. All thoughts, opinion and picks are purely my own.
Christmas is almost here. And if you’re like me, there are still a few people to shop for and a few gifts left on your list to buy. I’m so excited to bring you this list of affordable gifts for everyone on your list. The best part? These are all available in store at Minot SCHEELS! You can mask up, waltz in and complete all your shopping in one quick trip.
The gifts you’ll find here are versatile, high quality and will be loved for years to come. And don’t forget, SCHEELS is lots more than a sporting goods store. They carry great toys, pro-team gear, accessories…I’m not joking when I tell you–you can do all your shopping right there.
All these inspiring gifts are $50 or less (with the exception of one bonus gift.) And to help you shop, SCHEELS and I are giving away a $50 gift card! Head to my Instagram to enter to win!
Snow Gifts
SCHEELS is chock full of items for fun in the snow. But if you ask me–these are the best and most versatile.
I grew up sledding and a metal saucer sled is the best sled ever invented. It’s timeless and it’ll last a lifetime. However, metal saucers are hard to come by these days. When I walked into SCHEEL’s this Christmas Vacation sled was one of the first things I saw and it immediately went into my cart. (Not to mention it’s totally awesome that it’s the Griswold sled.)
For kids on your list, there is nothing better than a snow-shovel that’s just their size. Growing up, I loved having a shovel to “help” my dad in the driveway. And I’ve never met a kid since who didn’t love having one too. (Bonus: It’s only $5.99–a great gift and totally affordable!)
Gear Gifts
As I said, the gifts in this guide are versatile. Just because they come from a sporting goods store, doesn’t mean the folks on your list need to be super sporty. These are some of my favorite gear picks. They are versatile enough for everyone to love, even if they have no plans to backpack the Pacific Rim.
A small, durable backpack. I love this one from Osprey. It’s beautiful, high quality and the perfect size. I bought one similar to this for my parents a couple years ago and they use it all the time. It’s perfect to take to the airport, overnights, on day hikes, or even to pack a picnic for nights at Music in the Park.
Compression sacks. Think these are just for backpackers? WRONG! This is a fabulous gift for anyone who travels (ever) or anyone who is a parent. Pack it in your luggage to store dirty laundry. Keep it in the diaper back with a change of clothes (and have a safe place to put clothes that got the wrong end of a blowout.) Take it to the beach, the pool, hiking, you name it.
Multifunctional gaiter. Especially in a pandemic year, a cute, comfy gaiter is a great gift. Use it as a scarf to combat Minot windchills… then quickly pull it up over your face as a mask. But it doesn’t stop there. These things have million uses! (And it comes in a billion patterns.)
Waterproof phone float. This is a great gift for anyone with a phone (read: everyone.) Perfect for lake days, pool days, water parks, or on the trail.
S-Biner Key Rack. I’ve been b//n in,m, mjmn u/uying this exact product for men on my list for about five years now. It’s insanely handy. Perfect for a hard-to-buy-for man on your list.
My Sporty Gift Picks
I set out to specifically find gifts that will work for nearly everyone on your list. While these are a little more “sporty” than some of my other picks, let me assure you they are very versatile and make great gifts!
Spikeball. This is the one item on this list that comes in over the $50 limit. However, Spikeball makes a great gift for a whole family. Or a couple. Or any college student who might be on your list. This will provide hours of outdoor fun for years to come.
A Multigym. These are great gift for anyone who likes to work out at home (or is unable to get to the gym because of COVID closures.) It also makes a great gift for a teenage boy, or an energetic younger boy who loves to climb and hang like a monkey.
Muscle Hook. I own one of these an LOVE it! This is perfect for anyone who wishes they could get to the chiropractor or massage studio more often. (Also great for those who suffer from stress headaches, or have chronically tight shoulders like me.) Yes, it looks weird and it’ll be tricky to wrap–but trust me, it’s awesome.
Clothing Gifts
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: SCHEELS has the best clothes. Think outside the “yoga pants and gym clothes” box. They carry great, quality brands and loads of items for everyday wear, for everyone on the list. Here are a couple things I love.
Men & Women Picks
Wild Tribute. Christmas gifting is a great time to introduce others (and yourself) to new brands. I love the designs out right now from Wild Tribute. Head to the store or SCHEELS online to see all the options. And the coolest thing about this brand is that a portion of profits is donated to National Parks and Public Lands.
Try a familiar brand in a different style. I’m in love with this hooded Carhartt flannel. (In fact I wore it in the Ultimate Gear Guide.) There are so many choices, but you’ll never go wrong with a classic.
Younger Picks
For school-aged girls on your list, you won’t go wrong with a Sherpa pullover in a fun print. I love this one from Boxcraft. For school-aged boys a neutral classic that can go from shirt to jacket will be perfect. This one from Ocean Current is so soft and warm. (I couldn’t find this online, but it’s fully stocked at the Minot store. Here is something similar online.)
Food/Drink Picks
A Yeti Rambler. I have a Yeti travel cup and, the hype is true. It will keep your coffee hot (like piping hot) for an insanely long time. I’m a huge fan of the Rambler because it can fit a lot of coffee and still fit in my car’s cupholder. Perfect for any coffee lover, commuter, or busy mom (who often drinks lukewarm coffee, or needs to reheat her mug multiple times each morning.)
The cutest camp mug. This little blue enamel coffee cup makes me feel like I’m camping, even when the windchill is subzero. It’s adorable and affordable.
A durable, Hydroflask lunchbox. This lunchbox is the perfect size for a student, road-tripper or anyone who takes lunch to work. My favorite feature is that it’s got a hard case so your lunch will never get smushed. (And they come in the prettiest colors!)
Fishing Rod Marshmallow/Hot Dog Roasters. My parents have a set of these from SCHEELS an they are always a hit. Fun to use, great conversation starters, totally unique. Perfect gift, right?
Warm Gifts
You’ll never go wrong with hats, gloves, mittens or cozy footwear. These are some of my favorite in store at SCHEELS this year.
Everyone has gloves, but not everyone has an amazing pair of glove liners. Glove liners are ideal for anyone living in a cold climate (read: Minot). These from Burton are warm, thin enough to fit under another thicker pair and will activate touch screens.
If you are buying for a kiddo–buy a great pair of mittens. Be sure they extend up the arm a bit (like these from Colombia) to save Mom and Dad from constantly replacing mittens while playing in the snow.
If you ask me, quality socks are always a good gift. Some of my favorites in store are these from Colombia (love that deer motif), Carhartt, and Stance (which come in a boat load of patterns an employees told me were a must to include on the gift guide…multiple employees on the floor were wearing them while I was there scouting gifts and said incredible things.)
Outside of socks, quality slippers are great. I’m a fan of these classic moccasins from Dearfoams. The feature that sells me on them is their great, thick indoor-outdoor sole. (Because slippers should double as footwear for grabbing the mail or getting something you forgot in the car.)
Accessory Gifts (For Women)
A small, thoughtful gift can speak volumes. (Especially for women–don’t we love it when we know someone has thought about us?) Here are some of my favorite accessories in store.
Colorful barrettes. My favorites are these from Denim and Daisy. (I couldn’t find them online–but there are lots in store!)
Wallet accessories. This card elastic and wrist lanyard keep the essentials close at hand, not lost in your purse. (And they come in tons of fun colors and patterns.)
Happy Shopping!
I hope this guide has given you lots of inspiration for affordable gifts for the whole family. Remember to head to Instagram for a chance to win a $50 gift card to SCHEELS. (Giveaway ends Dec 16, 2020).
And for more everyday inspiration for positive living and flipping the narrative on negative thoughts, join me on Instagram and Facebook. I’d love to be friends.
Happy Minot Monday! You guys had such a great response to the Minot Fall Bucket List, I’ve decided to keep it going. Today I’ve got a list of 10 things to do in Minot this Christmas. It’s the 2020 Christmas in Minot bucket list. Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. Check out their publication and follow them on Instagram for lots of HELPFUL tips and tricks for living and thriving like a local!
Christmas in Minot is a magical time. This year, things look different. But that won’t stop our adorable, creative town from being festive. As usual, Minot has shown up and thought outside the box to give residents plenty to do–despite predictably cold weather and unpredictable COVID restrictions.
So, while several of our favorite events are cancelled (read: the CP Holiday Train)–there’s still plenty to fill your December calendar. Here’s my list of 10 things to do in Minot this Christmas. (Scroll to the bottom for a PDF version.)
The 2020 Christmas in Minot Bucket List:
1. Sertoma Christmas in the Park
Take a drive through Oak Park and take in Minot’s best light display. The entire park is lit up with characters and animated displays. Admission is $5 per car (proceeds benefit the Sertoma Club) and they are open every night through January 2nd. This is a perfect way to fill a dull evening…or a perfect way to pull the kids out of a cranky, cabin-fever frenzy. Grab some cocoa, turn on the Christmas tunes and enjoy the drive.
2. Private Light Displays
Besides Sertoma Christmas in the Park, Minot has two private light displays open for public viewing all season. Both are set to music and can be viewed all season from your vehicle.
Olson Decorations
Find this display south of town. All the details are on their website here.
Schlect Family Holiday Light Display
Find this display in the Northwest. All the details can be found on their Facebook page.
3. Participate in Downtown Events
There’s nothing better than a small town’s downtown at Christmas. This year Minot’s downtown has scaled back events that have drawn large crowds in the past. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t lots of fun happening.
Downtown Holiday Selfie Scavenger Hunt
Explore downtown, take some selfies and get entered into a prize drawing. But hurry, this event only runs through December 5th! See event details here. Click this link and enter your name and email address to see the list of photo-ops to search for.
Downtown Window Walk
Downtown businesses have decked out their windows with holiday displays. Stroll downtown and take them in for and evening window walk on December 11 or a daytime walk on the 12th. Then vote for your favorite!
4. Poinsettias at Lowe’s
Lowe’s Garden center is open year round and chock full of poinsettias and fresh trees at Christmastime.
Escape the cold weather and breathe in the warm, humid air of a greenhouse in bloom. Lowe’s Garden Center is a spectacular sight, filled to the brim with vibrant poinsettias, Christmas decor and trees. Don’t miss out on this one.
5. Try the Santa Skate
When thinking about Christmas in Minot, remember to get out and be active. There are lots of options, but I’m in favor of trying out the Santa Skate at Maysa Arena. On December 23 Maysa Arena will be showing The Santa Clause on the big screen to watch while you skate!
6. Watch a Holiday Movie at Oak Park Theater
Oak Park Theater brings holiday classics in to watch on the big screen.
Keep an eye on Oak Park Theater’s website or Facebook page to see what movies will be headed to the big screen. They are known for bringing holiday favorites and nostalgic classics (like White Christmas) in for the month of December.
7. Bake a Locally Loved Scandinavian Delight
Try one of the 10 Scandinavian recipes I shared here. Minot is known for it’s love of all things Scandinavian and Nordic. And Christmas in Minot won’t be complete until you have something made of about 50% butter. (If you aren’t up for baking one for yourself, look to buy them here.)
Make a point to taste something that tastes like Christmas this month. Grab a coffee from one of our great shops, buy a baked good or cookie, order a swanky cocktail, get a piece of pie to go. It’s up to you. Find a local place (bonus points if it’s a place you’ve never been) and order up. If you’re feeling brave, just ask the person at the counter to pick out their most festive item for you to try.
10. Buy a Local Gift
I won’t tell you to do all your shopping at small businesses. Sometimes that’s just not possible. But add purchasing at least one gift from a local shop to your Christmas bucket list. Minot has so many great places to choose from–or you can take a class and make something yourself!
(BONUS) Attend a Christmas Eve Service
Minot is full of welcoming churches. If you don’t have a church home, do a little Googling to find a Christmas Eve service to attend. Or reach out to me and I’ll help you out! In my opinion there is nothing more special than a church decked out for Christmas and a Christmas Eve service ushering in the Day we’ve all been waiting for!
I hope this is a great season for you (even if it’s totally different than what you are used to doing!) I hope you’ll join me on Instagram and Facebook–I’ll be sharing a daily Advent meditation and an inside look at how my house is enjoying Minot this season in my Stories. What are you looking forward to this season?
Happy Minot Monday! Today’s post is all about Scandinavian holiday foods. Read on to see why that qualifies for a Minot Monday post. And remember, these posts about life in Minot are made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot–a guide to living like a local. It’s full of local favorites and gems, and their Instagram page (and stories) are a great source for local happenings and living tips. Be sure to check them out and give them a follow.
The “big food” holidays are nearly upon us. Gatherings may be different this year, but that’s no reason to skimp out on preparing and sharing good food. If you are a transplant to Minot, this is a golden opportunity for you.
Your friends and family may give you a hard time about living in a place with subzero wind chills, or tease you about your town being “the worst assignment in the Air Force…” But you know better. You know Minot is a gem. You know this place is weird in the best way and that deep down, everyone else is jealous that you’re on such a great adventure.
When it comes time to gather round the table with your family (of no more than 10, of course) or to pack up holiday treats to mail off to friends, take this moment to wow them with one of these Scandinavian holiday foods that regularly grace a Minot table in the coldest months of the year.
I’ve rounded up 10 recipes for Scandinavian holiday foods that are also uniquely Minot. I hadn’t heard of any of these until I moved to Minot, now I’ve eaten *most* of them and even cooked a few in my own kitchen. Embracing local culture and heritage has deepened my love for our town, and made our time here even sweeter.
Between now and New Year’s I’ll be baking through as many (but not lutefisk) on this as I can. Follow along on Instagram to see how they turn out!
Sandbakkels
“Sandbakkels’ (meaning sand tarts) are a Norwegian sugar cookie. They are a Christmas tradition in many families.”
Sandbakkels are the first Scandi-treat I baked this season. A few years ago I was gifted sandbakkel molds, but I still haven’t perfected them. They are easy to make and taste delightful, but I have a knack for over filling the molds and making them a little too thick. If you are looking for something simple to try, this is a good place to start.
“Lefse is a traditional soft Norwegian flatbread. It is made with potatoes, flour, butter, and milk or cream. It is cooked on a large, flat griddle. Special tools are used to prepare lefse, including long wooden turning sticks and special rolling pins with deep grooves.”
Lefse is a big deal around here. So big, I dedicated an entire Minot Monday post to it last winter. This recipe has great photos and instructions. You do need a few special tools to prepare it, so my best advice is to make friends with a local who has the supplies and can guide you through the process.
Rosettes are thin, cookie-like deep-fried pastry of Scandinavian origin. Rosettes are crispy and typified by their lacy pattern. They are traditionally made during Christmas time…They are made using intricately designed rosette irons.
To many, fattigmann–which can be translated as “poor men”–are an essential part of Christmas, a requisite member of the syv slags kaker, or seven sorts of Norwegian Christmas cookies. These represent an important element of the baking tradition in that they’re fried.
Fattigmann is definitely on my list of “to-bakes” this season. I LOVE this article from Outside Oslo. She clearly explains the nostalgia behind fattigmann and the different types of Norwegian Christmas cookies.
Krumkake is a Norwegian waffle cookie made of flour, butter, eggs, sugar, and cream…a special decorative two-sided iron…is traditionally used to bake the thin round cakes.
Skolebrød or Skolebolle is the Norwegian name for a type of sweet roll made from yeasted dough filled with custard and decorated with icing dipped in grated coconut. It was usually put in school lunches as a dessert or sold at bake sales, hence the name.
Pulla is a type of dessert or pastry flavored with cardamom. It’s served as coffee table treat with coffee or tea…Usually pulla is baked as a small brioche style or as a braided loaf.
Pulla bread is not strictly a Scandinavian holiday food. However, because it can be highly decorative, it makes a great addition to a holiday table. Here is a classic recipe with lots of successful reviews.
If you want something more strictly Christmas, try this recipe for Julekaka (Christmas Bread) from Outside Oslo.
These twisted sugar cookies don’t require any special tools, which makes them a great option if this is your first crack at making Minot holiday favorites. Here’s an easy recipe from Pillsbury.
We’ll wrap up our list with a couple non-sweet Scandinavian holiday foods. The holidays in Minot won’t be complete until you’ve had a couple Swedish meatballs. A friend recommends this recipe–but her mom makes this note: “I have always rolled the meatballs and baked them in the oven instead of frying them. I always seem to break the meatballs trying to turn them while frying.”
Lutefisk is dried whitefish. It is made from aged stockfish, or dried and salted cod, pickled in lye. It is gelatinous in texture after being rehydrated for days prior to eating.
Lutefisk and meatball dinners are typically plentiful in Minot from October through January. (This year may be different due to the pandemic.) Making lutefisk is an intense process, so you probably won’t cook it yourself. However, you can take a look at this article describing the process. If you simply must taste it, you can buy some at local grocery stores.
Enjoy Minot with Scandinavian Holiday Foods
Try one or try them all. No matter what your holidays look like this year, make the most of your days in Minot by diving into the quirky culture you’ll find here.
For more on Minot life and intentional living inspiration be sure to join me on Instagram and Facebook. (Or join my email list below, so you never miss a post!) And be sure to follow BeLOCAL to and watch their stories for lots of good, local tips.
Happy Minot Monday! After a couple weeks off, to celebrate the arrival of our new little one, I’m thrilled to be back. Today I’m sharing my Minot labor and delivery experience. Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLocal Minot. For more on living and thriving like a local be sure to read their publication and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
If you follow along with me on Instagram or Facebook (which you totally should, because it’s super fun) you have seen lots of pregnancy content lately. Just over two weeks ago our family welcomed a new addition. COVID-19 has led to the cancellation of labor and delivery unit tours. Today I’m sharing my Minot labor and delivery experience with you. It’s not the same as an in person tour, but if you are expecting and this is your first time delivering in Minot I hope this will set your mind at ease and answer a few questions.
Checking In To Have a Baby
I’m sure your OB will tell you this, but I’ll reiterate. When it’s time to have your baby, go in to the Trinity ER. Park across the street (Burdick Expwy), right across from the ambulance bay.
Check in at the General Admissions desk. Walk in through the main ER door and walk straight ahead. There’s a big sign above it.
Staff will get you set up. Then you can head up to the 3rd Floor.
Visitors
Visitors are checked in at the admissions desk. They’ll receive a PIN number to access the labor and delivery unit. Nearby, there is a kiosk where they’ll have a quick photo taken and receive a visitor pass. (More on COVID restrictions for visitors in the COVID section of this post.)
Minot Labor and Delivery Rooms
Laboring Room
Due to a minor complication, I deliver via C-Section. (We’ll discuss that in just a bit.) Because of this, I didn’t spend much time in a delivery room. This was simply where we “checked in” and I got monitored and changed for surgery. However, I do have a photo of the room for you. (This was taken when I was hospitalized at the end of September for abdominal pain, which turned out to be renal-related.)
These rooms are private, and all but a couple have a private bath as well. There’s a bed, chair and TV. Besides that, it’s equipped for laboring.
Recovery Rooms
Recovery Room–excuse the clutter
On the “other side” of the Labor and Delivery Unit are recovery rooms. These rooms are also private and most have their own full bathroom. (My understanding is that rooms without a full bathroom have a private half-bath, but share a shower.)
In addition to the bathroom there is a sink in the room and TV. Sleeping/visiting accommodations for your partner is a recliner. Derek spent one night in the hospital with me and said it was surprisingly comfortable.
Recovery room. Bathroom is straight ahead, hall is through the door to the right.Recovery room bathroom
Things Provided, Things You Need
There’s very little that you need in your hospital bag. Most things just make your stay a little more comfortable. The hospital provides the basics.
When I delivered our firstborn, we lived in South Dakota. Items provided were slightly different. To accurately prepare your expectations, here is what was provided at Trinity and what we found helpful to bring from home.
Things Provided:
Hospital gown
Hospital robe
Non-slip Socks
Mesh underwear (flattering for every body type)
Abdominal binder
Newborn diapers
Wipes
Receiving blankets
Classic pink and blue hat
Big plastic cup for ice water
Small snacks and juice available from the nurse’s station
Meals available from the cafeteria (7am-7pm), with room delivery
Pads
Towels
Ice packs
Heating pad
Baby bathing supplies
Supplemental formula, if needed
Pump attachments/syringes if needed for pumping colostrum
Lanolin upon request
Lactation support, if needed
Helpful Things I Brought From Home
Bathrobe (something that fits better than the one-sized hospital robe–for me it was less of a tripping hazard)
Toiletries
Pajamas
Breast pump (both my littles had a tough time breastfeeding at first, I used my pump in the hospital and returned to breastfeeding after about a week)
Baby clothes/hat (we brought a hat that stayed on a bit better than the one from the hospital)
Phone, headphones, charger
Face mask
Car seat
Minot Labor and Delivery and COVID-19
COVID-19 has brought changes to everything. Having a baby is no exception. Here are a few ways labor and delivery stays are affected by COVID.
Limit to one visitor. Not one visitor at a time–only one authorized, designated visitor per patient is allowed.
Water and ice is brought in a new cup each time you need a refill–then you can put it in your cup. If you’ve got a water bottle you love, feel free to bring it from home.
Visitors are asked to wear their mask at all times, even in patient room.
Patients are expected to wear a mask in halls and common spaces.
Staff wear masks at all times.
C-Section Notes
My delivery happened via C-Section. Here are a couple notes on my experience.
You’ll check in, get changed and monitored in a labor room then be taken down to the OR.
Your partner will join you in the OR after your spinal tap has been administered.
After delivery, if the baby is healthy, you may do skin-to-skin while the doctor finishes the procedure.
Photos are allowed in the OR, but not of the procedure or staff performing the procedure
A kind member of staff offered to take a couple photos for us
After the procedure your partner and baby will go up to recovery. You’ll join them there once a bit of the spinal tap has worn off.
A Thank You To The Staff
In my opinion, giving birth (no matter how it happens) is intimidating. I can’t say enough good things about the staff at Minot Labor and Delivery. They were harrowing to me in September when I had mysterious and excruciating pain (which turned out to be renal clots.) On delivery day, they helped me feel comfortable from start to finish.
The staff who prepped me for surgery were amazing. Especially since I was pretty nervous. (A couple even told me they followed my IG account–which was so fun to hear!) Everyone downstairs was so kind and helpful. Everyone in the OR was equally amazing. All were professional, skilled and had exceptional bedside manner.
Upstairs in recovery I had another set of amazing nurses. They gave me brilliant care. In the night after my C-Section pain management became a problem. (I was unable to receive traditional pain treatments.) While I literally cried out in pain, my nurse, Betty totally showed up and took charge. I was in good, capable hands and you will be too.
To everyone, who had a hand in my care–and my wonderful OB, Dr. Johnson–thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You cared for me during some of my hardest, most important days. You got my sweet Silas into this world safely and our family home and healthy together.
For More Minot and Encouragement
For more on life in Minot, see the Minot archives here–and be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook. There I share daily encouragement for living intentionally and positively. And for even more Minot favorites and insight on living like a local be sure to follow BeLocal Minot!
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