I think God forgot that this is Minnesota... - 12/30/10 12:29 PM
I can only imagine how much snow December COULD have brought us this year.... For real. I am watching ALL my precious white melt in my front yard as I write this very post. Truly, we started with two feet of snow this week. Taking the kids sledding was great entertainment as they waded through thigh high snow in their itty-bitty boots and plumped up snow pants.
Today is quite a different story. Seemingly overnight a good third of our snow has been condensed by the consistant drizzle of RAIN! Who's ever heard of rain storms in Minnesota in December? Okay, … (3 comments)

O Christmas Tree - yeah, you really have to come down! - 12/29/10 10:31 PM
Do you have a live (or drying) Christmas tree decorating your house? There are loads of them that are still decorating windows and housing throughout Elk River. The thing is... all good things must come to and end. This week most folks will be carefully removing decorations and dragging needly and dry Christmas trees outside.
In Elk River there isn't a curbside pickup for the trees. But, don't despair! You aren't out of luck!
On Saturday, January 8th in 2011 Elk River is offering tree recycling at the Public Works Compost Site from 8am to noon. It's easy peasy... just load … (4 comments)

Paying it forward comes in the strangest of ways... - 12/28/10 10:17 PM
Recently a Little Caesar's opened in our dear town and I decided on the way 'back through town' that I'd stop and pick up dinner for the fam. Leaving the kids with my Mom while I headed to the pizza shop seemed logical since we were dropping her at her house anyways and I'm glad that I did.
Completely NOT realizing that it was the Vikings game tonight (off for a Tuesday) I walked into the busiest place on planet earth! The line to the register hung out the door and people were standing in every free foot inside the lobby. … (7 comments)

A Merry Little Christmas (Traditions from a Minnesota gal)... Merry Christmas! - 12/25/10 09:57 AM

There are events in history that can affect the entire history of the world. Imagine if Jesus hadn't have been born in the manger so many years ago. Or, if the Macy's Day parade had never happened? Would we even have Christmas? If it hadn't happened somewhere in some time in existance it would never be.

Today is a day that many many celebrate the birth of a babe that has changed their entire existance. The child of virtually "homeless" parents (being that they couldn't find room in an Inn) being born
with the cows and sheep in a … (7 comments)

A Merry Little Christmas (Traditions from a Minnesota gal)...Paying it forward with a labour of love - 12/25/10 09:28 AM

Christmas Eve is a really important day for family. For 36 years we've celebrated my brother's birthday on this fine day. It can't have been easy for him to have a birthday so close to the Christmas day holiday all these years... and it's not an easy day to change.Starting about seven years ago we changed our celebrating tactics in effort to celebrate his birthday separately from the Christmas festivities. So, again at 6am I woke yesterday and started with the kneading and baking. It's the first time I've made caramel rolls for our annual birthday brunch, but it was … (3 comments)

A Merry Little Christmas (Traditions from a Minnesota gal)...How will Santa know? - 12/21/10 11:10 PM
When we were little and it came to Christmas Eve we loaded the car and headed to the 'farm' for the holiday. It was greatly anticipated and always filled with adventure. One of the best parts was always knowing what it meant when the parents finally loaded us into the car and headed back into the house for one 'last' thing.... that meant that we'd been good and Santa was dropping off presents under the tree. I'm not sure how we figured it out so young but it's all I remember thinking about Santa. I'm trying to figure out how to … (3 comments)

It's gonna be a befuddled snowy mess! - 12/20/10 05:09 PM
As the Vikings and Bears kickoff tonight I will be sitting in the warmth of my living room enjoying the white, snowy and befuddled mess from afar. It is one of those rare occasions that this Minnesotan Realtor Mama will be watching "the game" but it seems like a necessity under the circumstances.
With the dome of the Vikings home stadium crushed and in pieces... this will be one load of an interesting game.At this very moment lines are probably starting to form outside the outdoor TCF stadium that they've been working so hard to clear and ready for the influx … (2 comments)

A Merry Little Christmas (Traditions from a Minnesota gal)...The kids can act! - 12/19/10 10:56 PM
One of the most precious traditions for me is watching the little kiddos perform the Christmas story. It amazes me how touching the story is every time I see it. Even when I was a child and in the program myself it touched me. This year was a first for us. I had two little ones IN the program and though they had a hard time following the instructions they were cuter than anything! I enjoyed watching them and celebrating the success of their first ever performance.
The video that I've posted is only the portion that my kiddies are in. … (6 comments)

A Merry Little Christmas (Traditions from a Minnesota gal)...Anticipation - 12/18/10 11:43 PM

The life of a toddler is filled with action, play, learning, dreaming and pure faith. It is especially evident this time of year with stories of Santa and his elves dropping down chimneys into living rooms. And, in the mind of my 4 year old... wondering how on earth Santa could know when you are sleeping and awake or naughty and nice.
But, the truth is that this season just wouldn't be the same without a little anticipation. That's why we hide the gifts until Santa is to deliver them... wrapping them in pretty packages and shshshing secrets when no … (8 comments)

It takes a degree to read between the lines... - 12/18/10 05:47 PM
I called a buyer client today that I'm working with and recommended that she drive past a property in the area. She was in the neighborhood and decided to plug the address in and head that direction. Now.... I have to tell you that I WARNED her that the MLS held very little for information on the property and the photos weren't conclusive as to the condition. However, the price was right and knowing the area it could have been just what she was looking for.
The problem? Well, let's get there one step at a time.
Figuring out what the … (12 comments)

A Merry Little Christmas (Traditions from a Minnesota gal)...You wanna trade? - 12/16/10 06:14 PM
The countdown to Christmas is well underway... and with only a few days of frantic shopping remaining... we move into the final days before the holiday is upon us. So, today we baked nine dozen spritz cookies. It took most of the afternoon, but watching the finished project is always loads of fun for me. Packaging each dozen by hand with love is so enjoyable. Tomorrow is the day. Taking all nine dozen cookies to the office for our annual cookie exchange provides a great variety of yummies for the holiday. Like every year I will leave the exchange and drive … (5 comments)

A Merry Little Christmas (Traditions from a Minnesota gal)...Lalalalalala - 12/15/10 10:52 PM
From the day after Thanksgiving right up until Christmas day I love keeping my car radio on that good ol' 102.9 playing every Christmas song known to man over and over and over again. The kids have picked a few favorites including Jingle Bells, Jingle Bell Rock, and Rudolph... and a few that they beg for a new station over.
We've had a few great conversations about how Santa could possibly know when we are awake and asleep and why the reindeer want to live with Santa.
And, in our house we've enjoyed a little dancing to the cd's that play … (6 comments)

A Merry Little Christmas (Traditions from a Minnesota gal)... Rudie pays it forward? - 12/14/10 10:49 PM
From Black Friday right up to Christmas Eve there are rumors of folks spending well earned "dough" on gifts and presents for loved ones and friends. For some there are hardships of knowing what to buy making it a last minute ditch effort....but for others it's a matter of paying.
There are many in our area that just don't have the resources this year to provide for their families... and that makes Christmas very difficult. When it's a choice of food on the table and gifts under the tree - it just isn't fair.
Today my little reindeer helped me to … (5 comments)

A Merry Little Christmas (Traditions from a Minnesota gal)....homemade with love - 12/13/10 06:25 PM
Partly due to preschooling at home and partly due to very imaginative children we have taken to making decorations to fill our home. Every season can be sooooo different and there are thousands of ideas for Christmastime.
We've made wreaths, painted candy canes, green and red paper chains, lots of colored pictures and the list goes on. Today we worked on Christmas trees. The boys love digging into glue, paint, messy paper and glitter. It was the perfect project for a cold and wintry day!Tomorrow we will be adding snowflakes to our agenda. It's very pretty and very homemade in our … (8 comments)

A Merry Little Christmas (Traditions from a Minnesota gal).... A night in at the movies! - 12/12/10 11:04 PM
In the swirly whirly snow of Minnesota's harsh cold winters there are just some days that are better spent inside with the fireplace blazing and Christmas cookies filling the air with smells that you just can't resist.That's when it's time to dig out those long awaited Christmas movies, snuggle up on the couch with the blankets and the kids, with treats and goodies galore and spend the afternoon enjoying much needed rest time that you are finally willing to give yourself. Yesterday was the perfect day! Four movies later we are all geared up for Christmas with stories filling our heads … (8 comments)

All it takes is a quarter to pay it forward... - 12/10/10 08:42 PM
All it takes is a quarter to pay it forward. Seriously. And it's usually as easy as dropping it in the bucket on the way into your local grocery store. Every year during this season folks all over the USA ringing bells and beckoning attention.
And, the red kettles are there for a reason. I've written about this before.....
Growing up we were taught by Grandpa to always throw a quarter in every time we passed a kettle. The red kettles mean something big for our family. If it weren't for the Salvation Army and the help they gave Grandpa coming … (8 comments)

A Merry Little Christmas (Traditions from a Minnesota gal).... Hey, sweetie! - 12/10/10 07:18 PM
Bein' in real estate in the middle of December is a dangerous profession.... if you are trying to avoid the extra goodies going around. Our office is constantly offering yummy treats in the lunchroom this time of year and rarely are they labeled as to the loving donor. It's a good thing that we trust each other or dibbing in the cookie jar could be a scary idea!
Be that as it may... the last two days I've spent bent over my counter with bowl and spoon and plenty of ingredients. First came the fudge, then the Christmas bars before heading … (3 comments)

A Merry Little Christmas (Traditions from a Minnesota gal).... It's all business - 12/09/10 10:48 PM
For a couple of years now Coldwell Banker Vision has been privileged to host the Elk River Chamber "Business After Hours" event in the month of December. Celebrating Christmas while chatting it up with local business owner's is a wonderful treat and this year was no exception. We had a 'surprise' visit from Santa and his elf Buddy and they were kind enough to leave behind an interview about the current market condition in Elk River, Minnesota and why it just might be the right time to buy.If you can - take a look see! It's worth the effort.... and pretty … (4 comments)

A Merry Little Christmas (Traditions from a Minnesota gal)....Cards - 12/08/10 09:18 AM
One of the best decorations of all during the holiday season is the Christmas cards that we collect. I love hanging them from the fridge, the cupboard and every other bare space that calls my attention. It is just fun to have the thoughts of others 'hanging' around for awhile. The stay up until the new year and even then I keep them.
Yesterday I prepared my first batch of 'thoughts' to go into the mail. I realized far into my project that I didn't buy enough cards and need to get back to the store and buy another batch. … (5 comments)

A Merry Little Christmas (Traditions from a Minnesota gal).... Ornaments - 12/07/10 02:37 PM
Going to the store without the kids is a treat. Meandering the aisles and seeing what's there without the threat of one of them screaming (in happiness) at the top of their lungs. Being able to look at the labels without having to hang onto the arms of at least one monkey because they are wrestling in the cart.
Every year I take that a little time and stop at the store to pick out a Christmas ornament for each of the boys. I have a shoebox of 'memories' that I get to open each year when it's time to … (4 comments)

A Merry Little Christmas (Traditions from a Minnesota gal)....Oh, Christmas Tree! - 12/06/10 10:53 PM
A little sweeping... A little mopping... A little dusting... and then there was the tree.
Over the top with decorations andHelp from the toddlers putting them on the branches.Cheery lights and HoHoHo, I see Santa hiding.Rosy red ballsIntermingled with homemade ornaments.Shiny silver bells andTinsely tinsel costuming it's twigs.Merry little magicAnd popcorn with cocoa snackServing our family night of fun!Topping the night with laughs and gigglesRounding  out the night with dancing Santas andEntertaining boys with Every Christmas decoration!Okay, just a silly ditty to entertain tonight. We had loads of fun digging out the boxes of decorations and seeing what we have. The … (5 comments)

A Merry Little Christmas (Traditions from a Minnesota gal).... Can you perform? - 12/05/10 09:28 AM
From little kids dressed like sheep to adults performing a professional program it's so much fun to take time out and head to church for the annual Christmas productions. Last night was our church program and like always it was stellar and heart warming. The boys loved watching Dad singing his heart out in the choir. Every dance and song was perfection. It always gives me goosebumps to see Mary and Joseph in their "makeshift" manger loving on the baby Jesus whilst the angels and kings come to visit Him.
This year was extra special as I watched the wide-eyed wonderment … (6 comments)

It's those 'Kodak Moments' that make the stories in life! - 12/05/10 12:27 AM
On a fluffy white cold Minnesota day waiting for the "excitement " of anything to happen the boys decided to take matters into their own hands.Wishing for warmer days and trips to the local "Y" for a swim they dug out first their swimming suits. Donning them over pj's was great preparation for the trip that lie ahead.Our house then became a myriad of happenings with their readying for the big trip "out" of the house. With toys and clothes suddenly strewn from one end to the other the boys found sunglasses to keep the sun out of their eyes and … (9 comments)

A Merry Little Christmas (Traditions from a Minnesota gal).... It's a party! - 12/04/10 11:55 AM

 
'Tis the season for hollies and jollies. Tables laden with goodies and food so good that it's hard to resist. Parties filled with laughter and time for co-workers to celebrate as if they've got nothing else on their minds.This year is no exception. Last night was our annual Christmas party. Not only was it filled with fun and laughter, but a stressfree moment where work and clients were put aside in effort to enjoy a bit of the hard work that the year has brung.Soon after dinner was eaten and our tummies full we heard the thump on the … (3 comments)

25 Days of Christmas Traditions - 12/03/10 05:59 PM
I thought it'd be fun this season to highlight some of our family's favorite holiday traditions. Living in our house is awesome... but having special traditions has really made it feel like home. Some traditions are old and some are new, but they are all special! I hope that you enjoy!
25. Advent24. Ginerbread Houses23. Socky Socks22. Bookies21. Counting Down20. Pomagranates19. Shhhh. It's a secret18. It's a Party!
17. Can you perform?
16. Oh, Christmas Tree
15. Ornaments
14. Cards
13. A night in (at the movies)
12. Business After Hours
11. Cookies... Cookies... Cookies...
10. Hey Sweetie!
 9. Music!
 8. … (2 comments)

A Merry Little Christmas (Traditions from a Minnesota gal).... shhhhhh - it's a secret! - 12/03/10 05:35 PM
When I was still working at the front desk at our office (seven years ago) a co-worker and I conspired against our broker and delivered "evil little elves" gifts every day.... the best part was that he didn't know who it was. The reality is that he probably DID figure it out by day 20, but we had loads of giggles and so much fun with our quest. We delivered everything from miniature marshmallow snowmen playing around to secret funky Christmas messages on his voicemail. I would love to play this stunt again, but I'm not in as often as I … (2 comments)

A Merry Little Christmas (Traditions from a Minnesota gal).... an up front pay-it-forward. - 12/02/10 02:10 PM
For years the tradition at the office has been for agents to give the secretaries and workers a little something something at Christmas to thank them for their hard work through the year. When I worked at the front desk I remember the great feeling that I got when someone would 'spoil' me with a little something extra. A cold coke on a hot day, a hot cocoa on a cold day, a candy bar on a low energy day.... It just was that kick I'd need to get back in gear.
In the years since becoming an agent I've never … (5 comments)

A Merry Little Christmas (Traditions from a Minnesota gal).... 25 days of thoughts - 12/01/10 03:41 PM
Twenty-five days to Christmas and what a better way to count down than an advent calendar! I'm sure that the kiddos would love if I got something that involved candy, but why add more sugar to an already sweet holiday? We generally focus on a calendar with a story... this year 'the Christmas Story" in hopes of bringing some light into our holiday.
Hanging from a magnet on the fridge it's a gentle reminder of the season that we are in and often times start my panic towards the number of days until I have to have gifts under the tree.
… (4 comments)

 
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Lindsey Hasford

Elk River, MN

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Coldwell Banker Vision

Office Phone: (763) 241-5488

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