Mathew Meanderings

My Baby's Birthday

2012-01-23T23:56:00.003-05:00

Today Adelaide turned five. I would like to say that we spent the day in utter celebration, but the reality is that there was too much life going on to stop and make today incredible...and I am feeling utter guilty about it.

The girls had school so there was the morning hustle and bustle. Josie forgot her project at home, so another trip to school before ten AM. Josh had a meeting during lunch, so no lunch with Daddy. I even had to go buy her birthday presents for her with her today. I think this is the very last year I can get away with that without her noticing.

So as the night was winding down, and I was feeling like a failure, I realized something; Addie wasn't comparing me to other mothers. She wasn't even comparing this birthday with her sister's, or even her other birthdays. Addie was just excited to be five!

So maybe Mac and Cheese (the kind out of the blue box) is not my idea of a great dinner, but it was her birthday dinner request so it was perfect. Maybe the pie stayed a little too long in the oven, but she didn't care. Today was a great day.

So I decided today was a great day for me too.

Happy Birthday my sweet Adelaide. You have made these last five years the best five years of my life.

Make a wish!

Where Did the Week Go?

2012-01-20T11:07:00.002-05:00

This past week seems like a blur. The students have come back from their winter break, and the semester is in full swing.

I really only know that from word of mouth though, as I have been home all week. Josh and Adelaide have both been sick. Josh is now feeling better, and Addie will hopefully be soon.

Addie had made TWO trips to the ER this week. The first was Tuesday night. She was up a little after midnight not able to breathe. It sounded like croup so I took her out of the porch for some cold night air. When that didn't help, I gave her a abuterol treatment, and when that didn't work, we went to the hospital.

They were able to give her some steroids that helped a lot. I am so glad they did. What a scary thing to not be able to breathe.

Adelaide has been very snuggley, and I am enjoying the extra time with her, watching the Cosby show, or reading books.

Out of the blue yesterday her fever spiked to 102. Her tummy was really bothering her too. I called her doctor's office, and they were able to get us in, but at a different location. When I got there, Addie was crying really hard. She said she couldn't bend over or lay down without her belly hurting. The doctor took one look at her and told me to take her to the ER. They thought she had appendicitis. By the time I got back to the ER (which just happens to be right next door to us) her fever went down, and her belly no longer hurt. Very strange, and can only be explained as an answer to prayer!

She still has croup, but seems to be feeling a little better. Today she even ate some food!

I am sad that my little girl is sick, but thankful for the extra cuddle time I get with her!

Look at that big girl pouring her own milk!

Five Years From Fourteen

2012-01-11T09:07:00.004-05:00

Emma's new favorite way of torturing her mother is to tell me that over and over again. I think she finds joy in making me squirm.

What I can't tell is why fourteen is the magic number in her head. It is not the year she will get her drivers licence, or date, or enter high school. It's not even the beginning of being a teenager. It is, however, thee goal.

She often laments to me that she wishes she could stay young, and then the next moment want to be all grown up.

I just let her know that I have felt that way too, and how she will have the rest of her life to be an adult, but you are only a kid for a short time.

So, my dear Emma, enjoy being nine.

Happy birthday to the girl who made me a momma.

Why Memories Are Better Than the Real Thing, or So We May Think

2012-01-09T22:05:00.006-05:00

Do you ever feel that way? I must confess, I often feel that way. I like to remember. I am a big fan of pulling out old photo albums and recalling how wonderful things were. I even like to pull out old photo albums where ever we may go (much to my husband's chagrin). I want to hear about other people's fond memories too. I think that is why I started blogging. I know I've said it a hundred times before, but this blog is sort of an online scrapbook for me, the memory keeper. No one has actually given me that title. Some may even argue that my memory is not as good as I'd like to think.

I guess that is sort of my problem though. With keeping all these memories, I really don't like to give any room for change. I have a hard time seeing my girls grow. I am proud of who they are becoming, but am sad that they didn't stay little.

I also tend to try and recreate moments that have grown into fond memories. This is where it really gets silly. I want (and then expect) things to go the same way every time as the way I remember it, and heaven forbid some poor sole doesn't know that, and wants to try something "new". Am I the only one? Well, guess what. It never ends well. Shocker, I know.

Let me tell you something cool though. When you decide to stop trying to make everything into this "perfect replica" things can be pretty fun.

You see, this Christmas was one for the books. It was one of those week long celebrations full of family fun, both with my side of the family, and Josh's. It was one of those times where all the kids get along, no one gets the flu, everyone enjoys the company of everyone else... It was one of those Christmases you try and recreate the rest of your life. I don't know though, maybe it will just keep getting better.

Someone tell these lovebirds they are not newlyweds anymore. ;)

Adelaide opened every gift with this much excitement! It was SO sweet!

This was our second year of doing an Advent reading. We have LOVED every minute of it.

All dressed up for Christmas morning church service.

Grandma reading a family favorite. Emma was sure to get a good spot!

This was by far my favorite thing we did with the Mathew family side. We sang Christmas carols into the night. As much fun as it was to sing, I enjoyed even more hearing Josh and his siblings and parents sing together. What a beautiful blending of sweet songs to the Lord!

I Have Readers?

2012-01-07T12:38:00.004-05:00

I guess I have been feeling less and less like blogging, because I didn't think anyone was actually reading my blog. Well, my lovely family put me in place last night. They thoroughly ripped on me until I admitted to being a blogging failure. I mean, only thirty some posts last year?

I guess the main point that encouraged me was when my sister-in-law said "you aren't doing this for others anyhow, right? Aren't you writing this for you?" You know what? That is definitely how it started. It was my online scrapbook of sorts, sharing my story with the world, or anyone who was interested anyhow. I slowly forgot that, and as people stopped leaving comments, I stopped writing. Well, that is over. I am going to write, with readers or without readers. So all of you readers who read, but don't comment, that is okay. Thank you for sharing in our little journey in this planet.

Now, because I HATE writing without having some sort of photograph, I am leaving you with this. I find this picture extremely ironic. I took it for a Christmas card this year. I find it funny because this has been the warmest December (and January now) that I EVER remember. This was the only significant snow we got (so far). So, kinda funny that this was the picture I sent out. Actually, I had a complete brain freeze and ordered only 25% of the cards I needed, so most people didn't get this card anyhow.

May this New Year bring you joy!

Better Late than Never?

2011-12-07T22:05:00.003-05:00

Is that saying really true? I just was thinking it may be a little silly to be sharing these pictures in DECEMBER, but it was too fun to pass up!

We went to the annual Trunk-or-treat at Rives Baptist Church this year. It's become a family tradition of sorts. We started going there when we lived next door to the church in their mission house the year we were doing partnership development. Emma was three then! So little! Josie was just two months old. It was a LONG time ago. :) We have been going back every year since, and have enjoyed it every year.

This year we did not go as a "group costume" but each of our costumes reflected our interests. Check them out!

Emma was a surgeon. She has said since she was four that she wanted to be a doctor. If this is as close as she gets to that, I am okay with that, but knowing that girl, she probably will be one day!

Josie thought since she had lost so many teeth that she should go as the tooth fairy. I thought that was pretty clever of her!

Adelaide was a little lady bug. SO CUTE!

I asked Josh if he wanted to dress up this year. He said he would dress up as a hunter so he could be warm, so I decided to go as the hunted. :)

A Thankful Heart

2011-12-06T13:12:00.005-05:00

This Thanksgiving was spend with the Mathew family down in Indiana at Josh's sister's house. The Snyder family did an amazing job making everyone feel welcome and at home! It was a wonderful time together as family. We were even able to skype with Ben and Emily in Texas. Not exactly the same as having them there, but better than not seeing them at all!

We were able to stop by my sister's house on the way up and back, as they only live a half an hour from Ken and Chris. It was nice to be able to visit with them too.

Here are some pictures from our Holiday weekend.

This is actually a picture from the week before at Emma's choir concert. This is the first "speaking solo" she has ever had, and she was nervous! She did a great job though telling us all about the Pilgrims.

Getting Thanksgiving dinner ready.

Adelaide and Simeon having some good cousin time together.

The girls cousins (minus Addie) enjoying a story together before dinner.

What Mathew family gathering is complete without a puzzle? :)

Family Fall Festival

2011-10-27T20:20:00.004-04:00

The first weekend in October, Ella Sharp Park hosted their annual family fall festival. Emma and I accidentally stumbled upon it last year and loved it, so I made a mental note that the whole family would have to go this year if we could.

It turned out to be the PERFECT Sunday afternoon for it. It was sunny, and still warm enough to get by without a coat.

Ella Sharp Park is a great park near by that we often visit. It is where the girls take their swim lessons in the summer, and play soccer in the fall.

The park has a mini working village on it (think Greenfield village, but on a smaller scale) and there is a museum that was Ella Sharp's home. Ella was a woman who donated her entire farm after her passing to the city, and they kept her home just the way she left it (with a few touch ups here and there).

We had a lot of fun touring the little village, and Ella's house. It was even more fun because we were able to go with Lee and Kayla!

We are all looking forward to going back next year. :)

A little family picture.

Lee and Kayla

This is the parlour in Ella's house.

This is one room cabin home. Josie was loving this "Laura Ingles" style living.

Emma was fascinated by the printing press. I loved all the questions she was asking. Just like her Daddy and Grandma!

Our Week at Blue Gable

2011-09-28T22:08:00.005-04:00

Some of you may remember reading about the last time we were at Blue Gable. It was the year 2007, and it was a wonderful time! I thought for sure we'd go back (as we had almost every year) around Labor Day weekend since 2002. Little did I know that was the last time there with our ever expanding Mathew family.

When we were offered to stay at Blue Gable this year as guests of the owners, we jumped at the offer! What an amazing blessing it was! This was the first time (except for the occasional overnight camping trip) that we had ever gone on a vacation together as just the five of us. I guess it wasn't as much of a vacation for Josh. New Tribes was already back into full swing, and he went back during the day for ministry, and traveled back about an hour to spend the evenings with us.

Except for the Josh traveling part, this was the BEST vacation I could have ever asked for. The girls spent their days riding bikes, jumping off docks, fishing, doing crafts, and just plain having fun. I read a total of three novels (THREE!!!), and enjoyed doing some writing, fishing, and a whole lot of sun bathing. We even made a trip to town to one of my favorite coffee shops, found an awesome Mexican restaurant that served incredible fish tacos, and had a tour of a dairy farm, complete with free ice cream!

We made memories that week that will last a lifetime. It was an amazing gift from God to have this peaceful, quiet time away, and I am so thankful.

I painted the girls' finger nails and toe nails.

Sisters and friends!

Fishing with Daddy is always fun!

Emma got the biggest fish that week!

Incredible sunrises on Marble Lake. I liked to go fishing in the mornings with Josh before he would head out. This was the view pretty much every morning.

View of the cottage from the beach.

My favorite spot, and where I spent a lot of time! If I wasn't at the lake, I was here. :)

Blue Gable is one of my favorite places in the world!

Marble Lake also boasts amazing sunsets.

Soccer, or Sock Her?

2011-09-25T00:32:00.006-04:00

Emma is playing soccer this fall. Her first game was today and we were so excited getting out the door that I totally forgot the camera. :( It was a great day for a game. It was warmer than any game she had last year, and it was supposed to rain, but it stayed dry. I was glad for that. It's no fun to stand in the rain, although I hear it is fun to play in the rain.

The game went without too much excitement. Their team, the blue jays, won 3-2! There was one noted difference in this game from years past. Some how the soccer ball hit Emma in the face. It knocked her glasses off, and she was pretty stunned. She was more upset that they took her out of the game than the huge welt that was growing on her face! She was very happy they let her back in. I haven't figured out if she just didn't see it coming or went in for a header or what. I'm just glad she didn't break her glasses, or something even more important, like her nose! Not exactly what we meant by keeping her head in the game. That girl is so literal. :)

As I said before, I forgot my camera, but I took this one with my phone.

Can you see the soccer ball imprint?

Back to School

2011-09-21T22:23:00.003-04:00

Okay, so I totally realize that I haven't blogged in over a month. I am a blogging failure. :(

In attempt to get back on here (hopefully more regularly too!) I wanted to at least share a bit of our life.

September 6th was the girls first day of school. Emma is now in third grade, and Josie is in first. Addie is going to preschool for three days a week as well.

It was a gloomy morning the first day, but luckily their moods did not match! They were excited to go!

Here is a picture of them all dressed and ready to go. They are all growing so fast!

Summer Spectacular

2011-08-19T17:06:00.004-04:00

This summer was filled with special times with friends and family. Even though we didn't make any trips away, we were able to have plenty of fun!

The third of July was one of those memorable days. We went to our good friends, the Munden's house, along with Lee and Kayla, and spent the day on the lake. We went on their boat to the sandbar to swim, then back to their house for a fabulous dinner, that has topped all other meals in my book, and then back out onto the lake for the best fireworks display I've ever seen to date!

It was so much fun, and so relaxing. We went home during the wee hours of the morning, after our kids crashed on their couch. One of my favorite days ever.

Josie got a little cold swimming, so she decided to take a break.

Mindy and Caleb enjoying the ride.

Josh and I love the water!

The newlyweds entertained us with stories from their honeymoon trip to Italy!

Seriously, this is what I would request for a last meal. WOW!

The kids getting excited about the upcoming fireworks show!

Just simply the best display ever.

Ellie and Chris driving us back to their house.

Goodbye Kindergarten!

2011-08-10T12:45:00.004-04:00

Josie had a very successful year in kindergarten! She learned to spell her whole name (Josephine Laura is not that easy!), learned how to add, and to read! She had to amazing teachers who made her year a great one!

This has nothing to do with kindergarten, but I liked the picture. :)

Josie gave her teachers big long hugs.

It's official. She is a first grader now!

Josie with the best kindergarten teachers ever!

Field Day Part 2: Crazy Legs

2011-08-10T12:24:00.003-04:00

After Josie's field day events, Josh, Ben, Addie and I went for lunch and came back for the afternoon events when Emma's class would compete. I have all these great pictures thanks to Josh and Ben, as I wasn't feeling very well at all, and really not in the mood for picture taking.

Emma "crazy legs" Mathew is

the nickname she wanted us to use. We do call her that a lot. :)

Her sponge toss buddy was not really getting the point of the game...or maybe he just wanted to get soaked with the sponge each time.

Emma stepping up to the plate to soak a fellow classmate.

She did it!!! Good shot Emma!

Field Day 2011

2011-07-20T16:36:00.002-04:00

We had the great privilege to go to the girls' field day this year, and cheer them on.

They were so excited about it this year. We made t-shirts with them for the big day, and enjoyed a warm day.

Josie did an awesome job!

She is such a fast runner! She outran all the kids in her class.

Here she is playing a wet sponge toss game.

Check out the back of her shirt sportin' her nickname "Josie Fro-zie" :)

Whatcha Got Cookin' This Independence Day?

2011-07-03T13:16:00.002-04:00

Summer has been flying by so far! I finally have just uploaded the pictures from the end of school. I will be posting soon about field day, and Josie's kindergarten celebration, but first I was wondering what your plans were for the holiday weekend?

We are going to a friend's home tonight for a BBQ and boat ride, and tomorrow we will be watching the parade and fireworks up with my family. Should be a good time, with good food and good fun.

So, whatcha cookin' up for the weekend?

What IS that on your forehead?

2011-06-27T14:21:00.003-04:00

"It's Jesus!"

Um. Okay. I love you my strange child. :)

Saying Goodbye to our Grandpa

2011-06-10T15:37:00.003-04:00

I haven't blogged in a while. Josh's sweet Grandpa has passed away.

Death of someone who trusts in the Lord is such a complicated thing. Complicated in that we are rejoicing that Grandpa is in no more pain, and sits at the feet of Jesus. Grieving that he is gone from us. It is also so hard to see someone loose a parent. Josh's mom lost her mother six years earlier, and now her dad.

What an amazing life he had. Friend after friend came to the funeral home and shared stories of Grandpa. He was such a hard worker. This farmer had a fun side too, and it was neat to hear the stories of him when he was young.

We will miss him.

This is one of my favorite pictures of Grandpa that I took two years ago at his farm.

Memorial Day Merry Making

2011-06-10T15:24:00.003-04:00

Memorial day weekend was one for the books. We had a wonderful time at Johnny and Susie's wedding!

The girls had a four day weekend, and we decided to make a trip out of it. I made more money at the yard sale than I expected, so we decided to get a hotel room with a pool to stay at, for a little vacation with the girls. With Josh's deal savvy skilz, he was able to get us booked for two nights at a place for cheaper than one night usually is. Go Babe!

The girls had an amazing time swimming until they could swim no more!

We also had the BEST visit with a few former students (who have become like dear family to us) and it was SO good to see them again!

David and Kristi came from North Carolina. Kristi did all the hair for the wedding, and also sang. She is multi-talented. David tried to help me with my camera, and tried (to no avail) to help me fix it.

Lizzy and her baby Jamin came all the way from Colorado. It was so great to see them again, but we missed her hubby Michael a lot!

We were able to hang out with them for a good long evening. It was the greatest. I am so thankful that the Lord allows things like that to happen. When you think you just may never see everyone together again, and then out of the blue, here we were, eating Mexican food and laughing and talking like old times.

I wish I had amazing pictures for you, but I am having some camera trouble as of late. Here are a couple of pics though.

Mr. and Mrs. Benz

The girls all together again! (my three were sleeping after a LONG day of swimming. :) )

The boys. Jamin was more interested in the floor apparently. :)

Goin' to the Chapel...

2011-06-02T10:21:00.003-04:00

Two weeks ago we were able to witness two dear friends of ours become one in marriage. Josh had the distinct privilege of marrying them!

We met Kayla as she was a student here at New Tribes Bible Institute. She quickly became part of our family. When she met Lee, we got to know him too, as his visits from out of state made our guestroom his new weekend home. :)

It was such a special thing to see there love for each other grow, and then to take part on their wedding day. We look forward to their return from their honeymoon so we can have some fun this summer with them!

Here they are saying their vows to each other.

I had to include a "kissy" picture! :)

Our Little Shining Star!

2011-05-23T13:13:00.003-04:00

Last Sunday was our little Adelaide's first ballet recital! Following in both her sisters' footsteps, Addie took ballet classes this past year.

I was so proud to see my little girl on stage! She worked very hard at learning the routine, and she did great!

Daddy giving his little ballerina a kiss as she gets ready.

She cracks me up! I did not tell her to pose like this!

Doing some stretching before we go.

It was hard to get any good shots of her on stage, but I have a few okay ones.

Don't mind the heads in the picture! :)

Such a Purdy Girl!

2011-05-14T00:07:00.002-04:00

We have a new member to our family, of the furry variety. Her name is Purdy. The girls named her that from the movie 101 Dalmatians.

We adopted her two weeks ago. She has been such a good dog! We can hardly believe she has only been with us for two weeks!

Purdy is a dalmatian mix. She is about two years old. She is really mild mannered, hardly ever barks, and thinks she is a lap dog, although she is roughly 40lbs!

Come by and meet her sometime!

"I can't believe you told them my weight."

A New Look

2011-05-03T10:26:00.003-04:00

Josie wanted to get her hair cut to have bangs. I couldn't believe this as I hated having bangs all growing up.

She really wanted them though, so we thought, why not? I think they look really cute, but make her look a little older. What do you think?

Before

After

Bahama Mama

2011-04-25T00:03:00.003-04:00

I could not believe how beautiful the Bahamas were. I guess I never really thought there could be water so clear, and sand so white! It was truly a tropical paradise!

The resort that we got to stay at was simply fabulous. :) I kept thinking that it wasn't real, and that this trip must be a dream. I mean, who gets free trips to the Bahamas?

We are so thankful for God blessing us this way through very generous friends! What a great time together we had.

I wish I had taken more pictures, but when I was there, I didn't really feel like taking pictures. I just wanted to take it all in. Here are a couple from our time on Grand Bahama Island.

This was the view from our room. If you want to hear a funny story sometime, ask us how we got such a nice room. :)

The morning sun.

This was when an insane rain storm came in. Look at how it seems to just be hanging over us!

This was the view at night of the resort's lobby. It was so pretty!

This is inside. Couldn't you just see James Bond walk through the door at a place like this?

Here is some proof that we were there together. Not the best picture, but we weren't very happy. This was right before we left the Bahamas.

Road Trips and Cruise Ships

2011-04-18T22:48:00.004-04:00

Our dear friends Clint and Keisa were given a gift from Keisa's grandmother of a fabulous vacation on a cruise to the Bahamas for four...and they invited us!

This was a trip of a lifetime, and what a gift from God it was! To have ten days to road trip and cruise, and relax with good friends doesn't happen for many people, and we got to go for free?!? Wow!

While Clint's parents watched their kids, and Josh's parents watched ours, the four of us made the drive down to Florida. Keis and I really had it easy...riding around in the back of their Suburban, while the guys drove the whole way. :)

We stopped in North Carolina to visit our friends David and Kristi, and had a quick meal with them. Soon we were in warm and sunny Florida!

We stayed there for a couple of days, laying by the pool, site seeing, and finding incredible little places to eat. On the third day we boarded our ship bound to the Bahamas...

We were so excited to be driving with our windows down!

The guys were excited to see all the big, shiny boats in Miami. (Check out the bridge in the back!)

Josh and I aboard the Bahama Celebration.

Here is our ship. It was smaller than a lot of cruise ships, but it was perfect for us. We had nothing to compare it to! :)

This was our room on the ship. It was bigger than I had imagined.

Vacation Holiday!

2011-04-12T23:35:00.002-04:00

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while. Josh and I were invited as guests to go on a cruise to the Bahamas with some dear friends of ours. Who could pass up a free vacation, let alone one to the Bahamas?

I can't wait to tell you about it, but it is a little late to start that sort of post tonight. Let me just show you this:

Yeah, that isn't even in the Bahamas. I took that picture in Miami. The whole trip was fabulous!

Goodbye Sonny

2011-03-30T14:25:00.002-04:00

Monday we had to put our Sonny down. Even though he hasn't been with us that long (it would have been three years this May) he has become a big part of our children's lives. Hey, when you are only four years old, three years is a long time to have a dog!

I am sad. It's not so much about the dog (don't get me wrong, I do miss Sonny. He was a constant companion. My walking buddy. My greeter when I came home. My foot warmer when I would watch tv, or read, or blog). The thing I am most sad about is that I can't protect my kids from hurt. I can't make this sinful world unbroken. There are going to be many times that they will be hurt deeply in life. I wish it wasn't the case, but there is no way around that. I will say this; I am very thankful for the hurt. They can learn from hurt. I can learn from hurt too.

Sonny's death is the first real time Josie and Addie have had to deal with that in life. We have had some great conversations since Sonny has gone. Conversations about life before sin, and life now after. Conversations of life after death. Conversations on how painful it must have been for God to give His only son, Jesus. (We just lost a pet. Imagine loosing your son?)

So, farewell Sonny. You were a good pet. You brought more to our family than one could have imagined when getting a dog. You are helping Adelaide see.

Always smiling... not just an underbite.:)

Here he is, just a puppy at the lake. He always looked like an old dog, even as a puppy.

Spring Fling 2011

2011-03-27T15:22:00.003-04:00

Last weekend the Campus Life group put on their annual "Spring Fling".They put a lot of work into setting up the event, and it showed!

The theme was Hollywood, and everyone was to come dressed as their favorite movie character. After a yummy dinner in the beautifully decorated dining hall, we went to watch the talent show.

This year I decided to take the girls along. They performed in last years show, but we just watched this time. They are getting a little older, and can handle events like this,and late nights. It was a fun evening.

There was 900 balloons on the ceiling!!!

This is one of the acts from the talent night. They were so good! Who knew there was so much talent at New Tribes? :)

Josie went as Cinderella. It was kind of funny that her shoes kept falling off. This was not on purpose, they were just too big. We made it work though!

Addie was Sleeping Beauty. This is pretty accurate as I didn't take their pictures until we came home. They were all sleepy!

Emma went as Wendy Darling from Peter Pan.

It was fun to have the girls participate in the evening. They got to go to church the next day telling their friends they were up all night at a college party. Just kidding... they were in bed by ten. :)

Icy Road Trip

2011-03-18T08:24:00.001-04:00

Our trip back was an interesting one. It was delayed for two days because of the snow and ice storms that lower Michigan got hit with!

We took our time. We wanted to be safe on the roads, and the views were spectacular. Everywhere I looked, I could not help but be in awe of God.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1

We stopped at the welcome center on the Michigan boarder. It was as if the storm decided to only go from the boarder to south of highway 94.

My view the whole way back. (Don't worry, I slowed to about twenty to take this pic, and there wasn't a car on the road!)

I pulled over in a little town called Homer because the sun shining off the ice covered trees was simply gorgeous.

My girls are good travelers. We had a great time!

Where I Have Been All Your Life...

2011-03-05T13:31:00.002-05:00

...No that is not some mixed up pick-up line, but more of an explanation to my lack of blogging. You see, the girls and I took a road trip down to see my sister Tomesia and her family. When we arrived, we had a crazy fun time catching up, and hanging out. I went to come home on Sunday (almost two weeks ago) but as I was loading the kiddos in the van, Josh called. "You can't come home" he said. There was a terrible snow storm coming, and he didn't want me to drive through it. Monday he called again. We would have to wait yet another day because an ice storm was coming. We came home on Tuesday evening, played catch up with the rest of the week, and then I got very sick on Saturday. I got the flu, and then strep. That was for about a week, and then Josh got the flu, and Josie got strep. They are still sick, and we are praying Addie and Emma don't get it. It is NO fun.

Now that I am feeling a little better, I wanted to blog a little about our trip down to Indy. We were able to take this trip because the girls had Friday and Monday off of school (and Tuesday, because of the ice storm! We didn't know that yet though.) We went down Thursday after school. The girls had so much fun playing with their cousins, and I had a fun time going to antique shops with my sister, eating Chick-fil-a with her, Joe and the kids (hey, we don't have Chick-fil-a up here!) and just chillin out at their house.

The highlight of my visit though would have to be seeing Tomesia and Joe's band, Somewhere Familiar, play in concert. I knew these guys were good. I have their cd, and have heard Joe and Tomesia play for upwards of 12 years with little jam sessions at my parents house, but nothing could prepare me for their live show. They are SO talented. It was a very special thing to see my sister up on stage. I loved it!

My sister, the rock star.

Somewhere familiar is great. Let me know if you'd like a cd. I am their biggest fan! :)

Alex, Emma and Solomon loved playing Batman all weekend.

Pretty sure these two would be inseparable if we lived closer. Ivy and Josie were attached at the hip all weekend.

Second Grade Choir Concert

2011-02-17T13:40:00.002-05:00

Last week was the second grade choir concert at the girls' school. It was a short and sweet performance about the "freedom train".

Most of the concert was really great. Emma got a solo, and she did great! I am so proud of my girl!

The only part of the evening that wasn't so great was the little boy who kept pestering Emma through out the whole performance! He kept touching her hair, talking to her during the songs, and at the very end was popping out from behind her from side to side. I was so afraid Emma was going to deck the kid! The worst part is, he is my friend's son! What do you say to that?! Ah well, kids will be kids. :)

Here is the choir singing. Emma is in the middle.

Here she is singing her solo. She even surprised her parents! That girl can sing!

Emma with Mrs. Barnes, one of her music teachers.

Here is Emma with her other music teacher, Ms. Rockwell. She loves them both SO much!

Curly Q!

2011-02-09T15:22:00.001-05:00

The other day Josie asked if I could put her hair in sponge curlers after her bath. I wasn't sure how it would come out because her hair is so short, but I thought "Why not? It's a snow day."

I had to put them in pretty tight so they didn't fall out. She slept with them in her hair all night without complaining.

The next morning when I took them out, they were VERY tight. They looked as though I hadn't even removed the curlers.

I thought that perhaps some brushing would help. I was unaware of what would happen...

She quickly got the name "Fro-sie" from Josh. Little Josie's hair was crazy unmanageable! I was so glad it was a snow day! It was a good idea, gone very, very bad.

We finally came up with a hair-do that would work.

I thought it was kind of cute in the end. Josie wishes she could have curly hair every day. :)

Snow Days!

2011-02-08T21:15:00.001-05:00

We have been having a lot of snow in the Midwest. It is reminiscent of the winters of my childhood. The past few years have been more mild.

All of this cold is, of course, expected. We do live in Michigan!

Josh and I were able to get away for the weekend with his sister and husband to Florida! While our girls played with my parents all weekend, Josh and I suffered in 88 degree weather at Cocoa Beach. Hey, someone's gotta do it! :)

We are back to the cold, frozen tundra that is Michigan. While I would love to show you pictures of the beautiful beach we were at, or all the yummy seafood we ate, you will have to settle for these... I forgot the camera. :(

This snow was from the latest snowstorm. Not as much as they predicted, but enough to cancel school for the girls!

Sonny was covered in the snow! We had to shovel him a path because it was over his head.

The girls and I playing in the snow. The sun was so bright that day!

My Baby Girl is Four!

2011-02-03T14:46:00.001-05:00

Almost two weeks ago, our sweet Adelaide turned four years old!

It is crazy to think that we have had this little one for four years now. What a difference her first four years are to Emma's. Addie has always lived in this house, since the day she was brought home from the hospital. Emma moved seven times in the first three years of her life. I guess it just shows that we are all in a different place in our lives.

This is really weird, but I am still not used to the idea that I don't have a baby in the house. I mean, she is FOUR. How many more years until I will get used to that? When she is six? Or eight? Or eighteen?

When we have our birthdays (some more significant than others) we may or may not feel old, but nothing makes you feel quite as old as when your baby starts getting older. I wonder what my mother must feel on my birthday.

However fast these days pass, I am thankful for them. I wish I could slow them down sometimes, or even go back, but time doesn't work like that. So, here is to the every day. To the little moments that make up a life time.

Happy fourth birthday, my sweet Adelaide!

Enjoying her presents.

Make a wish!

Her future's so bright, she just has to wear shades. :)

A little birthday spinning in Nana and Papa's living room.

Eight is Great!

2011-01-25T21:11:00.001-05:00

Things have been a little busy around here! I can't believe Addie has already had a birthday, but I still haven't blogged about Emma's birthday!

My sweet Emma is eight years old now! EIGHT!!! Can you believe it?

Emma's birthday was the first day back to school after Christmas break. She was pretty bummed about that. When she got home, we took her out to her favorite restaurant (Los Tres Amigos) for a birthday fiesta. :) Her favorite part was when the waiter came out with a bunch of others and sang "Happy Birthday" to her in Spanish, and gave her a big sombrero to wear. It was fun.

After dinner, we went home and had cake and present time. I think she learned that having a birthday on a school day can still be fun. :)

My happy eight year old! The waiter put whipped cream all over her face. :)

Emma opening the watch we got her.

Christmas Morning

2011-01-11T08:52:00.001-05:00

I took a little unscheduled blogging break. We were just enjoying the wonderful Christmas season, getting over the flu, having a birthday, and getting back into the swing of things. I'll post about that all in good time, but for now I wanted to share our Christmas morning with you.

Christmas eve was a great time at my parent's house. My brother and his family came out and we had a lot of fun with presents, playing the wii, and I went sledding with all the kids. Fun times!

Poor Josie was the first to come down with the flu. Christmas eve (3am) she woke up and was sick. The rest of Christmas day she has a temp of 103.8, but was no longer queasy. She didn't let her fever stop her. She enjoyed Christmas morning, then went back to bed for the rest of the day.

We all slept in to almost 9am (crazy, right?), and all the girls wanted to do was hear the end of the advent story, Jotham's Journey that we have been reading every night for the advent season. If you guys are looking for a great book, seriously go buy this one. It was all 5 of our favorite part of the Christmas season this year.

After our story, we had a leisurely breakfast, until my dad couldn't take it anymore. "Who has ever heard of children who don't want to open their Christmas gifts? It's after 11AM!!!"

Well, I actually thought that was cool. The focus of this season wasn't the presents. It never is the presents, and I think the kids are getting it. My dad was just teasing anyhow. :)

The girls cuddling on Christmas morning.

Our Advent "wreath". Not really a wreath, but they were Josh's grandmother's candle sticks, and I thought that was pretty special.

The gang all waiting for me to finish taking pictures so they could eat. :)

I love this picture. The girls were all so excited for each other as they opened gifts. Look at Emma in the back. She seems more excited than Josie! (That could have been because of the flu.)

Was to Certain Poor Shepherds

2010-12-24T10:42:00.000-05:00

The World in Solemn Stillness Lay

2010-12-24T02:13:00.000-05:00

All is Calm. All is Bright.

2010-12-22T23:55:00.000-05:00

Christmas Traditions

2010-12-20T11:39:00.001-05:00

I remember when I was growing up, the day after Thanksgiving was just as fun as Thanksgiving itself! Black Friday, you ask? No way! If you even knew my mother, you would know that shopping would never be on her list of fun activities. I am speaking of the lesser known of traditions (unless you live in the Livingston County area) of the Fantasy of Lights Parade!

My parents home town hosts a Christmas parade every year to usher in the Christmas season, complete with Santa Claus himself riding on the last float, going to the county court house to light the Christmas tree. It is very cute small town fun, even though this small town is now a large one. :)

My family has started it's own tradition as well. The Sunday evening after Thanksgiving we put up our Christmas tree. We invite some students and staff who haven't gone home for their Thanksgiving break to join us, and it is a lot of fun! This year was a smaller group, but just as fun. With the weather being so warm that weekend, Josh was able to hang a lot of outdoor lights this year too! It looks so cheery. I love it.

Here is one of the floats in the fantasy of lights parade. One of the requirements for the parade is that your float must contain at least 5,000 lights!

We were able to meet up with former student, and long time friend Jenna. This was probably the most exciting thing about the evening because we haven't seen Jenna since March! She is one busy girl!

I gave the camera to one of the students to take pictures, so I have about a thousand pictures of ornaments, and hardly any of people. he he

This was Addie's first year she was able to hang the star! She is growing up so fast.

ARRRRR Matey!

2010-12-06T08:37:00.001-05:00

The week of the Turkey Bowl, we have a "spirit week" at our school. These are just fun days where the college students dress up as ___ (their favorite Bible character, superhero, hillbilly, nerd, you name it). Well, on Friday it was "Ninja vs. Pirate"day. Addie SO wanted to dress up, so we made her into a little pirate. (Team Pirate all the way!)

I must say, she made the cutest pirate ever!

This pirate scowl is complete with a nasty scar! :)

No shivering timbers here. This pirate has nice sturdy sea legs instead of a peg leg.

You have to wear some of your pirate booty, right?

Now all this little pirate needs is a ship!

Turkey Bowl 2010

2010-12-01T08:59:00.001-05:00

The Saturday before Thanksgiving holds a tradition here at New Tribes Bible Institute. It is the day of our annual Turkey Bowl!

The Turkey Bowl is a staff vs. students football game where the students remind the staff that they are all old. Remember Turkey Bowl 2008? Well, that was the closest we ever got to winning since we have been on staff!

This year was supposed to be different though. This was the year that we had the interns on our team. These guys are still in their early 20's, at the peak of football playing age. Surely they could help the staff be victorious this year, right?

Well, that was the plan anyhow...

The staff are in black. Why is no one catching this guy!!!

Joshy, you're lookin good!

I like this photo for two reasons. #1 The student in the back looks like he is about to face plant #2 It was our only touchdown of the whole game.

Why are these students cheering? Well, they may have beaten us by a couple of touch downs, but you didn't hear it from me!

Let the Preparations Begin!

2010-11-24T12:11:00.003-05:00

Addie and I started bright and early with the Thanksgiving day preparations. After all, Thanksgiving is TOMORROW!!! She is such a great help in the kitchen. :)

First I made the crust. I showed her how, but it is kind of a delicate thing, so she just watched that part. After the crust was made, she help make one of her Daddy's favorites: Pecan pie! YUM!

With a trip to the store, a trip to the Bible school to say our goodbyes, and an upcoming trip (in a few minutes!) to Emma's class for her Thanksgiving party, we are not as far along as we'd like to be, but the day is still young! :) At least we got the favorite dish made.

What is your favorite Thanksgiving day dish? Are you going traditional this year with your menu, or mixing it up with say, enchiladas?

Crust is made, and we are getting ready to start the filling.

Josh brought me the perfect pick me up for a day in the kitchen! Thanks for the cinnamon dolce latte Josh! It was perfect!

You can never have too many helpers in Mama's kitchen. :)

Busy and Wonderful Times!

2010-11-23T16:53:00.001-05:00

I love this time of year. Thanksgiving is just around the corner. The kids are all stoked for a little break from school. The Bible School students are eager to have a weekend road trip back to their homes. :) Love, love LOVE it!

Things have been pretty good here. I went to Colorado for four days (as mentioned before) and then Josh left for a week to hunt the vast amount of deer who live in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Unfortunately, the deer were all hiding. My dad was very generous to us, and gave us some of his venison, so we still got some meat for our freezer.

These last couple months have been difficult for us financially. Our support has been low, and it is discouraging. We were totally blessed today though, by an anonymous gift of a whole thanksgiving meal purchased for us! What a HUGE blessing that was! Even though we are going to go to my parents for the actual Thanksgiving day, the food from this generous person is feeding us tonight and tomorrow, and for many more meals I'm sure! I do LOVE turkey! :)

I am off to see how I can fit my broccoli cheese soup I just made into a Thanksgiving menu. :)

I leave you with these pictures of our trunk-or-treat time at a church here in the area. Some good fall family fun, with some amazing costumes made by my mom. :)

Addie as Glinda riding a pony. :)

The cowardly lion Josie looking brave on her pony.

The scarecrow Emma sittin pretty. :)

Yes, Josh and I even dressed up! he he

Campus Life Coffee Social

2010-11-12T08:38:00.001-05:00

A couple weeks ago, the Campus Life crew here at New Tribes Bible Institute put up a little coffee shop in the dining hall for one evening.

Josh and I have enjoyed working with Campus Life here for over three years now, but this was one of the events I was most impressed with. It wasn't super fancy, or high entertainment that made me love it, but seeing the students really take initiative, and pull this event off! They put a lot of work into the event, and had a lot of fun doing it. Who knows? This may become a regular event. :)

Making some delicious drinks! We had students who were baristas at many different coffee shops making the drinks. They make at least 120 drinks that night!

The menu. It wasn't fancy, but it did the trick. :)

Some students played games, while most just sat around and chatted. I think everyone enjoyed the evening.

Fall in the Park

2010-11-09T16:43:00.001-05:00

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while! It looks as though while I was gone, my hubby blogged. I left him with the camera so he could take pictures of his time with the girls. He took pictures of his friend's deer. he he

I got a great chance to go to Colorado to spend some time with my friend Lizzy after her and Michael had their first little baby. It was a lot of fun helping her out and visiting. I will tell you more about it later, when she sends me some pictures. :)

This has been a great fall! Most of the time it has been unseasonably warm, so we have enjoyed a lot of time outside, before Mr. Jack Frost comes to town.

The other day we were just running around in the park across the street, and I thought I'd take my camera along.

I love my family so much! What an amazing gift they are to me!

Josie with her new smile. :)

I loved the silhouette of this picture.

My three sweet girls!

Look at that cute family of mine! :)

While Mommy is away...

2010-11-04T16:03:00.001-04:00

I finally got to take some pictures...

A buddy of mine, and a student here at the Bible School got the shot of a lifetime yesterday. Tim saw this guy about 40 yards out and dropped him real clean. I got the privilege of making the photo record this afternoon. We also got to enjoy some fresh venison backstraps at lunch time. Thank you God, for whitetail deer!

An October Saturday

2010-10-31T14:35:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was beautiful! It started off chilly. It was the last games of the season for my two soccer players. Let me tell you, the chilly weather and whipping wind made me completely okay with that. :)

As the day progressed, it turned out quite lovely. We had some students over. We got some yard work done. The girls had loads of time to ride their bikes (as one of the last few times I'm sure, with Winter right around the corner).

After dinner, we decided to carve and paint some pumpkins. I love seeing how creative the girls get with their pumpkins.

One of the advantages of living right next to a huge park. You get a pretty view all year round!

Two of our silly jack-o-lanterns. :)

The girls sitting with their masterpieces. Yes, Josie is wearing socks with her flip flops. What can I say? She gets her fashion sense from her dad. :)

Josie's Big News!

2010-10-15T08:15:00.001-04:00

Josie wanted to share her big news with you all...

She lost her first tooth last night!

She was very excited when she learned that it didn't really hurt.

Even though she is the first in her class to lose a tooth, it has been a long time coming. She has had that adult tooth back there even before the baby one was loose! I don't know how that big thing is going to fit in the tiny space. We will see. :)

Josie was terrified to loose a tooth. I am so proud of her bravery! Such a cute little smile too!

Soccer Shocker!

2010-10-06T14:18:00.001-04:00

What is the shocker you might ask? That I actually have children who know how to play!

I am serious. This is huge. Taking the fact that I can't even chew gum and walk at the same time out of the equation, I am not what you would call an "athletic type". Sure, I ran track in middle school. Not very well mind you. After every race I felt like I was going to puke, and my face remained red for hours. I just don't have the skills/coordination/stamina it takes for something like soccer. I remember one time two years ago when we had a group of students here for student leadership training, and they all wanted to play soccer. They were a person short, and I was begged to come play. It seems I forgot to wear my flip flops, which is my favorite way of getting out of something like soccer, or anything remotely physical (I'm sorry Addie. I can't take you to the bathroom, I have flip flops on, see?). Okay, I'm kidding on that last one...maybe.

Anyhow, so I foolishly had my sneakers on, and was asked to play. After I told them how I had never played, how I don't know how to play, how I can't even walk and chew GUM at the same time (everyone always thinks that's a joke) I gave in. I got out on the field, and stood there. I was told to block someone, but I really am just too slow and clueless. After about two minutes someone said, "Man, you really ARE as bad as you said!" and at that moment, some wonderful person swept in and saved me from the rest of my humiliation.

Now, I'm not completely un-functioning in the world of sports. I played on a co-ed volleyball intramural team in Bible college. I even managed to hit the ball over the net a few times. Growing up I played a mean four-square game, and I remember a time in high school gym class where my twin sister and I dominated the badminton competition. There were no awards. No announcements. No parade. I felt very excited that we were, in fact, the champions my friend. [ insert Freddie Mercury's voice here]

All of this sports history of my life lead me to believe that any offspring I had would suffer from the same dysfunction gene as me. I did, however, marry a wonderful man who could easily be described as athletic. He played football, and soccer, and ran track all in high school. He played soccer in college, and in Bible school. He also kicks butt in sand volleyball. Much to my utter joy and amazement, his athletic gene was passed down to our daughters. Sure, some have it more than others, but all of them could wipe the floor with me at any given moment in soccer.

Badminton anyone?

Goalie is a perfect position for Emma and her type-A, "by the book" personality. She didn't let anyone score the whole time!

Josie just running along. This may not be her game, but she sure is having fun, which is more that I could say if I were out there.

Daddy warming up Josie, and comforting her after a big fall. Josh is such a great encouragement to the girls!

She Likes To Move It, Move It!

2010-09-27T20:35:00.001-04:00

Our little Adelaide is now a ballerina!

Following in the footsteps of her older sisters, Addie has joined her first ballet class. She is so cute with her little tutu and her belly popping out in her leotard.

Her first class was a hit for her. She didn't want to leave!

Making sure Josie's hand-me-downs fit.

Addie meeting her teacher, and learning first position.

Learning to balance.

Thursday Thoughts

2010-09-23T13:16:00.002-04:00

"The purpose of life is a life of purpose" ~ Robert Byrne

I read this quote today and it made me think. Am I living a life of purpose?

How about you? Are you living a life of purpose?

Hail To The Victors Valiant!

2010-09-15T09:00:00.001-04:00

Two weekends ago I had the amazing opportunity to see the University of Michigan Wolverines play in the newly renovated Big House!

My friend Karen and her husband were going to the game, and then he had to make an out of town trip, so they gave me the ticket! I was so excited that I was actually going to see Michigan play after 30 years of watching them on TV!

The experience of being in a place like that, with all the energy and excitement is so thrilling! We had some great seats too! The weather was perfect and the sun was to our backs. We had a blast watching the Wolverines play a victorious game (30 to 10) against the University of Connecticut.

I am so very thankful for the opportunity to have gone, now I wish that Josh will get to experience this...with me of course. :)

Karen and I enjoying the day!

A little pre-game music.

Check out our seats! Go Blue!

The Difference Two Years Make

2010-09-10T14:38:00.001-04:00

The first day of school this week made me think of the first day of school two years ago. I was new to the whole "kid in school" parenting thing. To be honest, I was petrified. I really did not want to send Emma away. I was afraid what I would miss out on in her life. I was afraid she would have horrible influences in her life that would change my little girl forever.

Fast forward two years. My Jo Jo is starting kindergarten. She goes to all day when Emma only went half days (which they no longer offer). I was comfortable dropping Josie off, because I know her teacher. She was Emma's teacher, and the best teacher I could have ever dreamed of for my kids. I am not as scared about the changes in Josie's life, because Emma showed me in many ways I was wrong. Emma was able to make good choices about friends, and how she spent her time without me hovering and picking for her, and you know what? Even when Emma didn't, that was okay too. They are going to fail sometimes. She is (they are all)growing up. I can't keep them from that. They are making mistakes, and learning from them. I am here to be excited that they got a "good job" sticker on their paper, be the comforter when they struggle with new math problems, help them make the right choices when they are asked to sit next to a mean kid.

Maybe this journey is in more ways going to grow me than them.

Emma's first day of kindergarten. 2008

Josie's first day of kindergarten. 2010

Sending Emma off to school. 2008

Sending Josie and Emma off to school. 2010

I can't believe how much they have grown in two years!

TWO Cool for School!

2010-09-08T09:35:00.001-04:00

Josh and I now have TWO daughters in school! That's right. Josie is an official kindergarten baby.

Yesterday was the first day. Josie seemed really excited to join the ranks of the formally educated, while Emma wished for another week or two of summer. Addie was sad that she didn't get to put a uniform on, and that she has two wait to years for her turn to go to school.

It will come faster than you think, Addie. Trust me on this one.

Are you all ready cute little kindergarten girl?

Such a serious second grader. :)

Look at how BIG their back packs are!

Daddy can make anything exciting!

Josie's a Whole Hand Old!

2010-09-07T10:17:00.001-04:00

Josie turned 5 on August 24th! FIVE! Can you believe it?

Her birthday just so happened to land on "freshman orientation" day here at New Tribes Bible institute. On registration and orientation, we don't really get to see Josh, because he doesn't get home until after bed. I took some cupcakes to the dining hall so he could be part of the celebration.

The Saturday after her birthday, we took Josie to Portage Lake for some swimming and grilling, like any summer birthday should have! We had a great time with family. Josie was especially excited that she got "two cakes" this year. :)

The whole dining hall sang happy birthday to our Josie girl!

After swimming we came home for a doll birthday cake!

Oh, and of course, we can't forget the presents! :)

My Favorite Mac and Cheese Recipe

2010-08-24T16:13:00.001-04:00

Macaroni and cheese is the perfect comfort food! So warm and gooey, salty with a little bite. This is my favorite and my family's favorite mac and cheese recipe. It is THE BEST! I guess you could say that makes this the perfect perfect comfort food!

I got a couple of recipes for this yummy goodness, and added a little of my own, so I guess you could say this is my recipe. At least that's what my Momma would say!

Tamara's Mac and Cheese

16 oz. elbow macaroni, cooked and drained

1/2 t. salt

1/4 c. butter (the real stuff!)

1/4 c. flour

2 c. milk (2% or whole is best)

8 oz. brick of extra sharp cheddar cheese, cubed

Melt butter with salt on medium heat. Add flour and stir until smooth. (be careful not to burn the butter). Turn to low heat and add milk. Stir constantly until boiling. After it starts to boil, stir for about one more minute, so it coats the spoon when you lift it out. Remove from heat, and add cubes of cheese. Stir until melted.

Stir macaroni noodles with the your cheese sauce and place in a 1.5 or 2 qt baking dish. Bake in 375 F for 30-35 minutes, and your done!

I like to serve this with warm yeast rolls and green beans, or a salad. Let me know if you like it!

Galveston!!!

2010-08-18T16:52:00.002-04:00

Josh and I had the GREAT privilege to go visit Ben and Emily in Texas a few weeks ago. The aunties in Indiana graciously looked after our three kiddos as we went for a great time of relaxing. We got to see the hospital where Emily works, and help set up Ben's new classroom for the year. They took us out for some wonderful Mexican food and more, and we vegged out watching episode after episode of The Office. Josh and Ben got some time in at the range while Emily pampered me with a mani/pedi. It was a very fun time.

One morning we took a trip to Galveston. This is a beautiful place! It was so very hot (really? August in Texas? Um, YEAH.) so we only stayed for the morning. We walked around, ate at the best restaurant I have ever been to, and drove around looking at these castle size houses. It was especially neat to see how this town has rebuilt since Hurricane Ike which destroyed so much down there.

This was a great visit, but what made it the best was Ben and Emily. They were so much fun to be with, and so completely hospitable and just super easy going. SUCH a fun time! I also never realized how much Josh and Ben are alike. I know they are brothers, so there is a little to be expected, but it was just cracking me up to see how very similar they are, even with little things. :)

Taking a walk in Galveston. It was too hot to hold hands. You could only hold pinkies. :)

All of the buildings down there have these rich details. It was really beautiful.

Emily driving us around.

These mark the waterlines of different hurricanes they have had in Galveston. The one at the top that Josh is pointing at was Hurricane Ike!

Don't we look so warm? It was more humid than I can describe.

This is the Mosquito Cafe. Best place ever. Eat there if you are ever in Galveston. Trust me!

One of the many cool castle/mansion places down there.

Happy Campers

2010-08-16T00:21:00.001-04:00

I took another unexpected blogging break! Josh and I did some traveling(which I will share about soon), and then my back had the audacity to go out on me again. It didn't even ask! Can you believe that? After a week of lying around, daily chiropractor appointments, and wonderful pain meds, I am happy to say I am on the mend. I wish I could say I was completely better, but that will have to wait for another time. I do want to share more of our summer with you though!

Last month we decided to take the family camping at Warren Dunes State Park on Lake Michigan. What a wonderful time it was! We couldn't have asked for better beach weather. Lake Michigan was 75 degrees! We basically spent all day, every day at the beach, which is just how we like it. :)

We were able to borrow our friend's camper which was so nice. Josh reserved a spot online, so we were not sure what it would look like. It turned out to be a very big spot. We drove around and scoped out some of the better spots for next year if we decide to go there again.

It was so fun to be at a place where the girls were all old enough to really enjoy camping. Emma was a huge helper! She always wanted to be doing something. Josie and Addie were VERY dirty, but who cares! That's part of camping, right?

One of the sand dunes, with the moon showing itself.

This was our campsite. It was HUGE!

Josie all smiles at the beach.

Emma working on a mote for their castle.

Our African Safari

2010-07-30T09:20:00.001-04:00

These pictures pretty much speak for themselves.

The sign that greets us into the park.

I don't think Addie liked this part. She and Josie didn't want anywhere near those long giraffe tongues!

I just LOVE their zebra print coats, but isn't animal print SO last season?

Look at these three little tribal missionaries in training!

Zoo-rific Day!

2010-07-27T15:51:00.002-04:00

After we got back from Ohio, we decided to make the most of the rest of the week that Josh had off. The first day we went to Binder Park Zoo. What a wonderful zoo it was!

It was such a hot and humid day, but we had so much fun looking at all the animals, and talking with the park staff about them. :) This was a really nice zoo, so if you are ever in Michigan this would be a great choice for a family activity!

Learning about a skink's tricky tail.

My what big teeth you have!

Josie, the bird whisperer.

On a tram ride to our favorite part of the zoo!

Stay tuned for Africa! Who knew you could drive there? ;)

Summertime in Ohio

2010-07-25T16:47:00.001-04:00

While I took an unannounced blogging break, my family took a trip to Ohio to visit with Josh's family.

We spent a lot of time just visiting. It was so nice that we could all be together again.

A lot of time was spent around campfires.

Addie getting her cuddle time in with Uncle Ben.

The girls loved watching Grandma's Disney movies.

I can't forget a cousin favorite: Restaurant!

My Life Ten Years Ago Today

2010-07-01T14:05:00.003-04:00

Ten years ago at this time I was with my dear girl friends getting all gussied up. We were putting the finishing touches on the table tops, and making sure our make up was just right.

Ten years ago I was packing some last minute items for a week away with my beloved. I was eating chicken nuggets from Mc Donalds for lunch. I had everyone who was dear to me all together on that day, and I was having the time of my life.

Ten years ago today I said my vows to a young man who I thought made my world turn. We held each others hands, and pledged our love to each other, and our commitment to God.

Today, as I remember ten years ago, I know he makes my world turn. We share a life better than I dreamt it could be on that day ten years ago. Oh, and it just keeps getting better!

Happy tenth anniversary, Joshua! Thank you for the marvelous life we have together!

June Bride

2010-06-27T23:21:00.001-04:00

Our friends Don and Chrissy asked if I would take pictures at their wedding. I of course could not pass it up!

I have to say that their wedding was one of the most beautiful outdoor weddings I ever attended. It was a wonderful ceremony. I was so blessed to be able to witness the union of these two special people! I only wish that Josh had been with me. It is no fun going to a wedding where people are pledging their love to each other, and your love is far away. :(

Josh was away at the Big Ticket festival in Gaylord, MI sharing with people about New Tribes Mission. He said they had a lot of people interested. It makes me so excited to think about the possible new students coming because of what they heard at the festival. The team of people that went up there did great!

He is back now, and I am glad. :)

Here are just a couple shots from the wedding.

Summer Spaghetti Salad

2010-06-22T16:18:00.003-04:00

When I was a little girl, my Aunt Suzanne would bring this wonderful salad to potlucks we would has as a family. It was a favorite of mine. I called my mom to ask for the recipe (which she had!). I quickly realized my grocer did not have all the stuff I needed for the salad, so I decided to recreate it. It turned out great! So, if you would like to try a yummy spaghetti salad, here is the one. Why not make it for your next potluck?

Summer Spaghetti salad

16oz of spaghetti noodles, cooked and rinsed until cold

4 Roma tomatoes, diced

1 large cucumber, peeled and diced

1 medium white onion, peeled and diced

1 c. Italian salad dressing (I used Wishbone)

1/4 T garlic salt

1/4 T sesame seeds

1/4 T poppy seeds

1/2 T red pepper

1/2 T fresh ground black pepper

1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese

Mix all into a bowl and refrigerate until ready to eat. Yum! Yum!

Just one year ago...

2010-06-18T12:14:00.001-04:00

How about this little cutie?! I found this picture hidden with others from a year ago, and couldn't resist sharing it... -Joshua
Tamara and Leah Jackson in Waukesha, WI Spring 2009

Can 30 Really Be Here?

2010-06-16T21:03:00.001-04:00

Today is my 30th birthday. I find that so hard to say.

It's not like I think thirty is old or anything. The majority of my friends are a good ten to fifteen years older than me, and I know that they are not old, so thirty can't be old.

I am going to admit it. I am having a hard time turning thirty. I used to think that getting older was the stupidest thing to get upset about. "Who cares how old you are?" I'd say to myself. I mean, what is the significance of a number?

But, now I'm thirty. Not my best friend. Not my neighbor. Not my old classmates. Me.

I think the biggest problem with this thought is that I figured I would be so different at thirty than I am now. I thought I would be living in a different country, speak another language fluently, have four kids, learned to play an instrument proficiently, not struggling with the same health issues that plagued me ten years ago, be more confident in my mothering skills, finally be brave.

My biggest problem with thirty is that it didn't change who I was. It didn't turn me magically into this bright, beautiful, has-it-all-together woman. I guess the most discouraging part is now that I am thirty, I am realizing that person will never exist. I will always have faults (I know, hard to believe), I will always have room for improvement, I will never be able to say "I have arrived!".

But, isn't that a good thing? I think that if I have "arrived" at thirty, then what would be the point of thirty one, or forty one, or one hundred and one?

So, here I am. I am a thirty year old woman who is still to afraid to learn to ride a motorcycle, or jump off a cliff into a lake, or if we are being really honest...to get a car wash.

I can also say I am a thirty year old woman who has known Jesus as her Savior for twenty three years. I have been married for almost ten years to a man who I am more in love with now than ever. I have three of the most amazing girls that God ever created as my daughters. I love my ministry with New Tribes Mission. I love my church. I have some of the best friends any gal could ever have.

Yeah. Thirty isn't all that bad. I mean, it's not like I'm thirty one...

My twin sister and I. Happy thirtieth to you too, Tomesia!

"Budding" Artist

2010-06-15T14:58:00.001-04:00

We went down to Ohio for Memorial day weekend and visited with Josh's parents and extended family.

What a gorgeous weekend it was! Their yard was in full bloom, and Emma just couldn't resist trying to draw some of the new flora. Her Momma couldn't resist watching her work. She looked so cute out there by the roadside, trying to figure out how to draw different flowers.

She used to always ask me to draw something for her. I would answer "You try it first". Now she is learning she is better than she once thought. I love that she loves to draw. It is so neat to see your children grow in their gifts and abilities. I am also happy to see she shares my love of flowers. :)

I am spying on her. :)

She still hasn't seen me yet. :)

Working hard at her artwork.

Give your Mommy a smile. :)

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

2010-06-14T09:58:00.001-04:00

I have been wanting to tell you all about the fun time we have been having, but when Josie's health concern popped up, it seemed to be the only thing on my mind.

She is doing okay. She had another "episode" last night. It lasted about a minute and a half. She has had about three days feeling amazing, and then she was just sitting in the back of the van, during one of our Sunday drives, and her little heart just started racing. I am praying that on the 21st when they do the 24 hour monitor, that she will have an episode and we can have it recorded. But, until then we will just wait, and while we wait, I will share with you all the fun we've been having!

A couple weeks ago we went to a baseball game. Emma's school sold tickets again this year, and we went to see the Lansing Lugnuts play. This time we took the whole family, and got to sit with our friends the Troyers, Gilleys, and Carraways. As it turns out, my parents went to the same game with their church group. They were in the section right next to us, so we saw tons of friends! It was great!

The game turned out to be a double header because the night before they had a game get rained out. It was fun, but a little longer than our girls could handle. The games were pretty uneventful, so we decided to leave early.

We apparently left about a minute too early! From the time we left the park and walked to our car, my dad called. Emma's name was on the screen. She won a baseball! Then our friend Clint called. Some lady had just gotten hit in the face with a pop up that was right in our section (poor lady!!), then Keisa texted. Clint caught a fly ball for her sons. Crazy that all of that excitement happened after we left! I am kind of glad I didn't see the lady get hurt. I am sure that would have turned into a mini phobia for me.

All in all, it was a nice day. The girls may be a little young to sit through a double header, but now we know. :)

This was Addie's first baseball game!

We are very excited to be there!

Can you tell?

Total Eclipse of the Heart

2010-06-10T15:02:00.001-04:00

Okay, okay. I'll stop with the Bonnie Tyler songs already. :)

Today was Josie's appointment with the pediatric cardiologist. We are so thankful he could see us today! He decided that she needed to have the 24 hour monitor done, and she is scheduled for the 21st for that. Luckily this is something she can take and wear at home. No hospitalization needed. I think the more regular things are, the better.

In the meantime, if another episode happens again, we need to book it to the ER. He said he just needs to see (a recording of) what's happening when it is racing. If we go to the ER and it stops, just go home. I kind of liked the sound of that! :)

I just wanted to thank you all for your fervent prayers for our little Jozo. It's a scary thing when something goes wrong with your child, and even scarier when it is something we can't see. Your prayers and support have helped make an uneasy time bearable. Thank you!

Josh and Josie at a baseball game. :)

It's a Heartache...

2010-06-09T15:58:00.001-04:00

Josie had an appointment this morning with her doctor. They agreed with the ER that she should see a pediatric cardiologist. There is no pediatric cardiologist in our town. The closest place would be at the U of M. We found out today that they don't take our insurance provider, so that was out. My doctor then mentioned that there was a pediatric cardiologist that comes to town once a month, and she said she would give them a call. Sure enough, this doctor does accept our insurance, and he just happened to be coming to town tomorrow, and he just happened to have an appointment available at 11:30!!! Praise God as He has gone before us, even in the little details. :)

They scheduled an echo, and a 24 monitor (like an ekg that she can walk around with), but we learned that our insurance would not allow that either until the cardiologist ordered it. Josie's doctor was just trying to get it all done before the appointment so the cardiologist would have more to look at.

So it's a waiting game, and I am okay with that. Josie is her regular old self (besides being really tired) and is just glad she didn't get poked today. :)

Somebody is starting to get freckles! Can you spot them?

The Beat Goes On...

2010-06-08T21:17:00.001-04:00

Today started out as any other. Emma is off to school, and I get Josie and Addie dressed and eating breakfast, so I can get ready myself. That is where the normal ends for the day.

This morning Josie called out to me while she was eating breakfast that her chest hurt. I called her over and her little heart was pounding out of her chest. I couldn't think how that happened. She wasn't running around. She was just sitting next to her little sister, eating her bowl of rice chex.

She felt better after a minute, so I thought nothing of it. Today was to be a good day. Today was play group day! I think I look forward to Tuesdays as much (if not more) than my kids because I have a morning to be with my dear sisters in Christ, encouraging each other, praying for each other, and generally just having a good time! Today was an even more special Tuesday because the group was meeting at one of my friend's house for a picnic lunch. After a couple hours there, we get in the car to go home. I ask Josie how she is doing. She mentioned she had another "fast beating" as she calls it while we were there. I thought I should find somewhere and pull over to call the doctor because we were already on that side of town. As I pulled in, she is clutching her chest, saying her head hurts, and her arm too! So as I recover from a mini freak out moment, I grab my cell and call the office. They couldn't see her because they were booked so they told me to call another office. They could not see her either, but strongly suggested we go to the urgent care clinic.

When we got there, they gave her an ekg. After reading the test, they determined she was having premature atrial contractions (or PAC), and they sent us to the ER.

After a couple of very uncomfortable hours there (having blood work done, and I.V. in, and x-ray of her chest and stomach and another ekg) the doctors determined that she would be okay. The PAC would be something she could go her whole life and not even know she had it. Josie however, had a huge gas bubble in her tummy that was pressing on her vagus nerve, and it caused her heart to race. I couldn't believe all of this was happening because she had to burp!

When we left, they told us to call our doctor (which will be done first thing tomorrow!) and they will determine if we need to follow up with a pediatric cardiologist to check on her extra lub in her lub dub (as Josh calls it.) :)

Today as I was cuddled up with Josie in my lap, I just was overwhelmed with what a miracle our human bodies are. Just the complicated workings of the heart alone are so awesome. I was doing really well until I got home tonight. As they were going to bed, I let the worry and stress of the situation get the best of me. What if it was something worse? What if she didn't get to come home with us? I can't let those thoughts get to me. Worry can tear you apart and jump all over the pieces if you let the "what ifs" keep coming.

Josie got a lot of extra squeezes and smooches tonight. She just might wake in the morning to find her mommy cuddled in bed with her too.

My silly, sweet Josephine. I thank God for this precious gift!

Spring Recital

2010-05-22T23:02:00.001-04:00

Last Sunday was Josie and Emma's spring dance recital. This year, thanks to a generous gift from a very special family, both Josie and Emma were able to participate in dance, even though their school lost some donations and they were no longer giving out full scholarships.

This was Josie's first year in dance. She was in ballet, and she LOVED it! Her routine was very cute, and the costume made her look like a beautiful little fairy. She was very brave on stage and she did great!

Emma was in her third year of dance. She did ballet and tap. I think she is really improving in both! She is very good at memorizing the choreography, and getting every movement at the right beat. I didn't like her costume as much as years past, but it looked really sharp on stage. :)

The recital itself took for-ev-er this year! I mean, we are talking close to THREE HOURS! No fun. They were having a lot of music problems, and set up. My guess is not enough people volunteered this year. Even though it was a long day, in the end I was very glad to see the girls perform after working so hard all year.

Josie the little fairy. :)

Emma in her ballet costume.

Josie is in the front dancing to "Kiss the Girl" from the Little Mermaid.

Emma is right in the front and center here doing her tap routine.

More AWANA Excitement!

2010-05-21T23:21:00.001-04:00

I have been super slow at posting lately, and although it is a couple of weeks late, I didn't want to miss the opportunity to share in something that Josh and I were very excited about.

A couple weeks ago was the AWANA awards night. It was a night to celebrate all the kids have achieved the past year in AWANA.

I know I have mentioned AWANA before, but here is an interesting tidbit for you... Did you know that Lance Latham, one of the founding fathers of New Tribes Mission (the mission organization that Josh and I serve with) is the same man who founded the AWANA ministry?

This awards ceremony is certainly not a big show. We were just proud of how hard Emma and Josie worked at memorizing scripture. I still have Bible verses that come to mind that I learned back when I was in AWANA. Emma had finished her second book in Sparks, and Josie finished her first book in Cubbies!

We enjoyed an evening of fellowship with friends while feasting on hot dogs and jello!

Emma getting a hug from her section leader, and good friend!

Josie with her first book award.

Emma and Josie show off their awards with their buddies Gavin and Brandon.

Spring Choir Performance

2010-05-11T12:42:00.001-04:00

Sometimes things go better than you could ever plan. When I went into my surgery, I was told it would be a three to four day recovery. When I came out, they said four to six WEEKS!

This sure put a rift in our plans. One of those plans was a week long trip with the students to WAYUMI and learn what a tribal missionary really looks like. I was SO looking forward to this trip. It was going to be great to see the students reactions, as well as revisit a place that was our home for a year.

When we found out we could not go, we let the teachers know that Emma wasn't going to be missing school for a week as we previously thought. Her teacher said she was glad because she was counting on Emma for the choir performance.

Little did we know how much she was counting on her! Emma was given a solo. Not just a line of a song and seven other kids have one too. She was the only soloist to sing in the performance (except for the opening Star Spangled Banner). She sang the song "Let's go fly a kite" from Mary Poppins, with the choir singing at the chorus. It was so fun! She was also one of a few students selected to play an instrument. :)

Her concert was my first outing since my surgery. I am so glad I made it! Josh was wonderful enough to get pictures for me as I needed to stay seated. He got some great shots!

Emma singing her solo!

Here she is singing with the choir.

Playing the xylophone.

Posing with her music teacher.

Sister Act

2010-05-05T08:05:00.001-04:00

A couple weeks ago the students at NTBI had a "No talent night". This is a time where the students do some songs and comedy acts, and is generally the highlight of the spring semester.

This year, my daughters asked if they could be in it. Why not? So, these three brave little girls went on stage in front of a bunch of college students and danced and sang to the "Sisters" song from the movie "White Christmas". It was really cute, and I was proud of them for being so brave!

Here they are preforming.

I think it helped their bravery that their Daddy was the M.C.

Sparks-a-rama!

2010-04-29T16:17:00.001-04:00

This post is a little late, but I wanted to share anyhow!

At the end of March, Emma was invited to the AWANA Sparks-a-rama. There were churches from all over southern Michigan competing. Although there are a lot of things that can't get me out of the house at seven thirty in the morning on a Saturday, this one sure can!

I was so proud of Emma and the Cascades team. They worked really well together, and they came in first place!

You can tell she is really concentrating. :)

This one is blurry, but she grabbed the orange pin! Way to go, Em!

Here is Emma in the midst of her group holding the award!

A Blogging Break and a Pee Wee Hike

2010-04-26T19:46:00.001-04:00

I know it has been a while since I wrote about our spring break. Truth is, I had surgery last week. I am still on the mend, and my mind is starting to clear from the Vicodin fog it has been in for a little over a week, so I find myself able to put a clear thought together again. :)

Our time in North Carolina could not be topped, but as all good trips, had to come to an end. We came dangerously close to overstaying our welcome, and we had to head north to attend a much anticipated wedding in the family.

We were so blessed to have so much family up for the wedding. Such a fun time of reconnecting after a long winter.

The day of the wedding we had a little time to kill so we took the munchkins on a "hike". They had a great time, and so did we!

Josh braving the trail as our guide.

Steve and Sarah made sure the smallest ones didn't get too far behind.

These cousins are forming quite a bond. Even though Sophie is closer in age with Josie, she can relate to the "baby sister" role with Addie. :) It's either that, or they are trying to stay warm! It was 29 degrees that morning. Quite a difference from out time in North Carolina!

Just a little bit of beautiful Mio.

Visiting the Farm

2010-04-16T21:29:00.002-04:00

After a good nap, we all went to a friend of the family's farm. The owner had just had a baby, and wasn't able to ride her horses. She asked if we could come out and give them some exercise. :)

When we got there, they were just feeding the chickens. The neighbors ducks come over during the chicken's feeding time, so we got to feed the ducks.

Emma and Josie spend a lot of time playing on the tire swing in the barn, and up in the loft with the owner's son. Once Addie saw the horses, she couldn't take her eyes off them!

We all had fun feeding the animals, and riding the horses. Even I got on one. I haven't really been on a horse in I think six years, so it was a little weird, but a lot of fun.

Addie and Emma feeding the ducks.

Addie watching Daddy ride a horse.

David's Dad (also David) helping Addie find a horse.

The handsome cowboy I found down there. :)

All three girls riding.

I just thought this was a cool picture of Josie riding Peanut.

Addie was in love with Peggy.

Egg Hunt

2010-04-15T13:17:00.001-04:00

After an amazing Sunday dinner including something called Mississippi potatoes that I'm going to have to get the recipe for, the girls went on an egg hunt! Well, it wasn't just the girls. David and Kristi and all the college age relatives and friends went on it too. :) I don't know who had more fun! After the hunt they played "egg toss". Thankfully the little girls used hard boiled eggs. Especially since they only made it one or two steps.

All that good food and fun in the sun made us sleepy, so we took a nice two hour nap! Tomorrow I will tell you about what we did after our nap, which was declared one of the best things we did on vacation by Addie.

Emma had a game plan. An egg hunt is no funny business to a seven year old!

Josh helped Addie find some eggs. She just wanted to eat them right then.

Josie showing me all the eggs she found!

Oops! They forgot one!

Easter Sunday

2010-04-14T13:38:00.002-04:00

After a day at the beach, we all drove to David's parents house to stay for the holiday. What an amazing family he has! We felt as if we were just another part of the family. They are so gracious and hospitable. Seeing David interact with his siblings made us miss ours so much!

They have such a beautiful home, full of love and life. They also have some pretty cute pets!

We went to a church David used to attend when he lived in this area. It was so nice to be worshiping with fellow believers (even if we didn't know any of them!). We really enjoyed the service.

The girls all spiffed up. Perhaps I should have taken pictures before the two hour church service in 90+ degree heat. They might not have looked so wilted.

This cat is 18 years old. I liked him.

Addie did too. :)

This is their beast of a dog the size of a bear. I think that was even his name. HUGE!

First Trip to the Ocean!

2010-04-13T12:56:00.002-04:00

We made it to North Carolina to visit our dear friends David and Kristi! It was REALLY great seeing them again. There is just something to be said about old friends where you can pick up where you left off, not just reminisce of days gone by. The Mizes are those kinds of friends, and we had such a fun time.

After dinner and a good night sleep, we took off for the beach. This was the girls first time ever to the ocean! They had a great time. Honestly, there wasn't much difference than Lake Michigan, because the water was still really cold this time of year, and the waves were very small that day. I don't think they even noticed that it was salt water because it was so cold!

Kristi and I riding in the back with the girls. :)

Addie giving David a big hug after our long ride.

I just had to get a picture of Josh carrying the Hello Kitty bag. he he

Emma the brave! She was the first to run to the water.

Addie did NOT like the ocean. After getting in for a second, this is the closest she would get.

Josie, on the other hand, LOVED it!

Emma spent the majority of her day collecting shells. She was a little sad at the end of the day when Daddy said she could only take as many as she could carry in one hand. She picked some nice ones though. :)

Spring Break Road Trip!

2010-04-12T15:21:00.003-04:00

Last week was Spring break for Emma's school, and also New Tribes Bible Institute. What better time to take off for a road trip?

We had a wonderful week, full of adventure. I have decided to take all week to post about our time. I did this for three reasons:

1. I have too many pictures to share in just one post.

2. I haven't had much to post about lately so this is fodder for my blog. he he

3. Everybody loves a good "to be continued" don't they? :)

To start our trip we did the unthinkable. We pulled Emma out of school a day early. I know, I know, we are one of those parents. When I realized that our whole carpool was not going to go, and heard Emma mention something about a "movie day", I decided I would rather her waste her hours of non-learning in a van with her family, not in a classroom watching a movie. That is a whole other topic of discussion for another time. Movies at school? Really? Okay, really. We will discuss at another time.

So, you may be thinking that because we had pulled Emma out a day early, we got an early jump on our trip. Sadly, this was not the case. We left after she would have already been out. That happens a lot in our family when planning big trips. Noon becomes two, then three...

After a good ride at night, and a not so nice stop at a hotel, we were on the road again!(sung in your best Willie Nelson voice).

I was really actually surprised at how quick our trip went. We made it to North Carolina in record time! Well, record time with three little girls in a van. :)

I'll post more tomorrow. Here are some pictures on the road...

Not too packed. It was a comfortable ride.

The handsome driver I hired. Pretty cute, right?

There is something very un-nerving about driving into a mountain.

I wish I could remember where this was. I thought it was beautiful.

Our destination!

Who Doesn't Love Babies?

2010-03-26T20:05:00.000-04:00

I love babies. If you have read even a little bit of my blog, you will see that most of my posts revolve around my own sweet babies (who aren't really babies anymore)

I was asked by Bzzagent if I would share with my readers about a new movie coming out called "Babies" (I am a member of bzzagent) and at first I hesitated. That is not really what my blog is about. My blog is more of a personal one. An online scrapbook if you will (and I know you will!) of the day ins and outs of my little family and our ministry.

Then I watched the preview. OH! How could I NOT post about it? It is like a little study into different cultures AND it has babies. My two favorite things! Now if only they gave out free coffee at the movies...

I digress. Anyhow, I just wanted to share the preview with you. Enjoy! Oh, and if you see me in the theatre, want to sneak me some coffee?

An Organized Way To Save

2010-03-26T14:52:00.001-04:00

I have always been a couponer. I have very early memories of rainy days with my mom at the kitchen table, sorting her coupons. She would pay me a penny for every two coupons I cut. A good way to get them cut AND keep a crazy kid out of her hair no doubt. So, I guess you could say I got the "bug" from her, watching her work to save her family money.

When we were first married, we were poor college students living on $20 a week for groceries. Little did I know that would help us prepare for being missionaries! :)

I have always used an envelope system of sorts to organize my coupons. Then I moved to the plastic accordion style folder. The folders just kept getting bigger and bigger, but the problem was always the same. They would not close very well, making it ridiculous to carry around, and impossible to stick in my purse.

So, now I use baseball card holders. I'd like to tell you that I came up with this idea on my own, but it is not an original.

I am able to sort them by category, and then they go into this big file folder.

I misplaced the tabs to write on shortly after purchasing this file folder, but I have been using this system for so long, I just remember where it goes. Paper products, cleaning supplies, refrigerated, frozen, canned, etc...

It all ends up neatly. Now, there is no way I can fit this in my purse, but I have gotten over that, and have come to love this new system, and have a lot less "lost coupons" that I didn't see and then they expire before I can use them.

Do any of you have special ways that help you save?

Medieval March Madness

2010-03-23T21:42:00.001-04:00

I know I haven't posted in a while. March always seems like such a busy month for us. It is reading month in school, so Emma comes home with and extra 20 minutes (at LEAST) of homework each night, the warm weather beckons us to spend time outdoors and neglect the usual routine we have. Also, we are preparing for the big Spring Fling here at NTBI.

This year it was called "Spring Fling Medieval Thing", and it was a huge success! I was not as involved this year due to my many doctor's appointments, but I was thoroughly impressed with the evening. Everything from the turkey legs and bread bowls of stew for supper, to the jousting on hobby horses attached to scooters made the night a fun one! I only wish my camera was working better. It has been on the fritz lately.

As far as my health goes, the doctor may have figured it out! Part of it was that I was having a strange reaction to my thyroid medicine. I have been off it for almost two weeks now, and feel ever so much better! They also think I may have endometriosis, and so I am scheduled for a quick surgery on April 19th. Nothing too bad. It is an out patient procedure.

The girls are growing by leaps and bounds, and amazing me every day. I am so blessed. It has been a busy month, but we are enjoying life!

Here is the gym at the school. Check out all the costumes!

Addie kicking Josie's bottom at Wii boxing. :)

Here is a picture of my new haircut. I like it. :)

A Quick Visit

2010-03-10T15:30:00.001-05:00

Last week Josh's sister Chris and family were close by, and so we decided to meet up for dinner. They live several hours from us, so when they are three hours away, we agreed to both drive an hour and a half and meet up.

We met at some local pizza shop in Bryan, OH called Myro's. Their breadsticks were PHENOMENAL!!!

We had a great time visiting with Chris and Winston and Cora. Ken was not able to make it. He sure was missed!

At the end of our dinner, as the restaurant was closing up (we stayed awhile!) we said our goodbyes in the parking lot. It was sad to see them go, but we are glad we had an evening together. Josh made sure to program the number of the pizza place in my phone so we could order breadsticks if we were ever driving through Bryan again. :)

My nephew Winston is getting SO big!

The girls acting VERY silly. This went on all night!

Proof that I was there. :) Love you Chris!

As the Snow Melts

2010-03-08T09:32:00.001-05:00

After the week of snow, we had a week of beautiful weather, reaching a high of 45 degrees yesterday! With the thaw, comes perfect packing snow! We had a lot of snow, and we decided to make the most of it. Josie, Emma and I went and made a snowman to greet our neighbors as they drive down the alley. :)

Josie and Emma pose with Mr. Chilly. I think it was Josie who named him.

Isn't he a friendly snowman? He lasted four days before his head melted off. That is pretty good!

Where was Addie during all of this? She was watching a movie. She didn't want to get wet. I didn't blame her. :) Plus it is no fun to have a crabby, soggy toddler cry while you are making winter memories. She will just have different ones. :)

Snow Day!

2010-03-01T09:32:00.001-05:00

Last Sunday was beautiful. The grass was starting to show through the little snow we had left. It was warm enough to go for a walk with just a vest on. The birds were singing little songs. It felt like spring was starting to arrive.

Then Sunday night it happened. It happened again Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. We got DUMPED on with snow!

Monday school was cancelled for Emma. Her sisters were sick, so I couldn't take them to the park, but once Daddy got home Emma went sledding down our front hill while he shoveled the walks. When he was done he took her over to the park for a couple of minutes before it got dark.

She had SO much fun! What seems like a lot of snow to an adult is totally amplified to a child. I am sure she will remember this snowfall, and tell her children about it. :)

Starting down the hill. There was still a week of snow left to fall at this time. :)

She made it to the top of the snow bank!

Who needs a sled to go sledding when you have a perfectly good belly?

Germsville

2010-02-26T13:33:00.001-05:00

That is what you could call our house lately. Or maybe Coughland, Sicki-poluza, Ill-ville, Cold Country.

We finally got a bug. I'm not exactly what sort of bug it is. The doctor said it was either croup, or RSV, but they didn't have the tests to check. Helpful, I know. So, since Saturday I have been home with Josie and Addie, trying to get them better. God has graciously spared the rest of our family, which is a miracle in and of itself. We seem to always get sick all at once. So, home we stay. Snuggled in a heap of blankets watching the Little Mermaid, part 2.

I can't say that I've really minded all too much. I have had a lot of snuggle time with my sweet ones, who will soon be past that snuggly stage. I have taken a good whack at the laundry, and have come out on top. There is still plenty of it, but it is not as daunting as it once was. It is hard to stay on top of laundry with sick children in the house. It sort of makes for extra laundry.

The laundry battle should be over with now though. I am happy to report they are on the mend, dare I say it, better?

Here is a little glimpse of how they spend their week.

They are either watching some Disney princess movie, or Barbie princess movie. They do love their princesses. I love mine too!

Even when they feel miserable, they can look cute. :)

On a completely separate note...

Josh just hung some curtains in our bedroom last week. Didn't he do a good job? I love them. If I close them, they let in enough sunlight that I can pretend it is spring outside. :)

Thank you hon! They are perfect!

Campus Life Coffee Social

2010-02-22T11:17:00.001-05:00

Saturday night we had our annual coffee social for New Tribes Bible Institute. Josh and I lead the campus life group here at NTBI. Campus life is a group of students who organize events and community service projects that help facilitate in building relationships between staff and students.

My parents came out to watch our kids so I could go and help. Besides a little running around to grab things we forgot to bring, I didn't really have much to do but visit! A local coffee shop was were we had our event, complete with a dessert contest. There was a lot of people playing games, but mostly people were able to just relax and socialize. It was a fun evening!

This was just the upstairs. Downstairs you can order drinks. Campus life bought a drink for everyone. Free coffee tends to draw a crowd!

Josh was announcing who won the dessert contest. Congrats Lauren!

Josh is helping serve one of the many delicious desserts that were made by staff and students.

Josh and I got to visit for a bit with our good friends Mandi and Josh. They are new on staff this year, and we made fast friends with them. It must be our shared love of missions, coffee, photography, and Lord of the Rings. :)

Friday Confessions

2010-02-12T16:43:00.003-05:00

It's Friday, and it's time to get real. Here are my Friday confessions:

1. Even though I am a snow lover, I am tired of winter and just want to go to a beach.

2. I love Reeses peanut butter cups. I love them so much that I can't buy them, because I will eat them all. It is taking all the will power I have to not eat the peanut butter cup that came with Josie's Valentine today. I'm not sure it will be there by morning.

3. I cry like a BABY every time I watch Disney's Pocahontas. When John Smith (Mel Gibson's voice) starts to sing the "If I Never Knew You" song, the tears start coming every time. I keep wanting for her to jump off that cliff and land on the deck of the ship at the end of the movie, but she never does. :(

4. I never drink enough water. I don't know why. I know you should drink eight glasses a day. I just don't.

5. I am getting more freckles the older I get. I thought they were supposed to disappear?

6. I filled out all of Josie and Addie's Valentine's Day cards this year, while they were in bed.

7. I think that that it is always a good time for popcorn. YUM!

8. I have some gray hair. Even though I said I would be fine with gray hair, I keep pulling them out. I guess I didn't think they would come this early.

9. I let Addie say words wrong, because I think it is cute. I NEVER let the other two do that.

10. I am going to let my kids eat sugary cereal for dinner AND have ice cream, because I am the Mom, and I can do that sometimes. Don't judge. :)

Prima Ballerina

2010-02-09T14:15:00.001-05:00

Ah! This winter has dragged on. There is not enough snow to play in, and it is just sloppy out. Many days we are just inside. Cooped up like chickens. Ha!

Okay, well it's not that bad. :)

I haven't blogged that much, because not that much exciting has been going on. I still am going to the doctor, and still don't know anything official about my health. I am hoping that in the next couple of weeks that will change.

We have been spending our days baking, playing with Barbies and dress up, watching movies, and of course BALLET!

Addie recently has been wishing that she could dance ballet like her older sisters, so now we have our own little ballet class at home. :) She has such a funny "serious face" on when she dances. It's hilarious!

Pretty pose.

And spin...

Ta-Da!

Guess Who's Three!!!

2010-01-27T22:42:00.002-05:00

Adelaide! That's who!

We were able to have a very fun weekend celebrating Addie's third birthday. Our little princess is three, and what is better than celebrating with a bunch of friends?

It seems weird to me that my baby is three years old. Feels like it was only a year ago that she was born. Time sure does fly!

Addie, you add so much joy to our lives. You are such a loving little girl, and we are so thankful that God brought you to our family.

Happy Birthday little princess!

Addie eating some birthday cake on her pink plate. She requested a "pink party", and that's exactly what she got! :)

Slowly Falling Apart

2010-01-20T16:43:00.002-05:00

I have a doctor's appointment on Friday. Please be praying for me. It is a new doctor, and I really just want some answers. I just feel like with my teeth, and my thyroid, and everything else that is wrong, I am slowly falling apart.

Without getting into the unsavory details, I am having a difficult time eating..or digesting. I'm not sure which it is.

I get sick..A LOT. I have eliminated meat, and some dairy from my diet, and it is a sad day.

I don't know how vegetarians do it honestly. I mean, it is a struggle for me not to eat it, and it gives me pain so great it drops me to my knees. Alas, it has been weeks since I have even eaten the tasty goodness.

I am praying that they will find out what is wrong, and that we will be able to get it fixed soon. Oh, and that I can eat meat again.

I SOOOOO am craving a yummy taco right now!

Maybe someday...

My Little Miss Sunshine

2010-01-18T11:22:00.001-05:00

It has been a little gloomy this week. Cloudy and overcast, and sloppy. Not cold enough to play in snow, not warm enough to dry up the yard.

That is okay though. I have some sunshine right in my house!

My own "Little Miss Sunshine"

Here she comes!

Oh, it's coming...

There is the sunshine!!!

It just warms me right up!

Who Doesn't Love a Hobbit?

2010-01-16T11:14:00.001-05:00

Last night Josh and I had a group of students over for a Lord of the Rings party. Josh made lattes and I made cookies with our friends and then we watched the extended version. It was so funny as some were quoting the movie almost word for word, as others made jokes, and one hadn't even ever seen any of the Lord of the Rings movies! We even had the "experts" who kept us updated on how it did or did not go with the book. It was such a hilarious night! I just love it when the students are over on a Friday night. SO much fun!

Some of the group. It grew even bigger as the night went on.

Just a little proof that I was there too! :)

Our entertainment for the evening.

Now onto some fun. The first person who can name correctly which part of the trilogy we were watching will win a prize!
*Disclaimer- please do not enter if you saw my facebook status last night. That just wouldn't be fair! :)

Toasty and Dry

2010-01-15T09:50:00.001-05:00

Nothing big or exciting going on here. I just had to post different pictures of the girls. They look so cold and wet in the last ones! ha!

Emma

Josie

Addie

Snowflakes That Stay On My Nose And Eyelashes...

2010-01-08T08:52:00.001-05:00

That snow we were watching decided to dump on us. Ballet class was canceled, and we got to play in the snow!

Then this morning, school was canceled! You couldn't ask for a better start to the weekend.

This year I have to be on my guard. The girls love to snowball fight, and they are getting good!

Emma may or may not have gotten a total white wash just before this shot. I assure you, if it happened, it was deserved.

The snow was clinging to Josie's eyebrows!

Addie's eyelashes were catching all the snow falling in her direction.

Things I Like About Winter

2010-01-07T11:42:00.001-05:00

It is just starting to snow again. We haven't really gotten a lot of snow here in Michigan yet. Well, in my neck of the woods anyhow. Anytime we did get snow in the last couple of weeks, we have been out of town.

So, the snow is falling, and Josie, Addie and I are eagerly looking out the window. There is not really enough to play in yet, but maybe when it is done. I want to go play in it now, but I have a meeting soon that I have to go to, and hat head is not my preferred way to wear my hair. After the meeting Emma will come home, and will have homework. Then Josie and Emma are off to ballet, and when we get back we will have just enough time for dinner and bedtime.

So, today we will wait. Occupy ourselves with the things that need to get done. Maybe tomorrow... we will see.

Until then, these are some things I love about winter here in Michigan:

Itty bitty snow boots. They were even cuter when the girls were smaller, but useless, as everyone knows a one year old can't walk in them.

Puppy prints in the snow. These are Sonny's, but any puppy print will do.

A scenic snow scape. I don't really have that big of a yard, but I live across from a park, so I have one heck of a view! Now if I could only get those wires out of the way...

Hot cocoa. Yum! I think even if I didn't like this drink, I would still fix it for all the memories it brings back of me playing in the snow as a kid with my brother and sister. We would come in, sopping wet, and head down to the basement to peel off layer after soggy layer, shaking the little snowballs that stuck to our knit mittens onto the wood burning stove to watch them sizzle. Then we'd head upstairs and make a cup of swiss miss, and I would inevitably burn my tongue until I learned the ice cube trick. :)