The crazy wonderfulness I call life

Six!!!!!

2011-10-29T14:58:00.001-04:00

Today is a day to celebrate!! My baby girl is 6 years old today. I have been feeling especially reminiscent this year as her birthday is on a Saturday, just like the year she was born. I remember that the Monday before she was born I had a doctor appointment. I went to work and I after I got there and finished payroll I called my boss, the owner of the company, and told him that I think I was done, I was going to stay at work until my doctor appointment and then I felt like I couldn’t work anymore. He was so wonderful to me during my maternity leave and I am so grateful for that. I went to my doctor appointment and he said everything was looking fine but gave no indication that the baby would be coming anytime soon. I hadn’t been having contractions or anything like that but I was so overly uncomfortable that I just completely broke down crying. Once I got home and had Tyler (who at the time was only 3 1/2) with me – everything was all right again. I am so glad that I decided not to continue to try to work that week as it gave me time to spend with Tyler before the baby would come. My due date was on a Thursday – Oct 27th and that day came and went. I remember that I was at the mall that day trying to get a few last minute items and just trying to move around a lot as I was overly uncomfortable. I was pushing Tyler in a stroller and paying for some purchase and the checkout person asked when I was due. I told her “today” and she smiled and then told Tyler to take good care of Mommy. He did. The next day I was miserable. I wasn’t really having contractions but I just didn’t feel right. Jeremy took me to the mall again to walk around and after only a short time I couldn’t handle it anymore and I just wanted to go home. We tried to watch a movie but I couldn’t sit still so we went to bed around midnight. At 2:00 in the morning I got up and knew that I was having some sort of contractions but they were very small and intermittent. I ate a bowl of cereal thinking that if today was the day then I might as well eat now because they won’t let me eat at the hospital. At 4:00 I woke Jeremy up and told him that he would not be going into work and I would call the doctor in a couple hours. At around 5:00 I called my friend Julia who was going to be watching Tyler for us. I remember her answering the phone all excited even though I had just woken her up. My contractions were pretty strong at this point and I had been walking around most of the time since 4:00 because I was having back labor and couldn’t sit down comfortably. I called the doctor around 6:00 and told him the contractions were pretty frequent. He told me to stay at home as long as I still felt comfortable to do so and I told him that I didn’t think I should wait much longer. Around 7:00 I had had enough and poor Tyler was up and so confused to why his mommy was crying and hurting. We dropped Tyler off at my mom’s house who lived very close and then headed to the hospital. One the way to the hospital I think my contractions were pretty much back to back and they were IN MY BACK and I hated to be sitting down. When we got to the hospital I just wanted to walk back to the maternity ward because I didn’t want to sit down in the wheelchair. We made it back there and they very quickly got me into a room. I remember one of the nurses saying something like “by the way she sounds, she must be pretty far along”. Well she was right and within a few minutes things started flying, the doctor was called and I was being well taken care of. The doctor arrived a few minutes later, I was in the final stages of labor and not dealing with it too well. It was too late for an epidural but the doctor told me that I could get a spinal block. Soon later I had some relief. But not too long after that it was go time and after about 20 minutes of pushing we heard the wonderful cries of our newborn baby girl at 8:51am on October 29, 2005. She was so tiny. My parents had made it in time and were in the waiting room. Jeremy’s mom was on her way too from Lansing. We had picked out her name but told no one what it was and we were so excited to share it. I remember the nurse asking me if we had a name and I was so excited to say it for the first time – Gracie is her name and her middle name is Katherine. She is named after my grandmother who died when I was 16. Every time we shared her name with someone we got a response of “awwwww”.

Fast forward 6 years later and our beautiful bundle of joy is now a sweet little girl. She is a princess through and through. She is such a little girl. She loves to wear dresses and loves dress up clothes, loves her kitchen toys, princess stuff, and she loves to color. She is in Kindergarten now and she is reading so much already by herself. She is amazing and I love her so much.

Happy Birthday my beautiful Gracie Katherine!!!

Turkey Trot

2011-10-28T09:43:00.001-04:00

Turkey Trot is an event hosted by the school for all elementary schools to come and run together. There are prizes for the winners with heats broken down by grade level and boys and girls etc. Tyler loves to run so we have done this many years in a row. Last year it was a very blustery day with tornado watches and so the event got cancelled. Tyler was bummed. But this year at the time of the event it was fairly nice out but rain was forecasted. Tyler was very worried about it being cancelled – but the rain held off until just after the event.

Great job Tyler – We are so proud at how you love to be involved with your school. You are a true champ!

Pumpkins

2011-10-27T15:59:00.001-04:00

My friend Leah had a pumpkin carving party at her home. The kids were very excited about it and we used our pumpkins given to us by our pumpkin fairy.

Tyler had a plan to carve out a ninja from his pumpkin winning him the prize of “most ninja-like” pumpkin. Gracie drew the design she wanted on her pumpkin – eyelashes and all – and had Mom cut it out for her – wish won her the prize of “sweetest pumpkin”

Tyler’s 3rd Karate Belt Test–Purple with Stripe

2011-10-27T15:47:00.001-04:00

Tyler continues to enjoy his karate class and I continue to enjoy watching him enjoy it. After 3 more months of training he was ready to test for this next level of belt.

We are so proud of you Tyler – keep up the good work!!!

Another 4th Grade Adventure

2011-10-27T15:12:00.001-04:00

The Hudsonville Education Foundation had a fundraiser before one of the HHS varsity football games and Tyler insisted on going because his teacher was going to be in the dunk tank and he really wanted to be able to dunk him. There was also a reward involved from one of the other 4th grade teachers for anyone who dunked Mr. Ski. so Tyler was motivated!!!

So we waiting in line for the time for Mr Ski to be in the tank and then his wife who is also a teacher at the school got to go first. Soon it was Tyler’s turn and he threw 3 times but didn’t quite make it. It was not discouraged, he got back in line and next time up – bull's-eye!!! and down he went. Tyler was very excited and his teacher was very wet!!!

4th Grade Field Trip

2011-10-27T14:57:00.001-04:00

Tyler is loving 4th grade. Early in the school year he had a field trip to Lansing to the state capital and we had a great time.

Here is Tyler’s class on the steps of the capital building

And the goofy one of his class as requested by his teacher

The beautiful ceiling

The best view in the house

I didn’t take many other pictures – but it was nice to be able to go on a field trip with him and he seemed to really have a great time!

My Kids – September 2011

2011-10-01T17:15:00.001-04:00

I had the kids’ picture taken recently. Gracie is very photogenic and loves to have her picture taken – Tyler, not so much, but we still got a few nice ones of him.

Hey look – a picture of me on my blog!!!

First days of School

2011-09-07T20:31:00.001-04:00

Tuesday was Tyler’s first day of fourth grade – YEP THAT’S RIGHT – MY BOY IS A BIG FOURTH GRADER!!!

He was so excited to start school again and was up at the crack of dawn fully dressed and ready to go – but we started the morning with Tyler’s favorite breakfast of eggs and bacon and then it was time to go!!! Before I knew it it we were at school and he got out and off he went. When he got in the car after school he was all smiles and he really had a good day.

Then today was Gracie’s first day of Kindergarten. She was so excited too!!!

Tyler loves having Gracie go to school with him, and he is a good big brother. Her is Gracie with her friends Ella and Libby, they are the sweetest girls and I am so glad that Gracie has them as friends.

Waiting in line was a little chilly – but Gracie was not nervous at all and was ready to go.

The bell rang and off she went. Gracie is already very comfortable at school because she was in Pre-K last year, plus we have spent a lot of time at the school in the past few weeks setting up for open house etc.

After school she came running out and jumped into my arms and told me all about her day. Oh the joy of that moment – I will treasure it for always.

Lost Tooth

2011-09-05T13:47:00.001-04:00

I am coming to the realization that my kids are getting bigger and that I don’t have any “little” kids anymore. It is a wonderful transition as my busy time is now spent taking them to all their different activates, homework, etc. instead of of the different busyness of taking care of little kids basic needs. I miss those times too but I am trying to embrace this part of our life now (props to all you moms out there who have both “big” and “little” kids). But – every once in awhile we still have a new “first” – and this summer Gracie had her first lost tooth.

How fun that there still are firsts for my kids to enjoy and look forward to. Since this tooth came out she has lost a second one and the new ones are coming through quickly. We were at the dentist recently and they said that her six year molars are fully erupted – she is really growing up. She was always so small compared to the rest of her class last year but over the summer she has grown quite a bit.

I may be past the first steps, first words, first foods time of my life – but I am looking forward to first day of Kindergarten and many more firsts that are yet to come for my “big” kids now.

Karate Test #2

2011-09-05T13:37:00.001-04:00

This summer Tyler was able to test for his second belt – purple belt. It was one of the hottest days of the summer and normally during test the students are required to wear full uniform, but because it was just so hot Master Rick made and exception.

We are so proud of Tyler!!!

This Summer

2011-09-05T00:28:00.001-04:00

Well now that summer is coming to an end and school is about to start, it is time to update on what we have been doing this summer.

Soon after summer vacation started we went camping with my friend Julia and her daughter Taylor. We packed her car so full of stuff it was quite interesting – but we made it work. Here are the kids packed into the backseat.

I didn’t take many pictures but I did snap a few of the kids swimming. I think we spent a majority of our time at the pool.

We went to the zoo a couple of times – Tyler and Jeremy went on the ropes course.

And then Tyler and Gracie rode a camel

Tyler and his friend Taylor were in the 4th of July parade with their karate class. Tyler had so much fun doing this.

Master Rick

We also were able to go fishing a couple of times. The first trip out the only thing we caught was a catfish by Tyler which we let go. The second time we took just Tyler and even though we spent a long time out there the only thing we caught were two small blue gill by Tyler again.

Also this summer my van kicked the bucket. We knew that was going to happen eventually and glad we were able to drive it for as long as we could – but it came time buy me a new vehicle and I love it.

We made one more camping trip to a campground in Kalkaska – the same one that Jeremy and I went to last year when we went hiking. We had such a great time.

We did lots of cooking over the fire

Bacon and Eggs

Tyler’s favorite food – Tacos

Pancakes and Hashbrowns

Sausage and Peppers and Corn on the Cob

We ate so very well thanks to Jeremy!!!

And then of course the kids did a lot of swimming – Gracie even learned to jump in the pool and go underwater – and then of course swinging at the playground is a must

Gracie didn’t sleep well the first night so part of the next day she spent crashing wherever she found a comfy spot

We took the kids to the place that we hiked at last year. We remembered a lake about a mile hike in and figured the kids could handle that long of a hike. It was beautiful and the kids did great.

On the hike back Gracie was tired and I had her on my shoulders when she screamed!!!

This snake across the hiking trail and I almost stepped on it.

Well that about sums up our summer – fall/school year here we come!

Cousins

2011-06-16T22:10:00.001-04:00

My cousin Marcy has three beautiful girls, Vivi, Silvia & Daphne, the oldest of which is 5 weeks older than Gracie. We get together every couple of weeks and the girls love playing together. Marcy recently bought matching dresses for her girls and picked one up for Gracie too.

Cousins and friends – what a wonderful thing!!!!

Last Day of School

2011-06-16T22:02:00.001-04:00

School’s out for summer!!!!

I am so glad to have my kiddos home for the summer and to start a more laid back routine for awhile after our very busy spring. The kids had wonderful teachers this year and they learned so much – and now I have a 4th grader & a Kindergartener. I am so proud of my kids.

Mrs Lepard & Gracie Mrs VanSlooten & Tyler

This year was also our principal Mr. Dekker’s last year as he is retiring. Mr. Dekker always says that Gracie looks like a precious moments doll. It was always so nice to know that he was watching over my kids while they were at school. I have met the new principal and know that my kids will be in goods hands again – but we will still miss Mr. Dekker.

Baseball!!!

2011-06-16T21:48:00.001-04:00

This is Tyler’s 4th year of playing little league baseball. He loves it. This year we have a lot of rain outs and rescheduled games and big breaks between games – but these last couple of weeks we have gotten quite a few games in so I was able to get some picture.

Tyler’s Birthday

2011-06-16T21:40:00.001-04:00

My son is nine years old. So grown up – he is going to surpass me in height before I know it. We celebrated his birthday partially on Memorial Day at my parent’s house, although his actual birthday was the next day. On his actual birthday he had school – he was so excited to celebrate his birthday at school as so far his birthday has always been either on a weekend or on Memorial Day therefore he has yet to have school on his actual birthday.

Happy birthday Tyler!!!!!

Nine

2011-05-31T13:55:00.001-04:00

Nine things about my nine year old

1) I love his red hair and freckles (especially since strangers think my dyed red hair is natural since I have a red headed son)

2) He loves playing baseball, karate, and running – his commitment and readiness to learn in every activity that he takes on blows me away.

3) People tell me all the time that I have an amazing son – of course I already know this, but it is so nice to hear. For example his karate master is always complimenting me on his performance, and recently when I picked him up from an Awana bowling party his leader pulled me aside just to let me know that I have an amazing kid

4) He is loud (oops – how did that one sneak in there)

5) He loves to play on the Nintendo Wii. I mean LOVES to play on it. He doesn’t get to play often as he wants to as he is too busy with sports, and b/c his mom won’t let him – but he can rattle on and on and on about it if you will listen

6) He loves to read – somewhere in the past years this boy learned how to read, and read well, and he loves it. He especially likes the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. He always wants to look at the book section at the store and it is pretty hard to turn him down when he wants me to buy him a new book.

7) He loves his sister. Being that my kids are of the opposite sex and 3 1/2 years apart in age – they play together so well. Tyler will include Gracie in things and wants to play with her. The other day at the school Memorial Day run Tyler was looking for his sister and rooting her on and was proud of her, same thing goes for when he is watching her softball games.

8) He has gone through so many fazes of things that he loves/collects. Trains, Disney Cars, NASCAR, Michigan State, Star Wars, Legos. Some of the fads he has grown out of, but I still have those collections tucked away as they are such a big part of who is was and who he is and someday he can pass them down to his children.

9) There are at least nine million more wonderful things about my now NINE YEAR OLD BOY!!!

I love you Tyler! Happy Birthday!!!

Mom

Memorial Day Program & Run

2011-05-29T16:33:00.004-04:00

This past Friday the kids had there Memorial Day program which consists of each grade level doing a song, or poems, or essays about what Memorial Day means to them.

Here is Gracie in the very front, but the sun was right in her eyes so she kept turning the the side. Her class said the pledge of allegiance

Tyler’s class did a series of poems

After that all the students sang the Alward Pledge and dedicated it to their principal who is retiring this year.

After the program it was time to –RUN!!! The school has a 1/2 mile track. Gracie’s class ran one time around, and Tyler’s class ran around twice. I was very impressed on how quickly Gracie came around the track, and Tyler was beet red and tired after sprinting around 2 times!!!

Gracie is on the far right of this picture

My busy boy!!!

2011-05-29T16:11:00.001-04:00

This spring has been a busy time for Tyler. He is doing karate, which is a year round commitment, then we signed him up for little league baseball as we do every spring, and then he also wanted to join the school running club which ran from a couple weeks before spring break until the middle of May. It has been a fun – but busy spring for him!!!

Here he is in karate, wearing his sparring gear and fighting away.

Here Tyler is in the 5/3rd Junior Fun Run which he ran in at the end of his running club.

And here is Tyler playing first base on his little league team. He has had many of his games rained out so we still have many more games to come – therefore I will have more pictures of baseball later.

Practicing with the Whitecaps

2011-05-29T16:05:00.002-04:00

Thanks to my friend Julia, I heard about an opportunity to sign-up Tyler (had to be within the first 50 to register) to practice baseball with a few Whitecaps baseball players, which is a minor league baseball league near us. It was a beautiful day and Tyler had a lot of fun.

Softball T-ball

2011-05-29T15:53:00.001-04:00

Gracie was old enough to play little league softball this year. I was excited to have both kids playing baseball/softball this year, and I fully enjoy the running around it takes to have both kids involved in sports. Gracie is loving playing. She is pretty small compared to most of the girls on her team, but she has learned a lot and has improved.

Tyler has enjoyed watching his little sister play too. We are all so proud of Gracie for trying something that she hadn’t done before and listening and learning as she goes – and having some fun too!!!

Here is a video of Gracie running the bases, when you are the last batter in an inning you get to run all the bases.

Karate–Tyler’s first belt test

2011-05-18T15:45:00.001-04:00

Last February Tyler started taking Karate lessons. My friend Julia’s daughter Taylor had been taking lessons and was enjoying it and encouraged us to try – and I am so glad we did. After a couple months of training Tyler was ready for his first belt test, to go from white belt to white with purple strip. Tyler was nervous about the test – but when it came time to do it – he nailed it. Master Rick went on and on about how well he did and was so very proud of him, as well as we are!!!

Disney Princesses on Ice

2011-03-26T16:26:00.001-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I took Gracie for a special girls night out to see Disney Princesses on Ice.

My princess all dolled up and ready to go!

Before the show we could see some of the princesses dresses and other movie items. Gracie particularly liked the Magic Mirror.

Princess Tiana was there!!!

Gracie was excited to get her picture taken with Arial as she was wearing her new Ariel dress

Anxiously waiting for the start of the show

Mickey, Minnie, and Tickerbell go the show started

Aladdin, the Genie & Princess Jasmine!!!

Snow White & Prince Charming & the Seven Dwarfs

Belle & Lumiere singing “Be Our Guest”

Prince Eric, Sebastian, King Triton

Arial and Flounder

Uh Oh – here comes Ursela

I was a bit worried that Gracie would be scared – but she loved it!

Prince Eric Saves the Day

Gracie loved every second of it!!!

Mulan

Maleficent & the good fairies

Here comes Prince Phillip to fight the dragon!!!

A kiss to wake up Sleeping Beauty

Princess Aurora & Price Phillip

Goofy announcing the Grand Ball

Step Sisters

Prince Charming & Cinderella

Then all the princesses came out together and they sang “A dream is a wish your heart makes” which made me tear up a little bit as this is a song I sing to Gracie. She was so excited about seeing all the princesses at the same time.

Go Alward All Stars!!!

2011-01-30T20:21:00.001-05:00

Last Friday night was the kids school charity basketball game. The teachers/staff at our elementary school (Alward) play against another elementary school’s staff (Jamestown) and entrance to get into the game is a food item for Kids Food Baskets of Grand Rapids. What a great night of fun – the kids fully enjoyed the game and had tons of school spirit (including Tyler with blue hair). Our team ended up losing by 1 point but fun was had by all.

The kids would run around the gym during time outs and between quarters etc. Can you find Tyler – look for the blue head!!!

Good job Alward All Stars!!!

Shooting Range

2011-01-30T20:20:00.001-05:00

As part of our Christmas party for work my co-workers and I were invited to go to a shooting range. Now I have never shot any sort of gun – EVER – so needless to say I was nervous – but will the persuasion of my co-workers I gave it a shot. Before it was done I was convinced to shoot even the biggest gun.

And proof that I did more than hold them!

Sledding

2011-01-30T20:18:00.001-05:00

A couple of weeks ago there was a beautiful sunny (still very cold) but sunny day – so I took Tyler and his friend Jade sledding at a hill near our house. After taking a few pictures I was able to watch them from the warmth of my vehicle.

It is never too late to post Christmas pictures

2011-01-30T20:14:00.001-05:00

Time to catch up!!!

2010-12-24T13:03:00.001-05:00

I haven’t posted in awhile – it is always on the back of my mind that I need to but life is just crazy (and wonderful). So here we go…

I posted picture of Gracie on her birthday, but the day after her birthday we had her party at my mom’s house because of course it isn’t a birthday without a cake made by grandma!!!

Still hard to believe that my baby is 5 years old.

After the party was over it was time for trick-or-treating!!!

Gracie ran and ran and ran to keep up with the big kids and she did great!!!

Moving on…

Thanksgiving was spent at our house with my mom & dad. Jeremy cooked a wonderful dinner and we just enjoyed being together.

Gracie with her BROWN TURKEY bows (family joke)

My husband is an amazing cook!!!

Moving on again…

Soon after Thanksgiving it was time to get our Christmas tree and decorate it.

And then a couple of weeks ago the kids had their school Christmas program. Both of the kids did great!!!

Well that about catches us up for now.

I sure love these kids and all the crazy and wonderful things that come our way due to them being in our lives.

I can’t wait for Christmas!!!

Fall Fun With Friends

2010-11-06T20:53:00.001-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I watched my friend’s kids overnight and for a good portion of the next day. I knew that having 4 kids in the house would get – LOUD – I decided to take them to the fall farm days at a local farm that is very close to our house. We have taken the kids there almost every year and it was quite fun taking all 4 of them.

Hayride

Corn Maze

I am not quite sure how I was able to get all of them to continually pose for me!!!

Picking out pumpkins from the patch

More photo opps

Playing in the straw

Zipline!!!

Seriously – these kids wanted to pose for me and have their picture taken!!!

After we got home we painted our pumpkins (so much easier than carving – although still just as messy!)

Thanks Jade & Zander for such a fun day!!!

Huckleberry Railroad & Crossroad Village

2010-11-06T20:18:00.001-04:00

I am a little behind and out of order on my posting – but it is time to catch up. These picture are from mid October when Jeremy’s mom and step-dad took us to Crossroads Village/Huckleberry Railroad. This is a place near Flint that Jeremy used to go to as a kids. This is our third trip there also since we had kids. At Halloween time they have a special Halloween train ride and trick-or-treating. I don’t have a lot of pictures as my camera battery died on me, but we had a great time. Thanks Mom & Darl!!!

Captain America & Raggedy Ann battling it out!!!

Riding the train with cousin Ninja Marcus ------ Gracie was not too sure about the train at first

Trick – or –Treat!!!!!

Why I do what I do

2010-11-01T00:54:00.001-04:00

My head is spinning. I should be sleeping as I have to work in the morning. I have just done so much recently that at 9:45ish when I felt I could sit down, I just couldn’t get myself to go to bed because I was finally able to unwind and do “nothing”. Now it is after midnight and I am still struggling to turn my mind off. I love being busy – I think I strive on it – but sometimes being busy gets – well too busy

Over the past few days…

I decorated our home for Gracie’s birthday (which of course required me to pick up those items from the store)

bought, and wrapped presents for Gracie’s birthday

Planned, prepared, and executed craft for Gracie’s class party for Halloween (and of course I never go simple)

Did a couple blog posts for the school blog

Did a blog post on my personal blog because I absolutely could not miss putting one up on Gracie’s birthday

Uploaded lots of other pictures, edited, and ordered them as part of a birthday present for a friend

Counted 2914 box tops

Shopped for food etc for Gracie’s birthday party

Set-up and executed Gracie’s birthday party

Cleaned up after the birthday party

Got the kids ready for and took them trick-or-treating

Went to church

Ran to store for few more items that can’t wait until full grocery shopping

Spent time with friend on her birthday (Happy Birthday Melissa – love you!)

Counted 1425 more box tops

Went to church for the Hootenanny

Really enjoyed watching my kids have fun being loud at church

Counted 926 more box tops

Delivered box tops to the chairperson on the fundraising committee (no they were not all from me – I counted 3 classroom worth)

And in between all of that I found time to watch a movie with my husband, do some laundry (not much though) and maintain at least some level of cleanliness to my home (with my husband’s help of course), not to mention all the feeding of the children, getting them ready in the morning etc.

And then tomorrow I have to…

…go to work, leave work on time (a task all of its own lately), attend parent teacher conferences at the school, take kids to Awana, grocery shop while the kids are at Awana (must complete in the 1.5 hrs), pick the kids up from Awana, get the kids home, bathed, and in bed – Whew I am exhausted just thinking about it – I really need to go to sleep

…It is times likes these that I wonder why I do what I do, why I always say yes when asked to help with school or other function, why I find a way to keep every second of my day busy…well I know why

There names are Tyler & Gracie and they love me being involved at the school, they love me taking them places, and it is not the same for them unless Mom is putting them to bed. I am so grateful to be their mom, no matter how busy that makes me. I am also starting to learn about saying no, and volunteering myself less – find the right balance. I wouldn’t trade all this crazy for the world though – it is just too wonderful to give up. Now seriously I really need to go to bed!!!! I am looking forward to Tuesday when my only real tasks are normal household duties and taking Tyler to and from school – yeah!!! Well anyway – thanks for hearing me out, it really helped me to clear my mind and refocus on a new day, a new week, also a new month. It is all going to be great, crazy & wonderful!!!! Okay – I am going to bed now – I really am – I promise…

…zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Five!!!!

2010-10-29T22:34:00.001-04:00

Today was Gracie’s birthday!!! Five years ago I became a mother of two. The time has flown and my baby girl is growing up and is still my baby girl (but that won’t ever change)

I decorated the house last night after Gracie went to bed and this morning Gracie came into my room and said…

Gracie: What happened to our house?

Me: I don’t know – what happened?

Gracie: There are decorations

Me: Why do you think there are decorations?

Gracie: I don’t know

Me: Maybe because today you are 5!!!

Gracie: Today – it’s my birthday today – right now!!!

Gracie had school today so she got to bring in a birthday treat and also since today was the class fall parties she got to wear her costume to school and they had a fall classroom party (which I got to help with).

It was so fun to see Gracie in her classroom. These last few picture were of the class singing a song about a spider.

And since I was already at the school – I of course had to check in on Tyler and see how he was doing with his class party (he was quite upset that I was not helping with his class party this year but I had to explain to him that he has to share me with his sister now and it was her birthday, he seemed to understand after that)

After the class parties was the costume parade

After school I had a present waiting for Gracie, she was so excited and kept saying thank you over and over again before she even started to open it.

It was some more food items for her kitchen set. She really liked it. We have a family party for her tomorrow so there is more to come. She kept asking me where her cake was and I kept reminding her that we would be having her cake tomorrow at her party at Grandma’s house. I had gotten her some cupcakes for her after school snack so that seemed to satisfy her for now – but she really just can’t wait to see her cake.

My friend Melissa also dropped by to give Gracie her present. Tinkerbell crown and jewelry. Gracie wanted to be Tinkerbell for Halloween but I really tried to persuade her away from that as we already had a costume for her and the Tinkerbell costumes are too cold for trick-or-treating in. So now Gracie can still be Tinkerbell whenever she wants.

Happy Birthday my baby girl. I love you so very much!!!

Jeff & Jess’ Wedding

2010-10-23T17:39:00.001-04:00

It has been two weeks since Jeff and Jessica got married. It was a beautiful day and it was such a privilege to be a part of it.

Here is my beautiful sister-in-law – she could not wait to get her dress on.

Gracie loved being pampered herself

Flower girls Gracie & Abbey

My two handsome men

What a happy day this was. Gracie did a really good job a flower girl and we all gained a wonderful new family member. We love you Jeff & Jessica.

11 Years Ago!!!

2010-10-16T08:23:00.000-04:00

Eleven years ago today I was a bride and Jeremy was my groom. He is still my groom today and I love him more now than thay special day 11 years ago. Happy Anniversary Jeremy!!!

Click here to see my posting last year which contains more wedding pictures.

Walk-a-thon 2010

2010-10-12T19:28:00.001-04:00

The kids had there annual fundraiser at the school last Friday. The day was perfect for being outside and this year both my kids where involved. That meant twice the raising money and twice the time at the school that day but so much fun and so worth it to help the school. Tyler ran around the almost 1/2 mile track 7 times in the 45 minutes and Gracie went around 3 times. Between the two of them they raised $70 and the school raised over $12,000!!!

So proud of my kids!!! Click here to view previous years posts of Tyler in the walk-a-thon

My sweet girl

2010-09-20T09:52:00.000-04:00

Do you ever have one of those moments after the kids are in bed where you miss then soooooo much that it hurts? It happens to me often. Each day seems to fly by and when the house is quiet because the kids are sleeping it becomes blatantly obvious that my time with them is short and it can stop me in my tracks and nothing else can cure this pain but to go into my sleeping child's room to see them one more time.

Boy do I love this little girl.

First Day of Pre-Kindergarten

2010-09-08T11:09:00.001-04:00

Today is the big day. My little baby girl is ready for school. Gracie was upset yesterday when Tyler got to go to school and it wasn’t time for her to go yet. Today she came in my room right as I was about to get up and was really excited asking me if it was time to pack her lunch yet.

Here she is all ready to go to school, in her new school clothes, backpack, shoes. She put her back pack on and it was a bit heavy for her with all the stuff she needs to bring on the first day. We tightened up the straps and she was all set.

Big brother Tyler is happy to have Gracie going to school with him. He is ready to help make sure she gets to her line and will pick her up after class so they can walk together to the crossing guards where I wait across the road to pick them up.

Me – I am a bit apprehensive and overwhelmed by this day. Although I am so excited about this next journey in my daughter’s life – I am overwhelmed by emotions that my little baby is big enough for school now. Something she will be doing without me. Not that I am not involved in getting her to school, helping her with homework, etc – but really she is out of my hands during the school day. I know she will be fine, but still is a happy/sad day for me.

In her line – just waiting for the bell to ring. When it rang the teacher came out and told them to give a final hug goodbye and then…

… off she went

is it time to pick her up yet?????

Upper Elementary!!!

2010-09-07T20:01:00.001-04:00

Tyler is an official 3rd grader!!! He is now one of the “big kids” at school. I have been dreading this day as I really like having him home but he was so very ready to go back to school.

I am not quite sure why I am so overly emotional about going back to school. I know that school is a great, safe, and wonderful place for him to be – but I still struggle a bit with saying goodbye. My friend Melissa who has kids at the same school and in the same grades as my kids knows Gerry Barnaby from WHLT morning show and her and I were on the morning show the other day talking about our feelings about the kids going back to school. Comparing her perspective of being ready to kick the kids out the door for the adventure of school and my perspective of having a harder time saying goodbye. I am supposed to be getting a recording of the segment and I will try to share it when I can. It was fun and also kind of funny to be known as the crazy emotional mom – but it is who I am – I can’t deny it.

For more about my back to school experiences you can visit previous years posts here and here.

This year went good. Tyler was so ready to go and when we got to school it was a bit crazy with all the parents taking pictures and more people dropping their kids off than normally do during the school year. Because of the craziness I just walked Tyler across the parking lot and off he went. He had no problem finding where he needed to go all by himself. I was very anxious today just waiting and waiting for it to be time for him to come home from school. It was finally time to pick him up and he had only good things to say. I can now breathe a sigh of relief and going forward I won’t feel so anxious.

EXCEPT – I HAVE TO DO THIS AGAIN TOMORROW WITH GRACIE – THIS ONE IS GOING TO BE HARD!!!!

When I was four…

2010-08-09T23:40:00.001-04:00

I looked a lot like this little girl (or maybe I should say that this little girl looks a lot like me when I was four)

This was my purple dress, and my baby doll. The other day I was going through my cedar chest where I store stuff like blankets and stuff that I want to stay safe and dry. I had left the lid open and later on I found Gracie carrying this doll around with her. Our conversation went something like this:

Gracie: “Mommy, I found this dolly”

Me: “That was my dolly when I was a little girl”

Gracie: “What is her name?”

Me: “Susie”

Gracie: “I need to take care of her, and hug her and love her”

Me: “I would really like that Gracie – thank you”

Since then she has cared for this dolly. I loved playing with dolls when I was little and this particular doll was extra special to me as my dad gave it to me as my very first doll. I love that Gracie is really starting to interact with her dolls and so sweet how she will read to them at night and feed them or walk them in the stroller or ask me to help change their clothes a million times a day (oops that just slipped out).

I am going to try to find some pictures of me in this purple dress when I was four (so Heidi & Sara Jo that means that will include pictures of you) and also pictures of me playing with this doll. This should be fun!!! Oh and Mom – if you happen to have any of these pictures easily accessible – that would be a great help!!!

Stay tuned…

What "They" Say

2010-07-22T13:49:00.001-04:00

My husband always teases me as I have a tendancy to say "they say that...(random peace of knowledge/advice)." I said it a lot when my kids where babies like "they say that babies can recognize their mother's voice from the womb." Jeremy would then ask "who is they". So anytime I hear someone say "they say that" or something similar it can make my ears perk up and I always thought that I would write on these topics. Awhile back I heard one and I actually did write on it but I just kind of tucked it away for myself. Well I haven't been too faithful at blogging and so I decided I would pull this out and post it just for fun. I would love to hear other suggestions about "what they say" and maybe I can write on some of them. I am not heavily opinionated and some subjects are just too sensative to those who are so I will pick and choose very wisely - so if you have any ideas I would love to hear them. Thanks - and enjoy!

"They" Say that everyone has a look-a-like...

...otherwise known as a doppelganger

your “twin”
your “double”.

Has someone ever told you?

“he looks exactly like you”

or

“She could be your twin”

There are billions of people in the world; I guess it isn’t impossible for there to be some look-a-likes. Although, even identical twins look different from each other to their parents.

Because how we look is really more than just outward appearance. Our heart, our actions, our personality shows on the outside too.

So really – we are all different – I may have a doppelganger out there but she is not me.

No one can be me

No one else would want to be me

I am the only me

and that is the way it should be.

One of my very favorite verses is:

Psalms 139:13
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

How beautiful.

I was knit in my mother’s womb by the Lord. He knew me in that secret place before even my mother knew she was pregnant with me. I was microscopic and the Lord was forming me.

He already had a plan for my life

He knew my name

He knew my story

He wrote it.

So…

they say that everyone has a doppelganger

but, I say that there are no two alike, our heavenly Father planned it that way. So to my look-a-like out there, I wish you well but you are not me and I am not you, we are unique

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-21T10:26:00.001-04:00

You might be a working mom if...

2010-07-19T20:22:00.000-04:00

You might be a working mom if….

...your office computer, desk, window etc are scattered with pictures of your children so much so that anyone entering your office has no choice but to ask you about them.

...in the afternoon you start to feeling physically achy and you realize that it is the fact that you miss your children soooooooooo much!

...when you leave work for home for the day you think “time to go to work” because you know there is a million things you have to do between getting home and bedtime.

...your favorite part of the day is coming home and having the kids rush over to hug you and tell you about their day.

...you are jealous of stay at home moms but also wonder how they can do it because that seems just as hard or harder than your situation

...the stamp on your hand from Playworld or wherever you took your kids over the weekend is still on your hand on Monday and you glance over at it often throughout the day and it brings a smile to your face.

I have a wonderful job that I work at full to part-time - and they allow me the freedom to be a mom and work my schedule around those times that I need to be off for my kids. Sometimes it gets overwhelming and too much to handle between balancing of the two - but I am greatful that I have this situation because it definetly, more times than not, works in my favor. Also I am lucky enough to have a mom who runs a daycare and watches my kids for me. It is so good to know they are in good arms when they can't be in mine.

To all the stay at home moms out there - you are amazing!!!
To all the working full time moms out there - you are amazing!!!
To my mom - you are amazing!!!

I am somewhere in between and it is amazing how we make it work. I couldn't do it without my employer, my family, and my Lord. I am truly blessed.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-14T00:37:00.001-04:00

Completely Con“TENT”

2010-07-14T00:36:00.001-04:00

The kids were looking for something new to do this past weekend. I came up with the idea of borrowing my parents tent and putting it up so the kids could play in it. It was a hit – by the end of the day on Sunday they had practically moved there entire bedrooms into the tent and were reading or playing with toys in their respective “rooms” in the tent.

Bowling with Jade & Zander

2010-07-14T00:28:00.001-04:00

My friend Melissa found coupons online for free bowling and so we took our kids bowling last week. It was a rainy day and we had originally planned on taking the kids to the park but this was a nice treat.

Melissa helping Gracie. Good thing we were able to use this ramp because even the lightest ball was too heavy for Gracie to handle. Of course that makes sense when the lightest ball was 20% of what Gracie weighs.

Go Tyler!!!

Jade’s turn (with brother Zander rooting her on)

GOOFY KIDS!!!

Gracie Jade Zander

Jade did a great job helping Gracie and Zander was such a goofball!!!

Water Fun

2010-07-14T00:13:00.001-04:00

Whether it is at the beach or in our backyard – the kids LOVE to play in the water

Tyler doing a flip

Strawberry Picking

2010-07-13T23:56:00.001-04:00

One of the first things we did on Summer break was to go to the U-pick field down the road for some strawberries. My kids LOVE strawberries and when I told them we could do this they were all about it.

We ended up with about 3 quarts of strawberries – I cleaned them and put them in a big bowl in the refrigerator and the were ALL gone by the next afternoon.

A post in which I catch up on posts I should have done a long time ago

2010-07-13T23:48:00.001-04:00

Okay so summer seems to be just as busy as our Spring was – although it still has a more laid back feel to it. I just have not had the desire to get behind the computer when it is so beautiful and warm (HOT) out. But I am currently watching the All-Star baseball game and I have decided that I can multitask.

School has been out for just over a month now – but on the last day of school I was able to get a picture of Tyler with his 2nd grade teacher, Miss Scott. Tyler really loved having Miss Scott and she told me all the time how much she loved having Tyler in her class. But it is time to say goodbye to Miss Scott and hello to summer.

And this friend of Tyler is Jade. She lives right down the road from Grandma’s house so Tyler gets to play with her during the summer too (and I am friends with her mom so we get too see them often). Jade is such a beautiful and fun girl and I am so glad that she was in Tyler’s class this past year.

Here are a few more baseball pictures that I found on my phone camera (did I mention that we love baseball)!!!

Pictures at the beach

2010-06-27T15:12:00.001-04:00

I will post more later but here is just a taste of some of the pictures we had taken at the beach with the Waite site of the family last Thursday.

Future Flower Girl

2010-06-20T23:02:00.000-04:00

We are so happy that Jeff is engaged to be married to Jess. Gracie LOVES Jessica!!! She is so excited to be a flower girl in their upcoming wedding (okay maybe I am excited – since she really doesn’t know what that means yet – but she will love it!)

Happy Birthday Tyler

2010-06-20T23:01:00.001-04:00

Tyler’s birthday was on Memorial Day this year. We combined our normal family Memorial Day celebrations with celebrating for Tyler’s birthday. Before we went to my mom’s house for lunch etc – we surprised Tyler at home with his present.

A new bike!!!

Tyler’s wanted a Mario birthday cake so we made the party themed by bring out Wii system along and we all played.

My baby boy is eight!!! EIGHT!!! – 8 years old. How can that be?????

Tyler received a new baseball bag & $8.00 from Grandma & Grandpa. He is saving his money for a motorized scooter that he wants.

But seriously – he really needs to stop growing up. He is getting so tall and is losing all his “little boy” looks and really growing up way too fast.

Love you Tyler!!!

Baseball – 2010

2010-06-10T17:05:00.001-04:00

We have only one more baseball game left so it is probably time that I post some pictures from Tyler’s baseball season this year. He is in machine pitch this year and has done very well.

Good job Tyler!!! We are so proud of you!!!

Eight years ago

2010-05-31T12:16:00.000-04:00

8 years ago this little baby boy - made me a mommy!!!

More about Tyler's birthday to come.....

Farwell Ernie

2010-05-13T16:35:00.001-04:00

Ernie Harwell passed away last week at the age of 92. The was a Detroit Tiger’s broadcasting legend and story teller for 42 seasons. He retired in 2002. He was so fun to listen to and had some signature phrases like “Long Gone” for a home run and “He stood there like the house by the side of the road” for a hitter who got called out on the 3rd strike without swinging. He was diagnosed with cancer about a year ago and went home to our Lord and on May 4th. In interviews with Ernie, knowing he was going to die soon, he referred to his death as “his next great adventure, a gift handed down by God.” I was sad to hear of his passing and have enjoyed all the specials on television prior and during the Tiger’s games remembering his life.

We had the honor of meeting Ernie Harwell back when Tyler was a baby. We went to a Tiger’s caravan where you could wait in line and get signature from whoever was there and we were lucky enough that Ernie was one of the people part of the caravan that came close enough to our home to attend. The process had to be fairly quick as there was a long line but when we got up to Ernie he took Tyler from me and gave him a big hug and took extra time with him. We were able to capture some pictures of this special moment.

God bless you Ernie – until we meet you again in heaven.

Ernie Harwell

January 25, 1918 – May 4, 2010

Catching Up/Mother’s Day

2010-05-11T01:29:00.002-04:00

I have not been posting a lot lately as I still find my schedule extremely busy – but I found sometime tonight to redesign my blog (again) and to give an update.
Tyler has been playing baseball. He is in machine pitch and he is doing very well. He enjoys it a lot and it is so fun to see him interact with his teammates. I don’t have very good pictures yet – I need to get on that – but here is a picture from game #1 when he was catcher. There were a couple of games schedule this past weekend that got rained out and his next game isn’t until Friday so I will get some more pictures up after that.

Gracie has been enjoying spring and she loves to pick the Dandelions.

A week ago Sunday the kids had awards night for Awana. Gracie was so proud of her cubbie and appletree awards she earned and Tyler went through 2 books in one year and came home with two ribbons!!!

The kids are getting so big and they play so well together (most of the time). On Mother’s Day the kids blessed me by allowing me to sleep in a bit and when I got up they were playing a game of shoots and ladders together. After Jeremy got home from work he cooked me a nice dinner and we all went outside to play a game of catch with my new baseball mitt.
I love baseball but I have never had my own mitt so I was really happy to get this – my next goal is to get it signed by Brandon Inge!!!

Mmmm – Chocolate covered strawberries!!!

Crazy Kids!!!

Wonderful Kids!!!

I am so grateful to be a mom two Tyler and Gracie – it is a blessing indescribable. I love you kids so much!!!

Easter

2010-04-07T20:52:00.001-04:00

I have never decorated easter eggs with the kids before – Tyler asked so we gave it a try. They had a lot of fun – but boy was it messy!!!

Easter Sunday was a beautiful sunny day – almost too sunny for pictures.

My favorite time of the year

2010-04-03T17:26:00.001-04:00

Baseball Season!!!!Tyler’s practices have begun and the Tiger’s opening day is Monday.

This is defiantly my favorite time of year!!!

New Life of Spring

2010-04-03T17:21:00.001-04:00

It has been warm – much warmer than it usually is this time of year – we are enjoying it!!! On Thursday we took the kids to the Nature Center near our home. It was very dry and still covered in leaves but the kids enjoyed walking the trails. That is what is so wonderful about Spring – it is the sign of new life – in winter everything dies but in the spring we see signs of new life and it brings so much joy. So very much like the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ – he once was dead but now he is very much alive and I want to bask in the warmth of that as well as the warmth of this Springtime season.

New Life

My princess

My Men

School Carnival

2010-04-03T15:04:00.001-04:00

Two weeks ago Tyler had his school carnival (sorry I am just getting around to posting the pictures).

Tyler stayed after school the day before the carnival with me to help collect the goodies for the bake walk and to set up the room for that game – it was fun to see him in his own element at the school as he ran around checking everything out and helping wherever he could. After the carnival I stayed to help and it looks like the school made a good profit – go ALWARD!!!!

Awana Olymics

2010-03-24T14:01:00.005-04:00

For many weeks now Tyler has been practicing for the Awana Olympics. He has made new friends through Awana and it is fun to see him interact with these other boys - it also makes me realize that boys are CRAZY!!!! I wouldn't have it any other way - no really I wouldn't - you don't believe - well sometimes I don't believe it either - but really boys should be allowed to be crazy, loud, rambunctious, and my boy is all of the above. Anyway - back to the Awana Olympics - last Saturday was the actual games and Tyler did great. Here are videos of the events that Tyler was in (if you get my blog via email you will need to visit the actual blog website in order to see the videos)

Sparky Crawl (Tyler is on the far right - our team is the red team)

Sparky Safarai (Tyler is the first runner)

Sparky In & Out - Tyler is the 2nd to last runner

Sparky Rabbit Hunt - Tyler is in there somewhere

Sparky Train

Sparky Balloon Pop

They won the 2nd place ribbon for their circle!!!

Lucky Princess

2010-03-17T23:28:00.000-04:00

Lucky Me – I’ve Got You!!!

Missing in action

2010-03-15T11:54:00.002-04:00

I haven't posted in quite a while - and I have a good reason. I have been busy!!!! I normally work part time 3 days a week but since the end of 2009 I have been working full time to cover a maternity leave. It has been crazy and I have to give major credit to those moms who do this all the time. My time as a full timer is coming to an end very soon and I am hoping to start blogging again. Plus we have some fun activities coming up. So stay tuned!!!

Look what we found

2010-02-20T22:14:00.001-05:00

I was out with the kids running errands and we happened across this in the parking lot of a hotel near the store we were going to.

I saw it first and said “Whoa” and Tyler and Gracie saw it next and got really excited. Tyler loves Nascar and this is Kyle Busch’s car. Now it is most likely just a showcase car as the race is tomorrow in California. The trailer it was in looks like it is meant to show off the car.

My mom really likes M&M’s so she is a fan of Kyle Busch since he drives this car. Tyler called Grandma to tell her all about it.

Tyler’s favorite driver is Jeff Gordon and I think that if we had “happened” upon that car that we would still be standing there right now, but this was really fun for Tyler and Gracie too (and Mommy). I guess you never know what kind of fun you might have just running some errands.

This is my temporary home

2010-02-09T10:37:00.003-05:00

Again today I was comforted by words from a song.

This is my temporary home
It's not where I belong
Windows and rooms
That I'm passing through
This is just a stop
On the way to where I'm going
I'm not afraid because I know
This is my temporary home

This is so true. The trial and challenges of every day life can really way you down sometimes but what I am going through right now is only temporary - I am just passing through this to get to where I am going. I don't always know where I am going but God knows and he is helping me get there.

And then I can take this to the next level - this world is my temporary home. I am only here for a short time compared to the eternity I will spend in heaven. Thank you Lord!!!

Lyrics

2010-02-03T16:40:00.003-05:00

I have said this before… I love song lyrics. Words put together in song are so beautiful and often touch my heartstrings. The song “More Beautiful You” came on the radio today and made me smile:

There could never be a more beautiful you

Don’t buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through

You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do

So there could never be a more beautiful you

So turn around you’re not too far

To back away be who you are

To change your path go another way

It’s not too late you can be saved

If you feel depressed with past regrets

The shameful nights hope to forget

Can disappear they can all be washed away

By the one who’s strong can right your wrongs

Can rid your fears dry all your tears

And change the way you look at this big world

He will take your dark distorted view

And with His light He will show you the truth

And again you’ll see through the eyes of a little girl

There could never be a more beautiful you

Don’t buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through

You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do

So there could never be a more beautiful you

I see my daughter so sweet and innocent and when she is naughty she can get so distraught but all it takes in a hug from me and a reminder that I love her to turn it all around again. This is what the Lord does for me each day too – and boy am I glad.

So today remember – There could never be a more beautiful YOU

Out of the mouths of babes

2010-01-24T20:02:00.006-05:00

This video is kind of quiet - you may want to turn your volume way up.

Homework

2010-01-21T20:56:00.004-05:00

Tuesdays & Thursdays are homework nights. I am so proud of Tyler as he does such a good job. I never have to show him what to do and he very rarely gets one wrong. I think it takes me longer to go through them to see if any are wrong than it does for him to do it in the first place. If I find someone wrong I just make a small mark and he will go back and fix it. He loves school and he loves the big bowl of popcorn he gets to eat while doing his homework.

With love,

Julie

Prayers for the Helm Family

2010-01-12T18:33:00.001-05:00

This morning there was a car accident right in front of Tyler’s school which happened about an hour before students started arriving. They needed the aero-med helicopter and it landed in the school parking lot. This is right down the road from where we live and directly in front of my parent’s development where the live. Unfortunately the teenage boy involved in the accident did not make it and passed away before arriving at the hospital. The school buses had to be unloaded at a church down the street and walking kids and kids being dropped off had to be re-routed. Teachers were meeting the kids and taking them right into the school. Jeremy went to drop Tyler off and had to go through my parent’s development and the cars were lined up quite a ways down the street watching as the helicopter was taking off. We normally drop Tyler off right in front of the school but due to the accident he had to cross the street. Tyler ended up getting his picture taken by the press and is on the online article.

With the help of school guard crosser, Pattie Rozema, Alward Elementary 5th grade teacher, Chris Karel, escorts second grader Tyler Snider across Port Sheldon to the school, as sheriff and rescue personel investigate a fatal accident on Port Sheldon west of Brookfield that happened about 7:20 am. (Lori Niedenfuer Cool | The Grand Rapids Press)

I have gotten several phone calls from family and friends who discovered Tyler’s picture online asking how he is doing. He seems fine, he knows that the boy died and is now in heaven. I have been praying for this family before I even discovered who was affected and that the crash resulted in a fatality. I will continue to pray for this family with Tyler tonight and in the days to come. I can’t even fathom what how this family must be feeling. I have heard that the boy that died in the accident was a believer in our Lord Jesus Christ and am glad that at least he is sitting with God tonight in the splendor of heaven.

The entire article on MLive is located at: http://photos.mlive.com/grandrapidspress/2010/01/g_0112_accident_5.html

Please join me in praying for this family.