Ice Skating

It is time for a new post, Say good-bye to Ross for now.

Last Saturday we went ice skating up north with Grandpa and Grandma V. Dan's mom and step-dad created an ice rink from a former horse pen. We had a great time re-learning how to skate and the kids greatly enjoyed riding on the sled as we skated in circles pulling them behind us. Here are a few photos. I don't really consider myself and "outdoorsy" type of girl, but I really enjoyed the skating. The weather was beautiful and the chocolate has hot!

Thanks Mom and John for all your work!

The Ross.

Due to blogger requests, I have posted a lovely photo of my equally lovely brother Ross.
Talk amongst yourselves, and feel free to leave comments!
Enjoy!

P.S. You guessed it, that is a nice shot of Fig's nip on a previous post! Good call.

"THINK IT...DO IT"

Not so long ago I heard my mother in law Denise use this phrase and it has stuck in my mind ever since. How many times have you said to yourself "I should really send that person a card" or "I need to make that phone call" or even "I should pray about that."
Maybe you have a running list of To Dos that keep coming to the forefront of your mind. I know that I certainly do. What I can't figure out is why when something pops into my head I don't just take care of it then and there. Think it...Do it. Imagine all the tasks that could be accomplished, or all the acts of kindness that could be displayed if we followed this mantra. I for one would be much more accomplised at paying bills, taking more photos, and prayer time.

It seems like such a simple instruction. This week I challenge myself to Think it...DO it.

Why Can't They Just Stay Little?

This is one of those photos that I will always treasure. Not because of it's quality or artistic angle, but because it is a precious moment where my children are truly enjoying being together. Where else but in a bathtub can you put 3 siblings together in such close proximity and expect that they will NOT fight---but have a really fun time. My children, as they all do, seem to be growing up in the blink of an eye. It will not be long and they won't be playing in the the tub anymore. It won't be long and my little girl will tell me that she does not want to wear pink dresses anymore. It won't be long and my boys will spend more hours at school than at home with Mommy. This photo will be a favorite of mine for years to come. Remember the days when your world was literally your house and those who dwelled within? It is a wonderful time of life for Dan, myself and the kids. My heart cries out, "Why can't they just stay little?"

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my mom's 54th Birthday. Let me tell you, they don't get much better than Judy Hopkins. My whole family has been blessed for our entire lives by such a selfless, giving, person. Sometimes I can hardly believe how fortunate I am that she is my mom! She personifies what is written in Proverbs 31.

The wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth more than rubies...

Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value...

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy...

She is clothed with strength and dignity: she can laugh at the days to come...

Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and her praises her:
Many women do noble things but you surpass them all.

These are some of the verses that describe our mom. I strive to be like that. We all had a very busy day in our own little world. I hope the day does not pass without her feeling just how much we love her and appreciate the dedication she has to her faith, family, and community.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

Procrastination Station

Yes, that is a photo of my laundry. Clean laundry sitting in baskets ready to be folded and properly put away. I just realized that I am a procrastinator. Ok, I didn't just realize this, but there are certain things that I just cannot motivate myself to complete in quick fashion. Come on, how ridiculous is it that I just took a photo of my laundry and am posting it to my blog. In the time it takes to make this post I am certain I could have folded at least the towels, right? Part of my duties as a "homemaker" is to complete weekly chores such as this. If I were out in the work force, this habit of "putting off" would not be acceptable. How, now shall I be held accountable to finish my tasks? I admire those of you out there who posess a level of stick-to-itiveness that I need.

I guess I better get to that laundry!

The Inspiration For My Blog

Did you wonder why I titled my Blog with this strange statement? I guess because it is a true depiction of where Dan I find ourselves right now. You know how it is-- load up the kids in the mini van, well stocked with sippee cups and goldfish crackers, and cruise down the road listening to sunday school tunes.
When Dan turned 30 awhile back, he received this T-shirt as a gift. He wears it semi-proudly. As I near my 30th birthday, I have been reviewing the last decade of my life. I have decided to embrace the next chapter of life. I am not too sad about leaving my 20s because I know that God has many new experiences ahead as our children reach school age. Besides, I just read in a magazine that "40 is the new 30". That means I have 10+ years before I am officially "not young" :)

So here's to Mini Vans, bedtime stories, and Chuck E. Cheese. It really is Mega-Fun.

Post a comment...how did you feel when you hit the big 3-0 ??

Is anyone out there?

Well, here it is. I have created a Blog. I have wanted to do this for sometime now---but just didn't think my life was interesting or my commentary riveting enough to publish on the WWW. Thank goodness I changed my mind, right? Now I can post thoughts, photos, opinions for all the world to see! Actually, it might only be one or two people that frequent my blog but that is OK. I look forward to keeping this online journal as a way of keeping in touch with family and friends. So let's give this thing a try...