In a New York Minute

I'm not sure what gave us away, maybe it was the camera swinging around my neck, maybe it was when we climbed the subway stairs to the street, immediately looked up atthe skyscrapers and Dan rammed into a local. I think it was because we wore big huge tennis shoes for all the walking and the regular New Yorkers wore just about anything else. We were strangers in a strange land and we loved it.

Our long weekend trip was hosted by two very gracious New Yorkers. Their love and pride of the city was as big as, well, the Big Apple itself. Steve and Dana guided us through different neighborhoods and districts of Manhattan detailing the history, the future, and the people that dwell there. Each neighborhood had its own feel, its own vibe nearly indescribable but powerfully present.

I highly recommend New York as a place everyone should visit if just once in their life. Please continue to lift up Steve, Dana and the kiddos in your prayers. They are on the brink of huge and exciting changes once again. From what I observed it isn't always easy for a family to live in NYC but God is so very much there, I could see it in the beauty of Central Park, feel it on the bus when a man gave up his seat for me, and saw His grace in a little apartment on the Upper West Side.

“Each man reads his own meaning into New York” ---Meyer Berger

Some photos of the trip:

On this day in 1997

Two young, naive, country kids tied the knot.

I remember waking up with a cold sore on my chin and 2 monster zits on my chest. Believe it or not that didn't get me down, for it was my wedding day! We stood before family and friends and pledged ourselves to constant faithfulness and abiding love.

I moved from my parents house to my new married home. Suddenly there was laundry, groceries, and toilets to clean. What delight I took in these tasks initially, but the novelty wore off.

Soon came our first car and full time jobs to pay the bills. It was an exciting time of learning my profession, but the novelty wore off.

Next up was pregnancies, births and becoming a family. Someone I know once said, "Isn't this the best of life--right now?" I agree. We are smack dab in the middle of a balancing act between childrearing, work, home, school and church responsibilities. I can honestly say that even as we reach this 10 year milestone the novelty of family life has not worn off.
I love you, Dan! Thank you for giving me the life I dreamed of as a little girl. God is good, it He that has brought us here.
Happy Anniversary!

AVON--product of the week

Here is another great AVON product!

ProSport Deodorant Wipes

Summer sweat is just around the corner and ProSport wipes are the perfect freshen up between showers.

They are easy to keep in your purse, beach bag for whenever you need them. AVON ProSport Wipes are better then a baby wipe or just re-applying deodorant,
because they actually clean and remove odor.

Contact me, or goto my website to order.

To be a kid again.

This was a great weekend for being a kid.

My children enjoyed a campfire, soccer game, Golf cart rides, Birthday party at the GRCM
Slip and Slide, and numerous freeze-pops. What I noticed about kids again today is that they run everywhere. I wonder if I did the same, did I aimlessly run through the grass, did I pick flowers (weeds) for my mommy, did I realize just how great it was to be a child? Probably not.

Forgive me for sounding like an episode of The Wonder Years. Boy, that show was so great.
Sometimes I think I should sit down and write down as many childhood memories that I can so I don't forget and can tell them to my kids. I also think that my parents should do the same. (Hint, hint)

This morning I checked out my cousin Carl's Blog
Strangely enough, his blog echoed many of my thoughts from this weekend.
His post today highlighted a local story from the GR Press about some neighborhood kids and their homespun Major League Whiffleball team. It is a great article about the simple joys of youth. Check it out, click here, then click Field of Dreams.
Here's to Summer Break! 12 and a half days left of school!!!!

Mouse in the House

I can't sleep, I'm thinking about the evidence of mice I found today in my mudroom closet and in my van. Tonight the internet has been quite informative, maybe too informative.

Tonight I am reading all kinds of horror stories about mice nesting in vehicles, chewing their way through fuel lines, wiring and such. Not to mention the fact that I am now afraid that one is going to rear it's ugly head as I am tooling down the highway!!!!

What to do?
I feel like some kind of disgusting housekeeper, who let one too many crumbs fall to the floor in the minivan (shut up Brad).

Again, what to do?

Another One of My Great Ideas.

This blog has seen many of my epiphanies-- moments of sudden revelation or insight.

To name just a few:

• Laundry--start and finish all it in one day.
• Credit Cards--cut 'em up
• My deliberate decision to drink coffee--and like it.
  
• Becoming an early riser
• Spring cleaning.

I feel like I am always coming up with great plans, new ideas for efficiency and self improvement. Today I came up with a brand spankin new one. It stems from one of my apparent flaws---I hate to meal plan, get groceries, and basically cook or bake. I look at my shopping cart and cupboards full of bounty but don't know what to do next. What irritates me is the stuff that sits in my cupboards for weeks, months, or even longer. Food stuffs that never get used, is old, or just plain does not sound appetizing.

All this leads up to my new plan!

I hereby declare that we will empty our cupboards, purge our frig , and vacate the freezer.
Yes, I know I'll still need to buy a few basics here and there, but it is high time we use what we already have before I mindlessly buy more and more!

Can it be done?
Will I finish the 7 or more boxes of cereal that are half gone?
Will we eat the freezer burned green beans from last summer? (D, you know what I'm talking about.)
Stay tuned.

in our spare time

this is what we do.
take photos of ourselves and laugh.



Thanks for the inspiration Stella!

putting my Mac to good use yet again.

not a pretty sight

Today was the weirdest day. Most of it was spent sleeping and staring into space. In almost ten years of marriage, Dan and I have shared a lot. This time we shared the stomach flu. Both sick at the same time. Picture two grown adults hunched over walking back and forth to the bathroom at regular intervals. Picture our 3 kids running circles around us as we try to get them ready for school. Picture in your mind Dan and I watching King of The Hill at 2:00 in the afternoon. Picture the sticky dishes in the sink that have been there for two days now and Dan's boots still in the driveway from yesterday where he kicked them off in a mad rush to find the toilet. It was a weird day, I am glad it is almost over. I am so thankful for my mother who came over and took Dewey to school and took our little miss jabber box home with her.

Please pray that my mom doesn't catch this nasty little flu.

No Questions Asked?

So my blog has been a tad fluffy lately which is all fine and good but today for no reason but a song I heard on the radio I have a few serious thoughts to share. The song was titled River of Peace. The chorus went like this:

Ours is not to question why,
Ours is just to live and try
To settle for the answer, whatever it might be.
Until we see You face to face in another time and place
Where the river of Your peace runs free.

Really, no questions? Am I taking it too literal-- Do not question God? In the midst of despair and confusion can we not throw our hands up in the air and cry out "Why?" It seems like a tall order to just settle for the answer without doing a bit of wrestling with God, our faith, ourselves.
I suppose this song is saying that in this life we will not always fully understand the answers to our "Why?"questions.

Why does my does my dear sweet aunt have ALS, why are little children taken from their parents at a young age, why does one family continue to suffer and other families never seemingly struggle, why, why, why?

Is it a sign of small faith to question, or a natural response because of human incapacity to know God's ultimate plan? This is what I ponder today. This song reminds me of another fave Hymn.

When peace Like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say,
It is Well, It is Well with my Soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

What you don't know.

I have been tagged again. This time by Laurie, the task is to list 6 things you may not know about me.

That's a toughy. Some of you will know this stuff I'm sure.

1. My early childhood was lived in Hopkins. As this was my maiden name, I told all the kids at my school that my dad owned the town.

2. I have never watched any Star Wars movie, sequel, or episode. Have no idea what they are about.

3. I like to watch 1970s TV, my favorites--All In The Family, Little House on the Prairie

4. Once I awhile, Dan and I want to pack it all up and move to Tennessee.

5. I drive like a senior citizen most of the time. Yeah, that's me that you get stuck behind on the highway in the fast lane.

6. Someday I want to start a home-based business making photo slideshows, movies montages, and the like.

You learn something new everyday.
I tag Triplet Mom, One Day at A Time, and Vink Clan

The moment I knew I was no longer young.

and basically un-cool for that matter.

On a Sunday night I was driving my mini-van
in the parking lot at Target.
I was rockin' out to a hit song
from 1976,
windows rolled all the way down.
A young-ish looking teenager looked at me.
She looked annoyed.
She looked at me like I was some kind of repulsive adult.

Man!

When did you (those of you that are old) realize you were not hip as you thought?

Turn off the TV week

Ok then.

So Chase came home with all excited last Monday night. At school the students were challenged to turn off the TV for the whole week--including the weekend. A good project with the end result being a child's realization that he could exist without his daily dose of the tube.
His ambitious, young mind was filled with ideas of what he could do instead of watch TV. I was ready to support him, until I began to realize how much I depended on a TV show or video here and there to occupy my kids while I completed various tasks. Each hour or so I needed to provide Chase with some type of entertainment. Books, bikes, games, wrestling with Dewey just to name a few.

Some info from TVturnoff.org
What's So Great about TV-Turnoff Week?
Turning off the television gives us a chance to think, read, create, and do. To connect with our families and engage in our communities. To turn off TV and turn on life.

I am proud to say that he accomplished the task. Maybe it was because "everybody's doing it", maybe he did it because of the small chance his name would be chosen in the daily drawing and he could win a calculator---ooooo! Whatever the reason, he showed determination and self discipline. Could you give it up? If just for a week?

Yesterday Chase woke up and asked me, "Am I done yet? Can I watch Arthur?"

My Man in Uniform

Since Dan was so popular as Sonny Crockett
I thought I'd give him one more day in the sun!

He only moonlights as Miami Vice, concrete is his day job.

And we thank you for it.

Family Values

How does one family go from this:



to this:

click photo to enlarge and enjoy

Blogger's Night!!

Another great coffee night with the gals, and once again we closed the place down.

Thanks for the fun, ladies. We missed you Katie!


Special note to "church lady" you get your butt better and come and join us!!

Those two blondes on the left really look like sisters.

We're going to party like it's 1985!!

And that we did.

Last Friday night Dan & I were able to attend a 1980s themed surprise 40th party for our cousin Cheryl.

It was like totally radical.

The surprise factor went off perfectly, and good times were had by family and friends. Thanks to Carl for the excellent par-tay.
Happy 40th Cheryl! Hopefully more photos will surface in the blogosphere soon...click here

My awesome hair and Dan with his sweet ride!

Avon Product of the Week

MOISTURE THERAPY Intensive Body Lotion

Love this Lotion. I only promote products that I use and use over again. This is one of them. It is a great all over body lotion that stays with you. It is perfect for legs, arms, hands. I have a basket under my sink full of lotions that I have tried over the years but this one is my old trusty!!!

Each week as I highlight a different product I will try to also offer free samples of it. Leave a comment if you would like to try one. Visit my website if you would like to order it (or contact me).

Have a fabulous week!

new week, old germs, and birthdays

I had a good streak going, a long winter with narry a cold, but last week I caught it.
Maybe it was while I held Joy with a fever, maybe it was when my niece coughed in my face, maybe it was the shopping cart at Meijer, full of germies that I forgot to obsessively wipe down.

Now I am just waiting for common cold to pack it's bags and walk out the door, but not before returning my voice. I realized just how much I, let's say, raise my voice on any given day. With laryngyitis, I couldn't communicate the way I am used to with my kids. I couldn't talk on the phone, and couldn't stand the sound of my own manly, scratchy sqawking.

There was my whining, here is my rejoicing!

Yesterday Drew turned 5 years old! Back in March Chase reached 7 and Joy, 3.
I can remember the day of their births and every little detail surrounding. What precious gifts!

A few recent photos.

Happy Easter!

The Resurrection Luke 24 1-7

1On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: "The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'

AVON--Product of the Week

In the effort to boost my AVON business--I use that term loosely---I am going to highlight a little AVON goody each week.

Something I have tried and give my seal of approval.
To my male readers, don't stop reading now, AVON has a bunch of products for men. I will have Dan try them out and give a full report.

Exciting stuff, right? Stay tuned.
To place an order, click the AVON logo at the left side bar, or contact me.


ANEW BEAUTY Age-Transforming Foundation SPF 15
I highly recommend this foundation. It is the perfect consistency with a touch of highlight to give your skin a glow. Seriously!

Dumb and Dumber

This is by far the dumbest argument in the almost 10 years of our marriage.

The setting: 11pm getting ready for bed.
Me: "Hon, how was your show (LOST) tonight?"

Dan: "Good, it's getting so weird"

Me: "I'll probably never watch an episode of that show, just because"

Dan: "yeah, you probably wouldn't get it anyway"

Me: "What?!? Who's smarter here, me or you?

Dan (laughing): "You think you are smarter than me?"

Me: "Well, probably."

Dan "Oh, because I'm just a cement man, you are smarter than me?"

Me: "I didn't say that. I just know more stuff."

Dan (going to bed): "Fine, Hon."

Me: "uhh!"

My Wall of Fame.

The Spring Cleaning Machine came to a screeching halt this week when I discovered 3 large boxes of my children's artwork, craft projects, etc. Society might consider me a pack rat for keeping a good 6 years worth of what comes down to a bunch of paper, glue, and a popsicle stick here and there. What a pickle. Do I toss it? How can I part with the most beautiful art ever created???

Above is a photo of a large cork board in our kitchen/dining area. Just a small sampling of what compounds weekly in our home and there is no end in sight. I have even started doling it out to my parents because they can't say no to it, they have to display it with the utmost pride. Do I recycle it? It still feels like I am throwing it away forever!!!

I guess I just enjoy their little faces when they create something with their own two hands and their big imaginations. Soon enough crayons and glue will be a thing of the past. Until then, don't be surprised if you receive an Chase, Drew, or Joy original.

More on More

Quite awhile back I read an excellent and honest post by one gracious New Yorker. Read it.

What she said lingers with me today. I am in the process of spring cleaning which includes my clothing closet. I look in my closet to find something to wear, and I exclaim

"Bleeccch, I don't like any of this."

Ridiculous, sad, and true. It is slightly dangerous for me to go shopping during the change of seasons. I see all the new fashion out there. I think I need more. More in my closet, more choices, more of the new trends, more, more, more!!!!

Why is discontent so rampant? It is just me? Or would any one of us be able to pinpoint an area of their life where they feel discontented about something they would not want to readily admit. I don't like it that my discontent is so trivial as clothing. It's one of those times where I say, Come on, Chelle these are not real problems. Focus this energy on something worthwhile. I need to realize that God has given me even greater blessings that the clothes on my back.

We can blame advertisers, billboards, and brilliant marketing schemes for fueling our need for more. It is amazingly potent. I can not open my email, watch TV, or drive down the road without being presented with something I think I need. But it comes down to the strength of our hearts, not getting sucked in by all the world has to offer. Don't keep up with the Jones's because it really doesn't matter.

I'll keep telling myself I don't need this :
or this.


Just some thoughts for a Monday.

ok, I fixed it, now you can make comments

on the previous post if you so desire.

This Is the Day That The Lord Has Made!

I'm sure everyone and their brother will be blogging about what a fine early spring day it was today. It really was. I couldn't help but look out my window more than usual today just to watch the grass getting greener by the hour. I suppose it is unusual for March in this great state for temps in the 70s but I'll take it, even if it means a roller coaster weather ride in April. As this Monday went on I noticed a few weird maybe unusual things that happened not common to this time of year.

• I let my children play with the hose, get all wet, just short of getting their swimsuits on.
• We went out for ice cream--Wendy's Frostys--picked up at the Drive-thru and eaten at home.
• I am chosing to sit on the main level of my home which is a 79 degrees and not the basement where it is markedly cooler-- because I'm enjoying the heat.
• I rolled up a hose and weeded a flower bed on March 26!!
• I had BO
• I went out to eat and instead of bringing my cell phone I took my home phone along with me in my purse. Ok, so that happened last week, but how ridiculous. It deserves to be in this list.

What inspired you this lovely day?

The moon marks off the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down.
Psalm 104:19

You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!

Galatians 4:10

good times had by all

I was inspired by Tami to do a little slideshow of the family cruise we took in January. These are only a few of the many hundreds of photos we all took, but they are some dandy ones I tell you what. THANK YOU!! Dad and Mom for the spectacular time and the unforgettable memories made!

The Best Day Ever.

I might be overstating it a bit, but last Wednesday ranks pretty high.

Let me give you a little history. My husband works in concrete construction. It is a dirty job. Each and every day Dan comes home with dirt, mud, concrete, oil, etc, all over him. For almost 10 years his work clothes have piled up in the garage until he or I decided to either rid ourselves of them or worst yet--attempt to wash them! In 10 years we have gone through 3 washers and 2 dryers due to the abuse they take from washing his heavily soiled garments.


It has been one of those sore subjects in our marriage that seems to rear it's ugly little head every so often. Once, early in our married life I had had it up to my ears with his disorganized piles of dirty, smelly clothes. As any horrible wife would, I shouted out the threat "If you don't take care of those work clothes I'll throw them out in the front yard! How'd ya like that, huh?" Out in the front yard they went. But Dan being the excellent bluffer that he is, took that threat and raised me on it. It didn't bother him that his clothes were out in the yard, he got up , put on his clothes one leg, one arm, one shoe at a time just like any other day and went on his merry way to work. My plan was foiled.

Fast forward to now and why I am happy as a clam. Last week my dream came true.

wait for it....

Dan has WORK UNIFORMS!!!!!!!. This is exciting on so many levels. No more work laundry! No more piles of old T-shirts from 1998 stacked a mile high. No more bickering!
It was like my birthday! He thought it was his too.

The simple things in life, ya know?

photo coming soon...if he'll let me.
Seriously though, best day ever.

I thank God for the laborous, grueling, dirty work that He has provided, and that Dan is willing to get out there and do it for all of us.

Spring Cleaning?

Without fail, this time of year makes me cringe when I look around at my home. Dirty doors and walls, gooey windows, dusty drawers. It's time to spring clean this place. I procrastinated so long last year that spring cleaning 2006 has now turned into spring cleaning 2007.

So, will I bite the bullet, or will I get out the Murphys soap, and Windex only to finish my complete my mudroom? (that was spring cleaning 2005) The question I have is, do people still spring clean? Is it just a ritual that housewives used to have time for?

Here are the Elements of Clean, some may find it helpful, others may find it unnerving.

Download the PDF "period table of cleaning" It all looks fine and good---


for my mother.

Beauty is in The Eye of the Beholder

I wish this was my eye. I have never thought that my eyelashes were one of my better assets, until I lost a few of them. I didn't realize I was that vain until I cried over the bare spot on my eyelid where lashes once grew strong.

A busy Sunday morning where time was short and nothing was going right was the scene for the lash curling gone wrong. I stuck that lash curler on, pinched it closed. That is when I had what some might call a brain fart. I pulled the curler away from my eye BEFORE I OPENED IT! I actually pulled out my own lashes! I ended up with one eye missing exactly half of it's top lashes and oh so many lashes stuck to the curler.
I screamed out to Dan who did not think it was worth all the emotional drama I was displaying.

Honestly, who does this kind of stuff. Last year at this time I was trimming my eyebrows with a little razor and took out a huge chunk of those too. Yes, they will grow back, but in the mean time I will be purchasing some falsies to see if I can fill the void.

They are just going to kick me right out of the AVON lady business for this one.

man, I'm a nerd.

Right and Wrong

Lately in my house I have heard many discussions amongst my children about who is right and who is wrong. Their arguments usually revolve around what snack I said they could eat or how long they get to stay up. Once they even tried to guess what song they would sing in Sunday school--it never ends well, because someone is correct and the other is incorrect. I would rather them debate what is right and wrong but can I really expect such moral maturity?

Not following far behind comes the self-righteous "I told you so!"

Where did they learn this? Did they learn it from Dan and myself?

I'm afraid so. By my own admission, I dig a good debate and I will, on occasion "pick a fight" just for the sake of arguing.

As I've realized the same tendencies in my children I shudder a little bit. I admire friends and family of mine that avoid conflict, that detour confrontation. Shouldn't I be raising kids that are open minded, empathetic, and basically don't always need to be right? Humble little souls?

Interesting topic don't you think?

I knew I had a problem when Dan gave me a pin that said the following:

"Once I thought I was wrong, but I was mistaken"

It's funny because it's true.

Please Pray for these folks. .

Today on my heart I feel the need to ask all you bloggers to pray.

I have been following the story of Josh Buck a local pastor of Greenhouse Ministries.

The short story is while vacationing in Mexico, he was is a swimming accident, leaving him partially paralyzed and in Rehab for the next few months. He spoke on a local radio station yesterday and I was amazed at his strength, his attitude, and his firm grasp that God is in control of this situation, and his willingness to give God the glory in all that has happened in their lives.



Please include my Aunt in your prayers. She has been living with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) for some time now, and recently had to adjust to some major changes. Pray for her husband, her family, her care-takers. Pray for peace and comfort, and for good days.


I'm not sure how many of you are out there reading this blog, but when you do, offer up a prayer on the behalf of these people. It is needed, and God hears us!

Thanks.

New is better?

I wanted to update the 'ol blog, so my excellent and computer savvy sis-in-law created my new header! Thanks Katie!

that is all.

the great debate.

When our daughter was born on my birthday 3 years ago (yesterday) we didn't know we were having a daughter. With two boys in the house, I was secretly longing for a girl, to even things out a bit. When she had no less than exited my womb for 10 seconds, my husband cried out,

"It's a GIRL---We're done!"
I remember thinking at that moment, "He's just joking around, no one can make that type of final decision moments after the birth of their child."

But yet I certainly had. For me, the feeling is never stronger than just after the moment of birth, that I want to do this again and again. Crazy, really considering the pain af labor and delivery, but that all just vanishes immediately for me upon the sight of my newborn.

I thought the birth of my 4 new nieces this fall would seal the deal for me. I would realize that our family is complete. I would come to my senses, appreciating how far I've come away from the baby stage. No diapers here, nary a nursing pad in sight. Wouldn't most moms relish this accomplishment instead of long for the days?
While babysitting the triplets this week, I couldn't stop sniffing them and rubbing their little cheeks on my own. Am I hopeless? Will I be 56 years old and hope to have a surprise pregnancy?

With my youngest turning 3 and babies stacked up like cord wood in our family I've got baby fever!!!!!

This topic has been on and off the table for many months now and needs to be resolved.

Question--How do you know when enough is enough?? (children that is)





Will this be me??

for more on this actual family click here.

Mediocre Mothering Moments of the Month

February is drawing to a close and a busy one it has been. As a mom, sometimes I feel like I go against my better judgement when handling the day to day rituals with my kids. I often think back to my childhood, what I remember my mom doing, as a compass for child rearing today. I often think,
WWJD "what would Judy do?"

As I reflect on the month gone by a few things won't escape my mind, moments of less than perfect parenting. Unfortunately, I didn't contemplate WWJD--Judy or Jesus.

• Not once but twice I brought Joy to the grocery store, still in her sleeper. It wasn't morning, we just didn't get her dressed that day.
• My middle child stuck up for his older brother and stated "Mom, stop being so mean to us!"
  
• In the effort to hurry my children to the car in the cold weather, I told Dewey to "run a little faster!" He then tripped and fell in the sloshy snow and was devasted. Geesh, I felt bad about that one.
• And then there are those little fibs that we tell our children, like "oh, the snowmobile is out of gas, we can't ride it today." Or the infamous threat "do you want me to tell Daddy about how you're behaving?"
• I think I get stuck in a rut this time of year when it comes to preparing meals for my family. As I type, what do you think my kids are having for lunch?
  

wait for it... the healthy and delicious treat---Ramen Noodles

I look forward to a new the month of March and some magnificent mothering. I praise God for giving me these precious lives to raise, I thank Him for renewing me daily to take care of my family and for the forgiveness I receive for the mistakes I do make.

FAB-U-LOUS!!!

Oh, it's soooo 1992.

Can anyone name the lucky young fellas
who took these lovelies to their first prom??
Sorry, Laurie :)

MiniMe Mom was recalling college stories on her blog the other day. Since some of my college type memories are not suitable for the entire blogosphere, I thought I would post a happy little photo of two friends and enjoying what high school had to offer.
D, we rocked the crown plaza that night. No hair was curlier, No skin was tanner, and we were only freshies! Good times.

Yes, I just might be running out of material to blog about. Stay tuned.

I Heart Macs!

True Story.

Blogoversary

Have I really been blogging for a whole year? I've been feeling a year old so I just checked my first post to find out.

I think Mini-Van Mega-Fun has taken on a life of it's own. In the last year this blog has seen soapboxes, family vacations, the births of a slew of baby girls, new friendships created and old ones maintained, spin off blogs i.e. (Footin blog), new coffee habits, changing hair-dos, confessions, and even a little whining now and again. It all added up to an interesting year of God's blessings and feeling His faithful presence in our lives.

Now, quit reading my blog and go out there and start your own!

Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting

Today is the day. Happy "Double Nickels" Birthday to Dad H.!!

For as long as I can remember, Dad's birthday was a big event. He looks forward to it for months to come. As I reflect on that, and the fact that my parents are not exactly spring chickens, I am ever thankful for their lives of love, and example they are. On days such as these I fondly remember the fun times growing up. I also let my mind wander to a time where I was rather self-involved and probably did not realize the sacrifices and the prayers of my father on my behalf. Dad, I thank you for them, I am who I am because of your consistent love, direction, and support.

A few winter themed memories to share.

• Back in the day, where we lived in Allegan county, winter snow was dominate. One day, when the drifts were double my size, Dad made for us a tunnel/slide through the snow bank that he himself could slide through.
  
• I won't forget the time driving home from church where Dad pulled over and let me drive the last mile home, how he must have laughed when I drove using both feet.
• During the years when I claimed I hadn't a dime to my name, Dad paid for my parking in a downtown ramp. 40 bucks.
• How many of my boyfriends did you have to pull out of your garden, after they got stuck in the snow?
• Watching the Detroit Pistons circa 1989. I kept the stats in my sprial notebook.
• You watching two different sports programs simutaneously with your own homemade "Picture in Picture" that is, one small TV on top of the larger console TV. So silly.
• Supporting me in my short lived high school sports career. Still not a month goes by without mention of my ill-fated break away lay-up. Now we can laugh about it.
• Papas in Pajamas.

Today we celebrate raise our Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting to you!
Happy Birthday Dad!

music--for Tami--Bon Jovi.

Winter. It's a Good Thing.

I'm trying really hard to refrain from complaining about the sub-zero temperatures we've been experiencing this month. It hasn't been easy considering I've been dreading this time of year ever since the first leaf turned and fell from it's tree last Fall. (Remember all you autumn lovers how it was your "favorite time of the year"? Well, this is what follows Fall--this...this freezing, cold, slippery, inside your nose burning weather that has no end in sight.

Oops, suddenly I'm complaining/whining. How did that happen?

My goal for this post is to give winter in the midwest a better name, list some positive attributes--one last plug to convince the T & A to move on back !

• Winter means no yard work--weeding, mowing, and the like.
• Winter offers the chance of SNOW DAYS--no school
• Winter keeps me off the snowy roads resulting in less shopping and more money saved?? (that one is debatable)
• Winter snow covers the dirty browness that covers the landscape, making it bright, white, and clean.
• Winter clearance sales. Stock up on clothes for next year at rock bottom prices!
• Winter gives our skin a time to rest from the damaging rays of the summer sun.
• Winter means much more down time for Dan at work. He is home for supper almost every night!!!!! and available to take the kids outside for countless snowmobile rides in a circle around the house.
• Winter Birthdays. In the month of February and March we have 13 in just our immediate family! That is so much birthday cake.
  
• The anticipation of Spring. Once we reach March, it's just around the corner.
  

So here is my list, the mental exercise that it was. If you know of any winter benefits, do tell. We need all the encouragement we can get.


"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." Genesis 8:22

Confessions of a Stay at Home Mom.

I was tagged by MVH to blog about the crazy little quirks of the stay at home mother, particularly my crazy little quirks.

Here goes...

• When I walk around at home I always have my head down. I'm looking at the floor to see how much crumbs and junk are down there.
  
• On a completely stay-at-home day (which I love) I do not wear make-up until just before my husband gets home--then I run to the bathroom to put on my face and do my hair--he doesn't really care that much how I look, but it's genetic, my mother used to do the same thing! probably still does.
• I don't wear a watch but have 17 clock type devices in my house.
• I rarely clean my showers. yes, I know its pretty disgusting, but so is cleaning them.
  
• I'm a sniffer. (not a huffer, come on now) I smell everything (food, underwear, furniture) to determine if it's rank, it reeks, or rots. Most things reek around here.
  
• My kids watch Spongebob Squarepants and run around in their underwear on any given day.
• Finally, I don't exercise, I screen phone calls , and I can and will eat an entire frozen pizza if the spirit moves me.

There. Tina, Jamie, you're up!