A Shout Out to Our Families

When the snow arrives, the inevitable conversation always comes up..."We should move to Florida."  You see, Andy isn't a fan of the snow; and while I don't love it, I can deal with it.  This is nothing new to me, because growing up my dad grumped about the snow, too.  In fact, snow was practically a bad word in our home.  It was otherwise known as the other "S" word. 

When this topic comes up, I quickly make a smart remark and we move on.  Well, today we were eating lunch as a family so Cameron was in on the conversation.  Andy was talking to Cam about how they don't like snow because it's too cold, right?...and Cam repeated "Right."  Andy said, "Then you tell mom you want to move to Florida," and he did.  I explained to Cam, "Well that would be really sad because you wouldn't see your Kee Kees (grandmas), Papas, or other family very often.  Then, I talked about all that our families do for us, and how would we survive without them living close to us.

So, I thought this would be a great opportunity to let our families know how much we appreciate them.  "Kee Kee Jan" and Auntie Gina so loving watch Cam and Emma while I work every morning.  "Kee Kee Jeanne" is always willing to jump in whenever and where ever needed.  "The Aunts" always bring fun and more hands to help out.  And the list goes on and on.  If you have ever held our precious babies and shown them unconditional love, this is a special thanks to you!  It's the best feeling to know that my litte ones are always safe and so well cared for when I have to leave them. 

The Lord Knows Best

Monday my day went something like this...I taught preschool in the morning until 11:30 a.m., left the school by 11:50 a.m., as I drove downtown to GRCC I ate my lunch and pumped (sorry, probably more than you wanted to know).  Then, I drove around the campus trying to find the best place to park; of course, paying close attention to all the one way streets :)  I finally decided my best bet was going to be to jump in line behind 6 other cars and wait my turn to enter a FULL parking ramp.  After entering, I had to drive around looking for one of the parking spots that had just opened up.  Then, I quickly trekked to the bookstore to look for the lab manual they were out of the week before.  I found it, but the line was wrapped around the back of the bookstore.  I waited and waited for about 20 minutes only to find that I wasn't going to make it through the line in time to get to class, so I returned my book to the shelf and left.  The Science Building was located not too far from the bookstore where my class was to be held.  I walked through the winding hallways, and found there were 15-20 other students (whose faces I recognized none) seated on the floor by the classroom door...waiting for the instructor to arrive and unlock the door.  So, I sat down and joined them.  After a few minutes, a girl I recognized from a previous class walked up.  We talked for a few minutes until I had to excuse myself because my nose began to bleed.  I locked myself in a stall and waited for it to stop.  (This actually gave me time to catch my breath and pray for a couple minutes.)  When the bleeding had slowed, I walked back to class and was greeted by my instructor.  She handed me a card that gave a clue to the table I would sit.  I found my seat and let out a sigh of relief...I had made it...FINALLY! 

After an afternoon like this, I found myself a nervous wreck.  I was so excited to pick up my little ones and go home.  It was a bummer to find that my husband wouldn't be home until 9 o'clock because he was putting in some hours for his internship.  (He needs 110 hours in addition to his normal teaching schedule.)  Cam, Emma, and I ate dinner, played for a bit, and then it was time to get them ready for bed. 

Let's just say, after the kids went to bed I did a lot of praying; asking the Lord to help me either wrap my head around this new Monday/Wednesday schedule or show me a way out of it.  After talking to Andy, when he got home, I decided to have a chat with my boss and see if she would be opposed to me taking the semester off.  The next day I was able to talk with her and she was so understanding.  She expressed that she knows that family comes first and that I should do what I thought was best.  That afternoon I dropped my two courses; the other course was to meet 4 weekends throughout the semester. 

I know I could have made it through the semester, but I didn't want to just make it through.  I was afraid that my husband and children would feel my stress.  (If you know me at all, it's obvious I don't handle stress very well.)  I take pride in finishing well, and I'm not sure I would have been happy with the outcome.  I may have gotten good grades, but at what cost?  My husband?  Our kids?  My preschool students?  My family/friends? 

If you've made it through this posting, I want to apologize for what probably seems like whining and rambling.  All of this to say, I truly saw the Lord work everything out.  In my desperation, He knew what was best and worked it all out.  It's so comforting to know that He cares about my crazy days, and I know His hand was with me all the way.  I just had to give it to him!  

                             Another bonus, I get to return these books and get my money back :)

Sledding

This afternoon we went over to my Papa's house to sled.  This brought back a ton of memories for me as this is where I used to sled when I was Cameron's age.  I'm sure my Papa enjoyed watching his little hill be used again, too.  Cameron loved spending time with his cousins Makayla, Cohen, and Ava.  They are all within just a couple years of each other, so they are always up to something.  At one point, the adults were standing at the top of the hill and the kids were at the bottom; next thing you know, the kids are coming toward us with snowballs in their hands.  Let's just say we scattered quickly :)

Daddy gives BIG pushes!

"Kee Kee Jan" with Emma

Pulling his sled back up to the top.

Pile on...

Down we go!

All bundled up.

Crazy kids with their snowballs.

The deer decided to come and eat while we were there; that was a special surprise.  My Papa lives in the city of Wyoming...who would have thought you would see so many deer in his back yard.  He does feed them though :)

   

There's no place like Downtown Holland

Downtown Holland is one of the coolest places to visit.  It's very family friendly, and all the shops are so fun.  This weekend there was an ice sculpting contest going on, so we (the four of us and Andy's mom, a.k.a. "Kee Kee Jeanne") decided to head over and take a look.  It was so beautiful outside with the freshly fallen snow and the sun in the sky.  One of my favorite children's stores is also located on 8th Street.  Tip Toes has the cutest bows and flowers for little girl's hair, clothes, toys, etc.  They even have a treehouse for the kids to play in while the parents shop.  It was a perfect morning/afternoon.

                     

 

         Emma is showing off her new ball and bow from Tip Toes.



Family Time

Last night we enjoyed spending time together just the four of us.  We ate pizza, played, laid around, and then Andy and I watched a movie together.  It was much needed after our first week back to school after Christmas break.

 

Growing up

Emma Jeanne is growing up before our eyes!  She has become a joyful, spirited little baby.  She can melt anyone with her smile :)  It seems like just yesterday that we brought her home from the hospital, and yet next week she will be 8 months old.  She is content, but then again doesn't hesitate to voice her little opinions at times.  I love this stage...she can sit up on her own, grab at everything (and I mean everything), and interact with smiling, giggling, and babbling.  She LOVES to eat; it's crazy how quickly they figure out that they want everything you eat.  Emma gets so upset if she can't share what you're eating.  She really has her own personality.  Thank you Lord for my happy, healthy little girl!

Eating...her favorite past time :)

My precious girl!

Amazing Husband

I am so thankful for my husband.  The Lord has truly blessed me with my best friend, an incredible father to our children, and supporter in everything.  He is always willing to help where ever needed and asks the question, "Can I help you with anything?"  I think many women would dream for a husband to lend a helping hand around the house.  So I had to take a picture of him unloading the dishwasher, because it totally blessed me!  You're the best hunny!  I love you!



Fun in the Snow

Cam and I had a blast playing in the snow today!  Before we even got outside he said he was going to make a snow angel, and I asked him where he learned how to make a snow angel.  Guess what he said?..."Oso."  If you're not familiar with Oso, he's a stuffed bear from a T.V. show called Special Agent Oso on the Disney channel.  What a funny boy.  After I finished the shoveling, because you must work before you play, right?...Cam had some fun sledding.  We first tried our mini hill behind our house, but there wasn't enough snow so I just decided to pull him around.  Which of course he loved.  Then, we used the driveway to sled down since it was quite icy.  I loved listening to him giggle and seeing his huge smile.  When we got inside he said, "Mama, I had fun today."  That melted my heart.  So here are some pictures of our fun in the snow.  (If you were wondering, Emma was napping at this time.  It was nice to have some mom and Cam time.)



Brotherly Sisterly Love

Every day I am beginning to see more and more interaction between Cameron and Emma.  Yesterday afternoon, Cameron was supposed to be napping, but he heard Emma crying and came out of his room with a toy for her.  How can you get upset for him getting out of bed when he does that?!?  I enjoy seeing how Emma loves being near her brother; she has shared some of her biggest smiles and giggles with him.  So I'm sharing a picture of them interacting.  I must mention that Cameron got a little frustrated with Emma because she kept trying to touch his "computer."  You can tell by his tongue sticking out that he gets really focused.  I am SO blessed to have two healthy, spunky kids.

The First Day

I find myself tripping over matchbox sized cars constantly or asking, "Cam, can you please pick these cars up."  But, even though I find his cars EVERYWHERE, I really appreciate his creativity and ability to entertain himself for hours.  There's always a siren sounding or a vroooooom in the background, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.  Well...maybe at 6 o'clock in the morning I could do without it. 

one.frame.a.day.

I have challenged myself to begin the journey of capturing one photo a day for the year.  I'm sure I will miss days and maybe even weeks, but I look forward to the opportunity to share snapshots of our everyday life with family and friends.  I may not blog everyday, rather post a few days worth of photos within one posting.