See the new picture above? My header? (I think that is what it is called.) Aren't those kids precious? Do you recognize them? Of course you do! They are two wise men and an angel!
My folks, after years of doing very special things with us kids (although we still did something special--see a previous post) decided to begin something new with the grandkiddos. After our meal, she whisked them away to the basement. After some practice time, the five oldest kids (the others were sleeping!) came upstairs and led us in a worship service. Oh the joy! Mary, baby Jesus, two wise men, one angel, and a narrator led us. My nephew Bryce read from Luke 2. They asked us to sing Silent Night with them. It was lovely. It brought the message of the birth of our savior to our family party in a new way. My mom hopes to continue this year and after year, adding more things as the kids get older and more than two can read. :)
As a p.s., this morning Garrison came into the living room to where I was having my devotions. He had his Bible with him. He had gotten up early and been "reading" in his bed. He came up to me with such excitement. He proudly told me that he had found Luke and not only that, he had found Luke 2! He remembered that the story of Jesus was here. Oh how I bless God for him. He can't read the story, but he certainly can find it. :) Good job mom of stressing Luke 2!!!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
All or moderation
Hi all
I was chatting with another mama after a field trip (yeah!). My darling daughter was asking if she could have some gum. Gum. How I dislike thee. The smacking. The loss of flavor. The stuck in my hair as a child. The stuck in my child's hair. The untruths about staying in your stomach for 7 years. The seeing if it'll really stick to your amazing toy from Chuck E Cheese and the sadness and ridiculous tantrum when your mom makes you throw both of them away.
So, my kids love gum. They each got a pack following the church Christmas program. I used to get an orange and a few pieces of candy. :)
Anyway, I was chatting with Monica about gum sharing that I let the kids have one piece a day if we happen to have it (rarely!). She does the same thing. I'm not anti candy. I think it is tasty, especially caramel things. Yummy. Be careful Shanda: you are about to go on a tangent! :) So, I do this rationing thing with Halloween candy, Christmas candy, Valentines Day candy, Easter candy, parade candy, birthday party candy, pinata candy, and all the other bunches of candy that somehow make it into my house. How is this possible?!? I let them choose something each day and eventually . . .
Monica suggested I think about doing what her neighbor does; HAVE AT IT! (hmm proper use of a semi-colon???)
I'm not sure how I feel about it. I think it might be good. I also think my kids might be too young to handle it--or too young to make me deal with the aftermath--because I would be the one dealing with the sugar highs. Gary didn't think it sounded like a fabulous idea. What to you do? Do you like it? Do you live in a magical place where children receive only two pieces of candy at a time? Help out this mama.
I was chatting with another mama after a field trip (yeah!). My darling daughter was asking if she could have some gum. Gum. How I dislike thee. The smacking. The loss of flavor. The stuck in my hair as a child. The stuck in my child's hair. The untruths about staying in your stomach for 7 years. The seeing if it'll really stick to your amazing toy from Chuck E Cheese and the sadness and ridiculous tantrum when your mom makes you throw both of them away.
So, my kids love gum. They each got a pack following the church Christmas program. I used to get an orange and a few pieces of candy. :)
Anyway, I was chatting with Monica about gum sharing that I let the kids have one piece a day if we happen to have it (rarely!). She does the same thing. I'm not anti candy. I think it is tasty, especially caramel things. Yummy. Be careful Shanda: you are about to go on a tangent! :) So, I do this rationing thing with Halloween candy, Christmas candy, Valentines Day candy, Easter candy, parade candy, birthday party candy, pinata candy, and all the other bunches of candy that somehow make it into my house. How is this possible?!? I let them choose something each day and eventually . . .
a.it runs out.
b. they forget about it.
c. some crazy adult raids the stash.
Learn what eating a bunch of candy feels like.
Learn what it means to save your candy while your sibling does not.
Learn what it means to leave it in a place where little sister (who crawled into her crib today: YIKES!) can get into it.
I'm not sure how I feel about it. I think it might be good. I also think my kids might be too young to handle it--or too young to make me deal with the aftermath--because I would be the one dealing with the sugar highs. Gary didn't think it sounded like a fabulous idea. What to you do? Do you like it? Do you live in a magical place where children receive only two pieces of candy at a time? Help out this mama.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Yoga
I'm trying to do yoga: three times a week. I'd rather walk because I love doing that. I am realizing that I need to do something more than walking. . . build up some muscles in order to continue on my journey.
Gary bought me a yoga system at Aldi. Hmm How great do you think it is? There is an exercise ball: good. There is a mat: fine. There are both a band and a strap: excellent. Then, there is the video. The lady who is demonstrating is very fit and attractive--of course. She is the yoga expert. The problems arise in that she is talking, but I am not hearing her. I am hearing the woman who dubbed over the video. I can tell because the fit lady's mouth moves, yet I hear nothing. There are also times when the verbal instructions don't match up with the visual instructions. "Stand in prayer pose" plays at the same time as "fit lady laying on the ground." Also, sometimes the video goes very fast--I get two seconds to hold a pose, and other times I lay in child's pose for what seems like an eternity.
I am trying though. I figure this is a great way for me to learn about yoga, get stronger, hopefully get slimmer, and feel better. I do wonder though if I'm doing things the right way--after all, how much should I trust this video?
I'll just keep on keeping on. . . and trying to master spinal twist.
Gary bought me a yoga system at Aldi. Hmm How great do you think it is? There is an exercise ball: good. There is a mat: fine. There are both a band and a strap: excellent. Then, there is the video. The lady who is demonstrating is very fit and attractive--of course. She is the yoga expert. The problems arise in that she is talking, but I am not hearing her. I am hearing the woman who dubbed over the video. I can tell because the fit lady's mouth moves, yet I hear nothing. There are also times when the verbal instructions don't match up with the visual instructions. "Stand in prayer pose" plays at the same time as "fit lady laying on the ground." Also, sometimes the video goes very fast--I get two seconds to hold a pose, and other times I lay in child's pose for what seems like an eternity.
I am trying though. I figure this is a great way for me to learn about yoga, get stronger, hopefully get slimmer, and feel better. I do wonder though if I'm doing things the right way--after all, how much should I trust this video?
I'll just keep on keeping on. . . and trying to master spinal twist.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
So, I've been dreaming about a tattoo. Well, I haven't really dreamt about it. . . I've been thinking about it for a long time. So, let's answer the questions and then the explanation. Yes, this is the inside of my left arm. Yes, this is real. Yes, it really is a tattoo. Yes, I was sober. Yes, Gary knew about it. Yes, my mom knows. Yes.
For several years know I've been thinking about getting a tattoo, one that reflects me. I didn't know what I wanted or where I wanted to get it on my body. I wanted something that could be seen and not hidden all the time. I wanted something that I could protect and hide if I wanted to choose that. I didn't want something huge, but wanted to have something that could actually be seen. Do you hear me?
Then. . . what to get? There wasn't anything that tripped my trigger. I had a facebook friend who had written on the inside of her wrist a word that was important to her. Something about that resonated with me. What word? Hmmmm Joy. :)
So, I began about a year ago to think about how joy could look. Font? Size? Then in Michael's last summer I saw this on a stamp and bought it. This joy was what I wanted. Size. Font. Perfect.
I decided that I would get this as a tattoo once I got to my goal weight. Joy! I chatted with my friend Carol about it when she visited from Chicago last October. She (and her husband Antionne and daughter Olivia) come about twice a year to visit. We love it! She stated that she wanted one too--let's get them together the next time you visit. Yeah! A plan was hatched. Perhaps they would come again in the spring.
So. . . .I'm not at my goal weight, but the week before Christmas Antionne calls and asks if they can come for New Years. Of course! Tattoos!?! I'm not ready! I'm not ready!
Suddenly the reality set it. Would I really do it? I'm not at my goal weight! Should I just get the word joy or get something else with it. I drew up many designs--my favorite was joy with five small stars (kids) and one large star (Gary) and Ps. 34 (because it is my favorite Psalm). I liked it--it symbolized me--but it was a bit much.
The morning of December 31 I thought-just be you. Orange tulips baby. Gary proposed to me using orange tulips. I love them. Love. Them.
So we picked up the babysitters, got into the car, went off for dinner, and ALL got tattoos! How crazy is that? I'll never forget that night. It was so great and fun and scary and interesting and permanent.
My plan was to write a blog post after I was all thin and sassy. New look, new tattoo, new joy. BUT, Carol posted pictures on facebook and tagged a picture of me with the tattoo. Hmmm I think I'll post this now. :)
Hope that you are finding joy today.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Decisions
We make decisions every day. Some affect us for a moment and others last a bit longer.
Gary and I have to make a decision about schooling for next year. We are in love with Zeeland Christian. Our kids are in the Spanish Immersion program and we are very thankful. They are thriving. Good staff. Good curriculum. Good parents and kids. Good.
Next year the school is offering a Mandarin program. This appeals to us because of our dear son. Did you know that he is Chinese? :) This is quite the opportunity.
You can imagine my list of pros and cons. I've also been talking a lot with the Lord about it. I'm very confident that both Gary and I will feel peace about the decision. I'm very confident that our kids will enjoy whatever program we choose to put them in.
Right now though. . . I'm a little stressed. I'm a little hesitant. I'm a little excited. I'm a little. . . .
Would you be willing to pray for us? We'll let you know what cool things God does in our life as a family!!!
Gary and I have to make a decision about schooling for next year. We are in love with Zeeland Christian. Our kids are in the Spanish Immersion program and we are very thankful. They are thriving. Good staff. Good curriculum. Good parents and kids. Good.
Next year the school is offering a Mandarin program. This appeals to us because of our dear son. Did you know that he is Chinese? :) This is quite the opportunity.
You can imagine my list of pros and cons. I've also been talking a lot with the Lord about it. I'm very confident that both Gary and I will feel peace about the decision. I'm very confident that our kids will enjoy whatever program we choose to put them in.
Right now though. . . I'm a little stressed. I'm a little hesitant. I'm a little excited. I'm a little. . . .
Would you be willing to pray for us? We'll let you know what cool things God does in our life as a family!!!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
500
My friend Ambre has challenged her blog readers to do some purging in 2012. She wants us to get rid of 500 things by years end. 500? Did she really say 500?
I dismissed the idea for awhile and then, lo and behold, it took root. 500 things is nothing!
So, last week I went to Ditto (the local donation center) and dropped of a few things from the pile in my bedroom. I have a designated spot for "done with that" stuff. Then when I get annoyed (or Gary gets annoyed) we make a drop-off. There were probably 20 items in the box. Easy peasy.
According to Ambre (who is the guru of this challenge), it doesn't even have to be all donations. Garbage, returning pots and pans to a friend, repurposing something (yeah, I can't make a beautiful kids swimsuit from an old t-shirt either), passing along to a friend, all fit the bill. I think most of our stuff will be donated, although the garbage is a great place too.
Books. Clothes. Toys. The four junk drawers in my kitchen (don't judge). All these will get a second look from our home this year. Maybe I could even part with a few of my sunglasses? No way!
What is kinda sad is that I don't think 500 will even be noticed. Onesies? An Uno game? Candles? Shoes? Christmas ornaments? Steak knives? We have two Yahtzee games. I discovered this last week. How did that happen?
Feel free to send me your numbers. I won't even get them confused with your cholesterol count, bra size, or weight. I'll know what you are talking about.
Today I did some purging of our van. Not sure if that counts, but since Ihave get to drive for a field trip tomorrow, I'm thinking five little people will appreciate not stepping on books, coloring pages, and a whole bunch of foam pieces. Garrison!
I dismissed the idea for awhile and then, lo and behold, it took root. 500 things is nothing!
So, last week I went to Ditto (the local donation center) and dropped of a few things from the pile in my bedroom. I have a designated spot for "done with that" stuff. Then when I get annoyed (or Gary gets annoyed) we make a drop-off. There were probably 20 items in the box. Easy peasy.
According to Ambre (who is the guru of this challenge), it doesn't even have to be all donations. Garbage, returning pots and pans to a friend, repurposing something (yeah, I can't make a beautiful kids swimsuit from an old t-shirt either), passing along to a friend, all fit the bill. I think most of our stuff will be donated, although the garbage is a great place too.
Books. Clothes. Toys. The four junk drawers in my kitchen (don't judge). All these will get a second look from our home this year. Maybe I could even part with a few of my sunglasses? No way!
What is kinda sad is that I don't think 500 will even be noticed. Onesies? An Uno game? Candles? Shoes? Christmas ornaments? Steak knives? We have two Yahtzee games. I discovered this last week. How did that happen?
Feel free to send me your numbers. I won't even get them confused with your cholesterol count, bra size, or weight. I'll know what you are talking about.
Today I did some purging of our van. Not sure if that counts, but since I
Monday, January 23, 2012
Merry Christmas Koeman Kiddos
My mom calls us her kiddos. I like it.
Friday night we had our "kiddo" Christmas party. Like you I'm assuming, our Christmas party and celebration has evolved over the years. When we were young Mom and Dad led the charge and gift-giving, then we began exchanging names, the focus became more about our kids. . . and here we are. Two summers ago around a summer camp fire we decided to try something different with the adults. It worked so well Christmas of 2010, that we decided to do it again, but with a few tweaks. It went like this: instead of giving gifts to each other we'd go out for a really nice dinner with just the grown-ups and have a white elephant exchange.
In 2010, we went to a restaurant and this year we decided to get together at mom and dad's house for a four course meal instead. Why the change? Well, we loved our meal at Red's, but we couldn't hear each other. There were nine of us in a large restaurant. Also, my dad has joined us this year and this makes for a larger group. My mom also loves to host gathering and wanted to cook a really nice meal for really nice grown-ups. Also, we wanted to do a white elephant exchange and doing this in a home seemed a little bit better. Finally, us Koemans take some time! We love being together and knew that we wanted to enjoy just adult time. No one was checking on kids, changing diapers, cutting up others food, wiping little mouths, or setting up a pack-n-play. Glorious! Little did we know my folks had some tricks up their sleeves.
We arrived at 6:30 for appetizers. We were sitting in the living room when mom sat down with an envelope with our first "assignment" in it. We had to create a new song to an old tune (and no objectionable material) and perform it for her and dad. We wrote three new verses to "Row Row Row your Boat". We even performed them in a round. Boy is this a talented bunch! The words rhymed, were filled with inside jokes, and even included a reference to my Grandma Koeman. Little did we know!
Salad time and with it: another assignment. All of us kids (have you seen how large my brothers and my hips are?) piled into my parents van and went to my Grandma's house to sing our song for her. Glory! She knew we were coming and had a reward for us when we were done. Now, I have to tell a little story about Grandma Koeman here. Love her! She is 94 and when you are 94, you can do what you'd like and make known your wishes. When I hit 90, I can say and ask for whatever I want. After we were done with our little funky song, she made a couple of requests! The first was Silent Night: IN GERMAN! God bless Pat Becksvoort my junior choir director for teaching my sister and I that song. I could sing it from memory. Grandma did have an old German songbook so those who read German (?) could sing along. What a hoot! While we sang, she sat back and got her some tears in those sweet eyes. The eyes look like my dad's. It is an image I don't think I'll ever forget. Then, she requested "Amazing Grace". We proudly sang that for her too. I couldn't help but think that I may never sing this for her again on earth.
She handed us our envelopes (coupons for babysitting from mom and dad: SCORE!) and we were back off to the house.
Dinner (and another assignment asking us to enjoy your meal) included a toast and lots of laughter. It also included gifts of gold, frankincense. . .oops wrong story. Dinner also included gifts of a fishing adventure for the boys with my pa in June and a "mystery" adventure for the women with my ma. Sweet! We also learned that if we put our plates on the floor my mom will take them to the kitchen for us. Good stuff to know.
White elephants were next--oh friends. Lots of laughter. Lots of pencils. A huge bear. A dead frog. A potato-like wine stopper. An underwear purse. A corded phone. Lots of laughter. Lots of history. Lots and lots of lots.
We left after being together for four hours. Just us. My siblings and folks. They are some of my most favorite people and I'm so thankful to be part of a group that works to be together. I know not every family can enjoy that luxury. I do. I cherish it. We've had an interesting path, but this year. . . this year we seemed to be on pretty flat and steady ground. It was indeed a Merry Christmas.
Friday night we had our "kiddo" Christmas party. Like you I'm assuming, our Christmas party and celebration has evolved over the years. When we were young Mom and Dad led the charge and gift-giving, then we began exchanging names, the focus became more about our kids. . . and here we are. Two summers ago around a summer camp fire we decided to try something different with the adults. It worked so well Christmas of 2010, that we decided to do it again, but with a few tweaks. It went like this: instead of giving gifts to each other we'd go out for a really nice dinner with just the grown-ups and have a white elephant exchange.
In 2010, we went to a restaurant and this year we decided to get together at mom and dad's house for a four course meal instead. Why the change? Well, we loved our meal at Red's, but we couldn't hear each other. There were nine of us in a large restaurant. Also, my dad has joined us this year and this makes for a larger group. My mom also loves to host gathering and wanted to cook a really nice meal for really nice grown-ups. Also, we wanted to do a white elephant exchange and doing this in a home seemed a little bit better. Finally, us Koemans take some time! We love being together and knew that we wanted to enjoy just adult time. No one was checking on kids, changing diapers, cutting up others food, wiping little mouths, or setting up a pack-n-play. Glorious! Little did we know my folks had some tricks up their sleeves.
We arrived at 6:30 for appetizers. We were sitting in the living room when mom sat down with an envelope with our first "assignment" in it. We had to create a new song to an old tune (and no objectionable material) and perform it for her and dad. We wrote three new verses to "Row Row Row your Boat". We even performed them in a round. Boy is this a talented bunch! The words rhymed, were filled with inside jokes, and even included a reference to my Grandma Koeman. Little did we know!
Salad time and with it: another assignment. All of us kids (have you seen how large my brothers and my hips are?) piled into my parents van and went to my Grandma's house to sing our song for her. Glory! She knew we were coming and had a reward for us when we were done. Now, I have to tell a little story about Grandma Koeman here. Love her! She is 94 and when you are 94, you can do what you'd like and make known your wishes. When I hit 90, I can say and ask for whatever I want. After we were done with our little funky song, she made a couple of requests! The first was Silent Night: IN GERMAN! God bless Pat Becksvoort my junior choir director for teaching my sister and I that song. I could sing it from memory. Grandma did have an old German songbook so those who read German (?) could sing along. What a hoot! While we sang, she sat back and got her some tears in those sweet eyes. The eyes look like my dad's. It is an image I don't think I'll ever forget. Then, she requested "Amazing Grace". We proudly sang that for her too. I couldn't help but think that I may never sing this for her again on earth.
She handed us our envelopes (coupons for babysitting from mom and dad: SCORE!) and we were back off to the house.
Dinner (and another assignment asking us to enjoy your meal) included a toast and lots of laughter. It also included gifts of gold, frankincense. . .oops wrong story. Dinner also included gifts of a fishing adventure for the boys with my pa in June and a "mystery" adventure for the women with my ma. Sweet! We also learned that if we put our plates on the floor my mom will take them to the kitchen for us. Good stuff to know.
White elephants were next--oh friends. Lots of laughter. Lots of pencils. A huge bear. A dead frog. A potato-like wine stopper. An underwear purse. A corded phone. Lots of laughter. Lots of history. Lots and lots of lots.
We left after being together for four hours. Just us. My siblings and folks. They are some of my most favorite people and I'm so thankful to be part of a group that works to be together. I know not every family can enjoy that luxury. I do. I cherish it. We've had an interesting path, but this year. . . this year we seemed to be on pretty flat and steady ground. It was indeed a Merry Christmas.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Sand Cookies
My kids like a book called Bun Bun Button. I like it too. My oldest most sensitive child cried and pushed himself back into the couch the first time we read it because Bun Bun (the stuff rabbit and lovey to our dear little Paige) gets whisked away by a red balloon. Oh, so very sad. (Spoiler: Bun Bun falls back to earth right into Gramma's [spelling as in the book] garden! Amazing!)
Now, this book has become a favorite, I think because of the happy ending. There is also a fabulous Gramma who watched Paige everyday after school (as so many Grandmas do!) and has a fabulous blue chair that oozes love and she makes fabulous "soft sand cookies".
These cookies are mentioned many times in the book and guess what---my kids want to make soft sand cookies! Sounds great! Let's do it! Um. . . . not one of my cookbooks has a recipe for "soft sand cookies". Not one of my cookbooks has a recipe for "sand cookies". The internet is loaded with recipes for sand cookies, old dutch sand cookies (sounds great I think?!?), sand tart cookies and the like. . . but no soft sand cookies. Everything is crispy.
So, we went with it. We made delicious sand cookies and guess what--they were pecan sandies. They are certainly delicious (way too delicious--I have a headache now from sugar!), but they were not what Gramma gave to Paige. I'm sure that Bun Bun Button wouldn't have eaten them either. Oh well, what a great example of "we'll try and see what happens!". Wish they would have put a recipe in the back of the book.
Have you ever had soft sand cookies? Care to share? The ducks (and their mama) would appreciate it.
Now, this book has become a favorite, I think because of the happy ending. There is also a fabulous Gramma who watched Paige everyday after school (as so many Grandmas do!) and has a fabulous blue chair that oozes love and she makes fabulous "soft sand cookies".
These cookies are mentioned many times in the book and guess what---my kids want to make soft sand cookies! Sounds great! Let's do it! Um. . . . not one of my cookbooks has a recipe for "soft sand cookies". Not one of my cookbooks has a recipe for "sand cookies". The internet is loaded with recipes for sand cookies, old dutch sand cookies (sounds great I think?!?), sand tart cookies and the like. . . but no soft sand cookies. Everything is crispy.
So, we went with it. We made delicious sand cookies and guess what--they were pecan sandies. They are certainly delicious (way too delicious--I have a headache now from sugar!), but they were not what Gramma gave to Paige. I'm sure that Bun Bun Button wouldn't have eaten them either. Oh well, what a great example of "we'll try and see what happens!". Wish they would have put a recipe in the back of the book.
Have you ever had soft sand cookies? Care to share? The ducks (and their mama) would appreciate it.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Christmas Round Up #2
My kids all made me a Christmas ornament. Love them! (and I love the ornaments too.) I especially love the man who worked with them in the workshop. :)
Chocolate Fondue! What is this amazing thing?
Poor Penny--not allowed close to the chocolate.
Um, I think she likes it.
It looks like chocolate, bananas, and Rice Krispie Treats affect Penny differently than the rest of us.
"Hey, how you doing?"
Cupcakes for breakfast: Happy Birthday Jesus!
Christmas present: a membership to the aquatic center.
We also ventured to Chuck E. Cheese! Such fun. The kids had never been there before.
The Taylors visited from Chicago. Fun included bowling.
Playing Mary and Laura
We went out to celebrate New Year's Eve with just the adults. Chocolate Martini--YUM!
Doesn't this scream Happy New Year?
We celebrated the next day with a countdown and a party with the kids. We even had sparkling grape juice.
What a great Christmas break. Gary had the week off so we really enjoyed time together as a family. God has blessed in so many ways. Hope your new year is going great!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Where are the pictures?
So, ahem. . . I left my ipad at my folks last night. We celebrated Christmas together--Yeah Jesus! We also scheduled some more get togethers: we like each other. Then, I left my calandar (ipad) at my parents place. Two days ago our hard drive died on our laptop. Yes, that is true. What is sad about this whole thing is I can still go on the amazing world wide web: we have a regular computer that rarely gets turned on. I'm using it now.
See, I was thinking that since I got my workout in this morning and since dinner is in the crockpot and since most of my children are at school and since my youngest is sleeping, now would be a good time to blog. I uploaded pictures. I uploaded 17 pictures to the blog. Yet, there is a problem.
This computer is so behind the times, that the pictures won't show up so that I can write witty captions underneath them. If I published them, you'd see the pictures, but all I see is code. Boo. I think I need to update something.
Just so you know, there is a post coming with pictures. They are from Christmas break. I like them. Perhaps you will too. I'll ask my computer nerd for some help tonight. :)
See, I was thinking that since I got my workout in this morning and since dinner is in the crockpot and since most of my children are at school and since my youngest is sleeping, now would be a good time to blog. I uploaded pictures. I uploaded 17 pictures to the blog. Yet, there is a problem.
This computer is so behind the times, that the pictures won't show up so that I can write witty captions underneath them. If I published them, you'd see the pictures, but all I see is code. Boo. I think I need to update something.
Just so you know, there is a post coming with pictures. They are from Christmas break. I like them. Perhaps you will too. I'll ask my computer nerd for some help tonight. :)
Saturday, January 14, 2012
An almost perfect Saturday
Love these days. First, God worked in a wonderful fashion and redecorated our world. It is beyond beautiful.
Casual morning. Hanging out. Reading the paper. Doing some odds and ends. Chasing, giggling with, and kissing your youngest. Playing outside with the kids. Going sledding with the kids. Hot chocolate and hot tea upon our return. Taking the dog on a walk. Warming up under the electric blanket. Pancakes and bacon for supper. Watching the Purina dog competition and cheering/laughing as a family. Kids asleep. Blueberry cheesecake. Bed by 10:15.
Christmas party tomorrow with the Koemans. This is one of the highlights of our year. There will be surprises. . .and all the kids are going to get pajamas. Traditions.
Enjoy your week-end.
Casual morning. Hanging out. Reading the paper. Doing some odds and ends. Chasing, giggling with, and kissing your youngest. Playing outside with the kids. Going sledding with the kids. Hot chocolate and hot tea upon our return. Taking the dog on a walk. Warming up under the electric blanket. Pancakes and bacon for supper. Watching the Purina dog competition and cheering/laughing as a family. Kids asleep. Blueberry cheesecake. Bed by 10:15.
Christmas party tomorrow with the Koemans. This is one of the highlights of our year. There will be surprises. . .and all the kids are going to get pajamas. Traditions.
Enjoy your week-end.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Why are you crying?
So, we checked out this book from the library. I don't sit and read every children's book before I check them out. I use the Zeeland Public Library's. . . sorry. . . the Howard Miller Library's (money talks and names libraries) color coding system. Light blue is appropriate for my kids. We each choose a few (12), check them out, and we are off. Going to the library with four kids is fun, but libraries in general appreciate quiet. We can only do that for a little bit. Penny can not do it, especially since she has become obsessed with clocks and shouts out "cock" every time she sees one. I think it is adorable, although shouting "Cock!" in a library might not always be appropriate. :) Being in the Howard Miller Library--well, there are a lot of clocks. I digress.
So, we checked out My Red Balloon. We sit down one night to read together. This book. This book. This book made me cry. I figured it out after about the third page. I knew I was going to cry and sure enough, I had to pause. This is about a boy whose dad is coming home after defending our country. He promised his dad he would be holding a red balloon so his dad could find him, after all he has grown and his dad might not recognize him. The ship comes in and the boy loses the balloon! How will hid dad find him?
So I'm reading this with my three oldest all around me. My kids. My kids that I love. Gary is putting Penny to bed. As I'm reading I'm aware of my freedom; I'm aware that one or more of my children might choose or might be "asked" to serve. I'm aware that Gary is home and not gone for months at a time. I'm very aware that this is VERY real for moms, wives, dads, and kids. I'm filled with gratitude.
"Mom, why are you crying?" I'm crying because I love you and I'm thankful that we can sit here on this couch and read together. I'm glad that your dad isn't going to be gone for a long time. I'm thankful that there are moms and dads who are willing to take care of us.
They didn't get it. I'll keep telling them. I did make it the next time without crying though.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
God stuff
We began Bible Study again this morning after a month long break. Yeah! I love Bible Study, I love Tuesday mornings, I love seeing my ladies, and I love studying the Word. I love love love it!
I can go to Bible Study because there are folks who don't want to go to Bible Study and who will take care of my kids. Oh, I'm so thankful for them!!
There is a woman, Ruth, who watches Penny in the nursery. She was gone on our last meeting before Christmas and didn't receive a gift. I was able to give the gift of peanut brittle to all the other fabulous people, but not to her.
This morning, around 8:30, the Holy Spirit brought Ruth to mind. "Yeah! Thank you God!" I said aloud as I went to the kitchen to make a quick batch of peanut brittle. 10 minutes later it was burned. Two problems with this: I don't have peanut brittle to give to Ruth and I like burnt peanut brittle. :)
I was bummed, thanked God for bringing her to mind, and realized that I didn't have enough time to whip anything else together. Oh well. What is a girl going to do?
This girl is going to laugh--that is what she is going to do! See, when I got my Bible and other books together and put them in my Bible Study bag (I only use this bag on Tuesday mornings) there were two bags of peanut brittle at the bottom of the bag! I must have had extra last December. God knew I needed two bags for Ruth.
I laughed and thanked God as I put the two bags into the holiday tin.
Now, I need to throw out that burnt brittle. . . .
I can go to Bible Study because there are folks who don't want to go to Bible Study and who will take care of my kids. Oh, I'm so thankful for them!!
There is a woman, Ruth, who watches Penny in the nursery. She was gone on our last meeting before Christmas and didn't receive a gift. I was able to give the gift of peanut brittle to all the other fabulous people, but not to her.
This morning, around 8:30, the Holy Spirit brought Ruth to mind. "Yeah! Thank you God!" I said aloud as I went to the kitchen to make a quick batch of peanut brittle. 10 minutes later it was burned. Two problems with this: I don't have peanut brittle to give to Ruth and I like burnt peanut brittle. :)
I was bummed, thanked God for bringing her to mind, and realized that I didn't have enough time to whip anything else together. Oh well. What is a girl going to do?
This girl is going to laugh--that is what she is going to do! See, when I got my Bible and other books together and put them in my Bible Study bag (I only use this bag on Tuesday mornings) there were two bags of peanut brittle at the bottom of the bag! I must have had extra last December. God knew I needed two bags for Ruth.
I laughed and thanked God as I put the two bags into the holiday tin.
Now, I need to throw out that burnt brittle. . . .
Sunday, January 8, 2012
The Park
Didn't think I'd go to a park today. . . to play on the playground. It is January 8! We went to Helder Park where we often go during the summer. It was a much different place. It sounded different. There weren't any leaves and there weren't any other kids playing. We saw a few people walking around with their dogs. Different shadows. A very different feel.
Gary got called out to work. It sounded like the perfect time for the rest of us to head outside and run. In fact, that is the reasoning that I gave the kids. "We need to go outside and run!" "Get out of the van and run." "Hey, lets run together." "Everyone do one more run across the tennis courts." They ran. My plan was to go to church tonight with everyone. Running would be good for us and might tire us out a bit so we (meaning my children) would run less at church. True, being outside was great for us and we pounded a pizza when we got home, but the kids still had a lot of run in them.
What is it about Sundays and energy? I remember being so silly in the car on the way home from church. I remember having tons of energy as a kid on Sunday nights. Dad pulled the car over more than once to tell us to knock it off. These days I want to take a nap. Today I did take a nap (thanks honey!). Do other families notice this with their children? Tons of Sunday energy? They should bottle that into a drink. "Kids' Sunday Energy." I'd be a multi-millionaire.
Gary got called out to work. It sounded like the perfect time for the rest of us to head outside and run. In fact, that is the reasoning that I gave the kids. "We need to go outside and run!" "Get out of the van and run." "Hey, lets run together." "Everyone do one more run across the tennis courts." They ran. My plan was to go to church tonight with everyone. Running would be good for us and might tire us out a bit so we (meaning my children) would run less at church. True, being outside was great for us and we pounded a pizza when we got home, but the kids still had a lot of run in them.
What is it about Sundays and energy? I remember being so silly in the car on the way home from church. I remember having tons of energy as a kid on Sunday nights. Dad pulled the car over more than once to tell us to knock it off. These days I want to take a nap. Today I did take a nap (thanks honey!). Do other families notice this with their children? Tons of Sunday energy? They should bottle that into a drink. "Kids' Sunday Energy." I'd be a multi-millionaire.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Another addiction?
Mario and Luigi. How I love thee and loathe thee. Thou hast changed my second born son into a junkie. What is thy pull? Whst song doest thou sing that glazes his eyes? I am on to thee.
I have taken thee away. Arest thou enjoying the cupboard? Doest thou enjoy the darkness? I will indeed get the last laugh. My son will cease asking about thee.
There was great joy tonight when I took thee out. I allowed a small taste. Thou doesn't seem to have the same hold as before. We shall see what tomorrow holds. I am not afraid of thee. Thy powers are small. Doest thou hear me? I am mama.
I have taken thee away. Arest thou enjoying the cupboard? Doest thou enjoy the darkness? I will indeed get the last laugh. My son will cease asking about thee.
There was great joy tonight when I took thee out. I allowed a small taste. Thou doesn't seem to have the same hold as before. We shall see what tomorrow holds. I am not afraid of thee. Thy powers are small. Doest thou hear me? I am mama.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Finish
I am not a finisher.
My mother is smiling and shaking her head right now. You know this is true mama! See, my mom is a finisher. I am a starter! Simon is a finisher. I am a starter. Are you getting a handle on it?
I wasn't always aware that I struggled with finishing. I'm not talking about a race, although that mile and a half I had to do in high school was torture! I'm talking about regular stuff around my house. I'm not finished with whole entire project--I get done what needs to get done. I do finish some things, but. . . .
Let me give you an example and I'll use my mother once again. (Thanks mom!) It was the first time I discovered that I was not a finisher. After my brother Kevin got married to the fabulous Gretchen, they went off on a honeymoon and I traveled back to Michigan to stay with my folks for awhile. Mom said that since K & G were now married and would be coming to the house every once in awhile (they lived in Chicago), they should probably have a room to stay in. I jumped all over that. I was painting before Mom could put away her mother-of-the-groom dress and we were all over it. The painting got done, sheets, curtains. . .blah blah blah. The room looked great to me. Beautiful. Clean. Nice. A far cry from the bunk beds and blue paint that had been in there before. I was done. See ya later. Mom left the bedroom and came back with a rag, bucket, and warm pine-sol water. "I need to wash the baseboards. Then the room will be finished." I never noticed the baseboards. Not at all. I still don't notice baseboards unless company is coming over and then I hope that they don't get on the floor. I realized then that I don't finish. I don't wipe down the counters. I don't do the hand-wash dishes every day. I don't put everything where it belongs (often because I don't know where it goes--there are just some things that don't have a good home in my house!) I fold the laundry (sometimes the same day) and find one of the kids' shirts in my laundry and then I set it somewhere rather that BRING IT AWAY AND BE FINISHED!
So, I need to work on being a better finisher. Finish. It is a word that I'll try and repeat to myself. I've been doing better. I finished cleaning the kitchen after supper last night: all the dishes and even wiping everything down. I want to finish losing my weight. I want to finish my scrapbooks. I want to finish the basket project in my room. I have an un-finished craft that I began last spring. It'll be cute I promise.
My mother is smiling and shaking her head right now. You know this is true mama! See, my mom is a finisher. I am a starter! Simon is a finisher. I am a starter. Are you getting a handle on it?
I wasn't always aware that I struggled with finishing. I'm not talking about a race, although that mile and a half I had to do in high school was torture! I'm talking about regular stuff around my house. I'm not finished with whole entire project--I get done what needs to get done. I do finish some things, but. . . .
Let me give you an example and I'll use my mother once again. (Thanks mom!) It was the first time I discovered that I was not a finisher. After my brother Kevin got married to the fabulous Gretchen, they went off on a honeymoon and I traveled back to Michigan to stay with my folks for awhile. Mom said that since K & G were now married and would be coming to the house every once in awhile (they lived in Chicago), they should probably have a room to stay in. I jumped all over that. I was painting before Mom could put away her mother-of-the-groom dress and we were all over it. The painting got done, sheets, curtains. . .blah blah blah. The room looked great to me. Beautiful. Clean. Nice. A far cry from the bunk beds and blue paint that had been in there before. I was done. See ya later. Mom left the bedroom and came back with a rag, bucket, and warm pine-sol water. "I need to wash the baseboards. Then the room will be finished." I never noticed the baseboards. Not at all. I still don't notice baseboards unless company is coming over and then I hope that they don't get on the floor. I realized then that I don't finish. I don't wipe down the counters. I don't do the hand-wash dishes every day. I don't put everything where it belongs (often because I don't know where it goes--there are just some things that don't have a good home in my house!) I fold the laundry (sometimes the same day) and find one of the kids' shirts in my laundry and then I set it somewhere rather that BRING IT AWAY AND BE FINISHED!
So, I need to work on being a better finisher. Finish. It is a word that I'll try and repeat to myself. I've been doing better. I finished cleaning the kitchen after supper last night: all the dishes and even wiping everything down. I want to finish losing my weight. I want to finish my scrapbooks. I want to finish the basket project in my room. I have an un-finished craft that I began last spring. It'll be cute I promise.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Oh Christmas Tree Lights
We put up our Christmas tree in the spot where I normally have my "devotions" chair. There is a light right behind it that operates using a remote control-I do need to see God's Word. Love it.
That meant that our tree lights were plugged into the remote control contraption. I could turn them on and off so easily. Our other tree, a ceramic lit one lovingly made by Grandma Arlene, sat on top of the piano and was also controlled via the remote.
Every morning (well, most mornings) I would wander through the living room to the laundry room to grab a Diet Mountain Dew. Then, I'd turn on the Christmas tree lights and have my devotions sitting by the tree. It was awesome. I'm always a little sad to take the tree down every year because I miss those mornings.
Penny is generally my first to awake and also the most excited about the lights. As I went to get her each morning, I'd turn the Christmas lights off so that we could enjoy turning them on again together. After whispering our good mornings to each other, I'd carry her into the living room where she would shout "Off! Off!". "Are the lights off Penny?" "Yes!" "Would you like to have me turn them on?" "Yes!" "Ready, one, two three." We'd both cheer as the lights would sparkle on the big tree and then we'd turn our attention to the little tree. We followed this ritual every morning and several times each day. Penny wanted the lights on all the time and would discover when I had turn them off. :)
Last week we took down the big tree. We had friends coming for the week-end and wanted the extra room. Penny saw the tree come down, yet was so very surprised the next morning when there was only one little tree to light. Confusion. Disappointment. Sadness from my youngest.
The tree has been down for almost a week already, yet this morning she wanted the same routine. "Off! Off!" We turned the lights on and then she looked to where our tree used to be. "Uh oh." Yes Penny, I agree.
The blogger in me wants to find some lesson from all of this, some way to tie it in to life's bigger picture. Perhaps I need to remember the joy of Christmas every day. To get excited about baby Jesus every day. Or perhaps I need to learn from my daughter that change is going to happen. Even though I like some things in my life. . . there comes a time when we need to let go, enjoy the change and the better lighting.
Nope, I'm gonna remember this for what it is. Pure joy between my daughter and me every morning. Wonderment over Christmas lights. We celebrated every morning together and I doubt I'll ever get to do that again. She is a delight and helped make my Christmas all the more wonderful.
I'm not sure what will happen though when the little tree comes down.
That meant that our tree lights were plugged into the remote control contraption. I could turn them on and off so easily. Our other tree, a ceramic lit one lovingly made by Grandma Arlene, sat on top of the piano and was also controlled via the remote.
Every morning (well, most mornings) I would wander through the living room to the laundry room to grab a Diet Mountain Dew. Then, I'd turn on the Christmas tree lights and have my devotions sitting by the tree. It was awesome. I'm always a little sad to take the tree down every year because I miss those mornings.
Penny is generally my first to awake and also the most excited about the lights. As I went to get her each morning, I'd turn the Christmas lights off so that we could enjoy turning them on again together. After whispering our good mornings to each other, I'd carry her into the living room where she would shout "Off! Off!". "Are the lights off Penny?" "Yes!" "Would you like to have me turn them on?" "Yes!" "Ready, one, two three." We'd both cheer as the lights would sparkle on the big tree and then we'd turn our attention to the little tree. We followed this ritual every morning and several times each day. Penny wanted the lights on all the time and would discover when I had turn them off. :)
Last week we took down the big tree. We had friends coming for the week-end and wanted the extra room. Penny saw the tree come down, yet was so very surprised the next morning when there was only one little tree to light. Confusion. Disappointment. Sadness from my youngest.
The tree has been down for almost a week already, yet this morning she wanted the same routine. "Off! Off!" We turned the lights on and then she looked to where our tree used to be. "Uh oh." Yes Penny, I agree.
The blogger in me wants to find some lesson from all of this, some way to tie it in to life's bigger picture. Perhaps I need to remember the joy of Christmas every day. To get excited about baby Jesus every day. Or perhaps I need to learn from my daughter that change is going to happen. Even though I like some things in my life. . . there comes a time when we need to let go, enjoy the change and the better lighting.
Nope, I'm gonna remember this for what it is. Pure joy between my daughter and me every morning. Wonderment over Christmas lights. We celebrated every morning together and I doubt I'll ever get to do that again. She is a delight and helped make my Christmas all the more wonderful.
I'm not sure what will happen though when the little tree comes down.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Out for Chinese
We received a coupon in the mail about a month ago for a new local Chinese buffet restaurant. Since my healthy living begins again tomorrow, since we do enjoy Chinese food, and since we are cheap we decided to go out tonight. It just got funnier and funnier.
First, we arrived and were the only people there. We walked on in and three folks were taking covers off of the food on the buffet. Our confidence in the restaurant waned. No one else in the place and . . .um. . how long has this food been sitting there? We decided to stay and were rewarded with undivided attention from our server as well as the company of six other folks who came while we were eating. Garrison gave us a new head count every time another person came in. Funny.
One reason I like buffets is that we can get food right away and find things that each child will like. I went with the three older kids while Penny and Gary played with ice. Good times. I sent the three ducks back to the table and then I grabbed a plate for Penny. I sat down and sent Gary off. It was then that I noticed the music.
Piano music. Hymns. My smile grew as I listened to "He touched me" "Abide with Me" and "There's just something about that name." I felt like I had been transported to my friend Kerri Langejans' basement where we would practice that last song and sing it in nursing homes. I need to look her up. The music just seemed out of place.
Our hovering waitress ventured over (again) to chat and ask where we had gotten Simon from. "Hunan province" I responded. She was shocked. I'm not sure where else I'd go except China to get a Chinese son. Maybe there is a closer place! Let me know if you hear of anything. She described Simon as being lucky. "Indeed he is not, I am." I replied back to her. She nodded and said we both were. Garrison decided to use his Mandarin that he has been learning at school. She about fell over. Over the course of our supper, she returned to the table to talk with Garrison and check out his Chinese. . . she only came when Gary was gone getting something for someone. I guess Gary's new Amish looking beard is intimidating. :)
Simon left for about 10 minutes to use the bathroom. Penny only wanted to eat oranges. Noel tried to eat Jell-o off of the floor. As we left, Penny tried to eat the food she had dropped on the floor. . . and promptly threw a fit. Four of us (including me) had Superman ice cream. Love it! Garrison ate Chinese chicken nuggets (sweet-n-sour) chicken as well as two rolls. That is it. White food. Ack! Simon was enthralled with the shrimp and their "handles" (tails). Noel only wanted ice cream and fortune cookies.
An elderly couple next to us was greeted by one of the cooks. It was very apparent that they knew each other. It was also apparent that the cook didn't speak much English. This gentleman kept trying to ask him questions and he got louder and louder. I was trying so hard not to laugh in his direction. Finally his wife looked at him and said "he isn't deaf". He looked at her and proceeded to take it down a notch. That's a good woman.
Gary kept looking at me funny during dinner. . . my smile kept getting bigger. I was living a blog post. Penny insisted--in the way that a 1 1/2 year old insists--with loud grunting, shouting and crying--that she needed an ice cream cone too. All I could do was laugh. It just kept getting better and better. On the way home Simon lost his putty--lost as in had it taken away. See, my nephew Bryce traded his silly putty for 12 of Garrison's baseball cards. Garrison traded Simon five dimes for the putty. Simon decided to make a trade again with Garrison in the back seat (because he had brought his putty along!)rather than get his seat belt on. Safety first kids. I didn't let him see my smile.
Funny stuff my friends. Funny stuff. I love my life. . . even at mediocre Chinese buffets that cost way more than they are worth.
First, we arrived and were the only people there. We walked on in and three folks were taking covers off of the food on the buffet. Our confidence in the restaurant waned. No one else in the place and . . .um. . how long has this food been sitting there? We decided to stay and were rewarded with undivided attention from our server as well as the company of six other folks who came while we were eating. Garrison gave us a new head count every time another person came in. Funny.
One reason I like buffets is that we can get food right away and find things that each child will like. I went with the three older kids while Penny and Gary played with ice. Good times. I sent the three ducks back to the table and then I grabbed a plate for Penny. I sat down and sent Gary off. It was then that I noticed the music.
Piano music. Hymns. My smile grew as I listened to "He touched me" "Abide with Me" and "There's just something about that name." I felt like I had been transported to my friend Kerri Langejans' basement where we would practice that last song and sing it in nursing homes. I need to look her up. The music just seemed out of place.
Our hovering waitress ventured over (again) to chat and ask where we had gotten Simon from. "Hunan province" I responded. She was shocked. I'm not sure where else I'd go except China to get a Chinese son. Maybe there is a closer place! Let me know if you hear of anything. She described Simon as being lucky. "Indeed he is not, I am." I replied back to her. She nodded and said we both were. Garrison decided to use his Mandarin that he has been learning at school. She about fell over. Over the course of our supper, she returned to the table to talk with Garrison and check out his Chinese. . . she only came when Gary was gone getting something for someone. I guess Gary's new Amish looking beard is intimidating. :)
Simon left for about 10 minutes to use the bathroom. Penny only wanted to eat oranges. Noel tried to eat Jell-o off of the floor. As we left, Penny tried to eat the food she had dropped on the floor. . . and promptly threw a fit. Four of us (including me) had Superman ice cream. Love it! Garrison ate Chinese chicken nuggets (sweet-n-sour) chicken as well as two rolls. That is it. White food. Ack! Simon was enthralled with the shrimp and their "handles" (tails). Noel only wanted ice cream and fortune cookies.
An elderly couple next to us was greeted by one of the cooks. It was very apparent that they knew each other. It was also apparent that the cook didn't speak much English. This gentleman kept trying to ask him questions and he got louder and louder. I was trying so hard not to laugh in his direction. Finally his wife looked at him and said "he isn't deaf". He looked at her and proceeded to take it down a notch. That's a good woman.
Gary kept looking at me funny during dinner. . . my smile kept getting bigger. I was living a blog post. Penny insisted--in the way that a 1 1/2 year old insists--with loud grunting, shouting and crying--that she needed an ice cream cone too. All I could do was laugh. It just kept getting better and better. On the way home Simon lost his putty--lost as in had it taken away. See, my nephew Bryce traded his silly putty for 12 of Garrison's baseball cards. Garrison traded Simon five dimes for the putty. Simon decided to make a trade again with Garrison in the back seat (because he had brought his putty along!)rather than get his seat belt on. Safety first kids. I didn't let him see my smile.
Funny stuff my friends. Funny stuff. I love my life. . . even at mediocre Chinese buffets that cost way more than they are worth.
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