Happy Birthday, Jacqueline!

When I look at you I still can't believe we have a daughter. What a precious gift, from God, you are! Your smiles, giggles and tender spirit melts my heart. I am so proud of you and the young lady you are becoming. I love you and am so thankful Victoria has such a sweet big sister to look up too!

-9 with the windchill somewhere around -25 and. . . . . . drum roll please. . . . . NO SCHOOL! enough said!

a bedtime Colson-ism. . . . . .
Tonight as I was getting ready to read and pray with Colson he was talking about when Brennan moves into his own room this weekend and how "scarry" it will be to sleep by himself in his room. I explained to him that Jacqueline has slept all alone in her room until just a year ago when we moved Victoria in with her. He said, "yeah but she didn't have those 'dolls' in her room then (referring to her 4 American Girl Dolls that are standing on her shelf)." I said that she's had the dolls in her room for a long time. Then he goes on to say, "yeah but I saw 'Chuckie' the moive at the video store and he had a knife in his fist, and those dolls are just plain freaky like Chucky and that scares me." Then he goes on to snuggle up close to me (I always lay with him) and says, "I don't have to sleep in here by myself do I?" now, what am I gonna say to that? he is such a cutie but he does have a tendancy to have nightmares from time to time. As I was leaving his room I put on an Odyssey and he then says, "the other night it was a bad one, mom, it talked about satan and everything and I couldn't sleep." Geez now he can't even listen to "good stuff" because it, too, creeps him out! What's a mom to do????

I just have to take a moment and share about the sweetest older lady that attends our church. She looks all of maybe 65 but is 83. She comes into the nursery, after prayer meeting, every single Wednesday night (I work the nursery every single Wednesday night) to sit and chat. I am loving this lady. She is the BIGGEST BLESSING to me! She is retired (single mom of 4, cab driver for 35 years), lives alone but is in total love with God. She is constantly talking about how she and God have the best time together; and how God is always showing her new things and new thoughts every single day. She never makes a move or has a thought that she doesn't, first, discuss with Him. WOW! (that totally rocked my world. . . .who really lives like that these days? aren't we all just a bit too busy to live for Him every minute of every day?) She began telling me that she and God had the best day ever and that He just lead her from one thing to another all day long and how exciting it was that He was directing her journey. Oh my gosh, I just sat there mesmerized. How long has it been since I let God direct my day? my thoughts? my life? As I continued to soak-up her story (a complete sponge) I was blessed by her spirit, her zest for life, her zeal for Christ and her amazing "love story" between Him and her. I walked away, wanting a walk like hers. To be so "in tune" with God that I follow His journey throughout my day, instead maybe once in a while having a passing thought of Him (a sad admittance but a truthful one).

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am for next Wednesday evening to come. To see her again, to listen to her and to be encouraged by her example. God always uses someone, who we least expect, to touch our lives. I am thankful he is using Betty in mine!

baby it's cold outside. . . . .only a mere -11 degrees. I can't even imagine what the windchill is but hey, if you have to be thankful about something be thankful you don't live in North Dakota where the temp is -15 below with a windchill of -45. I wonder if the kids have school there today???? or is it just a "normal" winter day????

UPDATE: received a text from Bryan late last night: "hey first day went very very rough pray for me dave wasn't kidding about the military bc that's all it is. will call the end of the week and update you." please keep him in your prayers this week. I know its a huge step out of his comfort zone and we know he can do it, but at the same time, it surely isn't easy.
so blessed. . .
Branden called this afternoon full of excitement. He had a job interview last Friday at a school system out west and today he heard back and he got the job! how awesome is that? what a great opportunity too. Full benefits, great working environment, and great pay. What confirmation that God gave him about moving west.

Bryan sent us several short texts last night. Not sure exactly what is transpiring with him other than he began his academy training today and he asked us to pray for him. I am sure this is a huge step out of his comfort zone. Though we know he is exactly where God wants him its still hard to know that he is struggling just a bit, change is never easy for him.

Ben left today for school. WOW am I gonna miss that kid. He has been home since mid-fall and it sure will be different not having him here during the day.

Again, our family is experiencing lots of changes, many as expected with sons growing and maturing, some that are much needed, and some that we are anxious for. Always seems like theres lots going on around here and there never seems to be a dull moment either. I love it and wouldn't want it any other way. . . . .well yes I would, I would LOVE for my kids to still be near but they must answer the call of God in their lives and go where He wants them too and become who He wants them to become. . . Men of God passionately seeking and living for Him! Is there anything greater?

a gorgeous winter morning

It's absolutely beautiful here today. We got

yet another snow storm last evening and today, in the

aftermath, the scenery is breathtaking.

Finally Friday. . . .
I can't belive how quickly this week went, and here we are to Friday already. First full week of the new year has come to an end. Thank you all for your precious words of encouragment. We were touched by all who commented. The boys made it to Colorado just fine without any problems, just road wearyness. Aunt Hilda and Uncle Gary have the gift of hospitality and have welcomed the boys with open arms into their home. We are so thankful for extended family who love our kids and care for them. What a blessing and gift. We are so excited for them, thrilled for them and all that God is going to do for them and through them. What an adventure. Branden has a job interview today with a local school system. He is pumped and it was such an encouragment to him as well (no jobs in our county) and Bry begins the academy on Sunday. We are hoping to travel west for spring break and for sure in July when Bryan graduates. We had planned a family vacation in Colorado for August, so now it will be July.

The rest of the kids are adjusting to life without two siblings, it is VERY quiet around here for sure, yet they find ways to make up for it. Its been a long week for them, mostly with getting acclimated to the school schedule again. Jacqueline and Colson have their belated Christmas parties this afternoon (school was cancelled the last day before break due to inclement weather) so they are excited. Colson is especially excited today because its "pajama" day and he can wear his pj's to school. He took special care a few days ago and laid them out himself. TOO CUTE! He is already showered and ready to go! don't ya' just love the excitment of a child? when you feel like life is tough, these little ones bring smiles and sunshine!

Ben will be heading back to college next week. . . .another goodbye! thankfully he won't be but an hour or so away, easy for this mom's heart to handle.

I have been so blessed the past month to hear from my oldest son, Brad, who is deployed to Africa. We aren't able to phone him but he can us. What a gift it is to his dad and I to hear from him, sometimes its hard to imagine him all the way around the world when the connection is so clear and good. He is now on the downside of his deployment with 5 months until he is home. I am so excited for him and his family and can only imagine the reunion that will take place when he steps off the plane after 15 long months.

We are blessed to have such amazing technology to keep in touch with each other, aren't we? Macbooks, email, blogs, facebook, etc. What a gift to allow us to stay connected.

the first 2009 Colson-ism. . . .
as many of you know our two older boys left for Colorado yesterday, late afternoon. It's been rough, heartbreaking, and painful. We all went through bouts of tears throughout the evening. This morning as the kids were getting ready to catch the bus Colson wanted to call Branden. He likes to check in and see where they are (like he has any clue, but he thinks he does) when he got off the phone Branden wanted to talk to Jacqueline. As soon as she got on the phone she began crying, I didn't see it but I could hear it. Colson walked into the kitchen and said, "Jacqueline is crying. . . .I am so over it! I don't have to cry any more. . . I just want to talk to them and know they are ok. " I told him that boys are different from girls and that Jacqueline probably would like not to cry but thats how she lets them know she misses them. He said, "well I don't have to cry anymore!"

Gosh if only it were that easy to just "shut the tears off"! If only I could just tell myself that and it would be ok, but unfortunately it isn't and I, like my sweet girl, let the tears fall quite frequently.

Happy New Year

from our family to yours!

a New Year and New Resolutions
It's always at this time of year I reflect on the past year and ponder on the future. I have never been good with resolutions. I always try one or two but they never seem to stick, well its all about the "will" and sometimes mine isn't so strong in the right things but too strong in the wrong things. Does that make sense? We've had alot on our plates the past few weeks, alot that sends your mind into deep-thinking mode; along with that we are facing changes as we begin this "new year". Branden and Bryan are moving to Colorado next week. Bryan will begin 7 months at the State Police Academy and Branden is moving to the western slope of the Rockies. He will be living with Den's Aunt Hilda and Uncle Gary. New starts for a New Year. Ben will be heading off to a new college this semester too, leaving the old behind and beginning new in a Christian setting. Brett will be in his last semester as a high school senior, and is looking forward to a summer of mission work. The biggest change will be for the rest of the family as we will, more than likely, be moving in the next 6 weeks. We haven't made a firm commitment yet, but either this position or another will bring new changes and new challenges. I am all up for change, yet as I reflect over the past 9 years here, its also bittersweet. Our kids have grown-up here, this the home most of them will remember. I am excited, apprehensive and a bit nervous. New friends, new area, new position, new church, new schools. Lots of NEW involved for everyone. The dynamics of our family are certainly changing, as its supposed too, but its never easy. It will be tough, to say the least, to say goodbye to our boys next week. Actually more like heartbreaking. It will be tough to put Daniel and Elizabeth back on a plane Sunday afternoon heading back to North Dakota, it will be tough seeing Ben off to a new setting and it will be tough to have the kids Christmas break end. As I said before I am not about resolutions but I do want to move myself closer to Christ, to find more of Him and less of me. To become more of a Godly wife, mom, sister, daughter, aunt and friend, to aim for His prize and not mine. See my life has been about "me" and not much about "Him", a sad admittance but an honest one. I want it deep within my heart, so much so, that it completely shows in all I do, say and am.

Thank you to all who read my blog. I appreciate your comments, look forward to them, and love them. I pray you will find all your answers in Him who gives us Life in this coming New Year.

with fear and trepidation. . . . .
thats what I felt this morning as I decided to check on my grades for this past college semester. I knew the grades had been in for a week or so but was too fearful to check them. Since I have to run to UofM today and gets books I decided to face my fears and look. OH MY GOSH! I was so excited to find that I got an A and a B- (whew) with an overall GPA of 3.62. I was completely shocked that I got the B- in Geography because it was one TOUGH class. I can only give the credit to God because He saw me through each and every assignment, as well as Den, and my older boys too! They helped and encouraged me every step of the way. I love you guys!!!

Amazing winds. . . .amazing temperatures
Yesterday we had the most amazing temperature for December ever. We awoke to a balmy 62 degrees and no snow. Unbelievable! The snow we received in one week, over a foot, is totally gone but a few mounds here and there. This morning we awoke to ferocious winds. I heard they were going to get as high as 60 mph and I am sure they did. We found our shed off the foundation smack up against a tree, broken limb and jostled dog kennel. As we made our way to church this morning we saw many trees uprooted and laying on their sides, storm doors ripped from their hinges, someones trash can, on its side, on the sidewalk in front of Rite-Aid. Unbelievable! The winds finally subsided and most of the lingering water from the snow is gone and we are now left to pick up all the debris. As fast as it came it went! Crazy Michigan weather!!

New friends

Today was such a fun day. My blogging friend, Sarah, came to our part

of the world today. What fun it was to connect with her, in person, and to meet

her beautiful family. What a sport her husband Don was to bring his family

to our home, just because his wife wanted to meet! AWESOME!

Here is a quick shot of the two of us just before they left. I am so blessed to have such

a Godly friend. What an encouragment she was to me today and we didn't lack for anything

to talk about either!

~~Cousins~~

aren't they just the best looking bunch of kids you've seen?

Aaron loved the rocking horse!

just hanging out!

the two brothers

We had the best time with Den's brother and his family today.

What a blessing this family is to us and what sweet kids they are too!

Please continue to keep them in your prayers as they continue to walk

a tough path.

Christmas Eve

part II

Victoria wants to ride but isn't the happiest about it!
Isn't Jacqueline just the cutest girl you ever saw???
(we certainly think so, what a DOLL)

Here are a few Christmas Eve memories just before

we left for our Christmas Eve Service at Church.

Colson and Victoria

Ready for Christmas Morning

One of my "favorite" ornaments made by one of my boys.

snow. . . .snow. . . .snow. . . .

I couldn't help but think of this song when I

looked out the window this morning. It

just keeps coming!

a baby changes everything. . . . .
take a few moments to watch and listen. . .

a BIG thank you. . . .
It's been a long week, we made it through but not without many, many tears and hugs. Linda's funeral was beautiful. Not so much the surroundings, although, the church was amazingly beautiful all decorated for Christmas, but the way in which she lived her life. She had a sincere passion for Christ, to live fully for Him, and to share that with those she came incontact with. She was the only Christian in her family for many years, (7 siblings) with her mom to follow and her sister Laura, and a neice Stacie just two years ago. Her hope was that her family would come to know the Savior she so faithfully served and that they would find the hope that she held so dear to her heart, that carried her through these past months. I have to say that I was clearly challenged by her walk and the words that were shared, so much so, that it gave me a renewed sense of purpose, of hope of passion.

My heart aches for my brother-in-law David, and his sweet children. I can't even wrap my brain around all they are facing and will face in the days ahead but I do know that they are not walking the journey alone, God is there with them each and every step of the way and He will never fail them, EVER!

I received a message on facebook from my neice Rachel asking if I would pray for a family they go to school with as they lost their dad yesterday, the day of Linda's funeral. This is a snippit of what she asked:
"if you could pray for them that God brings them healing, just like He did
for our family, that would be awesome!"
what a blessing these children are to us, not only is she grieving the loss of her mom, but is now asking for prayer for two girls who just lost their dad.

WOW! I am amazed at the grace that God gives and especially how sweetly and perfectly He gives it! Thank you for allowing me to share our journey this week, and especially THANK YOU for all your kind words and your prayers. They were much needed and definitely felt.

May God's perfect Grace be yours today and throughout this beautiful Christmas Season.

WOW! today was unbelievably tough. I wish I wasn't so tired and spent to share. Both Den and I are overwhelmed with grief for his brother and his kids. It was one heart-wrenching afternoon and if I could so impose on all of you again to remember us all tomorrow as we attend the funeral. We are supposed to get a whopper of a snowstorm too! Lots to deal with, to think about, to process.

PS I couldn't wait to get home to get a hug from each of my kids!

Please pray for Den and I as we travel to Holland tomorrow for the viewing. We got a call from his brother that there will be a special family viewing at 1. It will be a tough time for sure. I just got off of Facebook with their oldest daughter. She is doing ok at the moment. She has been suffering from chronic migraines for the past year but has been, amazingly headache free, these past few days. She also has a younger brother who doesn't seem to be able to show any emotion and she is really concerned for him, he is 15. Again, I would ask that you would uphold David, Andy, Josh, Lisa, Aaron and Rachel in your prayers. One thing Lisa did say when we were cyber chatting is that she hopes they make it through the next two days. Her mom's parents will be there tomorrow and she said that seeing them will be the toughest for her and her siblings. Again, thank you all for your kind words and your willingness to uphold our family in your prayers. Isn't the body of Christ awesome? even if we don't personally know one another we can still "bear each others burden's". I am blessed to have you all in my life!

Medicine to the rescue!

I took Colson and Victoria to the doctor this morning. Colson had a high fever, Victoria had a low-grade fever and I found out they both have strep. Colson also has Scarlett Fever and his excema is running rampant across his body. I just feel so bad for this sweet little guy, when he gets hit, he really gets hit. Both kids are on antibiotics and Colson is on liquid steroids. Maybe by Wednesday they will have turned the corner to recovery. I know it will be another LONG night of restless sleep for those two. They both ended-up sleeping with me and Den in Colson's bed. Sometime in the night Colson awoke me and said, "Mom, looks who's standing by your side of the bed." I turned over and there was Victoria. I pulled her into bed and then Colson asks, "who won Survivor?" I told him to go to sleep and when he got up he could watch the rest of the program from last night. Crazy kid! I almost chuckled out loud but was just too tired!!!!

Sunday Morning

Today was Jacqueline and Colson's Christmas Program at
church. They were so excited, however, Colson woke up sick
yesterday and still was under the weather today. But, alas,
Tylenol and Ibuprofen to the rescue! Both the kids had solo
parts and they both did fabulous! Lots of compliments on
their singing! Here are a few moments I captured before the
kids left for Sunday School.

I wish I could share with you their "shining moments" but

I did not bring a card for my video camera I only had a tape.

Such a bummer too! We did tape it but am not able to upload

it to the computer. You will just have to trust me that they

were "FANTASTIC"!

Busy

It's been a busy few days around here, and quite exciting too.

• Bryan left for his final testing at the Colorado State Police Academy
• Finished all my Christmas Shopping
• Wrapped all my gifts (this is HUGE people, with so many in our family even a few gifts are alot!)
• We celebrated Branden's 23rd birthday (my sweet little boy has turned into quite the man)
• Bryan passed all of his tests, at the top of his class, and is now choosing a general area in the state of Colorado.
• Den has a job interview today (again. . .this is HUGE people)

Just random life around here. Excited for all God is doing and anxious to see it all play out. Enjoy this blessed Christmas season, it's a gift!

No errands today. . . . .

I had planned on running a few errands later

this morning but when I walked into the livingroom

to put Victoria's coat on this is what I found. Poor

little baby, and bless her sweet little heart. I just

didn't have the heart to disturb her and I tried to hurry

to get a memory because she was sleeping with her hands

folded together and it was just so precious!

Free at last. . . . Free at last. . . .
Its official classes were done as of 12 midnight last night! It feels so good. . . . the pressure has lifted!!! I am off to U of M today to sell back the books and get next semesters. This past semester I was late in purchasing and had to buy two new books, which cost, literally, an arm and a leg, and I know I will not get a fraction of what I payed for them, but hoping that it will be enough to cover the used books I need.

We were hit with a winter storm last night. Unbelievable! Jacqueline had a choir concert last night, we left at 5:45 with bare roads and warmer temps, 40ish, only to find exactly 1 hour later nasty freezing rain/snow and slippery roads. Amazing! Of course we were all hoping, hoping, hoping for a snow day today but NOPE, as always the best of the storm went north of us but we are still in a winter storm watch through tomorrow. Which brings me to my next comment, Bryan leaves for Colorado tomorrow am, early, for his finals with the State Police Academy. To say he is excited is an understatement. He has been packing since Sunday! We are excited for him as well, what an opportunity!

Well the quiet is quickly coming to a close around here, with the showers running above and beside, and I know it won't be but minutes before my sweet little Victoria is up! She is quite the early bird!

Enjoy your day, every minute of it!!! I am hoping to finish up my Christmas shopping! WooHoo!

Walking in a Winter wonderland. . . .

It is absolutely gorgeous out this morning, definitely puts you in the mood for Christmas and all its festivities. I did Brennan's early morning paper route (he is on a retreat with Brett and Blake) and found the sidewalks to the building we deliver too slippery, so much so that I landed right on my keister! So I went back in and salted the walks. What if it was a senior citizen who had fallen? Anyways with that task out of the way for the day, I was able to come home and enjoy some warm java and watch it snow, snow, snow. Our temps are hovering around 15, and it's is definitely cold. Jacqueline and Colson are getting ready to head out to play. I need to start laundry but I just dread heading down to the "black hole" because there isn't just one mountain but many. UGH!

Our Gingerbread House Event was a HUGE success. We had well over 225 people attend; many commented on what a great time they had, and wow, the houses they built out of 6 graham crackers were amazing. (I am totally not creative at all, thats where Den's creative juices come in handy around here, but he was busy last night with the older boys at a retreat) Colson made his house with my help, I just got it set up for him and he did all the decorating. Both kids had fun. Bless my girls heart, she helped me all night long, and it was a l-o-n-g night. We arrived at school at 4:30 with intentions of coming home, for dinner at 6, but people arrived an hour early (I guess they were excited) we were ready, so we just let the families begin. It was a constant flow of families until about 7:45. By the time we got everything cleaned and back in place we arrived home after 9, exhausted! I did swing by Mac's for a late dinner for Jacqueline. We all fell asleep on the sofa and Den woke us up at 12:15 when he got home! It's also a treat getting to know other parents when organizing events. One other mom, Teresa, was a huge help to me and it was fun working alongside her and hearing her story. I treasure these moments, these connections.

Enjoy your weekend! I have a ladies Christmas dinner tonight! So much excitement for one weekend, I just can't contain myself!

WHEW. . . . . .

Tonight we have our annual build a gingerbread house at the kids elementary school. Myself and a friend are in charge of this event. Little did I know when I so quickly volunteered that I would have to make the frosting. I just finished filling 90 ziploc bags of frosting. What a job, actually, it went rather fast. I still need to make a bit more but ran out of eggs. My friend made 50 bags. We have a huge group signed up for the event. Last year there was only 30 families this year we have over 200 people. Amazing. Its a cheap evening with your kids, we charge only $2 and you get to make a house, and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate. I know with the economy the way it is most families are looking for ways to spend time with their kids that doesn't cost and arm and a leg! My kids are excited and even anxious to go along and help set-up! What a gift they are to me!

It's a "MOPS" morning!

I just love the first Thursday of the month because that means we have MOPS (mothers of pre-schoolers). Its such a great morning out, and such a great time of sharing and visiting with other moms, and to top off the morning we get a catered luncheon! Its a gift and a sweet bit of pampering.

*Just in case you were wondering I still have about 8 loads of laundry left, it never goes away just continue to grow! Maybe today it will get caught-up but I highly doubt it! I guess it will be there no matter what!

Popcorn and Public Television

My oldest son called me this morning, from Africa, and as we

were chatting Victoria kept asking for "op-orn". Being the stern

mom that I am I said "yes" and popped her a bag. She wanted to

watch a fav show of hers on PBS and eat her popcorn in her

stroller (demanding little thing isn't she???) so of course,

I let her. This is how I found her after I did yet "another" load

of laundry. Isn't it just the cutest ever???????

off went the educational program and on came

Christmas tunes!

another day at it!
Not much going on around here this week, just trying to get back into the swing of life. Having been sick pretty much the entire weekend I didn't do any laundry to speak of. When I went into the "dark hole", yesterday, to begin the job of sorting and making piles, I got a bit overwhelmed; I not only had piles in the laundry room but they also spilled out into the familyroom too! I counted and there were 20 loads. (Seriously I honestly don't mind doing laundry, its the putting away that I loathe) I got the washer humming away and began the rest of my morning chores. By mid afternoon when I had gotten a text from Den asking what I was doing I imformed him that it was STILL laundry and that I had done 10 loads. The worst part to this whole scenario is that by bedtime there would be more and that you just can't ever get "caught-up". The mountain just continues to grow...............

Well, its 5:30am and I am back at it again today. I have noticed that there must be some big mice down there because the piles keep getting messed-up. . . . .(boys looking for something particular and not caring if it washed or not).

This is also my last week of classes and I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to have this semester come to an end. Tough classes! enough said!

I really need to get myself in gear, as we have a busy morning on tap today. I drop Brett and Blake off at school, 7:15, drop Jacqueline off at school for an early morning choir rehearsal at 7:45; Colson catches the bus at 8:15 and then get myself and Victoria ready for the day. So thankful for dark mornings because I rarely get dressed to take the kids to school!! If any of you take your kids to school do you dress beforehand??? just curious. I know I am not the only one around these parts to do this because I have heard from several other moms that they do the same thing! I was thinking one morning we should all just get together for coffee in our pj's! How fun!

Well gotta run and get life in "full-swing". First stop is to turn on the coffee maker. AHHHH........I so look forward to that each morning (however, the past 5 days I haven't been able to smell it or taste it, and thats a complete downer)

Doesn't she have just the finest taste in jewelry?

Instead of jewels and beads, she prefers. . . .

camo dog necklaces!

3 Cheers for a SnowDay!!!!
We have, at least, 6+ inches of snow, maybe more and its still snowing! What a gift to extend our Thanksgiving Holiday with another day off! I was rocking Victoria this morning, 1:30am, and Branden, Bryan and Ben had just come in from playing out in the snow. They were so excited because they built the younger kids a snow fort! How cute is that???? 23, 21, and a 19 year old, my little boys, playing in the snow. I LOVE IT!

Our little "snuggle bug" loves her brothers! Bryan had just
gotten on the sofa to do some "surfing" and it wasn't long before
Victoria crawled up onto his lap.

Beautiful snow

Thankful Thanksgiving. . . .
What a blessed week we've had around here. Fun times with family and lots of laughter too! We just love having the kids around and they can be so entertaining and hilarious. I haven't laughed so much in so long. Dan even commented that he hasn't seen Elizabeth laugh like this in months! It was so good for all of us. Scottie has spent the entire week here, too, sleeping wherever he could find a place to lay his head, and we were given a queen size mattress set so Dan and Elizabeth had a place to sleep as well. It seems like there is so much planning and anticipating and in, almost a blink of an eye, its over. We were all heartbroken to see Dan and Elizabeth leave this afternoon, but know that in just a few weeks we will share Christmas together.

After dinner on Thanksgiving night (we eat late) we sat around the table chatting and then decided to have each one share something they were thankful for. What a gift these kids are to their dad and I. After all had shared, there wasn't a dry eye in the house, many tender cherished moments were etched away in our memories forever.

Life. . . .Love. . . .Laughter

Part II

Me and my best friend!
3 more handsome guys!
Benjamin, Bryan and Brett

all 14 of us!

Life. . . .Love. . . .Laughter

We took our family to Applebee's tonight

for dinner. Well actually, we ate late, and

enjoyed the 1/2 off appetizer menu. What a great

time we all had! I loved seeing the look on the

hostesses face when she asked how many were

in our party and my response was "14"!

Just a few shots of our Thanksgiving Eve dinner.

Victoria enjoying "everyone's" attention
Wouldn't be a party without Daniel and Elizabeth,
with Jacqueline squeezed in.
Brett, Blake, Brennan and Jacqueline

Aren't they handsome?

Den, Branden and Benjamin

Cute Megan (Ben's girlfriend) and Colson.

Colson just had to make sure he sat by her and

even asked Ben, "are you two back together?"

This kid is way too old for 6!

a Colson-ism. . .
Yesterday, Casey, Elizabeth, Jacqueline and I went to school to pick Colson up. (he has an after-school art class each Monday) As we were leaving the building, Casey said, something along these lines, "Colson, don't you just love hanging out with girls?" to which Colson replied, "at least your all family. . . . ."

a rare treat. . . . .
We have quite a few "man-boys" who lift weights around here. Almost everyday they talk about getting a massage and how good it would feel. A few weeks ago their dad, "the ultimate man-boy" had one and he was the envy of everyone. So Sunday afternoon I gave my friend a call and asked if she would have pity on these boys of mine and give them massages. She stopped over last night, with her table and oils, and put her hands to work. What a special gift this was to four of the guys and in between I was able to get one myself. The last time I "enjoyed" a massage was when we lived in Boulder and I had a stiff neck for over 6 weeks and a friend brought her table over and worked it out. It wasn't as enjoyable but it still felt pretty good. Let me tell ya' last night was AWESOME! OH MY GOSH! pure joy, pure relaxation, pure bliss. I fell asleep before the last "man-boy" was finished and am anxious to see how he liked it. He was really reserved about it before going in as he just doesn't like anyone rubbing his back, etc. He said he was going to give it 5 minutes and see if he liked it. Well I am sure he lasted the whole 1/2 hour!
If you read this, sweet friend, thank you from the bottoms of our hearts! Your talents were a gift to this family for sure!

NOTE: if you've never had a massage, GO FOR IT! you won't be sorry.

What a "busy" weekend!
I will share it through bullet points because to write about it would take up way too much time!

Friday:

• Laundry, laundry and more laundry
• 3-hour Dodgeball Tournament at the Junior High
• Late night Grocery Shopping (saved $40 with coupons)
• Laundry
• Bed at 1am

Saturday:

• Early morning papers (6am)
• Meijer
• Krogers
• Laundry
• Tropical Sun Tanning (ahhhh)
• Shower
• Lunch and shopping with my sweet friend, Vanita
• Surprise 50th party for me! (my precious kids from ND came home for this)
• Friends/family come over after party
• Laughter with the family
• Clean-up
• Listening to my older boys play Monopoly! (what a hoot)
• Write Thank-you's (11:00pm)
• Bedtime 12am

What a great whirlwind of a weekend! I was surprised, to say the least, at the party and it was so "wonderful" to see some very special and dear friends, their love and thoughtfulness touched my heart. And a special award goes to my sweet, wonderful husband who took on the daunty task of planning this surprise. Thank you, Honey, for all you do for me, our children and others and thanks for throwing the party, however, I wish it could have just been a party and not about me turning the big 5 - 0!

I am off to my kids elementary school today for our annual Thanksgiving Dinner. It's such a fun luncheon and the school cafeteria goes all out to prepare a festive feast, as well as, the students do all the decorating. It's such a priviledge to eat with the kids. I remember when we first moved here, 9 years ago, we had 5 boys in elementary and what a joy it was to share this lunch with them. I know they didn't particulary enjoy the school's "lunch" but we surely enjoyed our time together. Time passes and we are down to just Colson and Jacqueline in elementary now and I am "pumped" to share lunch withTHEM today. We always "dress-up" for this special occasion too because. . . . it's just so. . . .SPECIAL!

The journey begins. . . .

Bryan will be entering the CSP Academy in January.

He received the "much awaited" call yesterday

and to tell you that he is excited is an understatement!

Happy "49th and holding" Birthday

Happy Birthday Sweetheart... As you can see I hi-jacked your blog site! I just wanted all your readers to see that same "spirit"(WOW!) and beauty has always been present in you. You will alwasy be a kid at heart thats what keeps you so young and beautiful! I pray that this will be a new year and season for you as you continue to reach for new goals. In the busyness of life your family so often forgets the gift of grace God has granted us in you. We are blessed! Happy Birthday and though you are forever young may your wisdom continue to grow as your beauty has with God's hand of blessing on you!

With Love ....You're Forever Mine

"birthday breakfast"

This morning after I did my son's early morning

paper route, I came home to find this sitting on

my diningroom table! My sweet precious girl,

Jacqueline, made me breakfast while I was

out! I was so touched. This is the first time "ever"

that anyone has made me breakfast! With tears in my eyes

I sat down and read my card and ate my delicious breakfast

(oh she also made my coffee too!)

Awake too early=sleeping too early

. . . . with her passie beside her too!

"our beautiful tree"

. . . .the stockings were hung by the chimney with care. . . .

My apologies for the brief lapse. . . alot of stuff going on, trying to figure it all out, trying to make sure we are following Christ through it all. I have several huge projects due in my classes and they are about pushing me over the edge. My computer class, which is basic computers, is assuming that you know everything about excel and axcess (of which I know NOTHING) and I have come to a standstill with 3 assignments. My Geography class has two papers due this week too! CRAZY! anyone remember the old Calgon commercials??? everything is going haywire and a girl screams. . . . ."CALGON. . . . . TAKE ME AWAY. . . . . . ." thats how I feel!!!! I am thinking, these days, what did I get myself into? looking forward to December 16th when the classes will end, and to January when new ones begin!

On a bright note we put up our Christmas Trees Saturday! What fun and what a great way to forget about the "stuff" and enjoy. Brett sat up the trees and prepared them for me; Colson and Jacqueline helped with the lights and the kids put on their ornaments (lots of hands=lots accomplished). I decorated very simply throughout the house and I love love love it! It's so peaceful with the tree lights on, and Christmas music playing in the background (gotta love that comcast channel 424 with the Christmas music 24/7)

Bryan, Branden and I went out and did some "power" Christmas shopping last night. It was so much fun with those two! I had a ball. By the time we were on our way home the backseat of Brandens truck was full and Bryan was squished to the door (I could have sat back there but too clostrophobic for me). I don't know too many man-boys who love to shop like mine. They wear me out! What a blessing these kids are to me and how thankful I am that they brighten my "every single day", making me smile and laugh!

Too busy dealing with life issues to blog. Maybe one day I will have more time but for now, I've got nothin'!