Precious keepsakes and friends

The kids and I put up Christmas decorations this week. These are my favorite. The nativity set is from Holly. She made it in art class last year. The angel and the baby Jesus in a toilet paper roll is from Sam. I'm sure you have some of these too...the popsicle ornaments, the paper snowflakes, all those homemade Christmas cards that you just can't get rid of.

I have lots of new Christmas stuff and I love that too but I will never get tired of setting these precious things out every year.

It's kind of the same thing with this gal...

This is my forever friend Susie. She lives in Iowa. I spent about an hour and a half on the phone with her today. We basically talked about nothing. We do that a lot. We also finish each other's sentences, understand each other's sense of humor, both have no guilt over cheating at board games, and use the same excuses for not exercising. I hope you have a friend like Susie. I have made some wonderful friends here in Washington and I have grown to love and appreciate them so much but it's good to know I don't have to give up my old friends either.

November 29 gratitude journal entry: Susie and the fact that she now has the Verizon friends and family plan.

Oh, here's my other entries...

November 27: I am grateful for "Washington family". It's so nice to have family to spend Thanksgiving with. This year was especially special since last year my brother-in-law spent his holidays in the hospital.

November 28: I am grateful that Holly and I survived Black Friday....we didn't even need to stand in line at Target!

Happy Birthday Amy Jo!

On this day, 35 years ago, my parents gave me the most wonderful gift in the world...a baby sister!
For some insane reason that I can't quite understand, Amy was a little nervous about what I was going to post on my blog today.
I believe this is a direct quote from last week, "DeAnn Marie, if you put any STUPID pictures of me on your blog, you are so dead."
And folks, I take this threat very seriously. My little sister can beat me up. I can remember once incident when we were just youngsters when she actually made my nose bleed by squishing my head into the floor. She actually paid me a portion of her allowance to not tell mom and dad.
So, as to avoid any more violence (isn't this world violent enough already?) and because I want to respect my sister's wishes on this, her birthday...I will only post this one. The rest are nice. Enjoy.

Aren't we so cute? I love the "shy thing" Amy has going on too. Hard to believe just a couple years later, she would give me a bloody nose.

Here we are at John's Dordt graduation. I LOVE those glasses. Did you and mom shop for them together?

Here we are in San Fransisco. Remember what mom said about "San Fransisco's reputation" when we got back to the hotel? He He He

And here we are with the Cat in the Hat. He's actually a close, personal friend of my sisters which is why we were able to get this photo with him. Either that or we are at Islands of Adventure in Florida.

Here we are with our boys!
So, there you have it. Mostly nice pictures of my Amy Jo. Happy birthday dear sister! I love you for so many reasons....you can always make me laugh, you spoil my kids rotten, you gave me the most awesome nephew in the world, you are a wonderful traveling partner, you eat mom's cranberry salad so I don't have to, you are the biggest-hearted, most giving person I know and I wouldn't trade you for the world. Have a wonderful day!
Gratitude journal entry for November 26: my little sister

I hate to brag....

My parents left today. I was sad to see them go and I think they were sad too. They were sad because they would miss the grandkids and the theological discussions and the brandy slush and the beautiful Washington weather but mostly they were sad because....
John and I beat the pants off them at our SKIPBO tournament! YEAH!
Check out the scoresheet:
As you can see, they were up three games on the 14th but after that, everything went downhill. The last game they won was on the 16th and after that DJ (Dee and John) took charge! Maybe next time guys??!
Gratitude journal entry for November 24: I am grateful that it didn't snow while my dad was here.
Oh yeah, it's cousin Mark's birthday today. Happy Birthday to the best hiking guide we know!
Here we are on Table Rock this summer:

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday. I won't say how old she is but I will say that it's a BIG one! I feel pretty honored that she chose to spend it in Washington with us.

I have a great mom. The only thing I don't like about her is that she lives so far away. It has been so much fun having her here and watching her with my kids. She's a great mom but I would of really liked her as a grandma too! She picked Holly up from school and took her to the bakery for coffee and "just to chat". She put the same puzzle together with Sam about a zillion times. She changed Katie's poopy diaper (now that's love) and basically didn't let her cry...ever...for two weeks.

My mom has always been my biggest fan...and she still is. God has given her the gift of encouragement and she has and still does choose to lavish it on me! Whenever I need to share good news or need to cry or need a boost of self confidence or need a good kick in the behind to get going - she's the one I call. That's why my gratitude journal entry for November 22 is cell phones and the Verizon friends and family plan and for November 23 it's my mom.

We celebrated her birthday last night by going here:

What a hoot! I haven't been bowling in forever (and it showed in my score) but we all had a good time and laughed a lot.
Here's my mom...I love how she's actually tilting to her right, hoping that the bowl follows her body.

We discovered that Sam can bowl. I mean, he can really bowl. Check out his score:

Yes, that is with bumpers but he still beat the bejeebers out of my mom and Holly.
Here I am celebrating my first spare of the night:

Okay, maybe I don't get out enough.
On the other end of the spectrum...here's my dad lamenting that he is losing to John.

He claims he bowls better in Arizona. That's probably because he's bowling with eighty year olds.
After bowling, we went to dinner at Billy McHales. Here's my mom getting sung to:

I love the look on Sam's face. I bet he's just wishing they would leave so he can start eating the sundae they brought.

A little of this and a little of that...

Yeah, the love of the boots hasn't worn off yet. This morning, this is how he came out of his room...John Deere cap, flannel shirt with serious button issues and jeans tucked into the cowboy boots. This boy knows how to dress.
This was a busy day with lots going on....
* John's nurse had surgery today. We are so thankful that things went well. Kerri is a real sweetheart. She's a good friend to me, my kids all adore her, and John is most definitely a better doctor because of her. Our family wishes her a very speedy recovery (especially her boss).
* My mom and I got her photo Christmas card done today. For a couple of gals who do not claim to be real creative or real good on the computer, I think we did a fine job.
* My dad gave our lawn mower a tune up today. I'm pretty sure it was the most intensive tune up a lawnmower has ever had. Check it out...

He actually scrubbed the wheels! I don't think my lawn mower looked this good when I brought it home from the store!
* We set up the Christmas tree today. Yes, I know it's early but it's really a pain to set up so I figured having a few extra sets of hands to help would be nice. My dad flat out refused to help. He mumbled something about it being too early for a Christmas tree but I really think he was just way too into the lawn mower. My mom helped for a little while but then came up with an excuse to go to the store. Sam "helped" me the whole time. Lucky me.
* My folks, Sam, Katie, and I went to Auntie Grace's for coffee this morning. As usual, she had Dove chocolates and I had two dark ones....I love the dark ones. Inside the wrapper of one it said, "Sing like no one is listening". What does that mean? Do people sing differently when they figure that someone is listening? Does it mean feel free to sing badly? Do you think the Dove people are aware that I am not a good singer and sometimes feel bad about that?
* The whole family (minus Katie) went to see Holly in her 6th grade musical tonight. She was WONDERFUL! In my completely unbiased opinion, she was the star of the show! All the kids did a great job and it was lots of fun to watch.
She played the part of Cassie, a girl who's trying to get her dad "back on track" with the Lord. Here she is with her dad and fellow school mate...

Here she is with her real dad after the show...

*And finally...it's my friend Julie's birthday today. Julie amazes me. She has four kids and lots of stuff always going on but she is the most organized, informed, on-time person I know. If I need to know anything from how to make good Italian sodas to where to go to get the best deal on leggings to when the kids have spring break in the year 2011 to how to get rid of red eyes on my mom's Christmas card...I go to Julie. This picture is from a couple years back but I thought it was appropriate. Always the mulit-tasker...

November 21: I am very grateful that Kerri's surgery went well.

Boots

Check out what Sam got in the mail today! Chase outgrew his cowboy boots and guess who gets them now? A big thanks to Aunt Jen for mailing them to us (and also for including lots of extra goodies). To say he likes the boots would perhaps be the biggest understatement of the year. He put them on as soon as he got them and they didn't come off until he got into bed tonight. When he changed into his jammies (the flame jammies are also from Chase), the boots came on too - over his Grinchy socks of course.

Anyhoo, I now know why Teacher Leslie has a rule about no cowboy boots in preschool. Sam and I were playing "monster" tonight (basically I chase him and make very scary noises) and he accidentally hit me in the ankle with the boots. OUCH! Yeah, good rule Teacher Leslie.

Gratitude journal entries:

November 18 - I am grateful that John and I are up three games in SKIPBO. It's almost embarrassing how badly we are beating mom and dad!

November 19 - I am grateful for Auntie Grace. She took a bunch of us gals to lunch today. She is most definitely the sweetest lady I know. When we moved here three years ago, she was my lifesaver. I hope she knows what a blessing she is to me and my family...maybe I'll call her and tell her right now because I'm quite sure she doesn't read my blog!

November 20 - I am grateful for my shining-star-Holly. The sixth grade musical debuted today and my girl definitely stole the show. More on that tomorrow....

Headband or garter belt???

My mom got Katie dressed yesterday and out of the bedroom came this bundle of cuteness. My mom found the headband buried in the depths of the closet somewhere. She has never worn a headband because the "men in my life" (my dad and my husband) think they are garter belts. As expected, my dad was not impressed. As expected, it took John quite a while to notice it when he got home. Sam thought it was hilarious - he just kept laughing at her, especially when it fell down and covered her eyes!
I was just impressed she left it on all day. It made for some really cute photo shots.
Unlike last night....
My folks and I went shopping yesterday and I got Katie this fancy, fluffy, frilly Christmas dress (thanks for telling me about the new consignment shop Julie!) I tried it her on last night after her bath. Katie loved her new dress...she loved to chew on it. The fancy, fluffy, frillyness was just too tasty I guess. My mom and I both took about a thousand pictures of her in it but she was way too into eating the dress. This is the best one. This is when she decided she would eat her toes instead.


Maybe she'll be more cooperative at Christmas??!!
It's my niece Rachel's birthday today! YEAH! Rachel is just three months older than Holly and they have grown up as great friends as well as cousins. I remember many shopping trips to Sam's Club with Mike and Janet and we would always be asked if they were twins. HAPPY 12TH BIRTHDAY...wish we were there to celebrate with you!


Rachel and Holly - 5 years old. I wonder if they still would think matching shirts were cool?

Best Buddies

I'll admit it...I intentionally turned Sam into a mamma's boy. It's John's fault. The Milli-second Holly was born, he claimed her. Most little girls are their daddy's princesses but John and Holly are "best buddies". They have been since forever. Holly had no choice because John told her they were best buddies the first time he held her and he's told her nearly every day since then. And did you know that you can only have one "best buddy"...you can have lots of "buddies" but only one "best buddy"?

So, as soon as that nice ultrasound technician told me I was having a boy, I thought - perfect - boy's love their mommas. And he does. I'm the one he comes to when he falls off his bike or if he has a nightmare or if he feels like cuddling on the couch with a book. I even occasionally get to be Lightning McQueen when we play cars. However, I am beginning to realize that our relationship lacks the "best buddy" component so evident with Holly and John. Sam apparently can have more than one "best buddy". This past week, it's been Grandpa. In the past, it's also been Teacher Leslie, Auntie Grace, Kerri, his cousin Chase, Uncle Gary and Aunt Sally (mostly because they give him chocolate milk and let him play with the train downstairs), the lady at the bank who gave him a sucker....okay, maybe not that last one. But you get my idea. I am pretty easily replaced.

Anyway, we've been having a good time with my folks. The weather has actually been fairly decent. We've been able to work outside (okay, mostly my dad has been working outside) and take some walks. This past weekend we explored Vancouver. We went to Tim Hortons, the science center, walked downtown to Gastown, and then went to Moby Dick's for fish and chips. It was a fun day. Yesterday we had a bunch of John's family over for dinner and then played cards. Of course, with John's family, you don't really play cards. You talk and yell a lot and occasionally remember that fifteen minutes ago you bid and that maybe you should start laying some cards down before you forget what you bid.

Today we are going to Auntie Denise's house for lunch and I'm pretty sure that Holly and Grandma are going to the bakery for a cookie after school. Maybe I can get her to take Grandpa with her...then I'll be alone with Sam and I'll be the best buddy for awhile.

Gratitude journal entries:

November 14: I am grateful for legs that can walk, arms that can hug, ears that hear, eyes that see, healthy lungs, a strong heart, etc etc etc

November 15: I am grateful for Tim Hortons toasted coconut donuts

November 16: I am grateful for Sundays...God sure knew what he was doing when he told us to rest one day a week.

November 17: I am so grateful that Sam (and Holly and Katie too) have so many people in their lives that love them and watch out for them and pray for them.

Taking a walk in City park:

Me and John playing at the science center:

Vancouver is doing some major construction since the 2010 winter Olympics will be there:

The science center at night:

Busy

This picture of Katie is dedicated to my sister Amy who called last night to complain that I haven't been blogging since my parents got here. She said (and I quote), "I haven't gotten a picture of Katie since Halloween." So, here she is Amy...has she changed much in 13 days?

We've been busy.

Busy going out for breakfast; busy playing SKIPBO, GO FISH, and cars; busy wrestling; busy drinking brandy slushes; busy reading book after book after book; busy composing Christmas letters; busy making sure the Edaleen ice cream shop isn't too badly affected by the economy; busy finding bargains at the Thrift store; busy cuddling Katie; and busy doing this...

On Tuesday Holly had off school for Veteran's day so we baked all day. We made lemon cookies, mashed potato candy (tastes just like a Mounds Bar - YUM), and almond puff pillows. Here they are...
So much fun. Especially since while we were baking, we were listening to...

I know it's a little early but baking goodies just puts you in the mood!



Gratitude journal entries...

November 11: I am grateful for all the men and women who protected (and are protecting) my country and all my rights that I easily take for granted.

November 12: Today was Coffee Break day. I am so grateful for the Bible and how even though it was written thousands of years ago, it is still applicable to my life today. I am also grateful for the gals who lead my Bible study and the gals who take care of my children so I can be there. They give of their time and talents and expect nothing in return.

November 13: Blue skies and sunshine...this is really something to be grateful for in Washington!

Weekend Happenings

Long time...no blog. My parents got here on Friday night so I've been occupied elsewhere. It's amazing how your household changes when Grandpa and Grandma come. First of all, my children - who I usually have to drag out of bed in the morning - are up at the butt crack of dawn. Second, I feel the need to have large amounts of goodies on hand. Holly walked into the pantry and said, "Wow, I LOVE it when company comes because we get the GOOD food (meaning good to eat but bad for you). And then there's the SKIPBO tournament. Each time they come we play it almost every night and keep track of our wins. Mom and Dad are up by two games already - too bad Holly has school and has to get to bed or I'd change partners....I'm pretty sure John is bringing me down.

It was at our SKIPBO time last night that the topic of Heaven came up. We discussed all the usuals - whether or not we'd be married, whether babies would be babies, would we recognize each other, etc. etc. John has always looked forward to Heaven because John would like to be retired. Not someday...now. He figures even if there are jobs in Heaven that he will not be working because there is no sickness. I always assure him that God has something special in mind for him. Just as we are having this deep discussion, Katie throws up all over. As John is cleaning it up he says, "God better not make me work in the nursery in Heaven. I don't like babies."

Speaking of John....this past Thursday, he went to Anthonys for supper. A drug rep took his whole office which means when John ordered a beer, he was carded in front of all his co-workers. He loved it! He also ate raw oysters. When he came home and described it, I threatened to never kiss him again. That is just wrong to eat something that disgusting.

We got family pictures taken on Saturday morning. I'm fairly sure the only time it rained on Saturday was that hour that we were getting our pictures taken. I estimate she took 250 pictures. I am hoping that we get one with everyone looking at her.

Gratitude journal entries...
November 7: I am grateful that my parents are safely checked into the Hiemstra hotel.

November 8: I am grateful for an abundance of food. We went to Costco today and we are so blessed to have actual warehouses of food available to us, something we all take for granted.

November 9: I am grateful that I can go to church and freely worship.

November 10: I am grateful for the scones and Irish Cream flavored coffee at the Dutch Bakery.

We put my parents to work on Saturday. Actually we put my dad to work, mom held Trixie and supervised...

Exercising...my lips

I am so weak. Thursday is preschool day which means I am suppose to walk with my friend Julie after we drop the kids off. It is raining. I know - big surprise - raining in Washington. My friend Julie calls and suggests that we walk the stairs at my house. I tell her that I really need to go to Bellingham to run errands. And I really do. My parents will be here this weekend (YEAH) and I need food and toilet paper. I hang up and no more than five minutes later my friend Nikki calls. Do I want to come over for coffee? Sure I do. Bellingham, food, and toilet paper can wait. Before you think I'm a horrible friend...let me clarify. Julie was invited too. So, I had a lovely morning sharing good coffee and good conversation with some good friends. I may be weak but I have my priorities straight.

Gratitude journal entries...

November 5: chocolate

November 6: good friends that know that coffee is more important than exercise

Here is the view from where I am sitting right now...

At least you don't have to shovel it.

Oh yeah...It was my nephew Pete's birthday yesterday. He is a teenager now. He is one of the funnest (yes, I realize that's not actually a word) kids I know. We were lucky enough to have Pete stay with us for a few days a couple summer's ago. Here he is eating a raw clam straight out of the water at Birch Bay. We dared him to do it. Those of you with young children, you may want to reconsider ever leaving your kids alone with us.

HAPPY 13th BIRTHDAY PETE!

Presidents on the brain

My children definitely had presidents on the brain today. This was our conversation in the car tonight....

Holly: "Mom did you know that the president makes about $400,000.00 a year and a professional baseball player makes about $1,200,000.00 a year?"

Me: "Nope."

Sam: "Mom did you know that the president lives in a house that is white?"

Me: "Yep, I knew that one."

Holly: "Mom did you know that a guy can actually win the election but not be the person who most Americans want as president?"

Me: "Yep, I knew that one too."

Sam: "Mom did you know that the president gets his own airplane and he doesn't need to share it with anyone?"

Pretty smart kids huh? Sure wish I could vote for one of them...I think I would be a lot less anxious right now and I could fly anywhere I wanted for free.

Here's my gratitude journal entry for yesterday and today...

November 3: I am so grateful for a husband that loves me even after sixteen years.

November 4: I am grateful that no matter who wins the election, God is still in control, Jesus still loves me, and the Holy Spirit will still move.

Here's a picture that doesn't have to do anything to do with anything above but I don't like blogs without pictures.

Sam has become insanely jealous of Katie's apple hat. He wears it any chance he can get.

A little glimpse of Heaven

Last night we went to a combined Reformation service with the other CRC churches here in Lynden - and in case you've never been here...there are a lot! It was wonderful! When you have that many people singing "A Mighty Fortress" together, it's truly like a little glimpse of Heaven. I enjoyed the service so much, I'll even forgive Pastor Woodyard for bashing my new favorite book "The Shack". He must be a Calvin grad - he he he!
Speaking of graduating, I received an e-mail regarding my upcoming 20 year high school reunion. I am so old.
Anyway, I decided to keep a "gratitude journal" this month. I know what you're thinking..."How creative and unique to keep a gratitude journal in the month of November". Okay, I may not be creative and unique but I am fun. So, I also decided I would share my entries on my blog, since I'm not an every-day-blogger, there might be a number of them.
Here are my first two:
November 1: I am so grateful that my parents will be here in a week.
November 2: I am so grateful that I am not in high school anymore.
As promised, here is a picture of Fonzie and his nurses on Halloween. Thanks for the picture Kerri, I hope your planning to put one on the clinic's bulletin board so all those patients not fortunate enough to be sick on October 31 can see Dr. Hiemstra all fancied up!

Two cows and a Thing

Happy day-after-Halloween! Most of my family spent the evening at church celebrating with friends. We had chili, cornbread, and hot apple cider; carved pumpkins; and talked about taking an Alaskan cruise together in about a hundred years when we can afford it. I say most of my family because Holly went to her own party. I guess she's reaching that period in her life when mom and dad are no longer fun. Little does she know...we are a lot of fun.
We even both dressed up yesterday. John had a whole fifties theme going on at his clinic so he was Fonzie. He said some old lady asked him who Fonzie was - he he he. I hope to get a picture from his nurse soon to post on a future blog. I was a doctor. I know, not real original, but I had to spray paint Holly's hair and get two cows ready to go...I didn't have a lot of time. No one took a picture of me because I may be fun but I guess I'm not quite as cute as two cows and a girl with blue hair. By the way, Holly is Thing 1 from "Cat in the Hat". Her friend Jenah was Thing 2. Even though it is 3:00 in the afternoon, my Thing 1 is in bed right now. She's suppose to be outside with her dad raking leaves but apparently she doesn't feel real well. Imagine, not feeling well after staying up until 5:30 this morning and consuming enormous amounts of candy. I hope she gets a lot of sleep because when she wakes up, she will find out exactly how "not fun" mom and dad are.
On a more positive note, here are some more pictures of my little pumpkins...

And here's Holly and Jenah (aka Thing 2)...



It's my nephew Dominick's birthday today so here's a picture of him too. It was taken when they came to Washington a couple years ago...I do believe it's time for another visit VerMeer family!