And no party would be complete without...
Friday, May 28, 2010
Happy Birthday Katie!
Two years ago today Katie Elizabeth became part of our family...none of us have stopped smiling yet! We love you little Destroyer!!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Mother's Day Tea and underwear
This past Tuesday was Sam's kindergarten Mother's Day tea. I don't know who was more excited! He has been looking forward to this day for a couple of weeks and has had to keep so many secrets! Nearly every night when I tucked him in he would tell me that they had many special things planned for the moms and I was "just gonna love them". He was right.
When I got there, all the moms were lined up outside and, one at a time, our kindergartner would come out of their room and present us with a flower and a big kiss. This was hanging up on the bulletin board in the hallway. I will definitely be framing this one! I've always wanted blue eyes!
Once we were all settled in the room, the whole class recited Psalm 23 - both out loud and in sign language. After that we headed down to the gym for our big surprise. It was so cute...all the moms were asking what we were going to do and all the kids were giggling and telling us it was a secret until one boy who just couldn't keep it in any longer yelled, "WE ARE GOING TO BALL ROOM DANCE!" And we did. It was wonderful. I will never listen to "The Tennessee Waltz" without remembering this special dance with my special guy.
After we got back to the room, Sam's teacher showed us a slide show of pictures she had taken throughout the school year. She said she's taken over 1,000 pictures of our kids! I cried through the whole thing.
When I got there, all the moms were lined up outside and, one at a time, our kindergartner would come out of their room and present us with a flower and a big kiss. This was hanging up on the bulletin board in the hallway. I will definitely be framing this one! I've always wanted blue eyes!
Once we were all settled in the room, the whole class recited Psalm 23 - both out loud and in sign language. After that we headed down to the gym for our big surprise. It was so cute...all the moms were asking what we were going to do and all the kids were giggling and telling us it was a secret until one boy who just couldn't keep it in any longer yelled, "WE ARE GOING TO BALL ROOM DANCE!" And we did. It was wonderful. I will never listen to "The Tennessee Waltz" without remembering this special dance with my special guy. 
After we got back to the room, Sam's teacher showed us a slide show of pictures she had taken throughout the school year. She said she's taken over 1,000 pictures of our kids! I cried through the whole thing. Next came tea (in real tea cups) and snacks brought to us on trays by our kindergartner. Amazingly, no tea cups were broken during this process. Those teachers are very brave.
We got presents too!
Here's Sam and his amazing, creative, gentle, energetic, Heaven-sent teacher.
Now...on to the underwear.
All you moms out there know it's never a good thing when you go to get your child up from their nap and you find this in the bed.
Katie's diaper was in her bed but she wasn't. She was under the bed, playing with her dolls and...wearing Sam's underwear (his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle underwear to be exact). Apparently, she decided to take off her pants and diaper and go into Sam's dresser for a pair of big kid panties.
We got presents too!
Here's Sam and his amazing, creative, gentle, energetic, Heaven-sent teacher.
Now...on to the underwear.All you moms out there know it's never a good thing when you go to get your child up from their nap and you find this in the bed.
Katie's diaper was in her bed but she wasn't. She was under the bed, playing with her dolls and...wearing Sam's underwear (his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle underwear to be exact). Apparently, she decided to take off her pants and diaper and go into Sam's dresser for a pair of big kid panties. 
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
My life lately list
1. Apparently, a picture of my new vehicle was not enough for some people. Some people thought they needed more information...like what it is. It's a Honda Pilot. I love it. And yes, I do turn the heated seats on every time I drive it.
2. Also loving my new dishwasher. It has been brought to my attention that in the not so distant past people actually had to wash all their dishes by hand and didn't have "luxuries" like dish washers so I shouldn't make such a big deal out of having to wash dishes for a couple of months. To those people I say: a. A dishwasher is not a luxury, it is a necessity. A maid to load all of the dishes into the dishwasher would be a luxury. b. Leave me alone.
3. Here is a picture of my shower. As you can see, my bathroom is not exactly progressing at the speed I would like.
4. Last week was all about Sam. He had a couple of soccer games, got to celebrate his birthday (a month early) at school and had his end-of-the-year kindergarten picnic.
His class getting ready for their nature walk.
and playing with the parachute.
Here he's just eating cantaloupe but I thought it was a pretty cute picture.
I actually "stole" this picture off of my friend Julie's blog. She is almost a professional photographer.
The (almost) birthday boy.
5. I have been spending a lot of time outside in my yard. I love, love, love this time of year.
6. Three out of the five members of my family are on antibiotics right now. If I had a dime for every time I've had to wipe Katie's nose in the last week, I could afford that maid to load my dishwasher.
7. I am getting tired and running out of stuff for my life lately list so I am going to bed now.
2. Also loving my new dishwasher. It has been brought to my attention that in the not so distant past people actually had to wash all their dishes by hand and didn't have "luxuries" like dish washers so I shouldn't make such a big deal out of having to wash dishes for a couple of months. To those people I say: a. A dishwasher is not a luxury, it is a necessity. A maid to load all of the dishes into the dishwasher would be a luxury. b. Leave me alone.
3. Here is a picture of my shower. As you can see, my bathroom is not exactly progressing at the speed I would like.
4. Last week was all about Sam. He had a couple of soccer games, got to celebrate his birthday (a month early) at school and had his end-of-the-year kindergarten picnic. 
His class getting ready for their nature walk.
and playing with the parachute.
Here he's just eating cantaloupe but I thought it was a pretty cute picture.
I actually "stole" this picture off of my friend Julie's blog. She is almost a professional photographer. 
The (almost) birthday boy. 5. I have been spending a lot of time outside in my yard. I love, love, love this time of year.
6. Three out of the five members of my family are on antibiotics right now. If I had a dime for every time I've had to wipe Katie's nose in the last week, I could afford that maid to load my dishwasher.
7. I am getting tired and running out of stuff for my life lately list so I am going to bed now.
8. One more thing...here's a picture of my beautiful daughter. I must say, she's just been a delight lately. She cooks supper when I'm running late, she changes diapers without being asked, she practices her violin without any nagging, and I can't even remember the last time she rolled her eyes at me.
She's a keeper.
She's a keeper.Thursday, May 20, 2010
(Almost) Wordless Thursday
Just keeping it real here folks. If you could zoom in on the Destroyer you would see thick, green snot coming out of her nose, marker all over her shirt, and a chocolate cupcake in her hand.Happy Thursday!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Momma's got a new ride
And just because it's Flashback Friday, I thought I'd show you our first car. I am ashamed to say that this is the only picture I could find...
John bought this car from his sister while he was at Dordt. There are a lot of great memories tied up in this car. I remember always trying to spot it in the East Campus parking lot so I would know that John was around and I should take the "shortcut" through his building just so I might "happen" to run into him. I remember holding hands and listening to a Journey cassette tape while on the way to Sioux Falls for a date with my honey. I remember making out a check (and writing a letter) to Janet every month until it was paid off. I remember taking lots of trips to Wisconsin and Minnesota with our cat Gus in this car. And even though it didn't have heated leather seats, a sunroof, a navigation system, could hold six CDs and eight passengers (I'm bragging here); I still loved that car just as much as my new one...Okay, that's a lie.
This picture is for all my loved ones in the Midwest....
This is the sun and it is shining here. He he he.And this picture is for my mom...
Katie Kat says she can't wait to see you and that she really wants to sleep upstairs by her Gramma!
Katie Kat says she can't wait to see you and that she really wants to sleep upstairs by her Gramma!Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
My Mother's Day and other fun stuff
I had a lovely Mother's Day! When I got to the breakfast table, there were three smiling kids, an asiago cheese bagel and a foo foo coffee waiting for me. My sweet nephew called to wish me a Happy Mother's Day. My mom sent me a wonderful card and a package that had a lizard necklace in it (I LOVE it mom!). Each of my wonderful children each got me a beautiful hanging basket. We named them Sam, Holly and Destroyer. We are going to see who is the prettiest by the end of the summer.
After church we went to Mark and Edie's house for lunch. I didn't have to bring anything! Mark grilled salmon (so yummy) and my partner and I slaughtered everyone in a fierce game of bocce ball.
The only thing that would have made the day better was if the cowboys would have won the million dollars on Amazing Race. Oh well, can't have it all!
Here's me and two of my new flowers. I believe it's Holly in front of me and Destroyer in the back.
Me and my kiddos. The Destroyer (the kid, not the flower) was NOT in the mood for pictures.
And other fun stuff...The bunk beds work great. Katie only tried to get out once. After a stern talking to by her dad, she laid right down and slept all night. She looks so tiny in her big girl bed! Of course Sam loves his top bunk. I think this time I can confidently pack the crib away...of course I've said that before??!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Moms are cool
I have the best mom and mother-in-law in the world! The only thing I don't like about them is that they live too far away! I wish I was there to celebrate with you both! I love you!
Some things I learned from my mom...
1. Encouragement is definitely a gift. My mom was (and still is) an awesome encourager. I still have the note she left on my pillow when I didn't get a part in the school play. The note I got from her today for Mother's Day I will cherish forever.
2. You don't need to be a good cook or have a fancy house to be hospitable. My mother is the hostest with the mostest but will be the first to admit that she's no Betty Crocker or Martha Stewart.
3. Unconditional love. I went through a phase in high school when I was a huge brat. I was more than an eye roller...much more. My mom loved me through it all.
4. You don't have to be young to be fun. My mom, sister and I have been very blessed to be able to take "girl's only trips". She is adventurous, isn't afraid of very steep hills or restaurants named "Dirty Dicks", and doesn't get embarrassed when her daughters do silly things.
5. To love books. My mom loves to read and so do I. I remember her reading the "Little House" books to me and now I sometimes call her on the way to the library to get suggestions.
Some things I learned from my mother-in-law...
1. Family isn't always blood. When John and I got engaged she asked me to call her mom and I loved that. She has never once called me her daughter-in-law. She introduces me as "This is my Dee" and if people need a further explanation she says, "My John boy's wife".
2. How to cook. I remember when I was a newlywed I called her to ask how to make mashed potatoes. I didn't know if you peeled potatoes before or after you boiled them. She answered my question and didn't make fun of me.
3. Crap is not a swear word.
4. It's better to give than to receive. My mom-in-law is a giver. She's always doing things for others and she'd give them the shirt off her back. The last time I was at her house my sister-in-law and I were doing dishes and told her that we really liked this cool microfiber wash cloth she had. Without saying a word she picked it up, ripped it in half, and gave a piece to both of us.
5. How to have a good time no matter where you are. My mother-in-law works hard and she plays hard too. She loves to laugh and she's good at making others laugh too. On the way to Europe she made friends with our flight attendant. By the end of the flight she had him so wrapped around her finger that he had a special present just for her (too bad it got confiscated by the authorities on the way home).
Some things I learned from my mom...
1. Encouragement is definitely a gift. My mom was (and still is) an awesome encourager. I still have the note she left on my pillow when I didn't get a part in the school play. The note I got from her today for Mother's Day I will cherish forever.
2. You don't need to be a good cook or have a fancy house to be hospitable. My mother is the hostest with the mostest but will be the first to admit that she's no Betty Crocker or Martha Stewart.
3. Unconditional love. I went through a phase in high school when I was a huge brat. I was more than an eye roller...much more. My mom loved me through it all.
4. You don't have to be young to be fun. My mom, sister and I have been very blessed to be able to take "girl's only trips". She is adventurous, isn't afraid of very steep hills or restaurants named "Dirty Dicks", and doesn't get embarrassed when her daughters do silly things.
5. To love books. My mom loves to read and so do I. I remember her reading the "Little House" books to me and now I sometimes call her on the way to the library to get suggestions.
Some things I learned from my mother-in-law...1. Family isn't always blood. When John and I got engaged she asked me to call her mom and I loved that. She has never once called me her daughter-in-law. She introduces me as "This is my Dee" and if people need a further explanation she says, "My John boy's wife".
2. How to cook. I remember when I was a newlywed I called her to ask how to make mashed potatoes. I didn't know if you peeled potatoes before or after you boiled them. She answered my question and didn't make fun of me.
3. Crap is not a swear word.
4. It's better to give than to receive. My mom-in-law is a giver. She's always doing things for others and she'd give them the shirt off her back. The last time I was at her house my sister-in-law and I were doing dishes and told her that we really liked this cool microfiber wash cloth she had. Without saying a word she picked it up, ripped it in half, and gave a piece to both of us.
5. How to have a good time no matter where you are. My mother-in-law works hard and she plays hard too. She loves to laugh and she's good at making others laugh too. On the way to Europe she made friends with our flight attendant. By the end of the flight she had him so wrapped around her finger that he had a special present just for her (too bad it got confiscated by the authorities on the way home).
Friday, May 7, 2010
Yeah, I know
Yeah, I know it's been a long time since I've blogged.
Nothings wrong. I think even my blechs are gone (thanks in part to the chocolate). Just been busy with life. After a full day of washing dishes (yes, actually washing dishes since my dishwasher broke a couple months ago), carting kids around, wiping butts, cleaning up messes, making meals, etc. etc. I am just not in the mood...to blog that is...you all have such sick minds.
Anyhoo, I'm back and I have something to say.
Just this afternoon while I was enjoying the sunshine and ice tea, I came across an article in "Better Homes and Garden" magazine entitled "Trying Eyes: Make peace with the eye roll, a tween girl's rite of passage that can feel oh so wrong". I thought to meself, this should be good. Because just between you and me, Holly is really, really good at the eye rolling thing. The article quoted a Harvard psychologist who specializes in girl issues (which who knew you could even specialize in?). I'm thinking she should have specialized in farming because the lady is full of bull. This is what she said, "These ocular expressions of contempt usually begin at about age 11 and occur more frequently with girls than boys. Anything can set them off. And while it's some comfort to know that it's not you, it's her, there are some strategies for dealing with this stop on the adolescent express". So far, that's fine. It's her "strategy" that I take issue with. She goes on to say, "Don't react in the moment. Wait until later, and then say, 'You seemed mad. Is there something I should know?' " Yeah. This woman obviously has no children. Is there something wrong with reacting in the moment? Am I using the wrong approach when I say, "Don't you roll your eyes at me young lady. I gave you those eyes and I can take them away." I understand the eye rolling thing. I was an eye roller once too (just ask my mom) but is there some reason I need to put up with it? And the whole waiting until later to ask what's wrong? These are very hormonal girls. If you wait fifteen minutes to ask them what's wrong you will probably finding them happy as a clam singing away to Taylor Swift and they will have no idea what they rolled their eyes about. That's all . I'm done. Oh, except for...why is "Better Homes and Gardens" even including issues on parenting? I get the magazine to look at pretty HOMES and GARDENS.
Moving on...
Remember when Katie ate the Rolos? I neglected to mention that I had purchased the Rolos to give to one of my Coffee Break gals who was having a birthday. I had to go and purchase another one. And do you know what that little stinker did (I'm referring to Katie here, not my Coffee Break gal)? She got into that one too!
Last weekend Holly was invited to participate in a junior honor festival. She and four other classmates in the orchestra, along with students from nine other schools got together at 9:00 in the morning to rehearse and at 4:00 in the afternoon put on an awesome concert. Can you find her?
I went on a shopping spree this week. I purchased something I've been wanting for a very long time. Any guesses?
I also got bunk beds for Sam and Katie. Sam is getting too big for his toddler bed and Katie (although she still doesn't talk much) is very mature for a two-year-old and is ditching the crib, skipping the whole toddler bed thing and moving right into a big-girl bed. John is assembling the bunk bed as I am typing. Can you tell he is very excited? I don't know why he wouldn't be...look at his great "helpers".
The last two days we've had BEAUTIFUL weather here in the Northwest. The kids have been playing outside a lot. La Casa Hiemstra is getting lots of use...
The hammock made it's appearance...
And I've been weeding...a lot.
I love seeing all the color in my yard. This azalea is really pretty...
But hen and chicks are still my all time favorite. I'm not sure what that other thing is that's growing in it but I liked the looks of it so I left it there.
AND...there has been progress in the bathroom. Don't get too excited. The pictures don't show much but I've paid a plumber and an electrician a lot of money this week so I'm going to show it off. I have a new drain!
And some pipes to attach my new shower head too!
I also have new lights and a fan! By the way, the van is so quiet that I'm not sure it's even working. I guess we'll find out after John uses the new facilities - he he he.
And this is the mostest exciting thing. See that little box? That is where the thermostat for my heated floors will be!
By the way, I'm sure someone out there has a special spot for this one-of-a-kind, vintage light fixture. I'll sell it to you...real cheap. Really people, were these ever cool?
Wrapping it up here....here's the latest edition to our family. His name is Space Alien Dude and he needs a haircut just about every day.
And here's Katie Kat looking at her books. I remember my other two kiddos doing this too. She takes them one by one out of the basket, "reads" them, and then put them on a stack. So precious!
Nothings wrong. I think even my blechs are gone (thanks in part to the chocolate). Just been busy with life. After a full day of washing dishes (yes, actually washing dishes since my dishwasher broke a couple months ago), carting kids around, wiping butts, cleaning up messes, making meals, etc. etc. I am just not in the mood...to blog that is...you all have such sick minds.
Anyhoo, I'm back and I have something to say.
Just this afternoon while I was enjoying the sunshine and ice tea, I came across an article in "Better Homes and Garden" magazine entitled "Trying Eyes: Make peace with the eye roll, a tween girl's rite of passage that can feel oh so wrong". I thought to meself, this should be good. Because just between you and me, Holly is really, really good at the eye rolling thing. The article quoted a Harvard psychologist who specializes in girl issues (which who knew you could even specialize in?). I'm thinking she should have specialized in farming because the lady is full of bull. This is what she said, "These ocular expressions of contempt usually begin at about age 11 and occur more frequently with girls than boys. Anything can set them off. And while it's some comfort to know that it's not you, it's her, there are some strategies for dealing with this stop on the adolescent express". So far, that's fine. It's her "strategy" that I take issue with. She goes on to say, "Don't react in the moment. Wait until later, and then say, 'You seemed mad. Is there something I should know?' " Yeah. This woman obviously has no children. Is there something wrong with reacting in the moment? Am I using the wrong approach when I say, "Don't you roll your eyes at me young lady. I gave you those eyes and I can take them away." I understand the eye rolling thing. I was an eye roller once too (just ask my mom) but is there some reason I need to put up with it? And the whole waiting until later to ask what's wrong? These are very hormonal girls. If you wait fifteen minutes to ask them what's wrong you will probably finding them happy as a clam singing away to Taylor Swift and they will have no idea what they rolled their eyes about. That's all . I'm done. Oh, except for...why is "Better Homes and Gardens" even including issues on parenting? I get the magazine to look at pretty HOMES and GARDENS.
Moving on...
Remember when Katie ate the Rolos? I neglected to mention that I had purchased the Rolos to give to one of my Coffee Break gals who was having a birthday. I had to go and purchase another one. And do you know what that little stinker did (I'm referring to Katie here, not my Coffee Break gal)? She got into that one too!
Last weekend Holly was invited to participate in a junior honor festival. She and four other classmates in the orchestra, along with students from nine other schools got together at 9:00 in the morning to rehearse and at 4:00 in the afternoon put on an awesome concert. Can you find her?
I went on a shopping spree this week. I purchased something I've been wanting for a very long time. Any guesses?
I also got bunk beds for Sam and Katie. Sam is getting too big for his toddler bed and Katie (although she still doesn't talk much) is very mature for a two-year-old and is ditching the crib, skipping the whole toddler bed thing and moving right into a big-girl bed. John is assembling the bunk bed as I am typing. Can you tell he is very excited? I don't know why he wouldn't be...look at his great "helpers".
The last two days we've had BEAUTIFUL weather here in the Northwest. The kids have been playing outside a lot. La Casa Hiemstra is getting lots of use...
The hammock made it's appearance...
And I've been weeding...a lot.
I love seeing all the color in my yard. This azalea is really pretty...
But hen and chicks are still my all time favorite. I'm not sure what that other thing is that's growing in it but I liked the looks of it so I left it there.
AND...there has been progress in the bathroom. Don't get too excited. The pictures don't show much but I've paid a plumber and an electrician a lot of money this week so I'm going to show it off. I have a new drain!
And some pipes to attach my new shower head too!
I also have new lights and a fan! By the way, the van is so quiet that I'm not sure it's even working. I guess we'll find out after John uses the new facilities - he he he.
And this is the mostest exciting thing. See that little box? That is where the thermostat for my heated floors will be!
By the way, I'm sure someone out there has a special spot for this one-of-a-kind, vintage light fixture. I'll sell it to you...real cheap. Really people, were these ever cool?
Wrapping it up here....here's the latest edition to our family. His name is Space Alien Dude and he needs a haircut just about every day.
And here's Katie Kat looking at her books. I remember my other two kiddos doing this too. She takes them one by one out of the basket, "reads" them, and then put them on a stack. So precious!
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