Time flies



8 more days until my baby turns 5

8.5 more days of school for Holly

9 days until Gramma comes

10.5 more days of school for Sam

 Wow.  Where did this year go?

Today my Katie Kat rang the doorbell and then ran and hid in the bushes.  When I opened the door, I found this...

You better believe I gave a big squeal of delight and then picked up that "flower" and blew the seeds all over my yard.  I might have a few more dandies next spring but I know that's it's not going to be too much longer until I don't receive "gifts" like this anymore. 

My Mother's Day Poem

We spent a bunch of my Mother's Day in the car coming back to Lynden.  In honor of the special occasion, John stopped at Dairy Queen.  This may not seem like a big deal to most people but if you know my hubby then you know how much he hates to stop when we are on a roadtrip.  He must really love me.  Anyhoo, when we got back into the car, Holly read me this poem.

'Twas the week before Mother's Day, and the Hiemstra kids thought
What can we get for Mom? (this they though quite a lot)
What can we buy from a boutique, store or shop?
Maybe a candle, a book, plate or a mop?
No, the candle and mop simply wouldn't do
The house is already clean enough and it smells good too
The book is useless because everything she already knows
And the plate would be considered clutter, so that idea blows
So after much deliberation, thinking and planning
We came up with a plan that is thankfully still standing
We got you three flowers for you to plant in the yard
We hope that you like them because we forgot about a card
Now these plants are different and special you see
Because they represent your three kids: Sam, Katie and me
Whenever you see them, water them, or by them you weed
You can think of your kids who are thankful for your every good deed
We don't say it enough, but you are greatly appreciated and loved
You do so much for us daily, you truly go over and above
So I guess that this note is just really trying to say
We love you so much! Happy, happy Mother's Day.

I am very blessed.  I love you guys too!

Mother's Day Weekend

We made a quick trip to Salem, Washington this past weekend.  Cheryl graduated from law school (YEAH!) on Mother's Day and we drove down to help her celebrate.  We stopped at Gene and Cindy's place first.  It was a beautiful day so we all took a turn on their zip line.  FUN!  I think we need one!

Sam was a little apprehensive so John held onto the rope his first time down but after that he was more than ready to go without any help from Dad.



Holly's turn.

Then there is Katie.  There is no fear in this child.  She had to wait her turn since Aunt Cindy had to change out the seat for her and let's just say, she was not a patient waiter.  She loved it and went down over and over again until her Dad was tired out from bringing her back up the hill. 

Look at me!

Uncle Gary pushed Holly on the swing for awhile.  He really got her going high!

I know, their yard looks like a park.  I have yard envy now.   It's really beautiful but really hilly.

After we left Gene and Cindy's place, we checked into the hotel and went for a quick swim in the pool.  Then it was over to Andrew and Cheryl's house for supper.  Katie was excited to see her buddy Brandon there.  They played and played and she was asleep before we left the driveway. 

Sunday morning we got to sleep in (that NEVER happens when we stay in a hotel) before we headed over to the school for Cheryl's graduation ceremony.  It was very nice.  Long...but nice. 
Here she is getting "hooded".

And afterwards with her honey.  Notice the purple.  I found out this past weekend that each "humanity" has a different color.  Purple is law.  Green is medicine.  Sure enough, when I got home I looked at John's med school graduation pictures and he has green trim.  Very interesting.  I'm sure everyone else knew that already; sometimes it takes me awhile folks.

Here's my family with the new lawyer.  I've never had my picture taken with a lawyer before...I guess that's a good thing!

Congratulations Andrew and Cheryl!!  It was fun celebrating your big achievement!

Fieldtrip

Katie's preschool class had a field trip to the fire station this morning.  She let me come along! 

She got to drive the fire truck...



Learn all about the different equipment...

Sit in the "back seat"...

 And try on all the gear...

 It was a fun morning!  Thanks Lynden Fire Department!

You may not be able to tell in this picture but a bunch of the kids are covering their eyes and most have them closed.  These Washington kiddos are not used to the bright sunshine! 
p.s. My thermometer says 86 degrees right now!  Wow!

Do you wanna know what else my folks did while they were here?

We went out for breakfast (almost) every day.  Please excuse my father's hair.  Apparently he refused to get it cut in Arizona.  Don't ask me why.  I told him if he put it in a ponytail he would fit in very well in Bellingham.

I can't make fun of my Dad too much though because look what he did for me!  He destroyed my couch!  We moved the couch downstairs before we closed off a hallway to make a room bigger so it wouldn't fit back up the stairs.  Either that or he was looking for change so he could afford a haircut.

We borrowed a friend's truck and took the couch and loveseat to the dump.  That was a fun experience.  Never been to the dump.  I thought I would experience more emotion when I dumped the furniture.  After all, it was our first major purchase as a married couple; we had bought it as a reward for paying off our Dordt loans and we spent FOREVER looking for just the right set. But as I heaved it off the back of the truck the only thing I felt was a slight discomfort in my under-used core muscles.

And of course, we made a trip to Edaleen.  SOME of us rode our bikes there and we saw Aunt Sally along the way so we invited her along. 

It was a short visit.  They left on Thursday morning although I don't know why.  It is sunny and warm and beautiful here and it's not where they are going.  They said they miss Chase.  I guess I understand that.  I do too. 

Thanks for taking the long way home Mom and Dad.  We love you!

Profession of Faith

This past Sunday Holly made profession of faith.  It was a beautiful service.  Pastor Ken had a wonderful message for the young people (and the rest of us too).  So happy my folks could be here for it.  God is good!