Ice Skating

The school had an ice skating party last Saturday at one of the indoor rinks in town. It about kills me that you have to pay to go ice skating here, but its also something I don't want the kids to forget, so we grabbed our skated and spent an hour on the ice.  We had a great time.  There weren't that many people there, but we had plenty of fun. Its great to see Maria on her own and Jessica to start to really get the concept of pushing and gliding!

Minnesota wedding

President's weekend meant 2 1/2 days off of school - so why not trek to MN?!

A former youth group kiddo was getting married on Saturday, so the kids and I packed up and headed back. They had a half day on Thursday and no school on Friday or Monday.

We arrived late Thursday evening and got everyone settled down to sleep.

Friday we helped get the home kids off to school and then we got ready for a day of adventure ourselves.  After breakfast we got gas and I drove past our old house.  There were lots of mixed emotions inside the van  - I didn't really know what to expect from them, but they didn't really know what to feel.  We quickly headed off to Subway and then to a few hours at the Minnesota Science Museum, the Imax movie and some time going up and down the musical stairs. 

We stopped by CCS at the end of the day so each child could talk to their teachers and see their classmates. Brandon went home with some buddies (the gang as he calls it) and the rest of us headed back to home base.  That evening two other families came over and we had a great time hanging out.  When our four families get together - there are 17 kids.  I don't know that we have ever ALL been together, but we sure make a good run of it whenever we can.  A few times we have been at the beach and commented on how busy the beach was.  When it is time for all of us to pack up and walk away, we realized the beach wasn't busy, it was just us, and we are busy when we are all together!  But everyone has a playmate and much fun is had by all!

13 of the 17

Saturday morning I headed out for the wedding.  I arrived early and wasn't really sure what to do with myself when I ran into the mother of the bride and she ushered me in to see the beautiful woman of the day.  It was so good for me to see her, talk and just be so proud of who she has grown into.  There were many times throughout the day that I looked around me and thought 'wow, if only I had my head on that straight when I was her age!'.  It was a beautiful wedding and I am so glad to have shared in it.  I had so much fun seeing people that I hadn't seen in awhile, eating with former youth kids and playing around with friends.

the beautiful couple

There were sleigh rides - I didn't take one - but don't they look cute!

There were couch rides - I did take one of these - what a hoot!

I had to laugh. Only in MN would 200 people be excited to leave a perfectly warm place to head out on the ice, and then comment on what a beautiful day it was!  It was perfect for being outside - no wind, 20 degrees and sunshine! The reception was held at an event center that is located on one of the beautiful lakes in southern Minneapolis.  There was a tent with pizza - games- and hot chocolate, a bonfire with smores, hockey, bowling, broomball, couch rides, and sleigh rides.  We were not the only party out on the bay.  There was a golf party going on to the west (yes REAL golf, golf clubs, tennis balls, ground out holes in the ice, and shoveled fairways) and an ice fishing party going on to the north.  We laughed that you could fit a whole bunch more people in the bay during the winter than you could during the summer.  The ice was over 2 feet thick and there were no worries!

Later that evening, we went ice skating.  Anika was with another friend, so she missed out on this adventure, but we all had a good time!

We left after church on Sunday morning.  It was wonderful to worship among those friends again and see so many people we love and miss.

The kids and I are quite accustomed to travel. We listened to several books on tape - and laughed and cried!  Why do I pick a SAD one?!?!  They watch a few movies and they love the McDonald's stops!  By 9 PM, tempers were short and bodies and minds were tired, but after a half hour, it was quiet.  They all got to sleep in on Monday and were ready to head back to school on Tuesday.

Thanks for some more memories and great times!

A walk on the wild side

 Tonight we went for a walk on the beach, sand fences and all.  I wanted the kids to see what the lake looked like all frozen up.  It is so quiet - no waves hitting the beach.  The sand is piled in drifts from the fences and the wind.  You can see the tops of a typical snow fence in these pictures, we walked right over them!  Its hard to imagine that this is one of the top beaches in the US and will be again in just a few months. We did climb out on the ice, but we had been warned to not go far and to not go into any crevices. I let the kids climb the first hill and then to the next one and just look over the edge and the rolling waves covered in ice. It was pretty cool.  Then we started to walk out to the light house, but we could only get halfway as the rest of the walkway is so bumpy and ice covered its pretty impassable.  We had a great view of the sunset, and then when we turned around we had a great view of the full moon.

sand fences

the icy edge

The impassable path to the lighthouse

going

going

going

almost gone

Valentines and Similes

Every Friday at school is a praise service: singing, Bible lesson, etc, in the gym with the whole school.  Parents are invited to join, but because you have to be there by 8:15, I don't often make it.

Jessica's class was in charge a few weeks ago and they did similes on God and friends.  Here were a few of my favorites:

A friend is like a dresser drawer - they keep your secrets safe.

God is like the squirrel on Ice Age.  The squirrel will do anything for the acorn and God will do anything for us.

God is like a bouncy ball.  When you are down, he bounces you right back up.

A friend is like Fruity Pebbles.  They are colorful in their own personality.

The kids got their Valentine's all made up and ready to go again this year.  Brandon made the mustache and lip suckers.  Jessica made dino - mite hearts for the boys and flower suckers for the girls.  Maria made elephants, and Anika made butterflies.  They have fun every year picking out which one they will make, getting the supplies and then the hours of making them!

We enjoyed our Valentine dinner a few nights early.  Red heart shaped finger jello, candle light, strawberry shakes, pesto sandwiches (Jessica's birthday request finally happening 1.5 months late), and red brownies and ice cream for dessert!  Plus, a visitor from MN!  It was a great time just hanging out with him and talking.  He wasn't at our house at the time of the picture!  We have enjoyed him from the time he was in high school and now our families play together at the cabin.  He was in Grand Rapids for work so drove out to spend the evening with us.  It was wonderful!

Jessica also celebrated her 100th day of school. I made chocolate chip bars with 100 M&M's on it for the class and she brought in a bag of 100 M&M's for herself to eat.  She was full of 100 day activities including paper glasses and a crown.  It was also PJ day.  I can't imagine how crazy her room was - the teacher got it all out of the way at once!

Valentine's Day also means Brandon is 1/2 year older.  And with a summer birthday, it means school birthday treats on your half birthday.  We waited until this week but he took a pan of mint brownies with him to school to celebrate!

Black Tie for the Y

Part of my job at the Y the past few weeks has been helping prepare for The Black Tie for the Y! Its the auction held at the local country club as a benefit for the YMCA: silent auction, live auction, raffles, etc. I generally just helped out where I was needed and was basic labor.  At the Y, I did things on the computer, organized invitations and donations, etc.

The day before, I spent a few hours with others from the committee setting things up, and the night of Matt and I were one of the sets of greeters.

People show up for this thing let me tell you - and dressed in black tie tuxedos and full formal gowns. I need to spend some time on ebay looking for next year's gown!  We met some very nice people, most of whom we had never seen before and may never see again, at least until next year!

One of my co-workers couldn't find a babysitter so her three girls came to hang out with our kiddos.  Everything went fairly well.  Her kids wanted to play and mine wanted to watch TV.  Oh joy.  Halfway through, Anika called - quite in distress.  I couldn't even understand her.  I finally deciphered that she was the only one hurt and that everyone else was ok.  Matt went home to make sure all was well.  They had been playing with a balloon and Anika had gotten kicked in the mouth.  With all the new stuff in her mouth - it had to hurt. She was sure a tooth was loose, but Matt couldn't find anything.  We took her to get an x-ray a few days later and all was well!

Matt came back, but went home early.  I was one of the last to leave - had to help clean up, too!  It was a fun evening, good food, fun to dress up, and fun to be a part of something.

Some of the crazy people I work with - YMCA

Snow much fun

Brandon at the USHL game with the cadets - this picture was on MLIVE, the online newspaper here

Anika and Matt with Harry the Caterpillar- this was also on MLIVE

Mr. Snow the Snowman

Snowy the unicorn

Brandon and Anika both learned to use the snow blower

Our sledding hill

We have had much fun in the winter wonderland.  Lake effect snow dumps on some places, and barely touches the next - very curious - and very fluffy. Its light and powdery - perfect for snow angels and sledding - not for snow sculpting - until it warms up three days later.  Then its perfect for snow sculpting.  However, you will notice that most of the snow sculpture pictures are taken at night.  They get home from school and we sculpt - sometimes after supper.  By morning, the sculpture is somewhat identifiable, by the time they come home from school, its just a lump.  Temps don't stay cold here and we often get rainy days in between the snowy ones - so it all melts as quickly as it comes.  We had around 15 inches last Thursday night - snow day on Friday - so that is when they built the snowman. It was the storm that hit the Northeast - so it wasn't lake effect snow and therefore very packable from the get go.

Birthday Do-Over

It started on Friday night.  Anika and another 6th grade girl had played on the 5th grade girls basketball team for two games each.  The fifth graders were short players, and were allowed one 6th grader for each game.  So, on Friday night, they had the 5th grade girls basketball team party and Anika was invited.  It turned into two of the girls spending the night at our house.  In the morning they allowed Jessica and Maria to join them for nail and hair salon.

After lunch, we dropped of one girl and picked up her little brother for Brandon, as well as three other 6th grade girls, a second grade girl and a third grade girl. It was time to celebrate some winter birthdays!  We all went sledding.  Its hard to get a good view of how tall this dune is, but its a good walk, and a fast ride!

walking to the tippy top - I refused to sled from up there!

4th grade boys

The 6th grade girls

The younger girls

After a bit of sledding, we went home for ice cream sundaes and hot chocolate.  And one last present.  I hadn't told any of the girls coming that it was a birthday party.  I didn't want to mess with favors and presents and all that.  We put a candle in Jessica and Anika's ice cream and sang and I gave each of them a book - Anika's is an extreme dot to do (literally a page of numbered dots that become a picture) and Jessica got a doodle book.

Once they were fed, Matt played the videos he had taken and the pictures we both took of them sledding on our TV so they could all laugh at themselves.  Then they played for awhile - matchbox cars of all things.  The younger girls did perler beads.

It took me an hour and a half to get them all home, but we made it.

Matt and I went to a concert with two other couples that evening at their church.  The concert was nice and we all went to one of the couples house for pie afterwards.  The ladies left to go pick up that couples four children from various playdates, then we headed home.

Sunday was the Superbowl.  Matt was missing the fact that our house wasn't being bombarded with teenagers.  I assured him that if that was something he truly wanted, we could have the jr high party at our house next year. We'll see what happens. So, he got on the computer and found Superbowl quiz questions that each of us had to answer.  Who would win the coin toss?  Heads or tails?  first commercial, interceptions, sacks, etc. Brandon won, but Anika was 6 for 6 on the first questions.  We had fun with it.  

All in all it was an amazing weekend. It felt so normal.  We were with friends, we were just the six of us, we hung out, we went to pick up and drop off kids, we ate, we slept.  It was so nice to have normal for a moment.  And I realized I couldn't have done any of it if I still worked at the airport.  I miss the people I work with, I miss the job, but I wouldn't have traded the time we had this weekend for any of that back again!

Jaws

This is the newest addition to Anika's mouth.  There are two metal hinges on the outside of her teeth - it makes talking and chewing an interesting adventure.  Its been a week and she is doing much better, but she is still a little tricky to understand some days!

JJ Water Park

We were sent off from MN with much love and well wishes.  We used one of the last gift cards of love a few weekends back.  We were gifted with a card to JJ resort.  They have an indoor water park, a tubing hill, and  horse back riding. We also were given a few buy one get one free coupons when we arrived here in MI.  Together they made for a very fun day.

We got all our work done on Saturday morning and headed out after lunch.  It took us a bit to find this place: literally back in the woods down an old country road.  But we did find it.  There were three slides you needed a tube to ride down, a lazy river, a small wave pool, two toddler pools, a toadstool/net walk, and a body slide.  None of us got to go down the body slide as it was closed when we checked and by the time we knew it had opened up, we were on our way out. Maybe next year.  The hot tubs were also closed which made us a bit sad, I could have used a few minutes of hotness and rest.

We all played for quite awhile. After seeing that the kids were on top of how to get where, they paired up and Matt and I went to relax on the chairs and watch.  We all played some more before deciding it was time to go.

While in line at one of the tube rides, Maria and I were standing behind two girls who were wearing triangles and strings for swim suits.  Maria looked at me and declared 'THAT is inappropriate.'  I thought I was going to bust up right there. I assured her she was correct, but that she didn't need to tell me out loud.  I don't even think they had a clue what she was talking about!

It was a fun family adventure - and because of the coupons, we can have more adventures there - we still have money on the card. Now I just have to find more coupons! Thanks so much for a fun day out!

the camera kept fogging up when I wanted to take a picture

Church Retreat

Anika went off to her first church retreat.  Really, her first weekend away from home alone.  She has always been a bit of a home body.  There are less than 10 houses she has slept in without me being there and for years it was only three - her two best friends and grandpa and grandma's.  She did manage a few over nighters with the GEMS at church.  I'm still holding out hope for Bible Camp someday, but we'll see.
So, she went off to a camp called Grace Adventures.  It promised much fun - but most of it was promised if there was snow - and there wasn't any.  They managed to still find lots of fun things to do.  She went horseback riding, played a game similar to paintball or airsoft (she wasn't so impressed with the welts, but enjoyed the game), had many stories to tell about the speaker, the cabins, the pranks, etc.  Actually, her coming home reminded me of when Matt came home from Middle School retreats and events. BOUNCING OFF THE WALLS.  I was quite ready for her to go somewhere and relax for a bit.  But the crash does come when one is so tired, oh joy!
She was SOOOOO excited to go.  She had been packed for over a week - which, with the whole head lice thing was perfect - her bag was packed and anything that had been alive when it went in, wouldn't be when she took it out!
When it came time to leave she had three bags, a sleeping bag and a blanket.  It was her father's worst nightmare - he now had one of those girls who packed the whole house for two nights away.  Matt dropped her off and talked with the youth director.  Matt and I have had a theory for years.  Parents whose first born is a daughter have LOTS of questions.  Parents with an oldest child as a sixth grader have LOTS of questions. Knowing these two things, Matt and I deliberately have not asked any questions.  Quite honestly, I had no idea where she was going or how she was getting there.  I knew when to drop her off and when to pick her up and from Anika, I knew a few of the other people that would be there.
All the kids gave her a hug.  Brandon was quite sad and told her he would miss her.  Her being gone meant he had to sleep in his bedroom alone - something I don't think he has ever done.  Later that evening, I realized I missed her, too.  I like it when all the kids are down for the night - for many reasons, the first of which is peace and quiet - but I realized that night that I like knowing we are all together and safe.  With Anika missing, I had no idea if she was sad, missing home, having a great time, safe or not and I didn't like it.  I wanted her home.  The peace part of the peace and quiet was missing.  I had that feeling a bit whenever she was with a friend, but when my kids are with friends, I LOVE that they are experiencing something I can never give them.  There are so many people in their lives that love up on them, and I love that they have those relationships.
But I also realized she is growing up, and so beautifully.  And my job as a mom is to make sure she can leave  knowing that home is some place she can always come back to.  Being a mom is the only job you are intentionally working yourself out of.  I am trying to raise her to leave. Truthfully, I'm looking forward to the time Matt and I are back to just us and all the travel we will do.  Notice I said WILL do.  Positive Mental Attitude! =)  But, I'm not looking forward to it coming so fast that I wish away today and all the milestones that come with it.  I have a large list of travel plans though, and some don't even include Matt!
There is a children's book by Karen Kingsbury called 'Let Me Hold You Longer'.  I cry every time I read it. Its all about how, we as parents mark down the 'firsts' of our children's lives... first tooth, crawl, walk, day of school, etc..... but how much more special are the 'lasts'.  The last time they run to you and jump in your arms.  The last time they want a hug before going to school.  The last time they fall asleep in your arms. The last nap they take as a toddler.  Wouldn't it be great to know when it was the last.... and you would hold them a little longer?
Anika going on a retreat was definitely a 'first' but it made me realize once again, how quickly the 'lasts' are passing me by and how much I love being her mom.

Lice, Laundry and Leftovers

January has been a wonderfully slower month.  After being gone all but three nights the month of December, we were ready for a slower pace.  Don't get me wrong - Monday: Jessica and Maria have swimming lessons and Brandon has Karate - Tuesday: Brandon and Anika have swimming lessons - Wednesday: church night - so its not like we're bored.  Its just been nice to not rush out after every supper- or skip supper  - or eat a sandwich in the van - and be home a few hours.
UNTIL-
8 little bugs.  8 very small bugs.  Six legs. One mouth.  A parasite that needs human blood.
Its amazing how such small animals can wreak such havoc on a fairly 'normal' house. Granted, I rarely, if ever, refer to us as normal, but we were enjoying our slower paced January.
I should have taken a picture of the piles of laundry that overflowed the rooms, the hallway, the laundry room.  But, I was in no mental state for pictures.  For two days, we just walked all over it.  By day 3 there was a path, and by day 5 it was pretty much contained to the laundry room.
8 bugs - head lice.  The story starts before Christmas.  Jessica and Maria were scratching their heads constantly and vigorously.  Jessica even had little scabs on her scalp.  I was sure they had lice, and I checked often, but never saw anything.  Of course, I had no idea what I was looking for either!  Why oh why didn't I go to our friends in MN when they had it so I could at least have seen it and known!  But I digress.
The itching subsided a bit, so I figured it must have been the chlorine and cheap shampoo from swimming lessons - of course - problem solved - on to New Year's - and company and sleepovers - oh joy.
January 7 rolls around and we get home from our YMCA swim lessons and karate.  I decide to check yet again.  Their hair is clean and we just left the Y so if they are getting a red scalp it must be the chlorine and shampoo, right?  WRONG!  I find a bug.  And after more inspection, I find the nits - eggs - on the hair shaft, 1/4 inch up and looking like a speck of pepper - just like everyone says.  You have GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!  So begins three hours of inspection and chemicals and pulling out of 4 bugs off each head.  I dropped one - still don't like the idea that there could be one lurking up there somewhere.  Supposedly they die within 48 hours of being away from a head.  We're going to go with that.
So, that has been my last two weeks.  Laundry, Lice and Leftovers.  I was too busy cleaning to cook.  Too busy combing out hair to do much of anything else.  We've all been treated twice, the girls and I three times. I've learned LOTS - like don't even bother with the over the counter chemical crap in the stores. Its harsh and nasty.  There are some wonderfully natural - albeit expensive - alternatives that are much better.  And they are oil based, so we have smooth shiny hair here now!  The kids are still sleeping in sleeping bags, there are still 12 garbage bags full of pillows, stuffed animals and bedding in the basement, we have no extra blankets lying around which I get complaints about often, but we have survived and may even be better for it.
We still aren't completely sure where we got it from, but I am leaving things packed up until all is back to normal at school for a few weeks.  If we get it back I want to start with everything still bagged up!  Its really cold outside now, maybe that will help!

Orthodontist begins

And so begins the regular appointments, monthly withdrawals, shiny smiles and limits on eating and drinking. She was pretty sore for a few days, but is getting used to it.  Next up is a contraption to shift her jaw.  That ought to feel great!

Anika is 12!

Donuts for breakfast.  We decided 12 was the limit on candles. Next year - its just one.  I don't want the house to burn down before the birthday can be enjoyed!  Then off to an orthodontist appointment to get molds made of her mouth and her first set of braces put one - doesn't that sound like fun on your birthday.  Next off to school.

A scavenger hunt and presents when you get home only to be left home alone while your dad has a meeting and your mom takes your sisters to swimming lessons and your brother to karate.  Oh yeah, and when we gt home, we find head lice on her sisters.  Wow, that's a great birthday.  We hope to do a bit of a redo someday soon.  Take a few girls sledding and have cookies and cream ice cream! Sorry girl, the first day of 12 wasn't go great but here's to 364 more that can be better!

I'd actually thought a lot about her birthday heading into it.  She's 12 years old. I've been a mom for 12 years.  In 12 more years she'll be 24 - the age I was when I got married.  She's halfway there - oh my word!  In 12 years, her little sister will be 18 and headed off to college and my 'at home' parenting will be complete.  That means I am halfway through having kids in my home on a full time basis.  That's crazy.  Don't get me wrong, some days I long for the peace and quiet, but that means that this huge change in my life that happened 12 years ago is going to be gone in 12 more short years.  I cried when I found out I was pregnant with Anika - mainly because I had no idea what I was doing and I'm sure the raging hormones played a part.  But she is so much a beautiful daughter and so worth spending 12 years parenting.

She is a firstborn girl in so many ways.  She is motherly to small children.  Totally empathetic when someone gets hurt and immediately trying to think of a way to make the pain go away.  Loves to play with kids - ok - other people's kids, but sometimes her siblings, too.  For the most part, she is a rule follower, never pushes the line much.  She loves to banter and roll her eyes at her father's crazy comments, and he can always make her laugh.  She is playing the flute and piano.  Plays soccer, basketball and volleyball.  Loves to be outside and loves the winter, and summer, and spring, and fall.  She just loves all the different things you can do in each season. Sixth grade hasn't always been easy.  Moving here hasn't always been easy.  Some days we smile, some days, not so much.  But, she wakes up and tries again the next day, and we are oh so proud of her.  She does not rush through anything.  She takes her time and thinks it through.  She would much rather observe something going on before trying it out for herself.  She doesn't read fast, but her teacher pointed out, she reads how she talks.  A steady pace -no rushing.  When you give her the time she needs, she is just fine.  She loves art and drawing. Her favorite colors are blue and green. She writes easily and beautifully - although the spell check is a necessary wonder! Happy Birthday beautiful girl.  We can't wait to see what God will work through you in the next 12 years - and more.