Happy Belated Birthday

There were alot of times growing up with my brother Todd when we didn't like each other very well. A few memories come to mind. * Todd slamming the car door on my head as I was climbing out, he said it was accidental but I always wondered. * Riding home from church in his car, ducking my head so nobody would mistake me for his girlfriend. * Having crushes on all his friends, Todd hating that. ( Rob Tinholt took me out for ice cream once, did you know that?) * Almost drowning me at Ludington, I'm sure you don't remember that. Thank goodness things got better as time went on. When he came home from college during summer breaks I remember ordering pizza late one night having a heart to heart talk about life. I am amazed at the connection he has with little kids. I have never met one that has not loved him, my kids included, he is their favorite uncle. Noah plans on moving in with him when he turns 18. He is very generous with his boat always offering to take Noah on the kneeboard or for a tube ride. He has a big heart that I have gotten glimpses of during different times of our lives. Times that he might not remember but that have made an impression on me. I am grateful to have a brother like you and the influence you have had on my life. I love you. So happy late birthday Todd, and don't worry I only get mushy once a year on your birthday.

Say "NO" to fear

Noah had a lesson at church that taught him to say NO to fear and yes to God. That lesson came back to haunt me Tuesday night. We headed out to the big Hudsonville Fair with the neighbors for a night of thrills and excitement. If you remember from a prior post Noah was a little hesitant about some of the rides. We started out a the swings and he wanted nothing to do with them. Madison went on all by herself without an ounce of fear. Noah started noticing how much fun she was having and decided he didn't want to miss out. I was so proud of him he rode every ride with excitement and went on rides I wouldn't have dreamt he would have done before. As the night ended they had to decide what their last ride would be. They chose the Ferris wheel, now if you know me you know that I am not a big fan of high ride or anything that might even make you lose your stomach. Ok, so I may be known to freak out on a roller coaster or two. But I could I not go on it with him? After he had been so brave all night? It was my turn to bite the bullet. On we went and had a great time. I was so glad I was forced into doing something out of my comfort zone. I would have missed out on a great moment with my son as we looked out over the fair and saw everything below.

Kids For Sale

Ever have one of those days? Why is it they both decided to ignore the rules and do as they please? Today I am lucky enough to clean up yet again a big lipstick mess, this time in the van and of course the girl. She has been punished before and knows that is naughty. My other fun project is cleaning pee out of the trash can. How did that happen you ask? The kids' toliet is leaking so Rob informed Noah that he must use the other bathroom for the time being. In a effort to remind Noah to not use wrong toliet Rob put the trash can on top of the toliet. You can figure out what happened, and not just once either. Did he think we wouldn't notice? That's my guess. So anyway does anyone want to buy some kids? I can't believe it, just seconds after typing this Noah ran inside and use the afore mentioned toliet even as I am yelling "STOPPPPPP!!" Meanwhile the other one is yelling "I ready get out" after being in her crib for 15 minutes. Seriously when does it end.

Summer Fun

Here are a few pics from the last couple of weeks Noah's 19" bass Bathing beauty Blueberry picking with the family was suprisingly a great activity. Elli making herself beautiful half hour before going up to the farm. Yes, I am driving a tractor.