Dad

I am a little late in getting out this "birthday blog dedication". My dad's birthday was the day after we returned from our cruise. Maybe it was the sway of the boat that I felt for three days afterward that made me forget. Anyway, I still wanted to say a few words about my dad. - I remember him hiding my winter coat one time because I didn't hang it up. He wouldn't tell me where it was even though I had a date coming to pick me up at any moment. If I would ever ask if he knew where my shoes or coat were, I was sure to get this response, " The last time I wore it I put it away." - I remember him locking the keys in the (running) van at the Tulip time parade, and having to break the window because we had to get home for our softball game. ( I played, he coached) - He thinks that everyone of his grandchildren are smarter or better skilled than other kids their age, no matter the age. - I think the thing that really defines for me my dad is my memory of being in Jr. high. I was a cheerleader and had games after school, my mom worked so she came after she got out of work. I remember seeing my dad sitting in the stands among all these moms watching me cheer, and responding when we asked for crowd participation. He was never embarrassed and I can't remember him missing a game. I can't imagine that watching jr high girls cheerleading was all that exciting but my dad came and watched for me. I don't know if you realize what an impression of love and importance that was to me dad but I thank you. You have always made me feel special and loved. I love you.

Fun in the Sun

Rob and I had a great time on our 10 year anniversary trip, even though we've been married for 12 years. It was worth the wait!

We're off!

Got my People magazine, a few new books, a new bathing suit, sunscreen, and a strong desire for warm weather. We are off to our cruise. See you all in a week.

The Light at the end of the tunnel

It's been one of those weeks. The kind that last forever and seem to never end. Noah has been sick most of the week with a fever and a cold. Yesterday was the first day without the fever. We all have a bit of cabin fever. Maybe that explains the tub incident. Wednesday night I put both kids in the bath, Noah was getting a little stinky from being sick. The phone rang and I got distracted, I walked into the bathroom and "squish" my sock was sopping wet along with the walls. After MANY towels later the bathroom was somewhat dry. Fast forward to Thursday, I am in the bathroom drying my hair. A very proud Elli comes sauntering into the room. To my horror she was covered with lipstick. I am not talking about a little bit either. The white shirt she had on was now pink, as was her face and she even had clumps of it in her hair. Clean up number two, back into the tub. I think the shirt is a lost cause and I am sure the color on her belly will eventually fade. Of course I forgot to take a picture. Oh, did I forget to mention that I spilled coffee on my computer?

Cruisin

Yes, only a year and a half late the Wondergems are going on the long awaited 10 year anniversary vacation. It has been an on again, off again affair. First obstacle, do we have the money? Got the taxes done and there is even a little extra to maybe start on the basement. Second obstacle, where do we go and will it work with our dates? After MANY hours on the computer (I know why they have travel agents) we find a cruise that will work with our dates and frequent flyer miles. Third obstacle, will somebody watch our kids? In come the grandparents, between the two sets we've got it covered. Now it is time to warm up the tanning beds (Nicole if only you lived closer), so as to not scare the other passengers with our pasty white skin, shop for a new bathing suit (ugh!) and see if we can take off a few pounds in two week. Sunny weather, here we come. Stay tuned for the preparations.

Double JJ Ranch

Noah, Elli, and I joined Rob at the Double JJ Ranch for a Church Planters retreat. We left on Sunday afternoon and returned this morning. It was our first time at the ranch. We got to the ranch an hour and half later than planned, thus cutting into the time we were to spend in the water park. When we finally did arrive we drove around another 20 minutes trying to find out where we were to stay. (the place is huge). We decided that just Noah and I would go to the park due the time constraint and to save a little money. I drove up and passed the water park. As I was doing an illegal u-turn I got stuck in a ditch and mainteance had to pull me out. When we finally got inside, the workers didn't know about the special prices our group was to get. That took another 10 minutes and finally we were on our way. Up to the big slide we walked with our tube, ready to go down when Noah darted off and said that maybe next year he would try the slides, he was too scared. I don't think I have ever paid $40 to ride on a lazy river for 45 minutes in my life, definitely not worth the price except for this big silly grin on a little 6 year olds face. Over all we really did have a good time despite our expensive tube ride, freezing cold cabin, and Rob losing his cell phone. We feel blessed that we have opportunities to do special things like that. Maybe Noah won't hate being a PK after all.

Confessions of stay at home mom

I was tagged by my friend Nicole in this little game of confession tag. So here goes. - I don't iron, at all, I won't even buy clothes if they might need to be ironed. - I don't vaccum my stairs, I even bought a new dust buster purposely for it and still don't - My kids scrapbooks are up to date but don't look in my hall closet or my laundry room. - I always do my hair even on my stay at home all day days, no make up though. - I can occasionly be found "dozing" while telling people I am cuddling with my kids at 4:00 during Curious George. - I will hide "pretending" to use the bathroom to get away from my kids. - I spend way to much time on the internet, especially since creating this blog. Ok, not to freaky. I would like to hear confessions from the appraisal office or maybe from the pharmacy, Kraig-e-boy I haven't heard from you lately have you actually been working. I heard a rumor that fig was working hard in January, but I don't believe it's true. I look forward to your responses (I think).

Blizzard of 2007

So what did you do this weekend while trapped in your home? I actually went to a baby shower on Saturday morning ( they weren't calling it a blizzard when I left). I felt quite brave and adventurous when I left. I had to go out near the airport it was a litlle dicey but hey, I grew up in Michigan, nothing I couldn't handle. On the way home it was quite another story. As I am driving 15 miles per hour on the M-6 only being able to see about 3 feet in front of me, I was thinking maybe this wasn't the best idea. It was nasty out but I made it home without any mishaps. I did not venture out again until today. Sunday was quite relaxing. I got a little nap in and I mean little cause Noah thought I didn't really need one. Noah and I did a little scrapbooking or arts and crafts for those of you who are worried about Noah's interests. I did a little baking and of course watched the superbowl. ( Well, mainly I watched the commercials). Every now and then it's fun to get trapped and stay in.

Big Happennings

It was pure excitement over in the Wondergem home last week. Noah's first tooth fell out. He had been mentioning for months how he had a loose tooth, but it seemed every time he told us it was a different tooth. Trying to be a patient mom I would always "feel" the tooth. Well, this time Noah showed me his tooth, and it was loose. The last week we tried to pull it out different times, those teeth are small and hard to get a hold of. Every time Noah would ask,"Is it going to hurt?" Rob would explain that it doesn't hurt too bad but there might be a little blood. Last Wednesday night just before Noah was heading out for church he said, "Mom my tooth fell out." I looked in his mouth and it was dangling. I pulled it out and we cheered and clapped. Noah thought it was pretty cool that there was blood and that it didn't even hurt. I realize how my little boy is growing up and how fast it has gone. I remember being excited when he was getting his first tooth in and now he's already starting to loose them. I am thankful that he is growing up and yet at the same time I wish I could slow it down.

I'm lovin it

I have to admit that I love McDonald's almost as much as Noah. They have the best french fries around, and sometimes you just gotta have a cheeseburger. I still love McD's even after watching Super Size Me. Who knows what it does to your body. I have to say in my defense that I do get their salads alot and they are quite good. I also think that McD's is much better than Burger King, including their salads (yuck!). Burger King also changed their fries a few years back and in my opinion it was for the worse. So tell me any other McDonald's lovers out there?

Ahhhh. . . Mondays

Strange as that may sound to alot of you. Mondays are the Wondergems favorite day of the week. Now don't get me wrong I love the weekends but Sundays tend to be a little hetic around here and as hard as it is to believe Rob can be a little crabby. Then sweet Monday appears and Noah is in school, Rob is at ease, and we had off to brunch with Elli. Our favorite spot is a place downtown called Marie Catribs, it is awesome. We then do errands, get groceries, or just go to a bookstore and browse. I love the time I get to spend with Rob. Our family time at night is very relaxing and Noah gets alot of one on one time with his dad. I have really enjoyed our Mondays together and will fight hard to keep this tradition around.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. . . now

Wouldn't you know it, now it snows. This was not the Christmas I had expected this year. We had to celebrate with Rob's family a couple weeks early and at night. It was a green Christmas and I defintely like snow with my holiday. I was feeling a little sorry for myself . Yet God showed me so much grace and took me beyond the parties and presents. He reminded me what his birth ultimatley meant for me and I heard the words to those Christmas carols and the story behind them. He gave me moments with my family to treasure, Christmas shopping with Noah, wrapping presents together, and slowing down, not getting all my Christmas cookies made but enjoying my kids instead. It was a joy to see Noah being excited about not just getting presents but giving them, including my new fuzzy blue argyle slippers. Elli was fun to watch as she opened her Dora gifts and got excited every time. One of my favorite memories I will cherish is Christmas night letting Noah crawl into to bed with us and all watching The Polor Express. I can't even explain the various ways that God showed up this year and so different than what I am use too. I am so undeserving and thankful for it.

The Bloggers

If you have read any of our blogs you might recognize a face or two. The one person we all know that links us is Stacey. She is my cousin, Chelle sister, friend of Jamie (use to work with her husband), and a cousin to Nicole (through their husbands). Any way through all our connections we have started to go onto each others blogs and get to know each other. Last month we decided it would be fun to all meet in person. After many attempts and sick kids we finally met last night. It was like getting together with old friends. We sat and talked for three hours filling in the blanks with details we didn't know about each other. As Rob, would say we got to know each others stories. We all had interesting stories and a love for Christ. We had a blast and hope to meet each month. I never thought I would gain some new friends out of my blogging but look forward to deepening these new ones. Happy blogging girls!!

Quick question

For Christmas my dad gave us each a DVD with pictures on it converted from the old slides they took. We had fun laughing at the pictures we haven't seen in years. Todd, my brother was laughing at Noah the other day because he was scrapbooking. Yet after a second look at the old pictures I believe I saw Todd receive a doll as a gift. Not to mention the nose picking picture. I guess I don't have too much to worry about, right Toad?

New Songs

I have discovered over the last couple of years that I now have favorite Christmas songs. Two years ago Noah was asking to hear the dog song, I thought the barking dogs. "No mom, you know Feliz navi dog. We still sing it that way and I can't help but get a smile everytime I hear it, even if he isn't with me. Another new favorite is The Little Drummer Boy. Elli discovered that she could sing along with the "rum, pa, pa, rum". Soon the whole family was singing riding down the road. I thank God for the gift of these beautiful children and the moments I get to share with them. God has really shown me this year to stop and enjoy this year and he has given me much relief that only he can give because I am terrible at trying to "destress" myself. I am so grateful for everything he has done for me and the very reason behind Christmas. Sending his child to save me from myself.

Sugar and spice

and everything nice? That's what little girls are supposed to be made of. That is not always true for mine. I was so excited when I found out I was having a girl. Pink, bows, dolls and of course the fun we would have shopping someday while Rob and Noah were off hunting. But this little girl of mine is already showing interest in deer. Deer??? She gets all excited to see a deer on t.v. or in one of Rob's magazines. You can't tear her away from a wildlife scene from a store like Gander mountain. Then to top it off she kept bringing this shirt to Rob until he put it on. Maybe all hope is not lost, she does like jewelry and playing with her hair. Plus, I've got a few years to get the shopping bug in her system. I can always teach her a few cheers, right Fig?

Been Busy

All right, I do need new material. Nobody should have to look at Raging Cow that long. I have been very busy the last two weeks. Shopping and decorating and planning for Christmas, if I was as high tech as Chelle you can bet I would have Christmas music playing for your pleasure. This afternoon Noah and I were singing along with Jingle Bells while Elli did her little dance move, yet again another cute picture missed, but my new camera is on the way. I also missed a picture of her eating cookie dough out of the bowl. Oops left it too close to the edge of the counter. Unlike Fig and Kraig -e-boy Elli knows a good cookie when she tastes it. Anyway hopefully this little rambling will keep you happy until I have time to blog on a real subject. Someday I would really like to share about what's going with our church.

Happy Birthday Ron

I just wanted to wish my brother a happy birthday and say a few nice things about him (really). One thing about my brother is that he can always make me laugh, even when I decide that I am not going to laugh at something stupid he says. Growing up I always wanted my brothers acceptance, so I loved it when he started letting me ride out to the cottage. The radio would be blasting with Billy Idol or the Beach Boys but I wouldn't say a word about the loudness for fear of not being allowed to ride with him again. I also remember the time he brought me to his ex-girlfriends house without informing them I was his sister. I was thrilled that they thought I looked old enough to be his girlfriend. For most of my life I have thought pretty highly of my brother ( ok, not the early years growing up) and I have seen him turn into a great husband and wonderful dad. We don't often get too mushy in my family but I am going to break tradition and tell him that I love him and that I am proud to have him as my brother.

Camera

Ok out there I need some help. I need to get a new digital camera, mine broke and they wanted $169 deposit to fix it of which it might cost more or that might cost less. I don't think so. Let me know if you know of any good digital cameras with 5 or 6 megapixels and preferably underd $200. I looked on the internet but there are so many cameras and reviews it's hard to know what to go with. So I am using my blog readers so that you can help me pick out the right camera and then in turn can view some great pictures. I already missed one of Elli sitting in my underwear drawer.

Jingle Bells

I love Christmas time. I will even admit to watching a Christmas movie and playing Christmas music already. Noah has been singing Rudolph the Red nosed reindeer around the house because they are singing it for the school Christmas program and I have been singing right along. ( Noah sounds great, me not so good) I am excited about making Christmas lists and yes shopping the day after Thanksgiving. I am a Christmas freak. Anyone else out there?