I wanna "fwing", Mommy! May 31, 2008
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Happy Memorial Day
Grand Rapids holds its Memorial Day parade on the official Memorial Day--today. We went downtown to wave our flags and honor our service men and women!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Contemplating
The other day, Matt and I were contemplating which will be more difficult for us--to get Anna potty trained or to get rid of the pacifier. We figured that giving up the pacifier will be way harder for Anna--and us! She (usually) only has it at nap and bed time, but lately often will go get it out of her bed and walk around with it in her mouth. Yesterday, was one of those days. After taking her pacifier out of her bed and walking around with it, she dropped it somewhere. At nap time, we couldn't find it, so I found a different one for her. When it was bed time, she got the second pacifier out of her bed to use while we read books. Then she found the first one.
Then I was suddenly inspired to tell her that the second one was broken and she should throw it away. I showed her the tiny hole it in and again told her she needed to throw it away because it was broken--AND SHE DID, a little hesitantly, but she did it!! I was shocked!
As shocked as I was, I still think giving up diapers is going to be Anna's easier task this summer.
Then I was suddenly inspired to tell her that the second one was broken and she should throw it away. I showed her the tiny hole it in and again told her she needed to throw it away because it was broken--AND SHE DID, a little hesitantly, but she did it!! I was shocked!
As shocked as I was, I still think giving up diapers is going to be Anna's easier task this summer.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Taking the Camera
I charged the camera this morning and am back to taking it with me everywhere and having it handy all day. That should help with blog entry ideas.
Today I decided to brave doing a craft with Anna. We made coasters with beads and glue. Here is Anna working on hers.
Here she is working on mine!
Here are the almost-finished products (we just have to wait for all the glue to dry). Anna's is the one that will be used for decoration since she didn't get all her beads to lay flat. I think it's pretty cute and am quite impressed with the job she did.
We had supper early tonight, so we had lots of time this evening to play outside. About 3 weeks ago, Anna figured out how to blow bubbles herself. It's one of her favorite outdoor activities! (Actually, anything outdoors is her favorite.)
We even had time to get a nice walk in. For Anna, there's always a mix of riding in the stroller, walking, and getting a ride on Papi's shoulders! It was a beautiful night to be outside.
(For all of you frequent readers, feel free to leave a comment. It's pretty easy--just click on the comments below and follow the directions. It would be nice to hear what you think. Thanks!)
Today I decided to brave doing a craft with Anna. We made coasters with beads and glue. Here is Anna working on hers.
Here she is working on mine!
Here are the almost-finished products (we just have to wait for all the glue to dry). Anna's is the one that will be used for decoration since she didn't get all her beads to lay flat. I think it's pretty cute and am quite impressed with the job she did.
We had supper early tonight, so we had lots of time this evening to play outside. About 3 weeks ago, Anna figured out how to blow bubbles herself. It's one of her favorite outdoor activities! (Actually, anything outdoors is her favorite.)
We even had time to get a nice walk in. For Anna, there's always a mix of riding in the stroller, walking, and getting a ride on Papi's shoulders! It was a beautiful night to be outside.
(For all of you frequent readers, feel free to leave a comment. It's pretty easy--just click on the comments below and follow the directions. It would be nice to hear what you think. Thanks!)
Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day
Well, we didn't take loads of pictures today. The Memorial Day parade we went to was in a very small town. It was very nice and we had a fun time, but it was 13 minutes long! No photos there. We went out to Grandma's house at the lake after that. We got a few shots of Anna just loving the water and splashing around, but our camera ran out of juice so we didn't get many pictures here either! Hope your weekend was great!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
I've Been Told
I was told by two different people today that I need to post a new blog entry so here goes!
I only have one picture from the week, but that doesn't mean we haven't been busy. Matt started his infant baptism class on Monday and is half way done (it's a 9 day class). He's been loving it! It's a small class and the discussions have been great. He has to do a lot of reading, but only a few small papers and leading one class discussion, so the work load isn't unbearable. Anna and I are in the midst of the twos--I won't say they are terrible because we do have a lot of fun, but we have our trying times too (like screaming during her entire bath twice--so far--and not wanting to get in her carseat). We try to have at least one small outing each day. It's good for both of us. Unfortunately, the day this week we had scheduled to go to the park it was about 40 degrees. We still had fun though.
Yesterday we went to the farmer's market and bought some plants to start a little garden. We're going to try growing some tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, and herbs. Matt got the ground ready and put up some chicken wire to help deter the rabbits from enjoying our goodies. Anna decided to help, too. She got some garden tools, gloves, and a watering can for her birthday (thanks Aunt Sue, Uncle Dave, Kelly, Abbey, and Jenny). She put on the gloves for a little while, played with the shovel, and used her watering can to pour water into the sandbox. Oh well, she had fun.
OK, here's my only picture. Anna decided instead of helping Papi get the garden ready, she would take a break and sit in the kayak--wearing her garden gloves, of course! Tomorrow we're off to a parade and to Grandma's for the afternoon. I'm sure we'll take loads of pictures, so I will be sure to post them!
I only have one picture from the week, but that doesn't mean we haven't been busy. Matt started his infant baptism class on Monday and is half way done (it's a 9 day class). He's been loving it! It's a small class and the discussions have been great. He has to do a lot of reading, but only a few small papers and leading one class discussion, so the work load isn't unbearable. Anna and I are in the midst of the twos--I won't say they are terrible because we do have a lot of fun, but we have our trying times too (like screaming during her entire bath twice--so far--and not wanting to get in her carseat). We try to have at least one small outing each day. It's good for both of us. Unfortunately, the day this week we had scheduled to go to the park it was about 40 degrees. We still had fun though.
Yesterday we went to the farmer's market and bought some plants to start a little garden. We're going to try growing some tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, and herbs. Matt got the ground ready and put up some chicken wire to help deter the rabbits from enjoying our goodies. Anna decided to help, too. She got some garden tools, gloves, and a watering can for her birthday (thanks Aunt Sue, Uncle Dave, Kelly, Abbey, and Jenny). She put on the gloves for a little while, played with the shovel, and used her watering can to pour water into the sandbox. Oh well, she had fun.
OK, here's my only picture. Anna decided instead of helping Papi get the garden ready, she would take a break and sit in the kayak--wearing her garden gloves, of course! Tomorrow we're off to a parade and to Grandma's for the afternoon. I'm sure we'll take loads of pictures, so I will be sure to post them!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Lovin' the Lake
We spent yesterday in Saugatuk. We walked around town, found a little playground to play in for a little while, looked at some boats, then ate lunch. After all that, we headed for the beach. Anna held our hands as we walked down some steps to get to the sand. We were just a little ways from the steps when she decided to just plop herself down right there. Matt and I headed for the water, knowing Anna would eventually follow.
And she did. She didn't want to go near the water at first. It was a little windy and the waves are very loud. She slowly started getting her feet wet, though, and had fun throwing rocks, shells, and sticks in the water.
Then she got really brave and would run in and then out when the waves would come in.
It didn't take her too long to feel comfortable enough to go in up to her knees. That look on her face was not one of cold (Lake Michigan in May--about 40 degrees), but one of annoyance that I was trying to pull her out of the water so she didn't go further in and end up falling!
And she did. She didn't want to go near the water at first. It was a little windy and the waves are very loud. She slowly started getting her feet wet, though, and had fun throwing rocks, shells, and sticks in the water.
Then she got really brave and would run in and then out when the waves would come in.
It didn't take her too long to feel comfortable enough to go in up to her knees. That look on her face was not one of cold (Lake Michigan in May--about 40 degrees), but one of annoyance that I was trying to pull her out of the water so she didn't go further in and end up falling! 
Friday, May 16, 2008
John Ball Zoo
We're loving having Matt home and able to go on outings with us (and being stress-free doing it)! Today we went to John Ball Zoo here in GR. Anna had a blast. I wouldn't describe her as a shy child on most occasions, but I'm still surprised sometimes at what she'll do. She had so much fun at the petting areas of the zoo. She got to brush and pet some goats...
...and even petted a chicken!
Her cousin Jenny and Aunt Sue were also at the zoo, so it was fun to meet up with them and spend a little time together. Jenny's class had a field trip to the zoo, and I got to meet Jenny's teacher!
Of course, as usual, the best part of the outing is being with Papi!
...and even petted a chicken!
Her cousin Jenny and Aunt Sue were also at the zoo, so it was fun to meet up with them and spend a little time together. Jenny's class had a field trip to the zoo, and I got to meet Jenny's teacher!
Of course, as usual, the best part of the outing is being with Papi!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
One Year Completed!
Happy, relaxed, running errands and going out for a celebration dinner with Anna and me--that's how Matt spent the day. He finished up his last take-home exam last night and after looking it over and tweeking it a bit, sent it off to be handed in via email at around 8:00 this morning. He's officially completed his first year of seminary!!! I am very proud of him. He has worked very hard and learned so much! He's still a Greek geek (and also on his way to being a Hebrew geek--if that's what you call it). We will be spending a wonderful weekend together mostly just hanging out. (Summer school starts Monday.)
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Mother's Day Weekend!
We started our Mother's Day celebration yesterday. We went to Holland to watch the Tulip Time parade (it's actually called something else that I can't remember). It was a beautiful day and we had so much fun. Anna loved watching all the "kids" in the marching bands and especially liked seeing all the horses. She was also way into waving at all the parade entrants as they went by. We enjoyed some great family time. We went to Matt's mom for some good Grandma time after the parade.
Today has been a little mellow. Everyone has a little sore throat/cough and runny nose and Matt has to do a lot of studying today since he took time off yesterday and his first exam is tomorrow afternoon.
I'm so very blessed by God to be Mommy to such a delightful daughter and to have such a wonderful husband!
Here are a few parade pictures:
Today has been a little mellow. Everyone has a little sore throat/cough and runny nose and Matt has to do a lot of studying today since he took time off yesterday and his first exam is tomorrow afternoon.
I'm so very blessed by God to be Mommy to such a delightful daughter and to have such a wonderful husband!
Here are a few parade pictures:
Friday, May 9, 2008
Classes Complete!
I would post a picture of Matt today, but it would be of him sleeping so I decided to skip it. Matt is finished with his first year of seminary classes! He had a huge paper due today. He was up pretty much all night getting it finished and always gets up early, so he's exhausted. It's not even 8 pm and he's already in bed. By next week Thursday he'll be done with exams and his first year of seminary is complete. He's worked extremely hard and has done extremely well! I'm very proud of him.
In case you're wondering or interested, these are our summer plans:
***Matt will take 2 two-week summer classes--from mid-May until mid-June
***My family will be coming to Michigan for a little family reunion at the end of June. We'll be together in the GR area for a long weekend. My oldest niece, her husband and their new baby (yes, I'm a great aunt) likely won't make it, but the rest of the family will attend. My mom will stay for about 3 weeks which will be nice because...
***...Matt will be helping out with a program called Facing Your Future in July. High school juniors and seniors will come to Calvin Seminary for 3 weeks. They'll do some pretty intense Bible study, book discussion, etc for about half their time. Then they go out to a SERVE-type project. Matt's group will go to Toronto.
***August will be loads of family time. We'll do a little work around the house, maybe a little camping, and tons of spending time together before school starts again.
***We are (or at least I am) ready and willing to have visitors any time this summer, so if a trip to GR is in your summer plans, let us know!
In case you're wondering or interested, these are our summer plans:
***Matt will take 2 two-week summer classes--from mid-May until mid-June
***My family will be coming to Michigan for a little family reunion at the end of June. We'll be together in the GR area for a long weekend. My oldest niece, her husband and their new baby (yes, I'm a great aunt) likely won't make it, but the rest of the family will attend. My mom will stay for about 3 weeks which will be nice because...
***...Matt will be helping out with a program called Facing Your Future in July. High school juniors and seniors will come to Calvin Seminary for 3 weeks. They'll do some pretty intense Bible study, book discussion, etc for about half their time. Then they go out to a SERVE-type project. Matt's group will go to Toronto.
***August will be loads of family time. We'll do a little work around the house, maybe a little camping, and tons of spending time together before school starts again.
***We are (or at least I am) ready and willing to have visitors any time this summer, so if a trip to GR is in your summer plans, let us know!
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