Awesome!

Check out our picture/article by clicking on this link: http://www.grfamily.com/ , then clicking on the magazine and flipping to p. 8

The best day ever!

Abby and mommy do a clay craft at Michael's and then go for hot chocolate at Starbucks

Sophie and mommy do paint a pot and enjoy a milkshake at Russ'

Noah and daddy stayed after hockey class for open skate and then enjoyed ice cream at Captain Sundae

One thing that we know we need to do, and that we love to do but don't do enough is have individual time alone with each of our kiddos. I don't imagine that is only a multiples thing, it's just plain hard to squeeze in sometimes. But this Saturday we decided we were going to make it happen....for all 3 kids. The result, though a bit busy was one of the best days in recent memory..... If you haven't made time for this lately, I urge you to do it as soon as you can.

A Wonderful Book!

A little while back I was contacted via my blog by former 60 minutes producer, author, and identical twin Abigail Pogrebin and asked to read her new book about identical twins, "One and the Same". Obviously I was honored and thrilled to get started! Below is my review of this amazing book, one that I highly recommend. Pick it up and let me know what you think!

http://abigailpogrebin.com/

"As the mom of 6 year old triplets, consisting of a set of identical twin girls and a boy, my husband and I have always looked at their relationship with a sort of wonder. What would it be like to have someone always with you? How is it that they can sooth each other with the touch of a hand? I have sisters but what must it be like to have not only a brother the same age but a sister who is your identical? We look in wonder as one of my daughters asks the other to turn around so she can see "what our hair looks like" rather than using a mirror. Aside from awe inspiring, it has always made us curious.

Abigail Pogrebin gave me a wonderful glimpse in to the world of identical twins in her book, "One and the Same". I was immediately drawn in and immersed myself in her interviews that covered a wide variety of identical twin pairs. Each interview gave a further glimpse in to a different aspect of what it is like to live life as an identical. Some of the interviews tugged at my heart strings, like the one that interviewed a set of triplets, consisting of identical girls and a fraternal. The fraternal sister always felt a bit set apart, which made me think of what it must be like for my son. Other interviews made my heart ache as the pairs described a gradual growing apart as they grew older (which as a mom of 6 year olds is hard to imagine) or as the topics of terminal disease as it is related to identical twins was discussed. Mostly the interviews moved me further to a sense of awe as the pairs described 'love affairs' with each other. It's the only way to sufficiently describe it. The need many twins have to touch each other, the way they finish each other's thoughts, the self described closeness is like none other. This book contained a perfect balance of interview, personal stories, and science that made it very hard to put down!

'One and the Same' sheds a fascinating light on to the world of identical twins. The quest they face to remain connected to each other while foraging independence. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has or knows identical twins as well as anyone who is curious about this amazing bond."

Have a wonderful day!

OPRAH!!

Walking in to school. Still makes me tear up on occasion!

Just wanted to let you know that the most recent Oprah episode I had the opportunity to attend (with Kate) a taping for will air TOMORROW! It is an amazing show that features Ryan Seacrest and JAMIE OLIVER!!! They are talking about their new show, 'Food Revolution' that also airs tomorrow night. My brother in law worked on the show, and it is going to be amazing. I highly recommend watching both, you will be amazed. Set your DVR!!!
Note: I got literally 24 hours notice about going to this Oprah taping and was invited because I had written about the "Fruit for Friends" "Food Revolution" we started here in Holland! Pretty sweet!

What we've been doing...

Beautiful Smith College

Indoor bulb show at Smith College

Noah learning hockey skills (in red)

learning how to make maple syrup with grandma and grandpa

Abby and her 'special' flowers from Uncle Ben

Abby's poster

The bunny we made with love for baby Kaitlin

I'm home safe and sound from a productive and beautiful visit to Smith and Williams Colleges. It was wonderful to be back with the kids...even if it was only for a few days before I took off again for an International Mentoring conference in Orlando last week. Again, it was a very beneficial conference though I was a bit more travel weary this time. I did walk from my hotel to Sea World a place I had never been. Friday after the conference ended I rented a car and made a very quick trip to Cocoa Beach to visit my sister Laura and her new baby daughter (and her amazing son and Gavin too!). They are all doing well and baby Kaitlin is amazing. I forgot my camera on that entire trip, so I'll try to get some pictures from Laura!! It was hard to leave after only one day, but I missed my kiddos so much too! I go back for my regularly scheduled 'help after baby' visit in late April. So, I'm home again and getting back in to a routine. It's hard to be away, and I'm soaking in all the snuggles that I can. Thanks to my mom and dad who helped out this trip with the kids. In between travels Noah has been greatly improving at hockey. Abby has had her 'very own poster' day at school. Abby also celebrated her 'special day' the day she came home (finally!) from the NICU with flowers sent from her loving godfather Uncle Ben. Do you see that smile???? It really has not left her face in 6 days!

Prayers tonight for Tom's amazing, strong and beautiful grandma Bonnema who has pneumonia.

I hope there are signs of spring surrounding you as you read this!

Blessings!

Greetings from Massachusetts

I am writing this post from Northampton, Massachusetts. I flew in Wednesday and visited Williams College in Williamston Mass. today (established in 1793!). Tomorrow I will be visiting Smith College before flying home. The visits are because both of these colleges have mentoring programs like I am creating/directing at Hope College. My visit today was very informative. I enjoyed speaking with many wonderful faculty and students as well as soaking in the beauty of the college which is nestled in the Berkshires. I am having a wonderful time, but am anxious to get home to my kiddos tomorrow night!

This week before I left we celebrated Noah and Sophie's "special days". The days they came home from the hospital. They were such joyous days 6 years ago. This week, they didn't end up being very joyous for the kids. Sunday night (the day before his special day) Noah spent the entire night with a stomach bug. I do mean the entire night. Monday he was tired but recovering. Not a great way to celebrate your special day. Especially sad was that it was his week to create his "very own poster" for school. He finally returned on Wednesday and hopes to share his poster on Friday.

Tuesday was Sophie's special day. It started out great, and even included a trip to the opening of Captain Sundae (yeah!) and to get flowers. Tuesday night, she went down with the bug.

Needless to say it was very difficult for me to leave on Wednesday, leaving sick kiddos at home is something that tears out my heart. I knew they would be loved and cared for by daddy and grandma (thank you!) but selfishly, I like to be the one taking care of them when they are sick. Ok, I don't love stomach bugs...but do love snuggles.

We continue to pray that Abby manages to avoid this bug all together (her special day is next Tuesday). (Tom and me too!)

Enjoy the photos!

Our Weekend

We had a wonderful weekend enjoying the March sunshine!! Abby had a clay snowman tile from school selected to be on display at the Holland Area Arts Council during the month of March. She was THRILLED! (and so were we!) We went downtown to check it out yesterday and she wanted to wear her Easter dress for the occasion (how cute it that!?). It was a very proud moment for all of us!!

Noah had a blast at his second week of 'Hockey skills' skating class. He just loves it!!

We had an adventure Saturday night when our power went out for about 3-4 hours. It was dark, quiet, and a bit chilly. Noah got to sleep in the girls room, I read by candle light, and Tom went crazy and insisted on going to the grocery store. It was strangely quiet and peaceful in a powerless house.

Today I gave Tom the gift of a couple hours off and I took the kids to Michaels to paint name canvases. They had a blast and it was a riot!

Now we are winding down and looking forward to 'Sunday night movie night' A perfect way to end the weekend!

Looking forward to this all week

Noah has been looking foward to tonight all week. He and daddy are having a slumber party, in Noah's room. Big stuff. His favorite night. Precious.

Sunshine and Celebrations!

Happy Birthday to my new baby niece....Kaitlin Christine McDaniel was born at 1:21 this afternoon. She weighed 7 lbs 5oz and is 19 inches long. She is beautiful with dark hair. Laura and Gavin sounded relaxed and elated when I spoke to them this afternoon!! My parents are in Florida taking care of Nathan the big brother. We couldn't be more excited! God is good.
The kids and I enjoyed the sun pouring in today by making a 'nest' out of blankets and pillows, curling up and finishing our latest 'Magic Treehouse' book. It was amazing. There is nothing better than curling up in the sunbeam with your kiddos.