October 26, 2013

A beautiful fall day full of fun.  Girls Basketball.  Pancakes for Noah at Hope.  An estate sale on Lake Mac.  Post Family Farm.  Church.  A slumber party for the girls.
The kids are growing so fast.  Their interests and plans for the days are changing.  I find myself treasuring the snuggles and kisses even more than ever. 

October 15, 2013

Things that make me go hmmmmm....
One of the things I pride myself on is removing grass stains from Noah's clothes.  I have perfected a system, and it is actually something I find joy in.  I am thankful that he plays hard enough to get grass stains every day.  He is active and energetic, and that is perfect.  However, sometimes, he does cause me to wonder....
How does one get a grass stain inside of the waistband of his baseball pants?
How does one get a grass stain in the armpit of his football jersey? 
How does one get a grass stain on top of the shoulder of his school shirt? (pictured today)

That's my boy!

October 24, 2013

Tonight my super girls and I ran a Halloween 5K to benefit the Holland Free Health Clinic.  It was Sophie's very first one!  We braved 39 degree temps, hail, and a little snow but with our super powers we didn't notice a thing!  They blew my mind with their super speed.  I admit to begging them to slow down several times.  We finished in an amazing 27:30.  I am so proud of them.  And, I am exhausted.  :)

October 13, 2013

One of the items on our 'fall list' is going to Captain Sundae for the last time.  Early last week the 'closing Sunday' sign went up, so we knew it was time.  Tom and I surprised the kids on Wednesday when we picked them up from Religious Ed at 6:00 and took them to Captain Sundae before dinner (for the last time).  Saturday night my parents were watching the kiddos and in spite of the cool temps, darkness, and rain the kids thought they should have dessert at Captain Sundae (for the last time), so they did.  Sunday we celebrated Joan's birthday in Holland, we enjoyed eating outside and a fire in the fire pit.  Since part of the family was sick, and we didn't have any dessert....we just had to head to Captain Sundae (for the last time of the season....#3)!!!  I'd say we thoroughly competed that item from the list!!

October 12, 2013

Noah has had  a wonderful football season.  He has enjoyed playing starting (and only) QB all season.  He also loves playing defensive end.  A couple of times he has played nearly every moment of the game.  He has played really hard.  He always has a positive attitude and is quick to cheer on his teammates.  He threw a ~35+ yard pass for a TD a few weeks ago (and many other wonderful passes).  He has an amazing arm.  Saturday his team had their first victory.  It was a long deserved, much appreciated W.  It was so fun to watch his team be so filled with joy.  There were somersaults coming off the field!  He has one more practice and one more game.  I am so proud of him and his favorite coach, Tom.  (Noah is dropping back for a pass in this pic)

October 10, 2013

Thursday "quality time".  Every week on Thursday or Friday my parents and I pledged to spend a few hours together, quality time.  It is such a great tradition allowing us to talk and laugh and enjoy time together.  I love having them in Holland, they are so helpful with the kids but sometimes it is just wonderful to have time just the 3 of us.  (this was an amazing lunch at 'Public' in Zeeland)

October 6, 2013

Abby enjoying some time on her computer working on a math program that is part of their homework. 

October 5, 2013

Saturday after Noah's football game in Hamilton the kids and I headed to Crane's.  We picked 38 lbs of apples in 20 minutes and headed inside for lunch.  We beat the lunch rush and the rainstorm!  We enjoyed cider, chili, chicken fingers, and tuna salad sandwiches.  We went home and enjoyed a quiet day of playing with legos, listening to music, and making applesauce.  It was a perfect fall day!

October 4, 2013

All 3 kiddos did great in their school fund raiser "Laps for Lakeshore".  They ran hard for the entire 20 minutes!  They ran with friends and alone.  They celebrated at the end with their buddies!  It was wonderful!  After school we headed to Dairy Queen (the first time my kids had ever been there!) because they had 'Pumpkin Pie Blizzards'.  It turns out Captain Sundae has them too!  I'll remember that for next year! 

October 3, 2013

This semester I am doing 'open studio' for my pottery.  I still enjoy the escape of an hour or two of 'playing in the mud'! 

October 2, 2013

Wacky day at school...need I say more!!??