Minefield Clean-up

Last night Daddy and VW were playing a little baseball while grilling for dinner. VW was the pitcher and spent most of the time tiptoeing through the minefield of the occassional Bailey poo trying to catch Daddy's hits.

He swerved this way and that, while Daddy tried to hit the ball strategically.

Once there was a break to check the shoes, with a reminder to not grab the bottom of them!!

Finally, with the most inquistive voice VW says, "Why don't we just pick up Bailey's poo..that a good idea!"

Abundance Organized

Being part of the top 1% of the world's wage earners, our home is full of STUFF. Don’t get me wrong, I love the stuff just as much as anyone; however, it is getting ridiculously overwhelming as our drawers are literally spilling over.

We live a life of such abundance and the majority of the time I really do pinch myself and praise God for our family, home, food, and the many life comforts we are so fortunate to experience, while other times all I want is MORE. More time, more opportunities, more experiences, more money for such things, more, more, more…

Do I really need 9 pairs of dress pants for work when there are only 5 work days and 3 don’t even fit me? How many t-shirts, shoes, shorts, socks, coats, etc., etc. does one really need? What about bowls, storage containers, coffee mugs, cups? Blankets, bedding, pillows? Pens, paint, paper? Toys, toys, toys? And, thankfully, even our pantry is abundantly full.

Not to come across unappreciative as I know so many really do need. Lately Ihave this sense that I should live more simply, with more trust and faith vs. the desires of societal norms.  And all this stuff is NOT simple.

Seriously, this weekend I began to organize VWs dresser drawers. Now this is one area that has been such a blessing, as having older boy cousins, you get a lot of great hand-me-downs. Plus, mommy gets the occasional clothing item here and there. Plus gifts AND you get drawers that do not close. Another blessing is that DG also gets to wear these clothes and we’ve already past them on to others. However, this is what abundance organized looks like:

30 plus shirts

This kid has socks and underwear!

20 plus shorts

So, as I take steps in my life to focus on the amazing opportunities, experiences and stuff that God has provided to this point in my life, may I also appreciate the simple things in life and not feel so overwhelmed. May our home and hearts be filled with the wealth of stewardship of our time and money. May we have a home that is welcoming, filled with love and compassion. May I be content with God’s provisions and use them for His glory. May I be the light of His grace and an example of His mercies.

Weekend Memories ~ Flying

Wow! The last few weekends have been an absolute, wonderful blessing for our family...we've reconnected, played to our hearts content, accomplished some house projects, and watched our boys explore and grow [along with a few tantrums].

This weekend provided a few giggles:

• Daddy played softball Friday night, so the boys and I had some playtime together. Both boys were in bed and I was finishing up dinner dishes, when I thought I heard the garage door and Daddy arriving home. But it was earlier than expected and no Daddy. So I went around the house to explore the noise...or really just headed to VWs room! I open the door to a surprised little guy. Who responded "nothing!" When asked what happened? Did you fall? Were you Jumping? Doing cartwheels? Somersaults? To which VW laughed and matter-of-factly told me, "I am flying!" Then proceeded to jump in the air, flap his arms, and land on his knees. "Ok, Buddy! Now fly to bed!"
• DG and I were cooling off in the little baby pool Sunday afternoon when he proceeded to stick his head in the water. Very shocking to me, since all of sudden he has not enjoyed bathtime and getting his face wet. So I cheered and wiped the grass (floating in the pool from big brother running in out of the pool and lawn) off his face. He laughed and slammed his face back into the water. I wiped and the activity continued. One time he went under and I didn't wipe! He looked at me grabbed my hand and put in on his cheek so innocently! Too precious!
• After some fun time in the pool with DG, he decided to explore the yard. He grunted and pulled my hand, leading me to the sandbox. He rubbed his tummy to say "please" and pointed to the lid on the sandbox. So impressed with his manners and he got lots of praise, but no sandbox time as he was soaked from the pool. [I know, I am no fun ;-)]
• More noise coming from VWs room Sunday evening...Daddy heads up to check it out. VW is in bed (quickly closing his eyes when Daddy opens the door) wearing his dinosaur costume from a few Halloweens back...

These boys are too fun and are having such a great time connecting and growing together. They even teamed up on a baby-sitter this weekend to do something mommy and daddy won't let them do! Looking forward to many more stories, learning, experiences and "flying!"

Buzz & Woody ~ We Are a Team

The boys are interacting and playing more and more! It is so adorable to catch them cuddling or hugging...or maybe they are wrestling?

They are already teaming up to try new things...like walking across the couch, jumping onto the couch cushions, making forts, crashing and stomping on castles.

Now the trick is to balance fun, "all boy" play and when Mommy and Daddy need to intervene. We are try our best to let them be brothers and just play. Plus, even though VW is older DG holds his ground! Such precious times...

This weekend I caught them playing together. First, their box was a surfboard and they were being the Backyardigans...Surfs Up. Them Buzz and Woody...we are a team, we are a family...

So, enjoy this time and interaction. Greatly look forward to watch the brother bond grow and blossom...as VW always says, "My brother is so cute! I love my brother!"

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

What a great opportunity for our family this weekend for Father's Day...College World Series!! Daddy's love/passion for baseball has definately rubbed off on Mommy...it is so fun to hear Daddy explain the game, the next pitch, the next move...such a strategic game! Then to watch VW intensly watch the pitches from Daddy in the backyard. He is an amazing hitter and carefully listens to each instruction (need to work on that in other areas)! Baseball is such a passion in this house, that you could often hear Mommy humming "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in between "Amazing Grace" and "God is so Good" during lullabye times with DG.

So, when Daddy was given 4 tickets to Saturday afternoons game, we talked about getting a babysitter, bringing Cousin NR, and then decided let's take the boys to their first baseball game! VW was so excited!! We watched the games on TV Friday night and talked about the color of chairs, hitting home runs, how big the stadium was, and how he was going to get to go!

I, on the other hand, kept saying silent prayers, that Mommy and Daddy could enjoy the time with the boys and take in each moment for what it was...a four and one-year-old at a very busy baseball game.

VW posing near the field, so excited!

Picture with Daddy...what a BIG place!

So nice that DG could sit in his very own chair!
When he wasn't sitting...he was flirting with the ladies
behind us, playing with the gals hair in front of us,
eating, climbing, dancing or walking back and
forth between Mommy and Daddy!

Pointing out the catcher and the next hitter!

YEAH! We made it to the 7th inning!
DG and VW loved every minute of it!
DG loved all the clapping!
And Mommy and Daddy survived...
what great memories!

Father's Day Gifts

Happy Dad's Day! Knew you were wonderful husband the first 10 years of marriage, but how awesome it has been the last 4 years to watch you with the boys! What an amazing father you are...the tickler, "spider-eater," coach, cuddlier, doctor, fixer of all things, discipliner...love you, Dad!

VWs hands.

Every piece of you,
is a part of me!

Oh, Vacation Where Did You Go? Such Fond Memories

Seems crazy that it has already been 2 weeks since we loaded up the van and settled in the boys, headed for a nearly 1600 mile round trip to Holland, MI for a week long vacation.

The boys settled in nicely
and were awesome travelers.

One of our first giggles from VW on the trip was the insistence and frustration he had with me for not telling him what the "green thing" was sitting next me. Honey, are you asking about this? "NO! Right there!" This?  "NO!" (sigh). Note to self: next time we are discusing the "green thing" verify it is green and not orange! ;-}

Of course, our first vacation treat was ICE CREAM
at the one and only Captain Sundaes!

Then there was lots of baseball. VW was not afraid
to tell you what your role was...you stand behind me,
you throw...and Uncle B experienced some hard hitting
and multiple welts from VW strong hits back to the pitcher.

This next series of vacation memories makes me laugh! We had such a wonderful time on the beach; however, based on the pictures we captured you would think we spent the entire week there and not such a couple hours. The sand and sun were warm, the water freezing, but it was a blast and relaxing.


Football on the shoreline with Uncle B.

DG figuring out the sand for the first time!
He loves our sandbox, but walking in this big
"sandbox" was a little different but lots of fun!

Everyone got involved in the fun...
digging, sand castles,
and burying yourself!
Poor Aunt K got the small shovel (middle picture).

And you can't have an afternoon at the beach
without some Frisbee!

Jumping waves and wading with our Aunts.

VW thought it was fun to be a snake!
Unlce B joined in the fun!
(Now imagine where all the sand got to!)

The boys had such a wonderful time bonding with family! There was constant babble from DG and inquires from VW. I think they connected with everyone in their own fun way! It was wondeful to hear the discussions and fun. Plus, it also gave this tired momma some respite and a much needed break!

One of the cutest discussions overheard was between Aunt R and VW regarding Baby K. "Sometimes I feel her move! But I can't tell if it is a kick with her foot or a hit with her hand!" VW response, "or her tail!"

In the mornings (and some evenings),
fishing was the activity of choice!
VW loved it! And was quite the amazing caster!
He begged and begged to fish!
Daddy caught two fish (no keepers) all week
and yet it was the most fun ever!

In the evenings, it was beach campfires,
lots of smores and roasted marshmellows,
and "deep" discusions by the light of the moon.

VW has been telling us stories all week about his favorite vacation memories. He has informed us next time he sees Uncle C, his toe nails will be all better! (Lost them from a rival soccer game in college!)

AND "he told me so" one morning looking out into the backyard!
"MOM, we can't fish here! There is no water!"

Beautiful Bride ~ Stressed Photographer

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to capture on "film," preserve the wedding day of Cousin T and groom BB. She was a beautiful bride and I was one nervous photographer. I think I captured a few good pictures. And although the day was long and exhausting for me...as I kept telling Cousin T...enjoy the moment, feel the warm sun and breeze, breathe and at the end of the day you will be married.


Here are few of the moments...we wish you many years of marriage bliss!

We were so proud of VW. He walked down the aisle, stood during the entire ceremony without being too much of a distraction, and we think he was pretty proud of himself.


I also learned a few things about myself. One, I've always loved the art of photography and have used it as an artistic outlet for myself in my life...I think I will continue to use it as such. Second, I know why photographers charge so much! What a long day, especially when you do not know what you are doing, but felt like I did the best I could. Third, I think I will keep my day job and my photography hobby (maybe that is number one again)!

I DO Belong ~ Really!

While on vacation last week we had the wonderful opportunity to hook up with my Cousin DD. It was so fun to touch base and see how much the kids have grown and introduce the boys to them!

I also find it so intriguing how things change in each phase of life. Always remember going to my favorite Aunts house and how fun it was and how much I looked up to my cousin...even in her Dirty Dancing, Boy George phase ;-) To today, where she is a dedicated pastors wife, working mom, baseball/dance mom, always on the go...inspirational! So fun to catch up and discuss life.

AND even more intriguing (to me at least), is how my mom, sister, and cousin (my mom's sisters daughter) are all beautiful blondes and so cute and petite...and then there is me ;-)

I do belong, I really do!!