25K

At the Finish Line!

Training Buddy Joey G

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No I did not run a 25k, but thanks for the laugh! Matt ran the Fifth Third Riverbank Run a few weeks back, and did an awesome job. Even though it was rainy and freezing cold, he ran like the wind...His personal best I believe at 1:47:53. He trains hard and runs fast, and every time he crosses the finish line, I honestly get a little teary eyed. I'm so proud of him for working so hard to achieve his goals. Way to go babe!

VanAndel Museum

We recently used our free passes to the public museum for a rainy day activity. Matt and I had our wedding reception at the museum, so it's always fun to go back and remember the good ole' days. The kids had fun looking at the Big Bugs exhibit and we enjoyed an expensive lunch in the cafe. And we can't miss a carousel ride to top off this family day out!!

This picture perfectly describes Charley right now...crazy wild lady...

It's fun to pretend that they like each other

TVBL

After vowing we would never sit through T-ball with Grant again, we moved up to Coach Pitch Baseball. It has been a definite improvement. He is signed up this year with Thornapple Valley Baseball League, or TVBL. There are a lot of kids from the neighborhood on his team, and he seems to be enjoying himself...at least once he gets there. He doesn't ever really want to get his baseball uniform on, but doesn't he look cute in it? He is starting to get the hang of it, but we're not so sure baseball is going to be his favorite sport. I recently asked him if he wants to do this again next year, and he said no. So we'll see. But for the time being, he is learning the game of baseball and seems to be having fun. At least its another memory to add to the book!

10 Years Later

I just think that it is really awesome that I still get the chance to get together with these girls, these two awesome mommas, that stood up in my wedding almost ten years ago. So much has changed, and so much has stayed the same. Eight kids later, lots of changing looks, but forever lasting friendships! So fun to be with you guys. Looking forward to our next get together!! I am so blessed with your friendships.

Three of a Kind

My babies...not so much babies anymore. When did everyone get so big? So...three of a kind...but all completely different. I am amazed at how three children that come from one set of parents can all be so completely unique. And each one seems to be taking on his or her "role" in this family. Grant, the first born, is independent and strong-willed. Praying this turns into strong leadership skills someday and the ability to stand up for himself and say no to things that aren't right. He is polite and kind to others, and is really starting to take on his "big brother" role for his sisters. It's heart warming to see him put Molly to bed and read to her. He is caring but also very fiesty and spirited. It's a special relationship between a mother and a son, and I'm so happy to have him. He shows me a lot of love. Molly, my middle child, can be quiet and reserved, but may also surprise you when she tries to make you laugh by being goofy. You may find her being sneaky somewhere and quietly doing something she shouldn't be doing, but always is quite remorseful when she gets caught. She has a soft heart and is very emotional. She has started to love to sing and I love to listen to her sweet voice, especially when she says the funniest things...like when I asked her if she needed to put her listening ears on, and she told me she lost them somewhere in her room. She is growing up so fast. The other day I asked her if I could pick her up and she said, no thank you, I'm a big girl...but I still love you. And Charley, my baby, my youngest. What a sweet heart his child has, as they all do, but she seems to want to make me smile the most. But I see her wild side coming out quickly. I'm certain she will be not afraid of much, as she climbs and shouts, and says hi...quite loudly...to everyone she sees. She may be more of a free spirit and I'm sure she'll be well-liked. But we'll see, I have yet to learn all about her yet, but I'm loving every minute of it.

They all show me so much love, and I eat up every hug and kiss, and 'I Love You' that I get from them.

I just wanted to thank God for these three blessings, that I'm sure have shaped me as a person in more ways than I can count. I am so very grateful to be their mother, and so very grateful to have a loving husband to help me along the way.

Park Date with Friends

We have had beautiful Spring weather for the most part, so we've been doing our best to be outside whenever possible. A couple weeks back, we headed over to Grand Rapids Township park and had a nice park date with Koops and Damstras. Good times with good friends.

Mols

"Balancing"...or just standing...

Lucy

Cool cat Kadence

Love a merry-go-round

Wild Ride with Lucy

Charley wants to play too

Kadence

Damstra Boys, Ty and Max

Good Times

It's always a good time having the Leonards visit, and this time we even ventured out of the house! We headed over to Meijer Gardens to see the butterflies and had a beautiful day to play outside too. I was just looking back at pictures of the how all of our kids have grown up so much lately in the last few years. It's amazing how time is flying by!!

Grant and Taylor patiently waiting for a butterfly to land on them.

Zach and Molly very amused

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I swear they were all just babies yesterday

Buds

Peek-a-Boo

Boat time!

Children's Gate

Beautiful Lauren

My Girls

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I have to say, that when I first got pregnant, I thought that I would have all boys. When I had Grant, I was sure I was definitely not going to have any girls. When Molly came along, I thought, I am so blessed to have one girl, but if I have another, I'm sure it will be a boy. And along came Charley...a girl Charley. Most of my day is spent with my girls as Grant is at school all day every day. And I'm enjoying watching my girls change and grow, and love and hate each other. I am very blessed to have a sister, who love and cares for me, and I'm thankful my girls have each other too. Praying that they love each other and are friends for the rest of their lives too!

Easter

Family Easter Pic 2010

Watch this progression...

Mom...too...

bright...You can see how fast I take the pictures to try to get one to work...not so lucky this time. I took about 20, and not one turned out.

Charley "finding" her eggs that were just laying on the floor.

Silly bunny Daddy

Good find Grant

Pretty tricky hiding spots.

Molly with her load of eggs at Grammie and Grandpas house...look how nicely she matches them.

Grant's got a bunch too!

Good one!

Sweet girl

We praise and thank our God for sending His Son, Jesus to save us from our sin! Hope you all had a very Blessed Easter praising our Savior!