NOTHING!!!!!

That's what happens around this house when I work, or am not around.  Nothing!  After a few days of working I start to hear, "there's no socks."  "the dishes are dirty,"  "there's no food in this house," and on and on.   The strange thing is, I worked full time for years, and we held it all together.  We ate more hamburger helper than we do now, but it all worked.  About 7-8 years ago I went to part time.  I really enjoyed my job but we decided family needed more mom time.  So we decided I would go to part time until all our kids were in school and then I could go back to full time and even back into management if I wanted. 
Well, all the kids are in school.  Steve and I talked about it at the beginning of the year.  I said, "I should probably go full time now huh?"  He said, "let's just wait another year and see how the year goes."   Sounded good to me.  As the year has gone on, we both agree, I'll stay part time.  I even told him I'd quit and stay home full time :)  Don't priorities change!  I like this messy house and kids schedules.  You only get to do this once. I don't want to miss it.  I won't quit work :)  I still enjoy my job and bills have to get paid.  But it's been fun to watch God change our hearts and desires.  What was a desire in my 20's isn't so much in my 40's.  The internal peace and contentment that comes with God is so good!  A place I pray everyone can find!
Happy day friends!  Look for HIM today.  You won't regret it!

Miss Leah playing with the Grand Rapids Symphony!

To all the farmers wives...........or any moms :)

I've talked to a lot of overwhelmed mom's the past couple weeks.  I realize how different life is the older the kids get.  It gets easier I promise.  In the past week we've only had one meltdown (of the kids not me :)  I remember all the pressure when the kids were young.  And I think social media makes it worse.  All the comparisons to others. 
It's so hard sometimes, but as mom's we need to know, it's ok when things aren't as planned and schedules aren't followed. When workouts don't get done and we're behind on house work.  When showers aren't taken and we eat take out a few times a week and left overs the other days.  Are you're kids happy?  Do they have smiles on that dirty smudged face?  Do they feel loved?  That's all that matters!  A few years ago, we decided to gage "issues" on, "is this a salvation issue?"  Is the problem we are facing something that is going to impede their salvation?  That often decompressed many situations in this home. 

This week Brooke had an apt at Devos.  Just her regular 6 month physical.  I told her to get dressed.  She came out with red pants with hearts on them, a bright pink Hello Kitty shirt (that she's worn for 2+ years and has seen better days), and purple sparkly shoes.  Oh boy!  My first question, "Brooke, when are you going to grow out of that shirt and never wear it again?"  Her response, "You're going to stop giving me growth hormone so I can wear it forever!"  NICE!!!
Next, "maybe you should put clothes on that match, or look good?"  Her response, "Mom, I feel good, so I must look good!"   What do you say to that?  I just reassured her, she does look good, her outfit is amazing and we were on our way.  Definitely not a salvation issue.  It was a mom issue, and I'm learning to let go of those. 
Many of the farmers have started planting.  I was actually super excited!  Steve had started planting mentally for a couple weeks.  He was all ready, but the land wasn't.  That drives a farmer crazy.  So we welcome the nice weather and happy farmers.  Farm on my friends!

So far this spring we've enjoyed Brooke learning to ride a two wheeler!  Kinda a big deal here.  No more training wheels!!!  

The twins, Leah and Ash all had music concerts.  If you want to be spiritually moved go to a Holland Christian music concert with kids.  WOW!!!  So touching.  Brought me to tears.  Love to hear those kids praising God! 

Happy Spring!!  Enjoy the great weather and all those terrific kids :)

20+ years later.......

This week Steve and I walked into the Dixie Stampede, in Tennessee,  behind our girls. Steve said, "we've been busy the past 20 years." I said "yup, we do great work." We went there on our honeymoon 20+ years ago.  Ohhhh so young, we had no clue what God had entail for our lives. The ride hasn't always been easy but we've always known He'd see us through and that we will ALWAYS have each other's back.

                                     Can you see a difference in 20 years? :)

What a great week!  My parents were still in Florida, so my brother and his family and us met my parents in Gatlinburg.  It was so fun to see them and spend time with them.  We were busy.  There was always something to do.  Hiking, Dollywood, Aquarium, Dixie Stampede, horseback riding, shopping.......we tried to fit it all in.  The girls were tired, which means we did our job.  Hopefully Grandpa and Grandma weren't too overwhelmed by all those girls.  God's beauty was everywhere.  When we went horseback riding, it was so peaceful!  No one really talked, and we just rode and listened to the streams.  So cool!!!  The girls had a little cold/stomach bug that went around, but they took it in stride and kept going.  Nothing some medicine and a bucket can't help.  We pray Grandpa and Grandma don't get it. 

We got home in just enough time to relax and enjoy the weekend before school starts.  Believe it or not, the twins and their sisters have been playing school most of the day.  I think they are ready to get back.  Praising God for great time with family!!!

   

6 Years!!!!

I wasn't sure what to do.  Do we celebrate, do we just let it go as a normal day?  I don't want any girls to feel left out of this process.  It's a big deal for all of them.  All for one and one for all right?  When it came down to it...............I hadn't had cake in a while, and I had a hankering for some, so WE CELEBRATE!!!!!  
                                                      
(Hard to tell but the inside of the cupcakes have a red streak.  I told the girls that's the bone marrow :)






I brought donuts to school (because we all need a sugar buzz at school).  And cupcakes after supper.  For supper we had casserole, corn and strawberries.  All Brooke's favorites.  Seems silly saying.  The kid that we sang her praises when she licked a Cheeto, I am making her favorite foods because we are 6 years out of transplant.  WOW!!!!  I'm probably going to jinx the family here, but I don't know the last time she was hospitalized.  We didn't think we'd ever see the day.  PRAISE THE LORD!!!  But this day isn't about just Brooke and Megs, it's about all the ladies.  All they've endured, sacrificed, prayed and been stand up sisters and daughters.  They don't deserve a donut, they deserve the WHOLE donut shop and a cakery (if that's a word.  In my mind it's a bakery that only makes cake :)!!!!  WE LOVE OUR LADIES!!  And are so happy that we've been given time.  Our God is amazing!!!


Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 NIV

In His image!

The twins have come home the last few weeks and got snacks.  They ask, "is this healthy for us?"  I tell them everything is ok in moderation.  It's ok to eat a brownie, don't eat the whole pan.  It's ok to eat cake, don't eat the whole pan.  Eat some fruits and veggies everyday.  I've questioned where they hear about this, and it's the talk at lunch.  Ok, that's manageable.  It's good to discuss healthy eating habits. 
As the week went on, every time I open the computer a commercial for "Bliss pack"  comes up.  Now I am making uneducated assumptions because I have not researched this but it appears they are the newest diet miracles. "Fat loss supplements"  "Lose 12 inches off your waist."  Frustrating!
I then read an article about a woman that was explaining she use to be a size 4 and she was obsessed with exercise and every morsel that she ate and unhappy and now that she's "fat," happy, satisfied and life is so much better.  It was a good article, with the exception, she was not fat.  She was a beautiful woman. 
My point........when do people accept themselves for the way they are?  When do we realize that God made each of us different and amazing and in His image.  Big, small, medium!  We all have something to add to this wonderful life He gave us. 
It's ok to have your cake and eat it too!  It's ok to exercise, but we need to find a balance and not give all these negative body images and food negativity to innocent children.  Many of you know, I feel, diets are from the devil (unless necessary for medical reasons :)  Bliss packs, Shakeology, slim fast, etc etc etc.  STOP THE MADNESS!!!!!
I feel as parents, we have a duty to nurture our children to love themselves.  And they learn that by being loved and seeing that we love the person God made us.  A challenge for us all, but I always find it a good reminder that I am being watched at all times by 5 amazing girls.  I don't want to let them down. 
With all that said, my friends, time for a bedtime snack :) 

Philippians 4:6-7 

 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Perspective

Do you ever try to look at situations from others perspectives?  I have to admit I get very caught up in my own thoughts and emotions sometimes and not what others view are.  Today I brought the girls to school, went to work and picked the girls up from school.  We were headed to a basketball game, so I stopped and grabbed a loaf of bread and ham, threw together sandwiches and we carried on our way.  (Don't know about your kids, but mine are STARVING after school, and they are quite certain they might die!)  Brooke said to me, "why didn't you just do this at home before you picked us up?"  So I explained, while they are at school, I work. I haven't been home all day.  She was amazed.  I'm still not sure she understands what I do all day, but that's her perspective.  I didn't know how busy my mom was when I was 6 years old either. 
On to a little older kids.  We've had our share of, "that's not fair", "you're so dumb."  Etc etc.  They're perspective is we are making their lives miserable on purpose.  That we don't like them.  So I've been trying to put myself in their heads.  When I was young I told myself, I will NEVER forget what it's like to be, 10-12-16 years old.  But I have to admit, I have kinda forgot.  I really have to dig into the memory bank to see where they are coming from.  They don't have the same life experiences Steve and I have.  It's been taking me a little longer to figure out their thought process. 
On to parents.........I had a few conversations with my dad recently.  I feel I know more about his health sometimes than he does.  Not necessarily true. After I talked to him one day,  I went to see a patient at work and she said to me, "you have no idea what it's like to have you kids always telling you what to do!  Drives me crazy!"  So I told her, "I feel kind of convicted in this conversation."  She said, "oh so your one of those brats."  hehe, she was kidding so it was in good fun, but again, I had to take myself out of my own thoughts and put them into my parents.  I talked to my dad and explained my selfish nature of dictating his health care. 
I feel like, maybe I'm starting to learn to shut my mouth and try to think of what the other person is thinking before I respond.  But that is SOOOO HARD!   I have so many things running through this head of mine, and I tend to think my idea's are best.  But God gave us all brilliant ideas.  Doesn't mean they are wrong, just another way of getting from point A to point B! 
Sorry Dad, I'm still going to bug you about your health :)  It's just my nature!!

S N O W D A Y

Why do the snow days always fall on the days I work?   I know, I'm being selfish, but, just because school is off, doesn't mean you get to skip work.  People are still sick, so I must work. Even though I don't want to.  Don't think I'm knocking a snow day.  I want the kids to be home and safe, I just want to be with them.  With all honesty, I must say, I left for work with some strong words.  Something like, "don't watch that STUPID TV all day, it'll rot your brain! And clean up this house."    I don't mind a little tv, (however some of those shows drive me nuts), but if they are doing NOTHING, how can they TRASH the house?!?!?!?!
So when I came home to this...........................I was happy!

Playing, having fun.  Snow, snowmobiles, sleds, hot chocolate.  It's nice they are getting older, can hang out with the neighbors, and have fun.  I had to explain, I am OK with a messy house if you are playing, getting along and having a good time.  Completely different than killing brain cells watching the boob tube.

Our other past time...........basketball.  Ash and Megan are playing.  They are having fun and learning lots.  Its fun to watch Steve get into the game.  He doesn't yell too much, as Ashley gages it, "dad doesn't yell as much as Grandma blueberry."   Hehehe, oh she wishes she was home to root them on. 

 

It was brought to my attention next week is Feeding tube awareness.  Everyone has to have a week, right?  But since I saw it, and feeding tubes are near and dear to our hearts, I had to post this picture. Brooke is tube free for a year now, and still going like a champ!  There is hope for many.  We are greatful Brooke had her feeding tube that got us to this point.  

Tonight Steve took the girls out snowmobiling.  Brooke hung back.  I asked her if she wanted to go.  She said, "no it's too cold."  I said, "how do you manage at school?"  She said, "Oh I have so much fun I forget I'm cold and then I just deal with it."  So she watched the snowmobile come and go and then I saw her putting her stuff on.  She couldn't resist, which is what I love!! 

 You don't get a view like this from inside.  God's awesome creation!!!  How can you not believe in our Amazing God?!?!