Isabelle - finally

Yes, I know. It has been some time since the last blog. Here are pictures of Isabelle Grace. She was born Nov 24th. She weighed 6lbs. 2 oz and was 18" short. Still a doll!

New Babies, New Life

The story to these pics is at tail end of this blog.

Spencer is holding Ellie Grace

Brittyn gets to cuddle with a different Ellie, not Ellie the Elephant.

Ellie Grace was born to Nate and Whit VanDussen, Shane's cousin. She weighed in at 9lbs. 3oz.

Meg is home from the hospital - that is a HUGE step in the right direction. She is still taking chemo treatments, but she looks good and still has a positive attitude. She is such a trooper and a great model of endurance. She still has effects from the chemo treatments that are difficult. She said she is taking it day by day. We love ya , Meg!

Isabelle Grace was born to Drew and Nicki yesterday . She weighed in at 6lbs. 2 oz and 18" ..short. We are going up to the hospital this afternoon to get some pictures, that I will post later.

Shane "got" a deer the second day off the season. Actually, by the pictures , you can tell the deer "got" him. So now, he is driving a rental car and our freezer is full of venison. I wanted venison this year, but I thought he was going to bring it home from Idaho. I should be more specific when I pray for venison. This is one expensive deer!!!

Pray for Megan

Just a short note about our recent news. My sister-in-law, Meg, was diagnosed with Cancer yesterday. She had been having abdominal pain and went to the hospital. They found a mass in her uterus and the cancer has spread to her lungs. It is not in her brain, for which we are thankful! She is dealing with some complications due to some tests. Please pray for Seth and Meg. Seth is Shane's brother. They have two kids, Annabelle (2 ) and Talin (5 months).

Up and running

We just had our computer "revamped" and I am elated with all the "new" things I can do. The down side is that I have to re-enter my favorites and some programs, but I'm not complaning.

Things are a little slow around here - but I like it.

With Halloween coming up, we are facing some different issues. I'd be interested to see all of your viewpoints on participation.

We saw our first snowflake - still trying not to accept it. Not yet!

The kids just finished the fall season of soccer. I think Brittyn is ready to try new things and Spencer can't wait till the Spring season. He is definately a sports fanatic. He would watch college and pro football all day if I let him. With the Big Ten channel, it is hard for ME to not watch. That is why it stays OFF until the weekend! Ok...so I watch a few volleyball games once in a while. :)

Brittyn has really taken off on her piano lessons. I have noticed a difference in her practice and her skill level. She enjoys it now.

Austin is growing so much. He is talking non-stop...and we can understand him. He talks well for a two year old....and he is still well-behaved. He love to play with Tittyn and Senser. He also likes to wrestle with Unca Shane and gives me, Kiwi, big hugs. He is such a joy to have around.

Guess I better get off this and get to downloading more files. Yikes!

" I feel so Good!!!

Those were Spencer's words just a few minutes ago. He had heard today that his neighbor and close friend , Madison, had accepted Jesus into her heart. He was excited! Tonight, during prayer, he thanked God for Madison's acceptance to heaven. After I prayed, he started crying. He said, " Mom , I WANT to understand, I just want to understand." So then we launched into looking up 1 John 5:10, and John 3:16 and Acts 16:31. Shane joined us a few minutes later and shared his testimony with Spencer. Shane and I knew Spencer was getting close, but tonight we could see that he DID understand what it means to be saved and asking for forgiveness for his sins because he knows he is a sinner. After he accepted Christ, he immediately said, "I feel so Good!!! The tears were just pouring down my face. He was shocked to see me crying until I told him they were Happy Tears. He then told his sister and dad and called both Grandparents. He will have to wait till tomorrow to call Madison. He can't wait. As he was laying back down to sleep, he said "mom, I can't wait to meet Jonah!" "Yes dear, Jonah will be there" "And Mom, I can see Matthew and Peter and even Jesus!" Yes dear, you will see every one of them." "Mom.... I still feel so great!! It was like a burden was lifted for him. We are so excited that our children will join us in Heaven and they both love God and want to serve Him. Spencer knows that Satan will try even harder to get him to sin, but Spencer said that he is ready for him. :)

Smile!!!

This is Spencer's BEFORE picture.





This is his AFTER Picture.






Brittyn now has a straw hole.







Austin is ready to swim and bike at the same time. The funny part is that you can't see the glove shoved on his left hand - like M. Jackson.

These were some pictures that Sam took of a storm that rolled through here about a month ago. I used one for my desktop. It is so amazing to wonder at the power of God. These were some pretty cool pictures. Even better standing out in it!

Brittyn and Spencer decided that they wanted to hide from me. It took me a little while to figure out that they
actually fit into the dryer. Crazy~~ Then Austin wanted to "help cook" dinner. He had to have the apron too. What a cutie!

More 4th of July

Spencer is "racing" his neighbor friend, Ethan, through this obsticle course. Spencer likened himself to a Gladiator.
Spencer was so excited to dunk Mike. Mike is one of our neighborhood firefighter friends. Spencer wants to be a Firefighter when he grows up. Just like Mike and Mr. Knowles. Mr. Knowles (Jeff) lives behind us and Mike hangs out next door to us. Spencer is fascinated by these men.
Brittyn dunked Mike without any "help". They were a little nervouse about getting too close to the tank 'cause they new Mike would "cool" them off.
As you can tell, we do alot of things together with our neighbors - the Clarks and the Browns. Last year we sat in our driveways (we had no grass)and watched the Kentwood Fireworks. This year we were able to sit in the grass and watch the Kentwood Fireworks and our neighbors across the street that had their own display of fireworks.
yes, it was a little chilly. But I'm learning that in Michigan, you never know what the weather will be.

Fourth of July

Brittyn and Spencer had the opportunity to ride in the Fire Chief's truck for the 4th of July parade. They were so excited. It was a long parade , and they were at the VERY end.
Here you see Madi, Brittyn, Spencer, Isaac, and Mr. Clark. Mrs.Clark snapped this shot while the other firefighters were helping to take down the flag from the ladders.
Here is the flag the was flown over the top of the parade. Pretty cool display! It was a huge flag!
Mike is one of our neighborhood firefighter friends. He had way too much fun "filling up" the dunk tank.Needless to say, you stand too close and you get really wet.

a few things (2 of 2)

We also had the opportunity to visit with some of my Aunts. It was the Winner Reunion the weekend that we left, but I got to visit with my Aunt Rhonda from OR(top)and Aunt Wendy(tan blouse) and Aunt Brenda(lt blue blouse) from MO. Mom is in the flowered blouse and Uncle Lee lives in Hudsonville, which is where the picture was taken. Aunt Donna from MO and Aunt Nancy from OR were unable to make it. It was nice to see these guys 'cause it had been 10 years since I had seen any of them. Spencer and Brittyn were still trying to wrap their head around the idea that "Grandma has sisters?"

Before we left, our nephew , Talin Nathaniel Napper was born on June 18th to Seth and Meg Napper. Spencer was so excited 'cause he was the first family member to hold Talin. (it is pronounced like Taylor with an N)

I know I should update this more often, I just find other things that need to be done. By the time I get a minute, then I don't feel like sitting down at the computer. Sorry to all of you who faithfully read these. I also read these blogs and check Facebook when I can. I enjoy reading about your lives and watching your families change. I will try to do a better job of keeping this updated.

a few things (1 of 2)

I will start out with the sad news first. Last month, Sam and Ashley decided to seperate. Pray for them as they will be dealing with a lot. Especially, pray for Austin. We love him dearly and want the best for him, and he is in a difficult situation for a 2 yr old.

We just got back from a week at the cottage. It is about 2 hours north of here in Wellston. Wellston is a booming town with one flashing red light. (add sarcasm here). Really, it is relaxing. There is no access to a computer (except through the library), no phone and hardly any cell phone service, and we only get two channels on the tv. This makes for lots of time to do puzzles, read, swim (lake is just across the street), read, eat, roast marshmellows, swim... did I mention eating? :) The library is within walking distance (so is everything else) so we read alot. There is also a tennis court and playground behind the elementary school. We usually play card games too. Needless to say, we are well-rested. I was bored a few times, but that is just me.

How does your garden grow?

It doesn't. Especially when you live in MI and you plant the veggies before the last frost...which I thought was done....and the rule of thumb in MI is no planting before May 15 due to frost...(breathe)......but not this year....my plants went in last week and they are dead.... due to frost and.... funny thing, ya have to water the plants when you plant them.... who would have thought...(breathe). I guess had too much going on. That seems to be the story of my life recently. But I have found that if I stay busy - I don't eat as much...and 8 lbs lighter, I like being busy.

I've included some recent pictures of Soccer and T-ball. Spencer loves t-ball, and wants to try soccer this fall. Brittyn doesn't want to have anything to do with t-ball, but she may end up doing it for a little bit just to get the eye/hand coordination skills down.

Shane and I are playing softball on Monday nights with a coed league. The first week was bad for me. I wasn't drinking enough water and my thigh muscles cramped up on me while I was running to Home plate in the 4th inning. Not cool. Last week, I could still feel the effects. I'm puzzled because I've always been a sprinter. Never had any problems, until softball. Yes, I know what you are all saying. My body is older than my mind wants to admit. I figure I'll be in good shape in a few months, but then softball will be over and volleyball will begin. I prefer sand courts 'cause I feel like I get a better work out.

For those of you who are wondering, I am on facebook too. I just don't have the time or means to be on it more than once a week (or longer). I'll get to it soon. Now, I've got to go fold six loads of laundry and It is 10:30 at night. I had a garage sale this weekend - so the house was put on hold.

GET OFF YOUR PHONE!!!!

April has been a busy month for us. We have had 6 family birthdays, two bridal showers, soccer, t-ball and softball have started and more Tastefully Simple parties than normal. All in all, it has been a month that has flown by.
Spencer started T-ball last Tuesday. He was very nervous and he told us so. Once he got past the initial nerves and started swinging the bat - then it was all down hill from there. He said "It is better than I thought it would be". He turned 5 on Sunday and it is hard to remember that he is ONLY 5 years old. He has mastered the 3 "R"s. Reading, Riding, and Running.
Brittyn started her second season of soccer last Saturday and she loves it. She plays well and she is getting more aggressive in the game.
We are so glad that the sun is out more and it is warm. I can't wait to get my garden in. I have the seeds started, garden is tilled and ready to go - just need the warmer nights.
For those of you who are on Facebook, I still can't get it too work. It isn't Facebook, it is my computer and .... well, I need a new one, but that isn't happening this year...or next. My computer is only 5 years old. Apparently, that is considered OLD in the computer world. I don't even have a cell phone yet. Why pay to have people be able to reach you whenever. My BIGGEST Pet Pieve is inconsiderate cell phone users. Can't tell you how many times I've avoided an accident because I am paying attention to the road and the other car is on their cell. Hate talking to someone and they get a call and immediately answer their phone. What is so important that can't wait? I don't care how people try to "justify" the cell call, but most (not all) people cannot talk and drive, or talk and shop, or talk and whatever. I should know, I can't even do it at home on a land line! I do have a solution. Turn off the phone while you are in the car, at church, grocery shopping or in a person to person conversation. do you really need to be reached at anytime? People who can be reached at all times are ususally in the medical field and they get paid to answer your call. It probably cost you extra to reach you doctor on-call. Maybe that same principle should be implimented with the cell phone courtesy rules. Maybe not. I'm not saying that cell phones are bad, but they need to be used in a proper way. Not holding my breath that it will happen.
On a brighter note, It is sunny outside and I am going to go clean the house so that I can spend the evening outdoors with my kids and Shane.

Mexico

Yes, Mexico was warm and sunny and all the things that I wish I was feeling now. The snow/rain outside doesn't do well for my attitude. In Mexico, we slept in, ate, sat by the pool, stared at the ocean (couldn't swim in our area) ate, slept, Kayaked in the Sea of Cortez.... did I mentioned that we slept alot.... and ate alot? Our room was beautiful with a nice view of the ocean and pool. We had a ground floor at an all inclusive hotel and with that was a porch with a hammock. I read alot and Shane watched alot of TV (surprise!) The crazy thing is that they had a handful of channels, but they were all in Spanish except for two channels. One was American Network and the other.... Yes, It was ESPN!!!! (insert sarcasm here) Boy, do they love their soccer. (Again, insert sarcasm) It was a nice time to be with Shane without kids clammering for our attention. Shane job has him gone alot and I almost forgot how to hang out with him. I remembered why we don't vacation well together 'cause I like to go and he likes to sit. But he has been busy for a long time, so it was good for him to relax. I learned two things on the trip. First of all, I need to be more patient and secondly, PACK MORE BOOKS!!
We walked to San Jose, which is a little town outside of our "RESORT ROW" and enjoyed the local flair. I admit that I was a little uncomfortable sometimes, because the locals get right in your face and I'm not comfortable with a stranger in my personal space.
We also went to Cabo San Lucas (our hotel was in Los Cabos) and we went on a glass bottom boat tour, and ate in some cool restaurants, and just enjoyed the senery. One of the things that they have alot of is local vendors slapped in the street. Every one is selling the same necklace, painting, dress, souvinier etc. , so they are all trying to get your attention.I had guy grab my arm and try to put a beer in it, told me I need to buy a drink. THAT didn't go over well.
All in all, we had a great experience and relaxing time. It was a paid vacation -so that was a bonus. We decided that if we had to choose between Mexico or Maui, it would definately be Maui again. But I am glad for the experience.

No Pictures

This is a problem I have been running into. I think my computer is too old. I can't download pictures because most of them are too big. I can't do it on Facebook either. I want to show you the pictures of Mexico but I need to consult my computer tech. SO.. Kelly when can you come over and navigate my computer? :)

Good to be Back

We returned from a week's vacation in Cabo San Lucas , Mexico on Saturday. We just got our luggage last night. I plan to post pictures on here soon. They are on Shane's computer and he is a busy boy right now. I'll Share More later!

A chilly Moment

One of the most shocking moments to a body is getting out of a hot tub into snow before reaching the warm house. I thought this to be true - until yesterday. Now, I believe, there is nothing more shocking to a body than to lie down in a cold tanning bed. Tanning beds are never suppose to be cold - EVER. I was the first appointment of the day so there were no warm beds. Not thinking, I jumped into the bed and immediately arched my back because of the shocking cold glass. And when I inhaled from the shock, I probably sucked all the oxygen out of the room. I know - some of you are laughing and have goosebumps, because you can relate. Others are thinking - "what?" For those of you who live in warmer climates, this(tanning) is something that is essential to survival in cold climates. Ok, so I haven't been in a tanning bed for @ 4 years, I am doing in now for the same reason I did it before we went to Maui. I must tan, so I don't burn in Mexico. It also works wonders on my attitude in this bland, cold season. If the sun doesn't shine for a few days -it isn't good for me. I think my FL blood flows stronger than I thought. There is two of us up here from FL and I don't think Julie is enjoying this weather either. Especially since she went from Pensacola to San Diego to Warren, MI. Yes, Julie - we must get together this Spring/Summer.
So, from now on, I will make sure that I am NOT the first appointment of the day or I will use a Hex.

Changes

With a new year, comes new commitments, responsibilities and such. This year we are eating healthier. The kids are learning the difference between whole foods and bad foods. I have changed my diet and added exercise and I have lost 8lbs already. WAHOO!! The trip to Cabo San Lucas is great motivation. :) Shane will always be 6'3" and 140 lbs. My goal is to way less than him - again.
We have also started doing devotions on a regular basis. Keys for Kids is perfect for Brittyn and Spencer and they enjoy reading the Bible also. Yes, Spencer, ( 4 yrs old) can read and read well. I think he is reading as well as Brittyn at that age.
Recently, it has been brought to my attention - my focus. What is really important in my life. Since being married, a few thoughts have changed. Is CC music really something to argue over? Is it really "wrong" to wear pants to church? How much do we judge others by their appearences and not consider the inside. We don't know what God is doing in/with them. Are we focusing on the appearance (which may be deceptive) or are we , like Christ, focusing on the Heart. What verses are we taking out of context to "prove" our point? We still need to follow the Commandments the Lord hs given us. Our focus should be: Winning souls and worshipping Christ. Does it matter what they wear or their skin color or their lifestyles? I think we focus too much on little things that , in eternity, don't matter. Yes,I still agree with Baptist doctrines, but I think we need to re-evaluate what our purpose is. I think we judge people more than we know. This is something that I plan to work on. It will mean " looking at the big picture", keeping my comments to myself, consider others feelings first, and making sure I am following God's rules- not man's. I tend to get so focused on something that I lose sight of what is really important. Setting up the volleyball night for our church is something I struggle with now. I thought playing with church would be the same as playing on a league - it is not. I'm working on a different focus.
Wow, where did this "book" come from. I guess I need to blog more - so they are not so long. Austin is up - so I better get him fed and laundry finished. Does it ever end??? :) Who ordered all this snow? OH Yeah, and one last thing! How many tears were shed Sunday night, *sniff~sniff*. I so wanted to see Brady and Farve' in the Super Bowl.