Tylers almost 9

Looking back and realizing we started on this crazy journey 9 years ago makes me remember how blessed we are.  How much this little boy has changed our lives.  9 years ago was when I got to start on this crazy love affair that is called motherhood.  Its the reason I am tired and exhausted.  It is constantly maddening, confusing and achingly amazing.  There is not a day that goes by I don't question what I am doing and if what I am doing is screwing this boy up.  I just love this young man with all my being and want so much for him.  He is my joy.

Tyler Bret,

You are smart, sensitive, and caring. You are stubborn, brave and determined. Your attitude will take you places and your laugh is always magic.  You are a spitting image of your father and there is nothing that I would want more.  I hope that you always know that you are not obligated to follow in the footsteps of either of your parents but it makes me proud that you at this point want to grow up to be just like your dad.  He is someone to be proud of and to model life after.

I know through the years you will be searching for your own answers in life.  That I can only help so much and sometimes you won't want my help although you are hurting.  Always remember that when you do need me, I am always here with an ear or a shoulder, and hand to always hold.  

I promise you that I will always love you, and raise you to be kind, brilliant and happy.  

Happy Birthday!

Just a random Saturday

After basketball we went to kalamazoo. Tyler needed a haircut and we had Santa's Barnes n Nobles gift cards to use.  So off for books. Kids had fun picking books out....more Percy Jackson for Tyler and Pinkalicious for Sam.  After that we went for frozen yogurt at the place like we went in Florida.  GREAT NIGHT. 

Snowday fun

I just couldn't do anymore snowday crafts...soooo off to ski!  Lucky for all of us we ran into Churchills.  Tyler also had a friend from school to ski with.  Tyler was on his own.  Courtney helped Sam...best snowday so far. 

Another great weekend

Friday night we went out to bells (with gh gang) while the kids stayed at grandma tondas and went to a movie.  Saturday was basketball and back to a hotel with grandma and grandpa dingy.  Sunday was a snowmobile trip to timber ridge. 

Upstairs

Little more

Pieces fit....it came together

Just a few

House isnt even put together but we snuck in....heres a few pictures. 

Its here

House came today...although we had to work.  Grandpa got a few pictures for us!!!!

Crazy times

I don't know where to begin.  Its been crazy.

On Tuesday January 21st Rob suffered a grade 5 brain aneurysm.  During the first 2 weeks there were many complications and many surgeries.  It was scarey for all of us.  They said the first 14 days were the most critical and we have passed those.  But he remains critical (but stable).  Dan flew out to Oregon for an extended weekend.  It has been a trying and emotional time.  Luckily we are surrounded by an amazing support system.  The love we have all felt is overwhelming.  We remain cautiously optimistic that Rob will recover from all of this.  He will have a long road to recovery but he has so many people praying for him.  Thank you.

Shaun had his amputation and is more than happy.  It still seems crazy that he was fine right out of surgery.

With the crazy amount of snow days and being confined to our tiny apartment things got a little crazy. When your getting crazy amounts of snow but the windchill is to cold to play in it....makes a long few days.  However, it makes us more than ready to see our house.  Looks like Feb 12th the house will be brought to the property and the 13th they will set it on the foundation.  We can't wait to walk through, touch the walls, see the cabinets...just run around.  I can't wait to see the kids check out their bedrooms.  Its and exciting time.

Tyler has been doing so well at ball.  Finally, he has become aggressive and watch out the kids on fire!

Lots of trips to Grand Haven, sledding, snowmobiling, snowdays, Dan gone, Rob sick, Shauns amputation, me in charge of farm chores and Grandpa, snow, snow and more snow.  It just seems like a dream.

BUT WE ARE OK....we are looking forward to the house and Mexico!!!!

Cross country skiing

Ive never gone cross country skiing and after sledding with the kids at Pigeon Creek I wanted to try.  Shannon and I decided it was a perfect way to have some girl time.  It was a blast!  Lots of laughs.  Snow bunnies, we are. 
We ended it with lunch....great afternoon. 

Winterfest

Great night for some basketball.  Sure was fun to see coach Marfia and all the boys play.  Coloma has a great group of kids with fantastic sportsmanship.  Im proud to be a comet.

Had to get away

After a long craxy week....I headed to GH.  To visit Shaun after his surgery and to get out of this apartment.  Its been a hard week..ill post more later....
Like always a good time was had.