College Reunion

A few weekends ago, Jason and I went about 2 hours north to visit some of his old college roommates. We had such fun. All the kids were playing and all the adults just talked and laughed. We grilled burgers and hotdogs and basically spent some time reliving the good ole' days. Arianna LOVED baby Emmitt and wanted to read books to him...he wasn't totally interested. However, we all had so much fun. We can't wait to do it again!

If You Ain't Dutch...

Okay, this this is going to be a random post. First, it was just my niece Natalie's third birthday party this past weekend. Arianna loved the hats:

Here are just a few shot of Arianna playing in our backyard. This is our friend's swing set that they don't use anymore and they allow us to put our swing on it. Arianna could swing forever...just saying "wheeeee!" The other is her slide that I found at a garage sale. She LOVES it!

And finally, a friend of my mom's makes these beautiful dutch outfits and she let me borrow one to take Arianna's picture. I'm WAY too Dutch to actually purchase my own...they're like $75.00! I think it speaks to my Dutch heritage that I would rather borrow and return than buy. All in all, this day was fun. She would NOT wear the hat, but I thought she still looked pretty darn cute in her Dutch costume...and all you true Dutch people out there, I know bare feet?! But, she REFUSED to wear shoes...some battles not worth fighting.

These last two are my personal favorites...

What I've Learned..

In light of this past Sunday being Mother's Day, I just wanted to write about what I've learned since becoming a mother:

1. Life isn't all about having a clean house, laundry done etc. It's about spending time with family. My daughter will always remember the time I spend with her, not if the house was clean.
2. It's okay to ask for help. That was a tough lesson to learn. I didn't want to be seen as weak or unknowing...but, I don't know everything (don't tell Jason). Sometimes, I need to ask for help and that's okay
3. There is seriously nothing better than when your child smiles at you and says momma!
4. I enjoyed the 3am feeding...it was quiet and just the two of us. I could sing to her, hold her and create a bond that can never be broken. And sometimes....I miss it.
5. I realize that I am not in control. I am a total control-freak. I have learn that she is not my own, but God's and that is the way it should be. I am just being blessed by having her in my life. She is a gift from God.

I hope that you all had a wonderful, blessed and beautiful Mother's Day.

Tip-Toe through the Tulips...

My mom and I went out to see the tulips this Saturday. I bought Arianna some "wooden" shoes while in Pella and I wanted to get her picture...with the wooden shoes...in front of tulips. However, my child...sit?! I think not. I did get a few shots. My mom wanted one with her as well and I tried and tried. Not super great, but as good as it's going to get with a 16 month old for now! Hope you are all enjoying spring and the bloom of flowers!

Pictures!

Here are some pictures of us loving spring time. Hope you're all doing well!

I've been tagged...

This is kinda fun--I have never been tagged before in blog world so here we go......
I am: A mom, wife, teacher and friend
I think: about Arianna and summer
I know: I am loved
I want: to be debt free
I wish: it was June...school would be done :)
I hate: spiders and pizza hut pizza
I miss: my grandma and grandpa
I fear: losing Arianna or Jason
I feel: tired!
I hear: right now? 30 kids trying to frantically get their papers done
I smell: cafeteria food...
I crave: time and sleep
I search: for "me" time
I regret: when I get angry
I love: my husband, my baby, my Lord, my mom, my dad, my sisters and brothers, my friends and the list goes on and on.....

I ache: when I know Arianna is in pain or sad
I care: the future of the world
I always: check in on Arianna before bed
I am not: empathetic. I have a hard time feeling sorry for people, just ask Jason ;)

I believe: in Jesus! and in myself
I dance: all the time
I sing: in the car...always
I cry: not too often, but when I'm just too tired
I fight: for what I believe in
I write: comments on papers for students, journal, blog and email
I win: not much...not too athletic :)
I lose: almost everything. But, that's okay.
I never: sleep for an entire night...I have insomnia
I confuse: my student's names...I have lots of twins this year
I listen: to Arianna's babbling
I can usually be found: in my car or in my living room
I am scared: of spiders...for the future
I need: love, ice cream and McDonald's french fries
I am happy about: there are only 30 days of school left
I hope: when I leave this earth, people will be proud that they knew me
I am tagging: Laura, Kristin, Wendi, Kristi and Jayme

Have you ever....

Have you ever heard someone's life story and thought...wow, that's amazing. I just got home from my uncle's funeral, no wait, actually it was a celebration. I hate that word, funeral. It's so formal and yucky sounding. I like celebration so much better. That's what this was, a celebration. We celebrated the fact that as Christians we are saved. My uncle, lived his entire life to serve our Christ. I guess I didn't realize that until tonight. I always knew that he was totally into his faith and he loved the Lord, but his witness...it never dawned on me until tonight. When it was too late for me to tell him that he inspires me. My uncle's one wish, even on his death bed, was that we would never stop telling others about the love of Christ. He was never bitter or angry that he had this crappy cancer handed to him. He never complained...and he knew. He knew this cancer was going to take his life. But, because of that...he witnessed more. He seized every opportunity that he had to witness. Wow. I don't always do that. I'm afraid. Not him...he served. He wanted others to be able to celebrate death. He wanted others to know the love of Christ. He inspires me. He makes me want to do more. In his passing...he makes me want to be a better witness. He would be so happy to hear me say that. So, have you ever...have you ever listened to someone's life story and thought...wow, I could do that. I should do that. I need to do that. I had that tonight. So, thank you Uncle Fred. You will be missed. But, even in passing...you are still a witness. I know that he's dancing with Jesus right now. Beautiful.