Excellent Blog Award

I have been awarded the Excellent Blog Award by my friend Amy! What an honor... I didn't know any thing like that even existed!

Thanks to all those who frequent my blog - feel free to stop by and say "hi" any time!

I will continue passing this award to two more excellent bloggers: My sister-in-law Mary & my very special friend Lia!

Thanks Amy for thinking my blog was award worthy! Yours is most excellent as well!

Package In the Mail!

The boys were so excited to get a package in the mail the other day. They had no idea what was inside and couldn't get it opened fast enough!
The package had two hats in it made my Mrs. Phyl. One for each of them!
The boys were so excited!
Phyl was the one who made the "Future Hunter" hat that you often see on Levi's head - she made it for Justin when he was born. The boys have loved that hat!
Here they are already testing out their new hats!

Thanks Phyl! I promise that they will get a ton of use!

Precious Jenna

Every good and perfect gift is from Above!

Precious Jenna what a blessing you have been to so many, many people. Your bright smile, your contagious laugh and the joy that radiated from you was amazing. You so blessed my life and I am so glad to say that I had the chance to know such a special girl.

As you now are running the streets of heaven it brings me joy to know that you are no longer in pain and that you have absolutely no limitations! Our God is so good and I look forward to seeing you again someday!

For more updates see Jenna's care page.

Jenna's service is scheduled for Tuesday, at 11:00. Please pray for Jenna's parents Ken & Ann and her two brothers Nick & Travis. They can use all of your prayers!

Amazing Beauty!

"The Heaven's declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of HIS hands." Psalm 19:1

This morning was amazingly beautiful. I think it is just awesome that when we feel like we have had enough snow and being stuck inside - he awakes us with a beautiful sunrise and snow that sparkles like diamonds. Even though it was 3' I couldn't help but put my boots on and head outside to capture some of God's beauty. The pictures obviously aren't nearly as beautiful as the real thing but enjoy anyways! The ruler picture shows that we have almost 17 inches of snow on the ground right now. We have had a yard stick just outside our slider and the boys have really enjoyed watching the snow levels go up and down this winter.

Snow, Snow, Snow

The past few weeks have been the craziest weather. Yesterday the snow just kept coming. The boys went outside last night after supper - there was some serious snow. Levi got SO frustrated because none of his toys would work because the snow was to deep. He wanted to ride his 4-wheeler - wouldn't move, he wanted to ride his tractor - wouldn't move... by the end he was so mad!!He was amazed at the snow and the amount that was continually coming down. He just kept looking into the sky. We had about 8 inches by our house. Eric and I had to go out about 9:00 and shovel the driveway because the plow truck couldn't get up the hill to our house. The funny things was - was that we only own one snow shovel (that is what the plow truck is for!) so Eric was using the one shovel and I was using - you guessed it - the kids shovel... can I say sore back today?...

Justin's First "Friend" Birthday Party

On Monday, Justin celebrated his birthday with a few of his friends - he wanted an airplane theme. It was a week after his birthday and every day he wondered if tomorrow was his party... I wouldn't recommend torturing your child with a party a week after his birthday - but with the weather and all it wouldn't have worked the week before any way!

The party started at noon with some lunch!

Then we played some games - Pin the Pilot on the PlaneMusical planes - of course to the Top Gun theme Then we slowed down for a bit while they colored their own wooden airplanes.

Then we built and raced airplanes.Of course you can't have a party without the cake!And after cake ... the presents!After the party while I was cleaning up I walked around the corner to find no children... they were all in play the closet under the steps - all 8 of them!!

The party went well and hopefully everyone had fun... I know Justin did!

My Musicians!

The other day the boys spent "recess" playing guitars. Enjoy their rendition of International Harvester.

As I am recording Justin singing - I couldn't believe it when he threw in a wink for me! It still makes me laugh out loud when I watch it!

Levi is so glad that Justin got a new guitar because now he has one too!

Rachel - we'll have to come visit the farm one of these days - all Justin talks about is that some day he wants to be a farmer!

My Baby is 6!

On Monday Justin celebrated his 6th birthday!

We had lunch with Grandpa & Grandma R. at Wendy's in Ionia - Daddy & Grandpa were working at the airport so we picked up Grandma and went to meet them!

Justin got a Leapster & a build it yourself Airplane.

For supper we met Grandpa & Granda M. at Craig's Cruiser's - they had never been there before so it was an experience for them! The biggest bummer was that the restaraunt is not open on Monday's! Can you believe that!! We were pretty disappointed!

Grandpa & Levi racing against Justin & Daddy.
Levi loves 4-wheelers so he spent most of his time on those!
After Craigs Cruisers we went to UNOs. Justin & Grandma checking out his new Lego hovercraft.This is what Justin looks like when a bunch of waiters come clapping out of the kitchen and sing a song to him... I don't think I have ever seen him more embarressed in my life! It was SO funny!Back at home it was finally time to open his presents from Mom, Dad & Levi! "Look Maddie! I got this game too!"
As you can see from the look on his face he received the gift that he has been begging for, for literally years... he has always wanted an Electric Guitar. He is pretty pumped with his gift - and now he is ready for Uncle Rob to teach him how to play it!

Justin is such a gem and I am so thankful for him! God has truly blessed our life with this precious boy! I love you Justin! Happy Birthday!

Kalamazoo Traditional Bow Hunters Expo

This past weekend Eric and I spent at the KTBH Expo. It was the first time we have ever had a booth at something like this and it went relatively well. Justin joined us Saturday afternoon - he really liked it when he was able to "man the booth" himself.
Justin spent most of his time however, doing what he does best - shooting his bow with two of his friends Cody & Tyler.
Justin helping to load the trailer back up to head for home!

Levi spent the weekend with Grandpa & Grandma R.

Swimming Starts Again

Swimming lessons have started again and this time Levi gets to join in. He loved it!

Look at my boys from the back - they are almost the same size around the middle!

Here is hoping we have a lot of fun this upcoming 8 weeks in the pool!