My baby brother...



Isn't a baby anymore! I have no idea when he grew up, but it's just amazing to me that he's in his senior year of high school already and was elected Homecoming King! I sometimes forget that he's actually "bigger" than me :)


Elliot, we are SO proud of you! Your carefree attitude and enthusiasm are contagious, your individualism is inspiring! You are an amazing brother and uncle! WE LOVE YOU!



Rockford Homecoming



In the spirit of tonight's football game... here's the kids from last week's Rockford Vs. Hudsonville game. Madisyn had orange facepaint on that she was VERY excited about :)


Aerobics 101

1. Be on time (and by "on time" I mean 10 minutes early)
2. If everyone else is doing one step, take heed and follow suit (you can't do more)
3. Buy and bring a floor mat
4. Buy and bring free weights
5. Bring water and lots of it
6. Just because you do regular "aerobic" exercise does NOT mean that you'll be good at "aerobicS"
7. Be prepared, you will be sore
8. Takes coordination (of which, I lack)
9. Wear tennis shoes (bare feet doesn't work and is gross)
10. Don't sit for long periods of time for the next 48 hours (you may not be able to get back up)

It could have been so much worse!

While I was cutting Rob’s hair, Madisyn asked me to give her a haircut. Before I got a chance to, I noticed a random cut about two inches beyond her forehead (she had her hair pulled back). Upon closer inspection, I noticed the whispies on her forehead cut straight across! I questioned her and sure enough, she told me that she had cut it because she wanted a haircut. Needless to say, I wasn’t happy and we had a talk about A) Not cutting her hair and B) Not touching the scissors (my fault for leaving them out after Rob’s haircut). She’s so sweet though and kept saying, “Mommy, I’m really sorry.” Of course we forgave her and I still gave her the much anticipated haircut. We officially survived our first (and hopefully only) child self haircut.

Here’s she and her friend, William, watching the Rockford vs. Hudsonville football game. What a game! For those of you who don't know, Hudsonville is ranked first in the state in D2 and Rockford is ranked first for D1. Needless to say... Rockford won :) GO RAMS!

Mommy and me soccer, part III

Madisyn's last soccer practice was today. She did wonderfully well again! She even got to go out to ice cream with Daddy afterwards :)

"Are you sad that it's done?"
"Yes, but I can go next Tuesday."
Made my heart melt... she was actually starting to enjoy it!

Better yet...
"What was your favorite part of soccer?"
"Um... running."
Maybe I should start up cross country for pre-schoolers :)

Mommy and me soccer, part II

So Madisyn hasn't really, how do I say this... enjoyed soccer. She talks about it and says that she's excited to go, but when we get there, she'd rather play with the net, walk along creases in the carpet (it's indoors) or whine and sit on the sidelines (and it's gotten increasingly worse). Once in while I've gotten her to participate if I'm holding her hand. Not sure what it's all about, but after last week, we decided that the last two (of six) "lessons" were not worth the stress that it put us or her through.

I gave her the option if she wanted to go or not today, and she opted not to. Then, all of a sudden (with minutes to spare) she decided that we were going to go. Off to soccer we went. For no reason apparent to me, she started doing everything without me (I then went outside of the field, where all of the other parents were hanging out). She played the entire night smiling and waving at me occasionally. The only main issue now is that when they were scrimmaging and the ball came to her, she ran away from it... guess we'll have to work on that :)

When did they get old?


Rob took this picture while I was outlet mall shopping all day on Saturday, I just love it! I can't believe how old they look!


(photograph by Tina Vink, link on picture as well as below)
We are a busy family of five! I enjoy time with my husband and kids, running, being outdoors, shopping for deals, and cuddling. My wonderful husband keeps busy playing with the kiddos, hunting, fishing, exercising and working on projects around the house. Madisyn is six, in 1st grade, loves being outdoors and isn't one bit afraid of bugs or worms! Landon is four, a spitting image of Daddy, and is the sweetest, naughtiest and funniest little boy, all in one! Tinley was born February 24, 2012 and has already blessed us beyond belief! Here's a glimpse into our crazy and wonderful lives... hope you enjoy!







Tiece of Cake

I've finally decided to make a blog (Tiece of cake) dedicated to cakes... as to not consume the family blog.

(photograph by Mindy Leigh Photography, link on picture as well as below)

Madisyn Grace

Madisyn Grace
"Baby" & "M" (photograph by Melissa @ M Design and Photography, link on picture as well as below)

Landon Adrian

Landon Adrian
"LD" & "Bubba" (photograph by Melissa @ M Design and Photography, link on picture as well as below)