Emma's Last Day of School and Soccer

What a great year Emma had in first grade. It was a big change for us having her gone every day, all day. She would leave just after 8 AM in the mornings and not get home until 3:30 PM. I sure am enjoying more time with her this summer. Olivia is too! They play so well together, and I am thankful. Emma just loved her first grade teacher, Mrs. Reece. She was in her wedding last summer, and I posted pics back then. We are very happy with how Emma did, and we know that Mrs. Reece taught her well. The SAT scores came in the mail not all that long ago, and Emma had great scores--praise the Lord! Reading is especially a favorite subject, and she scored very high in that area.

Soccer ended for the summer, and we haven't decided if Emma will play fall soccer again. She has done three seasons of soccer now, and it's been fun, but it gets busy with school, AWANA, etc. We need to make a decision by the end of this month. Here are pics of Emma's last game with the Golden Dragons. :-)

Olivia's Last Day of K-3

Olivia only went to K-3 for two mornings a week while I taught my general music classes to K-5 and 1st grades this past year. On the last day of preschool, the K-3 teachers had fun day for the kids, which consisted of rotating room to room for different activities. I had the opportunity to run one of those rooms (The Music Room--surprise! ha ha), and do lots of fun songs with the students on the theme of the ocean. Olivia is moving to a song about the wind blowing a kite with her streamer in a couple of pics here. I can hardly believe that next year my baby will be going into K-4!

Olivia's Birthday Party

Olivia had a great birthday party. We had it at a local park, and we thought it may get rained out. Just before people arrived, it was raining. We were glad to have a huge pavilion to ourselves. Thankfully, things cleared up, and it ended up being perfect. We invited several of the girls from Olivia's K-3 class at preschool as well as some kids from church. You expect to get maybe half of who you invite, right? Well, we had almost everyone respond saying that they would be there. Needless to say, she got a ton of new toys! I really do need to have a yard sale before the summer ends. I gave some of the more baby toys to Jonas when we went to SC recently. There is much more to go through though that the girls have outgrown. Anyway, these pics are about two months old, but I thought they would still be fun to post. :-)

Emma's Final Field Trip

Just a Busy Life

Well, I was saying not long ago that I needed to catch up with my blog because MAY was busy. I guess I did not anticipate how busy JUNE would be too. It was a good month, and lots of fun things were going on:

Kris performed his first wedding for some friends of ours. That was really special.

Kris and I celebrated 11 years of marriage on the 22nd!!! :-) He's just the best husband in the world. I am one lucky lady!

Emma was baptized! Kris had the opportunity to baptize her, and we just thank the Lord for that special event.

We had out-of-town company, the Browns, stay with us for a few days, and that was fun catching up with them. They will actually be moving here at the end of July--yea!

Our church had VBS, and the Lord gave me opportunities to teach and counsel children. I was able to lead 5 kids to Christ--praise the Lord! Another older girl had great questions about being saved still even if we sin. God gave us a great time of looking into His Word and assuring her that we can know once we're saved, we are always saved. We discussed living life in God's strength and grace every day.

I am sure there are other things that I am just not thinking of, but it was a busy month. July has started off great, and looks to be a bit more relaxing. We have company right now, but they aren't really here with us much. They are house-hunting all day, every day that they are visiting. The couple is the VanDenBergs. Jeff will be our band director/music teacher for some grades at Calvary next year. We are excited about that! He and his wife Holley are neat people. We look forward to meeting the rest of their family (3 kids) when they move here soon. We did get to go to the Bay City fireworks with them and a bunch of people from church last night. It was so awesome! The VanDenBergs got to meet a lot of people that they will see at our church when they come. Emma got to ride her first roller coaster last night at a fair that was down by the river where the fireworks were going to go off. I tell you, it was quite the initiation for riding roller coasters. She'll handle the ones at Michigan's Adventure well at the end of the month! :-)

Well, of course I still have so many pictures to post. Maybe I will get them all caught up some day. Here are ones from where I left off in May:

Happy Birthday, Kris!

Well, Kris says his life is half over. His birthday was May 15. The Bible says that a man's life should be 3 score years and 10--70 yrs! He is now half of that. Well, I can't wait to share the next 35 with him, and I hope it's even more. :-)

Mom's Day

Yes, I love to be silly with my girls. We had a fun time celebrating Mother's Day together. I got a cool, new phone from Verizon Wireless called a crazor. It is red! Yes, I love red. This phone is like an MP3 as well, and it takes pictures and video. If we wanted to pay for it monthly we could have internet access as well and check my e-mail, but I don't see the need. One cool feature we did use for the first month is the GPS navigation system. It was incredibly helpful in traveling to NC on our vacation. Anyway, I am enjoying the phone. We went to Ruby Tuesday for lunch and had a great time there too on Mother's Day. Since Barnes and Noble is close to the restaurant there at our mall, the girls had a great idea of stopping in at the Starbucks there. :-) I've trained them early. Ha ha Even if I didn't have a thing given to me for Mother's Day or a place to go out to eat, I have the two most wonderful daughters in the world, and that's what is so wonderful about celebrating that special day. They certainly have an amazing father though who is very thoughtful and does special things for me. God has blessed me to be a mom, and I praise Him for giving me that role in life.

Mother's Day Breakfast

Well, you know I got way behind in blogging. I am still going back to the middle of last month to tell and show things we did. One special event was the mother's day breakfast that Emma's first grade class put on. They went all out. The room was set up with beautifully decorated tables. We had quite the spread for breakfast, including french toast, fruit, and other tasty foods. Mrs. Reece, Emma's teacher, even put together a little program for us. The kids played colored handbells with a recording of "Jesus Loves Me". Mrs. Reece held up cards with several colors listed so that the kids knew when to play. The colors on the cards aided the kids in creating a beautiful accompaniment of ringing chords. We moms were tested on our ability to play the bells ourselves. The children also sang some songs they had been learning, and then Mrs. Reece's mom challenged us from God's Word. Each mom got to take home a homemade washcloth before we left. Everything was done well, and we all enjoyed ourselves.

Our AWANA Closing Ceremony

Outer Banks Vacation Pics

I have been posting my Outer Banks vacation pictures on facebook today, and instead of making a slide show or posting them twice, here are two links for you to see them:

www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=27021&l=40f92&id=835820150

and

www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=27115&l=bf34e&id=835820150

Just copy and paste into your address bar. I'll tell more about the trip when I get a chance. It was awesome!

O say, can you see?

Coming Back

Well, now that May is over and the first part of June is behind us, I think I can get back to blogging. I have about a gazillion pictures to post from the events that have taken place in the last month or more. May really did seem like 2 months. Busy, yes, but we've had many enjoyable things along the way. The post below is my first attempt to catch everyone up with what has been going on in our lives.

Seeing The Wizard of Oz with the girls

Latest Happenings and Some Pics

Well Spring has finally sprung around here and life continues to be busy. Last weekend Kris was out of town to a conference in Grand Rapids. I took the girls to Cadillac last Sat. for Emma's Sparks-a-rama games that she was in. It was a gorgeous day, over 70 degrees! The team played well in the AWANA games and got 3rd place.

This weekend I will be the one gone. Our church's ladies retreat with Beth Lynch starts tomorrow and goes through Sat. I am looking forward to it. Unfortunately I will miss Emma playing in her first soccer game of the season. Speaking of her playing soccer. . . . She went to her first practice, and when the coach gathered all the girls together, Emma asked to say something. She told all of them that she wants them all to know Jesus and that Jesus is just so wonderful. The coach said, "Well we need to get started now," and I guess Emma asked, "Well you all want to go to Heaven don't you?" After she finished running laps (with the team, not for trying to witness ;-) ) She asked the coach if she could say something at the end of practice. He said she could if there was time. She informed us there wasn't time. Well, Kris had her at the practice but didn't know anything about this. It all came up when Emma said to me at breakfast the next morning, "Mamma, I told everyone on my team about Jesus yesterday!" I pray she will always have the desire for people around her to know Jesus and just how wonderful He really is! We will work with her on appropriateness and all, but really, how awesome is it that she had no reservations to tell others of our Lord?!? Due to rain today, practice was canceled, but they may meet tomorrow. Pray for opportunities we will have with the coach, families, and Emma this season.

Today Olivia took a nap. I don't know if she was extra tired because of it being a rainy day or what, but I tried waking her up when I realized it was after 5 PM. I walked in her room and saw her bundled up and looking angelic. I went to grab the camera, and then Emma came with me into Olivia's room. The same expression Olivia had when I first saw her was gone because she was "coming to," but I still got a sweet shot. The sweeter ones were when Emma asked if she could try waking Olivia up. Having the camera in my hand, I couldn't resist snapping a couple more pics. :-)

April Showers?

Well, I thought that little poem about April showers was referring to rain, not SNOW!!! Where did Spring go? I went to the school to work on the musical at 2 PM today. Snow had just started falling and wasn't even dusting anything. These pictures were taken around 5:30 PM when I got home. This is heavy wet snow too. We are supposed to be under an advisory until 2 AM. It will all melt soon though. I heard tomorrow is supposed to reach 41 degrees.

Here is the only Spring we have been seeing lately. :-) My friend makes these overalls and others like them for different holidays. Her daughter is a year older than Olivia, and she wore them last year. We have the privilege of having them loaned to us now. I just love them!

Snowy Easter?

Ah, yes, a snowy Easter it was. My husband looked out the window while we were getting ready for church, and he broke out into song:

"I'm dreaming of a white Easter, just like the ones I never knew. . . ."

In all serious though, it was a wonderful Easter celebrating the resurrection of our Lord. We needed to be at church early for me to rehearse with the children's choir. Probably the largest number of children sang yesterday than we have ever had. To watch and hear them sing "Jesus Christ is Risen Today" was very powerful and such a blessing. I had opportunity these last several weeks to teach the kids about what it means, or can mean, for us when we sing things like "But the pains which He endured, our salvation hath procured." It was so awesome to get them to talk about what that means to them and how the truth of Christ's suffering should change how we live our lives. God is so good, and I just long for these children to know Him and not just sing pretty songs to make their parents and others go "Awwww, how sweet!" We've claimed Col. 3:16 as our verse in King's Kids, and we talk about how they as children can be little ministers with a wonderful opportunity and responsibility to point others to God through song. By God's grace, they did a great job doing just that yesterday--praise the Lord!

We had our annual Easter breakfast as a church (instead of Sunday School) before the morning worship service. What a joy to celebrate what God has done and to be reminded that we come together every Sunday because Christ is risen! After the service we had a good time with three other families for Easter dinner. We went to the Singletary's home and enjoyed amazing food and fellowship. The husbands all went out to the front yard and hid a lot of Easter eggs for the kids, and the hunt was on. It was hilarious trying to get everyone's coats on and people out the door. It was freezing out there. I had not brought clothes for the girls to change into. Thankfully I had sweaters for them to wear with their dresses yesterday. We also had closed white shoes they could wear tights with to stay warm. Anyway, they had a blast! You can see the pictures below with the little bit of snow on the ground where they are picking up Easter eggs. Ha ha

Last night we had our Easter musical, and, thank the Lord, it all went very well. We had a multi-media type presentation on our big screen that played behind the choir. Clips of scenes from "Jesus" movies and religious art were used as we sang about Christ's last supper with his disciples, the garden, His suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection. We had one character on stage who portrayed Luke writing his gospel. The music and everything together was very powerful! I was once again greatly moved by what Jesus went through for me. When we came home, we decided to watch The Passion of the Christ, which Kris and I had never seen yet. I was moved even more after that. As Kris said this morning before he left for work, "Let's live today in light of the cross!" May that always be our prayer. Well, I hope you all had a blessed Easter as well, and that you too are excited about living for our Lord.

Olivia's Haircut

Well, it's happened. I thought only my first child would cut her own hair. No, Olivia has followed in Emma's footsteps. Her hair was one length all around her head until yesterday. . . .

Emma and I had scrapbooking stuff out on the dining room table recently, and Olivia wanted something to do. I gave her "kid scissors", construction paper, and some glue. She had fun making her own artwork, but Emma and I both were trying to help her hold her scissors better. Emma just happened to say, "Hey, Mom, remember when I cut Olivia's hair when she was a baby?" Of course I was just thrilled that she brought that up, and I said, "Uh, yes, and what happened when you did that?" We discussed the situation, and then Emma went on to inform her sister of how she also cut her own hair. I then made it clear that there were consequences to that incident as well. Thinking I should further discuss this topic, so that Olivia would never try this herself, I told her that we never ever cut anything but the paper Mommy gives her. "We don't cut anything else, especially not our hair," I informed her. I also asked her who does cut her hair, and she answered, "Miss Nikki does!" "That's right! Not even Mommy cuts your hair, because I want you to look pretty, and I don't know how to cut your hair well," I said.

I thought that was a good conversation, and she understood well. I had no fear that she would ever cut her hair. Hah! As my much wiser husband helped me remember, upon my being soooo shocked that Olivia would do this after just having the conversation a few days before, our human nature is to test out and/or try what we've just been told not to do. Hello??? I know this, have lived it, seen it in other areas with both my kids. . . .

Thankfully it was not any worse--it certainly could have been! I am grateful too that she did not cut her ear, as these scissors are rounded but not guarded like some. I was so glad that Miss Nikki could get us in that morning, and she was able to figure out a cute new look for Olivia. I sure am going to miss the pony tails for a while, but I do think her hair looks cute. Whew! It's just hair and it grows, right?

It's funny really, God has been allowing a lot of my plans/desires to be changed lately. Of course what happened yesterday was not something I wanted. I had just let Olivia get down from breakfast and was finishing mine when the haircut took place. We were going to get ready and head to Saginaw for the day. Well, that didn't happen. I found out later that what I thought I needed to get in Saginaw actually was taken care of, and it would've been a wasted trip anyway. :-) One of the things I have been studying in the Bible is I Peter, and I had just read in chapter 3 last week about a gentle and quiet spirit being precious in God's sight. I was convicted and told the Lord I needed to work in this area. I've struggled with this when it comes to the girls and trying to get places we need to be on time and things aren't going well--their being slow, juice spilling right before we leave, having to deal with a problem between them, etc. My reactions have not always been precious in God's sight, and I certainly am not being the right example and teacher to them if I raise my voice and act out of frustration. I definitely see that I have been given opportunities to practice recently, and I thank God that it is by His grace I can react rightly to undesirable circumstances. God has helped me to catch myself, like yesterday. May we moms seek to have a true beauty that comes from the heart, and may God see something precious in us as we live out our lives. It may not always be easy to speak calmly and lovingly when our kids do certain things, but Philipians 4 reminds us that we can do all things through Christ. And oh, don't we long for them to know Him!

Home with Olivia

Well, Olivia has croupe again. Poor girl! She had an acute case of it in the fall, along with the beginnings of pneumonia. She had a mild case of it just a few weeks ago, but now it is bad again. I had to take her to the doctor yesterday morning, and she ended up with two shots--one in the top of each leg. She didn't even cry! She was so brave and a tough little cookie. :-) I was so proud of her. Two nights ago she was up 3 times struggling with that barky cough and trouble breathing, and then last night she was up 1 time. The doctor said that the cortisone they injected her with should really take effect today. I pray she is able to rest well tonight.

I got the slideshow done of Emma's field trip. Here it is:

1/4 of 2007

How can it already be going on the end of March? Almost a quarter of this year is done! I am so glad that this week is Spring Break. We aren't even going anywhere, but I am just so excited to have a break and spend time together as a family. The weather is changing, and I see my tulips popping up through the ground. People in MI are coming out of hibernation and getting on their bikes, taking walks, etc. It's great!

I have been busy with the normal routine of home and teaching. One exciting new thing that started is Camerata singers with Music Society. We had our first rehearsal on Mon. night, and it was so awesome! I didn't know whether to be super excited or scared out of my mind. It was a little of both really. The music is so difficult but amazing. You really have to be on your toes. It's intense rehearsing. The only time I remember doing this level of choral singing was with the BJU Chorale, especially when preparing to go to the 1996 World Choral Festival in Korea. Well the Camerata Singers are a group of approx. 25 members. I auditioned last month for the only lady's part available--one 2nd soprano opening. What an honor to be part of this group! We have a concert in June and some of the same repertoire a few times throughout the '07/'08 concert season. Another fun thing I get to do in May is sing the National Anthem at our new minor league baseball team's game. The Great Lakes Loons begins playing next month. Lance Parrish is coaching the team! As a kid, I had a crush on him when he was a Detroit Tiger baseball player. Ha ha The Camerata Singers have also been chosen to sing at a game in August.

I have had fun with Emma's first grade class, going to two field trips recently. Olivia has been able to come with me too. We went to Dow Gardens' Butterly House and also to a local fire station. I will add a slide show of the butterfly one, but I forgot my camera when we went to the firestation. :-(

Okay, have you heard that facebook.com is all the rage? Several of you have encouraged me to check it out. I know I procrastinated for quite some time, as I have with blogging as well, but I finally signed up today. It really is a neat place to connect with people, especially those you've lost track of over the years. Check it out sometime.

Well, we have made it through all of the MACS Fine Arts competitions. The high school one was held at our facilities and was a big undertaking. It went very well. I judged Female Vocal Solo, and Kris conducted his groups and visited around to see our students perform in other areas. Kris' choir and ensemble both placed 3rd for Sr. High. He's awesome! :-) I had a voice student get 2nd place in the state and was soooo excited for him! This is his senior year and has been a big deal. Our band won first, and we had several other awards for our school. Jr. High MACS was today down in Troy. I am not sure how we did. Kris went down to judge a couple of categories. I was supposed to go and judge girls solos again, but I got hit with some intestinal bug yesterday--not fun. :-( I feel a bit better though, so I am glad for that.

Hopefully I will be blogging more. We'll see. . . .

February Fun Times

Well, it has been a busy but fun month this February. Today, in fact, has been no exception. We had a snow day, so outside we went to play in the white stuff. Surprisingly enough, we did not have more than 4 or 5 inches of new snow. We were expecting at least 8 inches in our area. They closed schools because the snow was wet and heavy coming down yesterday, and it was mixed with sleet. It made quite a mess of the roads. The trucks weren't out until late yesterday clearing what had fallen most of the day. We had a bit more overnight, but I am really surprised there was no school. Sleeping in is quite nice though! The girls and I headed outside to play. Emma started a snowman on her own. The snow was perfect, and it wasn't that cold outside. I helped Emma get the base done, but we were sure glad Daddy came home to help finish, since the snow was heavy. Here are some pictures:






Other fun this month has included:

*Emma's playing at our school's Friendship Banquet.



*My continuing Bible study on the book of I Peter. We have a great group of ladies meeting each week who are excited about studying God's Word, praying together, and enjoying true fellowship.

*Kris having opportunities to lead a 4-week study on the goodness of God in our Sunday evening Prime Time.

*My working with the children's choir and seeing them grow and develop with their voices but spiritually as well.

*Olivia learning her letters and telling us "P" is for peanuts and letting everyone know that peanuts grow under the dirt--very exciting to her! :-)

*Of course you already know my thoughts on Valentine's Day :-)

*This weekend I was able to be in a concert featuring selections from various Broadway musicals. My director was sensitive to my convictions in not being in part of the concert that just the chorale was doing. He let me sit on the end and leave the stage for that selection. God is giving me opportunities to be vocal about my beliefs. PTL! Doug LaBrecque (a former Phantom and many other characters) was our featured artist, and he brought in Diane Penning to sing with him. Long story short, my conductor requested that they listen to ME sing before they left (AAAHHHHH), and I was able to have a private audience with each of them at seperate times. They were wonderful and very encouraging to me. I was even offered to have a couple of lessons with Doug LaBrecque when he comes back to vacation in MI this summer (he is from MI and a U of M grad). Wow--they are both just amazing, and I am so thankful for the opportunities I had with them.