Maps

Okay, so we are leaving in like 2 days and I have been trying for days to get directions using the internet. Am I the only one who can't get mapquest, google maps, yahoo maps or any other map site to work? My computer keeps saying "undefined value" or it just closes right out of the site, and says to submit a report to Apple. Here I am hours later, frustrated and ready to throw the computer out the window, when I realize that back 6 or 7 years ago when we had AAA, I ordered a bunch of maps (they were free and I thought they might come in handy someday). I had ordered like 5 maps or so, so I went to the basement in search of these maps, that have never been used, that I purposely got for such a time as this. And to my wonderful delight, I found all the maps and miraculously I have all the ones I need. Is that awesome or what. Sometimes the old fashion way is much quicker than all this high-tec stuff.

Beach Day

Memorial Day was very nice. Everyone is worn out. It was cloudy for half the day, so we got home and realized that we all got way too much sun! Why do we forget that the sun is still shining behind the clouds? Anyways, had a picnic at the beach, buried each other in sand, swam in the refreshing water, climbed on the playground, made sand things, and made new friends. Finished the day with some ice cream, and made it back to Granger. Bedtime is coming early for everyone tonight.

Joel Osteen, one of my favorite authors

Here are a few blurps from his book that I wrote down.
4 things to tell yourself everyday.
1. I am a peacemaker, not a troublemaker
2. I will overlook minor matters and I will forgive quickly
3. I choose to see the best in other people
4. I appreciate my spouse, my family, my friends, and my co-workers

He also tells himself this everyday, "Today I will make relational deposits in the lives of people around me. I will give compliments freely and seek to make every person I meet feel important."

Another quote, "One of the best things I've ever learned is that I don't have to have my way to be happy."

Wheel-a-thon

School Fund raiser on Thursday, the kids road bikes or scooters for 30 minutes around the parking lot. Cameron was the big winner (as far as how many laps completed) he biked 45 laps! Jalen used a scooter (he doesn't ride without training wheels, so he avoids the bike) he had 38 laps! Miah pedaled steady for 12 laps. They all were so cute and worked so hard. This picture of Jalen is actually from the graduation ceremony, he is sitting with his good friend Lauren. (He sure looks happy)!

Thankfulness

So many things to be thankful for, thought I'd make a list.
12 1/2 years of marriage to a really great husband who loves me through it all
3 healthy, joyful, loving children who are not shy and always have something silly to say
Nice home, nice flowers, backyard, sunshine
wonderful truth seeking, on fire church
awesome christ-centered school with teachers who truly love my kids
great job for me
perfect job for Justin
money to pay for gas and groceries to feed this family (spent $140 yesterday at Meier, crazy)
opportunity to go on Family Vacation! (We can't wait)
and I am greatful for good books and good movies that make you think about life, love, and what is really important to help keep us on track!
Have a great Memorial Day, and stop and think about all you are greatful for!

Birthdays come and Birthdays go....

Just wanted to say thanks to all you who made my Birthday special, my mom, my sister, my grandma, Justin's mom, Jody, Sarah and Justin. I love you all and thank you for your sweet cards, gifts and phone calls. Birthdays are only once a year so I told Justin this year, "go ahead and spoil me if you like, it's one day". My kids were confused though. They asked, "How can it be your birthday if there is no cake?" We tried to explain, but I really don't think they understood. They are still waiting for the cake.....

Kindergarten Graduation

Tonight was the night. Our first graduation. I can't believe it! Cameron is now a 1st grader. The ceremony was very sweet, all the children took turns going up to the mic to say there name, what they want to be when they grow up, and their favorite bible verse. Cameron said that when he grows up he wants to be in the army, and his favorite bible verse is 2 Corinthians 9:15, "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift." He was so excited for this special day, and I must say I was so proud of him. Miah and Jalen were there to support him, or should I say they were there for the cake and punch.

Miah and Mason

Miah loves little Mason. Miah really loves all babies. She is very motherly. Mason is a sweet little guy, he belongs to my good friends Ann and David Emmitt. They are great friends and great parents, I am glad we get to do life together. Good friends are a special treasure and I am greatful for them.

Cleaning out the house and more...

It is that special time of year again, when we all do alittle spring cleaning. I go through the kid's clothes and shoes, etc, and sort in to piles of what stays what goes, there are about six different piles and eight different bins, crazy chaos in the basement right now. And the big decision... garage sale or good will? This year I have decided to not do a garage sale, so I am taking one trip to a resale store "Once upon a child" and the rest goes to Goodwill. Should be simple. I also have big bins in the basement with each child's name on it, and each year I put in one of there favorite pieces of clothing that is now way too small to wear, (yet they try to keep wearing it), so that someday when they are my age they can look back and see what they liked as a child. And for me to remember just how tiny they were! They grow way to fast, we measure our kid's height on the wall near the kitchen each year in January, well yesterday Miah wanted me to re-meausure her, so I did just for fun, and she has grown almost 2 inches since January! Isn't that crazy!

Saturday Night Church

Last night our church drama team did a really cool music/drama jig. It was really cool, very fun and entertaining, go to gccwired.com, click on video, and watch the 1st 15-20 minutes to see what I am talking about. (not available until after 3pm on Sunday). It will be worth your time.

May

May is my favorite month. Always has been, you may know why.... yes my birthday is in May. I remember as a kid always loving the month of May. It also helps that the weather is awesome, and the sunshine feels so good on the face! One thing that I was not expecting was how busy May is. I know there is always Mother's Day and Memorial Day. But with school wrapping up on May 23rd, my kids have two really busy weeks, which means my weeks are busy as well. Field Trips, Wheel-a-thons, Soccer, Kindergarten Graduation, School Picnic, Dentist Appts, etc. This month will keep me hopping. But the month ends with a bang... we leave on our Family Vacation the night of May 31st! Cameron is already packed.

Happenings of the past week

Jalen had a field trip this week to the Humain Society in Elkhart, I had the priviledge of driving for the trip. It was fun to see Jalen with his friends and to see the friendships and the sweet children. The place was a little smelly and the dogs were very loud, but most of the kids had a good time. The kittens were a big hit.

One of Miah's favorite faces. Cameron took this beautiful shot!

Cameron finally got a haircut after many months of wanting to grow it out. He finally decided that long hair was too hot for the summer. So Saturday I shaved him up. (We also discovered a tick on the back of Cameron's head that day, and Justin removed it, Cameron was very brave and decided he definitely wanted a hair cut!)

We are also planning to be at Michiana Christian Montessorri School again next school year. We are very excited and very thankful! It is a great school with teachers and staff who love God and love the students. I am forever thankful to be there!
Cameron will be 1st grade! Jalen in Kindergarten and Miah in the primary class.

More Pictures, More Memories

It is hard to believe it is Sunday again. The weeks go by so fast. I am thankful for Sundays, no plans, lots a sunshine, and three beautiful children who want us watching everything they do. The countdown is now on till our "Family Vacation" We leave June 1st.