Grin & Bear It

My BIG reveal

>> Tuesday, September 30, 2008

The day began driving north on US23

Driving way too fast while butterflies fluttered in our tummies. We finally found our way here

and made our appointment at noon right on time! We then sat down, smiled slightly and with nervous hands began to sign papers upon papers.

About 30 minutes later checks were dispersed, hands were shook and hugs were given. Big Thank You's for everyone, especially Carla

The time we have been waiting for was upon us and we were finally able to

We opened the door and stepped inside to what is now our FOREVER HOME. The place where we will raise our boys in truth and righteousness. The place where love and laughter will be boundless. The place where nature surrounds me. The place where I will grow old (floating in my pool) watching my boys turn into men. Its bitter sweet as the excitement is also a little scary.

I apologize for those of you that were kept in the dark about our secret. After some major upsets, tons of stress and an emotional roller coaster daily, I personally felt the need to keep any and all news on the "down low". Our new home is in HOWELL (how in the world did you guess that Kirstynn? Its off Coon Lake Rd) and we will be fully moved by Nov. 1st.

Here are a few pics of my new pad.

View from kitchen

View from Dining room (yes- thats an inground pool back there and barn-horray!!)

"A True Home - A roof to keep out the rain. Four walls to keep out the wind. Floors to keep out the cold. Yes, but home is more than that. It is the laugh of a baby, the song of a mother, the strength of a father. Warmth of loving hearts, light from happy eyes, kindness, loyalty, comradeship. Home is first school...for the young ones where they learn what is right, what is good, and what is kind. Where they go for comfort when they are hurt or sick. Where joy is shared and sorrow eased. Where fathers and mothers are respected and loved. Where children are wanted. Where the simplest food is good enough for kings because it is earned. Where money is not so important as loving-kindness. Where even the teakettle sings from happiness. That is home."
Ernestine Schumann-Heink

Guess...

A sneak peek

Can you guess what my post will be about later?

A bouncing birthday weekend

>> Sunday, September 28, 2008

"Nothing you do for children is ever wasted. They seem not to notice us, hovering, averting our eyes, playing, and they seldom offer thanks, but what we do for them is never wasted."

~Garrison Keillor

I believe....

>> Friday, September 26, 2008

I know you wonder
If you'll ever have a day
when the kids stay calm, the laundry's done
and the dishes are put away
And sometimes you feel like
your days are spent and gone
and the question running through your mind is
what have I gotten done?
and when you finally have a moment to slow down
at the end of your day, I know He would say....
Believe in what you're doing
Believe in who you are
And hold tight to the truth
that you're a daughter of God
Believe in who you're becoming
Believe in who you are
It may seem simple
all the little things you do
but the lives you touch, matter so much
and theres no one else like you
And He needs you to stand tall and faithful
To be all you can be
Oh if you could see what He sees
You'd Beleive....
In what you're doing
You'd beleive in who you are
So hold tight to the truth
that you're a daughter of God
Beleive in who you're becoming
Beleive in who you are
When its hard to believe in yourself
And you feel like you're beginning to doubt
Remember....He believes
(Words & Music by Hilary Weeks)

What Works for me Wednesday!

>> Wednesday, September 24, 2008

It is officially Fall, and we have spent some time outside getting the yard ready for the upcoming winter months (or move-which ever comes first). In doing so, we brought in some of the trucks that were in the sand and water table. They were filthy.....who would have guessed? So, in Sirken fashion we dumped them in the tub and gave them a bath. This kept the boys captivated for an hour or more. No kidding! I put about an inch or more of water in the tub, dumped in some bubbles, put a towel on the floor and let the boys go to town. They were surprisingly neat about the process. While I enjoyed having some time to clean up the house, I also enjoyed hearing the laughter coming from upstairs. Try it out~

Trees

>> Tuesday, September 23, 2008

"Like the trees, we are visitors, guests of earth. The light shines down, and a bud breaks, branches give way before us, a book's leaves open, and our eyes look, look again. We are a grove, companions spared to be on earth at the same time. The trees - though not our kind - are kin, elder relatives standing to greet us.

"Kim Stafford, from "Tree of All Trees" in Entering the Grove

An Apple a day....

>> Monday, September 22, 2008

Today marks the first day of fall. In my great state of Michigan, we celebrate fall with a trip to the many wonderful orchards that are abundant here. So off we traveled to our local orchard. The boys love heading to the orchard. We go there for blueberries, peaches, apples and pumpkins (though this year we can go to our garden for our pumpkins). We found some songs to sing about apples that have been sung all day, every day since our trip. Teach the songs to your little ones and mark your calendars for an Orchard trip.