Family Fun

I woke up Monday morning full of excitement. Is today really the day? I have not seen my sister, brother in law, or their beautiful children in over a year. Ever since we moved to Michigan and they moved to Idaho it has been really hard to try to figure out how we can see each other. Our chance had finally arrived. Brandon and I were in Kansas City visiting family, and Andrea and her family were flying in to attend a youth camp in Arkansas. They were going to be in Kansas City for 1 day. I jumped out of bed, and got myself ready as quickly as possible. Then Brandon and I together got the kids ready. We ate our breakfast, loaded in the van and off we went. I could hardly believe that I was finally going to get to kiss Madelyn, hug Brennan and meet Autumn! After about 40 minutes in the car we drove up to the house where they were staying. In the drive way stood Madelyn. She looked puzzled at our van as if she was wondering who it was driving up the drive way. After parking I got out of the van and yelled "Madelyn come see your Aunt Marci" her face light up like a christmas tree and she came running as fast as she could. She jumped on me, wrapped her skinny little legs around my waist, and her arms around my neck and hugged me so tight. My only response was to cry. What a beautiful moment. I will never forget it! The day continued to get better and better. I got to hold my beautiful Autumn Grace. I got to play with Madelyn and Brennan. I got to talk to Andrea, and hug her neck. We were together for 7 hours, and yet it seemed like just a few minutes. I am not sure when the next time I will see them again is, but at least I have a few precious memories to hold on to!

The Boys!

Here are some pictures of the boys playing.






I really enjoyed watching Brennan play. He concentrates so hard on what he is doing.

The Girls

Here are a few pictures of the girls playing together.

To My Father

The old saying goes, any one can be a dad, but it takes a real man to be a father. I guess my dad is the manliest man in the world, because he is one GREAT father. Looking at this picture made me ponder my own child hood. Just a few memories that I have of my father are horse back riding in Naivasha, playing in the pool in Kisumu, trips to the Sareit Center in Nairobi, eating at Hong Kong, going to the movies, and christmas shopping in Kisumu. Another great memory that stands out in my mind is we used to go to SMSU Bears games together, and before the game we would always go to Taco Bell where I would get a taco and the nachos with cheese. That was always a special treat! My dad always took time to be with us. No matter what I know I can always count on my father! His love for me has carried over to my children, and they love him so very much. Daniel has special memories with him that I know he will never forget, and I know there are more memories to come. Dad so many years have passed, so many memories have been made. I love you with all my heart, and I wanted to make sure you knew that today!

Happy Father's Day

I am so thankful for my loving husband. He is such a good father to his children. Every day he takes time to play with each one of them. He is always taking Daniel out for special "daddy Daniel time" and I know that when Monica gets a little older he will do the same with her. Brandon is a great daddy. He shows this on a daily by giving baths, doing diapers, giving discipline, cleaning dirty faces, wiping runny noses, kissing bubus, and doing devotions. I could not ask for a more loving, more loving and Godly man to be the father of my children. His children love him with all their hearts and so do I.

Thank you!

Thank you to Aunt Andrea, Uncle Matt, Madelyn, Brennan, and Autumn. Can you see how excited it was to get this gift? You really made his day!

Words to ponder by Charles Wesley

Depth of mercy! Can there be
Mercy still reserved for me?
Can my God His wrath forbear,
Me, the chief of sinners, spare?

I have long withstood His grace,
Long provoked Him to His face,
Would not hearken to His calls,
Grieved Him by a thousand falls.

I have spilt His precious blood,
Trampled on the Son of God,
Filled with pangs unspeakable,
I, who yet am not in hell!

I my Master have denied,
I afresh have crucified,
And profaned His hallowed Name,
Put Him to an open shame.

Now incline me to repent,
Let me now my sins lament,
Now my foul revolt deplore,
Weep, believe, and sin no more.

Day of Daniel

Four years ago today my dear son was born. It is hard to believe that I have known him for four years. The time has flown by and he was turned from my little baby boy, into my ever growing kid. I love him so very much, and Brandon and I made every effort to make his special day as special as possible. This morning when he woke up he was surprised to see his first present sitting in the living room. We got him a scooter! He loved it! Then Brandon went out and got him donuts, which is his favorite breakfast. After breakfast we all loaded into the van and took Daniel to garage sales. Garage sales are one of his favorite things to do. We also stopped by a park where he was able to play on a bounce thing, and ride a pony! Also while we were out we stopped by Meijer to pick up the cake he picked out, and he picked out the ice cream that he wanted to go with the cake. Then we went to Party City and got him some balloons. After that we went to his favorite place to eat lunch, Mcdonalds. He got a chicken nugget happy meal, which he was very pleased about. After we got home he spent the afternoon playing in a blow up pool, riding his bike and new scooter, and playing with his friends. Then of course we had cake, ice cream and present time. Daniel had so much fun. Right before bed I sat him on my lap and said "Daniel what what your favorite part of your birthday?" After thinking for a minute he said "EVERYTHING!" I count that as a successful birthday.

















PS. Thanks to all the family who called today and made him feel special!

Rock Star Baby!

Last Day of School

Thursday was Daniel's last day of his preschool/speech therapy. I am thankful that he will be able to be in this program again next year. He has improved tremendously since he started this program. I am so thankful for it. Thursday night I took the kids to his school for a picnic celebration. He played a ABC game that was like musical chairs, when the music stops they call out three letters and if you are standing on one of the letters you win. It only took Daniel three tries before he won. He was very excited about it.
They also had face painting. Daniel had a double scoop ice cream comb painted on his face.
We paid a $1 a piece to eat a hot dog, drink, crackers, and cookies! What a steal of a deal!


The highlight of the picnic was the Grand Rapids Fire Department came out to talk to the kids and let them play around in the truck. Daniel LOVED this. He got to sit in the drivers seat and pretend to drive the truck. He also got to sit in the back and see some of the equipment. We spent a half hour climbing all over the truck and having a great time learning about fire safety.





We had a really fun night! I love hanging out with my kids.

My Dear Sweet Son!

Daniel will be 4 years old next Saturday. The times seems to have flown by. He is my handsome sweetheart, and he makes me laugh on a daily basis. I do not know what my life would be like without him. The Lord has truly blessed us! (I went ahead and got his 4 year old pictures taken now because I want to make sure I have them back before we go on our Kansas City trip. )

Monica at the splash pad

Monica loves water! She doesn't even mind if she gets water in her face. It is very cute to watch her play! She is getting so big!

Daniel at the splash pad

Chuck E Cheese

On Memorial Day we took the kids to Chuck E Cheese. It was the first time I had ever been there. It was not busy or loud on this day so I think that I had a good experience. Daniel loved Chuck E Cheese, as I am sure all kids do. He won 232 tickets, so he got a couple of prizes he was very proud of.