From Our Family to Yours...

Looks Guilty

Mommy: Myriam, what are you eating? Did you eat chocolate?

Myriam: (with chocolate smudges in the corner of her mouth) No.

Mommy: Are you sure you're telling me the truth?

Myriam: (shakes her head yes)

Mommy: I won't be mad if you tell me the truth but if you lie to me I'll be very upset.

Myriam: I didn't do anything.

She then turns around and starts to walk away from me 

WITH THE EVIDENCE STUCK TO HER BACK!

I only needed to say "Myriam" and she redirected her steps to the wall sit without me even asking. 

Looks guilty. Tastes guilty. Found guilty.

10 Things About Our Weekend

This is what happens when the weekend was supposed to look one way, then 

the sick kids changed the itinerary.

It began early Thursday morning with the littlest princess blessing mommy down the front of her followed with another crowned one Friday night and into Saturday morning with the oldest royalty. The prince has managed to keep from catching this bug, but at this rate things may 

change by the time I publish this post. 

Mommy and Daddy tag-teamed the clean-up and demands of those not feeling very well, but it left us no time to prep for a planned family party on Sunday. 

If you come to our front door the remnants of blasted diapers will greet you and the piles of sheets, towels and blankets will be found around the corner that need to be folded after washing. 

His Heart is Overseas

No matter how many times Tim travels to Cambodia, it's always these images that break me as a human, a mother and someone with a huge heart. This girl speaks so many things even though not a word was spoken. Her eyes tell stories; her location gives way to her reality. She doesn't know any different; may never get the chance to see past her village walls. 

And yet, what you do see is joy; contentment; family. 

It is in almost everyone you meet that shares this hospitality and love. 

The purpose of this trip was to support New Life Church in hosting another marriage conference with speakers, Hans & Star Molegraaf, from Marriage Revolution. Last fall Hans flew with Tim and I, fell in love with the people and was quick to say yes to another conference. Before this conference, there was a little bit of getting a lay of the land as both Star and Erik Vanderpol, employee and friend of Tim's, had never been to this side of God's creation. 

Just Laugh Mom

Sunday afternoon Tim and I hosted a simple Christmas dinner for the YWAM staff here at home. To make life easier, my parents took the younger girls and requested an overnight sleepover. 

Sure. Sounds innocent. 

Yeah, not so much. 

Our guests left and I quickly checked my phone to see how the little ladies were doing. I believe my initial response was something like, "OH NO!" I think Tim thought something much more terrible had happened. 

"I only left her for a minute," said Mom with tears. 

I'm not sure who or what she was more afraid of; my response or how it would be fixed.

There is no recovering from something like this. 

Let me reminded you all too, this is the third offense with the scissors. 

The first time HERE. The second time HERE.

I quickly called Mom and hearing the terror in her voice, I reminded her to laugh because in the process of this horrific act being committed, no one was 

sliced or diced with the craft scissors and somehow it will grow back. 

In Myriam's defense, she was trying to look like Nana which she accomplished quite well. 

November Recap

Highlights of the month:

Myriam's 5th Birthday

Our Election Party

Thanksgiving at Papa & Nana's

Afternoon's with friends

Issac's (Charlie's friend from Mp3) & Talan's (cousin) Birthday Party

6th State Race

Cambodia 

Perch & Play fun date

Holiday Starbucks Drink menu

Painting Addison's room - little girl to tween

Kids surprisingly getting along really well! Success!

We decided to turn the mayhem of the election into a little family party which led to some history lessons and education on the process. The girls helped make the star cookies as I worked on getting the jello to set. We went for the all American blue and white theme for dinner having little smokies (a step up from hot dogs), potato salad and fruit kabobs along with sweet treats and red vines symbolizing our country needing to stand together no matter what the outcome. The kids really enjoyed watching the news as many questions were asked and the opportunity to explain in a healthy way laid before us. As like many of you, we started to fall asleep and didn't make it all night. The big announcement was a delayed replay with the kids by our sides watching speeches and quite frankly, laughing hysterically at Trump's son who clearly should have gone to bed himself. Poor kid was yawning, shaking himself awake and doing head bobs.

Super Sister Turned Five

It's hard to believe it's only been five years since Myriam was born and yet, the moment we held her for the first time seems just like yesterday. 

The moment we were given opportunity to lay eyes on our daughter and check all ten toes and fingers, pull the cap back to see if she had any hair and to believe that this really was happening after all the paperwork and waiting. Our Thanksgiving five years ago filled our hearts with such delight and gratitude; that Thanksgiving five years ago changed the dynamic of our family forever.

Lately, I have found myself grieving for not being able to control the first nine months of her life. Not being able to hug my swollen belly and to sing lullabies to soothe the restless life inside me. I feel guilty for not being able to protect our daughter from harm and choices. 

Myriam is joy, laughter, she's whimsical and compassionate. Myriam is creative, imaginative, inquisitive, mischievous and sensitive. Myriam is strong-willed, confident, defiant and loyal. As often as she can be the reason for my worry and stress, she can also be the reason I melt and soften to her embrace.

Not An Orphan Anymore

Today we celebrated Orphan Sunday. I almost hate to use the word 'celebrate' as the current crisis of children without homes, parents or people to call family, is staggering. For many, it's easier to not know than to be haunted by the faces of those needing arms to snuggle in after scraping a knee or a place to sit at around the family table. 

{ We came with just these items. }

This past January I received an email with a list of children needing immediate placement. These emails are daily; some with a few kids and others having multiple lists from here to Seattle needing placements. Three hours later after a few phone calls, family prayer and a mad dash to get a few things ready, Addi and I headed into the local DSHS office. We knew very limited information about the child we had said yes to a short term placement; two to three weeks was all that was needed. Thanks to Skookum Kids, Miss Bee came with a few outfits, burp cloths, formula and bottles aside from her own diaper bag and own car seat. Weekly visits began a couple weeks later along with court room appearances and home visits with our social worker. Our family was quickly thrown into a new routine that all 

foster families become familiar with when caring for children. 

{ We left with this precious life. }

Figures from Children's Administration show:

In Washington 1,419 children became part of their forever families between July 1, 2015, and June 30, 2016.

About the same number 1,556 children are "legally free" and many of these children are waiting for a forever home. 

Nearly 8,800 children were placed in out-of-home care living in foster care, as of mid-August.

Most people are surprised to learn there are 153 million orphans worldwide. 

According to UNICEF (The United Nations Children's Emergency Fund), if orphans were a country of their own, the population would rank 9th in the world - ahead of Russia. 

 { Myriam Judith two weeks old. }

Even though our Myriam was a private adoption, her journey to our home is just as significant as any other child's. Myriam's life is a miracle in and of itself. She was originally going to be terminated, but by the grace of God, that choice to end her life was detoured. When we were chosen to be her parents, there were two other families that were presented to our birth parents. They, for whatever reason, backed out of the situation leaving us as the option. God had perfectly carved the path from our birth parents to our family. It was a month after we met each other that we stood outside of the hospital room listening to Myriam's first cries. 

 

{ Myriam at three months. }

There are many ways a family can expand their dining room table; foster care, domestic or international adoption, biological children. Not everyone has extra chairs; 

not everyone is meant to take a child into their home. 

I often think how the orphan crisis would be changed if every church were to take in more children, locally and globally. How did it get to be so many kids left without parents? Why is there not more attention, more focus and priority in placing these lost children with families?

My heart hurts for the girl whose mother left when she was a baby herself. For the child that questions themselves as to why they don't have their own forever family; who grieves for their biological parents. I struggle knowing that the three year old little boy cries at night because his favorite blanket was left at his home when he was removed or placed with a different foster family. For the little girl who is afraid of the dark and just needs a safe adult to rub her back until she falls into a deep sleep not knowing why she fears the nighttime. For the kids not in stable homes experiencing family traditions, 

movie nights or to have family pictures. 

 How does God feel when He looks down at His children?

Does He want you to do more about this crisis?

In the end, I know this much; our family was blessed by simply saying yes to uncomfortable situations that grew our family to a hefty six pack. Our hearts were stretched; our ideas changed by experiencing life outside of our own. Our arms stronger from holding, bonding, and 

hugging the kids we know to be ours on loan from God. 

And come soon, things will be finalized and our family will be able to call this little one our own. 

"Defend the cause of the fatherless."

Isaiah 1:17

Sixth State Success

{ Sixth State Race. }

My goal is still far from being reached, but that doesn't stop me from continuing on towards my 50 by 50. 

When Tim travels for work I usually check local races for the area to see if any of them could potentially coincide with his schedule. 

The I Am Second Run was an hour away from the job site and the details of finding sitters for the kids worked out perfectly. I quickly registered us both for this race and organized the hand off of the kids in order for the weekend to be pulled off with success. 

Tim has been in and out of Dallas-Fort Worth working on a large project so I knew when I went down with him I would be a bit on my own. This is no problem for me as I like to explore...and with no kids SLEEP IN! Funny thing is when you have the chance it never happens as you wish. My body was awake by six am and ready for coffee once my eyeballs opened. 

As for the race I requested one thing; NO WALKING. My Love is not a runner so asking for him to run with me and then to push himself to run with a smile on his face was not only speaking my language, but a huge ask physically. I was so incredibly proud that he ran the entire race and had gas in the tank to even sprint to the finish line. I'm not expecting a trend to start anytime soon. Happy to have ran this race with him and also to have our own I Am Second in our personal lives as Jesus truly has given us a second start to life. 

Indestructible

There are people who crumble with a paper cut experiencing tears for days and
needing band-aid changes to dress the wound. 

People who collapse with emotional pressure or fearing the worst case scenario, paralyzing them from ever experiencing life.

Then you have those that rise above the bad news and become shining stars. 

That's my sister...

Traci Lynn Van Dyken. 

Traci has experienced far worse then paper cuts under going multiple surgeries to cut the disease out of her body. Scars that show the journey she's been triumphing on over the course of almost ten years. With every blood draw she receives the pressure of results showing success or defeat. Continual chemotherapy treatments to maintain the progress or to treat aggressively what has taken over her body. Recently, giving up three weeks to full brain radiation to treat the progression of the disease in her eye and brain. The unfortunate part of treating this one area is that the other areas were left untouched. Since then, the tumor markers have traveled over a total of five hundred points higher and an obvious shortness of breath slows My Hero's steps. Scans confirm that the cancer has grown in her liver and lungs.

Sugar Bugs and Costumes

{ Harvest Carnival 2016 }

Do we? Don't we? 

The question of whether we allow the kids to get dressed up and beg for sugar bugs and cavities or stay home with the lights off eating carrots and apples is one we ask every year.

It's not something we put much energy into and I hate spending tons of money on something worn for a few hours. This year we scored some deals at the local consignment stores and found some play makeup at the Dollar Tree to add the finishing touches. 

Myriam loved being a cheerleader and Mom became "totally awesome" as I squeezed into my high school uniform for a little play time. 

Home Tweet Home

Being a parent stretches and challenges you to go places or do things you normally may not try...

All for the sake of your child.

Allowing a bird in my living room is doing just that. 

I'm not a bird person. Not really a pet person. But I do understand the joy a pet brings to a kid.

Addison is over the moon thrilled to be a bird owner. 

It took many trips to Bellingham to search for the perfect cage, toys and locate a hand fed-tamed baby parakeet. We finally found what Addi wanted at Hohl Feed & Seed. It was there we found the sweetest bird lady who was raising seven week old parakeets. We brought the cage in a couple days later for Addison's chosen parakeet to adjust to his new home. Janice was great giving pointers to Addi about how to be a bird owner and what's best for her bird. She's been raising birds for thirty years. I'll take her word over mine. 

Introducing Elvis.

{ Picking out her tweety bird. }

Four Little Pumpkins

With one of our favorite pumpkin patches closed for retirement, we were forced to 

explore and find a new one. 

I loaded all the kids up in the car, picked up Nana and Auntie Traci, then headed south to Schuh Farms in Skagit Valley. This place is family owned and appears to have grandchild forced labor, but oh so cute.  Everyone was beyond friendly and helpful even carrying our pumpkins to the car. There were a few animals to look at, a flooded bouncy house to jump in if you didn't mind getting the kids wet (thanks to all the rain), tractor rides for the kids through the fields,  a spread of orange in a condensed field along with bins of many varieties of pumpkins. 

Across the street is extra parking and a play area for kids that has huge slides, tires and swings to curbed the energy before getting back in the car. It's there the smell of pumpkin donuts lingers and lunch can be found with a few food trucks to meet the hunger needs. 

Thank you Schuh Farms and Family for providing our family with a morning of fun and 

pumpkins to carve in the evening. 

{ Best I could do. }

Funnies...

Too often, Tim and I remind ourselves to write these things down, 
but seldom get to it. 

The raw humor of Myriam has us laughing, sharing with family and wishing we had Go Pro cameras on to capture her personality in action. 

Last week Monday as I went to sign out Addison from school, Myriam called Barkley Regal Cinemas from my phone, asking about movie options. Myriam with a puzzled and upset voice said,

"Addi, Tangled isn't in the movie theater anymore! Is Jungle Book in theaters?" That's when Addison heard another voice say. "No, Jungle Book is not in theaters anymore, but I can tell you what movies are."

How she managed to call anyone is still in question as my phone, for this very reason, is password protected! 

The Transition From Flip Flops to Tall Boots

Summer ended with a big bang and reluctant kids to see it go. 

Grandpa Doug flew all his grandsons to Stehekin along Lake Chelan where they crammed into his plane and spent a night exploring, swimming and eating like grown men. With Charlie gone and Miss Bee on a visit, I then took the older girls on a lunch date to The Mill and explored a little of downtown together. 

Our family, along with many other family and friends, surprised Nana with a back yard party celebrating her 60th birthday with burgers and cupcakes. 

We also braved the heat and spent all day at The Northwest Washington Fair. We ended up splitting the group as Tim took the older ones on rides and I took the melted young ones home. 

Charlie spent time on the boat fishing, catching crab, hiking and enjoying his time with Papa, Nana & Auntie Traci. There were last of the season sleepovers, school shopping trips and BBQ's all before the rush of shelving our exposed toe shoes for tall boots. 

{ Cousins & a cool uncle by the campfire. }

Over the Bridges & Through the Streets to Downtown We Had to Go

With all three weeks of full brain radiation completed, Traci needed some open air, a break from cabin fever and a little exploring with her sister before starting chemotherapy once again. 

Miss Bee and I took to I-5 Wednesday morning leaving Daddy in charge of getting the three kids to their appropriate schools. He did me proud with keeping the house clean, kids fed and making sure no one missed the bus. It was a nice little break from the normal for me while being able to spend some sweet moments with My Hero. 

Our time together was mainly spent eating which began at Menchies for dinner followed by the many leftover meals that had been delivered to Traci. She hasn't been able to drive due to the eye tumor creating depth perception issues as well as it looking like she's seeing out of a bubble. For safety reasons she hung up her keys until the issues resolve which has led to her becoming STIR CRAZY sitting at home! We took to the town to help her breath in some fresh air. 

Thursday started by celebrating National Coffee Day with our Starbucks and free Krispie Kreme coffee and donuts. Shameful, we just wanted the donuts. Miss Bee quite enjoyed herself fisting the doughy goodness too. Our next stop was Powell's as we are both book lovers of all kinds. The children's section is bright, colorful, inviting and a place all our kids have come to love. Good thing we had budgets or we'd leave with hundreds of dollars worth in new books! With Traci's background being a preschool teacher she sees quality in every single book and has a favorites list about a mile long. 

...and Friends are Friends forever...

What a true gift it is that those we've picked have stuck with us and given us memories, laughter and encouragement when needed. Tim and I are proud of our kids who have made some awesome friends through school, church and around home. I can't imagine doing life without Jesus; I can't imagine doing life without His blessings...

friends.

And SNAP, the Job is Done...

Once again, Jodi from theSNAPsisters captured our family in it's true form this past summer. A simple stump alongside the road turned into the backdrop for our family pictures. In the rush out the door we forgot to have some take their allergy pills so it was a task to keep hands off the eyes and to attempt to not have too many swollen eyeballs. Some don't like to have these camera moments so our time in front of the camera is always quick. Thanks to Bill who managed to get some smiles with the toy rattles and peek-a-boos; Tim's smiles are proof of his talent to get everyone to smile. There are so many more but here's a picture glimpse into our family photo session...

{ The Broersma Six pack. }

Faith Worn Loud

Our faith is extremely important to us as individuals, a couple 

and as a complete family. 

Seeing Jesus grow in our children's heart is an insurance policy 

that they will never be alone. 

When asked who loves them, it's always Jesus first then family. 

We live in a world that tells us to believe in ourselves and to rely on our own desires and wants. 

As followers of Jesus Christ, we know that nothing can be done without our Risen Savior. Nothing makes us more courageous, bold and radiant then the faith that we live out loud. 

This is why we challenge our kids to be bold about who first loved them. To shout it out about why they can have no fear in a fear-filled world. 

Over the past few years, our kids have been exposed to many poor choices adults have made resulting in our family caring for a few children. It's been an incredible experience teaching our kids to love everyone regardless of where they come from, what they look like or the choices they make. Many of our bedtime prayers have been for the homeless, the jailed, the drugged or the lost. 

One thing we keep coming back to is simple; 

Jesus loves them too. 

As parents, our prayer is that our kids continue to wear their faith on the outside and challenge themselves to deepen their personal relationship with Jesus. 

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

2 Corinthians 3:17

She's The Perfect Dozen

one: Jesus follower

two: helper

three: compassionate

four: organized

five: humorous

six: smart

seven: independent

eight: nurturer 

nine: kind

ten: sweet

eleven: foodie

twelve: adventurous

I Hear You Nemo!

I feel a little bit like Nemo when he wakes his Dad up yelling with glee:

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Yep, I will be totally honest in saying I am that parent this year who was THRILLED to see that school has started. The routine. The early bedtime. The structure built in to every aspect of our lives. The first day of school has been more like a trickle into school with three bodies going three different directions. 

Charlie was up by 6:55am and ready to go by 7:05am on his first day of school. 

"Let's do this." 

The kid was beyond excited for his new adventure! I sent him on the bus and shortly after met him at Ebenezer for the convocation service where the gleeful child kept turning around and waving at me. I know this will only last a few more years until the boy child will become embarrassed to even say hi to me. I will cherish his bright smile and mouthed words of "I love you," until that day comes. 

Be Thou Her Vision

Today marks another new normal; another adventure yet to be experienced; another treatment not yet had. She's scared, nervous, anxious; possibly even hesitant. The start of a three week radiation treatment in attempts to eradicate the brain tumors and eye tumors found from what was thought to just be a side effect of the ongoing chemotherapy Traci has been receiving. 

It started with blurry vision, much like seeing out of a water glass, and a green tint out of the left eye. I ventured down to Portland to assist in getting Traci to her Friday appointments along with Charlie and Miss Bee. 

After a simple examination of the eye, the doctor kept on ordering a few more tests just to make sure he had a good idea what was going on. That was my cue that something was wrong. During the eye ultrasound I pointedly said to the doctor, "We've been doing this cancer thing for over nine years. If you're looking for a tumor just say so." 

It was after that, we saw another specialist and heard the words:

metastatic eye tumors.

Our hearts sunk a wee bit. 

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;

naught be all else to me, save that thou art

thou my best thought, by day or by night;

waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.

{ Never a chemotherapy alone. }

Disappointment was heavy on my heart watching and listening to My Hero displace the facts that we had just heard, for the possibility of these new tumors still being just a side effect of her treatments. I had the unfortunate job of telling Dad the truth over the phone and later together we told Mom. This has been the journey from the beginning of extreme ups and deep lows. The only constant in all of this has been Jesus. 

Be thou my wisdom, and thou my rue word;

I ever with thee and thou with me, lord.

Thou my great Father; thine own may I be,

thou in me dwelling and I one with thee.

This past summer I went through a Bible study about worship. What kept coming to mind was how beautifully Traci has been able to worship through every mountain placed in front of her. No matter what the challenge, hurdle or test she walks into, she walks firmly rooted in the truth that God is still so good. I think about Abraham when he was leading his son up the mountain to make a sacrifice to God. His faithfulness overcame the devastation of what he might have had to do. I think about Job as he had tragedy after tragedy plague his life but he continued to remain faithful. The journey Moses had leading his people to the promised land. Worship is an incredibly strong theme throughout the Bible and Traci's life is no different. She remains faithful; she remains consistent in her Foundation. God remains good even though all else may seem chaotic and terrifying. 

Riches I heed not, no vain, empty praise;

thou mine inheritance, now and always;

thou and thou only first in my heart,

high King of heaven, my treasure thou art.

{ The superhero mask needed to make full brain radiation happen. }

You would need to drug me and knock me out to make this happen but this amazingly brave gal took it like a champ. 

No diagnoses, time frame or significant tragedy can take away what is rooted deep in your heart. It is the air we breathe, the truth that feeds our soul. Yes, we cry in expression for the sadness that haunts this long journey and we ask why, but in the end, we worship. We thank Jesus for how He has given us years beyond what should be with the amount of cancer my sister has fought. We thank Jesus for protecting her life as years of chemicals have gone into her body to slow down the beast growing inside. We praise Jesus for the faithfulness of His child who has been a witness to His greatness to many who don't know how and why we celebrate rather than mourn. 

I don't want to get caught up in the fact that My Hero will once again loose her hair. I don't want to get caught up in the fact that she won't see our kids graduate from high school or someday get married. Shoot, that fact that we have a timeline sucks in general. But, I know that God is bigger than any timeline, diagnoses or mountain any of us have to climb. 

We've said it from the beginning: Auntie will have healing here on earth or will be granted her heavenly healing where no pain; no cancer can touch her. 

High King of heaven, my victory won,

my I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

Traci, My Hero, thank you for your unfailing example of what a servants heart should look like, acts like and worships boldly while under distress. You make this journey that much easier by walking out your faithfulness believing in the Creator who gave you grace to walk every step needed to wholeness. I will live the rest of my life in attempts to be more like you. 

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. 

1 Peter 2:9

Summer Park Adventures

This summer, the kids wanted to explore as many parks as possible. From Lynden to Bellingham to Blaine and Ferndale...We have enjoyed playing on familiar parks and some newer ones too. Myriam, Miss Bee and I wasted time in the Maplewood neighborhood and found a small park along with new friends Myriam quickly made. We had picnics and sacked lunches at many local parks and some splashes too when we needed some cooling off. There's never enough time to visit all of them, but we certainly made memories at those visited. 

Here's a little of our park tour through Whatcom County...

The kids have really enjoyed the newer Blaine Marine Park. It's the perfect blend of young and old for our kids. There are so many slides to choose from and a fantastic pirate ship to climb on for younger kids. Bathrooms near by and rocks along the water to explore. Walk down the road a bit and you can find the statue Orcas to climb on. It also helps that Edaline Dairy is through the round-about to assist in cooling down after a little running around of tag on the play ground. 

Elizabeth Park has always been a go-to for us in the spring and summer. The park provides ample shade and bathrooms for last minute potty breaks. I've never had a problem chatting with other moms and have found all to be extremely pleasant.

It always helps to have a beach, rocks to flip in search of critters and a few short trails to hike on all with a view of the San Juan Islands. Larabee State Park has so much to offer and we will definitely be going back before the summers end. 

Ferndale recently opened up a new park similar to the one in Lynden called the Star Park. I was really impressed with all the different elements at this park for both young and old. Charlie was in his American Ninja Warrior glory with so many obstacles to tackle. The only downside to this space was the lack of visibility and fencing. I struggled to have eyes on the kids at all times and worried about someone walking off or running off with one of our littles. After a picnic style dinner supplied by Papa and Nana we enjoyed a few more moments in the sun. Bring your own shade to this place as not much can be found here. Thank you to the planning committee for keeping outhouses on site! That had to of been a mommy behind that choice. 

Located between the school and Bellingham Aquatic Center, this huge playground has become another favorite for the kids. Menchies is a short walk across the street providing a sweet treat after playing. This day we took Annie with us to go on our park adventure. 

Fisher School is visited often as it's a short walk from home. Notice the bare feet...we find it impossible to keep shoes yet alone socks on Myriam!

Zuanich Point Park is the perfect place to fly a kite, lay in the sun, ride some bikes or just walk around to watch the boats sailing in Bellingham Bay. On this afternoon, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Web Locker before playing at the park with Papa and Uncle Jason. Oh, and yes, there are bathrooms here too! A must with young kids on the explore. 

Being so close to home, this park is a no brainer. Myriam goes between the two play areas as Miss Bee would rather sit and smile in the swings. Bring a towel because undoubtedly, the kids will get wet wading in the creek or throwing rocks for the biggest splash.

Auntie Traci came with us this day to play and have some fun. With the zipline broken, the kids were a little disappointed, but never had a lack of fun. You can imagine how black they were from climbing on the scooter slopes.

This was a special day as we visited this historic park on my birthday. The kids ran around checking out all the animals, playing at the play ground and climbing the tower before we took off to the short trail walk in the tall grass. Best part was coming up on a pretty large gardener snack the kids thought was pretty cool. After this park, we grabbed lunch at Subway and then scooted to the new Star Park again to play. 

We visit this place often as there are so many different avenues to explore from a few beach fronts, coffee shop and trails along the water to adventure on. And every mom's favorite...bathrooms. Melissa and Michaela came with us on one of our last park adventures this summer. We spent quite a bit of time looking for clams, dead crabs and pretty shells in the shallow end as we sipped on our Wood's caffeinated treats. The dinner bell was ringing so after we made our way back to the car via the boardwalk we stopped at La Fiamma's Pizza to entertain our pizza cravings. 

Until next year Summer. It's been grand. 

ALMOST...Time for School

There is some panic, excitement and nerves all bundled together for this upcoming school year that is quickly approaching our family. 

We've made some pretty big changes that are quite different than any years past and once found, our routine and school schedules should be absolutely perfect for our kids. It has our three Little's in three different schools, but each one with their individual needs being perfectly met. 

It started last Spring when Charlie and I finally decided to make a huge change; time for me to be just Mommy and not teacher. Yes, I cried and he smiled with glee, but in the end it's what's best for him and his needs. We filled out registration forms for Fisher and talked about having to be up and out of PJ's by 7:30am. We stressed the longer days, potential bus rides and homework schedules that come home after the school hours are completed. Still...happiness. I know we made the right choice, but both Tim and I didn't have peace about it quite yet until we had the doors open up to explore Ebenezer Christian School. 

With the nudge of a few neighbors and friends we interviewed Mr. Buss then the roles reversed and we sat in the hot seats followed by Charlie taking an entrance test. Can I just say how terribly nervous I was for this??? If this kid bombs this test it not only reflects his poor learning abilities but MY ABILITY to teach him! Thankfully, Charlie did amazing impressing the principal and reading through the fourth grade sight words with ease. It only proved to me once again that he does so much better for others than myself. 

In two weeks, Charlie will step up on to his first bus ride to school (you bet I'll be taking pictures!) and will start a new journey of education in a "real" school. Tim and I are really excited for the friendships that he has with a few third grade buddies already and those that will bond over the years to come. 

Thank you Ebenezer Family for welcoming us and making this change for this Mommy an easy one!

Addison will be staying put exactly where she flourishes best: at home starting sixth grade. She will be continuing with Mp3 (Meridian Parent Partnership Program) and Teacher Jeff Caraco will be our go-to student coordinator for the sixth year in a row now. She plans to take three campus classes then four here at home. With just one student at home, writing student lesson plans was an easy afternoon task and all but one purchase order has already been made. Many of Addi's friends have started on newer education plans at different schools so she's a little sad that she won't be able to see them twice a week at school. I give it a year and she'll be stepping on the bus with Charlie.

Myriam is super happy to be starting school again at Lynden Middle School in the Intermediate Preschool Program. Just yesterday she told me she was ready to go to school! This year she will be going in the afternoon for a couple of hours four days a week. Her backpack is already to go and school clothes are washed and hanging for her to wear. Thanks for hand-me-downs I didn't have to purchase hardly anything besides shoes to get her ready for the fall. What I love most about Myriam's school program is the hands on, one to one teaching with all the aid, therapy and attention needed for her little mind to grow and learn. Both of us are ready for a routine for her to fall into soon!

So, with a small list of things needed we are almost ready to say...

TIME FOR SCHOOL!

Here's to the last full week before packed lunches, sharpened number two pencils get busy and first day of school begins!

A Drive, A Hike & an Ice Cream Cone

On the heels of our family camping trip came an all day hike up Hannegan Pass with Grandpa Doug and Aiti (Terhi - Finnish word for Mom which all the grandkids call her), M & M and our tribe of six.  The morning started out chilly, but don't worry, it was toasty hot up in the hills. After we made our way through the curvy roads and last mile or two on a dirt, pothole laced road we made it to the trail head. 

Our adventures started out stinky as Miss Bee pooped up her back before even stepping foot on the trail. After a little clean up, we all had potty breaks, checked our shoe laces, applied the sunscreen and marched forward towards the peak. Uncle Ryan and Charlie were out of sight in minutes while the lady crew and Tim slowly made our way three miles in. Myriam made sure all we passed on the trail were greeted with a proper "Hello" or "Have a nice day!"

The sights to see were spectacular with high lines of flowery fields, green pastures, rocky cliffs with trickles of water, snow caps and pesky flies that some weren't too fond of. Yes, they bite. Miss Bee sang and talked most of the way until we stopped in the shade to have some lunch. Recognizing the fatigue on the young ones, some of us chose to turn around before reaching the top four point eight miles in. 

This was Doug's first hike since crushing both his heels a year ago making this an accomplishment towards his recovery. On the way down, Tim showed the girls how to drink from a stream and thankfully, no one got sick from the two sips. Myriam went down about a mile from the car and Uncle Ryan stumbled slicing his knee, but otherwise all were injury free. 

After making our way to the car, I took the little ladies to cool our toes in the refreshing and chilly stream. Miss Bee was not a fun as she's a warm water only baby while Myriam could have dipped her wholeself in if we allowed her too. 

And to sweeten the deal on the drive home, some of us indulged with ice cream at Graham's Store on our way off the mountain. 

It didn't take long to have all but a few of us sleeping from tired legs and exhausted bodies. 

I was shocked from how well all the kids did; the girls a total of six miles and Charlie rounding out at almost ten miles. According to my Fitbit, we climbed 95 flights of stairs making this single track trail an easy one for kids if they don't mind getting sweaty, stopping to fuel and going slow to not tipsy top over the side. Myriam only made me nervous a few times otherwise it was safe for even the youngest ones. 

I can't wait until the next hike!

{ A hiking we must go. }

{ Sandwiches, cheese and meat sticks and fuel bars to keep the feet moving. }

{ Grandpa Doug's coffee bean. }

{ Hot and thirsty. }

{ Tim assisted all the ladies with holding back hair for a sip. }

{ Mickey's face flinging flies is how some felt the entire time. }

{ Snow capped peak to cool off in at the top. }

{ Charlie and Uncle Ryan conquering the trail with confidence and speed. }

{ Getting ready to dip our toes. }