the broersma five

Shoe Size 8 Shoes Size 8.5
7th Grade Completed.

Addison's first day of school was not what I had prayed for when we decided to send her to a "real" school. I waited anxiously at the end of the driveway somewhat confused as how to fill my day without teaching any child. First year in seven years not homeschooling had me wondering around for awhile figuring out how to make a new routine. I could sense the tension before she even got close to the house; frustration powered her steps and once inside the tears poured for a few hours.
Fast forward to the last day of school and Addison now has a tight bond of friendships with her classmates, a walk with confidence built into each step and a grown up attitude that can be seen in how she speaks, holds herself with others and interacts with friends. I teared up picking the kids up on their last day of school reflecting on all that our baby girl had accomplished this past year. Her maturity, wisdom, diligence and responsibility is of high importance to her and to top it off her deep love for her family, gentle faith and dimpled smile greet us daily. It was all of these qualities that allowed Addison to complete her first year at ECS. We are so grateful to her teachers and friends that were apart of helping our daughter blossom this past year!

Shoes Size 7.5 Shoe Size 8
4th Grade Completed.

Our stud of a Man Cub did really well this past year. Charlie once again was ahead in math and always sought out extra credit each week. He loved recess first and socializing second. He didn't have the same love for reading, but that will come someday. It was so much fun to see how going from single to double digits changed the growth pattern of shoes, shorts and shirts that instantly became far too small. Charlie grew inches this past year and went through four pairs of shoes from all his activities. His favorite activities were flag football and basketball this past year with his current interest being guitar lessons. Charlie is a natural when it comes to music. We often catch him singing and rocking out to his favorite groups. He experienced his first concert this year watching Jordan Feliz; he was mesmerized by the lights and sound. Can't believe he'll be in middle school next year??? Addison and Charlie will now be in the same building...not sure that will be a good thing as this Man Cub loves to push his sisters buttons.

Shoes Size 13 Shoe Size 1

Kindergarten Completed.

I honestly don't even know where to start with our Myriam. The beginning of the year was extremely rocky as plans that were made exiting preschool didn't mature into reality the first day of school. Different teacher, bus was a no show, and other programs not in place to support Myriam's school year. It was stressful to say the least. We continued to visit our friend Micah weekly which gave us a great tool to bridge the gap at school. It wasn't until after Christmas that Myriam finally achieved felt safety (a fairly important part of any kiddo working through anxiety, sensory, RAD and ADHD.) This was in main part due to Myriam's aid who became a new favorite person in our eyes. Mrs. Karb endured many attitudes, behaviors, emotions and even punishment following the days she missed at school. Myriam made such healthy attachment to this angel of an aid that she would get mad if she had to get a substitute instead of the real deal!

The teachers at Fisher are all incredible and we give them so much gratitude for being apart of the progress made this last year. Some days were met with thumbs down or text messages stating she was coming in hot, but regardless, they made me feel supported as the parent and did a great job in reassuring me the day was going well post drop off. We are beyond proud and joyful of what our Myriam accomplished this year. Most days she worked so hard making the right choices and doing her best that she'd fall asleep on our two minute car ride home or crash on the couch once home.

When it came time for Myriam to walk into her Kindergarten graduation, the girl waved like a princess to every single parent until she landed eyes with Mom and Dad followed by cheerful delight. No surprise to us when she started making multiple different faces, but thankfully had no other shenanigans on stage. Fisher was exactly where she needed to be this year and we are thankful for her amazing team of teachers and aids that walked this last year with Myriam.

Now to secure Mrs. Karb for next year...

{ Class of 2030 }

{ The Just Us Team: Broersma's, Petersen's & Van Mersbergen's }

It's hard to put into words what was accomplished this spring in La Conner, WA. With forty NCCTK couples present, we managed to saturate the small town with crazy laughter, new friendships, active connection between spouses, the ability to have fun while competing and in the evening cutting it up on the dance floor.

The Just Us Getaway was created to provide NCCTK couples the platform to meet other church couples, the ability to date each other and to fellowship in a non-threatening marriage environment all while laughing and having fun. Everything terrifying about a marriage seminar was removed and replaced with ease, welcoming smiles, no homework or uncomfortable moments of confessing your failures to your spouse, freedom in the schedule and optional events to take part in that again provided connection.

Many marriages have forgotten how to date, or what it's like to date each other, because simply stated, marriage is hard and some don't have the flexibility to not work on their relationship. The idea of setting aside the stress and challenges that so often accompany a couple is, and was, a very refreshing thought.

The Just Us Getaway surpassed every vision and goal we had laid out for the weekend. It was beyond fulfilling to see random couples connecting that have never met before and yet have attended the same service for years together; to hear deep belly laughter as Tim introduced our speaker. To walk into an establishment after our first Gathering and see a room crowded with double, triple dates; laughter bouncing off every wall brought such satisfaction.

Every part of the weekend provided a success including Just Us Church as we watched the live stream after our own worship led by Joel.

Nothing of this nature goes without help and the Just Us Team made it possible. From those behind the scenes to those fashioning the Just Us tees, (thanks Jessica!) there are many thank yous and shout outs to be told.

The design team at NCCTK outdid themselves with patience and creativity in all our printable needs.

Wood's Coffee provided the caffeine for the entire weekend both morning and evening.

Local businesses stepped up with over 40 items donated for game prizes and random give aways; all of which encouraged the date to be continued once home.

Sean Taylor provided the beat for our Throw Back Prom.

Mark Warren spoke at our Gatherings and provided personality tests to couples

who had never done such a thing.

The Oliver's donated their time by filming the weekend so we'd have a digital footprint to remember the weekend by.

Many baked delicious treats to sweeten the snack table.

It truly was a team effort in assembling this getaway. It is a blessing to work with a church that supports and stands behind marriages with such intensity. To have the church promoting healthy marriages, active engagement with each other and moments to deepen the relationship is a true gift to the couples and also their families.

Ultimately, the thanks and glory goes to God who, in the beginning, decided that man should not be alone. He knew that man would need a helper.

Even if it's a helper in the car...

{ Tim introduced our speaker and shared a few suggestions of possible topics he could give insight into...all of which he stated were examples from his own marriage. It was ten minutes of testimony videos that had the room rolling in laughter. }