Strapped but Not Held Down

Everyday I'm reminded how blessed I am regardless the chaos, noise or discomfort I experience during the day. My journey of discomfort began in November. When I had just been given clearance to do the thing I love so much to do and which keeps me grounded, I walked into a surgery yet again leaving me stuck in the reclining chair and at the mercy of many others. 

It feels like forever ago I had four drains stitched to my sides leaving me with very 

few options for clothing and comfort. 

My Mom and I ventured out weeks after surgery and ended up at Cheeks to try on clothes and feel somewhat normal. Nothing about having a drain baby makes you feel normal especially when you look four months preggers. Praise God I can laugh and not cry every time hard faces me. 

This will go down as a stellar Mother/Daughter date. 

It feels like forever ago someone had to bathe me and pour my coffee for me. I still can't run (big, long weary sigh) but I know I can. I can't lift weights but I know my body is strong. 

After weekly appointments at the University of Washington Medical center post surgery, things came to a screeching halt. The reconstructive surgery had been scheduled for April sixth giving my body one last final time to heal before the summer fun began and a fall race training schedule would need to resume. 

...Enter Covid-19...

I've later learned that many things came to a halt. My surgeon explained that in a matter of a day, her three surgeries went from normal waiting room procedures to two family members only and by the third surgery no one allowed in the waiting room... all in one day. She also shared how patients, recently diagnosed with breast cancer, were told to push pause on upcoming surgeries to remove cancer and to take extra chemotherapy until operating rooms opened up once again. 

My heart sunk.

I immediately thought back to when my sister was diagnosed and the fear surrounding something terminal growing in her body. Removing the cancer could not have happened any quicker. The fear knowing you have a detonated bomb ticking in your body is scary enough yet alone told to sit and be calm. 

For all the discomfort I experience with iron clad expanders that, as close to explaining, feels like a too small, too tight, broken down underwire bra, I can live a few more months for these terrified patients to have surgery first. (they're not really iron.)

Yes, the new surgery date throws off my well-thought out plans but given today's chaos, it could be worse. 

Our kids are healthy. 

Our home is safe. 

Our jobs secure. 

Our faith is solid. 

Our marriage thriving. 

Our gas tank is full. 

Our support system remains present. 

We still have our laughter. 

We still have the church.

We still have our health.

We will still have fun this summer. 

In all my time now at home, I've been able to purge many things from my computer creating additional space and storage. Having both preventive surgeries has cleared mind space where fear once lived. The computer was desperately in need of the same thing. One of the tasks has been to go through all the thousands of pictures I struggle to delete. In doing so, I ran across this picture of Tim and I from 2014 that, not only is hilariously fitting, but pretty much sums things up as of late. 

Our hands are full; our bellies full of laughter. 

It may feel like our countries situation is strapping many of us down with unexpected loss and freedom. The ability to worship together, visit with friends and shop at our favorite local stores halted. 

But God. 

God can not be strapped down, confined to a box or told He has boundaries. He is bigger than all our fears, doubts and delays in preventive surgeries. God has purpose in our waiting.

It does feel like forever ago when I last ran, but I know my time to run will be coming soon. Until then, I'll keep purging the photos, organizing my inbox and give thanks for all the things 

God has blessed our family with including being drain free. 

What are you thankful for today?

{ Having fun; making memories. }

{ I will burn this pillow when all said and done. }

{ No drains and finally free. }

{ Post-op covid style. }

A Slice of Humble Pie

{ Humble pie. }

One can prepare as best as possible for a substantial event, but the unknown elements create moments of humility that have, in turn, produced gratitude. Having another major surgery did that for me. 

I went in as emotionally sound as I could knowing there'd be triggers and memories that would surface from a decade of pain and hardship witnessing many of my family members face cancer. This journey has been to prevent cancer but the experience has been all too familiar. Leaving the kids the night before was torment; having them cared for by our family and friends made it easier. 

Being I had to stop eating and drinking by midnight, I filled up over a celebratory meal with My Love where we toasted God's goodness and faithfulness. Tim has been nothing short of being amazingly awesome, gentle, caring and patient in this recovery process. 

With the surgery time beginning late morning, it gave for hours of reflection and worry to set in. Our good friend drove south to sit with Tim during the six hour surgery. It's been because of our village that we've done this so well. 

Recovery has been filled with love and friendship from the willing childcare, surprise visits, endless meals and cards of well-wishes. Living in a small town has pros and cons but our family has seen the deep, genuine care of our community at its finest. 

Thank you seems small for how grateful we are.

{ Needed all the encouragement I could fester... }

My sister had these socks from her journey and I occasionally wear them when I need to do hard things. If there was one person, aside from my husband, to sit by my side, it would be my sister. Someone to calm my fears, tell me what it would be like and support our kids like she did so well. I set aside the provided hospital socks and demanded my Bad A** socks remain on throughout surgery. 

The only surprise of the day was Dr. Calhoun stating she would remove one lymph node from each side as precaution not reason. 

This felt too similar to Traci's story and the surprise procedure was enough set the tears into motion. Tears that went from fear to laughter before surgery.

Tim and I have found weekly lunch dates in all our trips to and from Seattle both before and after surgery. One of which had the perfectly stated message for us as Tim has truly carried me through this experience. 

When doctors warn you of T-rex arms, they really aren't joking. The range of motion and ability to do ANYTHING for yourself is immediately stripped away after a double mastectomy. 

Even breathing on my own was a burden for my body the first five hours after surgery resulting in Tim cautiously, but with great panic, reminding me to breath. Every minute and a half I felt a gentle tap on my hand and a voice telling me, "Breath hun, stay with me love."

Once the narcotics began filtering out of my body, Tim was able to relax a little bit. 

Going the bathroom, showering, getting dressed and the first few days, cutting my own food were all tasks I needed help with. Adjusting the eight pillows to find some level of comfort became Tim's specialty. He just knew what I needed, when I needed it. 

Around the clock care. 

Around the clock humility. 

I have been at the mercy of others and still remain here to some extent. 

{ My personal care taker. }

 { Recovery in action. }

My views of recovery have been watching my Mom clean our house, getting kids here and there, full seasons of all things Joanna Gaines and clinging to my mastectomy pillow on weekly trips to SCCA and UW Medical Center. I've mastered the art of sitting and frankly, found myself sick of it while watching Bakers vs. Fakers. While watching, a craving text to Tim became reality when he brought home two pies. 

Humble pie to match my journey of learning how to ask for help, accept helping hands and being okay with it. 

My recovery journey continues for a few more months and everyday I'm feeling stronger. I celebrate the little wins for the day and find myself so incredibly grateful for each prayer spoken on my behalf. 

Today's win... I washed my own hair. 

Summer 'N' Motion Wk. #6

Last week was a little bit of everything. 

I managed to finally kick the ear and sinus infection before my flight to North Carolina - thank goodness! Baylee is still trying to grow her two front teeth and all the kids have turned into part fish with the summers best purchase killing our grass in the back yard. Worth it. 

The week began with Charlie hanging with his buddy James and then again the next day celebrating another friend with the worlds best slip in slide. Seriously, this was a hillside covered in black tarps, soap and running water along with a dozen boys ready to have fun. 

Myriam continued her swimming lessons while I packed a suitcase for the She Speaks Conference. 

I'm so thankful Tim's job is flexible enough to stay home with the kids while I travel. He definitely earned husband of the year award as he tackled Little Irish and her ability to NOT want to be potty trained. Huge win as Tim conquered the little stubborn attitude with potty treats and stickers working towards the big reward of the desired Paw Patrol school backpack. 

And adding to the list of accomplishments, Tim took the kids on bike rides, trips to the park, picnics and explorations searching for crabs, shells and soaking up the salt smell at Birch Bay State Park.

Having the peace knowing all is clean and well at home allows for a sense of ease when traveling. 

As for She Speaks, God blew me away with His faithfulness and goodness allowing for my team to pray over women, listen to their stories and offer resources through Reclaimed Ministry. 

I went last year with a proposal and enough bound books to show publishers.  I knew no one but left with life long friends who have given me such encouragement and community over the past year. Throughout the year, God opened doors to share the heart of the ministry with other churches across the states. 

This year, I went with two friends who represented Reclaimed and acted as assistants during the Proverbs 31 Ministries hosted conference. I'm not sure I've processed all that happened this weekend and know I'm not the only one processing the fire hose of teaching that was provided. Jamie Ivy, Bianca Olthoff, Wendy Blight and Lysa TerKeurst were our keynote speakers wont only brought the Word of God but challenged our hearts to pursue the call God placed within us. 

The call of being a vessel of hope to women broken from marital betrayal. 

Can't wait to share more about the weekend!

Here's a little more from the past week... four more weeks until school starts!

{ In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus. }

{ Potty training treats & bike rides to Cookie Grandma's. }

#ncctkjustusmarriagegetaway ... Just Us

{ Always my Hubs. Always his Wife. }

 

{ May 3-5, 2019 }

The Just Us Couples were welcomed back in La Conner, WA, this year with lots of sunshine and hospitality as almost 50 couples connected with each other, learned about their personalities and focused on marriage while playing, laughing and relaxing with others. We are incredibly blessed to be apart of a church that supports marriage between man and woman AND makes an effort to invest into marriage. I heard multiple times how peoples cheeks hurt from laughing all throughout the weekend. 

My only request of the couples this year as volunteered MC, was to set aside the hard stuff - the parts of marriage that had them stressed, fearful, nose deep in self-help books or buried deep in counseling. To remind their marriage how to laugh, connect with others and remember to have fun. Marriage is HARD WORK! 

The Just Us Getaways are to bring the fellowship and connection back into marriage, as well as connecting with other church couples. It's always fun to see the hands go up according to what service they attend since many sit on opposite sides of the church. Numerous times over the weekend we heard of new budding friendships and connections being made. 

The Just Us Team saw that as a win!

And to give you insight into who attends, we had the youngest couple being married just under two years, to the oldest couple just celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary! 

To best explain the weekend, I thought I'd just show you the belly laughs that were had and highlights from our 2nd Annual Just us Couples Getaway!

{ Follow #ncctkjustusmarriagegetaway to see more of the fun! }

{ Mark Warren hit it out of the park once again speaking into our 

personalities and how they affect our relationships. }

{ The Mix & Mingle B-I-N-G-O game proved success again resulting in peeps learning new things about each other, but also winning sweet prizes too! }

Our community once again blessed our couples with many donations for door prizes, game prizes and the coveted 1st place Amazing Race prize of a two-night stay at Semiahmoo Resort! Thank you to every business that greatly blessed so many couples. 

Shout out to Wood's Coffee for providing the caffeine all weekend long as well! 

{ Amy and her sweet tooth talents gave couples a punch of energy before the Just Us Amazing Race. }

 

 

 { We asked couples to dress up as noticeable couples... these were a few but clearly Joseph, Mary and sweet Baby Jesus won the Best Dressed prize to Jo Fish & Creativity! }

{ That's right. Shower caps, shaving cream and Cheese Puffs were just one of the Race Detours couples had to participate in. Blindfolded rubber band guns were another entertaining Race Challenge. }

 { Grooms had to locate their anniversary date while the brides sat in silence. Not sure which was harder! They later had to find their brides birthday while brides blew a bubble to connect the two dates. We had 29 couples participate in the Amazing Race! }

{ My Love & I on our Channel Lodge balcony before live streaming church and sharing in worship with all the couples. The Just Us Team debriefed at Whitey's BBQ making it now tradition to 

end our time together before heading home. }

Ah Chew... Bless You

The symphony of sneezes are in full swing in our home. The itchy nose where you just can't seem to reach, watery eyes and repeat sneezes are the first indicator things are ready to burst into color and sounds of lawn mowers becoming the normal outside back ground noises. 

It appears all of us, to some extent, have been fighting seasonal allergies and getting 

worse with every year passing. 

Even with the annoying symptoms of allergies, we still find time to play. 

The ladies have had a few days of fun together exploring Boulevard Park, feeding the ducks at Whatcom Falls, catching up on homework while the younger two burn energy off at Perch & Play, rolling down hills at the "Red Park" and meeting the needs of our taste buds with gelato and bread sticks. There's also been fitting room fashion shows which is quite comical I may add. One of those years where Addison has shot up resulting in nothing working for summer attire, Myriam not quite tall enough to fit Addi's hand-me-downs and Baylee on her own needing a few fill-in items to prepare these princesses for summer. Thank goodness not all will be teenagers at one time or we'd need to find some money tree seeds somewhere. I love watching each relationship grow, challenge and inspire the other. 

A while back, the ladies were playing together and one made the remark, "Hey, we all have a different Tummy Mommy." Hearing that made my heart stumble a bit, but also soar, knowing God knew our family dynamics long before I was ready to step into this role as Mom to all three. There are frustrations, struggles, joys and lots of laughter with each one. Each daughter has something special about themselves making them unique in their own way. Having these special girl dates makes them that much more special simply because God saw each of them needing one another. 

{ Fairhaven Explorations }

 

{ Whatcom Falls & Cornwall Neighborhood Red Park}

{ Morning running buddy. }

Desert Adventures Part Three

Grand Canyon (9th state)
Horseshoe Bend
3:08 time
230 of 791 total runners

32 of 106 in my age division (30-39)

111 of 516 all female

14 miles total

1650 ft. in elevation

Waking up this morning meant packing up the tent and loading the car completely. Addi and I had already packed the suitcases the night before so it was a matter of rolling up bags by lanterns light.  The challenge is getting out of your sleeping bag into the low forty temperatures to dress and get going. I was so proud of Addison for rocking the runners tent life.

Once again, we were met with sludge for coffee and I'm thankful I packed a few Starbuck Via's to make my few sips go down a little easier. There was an overall sigh being this was the last day of the race, but also community tenderness in everyone's steps. I love the enthusiasm that greeted runners and overall spirit of community in base camp. Even though there are hundreds of people you start to recognize faces after a few days. I was entertained hearing where everyone was from and finding out their own running journey. Many of the participants had never ran on trail, elevation over five hundred feet or miles past double digits. I can't imagine how sore every joint and muscle would be without the training I committed to do. 

We again had to drive a distance to the shuttle parking lot near the start line. Addison really wanted to watch me start a race so she snuck in the shuttle rather than waiting this time for the spectator shuttle. With everyday, the start line opened up at seven thirty and then became a rolling start as the runners made their way to the line. This benefited the race congestion especially since many trails were single track. 

{ Waiting for the shuttle bus and blessed with this incredible sunrise. #nofilter }

{ State #9 done. }

{ Day three begins... }

Today's race made for my ninth state as I ran in Arizona near Horseshoe Bend. Originally, the course had all runners going ten miles. With the threat of rain later in the morning and the past few days rain, the Waterslot Canyons proved too dangerous to have all of us crazies trampling up and down a ladder into the skinny canyons. The pictures looked amazing so I was a little disappointed, but grateful I didn't have to swim my way out if a flash flood arrived. That said, the new course added an additional two miles to the final day race. In reality, it turned out to be fourteen miles on the most 

technical surface I've ran on ever. 

Think of fragile crepes, layered fifty thick and not being sure if they are secure enough to put your weight on... this is just a little of what I ran on. Layers of thin sand harden making the surface never flat or level and then add in seven miles of soft beach canyon sand. Parts of the out and back course (there was zero trails just markers to keep you from getting lost) forced you into skinny rock formations that had you scaling down and back up on the way back. Only one person at a time could pass. Absolutely crazy. 

The Grand Canyon by far gave me the most challenge physically and emotionally. The view did not in fact disappoint which kept me running and also knowing the finish line was miles away pushed me to keep running. 

{ A success just to keep the pink ribbon in view while navigating the terrain. }

{ What went down, must climb back up. }

Desert Adventures Part Two

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

Psalm 46:10

Zion 

Gooseberry Mesa

2:21 time
259 out of 789 total runners

25 of 108 age division (30-39)

126 of 517 all female
12 miles total
1034 ft. in total elevation

{ The sunrise cast a beautiful glow. }

When we left base camp to drive to the start lines it was pitch black outside. The flip side of this are the night skies and ability to see all the stars. Simply incredible. Addi and I slept amazing this second night staying plenty warm and dry. 

Again, we had to drive a little over an hour to the start line which for locals, looks bizarre seeing a line of headlights literally miles long as we all follow one after another. In order to get to the "parking lot" the second morning we had to drive on a very bumpy road for about a mile then pull into a low laying cactus, dirt cattle field to park our beat up rental. Thank goodness it stopped raining or we'd never even get past the beginning of the dirt road! 

This was the first time we were able to see the beginning of the sunrise and it didn't disappoint. The colors in Zion were again amazing. Completely different canyon than Bryce both in size, elevation and the surface I ran on. Some loose sand but mainly rippled gritty rock that was rolling on the top of a "flat" canyon. Looks are deceiving from a distance. I was surprised how much green was in the desert. This particular trail had lots of cactus and what looked to be pine trees. The path we took had the runners along the edge for half of the race. I was shocked how many were brave enough to sit on the ledge to get that epic photo shot. The Mommy in me wanted to reach out my arm and tell the adults to stay back.

A Just Us Recap

{ 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. }

{ The La Conner Channel Lodge and La Conner Country Inn were our gracious hosts. }

Sweet Sixteen

Together for nineteen years; married for sixteen.

We love nothing more than to disgust our kids with a kiss.

We know very well what makes the other one tick.

We finish each others thoughts and sentences.

As much as a night away sounds enjoyable, we both would rather fall asleep in our bed that has a permanent crease from holding each other all night long. 

We're blessed with memories filled with air miles and suitcases and never would imagined that we'd have the amazing tribe we're responsible for in our home. 

There have been days where liking the other was harder than loving, but at the end of the day, I would want nothing other than just us.

You and me.

Happy Anniversary to Us.

A Mother's Day Road Trip

Road trips. Not my favorite. 

If planned well, they can be tolerable.
Making sure you have ample car snacks is key to any road trip... that, and not scratched DVDs if possible! We loaded up on Starbucks and headed south on I-5 after the kids got home from school, managing to avoid most traffic, where we finally made it to our destination of Seaside, OR. Our heads hit the pillow just a little before midnight. It's a parenting success when you can transfer multiple sleeping kids to their own beds. Win. 

With full bellies from the nothing special breakfast at the Pig 'N' Pancake, our tribe made our way to feed the seals and play on the beach. Two must do's when visiting the ocean side town; breakfast special and the Aquarium. The seals are hilarious to watch as they show off for snacks, slapping their tummies and barking for attention. Always entertaining no matter your age.
From there the kids spun in circles on the carousel followed by time with the big kid (Daddy) in the arcade. Later that day we headed a little further south to Depoe Bay...things have changed slightly since we were there last...some had hair, others had shorter hair and no ring grazed my finger. We look like babies.

{ Notice I caught the bigger fish. }

A Milestone to Celebrate

We were young and full of dreams.

We had set ideas and motivation to meet our goals. 

We were in love and crazy about each other. 

We still love to travel together exploring new countries, small towns and meeting people along the way. We still have the ability to sit in a quiet car and be okay with it or lay in bed and have pillow talk until we fall asleep. 

We push each other to be the best. We hold each other accountable and call out faults when needed. We love the same cheesy shows, don't mind a simple street taco dinner and have the talented capability of plowing through a pint of ice cream...each.

These Four Words

April has been a month of reflection.

A reconciliation of what Jesus did for us on the cross. A reminder of anniversaries and birthdays. A reminder that eight years ago our marriage came to life. 

I find myself getting lost in thought going back ten years when we wheeled my sister into the operating room for her first surgery a week after receiving her cancer diagnoses. I can hear the words she spoke to me as I told her I loved her. I can see Tim with open arms ready to catch his bride as he surprised me at the hospital in Portland, I remember the first moments after surgery quickly brushing Traci's teeth before visitors came and can smell the Olive Garden dinner that fed the waiting room of friends and family. 

I look back at the first moments in the Mission House post surgery as Mom and I got Traci comfortable before I needed to head back home.

Finding Joy on Our Family Vacation

{ Self-note: Much of this blog is like a yearbook. Sorry for the length of this post. }

This May will mark a year since Gigi passed. My Dad decided rather than investing the inheritance from her deed, he would give our family an experience in Grandma's honor. For six months now we have been planning, preparing and getting excited about our family Disney Cruise. 

It wasn't until a couple months ago that we started to become worried about how it would be made possible with my sisters health. If there was anything she wanted more than her health, it was to see our family go on this cruise. She was adamant about this trip happening. Traci loved to go on cruises and having her nieces and nephews there to experience the fun gave her such joy to look forward to.

We took off from Seatac airport one month exactly after she passed; the wheels leaving the ground almost to the minute she passed. I tried to hide the tears, but this was truly a reality that things happened and my sister would not be with us on this trip. 

A Day of Play

A year ago Addison began her journey with orthodontics. 

She started with top braces and the Herbst Appliance which Daddy felt terribly guilty for her having to endure. Addi quickly became squeaky every time she opened her mouth and found many foods unable to eat because of the new jewelry. Somewhere in this process, Tim made a deal that in a year when it is removed, the two of them would take a day trip to Disneyland. No where in the paperwork did I sign up for that agreement, but with these two big kids, it was going to be impossible to stop them. 

Last week the day came when the Herbst came out and bottom braces were glued on. 

Done. Flights booked and bags packed.

Off they went for a day of Daddy-Daughter play. What Tim didn't think about was this was the first of four kids that will most likely all need the same orthodontic process...hmmm...do for one; do for all.

Have fun kids...

The Mill Inn

I was going to do a 2016 recap, but there is only one main event that deserves its own recap. There were many other amazing things that happened, people we met, places we went or little ones that joined our family, but this, this I am so proud of for many reasons. 

Let me explain and be the first to introduce...

(Well, I'm not really the first as this is months late past the formal introduction.)

The Mill Inn. 

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. 

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.