Summer 'N' Motion Wk. #8

Week eight was busy, stressful, and yet filled with celebrations on many levels. 

The first part of the week Charlie had golf camp at Homestead Farms which the kid is getting pretty good at and loves that he can share a sport with Dad. 

Early in the week, my ultrasound from the week prior, needed to be followed up with a breast biopsy. Needless to say, this brought on far too much anxiety and emotion that I was not wanting to deal with especially being a birthday week for myself. 

Tim, in typical supportive fashion, drove the stress case to the doctors and made sure that I had no lifting once home. I know deep within he was nervous as the doctors this time used language such as meeting with oncologists and further potential treatments. 

By the grace of God (and lots of prayer) we got results at the end of the day on my birthday. Negative. 

Thank you Jesus.

And yes, I celebrated a birthday as did Mom!

Could not have asked for a better gift than results that indicate no cancer. 

Papa and Nana invited the older three kids to a week on the boat which left Baylee alone at home with Mom and Dad. It's been awhile since there was only one at home! The three older kids loved their big kid time in the San Juans hiking, fishing, becoming captain and being spoiled by my parents. It is such a treasure to have such involved and loving grandparents in our kids' lives. 

Here's some more about our week in motion...

{ Surprise flowers from a secret admirer. }

{ Kids selfies that never get old - instant laughter. }

{ Birthday family lunch at Red Robin with our friend Bruce. }

{ Girl time getting our nails done. }

{ Myriam had about 50 different facial expressions during her pedicure
as the massage chair bounced her this and that way. Hilarious. }

{ Tim has become the giddy mole killer in our yard. }

{ My running cheerleaders Saturday morning. }

{ My Love. My date. }

{ Roommates 20 years later. }

{ Class of 1999. }

{ Surprise visit at Lopez Island - Bee was inside throwing a tired fit. }

{ Potty training success. }

{ Happy Birthday Mom. }

{ Kids are off to explore the San Juan Islands some more with Papa & Nana. }

#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. }

Perfect Seven Celebrations

{ Sweet seven. }

This sweet thing when asked what kind of birthday party she wanted, explained without any hesitation, "I want angels. I want everyone to be all in white and have it all be about angels because I want everyone to know that God loves us so much He sent us angels to protect us and love us."

Myriam's request has not changed in two months since asking; her interest and understanding of angels has grown in that time too. With her angel feather wings and angel crown perfectly placed, we together got our best white on and celebrated all seven years of Myriam Judith's life. 

 { No stains occurred during party hours. }

Myriam was surrounded by those she loves: Kendall (the babysitter), Judy (the reading buddy), Papa & Nana, Auntie Lindsay & cousins, Grandpa Doug, Uncle Ryan, Uncle Kari, & Kendra who stopped by earlier today (another sitter). What I loved most was watching all the facial expressions from opening gifts to receiving love. Myriam has no lack of feelers and she got her tank filled full today. 

It was such an honor to celebrate her well today! Myriam has worked so hard this past year and to have a day where it was all about her was perfect. 

{ Can't believe this happened seven years ago already. }

I will never forget standing, maybe pacing, outside the delivery room and hearing the sounds of Myriam's first cries when her bio-dad bursted out the door and shared she was here. It was incredible; no words can capture what happened in that one single moment. Standing here seven years later...a joyful gift indeed. 

Thank you to those who came today and to those who have prayed for this birthday girl from paper pregnancy until present day. 

Myriam will be a world changer someday. She will make others laugh and share joy in the darkest of places. Her love of Jesus will light up rooms, change peoples lives and multiply the Kingdom. Myriam has grown up so much this past year both in heart and height. Mommy and Daddy are waiting in anticipation for how God will use this high energy, intense loving, and curiosity seeking princess in our own lives and those of others. 

Myriam Judith... You are such a gift of love and joy in our lives. 

Myriam: longed for, wished for. 

Your name can't be more true.

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. }

Double Digits

Oh Charlie.

Mama's Man Cub.

It's unreal that time flew by this fast and you are now living in the double digits; ten years old. 

You were an active little cub in my tummy and things outside have not slowed down much at all. 

Playing basketball probably ranks top on your list of things to do. You are just as compassionate on the court as you are off; putting others first and making sure everyone is included. You are a natural teacher and that shows even in the home. 

Sure, all the princesses can be obnoxious and a bit dramatic, but you can be as well. Baylee has officially surpassed your time out drama fits with her Irish temper. You still show us glimpses of that drama here and there which, you can attest to this, are usually met with laughter from Mom and Dad as you allow the girls to get the best of you. 

That said, you are the perfect brother and protector of these princesses you call sisters. God gave you such an incredibly important roll as their one and only brother. Thank you for loving them, playing and joking around, engaging into toddler activities and accepting them for who they are. 

You have a huge heart. You are a servant. You are handsome with a beaming smile. You are caring, thoughtful and athletic. 

Mom and Dad have so many prayers for you, but first and foremost, is that Jesus becomes real to you; that you would pursue a relationship with the Creator who gave you life. 

We are so proud of you for conquering so many things this past year. 

Ten years old. Hard to believe. 

We are excited to celebrate you and wish you...

Happy Tenth Birthday!

 { Life in a house of girls. }

 { Love is the root; even though it may appear they could possibly tear each other apart. }

 { Basketball adventures with the Ninjas. }

{ No fear; always willing to try something new! }

Our Summer Dayz Recap

Another sizzling summer with high temps, seldom bored kids and nap times to squeeze into our playtime. Addison had many successful lemonade stands again this year and almost weekly dips with her bestie at Grandma's pool. Charlie continued his American Ninja Warrior training with all the neighborhood boys as well as more football card trading and cycling. The kids did the usual stop in for food, go to friends, grab more food, onto the next house and back again to make the rotation in the afternoon. 

A few more highlights were...

Addi and Annie volunteering at Day Camp while Charlie went as a camper

LC Basketball Camp

Birthday Parties

Swimming lessons with Teacher Shannon

Edaline Ice Cream 

3 on 3 Razz Festival Tournament

Sleepovers

Charlie going on work trips with Daddy

Motorcycle Rides 

Blueberry Picking

and enjoying summers best with BBQ's.

 The little girls loved going on bike rides this past summer. Even if they were short rides around the corner or longer ones to visit friends; they ended with smiles or tears. Last month, when some of our Portland friends were visiting, Myriam insisted on riding her friends' bike with no training wheels. With zero prior help, and only time on Baylee's balance bike, our super girl Myriam adamantly said she could do this. And you know what...SHE DID! Tessa didn't get her bike back the rest of the afternoon as Mimi was so proud of herself and excited to be free of training wheels!

These Days Hurt

National Sisters Day.

Well, this one hurts.
Darn Hallmark Holidays.
It would be much easier if everyday could be national donut day, chocolate day or running day without having to hit the heart strings with these silly reminder days. 

I gave my Honey a few days warning that today could be emotional and challenging. 

Years past, Traci and I would acknowledge each other on days like today expressing our love,
and even hate, for each other.
All I have today is a flat gravestone staring back at me with no voice, phone call, Face Time
or handwritten card to read. 

Big Time Lake Dayz

Last week our family along with the Ellis family, took East to Oroville for some relaxation and play. The car ride over was uneventful with a few roadside stops for bladder release and snack grabbing. Once we made it to Big Time Lane the fun was instantly had with floaties being blown up, swimsuits on and kids itching to get on the boat. Baylee was quick to drop a terd in the lake which made a great first impression. This was our first time vacationing together, but with the natural ease of our families you would have thought it was a yearly event. Such grace was given for many occasions. 

Lord knows we all needed the down time and we got it. Having a normal size kitchen to feed our tribes was a huge blessing and especially the option of having a quiet space for the younger ladies who at times need to find silence. Not to mention the three showers to rinse the stink off all the littles being a bonus that came with the house. 

Thank you to Tim who did almost all the breakfast and dinner making for us and most often the clean up too. I am so blessed. 

Hakuna Matata. Yeah right. Easier said than done. 

A Picture Glimpse to the Tail End of Spring

You know it's spring when the eyes are itching, house is sneezing and the allergy medication is all out. Many of us have been fighting extreme allergies this season, but we hate to complain as the outside comes to life with greenery, color and that dreaded hay bailing in farm country. 

The kids are now all out of school and LOVING IT! 

Our summer list of to do's are still being edited which is always a fun way to prepare for the one day trips and longer ones too.  Earlier in May, Addison went to the Mercy Me concert with her girlfriend Annie. We watched Baylee's 1/2 brother on a Saturday and have already had trips to Edaline Dairy for cones. (That soft serve craving still exists since the cruise...) Baylee had her first dentist appointment and Myriam has been preparing for her first ever tap dance recital. 

It's been busy, but satisfying watching memories being made. 

Here is a picture glimpse to the tail end of Spring...

Ski to Sea May 28th, 2017

Move On Over Showers

The amount of rain we've had so far this spring is down right crazy. My fingers and toes are constantly in a state of looking like raisins from the dampness in the air. 

(Not really; possibly an over exaggeration.) 

You can walk anywhere on our lawn and the sounds of a wet sponge echo back at you.  There's really no point in washing your car because you know within a few hours nature will wash it again for you. This has been on record a wet season. 

Thankfully, we've managed to find a few bright spots during the wet weeks and I've found some moments to soak up with the kids during spring break. 

Here's a glimpse through the clouds of what's been going at our home...

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. 

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. }

...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.

Whatcha Up To?

The month of June quickly slipped past us and July has yet to 

prove itself any slower. 

June began as school studies came to an end. Addison and Charlie enjoyed a morning with their classmates at the Mp3 Field day saying goodbye to their teachers and friends. Many of Addison's friends will be attending a different school next year so it was bittersweet. Charlie will be attending an all new school as well saying goodbye to home school and hello to traditional classrooms. 

Addi shared an afternoon with her girlfriends celebrating the year's end, Myriam swam with her bus buddies at Homestead and all the kids were able to swim again at a Mp3 pool party. I don't remember having such parties like this when I was their age, but I'm so grateful for the friendships the kids have made. 

{ School Friends: Noah, Kayden & Lydia. }

Myriam completed her first year at Lynden Middle School Intermediate Preschool and loved every minute of it. From the bus to and from school and all the activities and one on one help...the routine has been missed greatly this summer and we look forward to next year. This program has done wonders for Myriam and we look forward to see even more progress next year. We can't say enough good things about this program. 

 { Favorite Bus Driver: Miss JoAnn. }

 { Tea Parties with Great Grandma Broersma "Cookie Grandma" }

{ Lunch Date with cousins, Papa & Uncle Jason. }

The first weekend of June we enjoyed a balcony view of the Farmer's Day Parade. We nibbled on snacks from The Mill and witnessed Lynden making history with the longest strawberry shortcake display. Myriam was camping with Papa and Nana at Deception Pass and missed all the sizzling hot commotion. We saw many red faces and sun kissed shoulders from a top the Windmill!

Tim and I were able to get away to Whistler for a few nights to catch up on sleep, relax and play while all our kids were cared for with much love by others. We ate ourselves through the village and had an afternoon on the ski chairs riding the gondola from Peak to Peak even catching glimpses of black bears below us. 

The older three kids went south to support Auntie Traci as she got her special medicine and Miss Bee played with C & K for the 

weekend receiving lots of snuggles. 

The following weekend we packed the Suburban with our little ladies and headed to the Vancouver Aquarium with Melissa and Michaela. I wish we had more time to spend in Stanley Park walking around, playing in the spray park and exploring the beach. We'll have to save it for another day!

Charlie was exploring the natural aquarium on the Knot So Fast with Papa and Uncle Jason at Sucia Island. Charlie and his cousin were exhausted from hiking, exploring the beaches, playing games of hide and seek and eating like King's. I could tell by the smell that Charlie had a grand time. 

Myriam attempted to have some fillings, or as she calls them jewels, done at Dr. G's, but it turns out the laughing gas was not quite strong enough for our busy one. We go back in August and have the real deal in order to fix a few mishaps in her mouth. The true challenge comes prior to the appointment as she's not allowed to eat or drink from midnight before until noon the next day. I'll be needing some covering of intense prayers August 19th, as we try again for "jewels" in her mouth. 

Charlie completed another year of swim lessons with Teacher Shannon. His skills have much improved and we are excited to see Shannon's talent impress Myriam as she starts her swim journey in August.

{ Rainy Day Roller Fun. }

Last week the kids enjoyed Day Camp at NCCTK. Addi volunteered with the pre-school crafts and had many adorable stories from remarks made by the little ones.  Her favorite was from a little boy who kept eyeing her and finally said, "Hey you, you young lady! I like your bracelets." He again told her on the last day how he really liked her bracelets... She was puzzled at first, but quickly realized he meant her braces! This was Myriam's first year at Day Camp, but it proved too much stimulation and noise for our little one. She stayed home with Miss Bee and Mommy the rest of the week. 

{ Charlie, Myriam & Michaela ready for the Cave Quest Camp. }

Charlie made some new friends, Todd and Tyler, as their daddy just moved to Lynden and started working at Elements. We had a great time entertaining them after camp playing outside games, showing them the creek, cooling off with Otter Pops and getting to know them better. We can't wait to see them again!

{ Pre- Camp Hot Chocolate at Wood's. }

My girlfriend and mentor was in town and I was able to celebrate her birthday and visit a bit before she headed back to her sandy beaches in Kona and checking in on the families from Chosen & Dearly Loved. I love watching Catherine talk about her "job" because nothing that is apart of God's will is work. She is extremely passionate about the families she meets with, supports and advocates for the orphans coming into their forever families. 

{ Selfie's with the ladies. Miss Bee loves the camera. }

This weekend we walked through the Raspberry Festival tasting JP's BBQ and the famous bowls of ice cream and berries. Tim and Addison were up early as they prepared a few rooms to be previewed at The Mill Inn & Bistro. Addi has been Tim's sidekick working at the hotel and loves to be of help with whatever Daddy asks her to do. Later the two of them toured the activities on Front Street as I took the other three home to decompress. 

{ Myriam dancing to the beat. }

So, there you have it. A quick run-down of what we've been up too. Next week brings more craziness before we set out to do some family camping at 

Birch Bay State Park. 

Summer is passing by fast so keep up the pace and enjoy!