First Day of School

 { 8th grade at Ebenezer Christian School }

The changes that have occurred from first grade to eighth grade can't be numbered. There are simply too many. Addison was enrolled at home for school with the support through Mp3 for seven years. They were good years. School years where she expanded her knowledge, but also found herself bored because her mind needed more challenge, more knowledge and socialization I was not capable of giving. This year marks Addison's second year at ECS ... I still view her with the adorable short bob, missing teeth and quiet spirit that held many in suspense to when she'd find her voice. She's found it. Addison continues to be organized, motivated, extremely artistic and thoroughly enjoying the friendships she's established. It also helps that she has little brother to pick on now that he's in the same middle school building.

 { 5th grade at Ebenezer Christian School }

Chuckles. You will always have your Mama's heart melting with every smile. God has given this Man Cub an incredibly compassionate, sensitive and tender heart for those he sees in need. There is never a night where he doesn't say "I love you" and still requests his parental's to tuck him in at night. I love that and pray it never changes. This year marks Charlie's third year at ECS with established friendships and schedules he has learned to love. Charlie is all boy watching wrestling, getting dirty, playing sports and the latest, following his Daddy's footsteps, has really taking a liking to barbershop. Kid can sing and play the guitar from his father's natural gifting's. Charlie tries to be as organized as his big sister but he's boy. Some things don't pass down in the line of siblings. As for pushing buttons, he does that best with Myriam.

{ 1st grade at Fisher Elementary School }

This girl. It's been a hard summer. I won't sugar coat the struggles we've been dealing with that have resulted in many days in tears. BUT, we have had an amazingly surprising, prayer-filled start to her first grade that has already earned rewards to Edaline Dairy for treats. Myriam works tirelessly to keep herself regulated, choosing good choices and remembering all that she needs to do in the classroom setting. She had no nerves going into this year. When she went to meet her teacher, her aide from last year was spotted making Myriam run into the ELRC with mega hugs for her favorite person, Mrs. Karb. The transition to school this year has gone without fuss (well, just once so far but compared to years past it's a wash) and we are beyond proud of Myriam for working this hard. Her favorite part of school so far have been the compliment circles at the end of the day: “I just wanted to compliment everyone for everything: everyone worked hard, played nicely at recess, lined up quietly, and I just think this is the best class at the best school.  
I’m happy to be here.”
Bug, if you can keep that attitude up throughout the year, you are going to leap miles ahead. Mommy and Daddy will prayerfully guide you through this year so you can have others say to you, 
"We are so happy YOU we're here in our classroom."

As for Baylee ... well, she'll be entering Mommy's School of Potty Training soon making this 
house a diaper free zone. 

Here's to a great year of education, packed lunches, homework and number two pencil zones. 

Summer's Highlights

Addison, all summer long, has been busy in her bullet journal doodling, drawing, creating and her niche, painting. This was her hand painted canvas she made for Tim on Father's Day this year that was inspired from her favorite picture of the two of them on the Washington State Ferry. I'm astonished and amazed by the attention to details Addison was able to display in her painting. 

She could have entered one of hundreds of sketches she's drawn, but she chose this painting to enter into the Northwest Washington Fair. By oops, I entered her into the 15-18 age category when really she should have been in the 11-14 age group ... as seen by the abundance of ribbons, the age didn't matter. 

God has given this child an ability to capture emotion, joy, details, relationships and thoughts onto a simple piece of paper. As parents, we want to do everything possible to encourage Addi to run with the gifting God has given her and use it somehow to bless those around her. 

She's already moved on to the next commissioned art piece ... stay tuned!

Funny as this may be, our sweet Myriam struggled to stay afloat this summer with the heat wave and smoke intake. The girl would fall asleep from vacation overload anywhere she landed - mid sentence, conversation, snack time and as the above, post shower when drying off. One evening, when I was making dinner, I walked into the living room and found Myriam chin-up resting on the back of the couch and her body dangling off the bottom. The most bizarre, awkward position to sleep in possible. 

On the flip-side, when she's not sleeping the girl is on fire, go speed, creating life and
always keeping it interesting. 

Boys Only Hiking Adventures

{ Mason, Charlie, Uncle Ryan & Kalen. }

This past Christmas Grandpa Doug gifted each grandson a hiking backpack with the
promise of taking them all on an overnight trip.
Charlie was so excited and prepared for this backpacking overnight. Tim helped get his pack all set up with protein snacks, cushion to sleep on, cool gadgets and, bonus, Mom's old trail runners that fit the Man Cub to perfection. The pack was ready a couple days before and the hiker was up two hours before Grandpa Doug picked him up. Excited, giddy, ready to explore and spend quality time with his cousins.
Thankfully, the smoke hadn't settled too much but still cast haze and pink sunrises from a distance. The boys had a great time! Games of hide and seek, swimming and attempts at becoming a photographer filled Charlie's time at Lake Ann.
He's now ready to start planning the next years trip with Tim.
Thank you Grandpa Doug for the gift of quality time and investing into our Man Cub.

{ Views on the way to the campsite. }

{ Exploring the grounds. }

{ I can't imagine what the truck smelled like on the way back from hot, sweaty feet. }

Sweet Smudges

No one told me to buy stock in Spray 'N' Wash or Oxy Clean before having children. 

With three Ladies and a Man Cub, I go through quite a bit of stain remover. I've tried many different kinds and sometimes revert to Dawn dish soap in my last attempts to salvage a shirt or pair of shorts. When all measures have been taken to bring an article of clothing back to life, with no victory of being clean, I'm not slow to find the trash can or donate pile. Yes, I donate stain clothing to Goodwill because every Mama needs a play clothes drawer. 

Our Littles have the uncanny ability to destroy anything fresh from the clean laundry pile in seconds once their bare feet hit the outside ground. Turns out the Little Ladies are more attracted to messes than the Man Cub. Becoming dirt fairies seems to be a favorite as they toss dirt in the air and watch it blow away, usually towards themselves first. Food never makes it in the mouth first - arms, legs, hair or face are the first point of contact when quieting ones hungry tummy. 

Make up has been of high interest and, even with child locks on bathroom drawers, some said Ladies can find it and create havoc to the always newly purchased lotion or eye shadow. I finally caved and thought buying play make-up brushes and cheap make-up would cure the need to use my own. I learned that the eye shadow and lipstick work great but I forgot to mention it only goes on the eyelids and lips. Although, when using Nana's twenty four hour lasting lipstick, Myriam always manages to apply it perfectly making her child-like lips appear grown up for days. 

 The reality is this:

Regardless of the mud smeared doors and windows, stained clothing and constant messes I clean up, these sweet faces can plant a messy smudge on Mama's cheeks any day. I've learned to let go of keeping things perfect because in the end, I'm just as much of a hot mess as my Little Ladies. 

Keep the dirt blowing...

 { Use a straw? That's too easy. }

 { Here a dirt, there a dirt, in and up the nose some dirt. }

 { Create - Happi - Mess. }

 { Sweet & Smudges. Keeps the body strong. }

{ Future make-up artists. }

13,870 Days

Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. 

Psalm 139:16

This verse has become one that I park on often. 

I sit in my chair having conversations with God about why some people have fewer days than others and why far too many can't even take their first breath before already fulfilling their ordained amount of days destined to live. I can honestly say that if I knew how many days left I had to live, I would live differently. Don't fool yourself - you would do the same. 

I would take the time to update all the kids' scrapbooks (I'm a solid three years behind) and baby books (haven't even started Baylee's) writing them letters to read on their graduation day and wedding day (goals). I would organize my crap (it's called crafting; not crap) so others didn't have to filter through what I call treasure. I would travel with my family, take long walks with My Love, snuggle with my babies and stare at them all night long (yes, I would be creepy, weepy mom). I would sneak love notes throughout Tim's daily life so he would never forget his bride. 

The reality is God knew life would become exceedingly far too much if we all had an expiration date stamped on our life that we could track until completion. 

I officially have outlived my sister on this 38th birthday of mine. 

13,870 days old. 

I've lived 72 days longer than my big sister. 

Traci knew her days were growing shorter, but never did she stop living. 

She loved more. Laughed harder. Forgave quicker.

Death forces you to reevaluate your life. I've done more pondering, mediating and worshipping in the past year and half than I have in years. I've chosen to live like it could be my last. 

I chose the word pursue for my word this year. To pursue my family more fiercely,  to grow deeper in my faith, to pursue God's calling in my life more obediently and to learn to say no to noise and say yes to me. It's been an amazing year of growth and learning which has produced opportunities I never thought would be possible and challenges I never wanted to tackle. 

Today I celebrate the pursuit of life because I can with dark chocolate cupcakes, running shoes, Bible Study and my little blessings that can make me laugh and cry all in the same moment. I celebrate knowing I am loved deeply by a man I never thought I was deserving of and have a family that would follow me around the world. 

13,870 days of being loved well. 

I pray God grants me another day tomorrow so I can love even more, laugh even harder, fight for my dreams with more passion and seek God with no boundaries. I will live every day forward with the inspiration I gained from being loved by my sister; she made and still makes me a better person. 

Most importantly, I will live and celebrate knowing God pursued me long before I was even born, already having a purpose and passion calling placed in my life. 

I was no mistake. 

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139:13-14

Playtime at Lake Chelan

The first year our family traveled to Lake Chelan and camped at the Lake Shores RV Park was on my golden birthday in 1988. Great Aunt Betty had traveled with Grandma and Grandpa Van Dyken and along the years other family members joined the group family vacation. Aunt Cheryl's parents and nephews eventually began camping with the party and cousins were added as the years went on. 

My sister and I would attempt to defeat Gigi at a fierce game of Phase Ten or SkipBo while all the grown ups sat around reading. Bike rides or walks around the Riverwalk happened then and continued this year looking at the same ducks, walking the same route and rehashing the past memories of trips before. 

This camping tradition went all the way through my high school years and continued on as an adult. Addison's first year was when she was not quite a year old. Since then the family hasn't visited every year and my last visit was back in 2010. 

Trying to recreate a tradition is impossible when those you loved aren't here with you anymore. Grandma and Grandpa are passed, Great Aunt Betty took a rocket to heaven according to one of the kids she ministered to, Aunt Cheryl's mom has passed and Traci no longer spoils the kids at the donut shop or candy shack. The cousins are all grown up and our own kids now do all the entertaining. Vacation as a kid is fun and easy; carefree and spontaneous. Vacation as a parent is exhausting and busy; home-life squished into a twenty-five foot home on wheels. 

The memories I cherish from eight years of age forward will always be dear to me, but if I've learned anything over the past eighteen months, it's that you can't live in the past. You must move forward. 

So, with that, came a new year. 

A new trip to Lake Chelan with a different landscape and new faces. 

Uncle Bob and Aunt Betty joined us for the first time this year and cousin Chad brought his sweet girlfriend. Most stayed in the RV park, but others wanted the comforts of a regular shower, comfortable bed and space to breath when not all crammed inside of a trailer. (smart ones there) It was a new year; a chance at creating a new tradition. 

The cousins got along great as most often Ashlyn, the smallest of the group, chose to pull the two little girls in the wagon around the loop. The teenager only said she was bored a few times, Charlie had to be told not to spend all his money on candy and only a few times did Myriam make new friends when unattended.  Baylee sang Twinkle Twinkle throughout the camp ground on the back of Tim's bike, Charlie and I learned we're not so great at miniature golf, Addi enjoyed the first cup of coffee with Dad sitting outside bundled in blankets and Myriam got so many snuggles during rest time. Tim and I both came home relaxed and blessed from all the one on one time with each kid.

It was a great week and praise God we all got home safely to the piles of laundry awaiting detergent. 

Thank you Mom and Dad for making this possible!

{ From oldest to youngest: the Van Dyken cousins. }

{ Life guards they claim to be but Broersma and Van Dyken is what they be. }

Pencils Down; Schools Out

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 }