Surprise Party for Dan's 30th Birthday!

Boy was Dan surprised! "Chill out Mel!!"....if you were there, you know exactly what that's all about! There were over 50 people in attendance from as far as Texas, Florida and Michigan! Dude, I married one special guy! In all seriousness, we are so thankful to God for the life He has given Dan. My heart is full when I see Him lead our family and love on us. Thank you Heavenly Father for abundantly and graciously providing!

Noise makers and hats compliments of Monica who knew that Dan wanted these for his 30th birthday party.

Mia hogging Nico ;O)

Sen's turn...

Baby Anna Grace...such a sweetie!!

Texas guest...sorry Nick, I couldn't help posting such a flattering picture.

THANK YOU everyone for coming and making Dan's 30th memorable!!!!

Christmas at Nana and Papa's

Apparently the family company was so distracting and lovely that the only pics that I thought to take were of Lynnette's homemade BEAUTIFUL cake pops.

Christmas at Grandpa and Grandma Luiting's

Olympic Torch Relay in St. Thomas

See the flame?
We met A. Kara there since the flame was lit right by her work.

Opening Presents!

Real shovels to help Daddy work!

Skating in Port Stanley

Every other Thursday the homeschoolers skate in Port Stanley. The kids love it...Ksena on her boots, Esmé on Aunt Shaylynn's lap (who has no 'skaters'), and Mia on her garage-sale-steal skates.

Oh, the skates are off-but she's on the ice!

Nicolas Alexander VanDyk (Nico)

Born Nov 8, 2009 to Jon and Kelley

Shots from the Santa Clause Parade

Motherhood 'Reflection'

I am hearing the sweet sound of Fernando Ortega Christmas and the music of my children playing together. This is very different from the sound of the raging tantrum from early this morning. Moms, you know the two VERY different feelings that these circumstances produce.

I struggle so much with seeing beyond the moment we are in. When the angry tantrum is happening, I should be trusting that even in this storm there is a lesson for me. But I rage back inside or out, and basically question why I have to deal with this. What good could there possibly be in a tantrum? Can't I learn the lessons God wants to teach me in another form?

I also see the ugly reflection of myself in my children's sin. I realize they will sin without my bad example, yet the mirror that children are, is a mercy from God. It displays truth. It hurts, it discourages, and it convicts.

There are huge lessons in the daily mothering storms. I should not question the form but see the beauty and the mercy that they represent. On the surface, they represent the fact that I HAVE children and that my storm is light in comparison to others suffering. Digging a little deeper, they represent the mercy of God in sanctifying me as a Mom, wife, and child of God.

The real question is, am I (are you) willing to embrace the lessons? I will fail at desiring to learn but the God who began this work in me, will NEVER stop teaching me. I am desiring the lessons but resisting the heat at the same time. Only a God of grace embraces a child like this. His mercies are new every morning-and every moment of the day!

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?"
Psalm 27:1

A Short and Sweet Visit to Michigan
After the long drive...sweet sleep.

Our cozy room-it was fun to share a room with the girls until Ksena and Esmé fought over their stuffed animals in the middle of the night. They must have been half asleep because they had the right animals but insisted that the other had hers. This carried on for about 40mins! At one point I said "I am the Mom...etc etc!" and Ksena said "No I'm not!" I tried to clear up the confusion and said "Ksena, I said I am the Mom, not you". She answered "No you're not!!!" She was sleep talking and very confused and I had chosen a very dump time to clarify my authority.

A Carousel at the Mall!

A much needed trim from A. Taun! Taun it looks so nice after a bath-the curls are fresh again.

Eating out at Carino's-where the kids portions feed an adult but the dessert couldn't satisfy a baby! :O)

Bread dipping!

Mia took this picture of Taun and I!

Need I make comments on pics of this sweetie? He melts my heart with the simplest things.

Some Things that go on in Our Home
We not only thrive on Cheerios (everyone except this protein loving Mom), we also wear them!

Elise and Shaylynn stayed here while Mom and Dad were in Florida a few weeks ago. Let me tell you, these little sisters make awesome Big sisters! Our ladies LOVED all the attention! THANK YOU 'little sisters'! We enjoyed you being here.

Can you say "Cheese!"? It's written all over her lips-and I don't remember ever telling my kids to 'say cheese'.

Lambie and Blankie-staples for Esmé

Always playing with 'Sarah Baby'. Once in a while she switches names (often church people or extended family names-Miss Amanda having the honor for a few minutes) but new names never stick for long.