"Love"ly things in our Life ...

Since 2012 began we have been so completely overwhelmed with great news and wonderful new opportunities. Clearly, the kids and I (and Steve) have been so enjoying life, that taking time to write about it really hasn't happened much. I know I'll look back and wish I had blogged through these moments but ... it just hasn't been possible. In order to avoid fully "skipping" these incredible last few weeks, let me just make a quick list of the "love"ly things we have to praise God for. 1. Steve and I have had a surprisingly large amount of dates these past few weeks. We aren't the type to take time for ourselves THAT often, but between Gracious Grandparents (both sets) and wonderful sitters, we have had quite a few "date night treats." Among the highlights: A day trip to Ikea for new furniture, a night at the symphony with teachers/friends from school (where we got to have "drinks and appetizers" with the performers afterwards), AND a fantastic Valentines dinner with some of the closest friends we have here in Kalamazoo. Tomorrow we look forward to a long anticipated "Siblings Birthday Dinner" with Sarah, Dan and Maria.

2. Our kids are getting to this stage in life where they are company enough for each other. It's not always perfect; we have to referee, pick up messes, and occasionally teach them how to share/take turns. BUT they no longer REQUIRE attention from us at all hours of the day. They don't need us to make up games. Their favorite past times include: playing "dinner time" at the basement kitchen/Mickey table (where they cook and eat together, with baby Olivia), making ice cream with the Play-doh machine while sitting ON the dining room table, coloring at their new IKEA double desk, and, my personal favorite "helping" Mom with dishes in matching chairs at the kitchen sink. They like tag in the backyard, sliding down slides and playing in the fort. They often shut themselves in their newly created SHARED bedroom and play for 45 minutes at a time doing who knows what (but there's lots of laughter). I have walked in on them, several times, pretending to sleep, snuggled up together in the same bed. The fact that they want to hug each other (and that Benjamin sits STILL that long) is just a blessing to me. Nevertheless, this Mommy CAN NOT wait for the Summer weather to take hold so they can chase each other around in sprinklers, play in the sand/water table, and drive their cars all around the yard (while I park my large, pregnant self in lawn chair and cheer them on ... Come on, picture it ...then laugh)

3. This third one I have been BURSTING with joy since I found out it was happening (back in December) ... We have these "for life" kind of friends ... you know, the ones who have seen you through all of the crazy stages in your life ... and the ones who, despite the geographic distance, will be there for you no matter the situation ... Well, anyway, between the lot of us, we currently have 7 children 3 years old and under (Kayleigh is the ELDEST in the bunch!!!). Its such a blast when we get them all together. At any rate, we found out that two of the couples are due to add to their families in late June. And, recently, one additional couple shared they are due in October ... So, between all of us (our newest addition included) we will have 11 children. Its been such a blessing raising my two children with these amazing, godly women as friends/advice givers. I just can't imagine the joy we will soon experience by adding MORE babies to this beautiful brood. (Adults will be outnumbered soon enough!!)

[caption id="attachment_1343" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="When there were 7 ... last May!"][/caption]

4. I'm relatively confident that the frequent recurring butterflies I'm experiencing is NOT nervousness, but rather, the evidence of the life living inside my belly. I don't remember Kayleigh's first kicks (I was getting wailed on during her ultrasound and I swore to the technician I couldn't feel a thing); Benjamin's were VERY distinct, somewhere around 16 weeks. I'm 15 weeks now, and I'm confident I've felt this baby on any number of occasions, making his/her presence known. I just LOVE the evidence of growth/life. God is so GOOD.

5. I've been contacted lately about doing two separate work-from-home VERY part time jobs. This would be on top of the seasonal job of coaching, the monthly job of publishing the KCHS TORCH, and well, the full time job of keeping this house in some state slightly more sightly than, "move along at the risk of broken limbs or death by toy." These opportunities are so exciting to me because it lets me provide a little income to the family, but it also allows me to practice using my intellect ... something that Kayleigh challenges often, but not often enough :).

6. At the risk of being a tease, Steve and I are also experiencing God's Almighty, powerful hand of guidance in some other areas as well. We aren't just exactly sure how He's going to orchestrate all of these coordinating events together, but we sure sense something AMAZING. Its incredible to be witnessing, firsthand, God's powerful sense of direction and leading. We are BLESSED to be a part of the unfolding of His will.

Thanks for letting me share the beautiful things we're seeing in our life. I know that life isn't always rosy, and it's not always easy (can I get an amen?). But when it is GOOD, I'm one who firmly believes in giving praise where praise is due! So, thanks God for the blessings.

His, Hers, and One for Good Measure

A Heart that is Full ...

I sit here tonight with a heart brimming over with joy. Sometimes, God gives me moments - glimpses - into how very fortunate I am. (I often don't take time in my busy comings and goings to think about it). But, I'm sitting here on the couch, covered in a blanket with Rafael purring at my feet. It's 8:35, and I hear quiet giggling coming from Kayleigh's room. Considering all of the change that took place in there today - quiet giggling only adds to my joy. Here's why: We're doing some home remodeling  - well, we're waiting on some things, but we're probably doing some home remodeling in early fall. ... We want to turn the basement "work room" into a "big kid" bedroom for Kayleigh.

Kayleigh needs a new bedroom because Benjamin will be taking over hers. Benjamin is taking over her bedroom because ...

The BABY will be moving into the nursery. Yup, Baby #3.... due August 16th.

We are OVER the MOON excited about this baby. Actually, 3/4 of us are OVER the MOON excited about this baby. Bet ya can't guess which one isn't ...???

Benner ... Benjamin is in complete denial that his place in the family (the role of "baby") is being threatened. We've tried to talk to him countless times/ways about the "baby," and being a "big brother." Any time we approach the subject, he simply shakes his head and starts yelling, "NO NO NO NO NO!!"

Kayleigh, on the other hand, has been toting around a baby doll that cries and talks since I told her about it. She's interested in "touching" the baby and "hearing" the baby's heartbeat; she "kisses" the baby as often as she can. She's also adamant that it IS a baby girl. She wants a sister more than anything in the world. When I asked her why she said, "Because I already have a Benny!" (I didn't have the heart to tell her that even if it IS a boy, it won't be another Benny; you can't duplicate that kid!)

At any rate, this home remodeling is slow in coming ... and, having been through two labors/deliveries and newborns now, I'd like to keep the major changes in this house to a minimum nearing August. So we decided we should get the kids trained at sleeping together well before the newborn arrives and disrupts sleep patterns for a few months. Tennis season is upon us soon, so now seemed as a good a time as any to change things.

NOTHING ... and I mean NOTHING ... could have prepared me for what we've experienced tonight.

Getting the rooms rearranged was an ALL DAY project for everyone. But, somewhere around 5:15, the kids started to understand what was happening. As soon as they realized it, there was no turning back. They promptly kicked us out of their room and started a "secret" meeting and playtime that lasted an UNPRECEDENTED 45 MINUTES. It might have gone on longer, but Mom had to go and MAKE everyone eat dinner. Once I went to check up on them and Benny screamed, "MOMMA! NO!!!" Kayleigh promptly translated and said, "Mommy, we are practicing our sleeping. This door must stay closed!" I happily chuckled to myself, re-turned off the lights and backed my way out of the kids' new 'clubhouse.'

I'm not sure how long it's going to take the two BFF's to go to sleep tonight. It's been almost an hour already, and they are still chattering away. I've gone in once to tell them that they need to get quieted down, and they just giggle and say, "Okay, Mommy ... Okay." ...

Contrary to what I expected, my kids aren't bitter. They don't resent their loss of "personal space." They aren't angry that "the baby" gets a space prepared and they have to share. In fact, I'm beginning to think that when Kayleigh's new room is finished, we will then experience the bigger problem, retraining them to sleep without each other.

I came from a family where rooms were seldom shared (maybe Dan and I did for a night or two while the other got remodeled/decorated) but not on a permanent basis ... we had rooms to spare. Steve shared a room with his sister for a while when they were younger, so for him this was not a big deal. It's in our plans to make it so that each child will have their own room and own space - someday. But for now, I'm blessed by the fact that my children are giddy - happy - even believe this was a PRESENT - to be able to share a room and be together. (Not to mention that it will make staying over at our parents summer cottages that much easier since they know how to share space!!)

So tonight I'm thankful ... more than thankful ... overflowing in the heart ... for my 3 children: the one who will be welcomed into the world (Lord willing) late summer, and the two who are each other's best friends (and I pray will be that way for a long, long time... or, until adolescence threatens to pull them apart).

Here's a few photos we snapped of them enjoying their space:

[caption id="attachment_1324" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Benny's Corner"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1325" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Cheesing it up"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1326" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Kayleigh's Corner"][/caption]

"The Mothering Chain..."

There are lots of days when it turns to the magical 8:00 p.m. and my children are in bed that I collapse on the couch and say, "I'm just glad I'm still breathing." These two little gorgeous blondes know how to take it out of their mom like no other job (okay, calling) I've ever had. Other days, I listen to them play (like right now) and hear the love in their voices for each other. I see the independence they are gaining (did you catch that, they're awake, they're playing, I'm BLOGGING with my glass of OJ!!) and say, "How fast did THAT go!!" There are still other moments that catch in my throat, make me swallow a little bit too hard and blink back a flood of tears because it's more than I could ever have hoped for. This past week alone, it seems those tear jerking moments are coming faster and faster and more tightly packed together. I could be overly emotional (a side effect of being a woman AND the holidays, or something) ... but, I'd like to think it's the sort of stuff parents want to see from their kids. Moments like when:

Benjamin wakes up from nap and Kayleigh is still asleep. He sits, quietly, cross legged with his teddy just outside her closed door whimpering her name.

While they're headed downstairs Kayleigh gently takes over my role with her brother, "Benjamin, I'm going to walk so I can help you down the stairs but you must scoot on your bottom. That's a good boy!!"

Kayleigh invites Benjamin to play a game with her and although its WELL BEYOND his level of understanding, she patiently spends a half an hour teaching him anyway ...

OR, right now ... they are sitting in the basement with our wedding photo album, each has a chair at the Mickey table and is munching on granola bars (they already had 2 waffles and OJ this a.m., but they love granola bar snacks). I can hear Kayleigh say, "Ben, who is THIS friend?" Ben replies, "MUMMYY!!" Kayleigh "Good. Now this is Grandma, say it clearly ... GRAND-MA." Ben shouts, "NANA!!" Kayleigh, "Okay, for now ..."

But, the moment that has me in the most complete stage of delirious joy was this mornings "Mothering chain." Kayleigh woke up and immediately went to wake her brother. She greeted him with a hug, stowed his pacifier in his drawer and led him by the hand out to the living room. She gave him a Minnie doll to hug (as she had a Mickey) and said, "You have to take care of the babies, Benjamin. Be VERY careful with them." He immediately stopped holding Minnie by her ears and instead cradled her over his shoulder as his big sister was doing. He patted her back and kissed her ear ... and then an idea hit him ... (a friend of ours recently returned a borrowed baby cradle/rocker. It's sitting in our living room since I haven't packed it away yet). Benjamin ran to the cradle, gently (as gently as a 19 month old boy can) placed Minnie in the cradle, ran to get his blanket, covered her up, kissed her nose and said, "Night Ninnie." He pulled the toys in front of her eyes and started the lullaby songs!!!

I teared up because my little man has picked up on our routine ... he tucked that Minnie in EXACTLY the same way I have tucked him in for the past 18 months of his young life ... and the same way I tuck in his sister for the past 3 years. When he was done tucking in his Minnie, I was brimming with tears over the steaming waffles and Kayleigh was a pleased as punch. She came up behind her brother gave him a great big hug and said, "Benjamin, that was EXACTLY the right way to care for your baby! Good boy! I'm proud of you!"

And there I saw the "Mothering Chain." I mother my kids, who in turn pick up all of the traits of me as a mother (good and bad). It's such a blessing to see them practicing some of those traits in reference to each other AND the things they choose to care about. Mostly, though, I just love knowing that despite my flaws - and how often I lose my temper or do it the wrong way - that God is using my best INTENTIONS to help my kids grow into loving small people.

Sigh ... Now, I'm being summoned to the basement by my daughter. "Mommy, you should really come join us for the DARING adventure!" A daring adventure, how could I pass that up?

On Turning 30 ...

Milestone Birthdays ...I CLEARLY remember counting down the days until I was in "double digits" for my 10th birthday. I DEFINITELY remember my surprise 13th birthday party (my first co-ed party too). My 16th MONTE CARLO CARD GAME party that was bursting with people was also memorable ... as was the bright red 1980 Ford Mustang my dad got me as my present. I don't really remember my 18th birthday ... BUT I definitely remember my 21st. A close group of my college friends and I went to see one of the LOTR movies before going to Friday's for a few drinks. I also remember after 21 thinking, "well, the next big thing is 30 ... can't imagine where I'll be when I'm THAT old."

Well, let's recap what the last 9 years have brought: The "highlights" of my 20's: 22: got engaged, 23: graduated college, got my first "REAL" job, got married 24: Began my MA in educational leadership, took a Varsity tennis coaching job on top of teaching 8th grade 25: Took on a professional certificate program in teaching, learning and the brain on top of volleyball coaching, tennis coaching, teaching and my MA program 26: Kept up with all of the above?? :) 27: Got pregnant with our first child, finished my MA, finished special program in teaching, learning and the brain, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl 28: Taught/coached/was a mommy with a baby in day care, transitioned to full time Mommy, got pregnant with baby #2, worked part time with Add.a.lingua doing pre-school curriculum with ZCS, gave birth to my handsome Benjamin Steven RIGHT AFTER helping Coach Ipema and the team hoist the league trophy for Varsity tennis 29: Continued coaching tennis and raising my little ones and trying to balance the busy life of our family

When I was 21 there was no way I could have conceived of the crazy journey God took our family through. We had some amazing accomplishments and some incredible life experiences. I know, KNOW that God has some excitement up his sleeve for us ... I can't wait to experience it.  But I also pray that He gives me peace to know that all of life has cycles of EXCITEMENT and contentment. It might be that the "30's" for me might be way less "exciting" than the 20's ... or at least "exciting" in a different way. I realize I have a lot of life to live yet, and lot of the things I've "dreamed" about doing as a child are things that God has already brought to pass in my life. So, now, I just get to wait in anticipation for the next dream He  brings about ...

Benjamin's Update

Hello friends,It's been so long since I've sat down and made the time to blog. My dear children are keeping me so busy (what with two full battles with the flu already on top of Kayleigh's Birthday, Thanksgiving, Daddy's Birthday and Christmas ... which for our family begins tomorrow, I don't know how we even have time to sleep!). BUT, as I was talking to Benjamin today, yes, talking to him, that's what we do now, I realized how very long it's been since I've updated my blogger friends on my little man. His 18 month birthday slipped on by with his sister's 3rd birthday and Daddy's 31st birthday and all of that other great stuff ...

So ... a little update: Physically: Ben is 34 1/4" tall and a whopping 31 1/4 lbs. He is still over the 95th percentile in both height and weight. So, even though to us, he looks as if he's shrinking and he's finally leveling off in the clothing sizes (2T-3T depending on the brand), he is not "normal" sized just yet. :) He is VERY good at walking on his two feet and only falls when he's "Nunning" (running) to keep up with his sister. He also LOVES climbing on EVERYTHING. At least 3-4 times a day he drags the kitchenette chairs over to the sink, climbs up on it and starts "hopping" (helping) me with "ceenin'" (cleaning). There is NOTHING this kid won't try. He sleeps very well in his toddler bed (although he can climb out, I've seen him do it repeatedly) and doesn't leave the bed until we open the door and say "Good Morning." Once, after a nap, Steve found him getting his "Tati" (Paci) out from behind the bed. He crawled out of bed, MOVED HIS BED away from the wall, grabbed his pacifier and was about to put the bed back ... He's not short on strength :).  Ben takes one nap (mostly because that's what we need to do to keep up with sister's pre-K schedule) that is between 2.5 - 3 hours long. I think he'd be happy to take 2 naps (and sometimes I still make him on Wednesdays when we are at church late), but when he takes one it is SO MUCH nicer because it's so very long :).

Emotionally: This little boy is the most hilarious thing. He LOVES making people laugh or smile. I ADORE his giggle - which we hear often. Today, for example, he fell over and tripped. I said "Ba BOOM!" And he  went into about 15 minutes of straight belly laughter. He couldn't even stand up he was laughing so hard. Each time he'd catch his breath Kayleigh or I would yell "Ba BOOM!" and it'd start all over again. When he's laughing neither of us can keep a straight face and we're laughing too. Benner LOVES to dance. Any song, any type - although he has shown a preference to country. He and Kayleigh dance around the room to "Jingle Bell Rock" at least 3 times a day. He uses music as a language teacher and I've seen him respond to the lyrics of songs ... Kayleigh has this "exercise song" and Ben will do ALL of the motions, even when she's not modeling it for him. So, he is paying VERY close attention to words.

"Benny-isms:" 1. Boo Boo still loves to eat, everything. His favorite things: pretzels, CHEERIOS, veggie straws, APPLES, bananas, macaroni "'roni", hot cocoa (thanks to sister's obsession with it), juice, toast (he'll eat 3-4 pieces in one sitting), COOKIES, CAKE (he had two birthdays in a row to eat cake and now asks for it after his naps .. it's hilarious). 2. Ben loves everything with wheels: cars, trucks, trains, bikes etc but there is noTHING in this world he loves more than his Lightning McQueen car. He loves watching the Car movies, he loves playing with his driveable car, he loves playing with little model cars, he just ADORES cars. He can't get enough. I think he'd watch the Cars movie every day, all day if I'd let him (which I don't, not even once a week!) 3. He also adores Mickey Mouse. He walks over to the TV and asks for "Mouse" often. He also really loves playing with Kayleigh's Mickey "dolls." I'm sure that going to Disney is going to be about the most amazing thing he has ever thought of in his life. He just can't get enough of Mickey Mouse. 4. Sleeping - I love how my little boy LOVES his sleep. He goes to bed well, he wakes up happy, and he LOVES his little bed. His bears are still his favorite thing about sleeping. Each night he asks for "pink" and "bear." They are his best little buddies - I don't know that we're going to separate him from those guys for a VERY long time. 5. SCHOOL - Benjamin adores school. He loves picking Kayleigh up; he loves "talking" to Maestra Gonzales - and getting stickers from her each day. He wants SO desperately to be like Kayleigh that he just cries some days when we leave her. And he simply can't WAIT to race back and pick her up. I love how much he loves her - and how much he wants to learn/be at school with the big kids. Today he got in, quite unabashedly, to the kindergarten line headed out to recess. I had "lost" him for a minute in the shuffle and that's where he was ... with the bigger kids. 6. Benjamin is the most affectionate little thing. He loves kisses, hugs, snuggles, and any affection he can get or give. When you tell him to say goodbye instead of waving he blows kisses. So, he's almost constantly blowing kisses. Today at school there were two 4th or 5th grade girls in the office one hurt and one supporting her friend. I told him to say good bye to the girls and he blew two kisses. He has a way of making people smile from ear to ear. HE got that from another Van Dyk man I know really well :). It would seem that our same gender children inherited the personality of their same gender parent. Kayleigh is my carbon copy (on steroids) and Benjamin is his Daddy (amped up about 10 degrees).

Goals for Benner: Potty training - he's shown an interest in replicating everything Kayleigh does. Plus, he lets me know everytime he's going to have a dirty. He screams "POOP" and runs into a corner. So far I haven't gotten a chance to get him to try that on the Lightning McQueen potty we bought. BUT, it can't be TOO far off :). I'm going to take my time with it, but I know he's getting closer :).

NO MORE PACI - he absolutely loves his pacifier, not as much as his bears, but I think it's getting closer to time to break it. I have a feeling it's going to get ugly, but I know we need to have the battle soon.

In short, we adore our funny, happy, adorable little man. And, in case you haven't noticed, he's got a host of nicknames: Benner, Benny Boo, Boo-Boo, Boo-Boo-Benjamin (that's Kayleigh's), Bo, Little B, Bb, Benjer, AND (my personal favorite for when he's being mischevious) Benjamin Steven William Van Dyk the 14th ... (don't ask. Daddy used it once and Kayleigh picked it up, so it stuck). His own name for himself is "NEEEEEE." I think it stems from "Benny," and since he leaves off all of the initial consonant sounds in all of his words, it makes sense. :) So, our little NEEEE ... is a constant joy and a blessing. We can't IMAGINE our lives without his Joyful presence.

November 11:

Today I'm thankful for my parents. I have had the distinct pleasure of growing up in a stable home, where I never worried about having food to eat, clothes to wear, violence, abuse or so many other things that kids today have to carry through life. My parents raised me in the church and taught me foundational truths that carried with me through adolescence (even if I wasn't the best example all of the time). As I'm in the "trenches" of discipline and training with my kids right now, I appreciate all of those things about my parents in a way I never could (until I had to do it myself.) I'm pretty sure that was part of many a lecture too... Thanks Mom and Dad ... And thanks for supporting us as we do our best to bring up our children in His way. Kayleigh is thankful for her puzzles to work on: (I know, she said toys already but I'm thankful that she likes to solve puzzles too!!! It's so good for her logical/spatial reasoning) ;)

November 10:

Today I'm thankful for God's protective angels. This evening, after Kayleigh's birthday date, amidst the aggressively falling snow, we experienced that power first hand. Steve was driving, and being very careful. He lost control of the van and we began a free-slide. We were spinning out and I was certain my face was headed for a tree. I remember shielding my face and thanking God that it wasn't Kayleigh's side of the car (and Benjamin was at Chelsea's). By some miracle, (or the angel's hands), our van spun more than it should. We "backed gently" down the hillside, narrowly missing two trees. If we had slid any other way, we would have crashed into BOTH trees. As it was, we were able to drive out ourselves and no open beverages were spilled (it was that smooth/gentle). Truly, we were protected by angels. Kayleigh is thankful for our (naughty) kitty, Rafael. (I should note that we did our first "re-do" of these videos today because as she said her thanks for Rafa he charged at her and started attacking her toes... Nice, kitty, nice...)

November 9: Thanks

Today I'm thankful for wonderful teachers and teacher aides. My daughter ADORES school (most days) and she lists Señorita Poortenga and Maestra Gonzales among her top favorite friends!! What a blessing to know she's loved while she's learning. Praise God for these women and their heart for my little, almost 3 year old. Kayleigh is thankful for her nightlight and that it keeps her safe at night.

Kayleigh is 3

I'm taking a pause from our thank you blogs (yes, I'm still doing them even though they're quite a bit backlogged) to celebrate our first born's 3rd birthday. It was quite a whirlwind weekend for us (when Kayleigh is at the center of the activities, she has a way of making us feel that way even if it wasn't the intention) for several reasons. First of all, for the 4th November IN A ROW, we have had a birthday where the family gets sick. The November that Kayleigh was born was the WORST fall for my sinus infections. I had one during labor/delivery (and haven't had one since, PRAISE GOD!). Following labor for me, while we were still amidst the feeding adjustments, etc, Steve came down with a flu bug. On Kayleigh's 1st birthday, the entire family (including poor K) had fevers around 103-104 and were unable to keep down water. For her 2nd birthday, we skated through the event free of illness BUT, beginning at Daddy's birthday dinner (November 30th), the entire family went down with the stomach flu, beginning with baby Ben. This year the birthday girl was the first to present symptoms. On Wednesday, she had a fever of 103 and complete exhaustion. She napped for 4 hours and woke up fine. Steve and I proceeded with caution, and she was fever free for 24 hours. BUT, again, on Thursday at noon ... more fevers, more lethargy ... never any other symptoms. At any rate, this weird fever and no other symptoms spread through the whole family until we discovered (on day 3) the ummm other kind of flu. It passed quickly, and wise or unwise, we kept everything on the agenda. Hopefully, dear family, we haven't spread the joy on to all of you.

Anyway, Kayleigh had 3 birthday "events" for her 3rd birthday celebration. (No, we don't expect this to continue for subsequent birthdays ... it's just how this one worked out). Steve and I have developed a tradition with her (beginning last year) to do dinner alone with the birthday child followed by something "fun." This year it was our plan to take Kayleigh to dinner, follow up with a toy from Meijer (of her choosing), and then come home for movie night (We bought her The Lion King on Blu-Ray). Since she had been so miserable on Wednesday, we did movie night on birthday eve and saved the dinner/toy for Thursday. When we went to pick up Ben after Kayleigh's date, she got a surprise from Michael, Chelsea and Alexa. They had candles in her birthday cupcakes and sang to her (oh was she so happy about that). AND Michael and Chels got her a Minnie Mouse Bow-tique cash register (she still keeps the key hidden and tucked safely away from everyone). She had plenty of moments to feel spoiled and special that day, and all day long kept sighing and saying, "Oh Mommy ... thank you for my birthday." A few times her tenderness and sincerity would catch me off guard and I would whisper quietly to God, "No, thank YOU for this birthday." She's truly a blessing, and we loved spoiling her.

Friday night it was my parents' turn to get in some spoiling. We drove Kayleigh up to Logan's on Alpine (she LOVES peanut restaurants) so she could have a dinner out with Grandpa and Grammy. Then we went back to my parents' place in Walker for presents and Coldstone cupcakes. Kayleigh and Daddy were feeling a little sick, yet, so they didn't enjoy the cupcakes so much (but Ben and Mommy didn't have trouble taking care of their portions). Kayleigh loved her clothes from Grammy (on the way home she commented on how soft her faux fur coat was and how much fun she was going to have getting ready for school with her clothes) and her new music player-book and beads. We still haven't opened the bead set yet ... it'll be a special occasion when we do!

On Saturday I baked a birthday cake (probably one of the worst ones I've attempted ... I need to get the proper tools now that my sis in law is in NH and I can't borrow hers) and we did make-your-own pizzas with the Van Dyk family. Kayleigh was THOROUGHLY spoiled by all of the attention from her two Aunties, Uncle Dan, Grandma and Great Grandpa Van Dyk. She even got to Skype (though she wasn't very attentive) with Grandpa, who couldn't make the party. She had a wonderful time and was thoroughly spoiled with lots of books, games, and clothes. Today we must have played EVERY GAME (except checkers) in the 8-game Princess Game Set ... her favorite is princess BINGO. (Oh, and for the Van Dyk family who read this, we played a TWO ENTIRE FAMILY, yup Benner too, games of Hi-Ho Cherry-O THE PROPER WAY ... and Kayleigh won both times ...)

It was a fun weekend, but as I'm explaining to friends now, here comes the hard part ... Kayleigh needs to understand that her birthday has stopped. We aren't going to keep singing Happy Birthday to her every day, and she can't get candy/toys/balloons/an excuse to not share with Ben indefinitely. This should be a fun week to remind her of all of those rules ;)

Here are some of my favorite photos from this weekend of birthday fun:

[caption id="attachment_1297" align="alignleft" width="224" caption="Helping to bake her birthday cake"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1298" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="...with her new Columbia Fleece from Grandpa and Grandma V"][/caption]

oh, and one of Boo Boo too :)

I have no pictures of our Wednesday night movie night (who wants pictures of their sick little girl anyway) and I don't have any of our Friday night dinner with my parents (Mom???). BUT, if I get any updates from that, I'll be sure to edit and re-share. It was a fun weekend, and we are happy to have our princess, Kayleigh!

November 8: Thanks

Today I'm thankful for the chance I had to coach volleyball this past season. I wasn't planning on it, but a friend called and asked me to fill in in a pinch. Chelsea was around to help with the kids, and Steve was prepared to take a few extra late nights alone. So, I volunteered and I'm so so glad I did. I would never have known what an amazing group of 8th grade girls are currently at Kalamazoo Christian. I was blessed by them over and over and over. They are fun, creative, SWEET and full of integrity. What a JOY they were to get to know... As evidence, here's what a few of them did at last night's party... It was a scavenger hunt and they had tasks to complete. In the midst of their competition two teams bought gifts for my little girl, and one team got me a spontaneous gift and card.. I mean, what coach wouldn't fall in love with that?!!!

Kayleigh's thanks for today:

November 7: Thanks

As I'm preparing to bake goodies for parties and birthday parties and get togethers, I'm reminded of what a blessing it is to have enough to eat. We live in a place where food (especially an abundance of food) is taken for granted. I'm usually measuring, calculating, obsessing over my food intake to create weight loss... But today, I'm going to choose to be thankful for the huge blessing it is to be well fed. Kayleigh's thanks: (I'm so proud of these ideas she comes up with. She hasn't once repeated one, and it's never a battle to get her to come up with something!! That's another thanks in and of itself!)

November 6: Thanks

I am ever so thankful for WEEKENDS!! God gave us a day of rest, and I just GLORY in taking it. We usually take our "no work" day on Saturdays (well, at least I do). We focus on spending time together and not on getting things done. So, each Friday, I have an almost breathless anticipation towards the coming day of no laundry, dishes piled up, and no cleaning chores. I only cook if I want to and it's glorious. Kayleigh's Thanks:

November 5: Thanks

So, we are a little behind... Not because we didn't each reflect on our thank you's but because I am terrible at being productive on the weekends. I love getting stuff checked off on the weekdays, but when Steve is home on weekends, I just want to be with the family. So, the agenda goes awry, as does all housework and anything deemed "chores." we just work on having fun! So, Saturday's thanks. On Saturday, I reflect on amazing friends. The world is a crazy place and it can be lonely navigating it alone. Our family is amazing and so supportive too, but we are also blessed with amazing friends that see us through all kinds of stages. I'm especially grateful for my "mommy friends," those women who share parenting advice, cry with me, laugh with me, and joy/bemoan the ages and stages of our kids together. I praise God for these women in my life.

Kayleigh's Thanks:

November 4: Thanks

Today I'm so thankful for the beauty of each season. I LOVE living in a place where the variety of the outdoors brings us new and exciting things every few months. Summer is amazing at the lake access we have. Fall is gorgeous in our neighborhood, and to me, nothing beats watching my kids forage through woodsy parks as gorgeous colors of leaves fall around them. Spring is exquisite too, when it's not raining for the sheer relief we get after being cooped up so long!! And winter, well, winter brings the excitement of Christmas and New Year. AND a chance to sled and play in the snow. Thanks be to God for his creativity that we enjoy!! Kayleigh's thanks (proving that although she is profound at times, she is, still, 3, almost):

November 3: Thanks

Mommy's Thanks: I am so blessed by my little boy's affectionate personality. Several times each day he will run from any corner of the house screaming, "Mummy!! Mummy!!!" As soon as he finds me he does his "charge" pose (arms out to sides, head ducked down, sprinting forward) and plasters himself to me. He gives me full kisses and then, just as quickly he runs away again to play. Any Mommy who understands that some day he will be a teenage boy who rubs away kisses, turns down hugs and doesn't want to be seen in public with his "Mother," is wise to cherish these moments ... And oh today, I am ;) Kayleigh's thanks:

November 2: Thanks

Today I am thankful for the opportunity to stay at home and watch my babies grow up. I know that operating on one income isn't always easy for us. It's a blessing to me though to be able to spend all of this time with our little treasures from the Lord. Kayleigh is thankful for (the man who makes all of that possible):

Kayleigh and Kristi's Thanksgiving Countdown

My daughter loves to count. She counts in English, in Spanish and she counts all of the time. She counts forward, backwards and tries to teach her brother. So, I know she will LOVE her advent calendar from her Great Aunt Marlene. Nothing beats German chocolates for 24 straight days, right?? Anyway, we have a while to wait before that countdown begins so we started out Thanksgiving countdown. We talked about why we have it, what it's about and we are starting our very own countdowns. Mine will be in text and Kayleigh will present hers in video form ;). Here's our countdown beginning yesterday.

November 1: I am so thankful for the spirit God has given to my daughter. She is growing into a helpful, kindhearted little lady. She loves her family and friends and works very hard to show that love to them in her own special ways.

Here's Kayleigh's thanks for November 1

Highlights from our October

Several times throughout the end of September and October I thought about blogging. We had a few priceless moments that I said, "This HAS to get blogged" BUT, by the time I got a chance to blog it, the moment had past. So, rather than doing a monthly update on Benjamin (he hasn't changed THAT much), I thought I'd give highlights of what happened this last month. (This may also give you a clue as to why I've been unable to blog ...) :) The weekend of September 23rd the kids went to the GR Children's Museum with my parents. Steve and I were able to use my Uncle Ron's tickets to head to the U of M game. We had AWESOME seats on the 45 yard line just about 10 rows up. It was an amazing game .. and the kids had a great time with Grandpa and Grandma.

  We had a great weekend on the last week of September, just hanging out at home. On Saturday morning, we went over to the nature preserve. Steve brought the camera and we snapped a few of the kiddos, just having a great time.

The following weekend we had Auntie Sarah over for dinner/hanging out. We ended up going out to ice cream after a bike ride and time at the park.

While Daddy was at CEA, Mommy and the kids went into Grand Rapids to hang out with Auntie Alaina and Ryan who were here for Ryan's upcoming birthday! It was SO GREAT to see them after a month of being gone. On Friday, we drove in for Ryan's party at Crazy Bounce in Holland. It was a spectacularly fun evening ... so fun, that, well, Mommy had a little problem with her pants!!

That same Saturday, Steve left to go to the ColorBurst ride in the Lowell area and I went back to Kalamazoo to coach the first of my two scheduled Volleyball tournaments. The kids stayed with Grandpa and Grandma Creswell and went to Post Family Farm with Auntie, Uncle Dan and Ryan for the annual pumpkin selection (and homemade donut consumption) afternoon.

This past week was JAM packed. I took the kids to Grand Rapids to had a little catch up chat with my childhood friend, Suzanne; we had Alexa over for a couple of hours that day too. We had dinner with the staff at KCHS. On Tuesday, I had a game in Delton in the afternoon. Wednesday we had a crazy fun SPIRIT practice at KCMS. The girls were incredible; they were so competitive and yet so encouraging to each other. It might have been my BEST spirit practice yet.

Thursday of last week we had our last volleyball game, right AFTER Kayleigh had her first FIELD TRIP! K went to an apple orchard and cider mill with her class. It was 40 degrees and rainy but that did not dampen Kayleigh's enthusiasm for picking apples. She was so ready to pick apples, learn about cider making, and ride the hayride.

On Friday, we packed up our stuff and headed North to Mackinaw City. It was time for the race on Mackinac Island. We had a few snags over the weekend (including a blown tire on the way there). All in all, though, it was a beautiful day spent with lots of family. Steve and I ran a great race (for us), and we were SO SO thankful for Auntie Sarah who sat this one out so that we could run it.

We still have some exciting events on the October calendar: Alexa's Birthday Party, Trick or treating, and soon after October wraps up, Kayleigh will be turning 3!!! (Not to mention Daddy's 31st birthday party, Thanksgiving, and the beginning of the "holiday" season!!!) AHH ... Life just never slows down, does it? :)

Our 16 month old son ...

It's been a while since we've had a post dedicated to our Benjamin. Each day he seems to surprise me more and more by what he is able to know and do. He is growing so quickly that it just makes me want to pick him up and squeeze him - as if by holding him tighter he'll freeze right here ... I know that's nonsense, but I don't think I've wanted to savor any time more than this stage, with him, right now. Physically - Ben runs. Ben climbs. Ben spins in circles to music. He slides down slides independently, feet first but on his tummy (he's quite cautious) He slides down stairs on his bum without being reminded (I'm still not ready to leave the stairs unprotected but he is pretty good) He throws balls and chases them Ben empties out his sister's piggy bank and neatly plunks each coin back in. Ben colors (he LOVES coloring) and draws with chalk (we haven't tried paint, though I'm sure he'd love it). Ben pours water from cup to cup (and then over his and Kayleigh's heads) He completes puzzles (with help) He stacks blocks And He SCREAMS (at TOP SPEED) around the house pushing anything with wheels: walkers, his mail cart, and his most beloved STEEL Tonka truck (when that hits the shins at full speed, it leaves a mark!)

Socially - I continue to be impressed with Ben's speech. I know to expect boys to be a little slower at language PRODUCTION (not necessarily comprehension, but repeating sounds). So far, Ben is impressing me in every way ... He says:

** HI (it's so cute, you HAVE to hear it) ... He even fooled our honorary "3rd child" over the phone. She thought she was talking to Kayleigh and it was Ben saying "Hi." ** Waves Bye (to just about anyone) ** Combines two words when he really wants something (this has NEVER occurred outside of the realm of food ..) "Mo' Nanana" Translation: More Banana or "Eat Ninn" Translation: Eat Dinner or "Mo'  Dat" Translation: More of that (accompanied by an exuberant pointing finger). ** Cries for the appropriate parent MOST of the time. (though he still calls me Dadda more often than I'd like) ** Repeats nearly everything you ask as best as he can ** He knows every single Mickey Mouse Clubhouse character as "Ninnie" which makes for some awesome conversations with his sister. (i.e. "Ben, do you want Mickey or Pluto to play with" response: "Ninnie." Sister: "Oh, Minnie???" (graciously offers Minnie to a frustrated Ben who responds: "Nah ... NINNIE!!!") It makes me laugh anyway. ** Ben's comprehension is thoroughly amazing to me. I've seen him follow multi-step directions, with plenty of space between the instruction given and his ability to follow it through ... For example: Ben, get your shoes so we can leave. (said tossed over my shoulder while I'm helping K finish a potty break) By the time I've cleaned her up, he's got his shoes, his socks and is sitting on the floor holding them out to me. Another time I told him that we were going to get a snack and go outside. He raced me to the pantry, pointed to the veggie straws, stood panting "eat, eat, eat..." the whole time I was putting them in his cup and then immediately, upon receiving his cup, made a B-line for the back door. ** He understands schedules - and routines - ... As soon as we get home from our afternoon errands/playtime he runs straight for his high chair screaming "Ninn .... Ninn." Because he knows it's nearly dinner time. We only have to mention the idea of water or bubbles or soap and he practically rips his own clothes off his body as he shouts "Dath ... Dath ..." and tries to climb in the tub himself.

Emotionally - ** This boy is a parent's dream. He's a LOVER!!! We were at the nature preserve the other day - plenty of space for him to run and play. He'd get excited and run ahead, but as soon as he realized I wasn't right by his side, he'd come screaming back, ask to be picked "Up, Up," and plant a kiss on my face before repeating the same pattern. ** He ADORES running clear across the back yard to land straight in someone's arms - he even does this to Kayleigh (she's not always a willing participant, but he is). ** We've recently made our evening wind down time a family snuggle time in Mommy and Daddy's bed (we moved a TV back up to our room). The kids sandwich together in the middle and Mommy and Daddy are the bookends. Ben CRAVES this time and asks for it frequently ... He isn't satisfied, though, unless everyone is there. Sometimes Daddy starts early while I'm finishing dishes and Ben comes down from the bed, wanders to  the kitchen, asks for "Hand, Hand ..." and leads me to the family ... ** Benner adores snuggle time any chance he gets, even just at the store, he'll give my hand a nuzzle, or plant a kiss on my face. I ADORE it ... I know it won't last forever.

Quirky Little Bennerisms: 1. Benner has a bit of a pot-belly. So, when he has hid big ol' cloth diaper on and his big ol' pot belly, he has the greatest little swagger ... It's HILARIOUS ... and when he runs, I still just giggle at watching him go 2. We joke that B is an "old man" sometimes (the pot belly above doesn't help his case) but when he's tired, he will grab his Cars sippy cup, climb up into Daddy's IKEA chair ... scoot himself all the way to back and "veg." He gets this look on his face that says, "Yeah, don't bother me..." If we let him sit there too long without paying attention he'll weakly call out "TT ... TT..." and point at the remote ... as if to say, "Please, give it to me ...I can't bear another minute without it." 3. The bears are still a VERY CRITICAL part of his sleep routine. He asks for them whenever he's tired, he holds them while we change him, he carries them around the house for the first 30 minutes after each sleep, he kisses them, hugs them and cries with a FURY when they aren't around. "Dares ...." in "Boo" and "ink..." are his standbys. They cure anything. I have a feeling they will disintegrate  before I have the heart to rip them from his little clutches. 4. DADDA ... Daddy is this little man's favorite being in the world. NO ONE gets a welcome quite like Daddy. He screams and shrieks, shakes and full on sprints to find his Dad as soon as he hears the car. It makes for some heart-wrenching moments when Daddy leaves for work, has a late night meeting, or goes out with friends. The little man just wants his role model ... I love it. 5. This little guy is still just the light of our lives (with his sister, but this isn't her post). Ben brings us joy and life and personality like nothing we ever expected ... He's a true gift ... I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for our little blonde baby boy.

How could you NOT love a face like that?