Candy Friday

I make Christmas candy every year. This year I decided to invite some helpers! I invited all of my Aunts and cousins on the Feyen side. I was amazed when most of them could come! In the morning we had 9 kids (5 and under!), and 7 adults. After lunch a lot of the Moms with kids went home, but we still had 3 kids and 6 Moms. It was such a fun day! We had good conversation and YUMMY candy to snack on ....all day!

Before the candy making started, the kids needed to let out some steam. Here they are playing duck-duck-goose with Aunt Charity...



Having a snack break...

My Grandma and Aunt Judy, dipping away! I put them right to work!!

Sophia, my baker, loves to do whatever Mommy is doing! Here's my little helper dipping candy.

Tim and Sophia played so nicely together in the afternoon!

This is my Mom and her youngest sister, Judy! Good looks runs in the family!! (They need to thank me for not putting in the other pictures that I was threatening to publish!) You're welcome, ladies!

It was a great day! Hopefully we'll make this an annual event.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!

2 days after Thanksgiving (this post is a little late!), we went to KC Trees with most of my family (We missed you Hayden family!) to cut down a Christmas tree. It's such a fun day. Normally there's atleast a foot of snow to stomp thru to try and choose a tree, but this year it was a beautiful, sunny day! A littl dissapointing for pictures, but great for trying to get 3 kids walking in 1 direction! We all started off by getting on the wagon and being driven to the part of the farm that we chose to get a tree from.


When we got off the wagon, the men grabbed saws and we all started our search for the perfect Christmas tree. We've learned from the past to carry tape measures with us! Sometimes our eyes are bigger than our ceilings.....TODD!!

After searching for 10 minutes or so, our family found our tree. It wasn't as big as some of our trees in the past, but it's still between 8-9 feet!

Out came the saw and this year Todd passed down the honor of tree cutting to Madelyn.....for a minute or two anyway!!

It's such a fun thing to do and I'm so glad that I get to share it with 2 of my sisters!

Every so often there would be a giant candy cane...that's where you had to drag your freshly cut tree so that when the wagon came back, they could pick them up all in 1 spot. Luckily no one tried licking the sweet treat!

Once we were done cutting the tree, they took us to the building where we got hot cider and donuts while they shook out our tree to get the dead needles off, drilled a hole in the trunk for our stand and wrapped it in twine for the ride home. This place is full service! This year they also offered a horse-drawn wagon ride thru the woods. The kids, moms, Grandpa and Grandma went for a ride while the Dad's "supervised" the trees.

When we got home, we got right to decorating! Madelyn handed the ornaments to the little kids while Sophia and Eli threw them at the tree to see if they would stick! They didn't We did suffer 3 ornament catasrophies, but all in all they did great! And we had a lot of fun....

Now we just have to make sure that the ornaments STAY on the tree!!

Greg's Birthday

Today is my brother-in-law Greg's birthday. His and his twin brother Scott's! Greg is married to my sister, Lisa and they are expecting baby #4!! I met Greg when I was 14 and very impressionabl. He's taught me sooo many things over the years including how to do Algebra when I was in High School! But more importantly, he introduced me to the very useful saying, "no copa, no stopa!" Thanks, Greg! But seriously, he takes great care of my sister, loves his kids so much and has always been an amazing big brother! I love you, bro! Have a great birthday!



Here's a picture of Greg and I sharing a dance at my wedding..

Puzzlemania

I like puzzles....ok, I LOVE puzzles! It gives me something mindless to do on a Sunday afternoon. It somehow feels more productive to put together 500-1000 pieces of a picture just to put them in a box a few hours later than to sit around watching my husband sleep or watch tv. I usually start doing puzzles when the weather gets colder and continue through the winter months.

Anyway- last Christmas I got a puzzle from my parents that I think they gave me as a joke thinking I'd NEVER be able to put it all together. I must say that I tried a few different times only to have it wiped off the table by a passing child.....GRRR!!! Well, today I did it. I FINALLY finished the puzzle!! Take a look....

That's right, M&M's! It's a circle of M&M's!! When I think about it, puzzles are a complete waste of time, but for some reason when I completed this puzzle, I felt really good about it! So, I thought I'd share it will all of you! :)

Visitors

This week has been SOOO busy, but busy with many fun things! This afternoon, my friend from Middle School/High School who now goes to the same Bible Study on Tuesday mornings came over with her 3 year old daughter, Peyton. It's really been great seeing Jessica again now that we're both "grown ups" with kids of our own! It was also Jessica's birthday, so we decided to have the girls decorate cupcakes. They had a blast! It was a little difficult to make them stop for a picture, but I did manage to get a few!! After cupcake decorating, we sampled their creations (delicious) and then the girls went upstairs and played for almost 2 hours without any disagreements! They had a great time and so did the Moms!!

Earlier in the week another good friend, Ruthanne came over with her daughter, Addisyn. We had a chance to catch up with eachother and swap "mom-stories". Then we had some yummy lunch (thank you Meijer's deli salads!!). We also had a little photo shoot with Addy who was giving us some adorable smiles! Addisyn is such a sweet girl! I hope this is one of many visits that we'll have with Addisyn and her mom!

Michelle's Birthday!

Another day, another birthday! It's my sister Michelle's turn for the spotlight! Michelle is my big sister who I've always looked up to! We are 7 years apart, but she always made time for me and included me in what she was doing. She took the time to teach me things and even helped me out when I got my hand caught in the beaters....(my hand was fine but the beaters....didn't look too good)! She is an amazing cook, who I call on a regular basis to get dinner suggestions, recipes, and cooking tips! (The difference between mayo and miracle whip just confuses me)! Now that we're all grown up with families of our own, Michelle is still teaching me things, and is someone that I'll always respect and admire. She's an amazing wife, mother, sister, and friend. So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Michelle! I miss you and love you lots!







I was flipping through some old pictures and found this one of me and Michelle. Thanks for being a great big sister!!

Happy Birthday, Chris!

Today is my brother-in-law Chris' birthday. I guess I'm going to be making this blog birthday message a tradition!! Let me just tell you a little about Chris. He is married to my sister, Michelle. They live in South Carolina where Chris is a High School teacher and Michelle is a stay at home Mom to 4 kids! For those of you who don't know Chris personally, I'll give you a few facts. You know those people who know a little about A LOT of things? Well, that's not Chris. Chris knows A LOT about A LOT of things! Seriously, whenever I have a question about history, government, technology, music, ANYTHING, I know who knows the answer! He was kind enough to hook up our computers and wireless internet while visiting this summer. Thanks, Chris! It's because of you that I'm able to blog so often and easily! :) So, Happy Birthday, Chris! I hope you have a great day! Unfortunately I can't give you a BD hug in person, so this will have to do. Happy Birthday.



Here's Chris helping my Dad bury the tile for our downspouts. It was rainy and wet that day:)





This is Chris with his son, Sam swimming in the pool at Mom and Dad's this summer.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JEFF!!

Yesterday was my brother Jeff's birthday. Sorry Jeff, I'm a day late!! Jeff has always had a special place in my heart. As my big brother he teased me, sat on me, "accidentally" dropped spiders in my mouth while I was pinned down, you know..normal big brother stuff. But he wasn't just a big tease, he was a great teacher. I've learned so much from him. He's a hard-worker, an amazing parent, and a sincere and true Christian. I hope you had a great birthday, Jeff! And pray you have many more..



Here's Jeff and his whole family: His wife: Charity (I tell people that she's my sister-in-law, but to me she's a sister)! And his 4 kids: Clayton, Chloe, Lydia, and Garrett

A hunter's widow!

Last night Todd went hunting for the first time all year! I know, it's been a crazy fall and he hasn't had a chance to get out into the woods yet. So he went to a piece of property that he recently got permission to hunt. He usually stays out until about dark thirty and then I get a call that he's down from his tree stand and on his way home. I think he calls partly to let me know he didn't fall out of the tree or accidentically shoot himself, and partly so that I know to start making his dinner!! :) Either way, I got the phone call at dark thirty that said he was out of his tree stand and on his way home......with an 8 point buck! On his first night of hunting, on a new peice of property! Needless to say, he was a little excited! Anyone who knows Todd knows that he's very easy going and doesn't get overly enthusiastic often...but this was the exception! His voice was a little shaky and he was thrilled!

He walked in the door this morning after getting rained out at work and wanted me to get the kids dressed so we could go outside and take some pictures with his buck (now hanging in the barn.....eeeww!) We got some great pictures! Take a look....

Todd and his first buck of the season! Way to go, DEER!! (hehehe)

Todd and the kids...

Eli just grabbed onto the antlers and wouldn't let go!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LISA!!!

It's my sister Lisa's birthday today. She turns......don't worry Lisa, I won't be sharing that! I just wanted to send her a Happy Birthday message because she means so much to me.

Lisa, I don't share this with you often enough, but you are such an important person to me! Not only are you an amazing Mom to 3, well 4 kids, but you're a great big sister! You are my friend, my supporter and so much more. You take my kids when I need a break, you listen when I need to talk and you drink coffee with me when I need the caffeine! What can I say, you're awesome! Thanks for being there always! I love you and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!



Here's Lisa with her family: her hubby Greg, her son Jacob and daughters Mya and Ellie.



Lisa and Ellie

If you get a chance, click on Lisa's link on my blog and wish her a happy birthday!

Here's the proof...you be the judge!

Well I recieved some negative feedback regarding my last post. The comment that was made was that our son does NOT have a shoe fettish. He's a man, not a wimp!! Well, this morning I have some pictures that may prove my shoe-loving theory.I turned and looked down the hallway and saw our son...our MAN, wearing my 2 inch wedge sandals. And from the picture you can see the sheer joy on his face. :)


You might say this was only a 1 time occurance....I may have thought that as well....until I turned around only minutes later......
And found the same joy on his face, but different shoes on his feet. What can I say? He loves shoes!

So I guess you can be the judge!! :)

A look back at September

I can't believe that September is already over! This summer flew by! We're pretty settled into the house now, although there are many projects still unfinished. I guess that's always the case with an old house! I haven't updated recently so thought I'd finally sit down and get everyone caught up with what's going on in our family.

Madelyn has already completed her first month of second grade! She has Maestra Varela (and Maestra Huizenga has been helping in her class too). She loves them both! I can't believe how she's maturing this year already. She's reading very well in Spanish and in English. I was helping her with some math homework last night (her favorite subject.....she definitely didn't get that from me!), and she was muttering through the numbers under her breath...in Spanish! It's such an incredible learning experience. If anyone is interested in Spanish Immersion for their kids, PLEASE talk to me, it's awesome! Here's a few pictures of her on her first day of school.

Now that Madelyn is back in school everyday, Sophia and I are spending a lot of time together, especially when Eli naps. I feel like I give my kids pretty equal attention, but there's something about being one on one with each of them that's so special. Her true personality really comes out. She's truly a joy to be around. (Most of the time!!) One of her favorite things to do is to help me in the kitchen. She loves to cook and bake with me. We often make cookies together, although after a few licks of the beaters, she doesn't want anymore cookie dough. (She did not get that from me!)

Well, what can I say about Eli? He's ALL boy! Other than his shoe fetish! (Sorry, Todd but it's true! The kid loves shoes! And maybe he did inherit that trait from me..) He also loves to be outside. It seems like everytime I turn around he's scrubbing the toilet (and the bathroom walls) with the toilet brush, is running around in circles for no reason, or is playing in the dryer. What can I say, he's a character. I'm seeing the difference between having boys and girls. He's so much more laid back!




All in all, we had a great September. We are finally back into a routine after the lazy days of summer. Maddie is riding the bus which comes right to our road. I can see her get on and off from the front porch, although I usually drive or walk with her to drop her off and pick her up.

There's not too much going on with me. I'm enjoying being at home with the kids. I just started Bible Study again a few weeks ago and have a group of great, insightful women! But that's about it. And Todd....well Todd has started us on a new adventure! He quit his job of about 15 years a few weeks ago and we are now buying greenhouses! I know slightly different than the construction world, but we prayed a long time for an opportunity to come up and we really feel like this is the door that God opened for us! We're praying that He sees us through this change and I know He will!

That's all for right now....maybe I'll update again in November!! :) KIDDING!

Date Night

Last night (Saturday) went out on a date with several couples from church. We had a handful of brave souls who offered to watch ALL of our kids at the church, including feed them all dinner while we went out. Thanks guys!

We went to The Grill House in Allegan which is so fun to do with a group of people. You can order off the menu or go and pick out a slab of meat from the cooler and grill it yourself. To some it sounds like more work, but it was great!

I think that everyone had a blast and we talked about doing another get together. Unfortunately I forgot my camera, so I don't have any pics to share. So unlike me! Sorry...I'll do better next time.

Baby Shower

I was thrilled to be able to attend my dear friends Ruthanne's baby shower. I'm so excited for her new arrival in just a few weeks!! Ruthanne's friend Michelle threw her a great shower in her beautiful back yard. We played a few games, ate some great food and then showered the Mom-to-be with gifts! I'm so happy for Ruthanne and know that she's going to be a fantastic Mom! I can't wait to meet baby Huizenga!!

Just Relax!

It's been a crazy few days.....weeks....months...well it's been a crazy year! We're finally getting a chance to sit back and just enjoy the kids at home! Todd has been working around the house at night with the tractor. Eli just walks around watching him and pointing to "DADA". Usually Todd can't take him along, but every once in awhile Eli gets his wish to ride along with his Daddy.

I'm still so in awe at all that we have been blessed with. Thank you, God!!

Sophia wanted to take someone for a ride. Eli was willing, so he hopped in the wagon and Sophia pulled him all over the driveway!

Eli loved it!

I think Eli is finally making friends with Rosco!!