Dear Monday,

I've been thinking about this for two weeks now. What to write. What to write? I need a platform or some solid structure on which to write upon - an outline of sorts. Within that outline, I can feel free to expound, create, and unwind my thoughts. It's easier that way. It takes much less time. It makes me much less bored with the words that come out of my fingers.

So, today and days to come, will be a Love Letter to Monday (and maybe Wednesday, or possibly Saturday)...well, this day three years ago was acutally Friday.

On this day, Hannah Marie made her debut into this world. At 7:08 pm Friday evening, she greeted us with that precious newborn cry. She was beautiful, perfect, and healthy. Weighing in at a exhausting 8 pounds 11 ounces, I thank the Good Lord that she was a week early! This day was one of the best (of 4) days of my life.

I was amazed at the birth of my first child of how much love just grows from a mommy's heart. I remember feeling a bit concerned of how could I love another child as much as my first. I always felt like there could not possibly be anyway that my heart could handle more love. But when the second came, my heart grew again. Filling it to overflowing with so much love that I thought it would burst. That feeling never changes. Love grows. Always.

I loved Hannah, as all my children, while she was inside my belly. I loved her as she was being knit within, and I could not wait for that overwhelming explosion of joy at her birth. Again, I was amazed just as before. God is Gracious, that is her name. God graciously gave us a tiny image of himself to teach, train, and nurture. What an incredible responsibility.

Hannah, you are an amazing 3 year old. You're funny. Very, Very funny. You always say and do the cutest things that make your dad and I laugh so hard. You are completely in love with Strawberry Shortcake. Your favorite color is pink. And you love red fingernail polish. You love peppermint gum from Grandpa Vic. You are a picky eater, and your favorite food is hummus. I hope you eat more, because your pants never stay on your buns. When you play all by yourself with whatever objects you can find, your imagination floors me. You can make napkins or forks come alive. Your heart is kind, although sometimes, it's very hard to say "I'm sorry." You are determined, yet I wouldn't quite call you strong willed. (We'll leave that for Lydia.) You give the best hugs in the world.

Forgive me when I'm not consistent, and I let you whine. That's not good for you. Forgive me for my many faults as a mom. I'd hoped to have this right by now, but it's always different.

I am proud of you Hannah. Proud of who you are becoming. I pray for you each day that you grow up to be a lovely woman who knows her Creator intimately and passionately.

Happy Birthday.

And Dear Monday, thank you for this beautiful day.

Something to Read

I’m still working on my “new” blogging style...so here’s some more boredom while you wait. I’ve also been busy working on a Birthday video for my youngest and our intentional last who turns 3 on Monday....

Anyway....

Four things about me (in 12 different categories) that you may or may
Not have known--in any particular order.

Four jobs I have had in my life:

1. The Eastown Russ’ ~ Where I met the love of my life, but I didn’t know it at the time.
2. JC Penney men’s department ~ I was 17. I hated that job. You know how many inseams I had to measure? Eww gross.
3. Dishwasher at NMU ~ Hated that job too.
4. Youth For Christ ~ Youth Drop in Center...planning concerts....etc.... Big Fil played at one of our New Years Eve parties. It’s so weird that I met some of you before I knew you! Or knew you before I met you....whatever.

Four movies I've watched more than once:

1. Princess Bride (of course)
2. Anne of Green Gables
3. Braveheart
4. The Notebook

Four Places I have lived: (I’ve lived lots of places...I’ll just add the 4 most memorable.)

1. Grand Haven, MI
2. Bessemer, MI
3. Marquette, MI
4. Crystal Lake, IL
5. Yes, I have to add Zeeland, MI

Four TV. Shows that I watch:

1. Prison Break
2. LOST
3. House
4. Heros

Four favorite pastime activities:

1. Movie nights with the family (at home movie nights)
2. reading
3. my new favorite ~ knitting
4. gardening

Four places I have been:

1. Bahamas
2. Stratford, ON Canada
3. North Carolina
4. Colorado Springs

Four places I would like to visit:

1. New Zealand
2. Costa Rica
3. Spain
4. Romania

Four things I am looking forward to in the coming year:

1. being debt free (other than our home)
2. camping with new friends
3. planting a vegetable garden...and revitalizing my herb garden
4. feeling healthy and more energized

Four things I am not looking forward to in the coming year:

1. raking leaves
2. making the decision to return to school or not
3. laundry forever and always (totally with ya Crystal!)
4. vacuuming dog hair

Four things I do well:

1. getting things done when asked
2. vacuuming
3. loving children
4. organizing

Four things I hope to do better:

1. have more patience and grace with teen moms (teen MoM program YFC)
2. be bold enough to confront issues”...oh, I hate that word
3. balancing my time
4. being a better friend

Four things that make me really happy:

1. cuddling with Jeff
2. nature....everything about it....I love sunsets on The Lake, I love the leaves rustling beneath my feet, I love the sound of a gentle stream....love.it.all.
3. my four beautiful children
4. my wonderful, God-given friends

Eating Boogers

My little Hannah always seems to be taste testing her nasal excretions.

I caught her in the act today and said, "Hannah, please don't eat your boogers...it's kind of gross."

She replied in a very intelligent almost 3 year old way, "I'm not eating my boogers mom, I just drinking the water."

I was a bit confused at her response, so I questioned further. "What do you mean, your drinking the water?"

She lifted her head up to show me that there in fact were no boogers in her nose but just a bunch of "water"....clear, running, delicious snot. Oh, dear child, I love you!

When We Say Bedtime Prayers

Seth's best friend, Adam, sees Jesus when he closes his eyes to pray. And Seth sees red lines.

Oh, how my children make me laugh!