Home from Mackinac Island...

Ok...so I just realized I posted all my vacation pictures backwards and out of order, LOL! But that's ok...we had a blast none the less. Here's Jam on the ferry...on our way home, LOL!

We sat on a bench under these beautiful flowering trees each day. They smelled HEAVENLY. Between these and the lilacs everywhere...I told Jamie, "This is what heaven smells like." This little buzzy guy kept buzzing all around us...just minding his own business...but very busy none the less, LOL!

I would stop mid-step while we were walking and smell the lilacs and other flowering trees. I think people probably thought I was nuts...I got a few stares...even from a police officer. But the smell of the flowers was just intoxicatingly (if that's a word) beautiful! Most people just don't take time to stop and smell the roses...er, I mean lilacs and other beautiful flowering trees, LOL!

We tried out our timer on our camera in order to get a shot of us in the "Somewhere In Time" gazebo...a feature we don't use often. It worked!

Just another of the many shots at Skull Cave that we have in our collection, LOL!

Just me...hangin' in our room at Mission Point.

This was a bit tricky...Jam told me to climb out on the rocks so he could snap a picture on the water...I made it! LOL!

Enjoying the lilacs!!!

Shhhh! Don't tell him I posted this! LOL! Just relaxing on the lawn at Mission Point.

Just out and about hiking the island.

I think each year we go back, we start to feel our age a little bit more and more as the years pass, LOL! We came to the island on our honeymoon nearly 17 years ago for a short trip and have been coming back regularly each year for the past 10 or so. As wonderful as each trip is...and relaxing as it is...you really start to tire each passing day, LOL! My feet started aching, my fanny hurt from the bike (still does), my back ached, LOL!

We always stop and pause at the "Is it you?" tree from "Somewhere In Time" each year...one of our favorite movies.

LOVE IT!

Just me! Chillin' out!

Me and my honey on the ferry. It just gets better...with each passing year.

Another chapter in life comes to a close...looking forward...

Wednesday night was Evan's "Celebr8"/graduation at school. Eighth grade is coming to a close. I can't believe he will be in high school next year! He came away with quite a few awards as well!
Perfect Attendance
Art Award
History Award
Presidential Academic Education Award
Completion of Eight Grade
Certificate of merit for his "Hero" essay that he wrote

It was a really nice evening recognizing ALL of the eighth graders. They had a nice slide show put together of all the year's activities, classes, sporting events, etc. set to music.

At the beginning they did a slide show with all of the kids' pictures and names scrolling through as everyone was seated.

I can't believe how grown up my boys are!

Look out...high school here he comes!

New bikes!

Well, the pictures speak for themself!
The boys both have new bikes!
Ev LOVES his and it's been so long since he's ridden...he is just thoroughly enjoying it!

We put a "Balance Buddy" on Nate's. He's still working on balance issues. He's off the charts tall for his age, so coordination is a bit of a struggle for him. He'll get there! I think it's gonna be a fun summer for them!

Girl's Day Out

Mom, Jess, and I started our annual Girl's Day Out last year. Each Saturday before Mother's Day we go out together. We start with a pedicure. Throw in loads of shopping. And of course a yummy lunch.

This year we made our appointment for the Saturday before Mother's Day. We pulled into the parking lot of Stanley Harris...and they were CLOSED. We were SO upset! We called and let them know how disappointed we were, as we look forward to this Girl's Day Out all year long with each other.

Evidentally, they always close for "Tulip Time" festival...and someone didn't catch our appointment in the book. Sooooo...

To make a long story short...the manager called my mom and gave us NOT ONLY FREE pedicures...but also FREE MANICURES as well!

Now that's service!

I don't think I told you...

...what I got for Mother's Day!
How could I forget?!?!
I had a lovely day with my family.
They spoiled me.
I woke up to this beautiful necklace!
It's white gold and has gorgeous baguette diamonds around it.

I also got this wallet I had my eye on for quite some time!
We also celebrated with a yummy dinner at Texas Roadhouse.
Yes...I am truely blessed...
And spoiled, teehee!

Safe...

Safe.
Maybe it's something I take for granted at times.
But I was thinking lately, about the feeling I get when I'm with my husband.
I don't think about it much.
But sometimes it hits me...how safe I feel when I'm with him.
I think of the times he's worked third shift...OH how I HATE when he works third shift!!!
Anyone who knows me, knows that I HATE THE DARK!
And more than anything...I hate being ALONE in the dark.
I remember back before we had kids and he worked third shift...I would leave the porch light on and the kitchen sink light on while I was sleeping.
I remember after I had Evan and he was a baby...I'd set up the pack & play in our bedroom and have him sleep in our room. I'd have the closet light on, the microwave light on, a lamp in the living room, and both the front and back porch lights.
Even all these years later...the few times he's had to work third shift, I usually turn out the lights...but I'll fall asleep with the tv on.
I don't like the dark and I don't like being ALONE in the dark.
Especially sleeping.
If I'm awake...with all the lights on at night...it doesn't bother me at all.
But when he's home...asleep next to me...or just anywhere in the house...
I don't even think about the dark.
I have complete and total comfort.
I feel safe.

The funny thing is, we don't even live in a bad neighborhood.
In fact, we live in a very nice neighborhood.
But I still need my hubby at night.
And actually, it's not just at night.
I always have such a feeling of safety no matter when he's with me.
It's like I totally let go of myself.
I let my guard down.
I know he's there.
I don't have to worry.
I like feeling like I'm being protected...taken care of.
The few times he's been sick, injured, or had to go to the hospital...
I've managed.
I hold down the fort.
I get by.
But I don't feel the same.
I feel jittery.
I feel out of control.
Things just don't feel "right".
I need my hubby.
He is my everything.
I love him so much!

Gearing up for Mackinac Island!

So Evan got back from his 8th grade class trip to Mackinac and had a blast.
Now...it's mommy and daddy's turn...to take a trip...ALONE.
We will be heading up to Mackinac Island Thursday thru Sunday while Geeg and Papa stay with the boys. I am so looking forward to some down time, alone time, and just a time to relax and refresh...which is all we do when we go alone. When we take the boys, we spend all of our time keeping them busy and entertained. When Jamie and I go...we spend most of our days taking long walks/hikes through the island, around the perimeter, biking, sitting on the lawn at Mission Point by the lake sipping cremice, and sitting by the fireplaces at night drinking mochas. We just sit...and people watch...enjoy the weather...and do NOTHING.
Sometimes I hate to go to sleep while I'm there because I enjoy being there so much and don't want to sleep my time away. That's how much I love being there.

Gearing up for any trip takes so much time, work, and energy it seems. We'll be working right up until Wednesday evening. Wednesday night we'll have to miss church because Evan has his "Celebr8" ceremony. Similar to an 8th grade graduation I'm assuming.

I still need to do my nails (hands and feet), color my hair, squeeze in a haircut, clean up the house, pack...the list never ends. But it's all worth it in the end. As tiring as all the prep work can be...being there is like a little piece of heaven on earth for Jamie and me.

With everything going on...I'm not sure I'll be posting a lot till we get there (I'll be taking the laptop). So...until next time...keep my seat warm! I'll be back!

Retire Ronald McDonald? Are you kidding me?!?

I found the following story (see link below) today on my homepage as I was scanning the daily new stories.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100520/ap_on_bi_ge/us_mcdonald_s_ronald_mcdonald

Are you kidding me?

Retire Ronald McDonald?

I am happy to see that the answer was a big fat NO WAY!

Ronald McDonald is not causing childhood obesity!!!

I am sick to death of hearing about childhood obesity!!!

Where are these fat children?

Because I'm certainly not seeing them!

I live in a neighborhood with 99 homes, each of them having on average anywhere from 2-6 children per home.

That's a BOAT-LOAD of kids representing America in general.

Where are these fat kids?

I don't see them.

In my neighborhood of hundreds of school children...representing ages birth to highschool...I've seen maybe 1 or 2 children who "MIGHT" fit the term "husky"...but CERTAINLY not "OBESE"!!!

So where are all these obese children the media is speaking of?

I don't think I live in skinny America.

It's not just my town.

I think alot of it is bunk. I really do.

Sure, we want our kids to eat healthy.

But seriously...

The occasional Happy Meal, pizza, taco, or french fry is NOT going to kill them!

I do NOT believe food (of any kind) is EVIL.

I let my kids have candy.

I let my kids have cookies.

We have always believed "everything in moderation".

My boys know they have to eat a good dinner if they want their bedtime treat/dessert.

And as for obesity?

Ummm...

Don't go blaming it on tv, video games, and computers.

My boys have plenty of that too.

But they also love running around, riding bikes and scooters, playing ball, you name it.

In fact...

Last time I took my boys in for their well-child check-ups...

Their doctor actually told me they were BELOW the average weight for kids their age and height!

She told me to start buying WHOLE MILK to pack some calories on them!

Are you kidding me?

So you wanna talk childhood obesity?

I say, SHOW ME.

Where are these so-called over-weight children?

I'd love to see them.

Because there aren't any around my parts!

And by the way...

Leave Ronald McDonald alone!

That felt good!

Ok, so I have to first say...that all of my life...
I HAVE HATED MY HAIR!!!
Well, I have finally found a style that suits me and works.
I've had an angled bob for a little over two years and it seems to suit my face and work for me.
Well, last night instead of doing my usual "side-swept" bangs...
I decided to comb all my bangs forward and flip them under a bit like the above picture.
I wore my hair very similar to the picture above, except mine had a little more "poof"/volume to it, as I tease my roots up quite a bit.
I keep my back very short and stacked/layered and my front/sides are longer and angled.
So we are in the parking lot at Walgreens...
And this twenty-something girl walks past our car...we had all the windows up.
And she points at her hair and mouthes the words, "I LIKE YOUR HAIR!" and gives me the thumbs up signal.
LOL!
WOW!...I've gotten compliments right after a cut or style from friends or family.
And we all have to wonder if people who know us are just being nice.
But a total stranger?
It was so funny the way it happened.
I had to laugh and mouth back "Thank-you!"
But it sure made me feel darn good that a complete stranger liked my hairstyle, LOL!
I know...I'm a bit obsessed and vain about my hair.
But I've NEVER had good hair my whole life.
So when someone makes me feel good about it...
Well...
It's a big deal!
So...
Thank-you whoever you were!
You made my day! LOL!

Talking to the "right" people...

Sometimes in life, as I see so many relationships failing...and by relationships, I mean friendships, marriages, coworkers, etc...I think one of the biggest issues people are facing now...is...
Not talking to the "right" person.
When people argue, disagree, fight, get upset with each other...
There is a breakdown in communication.
And what do the majority of people do when this happens?
Do they talk to the person they're having a problem with?
(Their friend, their spouse, their coworker, etc.)
No.
They go spill the beans to someone else.
Everyone is anxious to go tell their buddy how "terrible" their friend treated them.
How "awful" their husband is.
How "bad" their wife is.
How "nasty" their coworker" is.
What does this accomplish?
Well, let's see...
It's gossip.
It's tearing down the other person.
It's spreading things about the other person that no one else needs to know except the person involved with them.
It distances you even more from the person.
It "accomplishes" NOTHING.
Nothing except BAD.
People will give you the line, "Pray for me _______" and they'll go into detail all about their relationships.
I really don't believe it's right to share all the details.
You can ask someone to pray for you without spilling the beans.
The person we REALLY need to be talking to when we're having relational issues is...
The Friend.
The Spouse.
The Coworker.
But the reason many people aren't talking to "the person", I believe, is that they really have no intention or desire to "fix" the relationship or the issues that are plaguing them.
They are enjoying complaining to other people.
They hope to gain sympathy.
They are looking for things from other people instead of the person they should be talking to in order to "fix" the realtionship.
I know when my husband and I have disagreements, I don't run and tell my friends, family, etc.
I don't think it's anyone's business.
And I don't think it's right.
No one needs to know what we're going through except God and us.
All that needs to take place is COMMUNICATION between US.
When we come together and talk, we can break down barriers, solve problems, and tackle our differences.
It is then that we grow even closer together and our love grows deeper for each other.
So...
Who are YOU talking to?

AWESOME savings this week!

I think I may have just had my BEST ever couponing and Register Reward shopping trip to date!!!
The other day I went in and did two separate transactions. I do this from time to time if I want to use my Register Rewards immediately on all my Walgreens coupon/sale items and get the savings instantly.
My first transaction wasn't too bad...there were some good deals with Register Rewards to be had on several.
My first tally was:
Spent: $15.81
Saved: $11.55
Ok...that's not "bad"...but it's not one of my best trips. BUT...it yielded A LOT of Register Rewards!
So...
I started my second transaction and came out like a kid in a candy store! I was so excited! The only thing that dampened my spirits was, I normally have such wonderful cashiers at our Walgreens. They are very helpful, kind, and patient. But I got one of my usuals the other day...and I'm trying to believe it was because she didn't feel well. She sounded awful...bad cold. So I'm trying to give her the benefit of the doubt...she's normally not that cranky. I think she was just having an off day. But I have to admit, she did make me feel like a pain in the neck because I had two transactions. :(
But anyway...back to the happy part!!!
My final tally was...
DRUMROLL PLEASE!!!
Spent: $1.89
Saved: $41.77
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!
Can you believe that!?!?!
Woooooooooooooooooo Hooooooooooooooooo!!!
Go me!!!

I had a pretty decent trip to Meijer this week too.
I came away with FOUR FREE bags of Kitten Chow which I'm planning to donate to the Harbor Humane Society where we got Oreo from! Woohoo!
My final tally there was:
Spent: $53.47
Saved: $47.77
Not bad...

D.I.R.T.

We had one of the best messages at church yesterday. It would be too much to cover in one post. But I think one of the things that stood out most to me was...

D.I.R.T.

Don't

Ignore

Relational

Tensions

I think that is one of the biggest ways that relationships fail. Be it friendships, marriage, in the workplace, anywhere.
When we ignore the friction, problems, or tension that may be going on...no matter how big...or how small that is when the problems arise. The enemy LOVES to weasel his way into our relationships with even the smallest of things and we may think "Oh, it's no big deal". But Pastor Sam pointed out in his series "Knock Knock" how even though we as christians may have closed the door to the "big things" that may make us stumble as christians...the things everyone considers "BAD"...there are little "doggie doors" in our big closed door...where little things can creep in. Maybe it's those little things we struggle with like little white lies, or having inappropriate thoughts, or tearing people down, whatever it is! It's these little things...that aren't BIG things that other people may see. But if we're not careful, they can creep into our relationships and cause big problems. Pastor used this illustration...he brought in this cute little puppy dog...all cute and innocent...but if we don't get rid of these little "problem areas"...it can turn into big old mean vicious Kujo of a dog! When we ignore these little things in our relationships, we grow further and further apart. We argue more. Tempers flare. We distance ourself from each other. Friendships...marriages...workplace...etc.
We can't ignore these relational tensions..."D.I.R.T." When we ignore them, relationships fall apart.

I loved the scriptures he used:

Philippians 3:2 (New International Version)

2Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh.


Galatians 5:19-23 (New International Version)

19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

We need to guard ourself against what's trying to sneak in our "doggie door"...and as Pastor said, "If it means turning your head and quoting a scripture"...whatever! We have to guard our hearts and tackle those relational issues.

D.I.R.T.

Don't

Ignore
Relational

Tentions

Hey guys...

I just wanted to say...

That I think you are three of the most handsome guys out there, and...

I love you three with my whole heart!

Mwah!!!

xoxoxoxo

Yay me!

I have to say...I'm quite proud of myself for sticking to this diet/exercise thing this time. Been doing it for about four weeks now and I haven't bitten anyone's head off yet! LOL! Diets usually make me soooo cranky! But I think that I've been just counting calories, sticking with portion control, and allowing myself to eat "some" of the things I love...but just a "serving size"...I think that's what's keeping me focused and on task this time. And exercise...I'm trying! Treadmill, ab scissor, ab roller...I'm workin' on it! I think this is one of my better attempts at weight loss. I've lost 4.5 pounds so far! I'd love to get another 5 off...but we'll see! I am really trying hard. I bought two new pair of skinny jeans...that is my motivation. Nothing more gross than a muffin top with skinny jeans! LOL! I'll be sure to post pics if/when I get to my goal! Woohoo!

New spring clothes for the mommy!

I have to start off by saying, I don't buy clothing all throughout the year as many people do. Some women pick things up here and there all year long. I don't do that too much. Occasionally I'll see something on sale and grab it...but not too often. I tend to be one of the people who shops like, twice a year...spring and fall...and then I'm done with it. So some people may think I spend a lot at once...but really, I don't. I'm shopping for an entire season or two.
So...last week, I did my spring shopping. And being the bargain shopper I am...I REFUSE to pay full price for ANYTHING...clothing included. I'm also the kind of person, I find something I like...I'll buy one in every color, LOL! I had actually boycotted Old Navy a couple years ago due to a bad experience I had with a return and the manager there...but I've come around and given them another chance. I'm so glad I have because they have some really cute things and great deals. The only think I dislike, is that their clothing runs small and it makes me feel like a cow when I have to buy a larger size, LOL! So anyway...here were some of my deals:
Old Navy:
Spent: $88.00
Saved: $87.00
I got some incredible deals there. I ended up scoring four new camis, a bomber jacket, three gauze blouses, and two button down blouses!

JCPenney has always been a favorite place of mine to shop for clothing. Here I scored two pair of skinny jeans (scarey, but I'm killing myself to get into them), two pair of capris, a cute white blouse, and a slim fitting tee.
Spent: $80.06
Saved: $116.06




Kohls was another place I kindof "boycotted" for a while due to some seriously bad service. But once again I've come around, and I'm glad. They have some really cute clothes for reasonable prices. There, I got two spring/fall coats.
Spent: $69.96
Saved: $99.00

Like I said...sounds like a lot of money at once...but I only shop a couple times a year. In the end I got over $500.00 worth of clothes for right around $200.00. Can't beat that! Not in my book!

Lazy Lazy Lazy...

I have gotten seriously lazy with my money-saving/coupon postings lately. Well, no...not totally lazy...just been incredibly busy. I think I'm going to continue to share my success...but just not post all the actual deals themself. If you would like to find the actual deals I scout out...check out all the blogs I have listed on the lower right of my blog. They are an amazing help to me as I scout out all the best deals!
Here are some of my recent trips to Meijer:

May 4, 2010

Spent: $54.28

Saved: $42.50

Not too shabby...I almost made my goal of saving as much as I spend. I am finding it harder and harder to meet this goal with groceries. Food is SO expensive!

May 11, 2010

Spent: $35.11

Saved: $32.92

This was a good trip. Nearly met my goal. I didn't buy a lot...but stayed right within the range I like to as far as saving/spending.

I pretty much ALWAYS have good trips to Walgreens. It's hard not to...unless it's not close to free...I don't shop! LOL!

May 2, 2010

Spent: $21.04

Saved: $42.06

LOVE these kinds of savings!

May 9, 2010

Spent: $29.67

Saved: $26.34

This one yielded A LOT of Register Rewards to use on my next trip...so even though it doesn't look like I saved a ton up front...I got LOADS of Register Rewards.

May 11, 2010

Spent: $1.87

Saved: $9.00

NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN' ABOUT! LOL!

Tulip Time/KinderParade '10...cont.

This was a crazy busy week for us. It's Tulip Time here in Holland. There are three parades during Tulip Time. The opening parade "VolksParade", the children's parade "KinderParade", and the musical finale "MuziekParade". Evan's middle school band plays at the VolksParade and the KinderParade. Next year in high school he will also play in the MuziekParade. But two is enough for now! Wow were we busy! It rained on Tuesday morning, VolksParade day, but then cleared up for the parade...but was still chilly. I forgot my camera for that parade! I couldn't believe it! I know...bad mommy! But I remembered it for the KinderParade on Wednesday and I got lots of pictures! I'm only sharing a few on the blog...takes forever to load! LOL! To view all of them, feel free to check out my facebook page! Here's Jamie, Nate and I enjoying the parade.

Daddy and Nate waiting for the parade to begin.

Cityside Middle School band...there's Evie playing his trumpet! They plated Bon Jovi..."Livin' on a prayer"...LOL! They did AWESOME! I'm always amazed at the talent of these middle school kids!

This was the first year our middle school had a color guard. The girls did a really nice job!

Here comes Cityside!

Costumed Dutch Dancers carrying the parade banner.

Holland High School band marching in their wooden shoes. They do some fancy footwork while they march..."klompen" around in their wooden shoes! They play Tip Toe Through The Tulips each year...tradition. :)

Each of the elementary schools has a Dutch theme that they march with props. Here were the May poles.

More of the kiddos marching.

I have no clue what these guys were, LOL! "Men In Black"??? But they were nice enough to pose for pictures for everyone and very friendly as they mimed. LOL!

We had a really nice time...lovely weather...yummy fair food...and fun for all! Until next year...Tip Toe Through The Tulips With Me!!! ♪