Halloween Hello

I'm finally getting around to posting our Halloween pictures. There have been so many things going on lately at work and with the girls that I feel I rarely have time to blog these days. I must make more time for this...it's therapy, truly. Much cheaper than a therapist!! LOL

So we have Madison as our convict (Miss Behaved was the name on her costume), Samantha as Diamond Castle Barbie and Alison as the lovely bride. She is actually wearing my veil from our wedding that she found months ago in a closet.

Halloween night was honestly the most beautiful night I can ever remember for October 31st. What a treat to be able to walk around with the girls trick-or-treating without a rain slicker or wrapped up head-to-toe with scarf and mittens!! You just never know what Michigan is going to throw your way in late October, but we were thankful for the beautiful weather for so many reasons. Sammi has been fighting allergies for weeks and Alison had a cold. Having nice weather on Halloween perked them both up enough to chase wildly after the neighbor kids. Nice weather brings out ALL the kids in our neighborhood and it is always fun to see them dressed up.

This year my mother-in-law came over to pass out candy at our house so Scott and I could both take the girls out that night. With the kids not feeling 100%, it was a guess at best as to how long they would last. To our surprise, they made it all the way around our neighborhood circle. I think their poor little arms gave out carrying those heavy bags of candy before their legs were actually tired. We headed home for fresh apple cider and donuts from VanderMills in Spring Lake and the girls dumped their candy-haul on the kitchen table for inspection. It never ceases to amaze me how little time it takes to accumulate so much candy!!

Luckily for us, my brilliant mother and mother-in-law had already laid the ground work with the girls to 'sell' their Halloween candy to a local dentist for cash. Brilliant, I tell you! All three girls picked about twenty pieces 'of the good stuff' to keep for treats and they put the rest of their candy in a big bag. They headed out Saturday morning with Scott to cash in on their candy harvest. Madison weighed the bags on Friday night and told us it was about ten pounds, but the official weigh-in brought seven dollars to the girls - all in gold dollar coins. The girls were ecstatic and I was thrilled not to have to deal with sugar-high kids for the next two months.

While I absolutely love Halloween and it was a great night, it was kind of a bitter-sweet experience. It was so much fun walking hand-in-hand with my hubby on such a warm October night, watching our girls behave so very well. The 'pleases' and 'thank yous' were out in great force and that made both of us so very proud of them. But I was forced to realize something horrifying as we walked along the streets:

This won't last forever.

I am desperately trying to slow life down enough to really savor the every day moments we have with our kids, but this thought took my breathe away. It always does. Maybe because we are at such a good place in life right now. Maybe because the girls are such a great age and we are enjoying their little personalities so very much. Maybe because it makes me sad to know that we are getting older and that our babies are getting bigger every day and that day when they THINK they don't need us anymore is soon approaching.

Madison is already seeking her independence from her Mom and Dad. She wants to be with her friends doing what eight-year-old girls do...giggle, talk...giggle...put on lip gloss...oh, yeah, giggle some more. At football games she makes excuses just to get away from us so she can spread her wings. I have to believe that Samantha is not far behind and well, Alison has been proclaiming her independence since birth. And while my heart tells me to grab onto them tightly and keep them protected under my wing, my head knows that just isn't possible to do forever.

What I struggle with is how do you know how much independence to give them? Where is the fine line between not watching their every move and keeping a watchful eye so they don't stray? I fear my questions far outweigh any answers I have at this point. I fear that this is only the beginning of a long journey through the push and pull of mother / daughter relationships, puberity and, oh God help me, boys.

I have a feeling life is only going to get more interesting from here:)

Ballet Boogy Baby

It is every mother's dream to have their beautiful daughter, dressed in her adorable little tutu, hair done, smile shining brightly on stage. A vision of pure perfection...

...Yeah, well, it is Ali after all - that dream lasted about twenty seconds.

Last Thursday, I attended Alison's very last dance class with Miss Diane of Diane's Studio of Dance. Ali took the class through Mona Shores' Community Services program, as did Sammi a few years ago. We know Diane well since Madison and Sammi now take classes at her Fruitport studio every week. That may be the unfortunate part of this story....I have to see her again on Tuesday.

Alison was adorable - she was dressed in a purple leotard with a dark purple dancing skirt and my mom had curled her hair and put it in a teeny-tiny pony tail. She was an angel - at least in visual terms. Don't get me wrong - she had the time of her life in the class. She twirled, she plied, she did all the fabulous dance steps she was taught - she just did them "Ali-style".

Oh, yeah, one other small point - she did them all on her own, without care for the music or Miss Diane's instruction. Oh, and I forgot, she did them in between kisses to her Mom, Grandmas and sisters and after running to the front of the stage to tell us just "one more thing".

Yep, she was the trouble maker of the group. But, she's three. And she loves to dance. And she's three. Did I mention she's three?

The first video is of the "Say Hello" song. You've got to love a little group of girls singing their greeting!! The second video is "I Can Copy Cat". This is where Alison shows off her ability to toe tap and twirl like there is no tomorrow. The last video is some rocking little number - you have to watch this one to see Alison shake what God gave her - just hysterical!! I taped most of her "recital" because Scott was in Florida visiting his Dad and couldn't make it. So, here it is, honey. You're beautiful little "mini-me" in her first performance.

I can absolutely bet the house on the fact this will not be her last. In Miss Diane's own words "she's got the drama gene"!! God help us all!!

**!Enjoy!**

It should be noted that these are the three little clips that I wasn't incredibly embarrassed to put on my blog. The other ones you'd hear me telling Alison to get her adorable little booty back on stage!! LOL

Patches of Pumpkins

October is such a great month for our family, especially living in Michigan with the changing of the season. I'm not sure what happened this month, but my work load has kept me from some much anticipated family time. I have had to work late nights and weekends recently just as a means of keeping up...and the girls have let me know without exception that they weren't happy about it.

So it was great timing when Scott's Mom and Dad suggested a little Sunday afternoon fun at the pumpkin patch:) We went to this particular farm last year and had such a good time that we decided another visit was in order.

The girls browsed the little craft shop that is set up in the barn, bought a few pumpkins, went on a hay ride (Ali stayed behind with Grandma to paint her pumpkin) and just had some good ole fashion fall fun. What made it even better was the fact that Scott's dad was here from Florida for the weekend and was able to participate in the antics!!

After the pumpkin patch, we ventured to VanderMill's for some fresh cider and donuts. It was a wonderful treat for the girls and a great break from work for me!!

Of course I brought my camera with me so I could snap some fall pictures of the girls to share. Madison helped me with some 'artistic' photos of leaves and scarecrows too. She's becoming quite the photographer and I'm always excited to see the world through her lens. Her flower pictures were included in my prior post of the October wedding for you to enjoy.

So, to all of our family and friends that read this post, may you all enjoy this changing season with your family. I'm continually amazed at how quickly the days, months and years are passing us by - don't let them go by so quickly that you don't stop to make a few memories along the way.

Forever His Flower Girl

October 11th was a good day for the Samantha. She was pampered, she was complimented, she was one of the stars of the show. Right up her alley...or aisle as it may be.

October 11th was the day her Godfather, Scott (a.k.a. Wayne), was married to a beautiful young lady named Jennifer and Sammi got to be the flower girl. Sammi was very excited about being in the wedding, wearing her Princess-like dress and walking down that aisle. She had practiced her walk. She had asked questions about how to throw the petals. And the day was finally here!!

On Friday night, I took her to dress rehearsal at St. Mary's Church in Marne. Within about five minutes, she had made fast friends with the ring bearer and was planning "play dates" for after the wedding. That's our Sammi...never a dull moment and never at a loss for social skills!! She wanted to wear her 'best outfit' for Uncle Wayne because she knew that she had a very important job to do and so she picked out this little purple number - complete with ballet flats, a new headband and, of course, my necklace and make up. She was such a good girl and did everything that she was told to do. I was so very proud of her:) She got to enjoy a little bit of the after-rehearsal celebration back in Muskegon and was so overjoyed when she opened her present from Uncle Wayne and Aunt Jen - a new heart-shaped jewelry box with her "short name Sammi" engraved in it. She opened it up and found three beautiful pearl bracelets as well. What a great surprise for this little girl. She was walking on clouds when I put her to bed that night.

The next morning, we were off to get hair done and get back to Marne for pictures. It was one of the most precious things I've ever seen. The photographer called up the little kids for a full wedding party photo and then started to rearrange the groups of people for other shots. She asked Wayne to join Jen's wedding attendants for a picture and Sammi was standing there next to him, holding his hand. I cry just thinking about the picture - it was one of those moments that will not soon be forgotten. She just looked up at him with such love and admiration...priceless.

The wedding was beautiful and elegant...a little girls dream come true. Sammi was a little scared going down the aisle, but she pulled it off without incident and did a fabulous job walking slowly like she practiced and dropping berry colored petals in front of her new Aunt Jen. And the bride...well let's just say that Wayne is a lucky, lucky man. I've never seen him more happy and I've not seen a more beautiful bride for quite some time.

After the wedding, Sammi got to hang out in the limo before the wedding party took off for a little joy ride and she thought THAT was the best part of the day! Kids...I tell you. We ended the day at Moss Ridge Golf Club for a wonderful reception. Sammi had a ball playing with all of the Florida cousins (not her real cousins, but she doesn't seem to care!!), especially Lauren. She was dancing, having a blast and loving every minute of it. She even did multi-rounds of the chicken dance!!

As a side note, my favorite part of the reception was when the wedding party danced together. Sammi was a little afraid to dance with the ring bearer so her Uncle Wayne picked her up off her feet, carried her over to the dance floor and danced with her in his arms. It was precious and heart-warming and, of course, I cried like a baby. I'd bet my lucky stars that moment will never leave that little girl's heart.

From experience I know that being a flower girl is special. My Aunt Lori and Uncle Scott, thirty four years later, still call me their little flower girl. We sometimes pull out the pictures of their wedding and giggle at how little I was, how cute my brother was in a tux, and...well, yes, we have to laugh at Aunt Denise' hat!! Sorry, honey, but it is a MUST!! Just too funny. But it is a connection with them that I will have my whole life. It is a connection that Sammi will have with Wayne and Jen her whole life.

She will always be his little flower girl...

...and that is worth more than words can say.

Scrapping Sisters

So I tell my darling husband that I want to go away for the weekend with my dear friend Kristy to go scrapbooking...an entire weekend with nothing but the view of White Lake, my Cricut and my pictures.

His response..."seriously???".

For those that don't scrapbook, I imagine an entire weekend of scrapbooking seems...well, overwhelming. And I imagine it could be if you don't break up your day with gloriously rich meals, brisk walks to Lake Michigan, an hour massage and a wonderful pedicure!! Okay, the secrets out...I really went to relax, but I got 30+ pages done in the mean time!!

More importantly, I got some great one-on-one time with Kristy. Kristy and I used to work together, but she moved to a position with Priority Health closer to her home in Grand Rapids. I miss her terribly at work - she was my sounding board, my partner in crime, my gym buddy. But I know for her, it was the right move. I am forever grateful that our relationship has persevered through the transition. In fact, I've grown closer to Kristy than ever.

I think its because we are so very different and yet so much the same. Let me explain:

Kristy is redheaded with freckles, a natural beauty. She is very athletic and can literally kick my butt on just about any gym machine made by man (yes, I know this as fact, as she used to be my training partner at the Omni!!). Kristy is quiet - very unlike me - and keeps things close to her chest. You have to know Kristy to know something is bothering her because she doesn't wear her heart on her sleeve. She's a thinker - she has to process things and think about them before she reacts. Yep, I hear ya, polar opposite of my 'react-first-ask-for-forgiveness-later" behavior.

Yet somehow, we are friends...really great friends. Kristy's character is top notch - she will take a serious secret to her grave if you ask her to; she's always the first one to email you to find out if this appointment or that special event went well. To explain what kind of friend she is, let me tell you about my birthday. I'm not a big fan of my birthday - one because it is in March and it's cold and I'm not a "cold, wintery" kind of girl; two because it is during the middle of busy season and I'm usually too exhausted to care that it is "my day". So what a treat for me last March when I pick up my cell phone to hear I have a message...one from Kristy...who was on vacation with her family in California. She called to wish me a good day and then proceeded to sing happy birthday to my voicemail.

Now THAT, dear readers, is what friendship is all about.

So here we are - among all our scrapbooking treasurers (yes, this table is only OUR stuff!!):

But the truth is our friendship is the real treasure. Thank you Kristy for taking a weekend away from your sweet husband (hi Greggy:) and your darling boys, Ethan and Owen, to spend some quality girl time with me. I can't wait for episode number two in May:)

Libby Who?

After we worked up a sweat at the Race for the Cure, us girls ventured off to Libby Lu in the Grandville Mall for a birthday party for our now five-year-old Samantha Paige. She was joined by her two sisters and her cousin, Morgan. What a riot these girls are!! Completely all girl, let me tell you.

The pink sequin dresses were worn by most of the girls and they had their nails and make-up done while Hannah Montana and Cha-Cha slide were blaring on the speakers! Instead of getting their hair done, all the girls opted for some sort of faux hair piece. Sammi enhanced her own pony tail with some unique purple strands. My darling Madison went for the blond Sharpay wig with a microphone headset and Alison went for Hannah Montana hair with a diamondique crown. Our dark haired-beauty, Morgan, turned herself blond with a little help from a wig. All of them had a great time:)

Alison decided to make herself comfortable in this chair with her long locks flowing effortlessly down her shoulders:) What a hoot!!

The girls all went back to our house afterwards and had a little slumber party complete with movies, popcorn and birthday cake to celebrate Sammi's big day.

Happy Birthday, Sammi. I hope your fifth birthday was as joyous and fun-loving as you are. We wish you a year full of smiles with lots of hugs and kisses mixed in:)

Think Pink

Okay, so much has happened since my last post and this is going to be a multi-posting evening. I need to get up to date on my blog so you can all hear (or read as it may be) what we've been up to!!

Since the raisin shot heard round the world, we've been on the move. In late September, our whole family had the privilege, and I mean that in all sincerity, of teaming with my sister-in-law for the Race for the Cure. Our immediate family has been doing this race since 2001, but this year was special. See our official family photo below of Team Silicone Sisters (not all team members were present...just our immediate family).

As many of you know, my SIL has had the up-close-and-personal experience with very aggressive breast cancer. She's fought the battle and has come out on top - thank you God. I can only imagine what this woman has been through the past two years - and yet with her quiet strength, she draws no attention to herself. That is why this day was even more important. We wanted as a family to show our support for her struggle, for her fight, for her strength in tough times, for her honesty about this dreadful disease. I'm proud to say that we were involved with this event as a family, as a team, but I'm thankful beyond words to be able to say "this is my sister-in-law - the survivor".

For any of you who know of this struggle or know someone who has been touched by this terrible disease, I encourage you to do something about it. On September 26th of next year, grab your walking / running shoes, throw on something comfortable and join us for little 3 mile adventure. You don't have to run. You don't have to even walk quickly. Heck, we'll push you in a wagon with your oxygen tank if we have to, but get out there and DO IT!!

I promise you - you will be touched by this event. You can't beat the experience - it is life changing for all those involved.

Beware of Flying Objects...Particularly Raisins!

So the phone call goes like this:

Stacy: Hi Mom.

Grandma Kemp: We have an emergency.

Stacy: Oh, no. Now what happened (mind you last week's emergency was Alison slicing open the chubby part of her hand between her thumb and pointer finger because she didn't want to wait for Grandma to cut her peach...I do it...I do it, she says. Boy did she ever!! No stitches - just endless amounts of Barbie band aids.).

Grandma Kemp: Well,...***insert dramatic pause here*** Alison stuck a raisin up her nose.

Stacy: A what?

Grandma Kemp: A raisin.

Yep, sure enough. Our daughter managed to not only get the raisin up her nose, she managed to shove it so far up her nostril that she nearly touched her brain!! Okay, not that far, but almost into her sinus cavity. Now THAT takes some persistence.

So I show up at my mom's house and Alison is hiding under her blanket - one, because she knows Mommy had an important client meeting that day and got called out of it to take her to the doctor and two, because she didn't want to show me the ghastly "raisin bump" that was literally protruding from her forehead. I have to ask "what made you stick a raisin up your nose, kid?". Her reply: "I was just curious". Ah ha, so that is what killed the cat!!

We proceed to the pediatrician. I get to the front counter with Alison in toe (mind you the receptionist lives in our neighborhood and is almost our neighbor). She says "oh, the second day of school and you are already at the doctor. What's wrong with the little one?". I reply pretty nonchalantly "she has a raisin up her nose". "Oh, so SHE is the one that did that". Great - so now the whole doctor's office is waiting to find out which child will surely be labeled with some silly raisin-related nickname! I can just see her chart now...

We get into the exam room, Dr. Woods (our wonderful pediatrician) takes one look up her nose and tries so hard to say something, anything, with a straight face. He falls amazingly short of his goal. Alison has managed to jam this large raisin way, way up there so Dr. Woods won't even attempt to take it out. Lovely...one co-pay down...at least one more to go.

We head to the ER (Mercy) and Dr. Woods pages a ENT doc so they can come and remove the "foreign object" from my darling child's nose. Can you believe that right on the docs receipt there is an actual medical CODE for foreign object removal from one's nose? I'm serious...this must be a regular occurrence, I assure myself. I'm told later that Barbie shoes and Match Box Car wheels are highly popular items for the little tots to shove on up the schnozes.

We get into a room and are waiting for the ENT doc to call the hospital and let us know when he can get there. This very kind ER doc comes in and suggests we try something "a little less invasive". Okay, I say, whatever it takes to get that thing out of there before it rots her brain! So he tells me to blow in her mouth like I am giving CPR. HUH? Come again? Blow in her mouth? Seriously? He's serious all right. Before I try, however, I get the caveat that there is a 'gross factor' that comes with this procedure. I figure, how gross can it be right? It's just a little raisin in there.

So I blow into her mouth and the doc holds her good nostril closed. Nothing. He takes a look and tells me that the "object" has moved. Try again, he encourages me, but do it a little harder. Harder? I might explode my own child's lungs by doing this procedure, but I listen to the good doctor and give it one more try - one more solid blow into Alison's mouth.

Sure enough, one snotty, germ soaked little raisin comes flying out of her nose and sticks directly onto my cheek. The nurse is kind enough to get a Kleenex and wipe it off for me and then asks "would you like to keep it". Seriously? I snot-soaked raisin....now I'd like to see someone try to scrap that little baby into a cutesy little 12 x 12 memory page!

Alison ends up fine. I end up at the Station with a tall adult beverage in front of me to sooth the days activity. My husband, my parents and our dear friends the Allards end up making raisin jokes all night and laughing their fool heads off.

All I know is this wasn't in the users manual for three year olds!!

Move Over Preschool...Here She Comes

Last week we went for an hour orientation to the Mona Shores Administration Building to meet Ali's new preschool teacher, Mrs. Marchese. The former preschool teacher that Sammi had for two years, Mrs. Lindback, took a kindergarten position at Reeths Puffer. Ali was initial really bummed that she wouldn't have the same teacher as Sammi, but as soon as she was in her new classroom with her new and old buddies, I think the janitor could have taught the class and she would have been happy. Mrs. Marchese has her hands full, though, as all Alison wants to do is play with the new dress up clothes! Luckily, Mrs. Marchese is 24 and as full of energy and excitement for her new position as the kids are to be in school. Alison likes her new teacher very much, even though she can't say her last name (she told Grandma Kemp her mom calls her teacher Mrs. Cheezie - her name is Mar-K-Z!!) and I believe we are in for a very exciting and fun-filled year of preschool!!

September 9th was Alison's first official day of school. I decided to take a few minutes off of work to take her, just in case there were any last minute jitters. Sometimes, Alison can actually be kind of shy - yes, I know you don't believe me - but it CAN happen. Who was I kidding? The door opened on the first day of school and Alison went flying into the classroom - and I mean flying, as in an all-out-run to get in there first. She found the spot to put her coat and backpack, moved her "star" with her name on it from home to school so her teacher could take attendance and proceeded to find a seat next to her best buddy, Koryn. It was adorable and heartbreaking and exciting and frightening. Our baby is growing up so quickly!! In just two short years, we will be walking her to her bus stop for her first day of kindergarten.

I'm so very excited for Alison. She has been going over to preschool since she was born taking one sister or another...patiently and not-so-patiently waiting her turn to go into the classroom. It's finally her time to do something without her sisters. Something that is all her own and she is loving every minute of it.

I'm so proud of you, Alison. You are growing up to be such a dynamic young lady and every day is a new adventure with you. May you always have that adventurous spirit... and may Miss Liz never run out of the hair dye that is required to cover the gray hairs that your adventurous spirit churns up!! We love you, Ali-Bubba!

And They're Off...

Ah, the first day of school. Full of new backpacks, school supplies, brand new shoes and ironed clothes...a type A personality's dream come true!! Last night, Scott and I got two backpacks ready with supplies, completed forms, lunches and Kleenex (mainly for Mom when she puts them on the bus:). Maddie was first off this morning, getting her picture taken in the front of the house, as has been the tradition since she started off to kindergarten. She looked so grown-up and ready to tackle another year. Third grade...yes, third grade starts today!! You'll note the new glasses. Madison got her glasses the very last day of second grade, so she hasn't worn them a lot this summer. She needs them only for reading, so she'll be using them more and more these next few months. Third grade is supposed to be very challenging, so we'll see how she masters all the homework with her extra-curricular activities.

Sammi also had her first day of school this morning, catching the bus shortly after 11. She was off to her "Young-fives" classroom, via the big yellow bus. Given her late September birthday and how quickly the elementary curriculum moves, we thought it best for Sammi to have a "practice" year before the real thing. I know she'll do great academically, but needs the year emotionally to grow. She was so excited today because her bus stop is in her best friend's driveway and they get to ride the bus together!! As you can tell, Sammi and Kendra are joined at the hip and love to be together!!

I can't wait to get home tonight to hear all about their days. Alison was kind of quiet this afternoon when I stopped in to check on her at Grandma's, mainly because her playmates were all at school, but she'll be fine. Preschool starts next week for her and that will keep her busy. I'm not sure what her and Grandma have up their sleeves for all these afternoons they will have to themselves, but I'm sure it will involve something fun!

Happy first day of school, girls.

Go get 'em!!

Cousins, Cousins and MORE Cousins

On Sunday, my cousins, Jacqueline and Julie came for a visit to Muskegon. Julie brought her adorable three kids, Rick, Noah and Mackenna and Jacqui brought my Uncle Rex in her hot new ride, a shiny black Volkswagon Passat. Grandma Volkmann stopped over and Dean came into town with Clayton and Morgan and before we knew it, we had enough kids running around my parents house to start our own soccer team! Eight children, nine and under, to be exact. The kids had a blast playing together and trying to figure out how to get each other wet:)

Jacqui is starting a new job in Atlanta next week and wanted to see the extended family before she takes off on her new adventure. Julie lives in Grand Rapids, but sometimes it seems like a continent away when you have busy kids and work schedules to contend with. We don't get together nearly as often as we'd like or as we should, but Sunday was our day - a own Cousins Reunion. Thanks, Jacqui and Julie, for making it happen and traveling to Muskegon to visit.

Good luck Jacqui as you embark on a new chapter in your life. Stay safe in Atlanta!!

A "Smoking" Good Time

Last weekend we had a great time hosting, along with my brother and sister-in-law, a couple's shower for the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Scott Volkmann at my parent's house. In our world that would be Mr. and Mrs. "Wayne" Volkmann. I won't go into the story of the nickname here, but it is safe to say that most of you know who I'm talking about when I say "Wayne".

The group went in together and got the happy couple a new grill, a cookbook and the accessories they need to start cooking outdoors...okay, make that learning to cook in general, but either way the cookbook has pictures - how bad can it be?

I think it is safe to say fun was had by all and we really enjoyed getting everyone together for some pre-wedding drinks and celebration. Thanks to my parents for letting us host the party at their house and a big thank you to my sister-in-law for helping make the delicious dinner. Oh, yeah, and the biggest thank you of all goes out to my husband, Scott (aka Eddie - do you notice we have nicknames for all our Scotts???) and brother, Dean, for doing the charring, I mean, grilling. Okay, honestly you two, I tried to be nice and not say anything, but I just couldn't resist...after all it is all in good fun. Thank you to the Norton Shores fire department for NOT showing up when the hamburgers went on the grill and the smoke starting choking out our guests in the garage. Not to worry, folks, no oxygen was needed for anyone but the chefs and the burgers actually turned out awesome!! ...Giggle, giggle...No really, they did.

Scott and I have been lucky enough to get to know Jen and Wayne more and more these last few months. They often stop by for a drink or just to shoot the breeze or see the girls. We always have great conversations, even if we don't see eye to eye on the subject, and we always end up learning something more about each other, as individuals and as couples. Wayne is a lucky man to have Jen...she is an amazingly patient, soft-spoken young woman that is the perfect balancing act for Wayne, our social butterfly. She's level headed and organized and has a serious soft-spot for kids (oh, and did I mention she can't keep her eyes open for pictures like the one above...Sorry Jen, it was the only one we had!!). Jen is equally lucky...Wayne is an extrememly warm and loving young man that wears his heart on his sleeve. He'll have your back no matter the fight and he's incredibly loyal to his family and his loved ones. Together they make an adorable couple - a couple that we hope will have many, many years of marital bliss ahead of them. We wish them all the best today, tomorrow and always.

P.S. Stay tuned in October for pictures of the happy couple and their ADORABLE little flower girl (yep, you guessed it, their flower girl is our Sammi - Wayne's Godchild!!).

Cutie Cooties

This weekend we all had a chance to take a big, long breathe and just relax a bit. Last weekend was busy with a couple's shower for my cousin and his soon-to-be Mrs., so this weekend we tried not to plan too much. Friday was cleaning day and the girls cleaned out their closets / rooms / toys and made way for school clothes. It is amazing to me how much "stuff" three girls can accumulate in just three short months. We found an extraordinary amount of flip flops -none that matched of course - but flip flops of every color. On the list of "closet finds" was one Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle tennis shoe, one 24-month jean skirt that hasn't fit anyone in at least a year and a small change purse with over $3 in it! Can you say J-A-C-K-P-O-T!!

On Friday night, we just laid low and decided to turn off the televisions and have a game night. Okay, the reality of it is that the girls got in trouble on Thursday night and COULDN'T watch television, but none the less, we pulled out all our board games and card games and had some fun. We played a great card game called "Sleeping Queens", Battleship and of course, the ever popular Cooties. I never liked the game as a kid, but as an adult, it is hilarious to listen to Sammi and Ali giggle as they mix match their Cooties legs and pick out crazy little antennae. I had a blast just watching them. Of course, I happened to have my camera close by and took some pics of the girls latest creations.

Meet the Cutie Cooties:

We also pulled out a game called Too Many Cooks as Scott whipped up dinner. Madison got the game for Christmas and we just hadn't gotten it down to read the instructions. Well, I have to tell you, I read the directions on how to play three times (mind you the game is for ages eight to old lady) and I'm still confused. Something about vegetable du jour and soup recipes and a wild card of hot chili pepper spoiling the batch. I'm telling you, this game is for no amateur in the kitchen, such as myself. I gave the game and the instructions over to the real chefs in our house, Madison and Scott. I'm pretty sure they'll be able to figure it out and they'll probably come up with some wonderful recipes in the process!!

As I watched the girls playing games with each other and their dad, I realized that we should turn our televisions, our video games, our cell phones off more often. This generation of children that we are raising don't know what it is like to just sit home and relax. Heck, as adults, we don't know what the word means anymore. A weekend ago, my dad watched as Scott and I scurried around his house / yard after the couple's shower. We were busy cleaning up, moving things back in their places, folding up tables and chairs. My dad's comment was "can't either of you just sit down or sit still for five seconds?".

As I sat and watched the girls on Friday night, my dad's voice came booming back into my head...AHA! So this is what he is trying to tell me without really telling me. I realized that I miss out on so many things by rush-rush-rushing around all the time. I realized that I am not teaching my children how to enjoy the moment if I am in perpetual motion. And most importantly, I realized that I am not enjoying the precious time that I have with these beautiful girls because I've already moved on to the next item on my to-do list! I know for a fact there will come a day when I look back and wish I hadn't wasted time with dishes and laundry, but instead embrassed the moments with them that I was handed, but didn't see.

There is a joy and a fulfillment that only comes by taking that calming breathe, stepping back just enough to take it all in and taking that mental snapshot that will stay with you forever. I'm a student to this art - sitting still is like a punishment for me, but I'm working on it. So, for those of you that stop by for a visit while my laundry is in the kitchen and the dishes are in the sink, I may appear to be doing nothing - but I'm really studying this fine art - so bear with me!! LOL:)

How many candles???

July is such a fun and crazy month for our crew. Birthdays, birthdays, and more birthdays!! My nephew's birthday is the 27th, my Grandma's birthday is the 26th and my mom was born on the 31st! Lot of parties, lots of fun...lots of cake:) Whoo-hoo to cake!!

My Grandma celebrated her 84th birthday this year. While she has her aches and pains, it is amazing to me that she still weeds most of her garden, does her own sewing and paints like you've never seen. Her eyesight is going, she has trouble with her back, hips, knees, but for 84, I think she's doing damn fine. Here's to ya, Grandma:) I love you more than words.

My nephew is nine this year. N I N E!! When did that happen? The poor boy is the only boy born to our family. He is often forced to Barbie.com instead of his normal Avatar site and will dutifully play "whatever the girls want" for about ten minutes. Luckily, he has inherited by brother's love for the outdoors, hunting and (UGH!!) Star Wars. For his birthday, as a matter of fact, he got his very first bow and arrow and my brother has a shooting range set up on his side lot. He'll be a "Turkey Hill" want-to-be in no time at all. I love my nephew for so many reasons, but one stands out to me as I watched him play with our girls on his birthday...his unconditional love. His heart is as big as Texas and he loves, loves, loves his cousins so much. Madison always gets the biggest of hugs when we are with Clayton and Alison thinks he is just "super cool". Happy Birthday, Clayton. We love you so very much and thank God every day that you are part of our crazy lives.

Last but not least is my darling mother. Her "BIG" birthday was last year, so she decided this year that she was done having birthdays. Now, how could I let that happen, right? Scott made her dinner for her birthday (yummy...blue cheese and fig stuffed pork tenderloin), my brother and his family came over to join in on the fun and my grandma even drove all the way over for the festivities (okay, Grandma Volkmann lives right behind my mom...no I mean literally RIGHT behind her...you can see her back door from my mom's back door). My mom always says no gifts on her birthday - "you don't have to buy me anything...just being here with all of you is enough", but she got some great stuff including a new GPS system from my dad. Yeah, I know what you are thinking, sounds like a "guy thing". I thought so too until I realized that the GPS system not only has every MALL and SHOPPING CENTER in the area already programmed into it, but we can also program all our greenhouses and flower shops for future use...Good job, Daddio!!

On my mom's birthday, it always seems like a fitting time to spoil her just a little more than usual, to tell her how much she is loved by all members of our family and to let her know that she is appreciated so very much. I can't imagine what my life would be like without her in it - she's my strength when I have none of my own, my warrior when my "fight" has left me, my comforter when all seems grey. She's my best friend and without her, I would be lost. On your birthday, Mom, I love you more than I could ever tell you, more than my actions could ever show you.

Happy birthday to all our July birthdays! May all your birthday wishes come true...

Swim, Swam, Swum

Madison and Sammi took swim lessons again this summer. What nuts they are!! I signed them up for the first session (45 minutes sessions...every day...for three weeks...) thinking that would help quench their thirst for pool swimming. We have Parent's Day after first session and low and behold...two girls that I vaguely recognize as my daughters are pleading with me...no make that begging me to take the second session of swim lessons. Now for those of you that know their coach, Mr. Steve, you know that he is no push over. He's tough, he's firm and there is NO nonsense in his pool at any time. You can imagine my surprise then, when both Maddie and Sammi were asking for...

...more early mornings

...more strict instruction

...more strokes to be learned

...in general, more hard work.

Needless to say, I caved, wrote the check and we were a go-go-go for three more weeks of swim lessons (BTW - a super huge shout out for the chauffeur...thank you, Mom, for taking the little critters to and from swim lessons, twice a day, everyday for SIX weeks!! You rock!! Oh, and don't think I didn't see that eye roll thing you did when I caved to the pleading eyes of my children...I saw it all right. Just remember...caving is in the genes, woman!! LOL).

To say I am proud of my kids is an understatement. Madison has passed four levels and is working on level five. That is a hard level because they learn so many new strokes and it usually takes several attempts to pass. I'm proud of her for sticking with it and working through something that hasn't come easily to her - or at least not as easily as so many other things in her life. Sammi, my super-social butterfly, put scheduling play-dates on hold long enough to really concentrate during second session and improve all her strokes to pass level three. Her next session will be in the deep end next year! She even got to go down the slide for "graduation".

All our girls have a passion for the water - something I think they get from living so close to the Lake. I was in my Grandma's pool 24-7 when I was a kid. No formal swim lessons here -just fun and frolic in the deep aqua-blue waters of the Volkmann pool. Scott would argue that because he was in the 'original Swim Babies' class at the Y that their love for the water is all his doing. For those of you that know us, or better yet have seen Scott swim, I'll let you make your own judgment on where our girls "water" gene came from:)

Congratulations, girls on a job well done. Both your dad and I are so very proud of how well you have done this summer and what strong, graceful swimmers you have become!

Finally...Fabulous Florida

Beauty queens at the pool

Look ma, I've got rose-colored goggles!!

The Pool Posse - Ali, Papa, Madison, Scott and Sammi

We recently spent six fabulous days in the balmy (or in other words...HOT) weather of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Scott's dad took a position a few months ago with a Florida bank and we went to see how he is loving his new condo on the ocean. We flew out July 4th and the girls did so well traveling on a plane for the first time. Alison felt so comfortable that she fell asleep on the way down and on the return flight home. Truth be told, I was much more nervous than the girls when it came to flying. I think it has something to do with the fear of falling out of the sky at 10,000 feet. The girls on the other hand, were like old pros by the time we got through the security center.

I believe a great time was had by all on our trip. To sum up our time in Florida, I would have to say...pool, pool, fireworks, Starbucks, ocean, pool, pool, Rainforest Cafe, pool, pool and, yep, you guessed it, pool. The girls were little fish in the condo pool and they swam a minimum of four hours a day. Mr. Steve, the girls swim coach in Muskegon, would be so proud!! Madison practiced her breast-stroke for swim class, Sammi found herself comfortable in the deep end for the first time and Alison was tooling around the pool in her floaty like she had been swimming for years! I was so proud of our girls:)

Aren't I cute?

The hard part came, of course, when we had to leave. Grandma and Grandpa drove us to the airport. We got in line, checked in our bags and proceeded to the long line for security. I think Madison made it around the first bend of people before she started crying. She just couldn't look at her Papa and not cry. She knows what is going on here...she knows that it will be a while before she sees him again. The other two Sewick girls were too busy playing around with their pull-luggage and deciding what snack they should get for the plane. You've got to love youth...sometimes it is just so simple and easy.

Madison kept moving along, head down, following the line of people heading toward their gates. She got to the metal detector, put her shoes on the conveyor and realized she had to say goodbye. Papa and Grandma couldn't go with us any farther and she wouldn't be able to even see them from where they were standing. She waved half-heartedly, started to cry some more and went through the metal detector. My heart went out to her - I even teared up myself - because it was just so heartbreaking and tender to watch. Her Papa was brave and didn't shed too many tears while he waved frantically as we headed toward our gate. Definitely a moment I won't soon forget - a bitter-sweet memory I'll cherish for quite some time.

But I have to say, while Florida was full of adventure and excitement, there is nothing like walking through your own front door and resting your head on your own pillow. Vacations are fun and full of lasting memories, but as the saying goes...

There is no place like home.