I know she loves pink, but come on!!

Here is a photo of Ava on her first birthday...with pink eye...






Here is a photo of Ava, days before her third birthday...with pink eye...

While we are comparing, I cannot get over her hair! It was brown, and so short a mere two years ago.  Now it is so long and blonde!! Ava Girl is such a joy in our lives.  Happy Birthday Honey!!

**I realize it is hard to tell, but her right eye(left looking at it) is super swollen and red...poor baby!!**

Changes....

As you can see, I've added some "badges" to my blog (the Childrens Hope Chest, AHOPE, and Red Letters badges on the right side of the page).  I have been going through a major (I hope) life and soul change.  Through reading "Red Letters", and "The Hole in Our Gospel", my eyes have been opened to the daily atrocities that happen in our world, and I've been FORCED TO PAY ATTENTION.  "The Hole..." isn't a blasphemous book, contrary to some reactions elicited by Christians I know.  I would sincerely, from my the bottom of my soul, encourage you to read both of these books.  AND DO SOMETHING.  It only takes one person to start a revolution.  (And, if nothing else the proceeds of Red Letters feeds an orphan for a month, and those of "The Hole..." go to World Vision {it is written by their CEO, Richard Stearns}. )  But I warn you, prepare to have your world rocked.  America ISN'T all their is.  We have to get out of that mindset.  And make a difference.  

Zoo Trip

Last week, we had the pleasure of having our good friend Lily (or Wiwy Wou, as Ava calls her) play for the day while her Mommy and Daddy took a much needed vacation.  I didn't want to be at home with four kids five and under ALL day, so we went to the zoo.  Yes, I do realize thats a WEE bit crazy.  All in all we had a great time.  

Friday 5-The Great Outdoors (hehe)

Friday 5 for April 17: The Great Outdoors

1. When did you last sleep in a tent? Honestly CANNOT remember.  I mean seriously. I just don't camp.  It was definitely before I got married.  So, more than 6 years ago.
2. What comes to mind when you think about relieving yourself in the great outdoors? Eww. Or, the memory of last week when Ava had to go and we were at Gold Top (our local ice cream place, that doesn't have a bathroom) and so I went behind the cars and pulled her pants down and told her to squat and let er rip.  Thank god we all could laugh, because a 2 year old girl cannot successfully do such a thing.  
3. Where’s the best place you ever went camping?  Hands down, Lake Leelanau Michigan.  It was primitive camping (which was hidden from me until I told them "I'm going to go shower" and they pointed to the lake).  It was gorgeous.  A very fond memory.
4. What’s your favorite camp food?  S'mores.  And, hotdogs (which, if you know me, you know I don't really like, but there is something about one over a fire).
5. What's your sleeping bag like?  N/A. The boys have really cute blue and yellow ones though! :)

This topic just made me laugh.  I'm appreciating nature more and more everyday, but am by no means a "camper"... Now, it's your turn!!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter to all of my blogging and internet friends.  I hope it is a day for you to reflect on the true meaning of the day, not the commercial meaning.  I heard a statistic that Americans spend over $14 BILLION dollars on Easter.  Come on.  That certainly isn't what Christ died for (I truly don't mean that in a blasphemous way).  Our society is consumed by baskets and bunnies and eggs.  Let us remember that today we celebrate freedom from our chains....

wow. its been a while...

Wow!! I haven't blogged in months!! Here's a brief recap:

Christmas was GREAT! How can it not be when you have these three to enjoy it with!

Christmas break was a little long, and I was more than ready to get the boys back to school.  In January Dan went to Australia for a week (week and  a half? not sure...).  He got to enjoy this:

The kids had a few snow days.  The first 2 were fun, then I was just ready to get them back to school.  (And, because of the snow days, Gabe is in school til June 12!! I mean really....)

We've obviously done more than this, but I've been bad at capturing these moments! 

The Friday 5

So, my life's been crazy. I've been a lazy blogger. Sorry.

This weeks Friday 5: Keeping it Positive

1- What's your favorite thing about the shoes you're wearing?  I am wearing my Ugg-type boots.  They are warm. And comfortable.  And fit like a glove.

2-What's your favorite thing about the people you work with?  I don't work.  Well, out of the home.  So, if my home's my work, my favorite thing about my kids is.  Hmm. Right now it would have to be their imaginations.  So fun to listen to them play.

3-What's your favorite thing about the climate where you live?  Ugh. I generally don't like our weather, but we truly get all 4 seasons.  I love all the different seasons in their own way.  Today's 60^ and rain/wind, not so much though.

4-What's your favorite thing about Friday? Usually it signifies a few days with help with the kids. Not this week. Dan's going hunting.  (Ugh!!) SO, I am alone for the weekend, too. :(

5-What's your favorite thing about the year coming to an end? It's been not a great year for my family. I hope this changes in 2009.  Plus, I love a fresh start. 

Your turn!!