Many faces of a girl

Just a quick post tonight... these photos were taken on August 12 at the birthday party for Kelsey and Jacob. Abby was sitting quietly by her Dad, and the natural light was streaming in through the window next to her. I just *had* to take some pictures of her, and she obliged, for the most part.... isn't she beautiful?

Living with boys....

So the other day I went to get myself a glass of Diet Coke. I reached into the freezer for some ice. The top tray was empty (grrrr!), so I pulled it out to get to the next tray, and what did I find....

Someone likes to play pranks on Mom... in this case it's Noah. You'd think I would have learned by now, but this still made me jump sky high. It's just not something I expect to find in my freezer...

A lovely rubber spider hidden in my ice tray! Yuck! Doesn't it look creepy?

Hmmm... now I just have to think of some way to get him back when he's least expecting it, LOL!

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This reminds me of another story that happened a couple of years ago when Damian was still in my daycare. I was walking up the stairs, when I spotted a RAT under the desk in the living room!!! My heart lept into my throat, and I haven't moved that fast since... I jumped on top of the couch, and perched on the back of it. My heart was pounding, and I didn't know what to do. I sat there for a minute or two, when it finally dawned on me that this creature was not moving.

Unbeknownst to me, Damian had brought a toy rat with him that day. That explains why I thought it was real, right? I knew my kids did not have a toy rat, and let me tell you, this thing looked REAL! It was not made of hard plastic, but more like soft rubber... completely life-like. Ugh, it still gives me the heebie-jeebies! The kids sure got a laugh out of it that day....

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That's all for now, but I have lots of pictures to post, so I'll be back soon...

Have a great day!

Birthday Bash!!

Last Sunday we had a party to celebrate my cousin Kelsey's birthday and Jacob's half birthday. Most of you already know this, but for those of you who don't, we have chosen to celebrate Jacob's half birthday with a big party since his actual birthday is 3 days before Christmas. It is so difficult to get everyone together for a party near the holidays, plus the excitement of Jake's birthday tends to get overshadowed by all the hype and busyness of Christmas. Several people I know who have December birthdays think this is a great idea, but if Jacob doesn't like it as he gets older, we will change it.

Oh, and in case you're wondering if I really can't count.... yes, I do realize August 12 isn't actually Jacob's half birthday (that would be June 22). On that side of the family we have lots of birthdays that fall close together, so we combine the parties. This year, we decided to combine the party for Kelsey and Jacob, too.

A picture of the cute birthday kids..... Kelsey turned

11 this year, and Jacob is 3 1/2....

I love to find cute cakes to make for my kids. This year I wanted something cute and simple.... this fit the bill. I found it on the Better Homes and Gardens website.

Here is Jake with his cake...

Kate and the girls got this cute monkey backpack for Jacob... it is so adorable! After he opened it, he wore it around for the rest of the party. He is so excited to use it when he starts preschool in a couple weeks.

Grandma Pierce attached 3 dollar bills, 3 quarters, 3 nickels, 3 dimes and 3 pennies to this paper with a big number 3 on it. Isn't that cute? Jacob was so happy to get his own money...

And here is the birthday boy with all his goodies.... he sure had a great day!
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Jacob also got a boogie board from Peg and Mike and their kids, a Sesame street video game from Aunt Tammy, Brian and Nicole (along with some other little goodies), some birthday money from Grandpa Gene and Grandma Coke, two stuffed animals from big brother Nate, and a Play-Doh kit from Mom and Dad, Nate, Noah and Abby. What a lucky kid!

Last weekend

Last weekend, the kids and I headed up to P.J. Hoffmaster Park to spend the day with Aunt Peg. She was camping there for the weekend. It was a beautiful day, and we had a great time! The kids love the beach, and from the photos on this blog, you might think that's all we do!

Peg snapped all the pictures on this particular day.... Thanks, Peg! I love the one of Noah on the left. He does everything with a "big splash"...









Abby is having fun on her boogy board...

Jacob flashes a big smile....

Noah and Nate goofing around...

Out of the mouths of babes...

Here's a little conversation I had today.... thought you might get a chuckle out of it.

Jacob: Where's Dad?

Me: At work. (Just like every other day, silly.)

Jacob: Where is his work?

Me: In Zeeland.

Jacob: Is he there?

Me: Maybe... sometimes he has to drive to other places.

Abby: Like Muskegon?

Me: Yes, like Muskegon... and sometimes Grand Rapids or KalamaZOO.

Jacob: (said in his most patronizing voice) He can't go to the zoo by his SELF, mo-om!!