So my friends and family can be up on life here in GR

'But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.'
1 Samuel 12.24

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Well hey hey hey!

Not that I expect you to remember, but click here to see what I hoped to accomplish in 2011.  I was sorta dreading taking a look myself, but I actually did pretty well!!!

Here's the list I made: Check the Links for proof, the links dont lie!


Visit the Thumb (did not happen)
25k River Bank Run (YES! Go me!)
Triathalon (no...sigh)
Take a week off of work (YES! 11 days straight in Brazil!)
Send out a card a month (not technically, although I'm sure I sent 12 cards)
Tennis Reunion (YES! Livi's Wedding!)
Read 12 books (ahem. No.)

Not too Shabby!  On to 2012!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Homies for the Holidays

My youth group girls came over for a partay!  Thanks Chuck for arranging everything and the CUTE gifts! :)






Thanks for coming over, let's do it again SOON!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

94 is a LOT of birthdays!

Earlier this month my Grandpa celebrated his 94th birthday - what a celebration, what a guy!

My Great Aunt once told me that I should look for a guy like my grandpa to marry, because he is so kind, thoughtful, and caring.  And my mom has always said that if it were possible for one person to not have a sin nature, it would be my grandpa.  Pretty good write-ups I'd say! :)

Happy Birthday Grandpa!



And many mooooooooore!!

Monday, December 19, 2011

Flowa Powa!

I had a few friends over to see my house and to make some flowers

 A little breakfast:

A little craft:


Thanks everyone for coming! Who's hosting next time?!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

U-G-L-Y you aint got no alibi!

I had a request to post more of these!  

It went from bad to worse! Great job everyone! :)





Have yourself a very Merry Ugly Sweater day!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

When else do things like this happen?!

Holiday and Birthday gatherings with fam (this also included a surprise trip to Boyne!)


 

Downtown Tree lightings:


Living Room Tree lightings and decorations:




Planning and Executing Christmas parties and receiving shake weights for White Elephant gifts:




The Annual Meeting - which included a concert from MercyMe and Bebo Norman! (more to come on this!)

Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties:
 (I know it's hard to see, but my wreath earrings DO match my wreath buttons!)
(Jude and Jean)
And the fun has just begun!  What a great time of year! :)

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Bridesmaiding 101

Recently I was looking through photos and found a number of me as a bridesmaid. Which got me to thinking about being a bridesmaid.  I think I have some sage advice, for no one in particular, except the blog world at large.  

First, and this is probably the biggest one: Shut your yap and smile. It's not your day. Someday it will be, but today's not it. It's her's and you said yes. So zip it.

Be attentiveWhatever she wants; whenever. AND it's the best idea that her lips have ever uttered!

We know you didnt pick the dress or the color.  And even if you did get to pick your style, we know that there's no such thing as a 'great bridesmaids dress'  Fear not. I know it wasnt your choice, I dont blame you.

Shoes. Learn to walk in heels. She wants you in heels, so dont be difficult for her and say 'I cant wear heels.' Learn to.

Make-up. Another, very fabulous bridesmaid told me this: Wear just a little more than you usually do, and dont be afraid of your eyebrows with the eyeshadow.

Love it! Dance like you're wearing a matching dress with 6 other girls...'cause you are! This gives you certain rights and liberties for the day.  Kinda like a VIP pass. So dance dance yeah!  Keep the party real, be happy for them, and enjoy their day!

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Christmas is Here!

Christmas Party - check and check
See Downtown tree - check
Shopping - check
Decorations (all two of them) - check
cookies - check

Merry Christmas Season!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Back in the Day!!

Throwback to the good ol' days the other weekend when Laura came for a visit.  Lots of hanging out and having fun!


Made it a true visit by going to THE REAL FOOD CAFE!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Dancing Birthday

Sunday was a very fun day for me, and another great reminder of the blessings in my life.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas was performed at St. Cecelia and I just had to go see my favorite pink stocking and toy doll!

After church, I was able to celebrate my favorite Wills' 7th birthday - what a sweet guy!
It really was a great day, on a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend - God's mercies are abundant!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

You Ain't Much...

...if you ain't Dutch!!!  Holla!!!!

I went to a Dutch heritage dinner the other night and I felt riiiiiiiiiiight at home!!  There were even Kloppen Dancers!



We even sang the Dutch national anthem! :)

Monday, November 14, 2011

Party of Four

Second successful dinner party tonight!  Soup again.  Maybe this is just the soup house.  I also did apple and Brie melts.  Delicious.

The girls tried to surprise me with these, but I saw them sneaking around just the three of them at work, so the cat was out of the bag on the gift! :)  I love them!  Next up: Pasta! or fresh fruit!

Kelsey thanks you, and so do I! Who's up for the next dinner party?

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Heart Warming

I recently moved into my first house; to celebrate a couple of the moms from church decided to throw me a house warming shower.  What a blessing!  Living at my house has been a bit like glamorous camping or 'glamping' if you will!  Running water and comfy bed but nothing in the cupboards!  Not anymore!!!!!

Girl Tools!

The Decorations

D-Lish! and darling!

So many people came - what an honor.

Sara and Lois threw the party for me

These were SO cute - what a great way to wrap odd shaped items! Thanks Lynda!

I left feeling very loved, and ready to open my home - stop by to see me soon!

Monday, October 31, 2011

Halloween Happenings

It was an Around the World Wednesday night at the annual Harvest Party with the youth group!

I'm Finnish of course! and Meggsie the Indian

Brit and Leah - darling

Bangladesh, Mexico, Hawaii - nice work girls!

Trunk or Treat was a success again this year



And the munchkins who came to my house!

An Ancient Egyptian, Darth, Hans Solo, and a Cowgirl

Yoda and Darth

And their very stylish yet loaded down mother!

Happy Halloween!