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

Monday, November 17, 2014

Boyne meets GR

Earlier this fall, while at Lake Ann for a Jr. High retreat, several of our girls hit it off with several of Lindsay and Marvin's girls, and thus, a shopping trip in Grand Rapids happened. :)

Movies, snacks, nails, and late night giggles.

Alllllll the girls loved it!

Breakfast on Kelsey


Moses got to meet his baby cousin Madge...huuuuuuuug! :)

We spent the day on the town and at the mall mostly. Dressing up Rylie, looking at all things interesting, going to lunch, and making memories. Come again soon!

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Where's Kitten?

This phrase is heard quite commonly around our house these days. And, well, the answer varies.

Cuddling. Although, I dont really know how we got this photo, this rarely happens.

Helping mom with work.

Racked out on the couch. Paw twitching and all!

Riding in the car.

Patroling the yard for critters.

Playing in the shower. Especially after we finish bc there's just a little water to bat and it's warm!

Watching her first snow out the window; very darling so I videoed too. :)


The most usual response for 'Where's Kitten' is:

1. under the bed, planning her attack on your ankle, (obviously no photos of that...stealth.) 
2. on the bed attacking the foreign objects moving under the sheets, or 

3. upstairs, terrorizing Regina and the dried plants. 
She's also quite the hostess and entertainer for children and adults alike! 2 out of 3 Willis boys were charmed, 1 Willis mom, the Hoogendyk Mice cannot stay away, 3 teenage girls are clamoring to meet her, Aunt Lindsay, Uncle Marv, and Mos are scheduled for visitation soon, Julie the neighbor has been cheered by Madge, and I just received an email request this morning for a visit. Busy times for a little girl! :)

Thursday, November 6, 2014

It was a day to celebrate!

Voting Day and our 10 month-aversary :)
So Mr. Man of Mystery surprised me with a new restaurant pick - Fujiyama! and we did the Hibachi Grill which was SO fun! 


We sat with a very chatty couple we didnt know, felt like we were in Italy again!

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

A lot of nothing is really everything.

I was reminded, both practically and verbally, this weekend that so much of life, and our enjoyment of it, is accomplished in the little things. And of course, attitude is everything.

This picture reminds me of accomplishing little things that make a house a home. That painting is now hanging on our wall, our yard is completely clean and ready for winter, the cars got washed and vacuumed, a meal was brought to neighbors, sheets washed, etc.

This picture reminds me of how much I enjoy having a partner for life to run errands, go to breakfast, carve pumpkins, serve in children's church, and laugh with about a darling baby kitten :)

This picture reminds me of the miracle of life, and the two little babies who are maybe the biggest surprise of 2014! Against the odds, they're growing strong and healthy and their mom and dad and family and friends couldnt be more excited for their arrival. What a joy to celebrate with others!

This picture reminds me that friends are a gift from God.
Kari and I were able to spend some actual time together catching up on life.
Neighbor kids trick or treated and lit up with a smile and waive when they saw us through the window :)
Friends asked us to be a special part of their wedding day, we are honored.
We attended the opera to celebrate a friend's talents, it was fantastic!
Sunday evening we celebrated our pastor together as a church and friends, we all have been blessed by their ministry.
It is a gift to walk through life with others; sharing in joys and navigating hard times.

So many times I look back and say, that was good! and it was such a little thing, and for that, I am grateful.

Monday, November 3, 2014

Our First Halloween

Our annual Harvest Fest at work was on Halloween this year, so I had my annual visitors come visit me :) 

Three Madelines and a Paddington Bear (who may have run into the glass walls a few times...), a hockey player, a guy in a black cape, a Gypsy, and Marie Antoinette.

Cat and Mouse pumpkins and my full service husband :)

Favorite quote of the day:
Wes, (attempting to level with me, and get the skinny): So seriously Betsy, what do you do all day? Wander around?

He might be on to something...I'll never tell! It's a good gig though!

Friday, October 31, 2014

Trunk or Treat 2014

It was another smashing Trunk or Treat success! Great trunks, lots of people, and perfect weather! Such fun!

Leah and her 1950's Diner

Dena the crazy cat lady

Pal and her women's committee flower shop

Lisa and her bug! Loved 'The web of Da Seat' :)

Downings do it again! Frozen!

Willis' were from another planet!
  Paddington Bear

Sara popped approximately 1 Gazillion bags of popcorn - you go girl!

And the newly engaged Trekkies!

The line was out the parking lot. We had a steady stream of people for all but 10 minutes.

Duck Dynasty made their appearance complete with their 10 commandments of family rules :)

Fun inside too! Face painting, cake walk, mini golf hole-in-one, pumpkin painting, and delicious hot dogs!

Next year...there's always next year for my big win!

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

A special masked selfie series

Brought to you by The Hulk, and his her bananas nieces and nephew:







#coolaunt
#bunnyearsarealwaysfunny