Beware of Naked Baby

Do any of your kids get super happy when they are naked? Kayden was barebutt for almost an hour tonight and I have never seen him happier. He was leaping through the window of his firehouse butt and long legs flying through the air just happy as a clam. Running from room to room and jumping on the bed, tearing my house all apart. Maybe God just knew that was what I needed after such an emotional day.

Little Sammy was laid to rest. What strength that family has. Not a dry eye in the place. Please continue to pray for them as life gets back to normal (or as normal as it can get). Something really cool is this organization that came to the school today, it is called Hug A Bear. They gave all the kids from kindergarten to fifth grade a new bear. Whenever they feel lonely or miss Sam, they can hug that bear and be reminded of him. Don't tell anyone, but Josh took one to give to Kayden and named him Sammy. I know a lot of the kids had them at the funeral today and took them to bed with them.

For all my lunch ladies: Let's plan on Friday, noon, at my house. Just bring something to share. Let's set the date and make it happen. Sound okay?

Blubbering Mess...

that is what I have been all day today. It started the minute I walked into church this morning. Many of you already know this, but for those that don't, let me fill you in.

Last year, Josh had a little boy in his class named Matthew Post. Through the year we got to know this extraordinary family that really loves the Lord. Matthew's mom, Theresa, is one of those people who has never met a stranger. Josh and I had just moved back, and were adjusting to life in MI, and she was always a familiar face. At church, she sought us out, and never made us feel like outsiders. She truly loves people, and loves God, and it shows.

So, on October 31st, when we found out her smallest child had leukemia, naturally all of us at school prayed long and hard for little Sam, Matthew's brother. I think all of us prayed without ceasing for that kid.

Saturday I was at Meijers when Josh called and told me the news that Sam had died. I opened my devotions last night and how fitting that I read:

If your dreams were buried as the lowered the casket, God speaks to you...

He speaks to all of us who have stood or will stand in the soft dirt near an open grave. And to us he gives this confidence: "I want you to know what happens to a Christian when he dies so that when it happens, you will not be full of sorrow, as those who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and then came back to life again, we can also believe that when Jesus returns, he will bring back with him all the Christians who have died."

I am struggling with this one. I can't imagine holding my child while he takes his last breathe. As Theresa would say- "Prayer Warriors"- I urge you to pray for this family and all the kids at DCS and everyone who knew him. There are many difficult days ahead...

Beware, I smell a soapbox

Josh and I needed a quick lunch so I popped in Subway. We both got a footlong sandwich, not a meal deal, just the sandwich. Do you know how much that cost? $12.66! Am I out of touch here? Since when did two sandwiches at Subway cost over $12 dollars? I could not believe it. I used to work downtown GR about seven years ago and that same sandwich was $2.39. A 200% increase in seven years? Unbelievable. I wish Josh's salary increased 200%. They need a dollar menu for all of us Hollanders.

I found this while surfing though and thought it was funny:

28 years

What is Kayden looking for? I am a bit behind, as I turned 28 on Monday. 28 was pretty uneventful. Fabric stores, eating Quiznos, and a great birthday cake. Since Kayden came along, my own birthday just doesn't mean as much as it used to.

Josh is the best. First of all, he does all the laundry around here. All of it, every load. He does the dishes 99 percent of the time. He takes out the trash without me having to ask. I am a lucky woman.

On top of being so great everyday, Josh made my birthday really fun. I visited school and all of his kids had made me birthday cards. He had flowers and a teddy bear waiting for me in the classroom. He got me my favorite, Quiznos, and made me my favorite type of birthday cake. He went to not one, but two fabric stores for me to scope on some new material. He is a thoughtful guy and I am thankful.

So, with tomorrow being Thanksgiving, I have to give thanks. For Josh, for Kayden, for my mom and dad, brothers, and most of all God. I cannot fathom his unconditional love, giving His one and only Son. So that we will live abundantly. I am blessed through and through. Hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving.

Bette Davis Eyes

People have told me my whole life that I look like Bette Davis. I figure, she has a whole song just about her eyes, so it can't be that bad, right?
Once I moved to CA and bleached my hair I no longer got Bette Davis, but Heather Graham. Heather went to the same acting school I did, although I never met her. My friend James thought it would be hilarious to tell the teacher I was her (not Jeff Goldblum, this was before I took class from him). He was not amused, and scolded both of us for "disrespecting our craft". I thought he took it a little too serious. On a Sidenote-I have actually seen Cameron Diaz at Baja Fresh and we look nothing alike in person. Enough celebrity names for one post, you be the judge:

A dime is a dollar with all the various taxes deducted.

Some say that nobody should keep too much to themselves. The tax office is of the same opinion.


It's hard to believe America was founded to avoid high taxation.

It's too bad for the middle income person. They earn too much to avoid paying taxes and make too little to afford paying them.

The time has come. I have switched from a craft show business to a sole proprietor business and I have to bite the bullet and go to a CPA. Does anyone know of a good one that charges a decent price?

Making a Difference

Every second Saturday of the month, Josh and I attend a "Growing Kids God's Way" Bible Study. We love the group and have a lot of fun together. Josh and I both look forward to going every month.

So, this past Saturday, my parents came over to watch Kayden. Fifteen minutes before we were about to leave I realized I had eaten something wrong (could it have been the two hour old hot dog I was served at the craft show?) As Winnie the Pooh says "It made my tummy rather rumbly." Still, we loaded in the car and headed down the road. We got about half way there and I told Josh that we need to turn around.

Once we got home, I realized we probably should call so they did not wait for us. We tried the number listed in the church directory- wrong number. We looked it up online- wrong number. Finally, I knew that they had a couple of family members that go to our church, so I called one. I did not think he even knew who were. He not only knew who I was, but he knew about Kayden and Josh. I have to tell you, I was really impressed. There have been a few times in the nursery lately that I try to pick Kayden up and they pass me three different kids. I would understand if they confused him with another boy, but most of the time they hand me a girl. So, it was pretty amazing that this guy, whom I have probably talked to once, remembered me. It made me feel valid and important and it is a point I want to remember. Having an impact can sometimes be something so little, but it makes a huge difference to someone else.

GRCM

If you have no clue where we are in all these pictures, you probably do not have kids. After having parent teacher conferences all day Wed and Thur, Josh had friday off of work. We headed down to the Grand Rapids Children's Museum, and we had a blast! If you have never seen the video of the last time we went to GRCM, please ask to see it. Kayden's shoes getting stuck and tumbling head first down the penguin slide-Priceless. Thank God he wasn't hurt.

Great Clips, Great Cut

We walked through the salon door and I had no idea what was about to happen. We had a mini chat with a stylist and then we both donned our cutting capes and sat down in the chair. The stylist began clipping, and clipping, then clipping some more. I have been hesitant for a long time because he did not have that much hair to begin with. However, Kayden did awesome during his first haircut. I wouldn't say he liked it, but he did not cry or fight the stylist. I wish I had done this a long time ago. I think he looks older, but really cute.

I have been a negligant blogger. This week seems exceptionally busy! Normally, this time of year rolls around and I can't wait to get out the Christmas decorations and begin shopping. I am so overwhelmed right now that I cannot even think about taking a day to put up Xmas stuff. There have been a few years that I am finished Christmas shopping by Thanksgiving- at the very latest Dec 1. This year, I just might be one of those idiots out December 24 looking through the picked over items. Just kidding family, I have plenty of handmade gifts downstairs. Hope you all like flannel blankets and hooded towels:-).

Oh, the fun we'll have!

Yes, that is Baldwin Street

Who needs a boat and skis when you have a trusty pair of rollerblades, a rope, and a tractor? Justin and Josh are demonstrating "the whip" here at right.

It was such a beautiful day here in Michigan. We had my parent's tractor and wagon out all day, just being a bunch of dorks riding up and down the street.

They live right next to a playground- so we took Kayden in the tractor over there. There were a few odd stares- no one ever said we were a "normal family"!

Josh is super excited too because we found out that his best friend from CA is coming this week to stay with us until Saturday. They have been friends for a long time, and Uncle Hartog tells jokes like no other. It is fun reminiscing about all of our CA friends. If only he could bring me an In and Out burger. If you have never had one, it would be worth the trip to CA for that alone.

Well, that is pretty much it. Tractor rides, Uncle Hartog, and longing for IN and Out...

Q: How many adults does it take

to go trick or treating with Kayden? Answer: 6

We all set out Tuesday night after handing out cotton candy. My friends with nieces and nephews tell me to enjoy it now- because once there are other grandkids the attention has to be shared. We only went to about ten houses, but Kayden sure got into it. He found out he got candy at each stop, and was more than happy to get out of the stroller.

I think living in California hardened me a little bit. We set out candy while we were trick or treating and I was surprised that no one stole it. There was still a bunch left when we returned. My friend in CA had all of her candy stolen, and the bowl it was in. Good old midwest.