My Little Writers

It is so fun watching my kids grow. It is amazing to watch them develop their writing skills. I'm sure I couldn't have done this stuff in 1st & 2nd grade. Here are a couple poems from Sierra's poetry folder.My dad is special to me. He loves me and he plays with me. By Sierra 5-07 She sure does love that daddy.
Worms are slimy and they are brownish with a little pinkish. By Sierra 5-07 They sure are!!!

My first pool. I was scared. The pool was deep. Should I jump? I will jump. By Shawny 9-07

Can you see the two stick people in the pool?
Flowers at Charity's wedding. Shawny 9-07 He really had to decipher this one for me. But when he read it to me I could totally see it. I think this is a picture of Sierra although it could be Charity. Andrew and my niece Charity Thompson were married 8-06. Shawny and Sierra were so proud to be in their wedding.

Aren't they precious. Shawny brings home about 5 pages like this every day!!! He is one busy kid. It is amazing to see the progress from the time they enter 1st grade to the time they exit 1st grade. I'm a little scared of how much Sierra will have changed by the time she exits 2nd grade. They are growing so quickly. My babies!!!!! Where did they go????

Back to School

They are growing so fast!!!! It's hard to believe that I have two kids in school full time. Shawn is in 1st grade with Mrs. McMiellen and Sierra is in 2nd grade with Mrs. Johnson who just happened to be her Kindergarten teacher as well. Sierra gets to be in the same class with Jon Michael Clark and several friends other friends from her 1st grade class. I just had to show last years picture as well so you could see how much they have grown and changed.

New Family Photos

Trying to update our photo

Canning Tomatoes

A couple days ago we canned 26 quarts of tomatoes. It went quick and easy with my two helpers. Grandma Deeren and Sierra pealed the whole bushel. I scalded them, stuffed the jars and filled the canner. The majority of the work was done in less than three hours and I just had to watch the canner for a few more hours. They all sealed and we will be enjoying our tomatoes all through the winter. There is nothing better than making chili or goulash with home canned tomatoes and the memories that are made in the process.

Happy Birthday 6th Shawny

Shawny had a great birthday. He had 3 friends and his cousin come over for a sleepover birthday party. Soon after the kids arrived they began playing with legos. When there was a lull Lyle took the kids through a series of challenges (timed quad race, a foot race, bow shoot, casting a fishing pole, hula hooping and the like). The kids had a lot of fun but by the end we were all tired and hot and it was time for a swim.

The kids were in and out of the pool at least 7 times through the course of the two days. After a supper of pizza we ate cake and Shawny open his presents. He got a remote control boat to play with in the pool. It worked great for about the first hour. Too bad it didn't continue to work so well. We actually had to return it.:( What a nice bunch of kids. They played so well together.

After the kids had a chance to play some more they all got in their jammies and settles down to watch a true boy movie, "How to Eat Fried Worms." It was nasty but the movie was actually quite good. The kids enjoyed it even if it did leave us all a little sick feeling.

Happy birthday bubby! You are a precious gift and a blessing to all who know you. My you have a wonderful 6th year, full of growth and learning. May you find joy in pleaseing others but most of all the joy that comes from knowing Jesus as your best friend and living to please Him.

" For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Goin' into Business

Jon Michael Clark & Shawny couldn't be any cuter. Jon Michael and his dad built this cute little stand to sell kool aid from. At first he wanted to sell his kool aid for $1.50 a glass. He was finally talked down to .25 a glass. Of course, when Shawny heard what Jon Michael was up to he wanted to build a stand as well. Thankfully they combined forces and Shawny works for and with Jon Michael. Jon Michael and Shawny take this very seriously!! I have been informed that if you take too many breaks you get fired. Jerad Clark found out the hard way when he tried to work for Jon Michael last week. Today Jon Michael took his earnings to Walmart and bought a Sponge Bob Lego set. Not bad for a weeks worth of work.

Lovin' Our Pool

Last fall we purchased a pool at 50% off. The first week of June Lyle set it up for us with the help of Shawny. We measured out the size of the spot to be prepared, removed the grass and put a layer of sand as a base. Lyle & Shawny did a great job. Once all the prep work was done we put up the pool with much excitement. We are now reaping the fruit of their labor:) The kids are in the pool off and on all day. More on than off now that the weather has been so hot.
One of the best parts of having the pool has been the kids enjoying the pool with their friends. John and Michele have now decided to put a pool up too and the shame of it is that we won't be seeing as much of Abby, Jon Michael & Jerad:(
Until this week Sierra hasn't had much tolerance for the cold water. She will get in for a few minutes and then right back out. From that point on she spends most of her time on the top of the ladder living her life vicariously through those in the pool whole shaking from the cold. So cute!!!

Race Day, Westwoods Elementary 5k/10k

Today Lyle and Sierra ran a 5k at the kids elementary school. Lyle patiently ran with Sierra. I know as she grows she will treasure this memory. I don't want to leave Shawny out. He also was quite a runner. He ran the fun run and came in second place. I'm very proud of my family.

Also, Shawny got to run with his best bud, Ethan. Shawny is having a hard time dealing with the fact his friend won't be returning to Westwoods next year as Ethan's daddy took a new job and therefore he will be switching schools. I know Shawny will have no problems making a new best buddy but it will be hard to find one as kind and special as Ethan.

Mother's Day at Lake Michigan

Sierra and Shawny decided to pose for pictures after a visit to the Block House in Muskegon. While we were in Muskegon Lyle and I did a lot of work at my mom and dads house. Lyle put up the ceiling of the kitchen with my brother Tim and I wallpapered my moms bathroom with my sister-in-law Kim. Meanwhile Shawny and Sierra entertained themselves and cousin Isaiah so well. We owed them, big time, so on Sunday afternoon we drove out to the beach. Mom and dad live about 5 minutes from Lake Michigan. We had a great time even if it was a little cold.

They were supposed to stay dry. Ha Ha!!!! Needless to say, they had to be stripped down to their underware before they could get into the car.

You may notice the wood by Shawny. Sierra and Shawn build boats out of the scrap wood on Saturday at Grandpa's house and wanted to see if they would float. They did float and the kids were so thrilled.

Ding Dong the Jake is Dead

Lyle, the great white hunter of Cedar Valley, got his turkey. We are all happy for him. It was pretty cool, just tonight at dinner we prayed daddy would get one and he did!!!!

Beauty in the Valley

I love this time of year!!!! Working in my flower garden and watching the valley come to life. The Japanese Quince below just started showing it's flowers yesterday or the day before.
Take a look at this view. Just to the west of our yard is Solon Creek. I love the buttercups or Cow slips that take over. It's just beautiful!!!!!!!!!