Is it easy for you to find personalized items?

Growing up with the name Jennifer I was always able to find things like barrettes, key chains, and bookmarks with my name on them. There are so many more unique names now that it is often difficult for people to find personalized items. My friend Katie came across a site called Frecklebox that makes books, posters, stickers and more. I checked it out yesterday and the first product I came across was the book "Jennifer Saves the Planet". There are some great product reviews available if you are interested.

What tricks can you do?

This morning Leah and Elizabeth had their year end gymnastics performance. It was really neat watching them both show off the tricks that they can do!

Did you enjoy your birthday party?

Today was another special day for Leah. She had the day off of school and her cousins came from Illinois to play. Then this evening we had a BIG family celebration with presents, cake, and ice cream. I took lots of pictures, but my favorite (posted above) is the one I took just before the party started. It reminds me of the calm within the storm of activity. Leah was very thankful for all of the gifts she received, however I think she appreciated the people who came to the party more.

How old is Leah?

Today was a great day celebrating Leah's birthday. She was able to open presents before school, share a snack with her class, attend gymnastics, and then eat dinner at Red Robin. It's hard to believe that she was born 6 years ago. What a joy!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

What random thoughts do you have?

Most of the time my mind is pretty focused. Typically I'm thinking about what I have to do next with my family or school. It's rare to catch my mind wandering. However, the other day as I was driving home I caught myself ignoring the chatter in the backseat and the background music coming from my stereo speakers. Maybe it was because I was driving, I'm not sure why, but I realized I've actually been pulled over 7 times and not 6. This past fall one of my headlights burned out. I drove around with it out for a few days because fixing it didn't fit into our busy schedule. Then I was on my way home and got stopped by a police officer on Lakeshore Drive (that's 3 times I've been pulled over on that road!). At the time I was actually driving slow because it was dark and wet so I knew I wasn't speeding. The officer pulled me over because of my headlight and thankfully only gave me a warning. Imagine that...the headlight was fixed the next day! Strange how your brain forgets things and then is triggered later by something else. So random...

What are you growing in your garden?

This April Leah was inspired to start a garden. Tim is the one with the green thumb in our family and he loved the idea. So while I was in grad class he took the girls to the store and purchased all kinds of seeds. They brought them back and put them in tiny planters to keep in our house. Each day the girls have been watching their plants grow and have been anxious to move them outside. Since the weather this past weekend was nice enough, most were transplanted to our "garden". Aside from the impatients that still need a little more tending, Leah and Elizabeth helped Tim plant wildflowers, sunflowers, corn, carrots, and pumpkins. Leah is so excited that she won't have to go to the pumpkin patch this October to pick out her own pumpkin. She plans to get one from her garden. I sure hope they grow!

Why didn't we have school today?

As a child Memorial Day meant an extra day off from school, but as an adult it means so much more. This year the day seems extra special. Maybe it is because I respect my grandpas who fought in World War II or because a close family friend recently served in Iraq. It could be because of the homecoming I witnessed between a student of mine and her father at my classroom door after his time in Iraq. There are many reaons, some are personal, to celebrate and remember those who served and sacrificed their lives. My hope is that in the future when Leah and Elizabeth observe Memorial Day with a day off of school they will understand and appreciate its significance. I salute the brave men and women who have helped fight for freedom!

Can you ride a bike?

Elizabeth is outgrowing her bike and is almost ready to get rid of her training wheels. To help with this transition we borrowed a bike from my parents. My dad took the pedals off of it and put tennis balls and duck tape in their place. Since the bike is small enough kids can touch the ground while learning balance on just 2 wheels. This process worked with Leah so we thought we would try it with Eliazbeth. She was extremely successful today and I see a summer of no training wheels in our future!

Do you like to landscape?

Our 12 yards of bark got delivered late this morning. Leah and Elizabeth enjoyed watching the dump truck unload its contents on our driveway and they couldn't wait until Tim got home from work to help him spread it. Before going outside they had to put on long pants and get covered in bug spray since the mosquitos have been so bad. It was a big Saturday project! I really appreciate all of the hard yard work though. Our landscaping looks so much nicer with fresh bark!

Would you like to read what I wrote?

Leah is into writing everything down lately. Her newest thing is her "Nature Observation Book" that she brought home from school today. This afternoon she was busy drawing and labeling all of the different plant life and animal life in her journal. Such a scientist! Just recently she took the initiaive to get numerous pieces of paper, fold, and then staple them into a book. Each page featured a different animal and was very carefully illustrated. This is her book with all of her spelling and punctuation:


My animle Book
Story by Leah Hopkins

I like hosis. tah liv on fas. tay allso like to run. tay run fast.

I like dogs. Tay or riley god Pets to hav. I have a dog.

I like Grafs. Tay live at the zoo or at the gras land. I like grafs.

I like cats tay are cuut

I like dallfins. Tay are nis. I like tem

I like seehorsis. Tay have cley tals.

I like jagwrs. and laprs. and chedus. too

I like der. I like babey ders. and moms too

I like anmls nomader how big or small.

Do you think you can dance?

I'm not a huge reality TV show fan, but I do watch a few religiously: Survivor, Amazing Race, and The Biggest Loser. My all time favorite reality show is So You Think You Can Dance. Tonight is the season premeire. I love watching the tryouts and the competition is faboulous! My favorite group of dancers has to be the breakers. They are incredible! To me dancing is an amazing talent and I secretly wish I was a better dancer. Maybe Leah or Elizabeth will develop that talent. For now I'll just enjoy being entertained by others.

Has the economy hurt your business?

Tim gets asked this question a lot lately. Usually his answer is yes. In fact just this past winter and spring the store shortened hours and cut some employees. However, the Devos Center Boat Show in February was one of their bests shows, lifting the spirits of everyone. With the upcoming holiday weekend they have been swamped with calls and business.Tim estimated that just yesterday they took 500 calls and the majority of the day their 6 lines were all busy. Boats sales are up and people are being hired to help out with the extra work load. Even though Tim is now putting in extra hours it is comforting to know that things are looking up!

Is your homework done?

Homework has become a bit of a chore since the weather has been nice. When we arrived home from school today Leah wanted to play outside. I asked her if her homework was done. With a shrug and a not so pretty face she informed me that it wasn't finished. When I suggested that she sit outside and do it her attitude changed instantly. Of course Elizabeth had to do her "homework" too. It was a great way to use the new beach chairs that I bought this weekend.

What are your creative outlets?

Most people who know me realize that I enjoy being creative. Traditional, and most recently digital, scrapbooking happens to be my preferred hobby. My former teaching partner and blogging friend Katie has come up with her own creative outlet. Check out her new site for preserving photos in a timeless way.

Is this where I will be camping?

Leah and I went to check out Camp Geneva during an open house this afternoon. Neither of us had ever been there before. There were lots of people roaming around when we first arrived. I overheard Leah say under her breath, "I'm not so sure about this". However, all it took to make her want to stay was the pool. Kids were actually swimming in it too! Brrr. It was fun to see the different parts of the camp. We took a tour of a cabin, had cookies and punch in the dining hall, and spent some time playing games and exploring the 2 different play areas. I think both of us are more excited now after seeing the camp. As we were driving home Leah exclaimed, "I love camp!"

Do you like to shop?

Today I went to Michigan City, Indiana to the outlet mall with my friends Nicci and Jodi. We got there when it opened and shopped until 7:00 tonight. It was a successful day, but I am exhausted!

How many tokens may I have?

Tonight my sister and I took our kids to Chuck E. Cheese's. Julie's son, Collin, recently received some tokens for his 4th birthday so we joined him for some belated birthday fun. We ate dinner and then played some games afterward. It was the perfect amount of time together and a great chance for the cousins to enjoy each other.

Do you want to go to camp this summer?

I just finished registering Leah for Camp Geneva this summer and I'm super excited for her. I grew up going to camp and loved it. For those of you far away, Camp Geneva is a Christian camp just south of our home. They offer day camp and overnight camp for students entering 1st grade all the way through high school. I signed Leah up for a week long day camp toward the end of June. This will be her first official camp experience and she is being very mature about it. When I asked her if she wanted to go she said yes immediately. I told her that she might not know anybody there and she said, "that's OK, I can make new friends!" I was so proud of her attitude and hope she still feels that way when it is time to go. This Sunday there is an open house at the camp that we plan to attend to help ease any jitters.

Are you feeling better Mommy?

Yesterday I did something I've never done before...I got sick at school. I tried everything in my power to make it through the day before hitting the toilet in my classroom. What a horrible feeling! After making sub plans for today I managed to drive home and crawl into bed for literally 15 hours. I woke up this morning to both girls, on separate occasions, asking me if I felt better. I sure hope Leah and Tim avoid this bug!

Are you feeling better?

When the secretary interrupted my lesson this morning and told me to call her I wondered what was wrong. I dialed the school office and was informed that I needed to call Elizabeth and Leah's daycare provider. Immediately my heart started racing and I wondered what horrible thing had happened. Last time I got a phone call from Kim during school hours Leah had pulled a huge chunk of hair out of her head. However, this time the news was different. Elizabeth had projectile vomitted all over herself, the couch, and more! As a teacher it's hard to just leave a classroom full of kids to pick up a sick child. So 2 hours after the phone call and halfway through the school day I left with Leah to get Elizabeth. She has now officially thrown up 6 times, but isn't running a fever. With the recent swine flu scare I made sure to call the doctor and apparently there is a different virus going around. I'm always amazed at how quickly little ones get sick, but thankfully they seem to bounce back just as fast. Let's hope that is the case today!

How did you spend your Mother's Day?

It was a whirlwind day that included an early drive to Wheaton, a church service, a stop at a coffee shop, lunch at my parents, a visit to a candy store, and then a trip back to West Olive with a pit stop for dinner along the way. Even though the day was busy, it was another chance to spend time with my mom and my daughters. What a wonderful day!

Do you like to wear hats?

I follow a fun photography blog . Every week there is a challenge for professional and amateur photographers. I've been tempted several times to participate, but haven't yet. My friend Katie did their most recent hat challenge. I went through my archive of photos and found a bunch that included hats and decided to put them in a collage. Maybe some day I'll be brave enough to join those who have submitted entries. I guess these pictures will have to do for now!

How would you describe spring?

Spring is
...buds blooming
...sparrows singing
...bumblebees buzzing
...sun shining
...winds whispering
...grass growing

Where shall we eat?

Tonight Tim and I took the opportunity to go to a restaurant without Leah and Elizabeth. We were hardly gone for an hour, but it was time away together just the two of us. It made me realize that we don't spend enough time together without our daughters. My parents have them both at their house in Wheaton until Sunday so hopefully between work and grad class we'll be able to spend a little more time together this weekend.

Would you like to know a few tidbits about me?

I was tagged through an email from my friend and so I thought I'd post my answers to her questions:

What’s your current obsession?
Taking pictures

If you could change your name, what would it be and why?
Jenny...JUST KIDDING! I like my name now, but when I was growing up there were so many Jennifers that I would have preferred Samantha or something less common.

Why is today special?
The sun is shining!

What would you like to learn to do?
Take better pictures

What’s for dinner today?
Leftovers

What’s the last thing you bought?
Mini Hershey bars for my students at school

What are you listening to right now?
Leah and Elizabeth talking to each other as they color

What’s your most challenging goal right now?
Deciding what path to pursue for my continuing education

What do you think about the person who tagged you?
She has the BIGGEST heart and her priorities are straight!

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?
Somewhere tropical on the ocean

What would you like to have in your hands right now?
An iced mocha

What would you like to get rid of?
All of the whining in my house!

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
Australia

What super power would you like to possess?
Walking on water

What’s your favorite piece of clothing in your own closet?
A new pair of board shorts for the summer...well, they are actually in my dresser

What’s your dream job?
A designer for a digital scrapbooking company

If you had $150 now what would you spend it on?
Birthday presents for Leah

What fashion show would you want tickets to?
Hmm..I don't know!

Whose closet would you want to raid?
My friend Nicci because she has great taste! Her pants would be too long for me though.

What are you most proud of?
The choices that I've made in life with my faith, family, and friends.

Which ride was your favorite?

After school today I took Leah and Elizabeth into Holland for the Tulip Time "carnival". The weather was perfect and the crowd was calm. I bought enough tickets for the girls to go on 3 rides each. Leah's favorite was the roller coaster on which she rode all alone in the front with her hands up most of the time. Elizabeth enjoyed driving the cars with other kids her age. Before leaving I treated them to sno cones. It was the perfect amount of fun for all of us!

Can you see this?

Glasses designed by Leah on StoryBook Creator Plus

Since being diagnosed with JRA (Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis) Leah has been required to see an opthamologist twice a year to watch for iritis which if left undetected could lead to blindness. Visiting the eye doctor is not Leah's favorite thing. She is extremely sensitive to the light and is hesitant to open her eyes for her exam. For the last 3 years we have been traveling to the Wheaton Eye Clinic, but we decided to try another doctor closer to home. Today we went to Grand Rapids Opthamology to have the brother of one of Tim's buddies take a look at Leah's eyes. While she wasn't as cooperative as I would have liked, she did fine. Her eyes were dialated (which you may notice in the picture) so he was able to get a lot of information. Based on his evaulation Leah doesn't need to go back for another year!

May I see your driver's license ma'am?

I was pulled over this morning on my way to Hudsonville to drop off the girls at Tim's parents' house. When the officer approached me I had my window rolled down and the radio turned off with my insurance and registration in my lap. I totally forgot about my driver's license until he asked to see it. To be completely honest I was NOT paying attention to my speed. It was early Saturday morning and the sun was shining and the roads were clear. As I sat waiting for my ticket, it occurred to me that I'm now 3 for 6 with getting pulled over and being fined. Here's my list of violations:

1990: Driving without headlights on ---no ticket

1995: Speeding in Minnesota with an Illinois driver's license in a Pennsylvania rental car ---BIG fine

1997: Failure to come to a complete stop at a red light before turning right ---no ticket

2001: Speeding down Lakeshore Drive ---no ticket

2001: Reckless driving (I hit a mailbox to avoid hitting a car) ---ticket

Today: Speeding ---ticket

Once I had my ticket in hand, I apologized to the "nice man" and he told me to have a "safe weekend". While I was putting the car in drive Leah said, "Now drive 55 Mommy." Lesson learned!

What would you like for your birthday?

The month of May is a busy one for our family. Along with finishing a school year and gearing up for the boating season, we celebrate Mother's Day, Memorial Day, and 5 family birthdays: 3 for our nephews, 1 for my mom, and Leah's birthday. Lately Leah has been talking about what she would like for her birthday. I told her to make a list, so she did. Here are her wishes with her own spelling and capitalization:

PuPPy
Belldoll
QUiLt
BiKe
JumProP
stuFanmL
teyset
cat
TV
computr
too sktRs
AQuaDotS
Shrt
Sct (skirt)
Dres