Was your Easter "hoppy"?

Easter Sunday was a great day! Leah and Elizabeth woke up at the crack of dawn, like clockwork, and went on a scavenger hunt throughout the house in search of their Easter baskets. After an amazing church service we went home and the girls and I dyed eggs while Tim made a vegetable dish for lunch with his parents. We had a great meal and enjoyed the sunshine on the deck during dessert.

Did you enjoy your Spring Break?

Our trip to Florida was jam packed with activities, but we were also able to relax in between all of the fun events.  We started our trip in Orlando at the Magic Kingdom.  From there we drove south 3 hours to Boynton Beach to spend time with my grandmother.  There we enjoyed the beautiful pools at the country club and the local beaches.  We also had fun on a nature walk looking for alligators and a round of mini golf (I won with 2 holes in one!).  To end our trip we drove back to Orlando for a day at Sea World. While the majority of my family managed to get a cold and the days traveling were long, we all enjoyed the time together.  Now I just need a vacation from my vacation to catch up on all the things I neglected while I was gone!  

What did you do this March?

March came in like a lamb and went out like a lion for our family.  Typically this is one of the longest months of the year for me, but it also tends to be one of the busiest.  Here are some of the highlights:

• March is Reading month started at school and Leah dressed up as the Cat in the Hat.
• We had parent-teacher conferences at school and both girls led their conferences.
• Sickness took over our family and Elizabeth was the sickest. 
• I took my last tennis lesson at Hope College, but am looking forward to starting them again in April.
• I attended a technology conference in Detroit with 4 other teachers from my building.
• Leah and Elizabeth went to Meijer Gardens to see the butterflies with their grandparents.
• Our school celebrated the learning process with an event that included singing and visiting classrooms.
• Elizabeth fell chasing a boy at school and chipped her tooth.
• Leah competed in her 2nd gymnastics meet in Kalamazoo.
• Tim worked the cottage show downtown GR where Leah learned to rock climb.
• Tim and I celebrated 13 years of marriage with dinner out and an iPad 2 purchase.
• We visited the Holland Area Arts Council to see Leah's artwork on display.
• Jazmin turned 11 years old.

What's new with you?

It's been a bit hectic around our house this week.  The middle of February for our family means one BIG thing...Boat Show Week.  I've become what my friend Katie referred to as a "Boat Show Widow".  I appreciate Tim's involvement in our family a LOT more during this time of year.  We've managed to keep our regular schedule quite easily and even squeezed in a few fun activities.  We all miss seeing Tim (which is usually about only an hour each morning) however, I think Elizabeth misses him the most.  Before going to bed each night I hear her whimpering, "I miss Daddy." We are all looking forward to a more normal week next week!


Leah earned money doing book reports and bought some fish.



Swimming at Spring Lake Aquatic Center for family night with our church



Valentine's Day



What is your color personality?

I was recently given a subscription to Better Homes & Garden (thanks to my Gram) and I have found it very interesting to read.  In their latest issue I came across an article about color.  By clicking on their site I was able to take a short quiz and find out what my "color personality" is.  I'm not at all surprised to find out that I am FIERY RED.  That means I am decisive and result-oriented, a take-charge person with a flair for the dramatic.  I'm not afraid to take a risk and show my passion.  I was so intrigued by the results that I decided to take their organization personality quiz too.  I found those results to be even more exact.  I am considered a librarian.  That means I like everthing in its place. I am detailed and a taskmasker.  It also says that I am energetic and a perfectionist, sometimes to a fault.  Wow!  I wonder what your color and organization personalities are?

Will we have school tomorrow?

It's always a nice surprise to get a phone call early morning to be told that school is closed, but getting a phone call the night before is even better!  With the "Blizzard of 2011" school was canceled and by 9:00 Leah and Elizabeth were outside in more than waist deep snow.  They had a blast playing with neighbors making forts, sledding, and much more.  Tim spent the majority of the day plowing our road, the parking lot at his work, and his boss' new subdivision.  I took the opportunity to do some Valentine decorating, a little bit of crafting, and some school work.  What a day!

Were you nervous for the fun meet?

Last Saturday Leah competed in her first "fun meet" with her gymnastics team.  The meet was hosted by her club and took place at West Ottawa High School.  I'm not sure she realized how large the meet would be or how many people would be there to watch, but that didn't really faze her.  She was up and ready to go well ahead of time and didn't really mention that she was nervous...I suspect she was at least a little bit.  Before the meet started she volunteered to be the first gymnast on each apparatus for her team.  Tim and I were very proud of her.  Leah's favorite event is the beam which was her best performance.  After 4 events (and almost 4 hours later) she left with 3 blue ribbons and 1 red ribbon.  Performing for others is definitely for her!