Hoppy Birthday Mia!

Not only is today a blessed day to celebrate that Christ is risen, but we also get to celebrate the birth of Mia.  She turns 4 years old today!  We held her small family party at our home yesterday, so she could have her own special day, and then enjoy Easter too.


Her greatly appreciated Cinderella baby doll from Nana and Papa.

Jane and Mia scoping out all the gifts.  Here Mia is holding her new princess tutu from Aunt Jen.

Grandpa holding his newest granddaughter, Naomi Grace!

Blowing out her candle on her cupcake.

I of course was slow with my camera.  There aren't many photos from her party.  No pictures of the great spread, which included Mia's favorites, guacamole, strawberries, green grapes, raspberries, and blackberries, in a fruit salad, goldfish crackers, Snyders of Hanovers honey mustard pretzles pieces, cupcakes, birthday cake ice cream, and chocolate peanut butter pie, were some of the featured items on her menu.  After she delved into about five helpings of guacamole, and everyone else was stuffed, the guests headed their own way.  She got many treasured gifts, but was thrilled to be able to have all her family in attendance.

Licking the frosting off her candle.

Testing out her new karaoke microphone she got from Andy and I.  Let's just say, Andy was not aware of this item and already is waiting for the batteries to die.  Olivia is enjoying it even more than Mia.

So, today is now Easter, and our meatball's official birthday.  Spring break also falls this week and Mia wants to go to Alpena for her birthday.  Who could deny her, her birthday wish?  The Easter Bunny came this morning, (a future blog post will include pictures from Easter) the family is enjoying cinnamon rolls for breakfast before they get all dolled up for church.  After church is brunch at the auditorium with Andy's family, followed by a quick stop at Nana and Papa's to see what the "Esther Bunny" brought the girls, and then it's north bound to Alpena.  We're staying at Days Inn for a few nights since the camper is all winterized and it'll be cold.  The girls will be able to enjoy some swimming at the indoor pool, free breakfast, and hot showers, plus Mia can eat at Big Boy.  That was her biggest request.  Happy Easter everyone!

Moving On....

As most know, my dad and Patty have another home in Alpena that they plan to retire to.  Their plan is to make the big move the summer of 2014.  My sister and I have been suggesting they start trying to market their house in the mean time.  Selling a house in our area is not something that happens over night.  Then again, I guess it can.  A coworker of my dads approached him about looking at their house.  His family had been wanting to move for a few years, but not found anything they liked.  Well, they fell in love with the house, agreed on a price, signed a purchase agreement, had an appraisal, and had one month to get out.  My dad and Patty had over 21 years of "stuff" packed into that house.  Another part of our "March Madness" has been helping them go through items, pack up, and have a huge sale.  They still aren't moving to Alpena until next summer, so they're renting a small upstairs apartment of a house only about two blocks from us.  They had to get rid of A LOT to make it all fit.  They plan to take some stuff to the Alpena house soon, but mainly buy new furniture for up there.  I think that is wise.  Patty married into a difficult time when she automatically gained two teenage stepdaughters, but she lived in Jane's house.  The furnishings have remained the same and the decor for the most part.  I think that made it easier on Elizabeth and I, but it's past time that she got to decorate and furnish a house of her own.

Mia and I have been going over and using the hot tub at their house a couple of times to get the most out of it while they still have it.  They are completely moved out now.  The official date they needed to be out was April 1st, but it's all done now.  I could get emotional about seeing the home I spent the majority of my childhood in going to a new family, but I'm choosing not to.  My memories remain and a terrific new family is now getting the opportunity to make their own memories there.

Lounging in the tub.

Trying to get a photo together.

Olivia was also chosen for the second year to have a piece of artwork on exhibit for the Elementary Art Show.  Above she poses with her princess protrait.  She continues to be an up and coming artist.  We're proud of all her talents.

March Madness

March Madness has a complete different meaning in our household than most.  We are not avid basketball fans, actually I enjoy watching basketball much more than Andy.  March seems to be a month where swim season is ending so there is a lot going on with that, plus new things starting.  It's been super busy, but we've been enjoying ourselves throughout it.

Andy and his beautiful dates ready for the "Date With Dad" held at the Doyle Community Center.

Friday, March 15th the girls got dolled up for their annual night out with Andy.  They started the evening with dinner at Trios, before dusting off their dance shoes.  They had a terrific time from what I heard.  Of course, I always want to secretly sneak in and watch all the fun. 

I on the other hand was thankful I could even manage to snap a couple photos before they left, because I was busy the entire weekend with a High School youth retreat called Kairos for Holy Angels.  We had 54 students attend and it proved the be a fun event.  It was a lot of hard work and a learning experience for all involved.  We held it at Camp Fort Hill, which brings back many fond memories from my school days.  I was grateful they didn't make me sleep over since I had my young ones at home, but it was a late night and early morning all weekend.  It was definitely worthwhile, but boy am I glad it's done.

At school we've also been having "Spirit Days."  One such day was "Career Day," where everyone got to dress up as a career they might want to do one day.  Dr. Olivia Feyes, head of Pediatric Surgery was on call that day, next to her starving artist mother.  It's hard to tell in the photo, but I even had paint on my face and arms with a paint brush tucked behind my ear.  Of course I had to run to the grocery store on my lunch hour that day dressed so beautifully.  Mia has recently changed her career goal for all those following her aspirations.  She no longer wishes to be a chicken nugget.  She now desires to be a butterfly when she is older.


I also snuck out of the closing ceremony for the youth retreat to attend a baby shower for my sweet little niece Naomi.  Jared's Aunt Joanne figured that after six children she deserved some new items, so she held a small shower in their honor.

The shower date happened to be on St. Patrick's Day as well, so here is a cute picture of my girls and I dressed all in our green.  Jane wanted in on the photo which is completely fine, because I claim her as one of my girls too.

A cute picture of Jane snuggling on Elizabeth.

I got some quality snuggle time in with Naomi.  I'm so glad she doesn't make strange.  (A little inside humor for my northern family)

Naomi making goo goo eyes at Olivia.  She truyly is precious and a very happy little girl.

Jared's cousin Anne holding the guest of honor.

March continues to march on around here.  Sadly it's unaware that it's supposed to be spring, but time keeps flying by regardless so the next thing you know, it'll be summer.  Here's to hoping April is a little more laid back for us all.

Godparents of Everleigh Marie

Sunday, February 24th, Andy and I were honored to become the Godparents for Everleigh Marie Morrisson.  I know, scary thought that someone intrusts us with such responsibility, but we were thrilled.  It was a mad dash weekend since Andy's swimmers had their big conference meet.  We left Saturday evening from Battle Creek, and made the trek to Charleston, IL.  We awoke the next morning ready to go to church and see this miracle be baptized.

Sarah, Keith, and Everleigh

This was actually our first time meeting sweet Everleigh.  She is such a joy, and for the most part a pretty contented little girl.  Little might not be the correct word.  She is adorably pudgy.  Not at all like I remember her big sister being at that age.  It was a super quick trip, but we enjoyed our time to the fullest.
 

Melaina needed in on the picture opportunities as well.  She is destined to be one terrific big sister.
 

Here we are holding our Goddaughter.  Can you believe Andy even wore a tie?  Two days in a row acutally!
 

Melaina, Olivia, and Mia all hanging out before we left for church.  They had so much fun playing with her.

After church we had a delicious brunch at the country club.  It was so nice being able to see most of Keith and Sarah's family as well.  Andy grew up with Keith so his family is like a second family to him.  Sarah's parents are terrific too.  The few times I've met them, they made me feel so comfortable and are great people.  We hit the road after brunch to make the long drive home.  Of course, since we happened to see a Cabela's in Hammond, IN, we had to stop. 

We can't wait to be able to see our beautiful Goddaughter and the rest of her family again, and hopefully soon.

Oh, and for those of you waiting on pins and needles, my niece finally has a name.....Naomi Grace!

Winding Down Swim Season

Olivia holding some of her awards from Stingrays Swim Club this year.

The first season of Olivia's career as a competitive swimmer has come to a close.  I say competitive very loosely.  She loved each time she got a new Personal Best (PB), but I don't know that she really pushed herself that much harder in the water to get them.  She was just out there to have fun, but that is completely fine with us.  We want her to know how to swim and to have fun.  She most certainly did both and can't wait to swim again.  She even wants to do their summer Stingrays program.  She ended the season with 8 PBs, which isn't too shabby considering she only did home meets and missed one or two of those.  She also wanted to participate in the State swim meet in Grand Rapids, so we were there last Sunday cheering her on.  She did set a few PBs there as well.  It was a great experience for her.  We are very proud of her accomplishments!

Getting her jacket and award for heading to the State swim meet for 8 and Under age group.
 

All ready for the State swim meet wearing her daddy's old sweatshirt with his stars from when he was a youngster in Stingrays.
 

The 8 & Under Sturgis Stingrays team - They all did terrific!
 

Olivia in action

Most of the photos from the meet turned out horrific.  They were either super blurry or dark, so we don't have many of her in motion.

Andy's HS swim team is winding down their season as well.  They are at their big conference meet as I type.  It was yesterday and finishes today.  School being closed and bad weather made yesterday almost impossible to get their, but after much stress, praying, begging and pleading, they made it.  Andy was ecstatic with his swimmers performances yesterday.  He had 3 relay teams qualify for state and 3 individual swimmers.  He also has a swimmer seeded first for an event today.  Even those who didn't qualify for state he came home beaming about how much time they cut off their previous best time.  The girls and I are headed up to watch the swimmers today and support their daddy.  They only have an awards night left and then the state swim meet for those that qualify. 
 

I can't do a post without including my Mia monster.  She dressed herself in this photo.  Can you tell?

The Last Ringenberg Wedding

Early in December I received a wedding invitation in the mail from Pennsylvania.  I was puzzled, not able to think of who I knew in Pennsylvania, and the name on the return was not one I recognized.  When I opened it and realized that Blake Ringenberg was getting married to his girlfriend Gretchen I was thrilled.  I also felt so honored that I was invited to this special event.  I then read that the wedding was in Pennsylvania and felt a little saddened realizing how far that was and not believing I'd be able to make it.  Then I started thinking that Pennsylvania isn't really that far, especially if it's on the western side of the state so I googled it, only to learn it was more on the eastern side.  I mulled over the decision, and it came down to the fact that Blake holds such a special place in my heart I didn't want to miss his wedding.  So it was decided that I was going.  After all, I attended all the other Ringenberg children's weddings.  I couldn't miss the last wedding.

My coworker Renee's daughter and her family live in Pittsburgh so she agreed to tag along with me for the ride if I would drop her in Pittsburgh on the way.  It was great to have a travel companion for just over half of the journey.  We left by 5 AM Saturday morning and it ended up being a prettier drive and not as bad as I had feared.  Thankfully the weather was fine and traffic wasn't bad in the least. 


Karen, Blake, Gretchen, and Roger after the ceremony

It was a beautiful quaint wedding in an old historical chapel.  Under 100 guests made for an intimate event.  The ceremony was the perfect amount of time.  Not too long, but long enough for the minister to deliver a beautiful message on marriage and not finding fault in your partner, but seeing faults as needs not met, and trying to realize how you can meet those needs.  Ian, Sarah's husband also partook in the ceremony allowing the newly married couple to partake in communion together as their first act as husband and wife.  He blessed them with a Hebrew blessing that was very moving.  Gretchen's sister also played guitar and sang while they lit the unity candle.  The wedding encompassed family and truly brought two families together to become one.

Sarah's and my lantern lighting up the night sky.

Immediately following the ceremony guests went upstairs to the balcony for hors d'oeuvres.  After the guests were asked to bundle up and head outside for a surprise.  Blake and Gretchen went by horse and carriage while the rest of us went by school bus.  My first wedding reception that we rode in a school bus, but it was fun.  They took us a few blocks down to the river where everyone lit lanterns together and said a prayer for the newly married couple before sending them off into the night sky.  Sarah and I were busy being the last to actually get our lantern lit and off that I didn't get many great shots of all the lanterns together, but there were quite a few floating off.  We were all hoping we didn't accidentally burn down any homes or forests on the other side of the river.

A photo of the chapel in daylight.

Sarah, Blake, and Jason

Getting a little romantic

Not my greatest photo, but it's the only one I have of myself with Sarah.

The reception was held in the chapel as well with delicious choices of four soups, along with bread and salad.  Cake of course for dessert.  After the typical wedding dances, we all witnessed two guests do some amazing dancing.  We joked at our table how no one else would get up to dance after watching them because we'd be embarrassed.  Then we learned that they were professional swing dancers there to teach us all how to dance.  It was a lot of fun watching everyone test out their newly acquired dance moves.  I then bunked up with Karen and Roger for the night.  Karen and I stayed up way too late catching up.  Sarah got me up the next morning for breakfast so we could chat one last time before everyone had to go their separate ways.  Ian and Sarah are a terrific couple themselves and it's wonderful to see them together and hear about all their adventures and what they are so passionate about.  They had to fly back to Alaska that day.  I said my good byes and safely made my journey home picking up Renee along the way.  I am blessed to have been part of this special event, and even more blessed to have gotten home safely and been able to see my husband and girls that I missed more than I thought I would.  They even cleaned the house for me while I was out.  Maybe I need to go away more often.  Congratulations to Blake and Gretchen!  I know they will be blessed with years of happiness!

Ice Skating

As a child, my all time favorite winter activity was ice skating.  I dreamed of becoming a professional figure skater like Kristi Yamaguchi.  I'd attempt cartwheels on the ice and spend hours trying to improve my technique on our choppy awful public outdoor ice rink that thankfully was right next to my house.  I then grew up to realize living in Sturgis, that dream is not going to happen, even if I was blessed with the talent (which by the way, I wasn't).  Our ice rink, the same I used as a child is rarely ever even filled with water anymore.  It has an asphalt underlayment that attracts the heat and never allows it to freeze properly.  So for years now the youth in Sturgis have not been able to experience the joy of ice skating.  After public demand this year, the city decided to put up a temporary ice rink in the downtown area.  It just opened up a week or two ago.  Esther was gracious enough to find used ice skates for the girls and take them for their first time.  So the girls first ice skating experience was last Saturday, January 26th.  Nana and Papa took them down there, but I had to be the meddling mom and eventually make my way down there for some photo opportunities. 

Olivia up on two skates.  She loved it, but just kept pushing off with one foot.
 

Mia had just removed her skates when we arrived and was not willing to put them back on.
 

Olivia ready to fall down.  This happened frequently, but she always got back up and had a smile on her face.
 

Daddy spinning Mia around for a bit.
 

Another fall.  I'm sure Kristi Yamaguchi had a few of these in her younger years too.
 

Mia just being cute.

They've got their next ice skating date scheduled with Nana and Papa for tomorrow.  Now mommy and daddy need to find their old ice skates and dust them off and enjoy some ice skating as a family in the near future.

Oh, and still no name for my new niece!