Spring Break 2011

When deciding what to do on spring break, I just really so badly wanted to see some sunshine. After such a very long winter and so many cold days in a hockey rink I think we all were longing for warm weather and that big orange thing that sometimes comes out in Michigan. With JR taking a new position it was difficult for him to get all the days off for our summer camping adventures and a full week in April so Grandma Ohime was so very generous to offer to help me take the boys to Florida and on top of that she let us use her timeshare, it was awesome!!! We had the best of times. I can not count how many people looked at me like I had lost my mind when I told them I was taking my mom, my three boys and Jarred's friend 22 hours in a car to Florida just to see the sun. Well in my mind it would be worth it, and it was!! Really it was not all about the sun, it was about memories, I love vacations for the memories. I grew up vacationing mostly with my grandparents and I think some of those moments are what brought us to be so very close together over the years. I want to provide those type of memories for my children and vacationing is one of the ways we can all enjoy eachothers company...and that we sure did. We tried to accommodate everyone's desires once we were there. The first day was spent by the pool (mom happy), two days were spent at the ocean (Jarred happy), one day at Animal Kingdom (B and C happy), one day at Magic Kingdom (who is not happy at Disney World?!?!). We missed Dad but sure enjoyed Grandma's help and company. It was a vacation for the memory books. The looks on Brady and Colton's eye's during the Magic Kingdom parade were priceless. The character dinner was perfect. Our days at the ocean could not have been any better and the big shocker...the ride...the drive...the 22 hours there and 22 hours back...no big deal!! The big boys were great when it came to driving so I could take a break and the little guys were just plain great in the car.So glad we were able to go, so very blessed to spend these times with family.

Jarred Turns 16!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh boy....this day sure did sneak up on us. I don't mean just this week, month or even year, I mean I can not believe it has been 16 years sense the good Lord blessed me with my oldest son. WOW....amazing. It's been an amazing 16 years when I look back on all the changes that have taken places in our lives over past 16 years all I can do is smile a great big smile=)))
We had a party with some very special people who have played a special role in Jarred's 16 years all of which deserve so much credit for who he is today and for who I am as well. We celebrated with Gram and Gramp Stearns, Aunt Linda, Bob and Linda Swanson, Leah and her family, Terry and Lori, the five of us and a couple of Jarred's high school friends.
MUCH to Jarred's surprise he was showered with gas money for his CAR!!!!! What more could a 16 year old ask for??? Pretty darn lucky but more importantly SO LOVED!

March 2011

I like to post at least once a month.I noticed when finally finding time to update on our spring break trip that the last post was in Feb.!! Hmm...March...where did you go? What did we do? Well Colton and Brady took swimming lessons at the YMCA in Grand Haven, love that place. They also skated for Shoreline at Lakeshore...have a love hate relationship with that place...its so cold even in July=) But its what my guys like to do...thats the love part. they continue to make GREAT progress at school, what they can do and what they say blows my mind on a daily basis, usually in a positive way. They also continue to be eachothers best friends, sometimes so many weeks go by without getting together with anyone else their age outside of school and daycare, due to our busy schedules, but they could care less because they have eachother. The bond between the two of them just amazes me and I pray they will be forever best of friends. Oh and Brady had plastic surgery on his face to try and improve the massive scar and indent from the ER stitches after his fall into the Johnson's fireplace, not into the fireplace but on the ledge!

Jarred finished up his Varsity Hockey season and started JV baseball. He loves baseball, I see a pattern here....Jarred loves to do whatever sport is in season=) We love that about him. Keeps us on our toes, never boring around here. So that brings me to my next post....

Blizzard 2011

The forecasters were right on target this time! The Big Blizzard of 2011 came in strong. High winds and feet of snow all blew in over night. Snow Day, Snow Day, Snow Day! Even Dad got to stay home with us today. How fun and relaxing:) Jarred and Colton found part of the deck after about an hour. Brady, Colton and Dad went sledding in the yard. Mr Lund, the plow man, made an awesome sledding hill right in the front yard.

CELEBRATIONS

The boys had one of the very best days at their parties over the weekend. I was proud of their kind comments to all friends and family for helping them celebrate the big FIVE! We went to Lakeshore and did what Brady and Colton love to do...SKATE! Michael and Jarred joined in the fun along with some Dad's and Mom's as well. Some Friends from their preschool class came along with their best buddies from our family friends. The family gathered at our house later in the day for more sports fun, everyone wore their favorite team Jerseys and ate dinner. Colton and Brady switched between their Sailor Varsity Hockey jerseys and the McCarthy Red Wings one they got for their birthday, it was a hoot. Again, the boys were spoiled rotten, had a blast and used those manners we have been practicing so hard on:-)It was a truly blessed day! So very thankful for our awesome friends and family who celebrated with us and help make life so special for our little blessings.

5 years later...

The best fitting words for the last five years are THANK YOU LORD for blessing us with these JOYS!!! I can not believe that 5 years ago this week we were anxiously awaiting the arrival of what we prayed would be two healthy little boys. Our prayers were answered and here we are five years later with two of the most active, funny, sweet, smart, did I say active....little boys. I prayed for years for these two blessings and am so glad God heard us and sent them to us. To say they have filled our lives with joy and excitement is an under statement. Although there are certainly been challenging days, as there will be to come, I cant imagine a moment without them. These pictures tell the story of brotherhood. They are growing to be the true meaning of brothers. They love each other, stick up for each other, care for one another and fight like any normal five year old brothers would! They have grown so much in the last year. Full week preschool has proven to be a great academic world for them, they amaze us with what they bring home. This year will bring another big step as they head for Kindergarten this fall. I really can not believe how quickly five years have passed. I love you B and C...so very very much:-)

Sailor Hockey Season

And were are off....hockey season is in full swing. Jarred decided to play for his school this year sporting the blue and white...GO SAILORS! High School hockey is different in many ways compared to travel but its also...hockey!! So far this season has went pretty well. The schedule is a tough one, I don't think there is an "easy" game on the schedule. This is done on purpose, of course, the Sailor Hockey program always has its sights set high. It has been a good change of pace, playing with kids that walk the halls and our house. Families faces that are familiar and a chance to catch "home" games only 5 minutes away! Jarred seems to be growing and settling into his game. Its a challenging position which comes with great highs and great lows. He will look back and learn a great deal from his high school hockey experience and its exciting to watch it unfold...well...sort of "watch", I still spend plenty of time roaming the halls trying to get the butterflies out of my stomach. Jarred is mentally much tougher than I:-)
They won the Konrad Tournament at home this weekend. In the final game Jarred got so close to that word we dont like to talk about...(shut out!)..with just over a minute remaining they scored (one of those silly goals that you just want to jump out of your seat and stop!). Oh well a wins a win!!! 3-1 Kondrad Champs