11.30.12 - Not Too Big...

...for an evening cuddle.

11.29.12 - Where's Baby Jesus?

I've always loved watching the kids play with their nativity

scene.  Lauren quick learned which one was baby Jesus.

11.28.12 - Mara Lee Thomas

Two weeks early

Nov 28, 2011

5:42pm | 5lbs 9oz | 19''

11.27.12 - Love Awaits Her

We got the call that Aarika and Corey are heading to

the hospital...excitement, worry and prayers begin!

11.26.12 - Won't Be Long...

...and this little girl will be all done with bottles.

11.25.12 - Decorate The Tree

"Decorate the tree, decorate the tree, decorate the tree,

one, two, three."

This year we retired a few ornaments and decided

that we need to get Derk a separate tree for all the

#1 teacher and Michigan Fan ornaments that

he continues to acquire from his students every year.

11.24.12 - Picking Just the Right Tree

Every year we head to Rockford to cut down the perfect tree.

Jalen's humor came out by calling us all to see the perfect

tree he found.  Then we tried a new tradition by getting Jalen

down under the tree to cut it down...given how cold it was and

realizing quickly he wasn't getting anywhere Derk joined

in and we were shortly on our way home to decorate it.

11.23.12 - Kyle & Aubrey's Wedding

These two have loved on our kids

while we've been at work.  Kyle is

the son of Toni & Rex who care for

our kids when we're off earning a living.

It has been such a blessing watching these

two fall in love over the years and 

then say "I do".

11.22.12 - Tryptophan Kicked In

This picture is one of my favorites with Lauren and Auntie A.

11.21.12 - Checking Out Something New

This toys seems to be child's version of

a stair stepper.  As you step it counts 

and encourages you.  Ty got it as a 

Christmas present a few years back...

Lauren is checking it out to see if she likes it.

11.20.12 - Lipstick OR...

...licking the beaters?

11.19.12 - Part 2 of Got Wood

Stacking some in the garage for winter warmth.  There is nothing

like curling up next to the fireplace with a warm cup of coffee knowing 

it is simply to cold outside to go anywhere.

11.18.12 - Loving It

These two have become the best of buddies.

I love watching and listening to them play.

11.17.12 - Got Wood?

We took some trees down in the spring in order to get more

sunlight in our backyard.  Since we LOVE having fires keeping

the wood was a necessity.  We'll see how long this lasts us.

11.16.12 - Friday Morning Cuddle

Priceless!

11.15.12 - Popular Parent

I think the kids missed you today!

11.14.12 - Building Each Of Us A House

The tower on the left if Ty's house, then he build 

Jalen one (which he said is a little smaller), then

Lauren's (which again is a little smaller). 

11.13.12 - First Snow Fall Of The Season

There is something exciting about the first time we see
snow each year.  

11.12.12 - Look At Me

Ty realized it wasn't that much work to pedal a bike

and decided to give it a try.  

11.11.12 - Pucker UP

This little girl has kisses for you!

11.10.12 - Brewery In A Former Church?

Yup, neat atmosphere and great cider

11.9.12 - Here's To Another Month...

...of being a dog owner!

11.8.12 - From Highchair to Bathtub

This girl definitely doesn't eat like a lady!

11.7.12 - Building Can Be Difficult

Building towers can be difficult when you

have a little sister.  I can just hear him now.

"No LAUREN!"

11.6.12 - Election Day

I wondered why Jalen told me he was voting for Obama because 

Obama likes basketball until I found this in his school folder.

11.5.12 - Worth the Drive

Derk will only take the boys to a barber shop.  It's 

a blessing that he takes care of this however

have you seen their hair?  There is a 30

year difference in style b/t the way Paul and

Don cut hair.  I keep telling him it is worth 

the drive to Grand Haven but these hours

make it difficult for a working family.

11.4.12 - Everyone Naps on Sundays

Naps for everyone BUT everyone must be in their own

bed...this is NOT going to work.

11.3.12 - Seriously x2

First the comfortable and pillows from our bed, 

now the decorative pillows from the couch.

Talk about spoiled...just get comfortable, why

don't ya Lucy!

11.2.12 - Watching The Boys

Had to snap a shot of Lucy and Lauren watching the boys 

play outside without them.  Lauren could just see when she

stood on her tip toes.

11.1.12 - Writing Is Fun!

Being a teacher's kid Jalen has 45 mins before school
each day that he has to find something to keep himself
busy while Derk prepares for the day.  Jalen's made
a habit of writing a message to Derk's class.