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Thursday, December 29, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
A Summer to Remember
Wow, so much has happened since I last posted! This has been a crazy and wonderful time- Jalen's art show, graduation, and party, a weekend with friends at their cottage, a second kid is now driving, three kids in "Once Upon a Mattress," finished our co-op's yearbook and signed up for TWO co-ops for the fall....
Oh, wow! The above paragraph was written in June. And then life exploded! Five exchange students came to visit over the last 6 weeks or so, including the very best moment of the year... carefully planned and caught on film! You can check it out on you tube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6PlLFP2qsg . Morgan's reaction was priceless and everything I had hoped for! Thankfully, you can't see in the video just how much I was shaking from the excitement of pulling it off with Immo and John!
Going back a little earlier in the summer, here's what's been up with us:
A double birthday celebration at a friends' cottage near Saginaw Bay... We had a wonderful weekend away with the Schultz family, celebrating the dads' birthdays. Caseville is a new favorite get-away destination- such a cute town and the kids all loved the boating, shopping, exploring, etc. We are hoping for one return trip before the boat comes out of the water for the season.
Jalen- graduated, working local comic/art shows, selling his art and having comics published in two local newspapers! He is starting college next week and can't wait. This year has really held some interesting challenges for him and I am so proud of the strong Christian man that he is becoming.
A favorite senior pic...
Jalen at his table at the Kids Read Comics show in Chelsea...
Luke is our newest driver and harasses us to drive all the time. He has learned to unicycle, taught himself the ukulele, and has been taking a ballroom dance class this summer in Plymouth with his friend, Sarah. He is also gearing up for his first day of school next week at Washtenaw Technical Middle College. I am excited about this opportunity for him, but might have to leave him behind for vacations now... I'm used to going to Disney when the crowds are at their lowest! How will I ever get used to following someone else's school schedule?!
Luke and David in Caseville...
Morgan is just a ball of energy! Volleyball, 2 drama productions, just returned from Pine Hills camp, and is now an assistant at our church's VBS. Her 12th birthday was Sunday and she asked for a guitar. She has no experience with one but today she was online, figured it out on her own and was singing and playing a simple version of the song, "If I Die Young" by The Band Perry. Simply beautiful!
Parker is my Bethany Hamilton expert! She is obsessed with all things water... surfing, sharks, dolphins, etc. She just watched "Soul Surfer" a week ago, is reading her book, and she can't get enough of Bethany's website and videos about her. What an incredible role model she is! Parker is looking forward to starting school and the two co-ops we are in. She will have the chance to get a couple of great science classes (her favorite subject), as well as ice skating, dance, history, and others (nine classes total).
This photo of Parker was taken by her sis, who is really getting into photography...
John started a "new" job yesterday! We are very excited about the new owners of Thorton's (not sure if it's changing names yet). Big changes are coming and God has been so good and so faithful throughout this process. While I am always prone to worry, I know that He is taking care of everything and J couldn't be in better hands right now.
In June, we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary and I am so thankful for my best friend/love of my life!!
At the Motor City Comic Con, John had the chance to work security and assist "Chewbacca" (Peter Mayhew). What a dream come true!!!
Me? Well, coordinating one in college, one in high school, two at home, plus the co-ops and the jobs associated with them, as well as volleyball... hmmm, this is going to be interesting! One day at a time, I guess. I can't say I'll love *every* single minute of it, but I am certainly very excited about the opportunities that John and all of the kids have this year and I am grateful that I get to be there to help them all in every way possible.
So many things have happened over the last week or two that have me saying, "Things are really looking up"... but things were already pretty awesome! I'll end by pasting my status from facebook, posted last Friday:
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Christ is Risen!
Like every year, the day began with sweet, whispering girls who always get up too early looking for Easter baskets. After much waffle- and chocolate-munching, we were off to Mass, which was perfection, as always. We took our yearly Easter photo and not ONE photo had everyone looking at the same time!
After Mass, we headed to see John's dad for his birthday and Easter dinner. Happy birthday, Big Les!
The kids each brought a supply of candy to eat all afternoon while spending time with family. Grandpa kept the boys captivated with childhood stories. I'm not sure it's a great idea to share stories of drinking and smoking as a KID, but hopefully they won't try to imitate the crazy tales they heard. ;)
Parker and Morgan had a great time with the each other. Sometimes I can't get them to let me take a photo at all without hiding their faces, but today was a blessing! My little hams let me take a couple dozen photos of them out at the pond. Here are two favorites...
My beautiful baby, making a silly face...
My big girl, growing up way too fast!
It was a glorious warm day to spend outside as well as taking some time inside to color eggs with Grandma Carmi (it was her first time!) and to take a look at all of the neat jewelry she made in the Philippines, before she each let us pick out a set for ourselves. Now the girls want to learn more from her to make their own creations. :)
It was a great day, filled with many blessings! .......Annnnnndddd, after all those M&Ms, the diet starts tomorrow. ;)
After Mass, we headed to see John's dad for his birthday and Easter dinner. Happy birthday, Big Les!
The kids each brought a supply of candy to eat all afternoon while spending time with family. Grandpa kept the boys captivated with childhood stories. I'm not sure it's a great idea to share stories of drinking and smoking as a KID, but hopefully they won't try to imitate the crazy tales they heard. ;)
Parker and Morgan had a great time with the each other. Sometimes I can't get them to let me take a photo at all without hiding their faces, but today was a blessing! My little hams let me take a couple dozen photos of them out at the pond. Here are two favorites...
My beautiful baby, making a silly face...
My big girl, growing up way too fast!
It was a glorious warm day to spend outside as well as taking some time inside to color eggs with Grandma Carmi (it was her first time!) and to take a look at all of the neat jewelry she made in the Philippines, before she each let us pick out a set for ourselves. Now the girls want to learn more from her to make their own creations. :)It was a great day, filled with many blessings! .......Annnnnndddd, after all those M&Ms, the diet starts tomorrow. ;)
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Exciting Times
Jalen will graduate this week- he will end his fifteen-year Explorers career on Friday night when he graduates at our annual Spring Extravaganza. He and I have been pretty emotional about it... very excited about his future plans, but sad that this part of his life is over. I keep finding myself thinking, "this is the last time he will ________", "only a few more weeks until _____ is over", etc. It's bringing lots of tears and reflection, but I am determined to make the most of this time. Explorers grads don't usually do the whole cap-and-gown thing, but I really wanted to see our group make a bigger deal out of all of our grads and this was a great year to start the ball rolling. ;)
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to get the six seniors together for some photos for the yearbook and for Friday night's presentation. Here are a few of them that I just love!
Seniors, 2011... Erika, Jalen, Sarah, Michael, Christian, and Ian.
They prefer to think of these as "Jedi robes"...
...and these would be light sabers, of course! Christian plans to photoshop this pic. so that this will become an ultimate SW battle. ;)
Erika had to leave a little early- good thing, I'm not sure where they would have put her...
A goofy group of boys- I love it!!
Another favorite...
Next time I check in here, I hope to have some great photos from graduation... most likely with mascara smeared all down my cheeks. ;)
Have a great week!!
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to get the six seniors together for some photos for the yearbook and for Friday night's presentation. Here are a few of them that I just love!
Seniors, 2011... Erika, Jalen, Sarah, Michael, Christian, and Ian.
They prefer to think of these as "Jedi robes"...
...and these would be light sabers, of course! Christian plans to photoshop this pic. so that this will become an ultimate SW battle. ;)
Erika had to leave a little early- good thing, I'm not sure where they would have put her...
A goofy group of boys- I love it!!
Another favorite...
Next time I check in here, I hope to have some great photos from graduation... most likely with mascara smeared all down my cheeks. ;)
Have a great week!!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Recent Events from the Sparrows' Nest...
A couple of weeks ago...
Jalen participated in a "Kids Read Comics" event- drawing for kids, attending workshops, and competing in "quick draw" events. Drawing and writing are Jalen's passion so this was an exciting and important day for him. It is so much fun to watch him grow and develop in his God-given talents!! He will be doing another KRC event in June... come see him in Chelsea, along with many super-cool, famous illustrators and writers!
Some of our Explorers' Graphic Novel Academy students...
Last weekend...
John bought me tickets to Les Mis as an early birthday gift and then practically begged me *not* to take him! Thankfully, I have good friends, willing to have a girls day out!! Susan was the perfect date. :)
Thursday night...
I have a new camera and, sadly, I can't figure it out most of the time sooooo this is the best photo I have from our CTK Jaguars basketball banquet. It was a fabulous season- they were 7-1, grew in skills and friendships, and John and the girls really seemed to mesh well. John talked in his final email about how much he will miss the words "Hey, Coach"... a very sweet mom headed up a beautiful effort to give him a priceless gift. In addition to some other great treats (loved dinner at Noodles and Co. this weekend!!), they gave him the following framed photo, which J will treasure forever. <3
J, getting a hug from "Chica" (Francesca), our team "pit bull"...
Greatest coach's gift EVER!... John could not have asked for more supportive parents in this league!
And on Friday...
We sat on pins and needles, waiting for the mail to come. Luke applied to a charter school at the local community college over a month ago and April 1 was the date to receive admittance letters.
I knew in my heart that God was all over this one. I knew *He* knows what is best for my son! Still, I knew how much Luke wanted this new adventure in his life... he asked when he was 11 why he couldn't start college yet!! WTMC will provide both a high school diploma AND college credits (free!)... even an associate's degree if that is what he wants to shoot for!
Thankfully, the "Congratulations" letter DID indeed arrive and we are so pleased to begin this new phase of Luke's education. This is going to be a big change for us- my boys are both done homeschooling! Will someone please send tissues? :'( OK, I'm not *that* sad- I am SO excited to watch what they will do next as they grow and mature. Love those kids!!
Jalen participated in a "Kids Read Comics" event- drawing for kids, attending workshops, and competing in "quick draw" events. Drawing and writing are Jalen's passion so this was an exciting and important day for him. It is so much fun to watch him grow and develop in his God-given talents!! He will be doing another KRC event in June... come see him in Chelsea, along with many super-cool, famous illustrators and writers!
Some of our Explorers' Graphic Novel Academy students...
Last weekend...
John bought me tickets to Les Mis as an early birthday gift and then practically begged me *not* to take him! Thankfully, I have good friends, willing to have a girls day out!! Susan was the perfect date. :)
Thursday night...
I have a new camera and, sadly, I can't figure it out most of the time sooooo this is the best photo I have from our CTK Jaguars basketball banquet. It was a fabulous season- they were 7-1, grew in skills and friendships, and John and the girls really seemed to mesh well. John talked in his final email about how much he will miss the words "Hey, Coach"... a very sweet mom headed up a beautiful effort to give him a priceless gift. In addition to some other great treats (loved dinner at Noodles and Co. this weekend!!), they gave him the following framed photo, which J will treasure forever. <3
J, getting a hug from "Chica" (Francesca), our team "pit bull"...
Greatest coach's gift EVER!... John could not have asked for more supportive parents in this league!
And on Friday...We sat on pins and needles, waiting for the mail to come. Luke applied to a charter school at the local community college over a month ago and April 1 was the date to receive admittance letters.
I knew in my heart that God was all over this one. I knew *He* knows what is best for my son! Still, I knew how much Luke wanted this new adventure in his life... he asked when he was 11 why he couldn't start college yet!! WTMC will provide both a high school diploma AND college credits (free!)... even an associate's degree if that is what he wants to shoot for!
Thankfully, the "Congratulations" letter DID indeed arrive and we are so pleased to begin this new phase of Luke's education. This is going to be a big change for us- my boys are both done homeschooling! Will someone please send tissues? :'( OK, I'm not *that* sad- I am SO excited to watch what they will do next as they grow and mature. Love those kids!!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Don't Worry, Be Happy!
... not sure I have much to "worry" about right now anyway, but that was Father's message yesterday (you know, Matthew 6:25-34) so I'm running with it!
We DO have lots to be happy about, though...
John just spent a guys' weekend in the U.P. with Jalen, Luke, and Jonathan (Luke's friend). Papa John guided the men to the falls, which were neat to see in the winter. They didn't have enough snow to do much snowmobiling but they really enjoyed their time together and mom made her famous mac-n-cheese (SO jealous!!).
John is again coaching Parker's basketball team for the UPward league. Watching her grow as a team player, interacting with her buddies, and working with Coach/Dad make us very happy! Go Lady Hawkeyes!!
And in his new adventure, John is also coaching for our church's 5th/6th grade team, the Christ the King Jaguars. John has such a love for the girls he coaches and they really respond to him. The team is 4-0 so far and the girls (and J) are loving every minute of it! Go Jags!!
Team goals:
1) Honor Christ
2) Play tough defense
3) Play hard
These girls are tough, intense, hard-working players with great sportsmanship and great love for the game and for each other. I just couldn't be happier about this team, the families I am working with as "team mom", and the character of the girls playing. Thanks be to God!
Mo and her buddy, Claire...
We've just finished up a large amount of paperwork in the last few weeks for the kids' schooling- FAFSA, report cards and required work samples sent off to our school in CA, application for Luke to enter a charter school next year at WCC, etc. I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel (hey, is that light SUNSHINE?!) and feeling more caught up than I have all winter. It is such a good feeling and I am looking forward to the fast-approaching spring season with all that pressure GONE! I love nothing more than to cheer the kids on in their interests- whether it's basketball, art, music, writing, theater, etc.- but sometimes (too often) I get too bogged down in details to just sit and hold hands with my hubby, appreciating all the joy around us. Today, I will take Father's advice... Don't worry, be happy! God bless!!
We DO have lots to be happy about, though...
John just spent a guys' weekend in the U.P. with Jalen, Luke, and Jonathan (Luke's friend). Papa John guided the men to the falls, which were neat to see in the winter. They didn't have enough snow to do much snowmobiling but they really enjoyed their time together and mom made her famous mac-n-cheese (SO jealous!!).
John is again coaching Parker's basketball team for the UPward league. Watching her grow as a team player, interacting with her buddies, and working with Coach/Dad make us very happy! Go Lady Hawkeyes!!
And in his new adventure, John is also coaching for our church's 5th/6th grade team, the Christ the King Jaguars. John has such a love for the girls he coaches and they really respond to him. The team is 4-0 so far and the girls (and J) are loving every minute of it! Go Jags!!
Team goals:1) Honor Christ
2) Play tough defense
3) Play hard
These girls are tough, intense, hard-working players with great sportsmanship and great love for the game and for each other. I just couldn't be happier about this team, the families I am working with as "team mom", and the character of the girls playing. Thanks be to God!
Mo and her buddy, Claire...
We've just finished up a large amount of paperwork in the last few weeks for the kids' schooling- FAFSA, report cards and required work samples sent off to our school in CA, application for Luke to enter a charter school next year at WCC, etc. I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel (hey, is that light SUNSHINE?!) and feeling more caught up than I have all winter. It is such a good feeling and I am looking forward to the fast-approaching spring season with all that pressure GONE! I love nothing more than to cheer the kids on in their interests- whether it's basketball, art, music, writing, theater, etc.- but sometimes (too often) I get too bogged down in details to just sit and hold hands with my hubby, appreciating all the joy around us. Today, I will take Father's advice... Don't worry, be happy! God bless!!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Family Time Photos
Here are several of my absolute favorite family photos from Christmas. We had a wonderful time with Welchers, Konarskes, Sparrows, parents and grandparents, and just our own little family of six.
Mom and her hubby, John, scored big-time with this awesome gift... a Lenox Patriotic Mickey and Minnie! It is in the china cabinet I got from my grandma a few months ago... a new treasure inside an old treasure and both really make me smile. John and I just love our little Disney habit together and couldn't be happier about this addition to our collection.
My sister brought a little "gift" for the ladies to share- a $75 box of chocolate from Wall Street, NYC. Heavenly! I love having such a great photo of Caitlin, my mom, and me, and getting that box open and sampling chocolates together was such fun! (But who had the ridiculously stupid idea to put caraway seeds in chocolate? Disgusting.)
My mom requested a Jalen-original for Christmas so Jay completed her artwork in time and we framed it. She loved it and Jalen was really happy to give her.
Little Miss Morgan *loves* Maya and Ryan, two of her second cousins. I sure wish we had more opportunities to see them and the rest of the cousins.
Oh my goodness did we do a lot of laughing at Christmas dinner! We had a beautiful, fun-filled visit with John's brother and his family. Luke's new ukulele combined with John's lyrical "skills" provided some great entertainment. Uncle Bill, cousin Tony, and John all had Jalen and Luke mesmerized with their basketball adventure stories of the past!
And finally, Parker's got a new best friend in her cousin, Brian. They were playing games together, laughing, and, oh boy, was it a joy to see!!!! I love when a guy isn't too old and too cool to enjoy the kids. Thanks for making her day, Brian- she can't wait to see you again!
Mom and her hubby, John, scored big-time with this awesome gift... a Lenox Patriotic Mickey and Minnie! It is in the china cabinet I got from my grandma a few months ago... a new treasure inside an old treasure and both really make me smile. John and I just love our little Disney habit together and couldn't be happier about this addition to our collection.
My sister brought a little "gift" for the ladies to share- a $75 box of chocolate from Wall Street, NYC. Heavenly! I love having such a great photo of Caitlin, my mom, and me, and getting that box open and sampling chocolates together was such fun! (But who had the ridiculously stupid idea to put caraway seeds in chocolate? Disgusting.)
My mom requested a Jalen-original for Christmas so Jay completed her artwork in time and we framed it. She loved it and Jalen was really happy to give her.
Little Miss Morgan *loves* Maya and Ryan, two of her second cousins. I sure wish we had more opportunities to see them and the rest of the cousins.
Oh my goodness did we do a lot of laughing at Christmas dinner! We had a beautiful, fun-filled visit with John's brother and his family. Luke's new ukulele combined with John's lyrical "skills" provided some great entertainment. Uncle Bill, cousin Tony, and John all had Jalen and Luke mesmerized with their basketball adventure stories of the past!
And finally, Parker's got a new best friend in her cousin, Brian. They were playing games together, laughing, and, oh boy, was it a joy to see!!!! I love when a guy isn't too old and too cool to enjoy the kids. Thanks for making her day, Brian- she can't wait to see you again!
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