Marie is 9

Once again the calendar has zipped on past us and we are upon summer. 

Summer around here means BIRTHDAYS!!!!

Marie turned 9 on June 9!  I know, her GOLDEN BIRTHDAY!  She was over the moon about that special title.

We celebrated with her friends by having a party at the pottery studio in town. They all were very careful about picking their piece of art, colors, and designs.  It was so quiet and they painted intently. 

Following their artistic moments, we went to the Spillway for ice cream and a little wading in the water. 

These girls had so much fun. I love watching our kids with their friends.  Their little inside jokes and laughter are contagious. 

Marie continues to be a girl with a big heart. She is caring and considerate while having her streaks of (dare I say) pre-teen attitude and eye rolls.  

She is interested in a wide range of things from tumbling to cows, movies to poetry, soccer to piano.  

Her teacher described her as a deep thinker and friend to all this year and I think I completely agree.

Marie Beth, happy birthday. We love you!

Mother's Day

This Mother's Day was just what I needed - time with my family doing so many things I love. 

I woke up to breakfast in bed. Each kiddo had a special job to help prepare the meal.  I love seeing how proud they are and how excited they seem to be when they say "surprise" after I had been hearing them prepare all morning.

I sat in bed eating and watching some HGTV while each child spent some extra time cuddling with me. 

After a lazy morning we drove to West Bend, IA to tour "The Grotto."  

This place had been on my bucket list and it did not disappoint. It was fascinating to hear the story of the priest who built it and see the amazing detail. 

It was a holy and quiet place that made me feel so grateful for my role as a mother. It doesn't get easier year after year, it changes daily, and I am always questioning if I am doing the right thing. However, I am at peace with the fact that I know I am doing my best.

On the way home, we listened to music and sang together.  That evening we enjoyed dinner and a boat ride.  

It was a full day overflowing with reminders of all the ways I have been blessed.

Dance Recital 2018

Marie had another amazing year in tumbling. 

I love watching how strong and flexible she is becoming. Tumbling has provided her some great exercise and has served as fun way to spend time with her friends while learning something new. 

This year her song was "Blue."

She did cartwheels, front roll outs, head stand roll outs, splits, and backward rolls.  She has mastered her one handed cartwheel but she wasn't ready for that in her recital she said. 

She smiles the whole time she is performing and it was truly a joy to watch her!

Day on the Farm

We had another day on my brother's farm a few weekends ago. It was just what we all needed. May is such a busy month with sports, dance recital, final celebrations at school, etc.  Fresh air after this long winter and odd spring seemed perfect!

This day was particularly interesting...they rescued a sweet little newborn calf. We all had to take turns petting and helping with feeding. The sweetest thing is that Chris's dog, Trigger, adopted this calf as his own and now they are best friends. 

We also chopped wood, rode horses, and helped with other chores.

We love this type of day and we are always going to treasure them. 

A Year of Firsts

For the last 3 years I have had the honor to be a part of Marie's teaching team at church for religious education. Kindergarten and First grade were full of prayer memorization and parables while 2nd grade has been full of preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.

Marie is a thinker...she takes her time to fully understand the information and is quiet while thinking. 

She took this year very seriously. 

In February she experienced her First Reconciliation.  She wasn't nervous at the moment, went in confidently, and walked out looking older and even a bit more wise.  What a proud day. 

This past month she was finally ready to receive her First Holy Communion. 

She has been waiting for this for a long time and she was very anxious for the experience. 

Once again, she took it seriously, was confident, and you guessed it, looked older on that snowy day in April.

What a blessing this girl is.  

She is wise beyond her years while still needing guidance and questions answered. 

She is a good friend, leader, protector of those she loves, and always willing to help her brothers. 

Grandparents with Marie September 2009

Godparents with Marie at Baptism-September 2009

There was a blizzard on this First Communion Sunday, but we still had many family members present.  Katie and Chris are Marie's baptismal godparents. It was special to have them both present at her First Holy Communion as well.  
This year has been a year of growth for her and we are so very proud.

Father-Daughter Dance 2018

Another dance is in the books!

Andy picked out a special corsage and made a reservation for 2. 

After a nice dinner and of course, dessert, the two of them headed off to the dance!

 

These two danced the night away!  I'm always surprised that the two of them stay so long at this event but I think they are just truly having fun with their special time. 

The boys and I also had a special date with Grandma Nel.

Swimming, chinese food complete with chopsticks lessons from Grandma, and a treat from Goodies for dessert!  

 

Winter Games 2018

Winter Games was over a month ago but I forgot to take some time to post about them. 

It was such a fun weekend hosting Nate, Andrew, and Liz. 

We did not sit still!

Saturday was jam packed with tons of winter fun:

snowmobile driving, sledding, watching Papa win at the bags competition, walking around the ice, playing in the snow, snacks, burning of the greens, and much more. 

If you live in a place that is cold, icy, and snowy - why not celebrate it?!