It's About Time!

Brook finally turned 28 . . . I hate being 3 years older than him for 3 months, b/c you know he never rubs it in! As I’ve said before (and can’t say it enough), I married up. For sure. This man not only puts up with me, but loves me when I am being totally ridiculous (I know, I know, it’s hard to believe I am ever like that. Haha!)

We have faced some really tough situations in the time we’ve been together and I am amazed at the way he keeps his cool and takes the high road more times than not.

He is always more than willing to help out around the house, which I very much appreciate. From peeling potatoes to taking the trash out, he definitely does his fair share.

I have enjoyed watching his faith evolve since he went through RCIA and became Catholic. I love that we are able to share the same faith and pray and worship together.

He is a man of integrity and values. He allows those values be his compass and I am so proud to be his wife. I couldn’t imagine my life without him!

We celebrated with both of our families before his birthday and just went out for a nice dinner the day of. Our birthday gift to each other is a cruise to the Bahamas in December. I can’t wait!

They love him so!

Tigers

The same weekend we had Connor, we also went to a Tiger’s game with Veronica and Brandon and Sophie. This was Sophie’s first game and she had a blast people-watching. And I had a blast eating nachos and a corndog. Hehehe. If my memory serves me right, I think they even won. Family, junk food and baseball - how could you not have fun??? ;)

A Little Visitor

We went to Concord back in August to attend my Godson’s memorial . . . can’t believe it’s been 8 years. I still miss you every day, Luke! After Mass, we all went out to dinner and Connor rode home with us. He kept saying, “Me go to Aunt Cysal’s house. No go home.” Ugh, how could I tell him no? I wanted to take him home with us, but didn’t know how he’d do, at 2 1/2, spending the night. Wes and Jaime seemed to think he’d do OK – so, it was off to Grand Haven! The kid is a character! He kept us entertained the whole ride up and “wanted to go fishing, go to the beach, get ice cream . . .” you name it. Unfortunately, we got home at 8:30pm and I had to have him back to his mom the next morning; so, there wasn’t much time for all those activities. We did fit in a stop at the Dairy Treat and a quick walk down the pier. (Lucky for us, he thought it was the beach, so we were ok!) He slept the whole night, too. I was up almost every hour checking on him, but at least one of us got a good night’s sleep! J The next morning, I realized I had no kid friendly breakfast foods in the house, so I got him a donut. (Aunt of the year award here!) When it was time to meet his mom, he grabbed my hand and said, “No go home.” I don’t think Jaime liked that too much, but it melted my heart! I love that kid!

"See my 'Piderman' sticker?"

So Long, Summer!

Ahh, Labor Day is almost here. That means we don't have to go to the beach at 9am to find a parking spot. It also means that things will get cheaper . . . restaurants will again offer Happy Hour specials and switch to a less expensive food menu. The accountant in me is very excited about this! :-)

I am also excited about our Labor Day weekend plans . . . tomorrow, we are heading down to South Bend for the first ND game of the year. Go Irish! I am interested to see how Coach Kelly will do in his first year as head coach. Sunday, Hannah is coming out and we are celebrating Brook's birthday with his family. And Monday . . . who knows? At first, I was leaning towards doing some much needs chores around the house . . . stuff like painting the shed, power-washing the house, etc (that we have let slip all summer). But it's now supposed to be beautiful; so, house work can wait! Maybe we'll take a trip to Pentwater or Saugatuck. I have never been to either (other than to pick up some stranded travellers in Saugatuck this summer - you know who you are! ;-) But that doesn't really count.) Or maybe we'll just go to the beach. These beautiful days won't last forever!

Beauty

Last night, Brook went to the White Caps game with a friend, so I decided to head down to the water for a bite to eat. I grabbed a taco from Butch’s and walked across the street to sit on the boardwalk. It was 77 degrees, low humidity and a slight breeze – my kind of weather - and this was my view . . .

Every time I see the water I think, 'I can’t believe we live here' and wonder if it will ever get old. I also can’t believe that I moved here begrudgingly. We walk or drive by the lake a few times a week and every time, I can’t help but feel God’s presence in my life. It is hard to put into words, but such beauty reminds me the same God who created this magnificent sight, created me and cares infinitely about my well-being. We have been dealing with a few crappy, unfair issues the past few months and I have needed this reminder often.

It’s been a little over a year since we’ve moved to GH and have settled in nicely . . . we’ve gotten very involved at church and in the community and made some great new friends. We are always open to God’s plan for our lives and if that means living somewhere else . . . we will. In the meantime, I am thankful for where He has us now.

Summer Birthdays

I was reading some of our older blog posts this morning and, good lord, there are a lot of birthday ones! That’s life with a bigger family. I figured it had been awhile since I had a birthday post; so, I’d better post one. Ha! We’ve celebrated Livia’s, Anna’s and Cindy’s birthdays this summer – all at Trent and April’s. That’s a lot of parties to host . . . thanks, guys! :-)

Coast Guard Festival

The Coast Guard Festival is a big deal in Grand Haven, I mean BIG deal! Many "locals" leave town during that week, b/c it is too much. The week long festivities consist of 2 parades, a carnival on the streets of downtown, an art show, tours of Coast Guard ships, fireworks over the water and numerous other activities. I have heard some say that our little town of 12,000 becomes almost 200,000 the night of the fireworks. Unbelievable! For fireworks? Really?? People do crazy things to save spots for the parade and fireworks. Days ahead of time, they duct tape sections of grass off to have a spot to sit. Madness, I tell you!

This is our 2nd year of Coast Guard . . . the first year, I was in awe of the madness . . . this year, I participated in it! Yup, I was downtown Thursday night, saving my spot for the Saturday morning parade. And we got a great spot! Hannah was the only person we thought would be staying for the weekend, but Veronica and Sophie surprised us and came up Friday morning. My sisters are 2 of my best friends and I cherish our time together. It was great to have a spontaneous sisters’ weekend!

We went to the Art Show and enjoyed a picnic on the waterfront, while Brook worked Friday. That evening we went out for dinner then shopping up in Muskegon. Saturday was the big parade . . . the big question was, would my blanket still be there? Yes, it was! People actually respect the blanket and duct tape! We walked downtown to our spot and had a great time watching the parade. Later that evening, Carey and Meghan came out for dinner and then we went down to the carnival, so Sophie could ride some rides. Oh yeah, and for the fireworks. Ugh! I have no words for that portion of the weekend. We were packed in like sardines and when the fireworks started, Sophie freaked out. So, Veronica and decided to walk home. As we were attempting to leave the craziness, a lady put her feet out and wouldn’t let me by her. She said I needed to find another way to the sidewalk. What? I was in the middle of a grassy area, how the heck was I supposed to get out? Oh yeah, and how about the screaming baby with me? I can’t believe some people can be so rude.

Brook had a different experience of the fireworks. He and Hannah stayed to watch and when they were over got in the car to drive the mile to our house . . . it only took him an hour! Hahaha! Put 200,000 people in a small town and you’re bound to get a “little” traffic jam. He was not a happy camper when he got home. Not sure if we will be going to the fireworks next year . . . or maybe we’ll just walk. ;)

Anxiously awaiting the parade!

Best parade watcher EVER!

She clapped and waved for over an hour!

She looks so innocent here . . .