Happy New Year!

2012 just couldn't have started out better. For that matter, 2011 couldn't have ended better. Our dearest friends, The Merrill's, came to celebrate. Not only did they come, but THEY STAYED! That's right. We had overnight guests. Not as much guests as family, but we had company. Oh how much fun we had! I love them so much! This morning we all woke up, had cinnamon rolls, oranges and coffee. We sat at the table and I gave a well rehearsed sermonette based on Psalm 46:10. This passage reminds us to be still in the midst of trials. Although I pray that the new year is a little kinder to us than the last, I am planning on putting this verse into action. Even in the midst of the good times, I plan on taking more time to just be still and listen to what the Lord has to say. We theme our year, and this year is no different. 2012 will be

THE YEAR OF HEALTH AND SIMPLICITY.
Speaking of plans, here is a list of goals I have set for myself:
1. Enjoy a quieter life. (If you ask me to do something and I say no, don't be offended. Blame the New Year's Goals.)
2. Tackle the paper clutter. (This is a life long struggle, but if I have no goal I have nothing to strive for.)
3. Get organized and stay organized.( I know, I know. Whatever.)
4. Blog more.( I say that every year, but this time I mean it.)

Precious in His site

On July 30, at 10:30am our Grace was baptized. She's been asking for awhile but we had to find the right place and the right time. Grandpa Turner was given the privilege and honor to baptize her. We found a sweet place on Pleasant Lake in Edwardsburg. The day was perfect. As she was being immersed, my heart was swelling with satisfaction knowing that both my children love the Lord and have followed Him in obedience. It's what we have prayed for, even before they were born. Having Grandpa officiate made it that more special for her. Grace later told me that her life changed the second she came out of the water. She told me that she felt she had obeyed the Lord and He had blessed her. I cried sweet tears of joy and I'm sure the angels in heaven were singing praises.

We were joined by both set of grandparents, our neighbors Mike and Sue and our dearest friends, The Merrill's. Mark, Alice, Emily and Grace are so important to our family that we couldn't have imagined the day without them. Mike and Sue are the sweetest neighbors in the world and our kids adore them. So glad they could share in her day.

That time of year

It's finally hit the Wierenga Household. That's right, Poison Ivy. The dreaded plant has hit us hard. Little W has it ALL OVER. It's horrible. Call the doctor who now must see her. Who doesn't know what poison ivy looks like!? So I bring my miserable little one to the doc where we sit for an hour for him to tell us in .29 seconds that, "Yep, that's poison ivy." $100 later we're home with meds. Insanity.

I'm Baaack!

The reason I've been silent for so long is because I forgot my password! My dearest friend Alice, who is now a Dean's List Participant x3, has become so technologically savvy she was able to help me figure it out. Thanks Alice. I can't wait to start writing again. I'll gather my thoughts and get back to you.

Friends

I have great friends. I spent last night laughing so hard I thought my sides were going to split right open and spill my yummy American hamburger out! Prior to that, I spent nearly 2 hours on the phone talking with one of my BFFs in the exotic land of Oregon. I will do anything for my friends. I will even call the local FBI office if needed. (To be honest though, I've waited my whole life to talk to an FBI agent. Don't mess with the Triple Threat people! We will take you down!) Okay, enough of my tough talk. Really though, I take care of my friends. I have a very small circle of friends on purpose. I give everything I am to them. If there are too many, I can't give. I've also been burned by so-called friends so I'm a little guarded. I've had to learn that lesson again recently, so my circle becomes smaller and in turn becomes tighter. I really love my girls!

One year

One year can make a real difference. One year ago today, President GW Bush left office. I never fully agreed with each and everything thing he did, but he DID keep my family safe. His love for our country cannot be disputed. His resolve was unbending. I want to thank him for never giving in, never giving up and never forgetting why. As he and Laura flew over Washington one last time, a feeling of dread fell over me. I felt less safe. I could feel the "change" in the air.

One year later my fellow citizens have said enough is enough. The federal government has tried to take over our country. The people who we sent to represent us have forgotten who they work for. Power hungry men and women have abandoned the very foundational principles of our country. Last night, the people of Massachusetts said no more as they elected Scott Brown. In my lifetime there has never been a republican senator from the blue state of Massachusetts. The super majority is over. That's the hope I can believe in.

I Am Mommy

Change in life is hard. Sometimes scary. Sometimes exciting. I feel the change that is coming is more exciting than anything. I've made the decision that my retail career is over. Pages may be moving on, but I'm not going with it. My role as Mommy is the most important thing in the world! When my 10 year old is begging me to stay home and not leave to go to work, I have to listen. When my 7 year old is telling me how much she loves spending more time with me because I'm not at work, I have to listen. Even if a teaching position doesn't come available, I am doing the thing I was born to do. I am Mommy.