My "new" table

So this is my project finally finished! It took a little longer than it should have, do to procrastinating half way through, but hooray its done! Thanks for Stacey and her moral support one night to get me going. And to Justin who put the glossy stuff on top for me. I am proud to say that I accomplished something bigger than I ever thought I could do! I am one of the biggest cheap-o's out there and was so sick of our kitchen table. It was so so scratched and just needed to be chucked out. BUT, I decided to sand it down (which was insanely hard and not fun) and paint the legs white instead of there original green color. I am happy with the results, 100% better than it was before. Not at all a new table, but until my children are older and won't ruin it I'm going to have to keep my cheapo one for now!

Attack Mike!

We went to see one of Geoffrey's (my nephew) football games the other night. I was pretty uncomfortable sitting in those bleachers for an hour, and we couldn't see the game very well. Hence no photos of Geoff in action. But at the end, the girls attacked Mike and it was photo worthy. No we will not let go of your feet! I love taking pictures of these girls together (not sure where Michaela was....) but they just LOVE any opportunity to get together. Mackenzie asks me daily if we can go to Stacey's house and play......maybe we should move a bit closer.....????? So those of you who know how psycho Stacey and I are when it comes to dressing our kids and ourselves alike without knowing it, this is a perfect example. It weirds me out that we dress them the same all the time. We have gotten smarter when it comes to ourselves though, we usually have to make a phone call if we are planning to see each other that day. Going to the mall or a family gathering isn't as much fun when you are dressed like twins with your sister! :)

togetherness

With the not so fun reason for there coming to Boise, it was still nice to be able to catch up with my cousins this weekend. It seems the times we get to see each other aren't for something happy, but sometimes that's just how it works with family that lives far away. Is she not the cutest girl in the world? I should have gotten video of her singing, cause it was to die for adorable.....totally not exaggerating! I think my kids are the cutest in the world, but man there was just something totally special about this little face. I could have sat and watched her all night long.....and that's actually what we ended up doing, she was so entertaining! This is my long lost cousin Ashley and her adorable daughter Gracie. I hadn't seen Ashley since Mackenzie was a tiny baby! Isn't Gracie a total clone of her mama? Gavin and Gracie are the only 2 weeks apart! He came right out and sat next to her like they were buds. Okay, so they didn't play with each other the entire time we were there, but do 2 year olds really ever play with each other? But they were pretty darn cute together for that split second.

A courageous boy

This week has been an extra reminder of how wonderful it is to have family! Having to watch others you love go through such heartache and trials beyond what they know, is such a test of faith.

My cousin Brittany's son Andrew underwent surgery this week to remove a tumor from his brain. He is only 8 years old, but he is the strongest most positive boy. I encourage you to go to this website http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewvanderploeg and read his story. My cousin Amy also has a blog where she has written about him as well.

I have felt the need to share his story with those around me. If you are in the mood to be inspired and hear of such a courageous boy, please take the time.

I feel so blessed to have the gift of the gospel in my life. I have such wonderful people around me that remind me of how I should be.

Please keep Andrew in your prayers, he needs lots of extra help in these days ahead.