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I typically do not slow down enough to write or read for pleasure on a regular basis but one thing I do is capture life's moments through the lens of a camera. This isn't something I claim to be good at. In fact, photographer doesn't even come to mind when I think of who I am. What does come to mind is I'm the one with the camera journeying through life as a wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend.
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Tuesday

8.30.10 - Aunt Annie Spoils Jalen

Thanks Aunt Annie for a great day at Michigan Adventures!

Sunday

8.29.10 - Corn on the Cob

I have always loved stopping at the road side markets and buying the seasonal produce from our local farmers.  This year I have had more appreciation and enjoyment from it than years past.  I think the boys have too!  I feel blessed to live where I do, with such great variety to choose from and the ability to go and pick from the area farms.  This year we've picked strawberries, blueberries (which I haven't done since my childhood) and raspberries.  It was the first time I've picked raspberries. Next on the agenda is Honeycrisp apples...YUM!

Saturday

8.28.10 - Life is Good

We try really hard to enjoy "date night" once a week.  It is something we have to make a conscious effort to uphold.  Kids and family time are great and I wouldn't have it any other way but it all started because two people fell in love.  To stay in love you have to have time to slow down and enjoy the love you share.  Saturday night we did just that...so you might be asking then why don't you have a picture of just you and your husband.  Well, because I didn't take one and the evening ended with friends bringing sleeping kids over at 10:30pm and playing Catch Phrase and Telephone Pictionary well into the next day.

Friday

8.27.10 - Hot Stuff!

HHS JV's started their season with only conference games scheduled leaving nothing for week 1 and 2.  As two a day practices progressed two teams agreed to play them - Bowman Leadership Academy and Greenville.  The score was well into a running clock with Hudsonville ahead when Derk motioned to have Jalen join him on the sidelines for the rest of the game.  Main did Jalen think he was HOT stuff.

8.27.10 - Die Fruit Flies Die

Die Fruit Flies Die!
When the apple cider vinegar with dish soap doesn't work and you've use all your red wine to make Sangria, you take matters into your own hands.  This is the true story of two boys, I mean man and little boy on a mission.  Die Fruit Flies Die...you are not welcome!

Wednesday

8.25.10 - I Don't Want This!

You've all been their, having the "when you open a gift be sure to say thank you even if you don't like it" talk with your kids.  I've even heard some of my friends say they've practice it.  Well we didn't have the talk before Jalen's 4th birthday.  He opened a scooter from Derk's brother and family and the words just flowed..."I didn't want this!"  Of course embarrassed at the time we now laugh because he rides this scooter almost every day and absolutely loves it.

Tuesday

8.24.10 - Vegetarian Anyone?
















I've never bought this much ground beef in my life...13 pounds to be exact.  This is definitely the first time I've pondered becoming a vegetarian.  I'm sure after I'm done making the taco meat I will be a vegetarian.  Hopefully they come hungry!

Sunday

8.22.10 - What's Required: Time

















Finding time to post a photo will be the true test.  Hopefully we will look back and smile at the timeless emotion and expressions found in a number of photos.  One that speaks to me from my childhood is this of my sister and I.  Today, she is a strong, hard working, determined woman who I look up to very much.

Saturday

8.21.10 - What's Required: Friends

How do you get friends from all different walks of life together for a group photo so no one feels left out by this post?  Answer: You don't, it's impossible.  So I share with you the most recent get together with a group of friends.   We have journeyed along side these friends since before we all had kids...almost 8 years.  They are friends that challenge you to be the person God created you to be and feel comfortable in your own skin being human, making mistakes and living a peaceful, happy life journey.  We are truly blessed to be loved by these people. 

Friday

8.20.10 - What's Required: Family


Jalen & Uncle Corey drew this while they waited for Tyler to arrive home from the hospital after he was born.  This picture is special because it's a glimpse into the special time & relationship Jalen has with his Uncle Corey.  I am so thankful that Jalen has such a great role model.