a quiet week

Well, here I am, day two of my "retirement" as Ryan is calling this little window of time between working and baby. So far so good but I can see why people start to get anxious towards the end. The house is clean, the diapers are lined up and books are being read for FUN at this point!

I think if I can force myself to just wait patiently, I might really enjoy this week or however long I have until we meet this little one. The weekend started it off on a great note after my last day at work. Ryan picked me up an hour early and whisked me off to an unknown destination. He had planned a date night out to Grand Haven, more specifically the Kirby Grill House, which has always been a treat in my mind as far as places to eat. We spent a few hours walking around, looking at the little boutique stores and shared a late dinner complete with a mile high brownie sundae. Yum. I felt so loved that he planned this little outing for us, knowing that this summer will be the start of a whole new chapter.

The rest of the weekend was enjoyable as well, with a good mix of resting and doing fun things like a bonfire with the neighbors, dinner out with my parents and a visit to the park with friends. I think the reality of being done with work for now is starting to set it and I have to admit, it was a bit weird being downtown Holland yesterday without being in the office. Almost like it was a Saturday even though it definitely wasn't. I think this season is going to be one where I am a bit lost on what day of the week it really is for a while.

I did the annual necessary Tulip Time visit yesterday with friends & their kiddos and we had a great time debating which stand to get food from. I can tell you that "fatballs" were not in the running for my top choice. What are those anyways?! In the end, I choose a simple pulled pork sandwich and hand dipped ice cream bar from Froggy's. Can't be beat! The tulips were lovely as always and we went early enough in the day that we didn't have to fight the crowds which was a plus because right now small spaces don't agree with me. Or maybe I don't agree with them. Beth took a pic of me in front of the tulips which she reminded me "wasn't just of me". Here I am in my 39th week and counting:



A few other things I am looking forward to this week:
a pedicure tomorrow morning with Shallon
finishing my latest fictional read and maybe squeezing another in
dinner tomorrow night with friends
a Whitecaps baseball game later this week if the weather cooperates
SITTING ON THE COUCH, watch hulu and napping in between shows with my pup

I think that is it for now but it is good for me to see a list in front of me and to take heed to the advice of friends who have gone before who are saying "rest now" before you are living in a state of sleep deprived happiness and hormones. Trying my best to take that one to heart!

simple joys

There is nothing like a night at home with this guy laying by my feet:

Adding to that joy by:
watching a movie on my laptop, in bed
eating a night snack of an orange (of course) and some animal crackers
feeling cozy while a major spring storm is brewing outside my window

Especially enjoying the relaxing after a full weekend of showing the house and being blessed with more showering of love for our babe. Sunday was the last of our showers before baby and I can honestly say I have enjoyed each shower in their own ways. Sunday was special because it was thrown by my aunts and included great grandmas & great aunts as well. Here are a few pics from the celebration:

the great grandmas

Auntie Chris & Aunt Karri

the momma and her momma

the moms & their girls

They also included the verse below in the celebration and after how much the picture of sheep meant to me from Israel, it was really meaningful. My Auntie Chris made up a magnet with this verse for everyone to take with them as a reminder to pray for us. The thought of walking this path of parenthood and knowing others are praying for us in this way is a huge encouragement to me.

He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.
-Isaiah 40:11

If that weren't enough joy for one day, we found out when we got to youth group that there was a surprise shower planned for our night. Laura & Kelsey got a delicious cake, planned all of our games for the night around baby relays (like eating baby food, drinking coke from bottles, etc) and they blessed us with 4 packs of diapers!

Loved this picture of us because it really seems to capture us, right where we are in this season. Including the fact that I have been wearing those earrings and that necklace almost every day for the past few weeks in effort to even out my growing belly, purely based on the rule that the bigger you are, the more freedom you have to wear larger accessories!

Poor Ryan, this was the only shower he got to attend & the one gift he got to open was diapers. He seemed pretty excited though, maybe the practical side of him as a guy knows how helpful they will be!


So so happy and appreciative that all of the people we love are walking with us but it just makes these nights at home that much more valuable. This guy is waiting so it must mean it is time for bed.

spring things

We officially marked the start of spring with our first 2011 run to Captain Sundae's. And when I say run, I mean we got in our car and drove .5 miles to the ice cream shop. We did however talk a walk around the block an hour later to enjoy the light left in the day, even at 8 p.m.

I also busted out a new pair of flats, which to me always marks the changing of seasons and feeling a bit more like myself to be honest. I got them last week at Meijer, for $12.99, jealous? I know some people won't buy their shoes at the same place they buy their groceries but for me, it works. In my defense, they are black patent leather and quite cute.

This time of year always reminds me of spring at TU and hanging out on the front lawn, otherwise known as Olson Beach with my bffs. And as far as the feeling like myself in flats part, I think I am just most comfortable without heels. I like them, think they are pretty but just plain prefer to be level with the ground. It seems like spring may be here to stay and I am loving it!

living in today

I find myself really thankful tonight- for friends whose homes I can enter without knocking or by just walking through the back door. It seems like the more I get back into the swing of working full time and gearing up for Ryan's last semester, the more I appreciate the friendships we have in this season. And I need them because one of the emotions I felt in the quiet part of my day (before the backdoor reflections) was "stuck".

As in, knowing that each day of our lives is transition between where we are and where we are going perhaps and yet knowing that the fullness of life exists in today. If I don't give it my all today, whose to say tomorrow will be any fuller? You know what I mean? I think we can spend so much time wondering and wishing that we miss today. Preaching to the choir here.

So for today, I am committing myself (AGAIN) to the now and asking God to illuminate the next little steps. I started my "praises and prayers" notebook again because I wanted to see those little things in the days that are so easily missed. I carry it in my purse because unfortunately, life moves so quickly that if we don't catch glimpses of things and commit them to memory, sometimes we are just on to the next.

With my efforts to find life in the now, here is what this week includes so far:

--seeing our friends Jon & Joy dedicate their beautiful little girl Ella Joy. another Ippel to love!
--10 minute dates in the morning and afternoon with Ryan as we are down to one car for a little bit, counting those as an opportunity to connect rather than a scheduling pain makes it a lot easier.
--the mini Israel reunion we had last night at Brad & Shallon's reconnecting, eating hummus and hanging out with these friends:

Ryan & Brad, Mt. Arbel

Ryan & Jeremy, Sea of Galilee

Ryan & Aaron, Mt. Carmel

Laura, Kristi, Bekah, Jerusalem


What are you thankful for this week?

prepare to be inspired

Within the past few weeks I have become aware of a couple new creative ventures so great I couldn't help but share.

First off, Sarah over at Auburn Street just announced that she opened an Etsy shop featuring her little notebooks and I can't help but fall in love with the way she reuses items that have meaning but no where to go. here is what she said about it:

"I draw my inspiration from vintage books, old maps, typewriters and vintage travel paraphernalia. My goal is to get the most use out of recycled materials - saving even the smallest scraps. " Check her out here:

Second, if I moved to Nashville, I may just ask this girl for a job to soak up some of her creativity...Maggie was a freshman on my wing (2E0 woot woot!) during junior year when I was a PA. She lived in the 3 man with Tiffany and Natalie and always had a marker collection to die for. After I moved to Holland, she was a student at Hope so we ran into each other from time to time but now she is putting her creativity to work by opening her own little store in TN.

follow her journey to the Grand Opening on April 17th here.

And finally, drum roll please. For all of those who know the word blogger and think about layouts and writing, 2 local girlies (one of whom is my friend Jodi) have put together the weekends of all weekends. They are calling it Gleek Retreat and it will be taking place next month at a gorgeous and nature filled retreat center about 15 minutes north of Holland. Think of it as a girl's weekend with goodie bags (complete with Uppercase Living gift cards from yours truly), a nature hike, awesome speakers from all over the US, wine, a sleepover and so many other fun opportunities to connect. Some people have creative memories, others make cards and knit, and some blog. Maybe that connects with those who craft in other ways. For those whose craft is writing, this is your weekend.

Always happy to have the chance to brag up my friends :) And best of all, I get to go see my dear friend Bethany this weekend and finally meet her little boy Hunter! so blessed!

lighter things

Torn about what I can write about because I continue to struggle with the privacy I want with my family struggles right now but feeling like in the midst of them, I still have my "normal" life of going out to New Holland with friends until 10:30 on a week night (Wednesday) and having adventures with my hubby and coffee with friends. I feel a bit split in half but allow me to with that said, share some of the lighter things that are in my mind.

Like the early edition release of the Passion 2010 album that you can listen to online for free. Better believe that is on repeat on both my and Ryan's computers. Specifically #5, Christy Nockel's song Healing is in Your Hands.

And the success of 4 pairs of jeans for under $60 that were scored this weekend between Ryan and I. Let me just say that I love the ANA (a new approach) brand at JcPenney. And that 3 of the pairs belong to my husband but that he NEEDED some new pairs. I have started to become very thrilled about finding good deals and even flirting with the idea of becoming a coupon clipper. It feels a bit like revenge on the retail world and I am scared and delighted at the possibility.

My friend Jenn Webber told me about her sister-in-law who teaches people how to use coupons and I know that sounds silly but after reading the girl who teaches heart for helping families and even her global perspective, I am encouraged. To see what I mean, read her perspective. I don't what has kept me from using coupons to this point, maybe partly pride but mostly laziness.

One other thing that happened before the weekend got a bit heavy was the fact that I went to a hiking and outdoor gear store, on Friday and got fitted for some boots for Israel. I don't think I haven't written about our trip on here but Ryan and I will be going on a 2 week study/hiking tour for the first 15 days of May. As it gets closer, there is much work to be done in light of preparing ourselves physically for the time like climbing stairs a couple times a week for the next 8 weeks in our new boots. There are several organizations in West Michigan that put together trips to Israel, Turkey & Greece. So crazy as it sounds, we know more than handfuls of others that have been to Israel either as high school students or adults. Which means we have several resources to learn from as we prepare and the thing we have been told by every single person is that you cannot prepare enough physically. Last spring Stacie & I spent many a Tuesday morning climbing stairs and there was something sacred about driving to the lake when the sun was still coming up and pushing ourselves. I am looking forward to having that drive and a reason to challenge myself and even more than that, having something to focus forward on right now.

counting my blessings

1) top on the list are these 3 flowers that a friend unexpectedly dropped off at the office yesterday with a little card with a cute birdie.

2) then came an email from a dear friend with this subject line:
Peace and this quote:
"It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart."

3) A mid-afternoon coffee date with a friend whose marriage is being restored and healed in powerful ways.

4) A 45 minute drive with my hubby to a family birthday party, great conversation

5) Last but not least, my dishwasher seems to be on the mend, I was washing by hand for about a week and a half and thankful when I come home that my sink isn't full.

What are you thankful for today?

loving lately.

man. I am loving Hillsong's music lately. The places it takes me and the lyrics that seem to just get it. Here is a little piece of what I mean with my current fave:


Other Pandora stations in rotation include:
missy higgins
Regina Spektor
Natasha Bedingfield
Sara Bareilles

I have to confess, I am also continuing to love birds. Not robins and blue jays but pieces inspired by nature like hooks

and jewelry

and love birds just in time for Valentine's Day

what are you loving lately?

coffee snobbery

Ahh... nothing like a cup of really good coffee. Good enough that I don't need creamer or any sugar; so smooth it just slides down. I have grown to have an emotional attachment with coffee, where historically stood only a needs-based relationship, "I need to wake up, therefore, I need to drink coffee" has developed into mutual embrace. I love coffee and it makes me happy.

I thought about this on my morning run, a new "old" routine that I am trying to reinstate into my life as I attempt to shake my body into a higher metabolism. I thought about the dark whole beans from Ferris Coffee & Nut that were awaiting my return, only to be ground into submission for liquid bliss. I love that this current coffee love is also roasted and distributed locally, here in West Michigan.

Here is where the snobbery steps in. We tried to buy one of those big economy size containers of ground coffee at the grocery store, the full bodied blend with a screw on lid and really put our hearts into trying it for the sake of reducing our budget (along with shopping at Save-a-Lot, Dollar General & Aldi's, all of which have been VERY successful endeavors). But a few mornings into it, we both admitted that the generic brand brew just wasn't cutting into it. I didn't mean to become a coffee snob, a "mean girl" in the beverage world. It just happened and I don't want to go back.

i want to light candles

My brother got me these beautiful chocolate brown pine cone candles from Pottery Barn for Christmas. Pottery Barn, the place I always want to walk through just to run my hands over the beautiful fabrics and pick up the candles and dream about how I would fill the shadow boxes. But what usually happens is that I walk out empty handed, feeling a little bit covetous. Truth.

So when I found the perfect place for them, one on my bookshelf and one on the side table next to the chaise where I do most of my reading & writing, I had a decision to make. To light or not to light. And I decided that even though these perfectly crafted little pine cones could stay in tact unlit, they are to be enjoyed and not hoarded. To enjoy things like candles and creativity and even deeper, relationships, and trust, sometimes I have to throw perfection out the window and simply allow things to be fluid and even messy.

I want to light candles and enjoy their warmth, smiling as I think about what a personal gift they were and how much more I will enjoy them lit.

are you ready for this?!

from pumpkin spice, which my bestie so lovingly posted about here, to the next season. Welcome Peppermint Mocha.

My leaves are raked, I bought milk that doesn't expire until December. I am ready for you to bring me in to the next season.

the joy of a skyline

I started my morning early today. And those who know me know that is a good thing. But on these rainy and dark mornings, even I, O’lover of morning have to admit that it is stinkin’ hard to get myself rolling. As I drove the 20 minutes to meet a friend for breakfast on the other side of town, I was in the morning zone, concentrated on getting there and anticipating caffeine.

We enjoyed our time together and had a good opportunity to connect, which I am finding in relationships is worth getting up early for, or squeezing in a 30 minute walk, because people are BUSY. Another topic for another day. To my point though; as I drove towards work on the highway, the way I used to take into work when I was living at home in those brief months between college and marriage, I remembered what I loved about that commute. If you hit it just right, there is a beautiful dawning taking place as the sun begins to rise and even the hills and industrial skyline of little old Zeeland sparkle.

I can’t describe why it was so beautiful to me this morning but it felt like a little shot of joy plugged into the day, even before 8 a.m. I arrived at work, humored by God and the way that He surprises me with his beauty in our lives, if we only look for it. So today, even in the skyline there was joy to be had.

my red door

remember a few days ago when I wrote about this?


Well here is the finished product and I am loving the new updated look of our house! I can't believe the difference a little sand paper and paint can make and it inspired me to get the fall decor rolling on the inside as well, which as we know from last year, is quite an event to me.

I just have to brag on my hubby a little bit more in that it was almost dark by the time he realized that the border on the garage would look better matching the door and jumped right in to make it happen. I ran inside to grab the star that I had in the basement, got the ole spray paint out, and we got the job done.

blueberry shortcake for breakfast

this morning when I woke up and started to make my regular breakfast of oatmeal & 2 eggs, sunny side up. Everything was already cooking away when I noticed the last piece of angel food cake sitting quietly on the counter and in a split second, the regularity of oatmeal was pushed to the side & out came the cool whip & blueberries.

I know it is just breakfast but it felt like a decision to live in the day, to enjoy the small things and to stop thinking so hard all of the time. Here is to a blueberry shortcake day with cool whip on top!

Sunday night goodness

what a refreshing weekend; bookended by good times with new friends including a bonfire on Friday night @ the Davidson's (who are going to have their 3rd child tomorrow morning and still invited us over)! And then tonight an impromptu spaghetti dinner with our new friend Laura from EGM. Sandwiched in the middle of those 2 things was a great Saturday spent at home with the exception of a trip with my boys to the dog park.

I wanted to make sure and hold to my word with my blogging for books giveaway! Thanks for all of the great feedback, so reassuring to know others experience the same joys & struggles. Janna is the lucky winner of this one but stay tuned, there will be more coming this fall!

some small town love

On days like this I just love living in a small town and am so contended to live here forever and ever and ever. I started the day with a brisk walk around the neighborhood early this morning, before coffee pots are started and people start shuffling around in their slippers. And I always feel like I have a great little secret world to myself when the streets are empty and quiet.

Tonight I walked around a few blocks with a friend and was reminded of how much of a detail person I am. I listened and talked but my mind's eye notices the new little flower beds planted, the new porch swings and the houses being rehabbed that are beginning to take shape. Maybe it isn't normal to have favorite houses, several in fact, in your own neighborhood but I love the character and charm of so many of these homes. So today, I am small town happy. As we like to say around here, I am "feelin the zeel".

tomorrow is 7/11

are you ready?

Free Slurpees all day!

sweet cheeky designs

I love it when I stumble upon freebies and giveaways & recently discovered this blog. It is my own little way for making up for my lack of effort and skill in coupon cutting, trying to win stuff for free!

In honor of her first year, the designer @ Sweet Cheeky Designs is giving away 2 free blogs. And I would love if one was yours, and one was mine



All you have to do to enter is go to her page before July 9th & either start following or leave a comment! Good luck to you...and to me...

smells like...

my high school bffs circa 1999. I know the rest of you 80s children were waiting for me to finish that sentence with "Teen Spirit". Let me explain myself so you don't start wondering what exactly my friends smelled like sophomore through senior year of high school.

Yesterday after an early morning run on the other side of town, I used Bath & Body Works Cucumber Melon body wash in a friend's shower. It took me straight back to the locker room for JV volleyball games, hanging out with my girls outside of our lockers senior year, Slurpee runs and days at Grand Haven. This was our scent.

Then came Ralph Lauren Romance, Ryan bought my first bottle for me right before beginning my freshman year at Taylor University. A smell signifying a young romance, late night phone conversations outside my door in Room 237, driving 3 hours just to meet for dinner (and maybe a kiss too), a new chapter of life. Sophomore year brought a whiff of "Ralph", the edgier scent that came in that cute little blue bottle. That was the year that we broke up for a while, I changed my major to communications and then back to psychology within a matter of weeks, went to Kenya, tried to heal from a heartbreak, mended the heartbreak, and started wearing Romance again.

A few more current scents that give me emotion:
-the smell of JP's coffee which reminds me of the beginning of my professional career after college & getting coffee in the mornings
-Old Spice deoderant that smells like cologne when Ryan gives me a hug
-Cover Girl powder which will always smell like my grandma "touching up" her makeup

What are your "smells like" scents that bring you back to places and times?

a day in pictures

the big 2-6 turned out to be such a great day from beginning to end. It began with waking up and deciding that instead of working out, I would make some morning glory muffins. which were then enjoyed ala breakfast in bed watching multiple episodes of Arrested Development on Hulu with Ryan, who just so happened to be working from home.

on to an afternoon of coffee with my mom & 2 brothers,and a surprise gift! A whole box of party stuff like napkins, paper plates, etc. I don't think they knew I would be so happy about it but the fact that it had to be in the picture might have given them a clue.


When I got home, there was a card on the counter with 2 little cards inside from Ry. A nice card, despite the silly picture but that is what you get for a dog lover. The cards were for my choice for dinner and to go shopping for one thing that I wanted.

Red Robin was a MUST for dinner, hello! they give you a free burger on your b-day for signing up for their e-newsletter. freesy easy! Whisky River BBQ burger and bottomless fries. Then on to Coldstone for my free "like it" that I got the same way...yum. And my shopping choice, some new sandals that I LOVE. Thanks babe, it was such a great night!