Great to See the Sun!

I am SO sick of winter! It seems great to see some sun today, but I thought I'd also throw a little color on my blog. Not much happening in Hambergland, kind of a quiet week - that can be a good thing! It's Saturday morning and I'm procrastinating from cleaning the house. I've talked Scott into cleaning our scuzzy shower stall for me this weekend - it dawned on me this am that when there's no yardwork, gardening, etc. he might as well help me clean the house, right? Ha Ha. I can't complain. He's one who easily starts the laundry or throws the dishes in the dishwasher, etc. without being asked. In fact he teases me about the pile of magzines, mail, food dishes that tend to accumulate around my favorite chair by the end of the week.

I'm back to working 5 days a week - kind of miss my three day weekends!, but of course in this day and age we feel lucky just to be working! I think my brain and body are already gearing up for retirement, though. I enjoy having my time at home so much. Haworth just instituted a few more cost-savings measures, like taking away their company match to our 401K and beginning next year, they will "pro-rate" our vacation time - accumulate it as you go, rather than getting it all upfront.

I spoke to both my darling girls yesterday - had to get my "fix" - I have to hear their voices if more than a few days go by - ha ha. They always brighten my day. Katie is going out with her old roommates tonight to celebrate both of their birthdays. Unfortunately, Rachel was frustrated because their condo roof is leaking - no fun to pay for repairs on top of everything else. But, other than that, all is well with our dear Chicagoans. The girls and I usually take a short mom/daugher weekend somewhere together at least once a year, so I'm trying to come up with a fun place to go not too far from home. Is anyone else getting STIR CRAZY?

Wonderful Time In Colon.....

What can I say? A picture speaks a thousand words. We had such a wonderful day with Jen, Jason and the girls in Colon yesterday. Dad was delighted with the whole thing, and did very well - didn't seem to be tired at all, even at the end of the day. He enjoyed every part of the day, and as Jen said in her blog, we arrived in Colon around 2:00pm. First off, he got a real big kick out of the GPS system and how it took us right to the front door of Jen & Jason's house. (It came in very handy on our way home, which was after dark.) Then, when we got to the house, the girls were napping, so Jen showed us around - the house looks great, freshly painted and so spacious!

Then the REAL fun started. Little Kels got up first, with those rosy cheeks. Had to stay on mom's lap for a bit, but then warmed up to us. Same with Macey, when she got up a bit later, but it didn't take long and she was herself - I had brought some paper and crayons and asked her to draw some pictures for me and great-grandpa, which she gladly did. She proudly showed me her very own room upstairs and her playroom, where we enjoyed a bit of the Veggie Tales and a couple of books.

Great-grandpa was in heaven when Kels sat on his lap to watch Miles and Otis, and later, without my even asking her, Macey went and gave great-grandpa a kiss (and me, too)! Then we enjoyed a nice supper of BBQ's and brownies (that Macey helped make) and on to the game! Jason is a calm, cool and collected coach, and his team did a great job - didn't quite pull out a win, but it was a very good game. It's cute how Macey knows exactly where the concession stand, the water fountain and vending machines are - she enjoys her "skittles" and wanted to be sure that each of us had a candy bar! We headed home after the game, arriving in Holland around 9:00pm - Dad talked a lot on the way home about how much he enjoyed the trip. He got the biggest kick out of little Kels always shaking her head "no", how she walked along with her carriage - she looked so proud - it looks like she'll be walking on her own in no time. And of course Macey was just a delight the whole day - I couldn't get over how well-behaved the girls were for the entire BB game.

Thanks, Jen, Jason, Macey and Kelsey - for a wonderful day!

Just a Quick Post....

....To let you know about another coupon site that I found:

http://www.couponcabin.com/index.htm

25 Random Things About Me

And, taking my cue from Brenda, below are 25 Random Things About Me.....

This was fun. I tried not to think about it too much - it's funny the things that came into my head....

1. My favorite font is "Franklin Gothic Book"


2. I would love to fly in a hot air balloon


3. I plan on going to Tuscany within the next five years


4. I wore braces on my teeth a few years ago


5. I once dated a man who drove a hearse (for fun – it’s not like he worked at a mortuary or anything)


6. When I was in high school I worked as a "pinkie" at Holland Hospital


7. I once took a walk around the Haworth pond with Ernie Harwell


8. I used to be able to ice skate


9. I was a member of the West Ottawa Vocalaires


10. I just ordered the soundtrack from the movie "The Man in the Iron Mask"


11. I adore vintage childrens’ books


12. I have a bunion the size of Texas


13. Sometimes I cry in church when the choir sings certain songs that remind me of my mother


14. I’ve always wanted to go up in outer space


15. I have the most wonderful children in the whole wide world – no, really!


16. I usually stay up past midnight


17. I’m completely annoyed when people don’t use their turn signals


18. I laugh hysterically every time I watch Seinfeld


19. My husband and I once carved our initials in a tree near Beulah


20. I love the taste of lemons so much that I’m growing my own lemon tree


21. To me, heaven is watching a Tiger’s game


22. I’m happiest at home


23. I got fired from my first job


24. I love the smell of new books and rubber dolls


25. I have a scar on my kneecap that looks like a smile

Nykerk Breakfast, Katie's Birthday and More....

"Ahhh, my tummy is full!"

Bill looking great, and Brenda Lee looking fabulous!

Here's one happy guy who went out for breakfast with his family recently.....

We always have fun, don't we?

Here's our birthday girl! Happy Birthday, sweetheart.

I may be biased, but aren't they the cutest couple ever?

"Just what I just wanted!" (that's an inside joke....)

Loving sisters....I'm SUCH a lucky mom!

Chocolate covered cherries and cherry frosting for our birthday girl!

Can't forget Ally! She's one great dog....

We went to Chicago last Friday and part of Saturday to see the kids and to celebrate Katie's birthday. Had a wonderful time, "as per normal." (I always think of my sister when I use that phrase - how ya doin' Carol?) So, we enjoyed a nice dinner in a new Italian restaurant that Katie had selected (I can't remember the name!) and then went back to Dave and Rachel's condo, where Katie opened a few presents and we had some cake. We left early Saturday afternoon, and took our time going home, stopping at Michigan City to go to the Lighthouse Place Mall - they have a few new stores there, since I've been there last - including a Bath & Body Works outlet - great deals, there. We also each got a pair of shoes and I loaded up at the Pepperidge Farm store. By that time we were famished, and we dug right in on those goldfish crackers! We also drove through the backroads in that area for a bit, because we wanted to explore the area along Lake Michigan near there that they call "Harbor Country." There are several little towns just a few miles apart from each other - New Buffal0, Union Pier, Sawyer, to name a few. Quaint and cute little towns with lots of shops, galleries, etc. We wanted to see the area because we're thinking of renting a cottage in southwestern lower Michigan this sumer, so that our kids can join us and we can meet somewhere halfway between where we live. We'd like to find a nice cottage on an inland lake - someplace where Ally can come, too!

After we left, Rachel and Dave had a surprise planned for Katie! Under the pretense that they would be taking her out for supper, Katie showed up at their condo, only to be greeted by a room full of friends who were there to surprise her for her birthday! They all went out to celebrate from there - kudos to Rachel for taking the time to plan such a nice surprise for her sister!

I don't think I've posted since our last Nykerk family breakfast, so you'll see a few pictures here from our visit to DeBoer's Bakery. What a great place, and delicious food! How about the picture of dad? He cracks me up.

I'm looking forward to having lunch with Brenda tomorrow, and then going out with our friends Lynne and Dave Hall in the evening. I have 2 more Fridays off before Haworth goes back to a 5-day work week - I'm really going to miss these 4-day work weeks. The company is laying off about 150 salaried folks over the next week or two - I've been told my job is safe for now. This whole economy thing is getting to be a bit much, don't you think?

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you, and especially to the darling little ones, Macey and Kelsey! We received the most wonderful Valentine's Day card from them in the mail today (and I have a feeling all of you will get one, too!) They are beyond precious - thank you little sweethearts! We're looking forward so much to their upcoming shared birthday party at Grandpa Bill's house.