Hoekwater's Cottage

Today was our first trip to the lake. Lizzie really seemed to enjoy it. Drew fired up the boat and all the dads took the kids out for a ride while the mom's stayed back and chatted. Ryan said that Lizzie really seemed to enjoy the ride, which is a good thing, since we will be spending some time at a cottage with my dad's boat near the end of July. Lizzie also liked the water, although, she would've enjoyed it even more if the water was a little warmer and the wind wasn't so strong. All in all, she seems to really be an outdoor type of girl - mommy and daddy are thankful for that.

Cousin Dylan enjoyed the water too, especially the sea doo. He said he likes going fast, but he doesn't like having the water splash in his face!

It's Time to Bake

Even though we were "pretending" to bake, Lizzie had a great time. As you can see, she even attempted to lick the "pretend" cake batter. Can you imagine how much more she will enjoy making a real cake. I told her when she turns 1 I'll let her help make her birthday cake. That's fair isn't it? Her cousin Dylan never stops talking about cakes, cookies, muffins or anything else sweet...so I figure that the longer we wait to introduce her to these types of treats the better!

A Typical Day in the Life of Lizzie...

SMILING...

(Please excuse my hair...Lizzie's favorite pastime is pulling it, so I have to throw it up quickly!)

PLAYING PIANO - Lizzie is practicing the piano. She is pretty good!

happy father's day

Happy First Father's Day! We love you and think you're the best!

Love, Mommy & Lizzie

"Remember You're Her Daddy"
Remember you're her daddy
when she's crying late at night,
when she needs a little loving
to know that it's alright.
Remember you're her daddy
when dolly's lost an arm,
when you take the time to fix it
because you can't resist her charm.
Remember you're her daddy
when she's had a real rough day,
when school's been pretty tough on her
and nothings went her way.
Remember you're her daddy
when she goes on her first date,
when you tell her to be in by ten
and she's not home 'till late.
Remember you're her daddy
when she makes you very proud,
when in a very awkward way
she stands out in a crowd.
Remember you're her daddy
the first man she's ever kissed,
and when you go away
you'll be very, very, missed.
Remember you're her daddy
remember I'm your wife,
we know that you'll love us
for the rest of your life.
Copyright 2002
Christine Michaels
www.WelcomeBaby.com

Six Years

Happy Anniversary! Ryan and I have been married for six wonderful years. I am so thankful to be married to such a wonderful man. Ryan is a wonderful husband, awesome "daddy", great friend, man of faith, and our provider.

Thanks for sharing this journey with me. I am looking forward to spending the next 50 + years enjoying life and making memories together.

THE PARK

This is our first video, please don't mind the narrative. I've decided next time that I need to remember not to talk...

For Those Who Feel Average - Remain Faithful

I read this today and I thought how true...there are a lot of people who can be added to this list...stay at home moms come to my mind right now.

Faithfulness - what a great attribute.

Much of our attention and praise is directed toward highly visible and successful people. But occasionally we read about an ordinary, obscure person being honored for many years of faithful service. It may be a school custodian, a cafeteria worker, a handyman, or a clerk in a store who has served others in a dependable and unselfish way.
That kind of reliability often goes unnoticed, but I believe it's a powerful picture of how we are to live. Although consistency may not be flashy, days add up to a life of great significance to God.
Paul wrote, "It is required in stewards that one be found faithful" (1 Corinthians 4:2). If we live faithfully for Christ, God has promised to reward us at His appointed time. When the Lord comes, He "will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God" (v.5).
When we long for success, God says, "I will reward you."
When we ache for recognition, God says, "I see you."
When we are ready to quit, God says, "I will help you."
Whether our service is public or private, our responsibility is the same—to be faithful. —David McCasland
In all the little things of life,Yourself, Lord, may I see;In little and in great alike,Help me to faithful be! —Anon.
God doesn't ask us to be successful but to be faithful.

Random Life Occurences

This is going to be a collage of random thoughts and things that have been going on in our household during the last few weeks.

1) Lizzie is VERY close to successfully crawling. Everyone who already has children continually warns me that I should not desire this milestone in Lizzie's life as much as I do. I'm sure they all know what they are talking about, but I am so excited for her. Additionally, it would seem like I might be able to get more accomplished around the house if she could crawl - right now she just whines when I leave her for any small amount of time.

2) Lizzie is continually spoiled by all of her Grandparents. Grandpa and Grandma Griffen gave her her first taste of playing in the Tupperware drawer and being allowed to bang pots/pans/Tupperware together. She loved it! So, as any good mom would do, I moved all of my Tupperware into the drawer closest to the floor so that she could enjoy the same giggle inspiring activity at home.

3) Lizzie's two bottom teeth have pushed their way through her gums (THANK YOU!). Now she spends a lot of time pushing her tongue back and forth over her teeth - it is so cute.

4) I planted an herb garden along with two tomato plants. I really wanted to plant a real garden but our yard does not get enough sunlight for the garden to be successful.

5) Last, but not least, I've included a picture of my niece Cassidy wearing the beautiful dress that Ryan's mom knit for her (Ryan's mom also made the same dress for Lizzie - its just much larger and a different color).

Our Family Picture

Create your own family sticker graphic at pYzam.com

Enjoying the Outdoors

Lizzie absolutely loves the outdoors! Whenever she gets crabby all we have to do is put her next to the window and talk to her about the birds and the trees and she is quiet.

The other day I decided to see whether she liked the touch of grass on her toes and fingers (because Dylan hated it). To be honest I was surprised to find out that she really seemed to enjoy it. She is very much a girl who likes to feel different textures. So, if you ever drive by our house and wonder why we are always sitting out in the front or back lawn on the ground it is probably because she is patting the grass or pulling it.

You'll also notice that I've included a few pictures of our recent trip to the park. Lizzie giggles with glee when she swings. It reminds me of Psalm 8 "From the mouths of infants and children you have created praise."