Birthday Parties

I know it's a little late, but I wanted to post pics of Brendan's Birthday parties.

First we have some pictures of Brendan decorating scupcakes for the class treat. He first asked for Christmas Cookies, but unfortunately I didn't have time to make them. After he decided chez it's were the next best thing, I suggested cupcakes and he thought that would be okay.

I'm not sure what was goin on during the taking of this pictures. I thought is was funny looking.
evidence that someone was trying to get a cupcake when mom wasn't looking. Can you guess who?



On Brendan's birth day we had a small celebration at home with just our family. I made homemade chicken strips and potato wedges per Brendan's request. After dinner we tried watching Madagascar, but the DVD had too many scratches on it, so we had Brendan open his gifts. I think he liked that box as much as what was in it.

Two new webkinz: King the Lion (because lions are the king of the jungle) and Max the husky lil kinz (i'm not sure where that name came from)

A new coloring/activity book of horses. Brendan loves horses.

Happy Birthday, Brendan!!!!

Blowing out the candles
Enjoyin his cupcake

Then on Thursday night, before the school program we celebrated Brendan's birthday with his grandpas and gramas. We met at Monterey Grille in Caledonia for supper. After we ordered dinner, Brendan opened his gifts from the grandparents.

From Grandpa and Grandma Van Dam, Brendan got a book about wild animals and a wrist watch. He loves to wear the watch so he can check the time.
From Grandpa and Grandma Geerlings, Brendan got a His Kids Radio.

All in all, I thinking Brendan had a great birthday....until next year.

Birthday Boy

I want to take a moment to reflect on our birthday boy. It seems like just yesterday that Brendan was the newest addition to our little family, and since then our family has really grown.

It was a Sunday morning around 7:30 when I first called the doctor because I thought my water had broken. At this point I was just started having contractions. My doctor told me to eat some breakfast and come to the hospital. I would say that it was an uneventful birth. Brendan was born at 12:56 p.m. I was so excited to see that precious little baby in my arms.

and so life continues and my baby is growing up and is now 7 years old.
He loved school, learning about all kinds of animals but especially African animals, he loves science, and most of all his teachers. He hates it when there's a snow day and even Saturdays because he can't go to school.

He really doesn't like to sleep in bed, but prefers to sleep on the floor.

He loves to eat cheeseburgers, homemade chicken strips and smashed potatoes. But really doesn't like green beans or peanut butter.

He loves his brothers, but kind of a love hate relationship.

and most of all he loves Jesus.


Brendan, dad and I are so proud of you. We are so glad that you is in our family, we can't imagine life without you. We love you so much. Happy 7th Birthday, Brendan. We will continue to prayer for you and the people and things in your future. We will pray that you make smart choices and find friends that are a good influence in your life. And lastly we will pray that your relationship with Jesus will continue to grow stronger every day.

Generous Heart

Last night Mr. Tooth Fairy had to make a stop in Brendan's room to pick up Brendan's two front teeth and drop off some money.


And bless his dear soul, Brendan even though he was so excited to get the money this morning, he brought it to school to help raising money for a school in the Philipines, instead of keeping it for himself.

I hope we can all have that kind of heart this Christmas Season.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party.

After I spent some time with the family at the parade, I headed over to Stacey's house for a christmas party. It was so much fun. Everyone except me (party pooper with an excuse) came in an ugly christmas sweater. There was a contest to see who sported the best worst sweater and the winners were Jamie and Michelle (tie).

Other than that we eat a little, drank a little (or a lot) and laughed tons.

Jamie

Jamie's backside

Becky

Kathy

Stacey

Sara

Kristin

Lia, Kathy, and Chelle

Kristin, Meredith, Chelle, and Katie
Bill, Sara, and Laura

It's beginning to feel alot like Christmas

Last Friday night, we braved the weather and went to the Chirstmas Parade in Caledonia. The boys loved it and keep asking to go back to the christmas parade again.

Winter Wonderland

War Paint

Someone wasn't watching her boys again today. Luckily only one of the boys got into the butt cream. (and we didn't get it on any couches.)

another one bites the dust

....another tooth that is

Brendan was a little bored this afternoon, so whatever is there to do but pulled out another tooth. I think that's all the loose teeth for on.

Pulling Teeth

Before I left last week I noticed that Brendan's premanent teeth were starting to come up behind his baby teeth on the bottom. The baby teeth were loose so I thought first sure that Brendan would have lost a few teeth while I was gone. But nope, I came back to Brendan and all his teeth still in his mouth. I was a little worried though because the permanent teeth were showing more. So after getting some advise, I took Brendan this morning that he needed to start wiggling his teeth as much as possible. He started wiggling the teeth, then he even tried eating an apple, that didn't do much.

This afternoon, Brendan came out of the bathroom, upset and with a bit of blood in his mouth. You see his newly lost tooth had gone down the sink drain. He wanted that tooth so bad, that he "twisted" his dad's arm into taking the drain apart to get the tooth. They found the tooth!!!

It wasn't until he called Grandma and told her about the whole ordeal that I found it that he wrapped a piece of tooth string (dental floss) around it and pulled in out. I guess he really wanted that tooth out.

Happy Thanksgiving

This year being thankful has a whole new means. I have always been thankful before too but after being in a third world country I realized I take so much for granted. I am now thankful for more simple things .

I am thankful for a wonderful God who has given us so much

I am thankful for a wonderful Husband for loves me unconditional

I am thankful for our for handsome boys, who are the joys of my live.

I am thankful for parents and in-laws who are God-fearing and have a great love for Jesus.

I am thankful for a great church, where we can go to worship God without worrying others may harm us.

I am thankful for good health in our family

I am thankful for clothes and especially shoes

I am thankful for a house with insulation to keep the cold out in the winter.

I am thankful for friends who are always willing to lend a helping hand, or be there when we need to laugh.

I could go on and on, but I need to stop so I can get the kids ready for church (connor's got green 11 so I need to stay home with him). But I just ask that you a moment to thank God so everything you are thankful for this Thanksgiving Day.