remembering Jack.

For those of you who read this blog but aren't from this West Michigan, let me give you a little background on this post.

On Feb 10, our school suffered a devastating lost when one of the preschools was killed in a car accident.  It's been a hard thing for our community to deal with.  We don't know why God allowed this to happen.  But we know that God had a purpose for his life and we know that now Jack is with the best superhero anyone can have.

Well, today is Jack's birthday.  A day to celebrate the life he had here on earth.  A day to mourn the loss of his life.  If you have a moment today, please stop and pray for Jack's mom, dad and brother Riley.  I'm sure it's going to be a very hard day to get through.

Speaking of his brother, Riley has such a loving heart...he came up with idea to bring a birthday treat into Jack's preschool class this week.  Such an amazing thing for a 7yo boy who just lost his brother.  A couple of us, 2nd grade moms, wanted to remember and celebrate Jack as well, so we created a blanket and scrapbook for the Boerema family.

First the scrapbook, at the funeral the idea came up to make a butterfly tree.  We had paper butterflies available for all to write a verse, prayer, or words of comfort on and then we had a tree to hang all the butterflies on.  It was beautiful.  But we needed a place to keep the butterflies in, so a scrapbook was made.  I'm sure it will be greatly treasured by the Boerema's

Next the blanket, I must confess I have a problem...I spent too much time on pinterest.  But for once it came in handy.  We saw a quilt similar to this and thought it would be a great idea.  It would be something for Riley to use when he is missing his brother most.  To help Riley know that we all love him...to remember that Jesus is always with him.  We got hand prints of all the second graders...the grade that Riley is in, and of Jack's preschool class.  We had all the kids sign their name on their hand print and then I spent a few days configuring and sewing it together.  I love it and from Riley's reaction, he did too. :)

another party for the twins

We are still partying over here at the VD's household.  Saturday night, we headed to my parents house for a party...the best one so far at least for me.  I didn't have to clean the house or make food.

The boys got new bikes for presents, Lucas thought it was the best present ever, although he said the same thing when he got his gift certificate to Barnes and Nobles and when he got his DS.  

 opening their cards with Grandpa

 waiting for their presents

 already having to fix one of the bikes

 G & G bought the twins license plates for their bikes while they were in Florida

 Birthday ice cream with chocolate and sprinkles.

Happy Birthday Boys!!!

spring program

Last week Monday our school had it's spring program.  The boys did a great job...or at least I think  they did.  There were so way kids that I couldn't see  the twins at will, I'm so glad I snapped a few pictures while they were lining up.  I could only see Brendan when the group sat down.  Luckily, Connor was in the front row so I was thoroughly entertained by him.

 After the concert part, we got to see their art work.  The twins made owls and Connor & Brendan each made a different bird, so cute and fun!!!

Birthday Party #2

The twins were so excited for dad to come home last Friday night, because that meant they would be getting their bday gifts from us. On Saturday, I spent the day emptying Mike's suitcase, upload pictures and making food for the party.  The boys requested Stromboli and pizza puffs and I made an  angry birds cake.

 I made them take a nice picture before supper...it's not an easy thing to do.

 

 the cake

 the bday boys with the cake

 the bday boys with the cake with lit candles

 blowing out the candles

 more blowing,

 more blowing,

 and more blowing...are you sure they're out??

 coming up for a breath.

After we took pictures of the cake, Brendan started the scavenger hunt that he had spent the day making for the twins.  

 ripping open the first clue

  Clue #1:  "Where there is books, you will find the next clue.  Make sure you look in every book."

 

 Off to the bookcases they go...

 Austin found the clue!!!!

 Clue #2:  "In a wallet you are sure to find your next clue.  If you know where your wallets are.  Good Luck!"

 The wallets were quickly found and so was the next clue.  Which I can't find anymore, but it said something about the next clue would be in a tree.  So the twinners got on their flip flops and headed outside.

 and seeing how they only ever play in this one tree, that's the one they went to, and sure enough there was the clue.

 Reading the next clue...again don't know where that clue went but they needed to find the next clue in the sand  so off to the sandbox they went.

 Found it!!!

 Reading the clue again...

 back in the house to found the next clue under a TV.

 Clue:  " Ha!! Ha!!! We fooled you.  (Brendan wrapped up a piece of wooden as a gift)  In a door that is white you will find your next clue."  

A white door!?!?!  does my child not realize that all the doors in our house are white...but there must be a  special connection with the boys because the twins ran right up to the right door on the first try.  Crazy!!!

 Presents!!!!  

 

 One more picture for mom

 What did you get????  Ah, a much wanted DS!!!!

  SO Excited!!!!

 Happy 8th Birthday Boys!!!