Okay, so the sun is shining today and the snow is melting......I'm home with my girls, and have an overwhelming feeling of how blessed I am.....with thoughts of the Lord's last supper today, Good Friday's sorrow, and Easter's glory on it's way, I thought I'd share some of the things I'm thankful for.....
A loving husband, who tells me I'm a wonderful mother, eats anything I cook (or heat up), and doesn't complain that the housework isn't getting done as usual. :)
Looking up at the moon and stars on a clear summer night, sunshine, blue sky, and the change of seasons....God's creation is amazing!!!
Our wonderful family.....near and far, and their never-ending love, support, and friendship.
A healthy doctor's report for Ashlyn, growing strong (10# and 21.5inches already!)....and just one more kidney scan to confirm everything is fine.
An almost 3 year old daughter, Emma, who tells me I'm her best friend....even after I have to tell her "no" or make her take a nap.
The ability to roll out of bed without pain. The body's amazing capacity to heal!
Our warm home, in our cozy woods, and the talents of Brad and family/friends that allowed us to build it.
DVR , and satellite radio stations on our TV- silly, but DVR is an amazing invention!!! :)
My Monday night Bible study, the women who share their hearts with me, pray for me, and listen to my struggles and successes.
The time when both girls are napping and I can take a LONG, HOT shower......without interruption.
Emma's giggles and excitement, Ashlyn's sneezes and crazy faces when she is about to fall asleep, Emma's memory and how everything happened "yesterday" - "Momma, yesterday Santa brought me this", Ashlyn's little fingers curled around mine, Emma's back hugs, Ashlyn sleeping FIVE hours last night! Emma eating "peanut butter and sandwiches" everyday for lunch, Ashlyn sleeping FIVE hours last night....oh, did I say that already. :)
Friends who are really family, whether we talk/see each other once a week or once a year.
Music, especially the songs that bring back memories.
Laughing.....you know, when you laugh so hard tears come, and you can't catch your breath. Oh, I just LOVE that, and wish it happened more often.
The voice of the man who narrates the Harry Potter books on CD - he has a british accent and the best character voices.....I'm going to be sad when I've listened to the last one.
My mom and sister, who don't mind cramming into my car with me, 2 kids in 2 carseats, multiple bags, stollers, etc. requiring them to have to literally crawl from the frontseat into the backseat.....just so we can all travel to Marquette together in one car. :)
Straits Lake. Lake Superior. Lake Michigan.
The smell of campfires, fresh cut grass, crisp fall days that remind me of football season, the beach, and baby shampoo.
Hmmm, I could go on forever......I don't normally write this stuff on here but, for some reason I feel like I should share today. Basically God is good......just look around.
Ashlyn, napping in her swing right now.
Emma, my little potted plant! (Thanks for the headband, Kristi. She loves it.)
Thanks to you all for being apart of our lives and adventures!!!! Have a Happy Easter!!!!
Lindsey with our parents after graduation at Van Andel Arena.
Kyle and Lindsey....the soon to be newlyweds. Lindsey is a proud new GVSU alumnus with a bachelor's degree to prove it!!! GO GVSU! I'm so proud of her.
Aunt Amber, enjoying cuddling with Ashlyn. She even got Ashlyn to fall asleep. 
Here are Emma and Addison, wearing Emma's new nightgowns she got for her birthday. They liked being princesses together. Emma actually loves that she has two of the same nightgown....she has had one on almost continuously since we've been home, and she won't let me exchange one for a different color!
Brad's sisters Michelle and Melissa with Ashlyn and Nora.
Brad's sister Laura with Ashlyn.
Grandma Dryer even made Emma a special birthday cake. Here Emma is blowing out her candles with some of her cousins helping. Em really had a great time playing with all of her cousins. It's so fun to see them all running around.....it is quite a crowd when we are all together. Ashlyn also got to meet the Horjus family, Great-Grandpa Weemhoff and Phylis. Thank you to everyone for the gifts for the girls and for spending your Sunday with us.
