Merry Christmas

So I know that many of you think that Christmas is over and done, but here at the Bush house, Christmas goes on in our hearts. Please accept this belated Christmas greeting. We had the most wonderful time with our family this year. Andrew took his sweet time opening gifts while Mom, Dad, Nana, Papa and Marianne enjoyed his happiness. It was so special to have Nana and Papa here for Christmas this year. We really enjoyed their visit. Andrew was spoiled...again with many fun gifts. Hopefully we'll post some pictures soon. Paul was given a GPS and Marcie was happily surprised with a Serger sewing machine!!! What fun! Marianne doesn't know it yet, but she was spoiled, too! Thanks to all for the wonderful cards and picture updates. We love putting up all our new Christmas card pictures on the fridge. Know that I pray for each of you whenever we look at the precious pictures of your families.

More to come later.

Andrew's Birthday....Part 2

The big party for Andrew was very fun!! I made him this awesome cake which he thought was great! We delayed his party about an hour and a half in order to get Nana and Papa here. Their train was 17 hours late from Montana. Andrew was very excited to see them get out of the car when Daddy got back (from Kalamazoo) with them.

Again, Andrew opened some fun presents from very generous family! He loves the tool set and front end loader, blocks, painting stuff, Thomas movie (with engine to play with) magnets (made by his cousin Lizzy) Curious George books, moose table setting, snow shovel, and table and chairs!! What a spoiled boy!!!

How many blondes can you fit in a box??Andrew had a lot of fun building his table with Papa and Daddy, now if only those tools worked on other things that need fixed.....

We had a great time celebrating our wonderful boy!! We are so thankful to have him in our lives. He is a blessing every day!

Happy Birthday, Andrew....Part 1

Yesterday was Andrew's second birthday! He had such a wonderful day. He woke up in time to watch his favorite show, Curious George. He then went out to the dining room for breakfast and found his presents! What a great surprise.
He opened his train and played with it for a good hour!
He got these cute snow tubes.....and got to use them on the hill at Van Raalte farm!!

This game is called Lucky Duck. He didn't really get the point, but sure liked watching them go around in circles.

This is just a glimpse of his very fun day. We unfortunately didn't get any sledding pictures. Maybe next time. All in all, it was a GREAT day!

Come on ring those bells!

Andrew was in his first Christmas program at church. Ok, so it wasn't really a program, just the 2-5 year olds singing. He did great. He started off by falling on his head before all the kids were even on stage.....No tears though... All the kids were such a blessing, hearing them sing about Jesus and his birth reminded me what Christmas is all about.

Here he is doing the motions to Little Baby in a Manger.

I was listening to the radio the other day and heard "Mary Did You Know" I was brought to tears with the line "Did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters." I'm so glad that we have hope this Christmas, hope found in a savior, not a baby that is helpless, or a man hanging on a cross, but a SAVIOUR! Risen from the dead, secure in our SALVATION all praise to him!

Here is our big man ringing his bell with all he's got, wishing you all a Merry Christmas!

MMM.. Christmas

So we FINALLY got our tree up. I say finally not because it's December 24, or because it took forever to do, or any other reason except that I usally do it the day after Thanksgiving. We took the approach this year, that our tree is for Andrew. He is really the one that will enjoy it....if we do it right. So, no breakable ornaments, no perfectly tied bows (yes I've done this), and no tinsle (tear). We have snowflakes (that I made and cannot be broken) popcorn and cranberries, gingerbread cookies and candy canes....that Andrew calls umbrellas. So every day, Andrew gets unlimited access to cookies and candy.....Aren't we great parents?
So here's the bet, how many cookies will we have that don't have bites taken out of them on January 1? Any guesses?

Babies are supposed to grow....right?

This week has been most traumatizing to me as a Mom! In one day, I put away Marianne's newborn clothes, AND moved Andrew into a BIG BOY BED!!! Even though he is so proud of himself, I cried. Yep, I cried! Amazingly, I have only told him ONE time in three days to get back in bed!!! What a good boy. I'd like to say its all our good parenting, but I'm not delusional....he's just a good boy...

Just a little challenge for US all (yes, including me). Pray today. Pray often today. Pray for whatever comes to your mind. Why? 'Cuz God wants to talk to you, me, us, everyone. I have been challenged to bring my concerns and doubts, before HIM, instead of trying to fix them myself, or run to another HUMAN to fix them. He's bigger, right? RIGHT!

Only 21 more big sleeps until Christmas!!! I love Christmas, it's the reason I can sing!




I'll post a picture of the Boys room soon...

Thanksgiving leads to Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!! We are so thankful to live the lives that we do. We live in the greatest country, defended by the greatest soldiers (both past and present). We have beautiful children, amazing family, wonderful friends. We live in a nice house, have food to eat, warm clothes to put on, and so many pleasures! Thank you to God who provides our every need!

Here comes the part where Thanksgiving leads to Christmas......I can now listen to Christmas music, put up my tree, wrap presents, and bake Christmas cookies. Another thing, I have decided to try my hand at selling a few things on etsy.com A website for selling all handmade items.

Happy Turkey day to you all!

Life on the RUN!

So, here we are, one month into our new adventure. We are LOVING being parents of two. Andrew is such a joy to us and Marianne continues to be a very good and content baby, also a blessing!! We cannot believe how time flies! As we look at our little girl and see how much she has changed already, we know that this precious time is going all too fast. Andrew is quickly approaching two. I have started planning his birthday and am really having fun! We are looking forward to my sister, Krista, and her hubby, Brian coming to visit on Saturday. We get to keep them here in Michigan until the Friday after Thanksgiving. We are really excited and Andrew has been practicing saying "Aunt KK" and "Uncle Brian" FUN!!! Nana and Papa come back in only four weeks....We are also excited to see them as they will be here for both Andrew's party and Christmas!!! Hip Hip HOORAY!

Please Pray!

We just got word that some friends of ours from church need prayer. Seth and Meg have two beautiful children, Annabelle (2) and Talin (2 months). Meg went to the hospital last night (November 10) with bad back pain and has now been diagnosed with cancer. She has a mass in her uterus and it has spread to the outside of her lungs. She also has dirty bacteria inside her lungs. This cancer is treatable with chemo. A CT scan today showed that it has NOT spread to her brain....Praise God!
Please pray for this dear family. Meg is still in pain and lots of medical "stuff" will be going on in the next weeks and months to come.
Thank you!

Back to reality.

Well, here we are, the first day home with just Mommy, Andrew and Marianne. What a good day it has been too. We had a successful trip out for errands and amazingly both kiddos are napping at the same time. I think to my self, what in the world am I doing awake??? Good question, in fact, this will be a short post so I can take a nap! Just wanted to say thanks to all who have prayed for us, visited us and especially to my parents to did so much for us while they were here. I miss them already but am excited to know that my sister will be here in two weeks and my parents will return in six! Can't wait to see them again.
Marianne is growing fast! Her two week appointment showed that she has grown an inch and now weighs 8 pounds 9 ounces!!! Andrew is still doing really good with her and wants to know where she is and what she is doing! He said to me this morning when we were loading up to leave..."Momma, baby come grocery too?" I said, "of course" and he replied with "Put her in the car, lets go!!!" It was very sweet.
On another note, many of you have been praying for our sister-in-law and friend, Lisa. One of our prayer requests was that she would get to meet our baby...well, praise God, not only has she met her, but there are no signs of her missing out on much for quite a while!!! Thank you all for your prayers and thank you Father for your love!!!

What a week!!

Well, here we are a week into being a family of four...What a week it has been. The excitement of having a baby....the excitement of the baby being a girl...the scary dejavu of her needing oxygen....the excitement that she was fine....the excitement of going home.....the long wait of discharge....the excitement of being home.....the first trip to the ER with mastitis....the pain of that....the happy knowledge that she gained 6 oz in three days....the emotional thoughts of having to see a cardiac specialist.....the total elation that once again, she is very healthy......the next trip to the ER for Marcie worried about the possibility of having influenza.....the relief of knowing it was only a reaction to the antibiotic....the tiring night....taking Andrew for his flu shot....being impressed that he only whimpered a little and was a "tough guy"


I'd say its been a roller coaster around here this past week. Paul and I both want off!!!! Here are a few pictures from the hospital.

Passed out with Mommy!! She loves to have her hands up by her face. Its very cute but hard to hold her sometimes.

Andrew LOVES his baby sister. He can say "Marianne" in the cutest way imaginable, but chooses to mostly call her "baby" He wants to hold her and see her a lot...He is really adjusting well!

Marianne Marie

First picture of Marianne Marie Bush. Born October 22!! We are so excited that she is finally here and healthy! More to come very soon, I promise!

Vote for life.....Why?

Alaina and Addie are the little girls of some friends of ours. Alaina was born at 24 weeks gestation and has CP. Their mommy spent 18 weeks on bed rest with Addie making sure she was born healthy. These girls are a testament of God's power!

Meet Brecken. She is the beautiful and funny baby girl of my good friend Aleen. She is one of a few little miracles we know.

This is Brecken mighty surprised by what happens when your Mommy thinks your Daddy's pants make a good place for a piggy back ride....maybe not such a good idea!

This is Anaya. She is a blessing to a family that we know. She was adopted from Guatemala. She is loved by her 4 older brothers and many many others!!! Another miracle of God's working.
Jordyn is full of life. Her Mommy and Daddy are special to us in many ways. This little girl is an example of real love! We miss her now that she moved to Montana, but are excited to see her when we go back!
Naomi is the blessing in my friend Rachelle's life. She is much loved and much wanted little girl. Its impossible not to smile when she does.

Normally I stay out of politics all together. I just wanted to take this opportunity to show some examples of little ones that by choice are here. If nothing else matters to you in politics, I encourage you to think about the importance of every life when you vote in a few weeks! Planned, unplanned, loved, healthy, or challenged.....every baby shows God's blessings to the world!

Are we there yet?

So as I sit and listen to Andrew's cartoon for the afternoon, I think of this phrase..."Are we there yet?" How many ways this fits into our lives right now. Are we to the new baby yet... Are my parents here yet.... Is it Christmas yet... Ohh, before that comes, is my Sister and her hubby here yet....
Why am I so impatient? I guess the old tale of don't pray for patience or God will teach it to you applies now. I will take that advice and not pray for it, but instead I pray for contentment.

Getting Ready

So there's nothing like the last minute. In fact, I find myself becoming a "Bush" more and more! We are starting to get ready for this baby. I bought sheets for the crib, which I cannot find, I got my nursing stuff out that still needs washed, I bought take home outfits that finally got put in our bag, the bag that's going to get repacked now that I have the stuff I need, oh, yeah and I broke down and bought some blasted pacifiers. Yes, I bought some simply because the one they ended up giving Andrew in the isolette drove me bonkers. Oh, well, I guess life goes on. 14 days or less, that's what I tell myself. I can't believe we're going to meet this little one so soon. We are so excited, now if only we could pick a name. No, we don't know what we're having so we actually have to pick two names. A very daunting task!
Andrew has figured out how to climb into his crib, so....keeping him out of the baby's may be interesting. I guess we'll leave him in his until he figures out how to climb out. Although he got new sheets that he loves, so for now maybe that will help keep him in. Andrew thinks that babies cry and get baths, and he also thinks that bottles get pop in them. So, it will be a very very long time before he is trusted with his new little sibling.
Keep checking in here as we will post right away when we have the baby so that you all can see pictures and stuff.
Have a wonderful day!

21 Days and counting....Down!

So here it is, October!!! I love fall. A friend and I went to the farmers market this morning and came to the conclusion that the need for jeans and a sweatshirt is the perfect weather! At the market, I bought stuff to make Salsa. Pray for my hubby as he's going to be a guinnea pig once again to a new way of doing something. Hopefully it turns out.

The trees are starting to change. I love the reds and oranges we get here in Michigan. I sure hope that they hold out long enough for my parents to see them when they come to meet their new grandbaby. Officially, 21 days until we are scheduled to have this little one. That said, I've spent the last 2 1/2 days with contractions 4-5 minutes apart. I even went to the hospital today....for no reason. It has been determined that all these contractions and discomfort (in my back) is all for naught. According to the doctor.....this pregnancy will end. Unfortunately, I'm having a very hard time being patient when I am so uncomfortable.
Oh, well, God is good and the longer this baby "cooks" the healthier it will be. Please pray for a safe delivery and a baby with no health issues. (If you remember, Andrew had pneumonia right after being born.) We just don't want to spend extra time at the hospital.....lets make this easy on everyone....including Andrew.

Story time....
We have some friends who's little girl has CP. She was born at 24 weeks gestation. She is a little miracle and a trooper. She is about 4 1/2. She had surgery yesterday to help her muscles, and Andrew and I had prayed for her a couple of times. At his nap time, I asked if he wanted to pray and he said "Jebus, tantu my mommy, daddy, bed, supper, Waina (Alaina) better. Ameee" It was so great! He has no clue what he's doing, but as a parent it touched my heart to know that my little guy is thinking about others!!!

Have a great day.

BiG KiD

So, this is our big kid. He even told me so. He informed me that he's a big kid over and over and over again. So, as we watch this "baby" of ours grow, we are anticipating the new life of the new baby.
I went to the doctor today and have been taken off the procardia that I was on to control contractions.....not because I'm not having contractions, but because my blood pressure is so low. Please pray for us as we are now simply waiting to see what happens.
Other than that, things are going well, the baby has dropped and thus made it impossible for me to be lady like...if you know what I mean, no more skirts for church!! The heartbeat was good and strong at 132!
Praise God for another week!

Limited Activity

To those of you who have seen me up and out......I'm still following orders. I had another test done on Friday and it was negative. All this test says is that I'm not in a super high risk of delivering our baby in the next two weeks. I have been taken off the strict orders of bed rest and am now allowed "limited activity." I promise all of you with your mothering instincts kicking in that I'm still taking it VERY easy. Our goal is to keep this baby inside for as long as possible (though I promise you it won't be in after October 22). I am following orders for the sake of our little one....not because I want to. OK, so there's pure honesty for you, but those of you who know me, already know this is the case. So, my house isn't getting cleaned, although Paul is keeping up quite nicely with the daily stuff. My nesting instincts are mostly being ignored, once again Paul is trying!! Andrew is getting lots of Mommy/couch time. We are reading lots of books! Thanks for your prayers, and keep praying for us! Have a great day.

What, Bed rest?

Well, here it is in writing.... I'm on bedrest! Tuesday night, I ended up in the hospital with contractions that would not stop. So after some testing, fluids and confinement to a bed, I was given magnesium sulfate to get the contractions to stop. MAN ALIVE!!! That stuff is nasty. I feel as if I either have been terribly sick for a few days or have been hit by a really big truck. I'm sore, achy, tired and restless. Not a good combination. The good news is the labor has been stopped. I'm home now after 21 hours in the hospital and have been banished to the bed, couch or recliner unless I'm eating, peeing or taking a quick shower. Lets just say, its not been 24 hours yet and I'm already bored! Lisa came today to help with Andrew and some stuff around the house. I'm very thankful for her help, but let me tell you, its not easy to let her do.
So I was supposed to go away on ladies retreat this weekend....that's not happening. My greatest friends (except Lisa) are all going. Pray for them that they have a good time and safe travels. I've been told by the three of them, that when they return, I will have help, wanted or not. So fear not, Mom.....Jen, Peggy, and Dawn are fully enlisted! If only I could actually get myself to allow them to clean toilets.....
I'll keep you all posted, but for now, say a little prayer for my hubby who has to deal with a pregnant wife, who is really bored, wanting to prepare for a baby, and stuck in bed. Oh, and pray for me that I will be a good little girl and not let me cleaning urges get the best of me.
Loves for all!

Cry Baby.

FYI..... Most kids know what a horse, cow, duck, dog, cat, monkey says. Andrew does too, but he also knows what a baby says. Really the best part is this face that he pulls as he very quietly says "uhhhh, cwy." I emphasise the QUIETLY part. We'll see in a few weeks if its as quiet. Every time you ask him, this face comes out and we simply just crack up. The best part is that he keeps his face that why long enough to document this wonderful moment! I hope you all enjoy this as much as we do, but considering we're his parents and think he's great no matter what, I doubt you care.....Oh well, deal with it.

August fun.

Mackinaw Bridge. Beautiful!!!

From inside Fort Michilimackinac. The hazy morning made for some beautiful sights!

Our trip to the Zoo. Andrew and Katie wouldn't turn from watching the bear, no matter what we did. So I took the picture this way!!

Umm... Need I say more?
This one may take a while!! Just kidding...

All in all we've had a great summer. We're not ready to call it fall yet, so we are still planning some fun summer sun stuff!! Stay tuned for "weather" it works out or not!

We left him behind!

Well, we finally did it. We left Andrew behind and went on a short trip together, just Paul and I. We had come to the conclusion, that since this baby is due to arrive shortly before our 7th anniversary, that we'd go away now as a celebration. So we took Andrew, Grandma Bush, Bridger, and Discover to Silver Lake on Thursday afternoon and drove the rest of the way to Mackinaw City alone. It felt strange, I'll admit it. We have never left him behind before. (He did spend most of one night with my mom and dad in Montana while we were at camp.)
Anyway, we went to the bridge, which I had never seen, and it was beautiful!! We also went to fort Michilimackinac and had a great time. On the way back to Silver Lake, we drove through some of the Jordan River area. That was beautiful. Paul remembered it from some trips he had been on as a teen.
We then spent the rest of Labor Day Weekend at Silver Lake. All of Paul's family made it up for at least part of the weekend. That was great. I must say that things can get a little crazy in a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom place when you have 11 people! We all survived and had a great time! Brad, Suz's hubby, brought up a giant slip and slide that he had made. Everyone had a great time playing in the water! It was Brad's birthday on Monday and we all enjoyed a delicious blizzard cake from Dairy Queen.
All in all a great weekend.

September is coming!!! How sad!

So I can't believe that it is nearing the end of August. I had all sorts of wonderful plans for the summer. I guess since that season is coming to an end, we'll just cram them all into the next few weeks. We went to the Zoo yesterday. Sadly, this was the first time this summer that this happened. Yes, I know I'm depriving my son. Andrew had such a great time. He loved the monkeys (which he calles mumneys), the tiger (he pronounces it tider) and the bears. He also enjoyed the birds. The good mom that I am, I decided to have him feed the birds with a little feeder stick. He did really well, until a bird landed on his stick, then he screamed!!!! If they were on the stick I was holding, it was ok, but I had to take his stick away because he totally freaked every time! So the good mom that I am, I laughed.....a lot!
We also went to the beach with our good friends last night and enjoyed a very nice sunset. These nice warm nights will be ending soon, so we must take advantage of them, right. So we went again tonight at the prompting of some other friends. It was so nice of them to invite us to the beach to enjoy a few hours in the RAIN!!!! Actually it felt really good to be in the rain because it was VERY hot today.
Anyway, after living in Michigan for almost 8 years, I am finally going to Mackinac Island this week!!!! Since baby #2 is scheduled to come 5 days before our 7th anniversary, we are going a way the end of this week. I am very excited to see the bridge and experience all the good stuff up north. We are planning a carriage ride on the island and just some good quality time together. Paul's mom and dad are keeping Andrew over night (a first) so he should have fun with them while we are gone. We will then spend the weekend at Silver Lake. We hope you all enjoy your Labor Day weekend to its fullest. Here's to good weather.

Baby Update

Ok, so after more harassment than I care to mention, here's a lively baby update for you all.

I'M STILL PREGNANT!

There how's that? Ok, so in 10 weeks (or maybe less) we'll be having this new baby. The good news is that as a c-section Mama, I know this will end!!! Heart burn is a wonderful new friend that I have found...again. Although a new prescription has made it so I can sleep at night!!!!!!!!!

Andrew now thinks it's funny to hit the baby back when he is touching my belly. He can show you where the baby is, but we're pretty sure he doesn't really get it because he says Daddy has a baby too!

We still aren't' sure on names although we think we're good on a girls name. Any bets on if its a boy or a girl???

FiNALlY

Ok, so after getting grief from a few (including Suzanne) I finally have a picture from Brad and Suz's wedding in May. Sorry it took so long.
FYI Andrew's surgery went very well yesterday and other than being a little overtired today, he's doing great! We are definitely thankful for this.
Also, for those who have asked. Lisa is doing quite well. She gets tired easily but all in all is good. Thank God for little blessings every day. She is quite a trooper, that's for sure. Lizzy and Kate are doing well too. They are busy and enjoying summer!

Here we go again!

Well, just a quick update. Andrew has to get new tubes put in his ears next Wednesday, August 6. Please pray for us as he is starting another runny nose, which usually ends up in an ear infection. He has to be infection free to do the surgery. He is also getting his adenoids removed at the same time. We are told there isn't much for pain, the only difference is really that they have to put him all the way under for the surgery instead of just using the gas mask. Lets hope and pray that this is the solution for which we have been searching!
Have a wonderful weekend, we are headed back to Silver Lake!!!!!

We're Back!

Vacation, what a wonderful thing. I can't say I'm glad its over though......miss the mountains already. We had a wonderful time with my family. Andrew also had a great time. He likes to be outside and outside he was. He is now sun-bleached Blondie and has a great tan! Other than a few bumps and bruises, he seemed to enjoy life in the mountains. We'll be making a trip to the beloved ENT tomorrow to see about getting tubes put back in his ears. Two double ear infections in six weeks during the summer is more than our share!
We got a good report from Lisa's doctor this month. Looks as if the tumors aren't growing! There are lots of details that I don't really understand, but I do understand that the report is a positive one....PRAISE GOD!!!!!
My pregnancy is going well, other than a little swelling, a lot of heart burn, and occasional nausea...still, things are great. We are looking forward to meeting this little one that the Father has gifted to us! Maybe someday I'll even get the new nursery put together....maybe.
Hope all is well with our wonderful family and friends!

Vacation!

We are so excited to be going on vacation tomorrow. I miss my family so very much and am blessed to have a husband who is willing to give his vacation time to go visit them! This week I am entering my third trimester! I am so excited to meet this little one, who is so very active! I think that we'll have another baby with lots of hair as I have the best heartburn! Our ultrasound was good and shows a healthy baby. We are waiting until October to find out what "kind" of baby we are getting.

Andrew has become quite the little helper. He helped my clean his bedroom the other day. Every toy he put in the toy box got an applause. Then came time to put his tractors away. He wasn't so keen on that, so he put them down his shirt instead, stood up, smiled, and declared..."mine cractor." What a funny guy!

Sickness, Strawberries, and Sunshine!

Well, here we are in the beautiful summer time! I love the sunshine! Lately it has been so great and pleasing to be outside and warm in the sun! We love the sunsets lately too, as the cloudless nights make great colors!
Andrew has been sick....again. His ears are infected, his allergies are flaring, and he all together just doesn't feel good. I am quite ready for him to feel better as he has spent a lot of time whining and crying this week! I feel so bad for the little guy!
I went strawberry picking with the Mudget's today. We had a great time. Andrew ate enough strawberries to make a large man ill....so far so good. I also got a lesson in making strawberry freezer jam! Very easy and fun. From now on, instead of asking Andrew if he wants jam on his toast, I'll ask if he wants candy! What a large amount of sugar this jam took!
All in all today was a good day. The library was a hit as usual and Andrew got the biggest Tractor book I have ever seen!

Another takes the Plunge

Well, both of our sisters are now married. My sister Krista and her new husband Brian tied the knot this past Saturday. They eloped to Las Vegas and had a wonderful time. Krista now moved to North Carolina. I am looking forward to seeing her and Brian in July in Montana. Here's to you sis!!!

Baby 2

Yesterday marked the middle our pregnancy. Our ultrasound shows a beautiful healthy little baby. We did not find out what "kind" of baby we are going to get. We do know that it is healthy so far! Praise God for little 10oz miracles! We are scheduled to have the baby the middle of October and can't wait to meet our new little one! Please continue to pray for a healthy pregnancy (and the energy I need to chase Andrew!)

Time to RELAX!

Well, its done. She's married. Suzanne is now Mrs. Bradley Mulder! We are so excited for the two of them. Slightly jealous I must say of their time in Mexico. I can now relax for a while. Things are calming down in our world....for a few weeks! Anyway, I'll post pictures soon, but here's to the new couple!

Memorial Day

Here's a great big thank you to all who have served our country or are currently serving us in so many ways. We are so privileged to know that men and women have sacrificed so much for our personal freedoms. Prayers go up often for those serving now! Thank you also to the families who have loved ones away or loved ones that will never come home.
Thank you seems so inadequate when I think about it. I know no other words to express my gratitude. So for my lack of words, forgive me.

We salute all soldiers today!!

Tractors!

The Bush family has had lots of fun with tractors this week. On Wednesday, Paul and I went to a Kenny Chesney concert. Of course you all know where tractors come in there.... What an awesome show. It was very fun. Leann Rimes opened for him and put on a great show. But nothing could have prepared us for a concert from the Entertainer of the Year for the fourth year running! He was amazing.

Andrew got to go for a ride on a tractor yesterday. The guy who farms the land around us offered to take him out when he was planting. So....Paul and Andrew climbed on up!! All day long Andrew had been fascinated by the "Crattor". When we got up close to it he was so excited. He waved like he was in a parade as they drove away. What a fun time for a little boy!

Little Man

I came to the shocking conclusion yesterday that our "baby" is almost a year and a half old!! I couldn't believe it. For some reason, 16 months didn't seem nearly as old as 17 months! He is growing and changing so fast. He adds many new words to his vocabulary every week. He may never cease to amaze us! He has turned into quite a funny guy too! He thinks he's just funny when our friends Dawn and Jeremy try to get him to pay attention to them and he refuses! He just shakes his head and laughs.

Being outside is the most wonderful thing in his world. When I get him up in the morning I always open his curtain. Outside he says, then usually followed by "diaper" and then "milk" and then either "bar" or "banana" ( which he actually says "mnanmna" Its so fun to see him develop.

Paul is loving softball again this year and already has the wounds to prove it. He's so proud! I am ready to be finished with project, both things for Suzanne's wedding and for myself. I can't wait to start something new!

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all those who have little hands to hold.

Happy Mother's Day to all those who wish they had hands to hold.

Happy Mother's Day to all those whose little hands are now big.

Happy Mother's Day to all those whose little hands will never grow.

After our years of crying on Mother's Day for the ones lost and the ones wanted, my heart goes out to those who are hurting. I also want to give a big shout of thanks to those who are holding little hands and big hands today, doing our best to raise our gifts from the Heavenly Father in a way that would be honoring to him!

Most of all, Happy Mother's Day to my mom who shaped, molded, and loved me as I grew into a woman. The same woman who I call friend, and Mom even today! I love you Mom.

Also, Happy Mother's Day to Paul's mom, who raised the man that I love and respect so much. You did a great job!

Tulips are Blooming!

AHHHHHH!!!!! The tulips are blooming, which means...I have a lot to do! Only 24 days left to get everything done for Suzanne's wedding! I have a quilt to finish for a friend who is due any day now, and well, all I really want to do is play outside!
Things are going very well, and busy, in the Bush house. Andrew is learning something new everyday. Paul is very entertained by the fact that Andrew thinks Mommy likes dandelions! Picking FlowFees is one of his favorite things to do. He also likes to go roll-roll. Most people would say a ride in the stroller, but when you're as cute as he is, roll-roll works!
Lisa is doing really quite well. We are all excited to see her doing as well as she is. It is very refreshing as it gives us new hope for each new day.
God is good. Blessings abound at each new turn and we just can't thank him enough! I cannot believe sometimes the ways he pours his love into our over flowing cups!!

May Already?

I cannot believe that it is already May! Spring is definitely here! Softball is starting, being outside is a must, and the busyness has exploded!
Andrew loves the rain. He just runs in and out of the garage playing in the drops. He thinks its so amazing. He also loves the birds, which are so active right now!
Paul is playing ball Tuesday and Thursday this year. That will be fun for all of us, except we'll see how Andrew does when Paul is playing ball with someone else.
I have lots of wedding projects and other projects keeping me busy!
Lisa is doing quite well right now. We are really praying that her clarity continues to improve so that Suzanne's wedding at the end of the month is a good experience that she will remember!

Praises

We have so many reasons to praise our God! To name just a few:
1. We are now into the second trimester of our pregnancy and everything looks great!
2. Andrew is the most wonderful boy. He loves to be outside, thankfully its nice out!
3. Our family is amazing.
4. Paul's job is secure.
5. Jon, Lisa the girls, Suz, Carolyn and Jerry had a successful trip to Chicago yesterday. They enjoyed Shedd's aquarium.

I just can't help but wonder how someone can possibly believe that there is no God! He is so amazing and gives us such awesome glimpses of his majesty!
Praise him every day.

Thoughts

Today was an interesting day. Lisa and Kate came over and I was reminded again how very much I love them both. Our dear friend Sarah came today with her beautiful daughter. This was so good for Lisa as she wanted to see the baby before this new drama all started. She was able to communicate, with a little help, that she wanted to make a gift for the baby. This will be good for Lisa as she desperately wants to be a blessing among all that others are doing for her. I think that her communication is coming around again, although the side affects of the steroids are definitely a struggle.
Andrew had fun, most of the time, playing with Katie (and Lizzy after school). He loves to look at books, play cars, and tease the girls. He has a very good time picking on them, especially when they don't even know he's doing it.
My sister, Krista, ended up in the hospital today. Pray for her healing. I haven't heard the final outcome of the day, but know earlier she was diagnosed with a cyst and inflamed ovary. Hmm, sounds familiar! I will post again in a few days when I know more.
Jon, Lisa, Liz, Kate, and grandma and grandpa are going to Chicago this weekend. Pray that they have a wonderful time as a family. Not very often do they go and do such special stuff, this should be a memory maker!

Spring

Spring has sprung here in west Michigan! The daffodils are blooming, the sun is shining, the robins are out in full force, and the trees are showing us their leaves. What a reason to rejoice! Yesterday, I took Andrew to feed some ducks. He thought it was great fun! He even tried to give one a hug. As far as the duck was concerned, it was hold still or die. Thankfully, Andrew was gentle!

I am now finished with my first trimester and things are starting to settle down. I took advantage of some sale racks yesterday, and the thought of a new baby is really getting real!

Lisa has declined somewhat in her communication and basic everyday skills. She has a hard time staying focused. The good news is, she is confident in the fact that she will be dancing in glory! The tough part is that Jon has one more thing to deal with. Pray for him as he seeks to make the best decisions for his family.

Here it is.

Well, here we are, you found us. I just thought that I'd try my hand at blogging and see how it goes. We definitely have a lot going on in our world these days and I thought, maybe this would be a good way to keep everyone posted. So here's a quick update, with details to follow another day.

First our exciting news, Andrew's gonna be a big brother this fall. Yes, October 29 is our official due date. This baby will also come c-section, so who knows when we'll it will actually occur. We are very excited about this news! Andrew's new favorite word...baby!

Next, our not so exciting news is the recent information concerning Lisa. Lisa is married to Paul's brother Jon. She was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer recently. We are currently doing our best to live "one day at a time" as Jon encourages us to do on their family blog. We love Lisa and Jon very much and have the added blessing of extra time with their two wonderful girls, Lizzy, 7 and Katie 2 1/2.

Some of you may wonder what this all does to our plans to go to Montana. It is still our desire to do that some day. We feel God keeping us here for now to help with the family. Please pray for us as we seek God's voice and leading in this adventure. Our hearts are definitely at Clark Canyon Bible Camp, and we truly believe that one day we'll be there full time!

Well, that's a good update for now. I will try to post some pictures soon. God bless!