It's My Life.

As I look out my window I find myself longing for yesterday's sunshine. I love sunshine and basically loathe yucky, nasty, dreary, gray, dingy clouds. For some reason that is beyond my understanding, clouds make me lazy, grumpy, bored, and basically blaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh! I know what you're saying: "You live in West Michigan...get over it." And to that I reply, BLAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know where I live, I know its cloudy here often, but I will remind you that I grew up in the SUNNY Big Sky Country...God's Country! I will never get used to all these clouds and I don't WANT to get used to all these clouds, for if I did, what would I have to complain about today? Again, I know what your thinking: "There must be something else you can complain about...they are just clouds." But again, you are wrong. I have nothing to complain about except the clouds that are so dark today that they will most likely rain on the parade. (This is not a fictitious parade, as there is indeed supposed to be a parade today, not that I plan on watching 64,000 children walk down the streets in lines, but there is a parade.) Don't believe me...nothing to complain about...here's my list of my current life...see for yourself.

I serve a living Saviour.
I have a wonderful Husband. He is the best thing that God ever gave me. (Don't tell him, but I don't even mind picking up his dirty socks and flannel shirts)
I live in a beautiful house.
My house is messy. (Nope not a complaint. Its messy because....)
I have a precious son given to me by my gracious Heavenly Father at just the right time.
I have a beautiful daughter who brings joy to our home.
I have wonderful friends who go shopping with me at 10:45 pm and who come over for key lime pie for my birthday at 9:30 and who take me out for lunch and who call just to encourage me on tough days and who I will forever adore.


OK, so seriously, that is my life...What is there to complain about?
Have a nice day.

Thanks!

For the past eight months my wonderful husband has made it possible for me to teach Senior High girls every Wednesday night. He graciously stays home with the kids, gets them dinner, and off to bed (or at least started in that direction). They always have fun just being with Dad and I'm usually blessed with fun pictures of whatever they did that night. So, to my man....THANK YOU! You are wonderful to me! You are a spectacular Dad! You are my favorite!! Love you!

One Half

Marianne is 6 months old today. I can hardly believe how fast time has gone for us. She is really a fun baby. We are so blessed to have her sweet personality and easy going mannerisms. Thankfully, she takes after her dad in that area and not me. (That would be intense and cranky!) We are really looking forward to the summer. Rumor has it, its supposed to reach 80 degrees on Friday! That would be awesome! Our walking (or jogging) miles have now reached 38. This is very fun for us. Both the kids love the stroller and just being outside. This past weekend, we took Andrew to the woods down the road from us for a clean up day. He had a lot of fun wandering around and picking up garbage and sticks on the path. This is one if his favorite places to walk to as he has become quite the nature boy. We (which actually means me in all honesty) are looking forward to Tulip Time starting the end of next week. Andrew will be at a great age to enjoy the parades and junk food....mmm junk food! Anyone who wants to join us is more than welkom!!! (Har har!)

Better Late Than Never . . . Right?

Easter is definitely my favorite holiday. The resurrection of our Lord and Savior is the only reason we have hope in the future. Death has no sting. What could not hold my Jesus in the grave cannot have any grip on me either!! Praise Him!
What's more, Easter holds the promise of spring. I love spring, who doesn't? New growth, green grass, birds, bunnies and the promise of summer!! We hope your spring is bringing new promises your way, promises of better things.

We found these sweet little bunnies by our house over the weekend. Ok, so to be more honest, the dogs found the little bunnies. Andrew sure thought this was special. (Unfortunately, they have since found their demise, something Andrew doesn't know. Darn dogs anyway!) Gotta love baby bunnies!
Andrew really got into the egg hunting. He found ones we didn't think he would. He loved finding the coins and treats hidden inside. This boy wants to be outside so badly. Now that the weather is warming up, its so nice not to have to tell him no!! We were blessed with a beautiful day!

Always a smile, Marianne looked like spring itself in her new dress that Mommy made. I love making things for my kids! Can't wait to create more!

Taking a picture of four kids who really just wanted to eat and hunt eggs proved difficult. The all looked like a million bucks though, don't you think?Andrew is potty training! He is doing very well. We are excited to enter this new phase of our lives...one diaper size!! He loves getting M&M's and taking money from Daddy! Hopefully we'll be done with the training part soon and can move on to more fun things!

Just Fun and Hope for a Contract.

This is Andrew one night before bed. I asked him to go get some jammies and he did. All by his big self!! He also wanted socks, two pairs. Silly boy!! He just loves to read. He would read all day if he could find someone to tell him what the words say!

Andrew and Marianne have a new ball pit. We had a small one that has been destroyed so we bought an inflatable swimming pool and it works great!! There are over 300 balls! It is fun to just let them play around together!

Andrew loves to wear our shoes! This time he put them on and begged Daddy to take pictures!

Our happy little girl. She is such a blessing!! Now if only we could get that hair of hers under control......

Well, life is good here at the Bush house. We have surpassed 22 miles but haven't gotten any in this week as the wind has been so bitter!!! We are waiting for global warming to kick in so we can go back outside!
Paul is now waiting from the word from CWA that they are on Strike against AT&T as a new contract has yet to be signed. If he does go out, we will definitely enjoy having him home, but will certainly be thankful when he can go back to work. Please pray with us that the union and company can come to a good agreement VERY soon!!

Spring has Sprung

Welcome to spring! I am so excited to see the new flowers starting to grow outside my window. (Now if only I was a good gardener, I would clean out my flower beds...) I also feel a smile cross my face every time I see a robin. An even larger smile finds its way out when I see two robins flying around together, but that's just my romantic side coming through. I have some really wonderful pictures to share with you, but I can't find the card reader, so they'll come later.

I have started a new adventure. I am officially training for a 5K run. I know, most of you who know me don't believe it, but its true! I actually figured out that running won't kill me. Scary, I know. I'm hoping to run this race in May. So, we'll see.

For those of you who care, which probably aren't many besides myself, the stroller now has a good 14 miles on it for the last week. At this rate, my kids will be professional stroller riders in no time!

Speaking of kids. Marianne is now 5 months old. *tear* I know, sad huh? She has so many wonderful talents. They include spitting, drooling, chewing more than a puppy would, smiling, laughing and wrapping little old men around her finger. What can I say, a talented young lady she is!
Andrew is a laugh a minute. He loves the library and asks to go often. He has many of his own books memorized to the point where we can stop anywhere in the story and he'll complete the sentence. Last night we were reading a book from the library. At the end of it is a verse. It starts: For you are a people, holy to the Lord your.... Andrew finished it by saying.... Chocolate milk. Usually he says the right things, but apparently he was thirsty.

So, now you have been enlightened. Enjoy your day.

F.Y.I.

Just so you all know....tomorrow is a wonderful day. It will be the first picnic of the year!!! Its supposed to be 70 degrees here in Michigan. Andrew is excited to go the park. We have put about 8 miles on the stroller in the past three days and can't wait to keep adding to it. I'm planning on keeping a log for the spring and summer to see how far we walk. So, I'll keep ya'll posted! Have a great St. Patty's day and look for that green grass...it's coming soon!!!