Star of the Week: Piper Collins

 Piper was Star of the Week a couple of weeks ago at school. Her and I colored her poster and made it all about her, so pink and purple obviously :) She loves to color and do crafts---it's her favorite hobby to do in fact. So she loved this part. She was so excited to show her friends at school and talk about her favorite things :)

Eleanor's Birthday Party

Piper had her friend, Eleanor, birthday party last weekend. She was so excited to dress up as a princess for the theme and to celebrate her friend. This group of kids was so fun to watch play and have fun together :)

 

Family Church Bowling Night 2021

Our kids LOVE to go bowling, and always look forward to church family bowling night. They wished the night was longer, and Beau especially, didn't want to leave. 

 

Cheers to 10 years!

Joe and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary last weekend by going to Des Moines. We tried out a new lounge and ate at 801 Chophouse. Neither of us had been there before, and it was such a fun experience to have together for the first time! We definitely won't be frequent diners there, though ;)

Feeling Grateful

Palm Sunday, my dad and Shari had everyone over to celebrate Easter early (Shari's family and sisters and  us Fynaardt sisters). As soon as I walked into the house, I saw a flower arrangement of daffodils on the kitchen table. I asked Brook who brought those, and she didn't know. (Back story, daffodils were my mom's favorite flower). I kept looking at them and also feeling bad because obviously I instantly starting thinking of my mom and how much I miss her, while we were at my dad's. After a little while, Shari asked me if I saw the flowers. I asked her who brought them, and she said "Well I did! I saw them at the store and wanted you and Brook to feel special". I immediately felt this overwhelming feeling of my mom hugging me, gratefulness, and pure joy. 

How amazing is it that not only a normal family member brought my mom's flowers to family Easter, but my step-mom?! It was so thoughtful and special. 

10 Year Anniversary

 10 years. I cannot believe how fast it has gone. Joe, I cannot imagine my life without you. I am so blessed to have you as my life partner and father to our children. You are our family's provider, peacemaker and glue that helps hold us together. You always are calm when I am worked up. You bring me peace when I am at odds. You comfort me when I am lost. You help make me a better person, wife, mother and friend. I cherish you and wish I could marry you all over again---because I'd say yes everyday for the rest of my life to marrying you! Thank you for never giving up on me, and never letting it be an option. You and I work so hard at our relationship and know we have bad days, but the good always trump everything. I love the life we have built so far, and can't wait to see what more we do in the future together. I love you so much. Cheers to 10 years, baby! And many more decades to come :)

Dena's Belated St. Paddy's Day Party