Madeline went to her first dinner dance last weekend.  Our church's Youth Group held a fund-raiser for their mission trip this summer and we decided to go.  She dressed up in her tu-tu and danced the night away.  Except for chowing down on her food, she was literally on the dance floor the entire night with all the rest of the kids...and adults!  We had so much fun watching her ham it up!  Todd and Madeline also had their first daddy-daughter dance, which she didn't want to be held for but was fun to watch all the same.  

Check out this website for more pictures from our time at Bounceland with her other friends!

Winter is Boring

Well, here in Michigan winter can be a little boring!  So, Madeline and I took matters into our own hands and signed up for swimming lessons at the YMCA, just two blocks from our house!  We invited our friends Jen and Emma to join us and it's been a party!  We sing lots of fun songs, learn to paddle, kick and blow bubbles.  Madeline loves being in the water and has really enjoyed the time out of the house! The last class in each session allows a visitor to come in the pool, so Todd was able to swim with her too.  She is in love with her swimming instructor, Mr. Mike, and needs to swim with him for a little bit each class.  She also tries to hug and kiss Emma most of the class, but I try and keep her on focus!  Mr. Mike says she is doing so well that next class she can try a cube (flotation device).  We'll see :)  

We are hoping spring is coming, we've had a couple teasers and then there always seems to be more snow.  Lately the sidewalks have been clear so I put Madeline in her snow suit and strap her in the baby jogger (big wheels!) and walk, just to get out of the house and get some sun on our faces.  We're going to keep our fingers crossed for warmer weather!

Grandma VandenBosch

My Grandma VandenBosch passed away on Sunday, February 2nd.  We will miss her so much, but, as my Aunt Shirley so rightly said, "is in the place she longed to be."  My grandma loved babies, so this picture of her and Madeline is so cute!  My grandma was also the happiest, most content person.  I never once heard her complain.  She also loved everyone and I want my daughter to love like her when she's older.  As grandma would say, she is now "safe in the arms of Jesus."  XOXO.    Grandma's Obituary.

SNOW ANYONE?

Happy New Year!

Here we are in the new year, 2009!  I started this blog just a year ago to keep our family and friends updated on our growing family.  I love that people see this blog in Nebraska (hi Sarah and Sean!) and make comments from Detroit.  To everyone in between, we are grateful for your presence in our lives.  2008 was a wonderful year, full of growing and learning for the three of us.  (To see all the growing and learning, check out my earlier posts!)

So, what does 2009 bring?  Well, so far just snow!  In all honesty, I'm not sure what this year will bring, but there's a lot of hope for things to come, seeing as the economy can't get much worse, the crisis that prevail in many parts of the country rage on and things like AIDS, cancer and poverty are all very real.  We surely hope for a better tomorrow.  

More personally, Todd continue to love teaching and is continuing with his master's program.  I know he is wonderful at what he does and am grateful he continues to do it.  I am still an RN in the Trauma Care/Burn Unit.  I work with some fun friends and good doctors.  I am not completely confident that this will be my forever job, but am content in my position now. 

 I also take comfort in knowing we as a family make it through anything in the One who makes us who we are.  I know this because every time I look into my daughter's face, I see what must be the face of God, His love poured out to us.  I am grateful for 2008 and looking forward to 2009.  Happy New Year everyone!

Happy Holidays

It's true, once again time has caught up with us and we've been delinquent in posting about our lives.  The last post is from election day... that seems like a lifetime ago, doesn't it?  

Well, the holidays have been upon us.  We are so grateful for our family and friends who continue to surround us with their love.  We spent a nice Thanksgiving in Kalamazoo and Portage, visiting both families.  Madeline enjoyed eating turkey and stuffing for the first time.  We then traveled to Chicago to celebrate with my best friend from college, Erin.  It was her baby shower and it was a great time!  Unfortunately, I was too busy chasing Madeline around the house that I didn't take any pictures.  Erin has since had her baby, Stella Ruth .... congrats Dave, Erin and sweet baby Stella!  Christmas just ended, it's hard to believe.  Madeline learned how to tear off wrapping paper and even learned that there are presents underneath that wrapping paper!  Thank you to everyone who has made this a great season for us.  We are blessed.

VOTE

This isn't a plea for you to vote, however a reflection of this election.  I am sitting in my living room with my 13 month old daughter, trying to decide when to go vote.  I really don't want to be stuck in line with her for an hour!  But I am also thinking about how this election will impact us, impact her.  

No matter if you're an Obama or a McCain supporter, this is a historic election.  I am excited that I will be taking Madeline with me to the polls.  One day I will be able to tell her she was part of such an important time in history.  Either we will have the first African-American president or the first female vice-president.  When I tell her she can be anything she wants to be when she grows up, it really will be true.  She can be president, an astronaut, or whatever her smart little mind puts itself to.  I'll be able to tell her everything her great-grandfathers fought for, her freedom and that of so many, has come true.  That what her grandparents work hard for has benefited her as well.  What her parents work for....

It is a great time in our nation, despite the economy, and I hope we will all take a minute today to think about the possibilities...