In Him..

Once upon a time...

2011-09-06T09:52:00.000-04:00

....there lived a family of three!

Rich and Naomi, and one wee little, precious bundle inside, waiting to bless them with it's presence in the beginning of May, to it's incredibly excited, eagerly awaiting family!

God is so good!

Our new furry addition to the family!!

2011-09-02T09:58:00.000-04:00

I'd like to present our sweet little puppy, Diesel! :) He's a pure bred German Shepherd, whose 6 weeks old. I think he's adorable! :D We're going to wait till we move into our new house in October to take him home because there's just not alot of room at the aparment for a little dog to be running around. :P Can't wait to take him home :)

(Part 2!)

2011-08-03T12:13:00.000-04:00

Here's the rest I have right now :) The rest are on a CD at their house :)

Thank you so much! <3 We love you! :)

Candid Wedding Pics by Rich & Ange Vanderboom! (Part 1)

2011-08-03T12:11:00.000-04:00

Just because they're amazing, Rich and Ange took pictures the whole day! I just thought I'd share a few of my (and their) favorites of the day :)

Wedding Photos Part 2 :)

2011-08-01T14:46:00.001-04:00

Since my laptop is taking forever to load pictures...here's just a couple of pictures from our wedding party. :)

The whole wedding party - with the little ones <3

I love my husband <3

Our wedding was the first time since my Opa and Oma both passed away, that the entire Pikkert family could be together. It was really special to have everyone together. <3

Handsome groomsmen and my beautiful ladies :)

(Please excuse the graffiti ..lol..I guess it forgot to be edited :P)

July 12, 2011: Mr. & Mrs. Richard VanManen!

2011-07-25T15:17:00.001-04:00

I haven't picked up our official wedding photos yet, but I do have a few from some friends that I'll share for now until I get them all!
Married life is wonderful..isn't that what every bride says after a ten day long honeymoon, with a husband who cooks, and did all our laundry when we got back? :D
I can honestly say, my husband (I love the sound of that!) is an amazing man, and I love him like crazy!

Our wedding day was beautiful. It was full of sunshine and laughs and happy tears. (from Rich, my lovely maid-of-honor Hes, and my two mothers mostly ;) Everything went smoothly, no one broke a heel, or had major sweat spots despite the heat :P

Thank you so much to all our special friends and family, who came out and showed their love and support to Rich and I! It was a little overwhelming at times and I can't think of a better word then blissful. :)

Love,
Mrs. Naomi Van Manen :) <3

Waiting..

Married!! ..Just as the receiving line started :)

My two dear friends: Cassie, and my maid of honour: Hes <3

At the afternoon reception: Victoria came all the way from Ottawa just for our wedding! Thank you my dear for making our day extra special!

Richs' Uncle Al let us use his amazing Corvette: my dream car :D

Forever and ever I love you. <3

We forgot to get some ring pictures done on the wedding, so I experimented with my camera while Rich fished on our honeymoon :)

Photo credits go to Cassie and Rich Vanderboom..Thank you!

more to come :)

I have to say...

2011-07-06T19:35:00.000-04:00

My niece looks like a princess in her flowergirl dress.

She's beautiful.

As a side note..I picked up the suits this afternoon...good thing I checked the them because the ties..are GREEN!! Totally the wrong colour, and look awful next to the bridesmaid dress... :S I picked new ones out and the lady said they would be in on Friday..Hopefully they're the right colour!

Bedroom Set Makeover!

2011-06-29T21:47:00.000-04:00

So back a few months ago, Rich's best man's parents re-did their bedroom, and so got rid of their solid oak bedroom set. They offered it to Rich and I for really cheap, and so we took it! To be completely honest, I didn't like the stain color at all, and it looked really old-fashioned. (It was in, back in their day though! :D) However, it was cheap and I was more than happy with what we could find :)
My neighbours, (our MC's for the wedding) re-did their whole kitchen awhile back...they had cupboards, very similar to the color of our bed set...but they had the genius idea of indoor/outdoor exterior paint! (for decks, sidewalks, concrete etc...I decided I loved how their kitchen turned out, so I thought I'd try it myself on our bed set! :)

So here's the outcome of our bedroom set makeover. New paint + new hardware + lots of time + a handsome, handy fiance who can drill holes ;) = a new bedroom set for our new life together! :D... I love it! :)

Before:

Old hardware :S

After: :D

Family Day out to Elora Gorge!

2011-06-28T14:10:00.000-04:00

So my dear parents, being as sweet as they are, suggested a family day out with everyone..their treat. :) We all went to Kitchener Market, sampled Mennonite sausage, tried the fresh fruit, smelled the fish stands and weaved wagons and strollers through the multitude of chattering market goers :) Then we all headed over to Crossroads ..a DELICIOUS, home-ade food type restaurant...we felt like a nap afterwards. :D After our lunch, we drove to Elora Gorge where we walked the trails, until it got to bumpy and rough for the strollers and wagons. :P, Then we just went to the playground with the kids, threw around a baseball, enjoyed some yogurt and granola, fresh fruit, cheese strings..the list goes on. It was a super wonderful day to say the least! Having everyone together like that, and actually making a family outing hadn't happened in quite a long time, so it was like the good old days again. :) Thank you Mom and Dad so much!!

Here's some pictures from the day!

"Auntie Omi's" Pretty Girl <3

My two brothers <3 Wes and WIlliam

Beauty

Like mother, like daughter. <3

The Kroesbergen Ladies

My Sweetheart and I <3 (TWO WEEKS TODAY!!)

The Kroesbergen Men <3

Who doesn't like chocolate trifle anyays? ;)

The Men :)

In 24 days...

2011-06-18T16:59:00.000-04:00

I will Lord willing, marry my best friend. <3

I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Precious.

2011-06-09T22:43:00.000-04:00

Here's a few photos I took of my handsome little nephew..

He melts me. <3

Sweet <3

I just wanna kiss him. :)

For the past 14 years...

2011-06-09T18:02:00.001-04:00

...I've been going every week for a piano lesson. I started when I was five years old and starting in Leila Fletcher Book 1, I've continued on to finish my Performer's ARCT, and my Elementary and Intermediate Teacher's Pedagogy ARCT.

I'm FINALLY FINISHED!!! It's such a relief and a huge thing off my shoulders to finally be done. Dad had told me I wasn't allowed to get married till I was finished, and this past Tuesday..I played my exam. :D

I'm so happy to be done!

Here's a picture of my super wonderful, highly accomplished, mostly patient, ever persistant, strong minded, Russian teacher who I've come to be very close with! I'm going to miss her...I'm so thankful for all the encouragement that she's given me, and for always pushing me to reach for the top and aim high!

May I present Mrs. Olga Tcherniak..and myself for the last time at her piano in her studio in Ancaster. :)

An Update :D

2011-05-30T19:13:00.002-04:00

As I promised before, here's a small update on things with our apartment! :)

We bought a dining set! :D Rich and I are pretty excited with the new addition to our new little home :) The way it's set up now, it's round, but it has the option of folding the sides up to make it square for smaller areas of space, like in our house that we hope to move to in December, Lord willing. :) (It also has a "lazy susan" in the center! :)

So here's a couple pictures :) I apologize for the quality of the pictures..I had forgotten my camera, so these are from my cell. I'll put up more when I get the rest of the living area cleaned up :P (It's a tad messy do to books scattered every where and extra furniture in between every other piece of furniture because we had no time to sort through everything) And that was a very long run - on sentence :)

Naomi Kroesbergen in Concert... :)

2011-05-17T10:18:00.002-04:00

On Friday, May 27, 2011 at 7:30 p.m., you are all very warmly invited to share in an evening of piano music, as Naomi Kroesbergen plays in concert as preparation for her ARCT Performer's Diploma. The repertoire consists of selections by accomplished composers such as Sergei Rachmaninoff, Ludwig van Beethoven, Frederic Chopin, J.S. Bach and several others. The evening will be held at the Ancaster Canadian Reformed Church on 575 Shaver Rd, Ancaster, ON.

If you have any questions, feel free to email at naomi.ruth18@gmail.com :)

Sunny days, answered prayers, a forever kind of love..

2011-05-04T13:57:00.000-04:00

Today is a happy day. Not the kind of happy where you just smile when someone says something to you. More of the kind when you wake up happy. The night before you got to see the one you love, you're all warm and cozy under the blankets and you turn your face to see a ray of sunshine peeking through a crack in the curtains..

This weather is glorious! There's really no better word to describe it. I realize that God is visible and present in every day, but when you wake up to a day like today, after rain and clouds have been the story for the past while...it's hard not to look up and praise Him while the light breeze and the rays of sunshine envelop you like sheets just out of the dryer. :) It makes me take time to thank Him. Thank Him for today, for life, for family, for love...

...for answering prayers.

Back in December, I wrote my Intermediate Pedagogy exam, and played my Practical exam that same month. The latter, I passed. The former written exam, came back a fail. I was so upset, because my teacher and I had tried to work so hard in preparing for it. It was challenging, but I had put so much more time into this one than even my last exam, and I have experience from my six/seven years of teaching already. But I still failed it. I didn't understand why...
My teacher went over my exam with another examiner friend of hers and they marked down all the sections where they thought I should have gotten a higher mark in. They thought I should have received a higher mark and definitely should have passed by the answers that I had given, so they sent it away for re-evaluation and marking.
I've been checking regularly online, but my marks never changed, so I was getting discouraged..but today, I went to get the mail and there was a big envelope with my name written on it. I ripped it open and there it was.."Congratulations on your Honours standing!" They re-marked my exam and gave me an Honours mark for it!
I'm so happy! You have no idea...it's such an answer to prayer. God is good! :)

So what does this mean, this exam...well..it means that I now have both my Elementary and Intermediate Teacher's Diploma!
..and Lord willing, after my exam this coming June, I will also have my Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto Performer's Degree. :D

My love, my music, my baby brother, anniversary roses...this is what makes me all warm and delightful inside :) <3

Now the best for last..I just want to say that Richard VanManen, is the sweetest, most amazing man in the world. It's just that simple. I love him like crazy! :) <3

It's been 365 days since...

2011-04-27T09:46:00.000-04:00

...I waited impatiently. I went around the house doing my utmost best to stay calm and collected on the outside. Inside tho, I was full of twists and turns and my nerves were kicking in high gear. Looks can be deceiving from the outside! I was waiting for that big truck to pull up our driveway and for that curly-haired, blue-eyed, Dutch Boy to come sauntering up the steps to our door. I was waiting for the moment that my family could finally meet the man that had captured my heart. I was waiting to introduce my boyfriend Rich, to the world. <3

One year ago today... April 27, 2010

I've known Rich for around two and a half years. By that, I mean that I knew that his name was Rich and I knew that he could sing. ;) That's about it. He had joined choir, and that year, I happened to join as well. I never ever talked to him because...well, let's just say that him being about five and a half years older than me played a part in that. ;) I always admired him from afar. He always stuck a pencil behind his ear, and then would grab it and tap it on his folder to help him keep the beat in choir. Him and Stephen Noorduyn always stood on the bench in the back of the choir and every so often, he caught me looking. My face most probably turned a darker shade of fair, and turned away in an instant. But not without one or two butterflies flying around inside. :D

And then was break time. I had been talking with some of the girls in the meeting room, and then I had to go get some things from the sanctuary which I had left in the sanctuary. As I got closer, I heard the organ playing and someone singing...one of my favorite favorite songs - The Prayer (sung by Josh Groban)! I opened the door and just watched for several minutes..and then proceeded to walk over to the organ, humming the song where a group of people were standing around. I should have hummed softer. :P
Rich heard me and then turned and said "hi! I'm Rich :) You know this song too? No one else here does :P"
"Yes! It's one of my favorite songs! :) You sounded awesome! Keep singing ..I'm Naomi by the way :)"
"Oh but it's a duet...for male and female voice. I think you should sing with me!"
"ummm...I don't sing in front of people! I don't think so :S"

(By this time, my heart was beating a million beats per minute, and I was probably as red as a tomato..I was embarrassed. :P)

Rich proceeded to insist and I couldn't resist anymore. And so we sang our first duet together. It still makes me smile inside when I think of how that night played out. :)

Who would have known that this man, Richard VanManen would end up being..
<3 My best friend
<3 My love
<3 My favorite concrete man :)
<3 My shoulder to cry on
<3 My confidant
<3 My sweetheart

<3 My husband-to-be

Rich, this past year has been one that I would never trade for the world. It's been such a blessing to go through each week, each month together. Getting to know our crazy, annoying quirks. Learning to deal with aspects of each of our characters. Working through our differences, finding ways to love each other more and more each day.
Thank you for loving me the way you do. Thank you for being patient through the days where I just can't seem to find the sunshine through the rain. Thank you for being so strong. For being my leader, and praying with me. Reading together, and growing together.
Sometimes I feel so undeserving of your love, but I realize how much of a blessing you are to me. I thank God every day for bring you into my life, and for bringing us together. I hope and continue to pray that throughout the coming two months leading up to our wedding, and Lord willing for many more years together in the future, we'll have the priviledge of growing our love even stronger, of making more special memories and special moments.

I love you with all of my heart!

<3 SHMILY <3
April 27, 2011

Forever and ever. <3

New Beginnings- Part one: Our new couches! :D

2011-04-26T12:32:00.000-04:00

So I'm going to start a "series" on the improvements and updates of our new home. This is Part 1 of who knows how many :P We'll be living in Rich's grandparents apartment in Burgessville for the time being, and extra piece of information, is that it came fully furnished. Now just to give you an idea of what the furnishings consisted of: blue and pink floral couches with yellow upolstered armchairs, a green lazy boy, another gray arm chair, lamps of all different shapes and sizes, giant picture frames with pictures of wolves, or the fox and hunter cross-stiched designs, dining chair pillows (also floral). Two organs, a big black record/stereo/tape player, knick-knacks galore. ALL over the place. :P
   The first time I walked into it, it took my awhile to form a picture in my mind of what it could possibly look like after all the knickknacks and mismatched lamps and floral furnishings were gone...If you know me, I love the clean, classy style with several antique furnishings here and there to make it more warm and cozy. :)
  I told Rich I could do with the furniture (maybe minus a couple pieces :P) but the couches had to go. lol..And then I thought of a brilliant invention called slip-covers. :D So it was settled..I'll do the best I can with the furniture in there and have fun making it our own home with our own styles :D...
  Then came the Auction Flyer. YAY! Rich and I both LOVE his parent's couch set, but it was imported from Holland and they had boughten it an auction around ten years ago. So we sort of gave up on having a set like theirs. But then last week, the same company they bought their's from was coming again and apparantly they do auctions all over Canada. This one was in Tillsonburg! The only problem was that Rich was going to be in Oshawa on Wednesday so we wouldn't be able to make it :(
  He decided to try his luck and call the man. Bas VanPelt. (He's Dutch :P) He was kind enough to let us come and look at all the furniture before the auction, before anyone else! Hester, Rich and I went to look and they had a set almost identical to his parents..only darker. Which is what we all loved the best. The outcome...a gorgeous (I think anyways :D) sofa, loveseat, and chair, all made from real bull leather, set on a solid wood frame, imported from Holland, sitting in our new living room!

Here are a few pictures from last night when we moved all Grandma's furniture (except the green lazy boy, cause it's Rich's favorite chair :P) down stairs, and our new set in.
Please excuse some of the furnishings (and the lovely (:S) blue curtain things :P)...I left some in the living room/dining room just so it didn't look too bare for the pictures. Most of them are disappearing when we get our own things. :)

Before:

After: :D

I'll keep you posted with more pictures and details once we get some more things done :) (painting, decor etc. )

I'd like you to meet...

2011-04-14T22:25:00.001-04:00

My beautiful Maid-of-Honor...

Hester Stryker!

If Hester walks into a room, and you catch her eye, it sparkles. She breaks out into one of her beautiful smiles and the laugh lines start to crinkle by her eyes. If you look closely at her face while she talks to you, you'll notice her eyes. They're rather hard to miss. They remind me of a storm. Dark blue and green, with hazel flecks. If there were any word stronger than expressive, I would use it, but the odd time when she manages to keep a straight face, you just have to look in her eyes and she'll tell all ;)

Right Hes? :D

Beautiful.

Hester and I never used to like each other to be perfectly honest. She thought I was a goody goody (which believe me, I wasn't :P) and I thought she was immature. Even though she was older than me. haha :D We rarely spend time together, and if we did, it was just on Sundays when a bunch of girls would get together after church. We were cordial, I suppose.

And then something happened, and if I could put my finger on what exactly it was, I would write it down...but I don't remember.

For some odd reason, we started hanging out, and we realized that we had a lot more in common than we thought! I got over being a "goody goody" and she got over being "immature"...As the years passed, I began to realize what a blessing this incredible woman was to me: all those years, up until now and Lord willing, for many more years in the future! We've shared so many crazy memories. Laughed at so many things that anyone else thought would be dumb. We've had so many blonde moments, and said so many lame jokes, that we can't even count how many times we've probably embarrassed anyone and everyone who was in our presence.. :D

Two examples: We're sitting in Tim Hortons after volleyball, (or during because we didn't feel up to it :P) We order our ice caps, and sit down by the table near the drive through window. First bad choice. We're both high on caffeine and low on sleep, and that combination together, makes for special moments. ;)

Hester says something ridiculous, while Naomi is sipping her ice cap like a lady...and then, like the splash of a boulder in a lake, Naomi ends up with coffee and ice, all over her face and raining down her hair. Moral of the story is this. NEVER ever, laugh while drinking through a straw. The liquid substance fails to come up the straw, but rather sprays up around the straw and through the top of the lid.

I learned my lesson. Thank you Hester! :P

Now if you've ever gone to the gym and been annoyed at some girls who laugh more than work out, then I advise that you don't sign up for a membership at Fit for Less in Brantford. We used to be motivated, but that slowly...disappeared. However, every once in awhile, we show our faces so that they don't forget us. I have an inkling that they inwardly groan every time they hear the door bell chime and see us walk in. :P

Have you ever tried doing sit ups on a exercise ball? We still haven't mastered the concept yet unfortunately, and rather than staying centred on the ball, we tend to slide off the side or pull muscles in our backs while we try and get back to a comfortable, un-awkward position!

One morning, we in the mood for working out....we stayed in the locker room. Yes, I know what you're thinking.."WOW." But let me finish!...

after we finished our big conversation, we decided that because we had already gotten up early, and driven to Brantford, we should probably do some sort of work at least..and so we did.

We laid down on the floor, put our feet under the lockers and started doing sets of sit-ups. :D On about the third set (I refuse to comment how many are included in a set :P), an older lady comes out of one of the change rooms and exclaims.."I've seen alot in my days, and I thought I'd seen it all!..apparently now I have!"

...that was the end of sit ups in the locker room.

Now..Aside from all the ridiculous things we've done together, and the amount of laughter we've shared throughout the years, I want you to know that Hester, is the example of an amazing friend. She's been there for me, through heartache and happy times. She's dropped everything at the most inconvenient of times, just to come and give me a hug, or let me tell her what's on my mind. Her heart is a heart of gold, and she is one of the most servant hearted women, I have ever met! She loves to the fullest and is amazing when it comes to working with and caring for both the disabled and the healthy. Her laughter is contagious and her smile, so full of life. It's truly a joy and an honour to be so close a friend with her!

Thank you Hester for the friendship we have. I love how close we've grown and I can't wait for the years to come so we can continue making memories together! I hope and pray that we can grow together as sisters in Christ, and I want you to know that I hold our friendship very close to my heart. Thank you for being you! I love you!

Hes and I in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos on our mission trip <3

We rocked these jerseys..from the sidelines ;)

Thank you for that :P

Our first flight ever..around 6 in the morning? We're very awake and already down at least two coffees :D

Apparently "Rob's" isn't open Monday nights...

2011-04-12T10:16:00.002-04:00

They all shout "SURPRISE!!!"
...cameras flash, "we got her!" whispers pass through the ladies, they laugh at your reaction..

You scream, you shake, you can hear your heart beat right out of your chest, your eyes tear up, you laugh, and say embarrassing things...

That's what happened to me last night. :D

This is the story of how Naomi Ruth Kroesbergen experienced the shock of her life.

I've been having quite a bit of back pain again lately, and so Rich's family kept telling me I should get it checked out and go see "Rob" in Norwich. So last week when I was complaining (oops :P) about having to sit on a chair with two pillows behind my back while I practice piano, my dear fiance offered to make an appointment for me with Rob. He asked me what times worked the best, and I said evenings would be better because I teach during the day...so a couple texts later, he told me I had an appointment for 8:00 p.m. on Monday night and a follow-up at 12:00 on Thursday. That worked perfect!

So all Monday, I was teaching..I had nine students and I was so looking forward to a drive in peace and quiet to Norwich at night. But my sister Heidi wanted to come along and stay at Rich's to hang out with Heather..I wasn't the most enthusiastic about the idea but Dad said Heidi could come if she wasn't grumpy the next day..grrrr.
Just as I was getting on the highway, Rich's mom called me asking me to stop at Heather's friend's house because she left some things there from the party she went to last night. This was to stall for time and I was oblivious. Of course.

If you know Heather, (Rich's sister) you know she's a very social person and she loves to talk! She ran in to pick up her "stuff" (which there wasn't actually anything :P) and then talked..and talked..and talked. for like, twenty minutes. I was getting a tiny bit frustrated, cause I had an appointment to be at and I still had to drop them off, so Heidi went in and they finally came back out. We got to Rich's house and and Heather's like "Naomi, you have to come in! I have to show you something!" Then Rich's Dad came out to talk to me about the caddy being fixed and ready to take home and....he was so chatty and smiley for some odd reason...

I ran up the steps and opened the door to say hi...

and the "hi" slipped my mind.

Funny how the week before or so, I had been talking with Mom V. saying how I thought it would be really hard to surprise me...but nope. I was wrong, of course. :P

I had such a good night though and I was definately spoiled! :)

Thank you Mom and Heather and Aunt Steph for such a wonderfully exciting bridal shower!

The rest!

2011-04-12T08:49:00.002-04:00

So here they are :)...I tried uploading all of them but some of them were taking forever and wouldn't show up, so here's most of the rest of our engagement pictures!

As a side note, I can't wait to be married to Rich!

Engagement Photos! ...a sneak peak :)

2011-03-26T22:38:00.000-04:00

A huge thankyou to two very special people in our lives...Thank you Rich and Ange Vanderboom for all the time you've spent both together, and one on one with both of us! Thank you for all the nights you just let us pop in unannounced and have long chats, and lots of laughs together, for the Brown Dog dates, and dinners we've shared..Thank you for all the love and care that you've shown to Rich and I, and for being such godly examples and blessings to both of us! We love you so much!

And thank you once again, for taking our engagement pictures for us, we so appreciate you taking the time, to endure the cold and frozen fingers, to take the pictures!

My handsome nephew...

2011-03-23T21:44:00.000-04:00

Judah Vandenberg!

A Special Addition!

2011-03-23T14:57:00.001-04:00

My sweet nephew,

I haven't gone to see you yet, but I'll be doing that shortly! I'm so excited and thankful to God for bringing such a sweet little boy into the world this morning! Your Mommy and Daddy and big sister Charity are so happy to have a son, and a baby brother added to their beautiful family <3 Uncle Rich can't wait to take you snowmobiling and teach you how to trim all Mom's trees and bushes in her garden ;)
I hope and pray that you grow up to be a strong man of God and faithful son of the King!

We love you already like crazy!

Big hugs and kisses,
Uncle Rich and Auntie Naomi

P.S. More pictures to come I promise :)

A very proud Daddy and Mommy with their first-born son,

Judah Paul Vandenberg - 8 lbs. 2 oz.

Born at around 12:30 this morning :)

He doesn't understand the concept of rubber boots yet. :P

2011-03-18T10:35:00.000-04:00

This picture, makes my day! :D

A BIG thank you!!

2011-03-15T08:43:00.000-04:00

Rich and I just want to thank you all again so much for coming and sharing in such a wonderful night at our engagement party! A big thank you to Mom K. and Mom V. for putting it together and to everyone else for spoiling us with both your presence and your gifts!
A few things that we were given, just in case you were a tiny bit curious :P Drinking glasses, a cutlery set, a set of three pillar candle holders with vanilla candles to go along with :D A multi-picture frame with a clock in the middle, some Pampered Chef baking pans and flipper :D a hose and hose holder thing :P (the word escaped my mind, my apologies) a set of lamps which I LOVE, some Cutco steak knives and cheese knife, and a really special gift from my Grandma: a heavy, queen size blanket, which she made completely by hand, and spent countless hours, sewing and crocheting together.
One other "Thank You" to Mom VanManen, for bringing that DELICIOUS Dutch cake for everyone! I can't wait for the wedding to try some more ;)

Here's a couple pictures from the night :)

Real whipped cream..mocha, coffee beans..advocat, more real whipped cream, dark chocolate...:D

The future Mr. and Mrs. VanManen :D

Frans and Christina (he's about 6'7"....one of the groomsmen who I think is gonna be paired up with Cheryl :P)

Heather and Heidi: my two lovely sisters :)

(And Charity my niece all ready for bed :)

Just a random shot of the group...(Brad and Meg...(Rich's best man), are sitting in the corner of the couch by the fish tank:)

It's hot apple cider, I promise. ;)

Left to right: A very pregnant and ready to have a baby, beautiful sister Jacinda, then Grandma, whose kind of hidden :P, and my mother-in-law to be! :)

The spread of deliciously, mouth-watering food! :D

Wedding checklist :D

2011-03-03T15:47:00.001-05:00

Developments so far...

Husband-to-be - YES ;)
Engagement Pictures - Saturday :)
Wedding dress - yes
Bridesmaid material and patterns - yes
Hall - yes
Church - yes
Pastor - yes
Musicians - yes
Photographer - yes
Caterer - yes
Invitations - yes
Decorator - yes
Florist - yes
Shoes - no
Tiara - not sure :P
Suits - hopefully :D
MC's - yes

....I'm excited! I have the best girls to help me and give me lots of advice and opinions, so I'm not too worried about getting things done! I miss my maid of honour but she'll be back soon! :D I'm so thankful for all the little blessings that have already been shown even in our wedding plans. Even though I have alot of work to do with my music in preparing for my Performer's exam in June, I haven't been stressed really at all with all the wedding stuff :)
I just can't wait till the moment, I get to walk down the aisle, Lord willing, to my best friend. I can't wait to be Rich's wife! :)

Back on American soil! :D

2011-02-28T08:38:00.000-05:00

Here's a couple last shots from our trip as we landed back in snowy Detroit after around 12 hours of travel. Our plane touched ground at 10:45 p.m. and we had no problems going through customs or baggage, so we were very thankful about that! Crossing the border was no problem, especially after we just told them we got back from a missions trip. :) Brody's parents picked the Canadian team up and we arrived back at our home, ready for bed, at around 3:00 a.m.
We thank the Lord for such an incredible trip, and I so hope and pray that another opportunity arises sometime in the future, to go on another!

Just like the rest of us, Hester was oh so excited to be back on American soil! ;) We all had sparkly eyes and an extra spring in our step :P

This was my brother and bodyguard for the trip. When the rest of the team found out I was engaged, they felt a need to protect me from all the black men, :P Nate reminded me so much of my brother Wes. The way he looked, the way he acted..just everything about him. So he called me his sister for the trip and made sure I wasn't being harrassed by the ever so smooth talking Haitian men :D

The Canadians! (just before we left Detroit for back to Canada :D) 11:00 p.m.

Howdy! ;)

2011-02-28T08:11:00.000-05:00

Progressive Dinner....Cowboy style ;)

It was quite the experience! :P

Quiet moments...

2011-02-16T11:03:00.000-05:00

Spending time with God, doing our devotions...enjoying the fresh, cool morning air.

As of yesterday and today :)

2011-02-15T08:13:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone!

It's morning, and we're all either very sleepy-eyed sitting on the bed, or in the dining room trying to figure out what's for breakfast, or waiting for the long line-up of girls ready to use our one little washroom.
Hester and I were just saying how we actually miss all the little things, like being able to just go brush our teeth whenever, or run to the bathroom to pee in the morning without having to wait for five people ahead of us, or locks on the door...I guess it's an eye opener for me to see how much I actually take for granted back home. I need to be so much more thankful for even the little things I have.
  Yesterday was a really good day! In the morning we went back to one of the schools and did morning devotions and sung a few interactive, fun songs to get all the kids involved. It was so exciting and just uplifting to see all these smiling, happy faces! After we got back to the house we all headed over to Pastor Edvard's Church where we sorted through and emptied out around 35 suitcases full of donated clothes, shoes, ties, school supplies etc. that we had brought with us. All these clothes and such are going to be distributed amongst the churches here and will be given to poor families in need, and refugees that come to the church for shelter. The really exciting part of it all was the fact that several bridal shops had donated about 14 brand new wedding dresses to give to the people here. Alot of the Haitian woman will wait to get married because they can't afford a wedding dress, so they are SO excited to have them here!
   So the "Mama's" told us girls that we should try them on, and since I'm getting married anyways, I should be in the pictures and see what it will be like in cooking hot weather wearing a heavy dress with a train! :P I'm beginning to think that July 12 is going to be brutal. :P
   After we got back to the house, we spent a bit of time at one of the beaches because it was overcast and all of us were burnt. :P After about an hour or so we headed over in our wet bathsuits to the Radio Station where we spent an hour singing, and sharing testimonies, as well as how we've all been blessed here so far. Then Joey tried sucking a hermit crab out of it's shell...for a Canadian toonie, and a Canadian loonie :P
  Our evening was spent at Pastor Edvard's church again for a two hour prayer meeting. Except the first hour was incredibly loud singing. In all the Haitian church's here and anywhere we've gone so far with a sound system, all the Haitian's LOVE loud music, loud talking, loud song leading, loud everything. We had the speakers right beside where we were sitting and anytime we try to tell eachother anything, we have to yell in eachother's ears in order to hear what they're saying. :P It's a very "cross-cultural" experience as Pastor Hausler always says :D
   So here we are today..I just moved to the kitchen and its POURING rain outside. Like the kind where there's giant drops and if you step outside you won't have to line up for the shower tonight :P
   We're headed over to another new school this morning to do opening devotions and singing again, and then I think we have two hours on the radio later on. We were supposed to visit another beach this afternoon, but at the rate that the rain is coming down, it might end up being game day inside, even though the guys are adament about still being able to snorkle and swim in the rain :P We'll see.
Tonight we're all piling into the van and driving over to one more church to do a meditation, and singing and discussion groups I believe. The schedule around here is always subject to change around here and Haitian time is NEVER on time. We've been late to church about half and hour each time so far so we always just make sure we're ready and then stand outside waiting forever for the van to come :P

So anyways, it's time for breakfast. I think I'm gonna go steal a granola bar from our stash because I just saw what was in the pan. Boiled bananas. A fruit platter, and a vegatable tray. My stomach is already churning :S..I'm so looking forward to having a hotdog and some McDonald French Fries! :D lol..

I'll talk to you all soon!..in Canada :)

A sneak peak from today! :)

2011-02-14T21:54:00.000-05:00

We just had an AMAZING day!

"Here comes the brideS ;)"

A few promised pictures. :)

2011-02-14T00:26:00.000-05:00

Our cross-cultural soccer team :D

Kiera, Abelson, Rachael

These boys thought it was hilarious to be buried in the sand together..makes for an interesting picture! :P

We did volleyball, soccer on the beach, lunch with everyone, swimming lessons,, :)

Tidbit of information...most Haitians dont like to swim and stay either out of the water or very close to shore because they don't know how..

Two little cuties who wanted to stay with me and feel my hair because it was "so soft!" :)

Hes and I after a few hours out under the Caribbean sun..sunscreen reapplied at least three times! :P

Youth group game before we started tonight at church :)

I gave a piano lesson..on Sunday :P He loved it though and by the end he could play Awesome God! :D

Sunday Worship service..

The faith of the Christians here is so simple, yet so overwhelmingly strong! It's humbling to say the least..I was so blessed today.

Caribbean Sun!

2011-02-12T21:23:00.001-05:00

So I'm not going to write alot right now because I'm rather exhausted! We spend most of the day with the Haitians at the beach playing volleyball, snorkelling, teaching kids to swim, eating lunch, going to the market...And let me just say this, the Caribbean sun here is so intense! I reapplied sunscreen three times in time I was out there and I'm burnt to a crisp. So much so that the "Mama's" wanted to take a picture of it and went out and bought a big bottle of aloe vera. I'm so sore, it hurts. :P Oh well, on the up-side, I guess sooner or later it will change from red to brown :D

Anyways, here's a few pictures from our day :)

Details :)

2011-02-11T15:33:00.000-05:00

Dear friends and family up in the cold north, ( :D )

I understand that from the pictures I've posted so far, most of them look more like a vacation than a mission trip :P I guess we're all excited just how gorgeous it is out here and we want all of you at home that we miss and love to have an idea of where we are and what it's like. :)
  So now I'm going to give you a more detailed explanation of the mission opportunities that we're experiencing here in the Provodenciales.
  Every morning we wake up, usually around 7:00-7:30 and we all saunter out of bed sleepy-eyed and wondering what sort of cross-cultural meal we're going to have today. :P So far the meals have been rather interesting and most things have been actually delicious! (I know...I sound surprised :P) Our taste buds have experienced alot of new foods..Beef and Corn Hash, Conch Stew, crab meat in boiled eggs, oxtails, Creole style KD, brown rice with lima beans etc..I think it's good for me :D
  After breakfast, we all sit outside in a circle and have a team meeting. We talk about what happened the day before, whats on the schedule for today, and how we feel about things that have happened so far..then we pray together and wait for the two vans to pick us all up. Every day we head over the rediculously bumpy roads, with no seat belts, no stop signs and no obeyed speed limits, to 95.1 Christian Radio Station. We usually sing two or three songs together, and then four or five of us volunteer to share one of our testimonials that we've prepared. Today, there was an extra thing added to the program where each of the team members shared who their favorite Bible character was, why they would want to meet them, and what we would ask them if we could...Apparantly there are very many Haitian Creole's who listen to this station, and so many of them that we've met have been very excited to tell us that they heard us on the radio! Pastor Hausler usually adds in a short meditation of some sort and then closes our radio time.
   Each night so far, we've visited a different church in a different area. The first one we went to was a Bible study, so we then introduced ourselves one by one at the end. After the study is finished, we go out and buy a couple tubs of icecream, along with cones and all the youth (and adults :D) stay and we mingle together. It's a ton of fun meeting all these young people and they get so excited when you come over to talk to them! After a little while, Pastor Hausler announces that we're going to split into small groups and find out more about eachother. (four or five Haitians, to two of us) We then ask them questions, starting with more general, and moving towards simple spiritual questions. It's an awesome things for I think both them, and especially ourselves, stepping out of our comfort bubble, and reaching out to these people, and showing love. Tonight, we're headed out to a very very poor part of Provo, to a small church in the middle of poverty. It will be a humbling experience I'm sure..
   This morning, we attended an Elementary School where Kekette's kids attend. Let me tell you, there is nothing more refreshing and uplifting then stepping into a school of dark faces, jet black cornrows and colorful hair beads, and bright, white smiling faces just itching to get close to these white people! We started out with singing an opening song, and after we introduced, and told them what our favorite Bible verses were, and why we picked them, Pastor Hausler gave another short meditation to the kids and then we closed with a song. Then came the mingling and hugs and questions and curious faces...we all just mixed in with the kids and it was amazing to see their eyes just sparkle knowing that they got to talk to a white person! One boy in third grade, came over to me, stuck his arm on my shoulder and said "excuse me Miss, do you think I could have your number please? So I can call you?"...The black men and boys here are such smooth talkers, alot of the time I have no idea what to say to them :P We've already had a marriage proposal, a "the first time I see you, I see your eyes. They just so beautiful! And when you read your Bible, I see your face, and you don't forget I say you're beautiful ok?" (That was awkward let me tell you! :P)
  We're just getting ready to head on over to the cricket field, where we'll be playing soccer with about fifty Haitians from aged 13-18. We are going to be smashed, but I'm sure besides the heatstroke and deydration, it'll be a blast, and we're all trying to remain super excited! :P

I'll keep you posted with any news breaks and such, I promise :)

Thank you to all of you who have kept this trip and our team in your prayers. We need them, and I'm so thankful, knowing that this trip is all in the Lord's hands. So far its been such an incredible experience, and I'm looking forward to the next few days before we leave!

As a side note, I do miss you all at home I promise! Here's a giant *HUG* for you all :)

Love,
me :)

A quick picture update..

2011-02-11T12:35:00.001-05:00

Goodmorning from the island!
It's almost time for breakfast...pancakes!! :D We're pretty excited to have a Canadian breakfast ;)...I don't have alot of time to write but I promise I'll do a more detailed overview tonight..This morning we're headed over to an elementary school where we'll be doing morning devotions, and singing and I'm not sure what else :P Later on we'll be on the Radio for two hours from 10 till 12, and then at around 4ish, we're having a big soccer game with the pastors and kids from the community. We're doomed :P Even the little ones here are already amazing! Oh well...at least we'll get our excercise..in the blazing hot sun. ;)..

Here's few pictures from yesterday..

Our team was driven around the island for a tour yesterday morning..what really hit me, was the difference between the immigrant areas, and the resort towns. It's like two different countries. It's so sad to see two different worlds, so close together, yet so oblivious to the conditions that the majority of the people on this island live in. It was really humbling these past few days, to see how happy these people are, with so little. We take it for granted that when we wake up, we can go to the washroom, brush our teeth, have a hot shower...here, there's no hot water. We've been using hand sanitizer everyday, and our showers have to be about two or three minutes because water is so expensive.
The homes around where we are, have no washers or dryers so clothes are hand washed in a huge bucket, and hung on ropes and trees to dry..yet Abel and Kekette and their family here, are so so sweet, and caring and happy. They're constantly doing things for us, making sure we're fed, always providing water bottles, they clean up our rooms every day after we leave, wash our towels, drive us places..I've never seen hearts so serving. We came here to be a blessing, but they have been such a huge incredibly blessing, and I thank the Lord for the opportunity to come on this trip and experience even just a small taste of their everyday life!

I hope and pray I can be more like them.

It's so warm and clear ..The views here, are just like the ones in all those resort magazines: places you dream about visiting. It's all so picture perfect..it's amazing!

We pretty much have different Haitian youth hang out with our group every day, these three came along on the tour :)

The water is gorgeous..two different shades of bright blue :)

The prices here are rediculously expensive!.just a normal, birthday slab cake - $35.00 :S

The guys came up with this idea first...the girls soon followed in our down time :P Geniuses :D

Waiting for the others to finish their testimonies on the radio..

My beautiful maid of honour and I <3

Just as a side note, this house just sold for $33 million. It has a moat. :D

The view from the $33 million dollar home..

The girls having a quick stop to cool off by the water before continuing on with our tour...

we've all become pretty close the past few days and have had lots of talks and laughs together!

Van No. 1 - Our means of transportation for the week :)

Warm skies, warm hearts...

2011-02-09T18:25:00.001-05:00

Just a few snapshots from my first day here in the Turks and Caicos Island!

Floating on top of the clouds.. :)

Sunrise out of Detroit...Beautiful!

Just outside the Turks and Caicos airport waiting for our shuttle vans :D Trying to adjust to the heat!

The home of Abel and Kekette..we're staying upstairs by the second balcony :) (No airconditioning, just a few fans :P)

Giving my testimony, while Eric translated for me :)

View from the Radio station balcony

95.1 Christian Radio Broadcast

Xavier (I think that's the spelling..) He's such a cutie!

His little grins and silly giggles reminded me of William my baby brother <3

The "Welcome!" balloon they bought just for our arrival!

All our luggage unloaded out of three vans :D We pack light. ;)

A little taste of some glorious creation in the middle of the ocean :)

Early in the morning..loading our shuttle busses in the freezing cold Detroit temperatures!

Wednesday, February 9

2011-02-09T18:00:00.000-05:00

It's summer!! :D

Unfortunately for you all down in the States and Canada, it's still freezing cold, with ice and snow and coats and mittens..I almost feel sorry for you all ;)
  We have safely arrived in the province, Providenciales of Turks and Caicos! This morning we all met downstairs in the Detroit hotel at 3:15 and boarded 18 of us, along with thirty-five checked-in suitcases, not counting our carryons :P It was tight..
  Everything went smoothly through security and such, and we landed in Miami at around 9:35 a.m. After an hour and a half layover, we boarded American Airlines once again for the last leg of our trip. With on average only about three hours of sleep per person, I'd say we're all doing ok as of right now! We landed in the beautiful Turks and Caicos at about 12:30. As soon as the doors to the plane opened, we were greeted with a strong, hot wind, and lots of curious black faces with shiny white smiles :) The temperature is around 28 degrees at the moment so we all got pretty sticky pretty fast :P
   Our hosts Abel and Kekette, have graciously moved out of their apartment to downstairs so that our whole team can stay together in their home. The people here are so warm and friendly, and so eager to see what these white people are all about :) It's truly a blessing to be able to have this incredibly opportunity to minister to the Haitian immigrants here!
   We had our first meal here...The table was laid out so beautifully with all kinds of colorful, juicy looking fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, apples..along with a salad, two huge bowls of brown rice and a glass bowl full of meat/ meat sauce. It look delicious and smelled delicious...however..what us girls all thought was chicken..wasn't chicken. Rather, conch. You know those huge shells you put your ears to to hear the ocean? Mhm..apparantly, they have an animal inside them that you can eat..and that was our lunch :D It wasn't all that bad. I will admit though that i was more than thankful for the Sunny D and water bottles set out on the table ;)
   After lunch, we all piled into two huge vans...which maybe could be slightly upgraded. (just so that you dont actually see the outside, from the inside, through cracks and breaks and such :P) And headed over to the Radio Station 95.1. Our drivers drive on the "wrong" side of the road and go double the speed limit up and down rocky, uneven, bending roads...it's terrifying! :P
   We sang as a team In Christ Alone, and then introduced ourselves all individually. After everyone was through, Betty DeVinney, Brody DenDekker, and myself all shared testimonies over the air with Pastor Hausler translating in Creole. It was an experience that I won't soon forget and I'm very thankful for the opportunity to do so! I keep praying that somehow I'll be able, along with the rest of the team, to be a blessing to those here on the island...
   We're soon headed over to the IGA, where we'll stock up on icecream and munchies and food that maybe doesn't contain seafood or rice. Dessert I guess ;)
   Early to bed for us all! We're running on the last bit of steam built up, and I'm afraid that it will soon be depleted before too long :P
  I'll post several pictures for you all in the next post so you can get an idea of what amazing experiences I'm being blessed with! :)

Goodnight for now :)

This is unfortunate...

2011-02-09T01:19:00.000-05:00

...we're all laying here.

WIDE awake. At 1:00 a.m.

Wake up at 2:30...at least Hester and I got around three hours! :D

Cheryl on the other hand is a different story..lol...apparently someone slipped Redbull or something into her ice cap in Tim Hortons like ten hours ago and that's lasted up until..now. She's been wandering around...checking out the hallway, whats on the table in the room, sat on the bathroom counter deciding whether to shower or not, on the laptop...
She claims that the reason Hes and I didn't hear her was cause we snore too loud. I disagree. Naomi doesn't snore. :P (I thought so anyway! ;)

I told Cheryl she should try to sleep...as I sit here munching on icecubes from the machine with Hes. :D haha..my brain is everywhere, except for sleep.

Oh well...I guess it's strong coffee for Hester and I at 2:30 when we "wake up". :P

Goodmorning!!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

2011-02-08T21:36:00.001-05:00

We have arrived safely in Detroit! our drive was a total of about four hours including a last Tim Hortons stop in Sarnia (we splurged and ate a frosted cinnamon roll along with our coffee ;)

A couple random, amusing pieces of outbursts from several passengers in the van...
"No...'shoulderless" dresses wouldn't suit Hester" (Brody clearly hasn't read too many wedding magazines ;)..He meant strapless, I promise.

"Have you read the iNtinerrary yet?" :D

Our pretty pedicured nails all ready for warm sand and sun! :D

Still in snow...

Canadian eh? ;)

Texting mom :P

So as of right now, we're sitting up in our hotel room zonked and so ready for bed...Early to bed because wake-up call is at 2:30 tomorrow morning!

The rest of our team arrived at around 8:15ish tonight and we were able to meet everyone and make introductions and such...all of our 36 suitcases have been labelled and stickered and assigned about two pieces of luggage each along with our carryon suitcase and bag :P

We've already been referred to as the "Canadians" and warned we're probably going to be labelled that the rest of the trip..we're pretty proud to be so patriotic ;)..lol

I'm not going to write a whole lot more 'cause I'm falling asleep :D

I'll talk soon!

In our hotel room...bedtime soon! Five hours left to sleep "{

Goodnight all :)

Today is the day.. (!!!)

2011-02-08T13:19:00.000-05:00

Dear friends and family, anonymous commenters and random blog readers :D

Today is the day I leave with the Canadian half of our mission team, to drive down to Detroit where we stay over tonight, and fly out tomorrow morning at 6:00 a.m. and travel to Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands!
Hester, Cheryl, Brody and I will be meeting up with the rest of our team from the States later this evening and hopefully everything will go smoothly and we'll be able to leave on time and arrive safely Lord willing tomorrow afternoon.

I would ask if you could please pray for our team while we're away. Prayer for ready hearts, open minds and willing spirits as we seek to spread the love of Jesus, and the hope that lies within our hearts, to the Haitian immigrants of Providenciales.

I'll do my best to keep you all posted throughout our trip with pictures and some updates as to what we're up to and how our trip is going!

Blessings,
me :)

"Naomi, will you marry me?"

2011-02-07T00:25:00.000-05:00

...and so...

Lord willing, this coming July..I hope to marry my best friend, and become a "Mrs." ..Mrs. VanManen. (I have to practice ;)

As much as I try and keep a straight face, I have to admit that my cheeks have been rather sore the past few days from the kind of smile that stretches from one ear all the way to the other! I'm just so happy I don't even know what to say! :D

I love you Rich. <3

Here's the ring...which I LOVE..

A Week of Winter Wonderland!

2011-01-05T13:45:00.001-05:00

So for the past one and a half weeks, I've been far away from home. I drove up last Monday to Ottawa with Hester, and stayed at my very dear friend Victoria's. After a week of crazy fun and tons of laughs and late night girl talks, Rich took the train up Thursday night and we headed out with the Caddy up north. We arrived at Lowell Lake at around 6:30p.m. and were greeted ever so warmly with big hugs and kisses from Rich's family! :)

I had been up north this past summer but I kept being told that I "NEEDED" to come up with them in the winter time to see this beautiful winter wonderland..and so I did. :) It was really special to be able to spend New Year's Eve up at the cottages, with my sweetheart, Rich's Mom and Dad and Heather. We had alot of late nights, and spent the days going snowmobiling, and skating on the lake...drinking coffee, and eating incredibly yummy Dutch treats, while sitting on our bums relaxing and having lots of chats :D When the weather wasn't good enough for snowmobiling, Rich and I went quadding up the trails and had alot of fun trying to get through drifts and slush and ice ;)

Rich, Heather and I left at 2:39 p.m. Tuesday afternoon and I arrived home safely Tuesday night at 10:06 p.m. :)

I had such an incredibly wonderful week..I'm gonna have a really hard time getting back into routine!

This man, I love. <3

Rich carved this for me in the roof of the Temagami Tower

The view from way up the trails, by the tower :) You can see for miles upon miles...

Out of the water for the winter...

Lowell Lake in the wintertime :)

Caution: drive extra slow with truck and trailer full of snowmobiles, especially when roads are covered in slush and snow is falling from the sky. :P This results in extra tense neck muscles and requires a serious, hard shoulder/neck massage following your trip. :D

Snowmobile Buddy :P (Heather :)

Little House on the Lake :)...(one of the cabins at Lowell Lake)

Heather's favorite past-time when it comes to long drives ;)

This is what happens to Richard VanManen and Naomi Kroesbergen from too much sugar, too many late nights, and too little sleep. :D

December 12, 2010 - William is 1!

2010-12-14T08:35:00.001-05:00

However....

December 11 was the day that all his family came over to open presents and blow out a candle on his piece of custard slice. ;)
This little boy is one very special blessing to our family...with his many goofy grins sporting a total of about six teeth, to his sweet babbling as he drives his John Deere tractor around the tray of his highchair, to his shoving people's fingers in his mouth to gnaw on, to his incessant giggling when you through him in the air and tickle just under his ribs..we love William!

Because the whole family (and "Auntie" Hes) was around we decided to have a family picture :)

Photo Courtesy of Ange Vanderboom:

<3 <3 <3

from years before..

2010-11-24T14:50:00.004-05:00

My mom found this in my file...she kept it for some odd reason, so I thought I'd share with you what I thought when I was a little girl :)...(and when I'm a big girl ;)

(just click on the picture for a bigger version)

P.S. Please excuse my punctuation and spelling and handwriting..I was homeschooled :D (just kidding ;)

My writing has improved somewhat..I think. I hope :P

There once was a little boy...

2010-11-22T11:46:00.000-05:00

...who thought it would be fun to get into all his big sister's stuff. :P

Increasing the temperature on her heater to a four instead of a one so that she wakes up in the morning sweltering hot, thinking she's sick or something.. ripping the already tattered cover off an antique book she kept for some sort of sentimental value, deleting a document she was in the process of writing, calling the home phone from her cell phone repeatedly by accident, banging her mirror so hard it fell back on top of him and broke to "smithereens," sitting outside her door, clacking an old Christmas ornament till she got so annoyed she had to let him in :P tipping the dirty laundry basket, putting her scissors in his mouth, pulling candles off the window sill...I guess he knows that Naomi's room is the only room where he can do things and not get a spank for doing them :D...probably why he loves it when he peeks around the corner in the kitchen, to look down the hallway to see if maybe..just maybe, there's a light on at the end of the hall! ..He never ceases to fall...some strange sounding squawk, or high-pitched shriek or little giggle, makes his big sister's heart drop to the floor (not really)..cause here comes Trouble! ;)

I love Trouble.

a perfect love..

2010-11-18T11:34:00.001-05:00

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us." - 1 John 4:7-12

   People come and go. Friends are there, and then they aren't. Circumstances change, lives go different directions. Sometimes we have no control over them. Sometimes we wish things turned the other way. But every time we think that, and every time we're presented with situations we feel we're incapable of changing..I think we forget that we are being molded; shaped by God's sovereign hand. It was in His plan, even before we were put here on this earth, for us to encounter these circumstances, so that we would draw closer to Him: to show us our complete inability to figure things out on our own, and trying to fix things that we cannot change ourselves.
   So what do we so often do when we don't like something? What do we do when things hurt, and misunderstandings take place? What do we think when we're told things we don't want to hear, and when nothing seems to make sense? Where do we turn?

   We're commanded to pray. "Pray without ceasing."1 Thess. 5:17

   We're commanded to search the Word. "You search the Scriptures.." John 5: 39a

"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." 1 Thess.2:13

   Sometimes I sit here and wonder why..why things go a certain way, why feelings affect us the way they do, and those around us as well. It's hard to make everyone happy, and it's impossible to please everyone. However, there is one thing that doesn't change, and that should affect the whole way we view life, and those we love and care about.

The unconditional love of Christ.

Whether in our day to day labours, or in our interactions with friends or family, co-workers, acquaintances..no matter what our own personal feelings may want to be, or how we want to choose to feel, it is our duty, as brothers and sisters in Christ, to love each other with a love that's so strong and genuine. An unconditional love. This means that despite differences that may arise, or thoughts we don't agree on, we still love that person because Christ first loved us. He was perfect, and He loved us with a perfect love. A love that never wavers, it never weakens, never falters.

Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

How much more then should we not choose to love one another? To look past the hurt that may be hidden inside, to see past our differences with each other and look further towards the perfect love that we were first loved with.

"Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’" Isaiah 41:10

It's something I need to think about...something I need to work on..

John 13:34-35: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

"For anonymous."

2010-11-16T08:45:00.000-05:00

   So here I am again. I'm embarrassed to find out exactly how long it's been since I last posted something :P I apologize for my tardiness in writing!
I'm trying to think of what's new with me...I passed my first set of ARCT Teacher's exams, so I'm currently working on the second phase. I have two exams in December which I'm studying for, so if you could please pray for me in that regard, that would mean so much, and be very greatly appreciated!
  Another thing that comes to mind that I'm extremely looking forward to and so excited for...is the short-term mission trip that my sister and I will, Lord willing, be going on in February! We'll be flying to Haiti, and be gone for a total of ten days. While we're there, we hope to be doing some hands-on work projects, home visitations, help at the school there, make chalkboards :) etc...(there's also a 5km run for anyone who wishes to do so..I'll be watching) :D We're asking for much prayer as we prepare our minds and hearts for ministering to the people of Haiti. Especially, that we would be given the right words to speak in due season, that we would be godly examples to those around us, including the rest of the team..pray that we would be given good health and strength and that we would be able to give of ourselves to the fullest of our ability!
   Aunt Connie asked for some updated pictures and such, so I will post a few different ones of things that have happened lately :)
  As a side note, my boyfriend...is wow...A week or two ago, he called me and told me that he had bought something for me, then pulled me over to the computer and showed me a picture of what it looked like. I almost had heart failure. I still can't believe what he bought me, but I still love him like crazy, and I will enjoy this gift to the fullest extent..I'm sure most of you would agree with me ;) I have to tell you though, that he is the sweetest, most amazing man I have ever met! (in my non-biased opinion ;)..

So here's some pictures..

Papa and Gramma's 50th Wedding Anniversary - VanManen Family photo (with me :) Rich's family is amazing. His mom is one of the sweetest, godliest, fun-loving, easy-to-talk-to lady, I have ever met. I love her! His dad, is quieter, but thinks it rather amusing when everyone else is laughing super hard at some blonde joke that I'm still sitting in my chair, quiet..trying to figure out. :P Heather, his sister, is probably one of the bubbliest, random, most expressive girls I have ever known :D All in all, my days spent with the VanManen family always result in alot of laughter, and teasing and talking and hugs. <3 Another blessing..

My present! - 2004 Cadillac SRX (with heated seats and a panoramic window pretty much 3/4 the length of the roof! :D)

My baby brother William - a year old on December 12 <3

(he didn't get his flexibility from me. At all. ;)

Rich and I (after quadding..thus the windblown, crazy hair and frumpy clothes :D)

Photo courtesy: Heather VanManen :)

Looking over Temagami from the Temagami Fire Tower <3 (photo courtesy: Heather VanManen :)

Buddy :)

2010-09-28T15:16:00.000-04:00

This little guy is nine months and I love him to bits...

Happy Endorphins :D

2010-09-13T11:23:00.000-04:00

So....today was the first day back of my school year. Rather, my teaching year and music year, and my healthy year ;)
Getting back into routine is such a wonderful feeling! I'm back to teaching piano, and studying for music exams :)..speaking of which, I'm very thankful to have passed the first section of my Teacher's Diploma from The Royal Conservatory of Music! Only about....six more exams to go :P
One thing new I've decided to start with my very dear friend Hester...is getting up at 5:30 every other morning to head to the gym for an hour before work :D...I never thought I would say this..and neither did my family I'm sure :P...but it's such a great feeling to start the day exercising! It's kind of depressing how out of shape I actually am at the moment, but hopefully I'll be able to fix that soon. :D

So as of right now...my happy endorphins are flowing..and I'm gonna have a great day, I'm sure of it ;)

Just a picture from up north of Heather and I (Rich's lovely sister <3 :)

An Invitation.

2010-09-07T11:05:00.000-04:00

“Let Everything that hath Breath,

Praise the Lord!”

On September 17, 2010, you are warmly invited to attend a benefit concert for Word and Deed featuring Ryan Vandenberg on the organ and Naomi Kroesbergen on piano. The concert will be held at Rehoboth United Reformed Church on 77 Glancaster Rd. Ancaster, at 7:30 p.m. D.V. The evening will consist of a variety of music, such as several organ/piano duets as well as solo performances and audience singing. There will be a free-will offering held with all proceeds going to Word and Deed Missions.

A verse I want to share :)

2010-08-30T15:07:00.000-04:00

Psalm 84:11 - For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: NO good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Amazing no?

Random moments, special moments, silly moments, wonderful moments, memorable moments :)

2010-08-28T20:58:00.004-04:00

On our way...

2010-08-28T14:44:00.000-04:00

So as of right now...Hester and I are on the train headed...HOME :D
Our weekend was amazing....so fulfilling and refreshing and uplifting... and full of wonderful talks and tons of laughter and late nights and random hugs and exciting memories. <3

We had such a great time spending our days with the Bass family, and would love to go there soon, but to be honest, I'm ready to see my family again :)

Pictures will be up soon!

Friday, August 27, 2010

2010-08-27T10:21:00.000-04:00

  So as of now, it is 9:41 in the morning and I just woke up. We woke up to some lovely piano playing from what... Leila Fletcher book 2? ;)...no loud alarms, no blasting radio music right beside my head :P The plan was to wake up ON TIME because we have tons to do today, but I guess when you sit around the kitchen table with wonderful people, laughing and telling stories from the past...eating pizza bites and jalepeno cheese sticks till 1:30 in the morning...you kinda need to sleep in :)
  Let me tell you about yesterday...once we got on our way at 11 in the morning, we headed over to the Brookstreet Hotel (where Victoria works...where Justin Bieber stayed and the Ottawa Senators, and lots of other important people ;). We made reservations at the four diamond restaurant called the Perspectives...and then had a Caramel Machiatto at Starbucks to wake up. After that, we headed downtown to the Rideau Center for awhile and then home at 4:00. We got changed and then left for the concert...which we had to wait in an endless line for. :D
   One thing I have to say...the Casting Crowns concert was absolutely amazing! To be able to worship together with around 1900 people..is an incredible thing! Everyone singing along, praising God from their hearts..it's awesome!
   So today...we're sitting in the living room smelling the bacon and scrambled eggs that Mr. Bass is cooking for breakfast. :) After that, we're heading to the shoe store, then Byward Market.. and then to get our hair done up for our fancy dinner :D Not sure what else is planned, but I'm sure we'll get lots accomplished ;)

I'll post pictures when I get home cause we have lots of them :)... but for now, I'm gonna get going cause breakfast is calling :)

On our way :D

2010-08-25T18:29:00.000-04:00

So right now...is the beginning of my trip to Ottawa with a certain amazing someone :D..Hester and I are on Via Rail train number 4604 right now with only about two hours left! We got on at 12:57 this afternoon and hope to arrive in Ottawa at 7:40 p.m. tonight.

We're visiting Victoria till Saturday and going to a Casting Crowns concert Thursday night, so we're pretty pumped! The train is freezing and the food is good (Mr. Sub....healthy sub I must add...with lettuce mom! ;) I must admit though..at the moment, Hes and I are both on our laptops sitting beside eachother cause we're trying to make time pass quicker till we get there! :P lots of quality time in this car ;)

As a side note...the bathrooms on a train...not my favorite. Rocking back and forth, loud whooshing sounds when you flush, just room enough to sit, and wash your hands....and the high risk of water (toilet water) spraying around when we change tracks...it's wonderful really :P)

So anyways, I shall keep you up to date on our weekend and maybe post a few pictures when I get the time!

Brothers and sisters :)

2010-08-23T17:26:00.002-04:00

So I just thought I'd show you how adorable my brothers are :D..and sisters ;) William is now eight and a half months old with two little teeth popping out of his bottom gum :) He is incredibly noisy at times and likes to think he's some sort of animal judging by the queer sounds that come out of his mouth! :P We love him to bits though and he's started laughing at things that really aren't that funny and gives lots of smiles to his family (and usually family only :P), especially when his Daddy comes home from work :)....definately adds alot of extra special entertainment to our household of girls. He didn't really help very much when it came to canning beans but we kept him happy by shoving giant pole beans in his hand ;) Healthy boy I'd say.

Wes and William <3

One boy, one girl, one heart.

2010-08-19T13:45:00.000-04:00

So my incredibly sweet, and absolutely amazing boyfriend, Rich.. gave me something very special and so beautiful I didn't even know what to say when I opened the box...

I thought I'd share just two pictures of my gorgeous gift from him :)

It's a white gold heart, with three little diamonds where it meets in the middle <3

A few pictures..

2010-08-17T13:19:00.002-04:00

Just three pictures from my awesome day at Niagara Falls, to go along with the blog post below...

The Girls <3 From left: Cassie, Hester, Cheryl, myself, Victoria

<3 Rich and I at Niagara Falls <3

My crazy, wonderful friend Victoria who came all the way from Ottawa just for my birthday!

(at Rainforest Cafe)

Expect the unexpected..

2010-08-17T09:55:00.001-04:00

So this post is beyond overdue. I already know that Mr. Anonymous (and any of the other anonymous commenters) are expecting me to write something before my birthday, so here it is :D
I guess I have quite a bit of writing to catch up on! I'll start with...my exam being done!! (for now until I get my mark back :P) I didn't do a whole of extra things before it was finished and written so that part is pretty boring.
Now for the exciting part ;)
On Saturday, my two amazing friends planned a birthday day out for me to Niagara Falls. :):) Hester, Cassie, Justin, JJ (who came all the way from Michigan!), Cheryl, and my sweetheart Rich were all in on my wonderful day :)
We were just finishing up breakfast when a vehicle pulled into our driveway...the Explorer. Hester :D So we all run to the door and I look out and see my very dear friend Victoria! Hester and her had this grand scheme to get Vic down from Ottawa for the party to surprise me...so they figured out all the plans and showed up at my door to see my surprise :D It pretty much made my day..and there were lots of hugs and stuttering and stammering from yours truly :P So when Rich showed up we headed to Cassie's to meet there and then made our way to the falls. It was gorgeous out! Warm, and full of sunshine with lots of smiles from some extra wonderful people :) We decided to go for lunch at the Rainforest Cafe, and I highly advise not to go there if you're on a low budget. :P So we were just sitting at the table with everyone; laughing and talking and complaining about the crazy prices ;)..when our waitress came over. Victoria had a bright idea. Or so she thinks. :P "Excuse me, but do you have a birthday song or anything like that for my friend here?"
My heart dropped to the stone cold floor. :P
Those types of things I pretty much never do to other people because it's sheer embarrassement. Some restaurants aren't that bad. Sometimes you just get a free dessert on the side and other times...ya they're not so subtle. Like Rainforest Cafe.
Out waitress asked me to stand up in the middle of the restaurant., "Excuse me everyone! We have a birthday in the house!" "wait...what's your name again?
"Naomi" "
"Naomi is turning 19!"..
"no, I'm actually 18 :P"
"Well today your 19" (she didn't correct it ..lol) "Can everyone say Happy Birthday!".....utterly embarrassed and probably as red as the parrot hanging from the ceiling, I quickly sat down.
After the falls, we drove to Cassie's where I was planning on going home because I had to be home on time. Apparantly however...there was a different plan :P I walked through the front door to streamers and balloons :D We all ended up staying there for swimming and dinner, and layered jello ;)
When we got home, we realized we had a problem. Rich forgot his truck keys in Justin's car. Of course all his Sunday clothes, my Sunday hat and whatever else he may have possibly needed were still in there soooo...:P
He took our car and stayed at his buddy's house and then came for breakfast Sunday morning. We brought Victoria back to the train station and then came back and headed to church for the evening service with Hes.
This is where the story turns...
I had a headache since I had woken up Sunday morning, but it was really muggy and humid out so I just figured it was from that. It wasn't that bad so I just kind of ignored it all day...but at around 5:40ish on our way to church, it started getting worse so I took two aspirin. We got to church and Hester, Rich and I sat in the back...I sat down and I really didn't feel good. About halfway through the first song, I got up, kicked my shoes off and ran to the bathroom and threw up. (my apologies for the details :P) Hester brought me home and then left to go back to church. I'm not sure what time it was, but I had gotten up to go use the bathroom or something ( I don't even know what) and I fainted. Rich, Heidi, and Hester all came back to our house first after church and found me in the hallway on the floor. Apparantly Rich picked me up, and brought me to my bed...the whole time I wasn't awake. My feet and hands were blue from lying there and I didn't wake up right away. After a little bit I woke up and Rich looked at me and asked if I knew who he was...I just smiled :) That night of course was our week for coffee house, so a bunch of the young people were over. I stayed in bed and slept and left everyone else to the entertaining (for which I feel awful about!)
Anyways, my whole family went to bed, but Rich was still up because he was waiting for Justin to bring his keys..I think that was around eleven. He left after Justin came, but for some reason he came back. He was worried about me and wanted to make sure I was ok. When he came in, I had a bit of a fever and a really bad headache. After a few minutes however, I started shaking..first my arms, then my whole body. I couldn't stop. Then my chest got really tight and I had a really hard time breathing...Rich went down to get my parents out of bed and they all came up to my room. By that time I was hyperventilating so bad that my body was convulsing and I couldn't breath, so they called 911. Four firefighters came first and they put an oxygen mask on my face, but I couldn't get my breathing under control..I kept clenching my teeth together and shaking..Mom says I must of panicked because the oxygen mask didn't help. When the paramedics arrived, they made me sit up on my bed and then they helped me to the stretcher by the front door. The ambulance left our house at around 1:20 a.m. and drove to the hospital with Rich and Dad following close behind...I started breathing a little bit better, but I was still shaking really badly. I was put in a room by the nurses station and Dad ended up staying the night..in a chair, beside my bed. I was so incredibly cold, they had to bring three warmed up blankets to my room for me..I slept on and off and in the morning the nurses came by to make sure I was still ok and such. The doctor asked for some test to be done so they put an IV in my hand, took three vials of blood and took a heart rate test (where they put all little sticker things over my body with clips attached and it prints out a sheet that looks like a lie-detecter test :D). I was so thankful when the tests came back...I only have strep throat. Nothing more serious....
Let me just say...when you have two litres of IV fluid pumped into your body and you've already drank two cups of water...man, you have to pee so incredibly bad! Except I had an IV needle stuck in my hand and NONE of the nurses seemed to want to walk by my room at that time. :P I was able to wait till mom got there and they quickly took it out and I ran (well....walked, holding the wall as fast as I could) to the bathroom :D
Needless to say, I got home at around 4:00 Monday afternoon with a prescription for Penicillin which I'm now taking :)
So that was my adventure as of recent! I have a very thankful heart, and definately have realized how short life can be...how quickly it could be taken away in the blink of an eye!...But God was gracious enough to have spared me, and now I'm home with my family again, and feeling better :)

Today is also my sister Cheryl's birthday :) I can't actually believe she's already 15! I thank the Lord for the special girl that she is and I pray that she'll grow to love Him and serve Him with all of her life..Happy Birthday Cheryl! :)

Thus ends my post...a few things I'm thankful for before I leave:
1. I'm thankful for my dear friends who wanted to give me an extra special 18th birthday!
2. I'm thankful that Rich forgot his keys and had to wait here until Justin came because otherwise I'm not sure what would have happened..
3. I'm thankful for doctors and nurses and modern day medicine
4. I'm thankful for my Dad who so lovingly stayed with me through the night and had to "sleep" in a chair.
5. I'm thankful for my family who have been helping me and hugging me and loving me since I got back
6. I'm thankful for being spared another day
7. I'm thankful for prayer
8. I'm thankful for a God that hears and answers prayer.
9. I'm thankful for knowing that I'm never alone, wherever I am, no matter what happens.
10. I'm thankful for love.

Our night.

2010-06-18T15:15:00.008-04:00

I would start this off and say it started out a normal day, but it didn't. I woke up wishing there was a fast forward button. :) When it comes to spending time with my boyfriend, I figured out that patience is a weakness, and impatience...my strongpoint :P (I'm still working on that area :D)

I guess my real excitement started off after lunch. Jacinda was over for the morning doing strawberries with us and we were just finishing up pulling the ends of mom's batch when the phone rang. "Hello Naomi speaking :)" "Hi, is Mrs. Kroesbergen there?" (a male voice, a younger male voice, definately not my Dad's. :P) "No actually, she just went down for a nap, can I take a message?" "No, that's ok, I'll call back in a few minutes".."Ok, Bye!" "Bye."

"I wonder who that was!" (I'm almost embarrassed to inform you that I didn't even recognize my own boyfriend's voice ..oops. :P...I found out at dinner that I had actually talked to him and had totally not even known it was him :D)

We continue with our strawberries...and, the phone rings. Again. Jacinda answers this time, and then passes the phone to Cheryl. "Who is it?" (us girls, are rather nosy when it comes to the phone ringing :P) Cheryl looked at me for a second then ran out of the kitchen into her room..

"ummm, what in the world??" By now I was incredibly curious. This is not cool. Cheryl and Jacinda both run to the other room and come back with huge smirky smiles on their faces. They still won't tell me!...(Jacinda probably still has a couple strawberry stains on her shirt from me. hehe :D)

After we finished the strawberries, I started getting ready. I was ready about an hour and a half before Rich actually came. I know.. (if you're thinking I'm pathetic or something, you're most likely probably right..lol)...At around 4:30, he FINALLY showed up. :D.. in his triple coated waxed, polished, scrubbed, vacuumed, all bright and shiny big truck ;)

We headed towards to Toronto, but by the time we got to Oakville we were already stuck in traffic. Rich and his brilliant ideas decided that we were going to find the nearest GO station and take the train..so we raced (I mean, drove almost the speed limit ;) to the station and ran inside to get our tickets. We had about six minutes before the train left. Perfect timing I'd say :D

We got to Union Station and started walking. And walking. And a little bit more walking. In heels. Ok, I lied. If I were a horse, you would have classified it as trotting. My legs are short, and Rich's are..longer. We were late for our reservation and I kind of thought it was funny that we had walked so far the wrong way, but my sweet, adorably frustrated boyfriend didn't really ;). He wanted everything to be perfect for me..it was, in every way. :)

Anyways, we eventually made it to Canyon Creek, the restaurant where Rich had made reservations. (we called telling them we were gonna be late, and then we called again :P) Dinner was delicious! I must say, I love going out for dinner with Rich because he just orders for me and I don't have to worry about choosing anything :D...I have to add, that I actually ate coconut shrimp, and ...enjoyed it! ;) After a long, relaxingly wonderful dinner, we walked around the corner to Roy Thompson Hall to catch the second half of the concert. We were just in time..again. :D The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir never fails to send shivers down my spine. It was so powerful and amazing! :)

After the concert, we walked around a garden path just outside the building, and then headed down the street to the Pier. It was so beautiful looking over the water at night! So calm, and peaceful, and...romantic :) We walked for a little bit and Rich asked if I wanted to sit, so we sat on the edge of the walkway facing the water..then he turned to me and said he had something for me. He reached into his jacket pocket and placed a little box on my lap. I opened the clasp and opened it to find a ring. A ring with a promise. "True love waits. April 27,10. Rich" was engraved on the inside of the band..

I didn't know what to say...all I could manage right then was "Thank you" but inside, I wanted to say so much more..Rich took the ring out and put it on my finger explaining what it meant, and why he was giving it to me..I'm still not sure how, but I managed to keep the tears in :)

It was a perfect moment. A special memory...A symbol with meaning.

I could have sat there all night, but we had a train to catch home...we walked back to the station and boarded..We were both exhausted so we decided to catch a short nap on the train before we got to Oakville :)

Needless to say, we did get home. Safely. At about twenty after one..A.M. :P

My date with Rich was wonderful, in every way. I loved every minute of it...lots of excitement, lots of special moments, and lots of amazing memories :)

and...

2010-06-17T08:04:00.001-04:00

Today is here!

super happy-> super excited->I wish I could hurry today up :D

2010-06-16T13:23:00.005-04:00

I just can't even wait for tomorrow!

Rich and I are going on a date. A real date ;)

And here's the plan...

We're gonna get all dressed up, drive for a nice long drive to Toronto in a big, clean truck ;), spend some time together having dinner at who knows where :D, then go listen to a concert at Roy Thompson Hall with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, the TSO and Stephen Goodyear on piano, and then...spend another nice long drive back home together :)

What could be more exciting? I'm not even sure.. ;)

Unworthy.

2010-06-14T09:52:00.005-04:00

I feel so undeserving sometimes.

1 Thessalonians 5: 16- 18 - "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

I am undeserving: totally and completely. But yet, He chooses to bless me, in ways so wonderful and so awesome! (John1:16 - "And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.")

I wonder why me? In this this world, I'm nothing. I make so many mistakes and make so many decisions that I wish I could turn back and undo..but yet His hand never leaves me. It's just amazingly unfathomable! I can't even begin to understand the depths of His love and His mercy, but I do know this...He's my Saviour. Knowing that I have a heavenly Father who never sleeps, who never leaves, who never doubts, who never questions or has wavering faith, knowing that He cares, and He has my life already so perfectly planned out already. How can I not trust? What is there to question? Nothing. He's everything I'll never need, (Philippians 4:19 - "But my God shall supply all your need according to the riches in glory by Christ Jesus.") the only source of complete happiness, the only One in whom I can find the peace that passes all understanding...It makes me happy. Inside and out..I don't know how else to describe it! :)

Psalm 145:9 - "The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works."

My Piano Class of 2010 :)

2010-06-05T22:19:00.004-04:00

Another year completed! These kids are the reason I love teaching so much. They present challenges, and excitement, lots of laughter, and beautiful music...I'm so thankful for the gift of music and I feel so honoured to be given the privilege of teaching each of these special children! :)

My students and I (minus the four who couldn't make it) :)

A reason why... ;)

2010-06-03T12:31:00.003-04:00

The reason I love your big truck in the sunshine...it takes forever to clean. ;)

Freezing cold water and hoses + dirty water and rags + sunburns and curls :) = one amazing day :D

One month :)

2010-05-31T12:40:00.003-04:00

Sunshine and sweetness :)

I'm not sure how he knew, because I promise I never told him....but a certain special someone brought me the most beautiful roses: my favorite kind, and twelve of them!

I thought I'd post a couple pictures so you could enjoy their gorgeousness along with me ;)

moments.

2010-05-21T10:26:00.004-04:00

An excited girl,

a nervous anticipation.

A missed road,

a green roof.

Greasy hands,

first "hello's".

An open door,

a warm, wonderful smile.

He's waiting.

Big hugs,

a calming hand.

Dishes clanging,

and pleasant chatter.

Barbeque aromas,

teasing voices.

Barefoot through the field,

tender toes ;)

Friendly mosquitoes,

and a hungry raccoon.

Silly laughter,

and "sweet nothings."

Melting icecream,

refreshing icecubes.

A cool breeze,

and sweet lilacs.

A blessed girl,

two thankful hearts.

Folded hands,

a goodnight hug.

A son of the King,

my Prince Charming. :)

...A hair post :P

2010-05-19T12:33:00.005-04:00

...Just a few hairdo's I had fun doing :)

~~ Spring Banquet :) ~~

~~ Karen's Graduation :) ~~
~~ Choir concert day :) ~~
Cheryl (left) Heidi (right)
These pretty girls asked me to do their hair for their uncle's wedding..once the first one was finished, they all wanted the same thing :P
Anita ~~ Marianna ~~ Klarissa
Dad and I at Uncle David's wedding :) (I didn't do Dad's hair, I promise :D)

happy sigh :)

2010-05-15T21:53:00.002-04:00

I just love surprises. :D

..that's about all I have to say for tonight :P...

My sister. My friend.

2010-05-13T22:22:00.004-04:00

And so begins the story of two little girls: Jacinda and Naomi. Sisters.

Jacinda was the oldest girl in the family and her and Wes...they always got along. (except when he convinced her that it would be so excitingly fun to roll down the big front hill in a rain barrel!...exciting for him maybe :P)..Naomi was the third child. So her and her big sister didn’t exactly always love to play together, or share their big brother, or include eachother when friends came over....It was more like “We were here first!” “She’s my friend, not yours..” “stay on your side of the room!”...

Walking in to their room would have been most humorous I’m sure...one side was a quilted bed, with shelves full of knickknacks and ivy, the bed was always perfectly made..not a single wrinkle or crease. There were candles and drawings, and a violin (usually still in it’s case :P)...

Then there was the other side...there was a pink, blue and black striped duvet cover. Always lumpy and lopsided. There were Hawaiian flowers hanging from the hook in the corner, cans of hair stuff and a big huge bear named Freddie. Nothing matched really...but at least it wasn’t “countryish!” ;)

Although there were times when they weren’t the best of friends..there were the days when they decided to be nice, sweet sisters to eachother :D Those days were usually spent playing ‘house.’ “I’m Diana and my husband is Gilbert!” (they always tried their hardest to call them first ‘cause Diana was the prettiest and Gil was just so handsome! ;)...or they’d play army hospital. Squashing the blackberries from the bushes beside the road, and rubbing them in old cloth diapers (non-used of course :P) was a brilliant idea for achieving the blood-stained, wounded bandaged sort of look! ;) They would bandage eachother (and whatever other neighbors could be mustered up to join in :D) and hobble up the front hill, (leaning dramatically on the other one’s shoulder) to that army ‘tent’ under the trees, where the enemy could still be spotted while still tending to their “sick”.

Tthere were the times when they played “pick-a-number” to see who got the pack of stickers that Dad would find in the envelopes from the War Amps, or the box of smarties he so thoughtfully saved :P...or the last ice-cream drumstick with those little mocha balls on top..Jacinda always lost. And Naomi...won just about every time. Fair and square. (That was a sensitive topic of discussion between the two girls ;) However, when it came to making cards or writing birthday poems for Mom or Dad..Jacinda always got the “oh they’re so beautiful! ..you’re just so creative!” comments..Naomi, not so much. No matter how hard she tried or how much time it took, it always seemed to come out looking like Senior Kindergarten style card-making, or 2nd grade rhyming skills in the poem department :P

Although throughout the early years we had our fair share of spats, arguments and disagreements and such...somehow by the grace of God we grew out of it. I am ever so thankful for that! I guess I came to realize how incredibly special my sister is to me. She’s always been so open and honest about everything and she always encouraged me to do the right thing, to spend time in prayer, and give me verses to remember...

When Jacinda married her sweetheart Brad, becoming Mrs. Vandenberg.. she moved to a different house, a new family, a different life. That’s when I really realized how much I love her and appreciate the wonderful woman of God that she is. She’s touched so many lives, and been such a strong Christian example to so many people, I can’t even begin to explain how proud I am to be able to say “she’s my sister!”

Jacinda is truly a blessing: To my family, to her family, and so much to me.. as a daughter, sister, wife, mother and granddaughter. :)

I just want to say Happy Birthday to my dear sweet sister. I love you so much and I pray that the Lord will bless you with His most richest blessings. I thank Him each day for the person you are and the sister you’ve always been both to me, as well as to Wesley, Cheryl, Heidi and William. :)

Happy 20th Birthday Jacinda!

A verse I came across...

2010-05-11T21:47:00.003-04:00

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

- Philippians 4: 6-7

They say...

2010-05-08T07:39:00.004-04:00

They say I'm "twitterpated"...

They say I can’t focus...

They say my face lights up when my phone goes off...

They say I wake up with a smile that gets bigger with each day that passes...

They say I’m up in the clouds...

I say I just can’t help it!

The reason why?

...;) a Dutch Boy ;)...

His name is Rich, and he’s the reason why “I’m just...SO HAPPY!” :):)

...another incredibly sweet blessing...

..I call them blessings :)

2010-05-05T21:07:00.006-04:00

So I was just going over my blog and kind of got distracted over the little blinking thing on the side that says "Count your blessings..."

I have to say that today really made me realize what incredible blessings I have in all of my sisters, and my mom.

Auntie Omi's "Pretty Girl" :)

It started out just a normal day..the girls were doing school and I went to teach piano down the road. Then we headed over to the neighbours for cake and tea and a visit :) When we got home Cheryl started cutting grass and I donned my work boots and neon green earplugs (from my landscaping job...not ever worn in public except at work :P) and started the trimmer. We got about an hour's worth of cutting done before lunch when my other sister Jac pulled up in her Lancer ;) We all had lunch together (bread of course :D)..Mom, Jacinda, me, Cheryl, Heidi, Charity...and poor William :P Table conversation was most entertaining with all five of us girls around..lots of laughter and teasing! I just couldn't help but realize how much I really do love my family. I love the memories we share, the questions I feel free to ask without being made fun of (for the most part anyways :D), I love the hugs Heidi slips me, and I even sort of love the "piano playing" Cheryl most kindly demonstrated on my incredibly sunburnt shoulders and neck :P..
My lovely mother who is so patient and loving and caring and thoughtful and sweet and fun and just altogether wonderful :)
We all spent the rest of the afternoon outside doing all the gardens: weeding, edging, trimming, pruning, raking up all my pruned shoots of greenery.. :P Normally, weeding is for sure not at the top of my "Favorites" list, but today was different..I so enjoyed spending that time out in the gorgeous sunshine, with the most amazing girls I've ever known! (completely un-biased opinion :D) I just love them all...they're all so different, but God's made them each in their own special, unique, and wonderfully beautiful way, and I just can't get over how blessed I am to be able to call them my family!..

I really couldn't have asked for a sweeter, "one and only" big sister :)

I am just...

2010-04-28T10:15:00.001-04:00

SO HAPPY. :D

Tomorrow's Grace Means More..

2010-04-27T18:07:00.003-04:00

Something that I found incredibly encouraging as I came across this.. just thought I'd share :)

"...Then you remember: His grace to you is intended to accomplish his kingdom purposes, not your own. Left to yourself, you would bubble-wrap everything valuable to you and invest in armed security. There is nothing inherently wrong in wanting to protect your assets, but we already know that anything that smacks of being tightfisted or self-protective is at odds with the freedom and generosity of the kingdom of God. A withholding lifestyle means that we don't believe that there will be manna tomorrow. We don't believe we will be given enough grace.

And then you remember something else. the story of manna is a story that points to more. More than you imagine. More in a way that will surprise you. Our Father is the God of more grace.

So what is this grace? Grace is a common word that Jesus Christ has crammed with meaning. Grace was initially associated with loveliness and favor; a fine start. The apostle Paul added gift to its meaning, which could include both financial (1 Cor. 16:3, 2 Cor. 8:19) and spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:1). The connected grace to our neediness and God's generous provision for our need. Since it implied that we are weak, grace also meant power. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 12:9). If there is any question that the words of God are good news, grace should resolve it, because the word has become the summary description of Christianity.

When you think about grace, your world is no longer of fate, karma, or a deistic, passive god. The God of grace is very personal and active. He is especially attentive to those who are needy, and he delights in giving gifts and power to them. Call out in your need and you will be heard. As we saw with the early Hebrews, even if you don't call to God in your need, you will be heard, and when God hears, it means that he is already taking action. This is all very personal, even intimate, but there is even more!

When King Jesus ascended into heaven and took his rightful place on the thrown, the coronation ceremony was unlike any other. While earthly kings received gifts, Jesus gave gifts. More specifically, he gave a gift. He poured out his Spirit on his people. When someone is full of "grace and power" (Acts 6:8), that is the same as saying that the person is full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5). When we receive gifts, they are called either gifts of grace (Eph. 4:7) or gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:4). When receive gifts, we receive the Spirit of grace (Heb. 10:29).

To receive grace is to receive the Spirit; to receive the Spirit is to be given the kingdom of the Spirit; to receive the kingdom of the Spirit is to receive everything imaginable under the reign of King Jesus!"

taken from: Running Scared: fear, worry and the God of Rest by Edward T. Welch

My friday night :)

2010-04-23T21:48:00.003-04:00

So tonight I went to the ending "Stars of the Festival" concert for the past few weeks of music competitions that have been going on, and received this trophy! :) Since Mom and Dad couldn't make it this year, my youngest sister Heidi insisted on her coming with me :) She's just so sweet sometimes! I love her :)...We made a date night out of it and went for coffee (hot chocolate for Junior ;) afterward, and sang (like no one was watching :D) and laughed over the silliest things (like her making kazoo noises with her Timmies cup, or me making up words to songs when I forgot what the real ones were :D, or making faces at the people going through the drive-through :P)...

It was a super wonderful night! :)

Andy Angus Jewellers Trophy

My lovely date for the night :)

..on that note...

2010-04-20T21:30:00.003-04:00

It just gets me all happy and excited inside when I see the excitement show on her face and sound through her fingers. Fur Elise sounds like music! Her pedalling is smooth, and the musical line is connected. The melody flows without chops between each phrase to the very last A minor chord. She looks at me as she lifts her hands off with a big smile and says, "it almost sounds like when you play it! I played a song by Beethoven and it actually sounds like music, it's so pretty!"

That made my night! :)

I love seeing a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment on my students faces, when they play through their song almost perfectly :) Not well, not great, not even very good. When it's excellent, they know it, and that big smile and sparkling eyes is proof that they know it :) Seeing them take the responsibility to make that piece sound like beautiful music, (with proper fingering and smooth phrasing :D)...it's one of the best feelings in the world! :)

I'm reminded again of why I love teaching so much!

What it's like to have a niece older than you. ;)

2010-04-19T11:40:00.005-04:00

Good thing William's a tough little guy, cause it's probably pretty intimidating having a niece whose bigger and stronger and pokes your eyes and picks your ears. :P

Oh, we love Charity :D

Charity and Auntie Naomi..I love this girl!
Grandma forgot to clean behind Uncle William's ears this morning :P
William and his niece ;)

this is what makes him happy ;)

2010-04-15T17:42:00.002-04:00

Musical prodigy in the making.. :D

Just a thought..

2010-04-14T20:04:00.006-04:00

Sometimes I wonder why answers couldn't just be written across the sky for us to see when we ask for them. Sometimes I wonder why God places certain things, at those specific times, with those different people in our paths...we search for answers, trying to find out what His will is, and what God's plan might be for our lives.
But when I look back, I can't help but think...why do I worry about it? Why do I keep wanting to figure things out on my own? Why do I forget to trust Him with everything?
Sometimes I just can't explain why things happen. I just don't know. But while I do want answers, and I do sometimes wish that I knew exactly what would happen...what's so much more amazing, is the fact that my whole entire life; every minute of every day, every step that I take, each breath that I breathe, every person I meet, and every thought that I think..it's already been planned out. It's already been perfectly put in order. We make mistakes: things we wish we could backtrack, words we wish we could rewind and delete, actions that we wish we were strong enough to say no to..yet as sinful as we are and as weak as our faith may be at times, He's there. Still! Psalm 55:22 - "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."
So often, I think we forget that promise that He so graciously and mercifully gave to us: to never give us more than we can handle, and the way I see it is this...When we're placed in those situations where questions appear, and doubts arise, when we're not sure which direction to take and which path to follow..those are the times when we need to be on our knees before God. 1 Peter 3:12 - "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers." We may not understand why, or when, or even who..but we need to trust that He will guide us each step of the way: as small as those steps may be.

He's in control: has been from the very beginning. Completely in control.

I need to trust that.

It makes me smile when I remember that my life, and anything that ever happens in my lifetime, is orchestrated in a way that He sees fit. It's held in those ever loving, always present hands: The hands of my heavenly Father who will never ever leave me. Is that not amazing? :)

I need to remember that more often.

Psalm 84:11 - "For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly."

I need to learn..

2010-04-14T15:15:00.000-04:00

patience.

smile weather :)

2010-04-08T09:26:00.003-04:00

So you know about that "I feel like I could smile all day long and everything is so...wonderful and happy and I just love Spring" type feeling? Ya, that's the feeling I've had ever since the sunshine and warm breezes came back :D I guess it just makes me realize how thankful I am for the life I've been blessed with and the people who are such a blessing to me...

I step outside and feel like singing!

I'm thankful for laughter, silly or not...it's wonderful. :D
I'm thankful for those people who make me smile always :)
I'm thankful for my eyes that need to squint 'cause the sun's to bright to open them wide. :)
I'm thankful for my ears that listen to my baby brother babbling away while we're having devotions at breakfast, because he forgot that he's actually supposed to be quiet and listen ;)
I'm thankful for my mouth (well...you get what I mean :P) that just feels like singing when the sun's shining, (or when I'm sitting at the kitchen table during meal times and I forget that that's actually against the rules. ;)
I'm thankful for my hands that can throw Cheryl's new shoes into the pond :D (only cause she said I should try out for the Peewee baseball team, due to my skill in throwing and skipping stones :P)
I'm thankful for the freedom of bare feet! ;)
I'm thankful for my sisters...even when they always nag me to borrow clothes, or use my hats, or go on Photo Booth on my laptop, or jump on me when I'm tryin to sleep, or run away with William as soon as I walk into the room so I can't hold him :P, and make fun of my machine gun laugh. I really love them. :D

My list could go on forever!..I guess my point is, take some time to be thankful...specifically thankful :) You might be there for awhile, but trust me..it's worth it. :)

We have such an awesome God!

William at four months :)

2010-04-07T09:38:00.001-04:00

This little guy got a new Bumbo chair yesterday! :) (and a big boy cap ;)

There is something so not right with this picture... :D

2010-04-06T14:58:00.004-04:00

She pretty much has me beat on the flexibility level I do believe. hehe :P

something to remember.. :)

2010-04-05T19:16:00.003-04:00

A dear friend shared these verses with me..they struck me as something I need to remember more and something I want to share back with you.
No matter what our weakness, and no matter what our struggles, God calls us to His throne of grace, to lay everything at His feet. A loving reminder that He is there always, and understands what goes on in our thoughts and lives... therefore He guides us through and grants us the wisdom that we need throughout these times...what an incredible comfort!

Hebrews 4: 15-16

" For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Surprise 19th Birthday Party for Teresa! :)

2010-03-30T17:01:00.006-04:00

So when you get us all together, it makes for a pretty amazingly fun night! :) There was I think, 18 of us out for dinner at Boston Pizza...waiting for Hester to show up with Teresa :D After dinner, we headed to iBowl in Cambridge and split three lanes between all of us..Let me just say, it was pretty loud in there :P (and the best way to bowl..is "grandma" style. You know, like throwing (rolling I mean ;) it between your legs :D...my score proves my point, I promise. Don't laugh. :P ;)

The beautiful birthday girl: Teresa...Yolanda, myself and Lauren :)

..Too much sugar I'm almost positive :D

All the girls: (left to right) Hester, Tanya, me, Teresa, Krystal, Nicole, Lauren, Yolanda and Alyssa

Yolanda, Tanya and I

My incredibly fun and crazy and lovely friend Tanya and I :)

(we secretly get along ;)

2010-03-29T15:18:00.002-04:00

Oh I just love my sisters :)

-> do we look like sisters? Not so much :P

Naomi, Heidi, Cheryl

I have a cramp :D

2010-03-24T23:19:00.002-04:00

K, I found this picture...and burst out laughing.

It kinda reminds me of someone.. lol :D

What shall we say then?..

2010-03-23T10:35:00.000-04:00

What does it mean to be a Christian? Not just to have that title plastered in front of your name, but what does ‘Christian’ really symbolize? What implications does it embrace? It’s something that we all have to think about as sons and daughters of the King, and it’s so important that we know what our faith means to us, as well as the example that we set for those around us. How should Christians think, talk and act?
Our generation today, doesn’t seem to realize the serious impact that Christianity could have on society if we just take the opportunities that are so often presented to us. We take them as they come, but fail to actually use them in witnessing to the world around us. We need to speak out more. We can’t be afraid of what the world will think, what they’ll say, how they’ll see us. The only way that people will even begin to reach out for answers, is if we take our faith and put it out in front of them.
Our lives need to be a picture of Christ, they need to be an example of what godliness is. “For in Him we live and move and have all our being” (Acts 17:28a) The Bible commands us, his people, to fill our minds only with things pertaining to Him. “Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there by any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Ph. 4:8) In order to keep our minds and thoughts pure from the sinful practices and impure morals of this world, we need to keep ourselves focused on things of Christ. If we strive to do so and block out the sinful whispers of the devil, “the God of peace shall be with you.” (Ph.4:9b)
So often our thoughts encompass this huge realm of wickedness and impurity and the world so eagerly convinces us that what it has to offer is enough to satisfy our every need and want. As Christians, we need to have a faith, strong enough to say no, strong enough to hold on to the promises that God has so graciously given in His Word. Temptations will arise, but that’s the time when when our faith in Jesus Christ will have the most impact. Being always in His inherent and infallible Word will encourage us all the more to be ambassadors for Christ, and in doing so, we will shine so much brighter as sons and daughters of the King! “ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Mt. 5:16)
What is the speech of a Christian to mirror? The way we communicate with those around us has an incredibly huge impact on the way that they will view our Christianity. If we’re no different than them, what is there to want that they don’t have? It’s so easy to get caught up in the moment and blurt out things that we’ll regret later. So often we don’t even think about what we’re really saying and things “just slip out.” “ The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of the fools poureth out foolishness.The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.” ( Prov. 15: 2&7) As Christians, our mouths need to speak only of things that are glorifying to God. This does not imply that all our talk and all our words must always be of spiritual things, but more that what does flow from our mouths is pleasing in His sight. “ Keep your tongue from speaking evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.” (Ps. 34:13)
Our walk with Christ encompasses a huge and at times overwhelming realm of change. Things happen in our lives that we didn’t expect, situations arise where we stumble for words, or search for answers that we can’t seem to find. It seems as if we’re alone and there’s no way out, or maybe life is just to perfect we forget the real reason of our existence. Nevertheless, whatever the case may be, there is one thing we must remember: “ Be strong and of good courage, do not fear not be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deut. 31:6) In the gray and shadowed hours of our lives, that is when we need to reach out all the more and lean on Him to guide us through. He’s promise never to leave us, so what more of a reason do we have then to lift up our hands in praise to our glorious Saviour! If we truly realize how much of a gift of grace we have as sons and daughters of Christ, why should we hold back? Why should we hide the wondrous gift of the cross? If we love Christ, our lives will radiate that love. Our actions both towards ourselves and others around us will show that our life is not our own but One who is higher than all mankind, a King of creation, the maker of heaven and earth.
Being afraid of who we are as Christians is saying that God’s not quite good enough to share. Filling our lives with things that pertain to His kingdom will encourage us all the more and spur us on equally to think, speak and act only in ways that can and will bring glory and honor to the holy name of Christ.
“ Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now, and ever. Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25)

memories :)

2010-03-23T09:58:00.000-04:00

I was looking at some pictures from the past and found these....oh how I'm so glad that I'm finished school! My last big deal as a homeschooler ;) (valedictorian address :P) ...it was kinda special because for my grade eight grad I got to graduate with my brother Wes, and grade twelve, I graduated with my little (except not so little :D) sister Cheryl...:) ..that was a good day :)

Change..

2010-03-15T21:51:00.001-04:00

So I was just thinking the other day, how easily your life can change from one moment to the next..take mine for instance. I was a full time nanny, away from home every day, all day for eight months, then the next day I’m back at home, with different rules, different schedules, different routines...it’s different. And for me personally, it wasn’t easy getting back into that again...I’m still working on it to be completely honest.
When I look at my life at this point in time, I wonder what I could be doing more..how I can serve more at home without it being a “chore”..how can I get back in touch with some of my close friends, or visit my aunt more, show more interest in other people’s lives instead of my own..It makes me sad when I think about how I’ve lost some of that.
The more I think about it, the more I realize how much I missed my family. Sure, I came home every night, and I was home for the most part on weekends..but there were breakfasts and lunches I didn’t eat together with mom and the girls every day, alot of the time, I would miss dinner because I was working late, then I would come home tired and I would just want to be alone, or go to bed early...I gave up spending time with my family, and bonding with my sisters, spending more time in personal devotions and reaching out to those in need..to go to bed. I’m ashamed when I think of the poor choices I made because it affected not only my relationship with my family, but also my spiritual relationship with Christ, and those around me...
Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely loved my job! I loved being with the kids, and making dinners and doing homework and such..I just didn’t do a very good job balancing my home life along with that..
The first few days of being home..it was hard. I’m not going to lie, I had a really difficult time getting used to being back with my family all day, every day. I had gotten used to the freedom of being kind of “in charge” with the kids, and being able to go out, do groceries, clean up around the house, pop in there, stop here..all on my own time. Then I had to go back to being just another daughter in my home. One who was part of the family and had to follow house rules and routines and such...I don’t mind following rules at all...but my selfish attitude had a hard time getting things done when my parents asked me too at specific times. I was uptight, not relaxed anymore...and oh my, my memory, was from 12:00 to noon hour..no joke :P It was frustrating both for me, and my family to say the least...
But all in all, as depressing as it is reading the first part of this post...it’s what happened, and it’s what I was going through...the past week or so however, things have changed for me..I’ve been doing alot of praying about this all, and trying to find ways to have better attitudes about getting things done..I realize how incredibly blessed I am to have the family that I do! God has given me one of the most patient set of parents I’ve ever known. My Mom has to deal with me every day and wow...she’s quite the lady. I love her so much and I love how hard she’s trying to help me get back on track, both with my music, as well as my life in general. She’s been so patient with me and giving me little encouraging comments here and there throughout the day, she prays for me, and teases me, and it just makes my day that much easier!
My Dad, has been so incredibly patient with me through this whole time as well...he would always ask how my day was, and give me a big hug and kiss before I went to bed every night. I would get gentle reminders that I was still part of the family and I was still loved at home, by everyone :) Now, he always makes sure that I know how much he cares about me, and wants to help me make things easier...I love him so much!
My sisters..I can’t even begin to describe how thankful I am to have them at home with me (and in Brantford ;). Even when I was working, I would come home, and Heidi would always run and give me a big hug! She’s such a sweet, thoughtful girl and I want to make sure that I show her how much I love her back :) Cheryl’s the silly one. We’re always laughing about something at meal times :) Every morning I’m supposed to practice two hours of piano..well...Cheryl always does her school in the same room and while I’m playing the left hand by memory we’re usually doing some sort of silent communication and trying our utmost hardest not to laugh :D I usually fail.(hopefully mom forgot to read these few lines ;) Then we both get in trouble and she gets told “Cheryl you should move so you don’t keep distracting Naomi!” (secretly, between you and I...I’m the instigator..just ask mom :D). Then there’s Jacinda, she’s my lovely big sister with her ```adorable little girl Charity, my niece :) Though we don’t share a room anymore, or live in the same house...she’s still my big sister. I can tell her anything and she’s always honest with me..she makes me laugh because of all her interesting blog posts, and home decorating tips :D...she’s pretty amazing.
Then William..he just makes my day every day, always. I promise I have no favorites, but him being my only baby brother...gives him a pretty special place in my heart. He gives me lots of smiles now, and his dimple..I can’t even begin to tell you how absolutely adorable and snuggleable (forget spell-check please :D) and sweet he is!
....Makes me miss my big brother Wes :)...That’s where I end this post..I’m sitting at the station, waiting for the train cause I missed the first one :D (hopefully I can find a bus transfer down at Union :P) I’m going down there for a few days to visit so I’m pretty excited!
Anyways, I wrote this post for two reasons: one, to help me sort out my own feelings...I guess sometimes you realize things more when you write them down. I realized how much I love my family, and how much more time I want to spend with them, I realized how blessed I am and have been this whole time, and I realized that I have SO much to be thankful for..I am from the bottom of my heart... The second reason is this...I want to ask you to pray for me. Pray that I would be able to get back into full routine here at home, that I would enjoy and treasure the family that I have, and spending time with them. Pray that I would be able to be a greater blessing to those around me and that my life would be used for the glory of God in ALL that I find myself doing, change or no change! :) Thank you so much in advance :)...Blessings to you!

..and so we found Oma's old church hats... :D

2010-03-10T22:12:00.003-05:00

I can't even remember the last time I played "dress up" with my little sister, but I'm not gonna lie, it was alot of fun trying on all the old hats..big and small from that old hatbox! :)

...if only I could remember how to log out!....

2010-03-10T12:48:00.003-05:00

This makes me laugh... :D

Oh hi :)

2010-03-05T15:04:00.004-05:00

Just thought I'd post a picture on my big sisters blog of her and I today..I didn't feel like sitting in my seat watching her clean so she put me on her lap so I would shush ;)

(Deep down I secretly love it when she's home cause she always gets in trouble for wanting to pick me up and hold me and kiss me so much :P..big sisters I'm tellin' ya ;)

oh and p.s. (I'm shopping around for weight loss programs to get rid of my umm..belly, so please don't make fun :D)

The second half :D

2010-03-03T14:21:00.008-05:00

So we only got about five hours of sleep last night.

BUT...

we're still super awake, and almost full of energy :D
After we had breakfast with mom and the girls, we VERY much took our time getting ready then headed out to town to do some errands...the trophy got dropped off, the eyeliner bought, aand our car almost smashed. We laughed... :D The mall was calling our name so we stopped by for a bit...we shopped around for while, and Cass bought a SUPER cute leather jacket..we then picked up some KD for lunch at Jacinda's :) On the way home we had this bright (excuse the pun :P) idea to go outside in this absolutely gorgeous weather and take some pictures :D.... here's what we came up with...

I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing here..sort of looks like a high stepping horse :P (blame Cassie, cause she had the camera :P)...(except the high-stepping part is a major over-statement :D)

Pretty girl!

href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NJPZQMVgdYg/S47EdCDCqvI/AAAAAAAAAf4/jdZy4H0JmQs/s1600-h/IMG_1074.JPG">
"This is the day that the Lord hath made!"

Thank you for being such an incredibly sweet and amazing friend Cassie!

For Cass...

2010-03-03T01:14:00.004-05:00

It's something I found awhile ago actually...I meant to give it to you earlier, but kept forgetting....here it is now :) Love you!

A Friend From Above...

I prayed for you before we met,
Not knowing who you'd be.
I asked the Lord to send a friend.
One chosen just for me.

I asked that they'd be Godly,
With wisdom of His ways.
A friend to help and guide me
In the troubles of these days.

So often in life, we need someone
To listen while we talk.
Someone who will not condemn or judge,
But encourage us as we walk.

The narrow road we choose to follow
May sometimes make us stumble.
But to have a friend to catch our fall,
Teaches us to be humble.

When I asked the Lord to send a friend,
Though many came and went.
He gave much more than I ever asked,
For you are the friend He sent.

So we were up late... :D

2010-03-03T00:46:00.007-05:00

If only you could be a fly on the wall in my room when this girl comes over... :D

So this was before the candy canes!

Oh how very flattering..not. :P

Besties :D

...one of my favorites!

Apparantly, we sort of look alike ...wierd :P

We call ourselves special...cause to be honest, these are the only "good" pictures of a whole bunch of crazy, silly, and highly embarrassing pictures :D
If you're ever in need of a laugh, or you just feel like laughing all night long, (about the randomest, and in reality not even funny in the least), topics of discussion...talk to Cassie and I when we're together, cause that's what happens :P
She is one incredible girl let me tell you...she's so beautiful, and by that I'm talking inside and out..she's just amazing, and I have been SO blessed to have found this dear friend and become so close in such a short time..I just love her :)

2010-03-03T00:46:00.000-05:00

Sweet William

2010-03-02T13:06:00.000-05:00

Cutie ;)

The three little sweeties :)

2010-02-27T09:22:00.002-05:00

(Kurtis doesnt exactly love sitting for pictures...thus the pout and the jeep. :P)