Tomorrow.

Tomorrow, two of my favorite boys grow up a day.

The bigger one will leave his beloved twenties behind and take on the responsibility of a thirty-year-old! 

I tease him about it, of course, because I have to, being that I am 3 years younger.  But I have a feeling that our thirties are going to be some of the best years yet.  Raising our family.  Our kids starting school.  Hopefully adding more kids to the mix somehow.  Maybe moving.  Maybe a new career direction for Jordan.  Who knows.  I'm excited for this new era in my hubby's life.

 

And I'm SO happy that it is him that I am doing life with.  He's such a servant.  His actions convict me to be more giving.  He's an amazing father.  Regardless of the kind of day he's had at work, he pushes it all aside and gets down on the floor with Jude to spend every moment he can with him.  Family comes first with this man.  

He's passionate.  About our marriage.  His family.  Music.  Politics.  History.  Truth.  Christ.  Discipleship.  The Church.  Reading the word every day.  Get him started on any of these topics and you'll know what I mean.

He's quirky.  Spontaneous dances in the kitchen are not unheard of.  Crazy nick-names for everyone in the house (I'm surprised anyone knows their real name).  The goofy voices he uses when reading to Jude.  

He knows who he is.  In Christ.  As a man.  And that is super attractive.

Then there is this little guy, who will be 10 months old tomorrow (although these beautiful pictures were taken when he was 7 months old).  I'm savoring his last day as a single-digit baby.  But we'll have more updates on how crazy much he's grown in the past month tomorrow.  Just looking at this picture it blows my mind how much a baby can grow in a few months.

All of that to say, I love my little (growing) family.  I'm so excited for what this next season holds for us!

Happy last-day-of-being-29, my love!

...

Who are you?

Pregnancy is a weird thing when you really think about it.  I mean, there is another human being that is living inside of me - that I am the soul life support for.  And this human being will one day {soon} be out of the womb and thrust into a foreign world.  He will grow up to have his own interests, abilities, talents, emotions, behaviors, tendencies, etc.  I find myself wondering... who is this boy that is growing inside of me?  Will he be laid back or strong-willed?  Will he be outgoing or shy?  Will he have the same passion for music that Jordan and I have?  Will he have blonde hair or... not? {sorry baby boy, but pretty sure you are most certainly going to have blue eyes}  Will he be tall like his daddy?

I love dreaming about who this baby boy is.  But at the same time - every moment I have with him is so fleeting.  I am trying my hardest to enjoy every second of this pregnancy, as badly as I want to meet him, because I know I will only be pregnant with him once.  I will only feel him kicking inside of me for another 3 months {or so}.  I am trying not to wish the days away....

But... baby boy - I am so so so very excited to meet you!!!!!

{Who will you be more like?}

 

{baby Jordan}

 

{baby Lindsy... so sorry if you get these cheeks... but I am still holding out that you have a slight possibility of getting (and keeping) that dark hair (unlike your mama).}

 

{baby Jordan again... :-) } 

 

{baby Lindsy again}

God is good!

We have so much to give praise to God for!  My parents (Mom especially) have had a rough couple of years health-wise.  And it is all just really odd and frustrating things.  First of all, she was diagnosed with central serous retinopathy.  I don't fully understand what this means, but according to Wikipedia "the disorder is characterized by leakage of fluid in the central macula, which results in blurred or distorted vision".  So, it greatly tampers with her vision and without treatment has the potential to only get worse until she cannot see at all (an awful thought).  So - she has been getting regular treatment for this, including shots in her eye (eek!) and laser surgery, etc.  In the midst of all of this, she has been getting annual biopsies of her thyroid.  Her last biopsy came back with "suspicious cells" and because of this the doctor recommended that she just get her thyroid removed completely.  My mom didn't like the idea of this, but after talking with numerous specialists decided it was the best idea in case they did find cancerous cells.  SO... this brings us to the praise!!!  She had her thyroid removed on Monday and recovery is going very well.  She also got a call yesterday that the test on her thyroid came back benign!  This is great news!!  We are thankful that that worry is over, but she still has quite a road ahead of her to take care of the issues with her eye.

Ugh - just typing all that makes me exhausted!!  I know this road hasn't been easy for my parents, but they are so optimistic and praising God for his goodness regardless of what happens.  If you think of lifting them up in prayer - please do!

This weekend Jordan and I are going down to see my parents, and Ben and Krista are coming up from Tennessee. It will be GREAT to see them and I'm sure there will be lots and lots of games and cards.  I am so looking forward to it!!

A Weekend in the Woods

Over Labor Day weekend, Jordan , Macy, and I met up with my parents at the "Hunting Club".  This is the third year we have gone up there for a long weekend... it is just so relaxing without email or internet or phone service most of the time.   We deeply missed Ben and Krista this weekend, but they were enjoying time with Ben's sister and brother-in-law down in Tennessee.  Here are a few pics of our relaxing woodsy get-away.

 

 

  

 

I have not forgotten you...

... I am just horrible at updating this blog!

Here are a few things that have happened in the past month... or 3...

• Family update: Krista got a job in Tennessee and a few weeks ago she and Ben made their move down there! Krista is now a teacher at the Tennessee School for the Deaf (I think that is what it's called) in the resource room for middle school students. Keep her in your prayers as she enters into her first year teaching! Also -- Ben is still looking for work. He is hoping to find something building related and has his resume out there. So we're praying for him too!! We miss them a lot, but are so happy that God has lead them there and know that it is going to be a great experience for them!

• In the middle of June, I had the opportunity to go up to Traverse City with some of my favorite ladies! Erin, Mandy, Jess, and I spent about 3 days in Traverse City just to "get away" and have some true girl time. It was TONS of fun... I always have a great time with those girls. And not too long before that, Mandy announced that she was expecting!! So there will be a little Baby Boes joining the world in January and I know we are all THRILLED for them!

• I am continuing to work at ACCESS and love my job. I am fascinated by all that I have learned about the nonprofit sector and am really passionate about the work that ACCESS does and just the amazing amount of collaboration that happens to serve people in Grand Rapids. I love it. There are some staff changes that have directly affected me. One is that we now have a Communications Coordinator that is here 3 (soon to be 4) days a week and she has been able to take a load off my plate in terms of social networking and communications-related things. We also have decided to have our 1st Annual Fundraiser Dinner, which will be April 22, 2010! We are in the beginning stages of planning, but have our location basically set and our speaker/entertainment in the works. I had my annual review at ACCESS last week and it is just so encouraging to be in a place that serves God first. I love it there, and they love having me there. It feels like am amazingly perfect fit for me right now and I am loving learning and challenging myself professionally. Which leads me to my next point...

• I have decided to take next semester off of school... for a number of reasons, but mostly because I just cannot say with 100% certainty that it is where I want to be and where I see my future heading. And it is a LOT of time and money to invest in something that just sounds like a good idea. First of all, if I did continue pursuing my counseling degree, I think I would choose to transfer to Western where I can get my MFT and LPC at the same time... family therapy is what I am most interested in and Spring Arbor is no longer offering that program, unfortunately. Secondly... I just really really like my job... and that is rare!! Who says that? But I really do -- and I love what I am learning about development and I love working in the nonprofit sector. I would like to take my time on school and really see what God might have for me in the nonprofit world. So... after I take my final exam this weekend, I will be taking a semester off to really think and pray about where I'm supposed to be.

• Another interesting transition in our lives is relating to church... Jordan and I chose to leave Keystone Community Church about 1 1/2 years ago and have kind of been church hopping ever since. It is a difficult place to be, but we are seeking God's guidance but desperately want a church home. We were attending one church for a few months last fall, but didn't see much opportunity to grow in worship leading there, and that is an area Jordan and I are passionate about and feel that we need to be connected with in a home church. For this summer, we have been going to church with some of our best buds, Jon and Mandy and Dave and Erin, in Zeeland. It is strange to be back in Zeeland for me and see the faces of many peoples parents that I grew up with! It is definitely a different feel being in a small-town church than some of the larger churches we have visited in Grand Rapids... and like I said, we are currently praying about where we will land. We desperately want to have a home church where we can sink roots down, but I suppose that isn't something that can be easily rushed... but your prayers on that are appreciated also!

• On a more exciting note... Jordan and I celebrated our 3 year anniversary on Wednesday!! WOW - time sure flies!! :-)

Those are just a few of the things that have happened in the past few months and a few of the things that we are praying about.  Jordan and I have talked a lot lately about how we are in transition... and just needing to take one day at a time and embrace that "we are where we are". We are looking forward to seeing how some of these transition points will resolve themselves... and I will be sure to keep you all informed as that happens!!

Krista and Ben Get Married (finally)

After dating for over 7 1/2 years, Ben and Krista finally tied the knot. It was a pure honor to stand beside them on their wedding day. Krista looked beautiful and I could not have been more happy for them. Here are a few snapshots of the day.

Grandpa...

Lewis Lee Haddix

Published: Saturday, May 2, 2009 3:11 AM EDT

Lewis Lee Haddix passed away on Friday, May 1, 2009, at the age of 94, surrounded by his family.

Lewis had resided at Brigadoon Apartments at Boardman Lake Glens.

Lewis was born on the family farm in Bentley on Feb. 27, 1915, one of three children born to Lee and Susie (Lewis) Haddix. He attended school and later attended Bay City Business School where he met the love of his life, Roberta Newman. (In class, he threw a paper wad at her to get her to turn around) They were married in Roberta’s parents’ home in Midland on Sept. 10, 1937. He then worked with his father as a finish carpenter in Midland and Bay City. During World War II they moved back to the family 180-acre dairy and produce farm in nearby Bentley. In 1946, they moved to Standish where they raised their five children and partnered with his father and brother in the Standish Lumber and Manufacturing Company. In 1959, they moved to Midland and established the Haddix Lumber and Supply Company which they operated until they retired in 1980. During that time period they also owned and operated Standish Lumber in Standish and Midway Lumber in Sanford.

In the winter months, Lewis and Roberta lived in Palm Harbor, Fla., and summered in Midland until 2003 when they moved to Traverse City. They lived in the Village at Bay Ridge Apartments and later at Boardman Lake Glens.

Lewis was known in the lumber business as a man of integrity and as a businessman who believed service was the best commodity to his clientele.

He loved and was loved by his family. Always with an infectious and beautiful smile on his face, Lewis was a very generous and caring person with a heart of gold. He loved to sing and in recent months enjoyed singing with the staff at Boardman Glens, remembering all of the words to all of the songs, even when others didn’t. He also loved singing at the Central United Methodist Church hymn sings and even sang with the choir and the soloists. He was the last surviving founding member of the Mansfield Rod and Gun Club, and was a 32nd degree Mason in the Bay City Masonic Lodge. He loved to bowl, hunt, fish, play cards and enjoyed traveling around the world with his wife, Roberta.

Lewis loved God and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Midland and later Central United Methodist Church in Traverse City.

He is survived by his loving family, Peter (Margaret) of Traverse City, Carol (John) Keen and Marcia (Robert) Lowry of Rutherfordton, N.C., Mary (Mike) Rumbaugh of Farwell and John (Pam) of Indianapolis; 17 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Francis Beckrow and Mildred Onderchanen as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Lewis was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Roberta, sister, Ruby Hubbell, and brother, Don Haddix.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 3 at Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass St., Traverse City, with Pastor Dale Ostema officiating.

Visitation will take place at the church beginning at 2:30 p.m.. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 5 at Midland Cemetery, Midland.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Central United Methodist Church. Please share your condolences and memories with the family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served by The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City.

Belated Update...

I have LOTS of pictures to post and LOTS of things to say... just not right now. :) So you will have to settle for some pictures and I'll update later. ;)

The family :)

More family... this picture is probably more accurate than the previous one. ;)

Me and my wonderful hubby. :)

Macy LOVED playing in the snow with the in-law dogs!! :)


Doggie Sandwich!


How can you resist that face?? Can you tell I'm really into my dog. ;)


My work was closed for the two weeks around Christmas and New Years... which allowed me to do some updating around the house! New black cabinets! I think some people thought I was weird painting them black, but I am VERY happy with how they turned out!

Chasing Snowballs....

The Christmas festivities have begun! We kicked off the season with our 2nd Annual Segregation Christmas! I so look forward to our segregation nights. :) I just gotta say that these girls mean so much to me and I don't know what I would do without them! We did a $10 gift exchange and I ended up with a fancy fruit bowl and serving dish from Erin. Very cool.


We have been hit by massive amounts of snow in the past 3 days. I think we've gotten close to 2 feet and it isn't going to let up for another day!

Yes... this is my driveway and my car... and I no, I don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon.

My wonderful hubby and me. :)

My little snow dog. I had a GREAT time watching this silly little pup chase snowballs in the back yard. Haha. I had to get the camera out and document some of it. :)

I can hardly believe that Christmas is in 4 days! This past year just went by SO fast. We have been so blessed throughout this past year though... here are just a few of the reasons why (and yes, Erin... I copied this wonderful idea from your blog. Haha.)... :)

• Another year of marriage to my wonderful husband, Jordan.
• Starting grad school... looking forward to a career in counseling... so exciting!
• A new job with ACCESS - the best place to work ever!
• My pup and kitty. :) They make life so entertaining and enjoyable!
• My sister, Krista, and Ben (finally) getting engaged!! Looking forward to 5/23/09!
• A vacation to Gatlinburg, TN with my hubby... a great way to spend our 2 year anniversary.
• Realizing that really living is keeping life simple and passionate... finding opportunities to make a difference in the small ways.
• Taking my health and fitness seriously. I love running!!
  
• Spending time with family... nothing tops this.
• My friends... God has blessed us SO much with some amazing friendships.

I can't wait to see how God uses us and blesses us in this next year.

Turkey Time!

Thanksgiving has come and gone. How time flies! We had the pleasure of spending time with Jordan's family for the whole weekend which was a great time! I always enjoy spending time with them and playing with his younger brothers - Kevin - 16, Joel - 14, and Drew - 12 in 2 weeks! I never had younger brothers, so it is kind of fun for me to hang out with them and be kind of a "big sister" role... although much of the time was spent playing video games. :)

This Thanksgiving I was able to really sit and dwell on how incredibly blessed Jordan and I are... and I feel more thanks in my heart than I think I have before. In my new job, I am working to help eliminate hunger and poverty... which is all around us... in our own neighborhoods and cities... and we don't see it, unless you look for it. This year, the need has hit us stronger than ever before... and I am so extremely thankful for stable jobs and not having to worry about food on the table or paying bills. I realize more and more that this is a blessing from God... and not something that I have earned or deserve. I am thankful for a loving husband who clearly puts others ahead of himself. I am truly blessed!!

Here are some pics from the weekend. Unfortunately we didn't have the camera out much except for the last hour we were there... but oh well! And most of the pictures are of the dogs... but I am thankful for them too!!

Mom Griffis and Drew make homemade rolls. Mmm mmm!

I had lots of fun with the pups! :) The more dogs the better in my book!

Again... happy to be covered with pups!

Macy and her cousin Buster being good dogs.

Haha... Macy's reaction when I gave Buster the treat first.

We had the first annual Thanksgiving get-together at our house this year with our friends. :) We have "segregation nights" where all us couples get together only to segregate the boys from the girls and have some good bonding time!

And of course Macy demands to be the center of attention.

Yummy cheese dip!