Emerson's Baptism

This past weekend, Emerson got baptized at church. Many of our family members were in attendance as well as some friends. Due to the fact that I grew up Catholic and my husband is Methodist, we tried to combine a couple traditions during Sunday's service.

Emerson wore the dress that I was christened in 30 years ago. My mom worked really hard to freshen it up and it looked wonderful! We also chose four people (instead of the normal two) to be Emerson's godparents. The church service was very nice. By my request, Jeremy sang the Jars of Clay song "Faith Like a Child" for Emerson. We also marked the occasion by having brunch at Boatwerks. Yummy!

The weekend started off with Grandma arriving a day ahead of everyone else for some extra visiting time.

After spending Saturday morning with Grandma shopping downtown and at the Farmer's Market, we came home to find Aunt BK and Uncle Lou had arrived.

Emerson, Jeremy and I with the godparents: Adam, BK, Becky and Andy.

After the service with my parents.

Mommy and Daddy with their little princess.

"For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Balloons

Every year, we end the year with a special balloon project. The kids get so excited about this project. It is a lot of hard work, but you can see by the pictures, well worth it! We launch the balloons on the side of the middle school and usually end up having a pretty big audience.

A successful launch!

Excitement

We have been quite busy around here gearing up for a very fun weekend. Emerson is getting baptized at church on Sunday. My family lives in Chicago, so we have been getting ready for lots of weekend company. After church we are having brunch at Boatwerks on the water. Check back soon for all the great pictures!

Emerson 7 1/2 months

The Whole Series...

....minus one.

I am so excited! One of my favorite authors of all time is Karen Kingsbury. I have been following her for the last couple of years, but checking her books out of the library. For Mother's Day my husband surprised me with all the books in the Baxter Family series except one. He was quite ingenious and went on Craig's List and was able to find a woman selling almost the entire collection. I have read these books before but these really ARE books you could read again and again. For anyone who is looking for a great read-I suggest you give her a try! www.karenkingsbury.com

New Digs

Emerson and I spent Mother's Day weekend in Chicago with my family. We had lots of fun visiting with everyone and being spoiled.

My mom (Grandma) with Emerson

My brother Adam and Emerson

When we came home Monday afternoon, Jeremy had set up Emerson's big girl high chair. (Until now she had been eating her cereal and fruits/veggies sitting in her Bumbo chair.) We put her in it for a test run and she did great!

Happy girl!

Not So Important

Following suit with A Listmaker's Life and Bloemers Blog, here are 6 unimportant things about me:

1. I love listening to Jimmy Buffett.

2. I have a weird sense of satisfaction when I address envelopes and get them ready to put in the mail.

3. Polka dots---everywhere! I love them. On anything and everything!

4. I wear flip flops from April through the end of October. I refuse to put socks on. It makes my feet unhappy to be covered up.

5. I have a fish in my classroom named Peg. She has been alive for almost four years.

6. I love the TV show Friends and can quote almost every line of the whole show.

I'd love for you to play along. Share 6 not-so-important things about you on your blog and let me know about it!

Nine Years

This past weekend, amidst Tulip Time, Hope College also held their commencement ceremonies. I didn't attend this year, but saw many visiting families milling around town. Nine years ago I graduated from college. Time seems to have just flown by (I'm sure lots of people say this!)

Kappa Beta Phi----Class of 2000

College was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I loved every minute. To all of my lovely ladies in purple.....thank you for giving me four of the best years and many amazing memories!

Sunflower Club

I just finished reading Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli with my sixth graders. They really enjoyed the book--one class even applauded when we were done! At the end of the book, some of the high school students form a club called the Sunflower Club. The idea of the club is for each member to do one nice thing for someone else each day. What a concept!

This Sunday is Mother's Day. I love my mom and am excited that I get to spend the weekend with her. However, I really feel stongly that I don't need a made up Hallmark holiday to give me a reason to do so. What if we all treated our mom's as if every day was Mother's Day? What if we treated other people as we would like to be treated? What if we all were members of the Sunflower Club? There is no initiation fee .

Grateful Heart

There has been a lot of sadness lately.....Lots of moms and dads out there trying to find peace again as their worlds have been turned upside down. Amidst all of this, I am constantly reminded of how very lucky I am. I gave birth last October to a happy, healthy baby girl. Emerson Grace has become the center of my world. She is at such a fun age. She's rolling over, saying a few select words (no mama yet) , giggling and waving. Emerson goes to a wonderful daycare where the other kids are her "friends". She is showing favoritism towards certain toys and has days where she's all about being held.

Emerson Grace - 7 months

I hope that all of us who share the same "luckiness" of healthy children can give thanks with a grateful heart and remember those parents who need our prayers right now.