End of the school year...

Well it's the end of the school year, again. I don't remember what it was like when I was still in school. What was that last day like? I'm sure there was some sort of euphoria...but I don't remember exactly, enough to describe it. I had wonderful summer vacations. They were full of magic. Scott and I, a lot of times, made our own magic, but it was fun. (who could forget us hacking out the lot next to our old house...we both got such bad poison ivy...ugh....) I love the sun and I love the events of summer. Summer activities. Water. Fires outside. Camping. Boating. Sparklers. Later bedtimes. Traveling. The smells. My parents did a great job providing us with wonderful activities-which made for wonderful memories...thanks, Mom and Dad!

We often times got to see our family more. Grandparents and Aunt Cindy. Sleep overs. Water fights. I have so many wonderful memories. I played softball a few summers....I was practicing diligently my basketball skills to prepare for the following season. Trips out east....trips our west......I love the summer.

Now that it is here, I make those same plans in my mind for my boys. Trips 'up north', water balloons, trips to the park, boating, sparklers, later bedtimes, trips to Chicago, swimming in the pool out back....smores.....visiting family...things that I know will build memories for them. Like me, they hate wearing shoes outside....they love the sun....the smell of sunscreen...yum!

Jack had his last day of 1st grade yesterday (and Heath the week before)....it was a busy final week. I'm glad to have them home and it will be nice to be together after a long school year. I went to field day at their school which was nice. (it was competitive, not communist ; ) ) They handed out ribbons at the end of the day....here is Jack with his....
Most of you, I will see over the summer and I look forward to it! Thanks for logging on and reading my 2 cents....Love you all!

Happy birthday, Heath...Memorial Day

Greetings, friends and family. We went up north for the weekend to celebrate my baby's birthday. (not much of a baby any longer...5 years old!) It was delightful as usual. We love to get together at the lakehouse. The weather was great and so was the company. Bill and Judy Shearer came up from Cleveland, not just for Heath's birthday, but we were so happy to have them there. Grandma Clarke. Jim and Sue, Chris and Renee and of course, my parents, who hosted. We ate hot dogs and opened gifts. Heath got lots of summer things...a swimming mask, swim trunks, a pool...he was so excited! Thank you to everyone! We also got some accessories for our Wii and Heath also got his own Ninentdo DS. We are very blessed.

We also went to the Memorial Day parade. It was very nice. We sat across from the IGA at the Indian Pathways park....I was also able to make my tradition pilgrimmage to the local bakery to get my favorite...cream filled long john! The best in the world! It was a nice weekend. The weather was beautiful. I am ready for the summer months to be here. We have some plans that will no doubt include several trips up north...and possibly a trip out west.

Thanks for logging on and checking out my family!

5th/3rd Jr. race

Yesterday, Grand Rapids had their 5th/3rd Jr. race. The big race is Saturday....Jack took part in it and ran a mile!!! Go, Jack! It was so fun to watch him run the 4 laps around the track. He never stopped. I wasn't sure at first how he would do with all the noise and people; plus we weren't running with him, although Craig kept close tabs on him from the middle of the track while he took some pictures, but he did great. Here they are...enjoy!

Happy 60th Birthday, Jim

We went up to Traverse City last weekend to celebrate Jim's 60 th birthday. Considering he is the oldest Tamlyn in his family tree; we thought that alone was worth celebrating. The Tamlyn men come from a long line of heart disease that takes their men at a very early age. Jim's dad died in his 40's. We are thankful for modern medicine. Way to go, Jim! Happy Birthday!Here are some pictures and video from the weekend. My nephew, Hayden, Tracy and Jimmy's son, is getting so big, as they do that first year. It was fun to hold him. Thanks, Trace! We also got to see Emma and Terry Bell, who made a surprise visit to the party. It was so nice of you to join us! We had fun playing the Wii ( I actually think the adults enjoyed it more than the kids), swimming in the pool, and eating! Lots of eating! It was a great weekend; thanks Renee and Chris for hosting us all! Your new place is super cute!

April showers bring May flowers......

Greetings from a soggy Grand Rapids! We received lots of rain this weekend which was great, because we got some thunder and lightning with it, but bad because everything is just saturated! I love the spring! It's, to me, a metaphor of God in me...changing and growing new life. Turning over the soil to cultivate new growth.

Heath touched his first worm, and wasn't crazy about it...mid way to my compost pile, where we were putting them, he freaked out and dropped it! Ahhh, Heath. I'm growing a garden this year....so I've been growing quite a compost pile. Yuck! I'll keep you posted on the garden.

Also, I'm thinking very seriously about starting my own all-service dog care, from home. Walking, feeding, poop-scooping....I'll keep you posted on that as well.

That's all for now. Thanks for checking in on my little family. Love you all!

Happy Easter

Happy Easter, all! He is Risen...He is risen indeed! Hope you're well and celebrating our Savior's resurrection! We stayed at home for the Easter weekend. Colored Easter eggs, went to church, and played outside. It was quiet and uneventful. Which was nice. Here are some pictures.















We also got a basketball hoop for the boys for Easter...Nana and Papa also helped with the cost. Thank you to them! Also, Jack moved up a size in bikes, so Heath got Jack's "big boy" bike, which he was pretty excited about, and Jack got a new bike! Thanks Grandpa and Grandma!

Happy Birthday, Emma

Today is day 7 of Spring Break. My parents came down for a few days and the boys and I enjoyed it very much! We watched the Final Four tournament and rode bikes and played cards and also played the Wii!
Also, today is Emma's birthday. Happy birthday, Nonnie! Wish we could be there to help celebrate! We are thinking about you today.

For you who have been waiting for another performance from Heath....here it is ...it is taking a little more coaxing these days to get him to perform. This footage was taken in his bedroom alone, and only after he was promised cookies if he would sing. Ugh, what a diva huh? ; )



We hope you're all well. We love to have company....come visit us. We are thankful for our family and friends who love and support us. I also want to take this time to remember out Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who sacraficed His life so that I could have eternal life with Him, even though I've done nothing to deserve it.