OH, now what have I stepped in to? Looks like Lindsey's coach will be me for soccer! I told them not to expect much, because all I no about soccer is that when you throw the ball in, both feet have to be on the ground ... so they gave me a book about how to learn soccer quickly. But, I have a secret weapon! My niece is a third year varsity this year and she will be with me every step of the way.

On other news, my kids received their letters about school starting soon. Yes, we have started to put them to bed earlier this week. Next week will be even earlier. Back to school, back to schedule.

Another year of VBS is done. Wow, what a week. We had a peak of 88 kids and raised enough money to purchase 26 back packs with supplies for underprivileged kids in our county.

Started another project that I have wanted to try the past couple of years, canning. Yep, we canned stewed tomatoes yesterday! My next project, salsa. What with gas prices and food prices, we will need to start our pantry and stay home to eat more this winter. Electric is out of sight with last months bill!

All is quiet on the home front!

God is so Good!

Nikki

Oh yeah, Alyssa now has braces! I told her I am going to own that mouth after this process is all said and done!

Wow, I haven't posted in quite some time and thought that it would be a good time to update on everything that we have been doing. Alyssa & Lindsey both finished 5th and 1st, respectively. Now, Alyssa is on to middle school, leaving behind the days of recess and playground fun. We just picked up today some locker items that she thought would be neat & needed. She also finished softball.

Lindsey will be moving on to 2nd grade and it will be pretty busy at her school. They are remodelling the elementary, adding on a gym, and several classrooms, along with a new library. Pretty exciting, since she will be able to use everything for a few more years before she moves on.

We also just finished up a week of a home vacation, where we went to Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, went tubing on Dumont Lake and camped out in our back yard. Don't think that I'll do the camping thing again unless it is in a trailer with a nice big bed! Yes, quite the experience.

We also were able to visit with our Aunt Sandy & Uncle Bill from Ohio for a couple of days, and about a week or two later, our Aunt Kathy & Uncle Larry came up from Texas. Yes, good times, good times.

We also travelled up (the girls & I) to Grandpa & Grandma Lowman's house for a quick visit. It was good to see them. Yep, we did the picture thing. Though, when we do, I am the one most likely behind the camera. It's my new hobby that I took up last year. I even did my oldest niece senior pics and will be doing my youngest niece this year. Looking forward to that. I love to take pics.

Speaking of nieces, my oldest set off for an adventure this last Saturday to Florida. Have to hand it to her, it takes a lot of courage and guts to head off at 18 to look for a job in an unknown town, out of state, away from family. But she has a lot of people that love her and are praying for her safety and success. I know that she will be coming back sometime and that she will be attending college in the near future! Right, Britt?

All I can say is that life is quite the ride. My youngest niece, Brianna has been our "live in nanny" for the past month and a half and is doing quite a good job looking after her cousins while Aunt Nikki & Uncle Brian are off to work. My oldest nephew is doing a great job in Kazoo, as a leasing agent for an apartment complex. Have to hand it to him, managing on his own and doing good at it.

My youngest nephew is such a smart little guy. He was getting a bed from his Grandpa & Grandma's next door and I noticed them, went over to help Staci load the bed and as I am walking up their driveway, he is shouting at me that "the bed is too heavy, Nikki, I need help." Now, what two year old can string sentences together and sound like a little man better than he can. He is getting so grown up!

We are doing great here in the McLaughlin household. Time flies, but we are having fun.

Until next time,

Nikki

Yes, this is the white stuff that we have and have had since New Year's Day. Snowing again here in Michigan today, Leap Day. We have officially broken a record for the month of February as being the snowiest month since I think they started keeping track (1930's). I took this picture on New Year's Day looking down our road. It's pretty for a while, but I think that we are all getting sick of it.

On a lighter note, all of us are travelling down to Florida! Going to go sun ourselves! We cannot wait for this trip. My kids are looking forward to spending days on the beach and maybe going to Disney for a day. You never know where the winds will blow while we are down there.

Both the girls are doing well. Alyssa is finishing up basketball on Saturdays and Lindsey has completed soccer, which she absolutely loved doing once she got the hang of it. Who knows, I might become the proverbial soccer mom!

Both are doing well in school. We just went to conferences and had glowing reports. Brian is now working a regular work week instead of his screwy 12 hr days with two days on, two days off. Getting back to normal is taking a while to adjust to.

My nephew just turned two and he is quite the smart little (tall) guy. I cannot believe how many words he is stringing together. Does my heart good when he starts yelling Nikki when he sees my house. Love him to pieces!

My oldest nephew just turned 21 and is now living in his own apartment (again). Couldn't be prouder of him. He seems to be adjusting to single life alone quite well. Couldn't hurt to see him a little more though! Love him to pieces!

My youngest niece just turned 17 and finished her junior year in basketball. Oh yeah, she now has her drivers license, so watch out world, here comes Bri. Love her to pieces!

My oldest niece will turn the big 18 this March and is making plans for her future. Can't believe that she is going to graduate this spring. Way to go Brit! Love her to pieces, too!

Over all, we are just chugging along. My dad is leaving on another mission trip to Pass Christian tonight, so pray for his safe travel with all the "guys". They are attempting to build a house in a month with a different crew every week. Some are there for the whole month. Way to go Haven Reformed and outlying churches!

Take care all!

Nikki

Well, it is that time of year again where we think of everything that we are thankful for, but should be thankful for throughout the year. I can remember in times past when we would all head up to Detour Village to attend the Thanksgiving dinner at Grandpa & Grandma Lowman's house and we would have family from all over come to gather around at night in our "circle" and say what we are thankful for. There was always so much to be thankful for, and I truly miss that small portion of what we did up there. As our families have grown, so comes the times that families are doing "their" thanksgiving together as they start their own traditions.

This year, Bri, the girls and I will be traveling to Gladwin for Thanksgiving with my family to bring the Turkey dinner to Grandpa & Grandma's house. I am hopeful to post pictures after we get back, but am looking forward to this trip because I have not seen them in some time.

I am so thankful for my husband and kids this year, being so understanding when mommy brings home work to do and allowing me that "quiet" time to do it. It has been a whirl-wind year, very busy and looks to continue into the new year.

Alyssa will be starting volleyball for the next four Saturdays. Must say that this is mommy's favorite sport. She is looking forward to it. She also took in the slip for basketball camp, which starts in January for 6-7 weeks on Saturdays. Yes, a very busy girl.

Lindsey on the other hand is looking forward to the day that she will be able to do all the "fun stuff" as she calls it. She can't understand why she can't do it now.

Both kids are doing very well in school, with Alyssa having her last year in elementary school. Bri & I were talking about that the other day and can't believe how old she is.

I am also thankful for my mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law and nephew. They are just great. Mom, Staci and I will be heading of in 3 weeks to the Big Apple! We are so looking forward to a busy weekend checking New York out. Good thing Staci has gone once already so that she can be our "tour guide".

I am also thankful for my extended family with my mother & father-in-law, Sister-in-law, brother-in-law, my 2 beautiful nieces and other nephew. My in-laws celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past year as well as my sister-in-law celebrating her 40th birthday. Such mile stones.

On another note, just received word that my youngest niece (16) has mono for the second time. Please pray that she will get over this quickly, for she is a very active girl and basketball season has started. My other niece will be graduating this year from high school. Please pray for her that she will "find her place" in the next year and that place be college!!! Yep, she is looking at KVCC, which is great!

Take care all and have a very Thankful Thanksgiving!

Nikki

Yes, my girls are growing older. I have known that I would have to some day face the fact that Alyssa wants to be her own person and pick out her own close, etc. But it is hard sitting back letting that happen when she picks out spring/summer in the fall/winter. Battle number one, go change that skirt and shirt for Church. It's too cold outside. Battle number two, turn that radio down and quit singing so loud. Well, I try to choose my battles these days with her. It's hard, but she is growing up to be my beautiful brown eyed girl.

Lindsey is becoming quite the independent girl too! I can't believe what she is learning in 1st grade. Words are actually forming on paper now. For a lefty, she sure has great penmanship. She sure is my beautiful blue eyed girl.

Brian got his first deer of the season and our freezer is again full of deer meat. At least I talked him into getting it processed this time instead of sending to a friend.

All is going great for now. Mom & Dad are in a little town just west of Biloxi called Pass Christian on a mission trip. If you get a chance, check it out on the map. It is right on the water. Mom says it is going slow, but good. My nephew is growing big and handsome and I am already looking forward to Christmas with him. Yep, I have ideas, but I need to make sure that the "little things" are big enough.

Work is work. Bringing stuff home and working from there on weekends. Yep, that is part of the job of year end, but it sure beats not having a job at all. We are so thankful in that respect.

Take care all,

Nikki

Boy are we enjoying this warm weather! We love having the windows open at night to cool breezes and the warmth during the day in the 80's. But, sadly, it looks like a cool down will start this week. Oh well. Fun while it lasted.

Mom's out east this week and so we all had dinner at her house on Sunday night w/dad. I love that time when we all go out on the porch and act like hill billies or porch monkies, however you want to look at it. My girls and nephew are growing fast. It's nice to see them playing together.

Lindsey is loving 1st grade and doing well. She really enjoys school. Alyssa is also doing well. She just competed in the spelling bee held at the fair grounds. I think that first time jitters got to her because a word we had practiced that morning had her falling.

We are having a party this Saturday for my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary. To be married that many years is a miracle in itself.

Take care all!

Nikki

Wow, I cannot believe that the summer is now winding down. The girls started school this past Tuesday and I am happy to report that they love it! Lindsey is now 1st grade and goes all day! What a relief that is to me, not to have to worry where she will go the two/three days a week that she was not in kindergarten.

Alyssa is now in 5th grade, her final year in elementary! She likes her new teacher and it makes me feel really old because of her teacher's youth. I remember her as a little girl.

Alyssa turns 11 today, along with her cousin Lacy, who is turning 10 today as well. I cannot believe that these two beautiful girls, who are exactly one year apart and get along famously (even though one is in Texas and we're from the snowy north). Ahhh, my babies are growing up too fast! Alyssa's cousin Connor (and Aunt Staci) called this morning, and even though he is 18 mo. old, wished her a "happy birthday, Lyssa". Too cute!

Lindsey told her sister this morning that she would play anything with her today that her sister wanted her to, because it was her birthday! What sisterly love!

Take care all!

Nikki

Life is too short. I have watched these last few months a friend and co-worker from work be with her husband as he was diagnosed with ALS. I cannot believe the faith and happiness that they have projected throughout this trial. As his days are coming to and end, I see so many comments posted on their update page that it brings me great comfort and joy, knowing that someone has that much support behind them and the faith from everyone that writes is a true testimony to HIS powerfulness.

If you get a chance in the next few days, please say a prayer for Gary that he will find peace in HIS loving arms and to give comfort to his wife, Sally as she sees him through his final walk on earth and to his son Chad and Matt.

Yes, I will be walking to fight ALS on August 25, 2007 in Grand Rapids in his honor.

In Christian Love,

Nikki

Yes! We made it through! Lindsey is doing great and recovering like a trooper. She went into surgery on 7/07/07 at 10:50 a.m. and we were leaving the surgery center at 1:00 p.m. She did very well and actually was eating french fries from Wendy's an hour later!

Seems summer is going too fast for our liking. Girls are doing a lot of swimming and playing with water balloons when they can. Alyssa played for the All-Star team in Hopkins on the 4th of July. For a few innings, she was the only one actually hitting the ball and getting on base.

Personally, I can't wait til school starts. Girls are starting to get on each others nerves to the point that either Bri or I will take them separately to the grocery store or movie store or where ever we need to go just to give them some "alone" time.

Had a golf outing this last Saturday that my sister, brother-in-law, Bri & I played in. We didn't do half bad for some of us not golfing in a couple of years. Had a lot of fun, something I can see me and my husband doing when the girls get older.

Take care all and have a great rest of summer!

Nikki

Well, it is official. Lindsey will be getting her tonsils out this next month. We visited the ENT yesterday and she actually wanted to schedule surgery for today, but I am not mentally prepared for it. There is just something about not wanting to commit that quick. She is a little worried, doesn't like going to the doctor at all. At least we have some experience with this.

Lindsey has completed her first year of T-ball and had a great time playing. We are still in "the game" with Alyssa. She is doing well and seems to enjoy it. Looks like she wants to learn to fast pitch, so I will be working with her on it this summer. Yep, just me and the tire to throw through.

Went swimming for the first time this last week. Pool actually hit 78 degrees. Now it has dropped again with the 40 degree weather. It'll go back up though.

Take care everyone and say a little prayer on 7/7/07 for Lindsey. (wow what a date)

Nikki

It's Summertime!

Schools almost out and as of Friday, I will have a Kindergarten graduate! Lindsey is so excited about being able to go to school this fall all day, every day. I can't believe that we will now have two kids in school all the time! No more fall/winter daycare for us!

Alyssa will be going into 5th grade, her final year in elementary school. We went on a field trip yesterday to the VanAndel Museum and the Gypsum Mine. Brought home some huge Gypsum rocks from the mine. Must say that VanAndel is one of the best Museums that I have been to. I am going to take the girls back this summer so that I can look at things at our leisure, not run from exhibit to exhibit looking for answers on a question form.

Summer ball is here and Alyssa is playing a "semi" fast pitch. Went 2 for 2 last night! Lindsey is doing the t-ball thing. Forgot how cute it is to watch these 5-6 year olds all go for the ball when it is hit and forget to stay in their area of play.

All is well! We are enjoying some great warm, sunny weather and hope to be swimming in the pool pretty soon!

Love ya all,

Nikki

Uh-Oh

Sometimes stuff comes in threes. Lindsey had strep three weeks ago and now she has it again. We have now made an appointment with the surgeon to see about taking her tonsils out. She doesn't like doctors at all, so this has been a test for her to actually go to the doctor twice in one month and now she has to see yet another one. Poor little bugger, she can barely talk, what with all the slurring of her words because they are so swollen.

On a good note, Brian & I just celebrated our 13th anniversary by working, running our kids to doctor and softball practice. We did get to order Chinese and eat in, though.

Another good note was that I had my nephew in nursery at Church this past Sunday and he actually cuddled with me and we had the best time together! He is such a joy to watch grow. My sister and her husband do one heck of a job with raising him and it shows on his face as he smiles and laughs quite a bit.

Another good note, my nieces enjoyed a fantastic prom and soccer is going great with the youngest one. She is a sophomore in school and was moved up to play varsity level. Scored a goal a few weeks back! Way to go Bri!

Well, hopefully everything will calm down just a bit when the kids get out of school and we will enjoy some quality sunshine, pool time, and family time!

Love ya all!

Nikki

Goodmorning! It has been a while that I have written a post. Well, lets see. We went on vacation and came back to very cold, snowy weather! We had 85 degree weather every day down in sunny Fort Meyers and it was just beautiful!

Brian & I have decided that we are no longer going to drive (yeah, we have said this before, but this time we are sticking to it). We took the new car and "broke it in". Good thing, because gas prices were outrageous!

We have had a busy two weeks since being back. Lindsey had stomach flu last Sunday - Tuesday and then Thursday I took her to the doctor and she now has strep throat. She is finally getting her strength and appetite back! After losing 4 lbs and a week of school (she only had two days last week), she is back in school today!!! She is my child that loves school and this was very bad for her to be at home instead of in the class room!

Alyssa started practice for softball last week and first practice, took a ball in the mouth, resulting in a fat lip. Thank goodness daddy reminded her to take out her mouth appliances before practice. I cannot think of what would have happened had she had them in.

She is doing very well in school, receiving all A's this last marking period. We rewarded her with a movie and dinner out and a promise to get ice cream once the ice cream shop in town opens. She completed a report on Japan and now is doing a report on Michigan. Hmmm, cold winters that last too long!

Brian & I are doing well and are looking forward to warm weather. He has tilled up the spot where our garden is going and we will be doing lots of yard work in the next few weeks!

Take care all!

Nikki

Well, well, I do believe that God is teasing us with a 70 degree day and then taking it away!! I know that spring is around the corner and we cannot wait. Alyssa's basketball season is winding down, just one more game on Saturday, then we start in on softball.

My summer is now spoken for with the girls. M/W we will be a traveling team for Alyssa with softball, minor league of course. Lindsey is keeping us hopping with T/Th T-ball (her first year). She is so excited about being able to actually play what she has been watching her sister do for the past 3-4 years.

We are still arguing over whether Lindsey will be a "righty" or "lefty" for sports. I say she is a lefty from what I have seen. She threw one of Gunner's raw hides at Daddy the other night (using her left hand) and nailed him in the head. Of course, she did get scolded, but in a way I think that Daddy deserved it. He was teasing her pretty bad.

Things will definitely be busy this summer. But for now, the girls are getting excited about going on vacation where we will be almost guaranteed warmth!!

Hope all is well with everyone else!

Spring break, here we come.....

Nikki

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but inside is so delightful. Whoever created this song was not a warm weather person. I'd rather have 70 degrees above than 4 degrees below. It is freezing!

All that aside, I am a little behind on my every other week posting. Thought I should catch up a bit, knowing that I had been trying to check in with my sister's blog and saying "what's up".

All is going well in our household. Alyssa has started playing basketball on Saturdays and is enjoying it very much. At least we take the portable DVD player for Lindsey so that she can watch whatever and be occupied during games.

The girls love the snow. Daddy took them outside to try to build a snowman, but weren't successful. He ended up taking the hose out to wet the snow, trying to get it to pack better. They ended up with a huge mound outside, but no snowman. Better luck next time.

We had a wondferful week of visiting with Uncle Larry M. and Aunt Sandi L. They came up to visit with Aunt Mary M. (in the hospital, keep praying). I am pretty sure that they are thanking God for allowing them to come visit us before this white stuff really came in. Aunt Sandi is now back in the land of the warmth. Not sure if Uncle Larry is enjoying 20 degrees though.

All in all, it was a very nice visit and catching up time. I love it when family can come visit or we go visit and it is like we are picking up where we left off. Family is great!!!

I am looking forward to vacation even though it is two months away. It makes it more worth the while when we are having such cold weather, knowing that I will be going someplace warm for vacation.

Stay warm everyone!

Love ya,

Nikki

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Another year gone, another year older. My girls are both doing well and Lindsey is escatic about going back to school. Good thing she had two days this week instead of one. She never ceases to amaze me for her wanting to go to school. She enjoys it so much. I just wish Alyssa had that same thing. She likes it, but doesn't love it. Her question to me was when her next day off would be.

We are now just hoping life will slow down a little, but it doesn't look like it. Alyssa starts basketball this Saturday for the next 10 wks (I think). She likes to play, but I don't think it will be her passion to play.

We received a gift for Christmas that the whole family is getting into. Ninetendo Game Cube's Mario Kart. The girls, Bri & I are loving it. We all take turns and play against one another.

Well, after the time off for Christmas and New Year's, it's back to work until vacation in spring. That is, I have MLK off and Pres. Day!!! Love those gov. holidays.

Take care all, hope everyone had a very good Christmas! The Lord has blessed us with wonderful kids and a great family!

Love,

Nikki

Wow, I cannot believe that Christmas is less than a week away. We have been busy at our home, decorating, baking cookies and the endless cleaning up. My girls are doing so much better with getting along in the mornings that I can't help but think that they have a hidden agenda (Santa's watching). They were sweet as pie yesterday and today it was very good too! Mind you that I'm not complaining, just a little weary that this won't continue! The girls had their Christmas program at Church Sunday and did very well.

Daddy finally got his buck! Thank goodness hunting season is winding down. I think now he is getting ready to finally give in and have his shoulder surgery to repair his torn rotator cuff that has been there for the last 7-8 months.

I will have more later, but for now, have a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Nikki

Well, Lindsey had her first Elementary Christmas program last night, and yes, I dressed my girls identically. I thought they looked quite lovely. I cannot believe how long Alyssa's hair has gotten, but the I curled it for her and it looked almost like mine in the back.

The girls did a great job at the program. Alyssa had the "right of passage" with the singing of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Something only 4th graders do, and they do this every year.

Lindsey was practicing well before the program to learn the two songs her class sang. I cannot believe how fast my girls are growing up.

On the side, Connor put on a little show of his own with the drinking fountain that we found quite entertaining. He is getting so fast at crawling. Can't wait til he can walk, then we shall see how fast his mommy & daddy can be.

Take care all!

Nikki

Happy Thanksgiving to all my family and friends. I am so thankful this year for many things. First and formost are my family and friends. May we always have good health. I am especially thankful for my two children and husband. If I didn't have them, well, life wouldn't be as interesting as it has been. I am so thankful that I decided to come along for the ride 12 years ago (and a few months).

May all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and if you are out shopping the day after, safe travels and not so long lines at the check out counter!!

With much love

Nikki