New Beginnings

I know it's been way too long. I constantly think things like, "this would be perfect to blog about", or "this is a picture for the blog". It always feels like work though when it comes down to it. Anyway, a lot has happen in my life since my last post and I think I'm ready to share some of it with you all.

Many of you know of the struggles that have overwhelmed my marriage over the last several years and now those struggles have been lifted and a new set have begun. I want to say first and foremost that GOD is GOOD! I have not only felt His presence in ways I could only imagine before, but I have developed a love for the Almighty that I wouldn't trade for anything. He is my All in All. God's word has become increasingly real to me, truly keeping my feet beneath me in the days I was sure I could not go on.

That said, I understand that divorce is a very tough subject and there are many thoughts and opinions about the one I've just been through. Please know that I am FOR marriage and commitment. Divorce should never be an option and yet there are times when it may be the only one left. I am risking judgement by writing about these things that I have experienced personally, but I believe that God is a part of the very words that I write. I want to share my pain, my struggles, my heartbreak and my triumphs with you. I want you all to share in the challenges and even more, the Hope, that I am so sure of.

One last thing before I move on to something more fun. Please respect that I will not be writing about any of the details surrounding the breakup of my marriage, I am not here to seek justification or build a "team". I still care about Matt and have no desire to hurt him or make things more difficult for him. (turns out he just went through a divorce too. :))

Thank you all for loving on each of us and keep sending prayers upward as we navigate this new way of life.

Our New Home!

Before:

After:

Ava and I are very cozy here and she is "excited to be living at our new house". I'll show you all the inside pics another time. Too much of a good thing can be overwhelming. :)

Waiting...

"Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken." Psalm 62:5-6


Everything rides on hope now.
Everything rides on faith somehow.
When the world has broken me down, Your love sets me free.
When my life is like a storm
Rising waters all I want is the shore
You say I'll be ok and
Make it through the rain
You are my shelter from the storm.

Addison Road "Hope Now"

...and tomorrow is the prom

It's amazing how fast time flies with kids! Ava had her first dance "celebration" last weekend. She did fabulous and looked even better. We had to curl her hair and put on lots of makeup-which made me realize I am not ready for her teen years. After her and Lily were all dolled up they kept running to the mirror saying "we have to check our eyes and lips". Girls just know how to be girls don't they?!

I am so proud of you Avary Dawn! You are talented in so many ways!

Hhhmmm...

I'd much rather just change the background on my blog than actually do any blogging. I promise that I'll try harder...just not tonight. :)

Whoever said sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain.

Ava LOVES the rain, so today when it was warm out and raining she couldn't get enough of it. We just had to laugh. Her boots were full of water and she had "all kinds of wet" on her. There are some days that she wakes up with a full blown case of the funnies. Today was one of them. Thought I'd share the joy.

Also,

Matt got a Dora fishing pole for Christmas (he HATES fish and fishing). This may be the closest thing to fishing with Daddy that Ava will ever experience. They did not bring home dinner.

Ava Makes A Point

Last night as we were getting "jammies" on for bed, I told Ava we needed to go potty first. She looked at me and in true Ava fashion said "mom, you go potty before you go to bed...I don't."
Okay then. She never did end up going, but she still wears a diaper/pull up at bedtime so whatever...choose your battles right?

Making up for lost time...

I'm really not into the whole blogging thing yet. I want to be...but I'm not. Although it just isn't fair to the rest of you if I keep the cuteness that is Ava all to myself. :) Here is a look at what we've been up to over the last several weeks.

I know I'm bias, but I think she's a natural. :) (Did you notice Lily(Terpstra)? :0 Oh sweet Lily, you make me laugh till my belly hurts - love you little girl.)

Some of Ava's favorite things:

"nite lite" aka: Light Bright

singing and dancing

bossing Charley (the cat) around and disciplining him when he doesn't "listen and obey" (I wonder where she got that phrase?)

Curious George

Phrase: "even as we speak"...not necessarily used in the correct context.

negotiating EVERYTHING! She did not get this from me and I end up stumped on a regular basis.

Telling people about her angel kiss (the sweet birthmark between her eyes), and how God gave it to her.

Talking

Talking

Talking...did I mention she LOVES to talk?

"Yiddy" and "Pahhker" (Lily & Parker)

Giving me a run down of how our day is going to unfold. Starting with "noodles" for breakfast and a trip to the park, yes, even in the sleet and rain.

"the drum song" aka: Walk The Line (see video)

There are so many more things, but I'll save some for another time and just let you see some pics.

All the kids on a Wednesday night at our house (minus Payton) They ALL go to bed here so the mamas can have some girl time. From left to right: Cole Meiste, Griffin Leeuw, Parker Leeuw, Sophia Terpstra, Lily Terpstra, Ava Wickstra, Nicholas Becksvoort, Benjamin Becksvoort