Meeuwsen Family

Time to get back in shape!

2010-02-03T11:51:00.001-08:00

After the cold weather and Christmas eating it is time to get back in shape. I am starting a running program at my church and would like to be in better shape by then. I am doing the 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels and continuing to run. Scott can't stand Jillian so I have to do the workout while he is at work so he doesn't see her face or hear her voice. I don't care what she looks like as long as she helps me get the job done. Food has always been my biggest problem so maybe sharing this with all of you will help keep me out of the refrigerator. I will update you in 2 months!

So much has happened since Christmas!

2010-01-21T09:43:00.001-08:00

So I now have a teenager. Since when am I old enough to have a teenager. Alyssa loves clothes, friends and music. I can't believe my daughter is old enough to do the Charlies Angels pose. She now wants so much freedom but I am not so ready to let that happen. She is only thirteen. I also have to remember that Scott and I are raising her the best way that we know how. I hope she will grow up to love the Lord and someday respect her parents and know that we only want what is best for her.

I have a new nephew! They are all such blessings. Nolan Douglas was 8 weeks early and has been in the Neonatal Intensive Care for almost 3 weeks now. Here is a picture of him next to the preemie outfit we bought him. Trenton insisted that the outfit would be so small on him so I took the picture to prove to him just how small Nolan really is.

One of my favorite times this month has been my date night with my husband. We went to see Transiberian orchestra. We loved it. Its nice to have a quiet dinner where the conversation is adult orientated. I wish we could do it more often.

The Nutcracker!

2009-12-15T13:56:00.001-08:00

Sydney's dance class performed for us. They did a couple of dance moves to a song from the Nutcracker. So cute. Her friend Allie was in class with her, they had a great first semester. Dance starts up again in the new year.

Christmas Program

2009-12-13T16:51:00.000-08:00

Tonight was our church's Sunday School program. They did such a good job. First Trenton played his piano piece, then Sydney's class sang, and then they had the program. Alyssa was Mary, and Trenton was a shepherd. They practiced a lot and you could tell. They practiced for 3 hours on Saturday, which they didn't like but mom and dad did. I wrapped all their presents when they weren't around. :)

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth.

2009-12-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

Sydney lost her first tooth. She went through a variety of emotions. (that's my girl) First she was scared about a wiggly tooth, then intrigued, then excited and then scared again when it fell out. All she saw was blood. But you should have seen her this morning after the tooth fairy came, her smile was from ear to ear.She really wants to know if the tooth fairy is a boy or a girl so she tried to stay up all night to see. I think she made it until 8:30. :)

Ahh, Memories

2009-12-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad that Scott and I lay off the sweets now. He will probably not like to see this. Its good to look back but I don't want to look like that anymore. The kids look adorable though, I remember Trenton loved trains back then and Sydney spit all over her Christmas outfit so she is wearing one of her presents.Christmas 2003

Christmas 2008

2009-12-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

Nine Ladies Dancing!

2009-12-05T16:21:00.000-08:00

Alyssa had her first Christmas dance recital today! They did such an amazing job it was so fun to watch. I would much rather go to that than a choir concert any day. It was quite the sight to see her in her stage makeup. Thanks to my neighbor who told me the ins and outs of being a dance mama, all the parents bring flowers for their dancer. No pictures were allowed during the performance so here is a picture of her with her flowers and stage makeup.

Christmas 1999

2009-12-04T05:38:00.000-08:00

This is a fun picture, Uncle Steve and Trenton, Aunt Sheri and Alyssa and Daddy in the back.

My Three Best Presents! December 2003

2009-12-03T15:56:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be fun to do a new picture of Christmas every day in December. Lets start with December 3 because anybody who knows me knows I am always a little behind the eight ball but that is life. Enjoy this adorable picture!

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-01T13:47:00.000-08:00

We had a fun Halloween. First we went trunk-or-treating at Nooderloos Church. Then we went to friends house for snacks before the dads and kids went trick-or-treating. We ended the night at a Halloween party. What a fun day!

Our little 50's girl.

My Hippie Alyssa.

Our future Detroit Tiger player.

Alyssa thinks she is too old to trick-or-treat with us so she went with her friend Marissa.

Sydney and her best friend Laura.

Alyssa's Costume Party!

2009-10-31T08:39:00.001-07:00

Alyssa had a costume party with some of her friends. They had so much fun. We had a couple of hippies, a clown, a Indian girl, two cowgirls and static cling. They had such cute costumes.

We painted pumpkins and made caramel apples and the rest of the time they just hung out away from any grown-ups. Right now it is still a girl only party but we are getting closer to the days of boy-girl parties.

Alyssa's friend Jade was a 70's girl with her. I love her pants, her mom made them.

My life as a soccer mom

2009-10-09T08:22:00.001-07:00

Life has been crazy. Alyssa and Sydney are in dance class. Alyssa is playing volleyball for the 7th Grade Zeeland Christian team and loves it. Trenton and Sydney are in soccer and Trenton takes paino lessons. There is something going on every night plus we need to get in homework and baths and try to get them in bed on time. I know someday I might actually have some free time but right now it is so fun to go and watch my kids play in these games. If you come to the games I am the mom yelling the loudest. I try to keep quiet but I have so much to say. I hope to post picture soon. Have a good day and enjoy the fall weather.

Tigers Game!

2009-08-30T10:32:00.001-07:00

We had a blast at the Tigers game, they won 6-2 against the Tampa Bay Rays.

It was raining before the game and then during the last 1/2 inning but otherwise we stayed dry.

Sydney is 6!

2009-08-16T16:43:00.000-07:00

Sydney has some fun days to celebrate her birthday! First we went to Chucky Cheese with her best friend Laura. The next day we celebrated at the park with the Meeuwsen side and today we celebrated with the Haan side. I can't believe my baby is 6.

Sydney and Laura

Kate would like to be 6, you get so many fun presents!

Sydney with her teapot cake.

Sydney with her icecream cake. YUMMY!

She got some cute outfits and soccer stuff!

Finally Posting Again!

2009-08-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has been awhile since I posted. So much has happened and at the end of the day I am exhausted and fall into bed. Alyssa went to camp and Trenton is just having a great summer. Sydney turned 6, Yay! She was so excited. Her birthday pictures will come soon.
We went to the zoo on Monday with Mandy, Jakob and Ethan, here are some fun pictures of that day.Notice Trenton forgot his shoes that made the day interesting.

A Day at the Cottage

2009-06-27T09:49:00.001-07:00

Sydney and Grandma

Fishing off the deck. Grandpa and Grandma offered a fishing trophy for the biggest fish. If you know my kids you know who won. Its a competition and Trenton won of course. He would be out there all night if that is what it takes to win.

Trenton with the trophy.

Mommy and Sydney chilling before dinner.

Kate in the tube. It will be a few years before she is able to tube on the water.

Sydney's first time tubing, last year she didn't dare. Daddy hung on to her tight.

Trenton enjoying tubing.

Alyssa swimming off the boat.
What a fun day. After the flooding of Grandpa and Grandma's house this might be the only time we get to the cottage this year.

We should get a pet.

2009-06-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

My girls have been finding pets where ever we go.
First they found caterpillars that Sydney just loved, she watched them turn into cocoons.
Then they found baby bunnies that they wanted to keep. They were heart broken when I said "NO".
Last they found a turtle at the cottage but they learned not to ask to keep him.

Take me out to the ball game!

2009-06-15T18:00:00.001-07:00

Trenton loves anything to do with baseball. He loves to play and watch baseball and at least once a day he is outside practicing pitching, hitting and catching baseballs. Here are some pics of him playing.

Busy Couple of Weeks!

2009-05-31T10:55:00.001-07:00

We have had a lot of fun in the last 2 weeks. Here are a few pictures from our adventures.

Sydney and I went to Dutch Village with Aunt Karin, cousin Kate and Grandma.
The girls had so much fun. Sydney's favorite part was the dutch swing.

We even got to feed the goats.

Happy Graduation Sydney!
Now off to Kindergarten. I don't think mom is ready.

Sydney with her teacher and her class.

Sydney was in the memorial day parade.

Alyssa's 6th grade teacher Mr. Nagelkirk is getting married. The 6th grade class threw a surprise shower for him. They also surprised him by having his finance, Stacy, show up.

Alyssa and some of her friends.

We ended this week by running a 5K. Alyssa helped the girls running club at Zeeland Christian. Her and I finished the race in 25min. a personal record for both of us.

Trenton has a baseball game on Monday, I will post pictures of that next week.
Schools out for the summer! Many more adventures to come.

I Finished the Marathon!

2009-05-24T14:31:00.000-07:00

Me and my supportive husband, and me and Sheri before the race.

I finished the marathon in 4hours and 20mins., that is about 9:50 per mile. There were times in between miles 18-22 when I didn't think I could finish. I am pumped that it is done and will never do another marathon. I am wondering if I will ever do another race. Running used to be fun and I did it to stay healthy and for a little alone time with my thoughts but recently running has been about the competition. It seems that everyone always knows someone who is running in the same race as me. I always seem to finish behind that person and it is like my finishing doesn't count because I finished behind so and so. I don't care what my time is I just want to finish, I know I am not the fastest person. I don't compete against other people just myself. I just want to run for fun again.

On a completely different note, thanks for all the support. I could not have finished without the help and prayers from all of you. I am proud of myself for the accomplishment of a dream. I wonder what I am going to do with all my free time!

Marathon

2009-05-16T06:16:00.001-07:00

Hello Everybody,

The Bayshore Marathon is one week away. I am really excited and super nervous. It seems like a lifetime ago when I signed up in January yet it went so fast. The training has been intense and the hardest thing I have ever done. In February I sprained my ankle and that slowed things down, It still hurts every time I run. I have lost three toenails and have had countless blisters but I kept running. I am now praying I finish the marathon in 4 1/2 hours. It is all by the grace of God. Hopefully I will be finished by the next time I post.

Keep running!

Sara

Easter Fun!

2009-04-18T14:06:00.000-07:00

We had Easter Dinner at Grandpa and Grandma Haans' house. We have to take pictures of the kids dressed so cute! The next Saturday we went to the Egg Hunt.

Trenton hunting for eggs.

Alyssa and Kate, aren't they cute!

Jayson and Sydney counting their eggs.

Steve and Karin threw a great Egg hunt again this year. The kids look forward to this day all year. The eggs were filled with candy and each kid could find 26 eggs!

A day in Chicago

2009-04-11T09:31:00.001-07:00

We took the kids to Chicago. We had promised them we would go a long time ago. We went to the Museum of Science and Industry then the Lego Store and finally to Ed Debevics for dinner.

Our waiter dancing on the bar.

Alyssa always insists on making a funny face for pictures.

They got a balloon animal or hat. Sydney's hat kept hitting Scott in the head but she wouldn't take it off.

Disney on Ice

2009-03-19T08:24:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we went to Disney on Ice. We had a blast the kids loved it. It was the first time Sydney had been. She thought that the whole place was ice and we would have to be careful climbing up the steps because they would be slippery.

It poured on the way in so we were soaking wet!

Alyssa, Kayli and Deeana

Trenton and Aubrey

Payton, Elle and Sydney

Stacey, me, Alden and Michele, notice how wet I am.

Pinewood Derby

2009-02-26T05:38:00.001-08:00

Ok, so every year I rant on about how much I hate the pinewood derby. Making a car out of a chunk of wood, needless to say is not our strong suit. We have made 4 cars in the past for Alyssa and Trenton and watched them lose every year. Well this year our luck changed. Trenton won two 1st place trophies.

With the help of grandpa Haan, Trenton cut out the shape of car he wanted. He sanded and painted the car on his own. We were so proud of him. He doesn't like to sand but he stuck in there and finished it. Then Scott helped him put on the wheels and made sure they were gliding smoothly.

He raced in his age group and won every race he was in. We sat there shocked, while Trenton had a little smirk on his face. Then they annouced the show car winners and he took 1st place in that as well. What a fun night!

Trenton with his meadow green car and 2 trophies.

Two weeks since surgery!

2009-02-12T13:51:00.000-08:00

It has been 2 weeks since surgery and Sydney is doing great. Her forehead looks amazing and in a month from now I'm sure there will only be a small scar. Thanks for all the prayers!

Sydney's surgery

2009-01-30T11:02:00.000-08:00

The after pic, the doctor said it will look better in a couple of weeks.

The cyst before it was removed.

Sydney was very brave and came through surgery just fine. Now we just have to keep her down for a couple of days. I think we will be watching a lot of movies.

Happy 12th Birthday Alyssa!

2009-01-18T13:48:00.000-08:00

Sydney made Alyssa a cake with her Easy Bake oven and new decorating set.

Alyssa choose Angel food cake for her cake so I tinted the batter to make it more fun.

Alyssa you have really grown up this year. You got so many grown up gifts, clothes, a watch and pampering bath stuff. We are wondering where our little girl went. We are so proud of the young woman you are becoming. We pray God will continue to bless you. We love you,

Mom and Dad

Merry Christmas!

2009-01-05T05:44:00.000-08:00

Alyssa showing off her new journal.

Trenton loves his jerseys.

Lets get busy.

That is one good looking group of kids.

Waiting with Aunt Sheri and Brian to open presents.

I'm a ballerina

Yes, an easy Bake oven.

Just what I wanted, more legos.

Alyssa with her grown up gift.

Frosting Christmas cookies with Grandma and cousins

2008-12-16T16:34:00.000-08:00

We Love the Snow :)

2008-11-17T17:02:00.000-08:00

We love having snow ball fights with the boys. Sydney and Trenton played in the snow for 3 hours today. I think now we need some hot chocolate.

Halloween and Halloween party

2008-11-03T05:34:00.000-08:00

We went trick or treating with neighbor friends.

Sydney went as a pink poodle and Trenton as Darth Vader.

Alyssa the cheerleader.

On Saturday we went to a Halloween party next door. The kids had a blast. Sydney was sick of her poodle costume so she went as Cinderella.

Me and some neighbor friends.

Sydney and her best friend Laura.

Its Fall

2008-10-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed an afternoon of fall activities. First we went through the corn maze at Cranes Orchard, then we enjoyed some warm chili as our caramel apples cooled, and then we carved pumpkins. What a fun day.

Happy 9th Birthday Trenton!!!!

2008-09-28T18:19:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Trenton's Birthday today.
He sported his new Tigers jersey!

Trenton and is baseball cake.

Welcome back Steve, Karin and Kate!

2008-09-26T08:21:00.001-07:00

All of Kate's cousins waiting to welcome her home!

Steve introducing Kate to all of us.

Kate was a little overwhelmed but handled it well and gave us lots of little smiles.

Introducing Colin Anthony!!!!

2008-09-26T08:15:00.001-07:00

We have a new nephew Colin Anthony. He was born on Sept. 22 and weighed in at 5lbs. and 6ozs. He is adorable and so loved by us all.

Babies, Babies, Babies

2008-09-12T16:58:00.000-07:00

Introducing our new nephew, Easton Joseph. He is Jim and Stacey's new adorable son. He already got lots of kisses from his cousins. He was born on the same day Steve and Karin received Kate from China. They will be out there until Sept. 25 but we are anxiously waiting to meet her. I also watch my friends baby Jakob. There are many babies in our lives, they are all a blessing and we love them all!!!!!

Celebrating 12 years!!!

2008-09-07T05:32:00.000-07:00

On Sept. 6 we celebrated 12 years of being married. We went wine tasting in Saugatuck and out for dinner at Til Midnight. It was a great night.

Sydney's Birthday!

2008-08-28T14:52:00.001-07:00

I had a hard time with Sydney turning five. She is no longer a baby or even a toddler, she is a kid getting ready for school. I kept thinking will I always remember her squeaky little voice or how she grasps my hand in the parking lot. I love how she always draws me pictures and we admire them together and then hang them on the frig. Will she stop needing a hug as soon as she wakes up or a kiss before bedtime. I take for grated all the little day to day things I assume will always be there. But I am going to try to just be thankful for today and pray we have many tomorrows with her.

Got cake? Alden and JD fully enjoyed the cake, as you can tell by the blue teeth.

Sydney's five

2008-08-28T14:45:00.001-07:00

Happy Summer

2008-08-07T14:29:00.001-07:00

Hope you are all having a great summer. We are having a blast. Still a lot of kids around but I am getting used to it and having fun with them all. We went blueberry picking and I think the kids ate more than they picked but that's half of the fun. We also went to Shipshewanna. The kids love spending the day there buying all kinds of junk (I mean treasures).

I have a new hobby. I am now on facebook, it is very additive. If you get on check out my page.

Have a good one!!!
Sara
(Alyssa, Trenton and Sydney)

Summer Pictures

2008-07-14T07:45:00.001-07:00

Its summer time which means I like to take my kids pictures outside. This is not something the kids enjoy actually they think it is pure torture. They groan as soon as I tell them we are going. Usually I take the to the beach but that has never turned out that good. I sometimes get good pictures but the kids grumble the whole time. "The sun is in my eyes, I am smiling, are we done yet" So this year I got smart I thought we would go to the woods which is close to our house then there is not so much time invested. There were sooooo many mosquitos you could actually see them swarming around their heads but I thought we are here now lets quick get this done. Trenton was very annoyed by the bugs, take a look at this pic of him. I tell him to smile, he says he is smiling. I then say your normal smile, he says this is my normal smile. So I show him this picture and Alyssa then says that is not your normal smile look at your eyebrows they look funny they are pointed down. Anyway we got them done and I got a few good ones so mom is happy!!!!

It's a Girl, our new niece, Kathrin Loren Fen

2008-07-10T06:44:00.001-07:00

After lots of prayers, Steve and Karin Meeuwsen welcome their new daughter Kate. We are so excited and can't wait to meet her. Steve and Karin will be able to get her from China in 6 - 8 weeks. Yea!!!!

Alyssa at Camp Geneva.

2008-07-07T09:31:00.001-07:00

I dropped off Alyssa at camp Geneva this morning. She was both nervous and excited. I sure she will have a blast. If you would like to email her that would be great. I'm sure she would love it the more mail the better. Anyway just go to www.campgeneva.org, click on email camper, she is at Shores and her cabin is Erie 19.

Alyssa on the top bunk. Her and Leah talked it out and Alyssa was chosen as the lucky top bunk owner.
Leah, Camp Counselor Megan, and Alyssa posing in their cabin.

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of our 4th.

My little model.
A boat ride.
Trenton swimming off the boat.

Prayers needed

2008-07-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

We wanted to share our prayer requests with you. First Scott's grandma is in the hospital we just wanted prayers for her if healing is in God's will. Second it had looked like after many years Steve and Karin (Scott's brother and his wife) were going to recieve their match from China which means they would finally get to see their child but it is not happening this week. We need prayers for them for patience and understanding of God's timing. Third Alyssa is leaving for camp next week and we pray that she will be ok with being away from home for a week. Thanks in advance for the prayers. Have a good 4th on July!!!!!!

I can ride without my training wheels.

2008-06-23T06:10:00.000-07:00

I can ride a two wheeler!!!!!!! I am very determined and do not give up. I had mom out at 8:00am to practice. Love Sydney

I think I have it.

Happy Birthday, Kayli and Aubrey!!!!!

2008-06-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Kayli and Aubrey!!!!!! We love you guys.

The cousins love birthday parties. My kids have been waiting all week for Kayli and Aubrey's birthday party.

We gave them webkinz and Limited too shirts. Alyssa had a shirt that matched Kayli's. It is still fun to look alike.

2008-06-20T04:50:00.000-07:00

Ok so it has been a long time since I posted. Nothing really has happened. To reduce the price on gas in this household we never leave the house except in case of extreme necessity. This makes the kids happy they hate "running errands" with me but I miss the stores. I'm sure my credit card bill has gone down as well. This will make my husband happy. So basically everyone is happy but poor old mom. I want to shop. Ok so I am partly kidding. I figured out it is cheaper to have things shipped here than to drive to grandville to the mall. So hello online shopping. Life is good. The summer is going great even though it could be a little warmer. The kids are going on a sleep over every other night. Alyssa had 3 sleep overs this week. Trenton had 2 sleepovers. Wow, I'm getting used to seeing their beds empty that is a strange feeling. Anyway have a great day. If you get a chance, go sit in the sun, that is what I'm doing today. I know, I know its tough being a stay at home mom but somebody has to do it.

2008-06-08T08:06:00.000-07:00

Summer Break

We survived the first week of summer break. Trenton and Sydney started swimming lessons first thing on Monday morning. We had tons of kids in the house this week. I watch a ton of kids in the summer. Plus we had a weekend of sleepovers again. It went well but this coming week I'm looking forward to less kids in the house. I'm trying to be a good mom but I constantly have a mess to clean up or kids to entertain or food to make. Oh well such is summer break.

Have a good one all!

2008-06-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

We Did It!!!!!!

For the last 8 weeks Alyssa has been training with the Girls Running Club at Zeeland Christian. Of course this is a program I love so I came and helped as much as possible. Trenton didn't want to be left out so he trained as well and on May 30 we all ran a 5K together. I was so proud they both did excellent and had great times. Alyssa and I finished in 28 minutes and Trenton finished in 29 minutes. Yay!!!!

Alyssa and her bff Leah and her friend Ginny.
Here are all 60 of the girls and some leaders and moms in the back. Can you spot Alyssa and me?
Alyssa and I on our first time around the course.
Trenton finishing. Good job.

2008-05-29T06:14:00.000-07:00

What a great Memorial Day Weekend!!!!

Isn't that cute bunch of kids. Thanks Grandpa and Grandma Haan for breakfast. Yum!!!!
Trenton and Sydney love to fish at the cottage.
Alyssa and Sheri enjoyed paddleboating.

Thanks Grandpa and Grandma Meeuwsen for letting us enjoy the cottage.

2008-05-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

We had a great week. First Sydney got all dressed up and graduated from preschool which doesn't mean much she's off to young fives.

Trenton and Alyssa worked very hard all year and it payed off when they played their piano pieces at the recital. They both went up there and played perfectly.

We spent most of the weekend playing our Wii. We found one at Walmart and bought it. We have been looking for a while. The kids are having a blast. Pictures will be coming.

2008-05-18T12:05:00.001-07:00

I think it turned out good.

Busy Week

We had a crazy busy week. The kids are finishing up school activies. I went with Sydney to mothers tea, Trenton had a baseball game and I ran with Alyssa at Girls on the Run. Then to top it all off I did the wedding cake for Scott's cousin's wedding. A big thank you to Karin for her help in delivering the cake and thoughtful comments, she is more than my sister-in-law she is a friend. Then we ended the weekend witnessing the baptism of our friends son, Jakob. What a cutie.

See you later.

2008-05-12T17:48:00.000-07:00

We had a great Mother's Day weekend. First the kids got to enjoy having family friends, Hannah and Noah overnight. They made a huge fort that took up Alyssa's whole room. Then on Sunday we enjoyed lunch at mom and dad Haan's house. It took a little longer than expected because we waited for Michele and Chad to get back from the hospital with Alden. He broke his leg. He's doing as well as can be excepted for a 2 year old with a broken leg. Anyway, Sunday night we enjoyed spending time at Steve and Karin's to celebrate Mother's Day on the Meeuwsen side. It was a good day. Happy Mother's Day to all you hard working mothers out there.

2008-05-12T17:43:00.000-07:00

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2008-05-12T16:45:00.000-07:00

2008-05-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

Our Little Ballerina

Today Sydney had her dance recital. She was very nervous, in fact an hour before we had to go, she bumped her back doing a somersault and told me she thought she was too hurt to go to dance. She of course was fine she just didn't want to perform in front of strangers. We got her all dolled up, put her hair in french braids, put on glitter so she shone. That made her a little less nervous, she likes to be beautiful. I also gave her a big hug and told I don't care how she does as long as she tries her best. She went out there looking pretty and performed her little heart out. I was so proud of my big girl. She likes dance but is looking forward to taking the summer off.

2008-04-29T06:22:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Meeuwsen Family Blog. Hang in there as we get it up and running.