01/30/2014 It is 11 days before V turns one. I now understand the famous line parents always tell their 40 year old children, "It was like yesterday we brought you home from the hospital." Haha. It's hard to take in how fast this first year has come and gone. I'm not much for wearing feelings on my sleeve, especially when blogging, but I guess I will make an exception for this Shumway milestone. 
I am so grateful to have V a part of our lives. Life will forever be different. He has changed us. I think of the person I was before, and the person I am now, I can say I never would have made the changes on my own. No wonder motherhood is such a special, and endured experience. It is amazing to me how a child can take your heart, and take so much more from you in a single day. You know the days where you don't know the last time you showered. There you find yourself thinking you don't have anymore to give, then it happens. You get that sweet little smile, or that unexpected hug, slobbery kiss, or heart melting giggle. All of a sudden you find yourself overflowing with the receiving end of love, realizing your child is giving back to you so much more. I'm happy to know that all of the emotional ups and downs, diapers, spit up, crying, feedings, first steps, and first word is all shared with my sweetheart. I am so grateful that my sweetheart does beyond what he "has to." I know these are days to be cherished and gone before we know it. The love between father and son is special too. I see it in my boys. I am grateful for my boys making us a family. For truly because of them, I am Vrouw, and I am mom.  
-The grateful Vrouw

01/22/2014 Today is a landmark day for me. It's been hard and I can't believe today is here. Today marks the one year anniversary of Grandma Joy's passing. The longer she is gone, the more I miss her and realize how much she taught me.

-the Vrouw 

September 2013

Celebrate Grandma through one of Our Funnys.

01/18/2014 Spent the  day in downtown Philly. Independence Hall and Liberty Bell. Through God We Trust this great nation came to be! 

-the Vrouw

Liberty Bell Now.

With siblings at Liberty Bell 1998(far right.)

Outside Independence Hall.

Independence Hall's flag.

The birthplace of the United States of America.

Staying Bundled while waiting in line to tour Independence Hall.

Inside Independence Hall.

Hello Independence Hall.

01/04/2014 My first post of 2014 takes us to our adventure in Washington, D.C. at the end of Christmas break. 

-the Vrouw

Lincoln Memorial was my favorite.

Korean War Memorial.

On the Lincoln memorial steps over looking National Mall.

Air and Space Museum.

National Mall in front of the Capital.

Smithsonian institute.

LDS Nauvoo Temple info at the Smithsonian.

Taking a nap in the front carrier.

Yoda Santa Baby.

United State Botanic Garden.

Clay's favorite building was the Capital.

Walking around the Capital.