The boys had left to the store so it was just Parker and me playing on the floor in the living room. Parker and I had been there a while mixing back and forth play with therapy. This particular session we had been playing extra hard with walking and crawling. Parker had been doing a great job, she was keeping motivated and wanted me to push her more. I could tell she was getting tired. In an effort to give her a break I sat her in my lap and began to sing to her to distract her from what she had been doing. The words that came out of my mouth had a very new, very real, and very literal meaning this time. My mind and soul processed them differently.

A I am a child of God,
And he has sent me here, ...Yes you are, and yes He did. We were told  a long time ago you would come.
Has given me an earthly home
With parents kind and dear. ...As your parent every day is hard, and it tests me. But I am trying my best because I love you.

 Chorus
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,...Yes, yes, I  literally am. I am here. We are doing it right now. We will "shift, lift, step" our way to walking and beyond!
Help me find the way.... As long as you need it, I will always guide your little hands to open and close, or to find that little mouth with that spoon.
Teach me all that I must do. We are learning together, I think I am learning more from you. I see the joy in our journey. Its beautiful. Wow, I love you little sweet pea. I can't believe you are MY daughter. 
To live with him someday...You are that special. You'll make it baby, don't you worry.

-The Vrouw
"I am a child of God"
 Words: Naomi Ward Randall,
Music: Mildred Tanner Pettit,

12-11-2015

 

Parker loves walking

crawling to knock down the pins

Its potty time

The Ronald McDonald house hospitality was humbling

Santa even found us at the Ronald House

Wednesday marked the half way point of Parker's school. We finish a week from today. Things are going beyond what we expected. We are having so much fun, learning tons, and playing so hard. I am learning what Parker is doing, and what she is capable of doing, is nothing shy of miraculous.  Although therapy for three hours a day Monday through Friday  for a 1 year old is no easy task. Both of us girls have had our share of tears, wining, and times of frustration and exhaustion. When I am falling to anxiety and insecurities, I find the moments where I feel the faith, love, support, and prayers of others around me like a blanket of rejuvenation and hope. Like an added measure of love from the Savior.  Peace, knowing the Lord is aware of me and the little family I have stewardship to. Aware of the motherly mantle every mother frets to fill for her children.
I am so grateful for caring therapists who think about Parker beyond the moment we walk out their door.
This experience is one I would never trade. So blessed to have a mom and family who make the best cheerleaders!
-The Vrouw

Happy Birthday Parker

8/28/2015 
There is just something about siblings. 

06/15/2014 Happy Father's Day to all of our great dads, brothers, grandpas, uncles, and cousins out there! I am so grateful for the wonderful men in my life who have lead and loved by example. 

The boys just before church today.

On this Father's Day where we are expecting our second, I'm especially grateful for my sweetheart. Clay does so much for me, and makes up for where I fall short. He is endlessly patient, and manages to laugh when I think I deserve a yellin' at. I appreciate how much thought and effort Clay puts into making my every day life better. To be happy is what he wants for me, and happy he makes me. He works endlessly to preside, provide, and protect for our little family. Clay is a great dad, and Vander's love for him is just a reflection of that Dad greatness. I am so blessed to be his sweetheart, and be the one he calls Vrouw. 

"Happy Father's Day" to all of you wonderful men who have made our lives better because you are part of it. 

-the Vrouw 



I know blogging isn't much of a guy thing, but this video is MADE WITH LOVE for some of the guys that have so greatly blessed our lives. 

 

12/03/2013 Beauty and the Beast 
Clay surprised me with dinner, babysitter, and tickets to the Philadelphia Broadway play. We loved it!!! 

-the Vrouw

 12/02/2013 Thanksgiving was a surprise in Arizona! My Mother-in-law was turning 50 and that was excuse enough to surprise-fly out there!

-the Vrouw

Happy Day from us. WISH WE COULD BE THERE (prank picture)! 

Video of Mom finding out V came to see her.

Just before good-bye at the airport.

10/31/2013 HAPPY HALLOWEEN from Tortilla chip lady, Gerber baby, and Bob Ross. 

-the Vrouw 

 10/20/2013 HAPPY BIRTHDAY to this handsome man! To celebrate we busted out the broiled lamb chops and homemade banana cream pie. I'm so grateful for this Mr. that makes me the Vrouw. "Happy Birthday Sweetheart!"

-the Vrouw

BIG 27!

Around 2 years old.

Senior year as a Norman Tiger.

This fall with baby V.

I no longer have to wait since it is officially Fall season. I love busting out my favorite 3 ingredient pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe! I have already made them twice for dessert with two different sets of dinner guests. ha. So here is how it goes:

1 carrot cake mix or spice
1 small can of pumpkin
1 12 oz bag of chocolate chips

350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Always milk and cookies.

-The Vrouw