Special Memories

A couple weeks ago (wow has it been that long already) we were blessed to have Jeff's mom and dad come out for a visit. Our time together went way too quickly of course. The girls LOVE having Grandpa and Grandma come for a visit and sleep at their house. Our spare room is actually called Grandpa Westra's room. Living far away from family is very difficult. The one positive about it is being able to make these special memories when G and G come to visit. It's not typicall to have a grandpa and grandma tuck you in at night, wake up with you in the morning (or slightly after you :o) ), play with you all day, and start it all over again. I am so thankful that God has given them this time before planting begins in the spring, to make the trek to Michigan to make these special memories with Miya, Jayds, and little Melanie ( and of course mom and dad too). Thank you. We love you both dearly.
Riding with Grandpa on the tractor.
Riding bikes and having Grandpa wipe the tears when I fall.
Rescuing the tent.

Making a snowman....in 50 degree weather.

Can you tell who was running the camera? ? ? Grandma, soooo sorry I didn't take any pictures any of you with the kiddos. I HAVE to fix that the next time.

More Melanie

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Change In Plans

Jeff is the one with the news....he is now employed by Wilbur Ellis. Jeff has been working at Green Valley since he moved to MI eight years ago. For the most part he has enjoyed his work and those he worked with and has a lot of respect for the owners. One down side of that job was the dreaded season of early spring to early summer. During that time he would leave the house at 5 and not return until 11. During the not as busy season he was still responsible to open and close the office which didn't leave a lot of room for flexibility. We know there are many that don't have jobs at this time and we were thankful he had a job. When the offer from Wilbur Ellis came, he was SHOCKED! He had never thought of working for another company so it was a little stressful around here as we weighed the pros and cons of a new job. The biggest positive being more time at home. The location Jeff is now working at doesn't do custom application (spreading and spraying). That means no CRAZY long hours for weeks on end. Jeff's responsibility is strictly sales. For those of you that know him well, you know how much he enjoys going out, meeting people and getting to know them. While Jeff was doing sales at GV, he also had to keep everything in-line at the plant. Now he has one focal point. The location he's working out of is a bit longer of a drive, however, he doesn't have to be there. His office is his truck.

Jeff has been a totally different person over the past few weeks. He is much more happy and much less stressed. He has had breakfast with the girls on numerous occasions, been able to bring Miya to preschool several times, and been home before suppers even started (oops). We are definitely not in a routine yet and have some logistical kinks to work out. We also know that the spring will still be a busy time for him, but are hopeful that he'll be home more then last year.

We are very thankful that God has given this new opportunity to Jeff to provide for his family and be home a little more too.

Naughty Melanie

Here's a couple videos that show what a little stinker Melanie is. Not many people believe that she can be naughty since she's so quiet most of the time. Not the case. I had a long video of her with the cupcake, I'll keep trying to upload it along with some more of her taking toys away from big sisters. As for the lucky charm video....as soon as I shut the camera off she started crying!! She no longer get to eat lucky charms for breakfast cause she only eats the marshmallows and that's not enough to keep her growing tummy full. She is almost up to the 10th percentile on the 'corrected age' growth chart. She weighs 19lbs 11oz so she still gets to stay in her infant car seat (ugggh that thing is heavy). She also gets to stay on formula (and bottles) for most of her milk. We can try giving her whole milk in a sippy cup spiked with Carnation Instant Breakfast for added calories and taste :) I will try to post again very soon with some very exciting news....no we're NOT preggo.

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