is that a ... peacock?

Yes, it's a peacock... on our roof! What is a peacock doing on our roof?

Last night, I put the boys to bed and about 45 minutes later, I heard Kaden asking for me. I went to check on him and as I was heading down the stairs, I looked up and saw this PEACOCK looking at me thru our window in the foyer. He scared the "you know what" out of me! I freaked out!!! I called Kurt on his cell phone and he was only seconds away from the house. I grabbed my camera and ran outside to take these pictures! We were laughing so hard that we could barely stand up!!! Kurt was concerned how to get him down but I told him, "He's a bird; he'll fly down."

FYI: Our neighbors (about 1/2 mile away) have pet peacocks that they just allow to roam.

Only in Michigan, only at the Steensma's. By the way, he was on Tim and Mel roof a few weeks ago!!!

a day of sunshine

It's breathtaking to believe that the Lord has truly blessed Kurt and I. We thank Him daily for trusting us to raise these amazing boys.

Kaden is doing wonderful in his new bed. He's only gotten out of bed a few times. We are working on him understanding the new roles. 1. No standing 2. He may not get out of bed until we come get him. He has books under his pillow and he reads them in the morning and when he wakes up from nap time. He's doing really good. And, Puppy loves his new bed too!!!

an amazing birthday!

Turning 30 isn't so bad! The morning of my birthday, I decided to convert Kaden's crib into a "big boy" bed. By 10:00, when my in-laws showed up, I needed help! My father-in-law took the boys for the day so my mother-in-law and I could spend a day shopping (which we try to do every year on my birthday). We returned home at 4:45 (only 15 minutes late) and Kurt was already home from work. I wasn't too surprised! I just walked into the door when the phone rang. Kurt handed me the phone and said it was my Aunt Abbey. She wished me a happy birthday and kept saying that she was mad! Mad, about what? She said she was mad because she had to carry in her own luggage. "What are you talking about?" I said. Then I heard my uncle in the back ground, "We're upstairs!" No way! I hung up the phone ran to our stairs... jumping up and down. I just about knocked my uncle over when they came down the stairs! I couldn't believe it. I never thought I could get them to Michigan! (Just kidding).

We got ready and went out to dinner. Kurt made reservations at the Fieldstone Inn and had flowers waiting for me at our table! We enjoyed a wonderful meal and decided to go home. About one block from our house, Kurt stops the car and says, "It's time!" My Aunt Abbey took out a cloth napkin from the restaurant (Kurt forgot the blind fold) and blind folded me! At that point, I figured I knew what was going on. What I didn't know was EVERY one of our friends were waiting in our backyard to surprise me with the best birthday party ever! I was shocked! Kurt thought of everything and with lots of help from our friends the party was a success. He even bought fireworks! It was wonderful!

I can't even begin to express how special I felt. I want to thank everyone for attending, for the cards, for the phone calls, and for the thoughts. I am still left speechless! I don't feel any older than 23 but it sure takes longer to recover at 30!

Connor turns 4 years old!

We went to South Haven beach a few weeks ago with Rosalie! The weather was great and the boys loved playing in the sand. But, I think Rosalie was having the most fun. She enjoyed splashing the boys and making them laugh!

Connor had a wonderful birthday! We celebrated by singing "Happy Birthday" (with balloons) to him first thing in the morning! We went out to eat for dinner and over to Chuck Cheese for some fun! He absolutely loved it. On Sunday, we had a small birthday party for him. We grilled hamburgers, ate cake, and opened presents. All he asked for was a garbage truck! Yes, a garbage truck! Do you know how hard it is to find a garbage truck? Well, I finally found one in Florida while I was down there. Kurt and I also got him a fishing pole and Uncle Brian and Aunt Vicky got him a tackle box. On Tuesday, Kurt and Mark Klimp took Connor on his first fishing trip. Wow! He had a blast! Within 10 minutes he caught a fish and Connor said it best when he said, "The fish were HOT!" They caught so many fish and Connor can't wait to go again. He loved it and Kurt had a "Proud Dad" moment!

Congratulations Jonni and Dan! They welcomed their first baby into the world on Tuesday morning, July 3. Her name is Elliana "Ellie" Ruth Hoeksema and she weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces and is absolutely beautiful. Mommy and Baby are doing great!

Oh, Baby!

Oh my! Lindsey is the cutest baby girl! I had a wonderful time in Florida with Kim and James! Lindsey is so sweet and beautiful. She gained a few extra rolls while I was there. It was so nice to finally meet her! Kim is a wonderful mom and Kurt and I couldn't be happier for them.