New Beginnings

So I guess it is probably time to make it blog official. I have accepted a new position with a new dental office :) God's timing always amazes me and this time was no different. I had been with my previous office for 7 years (still doesn't seem real). There I had grown so much as a dental hygienist. I fell more in love with my job and the opportunities it brought to help people - the real reason I wanted to be in this profession. I made amazing friendships not only with my co workers but also my patients. I loved getting involved in their families - watching the kids grow up and families adding new family members. But there were also some challenges and I felt God was telling me it was time to step out of my comfort zone and take a chance on something new. But He knew my fear of change and knew He was going to have to help me. So He threw an opportunity at me at just the right time - when I was discouraged and needing some direction. And because I finally chose to follow His plan and not be so scared of change I am in an awesome place that God is showing me He wanted me to be. I am soooooo excited about this new office and the opportunities I am already seeing. So while I am having a bit of a hard time missing my patients and co workers I truly feeling God's presence in this move. So if you are in the market for a new dentist you can find me at Dr. Zuidema and Dr. Hess Family dentistry :)

Goodbye to the old

And in with the new :)

with love from the zoo

Sad day in America

I don't know where to begin or what to say besides my heart is breaking for people I don't even know. But being a mom instantly unites me with these people. I just don't understand how any one could hurt a child let alone 20 children. I look at Cohen and his sweet innocence and I just want to cry!! How? Why? Every day as I drop Cohen off for school I look at him and wonder what his day will be like. Will he be picked on by his class mates or other kids on the playground? Does he have friends? Is he being nice to those around him? I want to wrap my arms around him and tell him I will be there soon to pick him up, that I love him and to be nice to everyone around him. I can't imagine what it was like for those mom's to one minute be dropping off their kids for the last day of the week and then a few hours later finding out they will never take that child home. That the Christmas presents that were already purchased will not be opened Christmas morning. As I folded laundry tonight I began sobbing when I folded Cohen's shirts knowing that somewhere tonight a mom is going to see her son's laundry and be reminded her son will never wear those clothes again. Deep down I am glad that today is Friday. I think it would be really hard to bring Cohen to school tomorrow. I held them tight tonight. I held them and kissed them and thanked God that He is in control! And I will continue to pray for those who's arms ache tonight and can't hold/kiss there little angels.

Kirsten is 4 months

So again time has gotten away from me but our little Kirsten is 4 months old!!! I can't believe how fast time flies! Kirsten- you have been such a blessing to this family. I love how you smile all the time when we talk to you. And boy do you like to talk back - telling stories I am sure if we could understand. You want to sit up so bad by yourself. You have found your hands and have them constantly in your mouth. You are getting better at sleeping thru the night although you do have your nights :)

Happy Girl

Can you believe it?

Our little angel

We pray everyday for you

with love from the zoo

Santa?

The other day I took the kids to one of our local malls. This time of year there is a large train display for Christmas. This is one of Cohen's favorite things about Christmas. Last year my parents took him and they spent 2 hours there!!! So I took all three after picking Cohen up from school. Cohen's face lit up when we walked in and he saw why we were there. There were a lot of kids there running around the track trying to catch up with their favorite train running around the track. There is so much to look at - many different scenes with people, cars, animals and of course the different trains going in and out of tunnels. So we had been there for a while and I was showing Kendall some different things all the while keeping an eye on Cohen running around the tracks when I realized I didn't see him any more. No reason to panic he wouldn't leave the trains. So I wheeled the stroller around the tracks - NO COHEN! I look down one hallway - NO COHEN. I look down the other hallway - there's Cohen - sitting on Santa's lap - just chatting it up with him!! I just laughed and wheeled the girls over to him. Santa informed me that Cohen had asked for a real bird for Christmas. WHAT? Of all the things Cohen sees on TV and tells me to ask Santa for - he finally gets the chance and he asks for a real bird? Oh boy! I found out later that he had asked Santa for a RIO bird - a bird from the movie - not a real bird - whew!! :)

Cohen and Santa

Kendall wanted nothing to do with Santa until he brought out the candy canes - but then just as fast ran back to me :)

With love from the zoo

Thanksgiving 2012

Wow! I am seriously slaking lately on my blogging! Life has been super busy and I can't believe we are nearing the Christmas season. But first I thought I would rewind and share a little on our Thanksgiving. This year we headed down to Kentucky to see/spend time with Keith's family. Keith took a shortened day and we started our trip a little after 2:00 Wednesday afternoon. And they were not kidding when they said more people would be on the roads this year. We ran into several backups on the way down but thankfully the kids did well and we arrived safely that night. Thursday morning we have a tradition of running or walking the  Turkey Trot. This year there was a record 17,000 participants. Keith, his uncle Arnie and cousin Micah ran and I ran/walked. It was probably the best conditions we have ever had. Keith's dad and Aunt Susan watched/encouraged about half way thru the race. Afterwards we went back to Grandma Great's house, took a shower and got ready to head out to Arnie and Susan's house for the "feast." And boy was it a feast!! It was wonderful spending time with family!!
            That night Keith's parents took kid duty and Keith and I did our annual Black Friday Shopping. We had so much fun just being able to spend time with each other and finding great gifts for the kids. After shopping we headed back and tried to catch a couple hours of sleep before the kids woke up. Friday and Sat were spent spending time relaxing and catching up with each other. Sat night we celebrated Christmas since we making the trip to Kentucky is a little much to do 2 times in 2 months. Sunday we woke up and headed home. We love our family so much and it is really hard to only spend such a short time with them but our very grateful for them!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Working up an appetite 

I think we liked it :)

 Sleepy time

Susan and Arnie opening their gifts

Grandma and Grandpa Great

Big Hugs

with love from the zoo

Election 2012

While it may not have gone the way we wanted I am still very thankful for the opportunity and freedom we have to say in who runs our government. It was fun to bring the girls with me and talk to my kids about America and freedoms we have. So as we enter another 4 years let us keep those appointed to our government in our prayers!

And a few just more pictures just because :)

with love from the zoo

Kirsten 3 months

Oh Kirsten - please stop growing!!!! Although I do LOVE all of the new things you are doing! You love to smile whenever someone gives you any attention. You belly laugh frequently esp when we shake your legs. You love to babble - even if it is time to be sleeping like 2:30 in the morning!!

High Five - we made it to 3 months!!

Love my teddy :)

Look at these cheeks!!

Bath Time

Sisters

with love from the zoo