Thursday, December 31, 2009

This Page Intentionally Left Blank *RE-POST*

A FUN *RE-POST* from September of 2008........


I consider myself a “smart” person.
You know the type.
Seriously, it’s a problem.
My husband says - It’s a “Hulings” thing.
(my maiden name)
According to Dan - (We all think we are smarter than we really are)
And, it’s the worst when we all get together.
Because,
we all talk to each other
like we are SMARTER than we really are
in order to sound smart
in front of each other.

Dan hates it.

(Between you and me - Dan really has no idea how smart we REALLY are)

For those of you that are still reading,
Here is an example:


I WISH with all of my heart,
that I had been the one that wrote the following statement.

SERIOUSLY, I “COULD HAVE” written this.
(in fact, my brother may have written it)

'This Page Intentionally Left Blank' could be one of the oddest sentences in the English language. Found in instruction manuals around the world, it indicates that the page on which it appears has been purposely left empty of words or pictures. But once this phrase has been printed on the page, the page is no longer blank; in fact, it is intentionally not blank. Therefore, this statement is only correct when it has not yet been made. Once it has been written down, it is instantly wrong. By virtue of self-reference, the phrase is denying its own existence and contradicts itself.

Thank you to the genius that wrote down my exact thoughts.
(Thanks, Tony. I’m sure it was you…..)

Grand kids

For all of the times I get a great "sibling shot" during the Holidays, we don't often get a shot of all of the grandkids. Happy Holidays!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

ROCK BAND



The kids are thrilled that Grandma Kim and Aunt Jamie got them ROCK BAND for Christmas. They have spent the last few days JAMMIN' !! Check out the clip below!



The funnest part of ROCK BAND (so far) HAS TO BE when Dan and his brothers did their own version of EYE OF THE TIGER - NICE! Luckily Ryanna was helping out on the drums!


Monday, December 28, 2009

Christmas Morning

How do you know when you're old?
When it's Christmas Morning, and your kids don't believe in Santa Claus anymore. They want to "sleep in" and they already know some of the presents they are getting, because they shopped for them on ebay.....

For the first time in years, we stayed home all day on Christmas 2009.
Hope you had a great holiday!


Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas to my kids!!

When I look at you I see……
a special gift God gave to me.
The reason you’re so special, you see
is because YOU started our family.






When I look at you I see……
a perfect picture of joy and peace.
Our family laughs because of you
while your heart of compassion remains true.









When I look at you I see……
my baby who grew up to be
a special ‘cook’ who humbly lives
while happiness blooms where you freely give.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

My year in status updates.....2009

1. Kristie Cook is still trying to figure out which one of you TP'd my house last night. Good Job!

2. Kristie Cook is wondering how a 14 year old designs a myspace page, texts her friends, talks on AIM, watches TV and studies for a test - ALL AT THE SAME TIME??

3. Kristie Cook just got done working out. (Who am I kidding, I just rode on a bike for 21 minutes. I couldn't make it any longer - plus I needed to check my email)

4. Kristie Cook is excited that Tyler got a lead role in "Fiddler on the Roof" for the Spring Musical!! Congrats Ty!!

5. Kristie Cook spent a happy day with the fam at Cannonsburg. Eyli went on the chair lift for the first time!! (No, mom still will NOT go on it - too scary!!)

6. Kristie Cook is at Crystal Mountain with the fam for the night! No snowboarding for me - I'll sit here in the cabin and drink hot cocoa!

7. Kristie Cook can't really write the status I want to, because it is inappropriate. (Although it would be really funny.)I'll just say - wish me luck today!!

8. Kristie Cook is still laughing at her husband, who told me last night: "I was always shy around girls - I still am - put me in a room w/ 5 woman, & I CLAM UP & can't talk!"

9. Kristie Cook just got done practicing her song for the WMAAA Talent Show - (luckily my singing partners could both be starring on BROADWAY - they make me sound good)

10. Kristie Cook now remembers why (6 years ago) she VOWED never to watch The Bachelor again. I roped my husband into watching the last hour, he will now make fun of me 4 weeks.

11. Kristie Cook HAS THE DAY OFF!! Will spend the whole day with my cute husband. Don't be jealous!

12. Kristie Cook is happy her friend, Carolyn FINALLY joined the cool people and got on FACEBOOK!!! Welcome to the "in" crowd, girl!

13. Kristie Cook - apparently my 12-year old son sends at least 100 text messages a day?? I made him read them all to me, so I could BLOG about them.....

14. Kristie Cook Can NOT believe my husband only checks his email every 5 days...... Are you kidding me???

15. Kristie Cook Is thinking of starting my SIT-UPS regimen today! (In hopes that I will be able to wear a bikini in 3 days) Maybe I should have started it last month?

16. Kristie Cook - Mexican sunshine makes you RED! Enjoying the day INSIDE - another massage, maybe?? Can't beat Spring Break.....

17. Kristie Cook I officially made a decision this morning...I am sending for my kids and my dog, and staying here in Mexico - It's been so nice knowing the rest of you! I'm sure I'll see you again in Heaven.....

18. Kristie Cook to all of you people who want me to "tell your husband to call me back" - I'm going to say this once and for all - I have been asking him to CALL ME BACK for 18 years - hasn't worked yet. So, if any of you talk to him - have him call me back.......

19. Kristie Cook is happy I won the bet with Jeff. New coffee cup for me..... ;)

20. Kristie Cook - Dear Facebook: No matter how many times you offer it to me as a "suggestion" - I will not "become a fan" of "I love McDonalds".......

21. Kristie Cook Oh My Goodness - my son conducted his FIRST "Cook Underground" quote today - and got the job......(Maybe Dan should let him QUOTE all of the jobs? - Just an idea)

22. Kristie Cook Original Plan for the day: Housework, Laundry, Mass Mailing to every kid in the school. Actual Day: Took kids to Grandpas Boat for a ride, Visited the love of my life at his job-site, watched the nephews play at the mall PLAY area, and went to Starbucks.

23. Kristie Cook is wondering what it means when my kids are MUCH MORE upset that the "oxy clean" guy died VS Michael Jackson.......

24. Kristie Cook interesting how vacation breeds hope.............the question always remains - is it false?

25. Kristie Cook Just now realized that I have a wireless signal in the camper....... I have been walking down to the registration booth every morning for the past week. [I am so lazy]

26. Kristie Cook is 'working' with Dan today. (wearing a white shirt, drinking starbucks, texting, checking facebook, running for parts, reading a romance novel....)

27. Kristie Cook is once again at the campground laundrymat....i should just sleep in this little room.

28. Kristie Cook hanging in GH with my friends, waiting for the parade to start.....

29. Kristie Cook what does it mean when you are using a public (school) bathroom and the door reads ' I love tyler cook' ? ? ? the kid is 12......

30. Kristie Cook just now realized that 18 years ago today- I started 'going out' with my best friend....

31. Kristie Cook Hoping everyone in Fruitport is OK!! A HUGE 5-minute storm wiped out a TON of houses/businesses.....Dan just went to try and help Grandma, whose yard is covered in trees.

32. Kristie Cook still thinking of my fruitport friends and family......but, no worries- both starbucks stores (gh & sternberg) are open and operational!!!

33. Kristie Cook - Still no power at the school = another day off for me! SNOWDAY!! I think I'll have another cup of coffee......

34. Kristie Cook is listening to Tyler read the Bible with his Aunt Jamie. And, listening to Aunt Jamie explain what it means to Tyler.... <3

35. Kristie Cook Excited about the weekly "Flashback Friday" on the blog.....

36. Kristie Cook may see a dim light at the end of a very long tunnel......oh wait, it could just be the reflection of a tiny gum wrapper.....

37. Kristie Cook my sister just went school shopping with us....she says " it would take me 3 whole days to make enough money to buy your kids school supplies"....hmm

38. Kristie Cook enjoying the *priceless* look on my (rule follower) 10 year old's face when we passed a 'two men and a truck' moving truck .... and there were 3 men in the front seat.

39. Kristie Cook yes, it is possible to flush your car keys down the toilet.......in case you wondered.

40. Kristie Cook just realized the only thing I ate today was 3 Cinnamon Dolce Lattes..........

41. Kristie Cook- ahhh, confidence feels good. It is invigorating to know that operation 'be quiet and sweep everything under the rug' is officially OVER.

42. Kristie Cook riding in the van while my daughter is driving......God help me.

43. Kristie Cook -So much to say....Today I am thankful for the wonderful people I call friends. Today I am sad that my best friend left for 3 days to go to camp - (even if it is because he loves the kids @ WMAAA). Today I am excited that my baby niece will be born. Today I am anxious about my future. Today I am disappointed that some people can't stand up for what's right, because of fear. Today I am happy that God is on my side.

44. Kristie Cook I have a beautiful baby named after me! Alayna Kristine was born at 1:55 pm, 8lbs 4oz - Congrats Andy, Karrie, Dominic and Brecken!

45. Kristie Cook Nobody came make me *laugh* like my best friend - After telling me 3 camp stories I was laughing so hard I couldn't breathe! I'm so happy he's home!

46. Kristie Cook standing in the rain doing dismissal duty....and,as always, looking for the promise of a rainbow through the clouds

47. Kristie Cook Just when I was starting to doubt myself, I have a long talk with my Grandma, and realize I am still on the right track..... Grandmas have a special way of encouraging you to stand up for what is right....

48. Kristie Cook -The bad news is the transmission went out. The worse news is that I can't drive to starbucks at my convenience.......

49. Kristie Cook Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers for my dad! He is resting comfortably, and continues to be an encouragement to all of us around him.

50. Kristie Cook -Psalm 122:6........may all who love this place PROSPER.......

51. Kristie Cook about to drive my 13 year old to the gas station so he and his friend can buy a red-bull (I think they want to pull an all-nighter) - I have to be the worst mom in the world..............

52. Kristie Cook about to sit through a sudden death overtime at the WMC regional soccer finals......i hope my dad's heart can take this excitement!

53. Kristie Cook About to head outside and pick some money off of the money tree in my back yard........

54. Kristie Cook -Gosh darnit. I. Miss. My. Harley.

55. Kristie Cook Enjoyed my day off with my niece and nephews......I asked Dominic if Baby Layna could have A GUMMY SAVER too. He said, "NOOOOO, Baby Layna eats boobs, Dom eats gummies!"

56. Kristie Cook God bless STARBUCKS, and the cute boy who brought it to me - which makes my crappy day *bright* again.

57. Kristie Cook I love my son with his brilliant 'tech mind', as he just FIXED my printer by taking it apart and putting it back together - He even had a piece left - he just said, "Oh well, this will be good to PICK MY TEETH with!"

58. Kristie Cook - Besides all of the REALLY important things, like FAMILY, FRIENDS and GOD's GRACE, I spent Thanksgiving incredibly thankful for the word *integrity* and the Public Act No. 267 of 1976.

59. Kristie Cook -In honor of my last 30 days with braces on my teeth, I went ALL OUT and got RED bands put on today. Merry Christmas!

60. Kristie Cook just decided to leave the Christmas lights plugged in over night...for the 1st time EVER...because my 13 yr old told me it would be impossible to start the tree on fire that way. (mythbusters is his favorite show)

Friday, December 18, 2009

FLASHBACK Friday - The LAST DAY

It was December of 2006 and it was the LAST DAY before Christmas Break. The day when everyone is happy, everything is about excitement, and the kids are bouncing off the walls. At the time, my brother Tony was also on staff at the school, as the in-house "techie". I guess it must have been the spirit of Christmas that prompted him to bring his guitar to work that day, as I don't think he even likes to sing Christmas Carols. It started off as a mini version of O Holy Night in the hallway, but progressed into a full-fledged traveling concert throughout the school.


The energy that poured out of those kids flowed straight to our hearts as we continued to deliver many different versions of Rudolph, Frosty and any other fun Christmas Songs we could come up with.
The kids sang and danced.
They jumped and wiggled.
They cheered and hugged.
Because, on THE LAST DAY everyone is happy.

It was one of the most enjoyable days of my life, not just because of the kids, but also because I spent some great quality time singing with my "rock-star" brother. You know, Tony and I didn't always see eye-to-eye when we grew up. But, it's moments like THAT ONE when I realize - 'yep, he's MY brother.' We both walked away into our Christmas Break with a happier heart and a sore throat.

One of my precious parents, WENDY, snapped the photo above. When I returned from Christmas Break that year, a copy appeared on my desk. I kept it in my desk for at least 2 years, and then misplaced it. I spent the last few weeks looking for it, to show you. I was unable to locate it, so I emailed her last night asking her if she had an extra copy. It appeared in my inbox this morning.

On this LAST DAY before break, I continue to stand in amazement at the outpouring of wonderful people that I have been blessed to know while working at this fabulous little school.

Friday, December 4, 2009

FLASHBACK Friday - making memories

One of the funnest days in my life was the day my brother, Andy, got married.

Tony, Jamie and I wrote a musical poem for him and Karrie, based on some childhood memories. We performed it at their reception and up until TODAY there has only been one VHS copy of this performance. In honor of FLASHBACK Friday, I took Grandma's VHS tape, and had it converted to a digital format.

The good news: We finally have a DIGITAL copy of it.
The bad news: The video quality is really bad (but, it's still worth watching for the audio!)

As I re-watch it tonight, I think the scariest part might be my dance moves....

It was August 16, 2003 and....

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Thankful





We were extremely thankful to spend THANKSGIVING with Grandma Nancy from Florida! She came up for a visit, and the kids loved having her here. We were lucky enough to get a picture of all the grandkids. But, you all know how that is - Tyler is always the one that looks out of place. He gets that from his dad.....

Friday, November 27, 2009

FLASHBACK Friday

***NEW PHOTOS** This is the actual picture after the accident -

It was A LONG TIME AGO at 4 pm. Because I was only allowed to watch TV for an hour a day, I reserved the TV for the time when the 2nd greatest show came on – Different Strokes. [The 1st greatest show being – MacGyver] I had seen every episode, so the day seemed pretty normal. As I recall, my mom was making dinner in the kitchen, and I was watching TV in my parent’s bedroom. The typical kitchen smells hung in the air. My brothers weren’t bothering me at the time, because they were outside playing with their friends, so I was as HAPPY as can be.

The sound was one I could never describe in words, yet will never forget.
The screeching of car tires.
My first thought – “That was a weird sound”
My second thought – “I wonder if my mom heard that”
My third thought – “I wonder why it seemed so close to our house”
My fourth thought became verbal – “MOM?”
No answer.
“MOM?”
No answer.
Hmm. I could still smell the dinner on the stove.
“MOM???”
No answer.
That was when I began to panic.
I ran to the kitchen to see the back door wide open.
Mom was gone.
I heard screaming from outside.
I ran out into the driveway and saw my mom holding my little brother in the road.

The car had hit him straight on.
I froze.
He wasn’t moving, so I assumed the worst.
My thoughts were jumbled, but mostly I felt guilt. Guilt for previously feeling HAPPY that he had been outside, instead of bothering me inside.

By the grace of GOD, Andy made it through the day with nothing but a few scratches on his face.

As Thanksgiving passes I am reminded that saying, “I’m thankful for my family” can become cliché.
In fact, yesterday I made a list of the things I was thankful for,
On the top of my list was: family
When I typed the word – I said, “DUH” – and moved to the next thing on my list.
But, honestly, I am thankful today for my siblings.

This could quite possibly be the first picture of the four us. I have no idea why my hair looks like that, or why Tony looks like he’s on drugs.

I spent some quality time with them today, and thanked God for annoying brothers, and sisters who get whatever they want.....

Thanksgiving family pictures










This is the best we could do.....

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

WAIT, Where does the BLUE one go?

This was the scene in my living room tonight.


I think it started out as, "Dad, those cords are all sloppy - can we straighten them out, it looks horrible!"

After....
2 hours &
1 trip to meijers &
2 trips to dads trailer for parts &
4 trips to garage for tools &
10 trips down to utility room to find LIVE cable feed &
1 trip out to dads trailer to bring in HIS cable box &
moving wireless router and modem to behind the TV &
1 trip down to my bedroom to get my cable box &
6 times telling Dudley to get out of the way &
10 minutes to stop and eat dinner.....

Our cable is working.
And our internet is working.

When Dad and Dan get together, there is NO TELLING what can happen. And now they got Tyler to help them out. (Thank goodness, he's the smart one of the bunch)

I am reminded of a time SO long ago....
It was October of 1994, and I believe it started when dad called Dan and said, "Hey Danny, what are you guys doing right now?....."

Oops, nevermind.
Doesn't it feel like Friday?......

Sunday, November 22, 2009

I heart.....

..my son,
and his incredible
"tech mind"...
As he just
successfully FIXED
my printer by
taking it apart
and putting it back together.
he even had a piece left over
he just said
"I'll just use this to PICK MY TEETH"
and walked away.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

FLASHBACK "Saturday?" [sorry]

You only get just one time around
You only get one shot at this
One chance, to find out
The one thing that you don't wanna miss
One day when it's all said and done
I hope you see that it was enough, this
One ride, one try, one life...
To love....


Because I'm still sorting through video of our New York Trip......
It was STILL July of 2007, and......

We ordered STARBUCKS for the first time in NYC.....



We met Regis and Kelly (well OK, we just talked to them).....



I played on the piano from the movie- BIG.....

Congratulations Tyler!



Tyler continues to amaze us by his ability to act on stage. This week he successfully starred in the school's production of "All I really needed to know I learned by being in a bad play" - which was a spoof on the ins-and-outs of theatre & actors. Tyler's "I'm not wearing any pants?" scene was a side-splitter, as the whole play had an extra emphasis on HUMOR.

Congratulations, Tyler!
When you make it to Hollywood some day, don't forget about your poor parents..........

Friday, November 13, 2009

Flashback FRIDAY - I miss my Harley

It was July of 2007 and Dan and I were blessed to be able to take a 2-week motorcycle trip to the East Coast and back. I am not sure I ever had as much FUN as I did those 2 weeks. After reviewing some video footage, I found a couple of my favorite clips from the trip.

Enjoy!




Thursday, November 12, 2009

Complete Faith.....

Why do I always wonder what the finish line looks like?

I keep thinking the finish line should look like-
Me
Loving life
With these evil people
Somewhere other than
Interacting with me on a daily basis.

I keep thinking the finish line should look like-
Me
Doing my job
Smiling at people
Because my enemies
Went POOF
And disappeared off the face of the planet.

I keep thinking the finish line should look like-
Evil people
Forgetting about me
After they admit they were wrong
And tell me they are sorry
For targeting me unfairly.

I keep thinking the finish line should look like-
Me
being happy.

That’s my problem.
It has nothing to do with MY happiness.
I woke up this morning and realized maybe I’m almost there.

The finish line will look like-
Me
In this same situation God wants me in
Exercising FAITH in the fact
That He has it under control
Where he will deliver justice
In whatever way He sees fit
While I just have to worry about
How I need to honor HIM in all I do
And forget about the rest of it
And maybe even stop blogging about it

Because then I would have
COMPLETE FAITH.......

Saturday, November 7, 2009

When will it be finished?

I couldn’t come up with the words on my own,
so, I stole these words.

The last year of my life:
Those who hate me without cause are more numerous than the hairs on my head. These enemies who seek to destroy me are doing so without cause. They attack me with lies.

I cried:
Arise O Lord, in anger!
Stand up against the fury of my enemies!
Wake up, My God, and bring Justice!
Let the wicked be disgraced; let them lie silent in the grave.
May their lying lips be silenced.

I screamed:
Go away, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my crying!
The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly.

I heard:
Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

I read:
Don’t put your confidence in powerful people;
there is no help for you there.

I thought:
I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me?

I said:
Only by Your power can we push back our enemies; only in Your name can we trample our foes. It is You who gives us victory over our enemies; it is You who humbles those who hate us.

I asked:
Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth!
Grant me purity of heart, that I may honor you.

When it’s FINISHED, what will it look like?
Unfailing love and truth have met together.
Righteousness and peace have kissed!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

So sorry.....

......to disappoint you all.

WRITER'S BLOCK.

Right now I have 2 really great blog posts running around in my head, but I can't seem to get them out on paper.

Problem when that happens is - No OTHER blog posts come out either.


PS: That means FLASHBACK Friday is takin' a week off.....

Friday, October 30, 2009

Flashback FRIDAY - Thank you, Mr. Ross

It was April 25 of 2008, and the place was packed! People arrived in style as the theme of the night was a ‘classy JAZZ.’ It was the first Art Auction that Dan couldn’t make it to, and everyone kept asking me where he was. My answer of “he’s at a mens retreat” didn’t seem to go over well, as Dan had been the life of the party for every Art Auction past.

I didn’t bid on anything during the silent auction, as I only had my eye on ONE thing. The students of WMAAA had worked on a collaborative project that Spring. It consisted of EVERY student in the school creating an individual collage. Each grade level had a different animal, and color scheme. A local artist then took all of the collages, and combined them into one giant collage. The giant collage was then cut into two big pieces and individually framed.


They were the only artwork pieces that were being auctioned in the LIVE auction. In hopes that everyone else would be out of money, I saved my every penny and made sure my paddle was ready!

I realized I had no chance after my first bid, as my competitor was Mr. Ross.
I looked at him and mouthed the words, “Are you kidding me?”
I couldn’t believe my bad luck.
Out of everyone in the room, I couldn’t believe Mr. Ross was going to bid against me.
Every year for the past 9 years, our girls had been in every classroom together at WMAAA. And every year, he came to the auction and made large contributions to our community.

Everything in me wanted to say
“It’s OK, you can just have it…..”
Everything in me wanted to say
“But, I really want it…..”

He just looked at me and smiled.
I gave him a SMALL run-for-his-money, but was smart enough to realize that I was WAY out of my league. As the auctioneer yelled, “SOLD, to Mr. Ross” everyone cheered and I clapped for the man that had given SO much to a community SO small.

At the end of the event, he approached me and said, “So, why did you want that artwork so badly?” My response was somewhat matter-of-fact, as I explained that the artwork was
A representation of US...
An exact PICTURE of what we are...
A piece of every child that is impacted by our unique community....

He made a statement that I will never forget. “Well Mrs. Cook, you have given so much to this community, I want you to have one of them….” His kind words that followed spoke volumes, as he used words like ‘genuine’ and ‘dedication’ while describing ME.

It now hangs in my hallway near my children’s bedrooms. When people see it, they usually do a double-take, as it’s not really BEAUTIFUL or anything.
Nobody asks about it.
They just look at it, and move on.

But, every time I walk past it,
I am reminded of a place where
A group of adults represent words like: Dedication, Honor, and Integrity
I am reminded of a place where
A group of kids HAVE FUN, and secretly learn at the same time
I am reminded of a place where
It takes a community to raise a child
I am reminded of a place where
God placed me……..

Thank you, again, Mr. Ross.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

My HERO

When I think back to this week in the coming years, I will remember it as the ONLY time in my life that I begged God for something. Before this, I asked Him for so many things. I have even REPEATEDLY asked Him for things. But, I don’t think I had ever BEGGED Him for something, until the night my dad’s heart stopped.

The call came in at 1:12 am on Thursday to Dan's phone. It’s a blessing in itself that he actually answered it. When Dan woke me up he tried to cushion the blow. But, how do you really do that? “Kristie, you need to STAY CALM - That was Robin, your dad is in the ER, he just had a heart-attack.”

I don’t really know what the NORMAL following statement should be.

But, for me, it was like I went into BEGGING mode.
It was like my conversation was with God, even though I was talking to Dan.

NOOOO.
He has TOO many people that he STILL needs to help.
You and I both know that this earth WILL NOT BE better off without him.
We NEED him here!
You and I both know that he shares the gospel with so many people every day.
HE HELPS SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE!!!
WHO will help all those people if he is not here?
We NEED him HERE!!

Over the next 24 hours, I never stopped begging.

I guess my Father agreed with me,
as my father has been given
an ‘over-time’ period on life,
which means I’m blogging today,
instead of writing a eulogy.

I don’t think I realized the truth of my BEGGING words until I watched the outpouring of support throughout the past 3 days. I literally spent the "waiting for him to come out of surgery" time, with a couple I had never even met before. They just told us, "Dave would be here for us". They stayed all night and into the morning.
I didn't even know them.

When I said, “HE HELPS SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE!!!”, I was right.

As a father & grandfather, he hasn’t just impacted the lives of his family;
As a Pastor, he hasn’t just impacted the lives of his congregation;
As a Coach, he hasn’t just impacted the lives of his players;
As a Chaplain, he hasn’t just impacted the lives of the police force;
As a Speaker, he hasn’t just impacted the lives of Educational Leadership in Michigan;
As a Servant of the Lord,
he HAS impacted the saved & unsaved souls of this world to further the Kingdom of God.

And that is why
I begged for my hero.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Flashback FRIDAY - Happy Birthday, Tyler

It was October of 1996, when the Lord looked down on me and decided to give me one of the biggest BLESSINGS of my life. I often wonder what I ever did to deserve such a blessing; I'm sure it probably has more to do with Dan than me. The Lord picked one of His Extra Special babies and gave him to me to take care of.


In honor of Tyler's 13th Birthday,
here are a few fun facts about how great he is.


  • Every time there is a Holiday or Birthday, Tyler is always the one that spends time developing a special gift right from his heart. I carry this card in my little Bible wherever I go. He is just a very thoughtful individual, with a special heart for others:


  • He is just like his dad - which means he is PURE entertainment:


  • When he was younger, he spent most of his time standing on his head. He was actually obsessed with it, and would stay that way for hours, watching TV (upside down):


  • He LOVES Dogs - any size, shape, or kind.




  • He has a cousin that was born less than 2 weeks after him, and has spent every year with him at the same school, in the same grade - Blare.


  • When he was younger, he actually had one toy box for toys, and another toy box just for toy GUNS. He had 87 toy guns at one point in his life. Maybe he'll be a cop someday.

Thank you, Lord for blessing me with such a special kid. I know that I don't deserve to be the mom of one of the top-notch, extra-special kids, and I am extremely thankful to be blessed by his presence in my life!

Happy 13th Birthday, Tyler!!