Mariska

Mariska turned two today. She is no longer my little baby. We love her so much. Even though she frustrates me, I am so grateful she is with with me. Here is how our little girl has grown in the last two years. We love you Mariska and are glad you are ours. Happy Birthday!

I was sad when Mariska grew out of this hat.

I love her eyes.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures. Thank you Lore for the idea. We love our little girl and look forward to the many years ahead.

Happy Birthday Mariska

Since Mariska's birthday falls the day after Thanksgiving we had her birthday party with her Friends today. We had a lot of fun. Mariska's favorite movie right now is Shrek so we did a Shrek theme. The kids really seemed to have a good time and it was a lot of fun to chat and catch up with the mom's.
I am a really crummy cake decorator so we improvised and I call the Shrek cakes. The kids really liked them and they were cute.



Our first activity was play dough. Mariska loves to play with the dough and it was fun to see the moms helping the kids create masterpieces.


Mariska was a little hesitant about opening the presents. Her Friend Amy gave her a little baby doll and once we opened that it was all over. She didn't want to have anything to do with the other presents. Kids are really funny.

I loved watching the other kids when Mariska was opening her presents. Anytime she slowed down she got help. Kids at this age are so fun to watch.

Just like last year Mariska was eager to dive into her cake. I love the fact the she tried to slurp the worm that was on her cupcake. We had such a good time with our friends and we are grateful to have the friends we have. We love you all. Happy Birthday Mariska.

HE IS IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After waiting for three weeks the letter finally arrived on Tuesday. Almost ninety people applied for the Construction Management program this year and only 36 would get in. The last three weeks have been torture. If John didn't get in then he would have to apply again next year and that means school would have to be put off until January of 2010 because the only classes he needs to take at this point are in the Major.

I was the one to get the mail on Tuesday. John had just left for school and would not be back for over an hour. As soon as I saw the CWU envelope I ran for the phone. Of course John wasn't answering, so I did what any good wife would do, I didn't open the letter. Nope I held it up to the light and since it was only one page it was easy to read. I can't even explain the emotions that ran through me when I read "officially accepted into the major..." I called Holly (john's sister) for help. I didn't have the car and I wanted to surprise John when he came home. She brought over a couple of congrats banners and balloons. she also brought us a bottle of sparkling cider and Riska sized goblets (picture.) I hung the banners in the doorway and hung letter behind them. The first thing John saw when he got home was the banners and the letter. He was a little confused at what I was congratulating him for because the letter was unopened, then I told him what I did. I wish you all could have seen his face. The sheer relief and excitement as he opened the letter. I am so proud of him and all the work he has done to get were he is. We are extremely grateful and feel so blessed. Thank you for your prayers and support. We love you all.