Cindy + Curt = LOVE

Babydoll can’t walk because she has an illness, just like Curt.  Her stroller is now a wheel chair and Noelle strolls it up to the toddler bed where her baby sleeps. 

She drew a picture of the Ziemke family today.  She told me it was impossible for Clarissa, Cayden, and Corbin to lose their Daddy.  This is too painful for all of us!

 

P.S.  Noelle told me that her glasses help her to concentrate and that she only wears them when she is serious.

We had the pleasure of having the Thurmans over to see the house and have an afternoon snack (chocolate covered frozen bananas) on their way home from a Jimmy Buffett concert.  They entertained us with concert stories, and Noelle showed them around the house.  We had a really good time!

I lost my notes and just found them and wanted to share what I said to Anna Kate at her baby dedication last month.

To Anna Kate:

About your personality: Your first purchase was a light-up, singing microphone that you wouldn’t leave the store without (right when you turned one).  At your first birthday, instead of eating cake, you saw everyone watching and started waving and saying “Hi, Hi, Hi" to each person, you are like Houdini, you’ve fallen too many times to count… you can escape/get out of anything! We have nicknamed you “Smiley” because you smile ALL the time, and we eat up your precious cheeks that go along with that gorgeous smile of yours.

You have been my saving grace this year and my inspiration. “He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those that have young.” Isaiah 40:11

It’s symbolic that it’s raining today because you have been a ray of light to me and a reminder of God’s faithfulness in the midst of the storm.

Our dreams for you are to be gentle, kind, good, discerning, and noble in character and not afraid to make yourself vulnerable to be in true relationships with God and others.

Our verse for you: “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

You have renewed and refreshed our souls!!!

April 20, 2010

This weekend Daddy asked you if you wanted to go with him to wake up Anna Kate. You said, “Sure! I want to wake up that Little Flower with you.” When you got into her room, you said so enthusiastically, “Hi Little Flower!”

Tonight we were pulling weeds in the front yard, and you had “Shiny” your baby doll in her stroller out there with us. Anna Kate started to push “Shiny” in the stroller and I asked, "Noelle, is it okay if Anna Kate plays with Shiny?” You said, “Sure she can! I’d be honored for her to play with my baby doll.”

When we were leaving for our walk (Mommy, Noelle, and Anna Kate), you said, “Rock it girls!!!"  You’ve also been saying, "I’m going to rock this outfit today" when you have on something really cute.  Too funny.

April 21, 2010

You are so insightful. We ran into each other and I bumped the wall (it hurt), and you said, “I’m sorry Mommy.” I said, “You don’t have to be sorry, sweetheart, it was an accident.” You said, “I’m just sorry that it happened.” I said, “Oh , okay. Wow!” Like you weren’t trying to take the blame, you just felt bad. It was crazy you already understand multiple meanings of the same word. You’re a genius, I swear.

April 23, 2010

I write more when you are being a good girl… lol… I never want to forget how you tell me you love me like a wild thing from “Where the Wild Things Are” movie… you say "Awhoo" and put your lips up to my cheek. Ah! Life doesn’t get sweeter.

Your two baby dolls are named “Shiny” and “Butterfly.” Today you said, “Mom, Butterfly makes me laugh into pieces. She cracks me up!” You also have a beanie baby bird that Santa gave you that you named, “Sunshine Bubblegum” because he has some light pink fuzz on his head. Too cute (as always)!

April 25, 2010

We took a walk today and ran into Susie and Malia. You felt Malia’s fluffy hair and said, “Her hair feels like a sheep!” It was so sweet!

April 26, 2010

Today you told me that when you grow up you want to be a musketeer and a sun fairy! You usually say you want to be a veterinarian or a doctor.

April 28, 2010

You call your Daddy, “Daddy Waddy Waddy Poo” in public and everywhere. In public, people laugh when you guys are together and you call him this. So funny!

May 5, 2010

I said “thank you” to you for holding the door open for me today you said, “It was my pleasure.” Later in the day, I gave you something, and you said, “Thank you my highness!” You are a crack up! Hugs and kisses and wild things “Awhoooooo…”

May 11, 2010

Last night you said, "I wish I could go in my brain and see God."  This was after you told me you wished he was here with us and I told you that he is always here with us.  You’re so sensitive to the Holy Spirit inside of you.  I love that about you.

May 12, 2010

Today you kept calling me “Mother” so formally as we were running our errands. I finally said, “Noelle, why are you calling me ‘Mother’?” You said, “Because you’re the queen of our castle!” Lol…

May 13, 2010

Today you said, “Anna Kate is so stylish!” and “My cousin (Drew) and my boyfriend (Bailey) are so romantic!” and “Wasn’t Drew handsome at John and Nancy’s wedding?” You’re random and crazy, and I love you so much!!!

May 14, 2010

“Cutting a Barbie dress cake is kind of bazzare!” One of your random thoughts from today.

Our neighbor across the street, Jackson, was splashing water all over himself and his daddy. You looked at me and said, “That’s not very polite!”

May 17, 2010

You have been calling me “Queen Mommy” because you say I’m the “Queen” because you and Anna Kate are the “Princesses” of the Pond castle… and yes, you call our house our “castle.”

You and I were going to go upstairs last night together to pick up your room and you said, “Come on girlfriend!” I said, “What did you say?” And you said, “Come on girlfriend. You are my girlfriend, aren’t you?” "Well, I guess I am!" Love you Pilly Willy!

May 18, 2010

You have named your teddy, “Flower, Bow, Bicycle” because that is what you were staring at when we asked you his name. Your next baby became “Little Horse” because you were staring at the rocking horse in Anna Kate’s room when we asked you about her name. Lol…

May 19, 2010

4 year well visit, 32 lbs. (25th percentile) and 39.5 inches (50th percentile)

The kiddos just hung out in the yard Sat. night after Toria’s party… we were so tired!

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

We did it!  These kids are the best!

Our little gem is blooming and blooming!

Texas Monthly on the Neches River, 2010, "Into the Wild"

My dad is the co-founder of an organization called "Friends of the Neches River."  He has been fighting to save this beautiful river for literally years now.  The city of Dallas wanted to build a reservoir that would’ve killed the river and its ecosystem.  Dallas was in a lawsuit with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife who wanted to save the river and protect it as a "National Wildlife Refuge."  Dad was actively involved in the protection of this river, and was even quoted in the Wall Street Journal.   Here is a video he is in explaining some of the history of the battle of this scenic East Texas river.  And East Texas WON!  The refuge is official, and we are so proud of Poppa and all of his conservation projects and efforts.  It’s really cool to get involved, and this is proof that a grass-roots organization can make a difference. 

P.S.  Rara is in an awesomely dorky, super cute picture at the end of the video!  Can you find her?

We had a blast last weekend throwing Victoria a graduation luncheon at our house.  It all was so fun and festive.  I actually missed being a teenager… just for a second!

Rebekah and Victoria, with their sweet mother and my babysitter from when I was little and life-long friend, Sharon.

Victoria and Noelle dancing before the party.

DBU, watch out, she’s on her way, ready or not!  🙂

 

 

Baby Blake with her Mommy Stacy (young life leader) watching the "Toria Walking" game (inspired by "Jay Walking" from The Tonight Show).

Victoria actually knew a lot of history, math, and science.  We were all impressed!

"High five!"  

Every time Toria got an answer wrong, she was given a new piece to her wardrobe.  This was the final ensemble!  🙂

Kama & Kara – obviously sisters!

 

 

Bekah got to invite a friend, Kelyn, who ended up helping me out a ton with the games – thanks sweet Kelyn!!! 

Aww… sisters!

Lauren & Victoria went to Hawaii last summer, so we decided to mix that with her favorite thing, flowers, and it made the perfect party theme for our graduate!

Anna Kate arrives on the scene – Hawaiian music and scenes on the TV were playing throughout the party – super festive and fun!

The babysitters arrive back at the casa, thanks Mike and Poppa!

This baby child melts my heart – every time I see that sweet face… mmm…

…and this one too, lol… 🙂

Samantha enjoying the wind blowing her hair at the beach!

Michele made this canvas for Victoria and brought it with her from Japan – she’s so cool and worked so hard to make this party super special!

Samantha playing with Noelle

Con"GRAD"ulations sweetie pie!!!  We are so proud of you!

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love the Flamingo and flower cookie party favors!  Mom got the conch centerpiece shells and sand dollars in the Bahamas.  She and Dad just got back from a much needed vacation!

Mom picked up these really cool shells at World Market to put the chicken spaghetti in so it wouldn’t drip on the other food.  She’s out of this world cool like that!  This is my plate, I almost forgot to take a picture, then remembered, but my roll was half eaten.  Sorry you didn’t get the full effect!  Lol…

 

Victoria’s ready to party hardy!