Glory in the Gap
6 years ago
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Once Upon A Time...The Story Of Ten Years.
Once upon a time (well, the year was 1991, so 20 years ago to be exact!), there was a boy who looked like this: (sorry about the bad yearbook scan...)
And a girl who looked like this: (YOWZA is all I have to say about my hair!)
Today they are celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary. Here is their fairy tale...
Our paths first crossed in the hallowed halls of Denver Christian. We were both freshman. I had gone to DC my entire life, while Wes was the big, tough, new kid. Wes has no recollection of this, but I will tell you that our very first encounter ever involved Wes putting his arm around me and asking "do you have any money?" How romantic!
Given that there was only 65 students in our class, it was inevitable that we would become friends. We had a lot of classes together (Wes says he liked being my lab partner because I did all of his homework!) We both loved sports and spent a good portion of our high school careers watching and cheering each other on.
Wes was a football stud...
And how could he not fall in love with me and my spandex and kneepads?!
Our crew of friends was inseparable. We did everything together. Here we are outside of Chili's, the ultimate cool high school hang out spot!
We only actually dated in high school for a few weeks during our junior year. We shared our first kiss by the Christmas tree in my parents front room. We also dated for a few weeks at the very end of our senior year, but we never went to a dance together as a couple. This was at prom during our junior year. Don't you love my flats and calf-length dress?! Wes actually cut his eye open on the dance floor a few hours after this picture was taken. He had to go get stitches!
We graduated from DC not sure where the future would lead. I went off to Calvin and Wes went off to Mesa State.
The next four years seemed to take on a pattern. We would separate in August as I headed back to school in Michigan. We would talk on the phone, send letters, and hang out on vacations when I came home. This picture was actually taken during spring break of our freshman year. I had to include it because of how smooth Wes looks with his beard, long hair, and earring.
Each summer, I would come home and we would start hanging out again. I would do all I could to resist him, but by the end of the summer, I would give in and Wes and I would make out. I just couldn't resist his hugs. They were (and still are) the best. Then it was time to head back to school, so I would end things and be on my way.
This happened up until my senior year when we decided not to call things off as I headed back to Calvin. Wes flew out for a visit. Here we are at the beach.
We dated long distance the entire semester, then I decided to break up with him one more time at Christmas. Wes said I needed to include this in the story because the day after I broke up with him, his mom came home with Rudy! That dog is the only positive thing to come from all of that getting together and breaking up...
Now, at this point in the story (if you are still reading), you may be wondering why I just couldn't make up my mind. I think I knew all along that Wes was the one. I had that feeling in my gut. I guess because he was a "bad" boy, he grew up differently than me, and my parents had a few reservations, I fought my feelings thinking that prince charming was waiting for me at Calvin.
That all changed with Rusty. Rusty was one of only one or two boys I actually went on a date with my entire four years at Calvin (one of the other ones was Greg, Jayne's brother!). Rusty was one of the "hot" guys that all the girls liked, and we started hanging out. He was truly a prince charming, smothering me with cards, flowers, gifts, surprise visits in the library, etc., etc., etc. You know, the things every girl dreams about. But smother was the key word. I couldn't take it. I realized then that conversation, common interests, being challenged, and having fun were much more important to me than what I thought I had wanted all along. So, to this day, Wes and I aren't much into mushy gushy cards, flowers, and gifts. And that's ok with me.
Ok, the story is getting a little long here. Fast forward to the end of college. I graduated from Calvin and moved back to Colorado to live with Mindy and teach 7th Grade Science at Falcon Creek. Wes was living with a bunch of guys and working as an elevator mechanic.
We started dating AGAIN, and I finally realized that this was it. We started doing life together...I told my parents that we were dating officially! We went skiing every weekend at Winter Park, Wes came to Christmas Eve with Oma Bosch (this is a BIG deal :)), we went on dates every weekend...Houlihans and PF Changs were at the top of our dining list.
A year later (Wes tells me July 1, 2000, to be exact), Wes planned a day in the mountains as a get away. We headed up towards Winter Park, and Wes pulled off to the side of the road. We hiked down this treacherous hill, and there was a picnic waiting for us. Flowers, wine, strawberries, the works! (Ok, every once in a while we like the romantic stuff) I was very perplexed as to how this was all happening. After the awesome lunch, we got back in the car and drove a bit further up to the actual ski area. We started hiking and headed up towards Trestle, our absolutely favorite ski run. There were roses waiting on a rock, and that's where Wes proposed. Being a man of many words, Wes simply told me he loved me and asked me to marry him. I said yes and have never looked back.
On a side note, the masterminds behind the picnic lunch and roses were Jill and Bradd, our two very close friends. They had gone ahead and set everything up, leaving ribbons tied for Wes to scope out. They also had a camera to document the entire thing, but there was not film in it!
On another funny side note: When Wes went to ask for my parents permission to propose, they were sitting down at the kitchen table. Mark, Brad, and Ernie came walking through mid-conversation. My dad and Wes said they were talking about buying a car. Mark, Brad, and Ernie definitely knew better!
So, here we are a few weeks later at an engagement party at the cabin.
On June 22, 2001, (ten years ago today!) we were married. Being surrounded by absolutely everyone we loved, walking down the aisle, dancing the night away, that day still ranks as one of the best in my life.
A few days later, we flew to Maui for our week long honeymoon. Another one of the best times of my life.
And so here we are...ten years, two houses, about four cars, and three amazing children later. A roller coaster of a ride filled with ups, down, and all the in betweens. God has certainly blessed us richly.
This fall, we are going to see the Notre Dame vs. USC game in South Bend as our anniversary trip. For now, we will settle for dinner and a couples massage on Friday night.
Ves-a-lee, it's hard to believe that we have been married for ten years. It has gone incredibly fast and been an absolute joy (most of the time :)). We make a great team, and there is no one I would rather do life with. I will be your blind-hanging, wall-painting, irish-cheering, settlers playing partner forever. I love you, and I can't wait to see what the next ten, twenty, thirty, years brings. Happy 10th Anniversary. Babeski.
And a girl who looked like this: (YOWZA is all I have to say about my hair!)
Today they are celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary. Here is their fairy tale...Our paths first crossed in the hallowed halls of Denver Christian. We were both freshman. I had gone to DC my entire life, while Wes was the big, tough, new kid. Wes has no recollection of this, but I will tell you that our very first encounter ever involved Wes putting his arm around me and asking "do you have any money?" How romantic!
Given that there was only 65 students in our class, it was inevitable that we would become friends. We had a lot of classes together (Wes says he liked being my lab partner because I did all of his homework!) We both loved sports and spent a good portion of our high school careers watching and cheering each other on.
Wes was a football stud...
And how could he not fall in love with me and my spandex and kneepads?!
Our crew of friends was inseparable. We did everything together. Here we are outside of Chili's, the ultimate cool high school hang out spot!
We only actually dated in high school for a few weeks during our junior year. We shared our first kiss by the Christmas tree in my parents front room. We also dated for a few weeks at the very end of our senior year, but we never went to a dance together as a couple. This was at prom during our junior year. Don't you love my flats and calf-length dress?! Wes actually cut his eye open on the dance floor a few hours after this picture was taken. He had to go get stitches!
We graduated from DC not sure where the future would lead. I went off to Calvin and Wes went off to Mesa State.
The next four years seemed to take on a pattern. We would separate in August as I headed back to school in Michigan. We would talk on the phone, send letters, and hang out on vacations when I came home. This picture was actually taken during spring break of our freshman year. I had to include it because of how smooth Wes looks with his beard, long hair, and earring.
Each summer, I would come home and we would start hanging out again. I would do all I could to resist him, but by the end of the summer, I would give in and Wes and I would make out. I just couldn't resist his hugs. They were (and still are) the best. Then it was time to head back to school, so I would end things and be on my way.This happened up until my senior year when we decided not to call things off as I headed back to Calvin. Wes flew out for a visit. Here we are at the beach.
We dated long distance the entire semester, then I decided to break up with him one more time at Christmas. Wes said I needed to include this in the story because the day after I broke up with him, his mom came home with Rudy! That dog is the only positive thing to come from all of that getting together and breaking up...Now, at this point in the story (if you are still reading), you may be wondering why I just couldn't make up my mind. I think I knew all along that Wes was the one. I had that feeling in my gut. I guess because he was a "bad" boy, he grew up differently than me, and my parents had a few reservations, I fought my feelings thinking that prince charming was waiting for me at Calvin.
That all changed with Rusty. Rusty was one of only one or two boys I actually went on a date with my entire four years at Calvin (one of the other ones was Greg, Jayne's brother!). Rusty was one of the "hot" guys that all the girls liked, and we started hanging out. He was truly a prince charming, smothering me with cards, flowers, gifts, surprise visits in the library, etc., etc., etc. You know, the things every girl dreams about. But smother was the key word. I couldn't take it. I realized then that conversation, common interests, being challenged, and having fun were much more important to me than what I thought I had wanted all along. So, to this day, Wes and I aren't much into mushy gushy cards, flowers, and gifts. And that's ok with me.
Ok, the story is getting a little long here. Fast forward to the end of college. I graduated from Calvin and moved back to Colorado to live with Mindy and teach 7th Grade Science at Falcon Creek. Wes was living with a bunch of guys and working as an elevator mechanic.
We started dating AGAIN, and I finally realized that this was it. We started doing life together...I told my parents that we were dating officially! We went skiing every weekend at Winter Park, Wes came to Christmas Eve with Oma Bosch (this is a BIG deal :)), we went on dates every weekend...Houlihans and PF Changs were at the top of our dining list.
A year later (Wes tells me July 1, 2000, to be exact), Wes planned a day in the mountains as a get away. We headed up towards Winter Park, and Wes pulled off to the side of the road. We hiked down this treacherous hill, and there was a picnic waiting for us. Flowers, wine, strawberries, the works! (Ok, every once in a while we like the romantic stuff) I was very perplexed as to how this was all happening. After the awesome lunch, we got back in the car and drove a bit further up to the actual ski area. We started hiking and headed up towards Trestle, our absolutely favorite ski run. There were roses waiting on a rock, and that's where Wes proposed. Being a man of many words, Wes simply told me he loved me and asked me to marry him. I said yes and have never looked back.
On a side note, the masterminds behind the picnic lunch and roses were Jill and Bradd, our two very close friends. They had gone ahead and set everything up, leaving ribbons tied for Wes to scope out. They also had a camera to document the entire thing, but there was not film in it!
On another funny side note: When Wes went to ask for my parents permission to propose, they were sitting down at the kitchen table. Mark, Brad, and Ernie came walking through mid-conversation. My dad and Wes said they were talking about buying a car. Mark, Brad, and Ernie definitely knew better!
So, here we are a few weeks later at an engagement party at the cabin.
On June 22, 2001, (ten years ago today!) we were married. Being surrounded by absolutely everyone we loved, walking down the aisle, dancing the night away, that day still ranks as one of the best in my life.
A few days later, we flew to Maui for our week long honeymoon. Another one of the best times of my life.
And so here we are...ten years, two houses, about four cars, and three amazing children later. A roller coaster of a ride filled with ups, down, and all the in betweens. God has certainly blessed us richly.This fall, we are going to see the Notre Dame vs. USC game in South Bend as our anniversary trip. For now, we will settle for dinner and a couples massage on Friday night.
Ves-a-lee, it's hard to believe that we have been married for ten years. It has gone incredibly fast and been an absolute joy (most of the time :)). We make a great team, and there is no one I would rather do life with. I will be your blind-hanging, wall-painting, irish-cheering, settlers playing partner forever. I love you, and I can't wait to see what the next ten, twenty, thirty, years brings. Happy 10th Anniversary. Babeski.
Día De Padres Felices
Payton told me the other day that she wished she was Mexican so she could speak Spanish. I told her she could speak Spanish even though she is Dutch/German/Mutt, so here is my attempt to expand her cultural world...Dia De Padres Felices...Happy Father's Day!
We celebrated Wesley and all of the other awesome dads in our world on Sunday.
The first half of the day included an early morning swim at the pool and a round of golf for Wes and Uncle Mark.
When they were done, we all headed over to the pool (again) for a COLD swim and potluck picnic dinner.
Nolan and Brady sure enjoy their cheetos!
Opa & His Granddaughter...
Gwen, Tim, Rylan, and Reagan joined us as well.
Grandma Inge & Oma (who LOVES keeping her eyes open for pictures :)).
Auntie Abby & Nolan (who was forced to take a break from playing to snap this shot!)
Uncle Mark & Heat-sie.
Opa & Lando...
We gave Opa a new cooler for Father's Day. We definitely tested it's strength before deciding to keep it!
I wanted to get a picture of Wesley with all three of his kiddos, but that didn't happen. Oh well. Here's Landon on his first Father's Day with his daddy. Even through Landon is completely covered in rice cereal, I think this is such a cute pic!
Happy Father's Day Wes! Our kiddos our lucky to have such an awesome dad. As evidenced by the card they gave you, they love your red hair, playing Monster Jam and Mario together on the Wii, playing Marco Polo and getting dolphin rides in the pool, cuddling with you, fixing things with you, and of course, Landon says PPPLBBPLLLSPPPPT! We love you!
We celebrated Wesley and all of the other awesome dads in our world on Sunday.
The first half of the day included an early morning swim at the pool and a round of golf for Wes and Uncle Mark.
When they were done, we all headed over to the pool (again) for a COLD swim and potluck picnic dinner.
Nolan and Brady sure enjoy their cheetos!
Opa & His Granddaughter...
Gwen, Tim, Rylan, and Reagan joined us as well.
Grandma Inge & Oma (who LOVES keeping her eyes open for pictures :)).
Auntie Abby & Nolan (who was forced to take a break from playing to snap this shot!)
Uncle Mark & Heat-sie.
Opa & Lando...
We gave Opa a new cooler for Father's Day. We definitely tested it's strength before deciding to keep it!
I wanted to get a picture of Wesley with all three of his kiddos, but that didn't happen. Oh well. Here's Landon on his first Father's Day with his daddy. Even through Landon is completely covered in rice cereal, I think this is such a cute pic!
Happy Father's Day Wes! Our kiddos our lucky to have such an awesome dad. As evidenced by the card they gave you, they love your red hair, playing Monster Jam and Mario together on the Wii, playing Marco Polo and getting dolphin rides in the pool, cuddling with you, fixing things with you, and of course, Landon says PPPLBBPLLLSPPPPT! We love you!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Backtrack To: Memorial Day
Event #4: Memorial Day at the cabin.
We made the traditional trek up to Indian Hills and spent Memorial Day at the cabin. This was Landon's first time!
In the morning, we took our favorite hike.
Brady collected "one million-hundred" blades of grass. Until Wes told him there were spiders in it. He immediately dropped his collection and picked up the pace :)
The crew climbing rocks...
Payton, Sue, and Sammy.
From blades of grass to giant sticks!
We also fired up the tractor. This was Landon's first tractor ride!
Nephew and Uncle (that's what they call each other) bonding time.
By dinnertime, it was quite cold. Wes didn't bring a coat, so he and Landon snuggled together in a blanket.
And finally, we celebrated Cohen's first birthday. Hard to believe he is already one! We love you buddy!
We made the traditional trek up to Indian Hills and spent Memorial Day at the cabin. This was Landon's first time!
In the morning, we took our favorite hike.
Brady collected "one million-hundred" blades of grass. Until Wes told him there were spiders in it. He immediately dropped his collection and picked up the pace :)
The crew climbing rocks...
Payton, Sue, and Sammy.
From blades of grass to giant sticks!
We also fired up the tractor. This was Landon's first tractor ride!
Nephew and Uncle (that's what they call each other) bonding time.
By dinnertime, it was quite cold. Wes didn't bring a coat, so he and Landon snuggled together in a blanket.
And finally, we celebrated Cohen's first birthday. Hard to believe he is already one! We love you buddy!
Backtrack To: Payton's 7th Birthday!
Event #3: Payton's 7th Birthday! We had a fun and full day celebrating Payton...
Brady's preschool program was in the morning. So, after that, we headed over to lunch at Applebee's, Payton's choice. Grandma Inge, Oma, Uncle Mark, Auntie Abby, Nolan, Heath, Uncle Bradley, Auntie Jayne, and Cohen all joined in the fun!
Later in the afternoon, we picked up Addie, Camden, and Rosalind for a bouncing session at Jump Street.
The crew making faces outside...
This is Payton's favorite shirt. She is VERY fussy about necks (she gets this from Wes who is exactly the same way!). If the neck is too loose, she will not wear the shirt. Payton would wear Little Miss Giggles every day if I let her!
Off to the races!
Brady hung right in there with the big kids. (Well, bigger in age, not necessarily in size :))
Taking a break!
After an hour or so, we headed back to our house for some pizza, cake, and presents. Big Payton (Camden's sister) joined us, along with all of the uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins!
Present Time!
Favorites included: a Justin Bieber bear and Camelback from Camden & Payton, this purple bean bag for her new room from Uncle Bradley & Auntie Jayne, and a special trip to Build-A-Bear with Uncle Mark & Auntie Abby.
And this year's cake request: Penny the Bunny! MUCH easier than a monster truck :)
Make a wish!
We love you so much PR. You are funny, creative, slightly dramatic, smart, sensitive, and a wonderful big sister to Landon and Brady (most of the time). We are so happy that God has blessed us with you, and we can't wait to see what lies ahead! Happy 7th Birthday.
Brady's preschool program was in the morning. So, after that, we headed over to lunch at Applebee's, Payton's choice. Grandma Inge, Oma, Uncle Mark, Auntie Abby, Nolan, Heath, Uncle Bradley, Auntie Jayne, and Cohen all joined in the fun!
Later in the afternoon, we picked up Addie, Camden, and Rosalind for a bouncing session at Jump Street.The crew making faces outside...
This is Payton's favorite shirt. She is VERY fussy about necks (she gets this from Wes who is exactly the same way!). If the neck is too loose, she will not wear the shirt. Payton would wear Little Miss Giggles every day if I let her!
Off to the races!
Brady hung right in there with the big kids. (Well, bigger in age, not necessarily in size :))
Taking a break!
After an hour or so, we headed back to our house for some pizza, cake, and presents. Big Payton (Camden's sister) joined us, along with all of the uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins!Present Time!
Favorites included: a Justin Bieber bear and Camelback from Camden & Payton, this purple bean bag for her new room from Uncle Bradley & Auntie Jayne, and a special trip to Build-A-Bear with Uncle Mark & Auntie Abby.
And this year's cake request: Penny the Bunny! MUCH easier than a monster truck :)
Make a wish!
We love you so much PR. You are funny, creative, slightly dramatic, smart, sensitive, and a wonderful big sister to Landon and Brady (most of the time). We are so happy that God has blessed us with you, and we can't wait to see what lies ahead! Happy 7th Birthday.
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