Spring brings a new season

The last couple of days have been sunny, warm, and just about perfect and I finally feel like spring is here. Even though it's the second week of May....I'm just now noticing the buds on the trees, the leaves growing by the minute, and the grass is so much more green than memory serves. The houses all around us provide a technicolor of entertainment with all of the lovingly planted flowers, and I was lucky enough to get out my sandals today! 

Springtime provides the start to new season, and I can easily relate this newness to the season of life I'm in right now. Pregnancy has been by the book...morning sickness, ever growing appetite, weight gain, backaches, and belly touching. All new things that I learn about everyday. Things I'm thankful for. Things I have been blessed with. I admit there are tiny valleys here and there when I get scared and overwhelmed, but I know that's normal. I have to remind myself that I should just enjoy this time and not over think things like I sometimes tend to do! 

So when the rain clouds seem to set in, I just think of clear blue skies, sunny days, the smell of spring, and know that God has a plan for me, Jason, and our baby. He has prepared and will continue to prepare us for whats to come, and I trust that with my whole heart. 

Banana's and Chocolate...yes please!

Just call me the baking queen! I attempted to make banana muffins last weekend and I admit, they were not the most tasty of treats so I thought I'd try again. I found and LOVE this recipe, and I can't wait to try a piece!!! 

Banana Split Bread

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 
  

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. beat in egg. In a small bowl, combine bananas and milk. Combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with banana mixture. Fold in chocolate chips and pecans.
2.  Pour into a greased 9-in. x 5-in. x 3-in. loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.

Enjoy!! 

Reflections

When God closes one door, he opens another. I'm sure we've all heard this before, but as I think back to the week my family and I have had to endure it seems very fitting. Monday morning I received a phone call that my Grandma Hall had passed away. I admit, even though I had been anticipating this news because of her health failing so rapidly, hearing those words still never seems to sink in appropriately. 


We are all so happy that she is finally at peace and that she is now with my Grandpa in heaven most likely playing solitaire, wearing her bright pink lipstick, while waiting to take her banana cream pie out of the oven:) 


In the midst of all of the sad news we were still dealing with, Jason and I experienced a small miracle of our own...our first ultrasound! We were able to see Baby K for the first time and I fell in love a million times over. It was the single most amazing thing I have ever seen! The baby is growing perfectly, and I continue to be healthy as well. The only thing that could have gone differently was finding out what the sex was...Baby K was spine up and being incredibly stubborn (there is definitely some Hall blood in there, that's for sure) and we'll have to go back May 24th for another ultrasound. I admit, I'm excited to be able to see the baby again, and I pray that he/she will cooperate this time, but I can't help how impatient I feel! 


This weekend we also celebrated Mother's Day! We were able to spend time with Kathy, and have dinner with my Mom on Saturday, and had brunch with Jason's family after church this morning. I am so blessed to have all of these women in my life! 


Specifically, My Mom. 


Mom, 
I am the woman I am because of the way you raised me. Your unfailing love, support, encouragement, and continued blessings have helped shape me, and I am forever grateful. You are my best friend, and constant rock. I only hope to be that kind of mother for my son or daughter one day. 
I love you very much, 
Courtney Marie

Baby K Sucking his or her thumb! & Spine up, stinker!!!

We love you Grandma! 

20 Weeks and still learning...

Well, we're 20 weeks today and we get to find out if Baby Kingma is a boy or a girl tomorrow morning! We're so so excited and I probably won't sleep a wink tonight! 


May is here already...and there have been a lot of things that have entered my world, and some have just been amplified by this tiny baby that's growing inside of me. 


These things include, but certainly are not limited to: 


- Gaining weight never felt so good! (Not being able to fit into my pants is a little scary!) 
- Unwanted belly touching, isn't as unwanted as I thought it would be! (Shocking, isn't it?) 
- I am obsessed with smoothies, and egg salad sandwiches. 
- Comparing the growth of our baby to a fruit each week/month, cracks me up!
- Jason is amazing everyday! He loves me even in the middle of all my hormonal fits! 
- I cry at commercials, and any article baby related. 
- Forgetfulness!!! (I haven't locked my keys in my car yet, so I think that's a good sign!) 
- My new body pillow is my best friend. (Jason might be a little jealous! Sorry hunny!) 
- I will never again take sleeping on my tummy for granted...
- I love flats...it's getting harder to tie shoes, oh boy! 
- I know at the end of this there is going to be an enormous amount of pain...
  yet I still can't wait for that day  to get here!!! 

Easter Weekend

This weekend was a wonderful, and very eye opening weekend. I was able to spend time with family and friends...I laughed and I cried, and sang my heart out during worship today in church. God is good, he is so so good. 

Friday Jason and I spent time with family at dinner, catching up and getting updates on my Grandma Hall. She is in extremely poor health and had made the decision that it was time to go into a hospice center.  This is a very difficult thing for family to process, but she is incredibly at peace with her decision, so we are all going to make every effort to keep her happy, comfortable, and surrounded by family until she is taken to heaven in Gods' time. 

We were also able to spend time with more family...Lindsay and Jessie and their families. Visiting and hearing all the wonderful things that are happening in their lives. Jess and Kris are busy with their twin boys, and Lindsay and Greg are building a house, and planning a wedding! It just seems so crazy how time flies! It makes my heart smile knowing that my girlfriends are so happy, and that we've remained so close after all of these years. 

My brother, Davey, is also home on leave to spend time with our Grandma. He surprised me at church this morning, and I felt like I was in my very own episode of the show "Coming Home" and screamed with absolute joy, and cried like a baby when he hugged me. I didn't want to let go. My baby brother was home. I'm so excited to spend time with him this week, as he'll be deployed to Iraq in July for 12 long months. 

On this Easter Sunday, I am reminded of Gods' unconditional love for his children. In the midst of pain and suffering, His love and grace is comfort, and the hope that lives in him also lives in me. It's been a tough week, and this weekend healed me a little bit. 

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." John 11: 25-26

awards are fun

Thank you Catie (Our Little Beaner Blog) for passing on the Kreativ Blogger Award to me! 


The rule is to name 10 things about myself and pass it along...


1. I'm obsessed with smoothies. 2. I married my best friend on October 30, 2010, and no it wasn't a Halloween wedding! 3. I love classical music, it calms me down when I'm in a bad mood. 4. I'm a HUGE Michigan fan. 5. I wish I knew how to knit. 6. I have 4 brothers and sisters but I'm an only child. 7. I'm a really good bowler. I have my polish heritage to thank for that one! 8. I'm a neat freak...I am a happy wife when the house is clean. 9. I couldn't live in a world where there were no potatoes. 10. My family and friends sustain me. 


I'm passing this award on to The 311, and house of earnest!!! Love your blogs girls!!!

Baby Update

Larger appetite, bigger belly, tighter clothes, more energy, no more morning sickness, and counting down the days till we find out if we're having a boy or a girl are pretty much the standard for what's been going on lately! 


I had another doctors appointment last week and heard the beautiful heartbeat for the second time. It's healthy and strong, and my blood pressure reading was perfect. So all is well in the baby department! The next appointment is in the beginning of May...we'll have our first ultrasound and first picture of our lil'one! Jason and I are so excited to find out if we need to buy Michigan gear in pink and white, or maize and blue! 

Updated belly pic!!! 

The Lord Gives...

In the midst of pain and suffering the word beautiful doesn't really come to mind, but this morning in church, what I saw was beautiful. 

This past week our church community experienced two very tragic losses. One of our pastors, Derek Taatjes, and his six month old son, Dylan, were taken up to Jesus late Thursday evening. Devastating, sudden, and seemingly unfair. My heart is broken for his family...his wife and their two little girls who will never see her husband, or their daddy again. 

The question of "why" comes up constantly, and frustration ensues because in God's perfect plan for all of us, we'll never understand how something like this came to be. 

Our entire church community gathered together as one this morning to worship, pray, and grieve together. I could barely see through the many tears I was crying when they were talking about the amazing things he's done in the church and how he has changed the many lives he's touched. Dylan, so small and tiny, was Derek's joy and he wanted nothing more than to be the best father he could be. Then, they spoke of Derek's wife, Charity, and their two girls, and my heart broke that much more knowing that these girls so young, and fragile may not yet understand what it means that their daddy will never come home...

All we could do as a community was listen, acknowledge, and praise God. 

I am humbled and reminded how truly blessed I am for the gift of life God has given me, and the life I'm now carrying inside me. I know I take it for granted, and I really don't want to do that anymore. If anything can come of this sadness that I feel right now, it's that I want to be better than what I've been, and I know with God's encouragement and love, I can be. 

Our pastor Rod spoke of Derek's favorite verse today and it seemed incredibly fitting...

Job 1:21

Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. 

The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. 

Big Love

As I sit here staring out the window on this gorgeous sunny day, I realize how incredibly blessed I am. I am thankful, and humbled. In quiet times like this one, I try to check in with myself and appreciate the life I have, and the life laid before me.

In the midst of everyday life, I am now carrying a new life, and I already feel this intense, and rapidly growing big love for the miracle that God has given us.

The morning and night sickness are behind me, my appetite is that of a small village of people, and although my energy levels are increasing, I'm still so tired all day. My belly is very noticeable, and I'm overwhelmed by everything that is baby in the stores and online...but with all of that comes the excitement of knowing I'll be a mom in just a few short months!!

Life is good. God is good, and we're so happy:)

Who does that?

I like a clean car, who doesn't? 


So, I decided it was time to get a car wash. I was quite content listening to Def Leppard on the 80's station in the car, when I decided it'd be nice if I also took the time to vacuum the car a bit too. It wasn't busy, the vacuums are free, I had the time so my mind was made up. 


I pulled into the first parking area next to a vacuum and went to work. A couple of seconds later I was tapped on the shoulder by women...she was short, plump, and needed to brush her teeth very badly. I turned, a bit startled as I didn't hear her approach, and asked "Can I help you?" 


She just looked a me and said, "Can"t you use that other vacuum over there?, My car won't reach it, I'm cold, and I want to use this one." 


I was taken aback by her reasoning and kindly told her I'd be done in just a second. I turned back and continued to clean....a second later I was tapped on the should a second time. At this point I'm a little creeped out and irritated...I turned again and looked at her without saying anything, and she went on to use some choice words I'd rather not repeat and asked again that I use the other vacuum. 


Again, I kindly tell her that I was almost done, and that she could use it in a second. 


Now...those of you who know me well, know that I can have a very short...SHORT...temper. I will be the first one to admit to this. I like to think I've matured and can handle myself now that I'm older and wiser:) So, during this whole debacle I'm trying with every fiber of my pregnant being to hold it together and take the high road. I will absolutely not let this ridiculous woman get the better of me. 


With that being said, she continued to tap on my shoulder a third time (the tapping continued to get harder the more I blew her off I might add), and this time I was stern. I asked that she please stop touching me, and if she could please wait just another minute I would be finished. That was that. I was done responding to her. 


The next thing I know this woman is grabbing the hose of the vacuum and as hard as she can and  rips it from my hands. She did it so hard that it pulled me back and I almost lost my footing, and my hands were bright red and stung quite a bit. I was in disbelief. Who does that? 


She stalked towards her car and chose to yell a couple of more choice phrases at me. I couldn't move. I was fuming...absolutely fuming mad. Now, the 21 year old Courtney in this situation might have charged her, grabbed her, and let her know she was messing with the wrong girl on this particular day. Instead, I got into my car, calmly (even though I was shaking) closed my door and drove away. 


I admit, I started crying the instant the doors were locked and I was on my way home, but I think that's mostly the hormones in my body going loco. I just don't understand how a situation so small exploded into something like that??? Instead of reacting the way she probably thought I'd react, I chose to drive away and say a prayer for her. She clearly needs some of Gods love in her life. 


I mean really...who does that??? 


I'm done venting now. Tomorrow will be a better day!!!

The Best News

Well, it's official, the world knows you're on your way Baby K! 


I'm just about 15 weeks, and I'm feeling so much better now that the nausea has subsided and I've found my appetite again!  My belly is growing, and my pants are fitting a bit more snug these days. I can finally eat chicken again (thank goodness) and I put Frank's wing sauce on just about everything! 


We heard your 160 beats a minute heart beat about 3 weeks ago now, and that moment was one of the most beautiful moments of my life! It's just amazing to me that something that small and new can beat with that much life already! 


Your dad and I are so thrilled, and we hope you continue to grow healthy and strong until the day of your birth. 


God has blessed us with the miracle that is you, and we love you so much already! 


Love, 
Mom

Time flies...

I can't believe it's already March 15th! I went on a bit of a hiatus there for awhile, but things have been quite crazy in the Kingma household! My new job is keeping me busy, I turned 28, we've been house hunting, celebrating with friends with showers and bachelorette parties, entertaining visitors, and counting down the days till we visit my parents in Florida! Lots of exciting things are happening and we're so blessed and thankful for all of the beautiful work that God is doing in our day to day lives! 

I admit I've been really bad at documenting things, and I really need to get my camera back out!! So with the next few posts to come I promise we'll have some pictures to commemorate the exciting things that have been going on...stay tuned! :) 

good read

I have a very small attention span sometimes when it comes to reading. It's become a problem. I'm one of those girls who like page turners...you know, the ones where you read until 2:00am when you can barely keep your eyes open, or can't wait to get home so you bring it in your purse and read it at the stop light (don't judge me.) So, yes,  there have been many books that I haven't really given a chance. Our bookshelf is housing about 15 books that I've opened, read a few chapters, and decided it wasn't worth it...at the moment. It's my loss, I know.

By a loving nudge from my husband, I picked up For One More Day, by Mitch Albom for the second time, and haven't been able to put it down. I'm sure many of you have already read this, and I'm sad that it's taken me so long to pick it up and appreciate it. He writes so simply and with such vivid detail. I enjoy books that make me emotional. I also enjoy books that whisper a reminder to what is important in life....this book is both of those things, and so much more.

There are many lessons between this hardcover, but one that sticks out the most, is how much my mom always stood up for me. (if you've read the book, you know what I mean...) My mom encouraged me, she was strong for me, and she loved me the best everyday. I only hope that one day my little girl will feel the same way about me (insert awww here!)

What would you do....if you had one more day to spend with someone you loved?

Real Simple, how I love thee...

One of the best gifts I received for Christmas was a subscription to Real Simple (Thank you Mom & Dad Kingma!) I impatiently waited for the first one to arrive and what a joyous day it was! I read it from cover to cover and fell in love with every article. It's full of recipes, how to's, fashion, home remedies, and much more.

Jason and I made a pact that we'd be better to our bodies in 2011! We want to make a sincere effort to eat healthier, and we want to be much more active! So, instead of unhealthy late night snacks we thought we'd try something different...so I dug into my new friend, Real Simple, and pulled out some smoothie ideas! We decided on the Strawberry-Flax smoothie (minus the Flax, as we had none in the house) and it was delicious!

You can find the recipe here on Real Simple's website!

You are welcome:)

Love,
CK

puppy talk

Jason and I have been talking about adding to our family! Whoa, whoa....slow down, I'm talking about puppies here!! :) I think we're getting closer and closer to a decision! We're both very excited about the possibility of have our own lil'ball of fur, but we want to make sure we're ready! We've been reading books, and blogs, and searching for puppies for sale in the area, and we have our first appointment this coming Saturday! We'll be meeting a 10 week old black lab and I feel like a kid on Christmas morning....the anticipation is killing me!

So, for all of you dog owners out there ...what's your advice on getting a new puppy? What successes have you had in training?? Any and all information would be helpful!

This website that Jason found is very helpful with tips and information
it's called the Dog Star Daily

sunday thoughts

Amazing messages at church fill me up. Lunch with good friends keeps the smile on my face. Chatting with friends long distance helps me feel connected. Cuddling with my husband makes me feel safe. 

Leftovers are the perfect halftime treat, and Tom Brady is still amazing no matter if he wins or loses! 

wise words from a new old friend

This morning I was sitting at my desk trying to get my tasks in order when an older gentleman came into the office. He walked in very quietly, pulled up a chair, and introduced himself to me. We shook hands, exchanged pleasantries, and got down to business. Like most business conversations the personal part of our lives often invades and he started talking about his family and his wife....come to find out my new friend was 92 years old, and let me tell you, he's still kickin'! 


His wife is 94, and she was at home getting ready for their everyday Russ' lunch time adventure. (He was quite proud of himself in telling me that they split the big breakfast dish and he only ends up spending $6.39 with a tip! haha) He told me about his children, and his grandchildren, and amazingly his 23 great grandchildren...I was in awe. He continued on to tell me that he and his bride had just recently celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary and I was amazed and had to ask the question, "what keeps you and your wife so young and happy?" He looked at me with a sincere side mouthed smile and said, "Oh Darlin', stay close to God, everyday." Such simple words, with such beautiful meaning.


He thanked me for the help I'd offered him, put on his very stylish fedora, and slowly headed for the door. What an encounter it was, and how happy I had been to meet him. God really does show himself in the most random ways, but I think chance meetings such as these have to be my most favorite. 


I was reminded that everyone has a story. I believe that it should be told because somewhere, sometime, someone is meant to listen. 

pleasures...both simple and guilty

In the midst of our sometimes chaotic lives, I think it's the simple and sometimes guilty little pleasures that help us through. There are some big changes going on (which I'll address in a later post, don't worry, all good changes...) and while I'm impatiently waiting, I've had time to pin point what my little pleasures are...

Simple vs. guilty, you be the judge!

Us Weekly, I can't go through a checkout line anywhere without grabbing one. Wandering around Target aimlessly not looking for anything in particular, but coming home with things I probably don't need (Sorry Jay!) Franks Buffalo Sauce, I put this on just about anything. Victoria's Secret, I've been spoiled and will never shop anywhere else for these girly requirements. A fresh lime in my water. Movie Previews, I love being a critic for 10 minutes. Candles, any size, shape, color, if I see I will buy one. Etsy, for all of the adorable one of a kind treasures you could ever want. Bubble baths. Express jeans, the hug me just the way I like. Morning Devotionals. Scarves, scarves. scarves. Getting a card in the mail from a friend, this can brighten any day. The fan in our bedroom, I have to have this on at night or I just can't sleep. Fuzzy blankets, we have too many and I could still buy one more. Clean sheets. Shelac, this new wonderful manicure that is unbelievable. Cleaning, I love to do it, I think I'd vacuum everyday if time allowed. Free beer & Hot wings in the morning on 97.9FM, they make my drive to work enjoyable. Music mash ups, thank you Glee. The Real Housewives of any city except Atlanta, enough said. Walgreen's or CVS make up isle, I can never walk down you without grabbing at least one mascara and eyeshadow. Watching our wedding video. Starbucks Grande Iced Coffee, I love the way you make me buzz. A simple hug and kiss when I get home from my husband:)

That's my list...what's yours?

volunteer

One of the things I decided to focus on in 2011 was giving back, and getting involved in things that I'd been putting off for way too long. So starting in a couple of weeks I'll be volunteering at the new Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in downtown Grand Rapids.

I'm so excited!


I applied about a month ago, and have begun the interview process, getting flu shots, TB testing, and my training will begin in late January. I will be starting out in the NCIU. I know some days it might be very trying, but I hope to provide a positive attitude, and comforting presence for those I'll be assisting.


The new hospital is amazing, and we got a full tour of the building that will be opening on the  1/11/11 when we went with Jason's mom a couple of weeks ago. She is the bereavement coordinator at the hospital and will be doing some amazing things with her program.


The architecture is incredible, and the technology is unbelievable. Check it out here. As great of a place as it will be for the children that will be treated there...I hope that Jason and I never have to go there again. 


They can always use extra support! Click here for an application.


I'll report back after the opening!

little must haves

Just thought I'd share a couple of my lil'must haves...they make getting ready in the morning that much more enjoyable, and they help me out when I'm feelin' like I look a bit vague!

1. You can never have enough Cherry Chap Stick! this old friend keeps me kissable for Jason:)

2. Aveda Shampure shampoo and conditioner, tames my wild tresses

3. Bare Escentuals Prime Time keeps my make up on all day long, and makes my skin extra smooth 

4. Marrakesh Oil, keeps my hair strong and ridiculously soft. It helps cut down my dry time by 15 min!

5. Well Rested touch up from Bare Escentuals is a huge help in the morning so I don't scare people before I've had my cup of coffee! 

6. Bath & Body Works Hand Sanitizer, I don't go anywhere without it, keeps the germs away

7. Falsies by Maybelline...I'll never use another mascara again, its lash lengthening extraordinaire 

8. Cover Girl Onyx Eyeliner lasts all day, and commits through the night like a champ

9. CO Bigelow Mentha Organics lip tint gives you that tingly feeling with a pouty look

10. W8less by Rusk is my favorite hairspray, it isn't thick and sticky, and holds strong all day long ( I used this on my wedding day and it was amazing!)

Just a few simple pleasures of mine...what about you?