Build it and they will PLAY ALL DAY

Mom and Dad, Erich and I, bought Carter and Anah a swing set for their birthday. They are soooo happy!!

Anah's Royal Celebration

Mother's day

Cute little flower Carter made with his handprints...Anah made one similar when she was younger.
Carter painted the pot.

Anah's handprints and poem

Getting ready for Easter

We just got home from church and I snapped a few pics of the kids in their Easter outfits....thought they looked pretty darn cute!

Rainy Day

It was a rainy day and I bought the kids new umbrellas....so we had to go try them out....

I Will Rise

When I had heard that my Great-Grandma was not looking good, this was one of the first songs I heard on the radio. I think that these lyrics and the song are just so fitting and beautiful. They are a comfort to family and friends during this time of great loss. When I hear this song, I think of my grandma singing praises with the angels....no more sorrow....no more pain...

I Will Rise
By Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yvfso4Q8xg

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soulI can say "It is well"
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:] And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And riseI will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:] And I will rise
when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing, "Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart, "Worthy is the Lamb" [x2]

[Chorus:] And I will rise
when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yvfso4Q8xg

I love you Grandma Whittall

My Great-Grandma Whittall past away last week. She was a wonderful lady that everyone loved. She did so much good for this world. The world is a better place because she was in it and taught many people how to love and treat others. She was the cornerstone of our family. I will miss her dearly. Everyday when I look at my daughter and call her by name, I will be reminded of my great-grandmother....Anah May is so much like her, not only in her name, but Anah is very strong and stubborn just as Grandma Whittall was, up to the very end. Now Grandma is singing God's praises in Heaven with our other loved ones that have passed and she will be waiting to see us when it is our time. I love you Grandma!

Anna May (White) Whittall
WHITTALL (Rockford) - Anna May (White) Whittall, aged 100, went to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on February 25, 2009. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Guy C. White, her second husband, Wayne Whittall, and her son, Jack D. White. She is survived by her daughter, Peggy A. and John Goller; and her son, D.M. and Nita White; and 12 grandchildren, Barbara (Lloyd) Rich, Guy (Diana) White, John (Debbie) Goller, Linda (Mike) Jones, Doug (Rhonda) White, David (Debbie) Goller, Jerry White, Kim (Nanci) White, Tammy (Roger) Weeks, Deb (Cliff) Gatewood, Trudy (Mike) Noble, and Phil (Linda) White; 40 great grandchildren, and 37 great-great grandchildren. Anna was devoted to all of her children and grandchildren, and prayed for them all by name each night. She was active for many years in her church, Courtland-Oakfield United Methodist Church, and her local Grange. She also knitted, and sewed quilts, which were given to her many grandchildren, and donated to local charities. Funeral services for Anna will be held Saturday morning, February 28, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at Courtland/Oakfield Methodist Church, with Dr. Michael Conklin officiating. Interment in Courtland Township Cemetery. Those desiring an expression of sympathy may consider the Courtland/Oakfield United Methodist Church. The family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Carter gets a new Car Seat!

We upgraded Carter to a Booster Seat....he is so excited to have a big boy car seat!

Our Basement Completed!

Erich playing outside with the kids

Erich decided to take the kids out and play in the snow. Here is what he did...

He built a chair out of the snow...A beer chair, with a cup holder. So he sits out there drinking a Bud Light...and his beer doesn't get warm he says!

Kids' Christmas Program for Daycare

Freedom Early Learning Center had their Christmas program rescheduled to Thursday night. Anah and Carter both sang in the program.

Anah singing "Sing Noel"

Anah sings "Joy to the World".

Carter sings "Twinkle, Twinkle, Christmas Star."

Carter sings "Away in a Manger."

Pictures

All these pictures are thanks to Jane Harris Photography....
To see more pictures follow this link. http://www.imageevent.com/janeharrisphoto
She is based out of Coopersville. You all know that I am a picture FREAK! I highly recommend Jane for your pictures!

More Family

Here is Mom and Grandma Raterink with me, Lynee and Aelise.

Ahhhh..Look! We are all hugging! We love each other! We love our Mommy!

Anah and Carter LOVE Grandma!!

Can you tell the kids love Grandma? Maybe just a little...ok, maybe ALOT!

They simply think she is the best thing in the world! When Grandma is around, there is nothing that can compare to her!

Aunt Pictures!

Here are the aunt pictures! Anah and Carter absolutely ADORE Lynee and Aelise. Look how cute they are!!

Sisters!

Here are the 'Goller Girls'. That is what we used to be called. This time mom couldn't dress us all the same. And we didn't go kicking and screaming! My how times have changed!