Update

Sorry for not posting anything lately- like all of you, we have been quite busy!

So here's what's been happening:

- As many of you already know, Russ has accepted a position with a church in Holland (Immanuel Church of Holland). He will be the Director of Worship and Music, as well as oversee some outreach and small group ministries. We have been praying about this for some time now and really feel that this is where God wants us to be. We will be looking to sell our condo (anyone interested?!?!) and hoping to find something between Holland and Wyoming (where I work). This is going to be an exciting time, yet I am beginning to feel the stress and worry come on. It is really difficult to think about leaving our church family. I think we have just been in denial about it happening- yet each day it gets more and more real. I know that for Russ, this is going to be even more difficult of a move, since he grew up going to Rockford Baptist. Please keep us in your prayers as we begin this new chapter in our lives.

- Nothing new with me. Just finished up a couple more grad classes- so I am officially 1/3 of the way through! If all goes well, I will be graduating in August of 2008! I can't wait to be done! I am going to really enjoy these next 2 weeks off- no school, no grad classes!! Yesssssss!! Although, I do have to admit, I dreamt about my 2nd graders and I woke up missing them- pathetic, I know.

- Frodo's fur finally grew back...he is back to his fluffy self and wants to spend every second out in the snow. It is difficult to get him to come back inside at times.

- We will be leaving for WI Christmas Eve to spend the rest of the week with my family. I am so stinking excited to see everyone! I still can't believe that I have been doing this (traveling back and forth) for 11 years now!!! For those of you who know me, you know what a homebody I am and how much of a "mama's girl" I am- so going home to see my family and to just spend time with them is pretty much all I can think about!

Welp- that's all for now!

We hope that you all have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! Enjoy the time with your family and friends.

Thanks for tuning in.

-am

I forgot I had muscles...

Welp, yesterday we played in the RBC co-ed flag football tourney. We didn't do very well, but we had fun trying! Today, I feel some aches and pains. It's been a while since I have done anything like that, so I am definitely feeling it today!

Holy NIGHT!

This is a video of our christmas candlelight from 2 yrs ago. I was talking to scotty about it tonight, and thought i'd get it on the web for the world to see.

Ma & Pa

For those of you who have been asking how my parents are doing, I thought I would give you a little insight into what they have been busy doing. As you know, they retired last year and have been keeping quite busy ever since. This summer, they built a workshop out back so they could do wood-working stuff.

Here is my dad busy carving a sunfish out of driftwood (I think it's driftwood....)

Pretty impressive eh?!

As for my mama- she has been busy knitting anything and everything! Last I heard, she was busy knitting mittens....for me I hope :)

It's so hard being away from them like this. I just wish that I could be sitting in the workshop with my dad or knitting mittens with my mom (while drinking our peppermint mocha coffee, and listening to Christmas music). :(

I can't wait to see you, Mom and Dad, this Christmas! I love you both so much!

-am

Jeff and Katie Winne!

First of all- congrats to the happy couple!!

Second...my apologies for not blogging in a while. Busy times.

The wedding was absolutely beautiful! Unfortunately, we did not get many pictures at all, so you'll have to deal with this one.

As for Russ and I- things are going as usual. Russ is still busy juggling his 2 jobs (and hunting season now too!), and I am busy with teaching plus I am cramming in full time grad classes (yes, I am crazy). Other than that, we filling the rest of our time with silly things like eating and sleeping :)

Well, gee, that's all the exciting news we have for you! Aren't you glad you took the time to read this today???? We'll try to come up with some juicier posts next time!

Thanks for tuning in.

-am

The Professor

the professor decided to chase a muskrat into the pond this morning around 5:45 AM, so he had his yearly bath before me today! Needless to say, he is NOT as smart as he looks... but neither am I!

-am
.... just kidding...
-rm

Jump Camping 07

Lost and Found

We dropped our dog, Frodo, off at the groomer yesterday.

We lost our dog.

We found this one.

We'd like the the fluffy Frodo back please. If you have seen him, call us. Possible reward.

Ian Patrick Wells Stevenson

Well, it's official...our college group of girls is moving on to the next stage- motherhood! Ahhhh!! Tara Stevenson (Wells) was the first one of our "college girls" to become a mommy! And since she is an only child, we all get to be Ian's Aunts! So, here is my newest "nephew": He is pretty much the cutest little boy I have ever seen! It's amazing how much you can love someone that you've only known for a few minutes.

Here are some of Ian's "Aunties" that went to see him on day 2 of his life...

Auntie Katie and Auntie Molly

Auntie Jen and Auntie Amy

Auntie Megan

This kid is going to be spoiled. :)

Bishops in town!

A couple of weeks ago, we were blessed to have the presence of Matt and Mere and Caden Bishop- along with many other fabulous friends and family! It was great to see them!!!!! Russ and Caden
D, Doug, Matt, and Caden.
And of course, it wouldn't be a get-together without a rousing game of "TIPS". Contact me for official game rules :)
Katie and Jeff

Camping 101 scary stories

cottrell campin

Here we are gettin our gear all ready to "rough it"

actually this is ours....

Gettin a little fire started the good ol fashioned way...
actually, it's kinda hard to get a fire started like the great Survivor Man on the outdoor channel.

but... where there's smoke, there's fire... right? In that case, I WAS successful. I'd like to thank my parents for putting me in cub scouts for one year... i can also do a somersault (sp?)

AND, It wouldn't be campin withe the cottrells without some fishin.... the kids love hangin out with their grampa

The nightly ritual....

Nathan and Kristy...

Mom and Flavio (Rene)

Here's ame's parentals: (not likeing the flash when it's really dark out)

oh... also here's Frodo's Dad....they're actually trying to find him a good home... he obeys well, but is kinda bossy around other dogs... let us know if you have a home for him... he's a purebread Samoyed... and obeys very well.

Can't wait to see you all again...

Wikipedia

Start of Summer Celebration in Rockford

As I think back to last year's start of summer, and last year's post on start of summer, I decided to post a similar picture. Russ didn't understand why I would choose a spot where I couldn't see the band completely, but what he didn't understand was this:

1. I found shade on a really freakin hot day.

2. I had a blanket to sit on.

3. Tradition led me to the same spot.

4. I can do what I want to do....I'm 29 (yes, it's true...the big 3-0 is near)

Overall it was a great day! Great food. Great company. Great music. Great turnout. I am proud of my husband for the concert he organized. Great husband. :)

Best Argument EVER!

I don't care what language this is in, but this has to be the BEST argument I have ever witnessed!!! It makes me wonder what this kid was arguing for. Check it out:

Oh Baby!

Our dear friend, Tara (Wells), will be expecting their first little bundle of joy soon! I can't wait to be an Auntie (T is an only child, so I get ownership of that title!). The shower was great and so was the company...
Pictured above are some of the peeps that attended the shower...Katie Mika, Katie Holden, Megan, Tara, Emilie, Me, and Tracy.
Good Friends.
Good Food.
Good Games.
Good Memories.
Good Times.

She's the Best!

Introducing .... (drum roll please).....

Ms. Parkview 2007 - Teacher of the Year!!!!!

She wouldn't let me bring the camera, so I had to use my phone, sorry about the quality. Her teacher friends also made her a tierra and a sash to wear, but she wouldn't. What a party pooper!

Another link to add

Hey all!

We finally convinced Matt and Meredith Bishop to start blogging. Be sure to add them to your favorites!

http://mattnmere.blogspot.com/

If anything, go on and take a look at their cute baby. :)

The Good Ole' Days

As difficult as it is to get old, there are some things your mind never forgets. For Nana, that's music and DANCING! She and Gramps used to go out all the time to dance when they were younger. When they talk about it, they just smile. You can tell the memories they do have left are good ones.

Today, we put in a Big Band Love Songs cd. As soon as Nana heard it, she started wiggling in her seat. Next thing we knew, she was standing up and dancing. Russ couldn't help himself, so he joined in on the fun. The look on Gramps' face was one I will never forget.

These are the kind of memories that I know Russ and I will always cherish.

Happy Mother's Day.

Caden Matthew Bishop

A couple of weeks ago, we had the pleasure of visiting our long lost friends, Matt and Meredith Bishop. It was a GREAT visit- and as an added bonus, we got to meet their newest addition! Sorry about the blurry picture, but it's still cute. :)
I swear that Caden liked Russ, despite the look on Cade's face. I have to tell you though- when Caden pouts, it's the cutest thing you have ever seen! It just breaks your heart!
After a full day of this and that, Caden and I settled down for some R & R. I have to admit, this was the highlight of my trip. It was so precious how cuddly and sleepy he was. I could have done without the drool running down my chest though. ;)

Thanks Matt and Mere for the great weekend. We can't wait to come again!!

For all the Moms and Mom's to be:

Just added to amylynncollections.com today is my newest diaper bag! It's a great bag and I've sold 3 already- better get yours quick! Check it out- give me a call or email if interested in a different fabric (or just order online- but please remember the site is still under construction!).

This is so much fun :) Who needs teaching anyway? ;)

-Amy

New Website!

www.Amylynncollections.com has been redesigned! Check it out!!

Pouring in Paradise

Hey everyone - just want to ask for your prayers for Rhianon and Heath who are about to experience their first Typhoon - it looks pretty nasty... here's a link... http://www.goes.noaa.gov/guam/guamloops/guamircolor.html

You can also find out info at www.guampdn.com... Remember that when they say storm is going to hit Monday, that they are 14 hours ahead of us, so it's 4:30 am monday now (as of this post at 2:30 pm in MI on Sunday)...

Frodo's Diary

Monday, March 26th, 2007


Dear Diary,

Today began like any other day, 5 am i was awakened by my mother, fed, and taken out for my morning business... i like to do my business. That morning my dad also fed me, so i was one happy camper.... full and enjoying life.

I spent most of the day gazing out at the beautiful sunshine and panting from the 75 degree weather. When my parents got home for the day (or so they thought) they decided i needed to take a bath because my uncles were coming to visit next week. (and i was kinda smelly). I sure do love bathing...

Anyway, so while i was in there, my dad notice a couple of matts behind my ears, so he decided to cut them off. Next thing i knew they were running around in a tizzy and calling my grandma. Then i heard them mention the vet... that's when i started to panic. I still wasn't quite sure what was wrong, but i got a little excited because i got to go for a ride.
We eventually (after a few wrong turns) ended up at Skeeter's house. He sure was ready to play, and so was I. I think i got slipped a pill in some peanut butter though, because for the rest of the night i was seeing double. Double skeeter, double dad, double dr. Supp. Before i knew it i was being poked with the needle and stitched up behind my ear. Turns out my dad tried to "off" me.... yes we have a dysfunctional family. Thanks to skeeter's dad, i escaped with my ear still intact, not to mention my life.
whew! what a long day.
-Frodo


March 27th, 2007

Dear Diary,
Wow 5 am came early this morning. My double vision finally turned into tiredness and i was OUT cold. I think the cat was snuggling with me at some point, but i couldn't even pick my head up to chew on her.
It was another beautiful day, dad brushed me out in the sun for what seemed like 2 hours (really it was more like one). I also got to go for another car ride! This time i went to Grandma's for mom's birthday. I had a great time playing with chris. Also lucky for me, Gramps left the door open and i got to go for a nice jog down 13 mile road. Dad, Grandpa, and Mom were chasing me... it was SO much fun... until... i noticed a lovely stream that i thought i'd go for a swim in.
Unfortunately for me, i am not yet a good judge of currents and it was more like a raging river. I was immediately swept down the river, busily paddeling my paws trying to keep my head above water. Mom and dad were watching the whole thing, running down the banks and calling my name. All of the sudden i got stuck in some fallen tree branches, i could not touch bottom, and was afraid i would drown. Then, as all hope for me was lost, my mom screamed and my dad shed his shoes and jumped into the river after me. The river was near waist deep to him, and he even was stuck in the branches. He eventually was able to free me from the branches and carry me to saftey!
As much as my parents were happy i was safe, i knew i'd be in trouble for this one. But lucky for me i got to get another bath.
Happy Birthday Mom,

Love, Frodo

westmihomefinder.com!

I have a new domain for my Real Estate -
It has great mapping features, mortgage calculators, and ALL the listings...
I also love referrals... so let the word out!

www.westmihomefinder.com

(thanks for the plug, russellandamy.blogspot.com)

Russ

The Race is ON!

Dinner time at meadowlark... Gramps gets off to a quick start, but Nana is closing the gap around turn 2...

Gramps seems to gain ground in the straightaway...
Awh... he waits for her to go in though...
Love ya guys...

snow dog

Just tryin to figure out how to post video - This is of Frodo playing in the snow that was deeper than him... I had a hard time getting him to come back in the house - silly dog... yea, i know we're weird animal parents posting video of their animals.

Summer Dreamin

See how fun Start of Summer was last year? well... we're doing it again...

fri - night worship before the fireworks - June 8th, 8 pm

sat - afternoon, local bands June 9th, 1pm-4pm

Guitar Hero

Have you played "Guitar Hero"?? If so, I'm sure you agree that it is SUCH a fun game! After watching our new friend, Katie, play (as seen below)- I was debating whether or not to give it a try, but I did and it was a very big challenge! I'm not a game junky in the least, so watching images flash across the screen and hoping that my hands would be able to push the correct buttons at the correct time, proved to be....well, lets just say...interesting. Katie is truly a guitar hero! After Katie Mika and I took our turns, we pretty much spent the rest of the evening in awe as we watched our husbands, Katie and Jeff play- Man- they're good!
Katie and I- never camera shy, as you can see.
...and this is how Arwin chose to spend her evening. She loves bags. Strange.

SNOW!!!!

I challenge you to come over and TRY to get our dog to come in on snowy days...