tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256062972011-04-21T18:40:23.914-05:00A little insight into my day-to-day life as a wife and mother for anyone who cares.kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.comBlogger1201100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-77545732954675268002009-02-02T15:45:00.001-06:002009-02-02T15:47:50.636-06:00

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-14852316917918786072008-12-03T23:30:00.004-06:002008-12-03T23:34:18.646-06:00

While saying goodbye to Jer as he left for work this morning..."Bye, Daddy! I love you. Have a good day at work. Don't spend a lot of money!"

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-82047957864027536512008-11-20T23:32:00.001-06:002008-11-20T23:33:58.484-06:00

While I was driving us to Bible study..."Mommy, why are you always yelling at the cars?"

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-78397165373941814092008-11-10T10:46:00.003-06:002008-11-10T10:54:35.669-06:00

Today Elise turns 4 years old! She is very excited about her birthday this year and has been telling everybody about how she will turn 4 on "Nomember 10." Jeremy's parents came to visit this past weekend. We had a fun little birthday party for her last night, and now we are preparing for the next round of visitors. My dad and stepmom will be here tomorrow.Happy Birthday, Elise!

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-7005885015991024292008-11-04T07:42:00.002-06:002008-11-04T07:49:58.374-06:00

Upon arriving home early this morning after voting...Me: Guess what I did this morning?Elise: What?Me: I went and voted for president of the United States.Elise: Daddy and I voted.Me: Who did you vote for?Elise: A dog.Me: A dog!? What is this dog's name?Elise: Buster.For those of you who don't know, Buster is her beloved (and disgusting) stuffed pink dog that she has had since she was born and

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-73023349447782029812008-10-06T21:44:00.003-05:002008-10-06T21:48:22.505-05:00

And so we wait for Spring to once again cheer for our beloved White Sox...

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-75744303729589964782008-09-30T09:41:00.005-05:002008-09-30T22:06:03.202-05:00

-flavored coffee-my favorite coffee mug-pepper jack cheese-my crockpot-getting to watch the White Sox and Bears on TV-my Salsa-Red Chevy Equinox-hanging out with a good friend all afternoon-good wine-leftovers for lunch the next day-things Elise says that make me laugh

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-8794538388014255812008-09-21T23:17:00.001-05:002008-09-21T23:20:17.166-05:00

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-2568100278957050592008-09-12T08:24:00.007-05:002008-09-12T09:38:22.996-05:00

Ten years ago today, Jeremy and I got married. I have loved each and every one of these past ten years and look forward to the next ten. I will save the rest of the sappy stuff for my husband, but I'll share some pictures from our wedding day. Unfortunately, we don't have very many pictures besides our professional ones. And since we got married before the digital age, our photos are all on

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-48067571643948481832008-09-04T10:07:00.004-05:002008-09-04T10:18:43.135-05:00

This is the new book I have started reading. But, in true Kim fashion, I have waited until Thursday to start.

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-17249231186978037172008-08-31T23:19:00.002-05:002008-08-31T23:21:04.471-05:00

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-13977555669341363522008-07-23T22:54:00.004-05:002008-07-23T23:56:53.589-05:00

I've read several blogs over the past few months about summer. How much they love summer. How they can't wait for summer's arrival. Lists about all the things that make summer their favorite season. All the fun things to do and places to go in the summer. The sadness they feel knowing the end of summer is not too far off. Well, not me. I hate summer. Least favorite month by far. So, here

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-79318102958072606232008-07-02T17:24:00.003-05:002008-07-02T17:29:27.673-05:00

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-63697272817951659322008-06-19T09:56:00.002-05:002008-06-19T10:14:08.850-05:00

This week has not been very good. I have been sick. I rarely get really sick and it is so frustrating when it happens. It started Sunday night with, as my mom called, the "ache-all-overs" and progressed to puking in the middle of the night with a severe headache. Needless to say, I got little sleep and was feeling horrible the next morning. Jeremy was wonderful to work at home until about 10

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-80197797165304510412008-06-11T06:37:00.002-05:002008-06-11T07:30:56.021-05:00

I had it last night. That awful dream that has haunted me for well over the past ten years. The dream that doesn't want to go away. The dream that wakes me up in a cold sweat and a heavy feeling that I'm left with for at least a few hours. The school dream. The dream circumstances, people, and events are always different, but the sinking feeling of stress, unpreparedness, and sheer panic are

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-84282092414905067292008-06-05T22:57:00.001-05:002008-06-05T22:59:54.379-05:00

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-70223267160087903882008-05-26T10:37:00.004-05:002008-05-26T10:40:35.939-05:00

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-80827213673851583622008-03-31T22:25:00.002-05:002008-03-31T22:44:24.738-05:00

I know I haven't posted in a while, but I haven't felt like there's been much to talk about. Let's face it, I don't have the world's most exciting life. How many different ways can you talk about dealing with a "determined" 3 year old. I use the word "determined", not because I believe this to be the best way to describe her, but because it is always how my mother-in-law describes the way my

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-13714117921160963002008-03-14T17:45:00.002-05:002008-03-14T17:47:38.820-05:00

This picture speaks volumes.

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1297495220262922492008-02-29T12:51:00.004-06:002008-02-29T16:45:09.750-06:00

After finally growing enough hair, I took Elise for her first haircut a couple weeks ago. Nothing drastic, just a little off the back to even it out a little and give her a few bangs. A couple months before this, I got my hair cut a lot shorter so she has been infatuated with haircuts for a while and was very excited and eager to have hers done. The several days leading up to it, she kept

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-23173721064760630532008-02-13T16:46:00.002-06:002008-02-13T16:53:28.675-06:00

I was just told by Elise's teacher that I might want to send some more food with her for lunch. Apparently, they have been giving her animal crackers and other scraps of food almost every week because she is still hungry after she finishes the lunch I have packed.

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-87533610373704071332008-02-12T23:46:00.003-06:002008-02-12T23:52:31.609-06:00

Why am I up at midnight putting together Valentines for 3 year olds? If you've gotten one Valentine you've gotten 'em all. And if you can't write them out yourself, well, then, what's the point? I should have gone with my gut and pretended not to see the "Valentine Class Party Sign-Up Sheet." Lesson learned for next year.

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-74083211593697119302008-02-11T16:52:00.000-06:002008-02-11T16:54:55.618-06:00

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-45765388000706205412008-02-06T16:28:00.000-06:002008-02-06T17:51:18.041-06:00

The season of Lent is upon us. While I don't typically participate in the traditional practices of Lent, I have decided this year to give something up for this period of time. Computer solitaire. This is by no means intended to make light of what Lent means and the practice of it. But, I have been wasting way too much time doing something of no redeeming value. I thought this might be a

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-24025933096445803222008-02-02T16:04:00.000-06:002008-02-02T16:27:45.758-06:00

No, not the WGA strike (much much much to my disappointment), but my own personal blogging strike. Not sure why I haven't posted - mostly out of laziness I guess - but I'm back for now.Not too much new has been going on here since my last postings, but I can update on a few things. Christmas is over and we have recovered for the most part. Elise reminds us all the time if she sees anything

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-80609084338152418372007-12-21T09:34:00.000-06:002007-12-21T09:35:03.392-06:00

"I'll be right back with my cymbals."

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-9060283760138552692007-12-19T15:39:00.000-06:002007-12-19T15:45:21.193-06:00

...that every time I order a non-fat mocha WITH whip at Starbucks, both the cashier and barista hesitantly repeat my order like they didn't hear me correctly? Why can't someone want to save some calories, but indulge in a little bit of sweet fluffy heavenly whip cream on top? Does it have to be all or nothing?

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-65146987027170636432007-12-13T17:59:00.000-06:002007-12-13T18:01:39.600-06:00

She is presently sitting under the kitchen table fighting over a toy with her stuffed Larry the Cucumber.

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-3012085168943442682007-10-26T10:21:00.000-05:002007-10-26T10:22:27.578-05:00

Elise talking to Jer after a long night of her throwing up...E: "I spilled on Mommy."Jeremy and Elise discussing birthdays and ages...E: "You thirty-two, Daddy."J: "That's right! You're so smart! How old is mommy?"E: "Fourty-six!"While riding in the car...E: "Oh no, Mommy. I got a booger!"K: "You do? Where?"E: "On my finger."After coming into the room where she was playing...K: "Whatchya

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-4333997020709407382007-10-26T10:18:00.001-05:002007-10-26T10:20:38.722-05:00

After a LONG blogging hiatus, I am back. I have so much to update everyone on (including finishing up the "Our Long Trip" series) and so many things coming up to blog about. So, stay tuned for some more regular postings.

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-71304216609834530612007-09-23T14:00:00.000-05:002007-09-23T14:09:54.318-05:00

Here are some random pictures from this summer. Enjoy!

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-46087196009443626642007-09-12T14:25:00.001-05:002007-09-12T14:39:51.997-05:00

Happy Anniversary to Jeremy and me! 9 years - WOW! It's hard to believe. On one hand, it seems to have flown by. On the other, our wedding day seems like ages ago. So much in our life has changed since then. We have lived in 4 different residences, gone through many different jobs between the 2 of us, gained several nieces and nephews, lost my mother, lost grandparents, gained a step-mother

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-27999589262439694592007-09-11T08:04:00.001-05:002007-09-11T08:05:02.901-05:00

There is no update because there is no potting training.Hopefully soon.

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-14735637349838122502007-09-09T17:58:00.001-05:002007-09-09T21:41:57.513-05:00

Well, I guess it's time to continue the story of our very lengthy trip north this summer. Since it has been quite a while since we were gone, I have forgotten many of the details. At this point, it may be more of a pictorial journal.Anyways, the next big event of our trip was step-brother's wedding. It was a very nice wedding and we had a lot of fun spending time with the family. Sara (the

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-55536572519633944522007-08-17T11:49:00.001-05:002007-08-17T16:31:27.052-05:00

Well, I suppose it's time to start documenting what we did on our trip and share some pictures. Since it was such a long period of time and we did so much, I will break it down into several different posts so as not to give anyone Kooistra vacation overload. We left for our trip on Wednesday, July 18 somewhere around 3:00 pm. Jer left work early to pack up the car and our new car top carrier (

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-36273531912020697902007-08-13T15:41:00.000-05:002007-08-13T16:31:24.534-05:00

Wow. We made it. 26 days of traveling. It was a loooooooooong trip, but we enjoyed ourselves and had a lot of fun with family and friends. But, now it is back to reality and the routine of our life here in Memphis. I will soon post all about our trip including pictures, but I just wanted to let everyone know we finally made it home safe and sound. And I will leave you with the temperature

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-79246197934695750532007-08-02T11:47:00.000-05:002007-08-02T11:58:57.079-05:00

I haven't posted lately but it's not been for the usual reason of my laziness. It's because we have been out of town for the past 2 weeks and have another week and a half to go before we get home. We started our travels on July 18 and left Memphis heading north to Grand Rapids. My step-brother, Josh, got married and then the next day we left to spend a week at a cottage with Jer's family (will

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-73279943136739846932007-07-17T20:53:00.001-05:002007-07-17T21:03:07.864-05:00

Father's Day this year presented a slight challenge for me. I wanted to get Jer a present from Elise and me, but he's not big on gifts and doesn't like me to spend money on things that he doesn't need. I was racking my brain trying to come up with something and an idea finally came to me. Now, for those of you who know me, you know I don't tend to be a "cheesy" kind of person. A little cheese

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-61182922315039464892007-07-10T23:57:00.001-05:002007-07-11T00:00:10.019-05:00

On telling Elise about her cousin Caroline coming to visit... Me: "We're going to the airport to pick up Caroline." Elise: "Yeah, she too heavy."At the zoo... Elise: "Those ducks called penguins."Getting her up from a nap... Me: "Are you all done with your nap?" Elise: "Yeah, I don't want to take nother nap. I took three of them!"While coloring... Me: "Are you going

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-15212355942651578212007-07-07T12:34:00.000-05:002007-07-07T12:39:41.315-05:00

Wyatt Nathan Lampen was born last night around 7 pm. He weighed 5 lbs. 2 oz and was 17 inches long. Jen ended up having a c-section after some placenta complications, but both baby and mom are doing well.

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-15387244890113386962007-06-21T20:54:00.000-05:002007-06-21T20:56:12.589-05:00

Today Elise proceeded to refer to me as "Mrs. Kooistra" and Jer as "Jeremy the Daddy." I wonder if this is going to be a new trend...

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-3763898956434588392007-06-09T10:00:00.000-05:002007-06-09T11:05:03.562-05:00

Last night was Jer's company picnic at the zoo. All the employees and their families received free admission and they brought in dinner catered by a local BBQ joint. By 5:00, they had asked the general public to leave the zoo so the entire zoo was available only to employees and their families. Along with free admission and dinner, we were given free rides which normally cost anywhere from $1-

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-78780203947107783372007-06-06T09:39:00.000-05:002007-06-06T09:47:17.074-05:00

I thought I would post some old pictures today and found these two of our families. I love these pictures because it reminds me of God's faithfulness.Jeremy's Grandma, Elise, Jeremy, Jeremy's mom, and GrandpaMy dad, me, Elise, and my Grandma

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-6919394818357362862007-05-15T10:17:00.000-05:002007-05-15T10:19:54.749-05:00

Quote from my husband, Jer, while I watch "Dancing with the Stars" as we works on his computer occasionally glancing up at the TV..."I really need more shirts that open in the front like those guys."

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-75785388888653556962007-05-12T08:11:00.000-05:002007-05-12T08:23:44.737-05:00

So we are heading out once again for another adventure. This weekend our destination is Nashville, TN. We have been to Nashville several times before but never with a child in tow so this should be interesting. Can't take a two year old to the Grand Ole Opry, so that's out. She won't sit contently in her stroller for too long without constant strolling so the Country Music Hall of Fame is out

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-48674576688769880902007-05-09T18:10:00.000-05:002007-05-09T18:31:12.607-05:00

Yesterday Elise came home with an adorable Mother's Day card she made at school. On the front, it said "Happy Mother's Day, I love (with a heart) You! The inside of the card had a tracing of her two adorable little hands and was signed "Love, Elise." It was so sweet and made my heart melt - her first Mother's Day gift that she was able to actually participate in making for me. She was so

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-40198049691735011582007-04-20T06:15:00.000-05:002007-04-20T06:20:00.440-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted, but I'm in the middle of what could possibly be one of the busiest times I've experienced in the recent past. I've been traveling and busy with other random things at home. It is currently 6:17 am and I am waiting for Elise to finish her breakfast so we can leave for our flight to Florida. The two of us are heading down there to visit my grandma. When I

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-67665247697566413162007-04-10T09:11:00.000-05:002007-04-10T09:33:34.302-05:00

...is when the shower or party invitation received in the mail, has 2 or more people hosting, but no specific name by the RSVP phone number. Especially if I don't know the hosts personally. I don't know who I'm calling to RSVP so I sound stupid if the person answers. Co-host: "Hello."Me: "Hi, is this Sue?"Co-host: "No......"Me: "Oh. Is this Jane?"Co-host: "Yes....."Me: "Oh. Hi, this is

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-27857482823420028822007-04-03T12:28:00.000-05:002007-04-03T12:32:54.867-05:00

This could be Elise's new nickname. Apparently, Elise thought yesterday was "National Smack Your Mamma Up Day." I didn't get that memo. We'll see how today after school goes. If it is like it was yesterday, I will be forwarding all her mail there from now on.

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-3158366501648592052007-04-01T16:07:00.000-05:002007-04-01T16:09:50.575-05:00

...to my BFWW! I love you! Hope you have a great day!

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-91425871710520479862007-03-30T13:26:00.000-05:002007-03-30T13:42:06.811-05:00

The circus is town this weekend so here are a few pictures of Elise until I can do some longer and more interesting posts. Enjoy!

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-29822516548284252732007-03-26T11:00:00.000-05:002007-03-26T11:31:25.405-05:00

When people find out that I used to live in Chicago and now live in the South they usually ask me if I like it down here. That's a hard question to answer. As in any situation in life, there are pros and cons. Here is one of the biggest cons...IT'S WAY TOO DANG HOT DOWN HERE!!I am not a hot weather person and it gets hot and humid here early in the year. In the summers, the temperatures are

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-52162755568790613512007-03-22T16:23:00.000-05:002007-03-22T16:37:23.149-05:00

I'm not sure if this is supposed to be the last day of my 7 day blog posting challenge or if it was yesterday. If you count the day in which I wrote about posting for the next 7 days, then this is day 8 and I am an over-achiever. If not, then this is day 7 and I am done. I'm not sure. You decide.

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-8379239173105137822007-03-21T18:40:00.000-05:002007-03-21T18:54:35.229-05:00

I am writing to sing the praises of a Memphis Zoo Membership. Several of my friends have one and talk about how often they go to the zoo. I like the zoo, but my feeling is once you've seen one monkey, you've seen 'em all. So, I was skeptical at how many times I would go and whether or not it would be worth it. I decided to go ahead and take the leap of faith and purchase one. It cost me $99.

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-37811833092077668752007-03-20T15:36:00.000-05:002007-03-20T15:38:52.821-05:00

...can you drive down your street in the morning and see a little girl in her pajamas on the front lawn with her mother standing next to her in her robe, hair wrapped in a towel, brushing her teeth while waiting for the dog to do his business.

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-700998870819919262007-03-19T15:25:00.000-05:002007-03-19T15:32:33.446-05:00

I was rushing around one morning (there's a shock) to get ready to take Elise to school. As I was looking for my shoes, I told her we would be leaving in a minute. I turned around to find her waiting patiently for me to put my shoes on so we could leave. How could I not take a picture of this? It was worth the late arrival.

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-62833139019764294372007-03-18T17:06:00.000-05:002007-03-18T17:13:48.245-05:00

We went out for lunch with some friends today. Our first choice of restaurants was closed, so we walked over to a new place none of us had ever been before. We walked in and almost everyone looked up at us like we were drifters who had wandered into town and obviously didn't know this wasn't a place for people like us. We confidently walked to the back where there were two empty tables. As we

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-29039594683579390032007-03-17T12:03:00.000-05:002007-03-17T12:24:10.324-05:00

I love going out for breakfast! It's not often that our family goes to a restaurant for breakfast since my husband thinks it's a rip off. He's always saying that it pains him to pay for breakfast since he can make the whole meal for a fraction of what they charge. He's also famous for downing a large glass of orange juice while standing by the kitchen sink before we leave for the restaurant.

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-15730506258926408562007-03-16T10:44:00.000-05:002007-03-16T15:37:24.914-05:00

Every year Memphis hosts a professional tennis tournament called the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. They get several big names and the best of the best have played and won. The event is held at The Racquet Club of Memphis, the only private club in the world to host a professional tennis tournament.This year we were invited to attend one of

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-11583056431390583042007-03-15T11:19:00.000-05:002007-03-15T11:28:41.450-05:00

So, I've been gone from my blog for a while, but I'm back. Elise is at school today and I am home by myself until 2:00 with nothing pressing to do, so I guess there is no excuse for me not to post something new. Things have been pretty busy around here, but that is no reason for me to ignore this blog. I somehow find time to play solitaire and surf the internet, so I obviously have time to say

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1172075337466900752007-02-21T10:19:00.000-06:002007-02-21T10:28:57.483-06:00

Just a couple pictures of a younger Elise. These were taken in August of '05 when she was about 9 months old.

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1171333206342369932007-02-12T19:10:00.000-06:002007-02-12T20:22:47.776-06:00

It's been a while since I've posted. Sorry. Once in a while I get in blogger funk and don't feel like posting anything. Sometimes it's because I have nothing to say and sometimes it's because I'm just being lazy. And sometimes it's because I feel like posting is like a school assignment that is due at a certain time and I'm finished with school and don't want to feel like I'm under a deadline

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1170369512179655722007-02-01T16:37:00.000-06:002007-02-01T16:39:32.010-06:00

http://www.theonion.com/content/node/58139?utm_source=onion_rss_daily

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1170090714394809942007-01-29T11:09:00.000-06:002007-01-29T11:11:54.420-06:00

...rocking your little girl to sleep as she cuddles with her stuffed animals and blanket while you sing hymns and old Sunday school songs.

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1169425139739495462007-01-21T18:13:00.000-06:002007-01-21T18:18:59.756-06:00

Woo Hoo! We're heading to Miami for Super Bowl XLI! Go Bears!Bear down, Chicago Bears! Make every play clear the way to victory!Bear down, Chicago Bears! Put up a fight with a might so fearlessly!We'll never forget the way you thrilled the nation with your T formation.Bear down, Chicago Bears, and let them know why you're wearing the crownYou're the pride and joy of Illinois. Chicago Bears,

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1169223786321837642007-01-19T10:19:00.000-06:002007-01-19T10:23:06.340-06:00

Just a minute ago, Elise kept doing something that I kept telling her to stop. I looked at her and said, "Do you want to go in the corner?" Her reply was a very pleasant "yeeeessss" in an ascending tone. Then, she turned around and marched herself right to the corner where she is dancing and jumping as I type this.

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1168405075233186632007-01-09T22:26:00.000-06:002007-01-09T22:59:37.196-06:00

Today our baby ventured out into the cold, cruel, harsh, and lonely world of school. Okay, it wasn't really cold and cruel. And maybe it wasn't harsh or lonely either. And, for that matter, it wasn't really school. But, she did experience her first day at a "Parent's Day Out" program. Whoever came up with this idea should get some kind of medal. You get to drop your kid off in the morning

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1168023096828092632007-01-05T12:48:00.000-06:002007-01-05T12:51:36.853-06:00

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1167533674902372372006-12-30T20:52:00.000-06:002006-12-30T20:54:55.723-06:00

If anyone needs tips on how to travel over 700 miles in a car with a 2 year old puking most of the way, please let me know.

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1165953235144544562006-12-12T13:45:00.000-06:002006-12-12T13:53:55.160-06:00

Earlier today I asked Elise what she wanted for Christmas. Her reply was, "cheese." At least I won't have to do too much shopping.

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1165868852805079232006-12-11T14:24:00.000-06:002006-12-11T14:27:32.820-06:00

Elise just figured out how to open doors. Needless to say, I am doing a little more running around these days. Fortunately, she has not figured out how to open a locked door yet. But, I'm sure that day is just around the corner which means I will once again find Elise in the garage running around the car.

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1165441631530385542006-12-06T15:46:00.000-06:002006-12-06T15:48:43.863-06:00

What a wonderful Thanksgiving our family had this year! Two year ago, Jeremy and I decided that we were not going to travel home for Thankgivings since it was a long trip and we would be traveling soon after the holiday for Christmas. This has been very practical and a way for us to start developing our own family traditions, but I love Thanksgiving with a huge group of people, so it's been a

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1164079006164435302006-11-20T21:08:00.000-06:002006-11-20T21:19:24.553-06:00

...busy busy here. We are busy preparing for BFWW's visit for Thanksgiving. And I am soooooooooooooooo excited that they are coming! We are working on getting the house clean and planning our Thanksgiving Day menu which consists of 11 side dishes (with the possibility of 12) along side our 22.53 pound turkey named "Yummy the Large." (don't ask, we always name our turkeys...) Along with BFWW

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1163193171422104412006-11-10T12:19:00.000-06:002006-11-10T22:03:14.113-06:00

Elise Susan is 2 today! It seems like a lifetime ago that I checked into the hospital that crisp November morning when she was born. But, at the same time, I can't believe she is 2 already. With all the complications and scares we had with her during my pregnancy, we were so thankful when they doctor announced she was a healthy little (4 lbs!) girl. We were so very happy that day and have

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1163104986488808372006-11-09T14:36:00.000-06:002006-11-09T14:44:56.703-06:00

Last night I laid awake in bed listening to my child make a pitiful, sleepful whining noise off and on for a couple hours. It was not a true cry - it just seemed like maybe she was dreaming or uncomfortable and would eventually fall back asleep. I knew if I got up to check on her, she would not let me go back to bed without her screaming because I dared leave her alone while she was awake. So,

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1162655841211016672006-11-04T09:08:00.000-06:002006-11-04T09:57:21.253-06:00

Here are some pictures from Halloween. I told myself that my children wouldn't go trick-or-treating until they could actually say "trick or treat," but Jer was pretty excited about taking her and we got a free hand-me-down costume from my sister so I gave in. I didn't feel so bad after I saw the adult couple with their two dressed up dogs going from house to house. If they can get candy, why

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1162481985123585302006-11-02T09:31:00.000-06:002006-11-02T09:39:45.140-06:00

I'm taking a quick survey of parents. Jeremy and I got into a discussion last night about parents and their children's Halloween candy. I was pretty excited that this year Elise has no concept of her candy missing so I felt like I could eat whatever I wanted without upsetting her. Jer said this was the last year we could do that since she will know what is going on next year and it was mean to

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1162419264052755722006-11-01T15:55:00.000-06:002006-11-01T16:14:24.070-06:00

Hello, again! I have been away from my blog for a while, but I suppose it's time to start up again. Nothing too exciting has happened at Casa de Kooistra, so you haven't missed anything while I have been absent. I was recently up north to visit family and friends and had a nice time. Spent a lot of time out in NW Indy with my sister and nieces. Elise had a blast and started talking a little

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1159985495873098782006-10-04T13:10:00.000-05:002006-10-04T13:11:35.890-05:00

It's a high of 94 degrees here today. It is October 4. Enough said.

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1159828917416250402006-10-02T17:36:00.000-05:002006-10-02T17:41:57.446-05:00

You can all relax now. I have found the missing remote. Actually, Elise found it. And apparently hid it as well. I was sitting on the couch earlier today and Elise was playing with her big tub of legos by the foot of the couch. She likes to hand the blocks to me one by one while I build a tower with them. As she was handing me the blocks, she leaned over to pull out another one and popped

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1159762363012116292006-10-01T23:00:00.000-05:002006-10-01T23:12:43.026-05:00

Hello again! I have been completely unmotivated to post for a long time, but hopefully I will be getting back to it on a more regular basis. Things have been pretty boring around here lately, so you haven't missed much while I have been ignoring my blog. But, right now I would like to share with you the frustration Jeremy and I are experiencing over our lost TV remote. Since Jer is a

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1158771740620436212006-09-20T11:36:00.000-05:002006-09-20T12:02:20.866-05:00

Okay, it was really an hour, but for me that's good. It's another beautiful day here in Memphis - sun is shining, birds are chirping, high of 75 degrees, and not a cloud in the sky. I am usually not much of an outdoors person, and unfortunately Elise gets the raw end of the deal on that one. But, I figured I better take advantage of it while I can. The summers in Memphis are too hot to do

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1158285264501747292006-09-14T20:49:00.000-05:002006-09-14T20:54:24.516-05:00

Someone here is excited about the upcoming season. Go Bears!!

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1158157055733588562006-09-13T09:10:00.000-05:002006-09-13T09:17:38.723-05:00

It's such a gorgeous day here in Memphis! As of 9:00 this morning, it's only 64 degrees outside and mostly sunny. I have all my windows open and there is a gentle breeze coming through the house. I love it! I love fall! Fall in Memphis usually takes forever to arrive since it's often still in the 80's and 90's until October. But today the high is 78 degrees so we will get to enjoy a small

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1158062593867950502006-09-12T07:02:00.000-05:002006-09-12T07:05:38.406-05:00

Jeremy and I are celebrating our 8th wedding anniversary today. It seems like just yesterday we were planning the wedding and saying our "I Do's", but at the same time, it seems like a life time ago. I love my husband and my marriage in ways that I can not even describe. The Lord has blessed our life together and I can't imagine spending the past 8 years or the years to come with anyone else

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1158006053441889612006-09-11T15:17:00.000-05:002006-09-11T15:20:53.456-05:00

Today my child fell asleep on the kitchen floor rug while I was on the phone. She got her blankie, laid down on her stomach and fell asleep.

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1157746023676298672006-09-08T14:52:00.000-05:002006-09-08T15:07:03.753-05:00

A few weeks ago, my BFWW blogged about the places in her house that make her happy when she looks at them. She challenged her faithful blog following to do the same. So, in true "Kim" fashion here is my assignment - complete and a little late.This is my couch that I like to stretch out on and makes me happyThis is the view from my couch that makes me happy

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1157557760821103502006-09-06T10:00:00.000-05:002006-09-06T10:49:25.120-05:00

We have returned from a our short trip to Grand Rapids over the Labor Day weekend. We had such a great time up there. We got up early on Friday morning to get to the airport for our 7:15 flight, only to find out that it was delayed for an hour and a half. This meant we would not make our connecting flight in Cincinnati so they had to rebook us on a completely different airline to get us to GR

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1157077234315049882006-08-31T21:14:00.000-05:002006-08-31T21:20:34.330-05:00

We are headed up to Grand Rapids for the weekend, so while I'm gone, you can all think about any special Labor Day memories or traditions you have of the holiday. I'll get it started by remembering all the fun we had in college and the few years right after camping in Manistee, MI with our friends every Labor Day weekend. Good times, Good times...Enjoy your holiday weekend!

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1156889190760456722006-08-29T17:05:00.000-05:002006-08-29T17:06:30.770-05:00

...to knowingly let your kid sit in a dirty diaper?

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1156529926130416372006-08-25T13:06:00.000-05:002006-08-25T13:18:46.260-05:00

Anyone who knows me knows I can't sing. And I don't mean that I'm a just little off key but can fake it somewhat. I can't sing AT ALL! I am completely tone deaf. But, I like to sing along with my favorite songs on the radio, sing praises in church, and sing to Elise while I'm rocking her. I can turn the radio up loud and barely hear myself alone in my car, and the music in our church is so

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1155915256056694902006-08-18T09:25:00.000-05:002006-08-18T10:34:41.196-05:00

Thrifty: adj 1: careful and diligent in the use of resources 2: mindful of the future in spending money; "careful with money"I, along with many of you who read this blog, come from a Dutch heritage. There is a stereotype of Dutch people being cheap, or "thrifty" as my husband likes to say. For most of the Dutch people I know, this stereotype is true and it is true for me in many cases. For my

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1155652348239153902006-08-15T09:00:00.000-05:002006-08-15T09:55:51.193-05:00

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1155497352897039732006-08-13T13:39:00.000-05:002006-08-13T14:29:12.976-05:00

Well, I was fooled again. In my last post you read how my family surprised me with a lovely birthday dinner. I had no clue they were planning it and they completely surprised me. Last night it happened again. Jer and I went out for dinner with some friends and then headed back home at 7:00 because the friends had "a thing" to go to later that evening. Okay with me, I thought. It will be

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1155081466445533882006-08-08T11:41:00.000-05:002006-08-10T22:53:14.500-05:00

Hello, again! We have returned from our trip up north and are trying to get back into the swing of things here. It was a great trip, but also extremely busy. It's hard when we go to visit because there are several family members and friends we want to see, but only have a limited amount of time. And with a 20 month old it makes it harder yet. But here is a summary of our time spent north of the

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1154100217441999812006-07-28T08:22:00.000-05:002006-07-28T10:29:54.346-05:00

Well, I will be signing off for a while as we are heading up north for a week to visit family and friends. I am really looking forward to it (not so much the 8 hour car ride with Elise). I love to go back home and spend time with everyone that I miss so much. The flip side to that is, I get comfortable back in my hometown and want to start looking for job listings for my husband. Then, we get

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1153763023536964472006-07-24T10:25:00.000-05:002006-07-24T13:15:17.196-05:00

Many children are in need of toys like building blocks. If you are interested in sponsoring the child in the pictures below, please call today. For the amount of a cup of coffee per day, you can help this child receive the proper toys needed for a promising future. When you sign up, you will receive a picture of your child, a personal story of that child, and updates on the progress she is

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1153279350847300192006-07-18T22:07:00.000-05:002006-07-18T22:22:30.883-05:00

You know those annoying parents who are afraid to discipline their kid or tell them "no" because they don't want to stifle them? The ones whose kid is drawing on the wall with crayon and their response is (with a sing-songy voice), "What a creative little artist you are, Susie! That's very good that you are experimenting with different types of canvas, but how about you try the paper again?" I

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1152911549471735412006-07-14T16:11:00.000-05:002006-07-14T16:13:19.030-05:00

Okay, here's the scoop. My library storytime experience was a good one overall. When I arrived, there were several other mothers and kids lingering around the room where it takes place. Several were talking with each other which was one of my biggest fears. I had been told when I called to ask about this program that it had been going on since January so I figured there was already a core

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25606297.post-1152654621977354512006-07-11T16:34:00.000-05:002006-07-11T16:50:21.993-05:00

I am getting adventurous in my old age and I am going to try something new tomorrow. I am taking Elise to storytime at the local library for kids between the ages of 1-2. I know, you are thinking "big freakin' deal." Well, for me it is. I have my moments when I am feeling very outgoing and willing to meet and talk to anyone, but that doesn't happen very often. If I do something like this, I

kkooishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04089307749449762881noreply@blogger.com14