Kalamazoo Life

Grab Bag

2010-06-10T19:44:00.003-04:00

We had a few very hot days in the month of May. On a Sunday afternoon, we set up the slip and slide for Conley. She wouldn't try it on her own, so I had to put on my suit and participate in the fun. Once the neighbors came over to play, Conley was just fine going down by herself. I must say, the slide just isn't wide enough! I kept slipping onto the grass.

Here is a picture with me and my dog, C.C. She is now 11 years old. I adopted her when she was 6 months old at a pet adoption event in Gilbert, AZ. I am allergic to dogs and cats, so I was hesitant to get a dog. My family insisted on it, since my home had been broken in to. I was attracted to C.C. because she had a calmness about her and she didn't lick. She wasn't much of a guard dog at first. When she spent the weekend with another dog who barked, C.C. figured it all out!

Conley just loves helping me wash the car. At first, she drove me crazy always going over the spots that I had cleaned and dried. Now, she understands the flow of things and just does her thing.

I pray that she never does this while in a bikini one day!

Mike and I took Conley to the Harry Fest in Otsego a few weeks ago. She enjoyed the activities, the bands and the balloon guy.

Conley attended a wedding last weekend. See Fran's blog for more details.

I think I'll use this picture for my blog. Conley looks better than her parents. This is the way it always should be.

Jamaica

2010-05-07T11:15:00.003-04:00

Mike and I visited Montego Bay, Jamaica May 1 - 5. We stayed at the brand new resort Secrets, St. James. It was absolutely beautiful. We didn't get too many pictures of us with our digital camera. We had some professional photos taken as well as some with the waterproof camera. We went wind sailing and snorkeling, swam in the pool and in the sea, had superb food and lots of drinks! It was our first time to Jamaica and we really enjoyed the gorgeous water, personable natives and, of course, the Blue Mountain coffee!

If you would like to see more photos of the resort, visit Paradise Getaways on facebook.

Here's the beach just outside our room.

This is one of the wedding gazebos on property. I did sunrise and sunset yoga in this gazebo. Very relaxing (and hot too!).

We visited the White Witch Golf Club. The view was absolutely spectacular. The picture doesn't do it justice. The late Johnny Cash had a home on the property.

I toured Sandals, Montego Bay while there. This neat palm was on their property.

Here is a photo in our suite before we dined that evening at Bordeaux French restaurant. There are a total of 9 restaurants on the property.

Easter and Natalie

2010-05-07T10:55:00.004-04:00

Conley's first time coloring Easter eggs.

She chose a Disney Princess coloring kit.

Here are the 5 Princess eggs we colored.

This is Conley's first Easter basket. Last year we were just returning home from Florida and the Bahamas so we didn't have time to put one together for her.
It took her a while to find under this chair.

In her beautiful Easter dress with her basket filled with candy.

MEET NATALIE BETH KAKABEEKE
Born April 25, 2010

Just look at that beautiful face!

Mike is so excited to meet Natalie.

Proud parents, Chris and Kim.

We are so happy for the healthy baby God has blessed Chris and Kim with. She is absolutely gorgeous and I can't wait to hold her again! Congratulations Chris, Kim and Jack!

Denver and a couple other pics

2010-03-27T16:20:00.006-04:00

DENVER

On March 12 we met Dan and Angie out in Denver for a couples weekend. It was Dan's birthday, so we celebrated in style.

Dan received a special birthday dessert, compliments of the Westin in Denver.

Angie, Joy and Mike getting ready for a big birthday dinner.

Kim, Chris and Dan. Kim is due with baby No. 2 at the end of April!

A COUPLE OF CONLEY PICS

Here is daddy and Conley "napping". I asked Conley to pretend like she was napping. She shut her eyes real tight and giggled while I took the picture.

Conley has a new found love of candy canes. And it doesn't matter how old they are!

FYI: Primerica is going public on April 1! Check out the website at http://www.primerica.com/kakabeeke

Have you seen Tami's travel website? I'm working for her on a part time basis now. Check us out at http://www.paradisegetaways.net/

Let's RELAX

2010-02-18T20:45:00.004-05:00

How does one relax while living the Kalamazoo Life?

Step 1: Take a long, luxurious bubble bath!

Step 2: Yoga! Conley and Mommy do a modified Warrior 1 pose.

Now it's time for Warrior 2 pose.

And let's build that upper body strength with a litte down dog.

Kakabeeke Christmas

2009-12-25T20:22:00.004-05:00

Conley got an art easel and supplies from mommy and daddy this year.

Grandpa, Conley and Jack pose for a nice picture before we open gifts.

I just love those smiling faces!

"What's next?"

Looks good! Thanks Dangie!

"What is this?" After Mike realized it was a kit to make hand prints, he said "Cool!"

Jack dove right into the cookie jar! Sadly, there were no cookies.

"This Christmas thing is pretty neat!"

Fran got a Keuring one cup coffee maker from Dangie and crew. I must say, I was a bit envious of this one!

Van Tol Christmas

2009-12-25T19:45:00.005-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Conley's first Christmas program! On December 13, Conley participated in our church Christmas program. She was an angel and learned lots of songs for the program. She didn't keep the halo on for the program. She kept telling the leaders "I don't want to be an angel. I just want to be Conley." They compromised with her and let her ditch the halo!

BLITZEN BASH
We had our Van Tol Christmas party on December 20. It was the same day of the Blitzen Bash, so a few of us went to check it out. (A family a few miles from my home raise reindeer and hold this bash each year at their farm.)

Annie, Emily, Ana, Josie and Nathan with Blitzen and Santa. Conley gave Santa a nice hug.

Conley and one of the baby reindeer. Emily with a huge reindeer antler.

Nathan took a horse ride. All the girls with Blitzen.

PRESENT TIME

Kylie read the story this year. She did an AWESOME job! Everyone was once again spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa.

Halloween Fun

2009-11-04T20:49:00.002-05:00

Conley dressed up as Stephanie from Lazy Town for Halloween this year. We took her to church for the Trick or Trunk event. She had a great time. A few months ago, Conley decided to go as Stephanie for Halloween. I was shocked that she remembered trick or treat from last year and then amazed when she stuck with her choice of going as Stephanie.

I spent some time using a curling iron to make the wig look nice. She looks so great in it!

Conley was more interested in her sucker than getting through the straw maze!

Family Gathering

2009-11-04T20:04:00.005-05:00

Rub a Dub Dub, Five Babes in a Tub

Ain't that the sweetest thing?

Grandma and her two grand daughters

Maybe I should be wearing pink?

Making cookies was fun, but really messy.

Claire just loved the icing and sprinkles

It's a chocolate mustache!

Grandma and her six grandchildren.

Hudson, Conley and Joy went down the shark slide. FUN!

Why is the water fountain so fascinating?

Jack and Tucker playing with the barn.

The Birthday Party/Photo Session

2009-10-11T14:46:00.005-04:00

On Sunday, October 4, we celebrated Conleys' birthday with family.

Grandma Fran and Grandpa Tom made a cute photo book showing how much she's changed in the last year.

Aunt Di and Uncle Steve get lots of laughs when they hang out with Conley.

Conley made all the choices for her cake. She chose a marble cake with bavarian creme, chocolate frosting and a picture of Stephanie from Lazy Town. (Watch for Conley in a Stephanie costume in an upcoming blog.)

Wow! Three candles!

I did it!

SEARS PHOTO SESSION 10/09/09

Conley is 3!

2009-10-06T14:18:00.005-04:00

Conley was awakened by her excited and impatient mother on Friday morning. She opened her first gift and then Grandma Dollie came over to watch her for a few hours. In the afternoon, Conley, Mommy, Grandma Fran and Grandma Dollie all went to Build a Bear.

Grandma Fran helps Conley choose an animal. Conley chooses a panda bear.

Conley uses her foot to push the pedal. This helps stuff her panda bear.

Now it's time to make a wish before the heart is put in her bear.

Yeah! My panda is all stuffed! Now it's time to brush her and fluff her.

Mommy made a birth certificate for her. Conley named her Cupcake and then promptly began calling her Pandy.

She picked out a t-shirt and skirt for Pandy.

A great time was had by all.

Mike's Daughter

2009-08-29T19:44:00.004-04:00

I've taken some great pictures of Conley over the past couple of weeks. She looks so much like Mike it's crazy. Recently, she enjoyed a pudding treat. Gotta love that chocolate face. On Tuesday, August 25, Fran and I took Conley to South Haven. She absolutely LOVED playing in the sand. Today, Conley decided to get a crazy hairdo. She's growing so fast.

Mike and I have been extremely busy these last few weeks. Our business is really taking off and we're so excited about it! We're working hard to continue the momentum and growth of the family business.

YUMMY!

This is Mike in a dress.

"Land! Precious land!"

"The water is chasing me!"

"I'm so cute."

Summer Fun

2009-07-01T14:09:00.007-04:00

Wow, time is sure flying by. It's been some time since I last updated our blog. We've been busy with the usual and we have been enjoying the beautiful Michigan weather. We put up with all the cold, snow and rain because of the magnificent summer days the Lord blesses us with. Enjoy the pictures.

Chris, Kim and Jack came to Michigan to celebrate Jack's 1st birthday over Memorial Day weekend. He is such a sweetie!

Jack didn't waste anytime enjoying his cake. He had fun, then he had a bath.

The water was still a bit cool, but the kids enjoyed it. Nathan helped Conley in the pool, since mommy and daddy were too chicken.

We took Conley to Deer Forest. Conley wasn't too interested in the deer or other animals. She did, however, enjoy the rides.

This is FUN!

My first ferris wheel ride.

This is just like the Dumbo ride at Disney World!

Giddee Up! My first ride by myself.

These are a few of my favorite things.

We are too cool for school.

Welcome back to the 80's, Joy!

We got our new deck finished! Before, our deck was all wood and enclosed. Now, it's all PVC material and has a staircase to the back yard. We are loving it. Jake Jonkman and his team built it for us. They did an awesome job. Jake can be reached at 269-353-3435.

Our Precious Princess

2009-05-19T15:27:00.006-04:00

We just received our Disney photo CD and I just had to share a few more pics. Also, I've included a video of Conley and her piano.

Conley and Princess Belle

"I got Cinderella's autograph!"

"Did I tell you I also met Mickey and Minne?"

CONLEY AND THE PIANO
It's a little dark...sorry!
This was taken back in March.

Bahamas Cruise

2009-04-16T14:32:00.005-04:00

Conley loved playing on the bunk in our cabin (top pic). She was very upset when she found out she wasn't going to sleep up there. The other pic is Conley poolside, waiting for some breakfast.

We went to the Atlantis Resort for our day excursion when we disembarked in Nassau. Conley absolutely LOVED playing on the beach.

After the beach, we had a bite to eat and then visited the underground aquarium at the resort.

Conley was so busy climbing, I don't think she even noticed all the fish passing behind her!

On the way back to port in Ft. Lauderdale, Conley enjoyed the kid's area on the ship.

Florida Vacation

2009-04-14T15:45:00.001-04:00

The first full week in April was spent in sunny Florida and on a Bahamas cruise. We went to Disney World, we golfed in Ft. Lauderdale, we took a Bahamas cruise to Nassau and just relaxed as a family. The weather was great and fun was had by all!

Tea Time at Minnie's House

"I want to go in the castle!"

MEETING THE PRINCESSES

Cinderella Belle

Aurora Ariel

On the carousel

GOLFING

Mike and I were able to shoot 9 holes while Conley played.

Meet My Family

2009-03-08T18:28:00.000-04:00

On Sunday, March 1st, my family gathered together to celebrate my mother's 63rd birthday. We went to Big T's for lunch and then to my parent's house to hang out and play cards. Tami and I kicked butt in round 1 of canasta. Mom and Deb kicked butt in round 2. Brad and Lou? They just didn't BRING IT!

Emily, Nathan and Josie played Uno.

Conley's cousin, Emily.

Conley's cousin, Nathan.

Conley's cousin, Josie.

Conley on the potty and grandma and grandpa's.

My mother and father, Dollie and Conley.

Conley and her cousin, Colin. What's with the funny face, Colin?

My sister Deb, and her husband, Brad. Sorry the ladies kicked your butt, Brad!

My brother, Cory. Next to Mike, he's the nicest guy I know.

Me and my mother. Happy Birthday!

My twin sister, Tami, and her husband, Lou. Visit paradisegetaways.net to plan

your next vacation!

Conley's cousin, Kylie. She likes posing for the camera.

Conley helped grandma open her gifts. Annie is in the background. I didn't get a pic of

her for some reason. Sorry Annie!

Conley's oldest cousin, Analisha.

Not pictured: Conley's cousin Brooke, who was out of town that weekend.

Let's Play! Let's Bake!

2009-01-29T14:42:00.000-05:00

"I just love hanging around the house in my pajamas!"

"Here I am playing with my dog, CC."

"I'm wearing a sun hat that's too small and mommy's slipper socks!"

Conley received this cute apron set from Aunt Debbie, Uncle Brad, Nathan and Colin on her

birthday. Initially, she wanted nothing to do with it. Once she realized that really yummy treats would be made when she wore it, she wore it with enthusiasm!

Christmas Pictures

2009-01-13T21:36:00.001-05:00

Conley received so many wonderful gifts this year. I am confident she will enjoy them for years to come. A special gift was given to Fran this year: a charm bracelet. There are six charms on the bracelet, one for each grandchild. The initials and date of birth are engraved on the charms.

Winter Fun

2009-01-13T21:28:00.000-05:00

When Mike and I had my family over for Christmas, we knew it would be chaotic. (Conley has 8 first cousins on mommy's side of the family!) We planned a fun activity for the kids and grown ups...sledding behind a Mule named Francie (a motorized vehicle, not a donkey!). Everyone had such a great time.

2009-01-12T16:26:00.000-05:00

So I've been a bit resistant to having a blog. It's a new year and I'm so excited about all the possibilities of 2009. Why not start with something completely new? I am confident that I will enjoy blogging and keeping all of you informed. I am also confident that I will make many errors as I try to learn the ins and outs of blogging! Happy 2009!