Home....

This is meeting time again.

Home is the magnet.

The winter land roars and hums with the eager speed of return journeys.

The dark is noisy and bright with late-night arrivals – doors thrown open, running shadows on snow, open arms, kisses, voices and laughter, laughter at everything and nothing.

Inarticulate, giddying and confused are those original minutes of being back again. The very familiarity of everything acts like shock.

Contentment has to be drawn in slowly, steadyingly, in deep breaths – there is so much of it.

We rely on home not to change, and it does not, wherefore we give thanks.

Again Christmas: abiding point of return. Set apart by its mystery, mood and magic, the season seems in a way to stand outside time.

All that is dear, that is lasting, renews its hold on us: we are home again….

By Elizabeth Bowen, 1899 – 1973

Less than one week :)

Backpacking Trip

So Ben and I had the opportunity to go with friends on a backpacking trip this past weekend and it was an awesome trip. The weather was perfect and the scenery was so beautiful. Here are some more details and some pictures!

We drove 10 hours to Arkansas and then hiked 8 miles that day. Stayed overnight in a campground there, that thankfully had running water! But that night got down to 24 degrees and I froze!! in our tent. I think I got about 2 hours of sleep because of how cold it was. I was literally wearing every item of clothing I brought.

Then the next day we hiked 10 1/2 miles with very rugged terrain, a lot of rocks, elevation, and slanted trail. We hiked up a mile in elevation and then back down that mile. Towards the end it was getting late so Ben and Travis hiked fast to the next campground so they could get wood and a fire going before dark, while the other girl and I just took our time and finished the last 2 miles. We were only about 30 minutes behind them so it wasn't bad.

Then the 3rd day we were supposed to hike 5 miles but the other girl and I could barely move so we just stayed at the campground and picked up all our gear and rested while Ben and Travis did the hike to the car and then came back to pick us up.

The Start of the trip

The river we canoed down 2 years ago

Panoramic View

The cliff we jumped off 2 years ago

Old Barn in the woods

Getting fire ready

The Tent

We camped at the bottom the 2nd night

Almost at the end of the hike, so tired.

Mom & Dad Herder Visit

This past weekend Ben and I had the wonderful privilege of hosting my parents! They were able to get a little time off work and made the long drive down to spend some time with us.

They arrived on Thursday evening and we just grilled up some hamburgers and spent the night catching up and resting. Friday we went and visited the Bush Library and Museum on A&M's campus. It was a very cool museum on the life and work of the 1st president George Bush. We had never been there even though it was 10 minutes away!

Here are some pictures from the museum.

The Berlin Wall Memorial

On the Outside Wall

The Burial Plot for the Bushs

The four of us at the Museum

Looking at the presidential car

The Red Dress Collection to promote Women's Heart Health

Then in the afternoon we went out and visited the local winery. We got a nice tour of their vineyards, wine making rooms and their bed and breakfast.

Here is the four of us after the tour.

Then Saturday we traveled a little farther from home. We went to San Marcos - which has an outlet mall with 190 stores! We were only there for a short time however because we were headed to San Antonio!

In San Antonio we probably did 5-6 hours (at least) of walking around the city. We saw the Alamo, the Riverwalk, lots of little shops and did lots of people watching. It was a gorgeous day with a temperature in the low 80's and a nice breeze. We couldn't have picked a nicer day to be down there!

Mom & Dad at The Alamo

Ben & I at The Alamo

The Riverwalk

Grand Rapids Furniture Company in San Antonio!

Mom & Dad at the Riverwalk

Ben & I at the Riverwalk

Then Sunday and Monday were more slow, relaxed days around here before they left Monday night. Ben was able to show them his office and research project at A&M and we were able to take them to a few stores around here.

Overall it was a wonderful couple days with them - we wish they could have stayed longer! And we are looking forward to their next visit. Thanks Mom & Dad!

Labor Day Weekend

So another Labor Day has come and gone - and the desire to be in Holland with the family is still there! Even though the weather was not so great in Michigan this weekend, a weekend with the fam would have been.

I however kept myself very busy with cleaning and unpacking from the recent move and LOTS of crocheting. Take a look at what I made!

See more of the details at www.somethingdianemade.blogspot.com

Hope that you all had a wonderful Labor Day holiday!

Taking a Leap of Faith

So after much encouragement from family, friends, and Ben, I have set up an Etsy account where I can sell my crafts! It is an exciting and nerve wracking journey that I am taking but I am hitting the ground running and should have several items up in the next day or two for purchase.

Please follow my new crafting blog at www.somethingdianemade.blogspot.com and be sure to check out my new shop at www.somethingdianemade.etsy.com.

Thanks for all your love and support! I can't wait to begin to share my ideas with all of you.

Summer Project

Sorry that I have been so quiet all summer - it has been BUSY, and I will fill you in on more of that soon but first a small summer project!

I love to crochet and love shoes so...

Aren't they adorable? a little to big for my feet so they may get passed along to one of my sisters. But it almost makes you ready for a Michigan winter, almost...

And I am out... I am off to get some more yarn to finish the other slipper. As you can see it is not quite finished.

Have a great weekend!

pattern by monpetitvoilon.etsy.com

Happy Easter

Sending all of you a very blessed Easter wish!

It was a very strange Easter for Ben and I to just have dinner the two of us. But we still made a big dinner with ham, mashed potatoes & gravy, and asparagus!

Enjoy the day that have been given to us - and the blessing that our sins are washed away!

"Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!"

I will post pictures of our weekend of basketball this week, stay tuned..