A New Addition

By now most of you have probably heard that we have expanded our family. On Wednesday, March 10 at 12:17pm, Brynn Jillaine Pell arrived, weighing 8 lbs 2 oz, and 19 1/2 inches. We are very excited, and are trying to adjust to being new parents again. Though I must say, so far, the second time around is much easier. Addison is also adjusting well to being a big sister and has enjoyed having a "real" baby in the house.

What a cutie!!!

We were both a little tried after everything, as we had to be to the hospital at 4am, and neither of us sleep much the night before.

Scott and Addison came to pick us up from the hospital.

Sleeping beauty...although she has a mild case of jaundice, so we haven't been able to stretch out the night feedings yet!

Addison with her new baby sister!!!

Happy Birthday!!!

So January and February are the birthday months for the Pell's and Plakmeyer's. We celebrate all but a couple birthdays in these two months. In fact we joke that if baby #2 comes early, it will only add to the two month celebration. That said, this year will be a little different, as we celebrate my dad's birthday tomorrow(10th) for the first time without him here on earth. I know that he is watching down on us and enjoying a piece heavenly birthday cake. We continue to be so blessed by the many friends and family who have shown us their love and support over the past couple of months. While it is hard to let go of the past, we need to look ahead and be thankful for each day God blesses us with here on earth! Yet we can cherish the memories we enjoyed together and be encouraged by the legacy my dad leaves behind.

Here are a couple of our favorite birthday memories we shared together this past year:

Last year my dad turned 51 and over the past year and a half, his 20/20 vision turned into more like 10/20 vision. It got so bad that he even splurged for a pair of reading glasses....which he always was loosing or misplacing. So my sister(Kristin) decided that we should make him a LARGE PRINT cake for his birthday so he wouldn't have any issues reading it!!!

Here is Dad/Grandpa helping out with a one year birthday photo of Addison. She really didn't like the hat, as you can tell.


Ok so I can't get this picture to work, but if you want to see it you can go to the below blog and scroll to the bottom of the page!!! http://jerrypellridetoremember.blogspot.com/


This is a picture of my dad and I overlooking the "Lake of the Clouds" located along the northwest part of the upper peninsula. One of our favorite this to do together was snowmobiling among other things. Of all the trips we took to the U.P. and Canada, we had never been to this place until last year! It is one of the most breathtaking spots I have ever seen, and I intend to go back someday with my family in the summer, as I hear it is only more beautiful. Snowmobiling was a favorite past time of my dad's and in remembrance of him 25+ guys will be loading up their sleds early this Friday morning and heading to Baldwin for a ride to remember my dad!!!

A Tribute to my dad.

As many of you are aware, my dad(Jerry Pell) passed away suddenly last week, as a result of a tragic work accident. It has been a really rough week for our family, but the prayer/cards/support from friends, and family has been overwhelming. I don't think I ever had a clue the number of lives my dad touch during his 51+ years here on earth. There is no doubt he will be missed by many, but we can find hope in the fact that we will be together again someday in heaven.

For those who weren't at the funeral, my sister and I read the below letter, reflecting on some of our most favorite memories of my dad that I thought I would share:

My dad was many things to many different people, but to me he was not only a dad, but also my best friend.

I am so thankful for this chance to get to share a little bit of the essence of who my dad was. Anyone who met him could easily see that he was filled with JOY and LIFE.

I remember the day you taught me how to ride a bike at our 48th street house in Fremont, running along side me every step of the way, and knowing that if I would fall, you would be there to catch me. I remember all the good times we had together on the farm. Letting me help you with chores, riding with you in the tractor, and our five mile long rides on the Spree to Grandpa and Grandma Pell’s farm, including a ride down Pickle Hill.

When I was four years old, Dad was building our current house and he wanted to show me the progress from on top of a tall, skinny wall. Mom said no. Dad said yes. He never let us sit on the side lines. I knew how to reload a nail gun by the time I was in 5th grade and I roofed my first house with Dad when I was 13. Dad dreamed construction. He was the brains and brawn behind all of the class of 2002’s school homecoming floats. Dad and I even had plans in the works for a pirate ship for my non-existent children. He promised Scott and me that when we got married he would build each of us a home on our 5th year wedding anniversary. My husband, Daniel, and I are so excited to see dad’s home for us… we know that Heaven’s got GREAT building materials.

I remember all those late nights working in the garage on my middle school science projects. There wasn’t a project too big or too small that you weren’t willing to help with and how the teachers never believed that I built them all by myself. I guess most middle schoolers would never think about making a sail for their boat out of waterproof tyvek paper.

Dad loved singing bass in the church choir. Which surprised our family… since Dad can’t sing. He would tell us how he strategically placed himself by people who could read music, so he knew that he was singing the right part. I am excited to report that today JP is singing his heart out… and he’s in TUNE!

I remember in high school during our run to the Basketball State Championship, how you and some of the other dad’s thought you could out do your sons, by wearing the same a-frame(wife beater) t-shirts to the game. You were like a second dad to many of my friends, and goofed around with us like you were one of the guys. Yet you still knew the importance of being an adult role model, and inspired us become better young men.

Dad was so engaged with our family and he loved playing with us. Not only with us, but with our friends. I think of all of my friends that he cared so deeply about. My dad considered you all second sons and daughters. It was frequent that he would ask me: What’s new with Jenni? Have you heard from Buter? How’s Amy doing? When are we going to play cards with those Moellers? He loved you all and I know that we ALL are going to miss his joy and energy.

I remember calling you and mom on February 27, 2008 just after midnight to let you know you were grandparents and how you and mom showed up at the hospital at 2:00am, all dressed up in your Sunday best. Addison is going to certainly miss her Grandpa, but I am so thankful for the time you had together.

Dad was so excited about being a grandpa, so much so, that before Addison was even born he drove to see Daniel (who was working at a shoe store) to get fitted for “granddaughter stroller walking shoes”. When Daniel asked Dad about what type of shoe he was looking for, Dad’s quick reply was “only the best for her”.

I remember all those late weekday nights and early Saturday mornings doing lawn work together. You never complained about the job or the weather, and were always so willing to help me out. We worked hard, but played even harder. I remember our annual snowmobiling trips to Canada and riding across the frozen tundra in sub-zero temperatures. There was never a hill too tall or snow too deep that you weren’t willing to try at least once. I remember our week long stays at Grandpa’s cottage and how I use to drag you out of bed early in the morning to go fishing with me. You never really caught much, but you loved to talk for hours about the meaning of life, and the importance of faith.

I want you all to know that last Saturday, by heavenly providence, my family decided to spend the morning together. In Pell fashion, we had a blast! We took pictures together, we played games and laughed. Dad raced Addison. (Addison won). Dad and Scott even finished putting the last nails in a project! On Saturday I told Dad twice “I love you” and I can still remember his bear hug and holding his rough calloused hands. Dad died knowing that I loved him and I know that he loved me deeply.

Dad, I have so many great memories and I will cherish them forever. I couldn’t have asked for a better role model and I will never forget all of the things you taught me, you have truly shaped me into the man I am today, and I am so thankful for that. You will be missed by many, but I am so thankful for the 51 years God gave you here on earth, and that we can be reassured that someday soon we will meet again in heaven.

The most important thing to know about dad was that he was a sinner… saved by Jesus. He was never the preacher-type, but there is no doubt that his joy was more than earth could offer. I think Dave Bos put it best by saying “he had more energy than is healthy for most human beings”. Dad’s passion and zest for life was from a greater source. That source was his faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible says in Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”. Dad is dwelling in that house and I know that he would want us all to be there because GOD IS SO GOOD.

Here is picture from the weekend before the accident. We were making a "surprise" picture calendar for my parents for Christmas and needed a few more photos. We will miss you dearly, but I am so thankful for the 28+ years I was able to spend with you. I couldn't have asked for a better dad and role model! I love you BUDDY!!!

October Favorites

I can't believe that it is almost the end of October. Where does the time go? It seems to me that once you add working to your life things really pick up. But it has been a blast. We have loved the cooler weather although sometimes I have wondered if it was going to go from summer to winter. Addison still loves to be outside and would rather go out without a coat, hat or mittens. I have tried to engrave in her head that she can not go out unless she has a hat on and she is finally understanding. One of Addison's new favorites is baking with grandma. She pulls of a chair and even has her own baking tins. Her favorite is to bake rolls. Here are some great pictures.

She loves the rolling pin! Making her own bread She got more flour on her face than on her hands!

Addison also experienced making her first pumpkin donuts. This is a tradition that we do every year and this year she got to help. Although her favorite part was eating them. They are a favorite for many and hopefully we will get to make them one more time. Mommy let me lick that frosting!

We have an exciting week this week. On Wednesday we get to find out whether we are having a boy or a girl. When you ask Addison she just says a baby so she does understand. We are just hoping for a healthy baby and we can't wait to be able to see such a miracle! We will be sure to post when we find out. I will also post some other fall pictures once I down load them. Here is one last picture of Addison. I can't believe how big she is getting! I still think she is looking more and more like Scott everyday!

Alot sure does happen in 5 months......

Oh where to even begin! I have been dreading this post for a long time considering I new there would be so much to post about since so much has happened. So in efforts to not write an entire book and hope that you will come back to view the blog again I will just summarize some great things that have happened to us in the last five months!

*Well I guess the most exciting news around our house hold is that Addison is going to be a big sister! Here is my attempt at taking a picture of how we told our families. I am almost 12 weeks and have been feeling good! I do have to confess that this pregnancy does feel very different than when I had Addison but we will see. This baby's due date is March 10.

*We have had a great summer with lots of time spent with family and friends. I have loved being home with Addison and have loved watching her grow! Some highlights were our trip to Chicago to visit my brother, vacationing at the cottage, our annual Big Ski (which I had to miss because I was pregnant), our Tuesday trips to Grant, A great Tiger's game, lots of play dates, our weekly stroller strides class, and lots of playtime with the sprinklers.

15 skiers! John, Addi and I in front of the tigers

The gorilla was the only thing that scared Addison very up close and personal! An attempt at a family photo
This may be my favorite! She is calling the Seagulls at the beach which was her favorite part.
What a cutie!!!
Addison's new favorite past time is mowing with dad as long as she has her earplugs in:)

Smelling some of grandpa's flowers

Running through the sprinklers

*Every teacher's nightmare is happening school is around the corner and again I am doing a different job. I will be a Gifted and Talented Consultant for our district part time. I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love and still be able to stay home with Addison. I am very excited, a little overwhelmed but who isn't with a new job. Scott's job is going great and he has been able to take some great vacation this summer so that is great. He is ready for me to stop calling him everyday to tell him that I am at the lake or the pool:)

*Addison is 18 months. She is so busy and has such a personality. I like to talk to her about being a big sister and she just says ohh...and runs to get her baby doll. She is beginning to talk more but still doesn't talk alot. Apparently she gets what she needs without needing to say to much. She loves to read books, play with trucks (thanks daddy) and dolls too. She is really into pulling things out of cupboards and having me count the things she pulls out. Her new favorite thing to do is put money in her piggy bank. She loves it but she also wants to get the money back out. I give her money for helping pick up and do laundry and she loves it and I think I am teaching her at an early age:)

Well, Scott's sister Kristin and brother-in-law Dan moved to Ann Arbor to pursue the ministry so I vowed I would keep the blog updated so they didn't feel like they missed out on things. So I will try my hardest to update it more regularly.

I hope that all of you had a fabulous summer!

A Celebration of life!

It has been a while since I have written a post. It has been a busy couple of weeks. Two weeks ago my Grandpa passed away. He was 94 years old and lived a wonderful life. I only hope that I leave such a great and lasting legacy as he did. Over the last year he moved to an assisted living home and I loved bringing Addison to visit him on Sunday's after church. He loved to see her and it always brought a sparkle to his eye. I have so many great memories of him! We actually had the funeral on Addison's 1st birthday. What a wonderful celebration of life!

At night we went out to eat with our neighbors Mitch, Emily, and Kaden. I love watching the kids play together. The next day we had her birthday party at our house. We had a blast and Scott and I were reminded what wonderful families we have! I attempted to make her birthday cake with some serious help from my mother-in-law. Actually she did most of it and I helped:) It turned out so great! She got way to many presents and her favorite by far was the balloons. She still loves waking up and batting at them!

I love being the birthday girl!

Now balloons is what I do love!

Here is the cake that I helped with:)

Of course a family picture, but Addison was more interested in the cake and not having it on her hands.
Look all of my guests have arrived!

Here is the wagon Addison got!

We got Addison a trike and she really likes to ride it in the house or should I say likes to be pushed on it!
Scott and I are trying to get prepared for a cruise. We leave next week Sunday and we are so excited. We are going to the Western Caribbean for 5 nights. Our parents are watching Addison. I am so excited but starting to miss her already. How sad is that :) Hopefully the next post I make will be pictures from the trip.

Birthday Busyness

So it has been a while since I have posted something, but we have been very busy. See between December 30 and February 27, we celebrate 8 birthdays between Scott and I's families. And this year we will be adding a new birthday to the 2 month craze....Addison's on the 27th!!! We are already beginning to plan: party hats, plates, cakes, etc... It is hard to believe that it has almost been a year since she was born! I always questioned people who said "you need to cherish the moments, because it flies bye." I am starting to realize though how true this is. Anyways, here are some new pictures!

Bundled up and ready to go!

My crazy hair do with the bows Grandma made me!

Hey how did that get on my head!!!

Are you serious....who keeps putting those things on my head!!!

Despite the fact that Addison is only in the 50% percentile for weight, she is very strong...I think this frog weighs about as much as she does.

She loves playing with her ball!

Grandpa's LARGE PRINT birthday cake.....nice work Kristin!!!

Addison trying on Grandpa's birthday gift...quite the little ninja.

Happy Valentines Day!!! Grandma and Grandpa Pell brought me these balloons...and boy does Addison love balloons.
Addison and me on Valentines Day. Grandma Plakmeyer came to babysit so we could go out for a night on the town.
Scott got me flowers, and they looked really nice next to Addison's 9 month pictures we just got back...thanks Kris...nice work as always!!!