Swim Team for Holland Middle School

From the observatory deck at the Aquatic Center in Holland, I watch you. In a pool filled with girls taller, with longer limbs, you dive and fight and struggle and paddle and breathe your way to a third place finish.

There you are. Caught in the mysterious vortex of MLA and the underachievers. You are not in the category of those who have been competitively swimming for years. And you are, by nature, never in the latter category of the bottom feeders.

You are strong and courageous. You claw your way for every inch. Your HEART of a champion is on fully display as you FLY your way to a photo finish! In the end, you are somewhere between first and last. But one thing remains... the rhythm of a heart beating loud enough to cause an earthquake.

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Sometimes we play a family game. "What is one thing that you like about each member of the family?"

Whenever it comes to Ambria, the words are pretty similar:

"Ambria is full of adventure, and she is fearless."

Another way of saying that is - She has the heart of a lion.





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"Team Turtle" For the Win!

What has quickly become a sacred family tradition is to dress up in our favorite outfits and go roller skating at Terry Hall arena in Grandville. The best part... there is no particular reason for the nonsense.

Rule #1, in order to be a DePoy you can't give a crap what other people think! I hope you never lose this inhibition, and you always stay true to yourself. Keep it 100% no matter who is watching! You don't care if I roll around like a complete freak, making a holy fool of myself... to you it's just another Friday night!

The next day we all went for a walk around Maple Wood Park, and I asked you to turn around so I could snap a picture. And of course, you began your ridiculous model shoot! I'm so glad you are so much fun!!!

Cross Country, Your New Best Friend

This past year you've dabbled in a few different sports, trying to find a passion of your own. Although you were very good at almost everything you've tried, it seems like you have found your rhythm in running Cross Country for Holland Middle School. 

The competition is pretty fierce, and each of your events usually include racing against girls whom are a year older, and have long Dutch legs. That does not stop you from catching them, and beating them! You have an engine in that heart, and it accelerates and never stops! 

I love watching you come around the final bend, passing others and finishing strong. You are the best runner from your school representation, and usually finish in the Top 10 out of a hundred girls running. 

The two mile course (I don't understand how they can measure the course exactly, with all the crazy turns and spacious corners), is usually through the woods or up a hill and around a field. Your "PR" (personal record) for the 2 mile run is just over 14 minutes! 

You can always hear my screaming for you, and I just want you to know that the thing I love about this final picture is that it reminds me of how God, our Heavenly Father, cheers us on! The journey is difficult and it hurts, but if you just stay the course and keep running... don't give up... you will finish the race and keep the faith! 

Ambria, I have total confidence that the race you are running is challenging, but that you have the endurance and the fortitude to finish well. And you may stumble along the way, and get muddy and bloody and messy... but you will finish well, and I will be cheering you on every step of the way!

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You Make It Look Easy

Because of course. Your very first attempt at running Cross Country, you place #12 out of 140 middle school athletes. You were the best from your school, and finished the 2 Mile in under 15 minutes!

I cheered my guts out for you. Tried to run and catch you around every corner... when I saw you rounding the last bend, I couldn’t believe your pace! Like a speeding bullet.

You ran a  smart race, according to your coach. You started steady and sustainable, and increased speed the last mile... you passed your new rival from Jenison. After crushing the competition, you immediately turned around to cheer on Estella and Adelle.

And I just wanted to squeeze my little girl!

Hello 7th Grade!

Yesterday you started the first day of 7th grade. You were excited to show off your new glasses (hipster!), and to be reunited with all of your friends. Making friends comes easy to you, because you're honesty, funny, and adventurous. 

I wish I could have seen you off on your first day of school. It's always hard and painful being split custody, but Jamie sent these pictures, and I can't get over how precious you are to me. I just want to give you a big hug. Because 7th grade was absolute hell for me, personally. Kids are so cruel. Bullying is a way of life. I hope you punch the bullies in the throat. 

Mackinac Island Summer Vacation!

Last week we escaped to the great, wide open North Country for a family vacation. It was an opportunity to bond and talk and laugh together as the five of us anticipate changes this fall season. The calm before the storm (as school starts next week) allowed for two nights at Shanty Creek resorts, boating on Torch Lake with Roger & Laura, and three nights camping near Macinac Island.

We have come to Torch Lake, and the crystal clear water. We have come to believe that Torch Lake is like a 2nd home for us all... we wandered from store to store, looking for clothing apparel claiming where we're from. We love Michigan, and our roots are deep.

You laughed your butt off on the tube, as we skipped over the waves and bounced into oblivion. You and Teresa both fell off... and at times, you and Mariah stood up to free surf on the tube, at full speed. Because DePoy.

Then, of course you got up on your first attempt at Wakeboarding because you're a daddy's girl, and you love adventure. You're going to be better than me at Wakeboarding by next summer!!

Then we drove around the area, and headed to Pyramid Point in Glen Arbor to capture the most beautiful view. You stood over the cliff and took videos and pictures of the splendor. We drove to Leland and got ice cream before heading all the way to the foot of the Macinac Bridge.

Once we made it to the cabin, we all felt a little cramped. We tried to avoid cabin fever by driving north to the Upper Peninsula (hello nothingness!) and made it to a Bear Farm just before they closed. We were able to pet a cub for a few seconds, and then we were rushed out of there!

Once we made it to Macinac Island, the clouds parted and we had an AWESOME time! It was far more beautiful than we had anticipated. We rented 5 bicycles and biked the 8 miles around the island, stopping around every corner for photoshoots. We also stopped in about 15 different fudge shops, to "sample" each kind, laughing our way out - promising to return!

Afterwards we walked all the way to the Grand Hotel, and the DePoy's invaded the royal palace with our bandaids and garage sale bathing suits. We sat out on the front porch, and took photos of the bridge in the distance. It feels weird to be surrounded by so much excess wealth...

When we took the ferry ride back to our camp site, you and Teresa went for a run around the campground. You are getting ready for Cross Country to start in a few weeks... The next morning we all got into a big fight and everyone was crabby. You readily admit an addiction to your phone, and Mariah announced that she didn't want to go out west next summer on our epic road trip. So... kinda painful.

I am so proud of you, and the choices you are making to follow Jesus. I love spending time with you, and making each other laugh!

Summer Camping [Torch Lake]

Seriously, Torch Lake is like our second home. We have been spending every summer here for the past couple of years, camping at a tiny cabin in Elk Rapids. We picked up Mariah's friend Hannah Johnson - and she's quickly become a good friend to you as well... then we went directly to set up our campsite.

The first night, we all went swimming in Elk Rapids. The water was clear, clean, and quite warm. We all played with a skipping ball, and I enjoyed bantering with sassy pants... Hannah can dish out  just like a true "Annie"!

We went back to the campground and made s'mores around the fire, and played card games until we all got too tired to continue. We slept hard through the night...

The next day we loaded up everything onto a pontoon boat, and spent the day on Torch Lake! You girls took turns on the tube, and I did my best to flip you into the water... You laughed uncontrollably, and held on for dear life.  The water was cold, and refreshing. The sun was shining, and the magic of Torch Lake was evident.

We picked up our friends Dawn & Scott Heagle and their three kids for the afternoon. It was crowded, but always fun! The many bumps on the waves would lead to pretty sore muscles afterwards, and painful sleeping!

On our last day, we combed the beach searching for the infamous Petoskey Stones. This was a family tradition of Teresa's, and we've all grown to embrace it! Her mom used to help her look, and now Teresa shows you how to hunt down the perfect gem!

Needless to say, we had a tun of fun visiting the local shops and tasting cherries and bread and fresh fruit. Toes in the sand, wind in the hair. Dirty feet, campfire smoke... these are the ingredients of a perfect summer!

MASTA Camp (Orchestra)

While most of your peers were busy swimming at the beach, or lounging near the pool, you were committed to mastering the art of the violin. Your hard work during the school year had paid off, because you received a partial scholarship to attend MASTA Camp this week.

You practiced new techniques on your violin with some of the best teachers and performers in the state, learning how to master the craft of your instrument. Everyday for FOUR hours, you were slaving away in the heat, forging through blisters and fever until you were ready for the final performance.

Teresa and I drove home early from North Carolina (We were visiting Billy Raines in prison), and we got there just in time to see you perform for all of the parents. Honestly, Ambria, it was AMAZING!

I seriously could not believe my ears! There was so much talent around you, and in the center of it all was my baby girl. You make me so proud, every single day.

When we drove home, I told Teresa how proud I am of you. The way you push yourself to learn and grow and never give up. You are not afraid to stand alone, and swim upstream. You were born to change the world, and I'm your biggest fan!

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Leadership Award - Because, of course.

Maybe it's the way you listen before you speak. You think first, and run everything through a filter of discernment. Maybe it's the way you analyze information and look at things from every imaginable angle. Or maybe it's the way you assume that a need seen is an assignment given.

Is leadership a natural gift, or a developed trait?

For Ambria Faith DePoy, it's both.

At the end of your 6th grade, a group of your peers and teachers at Holland West Middle School selected you to be chosen for a leadership award. This recognition came with scholarship to a Leadership Conference at Hope College, for the emerging generation. You spent last week in a fun environment with students from all over the county, learning and growing, laughing and finding your voice.

I was so proud when they called your name. You stood out from your peers with your beauty, brawn, and brains. You captured my heart with a wink and smile, and I captured the moment with a camera.

I am so proud of you, Ambria Faith. Don't you ever forget it!

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Tulip Time! [2019]

There's nothing I love more than Saturday mornings with my family. The tulips are exploding with color along the downtown, Holland streets. This spring fever is bringing everyone together, and you dressed up in your festival costume, and took to the parade.

So there you were, dancing in front of hundreds of lines spectators. Your moves were flawless, and with every twirl and spin, I held my breath and fought back tears... I can't believe how freaking adorable you (always have been, and) are. Your new braces will reward you... You are stunning.

Meanwhile, you smile and waive during the parade. You glisten and glow. You laugh. You shine.

After the parade, you and I separated from Teresa and your sisters. We walked to the carnival, and you begged me to join you on the craziest ride in the history of the universe.

Our conversation went something like this:

Me: "No, I'll get sick."
You: "No you won't, I promise!'

So we paid our $15 and climbed about Lucifer's death mobile. As it flipped up into oblivion, you squeezed and said, "I've been waiting four years for this! I just haven't been tall enough until now!"

And I would do anything for you, baby girl.

Track and Field!

As you are scrolling through the timeline of this blog, you will notice the number of sporting activities that you have participated in. It's like life is an open menu of options, and you want to sample everything! So far you've been involved in Girls on the Run, Fall Soccer, Civic Theatre, Holland High School Theatre, and now - Track!

And at every level, you have excelled. You're like the best actress on the stage, the best player on your soccer team, and the fastest runner on your track squad. This is why they have you as the "anchor".

Yesterday afternoon in front of a vivacious home crowd, you helped your team on the relay. Unfortunately the West Ottawa squad was pulling away with the victory, but not before your final (anchor) lap. Once you got the baton, you ran like your hair was on fire...

But here's the thing: Your team had already been defeated. It would have been really easy to phone it in and quit, or say, "What's the point?" I could see that you were discouraged as you watched your team fall behind. But when it came to your turn, you bolted as if it were a life and death situation.

I thought to myself, "This girl has the heart of a lion. She is bold and fearless. She does not give up."

On the way home you said, "I could only hear dad cheering. He has a distinctive voice!" And I thought, "Yep. I was screaming my lungs out for my daughter... Lion Heart."

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Late Winter Views

A few weeks ago we dropped Mariah off at Winter Camp at Camp Geneva on the shores of Lake Michigan. This is the time of year when we are all anxious for spring, but the sun was shining on the layers of ice over the lake. You are always adventurous, so you followed me out over the craters and climbed up to the edge, overlooking the water.

As the sun was setting, I caught you taking a selfie. And then I thought, "Good idea!" Because the camera loves you and you're beautiful. But more than anything, I love that you would be the one to climb out to the edge with me, to explore the limits of fear.

These views are only attainable for those willing to risk everything.

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