I entered into a new decade this week… and as I contemplated how I’d like to commemorate my 40th birthday here online, I ultimately decided on one of Dave’s ideas — sharing a picture a year throughout my life. 📷
It just so happens that one of my favorite hobbies is creating yearly digital photo albums for our family and each of our children. I’ve been making them for nearly 20 years — including digitizing all Dave’s and my childhood pictures and putting them into hardcover albums (our kids LOVE looking through these books!)
Since I already had all our photos digitized and organized by year, they were fairly easy to access. The hard part was choosing just one photo per year — especially since I didn’t include photos of others who might not want their faces on the internet.
Below you’ll find a few photos that remind me of big moments in my life… but most are simply mundane moments from more than 14,000 ordinary days that made up the last 40 years.
I hope you enjoy this peek into my past — it certainly was fun to put together!
Baby + Toddler
0 = Four Generations: My Grandma is the only daughter in her family, my mom is the oldest daughter, and I’m also the oldest daughter, so I was the first 4-generation granddaughter on my mom’s side of the family. My grandma Norene (far left) is who Nora is named after.
1 = Grandparents: This is one of my only pictures with both of my dad’s parents, as my grandpa died of cancer shortly after I turned one.
2 = Journaling: I have many childhood memories of writing in little books — often numbers as high as I could count, then eventually words, which turned into daily journaling from middle school through college.
3 = Such a ham. 🥰
Elementary School
4 = My Christmas haul: I always made out well for Christmas and birthdays. This Christmas, in particular, I got my very first Cabbage Patch Kids, Carmen and Jerome (I asked for one with hair and one without).
5 = Kindergarten Graduation:
6 = Monkeying around: I was a very active kid and loved being outside.
7 = Fancy Birthday Cakes: Our birthdays were celebrated with all our grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins (we had a lot), and my mom always bought themed plates and napkins. Then, our neighbor lady created a fancy cake that perfectly matched the plates and napkins.
8 = Grapes! I’m not sure if this was my idea or my mom’s, but when I was 8, I went trick-or-treating as “a bunch of grapes”. It was awkward to move around, but frugal and fun!)
9 = Sister Shirts: I don’t think I’m actually 9 in this exact picture, but I have pictures of me when I’m 9 still wearing this shirt. However, I needed to include a picture of my sisters so you could get the full experience (fanny packs and all). The shirts said, “I’m the Big Sister”, “I’m the Middle Child”, and “I’m the Little Sister,” and we wore them for as long as we could squeeze into them. They were a core memory from my childhood. 😂
10 = Sewing Class: This was a highlight of my childhood, and I’m so thankful for those years of sewing lessons. I made many of my own clothes, including a handful of swimsuits (which were very practical since I have an extremely long torso and tankinis hadn’t been invented yet!) And yes, I always felt shy and awkward during the style shows.
11 = Another Birthday: We stopped having big birthday parties after age 10, and instead had grandparents over for Sunday dinner after church. This was the first birthday with just my grandparents, and I actually still have the 2 gifts I received — a small radio alarm clock and a jewelry box.
Middle School
11 & 12 = Band Camp: I spent time at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp (and other area band camps) for a few summers during middle school. I never wanted to do overnight camps (shocking!), but I did enjoy the experiences.
12 = Triangle Hair: Right before 7th grade, I cut my hair short. The only problem was that I had VERY thick, frizzy hair… and I didn’t particularly like doing my hair. We now affectionately refer to my 7th-grade school picture as “Triangle Hair”. 😂 (Note: at the time, I thought my hair looked amazing!)
13 = Eighth Grade Graduation: I loved school and vividly remember feeling so sad to finish 8th grade and yet so excited to start high school. My parents (and a few others) put on a highly anticipated dance after graduation — such a fun way to end a fantastic middle school experience.
High School
High school was amazing — I would do it again if I got the chance.
That said, it was difficult to sum up all the fun and memories in just 4 pictures (especially 4 pictures without lots of other people in them). Here’s my attempt…
14 = High School Music: I played in band, sang in choir, and took piano lessons all throughout high school. I also performed in 2 musicals, accompanied our church Jr. Choir, went on a choir trip to the White House, and was eventually titled “Most Musical” of my senior class. 🎶
15 = High School Sports: I loved being part of a team and played Basketball, Volleyball, and Softball throughout high school. I was very aggressive and was always motivated to “do better”! I received many sports awards and also won the Big League World Series the summer after my Junior year.
16 = Mom’s Wedding Dress: I have many amazing memories from being 16, but one of my favorite photos was when our church hosted a Wedding Dress Fashion Show. I wore my mom’s dress for the show, and it fit perfectly.
17 = Supportive Grandparents (and Parents): I had a slew of cousins who were all involved in so many extracurriculars… yet, my grandparents always seemed to be there watching and cheering me on. It was rare they missed even one game, concert, or recital. Also, my parents paid for 13 years of Christian Ed. and carted me to all the things all the time. 👏🏻
College
College was a whirlwind — playing 2 sports, singing in the choir, holding 2 part-time jobs and an internship, meeting, dating, and getting engaged to Dave, planning a wedding, and graduating in 3 years!
18 = Cleaning Crew: My first on-campus job was working as a janitor in the Field House (the athletic complex / gym). This is where I eventually met Dave and where we made so many great friends and memories.
19 = Carving Pumpkins: Dave finally asked me out in October of my sophomore year (thanks to encouragement from our boss) and our friends captured one of our first dates in this fun photo… the rest is history 😍.
20 = Surprise Engagement: Dave and our boss worked together on this too! A casual photo shoot that turned into a surprise engagement one week after my 20th birthday (read that fun story here).
D.I.N.K.s
I wasn’t sure what to label this season, and then I realized “D.I.N.K.” fit perfectly — Dual Income, No Kids!
We had SO much discretionary time, and while we weren’t working high-paying jobs, we lived frugally and had plenty to pay off all our student loans, upgrade our cars, do a bit of traveling, and pay down our mortgage.
21 = Our wedding! It was 2 weeks after my birthday because I wanted to be 21 before I got married. We enjoyed a fun honeymoon at an all-inclusive resort and immediately moved into our first home together.
22 = Summer: Before my 22nd birthday, I had always been on a school schedule, so I vividly remember this as the first summer I actually had to work (while Dave was home on summer break). I vowed I would eventually find a job that gave me the summers off… and while I’m not 100% “off” in the summer, I’m always home, so that’s OK with me!
23 = Hiking Mt. Rainier: Dave is from Washington State, so we flew out to visit his parents a couple of times in the first few years of marriage (then they moved to Michigan!) Mt. Rainier is one of Dave’s favorite places… super crazy that mountains have snow in the summer.
24 = Biking in Traverse City: I can’t remember exactly why, but we decided to do a biking trip through Traverse City, while staying at a cottage near Lake Michigan. I had started my business by then and was already working from home, so I didn’t need to worry about taking time off for vacations.
Farmhouse + Family
I launched my first professional website, we purchased our fixer-upper farmhouse and immediately began renovations, we hosted 2 international students, and found out I was pregnant — all in about 7 months’ time.
I joke that this was my “quarter-life crisis” because I was 25. It truly felt like a turning point in my life, all sorts of newness and excitement!
25 = Our Farmhouse: For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to fix up an old farmhouse. At this point in my life, I wouldn’t choose to do it again… but I love our quirky old house and wouldn’t trade it for anything else!
26 = Nora: Our first baby… and she really threw us a curveball. After years of not sleeping, I’m happy to share that she now easily sleeps in until we force her out of bed each morning.
27 = New Headshot: We had a family photo shoot when Nora was about 15 months old, and, on a whim, I asked for a few headshots. Little did I know, this picture would become my online presence for the next 12 years (I finally updated my profile picture last year!)
28 = Simon: Two years after Nora was born, Simon joined our family… totally the opposite of his big sister in almost every way.
Babies… and more babies
I was pregnant, nursing, or both every single day from age 25.5 through 33… hence, this season is entitled “Babies”. My hands were literally always full.
It wasn’t a bad season, but I wouldn’t choose to go back! I feel tired just looking at these pictures!
29 = Naptime: It was not uncommon for me to have one or more children napping on me at any given point during my “Babies” season. Nora rarely slept unless she could touch my skin. We found out later she had some sensory issues.
30 = Sweet Baby James: He was born just after my 30th birthday. Dave was 33, and James was our 3rd baby — giving us 3 kiddos 3 and under. Lots of “3’s”!
31 = More Naps: My parents took the entire family to Florida for Spring Break. I was pregnant with Clara and, at the time, Dave and I were the only ones with kids. It was a lot of work… and we took lots of naps!
32 = Clara Jo: I always (always) thought I’d have 5 children… and yet, the minute I found out Clara was a girl, I felt our family was instantly complete. On the car ride home, Dave said, “Do you think we’re done?”, and I was shocked he felt the same way. So strange.
Dekker, Party of 6
With our family “complete”, I thoroughly enjoyed having more time and energy to engage with our kids as they got older and more capable. It still amazes me how quickly kids learn and pick up on things.
It was not always easy, but looking back, I only remember the fun times (rose colored glasses!)
This was also (not coincidentally) the season I cut back on blog work and stepped away from social media. Best decisions ever!
33= Last Professional Photo: Our photography gal quit taking photos soon after, and we’ve never had professional photos again. Thank goodness for our tripod!
34 = Sunday Best: I’ve never been one to coordinate outfits for our kids, but it was fun to dress the kids up once a week and get out of the house after being home all week.
35 = Dave’s COVID Beard: I’m so glad we have a few photos to document Dave’s super bushy COVID beard!
36 = All 4 Kids in School: This was the first year all 4 kids were in school (if you count preschool). For the first time in over 10 years, I had 2 full hours to myself each week. 😂
Volunteer Extraordinaire
As I considered labels to accurately describe these last few years, “Volunteer” kept popping to mind. With all 4 kids in school full time now, I’ve spent thousands of hours volunteering for various church programs, in the kids’ classrooms, for recess duty, library aide, field trip chaperone, and on several different school committees and boards.
Honestly, I’ve been living my best life… all while growing out my hair through some VERY awkward stages! 😬
Also, if you have children in this age range, I highly recommend the short book “When Your Child is 6-12”. Lame title, awesome content for parenting kids through these “middle childhood years” (which just so happen to be my favorite years yet!)
37 = Longer Hair: I loved the ease of super short hair when the kids were little, but decided to grow it out again now that I have a bit more “bandwidth” in my life. Sort of a new look for my new era!
38 = Featured Photo: My college alumni publication featured me (along with 5 others) in an article highlighting 1 alumni from each continent. They chose ME from all of North America, touching on the ideas of simple living, choosing motherhood as a profession, and living out God’s call in the mundane moments of our everyday lives. I thought it was so cool for a college publication to intentionally highlight a stay-at-home mom in the midst of several other more “impressive” career achievements. (Read the article here – pages 16-18)
39 = Birthday + Father’s Day: Dave and I shared our special day last year… unbeknownst to each other, we gifted “share-size” bags of our favorite candy to one another. Our kids were thrilled.
40 = A Selfie to Celebrate a New Decade: My 40s are starting off with a bang — weekly cello lessons, daily weight lifting classes, a few more wrinkles, parenting teenagers, a part-time job at church, experimenting with water kifer, and evening hot tub dates with Dave.
I’ve been blessed with many wonderful memories to reflect back on, and I’m excited for all the new memories and experiences I’ll hopefully have in the coming years, Lord willing.
Also, if you’re looking for something fun to do on your next birthday (no matter the number), look through some old photo books or journals and write down something to be thankful for or something to laugh about for each year.
Related Reading: 40 of My Most Favorite Things
Julie H says
Happy birthday! What a fun post!! It’s crazy to think I’ve been following you since right around the time Nora was born. It’s been a joy learning from you all these years!
Andrea says
wow — that’s a LONG time! Thanks for sticking around all these years!
CH says
Happy birthday! What a fun post to read. I have followed you since before your exchange students (!) and often think of your simple living tips. Thanks for sharing over the years!
Andrea says
Thanks for sharing this with me — and for your long-time readership!
Catherine says
I read this whole article and thoroughly enjoyed it! I’m a bit behind you on the road of life but relate to all of this, and it made me think deeply about the next few years till I turn 40 and how I want to be able to reflect on my life. Thank you, and happy birthday!
Andrea says
thanks Catherine! I suspect your 40th will be here before you know it too! At least that’s what it felt like for me 🙂
Catherine says
I’m sure it will!
Lisa says
Very cool. Happy Birthday. Will you be talking about water kifer in a future post?
Andrea says
Thanks Lisa,
Not sure if I’ll post a water kefir tutorial or not — but there are hundreds on the internet already if you’re interested 🙂
Nuria says
Congratulations!!I’ve bee reading your posts since you were 27!!! Lovely family!
Andrea says
wow — thanks so much for your long-time readership, Nuria!
Ligia says
Happy birthday, Andrea! Many blessed years to come!
Andrea says
Thank you, Ligia!
Priscilla Kansiime says
Andrea, you always inspire me!
This was such a beautiful and heartfelt walk through the decades. I found myself smiling, laughing, and even getting a little teary at some parts. I love how you celebrate the ordinary moments with such joy and gratitude — it’s a reminder that a meaningful life is made in the day-to-day. Your intentionality in parenting, homemaking, and simply being present is something I truly admire. Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us that there’s beauty in every season. Happy 40th — here’s to many more memory-filled years ahead!
Andrea says
Thank you Priscilla. I’m glad you enjoyed this walk down memory lane for me 🙂
Catherine says
What a lovely way to reflect and enjoy all the wonderful memories. Happy Birthday Andrea!
Here’s to many more happy and wonderful years ahead 🙂
Andrea says
Thanks Catherine!
Lydia Hong says
i loved looking through these photos! Thanks for sharing, what a wonderful life!
Andrea says
Glad you enjoyed it Lydia! It was a fun post to put together 🙂
Donna says
Happy Birthday! I think I started following you when I saw the article in the Spark a few years ago. At the time I had no idea who you were. But later realized your husband was a teacher at the school our kids attended. And last week when I was on a vacation with high school friends, we got talking about “soap” and one of my friends started talking about “Bend” soap, and I shared that that was what I had used as well based on my favorite blogger. Once we started comparing notes I found out…she goes to your church!…your mother was my kids’ band teacher in elementary school! Crazy!! That “Dutch Bingo” is alive and well in West Michigan:). Thankful for all your advice and practical tips!
Andrea says
wow — that’s some crazy Dutch Bingo for sure 🙂
We love Bend Soap — and I know many of my readers now use it too!
Hope you enjoyed your vacation!
Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista says
Happy birthday Andrea! What a fun way to document 40 years! I turned 40 last year and my fourth had just turned one. I was far from a celebratory state as I was still struggling with transitioning to four kids. Almost a year later and seeing you share about the “middle years” with your kids, gives me excitement for the season ahead. It is hard to close one chapter to move into another. But so far, aging and raising my family has only proven to be more full of blessings each year. Thank you for your lovely blog and encouragement to savor the everyday. You also leaving social media was a big nudge for me to do the same as well! Best choice ever!
Andrea says
Hi Ashley!
I’m so glad you shared about leaving social media! I’m glad it’s been a positive thing for you to step away 🙂
And yes, the “middle years” have been so amazing. Everyone is still at home and under our roof (no drivers or boyfriends/girlfriends yet) but they are self-sufficient in many areas and actually really helpful around the house. It’s fun to see their different personalities, abilities, and gifts start to shine through too. You’ll get there quicker than you think!
Amanda says
Happy Birthday!
I found your blog just after my 4th child was born- I think Clara was about 3 months old! This is my first comment in all those years 🙂
Thank you for sharing what you do, I’ve found it so inspiring and helpful. Particularly all the organisational tips!
Our life stages are very similar- I turned 40 last week! All the best for this exciting new decade.
Andrea says
Hi Amanda! Thanks for commenting — and Happy 40th birthday to you too!
So we’re both recently 40 and we both have 4 kids (the youngest of which is the same age). Crazy! Glad to have you here!
Chris says
What a fun post! Happy happy birthday! Are the water kefir experiments and the weightlifting part of what you had started years ago, learning a new habit for each year. I would love to hear about the water kefir. I make dairy kefir sometimes. I used to make kombucha. I wasn’t very successful at it. It worked but it didn’t taste that great. I gave up! lol
Andrea says
Thanks Chris,
And yes, the weight lifting was my “one thing” for 2025 but I was not successful on my own. So just over a month ago, my friend and I joined a local weight lifting class and I’ve been going Monday-Saturday mornings. It’s hard, but I feel good about doing it.
As for the water kefir, that is brand new and something I’ve wanted to try for years but never bought/found the starter grains. I finally bought some on Amazon over the weekend and my first batch is on the counter right now!
Chris says
Awesome!
Debbie says
Happy Birthday, Andrea! What a great idea to summarize each year of your life through photos, naming each season, and just looking back through the years as you celebrate your 40th! I think I started reading your blog not too long after you had Nora. How time flies! Your next 5-10 years will even be more amazing!
Andrea says
Thanks for your long-time readership, Debbie! It’s been great to have you around 🙂
Kathy Burgio says
Sorry I missed your birthday. What a wonderful way to celebrate your life! I enjoyed all the pictures & ideas.
Love,
Kathy (Aukeman) Burgio
Andrea says
Hi Kathy,
I’m assuming we’re related some how based on your maiden name 🙂
Thanks for making that connection!
Michelle Bonk says
Happy Birthday! what a wonderful way to look back 🙂
And what a wonderful mindset moving forward!
You’re part-time church role sounds wonderful … something I’d love to shift to eventually!
Here’s to many more years of health, happiness, family and faith!
Andrea says
Thanks Michelle,
The part time job at church came up at a very convenient time for me and my family… doing things I was already doing as a volunteer, so it should hopefully be a good fit!
Leanne says
Happy Birthday, Andrea!! I pray this next decade brings you peace, blessings, and JOY!!! Thanks for all your inspiration over the years!!
Andrea says
Thanks Leanne! Your kind note from many years ago is still on my magnet board behind my computer 🙂
Jenn says
Love this post, Andrea. What a sweet way to commemorate 40 years. Exciting to see how you’re now able to use your gifts and your time, with children who are older and more independent. Curious about your part time job at church! I’ve considered this myself, as I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather work than there 🙂
Andrea says
Hi Jenn,
Yes older and more independent children are amazing and so fun. Difficult in different ways (not as physically demanding but more mentally/emotionally challenging at times).
The part time church job was a surprise to me in many ways, but I think it will be a good fit as I’ve been volunteering for much of the responsibilities for the last 5+ years. It will likely be 2 or 3 part days per week (one of which will be Sunday).
Paulette says
What a great post! Happy, Happy Birthday, Andrea! Have loved following you all these years.
Andrea says
Yes, thanks for your long-time readership! I appreciate all your words of wisdom and encouragement 🙂
Linda Jean says
So sweet! Happy Birthday! Thank you for sharing your memories of 40 years with us!
Andrea says
Thanks Linda 🙂
Kelly says
Happy birthday 40th Andrea!!
My husband and I are also celebrating our 40th birthdays later this year!!
I started following you just before Simon was born and we were about to be married!! Now we are 10 years married with 2 children
Best wishes
Kelly from New Zealand
Andrea says
Well happy birthday to you and your hubby too!
Meghan says
Happy birthday! I’m 5 years older than you, but it’s crazy how similar my birth through college pics are to yours!!! Thanks for the fun post.
Andrea says
Thanks Meghan! Isn’t it funny how similar lives can be!
Katherine says
What a great post! Been reading since sleepless Nora days. I’m 7years after 40(ha!) and it’s taken me to read this to realise (I’m British) all the different chapters we work through in life. I’m at working part time with 15 and 17yo boys. One is driving. We are supporting them in making educational decision for their futures…they eat a lot, but also great fun. And tall. Happy 40th from Derby, UK
Andrea says
Hi Katherine!
Yes, when I started writing this post, I was just going year by year, but then I realized (not British!) that there were clear groupings of years that created mini seasons in my life. I’m glad I had the opportunity to have a birds-eye view of things (especially as I crest the “top of the hill” at 40 now!)
JJ says
Happy Birthday, Andrea! What a fun post! 40 years and counting you continually inspire and bless others as you use your many gifts and talents. Dave’s Covid beard captured–love it! I truly enjoy and use your ideas to simplify life and how you’ve shared about your family. You are all very relatable. Instead of “Keeping up with the Joneses” you inspire “Simply living life to the fullest with the Dekkers!”
Andrea says
Thanks friend! And yes, I’m very glad to have captured Dave’s Covid beard in a few pictures. I don’t want it to come back again, but it’s fun to look at pictures!
Beth Nesseth says
This is great! Thanks for sharing!
Andrea says
Thanks Beth!
Crystal Young says
This is an awesome look back at your life! Thanks so much for sharing. I remember you writing about Nora’s sleep issues!
Andrea says
You’re welcome Crystal — it was fun to look back on all these photos and memories
Mar says
Fun project! Do you have a post or recommendations about digitizing photos?
Jen says
Happy happy birthday! I found you right when you bought the farmhouse and had exchange students living with you! Seems like ages ago now! Kind of fun to think we were living just half an hour away in northern GR (in the baby stage ourselves!) when many of those photos were taken. Happy happy birthday! I’m so glad YOU were born!
Andrea says
Someday we’ll meet in person, and we’ll marvel over how similar our personalities are 🙂
Donna Marie says
I don’t even have a photo of each year of myself!!! I am the oldest girl of six girls and we didn’t take many photos!!!
Andrea says
Yes, there were a few years of my life when I fewer than 10 pictures from the entire year (and they were all from one event). But in general, my parents took quit a few pictures of us kids and my mom was pretty good about having professional family pictures taken on a semi-regular basis.
Abbie says
I’ve been following you since the Nora no sleep days!
Abbie
Andrea says
thanks Abbie — so glad those days are many years behind us now!