Super Moon Lunar Eclipse.

27 September 2015

My visiting teachers, Sarah Jensen and Carrie Roberts, stopped in to bring me cookies and to chat for a minute.  In the meantime Brie and Dad slipped out on the back porch to take a look at the Super Moon Lunar Eclipse.  After my visiting teachers had left I snapped a few pathetic pictures with my phone, then grabbed my camera and sat down beside you two.  I was trying to get a picture of the moon and was having little luck, so I at least snagged one of you two peering up in the sky with wonder.  I love the way that Dad seizes the moment with things interest him.

The next morning my Facebook feed was full of very impressive pictures of the moon.  I couldn't help but post my phone's attempt ;0)...

I'm pasting a picture that I found on the internet so that I can at least document what the moon really looked like that night:

(picture source here)

Back 2 School, 2015.

Dad started the semester a day before Unit 5 started so I did our Back-to-School dinner at home that night.  I hung up a few banners (from his P.h.D party), used some coordinating placemats (that I'd designed, printed and laminated) and wrote some notes of encouragement on laminated conversation bubbles by each person's plate.  The next morning for back-to-school breakfast I wrote little "notebook" notes on each person's paper plate.  It was a simple but fun touch.  Then we, of course, got some pictures on the front porch and walked Brie in to the school (because of a BIG thunderstorm the night before we'd been unable to attend the back-to-school night), dropped off her box of supplies and met Mrs. Goelitz in the gym.  That night we went to Meathead's as a family for dinner.  I can't believe that Brie's in 1st grade!

In September Alex started his second year at Ironmen Preschool with Mrs. Laura Thomas.  It is such a great program and we're glad that Alex can be a part of it.  We snapped a few pictures before he headed out for his first day back at school.

 

10 January 2016

As I very belatedly do this post, I can't believe how much Brie has changed since August.  You've lost two teeth, have longer hair, and have gotten taller.

Birthday 3rd Wheel.

Bry, you're 32...finally caught up with me again ;0)  We sure love celebrating you each year.  You are SO deserving of celebration!!  This year you helped me make our traditional birthday streusel (you were up early anyway and said that you'd rather spend time with me making it together), we went out to lunch at Avanti's with the cutest 3rd wheel you've ever seen!, had spaghetti for dinner then the McCann's over for mud pie.  It was simple day of celebrations, but I hope you felt a bit spoiled and super loved!

I decided to do a Monster's University themed card this year.  I thought it turned out to be pretty fun and wanted to document it here :0)

just plane wonderful.

We did a BBQ on Saturday for Dad and had the (square hanging) picture plaques ready to present to him, along with a BBQ thermometer and the cute cards and drawings you kids had made.  He loved it all!  For dessert we had homemade strawberry frozen yogurt made from the strawberries that we had picked.  It was a fun evening celebrating the AWESOME dad that you have.  He really is the best of the best!  We are blessed to have him as the father of our home.

Leading up to Father's Day I planned a mini photo shoot for one Sunday morning in May.  Alex, you brought a paper airplane outside and insisted that it be in the pictures.  I told you that if you did a good job listening and smiling you could have it in a few pictures.  In the end, it was what inspired our card for this year; it was my favorite "mailer" to date that I've designed and put together.  P.S. You kiddos are sure cute! :0)

Big Sister Date.

 21 March 2015

We decided it'd be fun to take each of you kids on a "big sibling" date before our baby girl is born.  Brie, you were first.  You picked out one of your dresses to wear for the special occasion.  Since you are very much into ALL things baby, Dad & I brought you with us on our tour of the Brommen Hospital Labor & Delivery.  (It was remodeled a few years ago and was beautifully done.)  You loved walking the halls with us but were bummed that there were no babies to see in the nursery.  Afterwards, you picked Noodles & Co for dinner and ordered the Beef Stroganoff, a peach drink and shared a chocolate chip cookie for dessert.  During your date we asked you what you were excited for: changing your sister's diapers and helping her with things.  You can't wait for her to be born!  You're going to be such a WONDERFUL big sister to her.

According to Motorola, 4.

Wow, so much has happened since the last phone update.  And it feels like I'm just shy of  a dozen blog posts I want to do to document the last month...I'm going to start with these pictures to give a taste of what we've been up to.

 I just love this sweet girl.

 Dad reading to you kids while waiting for the Sagers to pick Brie up for school.

 Little Lij as a firefighter.

I've become the unofficial flyer maker for the Primary and Relief Society in our ward.  Here is one of several that I've designed lately.

 Alex & I playing downstairs during Roo's nap.

 I don't even know what this picture was about, but you look worried about something, Roo, and too cute.

 Brie & I getting ready for Valentine's dinner.

 Me & my Sweetie...before I chopped my hair.

 Just after delivering this cute little giraffe ;0)

 Oh you three, how I love you.

 Roo enjoying a movie and some popcorn.

 Building "a city" in the hallway.

 Love your cute baby face profile, Roo.

 Could you be any cuter, sweet Brie?

 Brie & I at a 30 week ultrasound...

 Brie helping me to lay out patches for the Hintze's blanket.

 Brie showing Rose (and gear) for show 'n tell.

 Alex saying hi to his baby sister.

 Roo after decorating himself with stickers.

 Alex & I before taking a snooze together on the couch.

 Eating icecream by {head} lamp when the power unexpectedly went out.

An adorable card Brie made for her friend's birthday.

 Froggy hat :0)

 Roo, looking so grown up and sitting down to take off his shoes.

 30 week Baby Bump.

 You boys covering your ears because the blender was loud.

Selfie at Sam's after ducking into the van to stay warm from the wind while the gas pumped.  SOOOO COLD!!

I love my little stair step children.

 Roo, you will use anything as a blanket.  Here you've snagged the dish towel from the oven handle and snuggled up on the couch.

Dad making minecraft cookies for one of his cubscout's birthdays.  He is so thoughtful like that!

Making "Redbird Cookies" to send with Bry to share with his department.

A little singing Christmas tree that Laura found on our run to the outlet.

Lij decided that oatmeal could work just as well playing in the snow ;0)

After Roo's 2 yr appt, finally forward facing!  BIG BOY!

Silly little man.

 Backyard play date with Me & Alex.  I didn't want to brave the cold, but so glad I did.  Alex loved having me tromp around in the snow with him :0)

 A drawing Brie did of one of her shirts.

 Brie "colored" this dinosaur page in photoshop for Roo's birthday card.

 I know this is NASTY, but I just had to include poor Sue who got covered in poo...thanks to Roo.

 32 week Baby Bump.

 Brie & Dad singing at the piano.

 Me & Brie :0)

 Embellishing Brie's old white onesies for our baby girl.

 Nice enough weather for bubbles!

 Silly kiddos.

 Brie's 2nd note from the tooth fairy.

 An afternoon stroll with Alex, note his shoes.

 Trying to enjoy this long hair before it's gone.

 Brie snuggling up to her sis :0)

 You kids & Dad brought me breakfast in bed after a hard mommy day.

 Snack time outside...Spring is coming!

 Making an apple pie for Pi Day Dessert.

 Our little leprechauns getting ready for some door bell treat ditching.

 Alex helping to man the crêpe maker.

33 week Baby Bump.

 Sometimes when Alex gets up extra early we ask him to set the table for breakfast.  He's getting good!

 Alex was my "naan bread" helper as I got ready for the Relief Society (international) birthday celebration.

 Alex's seed (from sunbeam class) sprouting!

 Dad often subs as pianist in primary.  It's fun that we get to be in there together during 2nd & 3rd hours of church on those days.

 34 week Baby Bump.

 Bry's childhood friend, Brad, teasing the kids after Sunday dinner.

 Tea party Tuesday with the newly designed placemats that Brie dreamed up.

 Getting Matt & Erin's wedding present assembled to take on our trip.

 A CUTE card Brie made for the happy couple :0)

35 week Baby Bump, goodbye long hair.

Saying goodbye to the hermanas.  I've gone to several Spanish-speaking appointments with the spanish-speaking sisters since we've lived here, now we'll have elders instead.  Adios :0(

Elijah's new favorite stuffed animal.  So fitting...Roo :0)