Fun times

Here is Kate just being Kate. She loves school and is always willing to tell you all about what she has learned. I can't believe how big she is getting.



Like father, like son. Here is Jeff and Ethan doing one of their favorite things, playing Mario Kart on the Wii. Ethan looks forward to when Jeff gets home from work and they can have some time to be buds on the couch together. Don't let Ethan's size fool you, he is really good and moving that wheel around.



Ethan is never slow at anything he does, like going up the tile stairs. Here is the black eye to prove it. Luckily no stitches, we have had a good run without needing grandpa to stitch anyones injuries for quite some time.

Just the same old stuff

I feel like each day is just the same old stuff as the day before. House to clean, dinner to make, laundry to fold, etc. Someday seem like an exact repeat of the day before and the day before that.

As I finally cleared the memory from my digital camera, I thought about the silly, funny, memorable, and important things that have made some days special and not just the same old stuff.

Nicole got baptized on February 28th. It was so neat to have her make that decision. I am very proud of her and all that she does. As you can tell from the pictures she was very nervous, but did really well and enjoyed the rest of the day once the fear of the unknown was gone.

33 on 3/3

Love you dad!

Happy Birthday from Nicole and Kate!

Happy Birthday Jeff! Thanks for being such a great dad. We all love you and appreciate all you do!

This Ones For You Babe!

Kate is such a cute dancer. This is her performing at the Festival of Trees. Her smile is so wonderful to watch.



After many mornings listening to her cry and scream when I would comb her hair, it was time to cut Nicole's beautiful hair. She got 6 1/2 inches cut off this past week. She definetaly looks grown up with her cute new look.

Here is Ethan and his dog or gog as he will tell you. Ethan convinced me that his dog needed a bowl of Alpha Bits (including milk) just like him. Ethan made sure the bowl was postitioned just right, on the edge of the counter waiting to spill all over the dog. Everyday there is something new that makes me laugh.

Falling For Fall

GO UTES!!!

It is officially fall for me. Football season is here, the kids are back in school, the days seem shorter, and the nights are cool. Fall is my favorite time of year. So here is a post will some of the favorite things about fall.

I must also mention that fall also brings me to make certain things at my house. I have made 6 batches of caramel popcorn, and have eaten probably 4 myself. I really should stop, but I just can't resist the chewy, crunchy, sweet popcorn. If any of you are interested try the following recipe.

Microwave Caramel Popcorn

16 cups popped popcorn (not microwave)

1 stick butter

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup corn syrup

1/2 teaspoon salt

Microwave on high for 1 minute - stir

again for 1 minute - stir

then again for 1 minute - stir

Then add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Stir, the mixture will foam.

Take a brown paper grocery sack and spray the inside with Pam.

Put the popcorn in and pour caramel mixture over the top. Roll closed and shake.

Place in microwave for 1 minute, shake

then 1 minute, shake

then 30 seconds, shake

and 30 seconds, shake.

Once done shaking, pour out onto cookie sheet to cool. Enjoy!

Kiddie Kandids Today!

Well, Amber has done a decent job of updating the blog, but I guess it is my turn. Amber took the kids to Kiddie Kandids today, and, well, since she's not quite sure how to get the photos off the kiddie kandids website to be able to post them on our blog, it's my turn.

There are some good pictures. For example, Ethan turns 2 in a couple months and he loves balls. Here is a picture of him in what he would consider to be heaven on earth.

I can't believe that he would actually sit by all the balls without throwing all of them.

Here are a couple of pictures of all 3 kids together:

Here is our little Kate. She is getting so big. She went to the doctor's office right after these pictures to get her kindergarten check-up. She didn't realize it going in, but they gave her 4 shots today. She isn't in the best of moods right now. Maybe I should take her to Ikea to lift her spirits.

Here is Nicole. She is also growing like a weed. She will be starting 2nd grade in a month or so. 2nd grade - I can't believe it. I can almost remember when I was in 2nd grade...

Here is the most amazing picture you will ever see. I have not seen these two so close to each other with smiles on their faces in about 4 years. I guarantee if you put these two this close together that they will be fighting and one of them crying (if not both) within 10 seconds. We'll put a copy of this picture in every room in the house just to remind us that these two can co-exist without pulling each other's hair out:
In fact, Kate just came up to me and said, "Daddy, don't you like the picture of me and Nicole hugging each other?" Just as I am about to answer, Nicole chimes in "I don't! I hate it!" I bet you can guess who causes the fighting.

10 Years

So here is to embarassment. Next week Jeff and I will celebrate our 10 year anniversary. I can't believe what has come about over the last 10 years. But I will say I am blessed. I have a wonderful husband and three children who are amazing (well most of the time). So here is to the next 10 years. Hope they are just as fun as the last. Love you Jeff!