Ssssssssss...

Why is it that I feel like I only blog about working on the letter S? We do work on other letters, it just so happens that I don't always take pictures. Anyway, we have graduated from working on recognizing letters to working on sounds. So we've been doing all things, snow, snail, sail boat, snake, and of course STEFAN. One of my goals is to do better about posting our projects. We'll see:) Here was one thing we did this week with a snowman.

And speaking of sounds. Olivia's newest sound is 'B'. She has been saying ba-ba-ba-ba constantly the last couple of days.

Oh my...

So much cuteness in my house, I can hardly stand it. This was last night getting ready for church.

Kids play!

This week I have been doing a major overhaul of clothes. Stefan seems to have just taken a huge growth spurt and nothing was fitting him anymore. So it was high time I pack away his clothes and make room for some new, or at least new-to-us clothes. I took the opportunity to sort through Olivia's clothes and pack away what didn't fit which is a never ending job at this stage.

In the process, I have had the drawers to their dresser out, and bins, and hangers, and piles of clothes and my kids think they have hit the jack pot when it comes to toys. They have been having a blast!!!

Stefan has pushed Olivia around. Olivia is in and out of everything. We've even had our snack in the drawer. We've gone on boat trips, and have seen alligators, and sharks, and turtles, and fish and cats. (Keep in mind that this is a 3-year old. Don't be too hard on him for not knowing exactly what does and does not live in the ocean!) We've fallen out of the boat and had to swim to safety and so much more. It goes without saying that some of the best toys aren't toys at all!

A little cuteness for your Monday morning!

Our anniversary get-a-way

I love, love, love big cities. There is just something about a big city that I can't get enough of. I love the lights, the sounds, the craziness, the shops. Thanks to my hubby for finding a great room. We were on the 25th floor of a hotel on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. It was just perfect. We enjoyed a great dinner at a very unique restaurant. Definitely a one-of-a-kind place and very delicious. It was all so fun. On Monday we were able to enjoy a relaxed morning in the hotel and then head out on the town! It was so fun "shopping" in Chicago. Basically that means gawking at the incredible prices of things. Like a toddler boys suit for $336! Seriously?! Do people really spend that kind of money on kids clothes? Anyway, it was fun to browse, and feel the hustle and bustle of a big city.

Most importantly, though, it was wonderful to spend some time alone as a couple. It was very refreshing and we made some wonderful memories.

Stefan and Olivia did great with Uncle Bob and Auntie Jennie. I don't think they missed us too much, though we did get some great hugs when we got back. We're so grateful to Bob and Jennie for watching them for us. I truly did not worry for a minute about them. I knew they were in great hands, and I was able to just relax and enjoy spending time with my wonderful husband.

So thankful and refreshed from a great 24 hours and am now glad to be back home and continue in my calling in life: my family.

(yes, I know the lighting is horrible, but I wanted a picture of us sitting on the couch in front of the window in our hotel room. What can I say?)

11 months-and finding new ways to get around

Stefan's 3rd Birthday

It's hard to believe that our big guy is three already. He is such a pleasant boy and such a wonderful blessing to our family. We're so thankful for him. He is energetic and very talkative (to us, not as much to others!). It has been so fun to see him develop in so many areas. His talking has just taken off and it is always fun to hear new words come out. We drove to Minnesota on his birthday. It was a fun day, here are a few shots.


Birthday breakfast; on our way to MN we stopped at McDonalds for lunch. Daddy surprised Stefan with an ice cream cone; It's always fun to get birthday calls-thank you, Papi, Mimi, Auntie Donna, Uncle Tim, Auntie Ruth, Micaiah, Miriam, and Zacharie. Phew! He's spoiled!

Birthday bash with Uncle Dan, Auntie Brenda, Uncle Bob, Auntie Jennie, and all the kids. Auntie Brenda spoiled him with all his requests which were, pizza, chocolate milk, and cupcakes! It was a fun day.

Brian's Recognition

Though we had heard a couple of months ago that Brian's composition, Jesus, Lover of My Soul, was a finalist in the John Ness Beck Foundation competition, Brian was overwhelmed and surprised to find out he had received first place. We heard by email on Monday that he had received first place. There is something really nice, though, about seeing it on the website and receiving the official word and award by mail.

Here is Brian just after he opened up the mail yesterday. I'm so proud of him:)

Christmas Eve

Our Christmas weekend plans have had to change due to the flu running rampant in our home, but we are still having fun!

Here are a few shots of our evening

New-pajama clad children:)


...and here is what awaits them in the morning!

Our week

It has been a little crazy around here with the flu going through the house. We haven't been doing much partying and therefore haven't had too much to blog about. And when we have done something there has been little energy left to try to post anything!


On Sunday, Brian and I celebrated our 4th anniversary. It was a very busy day at church so we're hoping to actually go out maybe in January sometime to celebrate.

It is hard to believe that in our four years of marriage God has blessed us with these two beautiful children and another one on the way. Really, I cannot help but feel extremely blessed. God is gracious.

Stefan (and 49 other kids) participated in the Children's Christmas program at church. I was at the piano so couldn't really see his face, but from all accounts he sang well! He's growing up so fast!

Beautiful Sounds

The soft cooing sounds of a newborn

The squeal of delight of a two year old waking up to snow on the ground

The giggle of a baby

The sound of your baby’s first cry

The delight of a two year old seeing Christmas lights

The sounds of your children playing sweetly together

The “bubbles” of a baby kissing mommy

The “I wuv you” while small arms circle around your neck

And…

The sound of your unborn baby’s heartbeat.

Welcome to our family, Baby. We can’t wait to meet you!

Official due date: June 21, 2011

Thanksgiving -- finally!

I know, I know... I have taken way too long getting these up. We had a great Thanksgiving trip to Greenville. The trip down (non-stop overnight), was very exhausting, but we made it safely! While down there we got to see some extended family and friends (mostly our friends at Cleveland Park Bible Church). Our main purpose for visiting though, was to spend time with Donna, and Dad and Mom Hanson.

Donna treated us like royalty with unending snacks and delicious things to eat. We celebrated Thanksgiving together and a small little Christmas as well. We had lots of fun just visiting and Donna and I also snuck in some shopping together. Fun times!




We enjoyed visiting with Dad and Mom. We were able to be there for Mom's birthday which was nice and spent some time visiting with them. It worked out so well that Erik and Bethany were in town as well, so we got to see them. These pictures were all taken at a restaurant, because I had forgotten my camera when we were at their house:(. It was great to see everyone.

Olivia- 9 months!

Well, before she turns 10 months I thought I should get her 9 month stats up! We went to the doctor before our big Thanksgiving trip, but I haven't had a chance to post.

Weight: 18.14 pounds
Height 26 1/2 inches

She is just starting to pull herself up and though she is not proficient at it yet, she loves the applause she gets when she succeeds!

Her favorite game right now is playing "raspberries" with Daddy. He blows raspberries on her cheeks and then she does it back to him. I have to get a video. Every time she makes the noise she pulls back and gives the biggest grin!

Stefan Reading-Again!

Admittedly, if you don't know this book it will be difficult for you to really follow his reading, but I thought you would still enjoy. (And we have it recorded for our own benefit!)

I told you about his love of this book here.