a new year

Now that it is behind us, I have to say that Christmas was a blur this year.  Being sick, and having sick kids at Christmas was no fun :(.  

We were supposed to have 5 Christmases in 5 days.  After we went to the first (a couple's Christmas party), we were home for the next 2 (the Meister's and my small family).  We did make it to the small and large Herman's - to which we felt pretty lousy - but at least we made it :).  

Livie had a lot of fun with the presents.  Opening them at least :).  All that paper and the surprise of what's inside was pretty exciting for her.  

But there's nothing like enjoying the presents and treats later :).

Right Emma?

Speaking of Emma...she's been eating cereal for a couple of weeks now.  And filling out her high chair quite nicely :).

It seems like she's grown so much in the past month.  She's flown through 3-6 month clothes and now is in mostly 6-12.  She's outgrown the sink for baths too.  So, we're trying some other options for bathing as well..

The girls have even had a few baths together now.  So fun.  As it may appear, it takes MUCH supervision...but they both enjoy it.  Actually, Emma loves the water.  And never cries when it gets in her eyes.  Little water baby.

It's crazy to think where we've come in one year.  Actually, I started this blog last January 1st :) in case you're all wondering how our life was back then.  God has grown us a lot this year.  And we gladly welcome 2012!

Here's a few pics of our house from a week ago (a lot has gotten done again this week, so it already looks different again).  But, here she was:

And the lake...

Loving the neck warmer :)...ha!

merry christmas!

I wish I could say that we're out celebrating with family and friends today (Christmas eve).  But instead, we're all home with colds and coughs (all of us), and fevers and some puking (Livie) :(.  We're trying to get a little sleep.  Sometimes it ends up looking like this...

Christmas may not always be what we expect (right, Guingrich's?).  But God is faithful and good.  So...Happy Birthday Jesus!  We are so grateful that you came, lived, and died to save us!

happy 2nd birthday liv!

Livie turns 2 today!

It's really hard to believe that she's already 2.  But then, everyday she amazes me by what she knows, what she's saying, and how she's interpreting this world. 

We love her soo much and are so thankful for her little life!

Last Tuesday we celebrated at the barn with our families...  My mom made her a Winnie the Pooh cake - since she LOVES to watch "pooh movies".

And she jumped right in with all the craziness of singing, presents, and family...

So bummed that all those pictures were so blurry...I think I must have messed up the settings on my camera :(.  Oh well...they captured her night.

Happy Birthday Liver Bugs!

christmas begins...

Christmas busyness has officially started for us.  I feel so behind on this blog (among other things)!  But I'm learning to embrace it (being behind that is).

It's amazing how a few extra gatherings, getting gifts, sending cards, some baking, and end of the year stuff can make the days so hectic!  But then again, it's probably taking care of 2 little ones, building a house, and being a part of a company that is booming in business...on top of the Christmas things...that makes our lives feel so crazy.  

That said, we are enjoying the season.  And taking time to remember the birth of Jesus...our saviour and king.

Tonight at bedtime, Liv and I were praying and I asked what she wanted to thank God for today.  She said, "Ummm...Jesus!".  Something is sinking in :).  May not be too deep...but she could have said MANY other things (especially since she spent the day playing with several new toys from her birthday party last night).

So, with Christmas upon us...here's a little peak into our lives earlier this week.

Emma is constantly rolling onto her tummy these days.  And then crying because she wants some attention!  Smart girl.  She's going to be 5 months soon.  5 months!  Where did that time go?  I think I say it every week...but she is just growing way too fast.    

The girls and I spent the morning at my mom's on Monday making Christmas cookies.  Well, actually, mom made the cookies...we just provided distraction and helped frost a few :). 

Yes, Livie wore that outfit Sunday too (I was conserving on laundry) :).  But she's really into dresses right now.  And dancing.  And saying "Oh bother!" (like Winnie the pooh) when she drops anything, falls down, or messes up something.  It's pretty funny.

Adalai and Livie wanted to help so bad with the cookies.  Especially when they realized how good the frosting was.

House.  Our roof is supposed to get shingles Friday and Saturday!  Chad is super excited about that...no more leaky roof. 

house update

I really wanted to post some new pictures of the house today.  But when I turned my camera on, I quickly realized I needed new batteries.  

I was able to capture this one picture though (from inside my car) :)...not the best, but it'll have to do for today. 

A lot more is going on inside the house than outside (it seems to be raining every saturday...slowing us up a bit on the siding and shakes).  So, what's going on inside?  Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, basement walls...fun stuff that we'll depend on EVERYDAY soon.  This week we also worked on our kitchen plans.  Time to think about where to put what, etc.  Fun...but a little overwhelming too!

As far as the girls...

Emma's been giving us cheesy grins day after day...and waking us up night after night.  She must just be growing.  She did sleep all night again last night - yay :).  At her 4 month appointment this week, she was 16% for height and 63% for weight.  This explains those cheeks!

Livie...oh Livie.  She's turned a new leaf this week and wants to do everything herself.  "Mysef mommy...no!  Mysef!".  This is her response to getting into her booster seat, carseat, going potty, putting on her clothes, bathing...oh, the list could go on :).  And she's been loving Christmas things too.  The lights, songs, trees, presents.  It's gonna be fun for her this year!

finishing up

First of all, happy birthday to Chad...he's 33 today!

We just wrapped up a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.  Lots of good food and great family time.  We have SO much to be thankful for.

Today has been one just catching up in lots of things.  Including sleep (Emma has been napping most of the day), potty training (Liv regressed a little with all the Thanksgiving hoopla), and well...I've been Christmas shopping - enjoying Cyber Monday :).

Today I'm also finishing up Tami's 30 day challenge.  Here's the last 5 days.  

26 - Close up:

Emma's cheeks.  They're so chubby and so kissable!

27 - Distance:

Okay, so this isn't really a distance shot, but it's a little farther away than the last one.  Still Emma's cheeks.  Just to prove that they're still chubby and kissable from a "distance" :).

28 - Flowers:

I LOVE flowers from a farmer's market.  This picture was taken when we were in Seattle, WA in 2008.  Gorgeous, right?  And if I remember right, they were super cheap too.   

29 - Black and White:

This is another picture I didn't take, but it holds a special spot on my fridge.  It's one of my favorites from our wedding.  Probably because I love the girls in it.  And this pic captures their personalities so well.  I don't get to see many of them much anymore :(, but I have very fond memories with each of them.

30 - Self portrait:
I'm ending on this picture because I think it captures a special moment.  But it's also a picture that could describe MANY moments of my life right now.

It was taken the day Emma was born.  She's crying...I'm trying to console her and just take her all in. 

Life right now is not predictable.  At all.  It's full of moments that are new, crazy, and out of control...putting me completely out of my comfort zone.  And yet somehow God stills my heart with His grace and reminds me He is doing a good work in us...for His glory.

In our little family of 4, we're trying to figure each other out daily.  (And I'm not just talking about with the girls...it's Chad and I too).  May our goal be for the glory and honor of God.  For He is the one that is growing us!  Yes, there are tears, tantrums, sin, and selfishness.  But He is bringing us to restoration, renewal, and growth in Him.  Thank you Father.

23, 24, & 25

It feels amazing to actually have some time to blog right now.  

This week has been a whirlwind.  The days have been loooonng.  But the week has gone incredibly fast.  How is it Saturday already??

Chad's been hunting...which means - alarm clock going off at 4am, lots of talk about deer, and by 9pm his eyes are rolling in the back of his head.  From his perspective though, it is a break and one of the most exciting times of the year.  I just have to take his word for it :).

Livie's been potty training...or, should I say, I'm the one potty training??  It's really more me remembering to take her often.  Just decided to crack down and do it.  And honestly, this time it has not been too bad!  We're on day 4.  The first 2 days she wore pull-ups, and the past 2 days she's worn underwear.  Since we started, she's only had 3 accidents besides at naptime and at night!  Woohoo!  We're all pretty proud around here about this.  Accidents and all ;).

And Emma...this week she decided to wake up from her newborn slumber and join the rest of us during the day :).  She's no longer content in her bouncer (I had to put it away).  So, time to break out the baby toys (she's grabbing), play-gym, swing, and give her lots more attention!  She's still a happy baby (and is sleeping around 11 hours at night)...just wants some action when she's awake.

So, this week has been one filled with changing, growing, and adapting to each other.  Seems like weeks like these are pretty frequent right now.  It's good for us though.

Onto Tami's photography challenge.

23 - Sunflare:

Went to McDonald's for lunch yesterday.  Tried to get a cute pic of Livie and Adalai playing in the play-place, but both of them were too excited to pose for a picture together.  It's amazing how a few slides foam walls can get kids so hyper!  The above one of Livie was the best I could do.  And here's little Emma taking it all in :).

 

24 - Animal:

So, I'm not the biggest fan of animals.  But during our days at home, we DO talk A LOT about animals, make animal noises, play with animals (plastic or stuffed!), and watch them (either outside or on tv).  Anyway, here's Emma playing with her gym this week.  It's got a BIG monkey on it.  Welcome to the world of animals little one.

25 - Something Pink:

This was an easy one.  We're pretty girly around here :).