For family home evening on Monday, Matt taught the kids about Christmas with a powerpoint that he put together in about ten minutes. He showed them pictures of presents, and Christmas trees, and then asked Eben, "Do you know what Christmas is?" Eben said, "Yes," so Matt asked, "What is Christmas, Eben?" Ebs replied, "Christmas...is...singing." 

I thought this response was cute, since his only Christmas experience this year has been the hymns at church and the holiday music we played Sunday afternoon. And yet, isn't this season all about singing praises to our King?  

Love you all! Merry Christmas!!

Happy Halloween, Partners!

We just got home from our ward halloween party, which was a lot of fun. Our costumes were centered around Eben's taste and most importantly, they were easy! Thanks to the local thrift store. I did make the cow vest Zoe wore. Eben refused to even try it on. We have more trick-or-treating to do tomorrow and wish we could knock on your door too!!

We have had a lot of fun lately, with Eben's birthday and all. The fall scenery is more beautiful every day. It's pretty chilly now, but we have so much to look forward to in our first winter here. The kids are a ton of fun. They both love to dance, giggle together, repeat what we say, get into trouble...I guess they're just kids! Eben's latest phrase is "right now." He needs everything right now and suggests that we do everything right now. Zoe talks a lot, but we don't understand half of it. Her language skills have taken off, though. Everyday I hear her say new words that actually make sense. Life's great and we are doing the best we can...

REALITY CHECK AND BEAUTIFUL NORTHEAST

Matt went back to school this week. It was even more of a shock than I thought it would be. He leaves before 6am, comes home around seven for dinner, and then either studies here or goes with a group until 11:30pm. Yesterday I went "visiting teaching" to this fun sister's home--right on a lake! The kids had a blast. Try watching two daring toddlers around the water and you'll know how my day was, but it was nice to get out, and such a picture-perfect day.

Summer fun, here we come?

I'm trying to figure this whole posting thing out with my layout. Below there is a paragraph that I wrote the other day, but it is text, not an actual post. 

Here we are, a week away from school, and trying to pack in the summer fun. We met with the financial aid office about loans today, not a fun thing to think about, but it looks like next year we will join the Air Force if all goes as planned. It's another set of adventures to anticipate, but we feel great about this decision however it works out. I never thought I would be a military wife, but looks like that's how it might be. 

I went to the local thrift store today and had a lot of fun. It was my long-awaited getaway dream hour and a half that was a bit overdue if you ask me. I got 2 skirts, a cute pair of jeans, and a lime green jacket all for 10 bucks! 

Well, it's back to work on the decorating for me. We are likely to get church callings on Sunday and I will let y'all know what happens. Take care. We miss you all a TON. 

A little explanation

We went backpacking at the end of May. It was quite the experience! I was a little stressed because we had just left the kids with my mom while we apartment hunted in NH two weeks earlier. But everyone involved survived (barely, albeit) and we have enjoyed just being at home. We are busy packing for our July 1 move.
Eben is charming and makes my heart melt when he asks "Please have it binkie please" He is testing our parenting skills these days with his need for freedom and lack of understanding for words like, "wait" and "no". He hits and pushes other kids and I feel like my whole day is following him around apologizing to kids and their moms for my son's unexplainable aggression. Of course, he's our first, so we worry too much. All in all we have fun and love to watch him grow.
Zoe can say "OUT!" and she hardly stops saying it. Her vocab includes "amen" "elmo" "shoe" "bubble" and of course "uh uh" That usually means "I REALLY need that right now." She gives hugs if you ask her nicely. She can stand on her own for a long time but has only tried to take a step once (On Wednesday, for the record).
I love them both so much!!
Matt just ran a marathon on Saturday. I only have one picture from it, but don't know how to get it from my phone to here. Sorry. He did an excellent job. I am amazed at his will power and determination. He inspires me everyday.
I am trying to finish a blessing dress for Kelsie's little girl and hope to be done this weekend. But that won't happen if I spend all my time updating my "BLOG!" yuck. I think you got some on my shoe

New stuff!

I'm not good at updating my "BLOG" excuse me. "BLOG" That's embarrassing. Anyway, here are some of my favorite family pics and events from Feb. to now. Enjoy!

Spring is here!

You know there is light at the end of the tunnel when the overall messiness subsides enough for you to notice all the kidprints on the walls. And true recovery from a second child starts to happen when you actually have time to wash the walls. Yeah! We are spring cleaning and it feels good.

My Sweet Husband

Matt gave me flowers yesterday and said, "Happy February 9th." He is thoughtful, but doesn't like an assigned day to show love and affection (ask him if you want more clarification on his opinion). Anyway, it's a special day for me, because three years ago, it's the day I found out he was single! Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Hope you have lots of love in your heart and a fun time too.

The kids have fun together, except when Zoe gets tired of Eben sitting on her, or when Eben gets tired of her whining for a little attention. Eben loves to help out around the house with washing dishes, scrubbing anything, and putting garbage in its place. Zoe just learned to scoot backwards on her belly two days ago and will be crawling soon!!