Flashback Friday--To 2011

So since I missed almost everything related to 2011, 

I thought I'd give a quick synopsis of our year just for the record.

PETER

-turned 2 in June and celebrated with an excavator cake

-wants everything his sisters want (including dress up dresses)

-is sure to be the perfect shopping companion for any girl (I was trying on a sweater when Peter explained...'Cute Mom, so cute')

LYDIA

-turned 3 (but will be 4 in two days)

-learned to write her name

-is our resident songbird

LIESEL

-turned 5 in June

-started kindergarten and is the most popular girl in her class

-attended her first craft classes and learned how to hand sew

ELIZA

-turned 6 in June

-started 1st grade and loves to eat lunch at school

-is becoming a regular on the Tooth Fairy's stop (she's lost 3 teeth)

JILL

-turned 29 in October

-spent most of the year a bit under the weather (recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia)

-surpassed her 2011 grocery savings goal by 2.5 times the set goal 

DANIEL

-turned a year older in December

-switched PhD programs from Marketing to Strategic Management

-has been voted Husband and Father of the year for his unfailing love and support on all those days with no dinner prepared, house trashed and family in tears....We love you Daniel!

So with 2011 behind us...here is to 2012!

For Eliza

I can hardly believe you are 6! How did you grow up so fast? I was so proud of you as you thoughtfully made a card for your sister's birthday and gave her some money to celebrate. And then as I watched you enjoy your day with no expectations or complaints I was grateful again at what a strength and blessing you are to our family.

Eliza I love you for your desire to do the right and to work hard at whatever you put your mind to. You bless my life every day with your love and your help. Happy Birthday!

Love,

Mom

Dear Liesel

Happy Birthday Princess! Today was such a magical day as I watched you make every decision with all your heart. You knew just what you wanted and your big day was a huge success.

I loved watching you run to the bus stop for your date with Dad!

I loved shopping with you and watching your determination to spend only $1.

I loved how excited you got with your new Princess and her castle.

I giggled as you found one more quarter in your purse to buy one more candy.

And it brought tears to my eyes when you saw your birthday cake and you said "I'm the Happiest Birthday Girl EVER!"

Liesel, I love you! Thank you for bringing so much joy into our lives! Today is a day I hope never to forget! Happy Birthday!

Love,

Mom

What we've been up to

Okay so I know I haven't posted in so long you might have given up on me. But if you haven't here are a few pictures of what's been going on around here.

Our Christmas was magical and worth the two months of sewing and preping to get it ready. Santa brought desks, games and a much anticipated rocking horse.
I loved making this felt food for Lydia. I know the picture is terrible but it gives you the idea anyway.

My other big sewing project was this car mat for Peter. It wouldn't have gotten done without Daniel's help. I thought it turned out okay but on Christmas morning when Peter went right to it I felt all the work was worth it.
I also sewed all the kids two pairs of pajama pants and put pieces of their fabric on t-shirts to match. I just realized today that I didn't even take a picture of the kids in them on Christmas eve. My mother would be disappointed. Sorry mom.

Besides all the sewing, I've found a new hobby. COUPONING! Here is a sample of my work for your enjoyment....

I used to buy this for $5.

Now I get this for $5!!!!

Hopefully in a few months I'll figure out how to get it for FREE!!!!!

Anyway Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all!

ten on tuesday

1. Eliza started school today. Liesel woke her up and she got dressed and was in the kitchen at 6:30am. She squinted at me with one eye covered and said, "Okay mom, I'm ready to go to school." Her first day was actually only 1 1/2 hours with parents present but Eliza loved it and was so sad when it was time to leave. I can't believe my baby is already/finally going to school. Here she is with her new teacher.

2. After school the kids and I went to pick peaches. Liesel wasn't a fan...she kept stepping in over-ripe peaches. She finally gave up and went to wait in the car. But I can't wait for a free couple of hours to can them. I love fall.

3. Speaking of fall....the leaves are beautiful in Michigan. Some are starting to change colors already. I can't wait to get some pictures of the girls in a pile of leaves.

4. Have you been wondering what our favorite spots in our new house are? Well you'll have to keep wondering. I didn't get to that this week.

5. One bonus to living in MI is that we are only 4 hours away from my sister Jenni & her husband Vaughn. We went to see them this weekend and had the best time. Peter loved cuddling with Aunt Jenni and has found his new favorite person...even above his mother. The girls thought Uncle Vaughn was 'very handsome' and 'SOOO funny.' They also loved being able to help with everything. It was such a fun trip and we can't wait to do it again.

6. While in OH we attended the Spanish branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that Vaughn & Jenni serve in. We loved the people even though we didn't understand much. I even got to give a Primary lesson and it was as fun as ever. I was made for Primary...even in Spanish.

7. Here is my latest project. Quite time bins! I first saw the idea here. I knew I needed them. The girls (Eliza & Liesel) love them and now go an hour & a half everyday with one.

8. Did I ever tell you how much I love fruit? Well it is right up next to Primary & Fall. So it was good news when I learn that there are apple & peach orchards and strawberry & raspberry farms all only 20 min or less from our house. So as soon as my peaches are canned...it's off raspberry picking and apples after that.

9. You'll never believe what was in our driveway when we got home from OH yesterday (forgive the terrible picture). We are still not sure how it happened but we were certainly glad we weren't around when it did.

10. My sister Jessica should receive her mission call any day. Any guesses where she might be going? Check back soon to see if you are the winner!

Two Months in Review

Have you wondered where we've been? Well, we've been packing, driving across the country, celebrating a wedding, driving across the country, packing, driving across the country, unpacking and trying to get everything sorted out when you move from one house in one state to another house in another state. Yep...it has been a busy couple of months. So here is a brief recap.

The month of July was filled with packing, cleaning, & packing some more. But the end of the month was our favorite. We drove to Utah for my sister Heather's wedding. On the way we hung out with our good friends Scott & Sara & Family. We had a great time catching up and analyzing everything from family life to General Conference. We had a great time watching Eliza become instant friends with Jacob. They went everywhere together and couldn't have had more fun together. I love this picture I snapped of the two of them on our "hike."

Heather & Jared's wedding was wonderful. You can see more pictures by the photographer here. It was so fun to watch her get ready that morning. When walking into the room where the family was waiting you could hear all the grandkids squeal. She looked stunning in her wedding dress (made by my mom) and she and Jared couldn't have looked any happier. Congratulations again Heather & Jared.

Here is a picture of Liesel with the bride.

I also love this picture of Eliza with her other 'best friend,' cousin Nathan. Those two were inseparable.

Then it was back to Colorado to pack up everything else and load the moving truck. We had such fantastic help from our ward family. The young men & women and a handful of other adults came one night and helped us load the truck and clean our entire house. I can't imagine trying to do all they did by ourselves. It was a huge blessing. Tragically I have no pictures of any of it. I was a little busy.

Daniel's parents came too. Just in time to help us pack up, clean, and drive away. It was such a blessing to have them on the trip. Our moving truck kept breaking down and it took 8 hours longer than we expected with all the traffic & break down time. The thought of Daniel & me trying to do all that on our own still terrifies me. Thanks again Gma & Papa.

Lucky for us Gma & Papa got to stay for a few days to help us unload & get settled. The first day here was amazing. It started with 8 men from our new ward here to help us unload the truck at 8am. Another tender mercy. Then I watched Gma attack the kitchen, bathroom and the car with no fear, and then she went for the wood floors. And Papa Tom was just as adventurous setting up beds and tables and sorting the entire basement. I was feeling discouraged after a few hours but they kept me going. I am still surprised how all their help kept me from tears on a number of occasions.

But it wasn't all work with our special guests. The other highlights from the week with Gma & Papa included; a day at the lake (tragically the lightning started just at 'free swim' time), an anniversary outing for Daniel & me, a MSU campus tour including a stop at the Dairy, a nature walk/playground visit, and walks for Peter and Papa (I think those two are kindred spirits).

And now we are starting to get settled in. Daniel loves school including; reading, class mates, reading, lectures, reading, research and more reading. He was made to be a student! As for me I am working on establishing my routine in a new town. Every time we go somewhere new the girls say "New house, new town, new Target."

Check back next week to find out everyone's favorite place in our 'new' house. Here is a sneak peak.

Any guesses who's favorite place this is?