December 2013

We started out December by celebrating my birthday.  I had school that day, and the sweet teachers and aides decorated my corner, and brought a treat to share.  It was so nice!  Mike surprised me, by bringing me flowers and chocolate on his way to work.  All the teachers and secretaries were jealous.  Yep, he's a keeper!

A few days later, we made a Stoffers "thrift store" run, which means we stock our freezer.  We had gotten quite a few things.  Mike didn't think that we would be able to fit everything.  That sounded like a challenge to me!  I definitely proved him wrong!  I am not nick-named the "master packer" for no reason!

This was one of those times when I had a "bad Mommy" moment.  Lucas has been reaching out of his bouncer lately, so I figured our days of putting him in the bouncer were numbered.  Sure enough, I was doing the dishes, and heard him screaming.  I checked on him, and was half-way out of the bouncer, but was stuck.  He couldn't get back up.  Instead of quickly getting him out, I had to take a picture first, and then rescue him.  I figure he will forgive me one day! 

Madi has not been wanting to let me do her hair lately.  I reached out to one of my cousin-in-laws, who is a cosmetologist, and asked for suggestions.  She told me that I needed to take her picture, so that she can see how cute she looks with her hair done.  The first time I tried doing this, it worked!!  She still has her moments, but I am sure being 2 has a lot to do with that!

On the Friday that I finished my student teaching, we were able to have a little get away!  We stayed at a bed and breakfast in SLC.  It was so nice to be able to celebrate that our family had survived! :)

We were even able to go to a movie... without any kids... It was glorious!  I admit, it was kind of hard to stay awake, for I was EXHAUSTED!  But I loved spending time with my sweetie!

Another hair picture!  Sorry!

We were able to attend several of Jeffrey's school basketball games.  I think we have a future b-ball fan right here!  He was clapping and would actually sit and watch the game. :)

This one on the other hand...  She was ALL over!!  Thank goodness Grandma and Grandpa Buhler, as well as their Aunts and Uncles were there to take turns with her!

Madi actually let me put rollers in her hair one night.  I was curious to see how they turned out.  She doesn't really let me use the curling iron to curl her hair.  :(

This is how it turned out!  Whew!  Pretty tight curls!  Next time, we will try the larger rollers!

The girl loves the IPad!!!  I was finally able to get her to look up for one quick picture! :)

We were able to spend Christmas Eve-Day with the Buhler/Durfee family.  We loved seeing everyone that was there, and appreciate all the work that was put into it. 

Christmas Eve-Night, we were able to spend time with the Robbins.  This picture is of Madi helping to decorate the "Grandpa Tree".  All the grandkids help decorate a tree with Grandpa.  It's a cute tradition.

One of Madi's favorite things about Christmas time, was an empty wrapping paper roll.  She thought it was hilarious to put it up to her ear as we talked into it.

Then we would switch, and she would talk into it.  :)  What a fun (cheap) game!

This video shows the new saucer that Lucas got for Christmas.  Sorry it's sideways! Don't mind the HUGE mess in the video.  He really did love his saucer, and it will help him be motivated to want to walk. 

Here are Madi and Lucas, creating their own fun.  :)  Who knew that sitting in the playhouse drawers would be such fun! :)

I love this picture of Lucas.  Isn't he handsome? :)

Of course we needed to include a funny picture of Mike and I!  So flattering, right?!? :)

At this time of year, we are very reflective on how blessed we are.  We are extremely grateful for the Savior, and His atoning sacrifice for each one of us.  We are thankful to be able to celebrate his birth, as well as his life.  We hope that everyone had a fantastic Christmas season, and are excited for the start of a new year!

Love to all!!

November 2013

I love how as the kids are getting older, they are becoming more interactive with each other.  It is adorable!

This little guy LOVES playing with his daddy! :)  So sweet!

We decided it was finally time to rake up the leaves!  November is a great time to do that! ;)  We sure had a lot of leaves... Mike was working on the front yard, and I had the kids in the back.

Lucas was being so good in his saucer as we worked.

Madi insisted on helping. :)

But she ended up playing way more than helping! ;)

Mike realized I was fighting a loosing battle, so he came to the rescue.

I thought this was such a sweet picture... Then I noticed that Madi is wearing Lucas' tie.  You never know what she is going to do next!

This month, Madi figured out how to take pictures on the phone, so we began to see LOTS of selfies! :)

As I have been finishing up my student teaching, my family has been amazing!  Mike has been "Superman"!  He has been watching the kids AND going to work.  I don't think I could do what he has done.  It makes me grateful for a husband who is willing to support me in my endeavors.  I hope that I can do the same for him. :)  The kids have loved their "Daddy" time.  They adore him!

  

October 2013

 

 

I started out the month of October, by going to the zoo with the 1st grade class I was student teaching in.  It was a blast!  I am even more determined to come back with my kids.  I think they would love it!

 

 

 

Let me explain this picture... I am pretty sure that Madi has some OCD tendencies.  She loved to empty my mom's junk drawer, and line things up in a line.  It totally reminds me of the TV show Monk.  There isn't a lot we can do about it now, but we will cross that bridge later.

 

 

Here is more of her things lined up... Crazy girl!

 

 

I took this picture of myself, to remember just how tired I was during my student teaching.  I was burning the candle at both ends.  I can't even tell you how many times I fell asleep, on the couch, sitting up, while typing lesson plans!  It was ridiculous!

 

 

During October, our little Madi turned 2!!  I can't even believe that we have a 2 year old!  She brings so much joy and spunk to our family!

 

 

Here's Madi and Lucas playing with all Madi's toys and new birthday presents.  We had to do the present opening before I went to school, for that was the only time we would all be together.

 

 

Madi is our little monkey!  She is always climbing things...

 

 

Madi was given a doll house by her cousin Alexus.  She loves it!!  But again, she loves to climb in and on it! 

 

 

I really don't know why she is hiding to eat a piece of bread.  I promise we feed her! :)

 

 

He totally loves being mobile! 

 

 

Lucas selfie! :)

 

 

In October, we celebrated being married for 3 years!!  Time flies when you are having fun!! :)  Mike spoiled me like crazy!  He started out by giving me two dozen roses and chocolate.  I think he knows me quite well!!

 

 

Then Mike's parents took Madi, and my parents took Lucas, and we were able to go to Park City overnight.  We were pretty happy in this picture, because we had just dropped off the last child, and were finally on our way!

 

 

We had an awesome time, for we were able to watch a BYU football game, uninterrupted!  We spent time in the hot tub, and just enjoyed a little break together.

 

 

I love Mike with all my heart!  I am so grateful we started out as friends, for we are able to laugh together, cry together, and love each other.  Yay for eternity!!  :)

 



September 2013

 

In September, we were able to join the Buhler Family in Park City for a day.  Of course we went swimming!! :)

 

 

Lucas did not like the water... So I spent most of the time out with him.  Madi, on the other hand, was a little fish, and loved swimming with Auntie Becca!

 

 

Madi has been wanting to hold Lucas a lot more lately.  She is such a good big sister!  (Reminds me of someone else... haha!)

 

 

Madi thinks she's super cool in this hat.  ;)  Well, she IS pretty cool...

 

 

We tried to let Lucas play in the little bouncy thingy... I can't remember what it is called.  Anyways, it lasted about five whole minutes - then he was done, and wanted to get out.  Any time after that, when we would try to put him in, he would cry.  :(  So much for that!

 

 

We did start putting Lucas in the high chair, which he seems okay with.  Although, doesn't he look so small?  I think he does.

 

 

I was trying so hard to get a picture with both of them looking... Near to impossible! :)  They really are becoming great friends!

 

 

One day, our little guy was sick.  I swaddled him in the blanket and set him in the recliner.  He laid his head on the arm.  He doesn't normally cuddle for very long, or stay in one place.  That is when I knew he was sick.

 

 

We get some pretty sweet hair styles during bath time! :)

 

 

He was one happy boy!

 

September was quite a blur, as I was going head-strong with my student teaching, and the rest of the family was in survival mode.   We are still very blessed!