Our little math star!

I'm trying this post out from my phone...hopefully it works. A few weeks ago Cari had the wonderful opportunity to attend a math camp. Most kids would find this down right boring, but not our daughter. This was a dream come true for her. Rather than excelling in athletics, academics are her "game". She is fiercely competitive and this provided a week long challenge. She finally felt like she fit in, bless her sweet self! She was chosen among kids from around the state, which made her experience that much more memorable.  We are proud of the beautiful young lady she is quickly becoming. We love you Cari!!

New beginnings...blog-genings that is!

 

It has been a very long time since my last post.  I have been "hung up" on how to move forward with my blog.  I had to think back and remember why I started a blog.  It wasn't to brag or post picture perfect pictures (which one can clearly see).  Rather it was to give our beloved family who are so far away a glimpse of our every day life. 

 

I am completely guilty of posting most of our "happy" moments, but I would venture to say most memory books are filled of happy, proud moments.  It has been hard to be so far away from loved ones.  We are in a community full of tight families who have been here for generations.  I have to admit, I have fierce jealous feelings when I see families gathered at games cheering their loved ones on, when it is me, myself and I present at most of the functions for our family.  This has been a tough year.  Rob and I have reflected in many ways.  We have often found ourselves wondering why in the world we are in Indiana when our loved ones are clear across the country.  Our children really don't even know their cousins (which secretly breaks my heart knowing all the memories I have of mine).  This is where faith provides great comfort in our lives.  I believe there is a reason God has us here.  We may not know why or understand, but He has helped us make our life here, in Indiana. 

 

 

So for memory sake, I am going to get over my blogging hang up and post our memorable moments, happy or sad.  Hopefully, years from now we can look back and remember these years praising our Lord and Savior for the many blessings we have received.

 

 

I am vowing to no longer get hung up on posting in chronological order, but to post what is relevant to our lives.  I want our children to one day be able to look back and remember what life was all about.  Here's to happy memories and lots of love!!

 

 

Happy Easter 2013!!!

He has risen, He has risen indeed!!

My last Green Eggs and Ham reader.  A bittersweet moment!

Hoops...needs I say more??

 

The youngest is now 6!! WOW!!!!!

Wonder what he is wishing for?

 

 

Last kindergarten graduation...also bittersweet!

Strawberry picking...yummy!!

Playtime at the park!  Somewhere I have pictures of this

park when Cari and Noah were just babies.

 Campfire fun!!

First night camping in the backyard :)

A Robin chose our front porch to lay her beautiful eggs. 

What fun to watch mama birdy care for her babies!

Rainy day fun!  Water fight!!

Umbrella shield!

 

 

Fourth of July fun...line up for sparklers!



 

 

Ooooo...awwwww! (I seriously need photography help with fireworks!)

 

 

Mom!!!  Look at me!

 

I'm also hoping to begin blogging right from my phone. With life moving so fast I hope to stop and record the memories whenever possible.  Thanks for being patient with me and my lack of posting!  Love to you all!

Finally saying farewell to winter :)

 

This year felt like winter was never ending, especially after last year's very mild weather.  I was very unmotivated to post my normal winter favorites, but here are a few moments of our life.

 

Although very cold and dreary, winter can have its own beauty.  I tried to capture a

beautiful, foggy, snow covered morning, but my picture did not do it justice.

We also had a birthday boy in the middle of winter.  Noah entered the two digit world.  He had a birthday party centered around nerf guns and a family party with some pretty awesome gifts!

He loved getting cards with money too!  He was able to buy

some things he had been eyeing for quite some time.

What a handsome young man he is becoming!!

Although this winter has been cold, we didn't have a serious snow storm until

later in the winter.  When we finally got hit, we took advantage and went sledding.

We used a lot of energy climbing this hill, over and over again!

 What a fun day!  I even went on a few runs.  The boys and I all fit on this awesome sled.

A boy and his dog hanging out enjoying the sites and sounds.

An unexpected snowball fight with Dad...led to massive amounts of giggling.

We have some awesome neighbors, who would offer the kids rides on their snowmobile.

Winter was good, but we couldn't be more ready for spring!!!!!!!

Christmas Highlights

We had a wonderful Christmas this year!  I'm just a bit behind on posting!!

 

Our Christmas break began with a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Reinert.  We all were so excited to see them...it had been too long!  Grandma told the kids they could open their gift early.  They didn't need to be told twice.  

 

I wonder what it could be???

A beautiful chess set!!  Grandma also managed to teach the game to

those who still needed to be taught, even Luke!  Needless to say

there was a lot of chess being played over break!  

Christmas Eve....

 

 

Handsome little boys

and one beautiful young lady all dressed up ready for church.

 

This picture simply makes me smile :)

Our cute little kids aren't so little anymore!

Christmas morning!!

 

They were so excited to open gifts!  Every year my cousin Chad and Aunt Jill and Uncle John give the kids an ornament.  They are always so excited to open the ornaments and proudly hang them on the tree.  These were the first gifts they opened.  Thank you so much Uncle John, Aunt Jill and Chad!



Now come the toys and games!

 

The Lorax is our favorite family movie!

Who doesn't love Angry Birds?

What's in there?

Hot Wheels...yes just what I wanted!!

Nerf guns which will lead to many Nerf wars!!

A laptop... no way!!!

A video camera!!!  How much fun am I going to have with this?

Even the dogs enjoyed all the excitement!!

Our family was so very blessed with so many wonderful gifts!  Thank you to our family far, far away who thought of us and our kids in very special ways.  We are so very blessed!!