March

March was a month of changes for our family. Dave started a new job working for the City Of Tacoma, Matthias switched to formula (which may seem like it's not a change but it was), Lani developed an allergic reaction to soy and dairy, and I was helping watch a friends (7) kids along with my own. We also had our Honda Odyssey's fluid flushed and because of the incompetency of the mechanic the transmission went out within weeks. Fun things were we bought a MacBook, visited Mars Hill (the church we were council'd and married through), celebrated many friends birthdays and had family visit amongst the usual daily grind.

Winter...

Our first snowman of the year in mid January...my childhood friend Alexa, her baby (Violette) and her sister Ashley visited us. Ezekiel continued LOVING swim lessons, and Valentines Day was without power so we entertained each other with letter blocks and a trip to Costco.

New Years 2011

Our tradition on New Years Eve is to go to Pikes Place Market and get fresh fish and take it home and spend a quiet evening together discussing goals and talking about the last year. However this year we were invited by the Burnsons to spend the evening with them. We were so shocked and flattered by their invitation, we gladly accepted.

New Years Eve day we continued our tradition and went to the city had our picture taken in front of the market sign, bought some fresh oysters and clams and headed back to PO to be with our friends.

We spent that New Years Eve with the Burnsons, Guidry's and Wards. We were so thankful they invited us to be with them that evening. We talked a little about Benton, played games, and spent time in fellowship. Thank you God for that time together.

A Tribute to Benton

My dear friend Margarita delivered sweet baby, Benton on 12/28 but he was still-born.


Dear Benton, do you know that you have changed the world?
That your life has impacted many, many people for Jesus?
That there are people who spend more time with their family, who hug their children a little bit tighter because of you?
I am so proud to know your mommy. She is so kind, funny and loving...and one of the most beautiful followers of Christ I know. I sure wish you could have spent more time with her... 9 months just wasn't enough time to hear her voice. We just took a picture of you and your sisters last week, you were so photogenic and your sisters loved touching you, anxiously awaiting to hold you and hear your first cry.
I am so thankful that God has chosen to use you in a mighty way.
We know that heaven is the best place to be, and we long for the day when we will get to see you again. Please know that you hold the most special place in our hearts and that we will never forget you.

Prayerfully,
Your friends

Gingerbread House Creations

We were given a couple of gingerbread house kits this year. I LOVED receiving them, because they are so expensive and making them when you've just had a baby is just more work than I wanted. Daddy built and set the homes the night before which went much better than the Christmas cookies since HE was able to do the work (I did help with one of the houses which ended up being the halfway house) and let it sit overnight. The next day the kids decorated their homes in style, Lani ate 90% of her candy while Ezekiel meticulously placed his candy pieces along the roof.

Christmas Cookies...

We attempted to make Christmas Cookies as a family this year... Daddy did not enjoy this "messy" task. Sprinkles flying in every direction and confectioners sugar all over your hair and body, wasn't his idea of a good time. :)

I'm 2!!!

It's 7:15 A.M and Grandma Wagner brought cupcakes for me to start my day off right!
Chocolate Chocolate!!!! Delicious!
My first bath as a 2 year old...


Getting ready to head to church...
Opening some presents...



On the phone listening to Uncle Bobby, Aunt Norma, cousins Amy and Brian sing Happy Birthday to ME!!

Santa or Stocking?

Will this little Santa fill the stockings or will Santa be missing a stocking?

We love Christmas Time...

Just put the finishing touches on the Christmas tree...Candy Canes !!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

So many days to celebrate in November and December, it was nice to be able to take some time for just me. While Grandpa and Nanny watched Ezekiel and Emmalani. Dave, Matthias and I went Christmas shopping and to Silvercity for a special meal I had salmon, brown rice and broccoli and Dave had Chorizo Mac and Cheese for dessert we had a COOOOOOOOKIE Monster...basically a ridicously large icecream sandwich that I think scarfed down in record time. It was a nice treat for a special day!

Black Friday = Christmas Tree Shopping!

Such a fun time for our family being able to select our tree, cut it and take it home. Feels more special that way! We went to a local place nearby which was more than wonderful especially having young ones. The kids loved playing hide and seek in midst of the firs, grands, and nobles. Although it was a cold day it wasn't nearly as bad as the record 13 degree temperatures that hit 2 days ago.

Thanksgiving 2010...

AFTER THE CRAZY WIND AND SNOW STORM KNOCKED OUR POWER OUT FOR 3 DAYS IT WAS NICE TO ENJOY A WARM,LOW KEY DAY WITH THE FAMILY.

Matthias First Moments...

Our first snow...2010