First Cousin Sleepover

This is hopefully the first of many cousin nights we will have at Grandpa and Grandmas. We started late when we got home from the soccer game in Salt Lake and once we got home, Conrad & Carter both fell asleep quickly under a hut made from blankets. We are planning a sleepover in the backyard next.

-Brenda

CHA Chicago

If I had to sum up this week, I would call it a 'homecoming'. The summer CHA Tradeshow in Chicago (Craft and Hobby Association). As I looked around this year, I am probably the oldest in the group, not by age, but involvement in the scrapbook market, going on 20 years. There are many people I dearly love. We come together twice a year and catch up. Often tired in preparation for the show, struggling with the balancing of life and always seeking ways to simplify. We understand each other and know the stress that owning a business can bring and we cheer each other on...
-Brenda

Lisa (of Crate Paper) and Brenda

Prayers Answered.

Ashlee called me today to say she finally blogged her news. She is now 13 weeks pregnant and due January 24. Of course, many in our lives already know it, in a quiet kind of way. She has a cute belly, she has become an even more picky eater (if that is possible), she is more emotional, she is having painful issues with her si joint, she is tired... but she is pregnant. We have to pinch ourselves... as we continue to pray. We are thankful beyond words and know what good parents she and Paul will be.
-Brenda

Second try with invitro. She had to be on complete bed rest for one week
very early on. Conrad loved to go over and snuggle with his La-La.

Going for a walk

Conrad lives to be outside. He loves to go for walks and this time, he pulled Phoebe along in the weeding stool and had his Mom follow him in his $3 yardsale trike... she kept up pretty good too.
-Brenda

Harry Potter Party

The invitations arrived this past week... we believe by owl. We were invited to a Harry Potter Party planned by Katie & Lindsey... the best way to celebrate one of their most loved books that they have grown up with. 12 years of reading & re-reading the books, listening to all of them on Audi during family road trips (LOVED them!) Tonight we dressed as Muggles and excitedly began our party. Thank you girls!
Memories:
The wizard treats we were each assigned to bring. Pin the lightening bolt on Harry Potter. Harry Potter Treasure Hunt. Nearly Headless Nick Hot Potato. Name my character. Watched Harry Potter 7 part one to get ourselves ready for the final movie coming out. Conrad in dress up clothes. Snuggling with Carter. Feeling grateful that the guys so willingly participate in the things that mean the most to our girls.
-Brenda

Phoebe 10 Months

Taking first steps. Willful. Bright eyed. Quirky. Quite attached to her Mom & Dad. Always up for eating and not picky. Loves to play peak a boo. Delicate skin aka a non-tanner. Terrific screamer at times, thankfully not always. Crawls quickly. Likes to chat. Giggles. Patty cake. Goofy. Light sleeper. 3% size on growth / weight chart. A mighty spirit. Oh so very loved!
-Brenda


It's easy to see that the days of saying '123 smile' to Conrad are a

thing of the past... it's painful to watch. I will now need to just catch
him as is... which is best anyway.

No Lift Off

Up very early with the sun and we followed the crowds to the hot air balloon lift off. Cloudy skies and unpredictable winds kept them grounded, though many were blown up and they stayed anchored to the round. The kids and Ransom were plenty tired. We came home to Katie's breakfast of strawberry / creme cheese filled french toast.
-Brenda