It's almost TIME!!!

I can't believe it, but this little guy you see below has grown and grown. He has grown so much that he is about ready to join our little clan!

To be honest, it has kind of snuck up on me. I had made a list with all the things I wanted to do before he arrived and realized I have left much too much to get done with a very little amount of time to do it. I guess that is just the way it goes. We'll get as much done as we can and the rest will have to work itself out... because I'm getting a new little baby!

I really can't wait. I haven't really had time to ponder the wonders of this little baby like I did with the other two. Time is just not on my side. BUT over the last couple of weeks I can't stop thinking about him. What is he going to look like? Will he have my nose? Will he have Steve's eyes? I just can't wait to see him! I can't wait to hold him and introduce him to Reagan and Crew. I can't wait to rock him to sleep and place him in his bed sound asleep. I CAN'T WAIT TO TAKE HIS PICTURE! That is going to be fun! Poor kid.

I just wanted to give you a little update on the status of our littlie. Less than a week and a half to go. This is going to be so great!

I finally did it...

I got a Library Card!!!

If you didn't know this about me, I am an avid book reader. I LOVE books. I can't get enough of them. I always try to have a book on hand to read. If it were up to me I would spend a majority of my time reading, and if you ask Steve, he may tell you that I already do, but it isn't nearly enough time. I could always have more time to read.

So with this little hobbie that I have, you can imagine how much I could spend on new books to read. I always try to borrow books from friends, but I knew that I needed to get to the library. After a very long time of thinking about this I finally did it! I went down to my local library and got myself a card!

I have to tell you that being in a book store has to be one of my favorite places in the world. I don't know what it is, but I feel alive and I could spend hours parusing the isles looking for a potentially good read. When I was walking around the library, I felt ten times better! It was a building full of books waiting to be read and they were all completely FREE! It just doesn't get better than that. I think I have found my new heaven.

I have been told that the library offers a lot of new perks like online services and things like that. I have not learned all the ways of the new library system, but I am super excited to discover all that it has to offer.

This library thing just keeps getting better and better!

Building a Snowman

Our neighbors, the Wrights, are always out building snowmen. Every time it snows they gear up and head out to play in the beautiful stuff. Us Diederichs, on the other hand, are not so festive. We have yet to build a snowman in our yard in any of the 5 winters we have spent here.

Is that sad or what? I think it is very sad. Not sad enough, of course, to put on my snow coat that no longer zips up around my belly and tromp out into the freezing weather and build one. But still very sad.

Steve, on the other hand, decided it was high time the kids got out and did that with him.

As we came home from the Lake we saw that the Wrights had once again been out in the snow building a little friend to adorn their yard. Not just one, but 4! They had built one to represent each member of their family. So, like a good dad, Steve bundled the kids the first chance we got and took them out to build a snowman. They built a great looking snowman fixed with a rock face and metal poles for arms. He even stuck an American Flag next to it to show our patriotism. The kids were having such a good time that he decided to make a little fort in front of the Snowman. It looks like of like a wall, but the kids love it. Take a look...

As it turns out they built our Snowman on the side of our house that faces the Wrights. So it kind of looks like Steve is waging war against the Wrights Snowmen. The day after Steve built our Snowman, two of the Wrights Snowmen fell over. Looks like Steve is winning. Look out Wrights, we are out to get you!

Christmas Break in Bear Lake

So, here is another round of pictures of us playing up at the Lake. This time, you aren't going to see us playing in the snow, that is mainly because I didn't step foot out in the snow so was unable to capture the kids out there. But I will say that Reagan is starting to act a little more like me and want to stay inside a little more. She does go out she just doesn't last as long as Crew. And by the last day she didn't really want to go out at all. She prefered to stay in with mama. I really couldn't blame her, it was FREEZING!

So instead of the snow clothes and goggles, I am going to show you how we spend our time in the house. It is a lot of fun, as you will see, and a heck of a lot warmer!

Reagan gets to see shows that we don't have at home. Thanks to Grandma D she has a closet full of older movies that Reagan doesn't have and she loves to watch them at the Lake.

Crew loves his cousins! He loves that he can wrestle with them and always win. He loves that there are so many people around to pester. I love that too!

He got Hyrum really good and I couldn't resist including this face. Hyrum! You are the best!

Don't worry, Hyrum, Crew got Parker too...

Reagan saw the camera and decided it was time to put on a show. She was totally cheesing it up, and I was loving it...

Crew and Reagan both love to play with this little doll house. It works out great because Reagan likes the inside of the house, playing with the kitchen and the bedroom. While Crew just likes to shove the little pieces through the front door. So they each take a side and get along great.

Steve hurt his back trying to lift more than he should have by himself out in the shed and couldn't go snowmobiling with the boys. That left him stuck inside with me, icing his back. Crew was his nurse. He is getting really good at this medical thing.

Overall it was another fun week at the Lake. We love that we have a get-away not too far from home that forces us to leave our technology behind and just spend time together. The kids would live there if I would let them. (and when I say kids, I am including Steve). Sorry to all of you. Bear Lake is and forever will be the best get-away, but not get-away and stay.

Christmas Clothes

One of the things I love about Christmas is Christmas Clothes! I love that fun festive and dressy new outfit that the kids get to wear to church the Sunday before Christmas.

This is a tradition that I did growing up, and thanks to my mom, have continued it with my own kids. Every year I get excited to see what they will get to wear. This year was a big success, as they both looked so great!

Take a look...

* Lots of pictures! They just looked so darn cute! *

It was a very cold day as you can see. Crew was a ham and wouldn't stand by Reagan. Reagan wouldn't leave the little square on the ground. So I did the best I could as their mother! I hope you enjoy!

Post Overload

Whoa.

I am out of breath just looking at the posts I just posted.

There is so much to tell you all about and I just haven't been around to get these pictures edited and posted for you. So, here are 3 new, very long posts for you to enjoy, but be prepared for more to come because this last week was a blast and I can't wait to tell you about it!

Christmas Day!

We had a great Christmas day.

How could we not? We feel so lucky to have so much and be spoiled by our family. We love them all and appreciate all that they do for us!

Christmas morning we woke the kids up, they still don't quite understand the excitement of Santa leaving presents, because we had a fun day ahead and wanted to get to Grammy and Papa Henrie's house for even more fun.

The kids seemed to open too many presents. Reagan loved them all, she wanted to get them each out and play with them before they were all opened. Crew on the other hand recieved a race car track with shakeable racecars from Santa. It was all put together for him so he didn't leave it the whole morning. Steve opened all of his presents for him. Poor kid. The morning was great with yummy hot cho and Christmas music in the back ground.

Reagan couldn't stop for a second to take a picture. As you can see she is completely put out. Completely put out, but completely cute.

Once all our gifts had been opened, we packed up the car and headed out to Grammy and Papa's house for even more Christmas fun. Grammy made a delicious breakfast with Cinnimon Sugar French Toast, eggs and bacon. It was so very yummy. After we cleaned up breakfast, Sky and Heather arrived with some wonderful presents.

Let me give you some background... Sky's girlfriend is Heather. Heather's mom is a seamstress. Not just any seamstress, she makes wedding dresses. She is FABULOUS at this and I will admit that we have abused her talent a few times in the past. Ok, now on with Christmas...

Heather said her mother sent presents for Crew and Reagan. Of course, Reagan went first and opened this beauty from Heather's mom...

Is this to die for cute? Or what? Reagan now has her very own, one of a kind, princess dress! This isn't just any dress either, it is lined in satin and has the neatest details. As you can imagine, Reagan LOVES it and wore it the entire day. It is just that cute.

Now, Crew doesn't exactly wear dresses. So I was curious as to what she would get him, and she nailed it. She got him this super cute stuffed frog that is as big as he is! Is this cute or what?

The opening of presents continued and there were many surprises! We were all spoiled as usual, and it was great! I don't think the kids knew what to do with all the toys they got. But as the day went on, they seemed to find time for all of them. I don't there there was one that was neglected!

Reagan was having so much fun that she pretended that she was too tired to continue and went to sleep on the footstool.

Overall it was really a great Christmas! We feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family that loves and supports us and is continually giving in anyway they can.

I hope all of you had as great a Christmas as we did! Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve 2009

What a fun Holiday season we had this year! Every year has been great, and this year was no dissappointment!

We spend every Christmas Eve with the Diederich's. Every year is very similar. We go see a movie in the theater with the whole family, this year we saw The Prince and the Frog. It was a lot of fun. The kids are at an age where they will actually sit and watch the movie. Of course it helps to have a bucket of popcorn, but they did great!

After the movie we all head over to Grandma and Papa D's house for more festivities. They are still not home, but we invade their house anyways. It wouldn't be the same if we didn't. Their house is our representation of them! We missed them so much, but were happy we were able to talk to them on the phone. (more on that later).

Once we have all gathered together we eat a most splendid meal with ham, turkey, cheesy potatoes and all the fixins. I am lucky to have married into a family that really knows how to cook, every meal is one to look forward to, and this was no exception.

Reagan and Crew had the time of their lives, they love being with their cousins and I think that was enough to make the night a success. But there was much more that added to the excitement.

After dinner we all gathered in the Living Room where Summer and Amelia lead us all in some Christmas Carols as we waited for Santa to stop by for a quick visit as he was out delivering presents.

Our beardless Santa did finally arrive with gifts for each of the kids. Crew was the lucky guys who got to go first. I was a little nervous at how he would act with Santa since Reagan has always been petrified of the man, but Crew seemed to be indifferent. That was, until he realized Santa was going to give him a gift, then he really seemed to like the guy!

Reagan, on the other hand, was a little different. Even after watching Crew sit on his lap and give him a hug, she did not want to go anywhere near him. As you can see...

But after some coaxing from Steve, she let go of her death grip and gave Santa a second to prove that he was an ok guy. Santa did a great job and handed over one of his bell bracelets for her to wear. He must know the quickest way to a 3 year old girls heart, because that was enough to keep her seated there until he gave Reagan her real present, her jammies.

For the next 30 or 40 minutes all the gifts were distributed to all of the kids, and adults as well, and an opening frenzie ensued. It was the funnest chaos there is to have. Reagan and Crew were spoiled like you can't believe and the whole process was the most fun they get to have all year.

Reagan's aunt Carie made her the cutest apron I have ever seen for a little girl! The best part is that it matches the apron that Carie gave me for my birthday, so Reagan and I are twinners! Reagan loves it, and insists on wearing it every time we are eating. So freakin' cute!

After all the presents have been opened we all put on our boots and our coats, we all went over to the Hanks' house for our little talent show. Each of the kids prepare something to share, and it is a real treat. I wonder if Reagan likes the talent show better than the presents. We were able to see how talented the kids have become at the piano, singing, and guitar. It was fun. Reagan couldn't be left out of the show so she and Crew did a number together.

Crew had a harder time paying attention to the show, but luckily we had uncle Dan there to keep him occupied...

After all was said and done and it was time to go home and get in bed to await Santa's visit to our homes, we gathered the kids together for our yearly picture. It is hard to get everyone looking and smiling, but we do the best we can! Here is what I got...

It was such a fun night! Thank you to all of our family for making it special!

Grandma and Papa - we can't wait for you to be home in less than a month! We missed you and can't wait to celebrate with you next year!

Reagan's 1st Dance Performance!

This past September Reagan started taking dance classes with her best friend, McKella, who lives next door. This has been the most fun Reagan has ever had. She looks forward to dance class with Miss Liesel every monday. She loves wearing her dance outfit, putting on her dance shoes, and spinning around the house until it is time to go. If I would let her, she would wear her dance clothes all day long, but I'm not that nice.

After the last few months of these cute little three year olds practicing, they finally got to show off their new moves at their Christmas Recital. I have to admit that I didn't go in with very high expectations. After all, they are only 3 and had never been in an organized class of any kind, so what could they do on a stage that would look like a choreographed dance? Well, I was super surprised to see what they had been able to do in only a few short months.

Reagan's class did a dance to Jewel's version of Rudolf the Rednosed Reindeer and it was so cute I about died! I took so many pictures and they all look the same, but they all did a fabulous job. I even got a "Hey, there's mommy!" from Reagan accompanied with a wave in the middle. It was great!

The only costume direction we had was a red, black, white, green or gold liatard with a red or green skirt. They said she could wear a christmas dress if we wanted, but I didn't feel that would be very fun for a Christmas Dance Recital. So Reagan got to wear one of her Christmas presents. I got her the tutu and she was in heaven! She looked great and had the time of her life spinning around in the thing. If you were to stop by randomly, you would probably find Reagan wearing her skirt around the house. It is that much fun. I have to admit, I love it too!

As I mentioned before, Reagan takes dance with her friend, McKella, who lives across the street. They are the best of friends. They love each other so much they can't help but fight. I think it is a disease between girls. They just can't help it. They want to be together all of the time, but when they are together they don't always get along. Such is the life of 3 year old girls. It is actually really fun to watch.

I have to say that it is so nice to have these two live so close and be friends. I think Reagan learns more by spending time with McKella than she could ever learn at home. McKella and Reagan are only 4 days apart and they are so similar it is crazy. They always want to play with the same things, purses, princess dresses, make-up, and such. They are total girls and I can't get enough of them both! And through it all they have nothing but love for eachother...

Here they are dancing their hearts out on the little stage. It was a packed house, and they didn't dissappoint.

Reagan had quite an audience all to herself, not only did she have Steve, Crew and I there to applaud her, she also had her Aunt Heidi and cousins Summer and Amelia there to cheer her on and she was so excited! Thanks for coming, guys!

Reagan was the cutest dancer there, in my opinion, and I had so much fun watching her! Thanks, sweetheart for always putting on a show and keeping us smiling and laughing! We love you!

Happy New Year!

I know I told you that I was going to keep my Christmas Header up all year long because I love it so much, but Josie surprised me with a new one yesterday!!! Are you as excited as I am? I love it just as much as the other one so it looks like it is going to be up for the long haul! At least until I have a picture with the little bundle waiting to join the family next month. (Can you believe he is coming in a month? I can't! Wahoo!)

I wanted to share the new header with you and wish you all a Happy New Year! I hope that 2010 brings you all joy, excitement and love.