Luke's Baptism

Luke had a very memorable baptism.  He has been talking about when he could be baptized for at least a year.  I have never seen a little person as excited as he was to take part in this sacred ordinance.  I am so proud of my son and his desire to follow in the path of our Savior.  

Jane Loves Her Bath!

It always seems that when you bring a newborn home they always detest taking a bath.  I am so glad that Jane is completely over that stage and has been for a very long time.  She loves to play in the water and splash.  Since she is an extremely messy eater, she gets a TON of baths.  On this particular day I decided to capture my happy, little Jane doing one of the things she loves.  

"No, Mom.  I am not drinking the water."  Of course she was drinking it.  Several times she has drunk so much soapy bath water that she has puked.  I am not sure what the attraction is to soapy bath water.  

All dry and snuggly warm.  

Happy 1st Birthday Jane

Happy Birthday Jane!

We got Jane her first piggy bank for her birthday.  

Jane also got Wonder Woman and her invisible jet for her birthday.

What could be in the card?  Money from Aunt Ashley.  So glad we got her a piggy bank!

After opening presents  it was time for cupcakes!  

Jane loves Sesame Street and I decided to make her these Cookie Monster cupcakes.

She loved them as you can tell by the destruction on her high chair table!  

We are so lucky to have Jane in our family.  All the children love to play with her and try to make her laugh.   Eve and Jane have their own special bond and like to imitate each other.  I often hear them mimicking one another's sounds.  Jane is definitely Mommy's girl.  She likes to be held close.  She is very tender-hearted and will cry if you look at her while you are angry or raise your voice.  She loves to hear people sing and tries to sing along during Church.  She is a VERY MESSY EATER.  When she gets tired of chewing on something, she just spits it out, plays with it and then throws it on the floor.  Then she will find it later on the floor and eat it again if I do not sweep fast enough.  She is very apprehensive about walking.  She still prefers to crawl but she will cruise around the furniture.  She likes to watch the other children play.  She enjoys swinging at the park and playing in our sandbox.  Eve has started calling her Janey-Wayney.  She loves to be a part of Eve's preschool class and tries to participate in all that we do.  I am so grateful to have this little girl in my life.  I love you Jane!

First Day of School 2012

School has been in session for a month now and I am finally updating the blog.  Better late than never....

Miriam was a little nervous on her first day of school but so ready to take this big step.  The bus was running really late and when I offered to drive them to school, she insisted on waiting for the bus.  She just had to have the experience of riding the school bus.  I think I will remind her of this in high school. ;)

I pick up the kids after school so that they won't have to endure the long bus ride home.  Here is Miriam coming out at the end of the first day of school.  

They survived and LOVED the first day!

This year my friend Leigh and I started a little preschool for our daughters Eve and Tanzen.  She is so happy to have her own school to attend.  

Eve also started a creative motion class that our friend Kellie teaches.  Eve loves to wear her leotard and slippers.  Kellie is so great with the little girls and it is a highlight in Eve's week to go to dance class.

Miriam is also taking a ballet/tap class with Kellie.  She loves to show us her moves each week after class.  

 Back to school is a wonderful time of the year.  New routines after the summer vacation are welcome in our family!

Mitt Romney in Janesville

I never thought that I was a very politically minded person until moving to Wisconsin.   With the battle over recalling Scott Walker and now the elections in November, politics are big here.  When we heard that Mitt Romney was making a stop here in Janesville, I knew that I had to go.  Morgan had just finished the night shift at the hospital but met me at the factory to help with the kids.  We didn't make it into the main seating area, but ended up outside in the overflow area.  

The kids all got flags at the event and it helped to distract them from the heat and waiting for a little while.

 A sleepy but devoted Mitt supporter- Dr. Fife.

Many of our friends made it into the general seating area.  However we did run into our friend Stacie outside.   

Even Jane was excited to see the hopeful President Romney.  

 Paul Ryan came out to greet us.

Then Scott Walker came out to introduce Mitt.

Then Mitt took the microphone.  I loved hearing him speak.  He seems to want the best for all Americans.  

Romney for America!

Luke's Baseball Season

Luke played bigger hitters baseball this summer.  He was on the Twins team.  The coach would pitch to each player and if they were struggling to hit the pitch, they could hit the ball off of a tee.  Each player got to hit each inning.  This was Luke's first time playing baseball but I think that he enjoyed learning the sport and being with the other kids his age.  

Spring Piano Recital

In January I started teaching piano lessons in Janesville.  I originally had only one student but by the end of February I had 4 students coming each week.  I have loved teaching again!  A friend of mine also teaches and suggested that we combine our studios for the Spring recital.  We held it in the cultural hall and after the students performed, Bethany and I played a duet for 2 pianos and 4 hands.  It was "Malguena" by Ernesto Lecuona. We had a small reception afterwards with treats.  I was so proud of all of my students and their growth in such a small amount of time.  

Kristin's Piano Students

Bethany's Piano Students 

Our piano cake