A peek into our lives...

Happy Valentines Day!

2012-02-14T08:25:00.000-05:00

Got up this morning to a note on the counter. It read.....

"you are the greatest woman Alive!"

Love,

Your Hubby
(nothing sweeter than a little affirmation from your hubby)

The other two loves in my life=)

My dear daughter wanted a sock monkey so bad for Valentines so here she is so happy with her new friend.

Seth got one too but his monkey spends a lot of his time up high because it gets thrown around...

poor monkey!

Seth came home tonight and handed Jeremy and I this note which read....

I love you dad when you play football with me.

Mom I love you when you make my favorite supper.

Dad I love you when you race me with our fourwheelers.

mom I love you when you give me gifts.

(I have to say, my love cup is full and over flowing)

Thank you Lord for the two amazing kids you have placed in our lives. To care for, love and most importantly teach them about you.

For this I will always be greatful!

Highlights from our trip to Cancun....

2012-02-08T15:10:00.000-05:00

Jeremy has been blessed with a great company that allows the wives to go along on the work trips they get to take.

We enjoyed 6 days in Cancun, Mexico

at the Cancun Palace.

Our resort

This sweet lady made me an omelet every morning....so yummy!

Enjoyed relaxing mornings around the breakfast table.

A trip is even better when you get to go with friends!

Love was in the air!

Larry and his wife Katie.

beautiful weather....

Makes my heart happy to be able to spend alone time with this man!=)

The men went para-sailing.

I am so blessed to call this incredible man my hubby...

Love you, babe

All good things must come to an end~

but I sure enjoyed every minute of it while it lasted.

A powerful statement.....

2012-01-23T10:09:00.002-05:00

Chloe brought this home yesterday from Sunday School.

I love her sweet spirit and her heart for Jesus.

My prayer is that she hides these words in her heart....and never forgets them!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Upwards basketball 2012

2012-01-21T12:14:00.001-05:00

Chloe & Seth are enjoying the start of their Basketball season!

Citizenship Award for the last 9 weeks goes too....

2012-01-21T11:46:00.000-05:00

Seth Yoder!!

Way to go buddy!

Seth with his teacher, Mrs Greenawalt.
She is a wonderful teacher.

We are so proud of you!

The little people in my life!

2012-01-13T13:06:00.000-05:00

Enjoy a little peek into my days!

snow fun...

Hudson is on the go...

I caught these two shirtless with shorts on. They said, "we were very HOT!"

Christmas 2011

2012-01-03T12:23:00.003-05:00

As you can see it is Jan 3rd and I'm just now posting about Christmas, better late than never, right?=)
Well, this year came with a few unexpected events, but we still had so much to be thankful for. I believe God sometimes brings little bumps in the road just to allow us to stop and really take a look at what really is important in our lives. Dec 7th at round 7 a.m. I was getting my kiddos ready for school, while welcoming my sweet little children who spend their days with me while their Mommy's work. All it takes is one little phone call to change all that. My sister-in- law calls and asked if i am sitting down(not a good sign), especially when you live 700 miles away from your family. She proceeds to tell me Mom blacked out, fell and broke her leg. To be honest, I breathed a sigh of relief because i was bracing myself for a lot worse. Everything changes in a instant. What seemed so important that day did not seem as important anymore. I just wanted to jump in my car and drive west to be with my Mom and Dad. I also knew that was not possible at the moment. The best thing I could do was pray for strength and wisdom for them as they go through this little unexpected event. Thinking that Christmas was only 3 weeks away. I was so thankful we were able to get things lined up here at home, and with some very gracious, kind and understanding moms and a very supportive husband got it worked out that i would be able to take off and go out a week later to be there when she got home from the hospital and needed me the most. She came out of surgery with 2 plates and 16 screws and a road to recovery that looked very long. With each passing day and lots of people praying she is looking better every day. Healing is going a lot quicker than expected. The doctor hopes to have her up and trying to walk in about 3 weeks from tomorrow. Which is music to my ears.=)
Christmas came, we made the best of it, laughed a lot, even cried a little.... Mom was a trooper. She allowed us girls to take over even though I'm sure at times it drove her crazy;) It was different not having all of moms special touches to our Christmas...we just kept telling her there is always next year. She is not one to just sit around. She is always baking or fixing something. I think she secretly enjoyed the change for once!;)

Here are a few highlights and pictures from our time in Nebraska with my family.

#1 hightlight

The birth of my new niece Ellie Jean. She was born the day after mom's accident. God sending a little sunshine after the storm was just what we needed.

Mom meeting ellie for the first time.

#2 highlight

The weather was beautiful the whole time we were there. The kids loved being able to be outside with just their sweatshirts on.

Highlight #3

At grandma's house you can eat at all hours even if it is past 11:00 pm

Jelly bread and rootbeer floats...what more could a kid ask for;)

#4 highlight

24/7 Grandma and cousin time!
Chloe & Seth loved every minute of it.

Taking turns reading the Christmas story...
special memories!

opening gifts

lots of fun times with Sam and Lexi

Fun times with extended family....

Yummy food and good times with the Yeackly family....

We always have a good time at the Saltzman's with group games.

We missed grandma terribly!
She spent her first Christmas in heaven this year.
Grandma, I missed your sweet smile, hugs and your yummy ice tea.
You will always hold a special place in our hearts.

I had to throw this picture in... here is one of my many great uncles that I have been blessed with.

Love you, mark;)

Ellie had a wonderful first Christmas!

Another little bump in our Christmas this year was with my Grandma.Y. She went in for what they called a quick surgery turned into a 2 week stay at the hopital. she was not able to join us on Christmas eve with my Mom's family. It was so hard not to have her there...so we all took turns spending time at the hospital with her. She is doing lots better, yesterday she got that ugly feeding tube out, so hopefully she can come home soon.

Love you Grandma!

Our 2011 year has had its ups and downs, but we still have so much to be thankful for. The verse that kept coming to my mind this past year and was a comfort especially this past month was Jeremiah 29:11

I know what I'm doing.

I have it all planned out-plans to take care of you, not to abandon you,plans to give you a future you hope for.

Read from the message

Looking forward to a brighter New Year!

I know God will be with us no matter what we have to walk through in the coming year!

Trusting in the promise that he will never leave us nor forsake us.

Happy New Year from our family to yours.

Christmas program at school 2011

2012-01-03T10:54:00.000-05:00

We enjoyed a fun evening at Millersburg elementry watching the 1st - 3rd graders perform a "rainbow Christmas". We are so thankful for our awesome school the kiddos attend...the principal and staff are amazing.

Putting up the tree...

2011-12-05T15:31:00.001-05:00

So excited to get out the ornaments.

Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself...
~Norman Wesley Brooks

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

2011-12-04T18:33:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving...

2011-11-24T11:27:00.001-05:00

I am so thankful for these 3 special people the Lord has placed in my life. I know many times I take them for granted, forgetting to tell them how important they are in my life.

I Love you three to the moon and back....and feel so honored to be called Jeremy's wife, Chloe & Seth's Mommy.

Birthday central around here...

2011-11-18T13:20:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday to one awesome father and husband!
It seems for the past few weeks starting with Seth's on Oct 24th we have been doing nothing but celebrating birthdays.
I enjoy putting on a fun party for the kids and my hubby but usually by the time the last birthday is over we are ready for a break from cake.=)

2011-11-18T12:48:00.001-05:00

Happy 9th Birthday Chloe

When it comes to having a daughter, the best one to have is YOU!!

2011-11-18T12:37:00.001-05:00

Happy 7th Birthday Seth

I cannot believe my baby is 7 already!

Seth, you keep us on our toes....you are the family clown making us laugh often!
We love your sweet spirit and your kind heart.

Soccer.....

2011-09-13T19:12:00.007-04:00

Seth is enjoying his first year of soccer....

Never go through life with out goals!

Highlights from our summer...

2011-08-20T08:29:00.017-04:00

Got to spend some quality time with my cousin Roxie and her girls....

A fun afternoon with the Fisher's boating...

enjoyed lots of pool time

Chloe got to spend some time with cousin Katie

Enjoying corn on the cob.....

Corn Day....

Best Friends.....

Spent a lot of fun times with Julia.....

Chloe enjoyed 4 days of Volleyball camp....

Our fun day at Silver Beach with the Miller's=)

Some cousin bonding....

Fun times at home in the pool....

Late evenings at the pond feeding the fish.....

Good family time!!

Snuggle time before bed...

I am going to miss the carefree evenings, when it did not matter what time we went to bed.

Roasting Marshmallows....

Our Summer was Finger-Licking good......

Back to a routine.....

2011-08-18T14:50:00.014-04:00

My 3rd grader & 1st grader

Two very excited kiddos

And they are off....
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The evening before school started, we went to the school to meet Chloe and Seth's teachers.

Seth found his desk with his name on it!!His sweet, sweet teacher Mrs GreenawaltMy baby is a first grader.

I could have cried the day away, the day before we went to meet his teacher . I was so bluesy thinking of how it is going to be at home without any of my own kiddos there to take care of.

I do not handle change very well!! (Jeremy has been blessed with one of those wives)=)
After the open house I felt so much better....both kids have such sweet and Godly teachers. Chloe was so happy and excited about her room.

This helped me calm my nerves and made me feel like I could handle Tuesday morning without tears!

This is what I heard after the second day of school. He came in the door all smiles and said, "I love school!!" Music to my ears!

Chloe finding her room and desk...Chloe with her Teacher, Mrs. Fritchley

The class pets Jingle & BellChloe checking off her list...

as Jeremy is looking outside wishing he was somewhere else enjoying the beautiful evening!;)

The difference between school and Life?

"In school, you're taught a lesson and than given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches a lesson."

~Author Unknown

2011-07-27T19:36:00.006-04:00

Some of the best days are the ones unplanned....

Today I needed to run to town for a few groceries. When I told the kiddos what I needed to do, this is what I heard, "we don't want to go to Wal-Mart, it is so boring". So I did what a mom has to do at times;) I bribed them with a trip to Tommy's Castle!!=)

They were all smiles....

Even miss bean was happy!!
I was so disappointed I forgot my camera, so my phone had to do!!

pure joy.....

We spent almost 2 1/2 hrs there, had a fun time together and even ended up having a picnic.

Look at Miss Ella in her glory, swinging....

The twirly slide was a hit.....

Took a walk down the bike trail......

Taking time to stop and smell the flowers.....

Gathering flowers......

I love relaxing, carefree days!! Wal-Mart was a breeze, not one complaint.=)

Celebrating the 4th with cousins.....

2011-07-19T09:30:00.009-04:00

Memories....

Roasting Marshmallows

Watching fireworks.....

So thankful for our freedom!

It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.

~Author unknown,

A Tribute to my Grandmother.....

2011-07-18T09:52:00.005-04:00

Our last picture with Grandma before her passing,

a picture we will treasure for a lifetime!

saying good-bye is always so hard!
My longing for heaven has gotten stronger!!

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed and very dear.

- Anonymous

Highlights from our biking weekend.....

2011-07-18T08:52:00.014-04:00

Jeremy, myself and some of our good friends rented Harley's and set out for a fun little rode trip.

We drove a little over 700 miles. I enjoyed it, but I still prefer a car.;)

The weather was perfect!!

Lots of yummy food....beautiful scenery......

crossing the Mackinac Island bridge

What a fun trip full of lots of good memories!

My Helpers....

2011-06-20T17:10:00.003-04:00

One thing that has made me very happy this summer...... Chloe & Seth are doing better at not complaining while they do their chores. I put on a little kids Bop and away they work!!!Sometimes one of them will break out in a dance!=)

Libbi getting her weekly scrub!

Summer fun with friends.....

2011-06-20T16:39:00.004-04:00

Pool time!!!

2011-06-20T16:13:00.002-04:00

Summer afternoon - summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.

~Henry James

Another school year comes to a close.....

2011-05-30T09:44:00.010-04:00

Chloe's Spring concert.....

Chloe with one of her friends.....

they were so excited they had matching dresses on.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seth's Kindergarten program.

Seth's biggest fans....

Ella thought her pretend Barbie scissors was more interesting =)

They were singing the song "Going on a Bear hunt"

Seth was the bear and he was hiding in the teepee. Then the chase begain...=)
Seth with his diploma and teacher Mrs. Snider.

"From the first day of school to the very last. The school year has gone by so fast. We are out of school 'til summer is done Kindergarten & 2nd grade was so much fun!"
~Author unknown

2011-05-24T18:30:00.006-04:00

This past Friday evening I did something I never thought I could do, I ran my first 5k race with some very awesome women for a wonderful cause....I guess I should say I ran looking at these ladies from behind, eating their dust=) but it felt so good to cross that finish line and to know I just had accomplished something I have always wanted to do .
The Finish line looked so good!!

My sister friend who stuck by my side....it was so fun to do this together!
Thanks Brooke

"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life."

-Muhammad Ali

Seth's field trip....

2011-05-24T11:53:00.007-04:00

On Friday I headed to school with Seth to go with him on his field tripRiding the bus is always a treat!;)

Our first stop was at the Mercantile in Shipshewana.

we watched a puppet show....

Seth and two of his buddies....

Our next stop was my favorite;)

JoJo's Pretzel's

Levi showing us how its done.

Then we all made our own.

We made a quick stop at simple sounds to learn about the many different kinds of instruments.

We can't go to the Mercantile without a carousel ride.

a walk to the park for lunch...

it was a beautiful day!!

Then we stopped to see how they make Kettle Corn.....

Our last stop was to see some baby chicks......

those poor baby chicks were invaded by lots of little hands.

It was a fun day with my soon to be 1st grader. Wow, can't believe his first year of school is almost over.

I Love being a MOM....

2011-05-09T14:09:00.013-04:00

My three favorite people...... My sweet card from Seth....

My cute card from Chloe......

Fun memories...
I feel so blessed.
All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my Mother.

Spring Sports 2011

2011-05-03T12:00:00.007-04:00

Chloe is enjoying playing softball...
She was able to pitch at her last game.... she was super excited!!

Her favorite thing about softball is...... her dad is one of her coaches!

This sweet guy who lost both of his front teeth in the last 2 days is all ready for his game.
Seth is enjoying playing Coach Pitch Baseball.....its so fun to watch!

I just want the temps to warm up, than the games would be much more enjoyable!!=)

"Win or lose you will never regret working hard, making sacrifices, being disciplined or focusing too much. Success is measured by what we have done to prepare for competition."

---John Smith

So Thankful for the cross.....

2011-04-20T09:53:00.002-04:00

The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.

~Robert Flatt

2011-04-13T14:51:00.010-04:00

We have been enjoying this beautiful spring weather. I cannot resist grabbing my camera every time we head outdoors....so as I was downloading them to my computer I decided to share a few......

so if your getting tired of my blog having the same theme over and over please feel free to hit the red x.

I know there are some Mommy's out there that love seeing these cute faces!!=)

Our first picnic for this year!!!

Guess what I heard as we were eating....

Aiden: "Miss Jessi this is the best lunch, you know why??"

Me: "Why?"

Aiden: "because we are eating outside."

Melt my heart!!=)

If Ella is not playing with Libbi she is dressing up like a princess..

Love this girl and her imagination.

Jada loves watching the washer.....

Look at that smile when I say her name....

Addie

Aiden

So sweet!!!

Jada loves it out side....

My sweet Jd who will be going to school in the fall.... we will miss his witty sense of humor, he was my choc milk boy!=)

Julia time.....

2011-04-13T14:34:00.002-04:00

Last week over spring break we got to enjoy a little Juila time, the kids look forward to every chance they get to spend some time with this sweet girl!!

Julia, we love you!!

Spring Break 2011

2011-04-11T18:57:00.017-04:00

The gang....

Enjoyed 2 days at Wilderness water park at Wisconsin Dells

Late night snack

It was so fun spending time with this dear friend!!

Hotel time....kids love it!!

Then we headed to Shaumberg, IL for some shopping.....

I got to spend some time here....=)

Seth & Chloe enjoyed Lego Land....

What a fun filled trip....now its back to reality....

All good things must come to an end!!!

Happy Spring.....

2011-03-31T13:03:00.004-04:00

Jada gave me these beautiful flowers for my birthday.....

beautiful Tulips from a friend.....I just love them!!!

enjoying our spring like weather........

2011-03-17T19:35:00.007-04:00

My two princesses......

My handsome little guys......

.Enjoying a little four wheeling.....Ella would live on the swing!!=)

First time swinging at jessi's and she loved it!!!

Sliding.....

even a princess gets dirty!!!

just look at that face...makes me smile!!

Jada loved it outside!!

While we try to teach our children all about life,Our children teach us what life is all about.

~Angela Schwindt

Teeth....

2011-03-13T18:03:00.004-04:00

After 6 months without front teeth, they are finally coming in. Her mouth has been hurting. She is getting three all at once.

The other day she came home from school and said:

"Why does my mouth have to be so unpredictable one day it hurts and the next it doesn't I am tired of teething"!!

I told her...

in no time you will have a mouth full of beautiful teeth and all that pain will be so worth it!!!

I love you, my sweet baby girl!!

Special "Dad" time!!

2011-03-13T17:53:00.002-04:00

Football time!!!

The greatest blessing my children have Came from God; they call him Daddy!

~Author Unknown

Parents day at school....

2011-03-13T17:41:00.004-04:00

The kids thought it was great Jada even got to come along.....

On Friday Jeremy and I went to school and spent a hour and half in Chloe and Seths classroom watching them work and listening to them read.

Blanket..

2011-03-13T17:29:00.005-04:00

Both Chloe and Seth have a blanket they have had since they were babies.... they treasure them dearly. The other day Seth yelled for me when I came around the corner this is what he said...

"do you think Grandma could patch this hole"???

Field trip with Chloe....

2011-03-13T17:23:00.003-04:00

Chloe and her friends....waiting for the production to start.

We watched the "Wind and the Willow."

The little people in my life....

2011-03-13T16:36:00.012-04:00

Looks like someone wants a snack....=)
This is so much more interesting than playing with my toys!!

This sweet little guy turned 4 Happy Birthday Aiden.....

One of our snow days.... Chloe was playing school with the kids she thought it was a treat to be able to be home when they were here.

Memory time!!!

Happy Birthday Jd.....

turning the BIG 5 is so much fun!!!

Jd and I playing with the camera....

Cereal time!!!

Someone is having a little spring fever.......snow boots and no coat!!

This picture melts my heart....look at those expressions!!!

Ella giving some love to libbi

My sweet Jada who is almost 10 months.....Wow, time flies!!

Our weekend...

2011-02-21T11:06:00.006-05:00

The ugly flu bug struck our house this weekend.....so we had a very quiet relaxing time at home...

Chloe did lots of this.....poor girl!!

Libbi even enjoyed lots of cozy snuggle time with Chloe.....Seth even had time for a little whirlpool...=)Jeremy even enjoyed a little down time....I enjoyed lots of loving on my kiddos.....

as you can see by his face he is loving every minute of it..=) Happy to see the smile back on her face and the sparkle in her eye........

A little sweet treat for Valentines....

2011-02-14T11:05:00.006-05:00

Ella enjoying her cookieHaving fun playing with candy hearts...Look who is pulling herself up!!A sweet card and treats from Grandpa SaltzmansChloe's treasures she got from School....Chloe & Seth enjoyed the jokes & treats they got from their cousins from Texas....
Thanks Nicole, Trey, Taylor & Alec

Jada taking it all in....

“Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.”

~ Robert Heinlein

Upwards 2011

2011-02-05T16:25:00.003-05:00

Seth & Chloe started Upwards Basketball about 2 weeks ago and seem to really enjoy it......

One of the verses they have learned at Upwards....

And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6: 8b

Grandma

2011-02-03T14:16:00.007-05:00

Last Thursday I got a call from my mom saying, Grandma was not doing well. Grandma's kidneys were failing and they had also found she had a stomach full of ulcers, in which one was bleeding really bad. The Doctors used a scope to put clamps on the ulcer to get it to stop bleeding. She had been diagnosed with Kidney disease about 2 years ago and with her age she had said no to dialysis. So with the combination of things, the outlook was not good.

Friday I flew out to spend some precious time with her...moments i will cherish for a lifetime.

As of now they have her stable and she is comfortable....we are so thankful for each day we have her here with us. She was in good spirits and always had something funny to say....

Grandpa is so strong and such an encourager.

Grandma, We love you .....you will always have a special place in our lives!!

A garden of Love grows in a Grandmother's heart.
-- Author Unknown

January has come and gone....

2011-02-03T12:49:00.008-05:00

My three favorite people....

enjoying our snow day....

learning to snow board

The girls having some Dora time...

Jada loves to explore.....

playing Just Dance on the Wii

Friends...Kelsi and Chloe

Ella

Addie playing with Strawberry shortcake

The kids were delighted that this sweet girl spent the day with us!!

Cookie break

Coloring

Libbi patiently waits for attention....

My snow helpers

Life is too short....don't forget to cherish the small things in life.

SNOW

2011-01-10T09:55:00.003-05:00

Our kiddos love snow....so does their dad!!

A snowflake is one of God's most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together!

~Author Unknown

Happy New Year....

2011-01-10T07:08:00.008-05:00

We were delighted to have two of my brothers and their familys here to bring in the New Year and spend the weekend with us.

we had a great time laughing, staying up late, and just being together.

Maddie, Avery, Chloe & Neveah

enjoying some cousin time...

I only have brothers, so I am delighted to have such sweet women in my brothers lives to call my sisters.

the kiddos putting on a show for us!!

my sweet neices....

Neveah & Libbi

playing games....

Christmas 2010

2010-12-28T09:19:00.013-05:00

Two very excited kiddos ready for the fun filled weekend ahead

Our night at the Round Barn Theater

Chloe posing with Cinderella and the Prince

She wanted her picture with the step sisters..(actually 2 guys)

Our Christmas eve brunch at the good old Essenhaus

After brunch and a few stops we headed home to decorate our Gingerbread houses...

Seth & Grandpa working hard....

Mom was cutting out the fondant for Chloe's house They turned out really cute.... Seth loves to eat on his.

reading the Christmas story....

The kiddos all snuggled in their snuggies....

Thanks to Grandma!!

Libbi thought she died and went to heaven....anytime Dad sat down, he had a friend on his lap. She would just lay there and sleep till dad would get up.

she is so spoiled!!

Sporting there new pj's

Christmas Day before we headed to Jeremy's parents for Christmas...

this year was very special...we got to spend Christmas with both sets of parents.

The grandpa's enjoying Seth's new wii hunting game....

Sister in law Kim and I

Chloe and Kayden enjoying a game of sorry...

Shawn had a little too much egg nog.....=) Fun games around the table....

Snuggling with Grandma one last night before they leave .

Our night in Ft. Wayne at the Komets game

2010-12-22T10:41:00.005-05:00

Jeremy got tickets to go to Ft. Wayne to watch the Komets....we thought the kids would love it...I tried to get Jeremy to drop me off at the Glenbrook Mall while they went, but he didn't think that was such a great idea!!;) Someone was very hyper and excited!!I enjoy our special family times even if it is at a Hockey game....

They even got to say hi to Santa... enjoying her Candy Cane from Santa

Christmas with my kiddos

2010-12-17T06:21:00.009-05:00

Getting some fresh air.....

Snow buddies

Addie loves helping me in the kitchen.....

Cookie time....
Decorating our cookies

Jada is almost crawling.....

we enjoy watching and laughing as she rocks back and forth than falls forward..she than looks up and gives us this big smile!

to cute!! Reading is one of our favorite things to do.....

thanks to Seth who captured this moment!=)

Playing pin the star on the tree.....

ready to open presents....

Addi is a big Dora fan...she opened her present and said:

"me love Dora"
My sweet girls

Merry Christmas...

to the little people that make me smile everyday!!!

I feel so blessed to have each one of these precious little people in my life to love and cherish!!

Chloe's Gymnastics Christmas Show....

2010-12-16T07:30:00.005-05:00

" Rocking around the Christmas tree" was the song they danced to.

We were sitting at a bad spot for picture taking....and I was to lazy to walk to a better spot;)

The crazy and excited fans!!

The boys watching each one of their sisters perform

Chloe with her group

Our beautiful Star!!

Chloe's biggest fan!!!

Our favorite book of the week....

2010-12-10T10:07:00.004-05:00

Seth is a big David fan....

He is a kid who gets in trouble a lot and is pretty ornery!!

I think Seth can relate!!;)

We have read this book over and over this week...and I have heard lots of giggling....and sweet little faces saying, "read again."

This was their favorite page!!!=)
It even makes me smile.

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree...

2010-12-04T11:44:00.010-05:00

How lovely are your Ornaments....(Chloe's version)

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches....

(if your allowed to sing that to a fake tree:)

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis

I am Thankful for.....

2010-12-03T09:34:00.011-05:00

Yummy food... and a wonderful family to enjoy it with.

Niece's & Nephew's

Cousins & Sister's

A dear Mother, Grandmother and Aunts

Game time

Cousins...

who bring their "special" friends home for us to meet!!

Ruger waiting for Maddy to drop a crumb....

Hugs....

Nebraska Football

Touchdowns =)

Skype...

Visiting with cousin Roxie who could not be there.

Lexi's big heart

My sweet niece Nevaeh

The two people that make everything happen in our family...

Thanks mom & dad...

We Love You!!!

Making memories with Cousins

Silly Alec

Chloe with Great Grandma Ina ....thanks for all the prayers you have prayed for us.

A Family is life's greatest Treasures.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving.....Memories we will treasure for a lifetime.

Our day in Chicago...

2010-12-01T15:27:00.007-05:00

For a belated birthday gift to Chloe, we told her we would visit that store that every little girl dreams of......

She was all smiles!! (mommy was too)

First stop was to the doll salon...Happy Birthday, Chloe....
hope it was all you dreamed it would be!!!It was a fun day shopping, eating and walking around the big city ....enjoying all the sites and sounds!! Eating at Gino's Pizzeria
It was yummy...
even though you have to wait 45 min for a pizza.

Ended our day at the Cheese Cake Factory....

It was a wonderful way to start are ThanksGiving Vacation.

The next day we headed West to spend some time with my family in Milford, Nebraska!!

Catching up with a friend...

2010-11-20T19:58:00.004-05:00

Kim and Camille came up for the day and met Chloe and I for lunch...we had a wonderful time catching up on each others lives. It is always so refreshing to enjoy the company of a friend from home.
Kim, I enjoyed every minute!!

Enjoying yummy Jo Jo'sThe girls enjoying some yummy candy...

I would like to think she drives an hour to see me, but I am pretty sure its for these beloved pie crusts.=) I will take what ever i can get!!

Random pictures...

2010-11-18T07:13:00.008-05:00

I was downloading my pictures this morning from my camera to the computer, I had to smile...

So I thought I would post a few.

My days our full of these sweet faces, I would not trade it for the world!!A quick snap shot of my two kiddos before they left for school this morning...
I enjoy my Jada time!!

What a sweet smile.....she is always so happy!!

AddieSeth enjoys playing in the field....I love his imaginationJada making sure the underside of Seth's bed is clean.=)

She is rolling all over the place....growing up way too fast.

Sunday lunch with friends....

Seth & Kam

Addie & Ella having a choc milk break...

Coloring.....

Addie and Ella love to play with Libbi

Playing in the leaves...

we have had some beautiful fall weather...I am sad to say, I think it has ended.Jada did not have the same feeling about playing in the leaves...

she was not a fan!!=)

Elijah

Birthday Central around here....

2010-11-12T07:25:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday to my best friend!!!I am so thankful to have a husband like you.

You brighten up my life and our home,

Your a terrific Father.

I am so happy you chose ME to walk this life with!!

There is no other who could feel your shoes.

Love you, Babe

Chloe's birthday....

2010-11-11T07:48:00.007-05:00

On the Friday before her birthday we had a little party with Jeremy's family... The menu she chose was...

Fettuccine Alfredo, salad, bread sticks,Grilled Chicken,

Marble Cake & ice cream

She takes after her mother in this area...she loves food. =)

We had a gymnastic theme...
I thought her cake turned out really cute....even though they had her name spelled wrong=)

enjoying her new chair she got from grandpa Yoder's....

Opening gifts

Spending some time with aunt Kim.

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Jeremy went to school the day of her birthday and ate lunch with her.

She got lots of calls and cards in the mail from my family who live out of state.

Thanks dear family for thinking of her.

In about a week in a half we are headed to Chicago to the American Girl doll store to finish up her birthday gift from us.=)

Can't believe my baby girl is 8!!

Happy 8th Birthday Chloe...

2010-11-10T06:43:00.003-05:00

Gorgeous AND smart,

with a hint of CRAZY.

Your the best kind of daughter there is-

OURS.

Pumpkin Carving...

2010-11-02T08:50:00.004-04:00

Cleaning out the pumpkins
Working Hard.....
Finished product

Seth carved the Notre Dame symbol -------------------------- Chloe carved a C

My day at school with the kids...

2010-10-29T07:22:00.010-04:00

For Chloe & Seth's birthdays... I like to take the day and spend it with them at school...well, this year I have 2 kiddos in school so i split my time....I always enjoy just observing the class and helping the teacher with odd jobs.

The first half of the day I spent with Chloe in her class helping Mrs Chupp.
Chloe was all smiles...she was so excited to have me there.
It was a very windy and rainy that day and at about 10:30 there were tornado warnings issued so into a closet we went for about 30 minutes....very interesting to say the least.=)
Here is a picture of how all 20 kids looked all curled up with a book over there heads...they were like this for almost 20 min until Mrs. Chupp allowed them to sit up.
Thankfully it did not hit our area.
In the afternoon I helped out in Seth's class...i was able to eat lunch with both kiddos which was a fun treat.

Seth working the scissors
His class singing happy birthday to him and his friend Velda!!
We had a Little party for them at the end of the day.

A Quote from Seth a few days before going to spend the day with him at school, i was sitting on the couch with my favorite attire... sweats and a T-shirt.=)

Me; "are you getting excited for Tuesday when I go with you to school??"

Seth; "are you going to wear different clothes than that (as he is pointing at my sweats)??"

Me; "what is wrong with my clothes??"

Seth; " They don't look very good." (he giggles)

-------

Then when we got home on Tuesday we were eating dinner and I ask him how he liked me being there today with him...his reply; "it was a little awkward!!"

My thoughts.... well, ok buddy... that will be my last time spending the day with you.=)

Celebrating Seth's 6th birthday.....

2010-10-25T13:16:00.006-04:00

On Sunday we had daddy's family over for lunch to help Seth celebrate his special day... the day he was born.

He got lots of Calls and texts from Mommys family who live out of state.

Happy 6th Birthday Seth...

He wanted his cake to be in shape of a football field...

so I had Nebraska at one end and Notre Dame at the other.=)
I am pretty sure Nebraska is leaving Notre Dame in the dust this year!!
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On Saturday he had a friend over to celebrate his birthday.....

We spent Saturday afternoon at Eby Pines rollerskating...I was reliving my kid days.

Seth hit the ground a few times!!=)After rollerskating we hit the DQ for a treat... Ended our evening with pizza and some Wii.

Seth's Citizenship Award

2010-10-25T12:14:00.010-04:00

Seth supporters....=)
Mrs Snider, Seth's teacher called last Thursday evening and wanted us to know that Seth has earned an award and will be presented with it on Friday.....So Jeremy, Elijah and I headed to the school on Friday afternoon..

This is what his award said...such kind words from his teacher. Mrs Zook the principal presented the award.

A teacher from every grade choose one student out of their class to receive this award.

He started his birthday weekend with a bang....

Seth with his teacher Mrs. Snider.

Good work, Seth

You make Daddy and I very proud!!!

Happy 6th Birthday Buddy...

2010-10-24T07:28:00.002-04:00

You are turning into a handsome young man. It makes us so proud to call you our Son.

We Love You!!!

Enjoying our beautiful Fall weather....

2010-10-11T08:05:00.005-04:00

A pefect day for a bike ride...

We love weekends...

"Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn."

- Elizabeth Lawrence

A few highlights from September....

2010-10-07T10:55:00.016-04:00

One of Jeremy's highlights this past month was winning tickets to the pursuit....
If you know Jeremy real well, you know this put a big smile on his face!!!

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Chloe's highlight was starting gymnastics about 6 weeks ago she is loving every minute of it.
Her teacher is wonderful....

Way to go Chloe....keep up your hard work.

The amazing rainbow we saw the other week.....

What a beautiful promise of Gods faithfulness!!

Seth's highlight is just enjoying his four wheeler and shadowing his dad when ever he can.

He enjoys school but still likes being at home. He said, "school is just a tad long."=)

I am so thankful he just goes everyother day all day....its a nice transition getting him ready for all day everyday.

He is are family clown....loves to be in the center of attention.
A little quote from Seth the other day while he was in the bathroom....

Seth; "Moooommm"

Me; "what"

Seth; "can you bring me a new loaf of toilet paper."

Made me laugh because he was so serious!=)

Chloe was reading to her brother here....I had to snap a picture of this special moment. Normally they are fighting.=)

Having a little Jada time before school....She is just so kissable....look at that smile!!The boys using their imagination

Jada is growing so fast....Addie and Ella adore her.

My little girly girl.....loves shoes and dress up clothes.

Ella & Addie are becoming best friends.

Eli

These two never want to take a nap, they say they are not tired. I tell them lets just lay on the couch and have quiet time...no more than 5 minutes later, this is what i find!!

Makes me smile every time!!

2010-09-18T20:08:00.002-04:00

2010-09-11T07:59:00.011-04:00

Today is Special.....

eleven years ago today I vowed to this incredible man, I would cherish and love him till the day I die.

Happy Anniversary Babe....

I am so thankful you chose me to walk this journey with you.

-----

A anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today,

the memories of yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow.

-Author Unknown
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This day also holds memories of sadness, thinking of all the lives that were suddenly ended by evil acts of terror on 9/11. I still can picture the unbelief and shock as I watched it all unfold on TV.... the plane hitting the tower, the huge structures collapsing, people running for their lives.
I wondered if the world was going to end!!
A day that we will never forget!!
So today as I celebrate a happy occasion...my heart goes out to those wives that are missing their husbands, children that are missing their daddy's and knowing their lives will never be the same.
Dear Jesus,
Please hold them a little bit tighter today.
that they may feel your presence and know you are near.
Amen

2010-09-04T11:26:00.004-04:00

"The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful."

Author- E.E. Cummings

Seth told me yesterday he was going out to play.....should have known where he was headed. We took our pool down, the spot it was at looked like a little pond after the rain. He was very quiet and when I looked out to see what he was up to this is what i found....

Pure Joy is written all over his face!!!

2010-09-01T09:51:00.015-04:00

Lots of people ask me what I do now that my kiddos are both in school.

Well, here is a peek at what keeps me hopping.

I get the best of both worlds. Love & spoil on these cutie pies than send them home at the end of the day!!!=)This picture just makes me giggle....My little fish...Ella

J.D.- my little charmer.

I tell the kiddos a lot that I love them to the moon and back. I said it to J.D. one day and he replied ..." I love you to New York and back." Made me smile!!Addie & Jacoby play so cute together...

The little men in my life....Sometimes things just look better upside down!!=)My newest addition, Jada Gail

She is such a good baby and has adjusted real well.

She is such a treat to take care of.

Addie

EllaEli...

I love this boys sweet spirit!!

Jocoby

"Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven."

-Henery Ward Beecher

Meeting their teachers...

2010-09-01T08:55:00.005-04:00

Seth with his Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Snider
Seth showing us his room....

Chloe is in 2nd grade

Chloe with Mrs. Chupp her teacher.

She loves her dearly.

Showing daddy her work.....

I took the kiddos school shopping one day...they were being very ornery....

I can't believe i have a 2nd grader and a Kindergartner. Wow, how time flies.

Learning to embrace change!!!

I can choose to fill my thoughts of uncertainties or I can choose to find joy in this new phase of my life.

Back to a routine....

2010-09-01T08:07:00.006-04:00

Tuesday August 17, 2010

First day of school

Goodbye hug from Daddy....
See those smiles....
they were just a "little" excited!! =)

Off they go...
------------------------------------------------------------

Juila had not started school yet, so she spent the day helping me, but I could till she missed Chloe... so when 3:40 hit

they were all smiles ready for the kiddos to get home....
I missed you!!

First day of school was a success!!!

“Focus on the journey, not the destination.

Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.”

-Greg Anderson

Ready or Not....

2010-08-13T13:47:00.001-04:00

The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book.

~Author Unknown

Enjoying our last week of summer break.....

2010-08-11T13:53:00.009-04:00

One of our many trips to Eby Pines pool....

It has been very hot here the last couple weeks....no complaints here, I am loving every minute of it. Just very sad my kiddos are headed back to school next week. So that means are pool days are going to be few and far between. When school starts, it means that cooler weather is right around the corner....and that my friends, makes me a little weepy!!!

Seth with his friend Austin

Chloe with her friend Julia

It makes my heart smile to see them laughing and making memories with their friends.

Playing wipe out!!!

Lots of smiles and giggles

Jumping in together......

Summer afternoon - summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.

~Henry James

Seth's Kindergarten Physical....

2010-07-30T08:18:00.003-04:00

Our brave boy getting all checked out, than came the fun part.....SHOTS!!!!!

He did awesome..did not even make a peep!

O Summer, how we love you.....

2010-07-14T12:20:00.012-04:00

Our summer has found us very busy and not much time to blog=) So here is a "catch you up on our lives" post, from the last couple months......enjoy!!Seth's first t- ball gameHis team My parents stopped through on their way home from Ohio...so it was fun having them there to cheer Seth on. Mom & Seth cleaning my green beans..
Thanks mom for all you did!!It is always so exciting to see my parents red van drive in.....
then it is very sad to see them drive away!!!
Thanks Mom & Dad for stopping.
Fun in the sun

Fun ways to enjoy the hot days of summer....

What a guy...love his smile!!

Catching you up on our lives - part 2

2010-07-12T09:28:00.014-04:00

Our small group pond party.....

Fun times...lots of sweet smiles!!

Rob & Jeremy

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My Cousin Kass came up on Sunday and spent the day wih us.

enjoying a little R & R with the fam over the 4th.

Beautiful day to be at the beach.

Enjoyed the 4th in St.Joe at Silver Beach.

Happy Father's Day......

Daddy's have to have fun too!!!!
Friends

Ella cheesing for the camera.

All ready for Hat night at VBS.Enjoying the sun.

Chloe's Tap Recital 2010Chloe you did a great Job!

2010-06-24T15:27:00.002-04:00

What an adorable smile....

51/2 and he lost his first tooth.

He was pretty proud!!

Our 10 days in Nebraska.

2010-06-12T14:30:00.042-04:00

Lots of good times and sweet memories that will last a lifetime.....

We enjoyed celebrating Maddi's 3rd birthday

The wild party...=)

Jay grilling burgers...Cousin fun....We spent Friday night at my Cousin Daron & Jelayna's Rehearsal...Seth was the ring bearer.

He was super excited!!

Jeremy & I at Rehearsal dinner
eating at Parker's smoke house.

--------------------------------
Wedding memories...My handsome little man with his sister....

Gram & Chloe

Mr & Mrs Daron Stauffer...The ring bearer was very tired after all his hard work..... Cousins

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Having fun with family

Maddie and Grandma

Running to the park....

Lots of cousin time

Good times around the table

trying to catch bubbles with their mouths...
unforgettable memories

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Good times with extended family.....

Love these two!!

S'more time...

Jax

Rylin..playing with a camera

Playing train.....

Good-bye hugs....

My brother and his family are from Texas. They left a few days before we did. The day after they left Seth was over at great grandma's eating cookies. Grandma ask him how he is doing and this was his reply

Seth: "Its pretty lonely when all your friends leave!!" =)

He missed Trey and Alec a lot

Working on his swing at uncle Jay's

Chalk time

Thanks Uncle Mark & Aunt Kris for letting us use your pool....

Niece Maddie

Thanks Mom & Dad for all the good memories....

Celebrating my brother Jay's birthday

Spent the day with my Grandma Saltzman and cousin Carrie

Saying good-bye

It went way too fast....

One last hug.....

Quote from Seth..

We were packing and getting ready to go home.

Seth: "Wish I did not always have to pack a suitcase every time I wanted to see Grandpa.

Do you think they could move to Indiana and live beside us like our other Grandpa's do??"
Me: "maybe someday" ;)
Walking to the plane

and 55 minutes later we were in Chicago....

Hugging on this super sweet Daddy and hubby....

I just love and treasure spending time with my dear family, but it is always good to be "HOME"

Chloe's last day of school...

2010-06-08T15:17:00.004-04:00

Last day of school as a first grader...

Swimming lessons 2010

2010-06-08T15:02:00.004-04:00

We were on the ball this year and did spring lessons in the evenings....

We now have the whole summer to practice=)

Seth's spring concert...

2010-06-08T14:57:00.002-04:00

Here he is singing with his class. They did a great job.

I cannot believe preschool is over and now on to bigger things.

Kindergarten here I come....

Is summer here to stay???

2010-05-24T14:41:00.000-04:00

Loving this very warm weather...

Fishing with Dad....

2010-05-16T17:12:00.008-04:00

Headed to the pond.
Jeremy and the Kiddos enjoy going down to the neighbors pond.....

I am trying to convince Jeremy he needs to learn to clean them so we can have a fish dinner.

Here they are, all smiles with their catch of the day!!

I just love this time of year, our landscaping is growing and every week something new is blooming.....

so if you do not enjoy flowers feel free to hit the little red X =)

Take time today to smell a flower...

A Dog is a Girl's best friend.

2010-05-12T13:53:00.007-04:00

Chloe spends a lot of time with our puppy Libbi pretending it is her baby. She has it trained to drink from a sippy. When she puts Libbi in her doll car seat and stroller she will will sit very still, she loves it.

A quote from Chloe this past week while playing with Libbi...

Chloe would give Libbi a drink from the sippy then Chloe would take a drink from it..

Me: " Chloe that is so gross, quit drinking from the same cup as the dog."

Chloe: "why is it gross... we are both Yoders, so we have the same germs."

Then Jeremy decides to throw his two cents in: "Chloe you are human, Libbi is a dog...dogs lick poop, do you???"

Chloe: "No"

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-12T13:41:00.006-04:00

The awesome family I've been blessed with.

Thanks Chloe & Seth for making me feel so special and loved.

I am so PROUD to be your Mommy!!!

Ft.Wayne Childrens Zoo -Chloe's 1st grade Field trip

2010-05-12T10:44:00.024-04:00

Where shall we go first???Monkeys are always a good place to start!=)Friends....Are We Watching Them Or Are They Watching Us?

It's Hard To Tell

The tall giraffe, he makes me laugh, His neck is long you know.

The Lion, It's true, is the King of the zoo, but the monkey's the star of the show.

~unknown

It was a chilly, but fun day at the Zoo with Chloe and her class.