.

Meeting the pilot.

2012-02-11T18:27:00.001-06:00

Today we flew home...over all it went pretty good even if it was just my 34 week prego self, a lap child and two kids. Between flights the kids were able to meet the pilot and he even let them " shoot the guns"..... I have no idea why he let them touch the actual steering wheel..but they came out feeling pretty good!

Becks new baby quilt.

2012-02-11T18:22:00.001-06:00

We've squired a new family within our family, I don't have permission to use their names but L makes beautiful quilts. My mom has purchased a few from her and this one is for Beck. I love all the animals and all the detailed.tiny blocks!

Uneven swollen feet....

2012-02-09T19:29:00.002-06:00

....odd thing with pregnancy.

I love sugar cookies!

2012-02-09T19:29:00.001-06:00

Sleep Buddy

2012-02-08T10:48:00.001-06:00

Since Jeff left, Elise has woken up at 12:30 each nigh wanting to snuggle with me....in the end she gets a good night sleep but not me. :(

All packed....

2012-01-30T18:32:00.001-06:00

1 diaper bag
1 activity bag
2 projector bags
1 laptop bag
1 kid bag
1 bag for Ann
1 bag for Jeff
3 pj's and shoes ready to go
Small stroller and Elise's carseat are in the car.

....we fly in 24 hours....now to clean the house.

Really I packed light for 5 people and 11 days!

Well I wouldn't call it a nap!

2012-01-29T14:45:00.001-06:00

Wedding hairbows

2012-01-28T17:49:00.001-06:00

Brian , Jeff's brother is getting married in a week! My mom....with the exception of me cutting out the pattern, finished the girls two dresses for the event. Today I made the headbands and flowers to go on the sash. I think they turned out cute. These will also count as the girls early easter dresses....because I don't think I have time to sew 2 more. ( But I do have some ideas!)

If you couldn't tell...

2012-01-27T17:34:00.000-06:00

Those are all Beck's clothes, washed and ready to go... even organized by the sizes we'll need for the next 3 months...Lo and Behold..in my organizing I found the two slings that I'll want to have on hand while we are finishing the packing and moving of everything after his arrival!

This is NOT nesting...

2012-01-27T17:23:00.001-06:00

Its sanity. When we get back in two weeks I will be packing the house , all but the necessities so that means this weekend I am put thing where they will be that wont get packed.

2012-01-27T17:21:00.000-06:00

Such BIG helpers!

2012-01-25T14:56:00.000-06:00

They volunteered on their own to shovel the snow and then asked if when they were done if it would be ok to shovel the walks of two neighbors. One of them because he always does it for everyone with his snowblower and the second because we call them our neighbor grandmas and try to keep their walks clear. What great examples of service today! I've got hot cocoa for when they are done. :)

Yummy!

2012-01-19T21:32:00.001-06:00

Brownie time.....

2012-01-19T21:31:00.003-06:00

...its never hard to find a helper when she knows she can lick a spoon.

Eating with the big kids now!

2012-01-19T21:31:00.001-06:00

Ok this was just for one night but she thought she was so cool!

Silver Dipper cake with zanzabar ice cream.....

2012-01-15T18:31:00.001-06:00

So yummy!!!!! We ran out of candles so we lit a toothpick :)

Happy Birthday #30 Jeff!!!!

2012-01-15T18:30:00.001-06:00

Daddy dogpile!

2012-01-15T18:20:00.001-06:00

Girls are ready...

2012-01-15T07:03:00.001-06:00

By 8 am for 9 am church!...boys just need to comb their hair. :)

2' F

2012-01-13T11:54:00.001-06:00

You can't tell by their faces how cold it is outside. We all went outside for a few minutes while we waited for Ehre 's bus. I am so grateful this morning that there was a 2 hour delay. Kids had fun that's what counts.

Cream of Broccoli Soup...sounds Great!

2012-01-12T14:36:00.001-06:00

I am going to make this for Jeff's birthday dinner with some european hard rolls so yummy esp when today its about 2' outside with the wind.

Ann

Cream of Broccoli Soup (Easy)

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup cream, heavy, light or
1 onion, chopped
half-n-half
1 russet potato, peeled and chop
Nutmeg, to taste
6 cups canned chicken stock, warmed
Salt
3 cups chopped broccoli florets and stems
Pepper

Directions

In a large pot, melt butter and cook onion until tender over medium high heat. Add potato and toss to coat with butter. Add hot stock and bring to a simmer. Stir in broccoli and return to a simmer. When potato and broccoli are tender, puree in batches in a blender or food processor. Return to pot and add cream. Season to taste and serve warm

These rolls have a delicious crackly/crunchy crust, partly the result of allowing them to proof in the refrigerator, partly from an egg white wash applied just prior to baking. Light and airy, they're delicious with dinner. Or serve them with at breakfast, with butter and preserves, as they do in Europe.

Notice that this recipe includes just over 1/4 teaspoon yeast. Why so little? Because of the extra-long fermentation, key to developing the rolls' flavor. As the dough rests, the yeast will continue to multiply; thus there's no need to "front-load" with lots of yeast initially.

Starter

1/2 cup cool water
1 cup King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
1/8 teaspoon instant yeast

Dough

all of the starter
3 1/2 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
1 cup lukewarm water
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon instant yeast

Egg wash

1 large egg white mixed with 1/2 cup cool water

Directions

1) To make the starter: Mix the starter ingredients together until smooth, cover, and let rest at room temperature overnight.

2) Combine all of the dough ingredients and mix and knead them together — by hand, mixer or bread machine — until you've made a soft, somewhat smooth dough; it should be cohesive, but the surface may still be a bit rough. It may also stick to the bowl just the tiniest bit.

3) Allow the dough to rise, covered, for 3 hours, gently deflating it and turning it over after 1 hour, and again after 2 hours.

4) Turn the dough out onto a lightly greased work surface. Divide it into 12 pieces, shape the pieces into balls, and firm them up by rolling them under your lightly cupped fingers.

5) Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them, and let them rise for 1 to 2 hours, until they're puffy, though not doubled in size. They'll flatten out a bit as they rise; that's OK.

6) Cover the rolls, and refrigerate them for 2 to 3 hours. Towards the end of the rolls' chill, preheat the oven to 425°F.

7) Whisk together the egg white and water until frothy. Remove the rolls from the refrigerator, and brush them with the wash; you won't use it all up. Again, don't be discouraged if the rolls seem a bit flat; they'll pick up when the hit the oven's heat.

8) Slash a 1/4" deep cut across the top of each roll. Immediately put the rolls into the oven.

9) Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, until they're a deep golden brown. Remove them from the oven, and cool on a rack. Or, for best crunch, open the oven door, and allow the rolls to cool in the turned-off, open-door oven.

Yield: 12 small rolls.

Recipe summary

Hands-on time:: 10 mins. to 20 mins.
Baking time:: 20 mins. to 25 mins.
Total time:: 15 hrs 30 mins. to 21 hrs 45 mins.
Yield:: 12 small rolls

Tips from our bakers

For larger rolls, divide the dough into 8 pieces, rather than 12. Bake for a minute or two longer.

Not much....

2012-01-12T11:51:00.001-06:00

... but it is starting to feel like January.

Urim and Thummin Treats

2012-01-10T09:44:00.003-06:00

Use this treat to help take the mystery out of the Urim and Thummim, to help explain what it looked like, and to show how Joseph Smith used it.

Story: Joseph Smith History 1:35
The Angel Moroni told Joseph Smith about two stones in silver bowes fastened to a breastplate, which was hidden with the gold plates in the Hill Cumorah. This ws called the Urim and Thumminm and was used by Joseph Smith for translating the gold paltes into a language we can read and understand.
Discussion Questions:
1. What does the Urim and Thummim look like?
2. What did Joseph Smith use the Urim and Thummim to do?

Recipe:
Graham Cracker for each serving
1/4 c Chocolate Chips for each serving
2 Lg marshmallows for each serving
Peanut butter

Spread a thin layer of peanut butter over the grahm cracker. Add chocolate chips in rows to create decorations ont eh "breastplate." Put one large marshmallow on each half of graham cracker for each part of the Urim and Thummim stones. Cook in microwave oven for about 35 seconds, or until the marshmallows are toasted.
To cook in conventional oven: put on cookie sheet and bake at 500' for about 3 minutes. Be sure to watch closely and take out when toasty and brown!

Tower of Babel Cake

2012-01-10T09:44:00.001-06:00

Just as the wicked people of Babel built a tower to try to get to heaven, so will you build a "tower" with pieces of Devils Food Cake.

Story: Ether 1 :33 and Genesis 11. Jared and his brother lived in a place called Babel. Many wicked people also lived there. The wicked people built a tower, called the Tower of Babel, to get to heaven. This made the Lord Angry.

The Lord changed the language of the wicked people so that they all used different words. They couldn't understand each other.

The brother of Jared was a good man who obeyed the Lord. He prayed and asked the Lord not to change the language of his family and friends, who were called Jaredites. The Lord didn't change their language because they were righteous and because Jared had prayed to Him.

Discussion Questions:
1. Why did the wicked peopel fo Babel build a twoer?
2. HOw do you tihnk the Lord felt about this?
3. How do we get to Heaven?
4. What did the Lord do to the wicked people?
5. Who was righteous and living in Babel?

Recipe:
(Use a Devils Food Cake mix and frosting)

Have family members wash thier hands, tehn give them several pieces of cake and put the frosting bowl where everyone can reach it. Place a cookie sheet in the middle of the group, and have each family member stack one piece of cake on top of another to build your own "tower," adding frosting between each layer. Tell the story of the "tower of Babel," and when your own tower collapses, gather up the pieces and eat as you tell the rest of the story.

Brother of Jared Thumbprint Stone Cookies

2012-01-10T09:43:00.001-06:00

With these cookies, you can show what can happen if you have faith. When the brother of Jared gathered the small, white stones, he had faith enough to see the finger of the Lord as He touched them, making them glow to give the Jaredites light for their long journey.

Story: Ether 1:38-6:12. The Lord told the Jaredites He woudl lead them to a promised land, so they left their homes, gathered their animals, and went to the sea. For a long time, the brother of Jared didn't pray. Jesus told him to repent and pray often, so he repented and Jesus forgave him.

Jesus then told the brother of Jared to build some boats to take them to the promised land. He obeyed, and the Jaredites built eight small boats that were shaped like a dish on all sides, according to the directions given to them by the Lord. When the boats were finished the brother of Jared told Jesus there was no light in the boats to see as they were traveling. Jesus told him to think of a way to bring light into the boats.

The brother of Jared thought and thought, then gathered 16 small , white stones. He took the stones to the top of a mountain and prayed, asking Jesus to touch these stones with His finger to make them shine. Jesus reached out His finger and touched the stones to make them shine. The brother of Jared had faith in Jesus Christ, so he saw Jesus' finger. Because he had great faith, he saw that Jesus had a body.

The brother of Jared put two stones in each boat for light. The Jaredites climbed in the boats, and after many days, they arrived int eh promised land. They thanked the Lord for helping them arrive safely.

Discussion Questions:
1. What did the Lord tell the brother of Jared to do?
2. What did the brother of Jared to wrong that Jesus Christ told him to repent of?
3. How did the brother of Jared get light into the boats?
4. What did the people do when they arrived in the promised land?

Recipe:
1 c butter
1/3 c granulated sugar
2 t vanilla
2 c flour
1/4 c powdered sugar
1 can prepared lemon pie filling

Beat butter for 30 seconds; add sugar and beat until fluffy. Add vanilla and 2 tsp. water. Beat well. Stir in flour. Shape into 1 inch balls. Place on an uncreased cookie sheet. Press down centers with thumb. Bake in a 325' oven about 18 minutes. Cool completely . Gently shake a few cookies at a time in a bag with powdered sugar. Fill hollow with prepared lemon pie filling. Makes 36.

Sacred Grove Gumdrop Trees

2012-01-09T16:31:00.001-06:00

I received a free book from a friend with lots of Book of Mormon Treat lessons, and so I thought it would be fun to pass one on each week.

This treat represents that sacred place where Joseph Smith knelt and asked which church was the correct one. In the grove, Joseph Smith saw and talked with Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.

Story: Joseph Smith History 1:5-20. When Joseph Smith was 14 years old, he did not know which church to join. One day as he was reading in the Bible, he read James 1:5, which said, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that give to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

This scripture touched him deeply, for he needed help from God to make the right choice. The next day he went into the woods near his home to pray, and he knelt down in a grove of trees to ask God what he should do. Suddenly, he saw a bright light, and in the light were Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Heavenly Father pointed to Jesus and said, "This is My Beloved Son," Joseph asked which church he should join. Jesus Christ told him not to join any of them. for none of the churches on the earth were correct.

The place where Joseph witnessed Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is known as the Sacred Grove.

Discussion Questions:
1. Why did Joseph Smith go into the woods to pray?
2. What happened?
3. What should you do if you need help making an important decision?
4. Have you ever prayed to know if the Church was true? (If you wish, share your experience of how you gained your testimony.)

Recipe:
4c original Cheerios
3 c. mini marshmallows
3 T butter
1/2 t vanilla
1/2 t green food coloring
Small Candies

On low heat, stir marshmallows and butter in medium saucepan until marshmallows melt. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and food coloring, stirring until smooth. Add Cheerios and stir until all the cereal is coated with marshmallow mixture.

Coat hands with butter or nonstick cooking spray, or simply wet hands. Use about 2/3 cup for each tree. ON greased cookie sheet or waxed paper, shape each portion into a pine tree (triangle) shape. To decorate, stick red hots, chocolate chips, gumdrops or any other candies you desire onto the trees. Makes about 16 trees.

Gather everyone's tree around in a circle and read Joseph Smith's first vision as the treats cool.

Awesome Tutorial Site for Sewing Projects

2012-01-04T09:06:00.001-06:00

I found this today, not only are the fabrics awesome, but the patterns are equally as impressive!

http://sew4home.com/projects?start=31

The first thing I want to do off this site is make a sewing machine cover and serger cover...but that will wait till after the move.

Birdsnest Necklace

2012-01-03T18:44:00.001-06:00

New necklace

2012-01-03T18:01:00.001-06:00

I've wanted to try this for a while, next I'll make one with my kids birthstones.

Bday kisses!

2012-01-03T09:29:00.003-06:00

Final image of bday cake for Ehre.

2012-01-03T09:29:00.001-06:00

We had a wonderful dinner and evening with friends with so much yummy food! Ehre had a great time and thought that it was a great bday party.

Book of Mormon Challenge

2012-01-02T18:25:00.000-06:00

For those of you that want to join us, we have a family challenge to read the whole Book of Mormon this year before December 20th, in preparation for Ehre's baptism. I'm inviting you because even if you are reading a different set of scriptures if you start now you won't have to read much each day in order to do both! I've attached our rudementry schedule, let me know if you are hopping on the wagon! We just finished 1st Nephi 1 :)

Ann

Sick Elise update...

2012-01-02T12:04:00.001-06:00

After a few phone calls to Jeff, my mom a nurse and finally my uncle who is a Dr., we took Elise into the urgent care. (Not the ER like the RN recommended). Am I the only one that avoids taking kids in because its expensive and I'd hate to be told "its nothing" and be sent home? Thanks to the phone calls and a fever that was staying at 103 I took Elise in and guess, what I wasn't paranoid or crazy, she has a bad L ear infection. So we just started a bunch of meds, and hopefully she'll be back on her feet soon, which is good because with Jeff spending every waking hour finishing his defense, I can't handle more than one sleepless night...even if she's cute!

oh brighter news, kind of... knowing how busy Jeff is going to be, we have extended my stay with the kids in Utah. We will stay an extra 3 days! (Which I am quite excited about!)
Ann

Sick Elise

2012-01-01T11:31:00.001-06:00

Elise was a little grumpy during church but I assumed it was because we were all up late last night. She also felt a little warm but the chapel was roasting. She fell asleep quickly in a friends arms in Sunday School...that never happens and then slept in my arms throughout RS...she still felt warm. We just got home and I took her temp 102.5. So she is now in Pj's back asleep in my arms. She isn't much of a cuddled so I think I will stay and enjoy holding her for a while. To all our friends whom partied with us, I am sorry if she has something contagious.

Now a one tier cake...

2011-12-30T21:00:00.001-06:00

Jeff had a good idea salvage the top. No baverian cream in this but it will have to work.

Look...what to do?

2011-12-30T20:57:00.003-06:00

Cake flop...sorry Ehre

2011-12-30T20:57:00.001-06:00

I had a little more to finish and decided to take a break. On top if this cake I was making a royal icing tiara when u came back the whole thing was falling apart! Bummer!

Banana's

2011-12-29T08:29:00.001-06:00

How many bunches of banana's does your family go through each week? We go through 2!

Baby hat

2011-12-28T11:16:00.001-06:00

I finished a baby hat to go with the blanket and monogrammed the blanket as well. Now I just need to finish the blessing outfit...well one of them. My inlaws sent me this cute black tux that he will be blessed in and then I will change him so I can keep the tux nice.

2011-12-27T04:46:00.004-06:00

2011-12-27T04:46:00.003-06:00

2011-12-27T04:46:00.001-06:00

2011-12-27T04:45:00.002-06:00

2011-12-27T04:45:00.001-06:00

To Elise love Ehre

2011-12-27T04:44:00.001-06:00

She loves the doll!

To Ben love Ehre

2011-12-27T04:43:00.001-06:00

Awesome hat she made Ben!

Dear Santa and Rudolf,

2011-12-24T19:10:00.000-06:00

We hope that your evening is going well. We have left some reindeer food for the others on the back porch, but for you two there is a special treat. Mom says you like Oreo's but dad insists your favorite is sugar cookies.

Thank you for stopping by!

Love,
Ehre and Ben

Christmas Eve PJ's

2011-12-24T18:44:00.001-06:00

The kids are already for church tomorrow and their Sunday clothes are laid out too.... good thing we have church at 11. We will still ne able sleep in a little bit.before starting all the morning festivities.

Mary Christmas!

Best laugh in a long time...

2011-12-24T11:55:00.001-06:00

We Went and clean the church today but did so before having breakfast. By the time we were done everyone was super hungry. We have been given a gift card to Applebees this was the perfect time to use it.

Ben ordered some fries and went to add some ketchup to them. This is what happened when he open the bottle. The waiter laughed and we laughed for poor Ben.

What a funny memory!

Loas Nativity Set

2011-12-23T16:40:00.001-06:00

A very cool Christmas gift arrived this week from my twin sister Amy... funny how people are still finding out that I am a twin!

This nativity set was made by Mr. Chanpheng Sombath, in Nanga Village, Vientiane, Laos, about 47 Kilometers north of central Vientiane. He is a member of the LDS Church and my sister Amy is in his ward.

Mr. Chanpheng is the father of five children. His primary livelihood is rice farming and manual labor, and he comes from a family of locally-renowned woodcarvers and gunsmiths. The women in the family weave silk to supplement the family income. During long forays in the jungle hunting and scavenging for food and countless nights in the rice fields, Chanpheng grew up learning how to make small traps, weapons, and trinkets of all types.

Chanpheng began making Lao nativity sets when he learned a previous source of similar sets was drying up, yet demand remained high. Having converted to Christianity from Buddhism, producing nativity sets is more personal to the Sombath family than a source of supplemental income. Members of his community and congregation are proud of Chanpheng for using his skills and talent to subtly share his faith while helping to preserve Lao folk art amidst rapid modernization in Laos.

Each Lao Nativity set is produced from wood and natural materials Chanpheng has personally gathered in the jungle near his village. Woods used in production may vary, but the most common wood Chanpheng uses is called "May Mook" or "Pearl Wood" in English, due to its clean white appearance. The wood is dried next to the family's charcoal cooking fire, and members of the family help weave reeds and straw for the roof and walls of the miniature huts. Chanpheng personally carves each character using rudimentary hand tools, adding a unique touch of personality to each one. The model house is built using the same methods and design as a full-sized traditional Lao house, raised above the ground to provide shade and protect from flooding. At full production capacity it is only possible to produce three sets per week, and carving the characters takes about two days per set.

In approximately two years, the Sombath family has produced dozens of these nativities and has used the majority of the resultant income to support extended family and help other families in their village. Their children have new clothes and a new bicycle to ride to school, and in the future the family hopes to save enough money to buy roof tiles to replace the sheet metal roof on their house.

Care for the nativity: As the nativity is made from all natural sources, it carries a risk of inhabiting bugs and termites. Each set has been sprayed with bug killer but as a precaution the nativity and characters should be set in direct sunlight for 12-24 hours to kill any potential bugs or eggs. As an alternative, it could be placed outside in freezing cold weather or inside a freezer for 12-24 hours. This should be done upon receipt of the set and prior to storing for long periods of time. ( I have to wait for us to get either of these weather extremes out here since its just grey and rainy right now!)

Stinker..

2011-12-23T16:32:00.000-06:00

While she looks cute here with her brother she is close to a meltdown. I.put her down for a late nap because she had a late morning nap ( not to mention my need for a nap) and she played for an hour...or I think it was an hour. I guess we'll try for an early bedtime.

On another note have I mentioned that I have started packing? I know we aren't moving till the end of March, but Jeff is very busy and will be till he defends and then when baby comes well be busy with other things. So I have 10 weeks to keep packing a little here and there to help things go smoother later. :) It was surprising that we have 12 boxes of books, confirming our love to read.

Ben stole my earthly phone....

2011-12-23T16:21:00.001-06:00

... and used the camera to take some photos of his dinosaur. :) I was surprised he knew how to find the app and work it. Smart kid.

Old fashioned but cute!

2011-12-23T16:17:00.001-06:00

1st haircut in a looong time.

2011-12-22T10:12:00.001-06:00

Ehre needed to have a trim and so last night we had a girls night. Jeff rook Elise and Ben to pack meeting. When I took a close loo she needed atleast 3" off. She wanted me to cut it above her shoulders built that was too short for me. In the end we put in light layers to help with her natural curl and I think its cute. Then we painted her nails and toenails pink and finished "Samantha's First Christmas." It was a fun evening just the two of us.

8 years

2011-12-20T10:13:00.001-06:00

Now 8 years later I woke up to a husband making me breakfast in bed and taking care of the kids. We have an afternoon date to see Twilight and eat cheesecake. I am so grateful for my earthly and eternal companion. He puts up with all my weaknesses and fault and most of the time pretends they don't even exist.

1 year and 11 days later

2011-12-20T10:09:00.001-06:00

...sorry I didn't have a wedding shot in this stash of photos...but 1 year and 11 days after our wedding Ehre joined our family...things have never been the same since.

Bridals

2011-12-20T10:08:00.001-06:00

Bridals were delayed due to a biking accident a few weeks earlier. From this photo you would never know that I had been hit causing a minor concussion, two black eyes and 10 stitches along my lower gum line.

Engagement photos

2011-12-20T10:05:00.001-06:00

We had our photos taken at the Delicate Arch in Moab. This is one between shots...we had alot of fun.

Proposal 2003

2011-12-20T10:04:00.001-06:00

Did you know Jeff proposed kneeling on a cliff face while in his Sunday suit while we were rock climbing?

First box home...

2011-12-20T08:42:00.001-06:00

Jeff had me help empty filing cabinet drawers and put all in a box to bring home with me. Jeff has very little of any personal items in the lab now, a sign that he is almost done!

My current project..

2011-12-19T16:23:00.001-06:00

...the light grey suit will be for Beck's blessing to the go with the white and green crochet blanket I am almost done with. The dark grey suit is for all those 0-3 month Sundays. Tomorrow we are at 27 weeks, only 10-11 more weeks to go!

Ben's Christmas program.

2011-12-18T16:32:00.001-06:00

He did a great job!

Live Nativity

2011-12-18T16:30:00.001-06:00

This is a 21 year project that is amazing. There were live camels.donkeys and sheep...it was amazing. I only workshop we had not waited till our last year to see this!

2011-12-18T16:28:00.003-06:00

2011-12-18T16:28:00.001-06:00

2011-12-18T16:27:00.002-06:00

2011-12-18T16:27:00.001-06:00

8 Happy years!

2011-12-18T16:26:00.001-06:00

This Tuesday will be our anniversary. Last night Jeff brought home these beautiful flowers and then we went on a date. We had a fabulous dinner at Mtn Jacks and then saw the holiday pops concert with the symphony, it was wonderful.
Here's to year #9!

New piano student.

2011-12-18T16:22:00.001-06:00

...I guess she likes to play too!

Amazing...crystal glass song

2011-12-15T11:24:00.001-06:00

I had to share this clip too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdoTdG_VNV4&feature=player_embedded#!

26 weeks

2011-12-14T07:17:00.001-06:00

..and measuring big. Dr Eid says I am over a week bigger than normal. She even said.she.would consider a delivery past 37 weeks good rather than 38! Little Beck is very active and unevenly distributed to my R side...sometimes this can make it very uncomfortable. I am trying to embrace the weightgain sine I can't seem to stop it. Kids are getting more and more excited it fun to hear them ask to feel the baby move, due to the placentas position they haven't but they are cute in their efforts.

Update

2011-12-12T06:48:00.002-06:00

I guess I could quickly take the time to write a letter to everyone about the Maas family!

Its been a little crazy (like always) around here. I am finishing the Christmas program (only 14 musical numbers) for the 18th and then a smaller Christmas program for the 25th. Why two, because we are a 1/2 student ward and lots go home by the 25th, but yet there are still quite a few of us that will be here Christmas day. I love my calling but having the extra work of being the organist and just until recently also the ward choir pianist has been a little stressful. In January I am having others take over the other two callings, and I'll be back to just my original calling :) (Jeff will love this) I really have enjoyed teaching all my students piano the past few months (13 total) but as we get closer to Jeff's defense I look forward to the break in March. Its been a blessing to have the additional money and time to work on a talent, and I hope to resume teaching (not as many students) after we are settled in Bloomington. Tomorrow morning I will finish my timed 3 hour writting assignment for my English class, this is the last thing I need to finish for my online class. I should get atleast a 95% in this course (A required as a pre-req for the Nursing course) only a few more pre-req's to go after this one.

Speaking of Jeff, today he is at the InnerVision Center, (Where they did my MRI) they are doing a CAT scan on his ion trap. Sounds cool, I can't wait to hear what they find. :) He is super stressed with his dissertation and we are taking one day at a time. There isn't much I can do to help him but stay positive as a somewhat "single mom" Mon-Sat. Thank goodness for Sundays and our commitment to refrain from all work and studies, or I would be crazy by now. He has completed one of his 3 papers needed to finish is defense and is in the process of writing his second. I think we'll hit the deadline of turning in everything by Feb 15 but it will remain crazy until then. I do look forward to our mini vacation in February when we attend Brian's Wedding in Salt Lake City. I think he tries not to think to much about it, but is excited that he can take a two month break before work comes in June. As we work on plans for buying a house, he works on his plans to build his long promised bouldering wall, he's only wanted this forever, and in each house we've lived in has requested it...I told him it was just one of those things that would have to go with home ownership, and he has been patiently waiting. He remains busy with the scouts, and occasionally Ben goes with him, its a real treat for both of them.

Ehre, ha ha ha did you read the blog. A friend agreed with me, working in the medical field gives us a warped sense of humor. Ehre cut her thumb on Friday, not bad but it bleed a little. I walked with her upstairs to clean it up and put a band aid on it. She had watched me clean it but as I was placing the band aid, she totally fainted! Within a minute she was coming too but it gave me a good laugh. Yes, she has Jeff's genetics, they don't do so well with blood, but I've never known Jeff to pass out, just feel light headed. Ehre got her first 100% on her spelling this week, an A+ she typically gets 100% but the teacher only gives her an A when she capitalizes a wrong letter or writes a letter backwards. She was so proud of this accomplishment! Earlier in the year when she was missing 1-2 words a week we had a talk about how important it is to do our best, since then she's really improved....talking of improvement she is such a good reader and I look forward to her scripture reading each morning.

Benjamin, busy busy busy and social. Weekly he comes home in tears after finding out that I have not arranged a play date for the afternoon. He loves his Pre-K class, and this Thursday night has his Christmas program. He often can be heard singing while he plays in his room, and just recently has showed an increase in his desire for piano lessons. He also is doing really well with his German Christmas poem, its fun to hear the children speak in a different language, and then recall the poems they have learned in the past. Last night for Advent, we sang Silent Night, the first time was in English the second in German, its really been a fun tradition.

Elise, babbles non stop (just ask Grandma D) and its not just noise. Its as if she really is trying to communicate with us but in baby talk. She is my active one. I am currently looking for a second pack n play because I have come to realize that she will not be ready for a bed by the time this baby comes. Sure I may put her down in a bed but as soon as I leave the room, she'll start running around again. She goes non stop. She is curious about everything. She is constantly falling or running into things trying to be like her older siblings. Consequently this has been apparent in the bruises all over her, no we don't beat our children, they beat themselves. Funny new trick, she can give you rocks. ( when two fists hit each other ) its really funny, and she loves it if you will pretend that her rock hitting yours hurt, so don't forget to say "ouch!" (She was taught this by some of my piano students)

Baby Beck, is 26 weeks today. He is still measuring at least a week bigger. My ultrasound said he was due on the 18th, I am hoping I can keep my doctor on this date so that she can deliver him but it will come down to the last days to see if that will really happen. He is active and constantly moving, sheesh when he gets here I may never get any rest with him and Elise. Yes his name will be Jeffrey Beck Maas, just in case I haven't told you. Beck is the name Jeff's mom was named after who is his Grandmother Margret's Maiden Name. Sometime I will need to post his family heritage on the blog its quite amazing. (did you know his geneology has been tracked all the way back to Anna cousin of Jesus!...yes we are famous!)

Christmas plans, well we are coordinating a "left behind" party with friends. We will do dinner and a projected movie (with our new projector) in the gym of the stake center. Its going to be fun. We are still continuing the Advent tradition with two more Advent nights to go. We also look forward to attending the live Nativity that another church puts on, complete with camels donkeys and an extensive and amazing full set outdoors! I'll try to post pictures just after we go this weekend. Jeff and I look forward to celebrating our 8th anniversary next Tuesday, and so on Saturday I've arranged for us to have a date to the symphony for the Holiday pops concert.

Well that's about it,
Love you all!
Ann

12 Days of Christmas

2011-12-11T15:40:00.001-06:00

Please.... PLEASE check out this link. I loved it! I think this will be a group that Jeff and I will have to see in person when we move to Bloomington!

http://youtu.be/2Fe11OlMiz8

Purdue's Christmas Tree

2011-12-10T16:35:00.001-06:00

Is huge...the video I took failed. But look at the trunk it takes a whole crew to pull this one in and get it set up. Ben and I thought it was pretty amazing.

Stuck again..

2011-12-10T16:34:00.001-06:00

... when we hear fussing its typically because Elise is trying to climb on top of the table and has gotten stuck... soon she will figure out that all she needs to do is push the chair put farther before trying to climb up and then our warning sounds will be over.

Ehre totally passed out!

2011-12-10T16:13:00.001-06:00

I blame Jeff and his genetics. Ehre cut herself today not bad, but when I was putting the band aid on, she took one look at it literally passed out. This is a first. It wasn't bleeding to bad but it didn't matter. I called for Jeff and by the time he finally heard me and came up stairs she was waking up. I think we will let her rest for a while.... is it bad if in the end I found this funny? Jeff says we should encourage engineering for her and not nursing. :)

Grades

2011-12-05T17:39:00.001-06:00

Ha ha prego brain, I was figuring out what scores I needed for a class I am taking. I am hoping for the 97% but I didn't realize that I had sent it to my blog and not my gmail account. Ooops!
Ann

Sent to you by Anonymaas.Family via Google Reader:

Grades

via . by Jeff Ann Ehre & Benjamin on 12/5/11

1191= 95%
1201= 96%
1211=97%

Things you can do from here:

Subscribe to . using Google Reader
Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Grades

2011-12-05T14:23:00.001-06:00

1191= 95%
1201= 96%
1211=97%

First Piano Recital

2011-12-01T19:16:00.001-06:00

Both kids performed tonight and everything went really well. I had 14 of my 15 students each perform 2-3 songs. I am so pleased with all of them most of.them only started this past August! I have been so blessed to have music in my life since I was little and I am grateful for the opportunity share with others.

Advent treat envelopes done!

2011-11-30T15:36:00.001-06:00

..and just in time!

Jefferson christmas gift...early

2011-11-28T19:20:00.001-06:00

...8 years in coming... a projector!

We spent $150 retail this model is $5500!!! I love Purdue surplus! We even picked up one for my parents! Jeff is thrilled with the gift and it will be a fun addition to family movie nights.

.... for those in the area the sale will last a few weeks BUT the projectors will go fast.

Blue balloons...

2011-11-24T07:19:00.001-06:00

...decorated the house today they are only 4 months early :)

Christmas tree

2011-11-23T07:58:00.001-06:00

We did this this morning with family in town and in Eire's words..." it's exploding!" :)

Baby shower...

2011-11-18T22:01:00.001-06:00

Here is the cake that I made for a friends baby shower. I just couldn't get the fondant to smooth out straight without it tearing so it was more of a fabric drape look....well its a learning process.

Just perfect...

2011-11-18T21:21:00.001-06:00

This is how I was able to practice the organ yesterday. It was so nice.

Graditude.

2011-11-18T10:51:00.001-06:00

I am so grateful for wonderful friends to take time to check up on me and hang out with me. Last night with a farewell to a friend. It's sad to see everyone going a different ways of we're all fishing at school. But it makes me so grateful for the time that we have had in the wonderful friendships built.

Kids Personalities

2011-11-17T16:51:00.001-06:00

I found this picture today and got a kick out of it, even today they display the same personalities.
Oh, and my parents are coming tomorrow, we are SO EXCITED!!!

What a kind brother!!!

2011-11-17T12:39:00.001-06:00

Ben daily will peel a banana and share it with Elise.....it's so cute!

Telly-tubby

2011-11-17T10:10:00.000-06:00

I have 1 of my own.

VOLLEYBALL!!

2011-11-16T13:20:00.001-06:00

My new favorite ornament!..... esp since today my surgeon gave me permission to resume ALL normal activities and sports...including serving at volleyball! I think I will go play on Friday for an hour or two its been 8 months since I tore my shoulder and served last!

You know you are pregnant....

2011-11-15T14:29:00.001-06:00

....when it seems like your brain just won't work anymore....for example.

I was getting ready this morning, still hadn't gotten to laundry so found a pair of pregnancy slacks and a shirt to go with. I then realized we quickly needed to get Ben to school. So I grabbed a pair of slip on shoes and headed out. When I got back I slipped of the shoes next to my purse and then did some sewing with a friend. Time to go and pick Ben up again and then run some errands...it wasn't till I was getting everyone back in the car that I looked down and realized that I was wearing a L and R shoe, but the didn't match. ..... did anyone else notice?

Last Thursday I had an event at my house with 18+ girlfriends...only at the end did I realize the white shirt that I had layered under my black short sleeve was inside out.

...seriously this better only be pregnancy related :)

Tornado Watch

2011-11-14T17:39:00.001-06:00

...crazy weather

The hail is huge!!!

2011-11-14T15:13:00.001-06:00

Hail on the ground....lots.

2011-11-14T15:12:00.001-06:00

Tornado watch and warning...

2011-11-14T15:11:00.001-06:00

This storm was amazing and the latest in the season. We had quarter size hail....crazy wind and rain...plus of course sirens....all of which really frightened Elise. Atleast this yeas Ben thinks its cool. Ehre is 40 min late from arriving home I am grateful that the school takes extra good care of them on days like today.

Ehre and Elise coloring together...so cute!

2011-11-13T18:29:00.001-06:00

Long day trip to the temple...

2011-11-12T19:15:00.001-06:00

We left at 6:30 and just pulled in at 7:50. The kids were amazing.....but it was nice when they all fell asleep on the ride home. A food friend Dawn came with us, I really enjoyed sitting in the temple with her answering questions, her faith has strengthened my testimony. I wish we could attend the temple more often, hopefully when the Indy temple is done we can.

Ehre's turkey in disguise.....

2011-11-11T09:39:00.002-06:00

We had so much fun doing this!

.

Meeting the pilot.

Becks new baby quilt.

Uneven swollen feet....

I love sugar cookies!

Sleep Buddy

All packed....

Well I wouldn't call it a nap!

Wedding hairbows

If you couldn't tell...

This is NOT nesting...

Such BIG helpers!

Yummy!

Brownie time.....

Eating with the big kids now!

Silver Dipper cake with zanzabar ice cream.....

Happy Birthday #30 Jeff!!!!

Daddy dogpile!

Girls are ready...

2' F

Cream of Broccoli Soup...sounds Great!

I am going to make this for Jeff's birthday dinner with some european hard rolls so yummy esp when today its about 2' outside with the wind.

Cream of Broccoli Soup (Easy)

Ingredients

Directions

Crusty European-Style Hard Rolls

Starter

Dough

Egg wash

Directions

Recipe summary

Tips from our bakers

Not much....

Urim and Thummin Treats

Tower of Babel Cake

Brother of Jared Thumbprint Stone Cookies

Sacred Grove Gumdrop Trees

Awesome Tutorial Site for Sewing Projects

Birdsnest Necklace

New necklace

Bday kisses!

Final image of bday cake for Ehre.

Book of Mormon Challenge

Sick Elise update...

Sick Elise

Now a one tier cake...

Look...what to do?

Cake flop...sorry Ehre

Banana's

Baby hat

To Elise love Ehre

To Ben love Ehre

Dear Santa and Rudolf,

Christmas Eve PJ's

Best laugh in a long time...

Loas Nativity Set

Stinker..

Ben stole my earthly phone....

Old fashioned but cute!

1st haircut in a looong time.

8 years

1 year and 11 days later

Bridals

Engagement photos

Proposal 2003

First box home...

My current project..

Ben's Christmas program.

Live Nativity

8 Happy years!

New piano student.

Amazing...crystal glass song

26 weeks

Update

12 Days of Christmas

Purdue's Christmas Tree

Stuck again..

Ehre totally passed out!

Grades

Sent to you by Anonymaas.Family via Google Reader: