it's been awhile

WOW, I forgot all about my blog. I bet everyone else has too. So my last post was in August a lot has been going on in our life since then. Justin turned 4 in Sept. and Brandon turned 7 in October. For Brandon's birthday we decided to make a addition to the family... no not that, we got a puppy! Brandon named her Maggie, she is very cute and really annoying! But we love her anyway.
The boys are both in school, Brandon goes all day, 5 days a week of course and Justin goes all day, 4 days a week. I thought with the two of them at school so much Austin and I would have all kinds of time to play and clean and whatever else, but so far we haven't really had a chance to do those things, we've been really busy. I don't really know what we have been so busy doing but we never seem to be home during the day. Austin is so cute and so sweet! He is now about 17 months old now and just barley walking. He is also starting to talk a little. He says the usual things, mama, Dada, baby, etc. It's so cute, I just love that little booger.

Justin is talking more too. He is finally to the point that I think most people and understand him. He really loves star wars and spider man these days. He also really seems to like school and is doing really well. I hope things continue to progress with his therapy.

Then there was Brandon... what can I say about Brandon? He is in the 1st grade this year and seems to like it. He is taking piano lessons, and really likes that too. He learned how to play Jingle Bells that has been a lot of fun! That is also the only song Justin wants to sing these days, I'm getting a little sick of it. Brandon also is in the little prep choir at church and has been learning so much about music and singing. So we are keeping him busy, wait turn that around, he is keeping us busy. He is also really excited for baseball season to start up, he hasn't stopped talking about baseball since the season ended last spring. He has a great memory, too bad that's not always such a good thing. I think we have a great winter and spring to look forward to.

Well I think that's all. Like I said we always seem to be busy but I don't really know with what. I will try to be a better blogger.

Here a few pictures from the past few months...

Justin lightyear on his birthday

Brandon with Maggie the day we got her

Brandon's birthday party

the Christmas tree dance

Christmas morning!

Austin's 1st birthday

Grandma and Grandpa Gildehaus came to visit!

Danny's parents came up for a short visit about a week ago. We had a great time as usual, they got to spoiled the kids as usual. Here are a few pictures from when we took them to Rocky Reach Dam.

July 4th at Walla Walla park

Fireworks at the park!

The Keifenheim family enjoying the show

Poor Austin was tired
Justin really liked the fireworks!

Cell phone or Bible?

I got this email from a friend and I really like it...or do I? It really made me think about my priorities.


Ever wonder what would happen if we treated
our Bible like we treat our cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go....hmm......where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone,
we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected
because Jesus already paid the bill.
Makes you stop and think, where are my priorities?
And no dropped calls!

Back yard camp out

We decided to have a little back yard camp out tonight. We had such a good time just hangin' out with the kids. Danny put up a tent and is sleeping outside with the kiddos. We even had a little camp fire and made smores.

Hair cut

Justin got his summer hair cut last weekend. He HATES having his hair cut so it only happens about twice a year. It's not easy for any of us, but it got done and that's all that matters. It made me a little sad to see all the hair go, it was so cute. Now that it is short he looks a lot older.

BEFORE (This picture is from a couple of months ago so his hair was a little longer)

AFTER