Another Basketball Player...

... is on the way!!!  It's true... we're having a BOY in June!

Most importantly, our little boy is healthy as can be.  Our ultrasound technician, who we've worked with since I was pregnant with Lucas, was thorough in checking everything... taking in lots of measurements and answering all of our questions along the way.

Hi, little buddy!

Lucas and Sophie are THRILLED.  We debated whether we'd find out if we were having a boy or girl but ultimately we decided it'd be great for the kids to know.... to help prepare them.  Lucas was immediately excited (ecstatic!).  Sophie took just a second... then squealed, "Yeah!"  We talked to her about how much she loves having a big brother and how fun it will now be to have a little brother.  She's especially excited because now she gets to be a big SISTER and teach her little brother all she knows about cars, doggies, and books.  : )

So thankful tonight.  For this wonderful news.  Couldn't be more excited about June!!  19 short weeks away!

First Project

I've been thinking for awhile that once I finish my Masters I want to tackle a new hobby.  The first thing that came to mind was sewing.  I'd love to make things for the kids and try out some new projects for gifts, the house, and well.. myself.  : )

It's quite fitting that Mom got me my sewing machine... quite frankly because she's a Master Sewer herself.  Eric and the kids surprised me over break and bought my first fabric and basic supplies so that I could make the kids some pillowcases.  The kids even got to pick the fabric out all by themselves. 

 Mom and my friend Debbie both gave me my first lessons... and I'll have to say, it was so exciting!  I finished my first project and was so proud of myself!

Unfortunately, I'm already on a sabbatical from my sewing... at least until my Masters is officially completed.  Then I hope to jump right back in!

My Pals...

The boys were at basketball practice.... so Sophie got to have dinner with her favorite pals...

Speaking of... have you seen THIS commercial?  Eric and I both looked at each other when we saw it for the first time.... it's our Lil' Miss Sophie, all the way.

20 weeks...

**This post is about 10 weeks overdue but a lot of "life" has been happening these past few months to keep me from updating our blog...

As our family looks ahead to 2013 we have so many wonderful and exciting things to look forward to...

1.  I will be finishing up my Masters of Education classes the beginning of March-- which marks the end of a long 20 month journey that I hope to never embark on again (at least in the near future).  Late nights drinking coffee, trips to Starbucks so I can be free of distraction, and numerous papers/presentations... and it's finally almost done.  Through this experience I've learned to better balance my time and I've learned that there's clearly no way I could have finished without Eric's help.  Other than football season, he's been cooking most of the meals, helping with bathtime and bedtime, and keeping the house neat and orderly (because he knows I can't do anything with a mess at arm's length).  So this is a celebration for all of us.

2.  Of course, we always look forward to visits with family and friends.  This year we anticipate trips to Missouri to see Eric's family, and Ohio/Montana to see my family.  This summer we plan on enjoying a longer stay in Montana and taking advantage of some extra time available to us...because of...

3.  June 11th.  There's a reason I've been craving pickles, puppy chow, salami, and pungent-almost-moldy cheese (not all at once, of course).  Lucas, Sophie, Eric, and I are thrilled to have our newest babe looking to join our family early June.  This journey has been marked with excitement, sadness, and all the emotions you can imagine in between.  We have bathed this little one in prayer and are already thankful for the life we'll be expectantly waiting to hold in a few short months.  WE'RE HAVING A BABY!!!!

Boy or girl?  We will most likely find out next Monday.  Lucas wants a boy "to play basketball with".  Sophie wants a girl "to play cars with".  That sounds about right.  :)

No digital pictures of ultrasounds at this point.  Maybe next week.  We have had several ultrasounds already for this little one and are so very thankful she/he seems to be growing and developing just as exptected. 

P.S.- Taking suggestions for yet another new blog title.
P.P.S.- No I will not post pictures of myself.  I just can't do that.  Perhaps one of these days I will as long as I'm not the only one in the picture.

Christmas with Z & Co.

Zach and Amanda's family arrived a few days after Christmas...let the fun begin!

Almost immediately after they arrive Grandpa popped some popcorn and we enjoyed some yummy grape juice together...a fun tradition when we're all together.

 Opening stockings...

 Zara and Sophie working on Legos together...

 Making water cubes with Grandma...

 The grand-kid pic before opening presents!

 Playing dolls with Zara...

 The boys discovered that Grandpa's office was a perfect spot to set up a race track!

 Claire setting up her tea party!

 Watercolors with Grandma

 Saturday we headed to Great-Grandma Rupp's to enjoy some fresh baked bread and time together.

 Waiting patiently (?!) for the cue to dig into the chocolate fountain...another fun tradition around Christmas time.

 The boys enjoying the snow...they went sledding and venturing through the snow several times while we were there.

 Tea party time!

 Fun, fun times, for sure! 
See you guys this summer in MT!

Christmas (Part 3)- At Grandma and Grandpa's!

Christmas morning the kids woke up bright and early (as usual!), woke up Grandma and Grandpa, and we had breakfast and opened presents!

 Sophie, "doctoring" Daddy

 Playing ponies with Grandma

 We had a blast working together to put Lucas's Lego log house together.

Finished product!

 Playing ponies with Grandpa

 Surely some kind of pre-curser to a "beat-up" about to happen!

 Love this pic!

So happy!

 The kiddos put together a big fort/tent in the living room.

 Lucas learned a new game- Rummikub!  He's a fast learner!

 Grandma and Lucas put together this sweet contraption that allowed a wooden ball to follow the tunnel all the way down into a cup at the bottom of the stairs.

 Snuggled up to head outside

 The kids, Eric, Grandma, and Buck took a Gator ride out to the woods to venture around...

 Daddy and Lucas built this igloo together

 Sophie and Grandma had to come and check it out!



More to come... with Zach and Amanda's family included!