Happy 2009!

2009 has arrived, and I couldn't be happier about it. I just love the clean-slate freshness of a new year. Don't you? I love being all goofy and getting way too excited each New Year's Eve as we all count down to midnight (Dick Clark, I will always love you.) I love how A and I celebrate each January 1st by adding another year to the "years we've known each other" count (now at 9). I love how a new year reminds me of God's daily mercies in my life, new every morning.

To start things out right in 2009, here's a smattering of photos from our annual self-timer family photo shoot. Granted, these photo shoots are one of the few things in life (along with moving large pieces of furniture and navigating unknown roads in the car together) that truly encroach on the wedded bliss between A and me, but we're always glad we go for it and end up giggling. A lot. And asking Jesus to help us get through it. A lot. I love my husband. Much, much more than Dick Clark.

Happy New Year, friends.

All our love,
B for the whole fam (including the newest little one, due to arrive in June!)

The two winning shots.

And some of the others...


And a few more recent shots:E helping prepare a yummy winter dinner

M working it as a cow in the Christmas pageant at church. She thought it was pretty stinking cool to be up there with all the kids, sharing the good news about baby Jesus. She totally nailed her cow lines, and continues to recite them (as well as other kids' lines) in bed after we've said good night.

Checking out the other livestock

Jingle them bells, baby

M and A's creation: Probby the Snowman (Believe it or not, M was the one to name him. M currently has dolls named Doddi, Toddi, DawnPen, Nan, Baby, Groovy, and Fiona, as well as an in-utero brother or sister name Cellpho. I love my daughter. Much, much more than Dick Clark.)

Family Fun in the Fall

In my efforts to bring this blog into 2009, I present...random photos from our fall 2008 family events.

Before a date with my sweet love. (Thank you, Shauna!)

On Pearl Street, jammin' with the CU marching band before a big weekend game. (Thanks for the photo, Meg.)

For M's birthday, A gave her a nifty little fishing pole. This fall, they made several visits to the catch-and-release kids' fishing pond a few blocks from our house.

So proud of themselves. What cuties.

Whoa there, little fella.

E thinks she might want to try her hand at fishing...

...but then quickly realizes she feels the same way I do about fishing.

With the girls at the fabulous Lohse wedding (from left: Meggan, me, Kelly, Natalie, and Julie)

M's first big climb on her own. Way to go, macho girl!

Another Munchkin Masquerade

For Halloween this year, M was a blowfish (her request many months in advance) and E was a frog. A and I created the blowfish costume together. After many conversations and sketches, I turned a pink sheet from a thrift store into Mr. Blowfish 2008. Very fun. Very what-in-the-world-am-I-doing. E's outfit was purchased at a garage sale for two dollars. Once we put it on her, we realized it was a tad too small, so we cut open the feet and did not make her wear the frog-head hood. Plus, it was blazing hot for the end of October, so she got to John-Travolta-style with her zipper unzipped. Niiiiice.

Playgroup Halloween party

Headed to our fourth Munchkin Masquerade
M with her buddy J, a.k.a The Hulk

Mr. Potato Head and Mrs. Pumpkin with Little Miss Frog and Pinky the Blowfish

She's three!

A few weeks after E's birthday, M hit the big number three. She is our full-of-life, full-of-imagination, delightful little girl who's growing up right before our eyes. She loves asking questions, dancing, and playing with her friends (both kids and grown-ups). M, we love you, precious girl, and we thank God for who He's making you to be.

Swinging with Daddy

On a date with Shauna

Rockin' it Barbie-style (thanks, Jonathan and Brittany, for the Target gift certificate!)Making princess cookies

Much concentration required

A night with Julie!

Love you, M.

That's right, folks. I'm three. (Celebrating early with extended family.)

Helping Mommy make the long-awaited piggy cake

(Thanks, Aunt A, for the last-minute piggy assistance!)

Celebrating with friends.

Happy three-year-old M

She's one!

E turned one. She embraced it wholeheartedly. It's been an amazing first year with you, little girl. We love you and the joy you bring our family. Happy 1st Birthday to you, sweet daughter!

The one-year-old

Hand-lickin' good

She started out with clothes, but, you know...

The aftermath