Sis 2 Sis Gossip

Christmas with Grandma's Chesnut

2011-12-23T22:23:00.000-06:00

Let the celebrating season begin! We had a wonderful dinner with my mom, Grandma, sister and her family tonight. I cooked a turkey and all the fixings. It was so much fun!

We loaded our plates and filled our bellies.

Then after a period of rest... we started playing games. The first was the headband game. Way too funny. Each person gets to ask a question about who/what they are. You go around the circle until someone guesses who/what they are. I think the funniest one was Josh drew "toilet paper".

Then we started playing Christmas Charades. Let's just say mom needs some acting classes!!! Kimi, still not sure how you were able to translate pointing at a dog to get God! We made it through the whole deck of cards.

While we were enjoying the games, the big boys decided we needed to be caroled to. Let's just say American Idol will not be issuing invitations this year!

What a great start to our holiday Season!

Back to School

2011-08-22T22:49:00.003-05:00

The teacher recommended Cade go into our daycare's Kindergarten class

because he was bored with their pre-K curriculum.

After I dropped him off in his new Kindergarten class,

I think I cried as much as I did

when I left him as a tiny baby at daycare the first time!

We plan to do kindergarten again next year,

either back at our old daycare or at our grade school,

but I think Chad will have to do that drop-off.

I'll just sit in the car with my tissues!

HOMERUN!!

2011-06-23T22:16:00.003-05:00

My plan tonight was to get a video of Cade, and I opted to use our camera instead of the camcorder for the technical ease to use afterwards. Well, user error to blame, the video didn't happen...of course when Cade knocks it to the fence on a pretty young, small, and feminine team and they send him ALL.THE.WAY.AROUND...and he slides into home base. IT WAS AWESOME! I'm so proud, I feel puffed up like a tick, and Chad is over the moon!

Here's the really bad video that I got of the second at-bat (and last of the season) which was a TRIPLE! User error with the start of the video and camera stubbornness with focusing at the end of the video...so all you can really tell is how far he hit it as he runs betweens 1st & 2nd.

finally...an UPDATE on cousins

2011-06-22T22:46:00.009-05:00

can't get them to sit still for a picture?? POPSICLES!!

Camden & Ethan @ 1.75 years:

why the looks of disgust??

oh...something over there...

Cade & Brady @ 4 & 5 years:

While the big boys took a quick potty break, the little guys played a game of catch...that actually looked like they knew what they were doing!

OOPS-a-daisy!

2011-05-15T16:41:00.002-05:00

1st t-ball WIN!

2011-04-12T21:40:00.003-05:00

This video is actually from last week's game, but I thought I'd share anyway.

We were excited to get our first real WIN tonight!

Here is the link to my online photo album:

http://gallery.me.com/chadandkimi

Bengi, I welcome your feedback about my novice photography!

Grandpa Jay

2011-03-30T22:48:00.003-05:00

this never happens

2011-03-02T09:16:00.003-06:00

I happen to catch on video the very first time Camden actually blew a bubble!

l.o.v.e.

2011-02-15T08:52:00.002-06:00

it's finally Christmas!

2010-12-27T22:26:00.009-06:00

Santa!

Mommy got some new wheels, too :)

he's such a cutie pie!

Camden's new trick

2010-12-22T23:37:00.002-06:00

this makes me laugh every time!

Christmas Parties

2010-12-20T23:21:00.016-06:00

SANTA!

Camden's class in the Gingerbread Jam school program

Santa's visit to Cade's class

Dinner, play date, & gift exchange with our friends Joseph & Jacob

Church on Sunday

(hey, we're dressed and made it to Church...

...you're asking for tucked-in shirts, too???)

more Christmas FUN coming SOON...

YEA!!!

off to the races

2010-11-30T21:01:00.003-06:00

I'm writing it down as Saturday, November 27th at 14 1/2 months that Camden is walking!

I think it's funny that Friday he wasn't walking, then Saturday he was standing up & taking off.

Well, it didn't take long because THIS is how we spent Sunday:

Cade's 4th birthday

2010-10-25T21:32:00.005-05:00

We started the day with Krispy Kreme doughnuts, spiderweb one, of course.

The #1 thing he wanted to do was go back to Spiderman World, so we did.

Yes, the main inflatable is Batman, but to us, it's Spiderman World. :)

For lunch, we ate a picnic in the park.

Cade made it all the way across these monkey bars without help.

For dinner, the family went to Cade's pick, Chuck E. Cheese.

Even Camden enjoyed (sort-of) some rides!

Then, cupcakes & presents at home, my favorite part. :)

Camden's 1st Birthday Celebration!

2010-09-12T21:01:00.009-05:00

I really wish I had taken a picture of all Camden's family, sitting all around our couch, doing the "hooray" arms back to him after he did this...it was precious...the best gift of all - a big, amazing family who adore my boys!

Thank you all for making Camden's 1st Birthday a fun celebration!

will someone tell us which camera to look at?!

the cake with my too-blue icing

Happy Birthday, Camden.

watch us grow...10 months old

2010-07-28T21:48:00.004-05:00

July 10, 2010

10 months old

April 9, 2010

7 months old

Vacation/Sea Doo

2010-06-28T08:55:00.000-05:00

I made an executive decision this week and decided we weren't going to go on vacation this year. With the money we would spend, I bought two sea doo's.

We took them to the lake yesterday and had a blast. They are two big three seaters so I'm still trying to figure how Tim and Jenni dumped one over. I wasn't around to see it. Jenni was all smiles telling me about it but I got the feeling Tim wasn't as amused.

Oklahoma Heart Hospital carnival

2010-06-27T09:49:00.003-05:00

Instead of the annual company picnic or banquet, OHH holds a carnival during Hospital Week...rides, games, food, sno cones, cotton candy, lots of bottled water & suncreen...all set up in the parking lot.

Luckily my iPhone takes video so I could get a clip of Cade's first ride! The quality isn't great, and I wish you could see the grin on his face. :)

At the start of the video, they are in the cart facing the camera in the middle of the screen. At the end of the video, you can hear Chad "whoa"ing by...

TOO fun!

now you're just showing off!

2010-06-26T07:50:00.004-05:00

Last night was our last t-ball game of the season on the 4-under Super Heroes Team.

We are so proud of Cade, the youngest one on the team!

He's had his moments, and he doesn't always go for the ball...

...but last night he did a little show-boating that was pretty funny.

We were down to only about 7 players, and only 6 who actually stayed in the game.

So Cade got several at-bats.

He decided he needed to go up and hit the home plate with his bat.

Then Coach Zach was trying to teach him to hit the plate then hit his shoes. funny...

Here's the little slugger at bat:

playing 1st base with Coach Zach

rounding 3rd base with Coach Dad

THEN...

Cade, on his own accord, SLID INTO HOME BASE! LOL

TWICE!

No one else has done that this season, it really was quite funny!

worth every penny :)

2010-06-24T22:16:00.005-05:00

have you heard about 'my' birthday/anniversary/mother's day present???

let my 1st pictures speak for themselves...

this one is of Cade running to 2nd base...

...but the best part of the picture is the other team!

LOL

Cade's last t-ball game of the season is this Friday!

Happy Birthday to ME!

2010-06-03T22:46:00.003-05:00

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes!

2nd Annual Summer Get Together!

2010-06-02T16:27:00.002-05:00

OK girls its almost been a year since the great fun we had at Kimi's last summer. We've added an additional two fun loving people to the group and I'm ready for a party. So when will it be good for you guys. June 19 and 20 look open June 25 and 27 and July 10 and 11. We could plan a whole day of fun! If Kimi doesn't want to host we could do it at my house and have Grandma and Grandpa Chesnut come out for a while too. Let me know what everyone thinks!!!!

P S I liked it at Kimi's house!!!! :)

P S S If we start doing this now every summer, just think how big this thing will get when all of our kids start having kids of their own!!! Don't break the cycle the 2nd year girls lets get together!!!!

Jessi's 8th Grade Graduation!

2010-05-19T20:17:00.000-05:00

My first born graduating from Jr. High. She gave the welcome speech and the Salutatorian speech. She did a great job and I am so incredibly proud of her!

Vesta's in Texas

2010-04-11T21:50:00.005-05:00

SEVEN MONTHS OLD!

LOOK AT THAT FORM!

Thank you, Brady, for the Batman mask. I haven't taken it off yet.

SO the hotel thing was a bit of an adventure for all of us.

Getting Camden to sleep was a nightmare for overly-tired Mom, Dad, & Camden. We will have to figure something out before we do THAT again!

The funny thing was how Cade was processing the hotel thing. He was super excited to help pack his suitcase and insisted on rolling it everywhere himself. Then, after we unpacked it in the hotel & were leaving to visit Brady, he said, "We forgot my suitcase!"

Me, "No, we are coming back to sleep here tonight."

Cade, "Will someone take it?"

However, it was GREAT visiting the St. John's...all worth it!

Easter 2010

2010-04-11T21:42:00.003-05:00

6 months old

"Easter Bunny brings money?!"

Our Neighborhood had an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday!

I helped fill & hide the 500+ eggs.

"I thought Mom said she HID the eggs?!"

T-ball, too

2010-04-11T18:37:00.003-05:00

Cade is also playing t-ball this spring. He's the youngest on the 4-under "Super Heroes" team. The Coach recruited Chad to help coach because he has been so helpful at practices organizing some actual skills, like batting. LOL

So far, so FUN! The first game was last Thursday and was full of all you'd expect - playing in the dirt, laying in the infield, picking up your own ball after hitting, running the bases in the wrong direction, players taking off into the stands... It is pretty entertaining!

Here is Cade at short-stop ready to play!

Cade wears #1, aren't they so tiny & cute?!
Proud, proud, proud Daddy!

T-Ball

2010-03-28T21:04:00.002-05:00

Thought you might like some new t-ball footage....

Pics from THE WEDDING : )

2010-03-28T21:01:00.000-05:00

this will make you laugh!

2010-02-24T20:02:00.002-06:00

Haltom City Police

2010-02-21T20:54:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to share with you what Brandon did on thursday....
http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/02/20/1983018/witnesses-who-encountered-man.html
Please remember all the officers that were involved as they are all processing what happened/could have happened.

AND.... It looks like we will be getting a new family member soon!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T21:53:00.005-06:00

love, Camden

since Bengi's has us all going down Memory Lane:

look how far we've come in 5 months :)

and here's Cade on his 1st Valentine's Day...

Abby's Arrival

2010-02-12T23:42:00.000-06:00

Kati you sure have pretty babies!

Mom I don't remember your hair being so long!

I just wonder if Grandma Mim has looked this way since she was born. Thank God for her good genes!

Bob is looking dashing! What an awesome grandfather he has been!

This is my first niece on my side of the family!

Texas Snow

2010-02-12T08:49:00.003-06:00

Grandma Boedeker & Jessi

2010-02-11T22:28:00.000-06:00

Here is Jessi and Grandma Boedeker on Easter.

This is Jessi and Bengi in California for Tim's friend Dean's wedding.

This is Jessi for her first Christmas

I sure miss Grandma. She had her quirkyness. But I'd do anything to have her bugging me to eat something.

Trip to Phoenix January 1997

2010-02-10T21:54:00.001-06:00

Wow love mom's shoes with those shorts. I didn't have any of me I can only imagine what I looked like. Of course grandma mim is dressed so nice as usual. I miss going to Phoenix. Good times!

Kati has always been into cops!

2010-02-09T22:23:00.000-06:00

OK here is the photo I was talking about tonight. Sadly I don't remember much of this night at all and it isn't from alcohol. It is old age!

Sure glad she found Brandon!

Memories

2010-02-08T21:35:00.001-06:00

OK so I have diligently been working on my old photos. I started in 1996 and have scanned in all of the old photos I can find for each year. I had already several years ago seperated the photos by year and by event so that part was already done. I have completed almost thru 1999. I have enjoyed the pictures so much that I thought I'd spend the next few weeks putting a couple on the blog occasionally. I hope they bring as many smiles to your faces as they did mine.

What the heck do I have on?

work 2 days, off 5 days!

2010-01-29T20:47:00.004-06:00

happy little guy!

4 1/2 months old

brrr....

Thursday night after the freezing rain & sleet

finally stopped snowing!

Friday evening

hopefully we will get to play in it tomorrow :)

love, love, love this!

2010-01-14T21:59:00.002-06:00

my new iPhone takes videos :)

Camden & Cade

2010-01-04T16:56:00.001-06:00

OK I tweaked this picture a little. Notice the eyes and the skin.

Thank You, Bengi

2010-01-01T22:52:00.005-06:00

So one of my Christmas traditions is to buy a dated frame ornament for a Christmas picture of our family. You've both heard me say I wasn't too pleased with myself in any of this year's photos, and I just realized all the photos were "landscape" not "portrait" like my frame. So to put 2009 behind us vs. making my family reenact Christmas tomorrow, you'll just have to turn your head sideways when you look at the 2009 ornament on the tree!

Also, you can tell from this year's Christmas card that we had another failed attempt to get a picture of my boys together, even after $100 at a studio. Christmas 2009 was just not a good year for photos for this family...

HOWEVER, Bengi got this great shot of my boys, and it is the best Christmas present of all! THANK YOU!!!

Remember .....

2009-12-30T15:30:00.001-06:00

Do you remember this toy....

I like the new and improved version!

Christmas Cousins

2009-12-28T23:16:00.003-06:00

White Christmas 2009

2009-12-28T22:48:00.004-06:00

We lived the lyrics of "Let It Snow" on this Christmas Eve afternoon!

The frightful blizzard is going on outside in that bright window while Camden naps by the delightful fire!

Here's a picture of our backyard after all the snow.

You can see the snow goes up into the fireplace & has buried our landscape lights!

This window looked bad with the ice & snow forming around the window like the fake spray stuff :) and the drifts as high as that tree.

The front yard

Playing in the snow on Christmas Day

Santa's Helper

Getting ready for bed on Christmas Eve

Oh! The Anticipation of Santa!

Our Santa Baby

Santa Delivered!!

A Crawl & Cruise Jungle toy for Camden and a "tall tower" of presents for us all.

Cade with his Iron Man costume & train table from Santa.

Bleeding Purple

2009-12-22T08:07:00.002-06:00

Graduation was good, it was a little cool out but we still got to enjoy some of the campus as well. Some cute pics.... Go Frogs!!!!

Graduation

2009-12-18T20:58:00.003-06:00

Since you can't make it... I know you will all be sitting around your computer watching!!!

commencement.tcu.edu

It will become active 15 minutes before 1:00.

LOL!!!!

Christmas Program 2009

2009-12-16T23:25:00.000-06:00

Josh was Santa Claus and was absolutely adorable! Jake did well as a soldier too. They both spoke plain and slow in the microphone. It was wonderful! I videod it so we can watch it for Christmas! Just kidding :)!

Thankful

2009-11-28T16:04:00.004-06:00

We are so sad that we couldn't be with you all on Thanksgiving! I recorded what the kids are thankful for, hope you enjoy!

Ehtan 2 Months Pics

2009-11-16T10:31:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Ethan!

I posted more pics on my blog....

2009-11-10T22:13:00.003-06:00

Just wanted to let everyone know...
We are dedicating Ethan on Saturday 11/28 and my graduation is on 12/19. I truly do not expect any one to be at either... but I get in trouble for not telling you guys dates. We will take pictures and share.

Abby tested for her yellow belt and passed with flying colors! So proud of her!

Starting to train for a 5K! It would be fun for all the girls to do a race together!

2nd annual Mii Family Wii Bowling Tournament

2009-11-10T14:51:00.004-06:00

Okay, Sisters, dust off your TROPHIES & start practicing because our bowling tournament is just 2 weeks & 2 days away! (I do expect the trophies to come back to be passed on to this year's winner to be proudly displayed for the year!)

Consider this your invitation to this year's Family Thanksgiving Dinner & Celebration at our house. I plan to start organizing the menu by email later this week. I hope everyone will help prepare the meal by bringing one thing & will share three NEW things that you are thankful for this year!

& DID YOU REALIZE...

this will be the FIRST TIME that all NINE kiddos are together in one place. We are so blessed! What a perfect occasion for that to happen.

I can hardly wait!

11-10-9

2009-11-10T14:37:00.004-06:00

My little cutie pie is growing sooo fast!

Cade would wear this Batman shirt EVERY day if I would let him!

Today he wanted me to take his picture in it. :)

My Little Preteen

2009-11-02T17:29:00.002-06:00

Kinda hard to tell with the dark shirt but we cut about 4 inches off and she has bangs!

Misc Pics

2009-11-01T16:04:00.002-06:00

Trick or Treat!

2009-11-01T14:29:00.004-06:00

Happy Halloween!

lost video

2009-11-01T11:27:00.005-06:00

I don't know why these videos didn't upload to my computer before, but both Cade & I were laughing when we watched this video of Ethan & family's visit earlier this month.

While you can't really see this video, this was one night when Camden joined Cade's bedtime book reading. Cade read our favorite book, Snuggle Puppy, to Camden. awww...

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-01T11:11:00.006-06:00

Trick-or-Treating

Cade's Pumpkin Decorating

Our Jack-O-Lantern

Our Happy Ghost

Buzz Lightyear

Best Friends Woody & Buzz

Sorry, the best video of Buzz was when I forgot you shouldn't shoot video sideways on my regular camera. You'll just have to watch with your head titled. :)

Cade's 3rd Birthday Circus

2009-10-27T23:24:00.010-05:00

I don't know why it's cutting the right side off? So, here's the youtube url:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuXOoX8uIio

Happy 3rd Birthday to Cade

2009-10-20T22:18:00.005-05:00

We started the day with cupcakes for breakfast.

Look at my cutie pie...three years old...I can't believe it!

We spent the morning at Dynamo Gymnastics' Play Zone.

Cade had a ball. Camden slept the entire 90 minutes.

We ate lunch at home & spent the afternoon playing with all Cade's toys & watching his newest favorite movie, Toy Story, again & again.

For dinner, we went to Chuck E. Cheese's.

Cade had a ball. Camden slept the entire time we were there.

(This is the same picture, but I thought it was funny to share!)

He is such a good baby!

Then we came home to sing Happy Birthday, blow out candles, & open presents.

Here's my cutie pie with his Toy Story ball.

He also got a Toy Story remote control car AND...

a REAL Buzz Lightyear!

(The camera batteries died before we got a picture of him, sorry!)

whew...what a day! and we still have his party to go...

See you all at our Circus Party!

cousins!

2009-10-16T13:24:00.003-05:00

YEA! Ethan finally made the trip to Oklahoma! What a cutie pie & oh, so sweet!

and that hair...no fair! :)

Camden (5 weeks) & Ethan (4 weeks)

Brady (2 weeks shy of 4 years old) & Cade (1 week shy of 3 years old)

happy 1 month birthday, Camden

2009-10-10T22:20:00.001-05:00

It sounds cliche, but it really is hard to believe Camden is one month old. Time is flying by, yet I don't remember my life without him in it! Okay, so I do remember the sleep :) but we are so thankful to hold this precious little one in our arms.

Camden finally gets to meet GREAT-Grandma Mim & GREAT-Grandpa Jay!

2009-10-10T21:33:00.004-05:00

After a productive Friday with Chad's help at home & a decent night's sleep, I sent Chad to Norman to enjoy at least one tailgate & football game this season, and I headed to Enid to finally take Camden to meet GREAT-Grandma Mim & GREAT-Grandpa Jay.

Grandma was just thrilled to hold & rock & cuddle & coo our little Camden. Camden is her 13th or 14 great-grandbabies, so she definitely has the touch! He really doesn't ever just cuddle up on anyone's shoulder when he is fussy, but she had a way to get him to settle in. *awww* So sweet!

BUT seeing the tears in Grandpa's eyes when he got to hold Camden... *gulp* These are the moments I'll never forget.

So those weren't the only times I was choking back tears during our visit:

When Cade spilled his chocolate milk on their carpet while I was nursing, I wanted to cry.
When Grandma & I were 'fighting' about which of us shouldn't be on the floor cleaning it up... really!
When Cade knocked over the glass tree and the glass vase 2 times on their glass coffee table... Poor Cade, he really was good while we were there. It's just that, as I told Kati, I felt like a bull in a china 'shop'. (How is THAT, Abby?)

There isn't much I can think of to take to entertain Cade for very long at their house. Fortunately, he loves going for a 'ride' with Grandma. Thankfully, she (acts like) she loves doing it. The basket under her seat works great for some make-shift basketball, too. He also gets a big kick out of using their pole-grabber-thingies, too.

I just hope they use a full bottle of Lysol & Clorox wipes on EVERY surface after we go. :(

Here's the other funny thing: I had to take a picture of all the stuff I was taking for our day's outing. Actually, I thought I did pretty well, but it did take 2 diaper bags: one with all the basics & the other for major problems.

I think, though, I'm passing my over-packing habit on to Cade. He needed two stuffed toys, two sport's gear (football/helmet/jersey & baseball/glove), two movies (we watched neither), colors (he didn't do that either), & snacks (we didn't eat those). :)

Okay, I had to insert some humor for you, it really wasn't too bad at all. Camden slept in the car all the way both ways, & Cade slept part of the way both ways, too! Although I'm sure even if they had both screamed the entire time, it would've still been worth it. It was a great day & an awesome trip.

Dimples!

2009-10-01T18:46:00.003-05:00

I caught a pic of his dimples & had to share...

Thought this was a good pic of our little sweetie pie...

Update on Camden

2009-09-28T15:13:00.003-05:00

Well, hello! I am finally finding time to catch up. I'll try to add some real updates later. For now, the pictures will have to do...

not yet loving bathtime, 6 days old

finally caught him with his eyes open at 10 days old!

so tiny in his car seat at 11 days old:

more & more awake time at 12 days old

first OU game watch party with Mommy

while Cade & Daddy went to the game, 19 days old

Cade's 1st OU game

2009-09-28T11:49:00.005-05:00

September 19, 2009

Brady/Abby Tae Kwon Do

2009-09-23T19:24:00.005-05:00

The kids started Tae Kwon Do and thought ya'll might enjoy some of their training.

Home

2009-09-20T10:06:00.003-05:00

Well we got to come home yesterday afternoon! First night was full of peeks into the bassinet but Ethan is doing really well! I know night one.... wait a week! The biggest issue was trying to figure out how to get in and out of my bed. A step stool and some pain pills seem to have worked and it felt nice to be in my own bed! I have been having pain on my right side which seems to be getting better but I don't remember having it with my other ones. Brady and Abby are enjoying Ethan. Today Abby held Ethan while I took a shower. My goal today is to take a family picture and some more with Abby but here are some more pictures!

Some Pics of Ethan

2009-09-17T08:32:00.002-05:00

Welcome Ethan James St John

2009-09-16T22:25:00.000-05:00

It took about 10 shots to catch his eyes open. He was occasionally opening them but I was usually too slow.

Here he is all wrapped up snug as a bug.

This is Abby and Brady's first look at their baby brother Ethan.

I think they are pretty excited that he is finally here.

Kati, I am so sorry I couldn't stay longer and get more pictures. Please please please upload yours to Kimi's sis2sis room on the snapfish website. She said you hadn't signed up yet but please do so I can get pictures of each of you with Ethan and a family shot and a kids shot. He is so precious. I can't wait to get to hold him. Love you all!

Jenni

2009-09-14T15:14:00.001-05:00

Here is the before and the after on one of Jenni's pictures.

I really love doing this. I think it looks incredible if I do say so myself!

Big Brother

2009-09-14T14:38:00.000-05:00

How's this for a gorgeous shot! I wish the blanket on Camden had been down a little.

Mom and her boys!

2009-09-13T21:52:00.000-05:00

Ok so I have literally sat on the couch all day trying to learn as much about Photoshop as I can. Now I'd like to say that I learned this and was able to create this portrait on my own but I downloaded some actions from Pioneer Woman. They work awesome.

Camden's at home!

2009-09-12T20:53:00.000-05:00

We came down to the city so the kids could meet their new cousin. They were released from the hospital today so we gave them time to get home and get settled and we stopped by. Jenni was in love with Camden. She talked and talked about him on the way home.

Welcome Camden Hugh Vesta

2009-09-10T21:53:00.000-05:00

Isn't Kimi just glowing! This is minutes after Camden was born

Here is Cade holding Camden for the first time!

What a sweet baby boy!

Here he is without his blankets. We were trying to wake him up to eat again.

Cade just kept kissing Camden on the head and was constantly wanting to hold him.

What a proud daddy!

What a beautiful family!

Cade and his baby brother under mom's careful supervision.

Baby Vesta's Room

2009-09-08T22:18:00.007-05:00

I ran to Kimi's after Jessi's ballgame. We took some pictures of the nursery and a few of her belly. This is one of my favorites.

not even my own mother...

2009-09-07T21:48:00.003-05:00

I think this is a funny story, so I have to post, sorry Mom. :)

So, Cade & I went to Church Sunday morning while Chad was moping his way home from Dallas. :) I wore my favorite maternity dress on this last pregnant Sunday; I was trying my best to "glow" and NOT waddle. I was late getting into the sanctuary, so I didn't sit in mid-front with Mom (thank goodness) but mid-back with maybe a couple dozen people behind me, plus the balcony. OH, and it was communion Sunday, so I joined the congregation as we filed to the front to take communion. They do split the sanctuary, so I only had to go to the middle of the church, but this now means that everyone in the back half of the church had the opportunity to see me. Then, church is over, Mom sees me & goes with me to get Cade. We visit with the teacher & make our way through the 11 am service crowd & out the door.

Next, I decide to stop by Babies R Us to see if by chance the monitor I have been wanting is back in stock. Yes, in luck, they have them! YEA! So, I pay for my monitor, in front of probably 4 people in the lines behind me. As I turn to leave, the girl my age with her 2 year old asks me if I realize the top button of my dress is undone?!

To get the picture of this, my dress zips up the back and then has a little key hole opening with a faux diamond closure. Yes, I had a hard time zipping it up and decided not to attempt the hook & eye that I thought was at the top. Oh, and yes, I stopped checking out the rear view in the mirror a couple trimesters ago. :) This means there were 2-3 inch gaping flaps at the top of my pretty dress.

Okay, so I spent the entire morning surrounded by Godly people who were just preached to encourage one other, yada, yada, yada... and not one of them spared me the embarrassment of walking around undone. :)

I had to share what I thought was a funny story. It really wasn't a big deal, but I thought it was classic that it took another Mom, not my church family, to help me out. Hope you had a great weekend & didn't go out in public with YOUR clothes undone.

Does anyone check my blog?

2009-09-06T10:54:00.003-05:00

I have left four posts and no one has commented. I'd really like feed back on my pictures. It is the only way I will get better.

www.bengiann.blogspot.com

St. John Update

2009-09-03T18:05:00.002-05:00

Abby is enjoying and doing well in 5th Grade. She asked me if we could go buy her a flash drive... Can you believe it! We didn't even have a computer in our house when we were in 5th grade! She is grown up sooo much! We started trying new dance studios last night and she seem to have liked it. So we will see! Bengi you will be proud she is asking to play Basketball!

Brady is enjoying school as well. He has a girlfriend : ) He He! But he loves going and seem to be learning so much ... He just growing up, too! T-ball should be starting soon! BUT he is really ready to be a big brother! He talks about Ethan all the time and is ready to help change diapers. We have discussed how he can hold a rag over Ethan’s little peepee while I am changing the diaper! LOL!!!!

Ethan is hanging out and kicking mom! Had an appointment today everything looks normal so we are still waiting for the 16th for his big day!

Brandon is being supper supportive and been working hard at home and work! (I think we are all ready for Ethan!) We have had I think 3 fantasy football drafts (one at the house) and 1 more I know of this Saturday. So he is READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!

I am making it! Have ton and half to do at work but I am getting to the point of what gets done will and the rest will just not! Everything I can think of to do for Ethan has been done so just waiting. Hair appointment Saturday and will have to look into a massage sounds wonderful!

3 day weekend, 4 day work week, 2 days off, 2 days of work then ETHAN!!!

last week of work!

2009-08-31T23:12:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to post as I feel like the real countdown is on. This is my last week of work, and I have all office time to wrap up a few big projects. The stress to get it all done! I also updated the blog background again - more blue! If you don't like, of course you can change.

Today, Chad surprised me with a Pregnancy Massage at my favorite Renaissance Salon. It was soooo wonderful! I should have come home all relaxed & stayed in bed for the next 10 days. :)

Kati, I don't know if you are having this unseasonably 'cool' weather in Texas, but it has been gorgeous here. I say 'cool' because everyone says it feels cool, I just feel normal...I probably need freezing temps before I'll perceive it to be cool. :) Don't get me wrong - I'm loving it, & I'm so thankful to not be miserably hot & sweaty these last few days.

Alright, I'd better get to bed so as not to ruin all the good things done by the massage by sitting in this desk chair way too late into the night.

Have a great week & wonderful 3-day weekend!

Where's the Fire?

2009-08-29T20:36:00.001-05:00

you messin' with ME?

2009-08-25T21:17:00.003-05:00

If Cade didn't learn so many GOOD & NICE things at daycare, this wouldn't be so funny...

How are my baby sisters?

2009-08-25T10:19:00.002-05:00

Just hadn't seen anything from you guys for a while. I'm just wondering how you are both doing? Are you guys ready for the babies! I can't wait. My camera batteries are charged!

Class President

2009-08-22T17:16:00.002-05:00

Jessi was voted class president for her 8th grade class. Which means she has to give a speech at graduation. I am so proud of her! I believe her graduation will be Monday May 17. It's not on the calendar yet but that is the Monday before school is out on Friday. I'll let you know for sure when I do. I just wanted you to save the date. Your presence is REQUIRED!!!!!! (Please :) )

Trip daily logs done

2009-08-16T18:41:00.002-05:00

I finished the Yellowstone trip on my blog. I didn't know if anyone watched it or not.

Jessica's Softball Game

2009-08-15T12:34:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to give you a heads up. Jessi has a softball game in Cashion on September 8 at 4:30.

Now I'm sure Kimi won't be doing anything that day and all she would want to do is spend the afternoon out in the heat watching a softball game since baby Vesta will be here two days later. Ha Ha

But I thought since it was close maybe Chad could bring Cade or Mom might want to come.

Back to School 2009

2009-08-13T15:18:00.004-05:00

It's already here! The first day of school! The kids were up early and dressed in their new school outfits. I just think they are adorable.

Jessi started eighth grade and what is i'm sure going to be a trying year for her.

The boys are in fourth grade.

Jenni started 2nd grade!

33 week ultrasound

2009-08-11T21:10:00.007-05:00

We had our last appointment with the specialist today.
We got one great pic of his little face. He has his knee up in his face.

The images are so clear, it's amazing, and this is a scanned original!

It is crazy how much he looks like Cade in these pictures!

Here's Cade's 34 week 3D ultrasound:

He agreed the risks of waiting outweigh risks of delivering at 37 weeks.

SOOO... we are scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2009!

33 weeks

2009-08-11T20:59:00.003-05:00

The last belly shots!!!

Next we'll picture the baby boys together to watch them grow.

Baby Vesta Shower

2009-08-09T17:39:00.006-05:00

What wonderful friends you have Kimi! It was so lovely. Everything was beautiful! Even YOU! I love these shots of you but this one is my favorite shot of the day! I was going to the invitation in focus and the background blurred. I think it turned out perfect. I hope you like it!

These are all SOOC (Straight out of camera) I didn't crop or adjust any of the images. I forgot where you sent me the info so I can upload all the photos so everyone can get them. Is it flikr? Call me or text me the infor and I'll get them up ASAP.

Neat Picture

2009-08-08T22:42:00.002-05:00

Tim put up some lights outside on the deck. Jenni and the boys were swimming tonight and I had my camera out. I was experimenting with some night shots. Didn't this one turn out cool. I slowed the shutter speed way down so you see her in motion.

Ethan's Pictures

2009-07-22T22:31:00.001-05:00

Here is the pics we got... Can't wait to hold him!

September 16, 2009

2009-07-09T13:47:00.002-05:00

If everything goes as planned we will be going in on September 16, 2009 to bring Ethan James into the St. John Family!

little brother

2009-07-08T22:13:00.008-05:00

We had our follow-up ultrasound today. Everything with baby looks great. He measures about 2 pounds, 13 ounces. For the placenta previa issue, the MD is now calling it a vasa previa, meaning there are blood vessels in a membrane between lobes of the placenta across the cervix. So, continuing close follow-up & will have to discuss with my OB in a couple weeks. Besides the office running about an hour behind, Cade did really well. He was really excited to see pictures of his little brother.

Here are a few pics of his face. Most of the time, he was snuggled up with the placenta so we didn't get too clear of shots of his face; the fuzzy blobs covering the top part of his head in most of these is the placenta.

foot

legs

profile

For fun, here's the link to Cade's 3D ultrasounds: http://www.chadandkimi.com/baby/

Cookout Book

2009-07-06T19:52:00.003-05:00

OK I finally put the pictures from the cookout together and ordered one of those photo books. This Eurobook place from my dotphoto account had a sale last month so I thought I'd try one. It looks so cool. I'll bring it with me next time I come that way.

It is so good to have Bob along with us too. Mom have you been holding out our blog from him. We've been doing this for over a year now haven't we?

Don't forget to watch www.bengiann.blogspot.com for daily updates to our vacation to yellowstone. I think I have it figured out how to post from my phone to the blog in case we are somewhere that doesn't have internet. I am afraid however the two nights we are in Yellowstone we won't have phone coverage there either. YIKES!

3rd Trimester

2009-07-05T21:40:00.005-05:00

For those of you who can't keep track (as if the baby tickers on the side aren't enough - Ha Ha Ha), Friday & Sunday marks 28 weeks for Kati & I, respectively, which is the official (?) start of the 3rd trimester. YEA! Oh, but if you thought we were complaining before...just hold on!

I just updated the July 4th background, but please feel free to select something else you like. I've also removed the annoying playlist.com music. If anyone liked it, you are welcome to add one back. After a while, I found it annoying...did I mention I'm beginning the 3rd trimester?! :)

from Grandma Mim

2009-07-05T21:36:00.002-05:00

a memorable 4th!

2009-07-05T15:18:00.007-05:00

Seriously? Raining on the Fourth of July?! This will be one to remember.
I am NOT complaining, I was afraid I'd be M.I.S.E.R.A.B.L.E in the heat, so this was the year for it to happen.

We had a fun day, but it certainly wasn't like any other July 4th! We went to the pool around 11 for a couple hours; of course Cade didn't notice or care the water was COLD or that it sprinkled off-and-on while we were there. We did a double-take when the tornado siren testing at Saturday noon began. :) We grilled hot dogs for lunch, then Cade & I napped to get ready for the late night.

I know you make fun of me & my Edmond LibertyFest fascination, but that's where I wanted to go for some kid-friendly fun...like the Garber community festivities that looked so fun! Chad & I finally agreed on the plan to go for a bit & have dinner & watch some early fireworks, then spend the rest of the evening at our neighbor's, where I wasn't sure we could see fireworks enough for Cade to care.

We arrived on UCO campus for LibertyFest around 6 & had some free watermelon. Chad, being a better parent than I, even took Cade to the porta-potties to keep up with our potty-training success; if it were me, I'd let him go in the pull-up instead of stepping foot in one of those. *LOL what's wrong with me?* Next, Cade got a fake tattoo & backed out after standing in line for two of the giant inflatable slides. *Apparently he got Chad's bad influence of the tattoo & my bad influence of fear of big, scary rides. LOL* Of course he said he wanted to try the swings ride *I can't watch!* with the gi-normous line. *ugh* While they waited, I decided to get our Earl's Rib Palace chopped BBQ beef sandwiches & waters. *Those clouds over there don't look good, I wonder which way they are moving, & I wonder if THAT is what a wall cloud looks like?* Getting dinner, two workers also in line said storms in El Reno heading NE. *lovely* As I head back to the family, the crowd begins to scramble. Everything was being shut-down because of the lightning. It was almost a mass panic mode because you heard people saying "tornado!" & pushing to get out the gate from the area where they had rides. I put the food in my giant bag *glad now that I lugged it around*, Chad put Cade (crying to ride the swings like any 2-year-old being tortured :) that way would do) on his shoulders, and we headed back to our car. We parked CLEAR across the UCO campus where we thought we had a good spot for the fireworks show. The picture I took on my iPhone as we were scrambling isn't clear, but you can sorta make-out the scary-looking sky. Chad jogged some of the way, I just huffed & puffed walking as fast as I could. *Speaking of not having pictures of something funny, Bengi.* There weren't any campus buildings open, and I'm sure if it were a real storm in the area, our car wasn't the safest place to be. I just knew our time at the LibertyFest was over for the night & wanted to get to our car. It was about 7:30, and we made it right before it started raining. *lucky* We ate our dinner while we decided if we should wait for fireworks here. *2 hours entertaining Cade inside this car, I don't think so.* So, we just headed over to the neighbors. Our neighborhood isn't a front-row seat to fireworks, but we could see a lot of different ones really well. Cade enjoyed the fireworks, which I had my heart set on him seeing them, so I was relieved. He did great, & we stayed until 10:30! There was another 3-year-old, but she wasn't too great at playing catch. *girls!* He also didn't understand why they didn't have toys upstairs, and I was in awe of all their fancy decorations, for example a small table in the bathroom with two tall candles & a decorative plate. *oh, yeah, their girls are 15 & 12...I guess with 2 boys, it'll be 18 years before I have break-ables in my home again...and it looks like any babysitting they do will have to be at our house! LOL* It all worked out, and like I said, made for a memorable Independence Day. :)

I'm sure it was gorgeous & sunny at Dad's house for the Fireworks Extravaganza that we all bailed on this year. :( Looks like everyone had a great day, but it just isn't as fun as getting together with you all!

4th of July!

2009-07-05T10:10:00.001-05:00

Be sure to check out my blog at bengiann@blogspot.com to read all about our day. Didn't want to post it twice so just thought I'd put the link in.

Kimi did you ever reemail me the link or whatever where I can upload pictures.

Hope everyone had a nice day!

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-04T08:27:00.002-05:00

Hope you all have a great holiday! We are planning on just hanging out here at the house. Might go shopping : ) We went swimming yesterday and it was too hot for that even so I am looking forward to some air conditioned activities. Anyway Happy 4th!

27 weeks

2009-06-28T22:54:00.003-05:00

Just as a reminder...here's 22 weeks: