My wonderful husband and his crazy sleep.

I love my husband--he loves the Lord, is kind, loving, generous, loyal, a servant a wonderful husband and father, and he's fun and playful.  Since we've been married, he has always been able to make me laugh--even in his sleep!  He's talked and walked and coached and has definitely provided lots of opportunities for entertainment the next morning.  Last night was expecially funny.

In the middle of the night, I was abrubtly awoken to feeling like all of the covers had been taken away and thus very chilly. I felt around me, and couldn't find any of the covers. Then, I looked up to find Benny holding ALL of the blankets (the flat sheet, the electric blanket and our comforter) out in front of him on the other side of the room.
 I quickly said, "BENNY, "  to which he quietly replied (now half waking up) "Yeah." 
"You have all of the covers over there and I don't have anything."
He then attempted to throw all of the covers back onto the bed, but neither of us felt like getting them arranged perfectly, so for the rest of the night we wrestled for the covers. 
We had a good laugh about it this morning.
I love him so much.

The Last Few Weeks

So I've been a huge slacker over the last few weeks...I've been feeling extra tired and a little nauseated here and there...

Yep.  It's true.  Andrew is going to be a big brother!!  I'll be 11 weeks on Tuesday!  We're due September 11th...right at the beginning of soccer season and just a few weeks before Andrew's second birthday.  I need some encouragement from you mommas with kids close in age that I will survive with a newborn and a clingy two year old.

Our good buddy Matty, who played for Benny at Anderson University and lived across the street from us for two years surprised us with this painting shortly after we moved to Virginia.  I know that was several months ago, but we think it's amazing and I wanted to share it with you!  He painted the four states that Benny and I have lived together.  Inside each state, he wrote the city we lived (Branson, Ruston, Anderson, and Bridgewater) and the years we were there.  Behind each state is a map of the city!!  We're so proud to have it hanging in our living room!

Benny and Andrew playing in Andrew's "ball cave" (a Christmas present from my brother).  I tried to call it a "ball house" for a while, but Benny thought that sounded dangerously close to "doll house."  Either way, Andrew loves it!

On Tuesday mornings, a community center in the area opens the gym up for kids under 5 years old for a play time.  They put out tunnels, mats, balls and even a little basketball hoop for parents to bring their kids to play with.  A gal I work with told me about it, and it's been a really fun option for us!  There's always another mom there that I know (either from work, church or the college) and a great way to meet other moms in the area.  AND did I mention that it's FREE?!

The precious little girl behind Andrew is Olivia. Olivia's (and her twin brother Will) dad is the men's lacrosse coach at Bridgewater.

Benny and Andrew watching the horses in our back yard! 

Another nice option during the week...two mornings a week the two libraries in the area have a story time for toddlers.  They sing songs with little shakers (Andrew LOVES to dance!), read a few stories and then play at the end. 

We are SO blessed by Andrew's babysitters.  One of our sweet go-to girls is Laura, a sophomore at James Madison University in Harrisonburg.  She's so great with Andrew, and he loves her!!  She even interviewed to work at Kanakuk this summer and will be working at K-Kountry first term!!  We're so excited for her!!

Helping Mommy clean!

At the beginning of January, Benny went on a trip to Kansas City for a soccer coaching conference.  While he was there, we tried to send him a video every day.  Here's one of the videos we sent!

Christmas in Missouri

We flew to Missouri on Wednesday, December 21st and had a wonderful time! It was fabulous to spend time with family and friends, and to enjoy Christmas Eve service at The Crossing.  We pray that you had a wonderful Christmas as well and are, as we continue to be, humbled and blessed that the Savior of the world chose to come to this earth as a meek little baby so that we could all be saved from eternal separation from our Lord.  Merry Christmas!!

Playing with Daddy at Grandma and Grandpa's.

Liz (bestie since 7th Grade) and one of her little girls, Charlotte.

Andrew's Great-Grandma Meyer. (My Dad Rick's mom)

Benny with our new nephew, Tucker. (My half-sister Crystal's second little boy)

Andrew openining presents from his Grandma and Grandpa and uncle David.

Andrew's Great Grandma and Grandpa Mueller (My biological Dad's parents)

With my Uncle Don (My biological Dad's brother)

With Aunt Pam

Playing with Reid.  (My cousin Andrea's little boy)

Brayden (Andrea's oldest) LOVED the "roller coster" that his aunt Cara and uncle Cody got for him!

My cousins Cara and Andrea with Reid.

My Dad, Mom, Benny, Andrew and David.

Christmas in Bridgewater

We celebrated our family Christmas in Bridgewater on December 20th because we were going to be flying to Missouri on December 21st. 

Before opening presents, Benny reads the story of Jesus' birth from Andrew's Bible.

Enjoying Kanakuk Coffee Cake!

Andrew really enjoyed taking all of the bows off of the gifts.

Andrew loved all of his gifts!!

Overnight Date Night!

On December 15th, Benny and I were blessed to take an overnight trip to Staunton, VA (about 25 min away).  Our wonderful babysitter Laura stayed with Andrew, and we had a wonderful time together--just the two of us! We did a little shopping in Harrisonburg, ate dinner in Staunton, hung out at a cute little coffee shop and enjoyed our free nights stay at the Stonewall Jackson Inn.  Saturday morning we did a little more shopping in Charlottesville before heading home. 

Harrisonburg Discovery Museum

A few weeks ago Benny and I took Andrew to the Discovery Museum in Harrisonburg.  We had a blast, and will definitely be returning!

The TV Station room.

Playing with the green screen.

Train table!

Driving the Thomas train!

Puppet show by Daddy.

Andrew the farmer.

How we discovered Andrew's love for slides!

Christmas Tree Lighting

The Town of Bridgewater had a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony tonight.  I've never been to Rockefellar Center, but I'm sure it was exactly the same as their tree lighting ceremony.