Edith's New Sled (1 of 2)

Edith received a nifty red sled for Christmas from Grandma & Grandpa Leeman. What better time to try it out than on Christmas day, when it was snowing!

Edith's New Sled (2 of 2)

Christmas Movie Marathon

Well, our house has just returned to quiet. We hosted a Christmas Movie Marathon today for the teens and post-high schoolers from church. We started at around 11 a.m. and finished shortly after 10 p.m. We watched Home Alone, Home Alone 2, Holiday Inn, It's A Wonderful Life, and White Christmas. Stacy made delicious rolls for a light, late breakfast, we had pizza for lunch, and snack food (cheese ball, summer sausage, finger sandwiches, and much more) for dinner. We really had a great time.

Joel

Visited by Rollie & Megan (1 of 2)

Okay, so this took us forever to get posted... Back at the end of October, Rollie & Megan had a layover in Minneapolis as they travelled home from visiting Megan's family. We were so happy to be able to spend some time with them. It was a blast; talking, laughing, messing with each other... We thank the Lord that he brought about this opportunity. Can't wait to see you guys again in February!

Joel, Stacy, and Edith

Visited by Rollie & Megan (2 of 2)

Potty Training?

Yes. We have started potty training Edie. Stacy read an article about starting potty training early, so we figured, why not? She has successfully "downloaded" a couple of times on the BIG toilet. We'll be looking to get her a little toilet soon. Next time you see her, feel free to tell her that she is a Super Dooper Pooper! ;)

Joel

Edith's First Giggles

We were able to catch some of her first giggles on video. We hope that you enjoy it! We had a blast hearing her laugh so much all at once. What a blessing from God to have a healthy, happy little girl! Enjoy!


Video:

Football Game

Sam's Football Game

Videos

Here are some videos shot recently. Sorry for the poor lighting; I'll work on that.

Edith
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2445513856706180206

Edith
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6130511705738963814

Boomer
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8877614611732643941

Boomer
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7569265071358709993

Bill's Football Game (1 of 4)

Stacy and I had a lot of fun going to her cousin Bill's football game on Saturday. Bill (#11) is the kicker & punter for the Simpson College (Iowa) football team. Simpson College played Bethel University at Bethel in St. Paul, MN. It was a beautiful day for football and tailgating. It was fun seeing and spending time with Craig, Carolyn, Brittney (sp?), Steve, Kay, and other family & friends that gathered for the game. Edie enjoyed being outdoors, even if it was a little cool for her. We look forward to possibly going to another game. Thank the Lord for football season! ;)

Joel

Bill's Football Game (2 of 4)

Bill's Football Game (3 of 4)

Bill's Football Game (4 of 4)

Bouncy Seat

Edith enjoys her bouncy seat for brief periods of time. She is just starting to be able to touch the floor beneath her and bounce herself. Thanks Jeremy & Chrissy for sharing the seat. We look forward to sending it back your way someday. ;)

Joel, Stacy, and Edie

Update

Hi everybody! Sorry that it has been so long since we've updated the blog. It's been a busy summer and it doesn't look like it will slow down any time soon.

Stacy continues to look for a job that will allow her to bring Edie along. Right now she is keeping busy doing hair, editing photographs, and keeping our home in order (no small task with me around). She has resumed her piano playing responsibilities at church and, it appears, just in time, as we are going to two services next Sunday (9/9). She is very happy that she now has a piano at home to practice on, thanks to the Wiebes (for donating) and John Johnson (for moving). I am trying to get her to start blogging, now that we have the Internet at home, so we'll see when she decides to take it on.

I have been very busy at work. I made a trip to Bowling Green, Kentucky August 13th-15th. We are moving our fulfillment center (warehouse) from here in Eden Prairie to Bowling Green. I assisted the Loss Prevention team there with setting up and training on their new metal detector system. With the fulfillment center move, we've been very busy making preparations and making sure everything is ready to go. I've been told that my job is secure, so I'm not too worried. At the same time, I'm taking the necessary steps to be prepared in case that changes.

Unfortunately, Stacy and I haven't made much progress on our home improvements. We now have a functioning dishwasher and we recently acquired a refrigerator, stove, microwave range hood, and sink and fixtures from Stacy's former employer. Our friends, Luke & Michael Miller, helped us move and install the new appliances. The refrigerator was an extremely tight fit and required the removal of some pieces of trim and a little bit of counter top, but we got it in there. The other refrigerator was moved to the laundry room, just off of the kitchen, and will make for a nice backup or overflow. Thanks to our local Hardware Hank, I was able to get the parts I needed to get the stove hooked up. Stacy is very happy with her newer stove. The old one got moved to the garage for now and we'll have to either find a new home for it or set it out by the curb with a "Free" sign on it. The sink and microwave range hood will have to be future projects, as I don't have the time to work on them now. Besides, Stacy wants the bathroom finished first.

Edith is continuing to grow. I don't remember her exact stats from the last doctor's visit, but it was something like almost 12 lbs. and 23 inches long. She's in the 75th percentile for everything, I think. Stacy dressed her in an outfit that she wore as a newborn and the pants looked like Capri's, so she's definitely growing. She's still sleeping through the night and eating really well. She's not very happy with riding in the car. We attribute that to the 16 hour drive to Ohio a month or so ago. Stacy and I are still smitten with her though.

Well, lots of work to be done, so I'd better get to it. We'll work on being more "on the ball" with updating the blog. Thanks for checking in.

Joel & Stacy

At the aquatennial fireworks in Minneapolis.

Edie getting a bath. She likes bath time.

Sporting a funny smile.

Looking serious, but behaving while Mom & Dad take pictures.

Chris & Kristen's Wedding - Rehearsal & Dinner (1 of 5)

We traveled to Plover, WI (just south of Steven's Point) for Stacy's cousin Kristen's wedding at the end of June. Rollie & Megan traveled with us and we had a great time talking. Chris' parents were so kind to invite us to the rehearsal dinner, where we were able to catch up with the rest of the family. Edith was a trooper during the trip; she slept great, wasn't too fussy, and enjoyed being held by all of her relatives. The wedding was beautiful and Chris & Kristen's goal of pointing the glory to God was achieved. We are so happy for Chris & Kristen and hope they have as much fun being newlyweds, starting their life together, as we did (are?). Congratulations!

Joel & Stacy

Chris & Kristen's Wedding - Rehearsal & Dinner (2 of 5)

Chris & Kristen's Wedding - Rehearsal & Dinner (3 of 5)