First Hair Cut

We finally caved in and decided Beau should have his first hair cut.  We were a little apprehensive at first, but once we saw how adorable his hair cut looked, we loved it!  I thought for sure Beau's curls would be gone---was I ever wrong!  His hair is even curlier now :)  Thank you Amy for doing such a great job and having patience for our little Beau-man!

Before....

The first cut!

Doing such a good job holding still!

After!  It looks so good!  It was past his bedtime here, so he was so worn out, but was definitely a trooper!

Forever Grateful

This morning as I was getting ready to go to work---yes I had to work on Saturday for a make-up snow day, ugh!---I was looking out the windows in the living room and the view was just amazing.  Fresh, white snow covered the ground and the sun was just glistening.  This made me realize how blessed Joe and I truly are, and I never really expressed my gratefulness enough about our new house.  All of our parents played a huge role in helping us get moved in to this house and I truly am grateful.

Mom and Dennis--thank you so much for helping make our house beautiful!  Mom you did an AMAZING job on our woodwork and I know no one could have done a better job!  Dennis, thank you for letting mom be gone so much to work at our house when she could have been home helping you in the field, etc.  Thank you!!!

Dad and Shari--thank you so much for helping out by watching Beau while we moved in or worked at the house, for helping us clean, and dad for helping Joe build the house!  Whenever we needed someone to watch Beau for an hour or a night, you two were there always willing and wanting to help.  Thank you, both of you!

And last but of course not least, Scott and Michelle---where do we even begin thanking you two??  You two have been so amazing to us and so generous, we will forever be grateful to you.  You have made an amazing, beautiful house for us and I still am in awe as to how gorgeous it turned out!  I know we can be bad at thanking you and showing our appreciation, but know that we truly are and  I know we are so blessed to live in a house like we do! 

And of course, my wonderful husband.  Joe, you have spent so much time and so many late nights working on building this beautiful new house that has become our home.  I know it was hard on you to be gone from us, but Beau and I are so grateful to you!  I don't know of many husbands that can build their family a house like this---you and your dad are the most talented and gifted men I have ever met!  I love you and am forever grateful that God blessed me with you.

1st Time Sledding!

Yesterday, Joe told me he found his old sleds at the plant and wanted to take Beau and Banx sledding.  It ended up being the perfect day to go sledding, there was plenty of snow, we had a steep hill, and it wasn't too cold for the kids.  Banx didn't know how she felt about it at first, but once she saw Beau having fun, she had fun too!  Beau absolutely LOVED it!  In fact, when we brought him inside, he just screamed, cried and stared at the door forever because he wanted to go back out.  I think we found a new, fun activity for Beau!

The Chaos Continues...

Having Beau and Banx everyday after school has been so much fun.  Yes, they get into EVERYTHING, but I love how close they are to one another and have so much fun playing together.  The "truck" has been the highlight of their playtime lately, and they know they need to take turns driving it and giving each other rides.

Beauty Salon: Day 2

Mary sent me these pictures Wednesday.  She said Kate wanted to do Beau's hair, and he let her!  She told me that Beau was just smiling and giggling the whole time.  I hope he was letting Kate do his hair because he was getting attention from a girl, not that he likes his hair in a ponytail! :)

Even though Joe does not approve of Beau's hair here, it is quite the adorable picture :)

Man Day!

A couple of weekends ago, Natalie and I went to the play "Spank" in Des Moines----it was hilarious!  Since we were having a girls night out, that meant the guys stayed home to watch Beau and had a "Man Day".  This was how Joe and Pat decided to dress Beau for the man day at home while grilling and doing "man stuff" (that's what they told me).

More Pictures of Beau at 1 Year Old

Here are just a few of the wonderful pictures Amy took of Beau for his 1 year....

Little Mr. Photogenic!

Amy Doerring, who has been Banx and Beau's photographer since they've been born, surprised Joe and I with a fun piece of news two nights ago----Beau won 1st place at the Professional Photographer's Convention for "Little Mr. Photogenic"!  I LOVED the picture Amy submitted.  We had no idea she was even using Beau for the contest until she told us he WON.  Of course we think Beau is adorable, but I must say, Amy takes the most amazing and beautiful pictures of any photographer I have seen.  If you ever need pictures of your children, family, maternity, etc, please look into Amy Doerring Photography!  She is simply amazing!  Thank you, thank you Amy!!!!

Valentine's Day 2013

For Valentine's Day this year I felt extremely blessed just as I did last year.  Not only did I have Joe as my true Valentine, but I also had my handsome son to be my "date".  Of course Beau had to dress up to impress the "ladies" at daycare :)  We had a lovely day at home while Joe cooked an amazing meal for us and then we spent the next night celebrating with just "mommy/daddy" time while going to the REO Speedwagon concert with my twin cousins.  We all had a wonderful time and are already planning the next concert to attend together :)

Real Men Wear Pink

Last night, our church had the PowerKids Valentine's Day dance.  Beau is not quite old enough yet to join, but since he usually goes every Wednesday to see his Nana in the kitchen, he thought he could go tonight too :)  He was dressed to impress, and ready to dance!  He completely wore the attitude of "real men wear pink"!  He was hysterical and had so much fun dancing/running around :)

He LOVES to pose for pictures :)

He's even starting to say "Cheeee"

Play Day at Nana's!

Saturday, my mom watched Beau for us while we finished up moving/cleaning things out of our old house (it seems like it is a project that never ends!).  Beau had a blast at Dennis and Nana's house!  Of course Nana cooked a massive breakfast for him, she took him to the shop to see the new tractor, he got to ride the gator (his favorite thing to do) and rode the mini-combine.  Needless to say, Beau had his fill of "farming" in for the day :)

Super Bowl Party 2013!

This past Sunday, we hosted a Super Bowl party at our new house.  It was a great way to break in the new place! :)  Luckily, there were no spills on the carpet, so we are doing good so far!  Even though the adults had a wonderful time, I think the kids had an even better time.  Emmy, Banx and Beau didn't know what to do with themselves running around like crazy and showing off for everyone.  We can't wait to do it again next year!

Let the Play Dates Begin!

Brook started her new(old) job with the state this past Friday, and I couldn't be more happy/proud for her!  Beau is also excited for his Aunt Brookie because this means Banx gets to come home with us after I get out of school for a couple of hours.  They LOVE playing together.  I cannot wait to capture all of the crazy pictures and videos from the chaos these two will cause together :) 

Banx decided she wanted Beau to drive her around the house :)