We are so thankful that Joey was able to photograph the kids again. We love our pictures, and don't worry, your copy will be coming in the form of a Christmas card in just a few weeks.

Thankful Thanksgiving

We had an awesome Thanksgiving. We started off our vacation with a day of fun for the kids and I (Matt was already in Hendo helping Barry work on the driveway). We went to see Tangled (fabulous movie, you should go see it!) and to the bookstore. This was our first trip to the bookstore just for the kids. They were in love with their surroundings and spent an hour reading out loud too loudly (I didn't care). We then headed off to spend a few days at Granny's. We so loved getting to see everyone. Mary fixed a feast that we ate off of for days! Black Friday was a crazy experience, but we were blessed to get everything off of our list. And Friday we got to celebrate my incredibly talented, super hot, loving husband's 31st birthday. Oh, and Joey took the kids pictures for our Christmas cards (enjoy!). It was a great holiday week, and I was reminded so many times of how blessed I am on our little journey. We all have so much to be thankful for.

The plus 1 in the Siak 4

I got to go to the doctor today. It was exciting because Ella got to go with me and hear our little precious one's heart beat. I've been feeling the baby move for a few weeks now, and it is especially active at night when I lay down. I try to get Matt to push in on my belly to feel the movement, but every time I do the baby stops moving. The baby did the same thing at the doctors office today! She would find its heartbeat, then it would flip around and she would lose it. You could hear a big boom as it moved away from where she was pushing the doppler. We all got a big kick out of it.

I had the stomach bug last weekend, which helped me to not gain any weight this month. My pound total is at 4 pounds since I became pregnant, which personally I am super proud of. I blame it on the crazy sickness I've had with this pregnancy, but realize maybe it's God's way of helping me stay healthy. I also had 2 cavities filled this morning and a partial root canal (my mouth is not feeling too great today!) and I expected to have high blood pressure when I got to the doctor, but it too was normal! We have two weeks or so until we get to find out if this is a boy or girl growing in my belly and until I reach the half way point in my pregnancy. I am so thankful for this little peanut growing in my belly and can't wait to hold him or her in April. Thanks for praying for my pregnancy, and continue to do so!

Student of the Month

Once again Noah has done it. His great attitude, kindness towards others, and listening abilities have gotten him the student of the month award. A week ago monday we were able to go and watch him accept his award and get his certificate. We are so proud of him!

Best of Friends

Ella is one of Meredith's biggest fans. She loves the moment she walks into the door each week and loves to entertain her all day. I am so thankful to be able to watch Meredith each week, and witness the friendship between two little girls!

Ella's Birthday Party

We got to enjoy spending time with family this weekend while celebrating Ella's and Gabe's birthday. We enjoyed great food and laughter! And we were so glad everyone got to come.

Ella's Hannah Montana Wig!

The delicious cake Mary made for the birthday girl & boy

Love her

The Littlest Steeler Fan!

Ella's long awaited, favorite present... Her DS!

I lOVE their matching Christmas Shirts

The Fabulous Five

We got the first picture of all the Siak cousins at the party!

Cousins

Pajama Time!

Ella got a birthday visit from HannahBeth and Rachel this week. We enjoyed having them come play with us! Rachel and I had a blast looking at old pictures and laughing so hard our pregnant bellies shook. We love them!

Ella is 4!

How quickly the years have flown by! I can't believe my baby is four years old. She is such a joy, a hilarious drama queen, who has such a nurturing spirit, who loves wholeheartedly, trusts completely, sings at the top of her lungs, is always barefoot, a little mommy to babies, a good friend to Sylvie and Carter, a dress-up princess, an expert advanced color-er, the boss (in so many ways), she laughs her daddy's laugh, my little helper, super tall for her age, a chicken nugget addict, and my buddy. There are so many more ways to describe this little light in our life... and we love her to the ends of the moon and back. Happy Birthday sweet Ella.

Chuck E Cheese Part 1

Ella only thinks it is your birthday if Chuck E Cheese is involved. So we invited her friends, Carter, Avery, Owen, and Chloe Beth to join us on Tuesday to celebrate early her big day!

Once again!

Noah has been awarded the Student of the Month for his class. Last month, he received the "student of the week" award. We will get to go to PTO on Monday night to watch him receive his certificate and medal. We are so proud of him!