The Teini Family

A Brown Christmas

2012-01-08T20:51:00.000-07:00

With most people a white Christmas is alway nice. Cool temps, snow on the ground and some sleding round out the Christmas season. This year however there is no snow and unseasonably warm temps. Anyway we headed to Sheridan for Christmas this year and had a really good and relaxing time at the Teini's. Although Stephannie got sick while we were there and did not have as good of a time as she expected it was still great. We had good food and also got to see my brother which was nice. Also as the kids get older the Christmas season is more and more fun. They enjoy opening gifts, eating and just playing with family.

Kendall at her Preschool Christmas play.

Opening some gifts before we went to Sheridan so we had enough room for everything.

Making Santa some cookies.

Cookie Time.

Steph working on her cookie.

Eating a cookie!

Christmas eve pajamas.

Cookies for Santa.

Vegi's for the raindeer.

My Dad's Christmas tree.

Christmas morning.

Showing Grandma her new doll.

Raviolli Time!

Sisters.

Helping Grandpa eat some ice cream.

Painting at Grandmas.

Christmas is Upon Us!

2011-12-18T21:45:00.000-07:00

One thing Stephannie and I can always agree on it that Christmas time is our favorite holiday and as soon as Thanksgiving gets it's day we start to set up for Christmas. Now that the kids are getting older they are also getting into the swing of things and that just means for fun for all of us. Enjoy the pictures and have a Merry Christmas...see ya all after the holiday.

So we are cool parents, we let the kids "move" and the took everything out of Kendall's room and put it in the living room.

Hanging up ornaments on the tree.

All of Santa's little helpers.

Haning out on the box.

The final touch, star on the top.

Family picture at church.

Brinley wanted to make a Lego tower/house, so over the course of a few days this is what we made. It was cool and Brinley loved it.

Now it was time to tear it down...at first when I told them they could they were a bit hesitant but they went after it.

Closer to distruction.

Almost there.

Hanging out on the couch.

My beautiful, magnificent and lovely wife, with our baby on the way.

Time to enjoy the nice weather and play in the snow and have some fun.

Pulling Brinley on the sled. Not sure home much longer this is going to happen due tot the fact that Brinley is almost bigger then Kendall.

Me and my girl.

Kendall Turns 4

2011-11-30T21:07:00.001-07:00

Kendall turned 4 on November 18th, can't believe it has been that long since we first brought her home. We had her 4 year well check last week and she finally had a bit of a growth spurt with growing 3 inches since last year and is now 28 lbs.

Kendall continues to be independent, wanting to grow up much faster than I would like her to. She no longer wanted to wear pull ups to bed right as she turned 3 and has only ever had an accident once. Recently she told me that she no longer needed the rail on her bed, despite my telling her that she could fall out I came in her room to see her pulling it out herself. And I frequently hear "no mom I can do it myself."

She also continues to be a great big sister. She is helpful and kind and talks to Brinley like she is 20 and Brinley is a baby, she puts her hands on knees bending over and will say in a little voice "what do you need honey."

She also started preschool this year and absolutely loves the projects, feild trips, and music class.

We cannot deny that this little tiny girl has changed our lives in such a wonderful way.

Derek was able to take the day off for Kendall's birthday so we could spend it together as a family. Kendall had asked for waffles and peaches for her birthday dinner, but didn't eat much since since ended up with a fever. Thankfully her fever was gone the next day for her party so we were able to celebrate with a couple of friends and my parents.

Derek took off Kendall's birthday since it was a Friday. We let her open a few gifts that morning.

The day after her party last year she started requesting a giraffe cake with blueberries for her 4th birthday. Lost as to how to incorporate the blueberries we made them the road for the Giraffe.

Snacks

Happy Birthday Girl

Kendall invited a few friends, we kept it pretty low key this year.

More gifts

2 Year Comparison

2011-11-30T21:07:00.000-07:00

So I forgot to post a two year comparison of the girls awhile back so... Funny thing is that they are in the same dress, didn't plan that! Some people think they are twins and some think they look nothing alike. I think they look like themselves, but are definitely sisters.

Brinley at 2

Kendall at 2

Fall...The Best Time of the Year!

2011-11-09T20:14:00.000-07:00

One thing for sure that Stephannie and I can always agree on is that Fall is the best time of year. Fishing is good, the weather is perfect, food is fresh and so much more. So like with every fall we made the best of the warm weather and good times. Enjoy the pictures.

Brinley hanging on the swing. She has decided that this is a fun activity after watching her sister.

Kendall really happy after the UW Band marched by at the Homecoming Parade.

Brinley enjoying the candy!

Brinley working on her eye.

Daughter like Mother...or at least she thinks so.

A bit of fishing was done by me this fall.

Brinley playing in the leaves I raked up.

In the leaves.

Action picture.

Action picture number 2.

Kendall helping me put the pumpkins into the garage.

As with all Laramie fall's it seems like we get a good snow.

Stephannie (aka Martha) made up a fun treat for Kendall and Brinley's classes.

Kendall at her Haloween Party at School.

Picking a treat after a game.

Scaramie, downtown Laramie trick or treating.

Kendall cleaning out her pumpkin. She loved doing this.

All of us working on their pumpkins.

Brinley working on her pumpkin.

Cookie time with Grandma.

Owl (Derek), Teini (Derek), Face (Stephannie), Spider (Wayne), Gost (Marlene), Dora (Wayne)

Kendall with her glasses on at her preschool.

Kendall showing us how to climb the tree.

Kendall and Brinley getting ready to go trick or treating.

The best picture we got of both of them this year.

Brinley showing us her painting skills.

Baby #3 Pictures

2011-10-27T13:57:00.000-06:00

I wanted to do a quick post so everyone can see the new pictures of Teini baby number 3 which is due May 4, 2012. That said, unlike many celebrities we made no money from the “first” pictures of our new baby, however we were still charged by the Doctor for our visit. So come to think of it we really are not getting a good deal here. Anyway we hope you enjoy. –D-

The End of Summer and the Short Laramie Fall

2011-10-15T20:43:00.000-06:00

So after almost 13 years here in Laramie there is one thing you know, once fall rolls around winter is not far behind. We have enjoyed a really great summer this year and so far fall has been great except for one really snowy weekend. The Teini family has been soaking up as much nice weather as we can and but both Stephannie and I know that winter is just around the corner. Enjoy some of the fall pictures with us. - D-

On the Upper Hoback for some time with Grandad Cody.

Kendall decided that it was time to go for a ride and we could not keep her from riding the whole time we were there.

Grandad Cody and Kendall.

Brinely on the back of the truck.

Amber, Brinley and Stephannie at camp.

Trying some fishing...no fish.

Brinley on the 4-wheeler.

Went out to a wildlife refuge south of Laramie. There were some birds out on the lake, but aside from that we had a good time throwing rock in the water and exploring.

This was the team I coached this year. 3-4 year olds. We were the Roaring T-Rex's.

Reading the girls some stories before bed.

Skateboarding Lego Robot. Enough Said.

Kendall, Hailee, and Brinley having a lazy snow day.

Baking cookies at our house.

Playing in the snow we got last weekend. We ended up getting 7 inches at our place.

The snowman we built. It was perfect snow.

Brinley and Stephannie.

A few days later all the snow was gone.

Kendall taking care of a stuffed animal. That is what is under the blankets.

Brinley Turns 2!

2011-09-13T20:38:00.000-06:00

Brinley turned 2, yesterday Setember 12th! She continues to be silly and sensitive. She loves to play with her baby dolls, legos, and her cooking set. She continues to be a great sleeper at night, but only takes about a 1 1/2 - 2 hour nap. Lately she has been a little more picky about what she eats, but she is wearing 3T shirts so I don't think she is starving! I have really enjoyed my short time with this little girl and look forward to what the future brings :).

Helping mom bake the cake (aka lick the batter off the spoons).

Making sure Kendall is doing it right!

On saturday morning before Brinley's party we took the girls swimming. Derek is showing the girls how it is done.

Ready for my party

Thanks Uncle Paul for the vidoes.

Not the prettiest cake I ever made, but it tasted good.

Brinley blowing the candle out after her mom got off track and started cutting the cake first!!!

Playing with new toys.

Not So Little...

2011-09-13T20:30:00.000-06:00

Kendall may still be small in size, but she is growing like crazy. This summer included swimming lesson, soccer, and now she has started preschool. Although I don't like her growing up I have to admit it is pretty fun watching her get involved in all of these things :).

Derek is coaching Kendall's team...believe me he is really getting into it!

Brinley being patient while Kendall has soccer practice.

1st day of soccer

1st day of Kendall's preschool, Brinley wanted to be in the picture and Kendall wasn't so happy about that!

So excited.

At school.

Summer Goes On...

2011-09-13T20:26:00.000-06:00

Although the cold weather will set in sooner than later, we have continued to enjoy a great deal of nice days. Here are several pictures of the last few weeks.

Goofy Girls

Painting on a rainy day!

Derek and Kendall camped out in the backyard again this year. Kendall actually lasted the whole night and came in about 6:45.

Playing in the tent.

All ready for church.

A wet butterfly.

The kids eating at our 2nd annual Bocce Ball Tournament

(We had 14 kids there!)

Kids playing during the tournament.

Family picture.

Tom is the winner!!!

I did some veggie painting with Kendall one night, she loved it.

Brinley at the park.

New bike passed down from some friends :).

Brinley gets the trike now!

More Summer Please!

2011-08-26T20:31:00.000-06:00

Every year summer rolls around and I just can not get enough of it. And by the looks of it Brinley and Kendall can't either. Here is just a little look into our summer so far and hopefully with alot more to come.

Kendall and Brinley enjoying a pop. We (me, Derek) included have a small habit that we love.

Just Kendall being funny.

Kendall playing some Angry Birds with Brinley.

Sara a friend of Kendalls was over and they set this up on the toy box all on their own.

Kendall taking care of her baby.

Kendall working on a project painting a box.

Kendall really want to go outside and play with her umbrella outside.

Both the girls being silly.

Kendall having a drink before she went in the pool for swim lessons.

Life jacket time.

Brinley the grease monkey working on her bike.

At CFD. Brinley did not really like any ride.

Kendall just loving it!

More pops...what can I say.

A nice mother daughter picture.

Picture perfect girl in the rain.

What is more fun than to play in the rain and get all wet.

Hands in the pocket.

Kendall got a spanking about 5 seconds after this picture due to Mom getting sprayed after being told not too.

Kendall helping water.

Another project the girls did.

Dress up time with everything that was in the dress up bin.

My two Italian girls eating their pasta out on the swing.

Quick Trip to Denver

2011-08-17T21:26:00.000-06:00

Just another weekend in the summer that gets slam packed with activity. This last weekend Stephannie, I and the kids headed down to Denver for a quick visit so that we could see a childhood and adulthood friend as well as friends from college. The weekend went so quick but we really enjoyed our time with everyone.

Kendall pushing Kate on the swing at Angie and Steve's house.

Brinley climbing the slide.

A picture of the all the kids (Wells', King's and Teini's) Dylan, Kara, Gavin, Tyler, Kendall, Brinley and Kate.

Derek, Stephannie, Jen and Casey. I have known Casey basically forever...4ish is my guess.

Kendall and Charlotte in the playhouse.

Kendall playing some tetherball.

Kendall climbing the tetherball pole. She is such a monkey.

Brinley took to the water on this trip and wanted to do everything. She was having a blast and even spent some time jumping off the edge in the big pool.

Kendall playing with every floatie thing in the pool.

Brinley and Charlotte in the play house.

Kendall was asking for some food.

More fun time in the play house.

Brinley was helping watch the twins while we were outside.

A few pats to make them giggle.

Kendall and Charlotte found some paint brushes so we gave them some water and they "painted" everything that they could reach.

More "Painting".

Summer Time = Fun Time

2011-07-23T20:42:00.000-06:00

So eventhough summer has been busy we have made sure to have alot of fun. Jubilee Days hit Laramie for the week and we took in some activites with the family. Farmers Market, Carnivall and the Spoke show all were a good time. I (Dad) even got to spend a few day alone with the girls, while Stephannie was at a conference for 3 days (Note: The conference was in Laramie, so she was home each night) where we had some quality Dad Time at the park, pool time, and even a trip to the mountians and lake. On top of all that Kendall is in swimming lessons.

This is just Kendall being Kendall. She is truly a free spirit.

This is just Brinley, goofy and a sweet heart with a bit of ornery.

Brinley on her first carnival ride. She wanted Mom at first but then was okay once we got going.

Kendall had a blast. The money to put here on these crackerjack rides was well worth it once we got a glimps of the smile on her face each time around.

Daddy and the girls on a ride together.

A the Jubilee Day's parade.

This is Kendall down at the Spoke Show. She displayed her bike and ended up not winning anything or the race.

Here she is at the start of the race.

Kendall by her bike with the other bikes.

Brinely helped me wash he car. She was trying to spray me but I was too quick.

Brinely showing us her boots.

Brinley at the park. Both her and Kendall wanted their sunglasses on.

Monkey girls.

Kendall climbing the wall, in sandles non the less.

Took the girls to Lake Owen. They had a good time and enjoyed being there but rock throwing was the key.

We had some backyard pool time while the Gem City was hot.

Kendall can be seen here in her first swim lession. She looks forward to this every day.

A Quick Trip

2011-07-21T21:04:00.000-06:00

So this is just a quick post to help bring everyone back up to speed on our summer so far. We made a quick trip up to Sheridan to see my family, but also to make a trip up to Billings to see my cousin and his wife along with his son Anthony, who we had never met. This is just a bit of what we were up to that week.

Not in Sheridan, but in Laramie and they are my Lupins.

Kendall and Brinley walking from the back yard to the front yard with sand in the wagon so they could put the sand out on the brick walkway my Dad made. Big helpers.

Filling the wagon with sand.

Kendall paying some croquet.

Kendall riding her bike down Main Street in Sheridan during the Car Show.

Brinley at the pool. We went with my friends kids and wife while my friend was working.

Kendall and Mommy taking some laps.

In Billings at my Aunt and Uncles house to see my cousin. The girls and Anthony are playing in the pool.

Sisters being sisters after the trip.

Summer Days Are Here

2011-06-29T21:38:00.000-06:00

So it seems like every summer we have so much to do but even in all the activities we pack in sometimes have time to just slow down. But hey, what would summer be if you didn't feel like you were running around all the time, it just would not feel like summer. -D-

Kendall found a lady bug and she was holding it and letting it crawl on her hand. She loved that bug.

Kendall showing Brinley the lady bug. Brinley was not so keen on the idea of holding the bug but after trying it once she didn't want to share.

Brinley sitting on Kendall's lap while she has a pop.

Brinley fell off the porch outside our front door and scraped up her nose and head badly. She was a poor looking girl for quite awhile.

Brinley climbing in the fence at the barn in Jackson.

Stephannie decided to feed the bottle calf. She now has decided to raise cows and will be moving to the country.

Kendall and Brinley at the barn in Jackson after a little bit of exploring.

We took a ride in the Park and we stopped at Jenny Lake.

We spent an afternoon at Jackson Lake. It did not look like we were going to get a nice day but in the end it turned out perfect. Not to hot or cold and no one around.

When at the lake, throw rocks. Age old kid proverb.

Family picture at Jackson Lake.

Took a ride in the Stage Coach down on the square in Jackson. First time for me and Stephannie.

Brinley up at the sink in Jackson. She loves playing in the water at the sink.

Stephannie and Brinley at the Lake.

Brinley taking care of her baby.

So Kendall and Brinley wanted to be turtles. So we tied some pillows on to their back and they pretended to be turtles.

Summer arrived thus the sprinkler came out.

Out for a walk.

I got a new grill. Steaks and potatoes on the grill always look good.

Brinley helping Stephannie make bannana bread.

Kendall doing the same and mixing some eggs.

Brinley taking a break.

Kendall picking up Brinley. They thought this was so fun and funny.

Kisses

2011-06-06T15:13:00.000-06:00

I remember when Kendall was just a new born Derek handed her to me so I could feed her as he had done many times and as I had done many times before I took her from him and kissed her on the cheek before feeding her. I remember Derek said to me "are you going to kiss her every time you pick her up?" and I said "I just might!" I seems like just yesterday we had that conversation and here it is 3 1/2 years later and I am still kissing her all day long :), I would say sometimes 15 or 20 times a day! It is not lost on me that someday sooner than I would like she is going to resist those kisses!

So here is a little about Kendall at 3 1/2. She still is not that great of an eater, but did grow one whole inch since her 3 year appointment! On our scale at home she is 26.8 lbs....still tiny! I have a feeling her nickname will be tiny Teini. She is wearing 18 month shorts and 2T pants and 2T & 3T tops. She loves pasta, cream cheese on anything, and popsicles. Kendall sleeps through the night most nights these days and if she wakes up it is to go potty (be herself) and put herself back to bed. However she is still not much of a morning person, which she gets from her mom, it takes her a good 30 minutes to warm up most days. She loves to play that she is a mommy, that she is throwing a birthday party, and candy store. She is intelligent, creative, and very funny. I am really enjoying this age and look forward to seeing her grow :).

My sweet girl.

Silly girl loves to play dress up, which I find funny since she usually won't keep her "everyday clothes" on, hence the topless look.

Is It Really June Already?

2011-06-02T21:20:00.001-06:00

So we have been up to a lot in the short summer we have had so far. My brother came to visit, we have enjoyed the few nice days we have had, went to the circus, built a sandbox, planted the garden and even had my parents visit. We hope you enjoy the pictures.

My brother had never been to Vedauwoo the whole time he lived in Laramie, so even though the weather was not the greatest we did make it up there.

Paul can be seen making it around the ledge.

Stephannie took a picture of me and Kendall sleeping in our bed one morning after crawling in with us at some point in the morning. She doesn't do this often so it was kinda nice.

Brinley is working on her eye therapy. She doesn't mind these glasses and is getting used to the eye patch.

I took Kendall to the Circus here in Laramie. She was so excited to go and she even got to stay up until about 10:00 which is really late for her. When she got home she had a perma-grin on her face.

The elephants at the Circus.

So the girls love playing in the sand so Grandad Cody and Grandma Cindi got the girls a sandbox. So in pure Wyoming fashion I constructed the sandbox while snowflakes fell.

Also how can you put up a new sandbox and not let the kids play in it? Yes they are playing in their coats, hats and gloves.

Enjoying some popcorn and a movie before bed.

Brinley and her pigtails all ready for church.

Kendall asked for a picture with here Mom. This is what we got!

The girls helped me plant the garden. Only a few foot prints in the garden, otherwise I think we did good.

Helping Brinley put a seed in the ground. She mostly wanted to play in the dirt.

Kendall was a big help, she really like putting the seeds where they were supposed to go.

Kendall thought it was funny to have Brinley ride on her like a horse.

Brinley doing some more eye therapy. She doesn't like the eye patch much.

Kendall told me that this was a drawing of a grill (the long thing on the bottom of the board) with hot dogs on the grill (the round things).

Brinley wanted to do some painting so here she is.

Going. Going. Gone

2011-05-18T20:50:00.000-06:00

All of the sudden I feel as if my baby is gone. Brinley seems to have grown over night, although I am sure it was slower than that. She is 20 months old now and really coming in to her own personality. She is sweet, silly, and cuddly. However she is beginning to try her hand at some fits and attempts to control the things around her, but overall she is a joy. Due to the fact that she was pretty sick with one thing after another she has had a hard time sleeping as well as she had been, but is doing better and better. In terms of her eye issues we are now doing vision therapy at home on a daily basis, she is not a huge fan of her eye patch, but will put it on for a few minutes for a jelly bean or two :). Just a few other notes...she loves to say "self" when she wants to do something on her own, she enjoys playing baby dolls with Kendall and is becoming a big help with little things I am doing. Before I know it these girls will be heading to prom and leaving for college :(. Here are a few recent pics and a comparison of Kendall and Brinley at the same age. -S-

Brinley at 20 months.

Kendall at 20 months

Brinley again at 20 months

Kendall again at 20 months

St. George

2011-05-14T18:36:00.002-06:00

Last week our family made a little trip down to St. George Utah. My mom lived there until recently and my sister Shannon has been attending Dixie State College there. On May 6th Shannon graduated from college so we all wanted to be there to celebrate this huge accomplishment! It also so happened that my sister Amber had her birthday on Shannon's graduation day and that Mother's day was that Sunday. We took 2 days to get there and 2 days to get back, which was alot, but since it is 10 hours away it was nice to give the girls a break from the car.

We stopped at a farm before leaving Salt Lake, they had all kinds of animals, green space to play, and trails to walk on. The kids had a great time.

Kendall and Hailee in the fort

Brinley in the fort

The girls hanging in the grass

This is what Kendall looked like the last bit of the trip on the way there, her hair was crazy and she didn't even have energy to eat her ring pop.

This is a pic of Brinley taken at the same time, tired girls!

Ahhhhh sunshine, need I say more????

View from our room.

Derek and Brinley at Shannon's graduation BBQ, I didn't get a good pic with Shannon on my camera so I need to get one she took.

Kendall playing

This is as far as Brinley would go, not much of a fan of the water.

Kendall loved swimming on her own with her arm floaties.

More About Us

2011-04-27T20:56:00.000-06:00

So life has been busy and in no way does it seem to be letting down. It seems like no matter the date, time or place we have something going on. But keeping busy is okay with us and we have been enjoying the time together as a family.

I (Derek) went to Boston for a work conference and while I was there had a chance to explore the city and even got to go to Fenway Park and take in a game.

Easter week was also a fun and we got to see alot of family. My cousin Mike was traveling through Laramie and we had a chance to see him twice while he was here. The girls really enjoyed meeting him and it was good to see him as well. After that Stephannie's parents and sister McKenna were in Cheyenne and we had a chance to have dinner with them twice and the girls got some time with their grandparents. While Stephannie's parents were here Amber and Hailee also came later and the girls got to play together, dye easter eggs, go to church and find eggs so many different times I lost count. We also got to go over to Cheyenne and see more of Stephannie's family, some of them which she had not seen in over 10 years. In short...we have been busy.

The girls enjoying some pop's with their new popsicle pals grandma Teini got them.

Brinley watching some tv and drinking some milk.

Kendall showing us her dress.

Sisters being sisters.

Me at Fenway Park in Boston.

The girls helping me get dinner ready. Brinley was getting me pasta and Kendall was putting asparagus in the pan.

Brinley wearing my shoes and acting like a big girl.

Bath time with alot of bubbles.

Brinley helping make dinner by breaking up spagetti for soup.

Pudding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brinley reading books in our room on the little stool.

Kendall and Hailee coloring the eggs for easter.

Brinley and Kendall.

The girls checking out their easter baskets.

All of us at church for easter.

Some of Kendall and Brinley's cousins.

Just a little update

2011-04-03T21:50:00.000-06:00

Since I last updated not a whole lot has been happening around the Teini house. We did make a trip to Sheridan to visit Derek's parents and Grandma, which the girls just love. In addition since I last posted Brinley had her 18 month check up she was 21.5 lbs and 33 1/4 inches long she is still in the 90th percentile for height! She missed getting shots that day since she had the tummy bug and a fever, but we got them the next week. Brinley has now gone potty on the big girl potty twice, maybe the end of diapers is in sight :). We also have had one session of vision therapy and at that time the vision therapist noticed both of Brinley's eyes wandering. We did also decide to get a second opinion with an opthamologist in Ft Collins this coming friday. Kendall is doing quite well and has been such a joy. She is really growing into a kid, not so much of a toddler anymore. She is kind, funny, and sensitive and she has been such a great big sister :). I couldn't have asked for more!

Kendall had a grand opening one day and set up seats all around the living room.

Posing for the camera

My monkey!

Folding her beloved blanket.

Painting the bird houses, the girls loved this.

Brinley needed a little more help.

The green pancakes for St Patrick's day were not a big hit.

Brinley in her St Patrick's day shirt, I never could get a picture of Kendall.

In Sheridan with Marlene and Donna

3 generations :)

Brinley walking with Papa and Oakley

Playing with the dog door

Kendall used the cabage for Bagna Cauda as ears

Playing with Papa and Grandma makes a girl tired

She finally tolerated the pigtails :)

Derek and I helped Brinley paint her bird house, this is what our plate looked like

Kendall's plate after painting her bird house, much nicer

The end result, Derek used license plates as the roofs

My Couponing Experience

2011-03-16T20:27:00.002-06:00

Ever since Derek and I were married and really even before that we have been frugal people. We truly believe the thought of living within our means and believe that God has provided what we have and it is our job to be good stewards of that money. I have used coupons for many years and have planned our menu's from week to week, but as Derek says I have taken couponing to a whole new level the last few months. I thought well I will give it a good 8 weeks and see if I feel like it is worth it. Well I think it is!

This is not all from one transaction, but are some of the great deals I scored in the last couple of weeks.

Fruit snacks were .99

I used two .50/2 coupons and received a $4 catalina good toward my next shopping trip since I bought 5 of them making them .19 a box

Muir Glen tomato paste I got three of them and they were .97

I had two .75/1 coupons and one 1.00/1

making 2 of them .22 and 1 of them free

Batteries .97 each

I had two $1/1 coupons and got two four packs for free

Purex 3 in 1 sheets (tavel size), I got 6 of them for .97 each

I had four $3/1 coupons which I made $8 on the 4 of them!

I had two $1/1 coupons making them free

Dishwasher detergent on sale at Target for 2.50

I had 2 target coupons for $1.50/1

and 2 manufacturer coupons for .75/1

Making each box .25

Kids Reach toothbrushes at Safeway 1.99

I had 7 $1/1 coupons

I did two transactions

The 1st I paid 7.96

minus 4 coupons made it 3.96

minus the $4 catalina I got back made them free!!!

The second transaction I paid 5.97

minus 3 coupons made it 2.97

minus the $2 catalina which made it .97

Total is that I got 14 toothbrushes for .97

Total on all of this..... I got paid $5.25 for all of this stuff!!!

Beautiful Blue's

2011-03-07T13:56:00.001-07:00

Beautiful Blue Eyes... I am a little biased, but from the day Brinley was born I have thought that she has some beautiful blue eyes :). As of late these beauties have been causing her a bit of grief. I thought this would be a good way to let get the information out and let everyone know how our sweet girl is doing.

A couple of months ago I noticed that there were times when Brinley was drinking her drink that her left eye would wander. Derek hadn't noticed anything yet and I chalked it up to me just being a little overly worrisome. We both prayed about it, for the wisdom to know what to do. As time went on Derek started noticing the same thing I had and we decided to make an appointment with a doctor here in town with a reputation of working with kids, they couldn't get her in until April. So in the meantime we also decided to take her to her developmental screening where they would do a vision screening, she failed both eyes, therefore they strongly encouraged us to get her in to the optometrist. When we called back they got us in within a couple of days due to the fact that she failed the screening. Brinley did wonderful and after 2 hours the Doctor is pretty certain that she has what is called innermittent exotopia, my understanding is that without vision therapy she could end up with a lazy eye. Good news is that her vision is just fine and we caught it early. The doctor did see her right eye wander as well. So...... we are waiting to have more testing/therapy done to determine the severity and how often she needs therapy, etc. They will also need to determine if this is a neurological problem. This also explains the reason she still continues to run into things, her depth perception is off a little. We continue to pray that for God's wisdom and would appreciate prayer from all of you :).

Growth Spurts

2011-03-06T21:58:00.000-07:00

A lot of people talk about growth spurts in terms of physical growth, but wow have I seen some pretty amazing growth spurts with both of my girls developmentally as of late.

Kendall is becoming so imaginitive, kind, and independent. Lately Kendall has proven to be better at drawing than I am, she draws and mean stick person and last week drew me a caterpillar, impressive! She continues to love on Brinley and recently attempted a diaper change while I was busy (she was pretty close and Brinley let her :). Kendall can count to twenty. She is finally sleeping through the night consistently and loves to make up her own songs, loves to help cook, and is a huge help to me :).

Brinley is also growing leaps and bounds! I am guessing that she says about 20 words ish which include cheese, hi, milk, wash, dog, up, off, on, and open just to name a few. Ahhhh communicating is so wonderful compared to the point and grunt. She is also walking, climbing, and pretty much just busy busy. I have said that she is as ornery as she is able to get away with, meaning that she is ornery, but when disciplined just melts and claims defeit. She lately has been waking up at night from time to time, but continues to be a pretty good sleeper. Brinley has also been annoyingly interested in potty training! She will be 18 months old next week and I am just not sure of the success we will have at this time nor do I know if I am quite ready, but she asks to sit on the potty 3 or 4 times a day (no success yet). We will see.

Those are just a few notes that I did not want to forget, oh how easy that is to do when you are busy with little ones!

Obsessed, yes obsessed with brushing her teeth, she throws a fit when I tell her no more.

Kendall helping Brinley learn to use a straw.

Goofing around.

Daddy and his girls.

Decorating cookies for Sarah's birthday

Silly girl.

Derek and he girls made bird houses so when Derek put his pencil in his hat Kendall did the same :).

Watching the building of the bird houses.

She is always trying to grab the camera from me.

Playdough and a snack. We recently had the pleasure of keeping a friend's little girl after their new baby girl was born. Lori and Kendall had a great time playing.

Playing superhero's

Lori in her cape.

Kendall built a lego tower as tall as her.

Me and my 1st girl.

Another Day Another Blog

2011-02-17T19:42:00.000-07:00

In the last few weeks we have enjoyed some warm days and some not so warm days here in Laramie. By this time of year I am so ready to get out of the house, but I better brace myself because our springs are normally more yucky than the rest of the year. Brinley is on the move and will soon be keeping up with Kendall. She now has all four molars, which she got all within 3 weeks. Kendall is doing really well and has become quite a creative, silly girl. The girls and work continue to keep us busy and we are just enjoying some time as a family.

Kendall no longer naps every day and on this particular day she crashed on the couch.

Kendall teaching/reading to her attentive student Brinley.

Brinley loves to help unload the dishwasher.

Two silly girls.

We had a chance to visit some friends a couple of weeks ago. Their daughter and Brinley were mezmorized by the bunny outside.

Derek's valentines cookie.

Kendall's cookie

More sister snuggles.

Derek and Brinley at the bowling alley.

Kendall loved to bowl, but needed some assistance from the ramp.

Getting so big! Not so much of a baby anymore :(.

Our friend Sarah was able to join us for some bowling.

Being silly

Brinley at 17 months.

Kendall at 17 months.

Kendall again at 17 month

Sisters

Valentines day.

Kendall sporting her new fancy nancy tutu

Brinley getting in on some dressing up as well.

Recent Happenings

2011-01-31T13:33:00.000-07:00

Things have definitely slowed down since the holiday's which has been a nice change of pace. Over the past month we have enjoyed watching Brinley take off walking and enjoying her new found independence. She is however still a tad bit clumsy and demonstrated that over the past few days, she ran into a door twice and hit her head on the bed all within 24 hours, I need to take a picture of her poor little forehead :(. Kendall has not slowed down at all, that girl never stops, talking, playing, singing, dancing, you name it she is one busy body!!! The girls continue to play more and more together everyday and really enjoy one another's company. Brinley was pretty sick this last week fighting off the stomach bug, an ear infection (only her 2nd :)), and got 3 of her 4 molars over the past two weeks. All in all it has been a good start to 2011! -S-

Kendall in her frog towel after the bath.

Keeping up with some dental hygiene.

Derek playing with two little monkey's.

Brinley cooking.

Sitting in the laundry baskets kept them busy for quite some time!

Brinley asleep on the couch after being sick :(. Note that Kendall got that sheep for free when we bought her a mattress for her bed, she insisted that Brinley needed to sleep with it, silly girl.

Kendall playing elmo on the Wii

She LOVES the bath.

Kendall ice fishing with dad and papa. No fish, but they had a good time.

A day at the pool.

Kendall is becoming quite the fish.

Start The New Year Off Right

2011-01-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

So with a new year upon us I figured I had better get with it and update the blog. It has been quite nice around the Teini family household due to the fact that we have little going on which has meant some good quality family time. I will be one of the first to say that I look forward to nothing more than coming home, seeing my family and getting to spend as much time with them as possible. Because things have not been so hectic we have enjoyed spending time together, inside and outside depending upon the temperature outside. Anyways, as always enjoy the pictures and if you don’t remember we do have a youtube (http://www.youtube.com/dteini ) account with videos of the family as well.

Always a smile on this girls face.

So we have this video that has Curious George cartoons on it. Anyway, one is called “Monkey Robot” where George makes a robot suit which he wears and walks around in. Well George uses a colander on his head and oven mitts as part of his outfit. As you can see, Kendall has quite accurately replicated the “Monkey Robot” outfit.

Asleep on Mom.

Me and my girl.

Another smile that I can't get enough of.

Sisters playing together.

Everytime one of the kids is on this thing the other thinks they have to be on it.

Brinley showing us something.

We have had alot of snow this year but it has been so cold that many days it is just too cold to take the kids out. Well we went out while it was somewhat warm...25ish...and played on the snow hill. Brinley loved the sled and snow. She was so happy.

Kendall insisted on pulling Brinley around the yard. She tried but the snow just was not that packed down and if you have not noticed, Kendall and Brinley are close to the same size.

Brinley just went down the hill and she was clapping because she was happy.

After I got Kendall to trust me that I would let her pull Brinley again, i got her out to the sidewalk where it was slick and she pulled Brinley down the hill a good 20 times.

Sisters reading a book.

Christmas

2010-12-29T13:40:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful Christmas we had this year! The older the girls get the more fun they are at the holiday's :). We got to spend 6 days in Jackson with my family and had a great time and as usual it went by really fast. We spent our time making cookies, shopping, sledding, and Kendall even went to her first movie with her cousin Hailee, granddad Cody, and Grandma Cindi. Now we are looking forward to some much needed down time.

In other news Brinley really took off walking the day after she turned 15 months, but then really didn't walk much since (not even for my family!) then last night she was all over it again, she is capable, she just doesn't care.... oh well she will be running in her own time :).

Dad shoveling the trampoline so Kendall could play on it.

Already fighting over new toys!

On our way to Christmas Eve service.

Frosting cookies

Snow baby

Derek sledding with Kendall and our niece Hailee

Brinley cooking on their new stove.

Kendall and Brinley playing with the eisle grandma and grandpa Teini got them.

We had a little mini Christmas of our own so we didn't have to haul everything to Jackson and back, this is what the girls woke up to.

Growing Girls

2010-12-12T20:24:00.002-07:00

Here we are the middle of December already and today my baby is 15 months old! I cannot believe how much she has grown and changed over the past few months. She is sensitive and funny and is developing a bit of a feisty side with her older sister as a means of holding her own. She is also wearing clothes that Kendall grew out of last spring, not a huge girl, just a bigger girl :).

Brinley is not yet walking, but just appears to be a little on the stubborn side when it comes to this. She will take a step or two and stand on her own for several minutes, but it has to be on her terms, and she did indeed take 6 steps to me last week, but hasn't just taken off! Soon enough I am sure. Brinley has also been sleeping through the night for the past 3 months which has been a huge blessing.

Kendall is also doing well and as I write this we are on day three of her not napping and she is doing really well, she has been sleeping 11 or 12 hours at night, which she has never done! Ahhhh that's is the best part about watching my kids grow, just when I think I know what they will do, it changes, who ever said being at home with your kids was boring? Now is the moment where I leave you with a few pics, there are also some comparisons of Kendall and Brinley at 15 months they don't look as much alike as they did in the beginning, at least I don't think so.

Brinley 15 months

Kendall 15 Months

Kendall again 15 months

Brinley being a goof ball

Hugs

Kisses

Many attempts at pics by the tree lead to bribery with candy canes!

Kendall being silly.

Brinley playing with daddy

Bath time fun, not sure what she was doing!

Bubbles, bubbles, and more bubbles.

Trying on Derek's hat.

Art time

Kendall was not a fan of tree hunting and just wanted to go home! Good thing we have a fake tree and went along for the fun!

Trecking up the hill.

Derek and Kendall ran an errand one day and while I was in the kitchen I came in Kendall's room to find Brinley on her Kendall's bed snuggling her blanket and bunny!!! Pretty funny.

Cute girl ready for the snow.

Fun and Festivities

2010-11-30T20:41:00.002-07:00

The last couple of weeks have definitely felt more like holiday season. When it was still 70 degrees early in November it was hard to imagine decorating for Christmas, but I should not have been worried, we have now had some fridged days and I say bring on the holiday's!!! We are also still reeling from Kendall's birthday which moved right into Thanksgiving.

As for our family we are all doing quite well. We have enjoyed some days out in the snow and we are now looking forward to going home to Jackson for Christmas. Aside from that the girls are growing growing growing and work is good for Derek and I, not too much else to report -S-

Kendall is as usual naked, but now won't take her new helmet off from Grandma and Papa Teini! Who needs a helmet to be on straight anyways!

Sweet silly girl!

These two seriously love eachother! Snuggling in the morning (Kendall is usually up at least an hour before Brinley!).

3 out of 4 of my sisters together for Thanksgiving. From left to right: Me, Shannon, Brittany, and Amber.

Kendall and Hailee had a great time playing together despite their 3 1/2 year age gap.

Never looking AT the camera.

Our family.

All ready for bed.

Sneaking animal crackers off of the chair.

Mom and her girl.

Kendall still loves to help me cook, here she is spinning the lettuce.

Our Little Monkey has Turned 3!

2010-11-21T21:28:00.000-07:00

For as long as I can remember Kendall has LOVED Curious George and it is not hard to see why if you have ever spent any amount of time with her. She is curious, intelligent, and most of all a serious monkey. When it came to choosing a theme for her party I did let her decide and after looking online for awhile she picked a monkey theme, girly monkey none the less! Not exactly Curioius George but close :). We have been a little busy around here so I pulled a Sandra Lee and did a semi homemade birthday cake, I had the cake made and frosted with the white frosting then I did the Monkey and dots on the cake. I am no Cake Boss, but I am getting better all the time! We had a wonderful week and have been blessed to have Kendall in our lives, what ever did we do without her?!?!?!

As for little sister she is annoyingly close to walking, two or three steps at a time, maybe soon? Aside from that she is growing and changing everyday and trying to say many words that include cheese, grandma, milk, and dog. My early assumption is that she is going to be quite the ham, she is very silly and likes to make people laugh already.

Enough about my little ladies here are some pics :).

Kendall LOVED her cake!

Blowing out the candles.

Opening gifts.

Being a monkey. This dress didn't last long since she got the back in the potty at daycare!

Snuggling.

I am not going to lie, these look great, but did not taste very good, sounds like the 3 years olds at daycare loved them though haha.

Cutie pie

Shoveling with dad

From Fall to Winter

2010-11-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

Well like every year Fall can bring good or bad weather. This year the Fall weather was great. We could not ask for a better fall. Warm or almost hot, which means more time outside. We have had great time this Fall. We even made trip to the zoo. Enjoy the pictures. -D-

Kendall and Brinley having some fun playing on the slide.

Brinley crawling on the slide.

Brinley back inside from playing outside.

The lions at the Denver Zoo. First week of November I was in short and a t-shirt with a temp. of 80. It was a sweet way to end the summer (Fall).

A lunch break.

Brinley and my Dad looking at something.

Kendall, Stephannie, Wayne and Brinley watching the elephant.

Kendall was so excied to take a ride.

Marlene and Brinley at the Zoo.

Marlene and Stephannie at the Zoo.

Wayne, Kendall, Marlene, Derek and Binley at the Zoo.

Stephannie and Brinley.

Brinley loves the bath...and this bath was without her sister which was great for her.

Kendall helping Dad shovel snow. She had such a good time being outside in the snow.

Throwing snow up into the air.

Kendall.

Helping Dad with the snow shoveling. She would make a pile of snow on the driveway after I shoveled it off.

A K Love Moment

2010-11-11T10:29:00.000-07:00

At least two or three times a week listening to K LOVE I have a "moment", one in which I am so inspired by the stories of those who have come to know Christ, the music, testimonies of faith, that I am moved to tears! Yes I am emotional, but this Christian radio station deeply touches me at times. So as I listened today the host was talking about the lead singer of Sanctus Real, Matt, he and his wife recently had a son named Bowen who was born with heart problem's. Since before Bowen was born they have been keeping a website called bowensheart.com to keep everyone up to date about how he is doing. Last night Matt posted an excerpt from a book that he is reading called "Wrestling with an Angel" by Greg Lucas and this is what it said...

“I hear religious minded people say all the time with good intentions. ‘God will never place a burden on you so heavy that you cannot possibly carry it.’

Really?

My experience is that God will place a burden on you so heavy that you cannot possibly carry it alone. He will break your back and your will. He will buckle your legs until you fall flat beneath the crushing weight of your load. All the while He will walk beside you waiting for you to come to the point where you must depend on Him.

‘My power is made perfect in your weakness,’ He says, as we strain under our burden.

Whatever the burden, it might indeed get worse, but know this-God is faithful. And while we change and get old, He does not. When we get weaker, He remains strong. And in our weakness and humility, He offers us true, lasting, transforming, and undeserved grace.”

Greg Lucas

Reading this reminded me of all of those who are carrying burden's alone and I was deeply touched by this and had a need to share it with all of you. I hope that this touches you too! -S-

Still Fall in Laramie...Weird

2010-11-01T21:40:00.000-06:00

So we have had about 3 days of cold fall weather and the rest of the time has been beautiful. This fall has been one of the nicest we have had in years and we are soaking it up. Halloween has done passed us and now we are looking forward to Thanksgiving already. Enjoy the pictures. –D-

Brinley and Kendall reading a book. We were trying to get a cute picture but that did not turn out like we wanted.

Brinley and Kendall climbing the stairs.

Brinley in her church dress and headband. She kept it on also.

Kendall painting. She loves to paint.

Brinley getting in on the drawing action. She likes to do anything Kendall does.

Kendall wanted her nails painted and Mom did a good job.

A picture of the girls in their butterfly costumes at their daycare. Kendall wanted to be a butterfly even though she was one last year. Also she wore the same costume due to the fact that she still fit in it.

Kendall looking for candy in paper.

Kendall asked Steph and I what bunny was going to be...so we picked kitty cat. She was happy.

So...Kendall asked us to dress up like ladybugs. I tried to explain that daddy's don't do ladybugs. We can all see who one that battle. Oh well she really had a good time and we made her day.

Daddy and Brinley. Brinley was no so fond of her costume.

Kendall has been asking me to make a pile of leaves for her to jump into all fall. We finally go the leaves to make a good pile. This was the first jump into them and she was happy.

Kendall jumping again after we raked them back up so they were a good pile again.

Brinley was not so sure about the leaves. She didn't mind them, but she didn't like them either.

Brinley no liking the leaves as much.

Brinley getting out of the leaves.

Brinley playing or riding her sister.

Pumpkins and Apple Cider and Leaves Oh My!

2010-10-24T20:39:00.001-06:00

Fall has definitely been here and winter is just around the corner and with that are some of my favorite things. It seems as though everyone I know loves fall and for good reason! Aside from all of the obvious reasons my two sweet girls arrived this time of year, which makes it that much better! Kendall is becoming so grown up lately and seems to be older and wiser by the day. She and Brinley are really starting to enjoy one another's company and will hang out in Kendall's room for quite some time. Brinley is still not walking, but I am sure that it won't be too long. Brinley is however sleeping through the night and has been for about 5 weeks now :), such a huge answer to prayer. Now we are planning Kendall's 3rd birthday party, getting ready for a visit from my mom, and looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here is what we have been up to lately.

-S-

We spent the morning since it was rainy carving our pumpkins and cooking the seeds :). This is how they turned out, from left to right, Derek's pumpkin, my pumpkin, and Kendall's (she also painted it so it is hard to see).

Kendall was less grossed out this year by the seeds and goo, but still was worried about getting it on her clothes, therefore she is without pants. I could hardly keep Brinley out of all of the pumpkin guts.

Kendall and Derek carving away...

Kendall insisted on wearing her skirt to play soccer, such a lady.

Reading and Cheesing

Kendall will chase Brinley down and practically tackle her to give her a hug!

We have been calling her Jackie with her jacolantern teeth.

Riding her "boy" bike she got from our neighbor.

Brinley cruising on the Dora bike.

It is still hard to catch a picture of this silly girl.

Brinely and mom.

Derek took Kendall to the homecoming parade while I stayed home with Brinley so she could nap, Derek said she loved it!

Heading to the parade.

Reading after church.

A Post Late and a Hundred Pictures Later

2010-10-09T21:33:00.000-06:00

Once again we are late on posting pictures...oh well, we were enjoying some of the best weather Laramie had to offer and got a bit behind. Anyway our life has continued to stay busy. Following Brinley’s 1^st Birthday party we travel to Sheridan the next weekend to get pictures taken and to see my family. While in Sheridan we got to see some friends and even got to visit the pumpkin patch. Enjoy the pictures and we will see you next time –D-

Both in the same chair. This did not last long.

Grandma and Brinley.

Spending some time outside with my parents after the car ride.

Brinley climbing up the stairs.

My parents made us Star Wars pancakes for breakfast one morning.

Kendall and Grandma feeding the duck on the creek.

Kendall downtown Sheridan on one of the pieces of public art.

Kendall liked the Rino.

Kendall and Grandma painting.

All of us on the hayride out to the field to pick pumpkins. Kendall really enjoyed it and loved the hay ride.

Kendall with her pumpkin the she picked.

Brinley checking out the pumpkins.

Brinley Grandpa and Grandma on the hay ride.

Kendall holding her pumpkin on the way back.

One of the few pictures that we have of Brinley not happy. She had just got in trouble for spreading her food around on ther tray.

Kendall painting her pumpkin...she took of her clothes so they wouldn't get dirty.

Kendall raking the leaves in our back yard. There were not many on the ground so we will have to wait to make a big pile to jump into.

One busy week!

2010-09-21T12:35:00.000-06:00

So we have definitely had a busy week here at the Teini house. We celebrated my dad's birthday on the 17th, had Brinley's party on the 18th, everyone went to the UW football game, and Brinley was dedicated at church. The girls are doing wonderful and growing like weeds. Brinley weighed in at 18lbs 4oz and was 291/4 long at her appointment. She is 4oz less than Kendall was at 18 months old. Brinely is attempting to stand on her own, pulling herself up on everything, and can now even get up into Kendall's little recliner chair on her own. Kendall too is changing a ton, she enjoys singing, reading, and tells some pretty crazy stories. We are looking forward to the upcoming holiday's with the girls and for what this next year brings us. Here are a billion pictures again :).

Family before Brinley's dedication. The girls are not looking, almost looks like they planned to look away!

Brinley's being dedicated. My dad, stepmom, sister McKenna, sister Amber, niece Hailee, grandpa Don, Derek's brother Paul, and Derek's parent's were all able to be there :).

The Teini family beofore the game, Brinley and I dressed up, but stayed at home so she could get to bed.

Kendall has not stopped saying "Go Pokes!"

Kendall and Derek at the game.

The birthday girl!

Brinley's cake.

The cupcakes had candy circus peanuts on them.

Kendall giving a balloon to uncle Paul

Opening gifts. It was nice enough to be outside!

Brinley's eyes are shut, of course!

When we brought the cake out I told Derek that we would need to take her dress off before she has cake (talking about Brinley), Kendall over heard me and ran to the back yard and stripped down so she could have her cake! So funny.

Mmmmmm

She first tried a marshmellow that held up the ears and trunk.

Finally the trunk, she never did eat any cake.

Playing at the park.

I desperatly tried to get a pic of her in her 12 month onsie, but she just wanted to roll around and be a monkey!

Brinley loves to rub her food in her hair, Kendall finds this hillarious.

Kendall collecting rocks, leaves, and twiggs on our walk.

Birthday girl, this was on Brinley's actual birthday.

Kendall at a year old.

Kendall again at a year old.

Playing with the new farm.

Opening gifts from mom and dad

Sister's playing together.

Kendall and the noodle

Brinley and the noodle

Silly baby.

Sweet girl!

Brinley is 1!

2010-09-12T20:57:00.001-06:00

When I was pregnant with Kendall her baby book included a spot for a letter to the baby to be added, Brinley's book did not have that, but Derek and I both wrote her a letter before she was born anyway because we liked that idea. A year ago today Derek had already gone to some friends to watch the UW vs Texas game on t.v.so while Kendall took a 3 hour nap I took the time to finish Brinley's letter. Believing that I still had a couple of weeks before she was born, I am not sure what inspired me to finish her letter that day. At the end of her letter I explained how much less she moved than Kendall had while I was pregnant with her so my assumption was that she was going to be a little more laid back and 1 year later I can say that I was right.

Brinley has been a wonderful baby. She is incredibly sensitive and cries if there is a loud noise, Kendall cries, or I gently tell her "no". Brinley has also been an incedibly animated baby, she makes some of the funniest faces I have ever seen. I am also happy to say that Brinley is a bit more of a mama's girl and is very snuggly, she likes to lay her head on my shoulder and snuggle all the time :). I am however starting to see a bit of a temper when she doesn't get her way. Brinley has definitely been able to go with the flow a little better than her older sister. Speaking of her older sister no one can make Brinley laugh, calm down, or cry for that matter like Kendall can. It has been awesome to see how they have already bonded and the way that their faces light up when they see one another after a period of time. I know what it is like to have 4 wonderful sisters and feel so blessed to watch Brinley and Kendall form the same kind of bond that I have with my sisters.

The very end of Brinley's letter explained to her my desire that she grows to know and have a relationship with God and I am pleased to say that we will be dedicating Brinley to the Lord next Sunday. We have waited this long because it is important for us to have our family there and with a large family her birthday party weekend seems to be the best time. This will be a time that Derek and I agree and promise to raise her in a home in which she can know God and that we can be examples to her in this way. It is also a good reminder to me that she is his (God's I mean), he gave her to me to raise here on earth, but ultimately she belongs to him.

I wasn't sure just how it would be to have two children and sometimes I wish that there were two of me to kiss booboo's and give hugs, but ultimately as I have said many times before I have been blessed beyond measure! Today we celebrated her birthday by attending church and taking a wonderful walk after nap time, we then concluded the day with one of Brinley's favorite meals, spaghetti and meatballs. Next weekend we will have a big party and let her eat some cake! I could go on and on about Brinley's first year, but I will end here and promise to post pictures in the next day or two. -S-

In One Months Time

2010-08-30T21:04:00.002-06:00

In one month time just flew…one minute your on top of everything, the next things get crazy and nothing really gets done. But in our case the only thing that did not get done was updating the blog. It seems like we have done so much in just one short month.

We have enjoyed a lot of time outside this summer, we have enjoyed time by the pool, time outside with the grandparents, time at the park and just a plain good time. Anyway we hope you enjoy the pictures with a bit more commentary than normal. -D-

One afternoon we set up the pool and just spent some time playing. Kendall our water baby enjoys anything to do with the water. Brinley although not wanting to be in the water wanted to be next to the water and splash and play.

Brinley eats so well. She eats just about everything and anything and by far loves cheese and fruit the most. I am sure this is one of those nights she ate more than Kendall.

Brinley and I reading a book before bed. So far Mom reads the most to Brinley but Dad will need to take that duty over soon. Brinley is still a book grabber so how much reading gets done is questionable.

Brinley got her corn on the cob. She likes working on trying to eat it and getting to do it herself.

Kendall working on a noodle necklace. She likes to do projects and this is one her Mom got her started on. She was working on a red one in this picture.

Brinley got a pinwheel and she just loved it. She smiled and enjoyed it for all it was worth.

Grandad Cody and Kendall. This was the best picture we could get of the both of them. One of them was always doing something so all the pictures were goofy. Figures.

Kendall in the laundry basket. Who knows why but this is what Kendall is always about.

Brinley getting ready for some Cowboy Football. Also she is sporting one of her many "faces". She always has some face to show us for everything she is feeling.

Sisters sitting in Kendall's chair.

So Kendall has been asking to go camping. Although I would have taken her in a heartbeat up to the mountians anyone who knows my daughter knows she is not the best sleeper. Well anyway I took her out in the back yard and we spent a night in the tent. She was so excited to set it up, put our sleeping bags in and get ready to go to sleep. After setting up everything and setting up a light in the tent we did some reading. After we read some books Kendall was just so excited she asked me questions, played with the tent and did everything except sleep. Around 10:00 she finally went to sleep. Kendall woke up once in the night for a few minutes but went back to sleep, but around 4:40 Kendall woke me up and said, "Daddy I want to go inside now", so we went inside. While we were going inside the stars were out and looked so awsome, so I told Kendall to look up and she said, "wow Daddy what are those?" We sat there and looked at them for awhile and then went inside where she just fell asleep, so overall a great night.

Our tent.

Another Kendall request was to roast some marshmellows. We made up a little fire pit in the back yard and roasted them up. Kendall liked to put the marshmellows on the pokers and she liked eating them.

More roasting pictures.

Kendall roasting her marshmellows. She really liked doing them and so did her Mom.

Brinley and I hanging out while the girls were roasting marshmellows. Another treat both girls loved while they were teething were fresh apples off the apple tree. Here is Brinely eating an apple, the one of many this summer.

Brinley in the bath without Kendall in the tub. Sometimes a bit of alone time is good for a girl just like her face shows. Also note the bubble beard

Daddy and Kendall getting a photo together.

The Teini's had their first of many Bagna Cauda party and Bocce Ball Tournament. It was a good night with only a little bit of rain to spoil the night. Also out of 12 people everyone liked the food which is a good. Out of that many people, normally one person does not like it. Also we had a Bocce Ball Tournament, it was a good time.

Action shot of a Bocce Ball game in progress.

The Bocce Ball Tournament was won by Ben. He will take home the trophy for this year.

A group of tomatoes we picked off our plants. Fresh tomatoes are so good and some of the best food in life.

Kendall enjoying some of those fresh tomatoes.

Kendall holding the first zucchini of the year. It was huge.

Another one of the zucchini that we picked this summer. We have quite a few more that will be coming soon.

Brinley is 11 Months!

2010-08-15T21:18:00.000-06:00

Brinley is now 11 months old, I can hardly believe it. She is growing into such a sweet girl, not as much of a baby these days. She continues to be very sensitive, crying at loud noises or me telling her no. She has become a great eater and is sleeping through the night several nights a week. She also now has two bottom teeth (I have yet to get a picture). Here are some recent pics of my girl who Kendall now calls "Bella" or "my Bella" (clairabelle on mickey mouse has a dog named Bella), silly girl.

Brinley growing into her onsie

Brinley 11 months

Kendall 11 months

Projects

2010-08-15T21:09:00.000-06:00

Here is a little post dedicated to the most recent projects we have been working on. It had been brought to my attention that I have not posted any pictures of Brinley's room totally finished. I am fortunate to be married to such a handy guy who has done some beautiful work to our home :)!

Brinley's room before it was finished

Brinley's room now.

One of the closets.

Another closet.

Looking into the laundry room.

The post before

And after

Before rock

After rock

A little of this and a little of that.

2010-08-07T13:18:00.001-06:00

Since our last update we have been busy busy. We have spent some quality time outside with the girls, been to a couple of birthday parties, and enjoyed visits from Derek's parents and my sister Shannon. Derek's parent watched the girls for a night while we went to Denver on a date. The girls did amazing and were in excellent hands, I even did ok after crying for the first 15 minutes :). Ahhh we had a wonderful time, we ate at the cheesecake factory, went to the Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum concert, did some shopping for ourselves, and just spent some time talking. Here are again a million pictures, you can just never have enough pictures of cute kids! -S-

Our new stroller, way cool!

Brinley loves riding in the stroller, more than Kendall did at this age.

Smiley girl

We packed a picnic one saturday and took the girls to the new splash park here in Laramie, we had a blast.

Brinley and mommy watching Kendall play in the water.

Always a silly face...

Kendall playing at the park

Brinley joined in too, but not too much because she was on a medicine that required that she stay out of the sun.

Wearing her sister's hat! Go Pokes!

Potatoes are more fun than the 200 toys she has!

Still perfecting the smile for the camera.

Self portrait at the concert in Denver.

Kendall chasing bubbles.

Daddy and Kendall flying a kite.

She is a monkey.

Getting so big!

Brinley 10 Months and More

2010-07-17T22:01:00.000-06:00

Brinley is now 10 months old and moving around like crazy! She is pulling herself up on everything and is definitely getting into her sisters business! Kendall's patience have recently been tested with her sisters abilites to move and take toys from her, but all in all the hugs and kisses are more than the pushes and hitting :). We have definitely stayed busy with birthday parties, day trips out of town, and continued home improvement projects. We are doing quite well. Here are several pics of what we have been up to. -S-

Brinley 10 months old. It is getting harder and harder to get this girl to hold still for a pic laying in her onsie!

Aldready on the phone!

Brinley again 10 months old, so serious.

Still on the phone...

And again at 10 months.

Kendall at 10 months old.

Kendall again at 10 months old.

Kendall at 32 months old and insists on getting her picture taken like her sister, who am I to argue when she still fits in the onsie!!!

Carpenter Kendall helping Derek build a new post for our front porch.

Still working hard.

And the post, I still need to paint it.

Brinley with my dad in Douglas last weekend.

Brinley sleeping while her Aunt McKenna competed in the 4H state shoot in Douglas.

Kendall eating ice cream at a cute little ice cream shop in Douglas.

Brinely joining in having a few bites herself.

Kendall fell asleep on the way back from Douglas with the money on her that granddad gave to her for her piggy bank.

Multitasking...

This silly girl never stops.

Brinley hanging out before bed.

Brinley at friend Tyler's first birthday party today.

Kendall giving Tyler's new toy rody a ride.

Brinley and mommy.

4th of July Weekend

2010-07-08T09:48:00.000-06:00

With the 4th of July Weekend only a few days in our past, like always it was a busy weekend. Like with many weekends we kept busy. To start the weekend off, Derek took Kendall on a fishing trip. It was her first time going fishing and her first time using her new fishing rod. She was up early and was ready to go Saturday morning and we were out the door by 7:30. As we left the house I told Stephannie that we would be lucky if we made it more than two hours; boy was I wrong. We arrived at my friends parents house and after a quick stop by the barn to look at the lambs and pigs, we were fishing. It did not take long for Kendall to hook into her first fish. If I was not there helping she might have lost the pole, but after the initial excitement died down she reeled the fish in mostly by herself. I tried to get her to pick up the fish but that was not going to happen because "the fish is all wet". She caught another fish about the same size and had a great time fishing. Aside from a quick break to go potty and some play time in the dirt piles by the pond we spent a good 4 hours fishing. She was a able to reel the bobber in all on her own, but casting was not happening.

Following our fishing trip, Kendall and I headed south to get some fireworks. Mostly a sparklers, snaps, some smoke bombs and a few flaming chickens. She really had no idea as to what they were for, but she soon learned. Once we got home Kendall was tuckered out and took a nap.

On Sunday, after church, Amber and Hailee came to visit. Kendall and Hailee spent the whole time playing and enjoying each others company. Even though there is a bit of an age difference they do so well and enjoy playing. After dinner Kendall, Hailee and I did some fireworks in the back yard. A few times I figured I was going to catch on fire with Kendall's sparkler waving but I made it out okay. Although Kendall did not make it to watch the big fireworks show, she did get to see a few people shooting them off. After Stephannie, Amber and Hailee went to the fireworks show the 4th was over. But...

I had Monday off so the weekend continued. We spent the whole day outside with Kendall and Hailee playing in the pool for 4 hours. We had lunch in the backyard, did some grilling and had a chance to play some bocce ball. All in all a good day. So here are some pictures.

Kendall playing with her babies. She set them up on a blanket with bibs and decided to feed them prunes because they need to poop.

Brinley enjoying a pop.

Sisters.

Kendall and Daddy getting ready to go fishing. She was excited.

Kendall trying our her new pole. She did really well and could reel in all by herself.

Kendall's first fish. Rainbow, 20 inches, 2 lbs. Not bad for her first fish. Must take after her Dad.

Playing on the dirt mound while we were fishing.

Kendall hanging from the monkey bars.

Brinley on a walk.

Hailee and Kendall on a walk.

Kendall on the 4th with her sparkler.

Hailee and Kendall taking a rest and watching a movie.

Snack time outside by the pool.

More pool time.

Brinley and Daddy having a snack.

Getting Behind

2010-06-28T20:04:00.000-06:00

Just when I feel like I am on top of everything then somehow I get behind! So here is what we have been up to the past couple of weeks. We enjoyed a visit from my dad which was really nice, Kendall loved having him here. We also celebrate father's day and have been doing some more projects around the house. It is now nice enough to get out and play, but applying bug spray is a must! I cannot believe that it is almost July. Enough of the chit chat here are some recent pics. -S-

The best Father's Day picture we got, the mosquitos were getting Kendall and she wasn't happy about it!

Kendall being silly as usual, she refuses to wear her glasses right side up.

Going for a stroll.

Say cheese...

Kendall loves to kiss on her sister and calls her sweetheart :).

It is kina hard to see but Brinley has a nice boo boo on her nose from a rug burn she got when face planting out of a small kids chair.

Brinley, what a sweet girl.

Brinley's new face, the nose scrunch!

I came in my room one night to find Kendall trying on my pants, she looked so silly!!! And of course she has no shirt on, I have a hard time keeping clothes on this girl!

Playing in her pool grandma and grandpa Teini got for her.

Derek picked a pretty flower for his girl. They sure do look alike!

Derek and the girls playing at our friend Roan's 1st birthday party.

Brinley is 9 months!

2010-06-14T20:15:00.000-06:00

Brinley is 9 months old and changing faster than I can keep up with. On her 9 month birthday she crawled, pulled herself up to standing, and waved bye bye all for the 1st time, what a day! She continues to be such a joy, I cannot think of our family without her. She had her check up today and weighed in at 15lbs 2oz and is 27.5 inches long. We thought that Kendall was abnormally small, but it turns out that's just how we make them :). Aside from motor skills Brinley is starting to like to feed herself more and more every day, she had been a little picky about that before and not so keen on the textures of fruits and vegetables.

Kendall continues to be a wonderful big sister and would take over my job if I let her! She likes getting Brinley toys, giving her snacks, and she even tells her "it's ok Brinley I am right here" when she cries. It sure has been a wonderful 9 months. Here are some recent pics. -S-

Brinley 9 months being serious.

Brinley in her 12 month onsie.

Kendall at 9 months.

Kendall again at 9 months.

Brinley on the brink of crawling.

Brinley loves to hang out in this crazy toy thing.

Going for a walk while it was nice out.

Still working on the smile.

Silly girl!

An actual picture of Brinley crying.

Summer Time 2010!!!

2010-06-05T21:09:00.003-06:00

So it seems like once summer hits time goes way too fast. It feels like it was only last week and I was celebrating my birthday and now it is the beginning of June, where does time go? Anyway following my birthday we enjoyed the little bit of summer Laramie was graced with and then headed to Sheridan to visit my parents. We had a great time with them and it was good just to relax and enjoy some good weather for once. Enjoy the pictures! –D-

Just doing some reading with the girls.

This is some sweet hair.

One of my favorite pictures ever!

What do you know...we visit Grandma and Grandpa...we go to the park and we are on a swing.

My Mom and Brinley in Sheridan.

My Dad pushing Kendall on the swing.

My Mom on the swing with Brinley.

Brinley in the grass at my parents house.

Kendall in front of my parents house.

A great picture of Stephannie and Brinley.

My Dad and Kendall playing in the sand.

Kendall and Oakley finally got to bond.

My Mom and Kendall playing with her watering bucket.