Thanksmas 2011

 Our second annual Thanksmas celebration was a success.  What exactly is Thanksmas?  3 years ago, I decided that I wanted to learn how to deep fry a turkey, so I did just that.  And man, oh man, was it delicious.  So now, in addition to our traditional family Thanksgiving, James and I have invented our own holiday called Thanksmas, which is Thanksgiving dinner during the Christmas season.  I make a traditional meal and the star of the show is of course, the fried turkey.  Here are a few pics~

helping mommy make pies!!

 my man, braving the cold and watching the bird!

 family game night!  Battle of the Sexes winners: Meg, Steph, Dani & Ava (the girls)

(Honorable mention: the boys, because our cards were loaded with football questions.  We reminded them that not ALL girls know this much about football!  Our dad should be proud..)

Pictionary winners: Steph & Jared

(Honorable mention: Sam, because he had some impressive drawings)

Catch Phrase winners: Megan & Steph

(Dishonorable mention: Sam, because on the phrase "Journey," Jared gave him the clues "Don't Stop Believin', "Lovin Touchin Squeezin," "Any Way You Want It".... and nothin.)

Overall game night champ: Steph!

Winter Fun

 Here are a few pics of what we've been up to these cold Winter days!

We took Ava to see Happy Feet 2.  (not recommended)

 going to the mall to see Santa & ride the train

 James and I purchased a fetal doppler like they use in the OB's office.  We are able to hear the baby's heartbeat whenever we want, for our my peace of mind.  Ava likes to find it too.  Our baby's heartbeat has been consistently between 155-161 bpm.

New house, new start!

It's amazing what can change in just a few short months!  Next on the agenda is Ava and I moving to Salina.  We have purchased a beautiful home in a historic area.  It was built in 1926 but has been completely remodeled and updated.  We couldn't be happier!!  Pictures soon!!   

We're expecting!

The Bogener family is expanding by one in June 2012!

So what is baby Bogey up to so far? He/she is 12 weeks today and is the size of a plum. We've had our first ultrasound and got to hear the heartbeat, 157 bpm.

Me, on the other hand.. I'm having all sorts of trouble :) Baby Bogey is making mommy very sick!! I've lost 10 lbs so far from morning sickness. The first trimester ends next week, so I'm hoping for a little relief! My jeans are getting tight and I'm slowly progressing to maternity clothes.  

For the first several weeks, Ava called this "baby weester," (sister) however, she is very firm that this is "baby brudder."  In just 6 more short weeks, we will know for sure :)  Ava is very excited about becoming a big sister.  She is constantly asking to "see" the baby and give it kisses. 

Check back soon for updates!  Next appt: 12/12

We eloped!

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart)i am never without it(anywhere i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done by only me is your doing,my darling) i fear no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want no world(for beautiful you are my world, my true)and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

~EE CUMMINGS

Giving Thanks

We spent Thanksgiving this year at my parents house in Scottsdale, Arizona.  We have SO much to be thankful for.  We are thankful for our Lord God; through him, all things are possible.  We are thankful for our family, who love and support us.  We are thankful for our friends, who bring us joy and comfort.  We are thankful for Ava, who brings immeasurable amounts of happiness, laughter, love, and joy to our lives.  We are thankful for each other, because sometimes love happens when (& where) you least expect it.  God is great!  Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

Halloween 2011