Post Valentine's Recap

We had a happy HEART day!

IT all started off with the traditional heart pancakes made with love by the best Dad in the world! Mr. Boehme even put little messages on the pancakes for the kids, I love him for his attention to detail!

I wrote little love notes in the kids lunches and sent them off to school

xo xo xo.

I made heart pizza for supper and we had our neighbors over to enjoy it with us! (Sorry about the blurry pictures, I took them on my iPhone and must not have been very still at the time, but you get the idea)

Then we were off to our Ward Valentines Dance, put on by one of the YW in our ward to accomplish one of her YW projects! It was a wonderful time, the children ate more sugar (which we paid for later with puky kids) and danced the night away. I sat on the sidelines with Mr. Seth, he wasn't feeling well (you'll notice in the pics) and wanted to snuggle. But Joanne Koegler put together a little photo booth, complete with dress ups and cute little signs. It. was. so. cute.

Here are a few from the evening!

LOVE, love, LoVe Valentines Day

P.S. How could I forget the beautiful roses my sweetheart brought me, 6 in total, one for each of the babies we've brought into the world! I love you Brian Boehme, thanks for making me smile, for always listening and for being the love of my life!

happy

awe (jaw on the ground kind)

relief

astonished

giddy

proud

full of love

This is what I feel today!

Why you ask?

Well when you have a little boy who is almost 3 who just out of the blue decides to start using the toilet, and you're his Mother, these are some of the intense feelings that overwhelm you! And I'll add, when you are about to give birth to your 6th child in 5 weeks, the feelings only intensify!!!!

Here is our super man, little stud and star of the week!

For the past few months I have given him lots of opportunities to wear BIG boy underwear and although he was peeing all over the house I did see improvements in the length of time between accidents! Ha ha! But last Friday, he got up and said, "Mom I gotta go potty." Then ran to the potty and went all by himself!! The day was amazing! He had one accident when he couldn't get his pants down fast enough and then stayed dry for the rest of the day, and did the famous #2 on the potty also!!! Then Saturday we decided to test his skills! So I took him to get some Potty treats and to pick a special toy to place high on a shelf in our kitchen, which he would receive if he stayed dry all week long. He stayed dry at Walmart and even used the bathroom there (gross I know, I don't even like to do that).

Then to add to my astonishment, we put him in underwear for church and he stayed dry all Sunday, including nap-time and the entire night through!! (He was in and out of sacrament meeting a lot trying to be a big boy, but hey, we were fine with that!)

What a blessing this has been. Seth is such a smart boy and I am so proud of him. It seems like all of a sudden he is a little man instead of a toddler! He has been so self directed in this decision that I can't deny the very real possiblity that we are done with diapers for at LEAST a month!! I know, that doesn't sound too promising . . . but we have a month before our baby girl comes, AND I'LL TAKE IT!!

I love you Seth, I am so proud of you!

Love

Mom xoxo

Memories of 2011 - A New Year has begun!

Happy New Year!

I love thinking about a new year and all of the great things in store.

It is especially exciting to think that our family will be complete with the birth of our sweet little girl in March. I wish the months would fly, I just want to hold her and know that our family is all here, whole and complete and healthy.

Here are a few pics of some great moments of 2011



This sweet little girl started Kindgergarten, she is sure growing up fast. She has so much energy and sparkle and we love her so much. I can't believe she will be 6 in April, where has the time gone?

Emma also had an exciting First this past year. She tried Waterskiing, she looks thrilled doesn't she? She was nervous but she trusted her Dad and got up on her first try, I think it surprised her and so she stayed in a crouched position (as low to the water as she could be) and then just let go!! We were proud of her for trying, and she claims she will try again next year.

We have a family tradition! Every year as we come over Logan's Pass we stop at our "Special Spot" and those who get up enough courage, jump in the icy cold glacier water. Will and Brian even added jumping of the cliffs into the water! I thought this picture was so candid of the children, I love their expression. It was a fun, and chilly memory!

This was our "Back to School Feast!" Each of the children receive a simple crown with an attribute to work on that school year, to inspire them to be their best! We eat good food and talk about our goals for another year!!

I turned the big 33!. I felt so lucky to be surrounded by family last year, I guess that is one of the joys of being born on Thanksgiving. We spent the weekend together at Jenny & Josh's in Medicine Hat. We stuffed ourselves with delicious food and had a great time being together.

I love thinking about all the things I want to do a little better this year. I've set some goals and hope that even with all the changes that are happening for our family that I will be able to be steadfast and immovable in my goals.

Brian has made some changes professionally and we are excited for him. He is such a hard worker and an expert in his field and we feel peace in knowing that we have been guided in our decision and pray the Lord will bless and prosper our family.

Change brings growth and blessings and we have hope that as we rely on our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and do our part, we will be made strong even through the many changes we anticipate this year.

2012 is gonna be a great one!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!

A few pictures of the moments that we have spent together this Christmas season.

Sunnyside School put on the cutest Christmas concert this year. "Santa's stuck in the 50's!" It was so darling, with all the girls in their poodle skirts and the boys with shades and muscle shirts! I loved the message that Christmas is more about what we give than what we receive.
( sorry about the red-eye in these, I didn't edit before uploading obviously)




So pretty (red eye and all)

Emma was so cute in her Kindergarten Concert. I love this little girl, she is growing up so fast. She loves school and her friends and teachers.

We decorated Gingerbread houses last night with our neighbors Paul and Andrea, they are so awesome and made the night so fun. They both had never experience gingerbread house decorating and I could tell they were enjoying themselves!! The kids love these two and we feel so blessed to have them as neighbors, they are always ready to help when we go away and love our dog Diesel like their own. Thanks you two, you made it a special night to remember!!

We spent a weekend in Medicine Hat with my siblings ( not all could come and we missed them dearly) At Jenny and Josh's home. We always have such fun at their place, it is a true party house!! Grama and Grampa put on quite the "Shania Twain / Michael Buble" act, complete with puppets, wigs and full costumes! It was a memory I will never forget. The other day Emma was thinking about it and just giggling to herself. We have such fun together and were so grateful that it worked out that we all could find a weekend to make these memories together. Thanks Jenny and Josh, we love you guys.

Sarah and Joel it will be a perfect celebration when we can be together again with you and your spouses and children, it is never quite the same without you. Merry Christmas to you, we send all our love!!

We've been baking!!

Choosing our Christmas tree! The fluffiest snowflakes were gently falling as we picked our tree this year. I love this photo of Emma and Seth trying to catch them in their mouths. We love this tradition of getting a real tree! The smells that fill our home all of December are worth the mess and clean up!!

We didn't send out a NEW Christmas photo this year. As soon as our little "missy" is born we will have a family photo, so look forward to next year!! We love and appreciate the friendships and associations we have with family and friends. Truly these connections and relationships are what make life rich and meaningful. Merry Christmas to you with love,

From the Boehme's

Mr. Wi11

The Rams Green & Gold squad ended up playing each other in the Final

Game of the last Tournament , they were pretty pumped!!

Zack Jacobs and Will Boehme ( 2nd cousins)

Mr. Will had quite the football season.

This was his first year.

He thinks he scored a total of 24 touchdowns.

It was so much fun to watch him.

Football is quite a complex game and in practices it seemed like overload at first.

But in his first game, on the first play of the game, he ran into the end zone for a touch down!! The second play of the game, he did the same thing. (Can you imagine me jumping up and down on the sidelines cheering and yelling at the top of my lungs, LOL!!!) Beginners luck right???

Well, he ended up getting 3 touchdowns in that game. He was thrilled.

Will. Loves. Football.

We spent all of September and October eating supper at 4:00pm and rushing off to Football practice and games. It was busy, but so fun to watch him find such passion in the sport!! I think it helps a little that his Dad loves it too!

Mr. Wi11 turned eleven last weekend and he celebrated this year by heading up to Calgary to a Stampeders Game with his Dad and his best friend Parks Hirsche. They had great seats, and had a blast together, just the guys.

It is hard to believe that I have an 11 year old! I remember so clearly the day he was born, the day he made me a Mommy! I can still remember those first moments as I looked into his eyes and wondered where life would take him, what gifts and talents he would develop and what our life would be like together . . . . . as a family. Will is a true leader & we are so blessed to have him as the BIG brother in our home. He works so hard and always tries to do his best. He has set the goal to read the Book of Mormon before he turns 12 and receives the Aaronic Priesthood, I am excited for him and hope he will work hard to accomplish his goal and to really come to know for himself that the Book of Mormon is true.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILL, we love you so much.

Here is the footage of one of his touchdowns. Will is #8. Just a WARNING, Brian forgets when he is recording that the microphone is right by his mouth!! You may want to turn down your volume on your computer while watching! Enjoy!

Yesterday was a special day!

I felt like I was on cloud 9 all day long!

Why you ask?

Well I found out the gender of this baby growing inside me. . . . . .

We've waited and wondered and as the Dr. told me it seemed like somewhere deep down I already knew, it was a sweet moment.

Brian had impressions from the start and he was right, he amazes me with how in tune he is. From the start of this pregnancy he has been so SURE about the gender, and when I was about to go in for my ultrasound and was extremely nervous because I hadn't felt baby move yet, he was so calm and he assured me NOT TO WORRY, ___ would be healthy! He knew and I love him so much for his faith, he did not doubt.

I on the other hand felt like I had to prepare my mind for both possibilities, just in case! A healthy baby is such a blessing and I didn't want to feel any disappointment one way or another.

So I too (got this idea from nienie) bought some balloons, but instead of tying them to a mailbox I stood and held them as I waited for my 4 to get off the bus. I told them in the morning to watch for me with balloons blue for boy and pink for girl. They were so excited!!

Yes, we are having a G I R L!

We feel so blessed, because with this news we know without a doubt that this sweet little daughter will be the last child to come into our family. Having that knowledge brings bitter sweet tears, but I know that it will help me rejoice in every moment of this journey!

A GIRL, it's really a girl! Now to think of the perfect name. Any suggestions?

All a Memory - But One We Will NEVER Forget

Something pretty spectacular happened in June!

It is definitely worth mentioning, even these months later!!

A very special person, accomplished something EXTRAORDINARY!!

Some of the crew ready for the hike up Bears Hump!

Brian's Grandma turned 90 years old and to celebrate she wanted to climb a

MOUNTAIN!!

She is an amazing woman, who is always serving and we wanted to support her. But as the day approached the weather did not seem like it was going to cooperate. Many family members decided it would not be wise to climb a mountain with little children, let alone a 90 year old woman in a Spring down pour!! We were one of those families that were very nervous to make the climb. But Grandma was determined. She was going and no matter what was said to deter her, nothing would stop her from reaching her goal. Now, I have faith, but we needed the kind of faith that would get us on the road early Saturday morning despite the rains and wind that already prevailed!! We asked the kids what they thought we should do. The faith of a child is truly a remarkable thing. We set off for Waterton Lake and half way there it seemed all our prayers were working. But as we drove through Mountain View, the sky did not look good. Over the mountains the clouds were thick and dark and then the heavy rain started. My faith was waivering, even our children wondered if their prayers and Grandma's would be answered. But we knew we had come much to far to turn our backs now. As we entered the park the rain slowed, but in my mind I kept thinking of the trail and how wet and slick and muddy it would be.

As we reached the trail head, we saw the families who had also braved the weather to support Grama, there were more than I thought and we were excited. The wind seemed to have calmed and as we approached the trial, out of curiosity to see what kind of conditions we would have to hike in, to my utter astonishment THE TRAIL WAS DRY!

Moral of the Story: When a faithful woman sets out to do something and asks the Lord for help, follow her, He will keep his promises!!

Here is the birthday girl, ready to hike!!

The view of beautiful Waterton Lake and Town Site!

Can you tell that the sun was shinning??

We all reached the top before Grandma did, and so we were waiting for her as she finished her climb. As she reached the summit and came into view, literally the clouds parted and the sun came out. We sang her happy birthday as she reached her family and loved ones. It was a beautiful experience to share with my children. I am so grateful for those who have gone before, who have lived lives of such faith and devotion. How could the Lord NOT grant her the very desire of her heart and control the elements for such a faithful elect lady!!

My little cutie's. I just love this picture, something about it just makes me smile. I think it is the sweet looks on their beautiful faces

A perfect day.

it has been too long.

i must admit the summer went by too fast.

i was in that blissful first trimester of pregnancy and enjoyed lazy mornings of sleeping in and overcoming that ever present feeling of nausea.

i really can't complain.

pregnancy and me go pretty well together.

i have so many pictures to post of our times together in the summer.

soon i promise.

school days have taken over and i'm loving the scheduled life, but missing my kids.

emma is in full day kindergarten twice a week and i just really miss having her around.

although i do really enjoy napping with seth in the afternoons. bittersweet right?

so we have decided that this little miracle growing inside of me is our last. we will find out next month what we are having, but we think we already know. we are so excited. the kids are so excited.

tomorrow we are going to the drs. office together to hear the heartbeat, and by together i mean all the kids and brian. i want them to remember this. i want them to feel apart of this miracle.

i'm about 14 weeks, and into my 2nd trimester already.

it is crazy to think that i will never experience the first trimester of pregnancy again, did I say crazy, i think i meant a relief. i can definitely close the door on that one with a smile. there will be others that won't be quite so easy.

but for now i am trying to enjoy all the changes, even if my pants don't fit comfortably anymore!!

Introducing Spencer Schmidt - BitterSweet

bittersweet.

Life is so bittersweet.

so many moments of joy mingled with stress, heartache and sorrow.

if only we could capture the simple moments that are sofleeting, ones like watching your two year old eat an ice cream cone on a sunny afternoon, or your 5 year old dressed in her swimsuit and rubber boots playing in the rain, or your 10 year old telling you he loves you, or your 8 year old singing and dancing the with you in the kitchen or the simple days when there is nothing to do but be together. . .

. . . . Then when the storms of life come (and they surely do, for each of us and those we love) the simple moments could be the rainbowlifting & filling your heart and soul with warmth

and

hope.

This song inspires me.