Baby Oh baby!

Sorry that it took this long to show you my little belly. But I thought before we take the christmas tree down we better get a couple snapshots. I am 20 weeks along, and we have our ultrasound this next week, but no we are not finding out the sex. Sorry, we are old fashioned. But in less then 4 months you all will get to find out what we are having along with us. I feel the baby move more and more daily, and Emily of coarse say's "my baby" every time I show her my tum tum.

Christmas

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night! Our family christmas was great. It always is. Miss Emily is now old enough to really enjoy unwrapping gifts and of coarse it was a hit. She loved every minute. Her favorite was a tea set and kitchenette (a wodden unit my grandpa built) she got from all of us. She makes us all dinner everynight!!! Then of coarse feeds us and her babies. All the dolls she plays with, all the time. Which I think an addition to the family, like the one she will be getting in May, will add to the fun of feeding the babies. Which is growing strong everyday. Hope your holidays all, are full of fun. And excitment like Emily Madison's.

Emily's favorite things!

This is one of her favorite things... Dressup!! Every little girls dream to find any extra clothing laying around the house, that doesn't fit and put in any part of there little body they can find. (usually around the neck) This time she found some shorts, a couple shirts and a nice hat. She makes us laugh all the time, I love it.

And... Dancing with any music that she will turn up as loud as she can and twirl. Sometimes by herself but most of the time she will come and grab your hand and sign please over and over till you stand up and twirl with her. She loves it. So Grandma and Elisha love to dance and make her smile!

Without one!

This fall we took some family pics and of coarse it made us all think of the family that we are missing for the pics, but they turned out cute and fun despite the fact that 4 of the 12 were away. But for this sister pic maybe Amber you can do some fancy photo shop and put yourself in there with us. Hee Hee. But of coarse in these cute pictures I was unaware of an important factor behind some things. Something that Rachel made mention to on her last comment. I am PREGNANT!!!!!!! 16 weeks, around?!? My due date is May 20th. And I just found out a couple of weeks ago. Sorry that most of you are just finding out, but life in the Fleming home has forever changed not just the fact that we have an addition coming. We also sold our HOUSE! We live with my Mom, again after 7 years almost. Quite the exciting time around here, being literally "Home for the Holidays" Hope this finds you all well and full, after a great Thanksgiving feast, and now onto the yummy cookie and goodies season. Love you all.

Conference here we come!

Before we leave for the weekend, I decided that I would blog. For the first time ever we are leaving our 17 month old daughter with grandma for a whole weekend. Grandma took time off from work to spend a weekend with her granddaughter, while Steven and I are go off to Kalispell to chaperone 30 kids. I am alittle nervous. Except that the fact of Emily thinking the world of her grandma. I think we will do fine. So if you all hear of a mom crying cause she doesn't get to see her little girl for 3 days, call her Christel cause that will probably be me knowing these last few days. Oh! So emotional. Vision Conference here we come.

The sound of naps

Well all the mom's can relate when I say the best sound of a nap is the peace and quiet of it all. Or the sound of us mom's getting to get to a little task that we probably won't get done with but feels good to start, that would otherwise not even get touched unless kid's were down for naps. My daughter has always had this nice soft way of talking to herself as she is getting to sleep and just waking up. Moaning and Squealing out of delight in and of themselves but, as of late it is more like "Mommy, mommy, hey, hey............... mommy" Silence for a few second's " Daddy, daddy, daddy, daddy, daddy, daddy, ha ha ha, daddy, daddy, dadda. And a fun high pitch of the last few to get the point across that I am awake time to get me up!!!! And my favorite part of it all walking in and We are greeted with the best smile, and laugh that will brighten even the worst of days!

my hubby, the son of a preacher man.

Well tonight is Gen church and my husband gets to shed some light on his thoughts with GOd's thoughts mixing together and coming up with something great, profound, meaningful, life filled, funny, and Steve all at the same time. (He is going to preach) This is the hardest for me because on days like this I am like.

Christel: " Steve what are you going to say?"
Steve: " Um...... Well........ you know talk about the stuff that God tells me too"

It gets to be Wednesday afternoon,..

Christel: "Hey honey how is the sermon going?"
Steve: " (SILENCE....................) "
Christel: " Are you going to be done by 6, (gen church starts at 7)
Steve: " I better be"

He is not mean about it, he just gets in these very focused, I can't talk to you because my mind is on other things mode. ( like when any guy plays halo) And all I can do is PRAY! I think that is why God made our hubby's like that so that we can take that extra time a lift them up. So if you haven't lately let this be your reminder pray for your husband. I love my husband more and more each day. Did you guys know that he is one of the best fathers I know!!!

Now that it is September I thought that it was a good month to blog. Ha Ha. I just wanted to get back into the world, to see all you again. Even though my blog is few and far between. I still love looking at everyones all the time. Emily has been growing by leaps and bounds. She will be 16 months on the 15th but she has the height of a 3 year old. She is a goliath to most kiddo's her age. And she eats like one too. So I wanted to put a few pictures that I took of her up for your enjoyment and mine. I'll be back... Hopefully sooner than later.

VBSVBSVBSVBSVBSVBS!!!!!!!!

That is the time of my life right now. I haven't even gotten to see my friend Katie's new house, my mom's of MU, water my drying up flower's, put our house on the market, so we can buy a new car, all the things we were supposed to get done this summer. Now that it is half done... But some good news that says that God is watching over me and my family. Friends of ours are going out of town and have offered to let us borrow their car. Oh, the feeling of AC, room under my legs, not my hubby's sweaty leg touching mine, room enough to not only carry Steve, Emily and I but another member of the human race legally!!! Ha Ha. (Not that being close to your hubby all the time is all that bad ;))
So for those of you that don't know that we the Fleming family of Three. Have been driving in a 2 door dodge, dakota. We're Mommy (me) gets to sit on the middle hump with no where to put my long legs except the dash or draped over Emily! Our fam car broke down awhile back and we have yet the funds to buy another one till we sell our house, which will hopefully happen this next week God willing. But of coarse we are patient and thankful that we have faithful friends that trust us enough to let us have a break from the uncomfortable for a while!!! You are awesome!

Another day!

July and I haven't posted since June. Ugh! I'm bad. The time has just flown by. Life has been so busy and crazy but of coarse not my excuse just fact. But I have loved looking and reading all of your blogs, just have not taken time for mine. Camp was a blast, 4th of JUly fun, and now working diligently on VBS. Vacation Bible School, which this year is a western theme. Yeehaw! Can't wait and that has been what my life has been taken up with. That, and a soon to be 14 month old that loves to sing, talk, say no, dance, say mommy, gama, baby, and a million other things that make 2 naps a day, Still a gift from God!!! Hope your wednesday's are as bright and shiny as mine has been, love you all!

What a crazy day! Father's day passed without saying a hearty thank you to the father's in my life. What great men. I'm blessed to have men in my life that have helped me or help me daily to live my life to the fullest. So hope that you are honored for being the men you are meant to be.

But to give honor were it is due. I want to thank my hubby. A dad for a little over a year. And of coarse, has not mastered it but working daily on being the best dad Emily could ever need. She is so blessed to have him as a dad. And I am for having a faithful husband. Thanks Steve. We love you.

Number One!

My little one just turned one! Yeah! She is so much bigger then most kids her age you would think that she was 2 or 3 but no she just turned one. It was a fabulous event. Alittle of both sides of the family came out to join in the fun. Both grandpa's were there. And the first eating of a cupcake was very eventful. And Auntie Missy made a great hippo cake. Hope everyone is well. We are growing by leaps and bounds.

Our toddler world!

The new wonderful things that our sweet daughter does brings smiles to us daily. She loves to do that cheesy little smile, that many toddler's do with the big mouth and tiny squinty eyes. For any camera in site. Another of her favorite things to do is to point at her little belly. Not only to her mommy and daddy, but of course to any total stranger walking by. Flashing them by lifting up her shirt or dress to expose her very plump tummy, smiling the whole time. So adorable. She is growing so awfully fast.

Baby has been born!

A new little girl has come into the world. Eliana Sophia was born May 9th at 2:09 pm. All is well with her and the Cotto family. She is so beautiful. She weighed 6lbs. It was so fun getting to hold a newborn again.

Spring time!

What a beautiful Day!!! It has to be at least already 60 degrees and it just now 10 in the morning! Spring I think has officially sprung here which is wonderful waiting the long winter sometimes can be a drag! Looking to plant my flower beds and try to have a little of the green thumb my great mum has. The newest great thing for the spring is our new lawn mower that better last until I die cause it costs a pretty penny. But it is shiny, black and it actually starts. Which is a total plus seeing that our other one wouldn't. The yard will hopefully be great and green soon!

Happy Anniversary

Today is Amber and Dan's anniversary. 8 years!!! Congrats you guys! Hope you are making the most of it. Miss you guys so so much. Much love. What a great family!

monday, Monday, MONDAY!!

Today is Monday the day that my husband has off each week! So the day that Emily and I usually get to spend some daddy time. But we got a little different spin on the day today. Daddy is playing basketball so we got to come and spend some time with Grandma, so I could blog!! Otherwise it might have been a little while till I would have gotten to write anything!

We spent the week in Idaho with Steve's family and at a conference. It was much needed time with Grandma Doris and Grandpa Art, and even Auntie Angela. After that week, Emily has decided that she is big enough now to not nurse anymore before bed or anytime, unless it is an extra tired day then she will every once in a while snuggle in. Her being a year old in about 2 weeks is just making me amazed of how fast the time has gone. Time really flies when you are having fun!

Sisters, Sisters!

SO last week someday it was National Sibling day! So in honor of the best sisters in the world, I wanted to put this picture up! I love you my beautiful sisters and friends! Thank you to all of you ladies that have been my sister's and my friend's. You are all awesome!

Sick, sick, sick!

Sick babies. Talk about something that just makes your heart hurt. Recently My daughter had a fever that for 5 days didn't break103 degrees. It got as bad as 105 for a good hour. She was not the same little girl that I gave birth to. It was so sad to see her like that. Anyways after many calls to the doc and lots of calling the mom Sunday after church we had decided that it had been enough and we were taking her the next morning to see a doctor. (which all week they had said that she really didn't need to see anyone it is probably teething and if the fever only stays at 105 for more then an hour bring her in) Sunday night was the worst night yet and of coarse we wake to an ear full of ooze! Her ear drum had burst. She was all smiles, eating finally, and happy to not have all that pain. Bless her heart. She is doing great now except that daddy is sicker then a dog. (excuse the expression) Steven even stayed home from work and for him to do that means, he's sick! But a well home I know will come soon, just praying that I do not get any of it in the process.

Resting Day!

Today was a snotnose day! Emily woke up with the crusties all over her face that only a warm washrag could cure. But what a cutie. We stayed in our pj's till 2pm it was great. And I also tried to do her hair since it is getting longer. Which fell out a couple minutes later but all in all, a great day!

Mom's United

Muuuuuuu!!!! (moo) A few of the stay at home mom's and me got together and came up with this way of getting together and getting our kids together and encouraging one another and stuff. SO it is called mom's united or muu! And we do it at a different home every other week and have lunch and hang out. It so far has been such a blessing and Emily of coarse is learning so much from the other kids. Sucking from a straw after this week. It is a great way to learn life from the other ladies. Especially since the weather is starting to warm up we will get to go to parks, on picnics, to the pool. All sorts of fun!!!

Howdy!

In honor of the big Charlie Russell art auction this weekend I thought I would saya little "Howdy ho partners, long time no see!!!" And the only fault of that is my own, believe me. Life just gets the best of me sometimes. Well, it has been a good leave of absence from writing. A lot has happened. My husband preached an awesome message, my lovely sister and her family made it back to their home in Kosova, Emily passed the twenty pound mark and is more than 30 inches tall, our friends Becky and Adam got engaged, Oh Emily also walked all on her own and turned directions all without falling, across our basement floor ( she has been taking steps but no real walking on her own), Marissa is yet again in swimming, being the little fish she is, umm... lots of pregnancies have been announced lately, which is so fun, and God is yet again doing awesome works in the lives of many through his faithfulness in Gen church and it is really exciting. Anyways I promised my sis that I would blog at least once a week so this will not have to be told each time, my life can be explained in littler spots from here on. Thank you for baring with me through the In and outs of blogging.

But before I leave you I want to add some pictures of our family, that we took before the Litzinger's went back!

To blog or not to blog that is the ?????

Well that is not the thoughts that I have daily. But it is what I feel like. Not having Internet in my home makes it hard to find time in my life between naps, eating, playing, and all the other wonderful things involved in having a 9 month old; to come and blog. I either do it when I get to the church, or my mothers home. So sorry, but I will find away soon. Hope all you all are doing well. Love you.

Saturdays!!!!

YOU know those wonderful days that you used to be able and sleep in late and enjoy a morning snuggling with your loved one. Or even when you used to get up real early and catch your fav Saturday morning cartoons. Well those days tend to be a little different these days with our lives full of soooooo much. But today seemed to have a completely different vibe to it. I woke up thinking of our great commission. The life God intended us to lead. And you know how I was kind of feeling sorry for myself that my sis is leaving soon. Well, I have forgotten the very important job that her life leads in that far away country she lives in. I got a glimpse of the importance that she is to the people over there, the lost people. And I had to ask for forgiveness this morning, God I am so sorry for my selfishness. Please if it will save the lives of those in Krush e' Vogel you can use Amber however you need. I am sure that the ladies there in Kosova are thinking the same remorse right now missing her friendship and love for her these past months. And probably can't wait to see little cute Caleb. So next time we are missing a loved one far away think of the people they are ministering to and loving just as much as they will ALWAYS love you.

My little Emily

Going back through pictures and found this one. Steve's caption for this photo was, "Whatta you lookin' at?" It made me laugh. Hope it makes you laugh too.

Missing my sister already!!

I don't know if any of you can imagine the sadness I have already began to feel about my Big sister leaving. For those of you who do not know, Amber Joy (typepad joyoutloud) comes to America to be with us only for a short time and then leaves for most of the year. This time she will be going with both of my nephew's, (Judah and Caleb) and their daddy Dan for who knows how long. They are not sure when they will get to return to the states either. And I am missing them already too much, this week they are visiting Dan's family in Ohio. So it is giving me a glimpse of the rest of the year without them. And it is not too fun! At least I still have my other sisters still around, blessed to have the best ones anyone could ever ask for. Elisha, Marissa and Amber are the friends I crave to spend time with. So for the next few weeks before the Litzinger family goes back, the family will be spending time together for sure.

Holding back tears and loving you all.

Well, my hubby said that I needed to go on and have a moment of remorse for the Seahawks!

....................................................................................................................

There you go honey. Sorry about your team. Anyways, on to more blogging. Went away for the weekend to a youth retreat. The kid's that are leaders in gen church went and it was a great weekend to focus on the important things about making disciples for Jesus. It turned out great and Emily was a trooper. Mommy on the other hand came home pretty exhausted but happy that God once again changed the lives a few of the amazing kids in our church. A weekend full of worshipping and sledding will forever sit in my mind as a great year to start off 2007!!! Emily was looking pretty dazed after the weekend away from home, her hair is looking more and more like a little girl.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS!

This one is for the favorite man in my life Steven Chad. I love you. In honor of the playoff games in Football, leading to the Superbowl. I have to say Go Seahawks!!!!! My husband was pretty sad thinking he had to be at church during the game against the Bears! For all of you that like sports, or just enjoy watching them

NOW that you have a hubby that loves them. Have a good day of Football!

laughing out loud

Today has already been an incredible day! The sisters got together to do pilates and the kiddos got some cousin time. Emily just loves to watch Judah play and I am sure it inspires her to try and do more big girl stuff. And Pilates is always a exhilarating time of moves that you would not normally try and laughing at each other when you fall over doing them. As Elisha is collapsed on the floor, I ask "what happened to you" , "the tree pose happened to me" she said! Hope your Thursday is full of some laugh out loud times too.

Amber Joy

To see a mother with her newest baby. In her raw beauty Amber Joy Litzinger is still stunning! I had to add this to my blog, especially since this wonderful woman inspires me daily. Love you Amber! The new mommy and her little guy Caleb Daniel.

Not so sassy!

Sassy Shoe Thursday!!!!
Well, I guess they are not so sassy, but they are my newest ones. Steven my hubby got them for me for Christmas, I Love Rocket dogs! And so comfy!

WOW!!! The holiday season officially wiped me out. Working on the Christmas program for the church, enjoying my new little nephew Caleb, and just the hussle and bussle of this time of year really oviously took over my life for the last month!! Merry Christmas AAAAANNNDDDD Happy New Year.... My daughter, Also floods my life with all the wonderful things that a little 7 month old would and I love it. The latest is her fun in trying to get all the wonderful colors of baby food anywhere on her body that she can. And then helping me clean up afterward.
Sweet Potatoes Anyone!