Our Happenings!

Ok. So my absolutely amazing husband is ALWAYS busy. He works really hard, and I complain a lot! I get bored easily without adult conversation. Call me crazy! Anyway, he told me I need to get a hobby so that I am not so bored. Know that this is a hobby that takes place after I work my full-time teaching position, full-time mom job. part-time cleaning lady, part-time chef. I thought and thought. Really, let's face it, my hobby is blogging. I love it. I love looking at the pictures I have taken, or taking pictures specifically for a blog purpose. I love catching up on the lives of people I don't always get to see. It might not, is not, the hobby he would like me to pursue but as of now, it is. With that said, don't hold your breath on this post. You will likely pass out. I will not be offended if you choose to stop reading now. Happy Mother's Day!

This next post is dedicated to the mothers in my life. I thought about putting it in a very strategical order, but then I looked at the clock and decided against the impossible.

Just go with it!

My mom. I think she is such a ball of energy. She can never get enough of Hailee. Hailee adores my mom and loves having my mom visit and skype with her. My mom is always worrying about me and about Hailee. I know she does this because she cares, and I act tough, but really I appreciate her caring. I am really lucky to have such a loving mom.

Grandma Lorelei- She is amazing and beautiful. She loves Hailee so much and always takes extra good care of her. She is so good to us and always has been. She has stepped up and helped my dad alot. We are all very lucky to have her in our lives.

This might sound crazy. I am including a few of my cousins on here, not all, and not even specific ones. I have a lot of amazing cousins who are moms out there. They have such amazing kids and I love seeing them be moms. A lot of them are older and so it is nice to have their examples before me.
The above picture is my cousin Crystal and her daughters. I purposly put this picture on because I cannot tell you how proud I am of Crystal. I HATE being home alone at night and raising Hailee a week at a time without Curt. I don't know how she coped before when it was just her and Isabelle. I think she is the cutest mom and she has raised Isabelle amid all the struggles, to be a VERY smart and beautiful girl. I cannot wait for her to have her new little one with their new family. They are very amazing!

This is my sister-in-law Cindy. She is Curt's oldest sister and she has two sons. Her boys are both very talented and super sweet. They are so good with Hailee, and I know it is because they learn it from their mom. She takes excellent care of these boys and you can tell how much she really values them. She is always good to call whenever I have needed "mom" advice. She knows what to do when the baby is sick, hurt, hungry or whatever.

Grandma Kathy. Curt's stepmom has been so good with Hailee. She makes sure Roy is ready with fruit snacks at church! She isn't pushy, which Hailee really likes. She takes such great care of Roy. We appreciate all the fun things she makes for us, including Hailee's blessing dress and other adorable things that we can have for years in our home!

My sister-in-law Christina. I love how much Christina and I have been able to bond over the years. She is such a loving and kind person. I love seeing her with her kids and knowing how much she loves them. She always puts her children first and makes time for them. She has been such a help for me this year with Curt gone. Even though we are far apart, we have chatted on the computer or on the phone alot. She has also been very giving of herself to help Curt out when he has been in the fields. I wish I had as strong of devotion as she does to those around her. I wish people would notice her actions more, she is a great mother and person!

My sister-in-law Des. I have known Des for YEARS. She was my sister's friend and is now married to Curt's bro Chad. She manages such a crazy life filled with 3 energetic kids. She takes on a lot of stress, but doesn't show it. I know that some of the first words her kids say are the words of the spirit. "Temple" "Jesus" She is teaching them right and I am grateful to have learned these things through watching her. It has been a pretty rough couple of months lately and I really appreciate how much she has tried to protect her kids and yet maintain relationships. Her kids are all very smart and talented. We miss them alot.

My sister-in-law Cheri. I miss Cheri a lot. She lives a long ways away, and so we only get together a couple times a year. Technology is such a blessing because even though we are far apart Hailee still know and LOVES her Aunt Cheri and Uncle Mike. I pray a lot for Cheri because I KNOW she would make an extraordinary mother if ever given the chance. I see her struggle and know her tears. Even though she isn't yet a mother, she has mothered so many children. She is probably one of the best teachers I know. She also cares for each of her nieces and nephews so much! We count down the days until Cheri comes back to visit.

My sister-in-law Cathy. No, like Cheri she isn't a mother. She is however one of the most important people in our daughter's life. She is SO patient and loving with Hailee. We are so lucky to be near Cathy and to be a part of her life. She isn't just important to Hailee, but to Curt and I. When Curt is away, she is always willing to help me in any way. She is one of the hardest most generous people I know. She is also one of the most stubborn. She avoids emotion at all costs, and I don't blame her. I don't tell her enough how appreciative I am of her. This is a rough holiday on the whole family, but esspecially for her. I want her to know that I am very grateful for the sacrifices she has made for her family. Without her I know that atleast one of the Stegelmeier boys would not be where he is today. She did so much for my husband, and still does except now there is me and Hailee as well. You're amazing Cathy!!!

Hailee's babysitter, Misty. I cannot express to you how difficult it is to leave your baby and work. I HATE leaving her. I love that I can work, and that I can work with such amazing kids, but I HATE leaving her. I am so grateful that she has been able to spend the days with such a loving, faithful, kind, and patient person. Hailee ranks Misty right up with the Grandmas and Aunt Cathy. Misty loves Hailee and helps raise her the way I would hope to. She does things that I would want to do with her. There are few people I would trust with my daughter and I am glad that I found a great mother like Misty to do it!

My friend Heather. Heather is just one of my many friends who are now mothers. Friends that I grew up with and now I am in awe at the wonderful people they are packing around with them. Heather is such a great mom. She loves Berrik and is raising such a good kid. I am comforted to know that there will be atleast one boy out there with a few manners.

My sister Heidi. No she too never was a mom in the way of the world. She did however step up in a very important time in my life to do motherly things. I am fully appreciative of the things she taught me, and the things she did for me. I struggled for a long time trying to find myself without her. I always thought I needed her to be the best me. This is something I am still learning, but I keep a lot of her with me all the time. She was such a great example of love and kindness. It is hard to experience life without her. I always thought we'd do the things other sister do with their families and kids. I often still feel jipped because I don't have that opportunity. She would have been a great mother, and maybe someday she will be. I can't wait to see her again and show her the life I created.

My Grandma Lois. I have always considered her my "soft" grandma. She is such a loving person and has been such a sweet grandma to me and to Hailee.

As I have grown older I have learned a lot about life. I have learned that although she is still my "soft" grandma, she lived a pretty intense life. I don't really understand how people could bare raising kids through some of the things in the past. I have found a new respect and love for my grandma as I have learned of her trials and struggles. I think she is beautiful and amazing. She is careful of everyone's needs around her and often forgets about herself. I wish she were closer and I wish I could visit more. I love my grandma and am very proud of her!

My Aunts. All of my mother's sisters are extremely talented and strong women. They each have distinguished careers and yet have raised incredible children.

Kim. I remember sledding with my Aunt Kim and my cousins. She was always so funny and loved to have fun. I remember her taking us out for ice cream for my first time. I had never had TCBY Ice cream and I loved it! I also remember her working hard raising her kids and keeping everything together. I know now how hard it is to work and be mom.

Tammy. I remember my Aunt Tammy because she always had the neatest decorations. She always had a beautiful home even though I am sure she had her hands full raising her kids and working. She always sent a birthday present. She always treated us like we were older. She respected us and I appreciated that. I remember feeling so mature around my Aunt Tammy.

Sharon. My "crazy" aunt. I used to brag to all my friends about her. She lived in California, drove a convertible, and would take us school shopping. I remember one time she took us shopping and I felt like the hottests chick at school. Like my other aunts, she had to work really hard at being mom and provider. I have often felt like she is the last bit of glue holding the family together. She really makes an effort to let everyone know they are important.

I love all of my aunts and miss them very much!

Just a little snapshot :)

Two of my other cousins.

Mandy- I look at what you have become and I am really proud. I see your kids and how involved they are in school and I think it is awesome. I know you work a lot of hard hours, and yet you still find time to help coach and take care of your busy kids. I think it is amazing!

Chelsea- I honestly don't know how you do it. I cannot imagine working and taking care of Hailee without Curt. You are raising a VERY smart little guy who is going to be a great person. AND you are doing it all on your own. You are a rocking mom!

My Aunt Kit. She is always acting all silly and crazy. Don't let her fool you though. She works DANG hard. She is a great mom and has really amazing daughters and a son. She is always helping my grandparents out. I can totally tell that she has an amazing bond with her daughters. So much so that I have gotten jealous a time or two. There is a rare occasion when her daughters and her haven't told me they love me. This is something not many families do, but they make sure to. I really look up to them and the uplifting spirits they share!

My cousin Jess. This gal here is a dang hard worker too. She might just get a bit of that from her mom. She has always surprised me by how hard she works. She has a beautiful daughter that she is willing to share, which I don't understand. She really loves her daugher enough to give her up half the time to her dad. That might sound crazy, but it would take a lot of love! I think you're amazing Jess and I love how you never give up!

My Aunt Penny(right). I have gained a lot of respect for my Aunt Penny recently. She raised such a great family. Her children are all strong in faith and work really hard. She has always given great hugs and loves my dad alot. She was his older sister and taught him a lot of things. I never was the older sibling, but I know from looking at how I viewed my sister, there is a lot of responsiblity. She taught my dad many things that he later gave to us. My dad told me she was the one who convinced him to brush his teeth everyday. I can only imagine there was a lot more he learned either from working for her and Lynn or from just watching her. She got him into dancing and all sorts of things.

My cousin Branden's wife/ my BFF Christa. She is one of the most amazing people I know. She was a part of my life when I needed it most. She stepped in and really helped me and I'm sure AJ overcome Heidi's death. Not only did she offer the advice a sister would, but she would laugh and stay up all night just to talk. She is an amazing mother. I know that I do a lot of my parenting off of what I saw her do. She loves her boys and tries to make a good life for them. She has been a great friend and example to me. I miss her almost as much as I do my sister at times. It is hard on me that she moved away, and neither of us are very good at keeping in touch. It is a tough fact of life, but it doesn't change the fast that she is still my BFF, and a GREAT mom!

My Grandma Delpha (left). I think she is absolutely gorgeous. I love that my grandma is so practical and full of useful knowledge. I have called her so many times to get help with Hailee. My dad will ussually call right before or right after me.

She raised more than just her own 6 kids, but dozens more grandkids, great-grandkids, neighbor kids, and relatives. She is always cooking for someone, has hard-coffee cookies in the jar, and a good chuckle for anyone with a story. I love my grandma. I have often been called "Delpha Jr." by those who wish to be unnamed. I only hope to become the generous and amazing person that she is!

Notice the thing my Grandma is doing with her tongue? Well, my dad always sticks his tongue out like that when he dances. AJ did it when he wrestled. I do it when I work out, and Hailee does it ALL the time! I love it :)

Finally, ME! Yes, I am a mother. It is the greatest blessing I could have ever asked for. I cannot tell you how many tears I shed while I rather impatiently waited for this little girl to arrive. I love being a mom. I love when she does new things or expresses her personality. I love that she is sweet and loving . I like to think that she gets all those sweet things from me, and she probably gets a few. Most if not all of the great things this little girl does/is are not just because of me. They are because of you, those people around her. Those that I mentioned, those that I forgot. Mothers. She is surrounded by strong, loving, talented women who teach her, love her, and think of her. I am grateful to be a mother. I am grateful to have learned how to be a great mother from SO many wonderful mothers. I am grateful to a Heavenly Father who has expressed the importance this great calling has. I am grateful for mothers out there who understand and step up to that calling. I see kids everyday at school who don't have loving mothers to guide them. I want to take them home. For those of you I mentioned, I hope you're not offended. I meant good in every word I said. I am inspired by you! For those of you I didn't know that I have thought of you and that you too are a great example.

Happy Mothers' Day!

We celebrated Hailee's birthday today with some family and friends. She is such a princess and we are so lucky to have her. She amazes us everyday. I honestly can't explain how much of a blessing she has been in so many people's lives. It was a great afternoon- full of food, presents, cake, and fun.

She is a really lucky girl with lots of wonderful people who think a lot of her. All of her gifts were unique and absolutely perfect. Some of the tops include: clothes, coloring stuff, movies, kites, books, gardening stuff, a sit-n-spin, a picnic table, panties, a bike, and of course a bunny. The bunny was a big hit. It is really cute and we can't wait to play with it!
We need a name though....any ideas?