The Buntjer family

There's no denying it...

2009-10-19T13:44:00.000-07:00

Is there ever a wonder how despite our best efforts, whether or not we like it, we end up so much like our parents?
...Genes: Just embrace it.

Back to Preschool

2009-09-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

Isabella just started back up at preschool a few (5) weeks ago.
This year we are doing something a little different, we are involved in a neighborhood group preschool. There are Six moms and six kids, three boys and three girls. Each mother gets the kids two times a week every six weeks. I have already taken my turn for the first go-round, and I really enjoyed being the teacher! I look forward to playing a bigger part of her schooling this year.
This time of year I recall one of my favorite things growing up to do from year to year was to take my current school pictures home and hold it up to my previous years pic. and compare and make note of the growing changes I had made in the past years time: The year my nose grew a few inches, the first year my blond hair looked drab and dark , then the following year it was bright blond again thanks to a personal friend of mine we'll just call El' Bleach-o. I had always delighted seeing my changes and knowing that I was growing up.
So this year I thought I would make such a comparison to my Issy. This years first day to last years first day:

It seems more than just Isabell has made some changes.

I guess Being on the mom end of this whole yearly comparison process is a little more bittersweet than TOTALLY satisfying.

Now If I could only do some intervening comparisons with Issy with what it looks like when I dress her and when she dresses herself.

But alas, i suppose I get a pretty big kick out of seeing what she can come up with!

Vacation Schmorgesborg

2009-09-26T20:28:00.000-07:00

Seeing how I'm quite behind on my blog, and this past few months have had some fun getaways that deserve some postage; I've decided to put them in Uno post. Yes, one post with three trips, so get ready for some pic's...

WARNING: emphasis on lots 'o' pic's...
are ya ready...
I said there's lots, and I mean what I say...
you best be sitting in a comfy chair for this next bit...

Trip the first: Cabin with Buntjers

The People:
(Note to self: A member or two from each family is represented in these next pic's to represent the whole family unit.)

Mom and Buntjer

Annie

Kelly, Ben and kids

Jesse, Mandy and kids

...and our family.

Lest we forget the pack of schnauzers.
Yes, each family owns one; and yes, we were crazy to bring them all!

The Activities:

Scooter Rides

Golf Cart Cruising

and playing around the cabin (i.e. tire swing, trampoline, and tree house)

The guys even managed to sneak off for some quality man time.

Tradition in the making:

The past few years that we've brought up the Buntjers, on the Eve of our trip home,
we gather the fam, scoot back the furniture, crank up the tunes, turn out the lights and..

bust out the glow sticks! This is the highlight of the trip, Good 'ol wholesome Buntjer Raving!

Trip the second: Cabin/Yellowstone with the Tafts

The people:

Myself + kids, Abigail and Patrick + Kids, Bekah and kid, and...

the father of us all (us sisters that is), my dad. As viewed in this photo supervising my girls B.B.Q. hog riding.

And by that picture, I meant this picture: He is viewed in the background of THIS picture.

And lastly but not leastly Odie, the dog. Who was sent with us by my stepsister with the promise that he was to be taken care of as if he was my own...child.
Here he is thoughtfully looking out over Yellowstones beauty.

Now that you've all been introduced to the fam, suppose we take a look-see as to what we were up to this trip...

Yellowstone

All in all we had a rip-roar'n good time. Enough hiking and outhouses to last me through the next year, or five. But the family togetherness will be forever cherished.

Trip the Third: Buntjer Annual Campout

Each summer the whole Buntjer Clan will get together for at least one campout.

Here Isabella has had a fresh coat of makeup applied by her big 7-year-old cousin, Addy. She went from a 4-year-old to a teen with a tude in minutes.

This four day, three night get-together was chuck full of laughter, lolly-gagging, and plenty of...
dirt.

Alyza's older sister, and cousin Lucy enjoyed bathing her in dirt. I think Alyza enjoyed having it poured on her as much as they enjoyed pouring it.

The last morning we woke up to three meese just outside our tent trailor. (ok, so I know moose plural is still moose, but it really SHOULD be meese.)
.

So there you have it, my summer trips. We had a ton of fun!
And I think I just barely got caught back up on my laundry from it all too- oh,yes!

Is somebody there?

2009-07-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

Ever since we decided to clean out the laundry room with the plan of turning into a big walk-in pantry, I've felt a sense of uneasiness when I go in there...

...I can't help but get the feeling that I'm being watched.

...Priceless

2009-07-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

Red, white and blue striped swim suit: 12 dollars.

Plastic swimming pool: 10 dollars

Water toys: 8 dollars

Snuggling up to Grandpa to get warm:

PRICELESS!

Little Grown-Up

2009-07-14T22:12:00.000-07:00

Growing up one of four girls there was one thing I left behind when I had moved out,

sharing clothing...

...or so I thought.

Isabella has had a thing lately for raiding our closet and coming up with mommy and daddy outfits.

She must see her dad as somewhat of a thug. While dressed in her dad get-up, she has a walk and a talk like that of a "G". She bobs her arms and head rythmatically all-the-while chantting "Suga, Suga". Which translated into my almost embarassingly obvious whiteness means "Sugar, sugar". Perhaps she is an aspiring rapper.

Thug love.

Now while dressed as mommy, she'll play a part for that too. She shakes her little shoulders and hips.

So apparently (in the eyes of a 4-year-old) Daddy's a want-to-be-"G", and mommy's very wiggly. None the less, we get a kick out of the interpretations!

Alyza has also had the pleasure of dress-ups.

Yes, even Koda has fallen victim to the mercy of the 4-year-old's hand.
He lay ever so still, as if hoping to blend into the wall behind him and out of sight of our harrassing laughter!

Bow-wow Birthday

2009-07-01T12:44:00.000-07:00

"Whens my birthday?" Are the three words I have heard weekly from Isabella's lips since the Christmas season was over. Needless to say, this 4Th birthday has been much anticipated by the little lady for months.
Issy wanted to do a "puppy party". So,with that theme in mind, we made collars for each of the children, gave them a puppy nose, and put the little party-goers through puppy training where the practiced sitting, speaking, rolling over, & playing dead.

After training we did relay races. Each team had to crawl across the floor and eat "people-puppy-food" out of their dog bowl. Isabella (totally into dog role playing) made an off color comment that she "would go sniff the other dogs butts." I couldn't hold back my laughter, only encouraging her more I'm sure.

Then in entered Jake to help the pups get their dance on. And what more appropriate dance tunes for the occasion than "Who let the dogs out."

It was definitely the highlight of the party

Isabella had some mad dance skills!

This little cuttie had the air guitar down

Owens hyper-hop moves

Issy's shy side only made one appearance during the party, and it was when all the attention was on her for the birthday song.

Latter that evening we made her favorite dinner, she took a scooter ride with Jake, we roasted marshmallows in the fire pit, and finished the birthday event with a sleepover and movie in our tent in the backyard.

Totally content with the days events Isabella laid in her sleeping bag grinning and said "this day was a dream come true." That little comment alone made it all worth it.

The Simple Joy's in Life

2009-06-09T21:04:00.000-07:00

How is it that dressing my daughters up in matchy-matchy outfits can bring such fulfillment to my heart?

I have yet to figure this out.

I vividly recall rolling my eyes at the thought of having an ans amble remotely resembling my kid sis'. Yet somehow that memory of old plays no part in my decision to twinerize my ladies now.

For now, Issy thinks looking alike is fun, but that could be because I let her think it was her idea. I'll keep my excitement over it to a minimal ( not to lead her on. )

Last day of school / preschool graduation

2009-06-02T12:50:00.000-07:00

For Issy's last day of preschool, her class headed to the neighborhood park for treats and games. After letting a little energy out on the slides, and gobbling up the snacks, the parachute was busted out. I'm not talking about the mini multicolored ones we all remember from elementary, this thing was huge! It was an actual parachute! There was very little wind that day which was a good thing because I'm certain if there was more than a breeze, we would of had ten little ones + a few adults para sailing over the city.

When the breeze would come the kids would all run underneath,

and when the breeze was gone, us adults created bubbles (by vigorously flapping our arms up and down) for the kids to run on and pop. It was a real hit with the kids, and a hot sweaty workout for the adults!

It was a good way to end a great 1st year of preschool! Issy will miss her friends she made and her teachers Mrs. Janae and Mrs. Danae.( how's that for a tongue twister)

Preschool Graduation

While driving in the car the week before her graduation i asked Issy about what to expect from the up coming graduation event. She had stated "We are singing songs. We have to put our arms on our hips and shake our booty's, and I'm NOT doing it!"

Come graduation night, expecting a protest to performing for a crowd, Issy stayed true to her word.

Yep that's my Issy, second to the end on the right....the one with her hands in her mouth.

She didn't shake her booty, she didn't do the actions to the songs, she didn't even SING the songs! She just stood there, sucking on her fingers.

She does this thing when she is being shy, it consists of standing, staring, and putting her hands to her mouth.

It was actually still enjoyable for me to watch her try hard to look like she wasn't having any kind of fun.
After her silent and motionless performance, we were cheering and congratulating her. As she hurried to sit down to get out of the spotlight she stated "I didn't even DO anything!"

Which was too bad for Alyza because she wished she could have.

Isabella didn't even want to go up to shake her teachers hands to receive her diploma...sigh. However as soon as the performance end of the night was over and the ice cream was being dished her nerves settled and she was back to her unshy self.

Isabella is such a funny little thing, I get such a kick out of her! It is so rewarding to see her grow and change into her own little person with likes and dislikes...
...and stage fright.

I love you Issy, I'm so proud of how much hard work and learning you have done this last year! You are such a Joy!

...and they call it puppy love!

2009-05-24T20:42:00.001-07:00

Koda and Alyza have a thing for one-another. Alyza just adores the puppy, and Koda is very gentle and sweet with her, It's quite the relationship.

They do this little almost kiss where they are face to face with noses just inches apart.

But,

I'll have to put a stop to that if it should one day get any closer,

and I don't care what people say about dogs mouths being cleaner than humans, Alyza has never once drank from the toilet or eaten her own poo.

For now, I'll let the air kisses continue.

Casual Conversation

2009-05-07T22:19:00.000-07:00

I was getting my girls ready to go down for the night. Changing Alyza into her pajamas, my back was to Isabella. She and I were having a chat about the day. When I finished with Alyza I turned to see Isabella in mid-sentence perched on a ledge atop her bedroom moldings. My eyebrows furled. I was a bit perplexed at her choice of seating! Not seeing anything wrong, she continued on her thought as if this was a regular occurrence.
Just then I smiled and raised my eyebrows at her. She must have clued into my thoughts of her odd placement on the wall, because after that the laughs got the best of both of us.

Breakfast with a side of Boogie!

2009-05-07T22:09:00.000-07:00

Jake bump'n his music throughout the house +
open floor room =
girls leaving the breakfast table to cut-a-rug.

The apples do not fall far from the tree...

2009-05-07T21:47:00.000-07:00

Seems as if even the wee ones enjoy a rousing game of X-box, even if their controller cords aren't connected. Love that Dad!

It's Been Years!

2009-05-03T21:36:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Jake and I celebrated our fifth year anniversary. It's so interesting because five years sounds like a big marriage milestone but, it feels like I've been with him longer. I can't hardly remember a time without my best friend around. We had some wonderful family members take our children over the weekend giving us two days and a night mono e mono. I missed my ladies, but it was nice being free from mommydom to focus on my man. We chose to spend our time Thursday getting projects around the house done ( I know what your thinking...LAME! But it was quite enjoyable. I guess you know you've been a mom/wife of a couple years when you spend special occasions kid-free working on the house... by choice.) Saturday morning we slept in (a distant memory of the past), then left to spend the day out.
First I stopped by Calli's ever stylish home for Emily's Baby Shower. I was able to spend some enjoyable female time.

Our newest Mommy friend Emily was all lit up and looked more beautiful than ever. Her newly adopted Milo baby is as about as cute as the come, full of features and all. He is the most content little thing, which was wonderful for the women's cause we all took a turn, or two, or three, holding him.

After all that fun, my hub and I thought it most appropriate to start our days celebration back to the place where it all began...

...OK, OK so we where actually married in the Salt Lake Temple, but we figured this was close enough. We chose to do sealings that day. It was especially neat to sit through it again on this special day and hear the covenants and promises we had made to one-another and our Heavenly Father five years ago. Kneeling across from Jake on our wedding day was definitely exciting and spiritual, but this time it was moving to be looking into the eyes of my Sweetheart with years, depth and hard work behind us. Jake truly is my everything.

We ended our day and weekend off with dinner and a movie. It was so fun to have him to myself for a bit, a much needed couple of days.

Easter

2009-04-26T09:45:00.000-07:00

The Coloring of the Eggs...

...Or should i say ker-plunking of the Easter Eggs. I think it took all of 10 minutes to have each egg colored, and four very stained little hands, With a few egg casualties lost along the way to cracking. Without fail, it's always a successful time if a mess is involved.

Sunday morning after their milk jump start they were ready to search for their eggs and Easter Baskets.

All in all we had a blast making memories, messes, and eating sugar. Most importantly the girls enjoyed talking about why we celebrate Easter, Our Savior and His Resurrection, and attending an extra special day at church.

Man's Night

2009-04-09T22:03:00.000-07:00

Jake had an exciting night last weekend. He plays on our ward basketball team. He never misses Tuesday night basketball at the stake center. Starting in January each ward in the stake put together their own teams to compete in some good ol' church ball. It's funny to see Jake with his team, he's got to be the only one under Six feet tall. The should call themselves "Jake and the Giants." However, being shorter has it's perks, My friend Amanda brought to my attention the "speed" on my man, He's got zip! Friday night the 1st ward ballers made it to playoffs and won themselves title of "Champions!"

And if that's not enough to make a man want to turn in early for the night in contentment...

My man did just the opposite, he pulled an all nighter with his friends in the (read in headgear lisp voice) semi-annual x-box extravaganza experience.

That's right folks, X-box.

Here are the x-boxians themselves.

I don't quit understand it myself, but it's amazing how unifying this gaming system is. Whatever stage of life men are in: married, single, fathers, and bums, it's like when they gather around this piece of technology nothing else matters. And believe you me, I mean nothing. Sometimes I think my husband forgets my very existence as his wife while in the gamers mode. Or maybe it's just he forgets how to listen to the sound of my voice when i speak at him. Whatever it is, the guys had a blast! Lucky for him I love his friends so I'm down with them X-boxing it up on occasion. It was the night of all nights for him.

One year older, and wiser too

2009-04-05T21:45:00.000-07:00

27, and he has officially entered into the age where he feels weird aging. Before he couldn't wait to be 25 and 26 because he felt it sounded more mature. Somehow the one year from 26 to 27 just meant to him he was in his late twenties on his way to the thirties and will be an old wrinkle-bag-man one day.

Jake wanted his whole day to be a surprise so we woke him up Thursday morning with birthday breakfast, or should I say dessert for breakfast, waffles with strawberries and whipped cream accompanied by an egg, hash brown, cheesy dish thing (grandma sherri's recipe, let's just call the concoction Sherri's-got-hash) It was quite de-lish. We ate, sang to him, and he opened up up his gifts. After we loaded up the ladies and headed to Classic Skating. Jake sneered at the idea at first, but he wanted the day to be a "surprise" so that meant I was in charge. He actually really ended up enjoyed himself, and was glad we went. The girls had a blast!
So for those who don't know, Classic isn't just for tweeners looking to score Big at snowball anymore, it's open week-day mornings for families. My girls rode bikes and scooters on the skate rink side, and did bounce'n off the wall toys, and a jungle gyms on the other end.

Alyza got her kicks being pushed on the scooter, and Issy (now that her legs are long enough) zoomed around, doing 50mph on her 3-wheeler.

Afterward we mosied on over to Jake's fav. restaurant, Sizzlers. Grabbed a bite to eat, some all-you-can-eat-shrimp, and hit up the do-it-yourself ice cream machine.

Now for the biggest surprise of the day, this took a whole lot of tom-foolery on my part. I told Jake we were dropping the kids off at home to be babysat while he and I carried the birthday celebration on into the night as husband and wife, while in all actuality our house was filling up with his YM's, YW's and neighbors to shout out a birthday "SURPRISE" as we walked in through the door. (Special thanks to Stephanie, the Mastermind and setter-upper of the event) He was surprised! If it wasn't obvious by the look on his face, then his body language gave him away. He jumped back and cowered in a defensive position as if to protect himself from an attacker. It was amusing. There we ended our day with cake, ice cream, and some neighborly jibber jabber.

I just realized while writing we had ice cream twice that day, I'm not to sure how to feel about that.

Happy birthday Jake, I love ya!

She did it!

2009-03-30T10:08:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was filled with grand ol' times. I went out fri. night with my lady freinds for a pleasurable evening at the Comedy Sports in Provo, (recomend it to anyone, it's hilarious and clean) then afterward headed to an Italian place a few doors down for some gelato (fancy name for really good ice cream stuff.) It was a blast to catch up (person to person, nonblog) style. Sorry, no pics of the event.
Then...
Saturday was a big day at our house. Issy finally completed her first chore chart. A few months back we had started this chart giving her morning tasks such as making bed, brushing teeth, getting dressed, and getting hair done. And evening tasks such as cleaning playroom, brushing teeth, going "potties", and getting on jammies. So every morning/night as she did as asked, she would get a sticker to put on her chart. My hopes were that she would get to the point that she would just do these things on her own without needing help or being asked. Then I would move her onto bigger chores like fixing meals, cleaning out rain gutters, and spongebathing her father. Generally a month has 30 days, give or take + two separate day/night chores = a grand total of 60 stickers to earn in a months time, or so I thought. There were many mornings we had to rush out early, and nights we came home too late to actually get chores done. So it took just under two months to do it, but she finished this past week. She was thrilled! ( and I didn't know if it was because she got to finally pick out a prize, or because she thought the chart was complete and she'd never have to clean her playroom again) not wanting to spoil the moment I didn't mention that it was only the beginning of the rest of her life as my little slave. Issy chose to go to a movie as her reward. So we took her to see Monsters and Aliens. She got herself a drink , treats, and a large popcorn with extra butter. It was, in my opinonation, tops.

Example of how issy makes her own bed. This particular morning she hadn't slept with her own bedding because of an "accident". I let her make it how she wants, it's cute, but i'm confident as she learns one day it will be a little more neat and tidy.

The chart in all it's completion glory!

Sheer enthusiasm!

Here is one of Alyza just to through onto the end because I think she is so wonderfully cute!

Funny Saying of the Day (shaping up)

2009-03-24T20:54:00.000-07:00

Issy was on one this evening. As we were getting ready for the day's end, she has a few "Evening Chores" we call them, before she goes down for the night. Her nights chores consist of cleaning the playroom, getting into p.j's, using the restroom, and brushing teeth. This evening her playroom was especially bad, she calls it "my playroom has a bomb". Frequently (make that constantly) when we clean the playroom she complains saying "this is so boring, this is dumb, and this is SO stupid" ( i know, she didn't hear it from me). So as she was carrying on about her dislike for cleaning up I rebuked her saying "Issy, quit using those words, those are not nice words, i know you don't like to clean, but when you make a mess, you have to pick it up" so we continued picking up when she wined "oh this is so stup..." And I shot her a quick mother glare (you know the kind) Issy hadn't finished her sentence but her whole expression changed and a smile came across her face as she quickly recovered and finished "...pendous, this is stuppendous mom. Not stupid because that is a bad word." I hadn't been aware she had even heard that word before. All the same I was amused. And yes, the playroom did in fact get clean...eventually.

Going Green, breakfast style

2009-03-18T13:42:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know, St. Patricks Day holds another meaning for me other than leprechauns, pots-o-gold, and drunken Irishmen; It would be the day I celebrate my birth. Yes ma'am, 25. I'm not kidding myself, apart only to Abor Day and Presidents Day, it's probably the lamest holiday the year offers, but it had made me feel cool growing up saying, "I was born on St. Patricks Day." Then have people look at me wide-eyed in amazment. A little extra attention on a birthday never hurts.
We started out the big day with a tradition I remember from my youth, green St. Patricks Day breakfast. One thing that I noted making and eating my green meal was how totally unappetizing food looks when it's green. However as a youngster, and for my kiddos it was just fun to eat. We had green waffels, green eggs, and green milk.
Then my husband took us out for a day on the town. We shopped around, then come 5:00 we dropped the childrens off to the in-laws and I had an evening out with the husband (It's always nice to have some adult time). One of my favorite parts this year was Issy's excitment for the holiday, she had learned about it in preschool, and had to notify all who came our way that it was St.Patricks Day and her mom's birthday.

Draper Temple Open House

2009-03-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

This past week we took our small family on a little feild trip. I met Jake with the girls and went to lunch, then headed over to the Draper Temple open house. We Had gone to a wardhouse first in draper where we parked, went inside and watched a video on temples while we waited for a bus to shuttle us up to our destination. Isabella really enjoyed the ride, it was her first time on a bus. Being in the Temple with our little ones made it an extra special experience for Jake and I. Isabella is getting to an age where she ponders on things and asks questions. She was interested in knowing what each room was for, and studied each painting we had passed by. Her favorite room was the Brides Room. However, Jake had mentioned two-thirds into our tour that he thought they were giving cookies out at the end. So naturally as any 3-year-old would, her interest shifted from the temple to finishing up for a tasty treat. When asking Isabella on our way home what she enjoyed the most she said "The bus ride and the cookies", I guess it shouldn't have been to big of a surprize. (And if Alyza spoke, I think she would have said one word, "cookie!" She herself downed about four.) It was a fun and memorable outing.

Funny Saying of the Day

2009-03-10T20:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this is totally just for me. Isabella quit frequently will say something that will just tickle my funny bone. After such an occurance I'll call Jake up and say "Would you like to hear the funny saying of the day?" he then in turn will say "ya", so I tells him, and he and I will share a laugh together. Then I let him get back to business. Seeing how I'm really bad to write stuff down, and even worse at keeping a journal, I thought I'd use my newly acquired blogging skills to jott all this good material down. Now for the funnies..
During our well balanced lunch of dino nuggets and ketchup, Isabella, as if trying to get a good conversation going, soothingly stated in her little adult way "Oh, eating is just so relaxing."
Well there you have it, inspired from the lips of a 3-year-old.

Something Old, Something New

2009-03-03T13:14:00.000-08:00

This past week and a half has had some down's and up's. Why I say it in that order Because on the 20th of Feb. was the down. Our Cinder puppy (a gift to Isabella on her 2nd Birhtday, and named ((by Issy)) "Cinderella" after the Disney Princess) Was hit by a car and killed. It was our own fault really, we had let her out without putting her on her chain. We had become over confident in her. She would scratch on the door to go out, then after doing her business, and visiting a few canine friends in the area would always return home. Jake and I thought it was cute that she had an agenda. Needless to say we were a pretty sad family.
Now for the up.
Our sweet neighbors the Wahnschaffe's had recently recieved a Schnauzer. They, already having a previous dog, now with two, decided to give us their schnauzer. So we went from owners of a black princess schnauzer, to a white boy schnauzer. Keeping with tradition we let Isabella name him. Gratefully instead of Prince Charming or something close along those lines, She picked Koda. She herself keeping with her own little tradition of names from her favorite Disney's. Koda being from Brother Bear. We have loved Him. He has a sweet little face and personality. He fits in perfectly here at our house.

Star Valley

2009-02-27T20:28:00.000-08:00

My side of the Family and I ( I say I because Jake couldn't come ) Recently took a trip up to the family Cabin. This cabin was built by my dad, his father (Grandpappy), and two brothers in Star Valley Wyoming. It has been one of my favorite vacation spots. It is so beautiful up there this time of year. This trip, we hadn't planned anything else but hanging around the cabin. Sleding and snowmobilling by day, and games and movies by night.

Isabella (my child who doesn't even dare to go down the slide at the park) absolutly loved the snowmobill (don't try to make sence of it because I can't) didn't want to get off the thing, and all the while when on it she would shout "go faster,go faster!" My Father, the driver, who would scare the bathroom out of me as a child with his need for speed, bonded that very moment in time with his newly adventurous granddaughter.

Alyza, on the other hand, would have been just fine had we never stepped foot out of the cabin. I don't think it was the winter wonderland outdoors she minded so much as the appropriate attire needed for such an occasion. The poor thing was just stuffed into her suit, And it's not like you get very good movement in those things. I myself would get all huffy and puffy going up the stairs leading to the cabin in my own snow gear (shoot, i need to work out).

All in all, we had a blast. It was really fun to get away with the family.

Tabby and Brent

Bekah, Teagan, Alyza, Chris, Abigail, Leah, and Isabella

2009-02-19T21:35:00.000-08:00

!st Birthday!
My baby just turned One, this first year of her little life has flown by! She has been such a joy. Here are some of my Fav things about Alyza.
#1- From day one she has been such a snuggle. she has always been content to sit on my lap or in my arms and just chill.
#2- Her passion is food, I'm convinced, if I did nothing else but feed, the child could eat all day. It wasn't till just recently that I even found anything that she hadn't liked. She has been known to clean hers and Issy's plate clean.
#3- She is a dad's girl. She gets excited each time she sees Jake and crys if he passes by without picking her up.
#4- She is easy going 95% of the time, however the other 5%, if there is a big sister bugging her, or food in sight NOT entering her mouth hole, she will sound her little squeel alarm.
#5- She loves books and being read to. When books are in sight she will nod her head
"yes" and either sign book or say "bo,bo". In fact she fell asleep tonight with her arms wrapped around an animal board book".
I'm excited to continue to watch her grow and become her own little person.

Don't give up on me yet Blogging World!

2009-02-09T23:29:00.000-08:00

I did it, I'm not as technoloically impared as i was yesterday! My husband teach-ed me how to blog, and I learn-ed. Yes, there were a few posts done months and months ago, but who am i kidding, my husband did those. All the while i was over his shoulder going "ok now, how did you do that? What did you just click on? How did you pull that up?" So as I'd obviously shown, nothing sank in... till now. So to catch up my site (till the new year) Here is a very quick glance into the past few (half year) months. I may get even fancier next time i blog and put in My friends sites off to the side, or music with a slide show, oh the possibilities!

2009-02-09T23:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve. Just getting ready to head to bed.

2009-02-09T22:48:00.000-08:00

The Imagic Christmas Company Party to Hotel Park City.

2009-02-09T22:42:00.000-08:00

Playing in the snow in our front yard

2009-02-09T22:31:00.000-08:00

Seeing Temple Square Lights

2009-02-09T22:27:00.000-08:00

Our family trip to the Zoo.

2009-02-09T22:20:00.000-08:00

2009-02-09T22:13:00.000-08:00

Issy and good buddy Chloe after their mini-cheer performance.

2009-02-09T21:59:00.000-08:00

Trip to the aquarium.

2009-02-09T21:49:00.000-08:00

Little Bo Peep, and Alyza the the Lost Sheep with Grandma Witch at Issy's Preschool Party.

Isabella playing in the fall leaves

2009-02-09T21:29:00.000-08:00

So much for the pile of leaves I just raked.

The Holidays

2009-02-09T20:57:00.000-08:00

2008-08-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

Isabella, thinks the World of her little sister. And Alyza loves all the attention Issy gives her, "WELL" maybe not all the attention Issy smothers her with. We often wake up to Isabella snuggling Alyza or rocking the cradle back and forth as gently as a three year old can manage. Isabella is Alyzas personal entertainer. Issy has a way of making Alyza laugh like no one else can. Isabella will do anything she can to get a giggle out of her sister, including head stands, funny faces, crazy dancing and the occasional animal sounds. Alyza adores her big sister, as long as Mom and Dad are there to regulate the intensity of her sometimes overly Enthusiastic love. We love to watch them together and it gives us some kind of hope that one day they will share there clothes and not be at each others necks, but That's just a little of Jake's wishful thinking because they are sisters after all.

2008-07-08T12:44:00.001-07:00

The Buntjer Family has jumped head first into Summer it feels like we have had some fun activity every day for the last month or two.

We recently returned from our Cabin in Star Valley Wyoming It was a taft family vacation so Issy and alyza had fun playing with Aunts and Uncles and a few Cousins. For Sariah and I we just loved getting away and relaxing, we didnt want to come back home. It was so relaxing.

We've also had a birthday recently Isabella turned 3 on June 19th and she had her first BIG girl party and of course the theme was yep you guessed it Princess. we had seventeen little girl and boys dressed up as princess's and knights. and O was a hard hitting Baseball player. Sariahs sister brought her horse to our house and gave horse rides to all the kids. Isabella loved every minute of it. of course it was all about her. She is now officially 3 going on 30 or so it seems. It scares us to look at her growing up so fast, I can only pray that the Lord will bless us with those moments where time stops and your able to grasp onto every second and cherish them for eternity. These two girls, are the world to us. and we love it.

2008-05-18T15:57:00.000-07:00

"THE CHUBBY ONE"

2008-05-18T14:55:00.000-07:00

Alyza Jane Buntjer, was born febuary 3rd 2008 she was 6lbs 7oz & 19 1/2 inches long. since then she has gained almost 8 lbs and her Big sister lovingly calls her "CHUBBY ONE"

2008-05-18T14:44:00.000-07:00

OUR FAMILY OF FOUR...