KRIEG KIDDOS

Party Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 03:40:00 +0000

Last weekend Maddie and Brennan had their 'joint' birthday party with friends. We did the same thing last year, and while they were opposed to the idea before last years party, afterwards they enjoyed it so much they asked if we could do it the same way this time! We happily agreed.

This year's theme was easy to decide on since the fall has been filled with a growing love for cheerleading and football. The perfect combo for their party! And, as an added blessing, some of the cheerleaders and football players from the kids' school agreed to come to the party and teach cheers and throw the football around. It was truly sweet to see the big kids being such amazing role models for the little ones. One of the mom's told me she heard a kindergartner say to one of football players, "Big kids, you are going down!" CUTE! And, the 5 and 6 year old boys really believe that they beat the big guys at football! Ahh...the joys of childhood. (sorry about the quality of some of the pictures - there was something on my camera lens.)

stopping to smell the roses...sort of

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 03:10:00 +0000

My sweet, sweet Macy! She is at the age where she is interested in everything. She has a huge imagination and keeps us entertained all day. For the last few weeks at the gym she has taken a special interest in the skeleton in one of the trainer's offices. She affectionately named him 'Mr. Bones' and she insists that we pay him a visit each day. One day as we were waving to him, she asked if she could go in and look at him close up. The trainer gave her the ok, so she marched right in, looked at him for a minute, grabbed his hand, looked at me and said, "Oh, Mommy isn't he bootiful (beautiful)?" Then, the very next day, she walked right up to Mr. Bones, grabbed both of his hands and said, "Mr. Bones, you are so bootiful. Would you like to dance with me? "...and they danced. :)

A date with Papa!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 03:01:00 +0000

My parents stayed with the kids for two nights last week, and the kids enjoyed a little spoiling! Each of them got to go on a date with grandpa-which is a much loved tradition. One time Brennan told me that Papa loved McDonald's. When I asked him what made him think that he told me that every time Papa comes to town he just has to go there with Brennan! Hehe. Well, on this trip Macy got to take her first date with Papa- to Chick-fil-a. She loved it. Although, my sneaky little one asked Papa to buy her an ice cream cone - even though she knows she can't eat dairy...luckily Papa didn't get tricked into that one!

Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 02:51:00 +0000

We had a fun and low key Halloween this year! I have never been in a place like Austin when it comes to Halloween. People go all out- I think as many people here decorate their houses for Halloween as they do for Christmas. Yes, some of it is creepy, but for the most part, it is a really fun place to trick or treat. Tons of families sit out on their driveways to hand out candy and there are so many people out with their kids- it actually gives a real sense of community. This year we went with our friends the Niemann's and their two kids. Brennan went as a football player, Macy was a princess, and Maddie was a cheerleader.

All the kids ready to go...

All tired out after a hard night's work!

OOPS!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 19:51:00 +0000

As I was writing about my precious boy's bday, I realized that I never posted about my sweet Macy's birthday in September. Macy turned 3 on September 4th. She is a little one with a huge personality! She has a flair for the dramatic and loves to act out the scene in Cinderella where the step sisters rip her dress and she has a million dramatic/ humorous facial expressions to go along with her dramatic scenes. She still hates to sleep and will stay up late in her room reading and singing! She is the artist of the family, and will literally spend hours coloring and drawing. Since the first time we put a pencil in her hand she has had a knack for art and amazes me with her fine motor skills. She can write her name, and 'mommy' and colors beautiful pictures. She loves to go to the mall and point out 'her' store (Macy's). Here are a few pictures from her birthday...

BIRTHDAY TIME!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 19:37:00 +0000

We just celebrated Brennan's 6th birthday yesterday and I am having a hard time believing that he is 6! What a joy he is! The list of wonderful things about Brennan goes on and on...his huge heart, his optimistic attitude, his inquisitive mind, his love for God's creation. We ae truly blessed with Brennan! He makes each day more wonderful!!!
Brennan's birthday started with an early soccer game - (he scored a goal!), brunch with his team after the game (at the playground- which to him seamed like a bday party, even though it was just an end of the season party), and an afternoon of playing football and eating cake. It was a super day!

New Ideas??

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 01:52:00 +0000

So, I found this really great idea on Pinterest for organizing all of the girls headbands. You take an old oatmeal container and cover it to make it cute and voila, you have the perfect place to store all of your headbands. So, as soon as our oatmeal was gone, the old container became our new headband holder. I did not aspire for mine to be super cute like the one on pinterest, I just aspired for all of the headbands to be off the floor!! I did cover mine with cute paper...but the truth be told, it was just a plain oatmeal container for a while before I got around to putting a little paper on it. I was quite proud of this new little organization piece...but then, Brennan came up with a new way to store all of the headbands. And now...I am just not sure which to use!

First Day of School!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 01:55:00 +0000

Brennan with his teacher Mrs. Bunch

Waking up has been the hardest part of the whole deal!!!

Maddie with her teacher Mrs. Anderson.

Well, the summer came and went...went too fast...but it was wonderful! And so, we move to the first week of school. Emotional for me as always. I love to have all of the kids home, but it is also wonderful to see them confident to walk into new situations. Maddie started second grade (so hard for me to believe) and my little man, Brennan, is now a kindergartner! So, so hard to leave those babies, but I love both of their teachers and they have had an excellent first few days. It is fun to have them at one school- they are finding a shared identity in it...and this week is has been cute to see them bond over 'school stuff'. And, Macy is relishing in having all of the attention at home, although she does occasionally ask if we can go get Bren and Maddie.

Sweet Memories

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 03:53:00 +0000

We just got back to Austin after three weeks on the road. It is great to be back home, but we had such a wonderful time connecting with ministry partners/friends I am sad to see the summer end. We had some really special times with the kids. It is great to expose them to Montana and all the things Mike did as a kid. We hiked, fished, slid down tons of water slides, picked huckleberries, swam in ice cold lakes, picked gallons of cherries, ate gallons of cherries, picked raspberries, made jelly, went to Mike's high school reunions, and spent time with people we dearly love.

Our first stop was in Lubbock with our dear friends the McAdens. The kids had so much fun playing they could have stayed there the entire time!

After a 12 hour day of driving, when the entire family was about to meltdown, we hit traffic about 10 minutes from our hotel. But before everyone fell apart, we looked out the window and saw this amazing double rainbow! It was so fun to talk about God and his promises- it changed the mood in the car and we finished up the day on a great note!

My heart was filled up in Colorado spending lots of time with my dear friend Megan. It was fun to see our kids play together and to have a chance to catch up on life face to face.

This is the amazing cabin we were blessed to stay in while in Montana. Mike's friend Steve built it! No phone, no TV, no Internet...it was heaven! Such a special time as a family. It has become a place where our family has been able to make so many wonderful memories.

Beautiful MacDonald lake in Glacier National Park.

Brennan was in his element. The little boy in him just came alive on this trip. He is like his daddy...he has a love for the outdoors and adventure.

We took the ski lift up Big Mountain in Whitefish and then hiked down. It was so beautiful.

The weather was amazing, and the flowers were absolutely breathtaking. I couldn't get enough of them.

Picking huckleberries.

Thankfully, this is the only bear we ran into this summer.

Mike made us huckleberry pancakes every morning!

Picking (and eating) Flathead Lake cherries.

A chilly swim in Flathead lake after picking cherries.

Spending time with wonderful friends while at Mike's reunion.

Glimpses of summer

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 16:18:00 +0000

Me and my sweet girl!

Maddie's teacher taught her how to make paper hats and she came home and made tons of them for all of her little stuffed friends! So cute!

Macy enjoying a meal with her daddy and Uncle Jack.

Macy moved into her 'big girl' bed...and I cried- they are just getting big too fast!!!! But...it is fun o see her so excited- and she has actually stayed in bed- truly amazing!!

4th of July

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:19:00 +0000

Here is my best attempt at catching some of the 4th of July fun! We celebrated with our wonderfule French neighbors at the neighborhood parade!

A daily dose of sweetness!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 20:00:00 +0000

We've had a bumpy week with Brennan. Lots of behavior problems, lots of discipline. Not fun. BUT, right when you feel at the end of yourself, God interjects a sweet moment that fills your heart and reminds you that it is all worth it (not that you really doubted it, but it is nice to get a little 'hug' from Jesus!)
Brennan: Mom, I just like to spend time with you.
Me: And I love to spend time with you too.
Brennan: Sometimes I wish I could be with you all the time, every day. Just you and me and daddy everyday. Sometimes I get sad to go to school or to church because I am just happy to be with you.
Me: Sometimes I am sad when you go too, because I love it when you are here with me. But, I am also happy because you are learning and making friends. And I know you love your friends and they make you smile.
Brennan: Yeah, I am glad about that too. But you and me...we are like Q and U...we just go together.

Gosh- I love that kid! Thank you Jesus for our precious boy!!

Brennan's FIRST soccer game!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 04:47:00 +0000

It's soccer time! Brennan had his first game today, and he did a great job! His team is called 'Blast' and he's lucky enough to have one of the best coaches in the league...his dad!

The snow day

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 04:08:00 +0000

So exciting!

Brennan, "Mom, I'm frozen stiff!"

Yummy!

I don't know why Macy added the safety goggles...but hey, why not!

Well, we got our one snow day for the year! The kids got to stay home and play, play, play. There wasn't quite as much snow as last year, not enough for a snow man, but enough for a little snow ball fight. In the morning we got the kids all bundled up and let them play in the snow on the deck while we sat nice and toasty warm...in the hot tub! :) (I think that is only the 3rd time I have been in that thing in the 3 years we have been here!) Ahhh...that was nice. After the fun of the 1/8" of snow wore off (20 minutes) we spent the rest of the day making cookies and Valentines. We had a new cookie making adventure. I got all of the ingredients for Maddie to make regular chocolate chip cookies and also everything we needed for Brennan to make dairy and soy free chocolate chip cookies! It was more of a success than I ever imagined. They worked side by side...doing the same steps, but no fighting over who gets to put the scoop of flour in! It was great- and the dairy/soy cookies were...amazing! So much so that I had to pop them in the freezer asap!
The only bad part of the day...by late afternoon I was out of ideas and I was letting Brennan play with my camera...I think he took about 20 videos of his toes. Then, a few days later when I went to Maddie's school to video the first graders reciting 1 Corinthians 13 to the entire school...I discovered my camera battery was dead. So sad. Maybe I can find someone who videoed it and get a copy- it was so precious, I cried!

Is it possible???

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 03:37:00 +0000

Is it possible that such a sweet, sweet little girl could:

1- color the wall, MGK wooden initials, lampshade, table, crib, plastic vanity, and herself black during one relatively short stint in time out

2- pour out an entire bottle of dish soap on the counter and floor in the blink of an eye
3- Spackle strawberry shortcake (the doll), wooden blocks and a shelf when dad went in the office to write an email.
4- steal her sisters morning gummy bear vitamin and enjoy every second of it while sitting in time out
5- daily eat a significant amount of toothpaste
6- and claim that we can't find her socks because she ate them!

I now know that it is indeed possible...and she can do all of the above in just a few short days.
My precious Macy...I adore you. Are you more challenging that the big kids, or do I just have less capacity??

Me:Macy, get in your car seat please.
Macy: NO!
Me: Mommy has to discipline you because you didn't obey. How are you expected to obey? Right away, all the way with a happy...(right away, all the way, with a happy heart)
Macy:WITH A HAPPY MEAL!!!!!!(big grin on her face)
Me: (trying not to laugh too hard)Get in your car seat!

A Proud Mama!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 15:36:00 +0000

This morning Maddie presented her oral book report at school! We have been reading one of the 'American Girl' books about Rebecca. I have loved them as much as Maddie. It's fun to be reading something that we both really enjoy. Anyhow, this year at school Maddie has had tons of opportunities to get dressed up for different occasions (one day I will get around to posting about all of them!). For her book report she was to dress as her favorite character from the book, and share about her favorite scene. The whole process was a blast, from picking her scene, to figuring out what to say (with dad :)), to sewing her costume, to curling her hair, and then finally getting to share with her class. She was so nervous. She couldn't get to sleep last night b/c she said she had butterflies in her tummy. Mike and I thought she did really well this morning-she remembered almost all of the details she wanted to share without using any notes:)!!. Sorry the video is such bad quality. She was nervous, so it is really hard to hear her, and I was trying to hold a wiggling Macy so the camera is shaking- sorry.

OOPS!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 23:32:00 +0000

I missed posting about Mike's Birthday. We celebrated Mike's 38th birthday on Dec. 18th. Mike- you are amazing! We love you so much. Thanks for being such an involved dad, loving us all so well and for always showing me grace! Happy Birthday!

Christmas 2010!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 14:01:00 +0000

We had a wonderful Christmas this year with my parents in Houston. It was filled with fun firsts and lots of great memories. Some of my favorites:
1. The big kids got to go to the Nutcracker Ballet for the first time. Maddie loved it, and Brennan loved the first half (when the Nutcracker and the Rat Prince have a sword fight)
2. The kids went ice skating for the first time! And yes, I was very sore the next day!!!
3. My mom converted my old playroom under the stairs into a grand kid room. They spent a lot of time in the new fort! Most meals were enjoyed in the privacy of their new little space!
4. My mom and dad took the kids to buy gifts for and angel tree family and then they all got to go together to meet the family and deliver the gifts to them. It was sweet to see them find some joy in giving.
5. The kids and I discovered how to make dairy and soy free gingerbread men :), and then we ate our weight in cookies!
6. Maddie stayed up for her fist ever New Year's Eve party. (New Year's is so incredible when you are at a Bridges Conference! The party starts with a talent show- pianist from China, dances from India, songs from Africa, comedic acts from China, harpist from America guitar players from Lebanon...and the list goes on. Truly a unique experience! Then, you get to ring in the new year with people from 48 different nations! Amazing!) I was glad Maddie got to experience it with us this year.
7. We were able to have a quick visit with our cousins from Florida who were in TX for the holidays. Bill and Lynsay are amazing, Godly people, and we count it a privilege every time we get a chance to spend time with them.
8. We got to go to six flags in San Antonio as a family! So much fun!

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 02:54:00 +0000

Madison just turned 7! I can't believe it. Friday the 10th was her big day and she got to celebrate with friends at school and then with our family later in the day. She is such a treasure!!! I don't even have the words to express how precious she is. She is kind, hard working, loyal, organized, friendly, faithful, and just an all around joy for me to be around. She was actually sick this week and had to stay home from school for 2 days...and do you know I loved every second of it. I just love to spend time with my sweet girl! Here are a few pictures from her big day.

Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 03:10:00 +0000

We celebrated Thanksgiving with Mike's family here in Austin this year. We went up to Jack and Suzy's house (Mike's Aunt and Uncle) on Thanksgiving day and enjoyed a low key day with a delicious meal and sweet fellowship with family. Maddie and Brennan brought us back to the first Thanksgiving by attending as a Pilgrim and and Indian!

OUCH!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 03:00:00 +0000

Brennan and one little fire ant met each other Saturday night. His poor little hand. He was bit last year too, same finger...but this time his hand seems to have swollen up much more. Those are nasty little fellas.

A Reason to Give Thanks

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 04:35:00 +0000

Yesterday marked one year since Mike's precious mom Roz went to be with Jesus. As we reflect on her life and death we give thanks to the Lord for the hope we have in Him.
"Death has been swallowed up in victory." 1 Cor. 15:54

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

The Birthday Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 12:37:00 +0000

This year we gave the kids two options when it came to celebrating their birthdays. They could have one good friend go to dinner with them, or have a birthday party together. When I first told them the choices (last year after all of the parties) they were not happy. They of course wanted their own parties...so I told them they had a year to think about it, and if they didn't like any of the options then we would be happy to just have our normal family party and nothing more! :). As the fall rolled around they started to talk about it more and more. I reminded them of the options, and they had lots of conversations about it. In the end, they decided on a joint party (Brennan's 5th birthday and Madison's 7th), and I am so glad they did. God really blessed us with a beautiful day, a wonderful park, and a stress free fun day. We didn't plan any games or activities, we just had more of a 'mega play date'. I think the kids really enjoyed it, and I enjoyed not trying to pull off more events during the holiday season. I think I am going to really reap the benefits of having the party in early November now that the holiday season is here and we are not trying to plan another bday for Maddie. (of course we will do a family celebration on her actual birthday). So, here is a little look into our family birthday celebration:

Kids and sand just go together. I think it took a week to get all the sand out of Brennan's hair.

Brennan kept changing his mind about what type of cake he wanted. He decided on Iron Man, but after my attempt at and Iron Man cake for our family celebration failed miserably(it turned out looking more like Arthur the Aardvark), I talked him into Superman! Whew!

I don't know why, but Maddie's cake looks blue in all the pictures, but it was actually purple.

Some odds and ends

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 03:00:00 +0000

It has been a busy fall with a lot more travel than usual and lots of 'events'. But the sweetest moments are still the everyday ones. Here are some moments I want to remember from the last few weeks...

We have enjoyed wonderful time with sweet friends!

We have spent a lot of time with Superman.

There has been a lot-and I mean a lot- of lipstick

'The Twins' on their way to a dog show.(which was a very fun fist experience!)

A fabulous night with International Students on Lake Travis.

Maddie and I got creative with jewelry making- so fun!

Cuddling with Nana...

Regular visits from a little cowgirl.

And...a car for three? (thanks Jen)

Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Krieg) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 01:29:00 +0000

We had a fun filled weekend. Saturday night we had a party with International students. It is always so fun to celebrate with people who are experiencing Halloween for the first time. I thought I would go with an easy costume, but sadly, most people didn't know who I was...please tell me you know! Macy was cute as a button with her Raggedy Anne and Maddie and Brennan were Ariel and Iron Man (they were so busy running around I couldn't get a good picture of them)

Then on Sunday, we did it all over again! God has blessed us with some super fun new French neighbors. They had us over before trick or treating to make some fun crafts and yummy monster eyeballs! Then a big group of us went trick or treating. It was a beautiful evening and we had a big group of about 12 kids to try to keep up with. This time Brennan went with Iron Man again (a birthday gift) and the girls went as ballerinas.