Welcome Home Uncle Ben!

What an exciting day we had yesterday! My brother Ben came home from serving in the Colombus Ohio Mission. It wasn't the best day to fly, though, because the snowstorms almost had his plane diverted to the Denver airport. Could you imagine? But Ben said he was on that plane praying that they would be able to land in SLC. We waited in the airport for about an hour, and finally we heard word that his plane would be able to land. HURRAY! And it was SO GOOD to see him! It's awesome that he chose to serve a mission, but it sure is a treat to have him back with us. We spent the rest of the evening hearing stories about his mission and just enjoying each other. It was funny because he had never met the twins, so he kept asking, "Which one is this?" He'll catch on soon enough. And Ambree was only barely 2 when he left so he had fun talking to her and playing with her. She said, "Mom, Uncle Ben is like a boyfriend!" Not quite, Ambree!

This pic was taken the day he went into the MTC, December 13, 2006.

And the happy day he returned home, December 19, 2008. This one is all three of my bro's- Chris, Jon, and Ben, and all the grandkids- Ambree, Alexia, Brielle, and Bailey (with a lovely chocolate face!)

All of the Brusch siblings- Chris, Me, Ben, Jon and Jen. So fun!

We're so excited to have you home, Ben! Thanks for being such a great example to my girls! We love you!!!

Good night and.. what?

On most nights after the girls are in bed, I try to say something like, "Sweet dreams," or "good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed-bugs bite."

After one particularly hard day last week, I had finally got the girls in bed and as I left the bedroom I said, "good night and good riddance!"

The next morning when Ambree came into my bedroom she stated, "Mom, last night you forgot to turn on our music and you forgot to say, 'Good night and good riddance!'"

Ooops!

husbands, wives, and daughters

This is what Ambree said to me today:

"When Daddy has you for his wife, that makes me feel like your daughter!"

Any questions?

New Do

I got my hair done last week. Before I left, Joe told me to go darker. I don't think he was expecting THIS dark, but he likes it and so do I. What do you think?

Changes...

I have been meaning to post this forever, so here goes finally. (Deep breath). Joe has accepted a new job with the SLC Airport as an air traffic controller. It has been about a year coming- he took the test back in January and had an interview in March. They put him on a list and said they would let him know when he would be sent to training. In October they finally called and said he would begin training at the academy on Dec. 29 in Oklahoma City. Training is 17 weeks long, so he will be living in Oklahoma City for a few months while he takes classes at the academy. It is an exciting change, and it a field that Joe has been interested in since his childhood. When he passes his tests at the academy he will come home and begin right away at the SLC Airport! He won't actually be in the tower on the runway- there is a building across the street from the airport where they control the airspace across a few states and that is where Joe will be. I think it must look like the picture, but I'm not sure.

Anyways, we are a little nervous for this time that he will be away and we are especially nervous about him leaving the security of the post office. But after these four months, he will never have to leave again. Training is a one-time deal. This is a wonderful career opportunity and it is federal- just like the post office, so it will also be a very secure job. I know that he will love this and I'm so grateful to have a husband who provides for his family. This also has made me think a lot about, and appreciate, all the military wives whose husbands are gone for a year at a time or more.

He will be leaving for Oklahoma City approximately the day after Christmas. He'll be able to fly home on the weekends if he wants, and I will go there atleast once (hopefully more). Wish us luck on this new journey!

Ambree's Birthday Party: Part 2

Last night (12/05/08) Ambree had her friend birthday party. She decided she wanted to have a pajama party. So all her fun little friends came in their pj's and they were so cute!

Eating pizza and laughing...

We played 'musical pillows' rather than musical chairs. We also had a treasure hunt so they had to use the clues to help them find their 'treasures'.

Here they are enjoying their treasures.

Brielle and Bailey had so much fun playing games with the big girls.

Then it was time for cupcakes.

Look how cute! (l-r: Isabelle, Raeya, Emma, Ambree, Hailey, and Katy. Brielle and Bailey in front)

Ambree's Birthday Party: Part 1

Because we are blessed with big families and lots of good friends, we decided to do Ambree's birthday in two parts: One family party and one friend party. We did her family party on 11/22/08. We had lunch and then Ambree got to blow out 4 candles on her Barbie and the Diamond Castle cake. She got lots of fun presents, and afterwards we all headed to Jumpin' Jacks so the kids could play.

Eating yummy cake.

This pic shows the true Bailey- always stuffing her cute little face!

Here we are at Jumpin' Jacks. The kids had so much fun, and actually, so did the adults!

Brielle is so brave. Definitely gets that from me!

It took a lot of coaxing to finally get Ambree down the big slides. But she did it!

Girls girls girls! Lily, Alexia and Bailey.

Joe and I probably had more fun than the kids.

Nutcracker Night

On Thursday Ambree and I were lucky enough to have a girls night and go to the Nutcracker at Capitol Theater. We got to go with my Mom, my sis (in-law) Rachel and her sis Serena, and we were able to bring Tiffany and Katy. It was so magical and it brought me back to my childhood when my Grandma used to take the girls to see it every year.

Amb and I with the Nutcraker...

Ambree and Katy

Thanksgiving

My Mom and I began Thanksgiving Day by running a 5-K race in Cottonwood Heights. It was definitely a great way to start the holiday, and later on when I was stuffing myself I didn't feel too bad! The race was very hilly, but it was so fun. It was Mom's very first race and she did great!

Here is a pic of us taking off...

Me coming to the finish. I was running so fast that Chris couldn't get a shot until I had past him. (Just kidding! But I like how long my hair looks!)

It was our year to spend Thanksgiving with my family. We had so much fun and the food was awesome. Nobody makes a Pumpkin cake like my Mom, and Thanksgiving is just not the same without it!

Brielle enjoying snacking after dinner

Ambree was given some books from Aunt Barbara and a soft princess blanket from great-grandma Brusch. Then they took a little snooze. This is what Thanksgiving is all about!