Big E

My younger sister Lori and her son Eli came over one afternoon so Abby could take her turn poking on him while we enjoyed a pot of coffee.

Christmas Party #3

We had Eric's family party this past weekend. It seemed like a short visit with everyone but always a good time. There was no shortage of great food and great family to make it a wonderful night.

Eric's sister Susan watching over Abby and Aaliyah open some gifts

Our nephews Brandon and Kyle showing off their new art sets.

Christmas Party #2

Christmas morning we got together at my parents for the Huizenga party. There was no shortage of gifts or great food. I am already looking forward to next year when there will be 2 (maybe 3?!?!?!) more children/grandchildren to add to the fun.
Having raised 3 daughters, I think grandpa is pretty good at the doll house thing, it's a good thing there is now one grandson and one on the way to bring in some testosterone.

Abby taking a ride on one of the many new toys.

What's more fun then playing with an empty paper tube?

Merry Christmas from the Broggers

Denial

I think at such a young age, Abby has realized that we need a little sun to keep us happy. So, if we don't have sun... just pretend as Abby likes to do.

Abby doing a dance to the sun gods

Christmas Party #1

We had our first Christmas party of the year on Saturday with the Huizenga side. I can't believe how many kids there are, with 4 more expected before next Christmas!! I guess it's a good thing we rent a large church gym/kitchen to host such an event.

Abby trying to play ball with the "big kids"
Abby and Murielle playing with the bean bags
Trying to get a group picture of nine kids under five... not going to happen.

Food Fight

This is usually the heading for almost every meal at the Brogger household lately. Abby seemed to become a picky eater, which her doctor was happy about?? Are you kidding me, what's to be happy about that. If it's made with cheese or process into something that resembles meat, then it's a hit. If not... were out of luck. Any meal/snack ideas that you would like to pass along would be greatly appreciated. We are trying almost anything at this point to expand her diet beyond about 5 things.

Playtime

Now that the weather is bitterly cold, we must barricade ourselves inside and try and figure out how to pass the time. What better way than getting together with your sista and niece for some child playtime, and adult conversation.

Fall Fun

With the weather being 70+ in November, we need to take full advantage of being outside to enjoy it.

Then and Now

One short year ago, Eric and I were at the hospital excited about the arrival of our new baby girl Abigail. There was so much joy and excitement that filled our hearts at the site of this precious gift we were blessed with.

Now a year later as we anticipate and prepare for our second child, I become anxious about the challenges, and changes we face on the road ahead. What a change it will be with the addition of another child, but we are looking forward with love and joy.

Abby's birthday party, which was combined with her cousin Audra. She couldn't wait to get her hands on that cake.

It was such a great party, but for Christmas I think she is getting string and balloons.

Happy Birthday Abby!! We Love You

Happy Halloween

Holy Cow

WARNING- viewer discretion is advised with the reading of this post, it contains graphic scenes.

Yesterday we took a drive to a little town called McBain, population not many. My mom is originally from there, she grew up on a dairy farm with her 4 sisters and 1 brother. My uncle Carl now owns and runs the farm and we love to go and visit whenever we can.

It was such a great day yesterday to be outside and enjoy the last day of great weather. My Aunt Donna flew in from Florida to visit for the weekend so it was great to see her again as well.

My Grandma Bos and Abby having some bonding time in the rocking chair after lunch.

Abby loved all the different animals, and at this age showed no fear.

One of the horses just wanting to give her "kisses"

Abby face to face with a cow that would rather lick her feet than the block of salt.

Trying to get some cute fall pictures, but being very distracted with the white cats.

I guess it has been a few years since my last visit to McBain, because I would never missed the construction of 2 wind turbines (not sure if this is the correct name for them). In the middle of miles and miles of fields there are 2 HUGE turbines creating alternative energy... go McBain!!

I have been vising the farm for over 28years now, and every time we go there is always something new to see... new barns, new house, different animals, etc etc.

One thing that I have never seen was the birth of a calf. I am always a minute too late, just never good timing. For some of you, you would have no interest in witnessing such a sight, but for me I guess it was something I wanted to see. Well yesterday was my day. We got there at the right time to see the miracle of birth. Not only did I witness it, I helped it along.

Getting the quick 101 of calf birthing from my Uncle Carl

All hooked up ready to pull

A cute baby bull

Surprisingly I stayed clean and my shoes dry, I think I missed my calling of living on a farm or being a Vet.... maybe not, but it was an exciting visit to say the least.

Coconut- Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

**MAKE AT YOUR OWN RISK**

Every time I make these, I wish only for leftovers so I can go home, put some in the freezer to save, only to take out the next day and eat every last bite. I am sure tomorrow will be no different.

Ingredients
1/2 c butter
3/4 c finely crushed graham crackers
1/2 c all-purpose flour
1/2 c coconut
1/2 c ground pecans
1/4 c sugar
1 1/2 8 oz pkg. cream cheese, softened
2/3 c sugar
4 eggs
1 Tbsp. brandy.... or milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c blueberries

Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease 9x13 inch. baking pan and set aside.
2. For crust, in small saucepan heat butter over medium heat until the color of light brown sugar. Remove form heat; set aside.
3. In medium bowl stir together graham crackers, flour, coconut, pecans, and 1/4 c sugar. Stir in butter until combined. Evenly press on bottom of prepared pan. Bake 8 to 10 min or until lightly browned.
4. Meanwhile, in large mixing bowl beat cream cheese and 2/3 c sugar on medium until combined. Add eggs, brandy and vanilla. Beat until combined. Pour over hot crust. Sprinkle blueberries
5. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until center appears set. Cool, cover and refrigerate.

Makes not enough bars
Fat is way to much to list

ENJOY!!

Mark your Calendar

The Brogger's are having another BABY!!!

I was told yesterday at my doctors appointment that my official due date will be April 14th. If this baby is anything like the last, move that date forward 10 days and be totally surprised when it happens.

Eric and I are expecting our second child this spring and are very excited. So far everything checked out OK at the first doctors visit, please pray that I have an easy pregnancy, and a uneventful delivery of a healthy, happy baby!

Fall Fun

My favorite time of the year is fall... love it! I love the cold wind, putting on a big sweatshirt and bundling up with a good cup of coffee. I can't get enough of it!

When my cousin, Julie, suggested a day at the Orchard how could I say no. My mom, sisters, niece, cousin, Abby and aunts took a trip to the Fruit Ridge Orchard for a day filled with fall festivities. Highlights included

1. Hay Rides
2. Eating all the apples I could
3. Fresh out of the cooker doughnuts, yum!

5. Pony rides
4. And of course spending time with family that I don't get to see that often.
5. So much more!
Hopefully we can squeeze in another trip before the snow flies this year.

Another Update

I have not been in the mood to blog lately, as you can tell from the lack of new posts, and the posts that are done just a mix of all the recent events in the Broggers life. Well this post will be no different.

Eric said goodbye to summer by taking another fishing trip to upper Michigan with my dad and uncle. Again when I say "fishing" well you all know what I mean, again the pictures tell the story of what really goes down. Here is a glimpse of the mighty fishers in action.

personally I would be afraid of falling overboard

Eric said the "lighting" was bad and there are in fact 2 fish on there, perch, which they were slaying that day... your story.

Eric and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary the end of this month. I can't believe how fast it has gone. We decided to spend the evening at our favorite restaurant, Louis Benton, and indulge in some awesome cuisine.

Yum

Our friend from Kzoo has this very cool Jeep that he let us borrow for a day to cruise downtown and take to dinner. Eric kept telling something about how it was the fastest production SUV... yada, yada, yada. It was really fast and very nice of him to let us test it's power for a day.

Last Friday night, I got the pleasure to finally babysit for my cute little nephew, Eli. What a handsome young man with sooo much hair. I give credit to anyone who has their kids close together, what a challenge with a 10mo old and 1 month old. Thanks for your help, Eric, I couldn't have done it alone!