Soon to be...Evelyn's House

Exciting news on the Evelyn "home front"...which is a new home! We are in the process of building a home on the three acres of land we purchased many months ago. Although we experienced some obstacles right from the start (even before the hole was there!), the construction has started and is continuing. Andy and I understand the process will be complex, yet luckily Evelyn's only view of building a house is labeled as...fun!

Evelyn has already picked out colors for the house. She would like purple in her bathroom and she wants red and pink walls for her bedroom. We are on board with all her color choices, we just want to be careful with the amount of red and pink in her room!

Here are some pictures of the exciting home building process, Soon to be...Evelyn's House!

Evelyn's Dance Class Visit

Many of you might remember that Evelyn started taking a dance class weeks ago. The class is called "Baby Stars" and there really isn't a set type of dance style she is learning. Essentially the class is meant to teach 3 - 5 year olds the basics of dance, coordination, beats, etc...

Two weeks ago was "visiting day" at dance class, which means parents and grandparents were able to watch the class. I was able to go and it was so cute and fun to watch Evelyn. Here are some pictures of Evelyn's Dance Class Visit.

Evelyn and Reagan - Stars of the Baby Stars class!

The next three pictures make me smile since the pictures truly represent the way dance class went for most of the girls. They would all be asked to do a pose, but all would complete it on their own schedule. First Evelyn laid flat and Reagan did the pose. Then Reagan laid flat and Evelyn posed. Finally, both girls did the same pose at the same time.

More Evelyn-ism's

Disclaimer: Individuals reading this post are cautioned due to content. Any individual who does not find humor in conversations and actions related to boogers, please discontinue reading. We are not liable for any discomfort or disgust an individual experiences while reading this post.


We recently discovered a phlegm condition with Evelyn, evidenced by a few actions and conversations we've recently had with her.

Setting: Linda's car, parking lot of Toys R Us
When reaching to remove Evelyn from her car seat, I noticed a booger crust at the opening of one nostril. While I removed the booger, Evelyn pointed to two dried boogers resting on the arm of her car seat and stated "Take these too!"

Setting: Linda's car, Andy present too, parking lot of Lowes
When Andy was reaching to remove Evelyn from her car seat, he saw three crusty boogers lined up in a row on the arm of Evelyn's car seat. Upon Andy's exclamation of "What is that?" Evelyn matter of fact-ly stated, "That's my collection."

Evelyn's Cousin Courtney has bad news

Evelyn's cousin, Courtney, has bad news!

From what I understand she (and others) were instructed not to bike down a particular hill, but just as kids do...they all did it anyway. Courtney lost control of her bike and the result was a trip to the emergency room and the diagnosis...a broken collarbone. Poor Courtney!

Get well soon, we love you Courtney!

Evelyn's Uncle Billy has good news...

My brother, Bill, called this weekend to let our family know that he "popped" the question to his girlfriend, Emily. She said yes! Right now they are trying to plan an intimate wedding on a Georgia beach, sometime this Spring. Yeah, Evelyn will have a new Aunt soon.

Welcome to the Family Aunt Emily!

Congratulations Bill and Emily!
(and Kayla too!)

The Sound of "Mommy"

One of the greatest pleasures for me is the sound of Evelyn calling out my name, "Mommy".

Since learning my name, Evelyn has used the term "Mommy". I love it. On the rare occasion that Evelyn has said, "Mom", I have subtly corrected her back to "Mommy". There is just something about hearing the innocent and young use of the term "Mommy" that melts my heart.

As most children mature, somewhere along the line, they transfer to the term "Mom". I am not looking forward to that transition and I plan to hold on to her use of "Mommy" for as long as I can. Please excuse Evelyn if you hear her call me "Mommy" at the age of 21! It will be my fault. I just love the sound of "Mommy."

Evelyn's Great-Grandmother

In the post from yesterday, I mentioned that Andy and Dan's Grandmother - Evelyn's Great Grandmother - was experiencing health issues.

Evelyn's Great Grandmother Josephine has passed away today. She was 88 years old, next month 89.

Thanks for thinking of our family as this tough time.

Here is a picture of Evelyn, Evelyn and Owen with Great Grandma Jo Jo just 1 month ago.

Happenings in Evelyn's Life

This post will serve one purpose; to highlight the recent events in Evelyn's life with little commentary on the events...just a list.

Evelyn has attended three dance classes now. She attends class with her friend, Reagan, for 45 minutes once a week. Essentially, Reagan's mother and I, Monica, are not really sure what they are learning in class. We know they can do controlled somersaults and are starting to learn rhythm by using maracas.

Evelyn attended her first School Field Trip (today). Andy and I went with her. We went to on a wagon ride, made a craft, ate a donut and had apple cider, saw some goats and that is about it. Pictures will either be posted to this same entry in the future...or will be posted in another entry real soon.

Evelyn really enjoys school and is doing well. She is learning to write her name and is very good at the capital E.

Evelyn traveled with us, along with her Uncle Dan, Aunt Cat and Cousin Owen, to Manistee this past weekend. No, not for camping. Andy and Dan's grandmother, Evelyn's Great Grandmother, is experiencing trouble with her health. We went to visit her and be with family at this tough time.

Just a short list of Happenings in Evelyn's Life