Top 11 for 2011

This year has flown by just like the rest of them. However, I have to say that I am thankful and blessed to be sitting here reflecting on the past year. We experienced many ups and downs this year, but still the following list (in no particular order) below are Nate and my favorite 11 things that took place in the Klauser home in 2011.
1. Adoption finalization of Caleb
2. Finishing the basement
3. Removal of Nate's plate in back from previous surgery
4. Getting a minivan
5. Finishing outdoor house maintenance
6. Traveling to visit family in Las Vegas, Michigan, Iowa and Nebraska
7. Being apart of the village127 launch, the adoption ministry at church
8. Getting a new swing set for the kiddos enjoyment
9. Celebrating Elyse turning 3 and Caleb turning 1
10.Switching to a better fit position within CAT
11.Discovering that we will become a family of five in 2012

We know there are a lot more exciting and thankful things that have happened to us this past year, and we don't take them for granted. It's just these seem to be ones that have helped us out a lot, we worked on a lot or brought us the most joy. We look forward to seeing what beauty lies ahead in 2012. We again know there will be trials, but we also know that God always does something beautiful in the end that makes us thankful for that year.

We wish you and your family a very HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!

Speckman Family Christmas

This year us Klausers got to celebrate Christmas with my mom, brother, Steven, his wife, Kim and their daughter, Chloe. It was a really quick time together but was so memorable and great to have them here. Many times it felt like we were celebrating Thanksgiving with the 45 degree temperatures and no snow. However, the celebration of Jesus' birth with family here, church, meals and gifts still gave some feeling of Christmas. Overall, our weekend was filled with lots of laughter and watching the three kiddos play.


Special thank you to Mom, Steven, Kim and Chloe for coming up to celebrate Christmas with us. We love you so much and miss you already.

Just a heads up, be on the lookout for one of Elyse's favorite gifts from Chloe and one of the cutest things I have ever seen.

Merry Christmas ~ 2011

We hope you all have a wonderful and blessed Christmas! May you and your family rejoice in the day and celebrate the reason for the season.

Klauser Family Christmas 2011

This past weekend, Nate's parents drove up to celebrate not only Caleb and Nate's mom's birthdays, but Christmas. We spent our weekend, hanging out at the house playing with all the new things the kids opened. It was great having them here and hopefully we will get to see them really soon in 2012.
Thank you Mike and Kathy for not only coming up but all the great gifts. We love and miss you lots and hope you have a Merry Christmas!!!

Paci Free

Guess who is no longer using a paci at bed and nap time?

That's right, Caleb lost all his pacies yesterday when he decided to bite through his third one. Which told us that his 10-12 teeth are using it more as a chew toy than comfort. Therefore, we cold turkey took them away and without shedding a tear, our big boy is adjusting just fine. Overall, we are very proud of him and excited to be paci free in our home for a few months at least :)

Birthday Celebration

This past Friday, Caleb had his birthday party to celebrate turning 1. Even though the party was really low key, in my opinion, it turned out perfectly. Caleb LOVES balls, and so having a sport ball theme only seemed appropriate. Caleb was blessed with having his Nana G, Grandpa, Grandma and birth family (Mariah, Rande, Judy, Monica and Malachi) come celebrate with him. Oh yeah, his cardboard Uncle Steven, Aunt Kim and cousin Chloe also made an appearance. He got lots of great gifts and after slowly sampling his cake, he ended up devouring it quite nicely.
BEFORE: AFTER:
Special thank you for those who were able to attend as well as those who sent or gave gifts.

Love you big boy and hope you had a very Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday, Caleb!

One year ago this very day we got a phone call that brought so much joy into our lives. Caleb William Klauser entered the world and was gently placed into our arms forever. Therefore, today, our little boy turns 1, and I can't believe it. Happy Birthday Caleb, we love you so much!!! This entire year has flown by so incredibly fast. Words can't describe how encouraging and fun it has been recently to watch him change daily; whether it's in communicating, playing, learning or moving. Overall, we can't thank God and Caleb's birth mother enough for giving us such a beautiful gift.

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY CALEB! We love you so much and always will!

White Christmas???

I can honestly say that I am extremely bummed that our yard looks like this:
That's right, we have no snow in December and so far none is being predicted before Christmas (knowing my odds it will all arrive in March on the way to the hospital). I don't remember never having no snow on Christmas. Now I am more than happy to see grass on December 26th, but for some reason Christmas should be white to me. I know Nate feels exactly the same way because he LOVES snow, and plus last night after watching weather he said to me, "I think I could seriously cry that there maybe no snow."

I maybe bummed, but at least I still have two happy kiddos.

Pajamas and Books

Most of our mornings play out very similar, I read the kiddos a book or two, they hurry to get dressed and then run downstairs to eat breakfast. However, this beautiful Friday morning was not like the rest. The kiddos decided to spend over thirty minutes in Caleb's room, having me read or them look at books on their own in their pajamas. It was so peaceful, enjoyable and relaxing. Hoping for more mornings like today in the future.

32!

Today, my best friend, husband and father to my children turns 32!

Happy Birthday, Nate! I feel so thankful to be able to celebrate another birthday with you and look forward to celebrating in at least 32 more. You are such a blessing to me and I love you with all my heart. Thank you for all you do and I hope you have a wonderful and memorable day.

photo taken by HeidiMcDowellPhotography

Chaos in December

I want to start off and apologize for the lack of post the last few weeks. Things are really chaotic right now in the Klauser home. I am spending much of my free time preparing for Nate's birthday this Thursday, Caleb's first birthday (oh my goodness, my baby is almost one) next Friday and Christmas preparations. Even though I love celebrating all three things, all within three weeks can be an overload at times. Anyway, I am checking off things day by day and still enjoying every moment.

Random pictures for those who miss my adorable children's faces :)