I Hope You Dance...

Summer Fun-2010

2010-06-21T20:39:00.005-04:00

Busy Hoene family!! What a blessing to have such a beautiful and active son. Logan, you are such a gift. Below are some of the pictures from what we have been doing lately. Mommy only wishes she had time to post them all. Love you, sweet boy!!

Logan at "Gym Class"--spring 2010

Sitting on the edge of our "pool"

Papa's Angels, Father's Day, 2010

Grandaddy, Daddy and Logan, Father's Day 2010

Daddy and Me swimming at Nana's, June 2010

Mommy and me on Thomas the Train...

Can you say "Cheese"?

Reading with Papa--yes, that is a Thomas book.

Beach view--spring break, 2010 on the Gulf of Mexico...

Mommy and me on Easter Sunday in PCB.

We have been very busy lately! Logan had a blast at the Day Out with Thomas the Train. Even though it was REALLY hot, we survived and had fun too. I even think Papa had fun. Mommy has been working some this summer, but trying to take off on Friday's when Daddy is off too. We are planning some fun day trips around town since going to the gulf is out of the question this summer--thanks BP! We have also been swimming a lot! Logan, you are such a little fish! You LOVE the water. So, starting next month, we are going to take some swimming lessons at the Y. I know you will be so excited. Some other things we have done lately--lots of reading, a visit to Illinois to see Aunt Becky, Uncle Don, Grandma Hoene and Dane, did I mention the swimming? Swinging and playing at Mimi and Papa's house--we had a cookout at our house to celebrate Father's Day. Lots of family fun!! You are such a loved little boy!! The video below is of our "little fish" jumping in Nana's pool today. Thanks Nana for having us over. We had a blast...as you can tell!

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-11T20:57:00.005-04:00

Sweet boy and his proud mama...

Swinging with Daddy at the park

Aunt Alicia and Daddy

Man...this is FUN!

Brady and Logan chasing the ducks--boys!

Aunt Alicia, Daddy, Nana and Grandaddy

Time to feed the duckies...

Nana and Logan taking a stroll at the park

Hi Mommy! "I yuv you!"

Savannah and Logan playing with Play Dough at Brunch

What a wonderful weekend! Our third mother's day was amazing! The weekend began with a trip to Cincy for a Reds vs. Cubs game--yes, this was as much fun for me as it was for Chad. Logan spent the night with Mimi and Papa, but the next time we go to a game we are going to take him. I know he will love it! Then on Sat. we spent the day playing and working around the house and went to church with Mimi and Nana and the family. Sunday, Aunt Carrie made reservations at Captains Quarters for the whole family. The food was YUMMY and we had so much fun! Attached are some of the pictures from this wonderful weekend!!

On a personal note, I want to thank ALL of the mother's in our lives--moms, step-mom, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and so many more! Chad, Logan and I are truly blessed by God to have such a wonderful support, especially from our "moms". We LOVE you!!

~Staci

Happy Easter!!

2010-04-04T22:40:00.003-04:00

He LIVES!! Praise God! What a blessing to have family and friends around us on this wonderful holiday. We love you all and thank God each day for you!!

Birthdays, Snow Day, and Fun--oh my!!

2010-01-07T17:50:00.006-05:00

Cousin Madison and Daddy (her uncle)

Let the festivities begin!

I love my Aunt Carrie!

Thank you Mimi for my own cake!!

Stephanie loves Logan!!

Cake Time! Yummy!!

Savannah and Logan ready for cake!!

Cousin Brady and Logan playing with the new train table!

Happy Birthday to Me!! Thanks everyone!!

Guess what we have been doing lately, son? Lots of celebrating!! You turned 2 on January 1, 2010. T-W-O so hard to believe that it has been 2 years! Last Saturaday, we had a small family party where we celebrated "Handy Manny" style--HM cake, HM decor, HM shirt--the only thing missing was HM, himself! Ha--guess daddy could have dressed up like him. That would have been hilarious! Anyhow, lots of family came over to the house for pizza, presents, and cake. Once the smoke cleared from the festivities, we all settled in to watch the Battle for the Bluegrass--aka. The UK/UL game. The game was VERY exciting, but UK ultimately won. They are 15-0 this year. Daddy hates this because he is a UL fan. For the last few years, he hasn't had to worry about UK, but this year is a different story. Go CATS!!!

Today, we celebrated our first real snow around here--about 3 inches. Enough to close local schools and cover the ground. Of course, mommy and daddy had to work, but when we got home we headed outside for your FIRST snow fun! Last year when it snowed, you just weren't old enough to take out just yet, but not this year. I think you would have stayed out there all night if we would have let you. Even though you could hardly walk around--mommy bundled you up good--you had a blast and even wanted to help daddy shovel the driveway. Too cute. I must say that was the best 30 minutes of my day, hands down! Looks like tomorrow is another snow day so Mimi has already said she is going to let you and Savannah go out of the back deck. That should be fun! Sweet boy--you are the light of my life--you and your father. Thank you for bringing me mommy back to her childhood days of birthdays, snow days, and FUN. I love you!!

~Mommy

To blog or not to blog....

2009-12-31T21:57:00.005-05:00

November 2009

january 1, 2009 (1 year)

january 1, 2008

I started this blog back in December of 2006 as a way to document and share our lives with our family and friends--both near and far. It seems that I haven't been doing a lot of blogging lately and I guess one might blame that on the fact that I am a busy mom of a (soon to be) 2 year old or the fact that I work about 60 hours a week, but honestly, I think I got a little burned out...which is hard for me to admit. I don't like to quit on things. When I start something, I like to see it through. I am sure that the folks who used to follow our blog have long since given up seeing as how our last post was October. Three months and nothing, zip, zilch, nada--yup, blogger burn out, for sure. Does this post mean that I have the itch back again?? Do I want to keep documenting our lives for our family and friends--near and far--through a blog? Afterall, there is facebook-LOL!

(thinking....)

(still thinking....)

Okay...so here it is. I have never been one for resolutions--though we could use some around here especially in the area of excercise--but as I revisit the many posts of the last 3 years, I am so overwhelmed at all that we have, all that we do and have done, and all the memories forever cemented in this blog. Come to think about it, I didn't do a baby book for Logan--I journaled a bit from October to his homecoming, but from then on, EVERYTHING was documented here...on this blog!! Maybe my burn out came from having the same audience? Maybe my audience needs adjusting--afterall, someday Logan will be reading this story...his story, so how can I quit now, right?

The other day, Chad and I began talking about some goals we have for our family for this year--saving money, paying off a few bills, cooking together (don't laugh)--so, a goal of mine will be to continue to blog. There I said it. The Hoene Heaven blog will go on, but I think an audience adjustment is needed. Now, just because I am changing my audience to a 2-year old doesn't mean others won't be able to read to learn about what is happening in our lives. There are so many people out there both near and far who love us and want to know what is happening in our lives...but,

from now on, the person I will be writing to is my son. And someday, when he is ready, we will read all about how our family of 3 came to be and how God so richly blessed our lives. Yes, I am feeling not so burned out already!!

Logan,

In a little over an hour, you will be two years old. Holy cow! TWO!! T-W-O and mommy is so thankful to be your mommy! Though the last few months have been challenging--who knew toddlerhood could be so FUN--I know that God created me to be your mommy. And I thank him each day for that. You had fun tonight playing at Holly's house. We played trains and with the balls. Of course around 8:30 you began to yawn--you have always been such a great sleeper so daddy packed us up and we walked home (from next door). You have been sound asleep for a while now. Our nightly routine of a bit of milk, climbing the stairs and mommy rocking you while we say our prayers is just about as close to heaven as I can imagine. We say prayers and you name off all of the people you want Jesus to bless--Nana, Grandaddy, Mimi, Papa, Papa Hoene, Gran, Annie, all our cousins and aunts and uncles and neighbors. You can imagine how long our prayers tend to be...but I wouldn't miss that time for ANYTHING. Tomorrow is family day and then Sat. is your birthday party--nothing as BIG as last year's shin-dig--family for some pizza, wings and cake--a Handy Manny cake of course. Mommy will post some pictures here after the party. My son, I love you! Happy Birthday, sweet boy!!

Mommy

Fall is Here!

2009-10-17T15:03:00.005-04:00

Last week, during Fall Break, we went to Gatlinburg with Nana and Grandaddy. We had so much fun--the weather was GREAT--in the 80's and we even saw a real bear on the property across from our balcony. Hope you enjoy the pictures and are enjoying the changing colors...

Enjoy!

So much funnnn!!!!

2009-09-27T10:24:00.002-04:00

Logan is so funny when he says his name because he leaves off the "L" sound. So, it comes out "ogan!" What a GREAT kid!! He is such a blast and amazes us each day with his words and what he does. We are truly blessed!!!!!

"I YUV U!"

2009-08-27T22:14:00.004-04:00

Logan is saying the sweetest phrase ANY parent can ever hear...enjoy this video. BTW--Logan was getting ready for bath time--he did have shorts on, though you can't tell from this video :-

Hello there...

2009-07-29T20:50:00.005-04:00

How cute am I?
Mommy and Daddy

Me and Mommy

I LOVE yogurt!!! And it LOVES me!

At the park with my cousins

Daddy and me--Cammo Boys

Aunt Diane, cousins Misty and Raime

Man--I love this thing!

Hard to reach the pedal...my legs are too short :-)

Yikes...I am sure no one will be reading this because you have all stopped checking the blog because of the length between posts. No excuses...it is what it is. Life--busy, hectic, amazing, wonderful, tiring...all of the above. Thankfully, life is busy and we are so blessed to have places to go and people to meet and see. Isn't that what life is all about. I used to have an aerobics instructor (long ago, when I had the motivation to excercise) that said, and I quote "Stop complaining...you can sleep when you are dead." I am sure she meant that life is too short to sit on the couch updating your blog each night--play with your son, take a walk around the neighborhood, go swimming in the freezing cold water. She meant--Enjoy each moment of each day, because no one knows when that moment might be your last. Hmmm...didn't mean to get all dark...sorry!

Life is grand at Hoene Heaven!!

Special moments from Summer 2009 (as told by Logan):

1. Daddy had a birthday--we went out to eat with our family. Daddy and I also went out to the farm for a birthday party with Papa Hoene, Uncle Todd, and cousin Blake. All the Hoene boys have birthday's in July (except me--January)

2. We visited Aunt Becky, Uncle Don, Misty Jo, Dane, Roy and Ramie and Grandma Hoene over the 4th of July holiday weekend. Lots of family came in to celebrate the 4th as well as an early birthday for Uncle Don. Aunt Diane and Uncle Paul came all the way from Florida!!

3. Daddy has been doing ALOT of pressure washing and mommy has been editing ALOT of pictures. Mommy also got a new job. She is the new Assistant Principal at a local school. Whoo hoo!! Go mommy!!

4. I have been swimming some at my Nana's house. She has a great pool!!

5. Had my 18 month check up--all is good and I am growing fast and right on track. Mommy and Daddy think I am ahead of the curve because I talk so much--repeating everything they say. They are so funny to listen to when they think I don't understand :-)

That is about it for now...enjoy some new pictures. Daddy got mommy a new camera for an early birthday present because mommy lost the other camera. I think it takes really good pictures.

Until next time...

Logan (and mommy)

Father's Day FUNNN!!

2009-06-25T10:41:00.004-04:00

Logan LOVES to ride the lawn mower with his daddy. He always says "Wide" which in Logan language means "RIDE". So CUTE!!

Actually this picture was taken on my dad's birthday, June 1. No matter--A Father's Love does really last Forever! Love you Dad!!

The Hoene's hope all of you had a wonderful Father's day! We did! It was busy with cookouts and church services but overall, it was a great weekend! It is hard to believe that July 4 is right around the corner...summer--S L O W Down!!

Until next time~

Big Boy Hair Cut!!

2009-06-19T15:21:00.006-04:00

"I don't like this chair!!"

This sucker helps ALOT!

...and daddy, too!

Tickles...

All smiles with my new "Big Boy" haircut!

Today was a big day for Logan! His first haircut! Thankfully, Chad's sister, Alicia was gracious enough to cut Logan's hair for us. When Logan was first born, I wondered if he would ever have enough hair to even cut--well, just in the last few months, his hair has really begun to GROW!! Especially over his ears and along his neck. So...we made the trip to GENESIS Salon for the BIG Event!!

Thank you Aunt Alicia!!

Today is another reminder of how fast Logan is growing up right before our eyes. He is so much fun and is learning each day! We are so very blessed!

17

2009-06-01T22:03:00.007-04:00

Lovin' Life!!

Logan's First Baseball Game--The Louisville Bats

Looks like a long way down...

Neighbor "H" wanting to play...Logan LOVEs her!!

Ridin' the Lawn Mower with Daddy--mommy was nervous. Of course he loved it!! GREAT~

Here I go again...

Happy Birthday, Dad! You are THE BEST and we love you!!

Lovely Lillies

Can you say--uh-oh? Bath time!!

seventeen months...ago...Logan...came...into...this...world!! And nothing has been the same since--it is ALL so much BETTER!! Even everyday things like hearing the "choo, choo" train or feeling the spring breeze from swinging (or wing as Logan says) are a GAZILLION times better. It is like seeing the world for the first time!

So much learning going on in the Hoene home--

~learning to take the steps one at a time

~learning to whisper especially when Savannah is napping in the chair

~learning to jump (we haven't made it off the toes yet)

~learning to put a name with EVERYTHING! "Car, tree, dirt, star, uh-uh, uh-oh, oh-no, bubbles--yep, that is right, bubbles--ride (as in lawn mower), and wing (swing). There are tons more!!

~learning to say our prayers (ABC, 123, Thank you God for blessing me--then we bless everyone--kind of like Roll Call at a family reunion, if you can imagine that :-)

~LEARNING IS FUNNNNN!!!~

This time is so special. I just want to capture each moment and keep it forever. The Hoene's have done some celebrating of late--Memorial day was great! Thanks to the neighbors for having us over for some great food and fun. Last night we celebrated Papa's birthday with a cookout at the house. The kids played in the sprinkler, small pool and on the swing. Ah...summer fun!! My wonderful hubby took some time over the long weekend and landscaped the front of the house--LOVE IT!! And Logan loved the dirt and especially when daddy and mommy water the flowers with the hose. I think we have a "water bug" on our hands. Maybe that is why he screams when bath time is over!!!!

June is here and we are looking forward to slowing down a bit this summer to be in the moment with our family and enjoy each-and-EVERY-moment. We wish the same for you...

Until next time...

No laptop!

2009-05-14T23:02:00.003-04:00

Sweet Savannah Leigh

My beautiful mom!!

Sweet boy...

That's right! Our laptop, where I do the blogging, is on the fritz once again--man, I sure do hate SPYware. Who is the world has the time to create such destructive little virus'? Whoever they are, they must not have any children!

Anyhow, we have had a wonderful May--if only the rain would ease up a bit. I am all for blooming flowers and green grass, but I am thinking we might need an Ark or two if we get anymore of the wet stuff! Derby and Mother's Day were both fabulous! We spent time with family and friends and Logan had a ball. He is growing and learning so much each and every day. What else is happening in The Hoene's home? Well, I am getting ready to finish my thirteenth year in public education--WOW--has it really been that long? Hey--I can retire in 14 more years! Whoo hoo!! Chad and I are both working really hard on our family businesses. He with C and S Pressure Wash and me with Images by Staci. I am looking forward to my first Portrait Party coming soon!! Logan went to his first BATS game and loved it! "Ball--Ball--Ball" He is definetely going to be some kind of ball player.

Well--I just wanted to reasure everyone that we are still here, despite the length of time between blog posts. Once the laptop gets fixed and school lets out, the posts will be much more frequent (I hope).

Until next time...

Very BUSY April!

2009-05-02T13:00:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday Aunt Carrie!!

Man...where did April go? It seems like we just enjoyed our Spring Break and now we are celebrating Derby around the Hoene house! What a great few weeks we have had in our family from celebrating my sister's 30th birthday, to Savannah's first soccer game, to cheering Carrie on in the mini-marathon. Not to mention all of the milestones Logan is hitting every day! He continues to talk and communicate with us--in fact, he LOVES to say the names of all the family members--"mama, dada, papa, nana, mimi" over and over. We are working on grandaddy and the aunts--Carrie and Alicia are a bit more difficult. Logan loves to dance--if he hears any music he just dances and twirls in a circle--so cute! I will work on getting some video of his new words and him dancing to the beat of his favorite song. In the meantime--happy Spring everyone! We are so blessed!!

Until next time...

A year...

2009-04-19T20:35:00.002-04:00

has passed since Logan's adoption became official--A YEAR! He continues to grow and thrive each and every day. I find myself reflecting on this last year and a half and can't help but smile...so much to smile about.

Have a fabulous week everyone!

~Staci

Link to last year's post: Enjoy!
http://hoeneheaven.blogspot.com/2008/04/big-day.html

Easter...better late than never!

2009-04-17T22:00:00.013-04:00

Beautiful--but windy!

~Savannah and Logan at Church

~Cheesin'for the camera

Yes, the Easter Bunny did come to the Hoene's house! He was a sneaky little bunny and brought Logan some sweet treats and a new ball (thanks Nana!). We had a great day! Church was AMAZING! A New Creation! Then we went to O'Charley's for brunch--just the 3 of us and then home and naps for everyone. Because it was the end of Spring Break and we still hadn't unpacked out suitcases, we didn't get to dye eggs this year. Hopefully next year we will be able to do that with Logan. I know he will LOVE it!!

We hope you all had a wonderful Easter and somewhere amidst the egg hunting, chocolate bunnies and jelly beans, you took time to remember the deeper meaning of this past Sunday. If you have never seen this video, take about 4 minutes...it is worth it and really speaks to the story behind Easter and The Resurrection of Christ.

Click the link for the video from YouTube!

It's Friday, but Sunday is comin'!!

Sunday is HERE~

~Staci

Spring Break 2009

2009-04-09T23:23:00.009-04:00

~surfer dude

~happy family...

~cousins

~beauty...

So blessed...
Some folks like to go camping. Some like to watch Nascar. Some people even like to go shopping. The Hoene's...what do we like to do? Travel. If we have some time off and a bit of $$ saved, you can bet you will find us near a beach or pool. We LOVE it and apparently, so does Logan!

S~

15

2009-04-02T20:38:00.005-04:00

~all smiles (15 months)
~1st birthday (january, 2009)

~angel boy (6 months)

~newborn miracle (january, 2008)

STOP-S.T.O.P! My son, you are different each time I glance in your direction. Your smile, your temper(ment), your words, Y-O-U! Can time really pass this quickly? For so many years we hoped and prayed for you--and it seemed the time crept...inched slowly from minute to minute, hour to hour, day to day. Not the case anymore, my sweet baby. It flies--so quickly--too fast--for mommy to catch her breath and notice all you are becoming. "Time, you are stealing from mommy--slow down!"

Today you saw your favorite doctor and he was so impressed with you once again. You have grown about 2 inches since January (30 inches)! You only gained about .6 of a pound, but mommy is certain it is because you are so active--running, jumping, dancing, spinning, playing--ALL the time! Your brains are growing too--almost a whole inch since the end of January!! So smart!

I love the way you won't settle for a simple "no" from mommy. Your baby blues long for an explanation--Why can't I play with the phone? Why can't I press the buttons on the printer? How does the water come out of the faucet like that? Why can't I ride the lawn mower with Papa? You are so curious, my angel boy.

Thank God you show us your emotions--happy smiles, sad furrowed brow, wondering eyes looking for Savannah or Papa, and utter upset and frustration when you don't get your way. You did read this correctly--We thank God each day that you are showing your emotions and expressing yourself--even when mommy and daddy are pooped and really just want their boy to be the happy, go-lucky little toddler you almost ALWAYS are!

Never in a million, gazillion years did I dream that I would enjoy communicating with a 15 month old almost as much as I enjoy communicating with adults?!?! Who knew it would be so much fun to watch you learn, explore, problem solve, and figure out why the world is the way it is...you watch mommy and daddy and mimmick what we do and say. What does a kitty-kitty say? What does the doggy say? What does the sheep say? Where are your ears? Amazing! That is Y.O.U!

I know it might sound corny and someday when you are older you might think mommy is silly--but you really do light up my life (just like the song says)! Each day, I can't wait to see what you will do next! Mommy and daddy are so blessed--We love you--Forever and EVER!!

Stats:

Height: 30 inches (25 %)

Weight: 22 pounds (25%)
Head circumference: 46cm (25%)

Words:
Dad-da
Mom-ma
Bye-Bye
Wee-Wee
Yeah, Yeah (any questions you ask him, he answers "Yeah, Yeah"--Hilarious!!)
PaPa
Ball
Pa (for paci)

Responds:
What does a kitty say? repeats meow over and over
What does a doggy say? kind of sounds like "oof, oof" rhymes with roof.
What does a sheep say? BAAAAAAAAH
Bird says "weet, weet"
Choo-Choo train says "Whoo, Whoo"
Points to ear, eye, nose, mouth when asked where they are.
Pats belly when asked where it is, then he goes to find daddy or mommy's belly.

Favorite foods:
Chicken, Turkey, Hamburger
Cheerios for breakfast
FRUIT--loves it!!
Some veggies--peas and carrots
Bananas
Grilled Cheese
Goldfish
COOKIES and Milk
So far Logan loves to try any type of food we have offered him.

Sign language: We have been working with baby signs since he was born.
More
Please
Thank you
Drink/Milk
Eat/Bite
All Done
New ones: Help, hurt, good.

No wonder your head circumference grew a whole inch!! Lots of brains in there, kid!
Happy 15 months my sweet, sweet, angel boy!!

~heart,
Mommy

Spring is HERE!!

2009-03-19T22:10:00.003-04:00

Last Spring Logan was a bit too small to really be able to "play" outside. In fact, I don't think we even ventured out of the house until April. Not the case this year! We have had a few nice days of 70 degree weather. So, we have ventured outside. Needless to say--HE LOVES IT!! Our neighbors have dogs and he loves to yell at them from our back deck. On Tuesday, Mimi and Logan decided to take a walk. He walked all the way up the street (on the side walk, of course) and back. Even mommy gets out of breath on that walk, but not him. Apparently, he wanted to go more than once! That afternoon he took a 3 hour nap--ha!

We are so excited for nice weather so we can play outside with our son. Bring on the sunshine!!

Happy Birthday Cousin!!

2009-03-17T23:38:00.004-04:00

Happy #3 Savannah!! Logan loves spending time with his cousin! He looks forward to each Wednesday and Friday of the week!

These pictures are just a few from her #3 princess photo shoot. What a great little model she was! We love you Savannah!!

BTW--Nana, Mimi and cousin Anna also celebrated birthdays in March! Happy birthday to you all!!

Chad, Staci and Logan

Words!!

2009-02-23T10:42:00.005-05:00

Logan's communicating with us! How amazing!!!

Where is your belly? He puts his hands on his belly and then he goes to find either mommy's or daddy's belly. So funny!!

He is growing and developing so fast--words and jestures each day! He jabbers non-stop!! We are so blessed!

Sorry about the quality of these videos, but I couldn't resist sharing them with everyone~make sure your volume is turned up!! Oh...if the music is playing, scroll all the way to the bottom and click on pause. Then you will be able to hear the video :-)

Happy Heart Day!!

2009-02-13T21:47:00.001-05:00

Tubes

2009-02-09T21:52:00.004-05:00

~in the waiting room before surgery

~funny yellow gown

~back to normal tonight~

Can you tell daddy dressed me? Mommy knows green is NOT my color!!

"He will be a different kid, you'll see!" "He will feel so much better! No more doctor's!"

These words have been ringing through my head over the last few days as we prepared for Logan to have tubes put in both ears. The procedure, which is very common, was done this morning with little fuss. Everyone at work assured me that Logan would be much better off and that, at first, he would cry and be upset, but by mid-afternoon, he would be back to playing and running around. Friend after friend tried to comfort me with their kind words. Deep down, I knew they were right. Deep down, I knew that everything would be okay. And...it is!

Logan did really well. He didn't even cry when the nurse took him from us for the surgery!! Mommy did, but he didn't. Once he was in the OR, Chad, Mimi and I headed back to the waiting room. Seriously, when the Dr. said it would only take about 10 minutes, I thought he was just telling me that to make me feel better. But it really was only about 10 minutes until I could hear Logan crying. When we got back to the recovery room, the nurse had Logan. He was so pitiful--eyes closed, big tears, crying like his feelings were deeply hurt by someone. Once I held him, he seemed to calm a bit, but the crying didn't cease until he woke up a bit more and daddy gave him some juice in his sippee cup. Long story--once we got home, Logan slipped back into his normal routine with the exception of a few whines here and there. He took two really good naps and is snoozing away as I type this post.

Everywhere we go, people comment on how beautiful Logan is. They say such amazing things about him--how sweet his temperment is, how beautiful his baby blues are, how contagious his laugh is...this visit to the doctor was no different. He swept the nurses right off their feet. In fact, becuase of the anethesia, we disclosed Logan's adoption with the office staff. Well, many of you know our story and how we are so blessed to be the parents of this miracle, but somehow God always has a way of reasurring us and calming our (really mine, Chad is a ROCK) fears. As it turned out, both of Logan's nurses were adopted as babies. Can you believe that?

So, another lesson learned for this learning mommy. God is good. He is faithful and if we trust in Him, he will provide. One would think that I would know this by now, with everything we have gone through. But sometimes I forget and worry gets the best of me. Then, when I least expect it, when I really think I am leaning on God, He show me just how much He loves me and wants me to put all my fears on Him.

Thank you to everyone who sent up some prayers and well wishes for The Hoene's and especially for Logan. They are much appreciated. Enjoy the pictures...

Ice Storms and Other Random Photos...

2009-01-31T07:48:00.007-05:00

~Front yard at Nana's house
~Pretty ice

~Handsome man ready for church!

"Narnia" in our Neighborhood

Before the Ice and Snow...

After

First there was IKE and now ICE?!?! Go figure that we would get hit with 2 major storms some 5 months apart. Thankfully, this time our power was only out for about 15 hours--we didn't lose power with IKE. I know that is not the case for most people. During that time, we spent some quality family time with my family over at Savannah's house because they have a working fireplace. Now that we have power, Nana, Grandaddy, Rusty and Cloudy (the bird) are all staying with us. Logan loves having his Nana and Grandaddy so close. It is amazing to me how there are so many people who leave their lives and come to the rescue when there are wide-spread power outages in our area. Now that is dedication!

Logan and I have enjoyed our snow days this week. Though I would much rather enjoy the sunshine with him in June instead of being at work--ugh! So far we have missed 6 days, so that puts students going until the first week of June. CRAZY!!

Anyhow, just to update those of you who read our blog...Logan turned one on January 1. We had a small family party on New Year's day and then the BIG Shin-Dig on January 9. It was great fun!! Because of some reschedules, Logan didn't have his first year check-up until January 23. He was so funny. He LOVES Dr. R...so much so that he sat on his lap almost the entire check up. Dr. R. said he had never had a one-year old do that before. Logan just loves going to the doctor. I wonder how long that will last? So...at 12 (almost 13) months here are his stats:

Height--28 3/4 inches (25%)

Weight--21. 6 pounds (25%)

Head Circumference--45 (25%)

Logan is saying so many words and jabbers ALL the time. I will try to get some video of him jabbering and post it soon. In fact, I came home from work today and he had been saying "Uh Oh" all day for Nana. Too funny!! He has learned to shake his head (no, of course) and knows where Mommy's nose is. It is amazing how much he is learning on a minute by minute basis.

So, it was back to work for mommy today (after 4 snow days) and man it was rough! I missed him terribly and look what I missed--so much learning!!

Until next time...

BTW--Logan is scheduled for ear tubes on Monday, February 9. Keep us in your prayers, please!!

KRASH...

2009-01-20T20:53:00.006-05:00

Don't get me wrong...I am thrilled with the fact that Logan is curious and loves to explore the world around him. It is the way he is learning and developing. He is so curious...he loves to try new things, open new cabinets, look under the furniture for his toys, etc. However curious he is, Chad and I feel certain that we have "Logan Proofed" pretty much the whole living/kitchen area so much so that he sometime roams into the kitchen while we are in the living room or visa-versa. Other areas of the house are usually off limits--doors shut on the bathrooms, bedrooms and laundry room. Unless we are in the bedrooms or bathrooms, the doors stay shut and our little curious boy is safe and happy.

So...last night while my wonderful hubby was putting up some laundry in our bedroom, Logan followed daddy into the bedroom--bathroom door still shut. Now, until recently Logan simply roamed from one side of the room to the other playing with the pillows on the floor, etc. That was UNTIL last night...

KRASH, BOOM, BANG...

Here is the result of the KRASH--

~a hurtful bonk in between my eyeballs...

Move over Olympic runners, here comes a mommy whose baby is screaming because his curiousity got the best of him. Yes, the jewlery chest Chad gave me for Valentines Day a few years ago came toppeling over on our beautiful and daring little Logan. Now, this thing has to weigh at least 25 pounds...in fact, I have a hard time even moving it. Amidst all of the fuss and flying jewlery, Logan really came away from this KRASH (our first of many, apparently) with a minor but colorful little bump on his forehead.

So, daddy went on to church. Mimi and Papa came over to check out the evidence that our son is a healthy, curious, and ALL BOY one-year old. WE are glad to have this first KRASH checked off the list of "growing little boy" and are thankful that it wasn't more serious.

~this is my cabinet and I LOVE IT!!

Until next time...
~S

Highlights from THE PARTY!!

2009-01-18T10:59:00.005-05:00

In a whirlwind of balloons, gift wrap, laughter, and cake, Logan celebrated his first birthday last Sunday. It was great fun! So many friends and family came out on a chilly January day just to show how much they love Logan! Thanks to all who were able to make it and though Logan will only remember this birthday through pictures, his father and I are grateful for all of the love and support shown to us throughout Logan's first year.

What a year it was!

Thanks again and bless you all!!

Waitin for cake!

Mimi and her decorations--so cute!

So, I am not the most crafty person in the world, mainly becuase it takes time to be crafty and well, when you work full time, have a proficiently walking one-year-old, and a crazy schedule, crafts and creativity usually take a back seat (hence the time between blogs). Anyhow, I was really wanting to do something meaningful for party favors for all of Logan's family and friends and was so excited to come across the BEST website that mixes two of my favs--photography and scrapbooking. The website is really for photographers, but she also posts photo gift ideas! That is where this idea came from...the site is fabulous and the cute magnets were a GRAND hit! Everyone loved them. Here are a few pictures below along with the webiste.

Photo Tips by Alexis Miller

http://phototips.alexismiller.com/

The theme of the day...

~my little man...stylin' in his jeans and new tennis shoes

Even though the balloons have all deflated and the cake has been eaten (it was so good!), Logan's 1st birthday party is one I will always remember. After all, some day we will get to show it to him via video and pictures and explain all about his beautiful ABC block cake, all the presents, and wonderful family and friends who gathered last Sunday to celebrate such a special little boy.

Below and above are some of the photos from the day...sorry they are out of order, but that is just how blogger uploads. Enjoy...

Logan's VERY special cake! It turned out exactly like the picture!!

Lovin' the little smasher cake!
He made such a mess, that I had to give him a bath in the middle of the party!
HA!!
SUGAR!!!

"Mom--are you sure I can do this?"

Hey...that looks like something I opened...

Thanks again to all who made time for us on this special occasion! We hope your new year is a special as our first year with Logan! Until next time...

one

2009-01-01T21:04:00.004-05:00

Fabulous First Birthday (pre-party with some family)

~this is really yummy!!!

~i want more!!! where did my cake go???

My sweet little miracle! One year ago today, you blessed our family with an answered prayer of so many.

I never knew I could love you so much. It seems like a dream...one that began a year ago today with a late phone call--"...water has broken and I am headed to the ER". That was enough for your dad and me to throw our bags (and yours) and a gazillion other things in the car and head north. I remember saying a prayer for you and for our travel before pulling out of the driveway--knowing that nothing would ever be the same. My, did word travel fast--before we could even get in cell phone range, we had a few "Well Wish and Good Luck" messages from various family members telling us to be safe and call us when we knew of your grand entrance.

Your grand entrance wasn't until 3:20 am...some 4 hours after that first phone call. Your dad drove white-knuckled through the blinding snow as we inched closer and closer to finally meeting YOU!! Sometime after 5 in the morning we plowed into St. Joseph Medical Center in South Bend and took a few deep breaths--one for making it there and one for the anticipation of the future finally unfolding before us...as we rounded the corner, bags in hand, there you were...in the nursery window getting ready for your first bath. There you were...in reaching distance...we had waited so long to finally find you and then, suddenly, you were there. So small, so sweet, so beautiful...

To say our life has changed would be putting it mildly...for you, my son, continue to brighten and bless each and every day we have together as a family. You bring sunshine to all my cloudy days. Your smile calms all our parenthood fears. Your laugh is contagious to all who are around. Your father and I can't remember what we did before there was you...Our sweet little miracle. Happy FIRST birthday~the best year of our lives!

Love~mommy and daddy

http://hoeneheaven.blogspot.com/2008/01/our-miracle-has-arrived.html

Last year's post...

It's here...

2008-12-25T00:57:00.003-05:00

The clock has ticked passed midnight and it is officially Christmas--our first Christmas as a family of 3. Santa is on his way, we are sure (though it looks as if he has already landed). Is that the sound of reindeer on the roof?

At church tonight I was reminded once again about the real meaning of Christmas--Jesus came to Earth as a baby. He came as an innocent, little baby who grew into a busy toddler exploring the world He actually made. He grew into a little boy who loved to learn and listen to His Father. And finally, He became a man. The man who gave His life for me and for you. He died so that we could live--live life abundantly.

Our preacher, Bob, seems to be speaking directly to me in the many sermons of late, and so I feel compelled to write that while Chad and I feel so blessed and are so thankful for ALL God has given us, we know that we are not perfect and therefore, hesitate that we really deserve all of His blessings--we are not perfect people, we are not perfect partners, we are not perfect parents (by any means).

In fact, no one is perfect. Each and every one of us makes mistakes. We make mistakes, mess up, hurt feelings, and generally screw up royally--if you are like me, this happens more often than not. But what so many of us forget about (myself included) is that God loves us BECAUSE we are messed up. He chose us even though we didn't deserve it. He forgave us even though we continually screw up--royally. Did you get that? How in the world did I deserve such a sacrafice? Me? Someone who gets frustrated with random strangers in Wal-Mart on Christmas Eve. Someone who fusses at slow drivers on her way to work. Someone who harbors hurt feelings for those she knows she must face...

????

So...on this Christmas Eve (er..uh..Christmas Morning) my heart is so filled with the memories of this wonderful, crazy, fantastic, heartbreaking and blessed year and I dare to dream about what 2009 will bring us. One thing is for sure, it will bring more mess ups...and hopefully a softer heart for random strangers, slow drivers and those whose lives we drift in and out of...

There is only one perfect person in the whole entire world, and so many years ago, He came to Earth as a little baby boy, grew into a curious toddler, a smart young man and died so that I could live--so that we all could live...even in our imperfections...

Well...it is late. And this post has pushed me to droopy eyes and sugar plums dancing...

May you and your family know the

True meaning of Christmas and keep it in your hearts all year long, especially when you or someone you know has messed up royally...

The Holidays are Here!!

2008-12-23T13:35:00.003-05:00

And we are so excited! Besides fighting the stomach flu the last few days, The Hoene's are looking forward to our first Christmas as a family of 3. We can't wait to celebrate with all of our family in various places over the next few days. This slide show is of our first Christmas celebration at Aunt Barbara's house on Sat. We had a great time and Logan really cheesed it up with for the camera. Enjoy!!

More to come...
S~

So Thankful!!

2008-12-03T21:19:00.005-05:00

There are so many pictures from our wonderful Thanksgiving's (PLURAL). We began at my Aunt Barbara's house on Sat. night, then my other aunt's (Aunt Anita and Uncle J) on Wednesday night. Finally, on the actual day the Hoene's hosted Thanksgiving for our family. We recently were able to finish our basement (thanks to my wonderful hubby, dad, and Uncle J) so our home was able to accomodate the whole crew. This year we have so much to be thankful for...of course Logan being at the top of that list. In fact, we asked some of our family to share what they were thankful for and here is what they said...I am Thankful for...
" Family, phone, health, school, pets, Holidays" ~Kaelyn H.

"God giving me a wonderful fiance, precious daughter, family and great friends. We are thankful for Ginger and Toby (the dogs), our health and our family's health." ~ Carrie Lea

"My family and friends and especially all my new little nephews and grandson. My wonderful wife for all of the caring love she gives me." ~ Corky

"Our ENTIRE family and the many blessings God has given us. Our son has completed our family in so many ways." ~Staci, Chad and Logan

Soon Logan will be turning a year old. It is so hard to believe the time has passed so quickly.

My little prince, when you one day look back on this make-shift baby book of the first year of your life, know without a doubt that each and every day, we thank God of blessing our lives with you...

~Mommy

We are WALKING!!

2008-11-27T08:46:00.003-05:00

Yep...that's right! Logan has been taking steps for a few days now!! How did this happen? I vaguely remember him sitting up amidst his toys, perfectly happy, just sitting! Then, out of nowhere came the crawling--lightning fast, I might add. Mommy and daddy thought we were safe for a while since crawling seemed to come so naturally and he was so proficient at it. So much for mommy and daddy's thoughts on that one...

Logan will be 11 months old on Monday, December 1, and we can officially say he is walking!!!!!!!!

What a blessing!!

~Staci

Fun Fall Weekends...

2008-11-10T16:50:00.003-05:00

I missed you Mommy and Daddy!! Look what I can do!

Learning to feed myself!

Cheap Gas!!!

Third Day concert at IU

Great Seats!!

We have been having a lot of fun around here on the weekends. Chad and I were able to get away this passed weekend just the two of us. We had a lot of fun, but missed our little guy so very much! Thanks to Mimi and Papa for babysitting. You are THE BEST!! Here are a few pictures from our weekend.

Working on Holiday Photos. Make sure to check out my webpage. I am going to post some examples on a blog as well.

The blog will be titled "Images by Staci" of course!

Keep Checking Back!

Trunk or Treat 2008

2008-10-26T21:05:00.004-04:00

The kids--Carrington, Logan, PJ and Savannah

Tigger and Minnie Mouse having a good laugh!

Minnie Mouse--So cute!!

Carrington and PJ--all grown up!

Mommy, Daddy and Tigger--a very warm Tigger!

Tigger and Cow (Ben) with the daddy's

At home, trying on our costume before church

Can you beleive it is already the end of October? I mean, really, where did it go? It seems just like yesterday that we were in Florida and here it is the end of the month and time once again for Trunk or Treat. It was the usual crew again this year with one exception--Logan!! A first-timer at TorT--he just took in all of the sights and sounds. Carrington, PJ, and Savannah showed him just how it was done. We missed Nana and Grandaddy--they were in Gatlinburg on vacation and Aunt Alicia, Uncle Jason, Madison, Jalyn, and Brady couldn't make it (we hope you feel better, Brady!). We are so blessed with such a wonderful family, friends and church. Anyone looking for a church how should give Northeast a try. It is a wonderful place for both adults and children to grow in their faith and meet other Christian families. Anyhow, enjoy the pictures of the kids and especially our little Tigger (aka. Logan).

Say Cheese!!

2008-10-21T20:37:00.003-04:00

Say Cheese!

Hangin' with the BIG girls

Family Photo, October 2008

Logan is just like a little sponge. His brain is making all kinds of little pathways for each and every new discovery. This week Logan is spending time with not only his cousin Savannah, but Carrington is off school for fall break. So, he thinks he is a BIG boy hanging out with the girls. Enjoy a few pictures of them playing in Savannah's playroom. Another "new" thing with Logan is his big, beautiful smile! He LOVES to CHEESE for the camera. I guess with a mommy who constantly has the camera snapping in his face, it is a wonder it took 10 months for him to figure it out. These are just too cute!!

S~

Remembering March 3

2008-10-19T21:36:00.008-04:00

Last week we observed a very important day for so many families around the world. Wednesday, October 15

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

________________________________________

March 3, 2007

started like any other day with the ONE BIG exception that I was FINALLY pregnant, had been for 5 weeks or so--I mean it had only taken us f-o-u-r VERY LONG years, countless doctor appointments as far away as Cincinnati, Ohio, a gazillion needle sticks for both me and Chad, loads of wonderful doctors and nurses, procedures, several IUI's , and finally one IVF.

So, it was IVF #1--February 8, 2007 with a "Congratulations Staci! You are pregnant" some 14 days later.

Thank you, God.

We were still in shock. Even though we had done a bit of planning and a ton of praying, we were just trying to wait a bit...for safety's sake.

Have you ever heard of foreshadowing?

You know the kind of literary element you learn in middle school language arts? It is where the author gives the reader a "clue" about something that is going to happen in the future. Something...not foreshadowing, a feeling...I guess.

So even though March 3, 2007 began as a somewhat normal day, it didn't end that way.

No, it just ended.

Never did I really think that we would become a part of one of the largest growing statistics in the United States and the world.

Pregnancy Loss...Miscarriage.

Each year some 600,000 women miscarry.

Six-hundred-t-h-o-u-s-a-n-d

Since that day our lives have greatly changed. Those of you who read our blog regularly know how God took our pain from infertility and loss from the miscarriage, and answered our prayer in His own time and way.

Our prayer had always been to simply...Be Parents.

So, while we stop to remember the little one we will someday meet beyond the clouds, we also reflect on our blessed news of almost a year ago.

http://hoeneheaven.blogspot.com/2007/10/know-therefore-that-lord-your-god-is.html

Logan is almost 10 months old and he is the joy of my heart.

He is a daddy's boy and they are so great together. Chad is a wonderful father who takes his time with our curious little one. He speaks to him with such love and patience, even when Logan won't hold still for diaper changing or dressing. Logan is at the age now where he is ALL OVER THE PLACE. Of course we wouldn't have it any other way (except for when we are both exhausted!) Even now, when he looks as if he is about to take off on both feet, I gasp and think--NO, not yet! You are growing up WAY to FAST!

We are parents...answered prayer.

Thank you, God.

Though remembering March 3 is not as painful as it once was, I know there are so many women out there who have experienced loss and can't or won't share it.

Maybe this day, October 15, remembering,

will help others to know they are

not alone.

More fun in the sun...

2008-10-09T22:59:00.004-04:00

More fun in Florida today. We miss ALL of our family and can't wait to get home to see everyone. Too bad the video of Logan in the pool won't post. I will keep trying!!

Daddy, me and Mr. Pirate

Me and Daddy at the beach today!

Papa showing how tall the sand cliff is at the beach.

Teeth...we are working on getting 2 more (4 total at the top and 2 at the bottom)
Mommy and Daddy and Me! Look at my new shoes!!

We will be home soon!!

More fun in Florida!

2008-10-07T09:38:00.003-04:00

The center of attention...

Taking a Choo-Choo ride with Mimi

Ready for the pool...

Logan just love swimming in the pool. We are going to have to get him in some swim lessons at the Y. He just kicks and laughs. I have a video...hopefully it will post.

We are in Florida!!

2008-10-05T21:46:00.004-04:00

Greetings from sunny Florida! Thank goodness for breaks from school and work! Today was beautiful--sun, sand, shopping...what more could we need? Logan had so much fun today in the pool with daddy. He just kicked his feet and splashed in the water. I will try to get a video tomorrow. Talk about spoiled...Logan is getting so much attention from Mimi, Papa, Aunt Anita and Uncle J...and of course Mommy and Daddy. Enjoy the pictures...we miss you Aunt Carrie, Uncle Sean and Savannah Leigh! You must come with us next time!!

More pictures to come from our vacation...

Hurricane Ike visits Kentucky!

2008-09-18T21:01:00.005-04:00

Yes, that is right...Hurricane Ike came all the way to Kentucky last weekend and things are still NOT back to normal. Sunday afternoon hurricane force winds battered most of the Kentuckiana (Kentucky and Indiana) region--Louisville got the worst, by far. Thankfully, we never lost power only the phone and internet for a bit on Monday. Though WE never lost power, Aunt Carrie, Uncle Sean, Savannah, Mimi and Papa, DID!! So the Hoene's have had a houseful since Sunday...Savannah and Logan have been together 24/7 for going on 5 days and Mimi has clocked some over time watching the kids. All I can say is...WHEW!!

Actually, all I can say is...It could have been much worse. My family is SAFE, my house is SAFE, we have PLENTY of food and water, and what is a few hours without email anyway? It could have been MUCH worse. In fact, I work for Shelby County Public Schools and in Mrs. LaGrange's 4th grade classroom yesterday, there was an empty seat. Why? A 10-year old boy helping his family by mowing the lawn on Sunday, no longer sits there...a victim of a freak accident as a result of the high winds on Sunday.

If you never lost power, it could have been worse.
If you were without electricity for a few days and had to "rough it" or move in with family, it could have been worse.
If your freezer is empty because you had to throw out spoiled food but have a full belly because of someone's kindness, it could have been worse.
If your home is pitch black because of the tangled tree limbs outside your window but your toilet flushes and your floors are dry, it could have been worse.

Each day I begin by thanking God for all he has blessed our family with...but this week, I have been doubly blessed because amidst all of the chaos and tragedy around, my family has been right here beside me and in my heart, I know that it could have been so much worse.

As a side note, all family members including Nana, Grandaddy, Aunt Alicia and Uncle Jason are all safe and with power. Many blessings...

Until next time...
S~

The Little Prince

2008-08-29T22:57:00.004-04:00

The Prince and his Princess

I LOVE taking a BATH!!

Look at me with my sippee cup!!

Graham Crackers--yummy!

Can't find me...

I know I can get it...

Yes, it has been a bit since I have posted...sorry! But those of you with little ones know just how busy life can be...it is hard to believe that August has come and gone. I turned 35 on August 16 and it was the best birthday ever because I have the best present EVER--a loving family and beautiful son (http://sunshinesavannahleigh.blogspot.com/2008/08/aunt-sissys-birthday.html).

Other events have also happened--family birthdays, Logan's first trip to the KY State Fair, Oldham County Day (slept through both of these outings)and many more, but now it is almost September and we are gearing up for the BIG GAME--Cats vs. Cards and some down time to rejuvenate over the long weekend!!

Since Logan has become mobile, he is REALLY busy and CURIOUS!! I love to watch him discover new places and new things. It is almost as if I can see the pathways in his brain just going to town. He is SOOOOO smart!! He had a big week with Mimi--tea party (he was the host of course, being the only male), picking Carrington up from school, discovering the kitchen, and graham crackers (mimi, not mommy!). Enjoy the photos...

~S

We are CRAWLING!!!

2008-08-10T21:08:00.006-04:00

Yep! Can you believe it? Logan is just barely 7 months old and he is crawling!!!! Logan has been sitting up for about 2 months now, but Chad and I always had to actually sit him up. He couldn't figure out how to go from laying down to sitting up. Well, last Monday, he figured that out. Needless to say, I knew the crawling would be coming next BUT I never DREAMED it would happen so soon after.

Hopefully this video will post. It is a bit long and he doesn't actually crawl until the very end. In fact, he teases you a bit and then finally he crawls. We are so blessed and can't believe how fast he is growing and learning. We love him so very much!! Enjoy!

Yes, that is a Notre Dame onesie he is wearing. I remember when we purchased those in January right after he was born. I thought..."He will never grow into these??" Little did I know it would only take 7 months to get there...

It's Official...

2008-08-06T22:03:00.003-04:00

Well, sort of...when I started designing my website, I didn't realize when it was published to the internet it would have this funky URL. So, eventually (when the free trial runs out) that will change. But for now, you can find Images by Staci at:

http://web.me.com/stacirenee

Yes, it's wierd...sorry!! Please leave comments about the site, the prices, if you want me to take your pictures. I value your thoughts and ideas.

S~

So Blessed...

2008-07-24T22:03:00.001-04:00

So Blessed...Part 2

2008-07-24T21:23:00.007-04:00

Images by Staci...

Please forgive me. I know many of you check our blog regularly and I have been lagging on my posts. I have officially gone back to work (though it seems as though I never had a break to begin with) and with that comes mommy going to bed earlier. Enough excuses...

Chad, Logan and I had the pleasure of having our pictures taken earlier this month by Robin Smith (http://www.robinsmithphotography.com/) I have been waiting to post most of them because I wanted to get the actual prints to give to my family...well, they came in today!! So, family...get ready! They really are great! So, this wonderful little "video short" showcases some of the pictures Robin took of our family (So Blessed) as well as some of the pictures I took of Logan at my parent's house (this post, above).

Many of you know that I am working to build up my photography business, so this is an example of some of my shots. The website to lauch my business is close to being done and as soon as it is ready, you all will be the first to know!!

I am thinking of naming my business "Images by Staci" What do you think? Please leave a comment especially concerning the pictures, but also about the name...

Thank you again for reading our blog. I have also added some of the blogs I regularly read to the list on the side. If you have a blog, please pass on the URL so we can see how you are doing!

Until next time...

The Windy City...

2008-07-08T23:15:00.003-04:00

Here we are...first time both of us are away from our baby, in Chicago, for a little get-a-way. It has been fun so far, but it is funny how our conversation always ends up wondering what our son is doing! "Oh...it's noon. He is probably eating right now. Hey...it is 5:00 so he is probably taking a short nap. Wouldn't Logan love this ball game?" How funny are we? Several years ago, we came to Chicago for a girls shopping trip and Chad came up at the same time for a few games. Needless to say, we SHOPPED UNTIL WE DROPPED! This time it is very different...we are even staying on Michigan Avenue right across the street from Bloomingdale's and down the street from Niketown, but have we bought anything for ourselves? NO!!! It seems that we both go directly to the kids section to see what we can bring home for Logan...WOW...how things change!!

Anyhow, here are a few pictures from our Wrigley Field tour and the game this evening. Cubs 7, Reds 3!! GO CUBBIES!!

Logan's first 4th of July

2008-07-05T21:48:00.004-04:00

We hope it was great for you all!! We are so blessed to live in a place where we can celebrate freedom and liberty!! God bless all of the people who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy everyday. Check out the little patriot below...what a cutie!!

~Happy 4th of July!!

6

2008-07-02T22:09:00.005-04:00

My son...are you really growing up so fast? Please do mommy and daddy a favor and slow down a little bit. We just can't keep up with all of the amazing things you do and say each day. Has it really been half a year since we first met you. I remember that snowy drive, blizzard I should say, to get to you. Your dad just kept saying..."We're almost there, honey." Picture him grasping the steering wheel, white knuckled, eyes wide with anticipation. Our Angels were with us on that trip for certain; as I recall, we couldn't even begin to see the lines of the road and it seemed to me all of the snow plows were headed in the opposite direction. There weren't even any other cars on the road for us to follow their tail lights into town...

what a journey!

And here we are six months later...

This last month has brought many milestones our way and I would like to share them with everyone. Let's see...the biggest in mommy's mind is that you are sitting up all by yourself. It was just like one day you decided you didn't need any help or any "safety pillows". You are so very strong, little one. It seems strange to me that mommy can simply put you down on the floor with an array of toys and books, and you are completely satisfied. How did this happen so fast. Wasn't it just a few minutes ago, you depended upon me or daddy for everything? Now you can sit up without our help??

Milestone #2...you are eating baby food!! Yes, just fruits and veggies right now. In fact, cereal and applesause happens to be your favorite though. I have to get you on video...the mere sight of the jar of food and your arms wave, you grunt like a big boy and mommy can't seem to get the spoon to your mouth fast enough. It always makes me smile and you too!! Mommy just loves our feeding time.

Milestone #3...happens to be your squeal and first words. Mommy and daddy have a decision to make about whether or not to keep you in church with us this weekend or leave you in the nursery (for the first time, YIKES!). I am not sure how Bob would feel as happy about your squeal as we do. You read it right, you have officially begun to talk. Right now, it sounds like "geee, geee, geee" and sometimes a "daaaa". Yep...DAAAAA!! We are working on "MAAAA", but not yet. Mommy is so happy you said DAAAA first...you should have seen your daddy's face. Mommy won't soon forget that never-ending smile.

Milestone #4...this one scares mommy to death because I don't like it when you sleep on your tummy...but you must, because you constantly roll over. Yep, you are a rolling machine. If you aren't sitting up, you are rolling over and turning yourself in a circle. Mommy is amazed at how much you travel just in your crib!

Milestone #5...sleeping in your crib in your own room all the way upstairs away from mommy and daddy. Actually, this milestone is probably for mommy and daddy, because you ABSOLUTELY love your bed. You give me this look and I know it is time--you want your bed. This process was probably very easy for you, my son, but it has given mommy and daddy some much needed excercise running up and down the stairs checking in on you every time the monitor speaks. We have even quit watching TV at night and watch the video monitor instead...silly, for sure.

Mommy could go on and on with a gazillion more milestones from your beautiful baby blue eyes to how you and daddy traveled all the way to Illinois without mommy, but I will stop for now.

Just know, Angel Boy, that you are the reason I was born...to be your mommy.

I know that now.

You are such a happy, healthy baby and mommy and daddy thank God everyday for your past, your present, and your future.

When God winks, miracles happen, I believe.

You are our miracle and we love you so very much!!

We LOVE you LOGAN WILLIAM!!

**Please note--more photos will be posted this weekend and next week of the 3 of us. Don't forget to check back. Comments appreciated!!

New Pics...

2008-06-29T22:01:00.003-04:00

Logan will be 6 months old this week...really, where does the time go? Here are a few pictures from the last couple of weeks. I am working on getting some really good shots of him this week (I am off work for a few days, whoo hoo!) Here you go...enjoy!!

Logan's Squeal

2008-06-26T08:20:00.002-04:00

Currently, I am out of town in Orlando, Florida for a conference...yes, I am away from my baby and it has been really hard, really hard! Knowing that, my wonderful family has sent me pictures on my phone everyday and over email. My sister also recorded a video of Logan and his newly found squeal. She has posted it on her blog. It is so sweet and has really helped me miss him a tad bit less. Please visit her blog (http://sunshinesavannahleigh.blogspot.com) and see how big my baby is getting and hear his new squeal...guess he won't be sitting in church with us anymore.

Love you all...see you soon!!

S~

Chad's First Father's Day

2008-06-19T22:16:00.005-04:00

and our 6th anniversary all in one weekend! Whew!! Chad celebrated his first Father's Day this last weekend and it was GREAT!! A special part of the weekend culminated at church on Sunday morning with the dedication of our son, Logan. Father's Day already holds a special place in our hearts (of course because of our dad's) because just 6 years ago, we tied the knot on Sunday, June 16, 2002 which was Father's Day!! So, I have posted some pictures from our Father's Day 2002 and 2008. Happy Father's Day to all!!

Chad's anniversary present

Logan and Grandaddy
Grandaddy, Logan and Daddy
Papa, Savannah, and Logan
Daddy's Father's Day Gift (the other is a GPS)

Father's Day 2002

Chad and Staci

The Olmsted, Louisville, KY

Isn't my cake GREAT! I just LOVE daisies!!

Dancing with MY daddy!

I hope you dance...until next time!

Bathtime at Nana's

2008-06-17T20:43:00.001-04:00

These are too cute!! He is growing up so fast, I can't stand it!!

Way Cool New...

2008-06-14T23:04:00.002-04:00

thing I learned. Have a listen and then get one of your own at www.voki.com

Get a Voki now!

Oh...you will have to turn off the music by scrolling to the bottom of the page and then press the play button to activate the voki :-)

S~

Way too long...

2008-06-11T09:37:00.004-04:00

between posts and I am so sorry! The Hoene's have been extremely busy between end of school, summer weddings, and me working like a crazy lady!! I apologize for the length of time between posts mostly because I know so many of you (if you are anything like me) check in on us regularly (even though you don't comment :-)) and you might be wondering where we are...so...let me recap what has been happening since my last post...

1. I celebrated my first Mother's Day with Logan (I think I posted some pictures from that). It was so memorable and all I could have ever imagined. So many people sent me kind emails and cards knowing how special that day was for me. Thank you!!

2. School has come to an end this year. I really can't even begin to think about where it went. I guess with a kidney stone in December and maternity leave from January to March, no wonder it flew by.

3. Though school has come to an end, my work still continues...that is where I am in my career right now. As an SAA or SAC as we are called now, I am required to work 20 extended days on a regular teacher calendar. So, that is another reason my posts are so few and far between. As I type this post, I am currently sitting at a conference in Northern Kentucky--too cool, huh?

4. Logan is keeping us very busy these days...as you can imagine, Chad and I are LOVING being parents. Each day is a new adventure. Let me give you an update on what he has been up to these days...

Logan is 23 weeks old or about 5.5 months. At his 4 month check up, he weighed in at about 15 pounds and was 24.5 inches long (10%). I do believe he has grown a bit more over the last few weeks and each time I pick him up, I am reminded of just how much weight he is gaining. Here are a few more specifics about our miracle baby boy:

*taking 8-10 ounces at each feeding w/cereal
*just began eating cereal from a spoon. I have pictures and will post them...too cute!!
*is rolling over at will especially if he hears his daddy's voice, but can't see him.
*moved to his big boy crib upstairs in his room (I am still adjusting to this and it has NOT been fun!)
*laughs and coos all the time. He is such an observant kid! Always watching what is going on.
*everything goes in his mouth right now!!
*reaching for EVERYTHING!! Especially his bottle. His arms flap and I sware he is going to take flight at any time. I will try to get it on video and upload it for all to see because it really is sweet!!

He is doing so many things these days and we are so very excited with each new action or reaction.

Chad is getting ready to celebrate his first Father's Day and we are so excited. In fact, Logan is being dedicated at church this coming Sunday which happens to be Father's Day. What a special day for all of us. Of course we will have pictures and I hope to post them sometime next week.

So, between work, home, studying for my principal's exam and life in general, we are busy as ever. However, that is no excuse! I promice to upload some pictures soon, so please check back often.

Until next time...
I hope you dance...

S~

NECC Fam Jam

2008-05-18T18:54:00.002-04:00

We spent the afternoon at our church picnic! It was a lot of fun with the family!! See some favorite pictures from the day!

Enjoy~

Great FIRST Mother's Day

2008-05-13T21:30:00.003-04:00

Here are some pictures from my very first Mother's Day! I must say that it was wonderful and I will never forget it!! Thanks to everyone who emailed and called to wish me a great day...it really was one for the history books!! I hope everyone else had a great day as well and that you were with those you love. Below are some pictures from the day!

Enjoy!!

S~

My First Mother's Day...

2008-05-10T22:11:00.004-04:00

is tomorrow...and as I sit here blogging my thoughts while my two boys are snoozing away in the bedroom, I think about all we have gone through to be parents.

I think about the heartbreak we felt in March of 2007 when I miscarried.
I think about how my husband did all he could to make me smile again when all I could do was cry.
I think about how my parents and sister found out that I was pregnant and that I miscarried all in the same phone call.
I think about the next two IVF cycles that all ended with the click of the phone and the words "negative" ringing in my ears.
I think about my silent screaming prayer to God for Him to bless us with a child that needed us to be his/her parents..."Oh God...you know my heart. If there is a child out there somewhere, anywhere, who needs us, please open that door. God, show us the way..."
I think about the day my world came crashing down again..."not pregnant, so sorry Staci" and the phone call from my sister that would change our lives forever.
I think about how she was so careful on the phone as to not get our hopes up..."there might be a baby who needs adopting..."
I think about how my heart skipped a beat at the sound of those words.
I think about that Sunday at Tom Sawyer park where my sister told me the story of the baby boy to be born in January (this was late October).
I think about dialing the phone number of Sandy, the sister-in-law of the couragous woman wanting to put her baby up for adoption.
I think about those words she said to me on the phone..."as far as I am concerned, you guys are it!!"
I think about how I couldn't help but exhale after she said those words.
I think about the blur that would be the next two months...
prayer
obtaining a lawyer
prayer
tons of paperwork
more prayer
sharing our news with our family
prayer
getting his ultrasound picture in the mail
more prayer
naming him
prayer
finally speaking to and meeting Annie
prayer
getting the call on New Year's Eve
I think about our drive to finally meet our son...through the snow on New Year's Eve.
I think about the first time I saw him, getting a bath in the nursery. All I could say was...He is so beautiful, He is so beautiful...and he is.
I think about our second night alone with him and his beautiful cry
I think about finally getting the okay to bring him home to Kentucky
I think about the long and sometimes broken road that brought us to being Logan's parents and know in my heart that God did have a plan all along.
I think about the moment when the judge said "Hello there Logan William Hoene" and again, I exhaled.
I think about all of the people who love us and love Logan and my cup runneth over, my heart spills over...with love.
I think about my first mother's day with my son and how blessed we are...

Happy Mother's Day to all...

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29:11-13

~Staci

Recent Pictures...

2008-05-10T20:41:00.002-04:00

Enjoy!!

Tagged By Sara

2008-05-05T21:56:00.008-04:00

Thanks Sara for the TAG!!

1. maybe i should excercise more (yeah right).

2. i love the smell of Spring, Logan (except after morning bottle), fresh cut grass, and cinnamon rolls.

3. people would say that i’m a perfectionist.

4. i don’t understand why gas has to be so expensive.

5. when i wake up in the morning I want to immediately wake up Logan and snuggle with him.

6. i lost my willpower to powerwalk everyday.

7. life is a great blessing.

8. my past is something I learn from everyday.

9. i get annoyed when there is nothing good on the news.

10. parties are too far and too few between these days.

11. dogs...are missed in our home (hubby is allergic to pet hair).

12. cats .....are at my parents house.

13. tomorrow is another day to be thankful for.

14. i have low tolerance for ...... drunk driving, child abuse, and people who talk on the phone while driving (including myself).

15. i’m totally terrified of .....never having another child.

16. i wonder why God chose us to be Logan's parents.

17. never in my life did i .... think I would love motherhood as much as I do.

18. high school...was a lifetime ago...wow, do I feel OLD.

19. when i’m nervous I get chatty, red-faced, and smile a lot.

20. one time I ... blew my horn at a crazy driver and then thought he was following me.

21. take my advice: "dance" while you can.

22. making my bed happens only when we have company.

23. i'm almost always thinking about my family.

24. i’m addicted to HGTV, internet shopping, taking photos, and educational technology blogs.

25. i want someone to buy my family a condo at the beach.

26. i am so excited about celebrating my first Mother's Day with my family.

27. i love that my husband always asks how my day went.

28. my favorite treat is anything with mint involved.

29. currently we are planning to finish part of the basement as a photography studio!!

30. i love watching Logan sleep...he is so beautiful.

31. i think all teachers and those involved with education should be paid more than Nascar drivers, NBA superstars, NFL quarterbacks, and the President of the United States!!

32. i wish all people who dream of becoming parents that their dreams come TRUE.

33. i love our new home and being so close to family.

34. i spend way too much time day-dreaming about our NEXT vacation to the beach...

35. i love looking back at pictures and video of when Chad and I were first married.

The rules: List as many random current items about yourself as you are old. Tag five (or however many) other people by leaving them a comment on their blog or on your TAG post. Feel free to copy and paste my list into your blog and then add/delete as you like.

So I am taking my cue from Sara...here are the next bloggers to be TAGGED!!

Carrie

Jodie

Chrissy

(your's could be about photography???)

Harper

Wendy

4.26.2008

2008-04-28T18:20:00.005-04:00

~beautiful outdoor wedding

~our little cowboy...yee haw!

~happy family!

~beautiful gerber daisies

~western wedding decor

The Happy Hoene Couple!!

The Hoene's traveled to Illinois this weekend for a family wedding!

Congrats Roy and Ramie!

We are so thrilled for you both!

The BIG Day!!

2008-04-21T16:41:00.003-04:00

It is official!! We didn't really need a judges order, because Logan has always felt like our son since the day we found out about him, but for legal purposes, IT IS OFFICIAL!! Friday, April 18, 2008 at approximately 1:15 pm, Logan William officially became a HOENE!! We want to thank everyone who has continued to support our family throughout this journey. We are so blessed with such wonderful friends and family. Chad and I would personally like to thank the following people for taking time from their day to come to the courthouse and cheer us on:

Aunt Carrie and Savannah Leigh
Mimi and Nana (Papa and Grandaddy were there at heart, but had to work)
Aunt Anita and Uncle J
Aunt's Amanda and Mary

We know all of you wanted to be there and believe me, we felt your positive energy and thoughts throughout the day. Aunt Mary did some video taping for us and as soon as I learn how to download it to my new computer, I will post it here.

Again, Chad and I are so blessed and can only say thank you for loving us and loving Logan. He has changed our lives and we continue to fall more in love with him each day!!

Vacation Highlights

2008-04-14T21:52:00.006-04:00

Last week Logan and I had the pleasure of spending an entire week at the beach with Aunt Carrie, cousin Savannah Leigh, Mimi, Papa, Aunt Anita and Uncle J. It was great. In fact, the only thing that would have made it better would have been if Chad could have joined us. Unfortunately, he had to stay home and work. Below are some of the pictures from our vacation. Again, we had a wonderfully relaxing time just hanging out and enjoying the warm weather. Enjoy the pictures...I wish I could post them all!!

~Staci

My little beach bum!
Sure do wish I had one of these in my front yard!

Aunt Carrie and Savannah playing in the sand...fun, fun!

It was a bit chilly that afternoon, so we had to make sure the babies were warm!

Beautiful Pawley's Island, South Carolina

I took this picture with my phone and sent it to Chad on the last day we were there

Uncle J, Aunt Anita, Mimi, and Papa at the Fish Camp

Mommy got a little sun burned on our last day there...ouch!

Savannah is ready for the beach!

Logan is just like his mommy...he LOVES the beach!!

Fun friends

Savannah playing in the sand...between her toes!

Just one of the boys...Bryce, Logan and Jacob

We can't wait to visit Pawley's again someday soon!!

Beach Baby

2008-04-09T19:01:00.003-04:00

HI everyone! We are at the beach this week! Pauley's Island, South Carolina! It has been so much fun! Here are a few pictures of me and mommy at the beach. Unfortunately, daddy had to stay home and go to work. We really missed him! See you all later!

Logan (1st time blogger)

Celebration Weekend

2008-03-25T21:05:00.003-04:00

Many of you know that Chad and I attend Northeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. We love our church and are so excited about all of God's work happening at NECC. The video below is from our Celebration Weekend--March 1 and 2, 2008. This particular service was a celebration of changed lives and the capital campaign for the Unleashed project to raise money for the new NECC campus. Enjoy the video...it was an amazing weekend!!

Yes, that is us. Our lives have been changed because of God's grace!

Easter Fun

2008-03-20T21:08:00.009-04:00

These pictures speak for themselves...

We are so blessed and just wanted to share some of him with the rest of the world.

Happy Easter everyone!!

Again, credit to Sara F. for the photo idea with eggs.

Go Green!

2008-03-18T20:30:00.011-04:00

I can't believe it is the middle of March already?!? Where does the time go? Oh...I know--now that I am back at work, it goes to work and baby Logan (sorry honey). It really is a huge bummer to leave him every morning. I swear he grows an inch every day and when he looks at me when I finally get home, I wonder what he is thinking...mommy, is that you? (There are so many blondes in our family--mommy, mimi, nana, aunt carrie) Mommy, where have you been today? Mommy, why don't you change my diaper during the day? Seriously, how do mom's do it? I am having a hard time, for sure. The only comfort I have is that my mom (mimi) and Chad's mom (nana) are keeping Logan for us. We are so blessed to have parents who long to be with their grandkids.

Unfortunately, green isn't really Mr. Logan's color, so I will post some pictures of him in his UK outfit. He wore this on Sunday, hoping the CATS would pull out a victory--wishful thinking, but he looked so cute anyhow. Now, Miss Savannah Leigh McShane (just a tad Irish) on the other hand, looked so cute in green. I have posted a few pics her mommy took on Monday in her new St. Patty's Day shirt. Isn't she cute? I can't believe she is 2!! We celebrated her birthday last Friday night at Pump-It-Up. It was a blast, even for the adults, as you will see from the pictures.

Sweet baby boy in Kentucky Blue!! Go CATS!!

Looks like she is up to something, doesn't it?

Who is having more fun in this picture??

Watching Savannah open presents...

Miller loving the cupcakes!

Lastly, I have some news...GOOD NEWS! We recently found out that Logan will legally become our son on April 18, 2008. In our hearts, he has always been our son. Again, I feel like a broken record, but all of your thoughts, prayers, and support are so greatly appreciated. Keep 'em comin'!

Thank you all for reading our blog and commenting. Sarah F.--you know I am a HUGE fan of your blog and photos. Thanks for putting them out there for the world to see!! (see Sarah's photography blog at http://sarafloydphotography.blogspot.com/).

Oh...Annie, if you are reading this...pictures and update are in the mail. Thanks for the letter :-)

Until next time...

S~

Happy Birthday, Mimi!

2008-03-16T21:07:00.006-04:00

My mom just had a birthday and she will probably kill me for doing this, but I saw it done on another blog and LOVED the idea...so here we go!!

61 reasons I love my mom...

61. because you love to go to the flea market with me.

60. because you still watch soap operas.
59. because you made me jump off the high dive when I took swim lessons as a kid.

58. because you took up golfing when you and dad became empty nesters.

57. because you (almost) always have cookies in your cookie jar.

56. because you always ran Carrie and I all over town when we were kids.

55. because when I think of the ocean, I think of our many trips to Gulf Shores.

54. because you came to the house the night Logan was running a fever and I was freaking out.

53. because I know you would do the same thing over and over again.

52. because you and Papa were the first grandparents to meet our son.

51. because you love going on vacation more than I do.

50. because you always knew I would be a good mother.

49. because you always saved us a seat at O'Charley's.

48. because you and dad weren't too fond of several of my boyfriends, but you love my husband.

47. because you were the first to "baby-sit" my baby.

46. because you are a purse-o-holic, like me.

45. because you and dad were always in one gym or another supporting me and Carrie.

44. because I know you and dad will do the same thing for Logan and Savannah.

43. because you love sailboats and lighthouses.

42. because you email me pictures of Savannah and Logan while I am at work.

41. because I know how much you wanted to be in South Bend on January 1, but you gave us that time to be with our son.

40. because you wear yellow sweat pants!!

39. because you drive a jeep with our business logo on the back of it.

38. because you like the CATS and the CARDS.

37. because you are the first one on the beach and the last one to leave.

36. because you snore so loud it shakes the walls.

35. because you prayed for Logan even before you knew him.

34. because you love taking pictures of our family.

33. because you taught me to wrap Christmas presents.

32. because you hugged me when I made my first C in school.

31. because you get up every morning (just about) to keep grandkids.

30. becuase you like crossword puzzles.

29. because you have a beautiful smile.

28. because your favorite flower is the daisy.

27. because you and dad gave me a fairy tale wedding.

26. because you clean my kitchen every time you come over.

25. because you helped me hang a wallpaper border in our old kitchen.

24. because you used to get me out of school early to go to the flea market.

23. because you tell Logan stories about his mommy.

22. because you always give me good advice.

21. because when I think of the beach, I think of all the wonderful family vacations we had growing up.

20. because you love the Polo outlet.

19. because you taught Savannah to skip, so she can teach Logan.

18. because you call and check on us every day.

17. because you have always been there for me.

16. because you tell me the truth (no matter how much I don't want to hear it sometimes).

15. because you read our blog.

14. because you always make our favorite when we come for diner.

13. because you introduced us to Papa Murphy's Pizza--Yum!

12. because you wanted me to learn piano when I was a kid...if only!

11. because you used to take me shopping every weekend with Meal Meal.

10. because you gave me a baby sister (even though I didn't want her at the time).

9. because you taught me the value of friendship.

8. because you always give the best cards.

7. because you taught Savannah her ABC's and I know you will do the same with Logan.

6. because you don't like celebrating your birthday, but you suffer through it for us.

5. because no matter how many times I mess up, you still love me.

4. because we are so much alike (scary!)

3. because you are beach bum at heart.

2. because you are such a good friend to so many people.

1. because you are you--the BEST mom in the world!!

I hope it was happy, mom!

Love you!!

two months

2008-03-01T08:33:00.004-05:00

Logan...has it really been 2 whole months since you blessed our lives? Does time really pass so quickly? I don't want it to! I want you to stay "small" forever. I say that now, but I look forward to the day when you can hold out your little arms for me to "hold you" or the day you say your first words..."da da", I am sure. I know I will cherish those days just as much as I have the last 2 months.

It is amazing what 2 months brings...you have grown so much. What a difference between 6 and 10 pounds! All of a sudden, your car seat carrier is heavy! I never thought that would happen so fast. I cried when I had to put away your preemie clothing...some of which you only wore 2 times. I look back at some of your pictures and your head fit in the palm of daddy's hand. Now it seems daddy has a hard time holding you with one arm, ha!

And your voice...what a sweet little voice you have. You work so hard just to get out one coo or squeal. You have all kinds of friends you talk to...the fan in the great room, the lights, the sunshine streaming into the window. It seems like I never have the video camera ready when you want to talk. Mommy will have to get better at that, for sure. And your sweet smile...did I mention how you light up when mommy and daddy come in the room? It melts our hearts to know that you have learned to recognize us!

Mimi helped me give you a bath last night and for the first time, you seemed not to hate it so much. You only screamed for part of the time :-) I so love washing all of your little fat rolls! I never dreamed you would fill out so quickly...but you have, my love. In two short months you have grown into a cooing, smiling, chubby baby boy.

Really, Logan, mommy and daddy don't remember what life was like before you. You have brought so much to our lives and to our love. Thank you, my sweet.

mommy's little valentine--February 2008

Note: We have a big weekend ahead of us so I promice to post some updated pictures of Logan. This one happens to be my most recent favorite! Love those cheeks!!

This and That...

2008-02-23T21:37:00.008-05:00

Me, Daddy and Papa at the Auto Show--Fun, Fun!!

Ice Storm #2

So tired after my bath...snoozing with daddy.

"Salsa hold you Logie?"

Uncle Don and Aunt Becky visiting us from Illinois

Cousins Dane Joseph and Misty--Thanks for visiting!

Daddy's Team--Go Cards!

It is so amazing to me that almost 2 months have passed since Logan was born!!! So much about the Hoene's has changed in such a little time--becoming parents, however, has to be the icing on the cake. I never imagined I could love someone as much as I love Logan. I know Chad feels the same way. I have decided to take a picture of him everyday from now on...because as you have seen, I am sure, he has changed so much especially in the last few days. Speaking of the last few days...we have been busy--family visiting, ice storms, doctor appointments--whew! I have posted a few pictures of our busy month of February...hopefully we won't have any more ice storms. I don't know about you, but the Hoene's are ready for SPRING!!

Enjoy!

By the way, we go for Logan's 2 month check up soon (first one for shots) so please move me up to the top of your prayer list as I am already sick to my stomach about my little one getting shots!!!!

My Funny Valentine...

2008-02-13T22:21:00.006-05:00

This is our first Valentines' day with Logan (you all know this). But this year, I find myself really thinking about love...unconditional love--the kind of love a parent feels toward his child (no matter how often they mess up). My parents often showed my sister and I this kind of unconditional love...patience....and understanding. All of these, I hope to show to Logan throughout his life. He is such an amazing little baby. It is hard to believe we have been home for over a month now and he is 6 weeks old! Though he has tried my patience tonight...a bit fussy and mommy is very tired, I look at him squirming here in the boppy beside me on the couch and know that Chad and I love him more than life. He truly amazes us everyday.

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is I Corinthians 13, aka The Love Chapter. Chad and I had this read as a part of our marriage cermony and it is one of my favorites. I have copied it here...

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. (http://www.biblegateway.com/)

We had a great day...spent some time at home early and then went over to Savannah's house to sit for her for a few hours while Mimi had to run out. She is so funny and loves her cousin "Logey". Another example of unconditional love...

There are examples everywhere...but the GREATEST example is that of Jesus Christ and how He died for all of us. His Heavenly Father loves us so unconditionally that He made the ultimate sacrifice...His son.

The Hoene's are so blessed and LOVE that we spent this Valentine's Day with our son...enjoy the pictures!

Staci and Chad

A trip down memory lane...

2008-02-10T22:19:00.000-05:00

All Smiles--December 31, 2007

All packed!

Smile "dad to be"

I found the pictures and video from our trip to South Bend to pick up our son...watching them tonight made me laugh and cry all at the same time. I have never uploaded video to the blog before, so we will see if this works. Also, you will see that I am a bit more skilled behind the digital (still) camera...video?...NOT so much. Especially the one of Logan getting his very first bath in the hospital nursery. It is a bit shaky, but as you can imagine, I was shaking like a leaf.

We are officially moved! Yes, not only did we adopt a beautiful baby, but we thought our lives needed a bit more drama and change, so we decided to buy and house, have it totally painted, and move all before I go back to work in March. One word...C-R-A-Z-Y!! Or as Savannah would say..."frazy".

Visitors!

Aunt's Tricia (Curtis and Lindsey) and Jennifer

Thank you to all of our family and friends for helping with our move. We are getting settled and loving being a bit closer to some family and friends. We miss the quiet of the farm (forgot about trains and early morning garbage pick-up) and of course the closeness of Gran and Papa Gene. I will post some of our pictures of Granny and Logan...we were thrilled to introduce them to each other.

Last weekend, our life group from church gave us a baby shower and it was amazing! We had a blast and Logan slept through the whole thing. But...I have pictures to share with him one day and I will share some with you on this post. Thanks group...we are so blessed!!

Yes, that is "sky" paper on the ceiling and walls...

Shower theme--"A Gift From Heaven"

Chillin with Uncle Matt

Mommy and Daddy are having tons of fun!!

Say Cheese, Aunt Dacia!

Well, the weekend is gone and it is late. The baby monitor is close by as I sit on the couch typing this post...the sound of my husband's snore blares and yet, Logan still sleeps...I too, soon will head off to bed for a night of sweet bliss (I hope). Sweet bliss = snoring husband, sleeping baby, 3 am feeding, sleeping in after 7 am feeding...

Until next time...i hope you dance!

Staci

Well...no video...I couldn't get it to work. Maybe I will try again tomorrow. It is WAY passed my bedtime!

My how time flies...when you have a newborn...

2008-02-02T20:56:00.000-05:00

~smiling for the camera

~look at how long I am!

~blue is my color, don't you agree?

I can't believe 2 weeks have passed since my last post!! I am so sorry! Logan is growing by leaps and bounds and we have been very busy! We are in the process of moving so actually having time to sit down at the computer has been scarce, to say the least. As soon as we are moved, I promice to update weekly (if not more).

Well, it is hard to believe but Logan turned 1 month on Friday, February 1. It is so hard to believe, but those of you who are parents, probably understand. They don't stay little long, do they? So we went to the doctor on Friday and here are his stats...

At 1 month Logan:

weighs 8 pounds, 4 ounces and is 20.5 inches long.
he is sleeping about 6 hours at night between feedings (so nice)
he is taking up to 6 ounces of formula (soy) which seems to be very satisfying for the little man.
his eyes are a dark blue and hopefully they will stay that way.
he is the most popular little boy at all of our outings...people say "He is PERFECT!"
he has stolen the hearts of all of our family and friends...we are so blessed.

Chad and I are so blessed! Enjoy the pictures of our angel!

Home Sweet Home

2008-01-19T21:27:00.000-05:00

Happy Hoene Family

I don't know if I am up for all of this picture taking!!

My mommy loves me sooooooooo much!

So does my daddy!

A beautiful gift from God above!

So tired after all of the photo taking...whew!

Thanks for visiting ladies! I love having so many Aunts!!

Today Logan had a few more visitors. Thanks to Aunt's Chrissy, Lainey, and Bonnie for visiting us today. It was GREAT to see you all and Logan loved meeting you. Below are some of the pictures from today...thanks to Aunt's Chrissy and Lainey for taking such good pictures of our new family.

Can't wait to see you all again soon!

Staci, Chad and Logan

Bath Time!!

2008-01-16T21:04:00.000-05:00

This isn't so bad...

I feel much better all snuggly!

We made it! Bath time!!

He is growing so quickly and I feel like he changes by the minute...does that sound found familiar to anyone? I feel so bad for my husband because he misses out on what is happening each day. I wish our video camera could reach to his truck so he could just watch him every day...I don't know what I am going to do when I have to go back to work! YIKES!!

There are so many things I love about our son...I will try to list a few here...

10 things I love about YOU!

1. i love the way your eyes move at the sound of mine or daddy's voice.

2. i love how your soft, blonde hair is already grown over your ears.
3. i love how you let us know when you are hungry...uh, uh, uh.
4. i love the way you smile drowsily at me when your belly is full.
5. i love the way your mouth pouts when you NEED me.
6. i love the way you YAWN like you just finished with a long day at work.
7. i love that your father and I love you more than life itself.
8. i love how your daddy is making plans to take you hunting and to the Bengals games already.
9. i love the way you look so peaceful when you are sleeping...i wonder what you are dreaming about?
10. i love how God always planned for you to be our son.

How sweet is this?

I LOVE this picture!

Daddy's boy...

Logan at home...

2008-01-14T20:14:00.000-05:00

sweet baby boy--january 14, 2008

You would think once we got home, things would slow down...NOT EVEN CLOSE! We have been very busy! Logan went to the doctor again on Friday for a routine check-up and he did GREAT! Here are his stats...

6 pounds 8 ounces (he gained 9 ounces in one week)
19.5 (he grew a half inch in one week)

We don't go back until Feb. 1 for our one month check up!

We hope you enjoy the picture...I will try to post more later this week.
i hope you dance...

~Staci

We are FINALLY home!!

2008-01-12T11:59:00.000-05:00

Finally, we got the call at 3:30 on Friday afternoon saying that we could FINALLY go home. We had a really good night...Logan did great! He is sleeping well through the night between his 2am feeding and then wakes up to eat around 6:30 or 7. I will try to post some pictures later today.

Again, we are still on this journey, but being home makes it all worth it. Thank you all for you love, support, prayers and kind words.

i hope you dance

Staci, Chad and Logan

Happy One Week Birthday, Logan!

2008-01-08T20:34:00.001-05:00

Logan William Hoene

Not flesh of my flesh,

Nor bone of my bone,

Yet still miraculously my own.

NEVER foget for a single minute,

You didn't grow under

my heart,

You grew IN it!

Thank you Mary...this is perfect!

Sweet boy...blue is my color!

Can you see the Halo on my sweet little head?

Daddy, Nana, and Grandaddy...Can you tell what team they are for?

Mimi, Mommy, and Papa...Getting ready for my first trip to O'Charley's--Yummy!!

Mike and Mary...thanks for visiting. It meant a lot to us!

New Paci...much better!

So much fun meeting my cousins!

Here is my cousin Brady. He was born at the end of July.

When I grow up I want to be just like him!!

Look at me in my new bouncy seat!! I love the cow.

I can't believe our son was born a week ago today!! He has changed so much over the last few days, as these pictures will show. We are still waiting on the call to be able to bring Logan home. Please continue to pray for this as we are getting a bit tired of living in a hotel room. Of course, Logan doesn't mind. Here are some fun things he is doing this week:

Peeing all over anyone who changes his diaper --MiMi and Aunt Carrie included.
Grunting when he is hungry--uh, uh, uh in Logan language means FEED ME NOW!!
Smiling for no reason, other than possibly passing a little gas--he is defintely a Hoene.
Sleeping for about 4 hours between feeding at night! It really is the little things.

I could go on and on...but I won't. Please enjoy the pictures and as always...i hope you dance!

S~

Oh...by the way, if you haven't checked out my sister's blog...PLEASE DO!! There are some great videos and pictures of Savannah and Logan.

Logan Meeting the Family

2008-01-05T19:34:00.000-05:00

We finally arrived in Clarksville on Thursday evening...and WHAT a HOMECOMING!! Logan was greeted by all of his wonderful family. Words can't express how grateful we are to have all of your love and support. This first picture is sooooo sweet. He love his Snoodle. Enjoy the pictures!

Staci, Chad and Logan

I guess he doesn't like it when we snap pictures and he is trying to sleep!

Savannah giving "Logie" a kiss.

Hi Aunt Anita! I like looking around.

I love my Uncle J!

Three generations of Hoene's

Gran and Papa meeting me for the first time.

I had my first doctor appointment on Friday...I was a VISION in BLUE!

Sweet Baby Boy

Me and my beautiful cousin, Madison. I love her shiny earrings.

I love my Aunt Alicia and Uncle Jason!

Mimi couldn't keep her hands off me. She even forgot to kiss my mommy.

The Papa's

Nana and Grandaddy love me so much!

My Papa is wrapped!

Aunt Carrie and Uncle Sean are all smiles because I am finally home!!

Miracle Update!

2008-01-02T17:00:00.001-05:00

Sweet Baby Boy...

Hi Daddy!

Put 'em up...

It seems that we might be headed south tomorrow once we are discharged from the hospital. Of course we will have to stay in Indiana for a few more days.

We can't wait to come closer to home!!

i hope you dance...

Our Miracle Has Arrived!!

2008-01-01T21:53:00.000-05:00

God is so good. He is everlasting and almighty. Today, January 1, 2008, our son came into the world. Logan is amazing and precious and I have few words to describe exactly what Chad and I are feeling. For those of you who are parents, you have some idea of how we feel. Anxious and proud...joyous and tired...all of those feelings, right?! Yes, we have all of those and more!

Many of you know the struggle we have been through to reach this point...doctor appointments, surgeries, needles, blood tests, dissappointment after disappointment. Through it all, one thing has remained and kept us from losing our minds (and probably killing each other). It has been our Faith in God. Our Faith in the knowledge that God ALWAYS has a plan. Our Faith in how God brought two people together who He knew could withstand the stress of trying to start a family and hoping and praying each month for different results. Our Faith in family and friends who have supported us in more ways than we can every repay. I could go on...but I hope you understand...Logan is a miracle...our MIRACLE!! We prayed for him and God answered with an amazing little boy we can't wait for you all to meet.

So...here he is...amidst the snowy New Year haze here in Northern Indiana. We will be home soon!

Logan William Hoene

Born January 1, 2008 at 3:20 am

6 pounds, 1 ounce

19 inches long

He has beautiful blonde, fuzzy hair!!

We hope you enjoyed the picture...stay tuned for many more!

i hope you dance...

Staci and Chad

Happy 2008 Everyone!

2007-12-31T13:28:00.001-05:00

We hope everyone has a wonderful New Year...so much to be thankful for...I don't even know where to begin.

I looked back at last years post and remembered that Chad and I went to the Steelers vs. Bengals game in Cinci last New Year's Eve. What a fun day!

Well, as I sit here and try to ponder 2007, I am reminded of all the wonderful memories from this year. I also can't believe how fast it flew by. It seems like the years keep going by so fast...does that mean we are getting old? This year I will turn 35--YIKES!! It doesn't seem possible. My baby sister will turn 29 this year...DOUBLE YIKES! Not to mention her beautiful daughter, Savannah, will be 2. It is hard to believe she will be 2...where does the time go?

As wonderful as 2007 was, I can say that The Hoene's are ready for 2008. We are ready to be parents! And as I sit here and wonder what the future will hold, I know for certain that God is in control. As one of my friends reminded me--God had a plan all along. 2007 has been a year where we have had no choice but to rely on our Faith in God.

I have never been one to make resolutions, so for 2008, The Hoene's will continue to rely on God and His wonderful blessings...stay tuned and as always...I Hope You Dance!!

Staci and Chad

Still Waiting...

2007-12-30T15:44:00.000-05:00

Logan has yet to make his grand entrance into the world. As soon as we get the call, we will let everyone know.

Keep us in your prayers...as always!!

Staci and Chad

Happy Holidays Everyone!

2007-12-14T22:11:00.000-05:00

Very cool site called Photobucket!

Enjoy!
S~

Holiday Haze...

2007-12-13T20:02:00.000-05:00

The ladies from the Passion Pitt--C-Ville Class of 1995--We still look HOT!!

Cool Red Truck!! Savannah has already tried it out and she approved it for Logan!

The SAA Group! You guys are so wonderful!!

Parents-to-Be

Comfy Crib

Musical Mobile

Logan's Sailboat Rug

is here. It seems as though Santa has come early for the Hoene's. Most of you know that we are adopting a baby--Logan William Hoene--due (officially) on January 5, 2008. The truth is, he could come any time. Chad and I have been so very busy getting the nursery ready, finishing all of our paper work, meeting Logan's birthmom, and feeling very blessed by all of our wonderful friends and family.

Last week my school hosted an "after school" shower for us...so many wonderful presents. I will post some of the pictures when I get them. Then, last Sat. December 7, my best friend and sister hosted another baby shower for us. Lainey Kemp and Tricia Judy assisted in the party and just so you know, I have NO words for all of the wonderful gifts and sentiments from that day. I don't have the pictures yet, but when I do, I will post them. Needless to say, Logan has to be the most loved little boy. It was so great to see all of our friends...the girls from the Passion Pit (aka. C-Ville), the ladies from North (former and present), the SistOr's--Jennifer and Trish (Where was Bobbi??), and everyone else. Thank you so much for caring so much about us and especially our little miracle, Logan.

The wonderful group of women (and J-Z) I call colleagues hosted a baby shower/holiday gathering last night in honor of Logan. I have posted some of those pictures. Maggie...you really out did yourself. I don't have words. Unfortunately, we had to call it a night early due to some severe kidney stone pain (who says adoption doesn't come without labor pains!!). Thank you so much for everything. We are so blessed.

Chad's family will host our final shower this coming Saturaday. Aunt Alicia and NaNa are throwing a wonderful party and we are so excited. I will try to get all of the pictures up next week. In the mean time, I have posted some of Logan's nursery. For those of you who know me well, you won't be suprised by the choice of theme--Cape Cod (lighthouses and sailboats). I am an avid collector and fell in love with this set from Babys R Us.

Chad and I were able to meet Logan's birthmother this past weekend. We drove to South Bend on Sunday where we were welcomed into a warm and festive home by Annie and her parents. We shared pictures and stories over lunch at the local Pizza Hut. It was a great visit and we are so thankful God gave us the opportunity to meet Annie before Logan is born. We are counting the days now...it won't be long.

Thank you all again...for reading this blog, for praying for our family, for being our friends. Chad and I are so blessed...

Until next time...I hope you dance...

Ahoy! It's a Boy!!

2007-12-03T22:29:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! I am sorry it has been a while since my last post. We have been very busy getting ready for Logan! Thanks to everyone who shared in Logan's first baby shower this past weekend. Thank you to my Aunt Anita and Bonnie for being such wonderful hostesses! Logan is going to love all of his gifts. He is so lucky to have some many people who love him already. Thanks again! Enjoy the pictures...

What a GREAT cake!! I love it and it was YUMMY!!

Logan William Hoene...

2007-11-19T19:26:00.000-05:00

Here he is! We recieved this picture in the mail on Friday. Thanks to Sandy and Mike and of course, Annie. We are so in love with him already.

Welcome Home, Ana!!

2007-11-08T19:02:00.000-05:00

Brady looks like his mommy!

Happy Birthday Nate!

So sweet! Two peas in a pod!

Look at me! I can do tricks!!

Momma's boys...

Nate and Jalyn

Nate loves his hat!

Ana Maryn came home on Wednesday, October 31. She is beautiful, as you can tell from these pictures. The whole family celebrated Nate's second birthday and the arrival of his baby sister this past weekend at Hoene Heaven. We are so blessed! Babies every where!!

Baby-Boy-Hoene Update:

We have news that our child's birthmother visited her doctor today and they are both doing fine. Good news! According to Pregnancy.com, our little one weighs 3.75 lbs or 1702 grams. He is 16.19 inches or 42.4 cm long. His taste buds are developing and he may begin to hiccup!! Also, eye lashes, eye brows and hair are growing on our baby...I wonder if it is RED?? Isn't the wiget cool??? It automatically counts down the days to his arrival.

Hopefully we will have some ultrasound pictures very soon--before Thanksgiving. For those of you who have been emailing and calling, thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement. Please continue to pray for the birthmother and our little one. It won't be long now...

Until next time...I hope you dance!

Truck or Treat 2007

2007-10-30T22:36:00.000-04:00

Hi friends! Last weekend we participated in Trunk or Treat at our church. It was so much fun and a great way to reach the community. Below are some pictures...yes, Savannah was Raggady Ann and I must say, she was the cutest kid in the whole bunch. I am sure you will agree. We love our church and this is one of the many ways NECC impacts the surrounding community. We hope you all are doing well and can't wait until we meet again...

S~

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God...

2007-10-27T21:35:00.000-04:00

He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep his Commands.
Deuteronomy 7:9

I never really knew this verse until my friend Lainey gave me a Faith journal to begin writing in. This verse speaks to me because we have been walking in Faith and believing that God will answer our prayers for a really long time. My husband and I are so proud and thankful to announce (officially) that we will be adopting a baby boy when he is born in January of 2008 (yes, you read right, January). Through the grace of God and wonderful friends we have endured a long journey the last few years. It has been tough and for a long time I couldn't wait until 2007 just came to an end. Our prayer has always been for us to become parents in God's time and if it were God's will. We now believe everything is just beginning for us as we plan and prepare to bring home our baby.

We have told most of our family and felt it was time to "shout it from the roof tops" and make it public. For those of you that know us and even those who don't, please keep us ( and the birthmother and our little one) in your thoughts and prayers. We are thrilled and find ourselves smiling for no reason at all except for what the future holds.

I will do my best to keep the blog updated with information about our coming arrival. He is due to make his entrance into the world in early January.

Thank you and...I hope you dance!

S~

Fall Fun at the Farm!

2007-10-21T10:27:00.000-04:00

Olivia loved her first visit to the farm for the hayride!!

Chad, Claudia (Nana) and baby Brady

Staci and baby Benjamin (aka The Giraffe)

What a great looking family! Welcome Benjamin!

Dacia and Kelley--all smiles for the Hayride!

Shocking...my niece with food in her mouth. Such a cutie!

Another sharp looking family! Wow!

Nana, Granddaddy, and Brady. So sweet!

Scott and Olivia looking at the cows...MOOOOOO

Brady sitting up! So cute!

All smiles for the camera. Ready for the hayride!

It has been a week since we hosted our second annual Pumpkin Carving Party. It was a BLAST and here are the pictures to prove it!

Enjoy!

Fall Fun!

2007-10-14T19:17:00.000-04:00

The Choo-Choo train was rolling it's way through downtown LaGrange

She loved her pumpkin pillow
Savannah and Ginger--wanting to go next door and play with the Big Kids!

Mimi--look what I found! A leaf!

Is the Choo-Choo gone?

What an angel!

Say...Cheese!

So cute...what can I say...she takes after her aunt! HA!

Well, finally the 90+ degree weather has broken and it actually feels like fall in Kentucky. The evenings and mornings are cool, the days are sunny, and the colors are beginning to come out everywhere. I was worried about the colors this year because of the significant lack of rainfall we have had around here. But once again, God did not dissapoint those of us who can't wait for the fall colors to paint the skyline. Breath-taking, for sure. I will try to take some pictures of the colors and post them here for those of you who live where the seasons don't really change much (Gail, my Hawiian friend). Soon, I promise.

As for the Hoene's, we have been very busy. My fall break was last week and so I was able to spend some time with my niece (shocked, I am sure). We even got to take some pictures...I posted a few. She is at the age now (19 months...where does the time go?) where everything is such a discovery to her. She is learning new words and connecting those words to meaning! It is truly amazing!

Last evening we hosted our 2nd annual pumpkin carving party at Hoene Heaven. It was great fun--chilli and all the fixin's, a hay ride across the farm, and yes, 3-overtimes for UK and LSU. GO CATS!! Unfortunately, due to the length of the game, our pumpkins remain faceless. Yep--you read it right...the pumpkin carving party was really a UK game party (aside from the hayride). But that is okay...we had a blast and thank everyone who was able to join. For those of you who couldn't come, we missed you! Maybe next year? Once I have the pictures downloaded, I will post some of those here as well.

So, it is back to work for both of the Hoene's tomorrow and before we know it, the holidays will be on us and another year will be gone. Wow...it is so hard to believe. It is with a heavy sigh that I go for now...off to ready myself for the week, read a bit, probably cry while watching Extreme Home Makeover, and then to rest.

Have a wonderful fall week everyone and don't forget to notice the colors all around you...even if they are still green :-)

I hope you dance...

Summer Photographs

2007-09-23T21:19:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures from our summer in Hoene Heaven! Enjoy~

New program called Picasa--Photo Collage

Chad and Madison...WOW isn't she growing up fast?

Such a DORK!!

Claudia and Don...Wonderful Parents!

GO BIG BLUE!!!!

She is so curious! She is so much fun!!!

God is so good!

Sunset at Hoene Heaven...

Sunset on The Ohio River...Captain's Quarters fun!

Summer Fun

My 34th birthday

Savannah smiles and the world is at peace...

Can you tell...

2007-09-23T20:57:00.000-04:00

that school has begun? It has been over a month since my last post and that was just a photograph. Sorry! My goal has always been to keep this blog regularly updated because of all the people out there we don't get to see often. I hope you haven't forgotten about us because we haven't forgotten about you :-)

The Hoene's have been very busy this summer. We have done a little bit of remodeling of the house we are living in...trying to make it more like our home. That has been nice. It is still something I am trying to get used to...slowly. My hubby has been working so hard since going back on the route at Cintas. He loves it and is so much happier. I really didn't get much of a summer. My new job requires I work an extra 20 days so much of July was spent working on creating common assessments and preparing for New Teacher Induction. I really do enjoy what I do. It is such an important job to help teachers do the most important job in the world--teach!! I am grateful everyday that God has blessed both of us with careers we truly love and enjoy.

I am also thrilled to say that my hobby--photography--has taken off. I even entered some photos in the KY State Fair. I didn't win anything, but it was fun. I will post the pictures I entered. Thanks to my good friend and fellow photographer--the professional--Chrissy, for encouraging and helping me. I have been practicing and hope to continue taking pictures.

Chad and I have been attending Northeast Christian Church for about 4 years now and I have to say that I love attending this church. It is a bit of a drive since we moved to Taylorsville, but since they have a Sat. night service we kind of make it our date night. I am so happy to say that my sister and niece have been attending with us. God does answer prayer.

So...we are heading into fall and I am so glad! I love this time of year. The fall festivals, the change in the color of the leaves, the cool evenings and crisp mornings, football games, the list could go on and on. One thing I love about the fall is watching the world around me change. Not just the colors, but the people.

I anticipate and hope the fall brings wonderful happenings for the Hoene's and for your family.

~I hope you dance...

S~

It's Official!

2007-08-17T22:41:00.000-04:00

It is official! Here is our new sign. Welcome to Hoene Heaven! All friends and family are welcome! Please come and see us soon!

S~

I Love My Papa!

2007-08-02T22:07:00.000-04:00

Carrington Turns 6!

2007-08-02T21:58:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Carrington! We love you!!

2007-08-02T21:55:00.000-04:00

I really love swimming with the older kids!! They are so fun!

Carrington's Birthday Party

2007-08-02T21:53:00.000-04:00

Cool tricks with Picasa2! Thanks for the heads up Chrissy! I love it!!

2007-08-02T21:49:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the world, Brady!

2007-07-29T21:43:00.000-04:00

He is finally here! Just a few days late, but what an arrival he made. Our nephew, Brady Wayne Allen, decided to enter the world Friday, July 27 at 10:09 in the morning. We are so lucky to have the most beautiful nieces and nephews and Brady only completes our extended family. We are so proud of you Jason and Alicia! Maddie and Jayln, we know you are going to be the best big sister and brother you can be. Here are a few pictures of beautiful baby Brady.

I hope you dance...

Summer Fun!

2007-07-22T21:36:00.000-04:00

Our Family Vacation, June 2007

Chrissy and Derek...so sweet!

Happy Couple!

Kids will be kids!

(big) kids will be (big) kids!

No words needed for this shot...

What a great picture of the beautiful bride and her handsome boys

Stunning!

Happily Ever After...

Chapel by the Sea, Myrtle Beach

More summer...

Some family time...

Brady's mommy and big sister, Madison!

Brady's beautiful mommy!!

Nate and Papa on the tractor

My daisies...I love my daisies...can you see the little friend?

It is hard to believe that summer has come and almost gone...yes, I know it is still 80-plus degrees outside but my summer is slowing dwindling away. It has been a great summer, though. Beach weddings, summer cookouts, family fun on the farm, birthdays, zoo trips, and it isn't even August yet. We are also looking forward to the birth of our nephew, Brady. He is due this Wednesday, July 25. As soon as he arrives I will get some pics posted. Everytime Chad's sister calls, we jump up to get the phone thinking it will be "the" call. Not yet...

Some of the pictures on this post are from our summer vacation in Myrtle Beach. We had a wonderful time with everyone. I hope we can make the trip something that happens each summer or every-other, at least. We also celebrated my hubby's 35th birthday this weekend. It was nice. He is so wonderful. It was his birthday and he bought me a gift for my new office. He is so thoughtful.

Enjoy the pictures...