The Esser Family

Happy 3rd birthday SARAH!

2011-05-01T03:55:00.001-07:00

We can't believe you are 3! You have grown so much this year and we love you very much!

SO what are you doing:
* You can sing many songs, you love ABC's, baby Bumble Bee, Jesus love me!
* You love being outside, you would be outside all day
* You have lots of little friends
* The first thing you ask for when you wake us is a cup of milk and a snack (cereal)
* You love Reagan
* Your legs still can't reach the tricycle but we are going to work on it this summer
* You love bubbles
* And you are potty trained

There is so much more and we love you so much

Happy 3rd Birthday our little monkey!

Strawberry Farm with K-4

2011-05-01T03:51:00.000-07:00

We went to Patterson Farm, in China Grove (Rowen County, NC) for a K-4 field trip. I don't even have pictures of her picking strawberries but they also had a farm and she was able to feed the goats. We had a great time and it is a great place to go. They also do pumpkins in the fall!

How does OUR garden grow?

2011-05-01T03:45:00.000-07:00

Well our lettuce is ready and our broccolli is growing. We planted our first round of tomatoes, and we also have squash, zucchini, and cucumbers. WE planted strawberries this year for the first time, we will have to wait a few more weeks to see if we actually get any!

Happy Easter, Belated!

2011-05-01T03:32:00.000-07:00

We hope you all had a wonderful Easter and were able to sned time in pray thanking God for sending his son to die for us. Easter is sunch an importnat day for Christians and we are so thankful for everything we had.

WE had a great Easter. We ended up staying at home, which was very relaxing. We went to church and then just hung out at the house. We hid a few Easter eggs. We hope you had a wonderful day too!

Enjoying the outside!

2011-03-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

So much to say!

2011-03-28T16:06:00.000-07:00

So our world has been turned upside down but for a good reason. I mentioned in the post before that I had returned to work full time. The girls have adjusted, Jon has been very helpful, and I am still trying to figure out everything in between. The hardest part for me is trying to do everything that I did before, when I was home full time, and I have finally just told myself that is just impossible.

So each day I make sure my children are fed and clothed before I leave and when I pick them up in the afternoon I make sure that are loved on and played with and fed of course. That is about all I can do and the other stuff just gets done when there is time. My house is not as clean and my meals are not as balanced, but I am OK with that.

The hardest part for me as been my friends and trying to keep that communication going. I have really learned who my true christian friends are, the ones that call and offer to pray with me for comfort, the ones that offer to bring a meal over, and the ones who love on my children as if they were their own. In this whole process I have really learned a lot about myself and the people in my life.

Well enough of that stuff...what have we been doing? We have started our garden for the season. We have carrot seeds (not doing too well), broccoli, lettuce, and strawberries. The girls have been a big help getting everything ready. Reagan keeps asking about the tomatoes, she loves a good tomato sandwich. It won't be long. I will keep you posted as things grow, but here are just a few pictures.

Finally a post!

2011-02-25T13:26:00.000-08:00

Since I have headed back to work full time, this blog has taken a back seat. I am enjoying being back at work and the girls have adjusted very well. Jon has been awesome and have really helped out in so many ways. The other weekend we headed to the park for some family time. The weather here has been nice and then cold and then rainy, so anyday that is nice we have been outside. We are looking forward to the spring and summer, which is right around the corner.

Snow again...this is how we roll!

2011-01-15T16:20:00.000-08:00

Christmas round 5...the end!

2011-01-15T16:12:00.001-08:00

Christmas round 4...

2011-01-15T16:08:00.001-08:00

And then this happened...

2011-01-15T16:05:00.000-08:00

Christmas round 3...Christmas morning!

2011-01-15T04:20:00.000-08:00

Christmas round 2...

2011-01-15T04:15:00.001-08:00

Christmas round 1...

2011-01-15T03:59:00.001-08:00

Christmas around our house..

2010-12-20T13:49:00.000-08:00

Nothing to special this year! Sarah is really into touching everything so lots of the breakables stayed in the boxes this year. It make my life easy and she really gets to enjoy Christmas at our house!

Reagan's Christmas Program at Dance!

2010-12-20T04:02:00.001-08:00

This is Reagan second year at dance. This is one of her favorite things to do each week. She spends one hour every Monday doing tap and ballet.

Christmas with family...

2010-12-20T03:52:00.000-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa (gramdpa just turned 83)

Reagan and Uncle Joel (He is a professional Santa)

Jon and David

Jon's family lives in Highpoint?jamestown area and every year we get together a few weekends before Christmas. Our goal is to just hang out and entertain the children. This year they decorated sookies, made reindeer food, made ornaments, and of course opened a few presents. It is alwas fun to come over and hang out!

First Snow of 2010!

2010-12-18T10:55:00.000-08:00

Our first snow of the year came as a suprise. We were only suppose to get a little and ended up with enough to play in and even make a snow man. Sarah was not to fond of the snow so her and I stayed inside and watched Jon and Reagan play. We also had our very first Christmas parade in the snow. It was cold and wet but it sure was beautiful. We are looking forward to a wonderful winter!

Wake Game...and they WON!

2010-12-02T11:09:00.001-08:00

What has Sarah been up to?

2010-12-02T10:58:00.000-08:00

Playing at the park with Nina...

2010-12-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-01T11:15:00.000-08:00

We headed down south to enjoy our Thanksgiving! We had a wonderful time with Aunt Barbara and uncle Charlie and their family. WE don't get to see them very often but they always open up their home to us and treat us as one of their own. We love traveling down to visit them.

Decorating the Christmas Tree!

2010-12-01T11:08:00.000-08:00

A visit with Grams and Papa John

2010-12-01T10:56:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Thanksgiving a week early with some family. It has been nice having Jon's dad and step mom living closer. We can visit them in one day and not have to travel all the way to northern VA. We just hung out, collected items outside on a little walk

Sarah, Sarah, Sarah!!!

2010-12-01T05:40:00.001-08:00

This is how Sarah helps make a pie crust...

Missionary party

2010-12-01T05:36:00.000-08:00

So Reagan has been learning about Missionaries as school and they have had several come to their classroom to speak to them about what they do. It has been very interesting and Reagan has really learned a lot about them as well as different countries.

So the students had to pick a country and dress up like a Missionary from that country. Reagan choose China and yes we made the costume. She had a great time as well as her classmates.

Its' been awhile and I have a lot to say...

2010-12-01T05:28:00.000-08:00

The beginning of November my mom came for a visit so I could go to Women of Faith. It was a wonderful experience and it made it so much more enjoyable knowing my mom was hear watching my girls.

Well before I left on Friday we took a visit to Chuck E Cheese on Thursday...I would say that my kids are a little sheltered only because we live in a small town and Chuck E Cheese is not that far away...anyway this was their first time EVER!!!!

They had a blast as I am sure you can see in the pictures. It was a great experience and we will do it again one day!

Happy Halloween 2010

2010-11-04T11:30:00.001-07:00

Fall 2010

2010-11-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

Meeting Baby Sophia

2010-11-04T11:21:00.001-07:00

When I grow up party...

2010-11-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

Bye Bye Tonsils...

2010-11-04T11:10:00.000-07:00

So we were home from Disney and a week later (not even a week - more like 4 days) and Reagan was off to Brenner's Hospital to say bye bye to her tonsils. We had heard so many horrible stories so we were not really sure what to expect. Overall it was a success and we are go glad we did it. We can't hear her snore down the hallway anymore and she is sleeping so much better. Here are a few before and after pictures. She was a trooper!

Disney World!

2010-10-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

We headed to Disney World on September 18th to celebrate Reagan's 5th birthday. It was a wonderful trip and it was our first trip together as a family. The girls had a wonderful time and to experience this magical place through their eyes was just amazing. We took lots of pictures so I will share a few of my favorites.

Sarah's hat!

2010-10-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

Campfire 5th birthday party!

2010-10-14T10:29:00.001-07:00

Reagan turned 5 on September 20th and we had a few neighborhood friends over and had a little campfire party. They ate hotdogs and rosted marshmellows. She had a great evening playing with her friends and of course opening a few presents!

1st day at dance!

2010-10-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

So Reagan has started dance this year and we are loving it. She will come home and show me a few moves she has learned but if I watch her during playtime outside I get to see more of what she is learning. She takes tap and ballet and ready enjoys it.

Just hanging out over Labor Day!!

2010-09-10T13:01:00.000-07:00

Jon's dad and stepmom have moved closer and it is so nice to be able to spend the day with them. We had a wonderful time sitting outside and enjoying the nice weather we have been having.

Sarah has a favorite (Uncle Matt) and Martha did a great good keeping the girls busy so we could relax.

Sarah's First day of school!

2010-09-02T11:48:00.000-07:00

This was the only picture I could get of Sarah. She started the 2yr old class this year and on the 1st day she walked right in. Today she was a little more hesitant but she had a great day. She loves playing with her friends and we are looking forward to a great year!

Hanging Rock - Summer 2010

2010-09-02T11:46:00.000-07:00

Reagan's first day at school 2010-2011

2010-08-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

So Reagan started K-4 at a new school this year. She will be 5 in one month so she missed that lovely cut-off date, which is sometimes a good thing. She is attending a Christian school here in our town and they have 1/2 day K that they break the curriculum up into 2 years (K-4 and K-5). She had a great day and we are still getting bits of information from her as the day goes on. She has grown up into such a big girl this summer. This morning we had the option of walking her into the classroom or going through the car drop-off line. She chose to just be dropped off. It brought a tear to my eye as I saw my little girl walk into a new school with a smile on her face and her big pink book bag behind her.

Hanging out at Lake Norman!

2010-08-19T18:02:00.000-07:00

Catching butterflies...

2010-08-19T17:49:00.000-07:00

Swimming in the New River and Grams and Papa John's new house!

2010-08-19T17:40:00.000-07:00

Jonathan's dad and step-mom just moved from the big city to the out in the middle of nowhere town. They are loving their new home and we went a few weeks ago for a little visit and of course some relaxing!

A little More pool stuff as summer begins to come to an end!

2010-08-19T17:27:00.001-07:00

Reagan's New trick! 8/8/10 at OneTrueMedia.com

2010-08-09T04:19:00.001-07:00

What a great weekend! Reagan was so brave and never gave up. It is amazing how these little events bring such joy in our lives!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

How Sarah eats an icecream sandwich...

2010-07-22T04:05:00.001-07:00

Having fun at the pool!

2010-07-21T11:40:00.001-07:00

More Beach Pictures!

2010-07-21T11:37:00.001-07:00

Fun at the pool!

2010-07-05T13:42:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-05T13:39:00.000-07:00

Camping out!

2010-07-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

With the cooler nights here Jon decided he would take Reagan on her first campout...IN THE BACKYARD! WE had a great evening of playing games, playing with sparklers and of course talking! We hope that we will have many more of these nights as the girls get older!

First round of Beach pictures

2010-07-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

There will be more once I get them from my sister-n-law and my mom. We had a great time as always. It is always nice to get away and enjoy the family.

Reagan's First Dance Recital

2010-07-02T18:48:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from Reagan's 1st dance recital. This is something that she loves to do. She did a great job!

NYC

2010-06-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from our (meaning only Jon and I) trip to NYC. This was my first time and we have a wonderful trip. We only got one picture of us and then I am sure you will recognize a few of the landmarks!

Pool time!

2010-06-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

Last day of Preschool...

2010-06-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos and a video from the girls last day at preschool. They both had a wonderful year and are really going to miss their teachers and classmates.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

More birthday pictures...

2010-06-02T10:39:00.001-07:00

Here are a few more pictures I got off my moms camera. Better late than never!

Happy Birthday Sarah!

2010-05-03T04:39:00.001-07:00

What a great year we have had with Sarah! She is so little, so cute, and so sneaky! What a blessing she is! We love you very much and we look forward to the years ahead of us!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Reagan's updated bedroom

2010-04-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

Visit with Great Grandmother, Great Uncle, and Isabella

2010-04-13T13:37:00.001-07:00

Easter Egg Hunt at Church

2010-04-13T13:35:00.000-07:00

Visit with Grams and Papa John

2010-03-25T16:26:00.000-07:00

Grams and Papa John came down for we hope their last house hunting adventure. They brought nice weather and we enjoyed staying outside and work a little and played a little. Grams did not make any of the picture, we really need to do better about that.

Easter Pictures

2010-03-25T16:20:00.000-07:00

If you live near me here is a great photographer. Her name is Denise Tayson and she is just starting up her business. She did a great job with my girls. Here is her website so take a look: http://taysonphotography.com Here are a few pictures of the girls, Enjoy!

The zoooooooooooo!

2010-03-25T11:19:00.001-07:00

Last Friday Jon took the day off and we headed for the Ashboro. It was great weather and lots of walking. This was Reagan's 2nd time and Sarah's 1st. We had lots of fun!

UNC vs Wake

2010-03-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

So it has been a long time and I have been really bad about taking pictures and then posting them. This blog thing has sort of been at the bottom of my to-do-list, so....

Several weeks ago we were able to go see UNC play Wake at Wake. This was Reagan's first basketball game, and lets just say she loved the popcorn and drink. We had great seats and Carolina one, thank God.

We also sat right beside Larry Brown, who is the coach for the Bobcats but he also use to play for Carolina.

It was a very special day and we enjoyed spending it with just Reagan.

Enjoy the pictures!

Second snow of 2010!

2010-02-05T12:53:00.001-08:00

The snow was too wet to play in this time but it sure was beautiful to see. I think we are all looking forward to spring time!

The best muffins I have ever had or at least that I have made!

2010-02-04T14:14:00.000-08:00

My wonderful sister-in-law gave me this wonderful recipe that she got from her sister-in-law, and they are called Morning Glory Muffins!

The best part is that there are hidden ingredients!!!

Here are a few pictures and then the recipe follows:

Step One: Combine the following,
2 cups of flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt

Step two: Combine the following and then add the Step One,
1 1/4 cup of brown sugar
2 apples, peeled and cut into small pieces
1 cup of shredded carrots
1/2 cup of raisins

Step three: Mix the following together and add the the other mixture,
1 8oz can of crushed pineapple UNDRAINED
2/3 cup oil
3 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla

Bake 375 for 15-18mins. Let stand for about 5 mins before removing.

Did I say Cabin Fever!

2010-02-04T14:10:00.000-08:00

So last weekend we got about 8 inches of snow. On the first day (Saturday) is was freezing cold outside. Everytime I ventured out to take the dog I came back in with red cheeks. So, this is how Jon helped entertain the girls. He built a fort taht covered the entire den.

Sled Ride

2010-02-01T06:04:00.001-08:00

This was our second big snow so I did not take too many pictures, but I did get a little video that you might like. We got up yesterday morning and the road that runs down our neighborhood was solid ice. So, we got out the sled and walked up to the top of the road and did this...The memory card got full before we finished, it was super fast and lasted about 40 seconds total! We did this until the ice was gone. What a great time we had!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

4 wheeling in the snow... 1st time ever

2010-02-01T05:53:00.000-08:00

Some great friends from our church gave us a call yesterday to see if we wanted the bring the girls over for a little ride in the snow. They have never been on a 4 wheeler and it has been a long time since I was on one. The girls were a little unsure of the event but had a great time. On their ride they saw a herd of about 20 deer. Thanks a bunch Taylor and Cindy!

SciWorks with friends

2010-02-01T05:50:00.001-08:00

Just a little more Christmas...better late than never!

2010-02-01T05:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas Morning

2010-01-01T11:17:00.001-08:00

Jumping over the ramp!

2009-12-31T10:40:00.000-08:00

Jon is a true kid at heart so he built a ramp at the end of the hill to jump over. Uncle Derek, Jon and Reagan enjoyed it the most!!

SNOW 2009....finally!

2009-12-21T12:26:00.000-08:00

We had our first snow on December 18th. We still have snow on the ground. We played a lot and were able to share our fun with family. Here are a few of us just playing.

Esser - Parker Christmas part 2

2009-12-21T12:17:00.001-08:00

Esser - Parker Christmas

2009-12-21T09:20:00.000-08:00

Local Parade

2009-12-21T09:18:00.001-08:00

What has Reagan been up to?

2009-12-21T07:21:00.001-08:00

Hope you all enjoy!!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Great, Great Aunt comes to visit!!

2009-12-10T11:41:00.000-08:00

My mom and my great aunt (the girls great great aunt) came for a short but very special visit yesterday. Jon and I decided last year that it was jsut too much traveling here and there during the holidays so we will be staying at home for the first time since we have been married. Here are a few pictures of the girls and Aunt Shaw, who brought lots of goodies!!!!

Happy Belated Thanksgiving!

2009-12-06T04:11:00.000-08:00

I thought I should get these on here since we have our first Christmas event tonight, which will bring more pictures and videos!

This was the second year that we have celebrated Thanksgiving with Jon's family down in SC. The drive is long but being able to catch up with family and eating great food made up for it. Here are just a few pictures. I did not take one, hinch why I am actually in a picture this time. I can always count on Jon's cousin Elizabeth to take the pictures for me. Thanks a bunch!!

Girls first college football game!

2009-11-17T11:56:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Jon and I got a little brave and took the girls to their first football game. We came prepared with toys, candy, money, etc but there was nothing we could do about the weather. We had seats on the sunny side of the stadium, which would be wonderful on a normal November Saturday, but not this day. It was hot, HOT I mean. WE had to keep taking them down below to cool off. After about 5 trips I was done. We stay until the middle of the 3rd quarter. They had a good time and it is something that we will do again!

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-02T06:54:00.001-08:00

Pumpkin Carving, Grams, Papa John, and Mia!

2009-11-02T06:49:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we had a few guest. It was nice to spend time with family and relax. We did nothing and that was great. We carved four pumpkins, one for each of us, but I was the only one that had fun doing it. Reagan did not want to touch the inside and Sarah had no clue what was going. Maybe next year. The sad thing, I did not even get a picture of the pumpkins. With all the rain we have had they were pretty gross by Saturday so they were thrown into the woods yesterday.

Dance Observation day!

2009-11-02T06:45:00.001-08:00

Reagan LOVES to go to dance. She wants to go everyday. A few weeks ago we were able to go and watch them and see what they were doing. She really enjoyed showing us all her moves.

NC State Fair with Nina and Poppy

2009-10-23T07:08:00.000-07:00

Fall Afternoon

2009-10-23T07:06:00.000-07:00

Visiting Family!

2009-10-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

While going to my mom and dad's for a long weekend we were able to go visit my grandmother and uncle. It was a short visit but they enjoyed just watching the girls play!

Old Beach Pictures Finally Posted

2009-10-23T06:54:00.000-07:00

Family Photo Session

2009-10-06T04:04:00.001-07:00

So this part Sunday we met up with Greg Knott, the same person that did our wedding, in Hillsville VA. The girls did a great job! Just click on the link and the type in you name and email, I promise you will not get junk mail.

http://www.port77.com/gregoryknott/esser/

You will have to copy and paste since I can't get the link to work!!!

Taylor Swift....Reagan style!

2009-09-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

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Sweet Sarah!!!

2009-09-23T11:40:00.001-07:00

A Pinakalious Birthday party!

2009-09-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

The Taylor Swift song has nothing to do with a party other than it is Reagan's favorite song.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Reagan starts dance....

2009-09-14T07:28:00.000-07:00

What a fun day!!! Reagan loves dance and I hope she continues to like it. She goes for 1 hour and they do ballet, tap, tumbling, and excersice. She is in there with one of her friends Victoria and they just have a great time!!

First Day of Preschool

2009-09-14T07:23:00.000-07:00

So I have been a little busy and it has been awhile since my last post. I am so sorry. Last week was a big week for the Esser family. Wednesday, Reagan and Sarah both strated preschool. Reagan was very excitied because she was going to the 4 year old class and she is only three (she turns 4 on Sunday) and Sarah was not as excitied but is doing a little better each time. They go three days a week and that gives me a break and I am able to complete a task. My house is finally clean and it feels so nice to have things in their place. Sarah is going a little earlier than Reagan only because I plan on tutoring starting in October. Oh how I LOVE school!

Now we just need grass...

2009-08-25T17:23:00.000-07:00

Once the seed to laid tomorrow it will take about 7-10 days before we see grass. We love our little outside get-a-way!!

Come and hang out anytime!!!

Only a few hours left!

2009-08-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

Rain Delayed...but getting closer!

2009-08-25T05:40:00.001-07:00

Isabella Turns 1...

2009-08-24T13:45:00.001-07:00

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Day 1 and 2... 3 more days to go!

2009-08-20T16:20:00.000-07:00

Only 9 truck loads of dirt!