Foxy little smarty pants...

So not only are the Brogger boys adorable and foxy, they are brilliant too!! Oh that's right I've already said that! Like a million times, I know.
Here they are receiving their awards for being amazing students. They each received Perfect Attendance and a Reading award. I went to the award ceremony for third grade but I missed Peter's! I was so sad! Peter's teacher wrote the wrong day on the invitation and he was so surprised that I wasn't in the audience to watch him. Poor little monkey! I went in to his class anyway so I could explain that I had every intention of being there. Anyhow, here are my brilliant little loves.

Cookies too!

I forgot to mention the homemade cookies that were also in the package. We always get a big box with yummy cookies from Mom every Christmas, a yummy treat for us all! Here is Sam getting into the box.






On Saturday Eric Daniel and I went on our annual date of seeing The Nutcracker. We've been doing it for 4 years and we both really enjoy it.

A Hungry Howie Christmas

Dan was born and raised in West Michigan and while there is no chance of snow falling around here, his sweet Mom managed to send some tangible Michigan love his way this Christmas.

At age 14 Dan started working at Hungry Howie's Pizza and it has remained close to his heart ever since. He LOVES this pizza, pepperoni and bacon with cajun crust to be specific, and tells everyone how much he craves it. He even went online to find one around here. The nearest one is in Hayward and while we still may drive over one day for a hot one, nothing beats one from home. Thanks Mom! You really made his Christmas!!

Nine years ago today....

....Dan and I became husband and wifey. It really does feel like yesterday and I am so happy that we still have teenage-like crushes on each other! You know how the old adage goes, time flies when your having fun!

Life is full of ups and downs but they are all so much better when you have a best friend to enjoy it with.


Some reasons why Dan is amazing (too many to list them all, here is a short list)


*He is an amazing companion who always puts me first.
*He is the best Dad I could have ever hoped for for my children. Takes care of our babies just as much as I have except for the breast feeding of course.
*He scours the internet looking for yummy and nutritious meals to cook for our family, and has them hot and ready when I get home from night classes.
*He works and studies endlessly for the benefit of our family.
*He isn't ashamed to wear a PTA shirt to the gym!

All these years together and we still can't coordinate a picture together!






He loves me so and listens to me even when I ramble on and on about things that are of zero interest to him. Here is the proof: He bought me the 88 color palette that I desperately wanted! He knows my obsession with makeup of course but to be so specific really surprised me!!! Not only the 88 palette but also two gel pot liners! Such a sweetie!!!



I know he wasn't as thrilled at his gift but he is so difficult to shop for. Since I'm a skin care junkie, I picked what I would want if I was a man. I know, I'm no fun- Christmas will be better. He's so kind though, he says he likes it.

I love you Daniel!

Mrs. Brogger

The MOST AMAZING Little Engine that Could production EVER!

Ben's kindergarten class performed The Little Engine That Could yesterday. Of course Ben had his fan club & entourage present for the big production! Daddy had to work. :(

It was sooo cute and the kids had such a great time with it. With Fine Arts at the bottom of the priority list in public schools, I am so grateful to Mrs. Salley for all of her hard work and giving the kids this experience. Ben loved it and had been anticipating this day for about 2 weeks.

When we decided that we wanted Ben to be in Mrs. Salley's class we knew that she would be a great teacher for him. She and my mom share a kindergarten class- my mom in the morning and Mrs. Salley in the afternoon. She's known his story since he was born and appreciates all his triumphs right along with us. She has never done this play before (she's been teaching kindergarten for more than 20 years.) Ben and his triumphant spirit were the inspiration to do this play. That's why, of course, he is the main character. It's very special for us that Mrs. Salley thinks so much of him! But I can understand why!!! I always smile when I think of the miracle that he is.

I was studying for finals all month but really wanted to help out as much as I could. Since I couldn't be in class a whole lot, I volunteered to help with the costumes. I made the soldier costumes and Ben actually helped me sew them. It took us about 2 1/2 "Lost" episodes to complete. (he,he,- I have to fit in "me" time somewhere) The hats went home with the kids but we kept the vests just in case we can use them for another production. I did a super quick face painting job with the girls but I think they are so cute they'd look cute anyway. Xochile's wonderful grandmother, who is always involved, helped out with that too. Mrs. Mason, Thomas's mom, helped out by bringing all the boxes and corrugated cardboard for the trains and backdrops and helped the children paint them. All in all, it was a great success! There were some nerves and a line or two was forgotten but for 5&6 year olds I thought the performances were Oscar ready.

Look out Hollywood!!!



Sleepy little stars.





The cutest train engineer I have ever seen! Such a beautiful child.




Ben and Grampy have the same smile!


We used our connections for exclusive backstage access to the star.



Even big brothers made it to the performance, Mrs. Salley invited their classes to be part of our audience, she's so sweet! It was pouring when biggest brother made his way over.


Silly Peter!I found a foxy man with gorgeous hair in the audience. I think I'll keep him. (His chin is like this because I left my razor in the shower and he thought he would shave- ouch! I learned my lesson.)



* This was not the video I meant to post- I wanted to post the video of the play but I guess I chose the wrong one. Here you see Stinky Sam harassing Bennie Pie. Ben likes to practice balancing- naturally it's very difficult for him but especially so when a stinker is around.

Reason for the Season Reminder

Jesus is Better than Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole.

JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh

JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year

JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies

JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited

JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa

JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap

JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name,

JESUS knew our name before we did.

Not only does He know our name, He knows our history and future

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly

JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO

JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry"

JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you".

Santa's little helpers make toys

JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts and repairs broken homes.

Santa may make you chuckle but

JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree

JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.

We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.

We need to put Christ back in Christmas.

Jesus is still the reason for the season.


Someone e-mailed this to me and I thought it was very appropriate considering my last post. It's so true!

Una Noche en Jerusalen

Tonight our Primary had our Christmas activity. Instead of having the traditional Christmas party with Santa, we decided to celebrate with "Una Noche en Jerusalen", or A Night in Jerusalem. I have nothing against Santa of course (he's all over this house along with snowmen, reindeer & gingerbread men)but this year we wanted the kids to really remember the reason for the season: Christ the Savior's birth.

We had authentic food, learned a celebration dance, wrote our names in Hebrew (couldn't find one in Aramic) and finished off the night with the Nativity film. It was beautiful! We had a great time learning about the culture that surrounded the time of Christ's birth. We asked that everyone come dressed in clothing that reflected our activity and to make it easier for our families, we provided all the material and invited people to come and make their clothes this past Wednesday. I am no seamstress but I loved making the boys their clothes. As you can see, Dan opted not to dress up. He never does! Oh well, he's always there helping and participating. Anyhow, it was a great night! Roman Palacios painted our beautiful background. So many people contributed to making it a very special night. It was a nice way to keep our focus on Christ and get the kids excited about relating to it.