I Like Coffee

A Christine Entry:

I really like coffee. So does Jon. I especially love it in the winter time. It keeps me warm and happy.

The best part about coffee is that it makes me a better teacher. Pshhh, forget my graduate credits...it's the coffee.

One morning we ran out of coffee and Jon left a full Dutch Brothers stamp card on the coffee canister for me to find before I left for work. I love him. Almost as much as I love coffee.

Please also enjoy our other amazing coffee related photos.

Ok, bye.

Holidays and Family

A Christine Entry:

Our little family :) 

We ventured out for our annual Christmas Tree Trip with my family.  Every year, we listen to Christmas music on the way to the tree farm (Cold Play - Christmas Lights and a little Faith Hill - Where are you Christmas? entirely for Jon), choose the first nice looking tree we see and then go out for lunch. :) It is so exciting to include our little man in this tradition.

Not a baby anymore?

Some of my family 

No-Nap-Nolan and Uncle Cam

My cute sister 

Nolan's aunt and uncle

Waiting for lunch

Heyo, Frank!

On December 16th, we went to Breakfast with Santa at Imbrie Hall with my family. It was VERY cute. People were dressed up as elves, the food was delicious and we were able to take some pictures with Santa.

Nolan checking Santa out

Nolan LOVES Santa!

Jon's family came over the night of December 23rd. We made pizza, opened Christmas presents and and played Uno Attack. It was relaxing and fun quality time. :)

Making pizza with Grandpa

Okay, bye.

12 from 2012

A Christine Entry:

Just a warning...this post starts out heavy, but it's mostly a happy one. :)

I would feel wrong if I wrote another happy blog post about our lives without acknowledging that some very, very sad things have happened lately. Stuff that is known nationwide and stuff that is a little closer to home. I don't know what to say that will express the sincere love, concern and care we hold in our hearts right now, but I will try.

We are deeply sorry and hurting for those who have lost. You are in our thoughts everyday. Our good wishes and prayers are with you and your loved ones through these very difficult times.



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I decided this is a good time to write a blog that makes us smile and helps us reflect on the good experiences we've shared last year.

Here are the top 12 amazing things that have happened to the Goldmann Family in 2012:

#12. My good friend is getting married. We are planning for their destination wedding in Hawaii (where we have never been) and couldn't be more excited about it.



#11. Another amazing friend is expecting baby #2. I will never forget the day I found out. Couldn't be happier for you, Michella. :)


#10. My sister turned thirteen and is taller than I am. Thirteen! Seriously??



#9. We introduced ourselves to our neighbors of five years. We have been amazing friends ever since.


#8. Our good friends just had their first baby. She's a precious little thing. :)

#7. We cleaned out the pantry.

#6. I became a teacher of 4th grade. I have met my soul mate of a grade level.

"I'm just not a big fan of homework." - 4th Grader

#5. Our family had an AMAZING Christmas. Stay tuned for a post about it. :)


#4. Our sweet baby boy turned ONE. Not a baby anymore! :( and :)



#3. Jon and I celebrated 6 years of being married:
"Thanks for dancing with me for 6 years. (Cue Barry White - My Everything)"

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#2. We still love our dogs and didn't sell them!


#1. Nolan can walk. :)

Photo Shoot Boots

A Christine Entry:

I played around on the computer trying to get Nolan's 1st birthday invitation to look right. I was very patient with myself as usual.

"This looks TERRIBLE. This photo is old and the colors are dumb!"

Jon agreed, "Well, do you want to go take some new photos of Nolan right now?"

We dressed Nolan and took him to the park. The leaves were beautiful on this fall day. We found a bench, set Nolan on it and snapped away.  We didn't have any shoes that fit him at the moment, so he wore is older cousin's boots...which were hilariously large for him. At several points during the shoot, Nolan became frustrated with the giant boots which were a little restricting for him. You'll notice he was annoyed in a couple of the photos. We are really good parents.

We were pleasantly surprised our photos for Nolan's invitation worked out. 

One Small Step for Man

It happened exactly when I'd hoped it would. On a calm weekend morning when Jon and I were both around. Our working schedules don't often allow for us to be up and around together with Nolan except for on weekends. So when Nolan walked for us on a Saturday morning, November 17th, it was a wonderful surprise. 

I love the way he throws his hands in the air and laughs as he walks. He gets so excited and makes the most adorable sounds. 

We finally captured it on video on Thanksgiving at my mom's house.

The image for the video will not display. Just click on the play button below and you will see Nolan walk. :)

Our Little Boy Turned One

A Christine Entry:

I still can't believe he is one already. 

His party was awesome. 

Our one and only regret is that we didn't take nearly enough photos. 

My parents hosted (because their house is FAR bigger than ours) and Jon's mom cooked lots of yummy food along with helping me craft many, many monsters. :)

I'll give a shout out to my sister Stacy also...she donated tons of time out of her busy schedule to help us too. :)

It was a full house. Not only do I have a giant extended family, but it is a strong value in our family to show up to important events. On top of that, my out-of-town family was in town for my grandparents' 60th anniversary party (the following day). So even the out-of-towners made it to Nolan's birthday.

Since we opened up this occasion to both family AND friends, we had a decent turn out. We are so lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives.

Nolan was Sir Cranky Pants because he wasn't feeling well, but it made for a pretty funny birthday song. He cried during the song...poor thing.

Watching him eat the cupcake was adorable. However, as I stated before, we didn't take enough photos that night and that includes the signature cupcake eating photos. 

Soooo what do any good parents do in this situation? Give their one-year-old another cupcake the following day just to take photos of him, of course!