Our Little Guy

William is getting so big, I tired to get him to smile in some photos, but it didn't quite work. Also I had Mia breathing down my neck so some aren't really focused, but they're still cute!

The Forgotten Art of Elocution!

The fine art of Elocution is vigorously studied here at Steffenen Manor! Cultivating a deep love for the spoken "Elizabethan English" is top priority. Rolling of "r's", speaking in crisp and rounded tones (refer to Singing in the Rain) are all part of the discipline here. You can almost hear the approve of Henry Higgins! I can't help but dream of the day my children could possibly talk with a thick London accent, and perhaps be mistaken for a Hungarian Princess!
Here are a few videos of our lessons:

You will notice Espen's inability to get serious.....refer to previous entry about Espen!

Here is one video out-take. I had to put it in as I love Sabrina's expression as Mia finishes for her!

Super Bowl Sunday

Super Bowl day dinner. Spencer asked for "Ribs" so we made some in honor of the Super Bowl. Spencer and Sabrina thought they were great! You can kind of see the sauce all over Spencer's face. Espen informed me that the sauce was good, he just wasn't in the mood for "Steak". Mia licked the ribs and said "Hmmmm, Yummy". The actually game, however, did not concluded with the same euphoria as dinner did. Our beloved Colts lost to the Saints......There is always next year!

I loved this photo. Mia is playing with William on the big recliner. This is usually how Spencer watches the baby...puts up the foot rest and talks to him. When the camera came out, Mia hopped into the picture!

The Essence of Espen

How to describe my Extraordinary Espen. He is my little boy who has grown up so fast I can hardly believe it when I look over some of these older photos.

Espen about 13-18 months I think

He has a personality all his own and I love every inch of him. He has such an authentic Tollestrup on the outside, but I really think he is pure Kenneth on the inside.

-He finds humor in almost every setting, especially when his parents are trying desperately to have a spiritual teaching moment!
-He can not sit still for all the tumble weeds in Texas!-(apparently he saves this all for home, at school he seems to be just fine)
-Is completely & unconditionally excepting of everyone around him.
-Loves hugs and kisses and still, every now and then, loves to climb up into my lap for a little cuddle.
-Has a giggle that could send even Ebenezer Scrooge into fits of laughter.

His look-a-like Grandpa. Same smile and hair for sure!



Espen loved to put his hand up our sleeves, and through our shirts to rub our arms.

There are miles more I could write about our little Espen, who one day will become the Mr. Darcy or Gilbert Blithe of every girls' dream. (if I do say so myself)!


Espen checked this out of the library, it is one of his most beloved book to read!

Boys and their crocodiles!

The kids have been practising going cross-eyed lately. Espen has been the only one who can achieve complete success. A title he proudly wears!

Miles to go Before I Sleep!

As I finally settled things down tonight, I walked into the laundry area to claim some clean sheet for the boys beds. I think you could hear me sigh clear to Canada. The phrase that cropped into my mind was the ending of that famous Robert Frost Poem: Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

And Miles to go before I Sleep

And Miles to go before I Sleep!

Hopefully soon, dear reader, I'll be able to look as peaceful and content as our little Mia, who by the way, has taken to falling asleep on the couch since her father has left. Mia has been pampered beyond reason by her Pappa, and simply refuses to slumber solo, or in her own bed for that matter. So occasionally while waiting for mother to finish with baby William, Mia will succumb to the fatigue of the day all on her own!

Everyone should have a Tent!

Sorry this photo is a little out of focus, William kept kicking and squirming in my arms while I was trying to take it.
Mia decided that she needed a little place to play, hide and sleep (wink, wink)!

So she made herself a little tent right in the kitchen. For a few hours today she let her 3 yr old imagination take her beyond our little kitchen to places only known to her. What a wonderful gift imaginations are!

Big Gunner!

The title of Big Gunner has always been reserved for my brother Allen. I am not sure when we started calling him that and not "buck-a-tardie", but he has been affectionately known as "Big Gunner" for quite sometime.

My Spencer is so very much like his Uncle Allen in numerous ways, therefore in my mind he has inherited the nickname: Big Gunner. (I have a feeling Tristan may gain that title as well)! I fondly remember walking down the stairs in my parents' house, always discovering Allen size hand prints overhead. There isn't a door frame in my house now that doesn't perform a double duty....1: door frame. 2: make believe hoop in order to practise our slam dunks on!

These photos go in a sequence. I tried out the sports setting on my camera. I tried diligently to get some action shots during Spencer's game, but William proved to be too much of a challenge for that to happen, I did manage one shot and here it is:

The children are loving playing bball, and I must admit it is stirring up a wealth of fond memories for me. I have forgotten how much I really love the game and how much I miss playing it. Maybe one day before I get too old and immovable I'll be able to get out on the parquet floor and call out BASIC one last time!