HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Party Central

Yesterday I helped put on a Halloween party for the three wards that meet in our building. It was a huge success. We had at least 40 kids there with their moms. We had a great time. There was story time, a costume parade, a simple craft, cupcake decorating and games. Natalie loved playing with her friends and devouring her sprinkle and candycorn covered cupcake. I am glad it went so well and am now ready for Halloween!

Natalie with her two friends Emily and Carson

Pumpkin Time

On Wednesday, we made our annual playgroup trip to the pumpkin patch. We had such a great time. Natalie loves to feed the animals and isn't shy at all around them. After feeding the animals, we went on a hayride around a small pond then picked our pumpkin out of the field. Natalie thought picking a pumpkin was the best part. Unfortunately I had to remind her that we could only take home two because the stroller can only hold two, not the ten she saw were perfect for her and Curtis.

Family Time

Last week, I went to Arizona with the kids to spend a week with my family and for an extended family Girl's Retreat in St. George. We had great time. We spent two days at my parents cabin enjoying the cool weather, roasting marshmallows and shooting. Natalie was the life of the party with all the friends that came. Above is Natalie and Curtis wearing their protective head gear while we used the shotguns. Notice Curtis all ready to go in his camo sweats.


Then my mom, Curtis and I spent the weekend with her sisters and their daughters for a Girl's Retreat in St. George. We had a great time talking, crafting, eating and shopping. I loved seeing my sisters and catching up with everyone. I already can't wait for next year.

What You Do Daddy?

Last week Natalie checked out a book called "Machines At Work" by Byron Barton. It's about knocking down a building with big machines and building a new one. We have read it to her several times and now she has started to ask questions about Jon's work. Each morning she gets up and asks, "What you do Daddy?" He replies, "I work on the computer and go to meetings." With a somewhat dejected look on her face she says, "oh." We think she wishes he drove a dump truck, wore a hard hat, and carried a lunch box to work everyday. I guess computers and meetings are not very exciting to a two-year old.

Chatter Box

Forget Matt Lauer and Chris Cuomo- we have our our own in-house talk show every morning. Curtis loves to exercise his voice every morning after he eats breakfast. It's like he's telling us what he wants to do for the day and how his night was .There is nothing better to wake up to than a chatty baby.

Two Months

Last week we reached the two month mark for Curtis. Things are starting to normalize and get back into a routine. I forgot how much fun it is to have a new little baby at home. They are so cute and fun and cuddly. Curtis loves to smile and is a very content baby. He is still well-loved by Natalie as she is very attentive to his need for lots of hugs and kisses. We love our little buddy and the fun moments he brings to our family.

I'm Hiding

The other night for Family Night, Natalie wanted to play Hide-and-Seek for our game. Usually Jon or I will hide with her, but this time we decided to let Natalie hide on her own. She thought she was so sneaky to hide behind the clear shower curtain. She would peek around the side to see if we were coming, not knowing we could see her through the curtain. We had to snap a picture to remember the moment. I think she can hide on her own anytime.

It's Over

After a few weeks of fighting it, I think I am finally realizing that Natalie no longer wants to take naps. No matter what I say or how I bribe her, thirty minutes after I put her down, she comes back to me saying she "woke up". The down side is that I lose my time to do things like read blogs, read a book, or do something by myself. The upside is an early bedtime for her because she can get pretty grouchy by dinner sometimes. I guess my dream of two sleeping children at the same time was only that- a dream.

Breakfast at the Park

Natalie loves to go to the new "rocket park" by our house, so we decided to endulge her and make a morning of it. For breakfast, we picked up some chocolate milk and donuts on the way. We had a great time and went early enough we even beat the heat.

The Best Part of My Day

"Mommy, I love you very much," said Natalie as we sat down to read stories.

Family Time

We were in Utah last weekend for a few family events. On Saturday, Jon's sister Haley was married in the Provo Temple. She was a beautiful bride and Natalie and her cousins loved the party. It was fun to see family we hadn't seen in a while and wish Todd and Haley the best.

Then on Sunday, we blessed Curtis at his parent's home. We were surrounded by family on both sides. It was a wonderful day to have so much support from family and Jon gave a beautiful blessing.

We always miss being in Utah and love it when we are there. Of course we made the annual pilgrimage back to BYU for memories and some Creamery ice cream. Natalie's favorite part of the trip was seeing her cousins and jumping on the trampoline with Grandpa and Grandma. We can't wait to get back again for more family time together.

All Smiles

It's hard to believe Curtis will be one month tomorrow. The time has gone so fast. Curtis is such a great baby and Natalie is a good big sister. He is definitely gaining weight and is getting close to sleeping through the night. He has started smiling more often when we talk to him and will follow our faces when we move. I am so excited to go to Utah next week for my sister-in-law's wedding and for Curtis' blessing. I will post more pictures when we get back.

Proud Big Sister

Baby Boy Curtis Amundson Has Arrived!

We are excited to announce our new arrival! Curtis Jon Amundson was born, today, June 26th at 7:35 a.m., weighing 8 lbs 2 oz, and stretching 20 1/4 inches long. He made his entry into this world in record time. Sarah was admitted to the hospital at 7:00 a.m. and he was in our arms by 7:35 a.m. No time for epidurals, but mom did just fine. Just for the record, Sarah emphatically stated she won't be trying the drug-free method again.

Waiting...

Today is supposed to be the big day, but I am still at home waiting. I am ready for this baby to be born. The house is clean, laundry done and my bags are packed, so where is the baby? Tomorrow I have another doctor's appointment and I intentionally set it after I was due in hopes I wouldn't have to go, but I have waited for 40 weeks, so I guess a few days more won't hurt. We'll keep you updated and let everyone know when the baby comes.

Summer Harvest

I found some great deals last week on summer fruit, so we spent the weekend making raspberry and peach melba jam. It was delicious! There is nothing like homemade freezer jam. On Sunday, we added some homemade bread and nearly ate an entire loaf and a small container of jam it was so good. I love summer!

Fun Website

I recently found this website called Make and Takes. It has some fun crafty, kid-friendly ideas as well as recipes and more. I love seeing what is posted every day. With summer coming and kids being home, there are some fun activities to keep them entertained and learning all summer.

Dreaming

A few weeks ago, my car was hit on the freeway by a flying windshield from a glass company truck. We were okay, just a little startled, but the car wasn't in great shape. Last week I took it in to get repaired and this 2008 Toyota Tundra was all they had available for a rental. When I told Jon this was the only car they had, he was in heaven. I even told the guy at the rental place to not worry about putting the car seat in correctly because I would be trading the truck with my husband anyways. I let Jon drive the truck because of my paranoia of driving new vehicles and because I felt like I was overtaking the road when I drove. I know he loved every minute of it. Maybe this truck will become a reality someday. But for now, we will only dream and enjoy the ride for a while.

My Husband's Music

Some of you may have noticed the addition of music when you read the few and far between posts to my blog. What happens when it's late at night, your husband can't sleep and knows the password to your blog? He adds a playlist with some of his personal favorites like 'Your Personal Penguin', 'La Barca' and an Anne Murray song. Oh, and don't forget 'Popcorn Popping'. Don't worry, I have added a few, but if a song comes up you wonder about, remember it was really late at night when this was created.