Like Father, Like Son

This is how I found Curtis last night when I left him on the couch for a few minutes. I frequently find Jon in the same position-asleep on the couch guarding the remote.

Perspective

I have been reading Marley and Me by John Grogan this week. It is about a family with a crazy dog, three kids and all that comes with it. I have loved it so far. There was one quote about kids that really caught my attention.

"Even on the worst days, we usually managed to find something to smile over, knowing by now what every parent sooner or later figures out, that these wondrous days of early parenthood- of diapered bottoms, and first teeth and incomprehensible jabber-are but a brilliant, brief flash in the vastness of an otherwise ordinary lifetime. Children serve as impossible-to-ignore, in-your-face timepieces, marking the relentless march of one's life through what otherwise might seem an infinite sea of minutes, hours, days and years."

It really put my life and my children's lives in perspective. They are not going to be cute little ones forever and I need to take advantage of those moments to share with them and keep them in my heart.

Natalie Turns Three

Natalie had an extra special birthday this year with festivities lasting all weekend. She had a lunch date, park with friends, a visit from grandparents and going to see Mickey and Handy Manny at the the Disney Playhouse Live show. Some of her favorite gifts included the Princess umbrella she never stopped talking about, an apron, tutu, and dress-ups. She is definitely all girl and we love every bit. Here's a little bit about Natalie.


Favorite Pasttimes: dress-ups, shoes, combing her hair, sucking her finger, doing things by herself, 'going to school', helping mom cook dinner, 'working' on the computer, playing the piano

Must Haves: her stuffed cow Moo-moos

Favorite foods: fruit snacks, cold cereal, eating oatmeal cold, meatballs, apples

Favorite Songs: The Wiseman Built His Rock on the House, Head Shoulders Knees and Toes, Popcorn Popping, Mama Mia

Nickname: Nana

Hairstyle: It was long with some curl until she decided to cut herself in December, now it's a cute bob.

Favorite Toys: umbrella, cheer outfit, Moo-moos, flip flops, books

Favorite Words/Phrases: "What happened the other night?", "It's okay little buddy", "Mom, can you play with me right now?"

Amazes us with: Her recollection of past events, how much she talks and picks up on what we say, ability to read us back a book we have read to her once, her love to sing and dance

Another Decade Gone

I am officially 30. Last week was my birthday and it couldn't have been better. Jon always does an incredible job for my birthday. It began with breakfast and a basket filled with 30 gifts. Natalie and I spent the day at the library, window shopping and playing at the park with some friends. When we got home there was a beautiful bouquet of flowers on our doorstep. We went to dinner with friends and home for delicious lemon cake. I look forward to my next 30 years being as best as the first.

Our New President

"Give to our new President, Barack Obama, the wisdom to lead us with humility, the courage to lead us with integrity, the compassion to lead us with generosity. Bless and protect him, his family, the Vice President Biden, the cabinet, and every one of our freely elected leaders."
~Pastor Rick Warren

Our Holidays

We had a great holiday in Arizona with my family. We arrived on Christmas Eve just in time to finish preparations and get our parts for the our Nativity. Since there are three brother-in-laws, we instantly had three wise men and ou new cousin Marcus made the best baby Jesus yet.


Christmas morning came quite early after staying up late wrapping presents and hanging out. Natalie loved every minute of it. She loved being Grandpa's helper to hand out gifts and the highlight of her morning came she opened her Sleeping Beauty dress-up. Natalie hardly goes a day without dancing and twirling in her new dress. Curtis was just happy to have some toys to chew on.

New Years Eve was a blast this year with our good friends, the Stewart's. We had a potluck dinner then played games. News Year's Eve for the kids came early. They loved wearing their party hats, banging pots and pans and doing poppers. The parents stayed up hanging out and eating more yummy food.

We look forward to a new year with new experiences, adventures and even more fun!

In 5 Quiet Minutes

In just 5 quiet minutes, all of this can happen to you. Beware!

Here's the new and improved haircut. Natalie loves it and we do too!

Catching Up

This month has been a busy one with moving, unpacking, Thanksgiving and adjusting to our new place in Washington. The start of the changes came with the packers and movers. I loved it! I hope it happens again next time we move. I watched all the work around me and I took care of the kids. Thanks to our friends who let Natalie come over during all of this. Curtis and I stayed bundled up when the movers came because they kept the door open when it was 40 degrees outside.

Then it was off to Utah for Thanksgiving with Jon's family. We were loaded up on treats, movies and activities to keep us busy during the long two day drive. We made a few stops along the way to get out and take a break from the monotony. We were lucky there were no major problems, but were happy when we got to Utah for a much needed break.


Thanksgiving with Jon's family was great. We got to meet our new cousin Whitney and spend time with Clark, who recently returned from his mission.The food was wonderful and we feasted for days. Natalie loved being with her cousins and having parties almost every night.


We made it to Washington on Tuesday, December 2nd. Our moving truck came the 3rd and we spent the next few days unpacking, organizing and catching up with our friends, the Stewarts. We love being here in Washington, despite the huge weather adjustment from Texas (we have snow already). We look forward to new opportunities, new friends and new adventures.

Richland or Bust!

This is it! Today the movers are here and if I don't step away from the computer soon, they just might pack me too. Tomorrow is Jon's last day at the City of Allen and Monday we start the long drive to Richland, Washington. We are taking a break half way there by stopping at Jon's parents for the Thanksgiving holiday. We will definitely miss Texas and all the wonderful friends we have made here, but look forward to the adventures that await us in Washington. Stay tuned for pictures of our new place and say a little prayer that everything arrives in one piece.

Speed Reading

So I read the first book about a year ago, and then with the Twilight movie coming out, I decided to finish the series. I have been checking the books out from the library where I have three weeks to read it before I have to give it back. Now with moving, I am trying to hurry and finish before we go. I spend any chance I get to read (eating, nursing, kids napping) so I'll be done. It is taking away from when I should be doing moving tasks, but the books are so good and I can't seem to put them down. I am nearly done and will then focus all my energies on the move. I promise.

Autumn Observations

Natalie: Look at the trees!

Mom: What about the trees?

Natalie: They need to be fixed. They're broken.

Mom: Why are they broken?

Natalie: Because all the leaves fell off.

New Places, Old Faces

The time has come for our family to make a change. Jon has been offered a new position and we are moving the week of Thanksgiving. Where to you ask? Well here is a few hints.

The temperature today is 52 degrees. So it's definitely not Texas.

There are four seasons. It's not Arizona either.

It will be about a 9 hour drive from Jon's parent's home.

If you know this family (mom is taking the picture), we will be living very close.


Yes, we are moving to Richland, Washington. We are very excited about having old friends so close, making new friends, and having new experiences. So now I am off to find a place to live, and figure out how to get us there.

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.