Not so Big Surprise Anymore

Some of you have received our Christmas card by now and know the exciting news. For those of you who didn't get our card, sorry. We couldn't find your address or it was returned to us. But the not so big news anymore is...

We are expecting BABY #3 April 27th. We are really excited about having another little brother. Natalie wishes it was a girl of course, but is excited about having another baby just the same. I have been feeling great and we are looking for the arrival of another little one.

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Natalieism Take 3

After I recently sprayed on some cologne while getting ready for work.

Natalie: "Dad you smell like boyfume."

Dad: "What's that?"

Natalie: "Perfume for boys."

Dad: "Oh, got it."

Natalieism

Natalie informed me the other day that as we get older our names will change. Our conversation:

N: Mom when Curtis gets older I am going to call him Steve.

M: Why Steve?

N: Because lots of boys are named Steve when they get old.

Note: We have never mentioned anyone named Steve in front of Natalie, so I don't know where she came up with this name. I was hoping my name would change to Grandma when I got old, but maybe Natalie has other ideas. I hope they are not Shirley or Zelma.

Our Own Little Zoo

Curtis loves making animal sounds. His favorite book is "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" by Eric Carle and he knows almost all the animal sounds in the book. Our favorite is the sheep and the fish.

Natalieism

My conversation with Natalie at breakfast time.

Natalie: "Mom, can I have bananas, brown sugar, cinnamon, and Africa in my oatmeal?"

Me: "Sure Natalie, I'll put lots of 'Africa' in your oatmeal."

FALLing Leaves

We had a freeze last week and all the leaves from our sycamore tree dropped in one big heap. After Jon raked them up, the kids jumped in the leaves over and over. Natalie thought it was the funnest thing she had done in weeks. Curtis wasn't so fond of the activity-maybe next year.

A Little Girl's Dream

Friday night we surprised Natalie and took her to Disney on Ice. She loved it! Natalie would clap along to every song and wave to any character who came within 30 feet of us. She said her favorite part was Tinkerbell in Pixie Hollow. It was a fun and special night to spend with Natalie.

Happy Halloween!

Hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween!

Little Shiner

Here is our first of I'm sure many black-eyes to come. Natalie and Curtis were playing the other night and weren't paying attention to where they were going. Curtis tripped and hit his eye against the dresser. A few tears, but no worse for wear.

Natalie's Prayer

At stake conference we were challenged to better at family prayer and scripture study. This week I have been working on saying family prayer more often. Last night it was Natalie's turn. Here was my favorite part:

"Thanks that mom can't hear monsters in her bedroom".

I guess I wasn't aware that monsters lurked in my bedroom.

Waiting for the Pop

This is my first year at canning and so far I have loved it. We canned cherries, apricots, peaches and salsa so far. I can't wait to make applesauce at the end of the month. It has been really rewarding to know we will have yummy fruit when winter comes.

First Day of School

Today was Natalie's first day of preschool. She was more than excited to go. She said her favorite part was writing on the chalkboard and eating apples. I am doing a co-op this year with three other friends. It will be a great group and hopefully a fun year.

Flip Flop Skirt

I found an old college friend through facebook a few weeks ago and she has the cutest etsy shop. In her etsy shop, she has created some of her own patterns. I was a pattern tester for her newest skirt-the flip flop skirt. It is a reversible skirt with pockets. It was so much fun to make and very easy to do. Natalie loved helping pick out the fabric, and as soon as the skirt is washed, it goes right back on. You can buy the pattern here and see another cute picture of Natalie.

Our Little Boy

After seeing that Curtis' hair was starting to have the 'comb over' look, I decided it was time for a haircut. I took him to a kids cut place where power wheels are the chairs and Disney movies are always on. Curtis did a great job. Although I have to give props to the stylist who maneuvered around him driving the car and wanting to stand up all the time. He looks so handsome now in his big boy haircut.

Little Fishies

This summer was Natalie and Curtis' first swim lessons. They did so well and had a great time. Natalie's big accomplishment is floating on her back without getting nervous and putting her head under water all by herself. Curtis is getting better at floating on his back and loves to jump to me from the side of the pool. We can't wait for next summer to improve our skills.

Crazy Coupon Trip

The Albertson's grocery store in our area is having a fabulous sale. For every $30 in specific products you buy, you get $15 back on your next shopping trip. Who wouldn't want to take advantage of this great deal? After four transactions and using my $15 off, I spent a total of $24.02. I sure hope Natalie and Curtis like Kix, and if you're inviting us over for dessert, plan on brownies.

Boy: Dirt That Wiggles

Curtis loves to be outside. The second we say anything about going outside, he is by the door ready to go. One of Curtis' favorite places to play is in the bird bath in the backyard. I looked up from gardening to check on him the other day and this is what I found-muddy from mouth to feet. To say dirt and mud are his choice in outside toys would be an understatement. The dirtier he can get, the more fun for him.

Writing Personality

I was reading this article the other day in my Real Simple magazine about what your handwriting says about you. First write 'She sells seashells by the seashore' in cursive then see how graphologists might characterize you. I think it is interesting that handwriting can tell so much about a person's personality and how they act.

My writing doesn't slant so I am logical and practical and guarded with my emotions. My letter size is average meaning I am well-adjusted and adaptable. The loops on my l's and e's are full so I am spontaneous and relaxed, find it easy to express myself, have an open mind and enjoy trying new things. My s's are round and printed so I am versatile, a people pleaser and seek compromise.

What does your handwriting say about you?

From the Garden

Last night we had enough harvest from our garden to make our own pico de gallo. We added tomatoes, a jalapeno, cilantro and a white onion. It was delicious! The only thing we had to add from the store was the onion. The salsa was gone so fast, I had to use this picture from online. We check daily now for new tomatoes and jalapenos for more fresh salsa as a summer treat.

Summer Surprise

I was out of town last week visiting family and when I got home, Jon had this great surprise for us-a new picnic table. I mentioned that I wanted one in the spring because a friend had one, but thought nothing else of it. I am so excited for the kids to have a fun place to sit when we eat outside. Jon did such an incredible job and it will last us for many years to come.