End of the year update

I've been pretty busy using my role as main worry warrior since Thanksgiving. But with my hubby in a car accident on the 23rd of November and the loss of our "new" truck, it was pretty natural. To date, Jordan is fine, still sore at times since he's been working so much, but he's doing so well after the accident. He was the only one brave enough to go traveling during the snow storm before the Thanksgiving Holiday. My cousin needed a ride home after work and en route to getting her, he was in the accident. I'm sure it was the Holy Ghost telling me to get a hold of my husband, because I kept having thie feeling I needed to talk to you him on  the phone. Glad I listened. I called him maybe 7 times within a half hour period. He called back, we talked 20 seconds I swear but he told me he was in an accident and that he'd call me back. I was going to kill him myself after I gave him a return hug and kiss. Silly. But I tenderly helped him up our stairs and get settled in for the night. I am so glad that he was able to be seen by the EMT's who came on scene and we went to the chiropractor the next morning. Since then we've been a one family car(which is great to see so many people help us out) and I've been having the kids do alot of crafts and baking to take away cabin fever(it's winter break for pre school as well).

I was very worried about Christmas since we have extra expense because of the car accident. With help from our new Bishop(believe me the word is new since he was called in May) we were able to have a great Christmas. I've been praying so hard that I wouldn't crack under pressure because of the coldness we experience dealing with the tow company(their receptionist...I thought was Satan in a body) but we were able to pay bills, have food and have a wonderful Christmas. I was so glad and am willing to give credit where it is due, to Heavenly Father of course!


This past week was especially hard for me. On the 24th, my mother's extended family gets together not only for Christmas, but to pay honor to our mother and grandmother. She passed away when I was 10 close to Thanksgiving, so Christmas Eve is very special in our family. Back at the beginning of September, when we went for the family reunion I was introduced to Aunt Mary. She was battling breast cancer and this reunion was made special since she was able to be there. I had this feeling while getting to know everyone including Mary that this was going to be a special time. Through facebook updates I was learing about her health and how it was really taking big nose dive. This was especially hard for the matriarch and patriarch of the family, which is only natural. Grandma and Grandpa could tell it was close to saying goodbye to one of their children.

Sadly, we lost Aunt Mary on Monday. With the combination of her having breast cancer like my own Grandma and it so close to Grandma's birthday it was a really tough day. I kept wanting to tell her about the amazing similarity between them and that I felt an instant connection to her. Her family had a great circle of family and friends supporting them. Wednesday morning her Obituary was printed and I was able to learn more about Aunt Mary. It just made me feel more that I was really supposed to be in this family. Aunt Mary and my Grandma, have the same first and middle name, they were both born close to Christmas and both battled breast cancer twice. They both were able to cross the veil about home surrounded by family and both died in their 50's. At times during the day it's still hard but I always know that they are both out of PAIN! I am beyond thrilled I could met Aunt Mary, and I was able to play piano for her, which she said someone could play hers more.

This holiday season has made me so happy I have a family and that we could spoil each other with love and sometimes gifts. WE hope you have and had a wonderful holiday. When the new year starts we'll be praying dad gets a well deserved raise and we might be moving to a bigger apartment, but we'll see what Heavenly Father grants us with. WE are so thankful and grateful for all our blessings and friends! WE love you.

April

Family Picutures

Those of you who are my friends on Facebook know we recently took some family pictures. Yes, I will keep being a nagging wife and telling my dear husband that we need to take more as the babies grow up! I wanted to include a few that are my favorites!

 

What a week!!!

I've been really thinking if I would include a horrible experience I had last Saturday. I still really haven't made a decision if I will include what started my brainstorming.

Wednesday, my visiting teachers came and shared an important message given to the whole of the LDS church by President Uchtdorf. "Of Things That Matter Most."Who knew while trying to have my two active toddlers sit down and try to introduce Modern Day Prophets to them, I would be following his counsel about spending quality time with our family. He touched about some great relationships that are amazing to a well balanced gospel person. While listening to my visiting teacher they mentioned the relationship with our "Fellow Man". This past week has been so trying in that department and I am very willing to admit my weakness in this.

Last Saturday, I invited a high school acquaintance over, because she wanted to show me a sale presentation for a company she just started with. I was still sick(day #4 with a season cold) and didn't really want to be bothered with company. But after a week of being bombarded with text messages from this person, I thought Saturday would be great and this would be off of my shoulders. I welcomed her, and her "trainer" into my home. I expected to hear her voice explain the company and so forth. With my all too trusting heart, I got told how my family is poor and will expect to be poor because I've made the decision to be a stay at home mother. I was also told in short that I am a 'home body' who rarely goes out and needs to find friends who are "willing" to make money. I was very upset. Why would I want to share the information I just heard with my family and friends by sending these rude people to them. Since this young lady hasn't almost seen me in 10 years, she also doesn't know that I was ready to go back to work after having my son but was fired from that job due to what they called a "conflict of interest."

But to put negative vibes behind all of us, I in short told them my decision to help my children by staying home is a richly blessing decision. If I did have a job, we could have more money, or we could not...it would depend on the job I had. It would always mean I would miss out on milestones and quality time being my children's first teacher, maid, doctor, referee, chauffeur, chef, and so on. I don't take motherhood lightly and women who take care of more than 2 children I kiss the ground they walk on. Hearing President Uchtdorf remind us of how important our family is, made me feel a little taller for stay home. I may not have a fancy car, fancy clothes or eat out every Friday night with friends but every time I go to pick up my son from Pre School he comes running to see me and I would give me life over and over again just to have that happen. To Single Mothers every where who work hard to come home and have to be mother and father I salute you. To working husbands who work long hours just to have your children "dog pile" on you once you set foot in the door, I love you.

My wish this holiday season is that we are nicer to one another. I may not work outside of the home for a business but I am in the business of building my family. It may not be perfect but I am lucky to have a perfect family plan to follow. I am glad I don't have to search for it and that I have wonderful examples and help along the way. Thank you to family and thanks be to our God!

April

"No" November!

Happy start to our November month! The past week has been filled with awesome challenges. "No Shave November"(my husband's favorite), "Give Thanks November" and so on. Last Sunday, Halloween, this awesome sister in our ward taught based on the talked given by President Monson "Charity Never Faileth" Her focus was on how important it is as women to not judge one another. She also gave us a challenge. "No nagging, no judging November." AWESOME! It's a great reminder and since I'm my children's first teacher it gives me a great opportunity to become better. I heard once heard someone say we can grow closer to Heavenly Father by becoming parents. I couldn't agree more.

On a personal note(not like my whole blog isn't) I went to Mormon.org last night and filled out the "Refer a friend section". I filled it out for my father. I was able to fill out most of the information, which made me happy. At the bottom of the page you're able to say a few words of information for Missionaries who will be contacting your "friend". Simply put, I was really scared but I prayed over this, and I know if it's the correct time for my father he will be ready for those precious Missionaries.

I have been super mindful of missionary work, family and church for a few weeks. Mid-October my Mom invited me to a great fireside held in the Seattle Stake. The guest speaker was a brother who lives in Salt Lake City. Like my parents he had join the church before the Priesthood was allowed to all worthy members of the church. This brother was amazing in explain that didn't hinder his decision to be baptized into the LDS church. That's the feeling I've known and heard from most African American or African members of the church. I had a wonderful time listening to him talk about his mission in California and his struggles trying to explain to investigators that the church is true despite rumors or misconceptions.

I really have to give my parents credit. I can't even begin to think how hard church must of been, or how it was difficult getting questioned from your own family about this decision to join a 'white church". My parents were one of the first African American couples sealed in the Seattle Temple. Please re-read that sentence. I don't even have words to explain how amazing that is. Maybe it's because now that I'm getting older I can really appreciate the hard work and commitment my parents made and I really want to invite my father back to church with us. And of course in the temple everything is clear and life has so much purpose. I've wanted to introduce my children to my father, for him to know I don't hold him in a bad light, I try telling my kiddies everything I know about him. He took piano lessons and played organ. If I hated him and didn't want to be like him I would be denying a talent I somehow was born to have. It's amazing how the Lord works in our lives and I hope one day I can really see my father. To date, I'm thankful for family! :)

Talk to everyone soon!

Where does the time go?

I was so proud of my self for writing an update and then I looked at the date and it's almost Halloween. Let's see what I can tell you. To date my digital camera, which was a great anniversary gift is in the shop. Something happened to the screen and it was a total lost. I cried. But my hubby was a great man and bought insurance so it will be will us again. It's been very interesting learning just how much I carry and take photos of the babies. But I do have a camera on my cell phone. It's not the greatest but I do still capture things I find important to me.

The big brother amazed me once again. Not only is he having a blast in pre school, I took him to Super Cuts and he got a haircut! I was like turning away trying not to cry and he just took it like a pro. Yes, I saved some of the hair, but it's the first hair cut. Wow, I tear up thinking about it. He's just grown by leaps and bounds in the last few months and I just can't keep up it seems. And on top of that, next year for the Primary Program he'll be in front. OMG!  What will I do then. Good thing I'm not playing piano in primary right now. Whew, I don't even want to think what that might be like. He's doing amazing in nursery, I just can't brag enough about him.

The princess is doing well, and around March will be going to pre-school a few days a week too. I know that it will be fun for them I just don't know what I will do with myself for those few hours. She loves getting ready to get big brother when he's at school. Tomorrow is the Halloween party and they have costumes.I had one in mind but going as a Mom actually suits me just fine. It's their party. Awww. Just a quick note before I head to bed. Can't wait to write again!

They say it's your birthday

This is one of my favorite John Lennon Songs. John would have been 70 tomorrow. Wow. Please enjoy!

Uh oh

I need to send everyone an update and haven't done so. Wow huh? Our little household has been a buzz with a Family Reunion, a new truck, Pre-school starting, and finding things to make the Princess feel like she's learning something as well. I've been so proud of big brother and all he has taken on at the age of three. I can't believe how well he's adjusted to waking up, having some assistance getting ready and being excited to walk out the door for school. I have him go to bed before everyone else so he can be well rested for the next day and he's not afraid of sleeping in his room by himself. He has started helping me with family prayers and even adds some awesome things he is thankful for. His favorite is being thankful for cars, Sponge Bob, Dora and Diego, cars, keys to the cars and the chance to be able to say Jesus Christ. He sometimes says amen before Jesus Christ comes out but at least he can say it.

Our trip was scary, awesome, tiring and great all at the same time. I wish I had taken more pictures but I was chasing two kids around a National Forrest.I was a bit nervous for how Jordan's family might react to...someone with a built in tan. Although people see your announcement photo, you never know until you actually met the family and this really was my official introduction. I am a very mellow person and enjoy learning about people through stories pictures and how ever they feel comfortable allowing me into their lives for a brief moment. The first few days we were in Idaho I met most of the extended family who lived around Grandpa and Grandma, which was a lot. And everyone looks alike. Blonde Hair blue eyes...everybody. And then there's my son who could blend in with any Hispanic, Native American or Pacific Islander family. But there's is such a blessing in the foundation of a man and woman being married starting a family and watching their family bloom and grow.

I had a blast spending time with cousins aunts and uncles and who knows how many kids under 10. Our drive home was blessed by the angels since we never had car or truck troubles. And within days we were back at home, starting pre-school and getting the big man up each day at 7:30. I am so thankful for the prayers sent up in our behalf. Thank you. Well it's late and I should sleep...I will be better about another update soon. :)

What am I doing?

WE have been home since Tuesday and yet I'm just updating this. I won't bore you with too many details but I will post this picture. IT was the sentiment of the whole trip. Goofy pictures. We had a great time meeting lots of family and driving home was quiet easy. Thank you for the prayers. :) The big Man starts school Monday. Pray for Momma then. I ran out of pocket tissue from my purse(which broke Tuesday). Talk to you soon.....

The Princes is 2!

Wow a year already??!!! Not just that, I can remember around this time two years ago I was carrying a 27 lbs little boy who hated to sit down and was crawling every where during the weekly appointments. He was the star of the office charming anyone into picking him up. Those days I was tired but able to handle one baby, but we adapt and learn and of course love the new addition in our lives.

I have had so many different experiences being a mom to a little girl. I am still wondering about a few things. Tea parties? Dress up? Will she be a Tom Boy? She's a dare devil now, so I wouldn't be surprised. But whatever comes our way I'm sure she'll be either laughing or screaming all the way. I wanted to share a few new things we have learned over the past year! I think it makes her extra special.....

She enjoys doing new fashion statements

She LOVES Sponge Bob

She is BIG on physical touch.

Nothing between the toes please!

She loves to play around.

Enjoys music....

But not the Jonas Brothers!

Is a fantastic chef

Likes to cool off

Has a great sweet tooth

Loves MJ!

And enjoys light reading....

Water Park Time

This past Monday was still warm in our neck of the woods, so Jordan and I wanted to take the kids somewhere fun outside. Next to the our local library is a fantastic water park. Every time I go there's always an abundant number of wet wild kids running around trying to cool off. The day Dad wanted to take his kids, mean boss Mom said no. (In my defense it was only 66 outside!) I kept an eye on the weather, as I always do and you didn't have to be awake long to know Monday was going to be a warm day!

I was so excited to see how my two explores were going to react to this new place. Everything is still new to us(church, the library, our apartment complex...etc)so a chance to learn more about our new community and city is awesome to me. We got there just a little after 1:30 in the afternoon. Still warm but not as hot as Sunday, which is good. I was so in love with all the beautiful sun kissed kiddies running around having a blast in the water. It was made up of three pods. Two had a water "geyser" in the middle surrounded by smaller shooting sprinklers. They all went off in different patterns, which was really fun. The water wasn't that cold, but I'm sure they can turn the temp up and down depending on the weather that day. The main attraction is a beautiful smooth ball, which can be stopped or rolled faster by who's pushing on it. It has some water jets at the bottom of the ball to turn it different directions. Jordan climbed on top of the ball(no picture sorry. I was trying to stop the mini me's after him). Everyone was so wide eyed while he was trying his afternoon gymnastics. The time we've been married he's done some stunts, I can tell you that.

The Explorer didn't want to change into his swim trunks or even wait to take of his shirt. Thinking that his partner would be as brave as he, he took off. The princess wasn't convinced. She toddled around for a few minutes, not impressed with the cool water shooting as us. Jordan picked her up a few times, trying to show her the water is fun. I was still trying to get over showing my arms. I still am carrying around post baby weight(which I'm making a goal to make sure I start to shed here soon) so I was a little shy being in my bathing suit. While we were learning about the play ground we saw a new friend from church. Her daughter is just a peach. She's almost one, and Sis. Porter kept saying her excitement about new baby milestones(walking). I always tell people to wait on that one, but both my kiddies were early walkers. But we made a note to make sure we do play dates(the Porters live down the street from us).

Our stay at the water park lasted an hour. I was really impressed by my two explorers. The princess really enjoyed the rolling ball and got into the idea of the sprinklers. It was a nice chance to get outside and see some of the new neighborhood. We didn't introduce our selves to anyone to say we'd make a play date but we did talk to some nice people. Although the princess is petite she is growing and held her own out there. A few taller kids bumped into her but she didn't even falter. She's a tough cookie. The most comments I hear are how she is really strong or that she is really tough for how small she is. I don't think she's small but then again I was there when she was small. Grandma had spent the night before both explores got to share their findings with a willing listening ear. We had a fun time. I'm glad we found a fun places for the kids. There was a merry go round there, in the corner that wasn't operating while the water park was open. Maybe I can talk my hubby into a date night. Or there is the one at the Super Mall too? Hmmm...one can only wait and see with Jordan. I'm the one who makes plans. :)

Going Home

ON STRIKE

This is what happens when I want to take pictures....

Family Home Evening Pizza Style

Can you believe summer is almost over? I would have never imagined that we'd be celebrating the hubby birthday, looking for pre-schools and trying to pack and get ready for a family reunion all in one month.I am very excited for the trip just because we're going to a part of the country I've never seen.

Monday night is when a good number of people hold the family home evening. I have made a physical effort to make sure we have sort of FHE every night. I talk about a simple gospel topic before we pray each night. No longer than 3 minutes and I certainly make sure that the tv is off. No word yet on if my efforts are paying off or not but that's not my purpose. We had a great time making this pizza together, it's really nice to see growth in your children. It was a blast having all of us help create our first family pizza!

Almost done!

Always the taste tester!

Ready for dinner

Who's silly now?

Recent Road Trip part deux

Lyle Hotel

Here's the Lyle Hotel. I really enjoyed our chance of being the only guests for the night, since when we did wake up(which was 8:30) we had a chance to explore downstairs. This is a very calm community and it's so close to the Columbia River. I know that Mr. Man back at home would have loved this hotel since it was so close to the train tracks. We had a light breakfast and quick history lesson about the Hood River bridge and different aspects of the quaint little town....ooppps community. Since we were still childless for the day we or rather...Jordan decided that we could just go where the road was taking us. Since becoming a Mom, I've gotten used to making plans for 3 people if not 4. But it was nice to just enjoy the drive back home while seeing the beautiful scenery of the Oregon side of the Columbia River. We made a quick stop at the Bonneville Dam. I learned that Franklin D Roosevelt actually came to the opening of the Dam and said this would "great opportunity for the community and wealth to the children".  The New Deal at work. We met a fish counter and saw so many beautiful fish. I made me think to myself I hope that we are always blessed in this part of the country to have an abundance of healthy fish to feast on anytime we want and that they will always be always to swim in clean fresh water. The mom in me right?

After our quick Northwest history lesson we traveled on to Troutdale, stopped for lunch for lunch in Fairview and got on the freeway to head home. We were home by 4. I was super happy cause we stopped in Lacey at the really cute fish market and got a crab. I had a craving for it. Our quick trip was very fun and I'm so glad that I actually learned something from our beautiful landscape that we are blessed with. Jordan and I are still silly, my husband still doesn't want to make plans and some how we sometimes get to escape away and learn new things about one another. I didn't know my husband likes fresh cut hay. That's new to me. First of all, I've never smelled it, and I can't wait since it's something my husband loves it. Here's the conclusion of the quick snap shots of the trip. Thanks for indulging and looking at these. 

View from Hotel looking at the River

 

 

 

Oregon Side of Hood River Toll Bridge

Energy Saving House at Bonneville Dam

 

 

 

Recent Road Trip

The prior post explained the reason behind our recent road trip. I am very quick to tell everyone how blessed I am that my husband is excited to show me different places in Washington he's been to due to his travels for work. I didn't take many vacations as a child(living in a single parent home...I heart you Single Mom's out there!)so I welcome to chance to get more of an expanding knowledge of my home state. Once we had made the plans for our quick get away I was counting down. Everyday I would ask the hubby if he was excited, just like me. I would get a yes from a very emotionless face. Nice going dude. But that's okay I was happy. I made a 'schedule' for Grandma and the N Twins, went grocery shopping. Made sure all the laundry was done, the living room wasn't clean but that's okay. I did the dishes packed and repeatedly said over and over that this would be the two days they(The N Twins) would never forget! Some people don't think toddlers listen(I sometimes wonder...)but they actually picked up on the idea that I wouldn't be there for some time. I made dinner Monday night, and we calmly left. It was a short goodbye(learned that on a PBS parent show) and we were off!

Getting to the other side of the mountains, while leaving from the middle of King County at 5, on a Monday. I know you're thinking"They're crazy" but we were on a road trip. With my husband's knowledge(thank you Scouts) our GPS and just the pleasure of being with one another kid free for a few hours we were on the road. The trip took almost 4 hours. We got caught in traffic once we hit Tacoma. So we made the quick choice to go a different way. I am so amazed at the beauty we really have in our own "backyard". With our new route we were blessed to drive past two, count 'em two mountains. I loved it. My Mother is a huge fan of mountains and so I grew up with a great appreciation for the natural beauty we've been so blessed with. I hope I can show her all the new places we traveled through. It was so peaceful and for most of the trip outside of the major cities, we were the only car in sight. The National Forrest was awesome and I want to go hiking through there one day.

The end point of the night road trip was a tiny community(not a town) called Lyle. Across the Columbia River from Oregon. Very beautiful even though it was after 9:30 when we arrived in our hotel. We were the only guest checking in that night! Yeah for traveling on a Monday night! Here's a few pictures of the hotel.It was fun being able to run around upstairs in the great bed and breakfast. WE felt like little kids. After a quick bath to relax the muscles after the drive it was time for bed. But of course my husband had to try out his new phone and see if he could watch a tv show. But that's okay I love him anyway.

Our room for the night

Our "original" room

End of July Update

I updated my status on facebook  yesterday afternoon to say I was "updating my blog" and instead I did the dishes. Well, at least I'm trying to keep the home looking okay. The living room at the moment has so many toys but I can clean that in no time flat(hopefully)!

 The kids wanted me to tell you all the fun things we've been doing as of late. My last entry was last week about our up and coming anniversary. It was fun on the 22nd. WE stayed home. I don't think that's bad. My husband went to work providing for the family and we were able to enjoy his company early(which is usually 6 or 7 these days). Dad made dinner for everyone and I gave the kids a bath? Boring you might say right? But at lease we were all together as a family.

As the fun date was nearing, Jordan kept asking what I wanted to do. Then I would ask him back. I think we played that game for about two weeks. Mom, earlier in the month, graciously said that she would watch the kids for us, what ever we were planning to do. On the winding down hours of the actually anniversary we sat down and started thinking, what would be fun that we haven't done for a while? A Bed and Breakfast???!!! Why had we not thought of that before. Grandma said she was willing to take a vacation day while Mom and Dad spend the night away from home.(More on that later)


At the beginning of September we'll be going to some location in Idaho for the Hunter Family Reunion. When I first learned of this, I was a hair worried. Long road trip, two toddlers, how will I keep them entertained...blah blah blah. I allow my self on 15 minutes a day to ponder on different possibilities of ideas to keep the little ones entertained(I take all suggestions, I really do!). After the 15 minutes it's usually onto the next task of the day so life gets back to normal pretty quickly. Our trip to the shore last year was only a few hours since we spent the night in a hotel. I'm excited for the kids to see a new part of the country they haven't seen before! I love road trips and this will be fun for us I'm sure.

Jordan has a few days off during the week and then he works like crazy. On the days off, for the past few weeks we've been getting ready for the trip. Buying things here and there, getting a oil change and so on. The monsters Angels are doing well with potty training and talking up a storm. At church they have a blast in nursery which really makes me happy. I'm so impressed with how well they adapt to change with our move and learning to make friends. I try to sneak by on Sunday just to see how they are doing and someone they nursery leaders shush me away. I did sneak a peak at the Princess on Sunday and I started crying so I went to Relief Society. It just makes me a proud parent to see them growing up and helping when they can. Other than that, weddings, birthdays, and just relaxing as a family has been it for us! Talk to you soon.

Can you believe 4 years ago I was at church in my Young Single Adult Branch saying 'goodbye' to everyone cause the next week I was going to be married? I can't believe how time flies. I spent some of the afternoon looking for a picture to put up for the anniversary and I found this gem. Jordan and I waiting for the ferry to sail to Edmonds(I think) and then we had a nice drive to Forks! That's right, I was hip to Forks before all the Twilight craze. In fact it was so hot that weekend the power went out in the town. It was 105 when we got there after the wedding(try sleeping in that?) Awww all the craziness that ensued just because I had married.

I still think we are silly. Jordan teases me and I just take it and people go you are made for each other. I still apologize for his crazy humor and for some reason he still comes home after work everyday to me, which I am so happy for. I don't know if he still has that shirt but I like when he wore it since it brought out his blue eyes. WE still are silly and pretend we don't know each other from time to time. We are silly and stay up late when we know we have to get up in the morning and do various things(take care of the kids, get ready for work etc.). He can never remember how we met and yet when I tell the story I somehow get it wrong. I still can't believe I am married after all this time. I never thought I would get married cause I didn't think there was someone crazier than me out there. I'm not sure if Jordan is but he was crazy enough to marry me.

Four years ago, I was just days away from being sealed to Jordan. I was totally relaxed, maybe because I was getting married in the place I had dreamed of for years as my ultimate goal. I have a fantastic picture of the templeFour years ago, I was just days away from being sealed to Jordan. I was totally relaxed, maybe because I was getting married in the place I had dreamed of for years as my ultimate goal. I have a fantastic picture of the temple in my living room and it's a fun reminder of when we were that close to getting married. I bought it a week before the wedding and it's been my favorite addition to my house(that I bought). It's nice to look back on how much fun we have and still have while being married. I just wonder what we'll do this year!

The Twins

Although my two cute kids are NOT I repeat, NOT identical or fraternal twins....they are Irish twins(born 11 months apart). In the first few months the princess arrived people gave me some interesting questions(like did I not use birth control etc). I was too tired to think of a clever answer, and they don't know my health background(I was told at one point I maybe NOT be able to have children). So we have grown leaps and bounds over the last few years. With the babies achieving milestones, it seems like ever day I like to take pictures of when they are doing something together, or just copying one another. I had a chance this past weekend to capture a few quick shots of them reading on the floor. I like these and hope you will too!

Great visit this week

I love when someone I adore comes to visit. Since I pretty much adore EVERYONE I know, I'm always pleased when someone wants to come and visit. A friend of mine recently completed his two year mission in the Washington Tacoma mission and was coming back for a wedding. Thank goodness for Facebook, I totally got his number and we text-ed away making plans for when he was here. He was surprised we had moved(been almost a year since we last saw him as Elder) and that the kids were growing so much.

Needless to say it was all I could think about for about a week. I was excited to see our friend. Last year, anytime the Elders came over, it was party at our house for the kids. They love the missionaries, as do I. This was my favorite picture, for I don't know how long. I was just like you are in our family now! The kids just loved him and he always ate dinner, we like people who enjoy to eat. So it was a huge blessing to have him in our lives.

Thursday night we went to dinner at a fun restaurant called Joseppi's in Tacoma. ONE of my all time favorite resturans, my hubby and I discovered it before I was a mama, I think it was right before we got married actually. We had an awesome time visiting with Scott and his parents. His dad is the new love of my life, he is so funny and now I know why Scott is so mellow. And of course we had to take a picture.

Sunday was our last chance to catch Scott before he left for back home. Plus his dad had to see me one more time. It was funny seeing Nathan react to him without a white suit or a name tag. Nathan loves to be his own man, so he kept playing with toys while Uncle Scott came to visit. Nichelle was a little shy but really warmed up to our visitors which made me happy. We had time for one more picture before everyone left. I couldn't convice the man of the house to get a picutre. I was like Nathan you're gonna be sad when he leaves. This morning I asked if he like Uncle Scott and he's like "YES!" So that makes me feel better. But this picture makes me laugh. You always need a clown. Can you spot her?

Ohh, my kiddies. Well I love Scott and am so glad he came to visit us. And, before I almost forget! Go Utes!

Smile

I took a few pictures today and wanted to share them.

Babysitting

When I first found out I was having a girl, I was a hair worried since I was trying to picture what play time would be like. I didn't play with dolls or Barbies when I was younger, just wasn't my thing. I had a few because of Christmas gifts....but I wrote a lot, read books and actually took so many things apart I know I drove my Mother crazy. So here I am...the princess is almost 2, can you believe it. She's really into the mothering role. She always has a baby with her(anything that doesn't have a name....is a baby). Last Saturday I took a few pictures I had to share. The baby pictured here under our care is the Baby Jesus from the Little People Nativity Set. Yes, it's the baby Jesus and the one that cause most contention. He understands, that He's popular in my house, then that's all I can ask.

"Where is my baby?"

"That's right, he's sleeping. Shhh"

The baby sleeping

Extra security, just in case.