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. 

Just thought of this

My monsters are running around and I just thought of this right now so I wanted to post it. A few weeks ago we had some family friends visit. Auntie Andrea asked me if I had any more communication with my father since first starting to reconnect with him. I'm sad to report I haven't talked to him on the phone and the letters I have written have gone unanswered. When we moved, it was closer to Seattle, and I got naturally excited of course. I could just make and excuse to look and see where his house is. But then my imagination started to go crazy and I said, what would happen if he saw me? What would I say? "I was just in the neighborhood?" I don't know maybe one day when I am brave but not at the moment. He's got his own life that doesn't include me. And I'm okay with that actually.

I haven't decided what I'll do next. I really am reaching out so I can really crack down on getting my genealogy started and some what completed. There are so many gaps because I don't have information for his side of the family. I keep getting the feeling, prompting to start doing that. I know my father was the youngest of 9 children so I know if I look the correct way I can find an uncle I have not met before. It's just so interesting cause I don't know that side of the family and am totally unsure of the first initial reaction. I still continually pray for my father. I pray for his happiness, safety and peace in an ever changing world. Most people don't really know how tender my heart is just cause I'm so witty and mellow(or so I've been told). So I actually have a whole treasure trove of tender feelings. Maybe one day when the whole circumstances are where they need to be, we might be able to met. Until then I will keep posting updates.
April

June already! That means it's almost birthday time....

Yes I am way behind updating our blog, but things have changed so quickly for us. Where do I begin?

I really am at a loss as to where to start. We've been in our apartment almost 4 months now. Time has really flown. I still don't know everyone in our new ward, but people are starting to recognize us, which is always nice. It's a very nice ward and there are a lot, I mean a LOT of babies, toddlers, and children. Always like new playmates, so that's nice.This summer should be fun trying to figure out where to have a party, and who to invite. Can you believe it's almost birthday time for my whole, WHOLE household again? Wow.

Second, my husband graciously volunteered to start traveling for the boss man. What your thinking? I was a little taking back my self. He works for a hot tub company...how can this be? The Economy(I will not get on a soap box) has presented an great opportunity for our family.  Although that means my husband will be gone from time to time, he will be able to fix hot tubs in different states where the other company stores have closed. Our first experience with this was past weekend. A quick trip, and maybe a great term for it was dress rehearsal for when he is gone, we missed each other and the kids thought it was a blast having Grandma stay over so much. I am very grateful that my husband is willing to work so much and that I have a chance to stay home and be able to see my children grow so much! I will keep you posted on all the fun, and thank goodness for Skype!

I can't remember how long ago I reported that the man of the house was potty training. I thought to myself I'm going to loose my mind, but through prayer(yes I did pray about it) and finally finding a method that seems to be working. It's not perfect yet, of course that's why it's called training. But he does really well when we are out and about. Mom always reminds me that's when you want your kids to behave the most! I first started when we moved in since he seemed to figure out how to take off his diapers. I started with a simple method, then found an eBook that claimed to potty train your child in 3 days. I wasn't looking for a quick fix, just a start point. The first day was good but it was put on hold when the princess had to be taken to the ER. The eBook said don't leave the house during the 3 days of training, but I had to go. Needless to say Nathan got frustrated and even scared of the potty so we took a break for a while.

I am happy to report he really enjoys the schedule of going potty with a timer. It's not perfect yet like I said, but he usually has to go potty when the timer goes off. And since he's usually running around the house or playing it reminds him to check and see if he has to go potty at that time. He does EXTREMELY well on our outings and always tells me, Daddy or Grandma when he has to go potty so I am very proud. Especially since we haven't been doing this for very long. Little sister of course wants in on the action, and so I've been letting her wear big girl underwear today. I'm sure I'll be dealing with lots of accidents so they're both training now. But since I started with a boy, I've got lots of practice under my belt about cleaning accidents with two toddlers. I'm in awe of the growth of both my babies and can NOT believe it's almost birthday time again.

Last but not least, it's wedding time in the world again and I'm so excited for all my friends making that special sacred commitment. I am not go to all the receptions due to family obligations but I do know that I can send my love to them. I am so happy that there are still those who believe in the wonderful tradition of marriage and raising children with that foundation. Families are very different today then they were....10 years ago let alone when my mother was growing up. But as long as there is a Dad and a Mom who love you then you have a fighting chance in this world!  We love everyone and thanks for thinking of us! I will post another entry earlier than a month from now, I promise! :)