I don't want to forget...

the way the kids are right now. The way Natalie prays at mealtimes, the way Nicole giggles as she reaches for something she knows she shouldn't have, the neatness of Nicole walking right now, Natalie as she is so affectionate she nearly smothers Nicole sometimes, Nicole using her hands really well and able to sip out of juice boxes, the fun of them bathing together, how one can start giggling and then they both giggle (as sometimes one will cry and they both cry too!), kicking balls together in the front yard, Nicole holding on to my leg as I try to cook supper, the way they brighten up in the morning when they see each other, Nicole putting her head on my shoulder as she is sleepy, playing Candyland and other games with Natalie, seeing Natalie learn words and writing skills, seeing Nicole trying to catch up to her sister's skill levels as quickly as possible....the list could go on and on...

One funny thing was tonight. Both kids were loud during dinner. Really loud. Woody wanted to tell me something but I could not hear. He said, "Would everyone please be quiet while I tell Mommy one thing tonight at dinner?" They quieted down and Woody told me his statement before leaving the room. As he was leaving, Natalie piped up, "Would everyone please be quiet while I tell sister somethng?" We all burst out laughing after that!

Natalie's Birthday Wish List

Although we are a few months away from her birthday, every party or mention of birthday makes Natalie seem to want her birthday to get closer. So far, we have a request for either a Dora cake or chocolate cupcakes. Also the wish list is varied for presents:

a dump truck with Barbies (I guess so many Barbies, that a dump truck is required?)
a dollhouse
a rabbit trap (I have no idea what this is...)

It will be interesting to see what she wants for Christmas and birthday as it gets closer!

Just call him Coach

At our beach trip, Woody was contacted for interest in being a coach of the soccer team Natalie is on. First barrier is his schedule...he cannot attend all the practices and games because he will be at work. Another barrier is BSF, it starts soon at night and he will have to skip dinner or eat in a creative way to do both as he sails up the road to get there on time. The next barrier is that he never really played soccer. So, in all this he is still determined to try. So, any prayers would be appreciated as we journey through this very new experience.

Back from the Beach!

Wow, last week we had no real schedule, just set for fun fun fun! And, we definitely had fun. Natalie really enjoyed the beach and waves this year. She wasn't scared like last year. She wanted to dig to China too, I think! Nicole really polished up her walking to where she can go several feet without hestiating. She is finally walking now! The beach gave her the space & soft landing areas that she needed to get confidence. We also celebrated Woody's birthday while we were there. What a way to celebrate! He was able to fish several times. I even went with him and we had fun together catching dinner. Well, he caught the biggest fishes, of course!

On the sand
Our little family together

I would have more pictures but the card is not reading in my computer any way that I can get it from Grandma & Grandpa's camera. They were there too, giving Natalie and Nicole some much needed grandparent time. We had a great time, thanks Grandma & Grandpa!

A Lot This Week

There has been a lot of activity this week; we've had quite a good time and we haven't even started school yet! Natalie had her soccer evaluation this week. It was great to see her out on the field having fun. She should do really good with sportsmanship and enthusiasm if nothing else!

Kicking goals

Running, this was the one she liked the best!

We have also had science camp all week. The blessing is that she had a few friends there, otherwise she might not have enjoyed it as much. They have learned about shells, turtles, snakes, electricity, stars, other good information. She touched the snake and turtle, but I didn't have my camera that day.

Mostly talking with touch & feel. Yesterday they had a blow up planetarium that they went into with flashlights to see. Nicole absolutely refused to go in, so I didn't get to see it. I thought she would like it like a tent, but she didn't like the dark and blowing air. So, we went around the building like we have been all week.

After the class, Natalie has been asking to go to the "sprinklers" in the park next door. So, we finally went yesterday. And, ran into Emma and her sister Meredith, and her friend Hannah. It was a great surprise time! Of course, I snapped the picture after the water went down.

Natalie & Emma

Even Nicole liked the "sprinklers." She walked holding my hand and would touch the water squirt. It was a great time to just take a break for a minute on a busy week!

The Two Girl Compare

Little Nicole certainly looked like a little yellow flower today...but she also reminded me of another little flower 3 years ago....
Natalie! Here she is at 15 months, while Nicole is almost 13 months now. Same dress, same place!

Here are both the flowers together!

On The Move

The girls are on the move, albeit in reverse..

Top 10 Things I Took For Granted Pre-Child Days

10. Having my music played in the car, on the stereo...not sing along music or other kiddie music
9. Eating a treat without having to share
8. Mealtimes were, shall we say, times when I ate. Now, they are times feeding others and stuffing food myself while getting things requested.
7. No laundry challenges. No stains on clothing that had to be soaked, pretreated, scrubbed, or thrown immediately into the washer.
6. Uninterrupted time in the bathroom
5. Uninterrupted sleep (well, I was on call so I didn't always get this!)
4. Telephone calls without screams in the background. Why do the "emergencies" always happen as you touch the phone?
3. Items staying where you leave them in the room. I become Detective Sherri most days looking for different items. Note for new parents: hang your keys and purse well above little heads.
2. Cooking dinner as an art enjoyment instead of running in and out of the kitchen observing or having kids, toys, pots and pans underneath feet.
1. Romantic moments


Of course, I had no spontaneous kisses, no joy seeing another milestone reached, or just excitement over new things learned or seen. Who looks up at the sky at a plane when you don't have a child? Blessings far outweigh the old comforts, most definitely! Don't think I am complaining, just kind of laughing to myself here!

Light Up Elsewhere

Natalie & Nicole had fun meeting Hannah and Betty today for a little McD's time on the playground. However, after a while the place was packed, so we decided to go down the road to an outdoor park. There was almost no one there, because it was over 90 degrees and very little shade. We stayed under the playground equipment mostly and then left after a few minutes. During that time, Nicole managed to find 2 cigarette butts. Yuk! I don't think she got either one in her mouth but still just touching them freaks the germaphobe out in me. I wish people would think before throwing those things down. I know I've never smoked so I can't identify at all.

The hot girls! Their cheeks are all red. We are just about to go here.
Betty with Natalie and Hannah

It was a fun time. Glad for the time with you both!

Why I am crying

I know it will grow out...but still! Natalie had permission to use scissors for a project and ended up cutting her own hair after taking them into her room & closing the door. She now has sort of bangs...we'll be using quite a few barrettes for a while...

Hornets are on my list

We have decided to put Natalie in soccer this year, as it would be really good for her to learn team sports and have a little exercise time. I think Nicole will like watching the action too, I hope! So, we've been practicing family soccer time. It has been Natalie & me against Woody & Nicole in the front yard for a few nights. It has been good to see her learning and getting better. Tonight, she was really getting into it when she tumbled down onto the ground. She then started screaming. Evidently, she had rolled onto a hornet or wasp and it had gotten stuck in her hair. It shot out it's stinger end until it hit her finger when she tried to remove it. I pulled it out of her head, and praise the Lord it did not sting her head. But, her little ring finger on her left hand swelled up. It appears she doesn't have any reaction but I gave her some motrin for swelling and pain.

So, now hornets are on my list as fire ants are--they both made my little sweetie cry and hurt. If I ever have the knowledge on how to get rid of either of these insects, I will dilligently work to remove them!