and she plays soccer too . . .

I'm playing soccer.
I know.... I totally agree.... I think there must be something majorly wrong with me to start up a new sport at my age.

After playing my first two games I have been reminded or totally convinced of a couple of things:

• I am not as young as I think I am
• I can talk myself out of throwing up
• I bruise way too easily
• Competitiveness is my nature. I enjoy slamming into the other team WAY too much and I am willing to sacrifice my body or breath in order to block that ball.
  
• I need both of my eyes to work harmoniously to play soccer.
• It's embarrassing when you kick the air and not the ball.
  

Oh Katy!

This post is for my good friend Katy O.

I just wanted to say that I am Oh so grateful for the gift that you and Ellie gave Natalie last year. Even though I get to hear the dang thing go off every three seconds, I will NEVER tire of hearing it's joyful tune. Argh!

Thank you.

Nanners . . . .

There are so many reasons I love my Nanners and I think after you read the following, you'll be in agreement when I say that she is one of the cutest three year olds ever.

example one:
Being three, Natalie can be, um, lets say curious. She is constantly testing boundaries or experimenting or getting into things or. . . etc. Whenever she gets caught, I hear, "Sorry mom, I won't do it again." in her sweet sing song voice. Awe, that would be just so darn cute if she actually meant it. :)

Example 2:
Natalie was helping herself to some tortilla chips.
Greg: Natalie that's too much.
natalie: I want three much chips!

example 3:
We were having rice with our dinner the other night and Natalie kept asking for a taste. "Mom, I want a taste", she would say while she was pointing to her dinner plate. I was ultimately confused by what she was asking until she jumped up from the table, opened the fridge and pulled out the Worcestershire Sauce. Ooooh, she wants some Soy Sauce. I got the soy sauce out and put some on her rice. Her reply?
"tastee!"

Example FOUR:
Her favorite color is yellow. and has been for years.

ex. 5:
She says things like 'gee thanks mom'
or
how 'bout...
preceding anything that she is trying to change my mind on.... like last night at bedtime it was
"how 'bout (pause for dramatic emphasis) five more books"

example six: (my favorite)
I took Natalie and Kaydee to the Halloween parade at the elementary. During one of the longer dryspells between grades she was getting a little restless so I skimmed through the pictures from the parade for her. I showed her the picture of the principal and said look Natty, a wizard.
"No, It's Jesus."
hmmm. well there you go.

and for my next trick . . . .

Last night, while Greg and I were watching a movie we kept hearing a THUMP thump on the wall. Greg went to investigate. What he found was Kaydee unsuccessfully trying to climb the wall--in her sleep. Oh Kaydee.

The best part was when we told Kaydee this morning about her acrobatic attempts during the night. She laughed and laughed until she was practically rolling on the floor.

daddy daughter shindig . . .

Nicole took Greg on a date.
Not just an ordinary date, mind you, but an extraordinary superb one with her activity days' group of chums. Nicole looked absolutely adorable as a 'fair maiden' and Greg looked stunning as . . . well. . . as himself.

While they were gone, I was lucky enough to play Princess Memory with these beauties and enjoy their silliness over dinner. I'm such a blessed mama!


Nicole couldn't contain her excitement when they came home. They bobbed for apples, had pillowsack races, did something with music and numbers and most especially had a ton of fun. Not only did she surprise us with pumpkin pie and cookies, she shared her stash of goodies and prizes. That's my girl.

some normalcy . . .

Life is getting back to normal.

I think that is a good thing?

I am no longer fighting migraines...just really bad headaches--and the urge to scream. and my kids are trying to get used to the idea that I'm their mom again.

Life is good.

The birthday boy . . .

It was Greg's birthday, two days ago. Do you want to know how I celebrated?

I slept in until 10:40 am . . . . Greg got up early, woke Nicole up and got her ready for school, made breakfast, filled her lunch box, and drove her to school.

I ate a pancake . . . . Greg made the pancakes and oatmeal, did the breakfast dishes and got Kaydee ready for school.

I drew Natalie a couple of pictures . . . . Greg tried to get some work done, but had to take over drawing the pictures so I could lay down.

I took a 3 hour nap . . . . Greg played with Natalie and got her to take a nap, worked until Nicole came home, started her on her homework and picked up Kaydee from school.

I vacuumed the rug . . . . Greg ran to the post office to send off my package.

I ate a delicious dinner . . . . that Greg's mom made. While Greg helped the girls at the table with their plates and food. Then did the dishes.

I laid on the couch . . . . Greg got the kids ready for bed, then went to Costco to get some grocery essentials.

I put my kiddos to bed . . . . Greg went to Walgreens --twice. and waited nearly two hours to pick up yet another prescription for me.

I reacted to the new medicine . . . . Greg held me, trying to make it all better.

Happy Birthday my love.
I'm sorry.