The Hurst Family

Blue Belts

2012-01-16T14:23:00.004-05:00

Matthew and Lucas~~Blue Belts

Back in January, we set goals as a family. One of Matthew and Lucas's goals was to earn two belts this year in karate. They earned their orange belt in February....good goal, because they were already close to earning it. Then, by the skin of their teeth, they earned their blue belt in December.

Matthew and Lucas testing

Lucas and Matthew testing

They had to perform their katas, and also define and pronounce words in Japanese. Honestly, I felt pretty proud of them {us} because for weeks leading up to this, we practiced those words a lot! They were so nervous, and Lucas didn't think he would pass. Let's be honest, practicing his words and katas at home didn't happen as frequently as Matthew's did. No wonder he was nervous! But, they passed, and now we have two blue belts.

I think they're bored of answering questions!

Sensei tying on Matthew's blue belt

Lucas and Matthew practicing their kata.

Sensei removing Lucas's orange belt

Sensei presenting Lucas his blue belt. They both look so proud!

Omi's 80th Birthday

2012-01-16T14:10:00.001-05:00

Omi is Derrick's grandma from Germany. She came over a long time ago, when she married Opa. This fall, we celebrated her 80th birthday with a surprise Open House. Cake, nuts, cards, punch....the perfect way to celebrate Omi!

Omi and her great grandchildren~~Skylar, AnnaMarire, Matthew, Lucas, and Natalie

Natalie and the Santa Hat

2012-01-16T14:06:00.000-05:00

Matthew needed a Santa hat for the Cheermeister dress up day at school. Since he was off playing, Natalie started wearing it. She was so cute and photogenic!

Fall Fun at Grandma and Papa's

2012-01-16T14:01:00.001-05:00

It's fun to have my parents living in the country. Whenever we go there, or when they watch the kids for me, it's an adventure. My parents make sure they get plenty of fresh air and tractor time. My dad bought the boys this riding mower awhile ago, and they just drive all over the fields and yard on it. Now, they have a trailer on it, so they pull Natalie along.

Matthew ready to drive.

Lucas, Matthew, Natalie

Of course, the baby has to come, too.

Looking at the combine.

Dad supervising while Matthew drives through the woods.

Mom, Lucas, and Natalie

Natalie helping Grandma Connie with the dishes.

Thanksgiving 2011

2012-01-16T13:50:00.002-05:00

This year's Thanksgiving was great. We started off the day watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. We spent most of our time watching it in our bed...all five of us! Then we started getting ready for the day. First stop was the Hursts'. We feasted on turkey, potatoes, gravy, stuffing, etc. It was all so wonderful.

Natalie with her Aunt Lindsey and Aunt Kristin

The second place was Aunt Cindy's house. After we ate, the kids got to work on their gingerbread houses {which has slowly become a tradition now}. Matthew made his look like a bull, Lucas decorated his very nicely, and Natalie got some help from Aunt Lindsey. Before we knew it, we had three cute houses to use as a centerpiece on our kitchen table.

Natalie and Aunt Kristin

Lucas, Mae, Charlie, and Matthew working on their houses.

Matthew with his house.

Up close of Natalie's house

Lucas and his house

After we were done at Cindy's, Derrick and I dropped the kids off at the Hursts' to spend the night. Yep, we went shopping. We left straight from there, around 8:00 pm, and went to Michael's. After Michael's, we got in line at Toys R Us. We were in line for 2 and a half hours. Crazy, I know. But, we got what we wanted {the XBox w Kinect}, and almost all of our shopping done. We headed home to sleep, then I went back out on Black Friday {around 9 a.m.} and it wasn't bad at all. Actually, I accomplished a lot of shopping. It was great!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-16T13:28:00.000-05:00

Christmas was a whirlwind {like always} this year. We had six Christmases, and they were all super fun. The thing is, we are so close to all our family, which is a huge blessing. I am so thankful that the kids can go and have Christmas with their grandparents and great grandparents...then we get to only drive 15 minutes back home and not get on a plane or drive hours in a car.

The first Christmas was with my family {the Carfreys} was at my Grandma's and then at our house. We went to Grandma's for lunch and some gifts. We had all chipped and got my grandma a new tv. She was sooo excited. She cried and laughed, and cried some more. It was great. Then, after Christmas we hosted my family here at our house. The hit of the night was Natalie's scooter from Joey and Kristin and her princess tent from Lindsey and Ben. She was so excited about both of those! The boys got a tetherball set, their NERF Vortex guns, and marshmallow shooters {thanks to Lindsey and Ben for those....I'm STILL picking up marshmallows}.

The next Christmas was on Christmas Eve.

We had it at Derrick's grandparents' house. We got there for lunch, and ate and visited until it was present time. Since Omi had eye surgery right before Christmas, she made sure each of the kids had three gifts to open...and the adults go their gifts at a later Christmas celebration. It was cool, because each of the kids got a game, some clothes, and a pair of pjs. So fun!

After the gifting was done, Natalie settled down to play Candyland with Auntie Devon and the older adults/kids settled in with their new games. The boys got Jenga and Connect Four Launchers. Both of those are really fun games!

Christmas Day was sort of a whirlwind. We started with stockings before church, and cinnamon rolls. They didn't turn out as great as I had hoped, but it was ok. We opened stockings and the kids were perfectly happy with that. Natalie didn't really get into the opening this year. She just kind of wanted to play and hang out. She was super excited about her Pooh Bear LEGOS in her stocking, and the boys were so content playing with their LEGO flashlights that it probably wouldn't have mattered if we didn't open any more gifts.

After church, we came home and changed. Then, it was full fledged gift time. The boys got skateboards, clothes, remote control cars, an XBOX 360 w Kinect {which we hid in the basement and did a "reveal" after we were all done upstairs}. They were so surprised and excited. They were also excited about their whole series of Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. Which now, a few weeks later, Lucas is already on the fourth one. They are absolutely devouring them. Add in some DS games and LEGOS, and they were happy campers.

Derrick got me a new Mac computer {which I desperately needed}, some UGGS {he totally took the hint on those}, and some clothes and pjs. I got him some PUMA shoes {he was so excited about those...too funny}, some clothes, and a back massager. I also got him a new coat and a puffy vest. Natalie's gifts were so fun, too. We got her a play kitchen {score at OUAC earlier this fall}, some clothes, and a Cabbage Patch Doll. Let me tell you, giving her that Cabbage Patch doll was so awesome. It was a vintage one...like I used to have...her birthday is 1983. Also, some Zhu Zhu pets, a runway for them, and tons of food for her kitchen. It was so cool.

Later that night, after we had broken in the XBox, and my new computer was set up, we headed over to my Grandma Mae's. We had dinner with my whole extended family, and the kids put on the Christmas story play. My mom makes sure that the last few years, each kid has a part in the play and they perform it for the adults. It's so cute, and the costumes she comes up with are extremely creative. This year for a donkey, she used an Eeyore. Yeah, that's how my mom thinks.

Then it was Christmas with the Hursts. Talk about Christmas overload. It's always so fun, though. My mother in law did something very cute this year-she wrapped all the gifts in the same paper. Their living room looked so fun....and full of gifts. We ate all day/night. We arrived around 1, and we were there until about 10. We brought home some VERY tired, overstimulated children. The best part was giving Daniel a laptop for Afghanistan and my father in law's reaction to his iPad. He has wanted one for so long, and we finally got him one! It was so cool. He was beyond shocked!

The boys were excited about some new LEGOS and their Beyblade arena. My in laws also got everyone towels with their names on them, which were very cute and creative. I was so thankful for the scrapbooking organizing stuff I got and my new mixer! Yay!

We all got a laugh out of my mother in laws pajama jeans that she got. Too funny. She put them right on, and was happy the rest of the night! Darragh took it upon herself to make everyone pillows or blankets from fleece. Our pillows are really cute, and Natalie LOVES her blanket.

Wow, Christmas was busy this year. Many years {like this one}, I feel like I don't get a relaxing two weeks off of school. But when I look back, I'm so glad we have so many sweet families to share our holiday with.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-15T20:51:00.001-05:00

Our night started with a little bit of a costume crisis. You know those ink tags on costumes that they're supposed to remove? Well, they didn't remove the one on Lucas's. So, I tried to take it off..but then I looked like a Smurf because my hand had royal blue ink all over it. However, our night wasn't completely ruined. Halloween this year was SO MUCH FUN! Natalie was SOOO into trick or treating, the boys cooperated and used their manners, and it was a super nice night outside. I actually think that this is the first time I took my children out trick or treating for a good amount of time. Usually, they want to go with grandma and grandpa, or Auntie Darragh. But, they were stuck with me.

I left my parents at home to hand out the candy, and off we went. It only took about two houses for Natalie to catch on. I was so thankful the boys used their manners at every house, they watched out for Natalie, and they stayed with me the whole time. It was so funny every time I asked them to pose for a picture, Matthew got this serious look on his face. He claimed he wanted to stay in character...and be a serious SWAT team guy. Whatever.

As soon as we'd walk up to a driveway, Natalie would scramble out of her stroller, grab her bag, and run up the drive saying, "hurry, hurry". Then, she'd help her herself to the candy, or allow the neighbor to put it in her bag, whatever the routine was. Then, it was back in the stroller and on to the next house. Meanwhile, my parents were at our house handing out candy, eating potato soup, and ham sandwiches. Derrick's parents, sister, and her boyfriend came over, too. They were there when we got back-we were out for about an hour and a half. It was such fun!

Marmon Valley Farm

2011-11-15T20:43:00.001-05:00

Sometimes, if it's a nice early evening, Natalie and I will stop by Marmon Valley Farm while the boys are at karate. We walk around and pet the cow, look at the chickens, and visit the ponies. She loves it, I love it, and we get some fresh air and a little bit of exercise.

She squeals at the chickens, and tries to catch the barn cat that walks around and wants nothing to do with her. She is always carrying a baby under her arm-this trip it was baby Alice, or as she says, "baby alsis". So cute. She holds her baby up to the chicken coop or the cow pen or the pony ring and "shows" baby Alice the animals. It's priceless.

Jacquemin Farms

2011-11-15T20:36:00.001-05:00

The day before Natalie's birthday party, Kristin came over to help me make cake pops. We were done about noon, and Natalie had a haircut later that afternoon. So, what did we do on that beautiful, sunny, perfect fall day? Did we come home and clean, prep more food, and get ready for the party. Heck no! We went to Jacquemin Farms for a couple hours and had a total blast. We ran into Natalie's babysitter, Sara, and her son Jacob. It was perfect because while Sara and I sat and chatted, my boys and Jacob ran through the straw maze and played in the bounce houses while Natalie played in the corn box. Then, we rode the hayride out to the pumpkin patch and grabbed some fresh pumpkin donuts-they were still warm when they boxed them up for us-before heading home. It was a super fun day. Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of pictures of the boys because they were running everywhere playing. They had so much fun!

Natalie on her first hayride.

Natalie's Second Birthday

2011-11-14T13:26:00.001-05:00

Natalie's second birthday was so much fun this year. We had a pink and green ladybug theme-mainly because I had worked hard on her "Happy Birthday Natalie" banner last year-in pink and green-and I really wanted to use it again. So, we went with pink and green ladybugs. So cute!

My sister, Kristin, and I decided to tackle cake pops. Let's just say, it was an adventure. I might be brave enough to try again by applying the lessons I learned...but we'll see. Kristin totally saved the day with running to Michael's and getting a ladybug mold, baking, and decorating the cake RIGHT before the party! Yay for Auntie K!

We had our whole family over, and it was a ton of fun. The gift rundown:

Grandma Connie and Papa Ron-Brown boots, Dress up Minnie Mouse set

Grandma Patty and Grandpa Keith-Shopping cart

Aunt Lindsey and Uncle Ben-My Little Pony, pink/green polka dot outfit

Aunt Kristin and Uncle Joey-Disney Princes Castle Playbook

Brian and Sarah-GRACO baby stroller, sweaters

Great Grandma Mae-stuffed pony, money

Great Grandpa Jim and Joyce-$25 to KMart

Aunt Devon and Uncle Chris-My Little Pony, Books, Unicorn shirt

Uncle Darin and Sarah-VTech "Chase Me" Kitty

Uncle Daniel-Mickey Sing a Ma Jig

Mommy and Daddy-clothes, baby doll (aka Baby Alice)

Chelsey, Mae, and Charlie-Sleeping Beauty Dress up dress

Sara, Nick, and Jacob-Cupcake bag, books, bath paints

It was quite the fun time. I love it when both sides of our family can get together and have fun together. We had potato soup, chicken chili, and regular chili. Also, some bread, cheese and crackers, cake, and ice cream.

To Natalie on Her Second Birthday

2011-10-24T13:26:00.002-04:00

Dear Natalie,

Happy Birthday! I love having you as a part of our family. I love your sweet hugs, having "night night" books with you, watching you take care of your babies, and seeing you laugh and play with your brothers.

You have grown so much in the last year, especially with your words. You're saying two or three words together at a time now. Just the other day when the boys were playing, I heard you say, "Follow me, follow me". It was so cute, because they were saying the same thing to each other. You communicate so well, asking for a "nack", or a drink when you're hungry or thirsty.

Daddy, your brothers, and I love you so very much. You are a blessing to us, and to everyone. Your grandparents love you and spoil you to pieces. Even Papa Ron lets you drink from his cup or eat from his fork...which he doesn't do for ANYONE else!

Happy Birthday, my sweet girl. I hope you know how much I love having you in our family, and that you truly make our family complete.

Love,

Mommy

Back to Reality

2011-10-13T20:40:00.005-04:00

Ugh...I see that my last post was on July 9. That was almost exactly 3 months ago-today is October 13. Wow. I started this year so well with keeping up our family blog, and I'm sad to see that it's fallen to the wayside. Oh well. Life goes on...which is mainly why I haven't been updating. Derrick working at MAG, our church relocating to the school, the boys in separate classrooms and adjusting to being back to school, me going back to work, the twin sale....ugh. The list goes on and on. Here's a quick rundown, as we approach the middle of October-and Natalie's 2nd birthday next week!

August: The boys started 3rd grade, and happily and confidently went to their separate classrooms the first day of school. I was really nervous, but we made it through the first day of school with no tears-from any of us. Lucas has Mrs. Siefker and Matthew has Mrs. Canterbury. Matthew has quickly bonded with his teacher-she's a Disney fanatic too, and just finished her education to be a Disney travel agent...he loves her. Lucas has also attached to his teacher. He is so sensitive to others feelings, and if his teacher has a bad day, so does he. One of the highlights of the day is at dinner, when they talk to each other about their day. It's nice to hear them having a conversation,and sharing things that are unique to each of them, as opposed to feeling competitive with telling the day's events.

September: This month was the twin sale. I had a lot of things to sell, and sold almost everything. I went with 6 bins, and came home with only half of one full of items that didn't sell. It was great. Granted, I also came home with most of Natalie's fall/early winter wardrobe, but that's ok. The boys started back to karate and began flag football this month,too. They have really enjoyed flag football-they played for the Cardinals, through the Y. I think they like it, as opposed to soccer-because they aren't running aimlessly after the ball and each one has a responsibility for each play. Karate was a little rough because they had forgotten some techniques, but going every week has refreshed them and they're almost back to normal. We also managed to fit in a trip to the apple orchard.

October: This month isn't anything exciting so far. We've settled nicely into our routines-karate, football practice, bible study, etc.-and it's feeling like fall finally. Next week, we're celebrating Natalie and her 2nd birthday ladybug style. I ordered so much cute stuff for her birthday-I can't wait to take pictures! Our Sunday night routine has become grilled pizza and hanging out on the patio around the firepit with snacks.

Sparklers

2011-07-09T17:14:00.003-04:00

Three cuties-Matthew, Natalie, Lucas

Happy Girl playing outside.

Since we forgot the sparklers on the Fourth of July, we got them out the other night. The boys had the most fun with them-lighting three or four at a time.
Matthew pretending to be a superhero.

Of course, they were pretending to be a Star Wars hero, or whatever hero their imaginations come up with. Natalie just pointed at them and kept saying "Hot", and happily playing.
Lucas with his sparklers

Girly Girl

2011-07-01T12:08:00.004-04:00

Natalie is such a girly girl. And, secretly, I love that. Someday, I may not be so excited about it...I just look at her sometimes and think I've got trouble on the horizon. But, for now it's cute at 21 months. Her new word is "shoes". And, she loves to wear them. She'll put them on, and carefully walk about the house with anyone's shoes. She even slips the thong part of my flip flops between her toes. It's especially adorable when they're on the wrong feet. This morning, I was putting laundry away, and she was taking pairs of shoes out of my over the door organizer and trying them on. After she'd try them on, she'd put the pair nicely back into it's pocket.

There's no denying her "motherly", "clean house" instinct. In fact, her attention to detail is making me a little self conscious about my cleaning :). She'll sit on the floor by the table, find a crumb, and bring it to me saying "ucky, Mommy ucky". Then she gives it to me and I put it in the trash. Or, if something is out of place, she'll say, "Uh Oh, Mommy", and point to it. Like the griddle that was cooling off on the counter after breakfast this morning. Or the iron that is unplugged-those are out of place to her, and she reminds me by telling me "uh oh". I love the two word phrases she's using lately.

She is so fun lately. She's loving her Little People-her new thing is to line as many up as possible along the edge of the Little People castle. And let me tell you, she DOES NOT like it when one falls off! Also, she walks around saying "shhhh, baby" to let us know baby is sleeping and we should be quiet. One of her new favorite activities is drawing or coloring. I gave her a pen, some crayons, and some paper. I put her in her highchair, and she was content drawing for about 20 minutes. Awesome!

Boonshoft MuseumTrip

2011-07-01T11:38:00.003-04:00

Lucas, Lindsey, Natalie and Matthew at WSU.

This week, we had a very fun outing to the Boonshoft Museum in Dayton. My sister works at WSU, and invited us over to Dayton for an afternoon at the Boonshoft and out to lunch. Of course, we had to end the day by stopping by the college so she could show the kiddos off to her coworkers and the boys could run off some energy before heading back home.

Lindsey helping Natalie at the water table. .

The museum was fun. It's like a toned down COSI, and the boys were almost too old for it. However, they made the best of it. On the first level, they climbed on a huge playground, danced in front of a thermal screen, and saw a huge python. Also, Natalie, LOVED the water table and playing in the fountains and with the squeezy fish toys. The boys and Lindsey worked together to make a "rollercoaster" out of pipes and a ping pong ball.
Lucas waiting for his next patient.
Then, we ventured to the second floor. Up here was a lot of role play rooms. For example, there was a "veterinarian's office", complete with stuffed animals, check in sheets with various symptoms on them, an xray machine, and lab coats.
Matthew diagnosing the snake over his shoulder-high blood pressure.
The boys kind of got into that. And, they were so cute in the lab coats with their clipboards and pencils to check the animals. It was so funny-every animal they checked had "dangerously high blood pressure." Seriously, where do they come up with these things?! There was a room with a recycling truck, and various play pieces of recycling to sort. They sorted while Natalie drove and honked the horn.
Natalie driving the recycling truck.

We also walked through a treehouse, and at the end they have huge windows where you can watch birds. It was very cool. Finally, we went to the small "zoo". We saw meerkats, otters, a porcupine, and some birds. There was an area where the windows were dark, and if you put on night vision goggles, you could see the animals inside. The boys loved that. Natalie sat with Lindsey for a long time watching the meerkats. She laughed so hard at them when they'd come up to the glass and look at her while they stood on their hind legs. Too fun!
Matthew and Lucas checking xrays.
After our museum fun, we went to Wendy's for lunch, then to Lindsey's office. All three kiddos (and Lindsey), loved the "oohing and aahing" over the kiddos. Natalie was too cute, the boys had grown so much, and they were so handsome-according to all the coworkers.

Disney Vacation Part 5-Hollywood Studios

2011-06-24T13:38:00.004-04:00

Hollywood Studios under the Sorcerer's Hat at night-Lucas, Natalie, Me, Matthew, Derrick

Ahh, finally the end of our Disney vacation documentation. I'm relieved to have it all blogged...now just to order my blog into a book and the pictures to scrapbook...need to get on that.

Our time at Hollywood Studios was on a super hot day, but the boys waited patiently for the Star Wars Motorcade. Yes, we were there for Star Wars Weekends again, and the new Star Tours Ride had also opened recently. So, it was busy. But, they saw some Star Wars characters, rode Star Tours for what seemed like umpteen times, and had a blast.
Lucas and Matthew outside of Rockin'Rollercoaster

We started with the Rockin Rollercoaster. I loved it. I loved the music, the ride itself, and the Aerosmith theming of the whole ride. It was super cool and super fast! Then we made our way to Toy Story Mania. While Derrick, the boys, and the Goldens went on Toy Story Mania, Natalie and I did the Adventures of the Little Mermaid show. L.O.V.E.D it...and so did Natalie. Ariel is my fave, and The Little Mermaid is my favorite animated Disney movie. So, of course I had to share that time with my daughter. We all met back up and headed to the Art of Animation, where they show you how they decide upon and animate characters. Especially Matthew loved it. The kid loves to draw, and was super thrilled with his Draw Disney Characters book we got him as a souvenir. Whatever works, right?
3 sets of twins in one place-Dale, Matthew, Mason, Nate, Lucas, Chip

When we came out of the Art of Animation, we were in a room with a ton of characters to meet. There were also animation simulators and games to play.
Mickey has a hug for Natalie.

So, that kept the boys entertained while Natalie hung out with Pooh. As soon as Pooh stepped into his greeting spot, the girl couldn't hold still. So, we met Pooh, and played peek a boo and giggled. It was fun. Since the boys were entertained with finding their animated character personality-Matthew is Jafar as far as personalities go by the way-Natalie met Sorcerer Mickey. This was a more fun greeting than the one at EPCOT. This Mickey played with her, gave her hugs and kisses, etc. It was fab.
Mickey letting Natalie kiss his nose. It was so sweet.

We did the Star Tours ride a few times, the Backlot Tour, and then decided it was time for a swim break. So we all headed back to our resort for some swimming and chilling out. Hollywood Studios was open until midnight or so that night, so we went back to finish our our fun. The boys rode Star Tours AGAIN, we did the Great Movie Ride-which is way cool. And Derrick did Tower of Terror and Rockin Rollercoaster again with the Golden twins. While they were doing that, the boys and Natalie and I shopped a bit, got a snack, and hung out on Sunset Blvd.
Natalie running up to Pooh. Literally running.

It was a great trip, and we can't wait to go back. Since we're probably going to the beach with my family next year, we'll be back in 2013 and the new Fantasyland will be up and running. That should be awesome!

Disney Vacation Part 4-EPCOT

2011-06-22T13:01:00.004-04:00

Matthew, Lucas, Derrick, Natalie, Me outside of Spaceship Earth

I know, the Disney saga continues. But, can you imagine how long of a post it would be if I tried to get all of our trip into one post...plus the pictures! Oh, my, my! I don't even want to think about it. Anyway, moving on to EPCOT. EPCOT was worth two days of our park tickets. We can typically breeze through it in one day, but the boys are so into science and learning, etc., that we did it in two days.
Lucas in Germany.
First of all, we had to seriously talk them into Test Track. They didn't ride it last year because for some reason they thought it was too fast and scary from when they were four. Whatever. I took them on it while Derrick stayed with Natalie...and then they rode it about three more times the two days we were there. Loved it.
Lucas, Me, Matthew, Natalie, and Derrick at EPCOT
So did I, but I'm glad they actually loved it, too. Another ride we did this time was Soarin. Ok, it was WAY cool. It's a hanglider fight simulator that takes you over the California natural features. Like orange groves (and yes, you can smell oranges), the mountains, snow hills, some parks, and the beach. I could seriously feel beach sand and salt on my face and feet as we were going through that part. It was amazing. And of course, the end, you end up at Disneyland and you're so high up in the "air" that you're eye to eye with the fireworks. So awesome.
Jacque, Natalie and Mason-this is what we see at the exit of Soarin.
Of course, we come off of Soarin, and Jacque is sitting with Natalie and Mason, both kids passed out asleep. Too funny. We hit the World Showcase and browsed our way through the countries. I love me a German pretzel in Germany...ahh, it's so fabulous. And while the boys were doing the Kim Possible Scavenger Hunt in Mexico, I indulged in a Margarita. Yeah, of course I did!
Lucas and Matthew trying on sombreros in Mexico.
The Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure was fun for the boys. They give a Verizon phone that is programmed to give you clues as you search around the particular country for the villain. When you find the clue, you point the phone at it and press OK, and then it talks to you, or gives you a code to enter (like 3 pinatas lit up with numbers under them to type in for a code). In a way, it was sort of creepy, but the boys loved it. We had some killer ice cream cones in France, and the boys were super cute trying on sombreros. We also rode The Land-the growing and farming ride-and the boys made their own paper and video games.
Mason, Matthew, and Lucas recording their victory dance at the end of their video game.
It really is a fun park, and their favorite thing is riding Spaceship Earth-the big "ball" at EPCOT. I love the NEMO and Friends ride, of course, and Derrick's favorite is Imagination with Figment. Natalie, she just chilled out in the stroller and was along for the ride. She did meet the Mouse while we were there...totally fun.

Matthew making his own paper.

Disney Vacation Part 3-Magic Kingdom

2011-06-20T14:02:00.013-04:00

Matthew, Derrick, Natalie, Lucas, and I at Magic Kingdom

We had five day park tickets, so we spent the first and last days at Magic Kingdom. It's totally our favorite park. Day one, we were there from about 10 am to 10 pm. We just went through the park, starting with the boys' favorite, Adventureland. This is where Aladdin's Carpets, the Jungle Cruise, and Pirates of the Caribbean are. They L.O.V.E the pirates ride. I admit, it is rather fun. Our first ride of our whole vacation was Aladdin's Carpets.

Natalie, Derrick, Matthew, and Lucas on Aladdin's Carpets.

I took the kiddos on since the wait was only about five minutes, while Derrick found a place to park our stroller and kind of make a plan for the morning. It was so fun. Natalie loved the rides. She didn't cry on anything or let anything scare her. She especially loved Pooh's Adventures and Peter Pan's Flight. She just pointed her fingers, "oohed" at everything and kept saying "this". She's a laid back kid when it comes to that kind of stuff. We grabbed a quick lunch, then did a fastpass for Splash Mountain and hit the Haunted Mansion and did a little bit in Fantasyland. It was so nice to be relaxed about our trip, and just hit the fun things we've loved in the past...and add in one or two new rides that the boys wouldn't do before like Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion. Of course, they had their favorite treats-the Mickey ears ice cream bars.
Natalie, me, Lucas, and Matthew on the tea cups.

The first night we were undecided as to whether or not we'd stay for the Electrical Parade. It's Derrick's favorite of all the Disney trip, but staking out a spot and then waiting for like 45 minutes isn't our idea of fun. So, we went into a few shops on our way out of the park. As we were leaving a shop, Derrick told me to go out and if there was a spot to get one for the parade, and if not, he'd meet me at the gate.
Lucas and Matthew at the top of the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse.

Yep, there was a spot-a perfect one actually, behind a lady who was sitting on the curb with her daughter. I pulled the stroller in behind her and we were set. We only waited about 15 minutes for the parade, and I'm so glad we did. It's really magical to watch that, and see how excited the kids were to see it-even Derrick loves it.
Mason, Lucas, Matthew, and Nathan in jail with Zurg after riding Buzz Lightyear.
On our last day at Disney, we went back to Magic Kingdom with our friends, the Goldens. Jacque and her twin boys happened to be on vacation at Disney the same time we were, so we spent a few park days with them. We met up with them later in the morning, and the kids were able to ride together, or she'd stay with Natalie so we could take Matthew and Lucas and her boys on a ride.
Natalie playing with honey bees while waiting for the Pooh ride.
Natalie riding Dumbo with Matthew and I.

It worked out so great. We made our way around, doing some of our favorites again. The best part was when the boys rode Big Thunder Mountain Railroad-a rollercoaster. They aren't the hugest coaster fans, and it took some talking and some peer pressure from the Golden twins to get them to go. They came back all smiles, claiming they'd had their hands up the whole time and wanted to ride again. Awesome. We started the boys on pin trading this year, and it was very cool. Apparently, this is a huge deal-like coin collecting, etc.-but they thought it was fun to trade with castmembers and see what pins they would get in return. They wore their lanyards everywhere, and by the end of the trip, I think only Lucas had an original pin that had come with his lanyard left. They can trade twice with castmembers, and the castmember has to let them pick which pin to trade. It was neat to see some of them interact with the castmembers and be excited about their trades.
Matthew and Lucas making their first pin trade.

Natalie was all about the Dumbo ride-and I was all about taking her on it :). She totally loved it, and the tea cups. I rode the tea cups again with the boys-without Natalie-and they had a high time of making mommy so dizzy. The things I do for the kiddos. We left Magic Kingdom fairly "early"-like around 5, to get back to the room and finish packing before meeting the Goldens at Downtown Disney for dinner. We met them at Wolfgang Puck, and had our last Disney dinner.

Disney Vacation Part 2-Downtown Disney

2011-06-16T08:57:00.004-04:00

Derrick, Lucas (top), Matthew, Me, Natalie outside of Design A Tee at Downtown Disney.

One of our favorite parts of vacation is shopping at Downtown Disney. Downtown Disney is a large, outdoor shopping center with fun shops and restaurants. The boys love the LEGO store there, and I'll admit I do, too. The sculptures they make out of LEGOS for the outside of the building are awesome. We've seen a dragon in the lagoon, a Transformer, a Buzz Lightyear, and a Woody from Toy Story. This year, there was a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and the dragon from Sleeping Beauty attacking at LEGO knight.
Buzz and Woody made out of LEGOS. This is the scene from Toy Story when they are blasting off of RC Racecar at the end of the movie.
We like to saunter around the shops, Derrick gets Cinnamon Glazed Almonds to munch on, and the boys get to pick out their souvenirs. It sure beats carrying around souvenirs at each park, and for the most part, you can find anything at Downtown Disney that you can find in the parks. We ate dinner at Wolfgang Puck Express-wood fired pizzas were so good!
Matthew and Lucas outside the Christmas shop.
As we were walking through the World of Disney, Lucas and Matthew were trying on almost every hat possible.
Lucas trying on a Sorcerer Mickey hat and Matthew as Buzz Lightyear.

It was a good spot to start our first day at Disney. We went here after we had checked into our resort because we didn't want to use a park ticket if we couldn't spend a whole day at a park.

Disney Vacation Part 1-The Airport and Our Resort

2011-06-15T13:52:00.004-04:00

My Three Cabelleros in front of the topiary outside our resort's restaurant. Matthew, Natalie, and Lucas

Wow! What an awesome Disney vacation we had this year! It started out with a flight from Columbus to Orlando at 12:30. Let me say, it was SO nice to get there in two hours instead of two days in the car. I worked so hard to convince Derrick to fly-and to find cheap fares to show him it was worth it. So glad we did. Granted, the flight wasn't without some nerves-especially from Matthew-but it was uneventful overall.
Lucas and Derrick entertaining themselves with video games

We left for the airport around 10 a.m. and checked our bags. After making it through security, it was just waiting for the flight. Natalie played a bit and napped a bit while the boys (and Derrick) played video games to pass the time. I asked the flight desk if it was full, and since it wasn't, the nice attendant blocked the seat beside me so Natalie would have a seat-so nice! She is technically a "lap" baby...but I knew that could be an issue. However, it worked out that she got her own seat thanks to the nice attendant at the desk.

All was well on the flight. Of course, the Benadryl and Dramamine that I had given the kids didn't work towards the benefit of sleeping. But, just as we were getting extra squirmy, it was time to land and get off.
Lucas and Matthew ready to ride the Magical Express!

We found our way to the Magical Express (Disney's motorcoach service that takes you from the airport to your resort) and didn't have to wait long to board it. It was about a 25 minute ride to Coronado Springs Resort. All the while, they were playing Disney movies, the kids were snacking and looking out the window, and it was good.
Derrick, Natalie, and Matthew aboard the Magical Express
When we arrived at our resort, we checked in and made our way to our room. Let's just say that it was quite spread out and took a long walk to get from the central building to our room. Otherwise, the resort was fabulous, and the boys loved the rockin' pool and waterslide. However, because it is so spread out (you can even take a Disney bus from one part of the resort to the other) we probably won't stay at that one again.
Lucas, Matthew, and Natalie chilling out before bed.

We headed to get something to eat and then explore Downtown Disney while we waited for Magical Express to deliver our bags. When we got back to our room, our bags were there, so we gave the kids a snack and some down time while we unpacked our bags. Then it was off to bed for our first day at Magic Kingdom!
Our resort-Coronado Springs. This is facing the main building, across the lake from our room.

End of Second Grade

2011-06-03T16:57:00.002-04:00

Second grade has come and gone. I love seeing the difference in Matthew and Lucas from the first day of school to the last day of school. A few less teeth, a few inches taller, and their faces look a little more like third graders.

Lucas and Matthew on the first day of school.

Lucas and Matthew on the last day of second grade.

Third grade means moving to the other side of the school building, being in separate classrooms, and more responsibility. Not sure if I'm ready for those things!

Natalie-20 months

2011-06-03T16:41:00.004-04:00

Natalie has a sparkling smile and a deep, contagious giggle right now. She's also a bit on the high maintenance side, too. She's getting so good at communicating to us what she wants or needs by doing things like standing in front of the pantry and saying "um, um" for a snack. She wants an "ums"...not sure where she got that, maybe from us saying "yum"? I don't know. Or she'll go to the fridge and ask for milk-which she says very clearly. She is loving playing in the water-give the girl a 5 gallon bucket and a few squirt guns or a ball and she's happy. The pool will be super fun this summer. She is sleeping so well, too. She goes down about 8:30 and is up after 7 most mornings. Plus she's taking two naps a day still.

She has really loved going to the sitter-our last day there was this past Thursday. I can't ask for a better situation-she does crafts with the kids, she feeds them well, takes them to storytime or the zoo, and plays outside as much as possible. Natalie has made some friends at her sitter's-Nick and Lulu. It's so cute at night when I'm rocking her and telling her about going to Sara's the next day. She'll then take out her pacifier and say, "Nick, ball" or "Lulu, baby" because she plays ball with Nick and babies with Lulu. Love it!

She is all about riding her bike-a secondhand Radio Flyer tricycle from the twin sale, and she will play happily for about 20 minutes on the porch with her sidewalk chalk. She will eat about anything we give her-which is such a contrast from the boys. However, that's my fault, I think. I didn't offer them anywhere the variety I offer her-I was trying too hard to follow what books and parenting blogs were saying. Oh well. She can't stand a mess-yea, she gets that honest. She'll pick up the boys' shoes and put them on the mat by the door, or she'll bring her snack bowl back to the kitchen and put it away.

She still loves her Mickey Mouse, and will call him by her personal nickname for him, "Mick". I hope she loves him that much next week when she sees him face to face... Also, she'll smile-in a very cheesey, face scrunched up kind of way-when I take her picture. And she has a new fascination with crayons and coloring.

Her words now include: ball, baby, milk, bike, gurt (yogurt), this, ucky ucky, and bowl. She weighs over 27 lbs, and is wearing some 2T clothes already. I can't believe how much she's grown!

Easter

2011-05-05T16:05:00.003-04:00

I love Easter. First and foremost, it's the day I live for as a daughter of God-Jesus' resurrection after His horrible death in my place. It's a party day for me-I'll be alive in Christ someday when I die because of Jesus . How much more is there to celebrate!?

Secondly, I love to dress my three kids in their best and parade them to church. Admittedly, I love to shop for their new outfits, make sure they have accessories-sweater vests, shirts, ties, socks, etc.-to make them look pulled together and then show them off to everyone.

I was looking at some pictures from last year-so much difference in the three of them from one year!

Matthew, Natalie, and Lucas-Easter 2011

Matthew, Natalie, and Lucas-Easter 2010

Second Grade, Second Place

2011-04-21T20:55:00.004-04:00

Lucas's second place Snowman Face picture
Handmade Totem Poles

Northwood hosted an Art Show/Spaghetti Dinner a few weeks ago. Lucas wasn't feeling well, so I took Matthew over to the school. He was so proud to show off his art. They both received second place for their Snowman Face pictures. Now, my boys are not VanGoghs or Picassos. However, with the proper instruction (they're art teacher is wonderful and amazing), the appropriate expectations, and the right materials, their art turns out rather nicely. After we walked around the halls, looking for their art so I could take pictures, it was time for the second grade portion of performances. They had been working on a song, Dry Your Tears, Africa, of which the highlight was shaking handmade rainsticks. Awesome. Matthew diligently searched through all the rainsticks until he found his. They sang a song-in an African dialect..aka, we couldn't understand a thing they said...and shook the rainsticks at the appropriate times. Of course, I was beaming from ear to ear because I was so proud.

Matthew and his second place Snowman Face picture.

Baby Chicks

2011-04-21T20:38:00.004-04:00

Ahh...the memories. When I was a little girl, my grandma had a chicken house in the middle of her HUGE front farmyard. Every spring, she and my grandpa would go uptown to the Landmark grain tower and pick up the new chicks they had ordered. I remember there being scads of tiny, yellow, puffy chicks all over the chicken house. They were so cute and fun to hold...for a few weeks. Then, they turned into adult chickens and were kind of homely and "chicken" like.

Fast forward to 2011. My mom decided she wanted to raise a few hens to have fresh eggs. So, in his wisdom, my dad agreed and built her a small henhouse. Right now, these five little cuties are living in a small box in the extra garage at my mom and dad's, all cozy under a heat lamp.

I took the kids out to see them about two weeks ago. They weren't super excited about it-trying to put a little country into some city kids is tough-and the boys had more fun locking each other in the henhouse than holding the chicks. If any of you have been reading our blog long enough, you'll know that it took a lot of coaxing for Matthew..aka Mr. I Don't Like Anything Weird Touching My Hands...to even hold a chick for a second. Lucas was hyper as I don't know what, and Natalie tried to push the beaks back into their little faces. Good times...at least they ran off some steam on the swingset!

Little Mommy

2011-04-10T10:01:00.002-04:00

Natalie is turning into quite the little mommy. She puts her babies in a stroller, gives them her pacifier, and pushes them around the house. Sometimes we even put Cheerios on the little tray of the stroller for her baby to "eat". Then she'll "rock" her baby, and put her finger to her lips and say "Shhhhh". Too cute. She gets the tupperware cups out of the cabinet to give the baby a drink, too. Such a good mommy.

Volcanic Eruptions

2011-04-10T09:47:00.004-04:00

Since Derrick started finishing the basement, we've been uncovering many treasures that were once packed away or tossed on a shelf. One of them was a long lost gift from Uncle Darin (a Christmas gift, I think). A volcano kit from Hobby Lobby. When the boys came upstairs with it last week, I was very excited...well, not really, but I put it together anyway. So, we opened it up and started getting it together. We mixed the plaster mix and water and poured it into the mold. As it hardened, they it became warm, which the boys thought was very cool. After letting it sit on the counter for a few days, it was time to paint it. I needed to stay home with Natalie last Monday, and as the boys were walking out the door, Lucas suggested I paint it since I was going to be home all day...I guess he thought I had nothing else to do than paint his volcano. I painted it :).

Later that night, they so wanted to check it out. Lucky for them, I had some vinegar and the monstrous bag of baking soda that we got at Sam's so long ago. As we were getting ready to put the baking soda and vinegar together, Matthew had a funny look on his face. He thought the thing was going to shoot way up in the sky like a real volcano. Sorry, no. I also think he had it in his mind that it was going to magically turn from baking soda and vinegar into hot lava. No, buddy, not going to happen. They happily took turns scooping out baking soda and pouring the vinegar, listening to and watching it bubble over. After about 2 turns each, the reservoir was full of a baking soda paste, and the fun was done.

Orange Belt-CHECK!

2011-03-22T20:57:00.004-04:00

Matthew and Lucas in front of sensei.

After several weeks of learning to count in Japanese, as well as most of the terms for some karate terms in Japanese, the boys passed their test for their orange belt. They started at white, earned the yellow about a year ago, and have now moved on to orange. Matthew's personal goal is to go up two belts in karate this year-very doable if he keeps up with it.

Matthew and Lucas performing their breakfalls.

They had to stand-together-in front of sensei and say the Japanese words for certain moves like "upper level block", "horse stance", etc., and then demonstrate them. It was funny to watch from the back of the room because Lucas was asked the words that Matthew knew better, and vice versa.

Lucas finishing his rolling breakfall.

Then, they had to perform their first and second kata-a routine of karate moves. However, the important thing is that they passed, and we are SO proud of them. They'll get their belts in class this week, so sensei can present them in front of everyone. I know they'll be so excited!

Matthew doing one of his katas.

Natalie-17 months

2011-03-22T20:41:00.003-04:00

I think Natalie needs a little blog time of her own. As I look through some past posts, I've done a poor job of updating after her checkups, posting pictures, and giving her some cyber space. So, here's the rundown on her at seventeen months:

Weight: 24.8 lbs, 50th percentile
Height: 32 in, 75th percentile

Words she's saying:
Mommy, daddy, baby, night-night, peek, tickle-tickle, bye-bye

Cute things she does:
*blows kisses and frantically waves goodbye
*tries to put on her shoes or socks while sitting by the door
*gets a book and sits on the bottom stair step, a rug, or a pillow to read it

*rocks and burps her baby-good thing the babies aren't real because I think she's a little rough
*puts her finger to her lips and says "shhh" after she's laid down her baby and covered it up
*dances to ANY music-it's particularly cute in church
*stops everything she's doing when the "Hot Dog" dance comes on during Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
*winks with both eyes
*sings "la, la, la" along with her Sing a ma Jigs
*stands on a chair at the counter and "helps" when we are cooking

Mischeivous things she does:
*scoots up the steps at mach speed when she hears me coming down the hall because she knows she's in trouble
*unloads the lower cabinets and strews storage containers and cups all over the kitchen
*blows raspberries-while eating crackers
*runs straight to the street when we go outside
*pulls Derrick's books off the shelves in his office

She'd starve if it weren't for:

*bananas
*ritz crackers
*yogurt
*just about anything-the kid loves to eat, and will try almost anything. She's a much different eater than her brothers were.

Pickles, Nickels, and Rubber Buns

2011-02-22T20:09:00.003-05:00

I suppose there comes a time in every boy's life when he learns lovely rhymes. I'm not talking about the Mother Goose rhymes. I'm talking rhymes of the second grade variety. You know, the type where you repeat what your older sibling tells you to all your friends at school, then those friends go home and repeat them? My boys fall in the latter category-coming home and repeating.

Here is what we've learned so far in the rhyming world (and mind you, we have to explain EVERY one of these to the boys because at first they have NO idea what they are saying...and it's kind of funny. Ok, we laugh out loud sometimes).

**"I'll give you a nickel if you tickle my pickle."

**"Chinese, Japanese, dirty knees, look at these (as they pull their shirts up). I know, that's an oldie but goodie.

**"What did you have for breakfast?" Answer: Rubber Buns.
"What did you have for lunch?" Answer: Rubber Buns.
"What did you have for dinner?" Answer: Rubber Buns.
"What did you do to the old lady when she was crying?" Answer: "Rubber Buns", which is to be interpreted as "Rub Her Buns."

This one was followed by, "Daddy, what are buns?" And hysterical laughter.

Yes, there is much learning going on at the fine institution we call school.

Hot Girls and Secret Agents

2011-02-16T20:36:00.005-05:00

My two eight year olds :) Matthew and Lucas, February 15, 2011.

For their birthday, Matthew and Lucas chose to go to Olive Garden. Well, to be honest, because it's all you can eat breadsticks. Also, I told them that if they wanted to go out for their birthday it had to be to a restaurant with a waitress. I mean, if I'm going out to dinner-which is EXTREMELY rare in our house-I'm going to sit down and be served. I also told them that if we went to a restaurant with a waitress, sometimes they come and sing "Happy Birthday" to you and maybe bring you a balloon or something fun.
Lucas with his salad and bread :)
Dinner was great-they had their favorite, which is pasta without sauce but with lots of Parmesan cheese, and they ate their whole plate of salad before their meal came. I tell ya, to see my boys gobble up salad before a meal makes me proud. While we ate, all were happy. Then, we told the waiter that when he got around to it and a few people together that they could come and sing when they were ready. Every time the guy walked by, the boys asked when they were coming to sing. In the course of that time, two very well dressed, professional looking men came in and walked by us to their table. As they walked by, Matthew leans in towards us and says, "Are those guys secret agents?" Too funny. To be honest, they did look the part-trench coats, bluetooths, ties, etc. Matthew with a HUGE excited look on his face while they sang, and Lucas trying to hide his excitement and embarrassment from my comment about the hot girls.

Finally, the waiter arrives with two very lovely young ladies to sing. Matthew and Lucas couldn't have been more excited. Before they sang, I said, "Look, he even brought two very pretty girls to sing to you along with him." Red faces from the boys, and a sideways glance is what I received for that comment. They were in heaven for the short time it took the song to be sung.
Natalie enjoying her crayons and children's menu coloring.
Afterwards, we headed back home with a stop to WalMart...not of my choosing, but because they had gift cards to spend. Again we were reminded why Marysville needs a Target and why I haven't been to WalMart since I don't know when...but I digress. After much deliberation, we left with two LEGO Ninjago sets and two happy boys. It was home..we weren't going to hit KMart, too..another gift card...but we don't need my opinion on that one either...and put their sets together while I got Natalie to bed.
Matthew patiently waiting for his food.
They're eight...and they will remember this birthday as one where they recognized hot girls and secret agents.

The Big 8

2011-02-13T16:57:00.003-05:00

We celebrated Matthew and Lucas's birthday last night with our families. We decided to not have a friend's party this year-we'll do that every other year. We decided on a karate theme for their party...and they even agreed to wear their karate uniforms for the festivities. Here's the gift rundown:

*DS Mario Bros-Grandma and Papa
*DS My Sims Sky Heroes, clothes, shoes-Mommy and Daddy

*Wii MarioKart-Devon, Christopher, AnnaMarie, and Skylar
*Dual Spinning Electronic LightSabers, LEGO City diesel truck and airplane-Grandma Patty and Grandpa Keith
*Fishing Pole/Tackle Boxes-Auntie Linds and Ben, Wesley, and Riley

*Ben 10 Action figures-Darin and Sarah
*$8-Great Ma
*LEGO Store Gift Card-Auntie Kristin and Uncle Joey
*WalMart Gift Card-Omi and Opa *KMart Gift Card -Grandpa and Joyce

We had cupcakes-chocolate (for Matthew), and white (for Lucas) both types with chocolate frosting. We also had ice cream, and all was good.

I can't believe they'll be 8 on Tuesday...they're halfway to the driving age, and only two more years til they hit double digits! Tuesday night we'll be celebrating with dinner out at Olive Garden...they're choice because they're all about all the breadsticks you can eat :)

Eight Years Ago....

2011-02-11T11:28:00.004-05:00

I'm reflecting today on what happened eight years ago....as I think about the events of that day, I remember being filled with fear, love, excitement, stress...and somehow a strange calmness. Here's what I remember:

Friday, February 15, 2003, Derrick drove me to the hospital around 8 am. We drove on icy, snowy roads, and to get to the hospital on a typical day took about 10 minutes. This day it took about 20 or so. It had snowed heavily the day and night before. So much that EVERYTHING had closed down. I remember being scared, and feeling contractions. I remember that before we left I made sure I showered and had a little something to eat-I had toast with butter and sugar. Derrick had pop tarts-in fact, I think he left one uneaten in the toaster oven. I was by NO means going to give birth without taking a shower...anyway, I digress. I remember I was wearing gray maternity pants and a red shirt. We got there, and walked in together. We rode the short (but it seemed like FOREVER) elevator ride to the maternity floor and checked in. As we were walking to our room, I could hear so much, but what stood out in my mind were the sounds of women moaning and crying out in childbirth pains. I was freaked! I knew an epidural was a must-in fact, I was so dosed up that if the doctor needed to perform a Csection, I would be ready for that.

And so it began. I got my epidural, and remember watching the snow outside, wondering if my parents and sisters were going to make it to Cincinnati in the weather. As I was laying in the bed, I wondered if I was having boys or girls...if I'd have to have a natural delivery AND a Csection for the second baby...lots of things going through my mind. My doctor came in and started pitosin. She wanted to speed up the process because she wanted the babies born on her shift...what a sweetie. She, the nurse, and Derrick would take turns moving my legs around to keep the blood flowing-I was feeling NOTHING!

The hours ticked by. My parents and his parents finally made it. Derrick's parents went to our house to wait out the birth, and my parents made their way to a hotel. My dad was teary as he saw me laying in the bed, ready to give him his first grandkids. He said to me, "Carrie, there better be some stems on those apples." Slowly, slowly..so slow in fact, that Dr. Bonar's shift was over, and Dr. Lee came on. No anxiety though, even though I had never met her. Of all the doctor's at the practice, she is one I hadn't managed to see during my prenatal check ups. She was great! As my delivery began, I recall the nurse beside me watching the monitor and telling me when to push as the contractions came across the screen. She was awesome-and we found out through the long day of conversation that she, too, was Lutheran :)

Suddenly, the room began to fill up. Derrick was holding my hand, the doctor was ready to "catch", the nurse was on my other side telling me when to push...there was a nurse for each baby, a bed for each baby, a pediatrician for each AND a neonatologist for each...so many people in that little room. At 7:59 pm., Matthew Alexander was born. He was so pale, he didn't cry, his face was sunken in...but I didn't notice that until many minutes after. Next, at 8:04, came Lucas James. He was red, crying, face filled out-he looked like a typical newborn, in comparison to his older brother. Finally, Matthew cried as Lucas was being born...and then the room was empty. It was just Derrick and I with these babies. Our families came back and took turns holding them, visiting with us, etc. I wanted Subway SO badly, but NOTHING was open. So I had to settle for a sub sandwich from the Meijer deli...funny the details that we remember, huh?

All of a sudden, we were a mommy and daddy. Our family size doubled in a matter of minutes, and we were "ready" to care for these sweet boys. It was amazing, wonderful, God-filled..all in a matter of 12 hours. Our first night was interesting. I sent them to the nurse's desk so I could sleep...and Derrick was trying to sleep in the room with me. Not easy, when he could hear me breathing, the nurses kept coming in to check on me, so the second night I sent him home to get some sleep.

Miraculously, we were ready to go home on Monday-President's Day that year. We came home to Derrick's family at our house-they had been staying there since we were at the hospital-and his mom had made us cookies. They stayed another night, and then headed back home. As they left, we stood at the picture window in our dining room, each holding a baby, and we BOTH cried..overwhelmed and on our own.

It was so hard at first...new parents, unsure, two babies-equal number of "them" and "us". We didn't outnumber our kids like most adults do with their first child...it was hard.

For the past eight years, we've grown into a deep love for Matthew and Lucas. The day we became parents-and parents of multiples for that matter-changed us as people for the better. Happy Birthday, boys. We love you.

Learning to Draw Larry Boy

2011-02-01T09:40:00.005-05:00

My Meticulous Matthew.

The Fib from Outer Space, by Matthew

Saturday, late afternoon, our DVD player was acting up. The boys really wanted to watch movies, so I suggested they get out their personal DVD players, choose separate couches and snuggle up and watch the movies. They did, and it was silence for about an hour in our house. So nice. Then, Matthew found a choice on the menu of Larry Boy and the Fib from Outer Space that shows an animator giving step by step directions for drawing the Larrymobile and the Fib. Matthew LOVES to draw. He is always getting paper and cutting out pictures, coloring them, and then putting them in his treasure box. He took his DVD player to the kitchen table, along with a pencil and some paper, and very methodically began to draw. He followed right along with the animator on the movie. Matthew's picture turned out awesome!
The LarryMobile by Matthew.

Matthew is a very step by step person, always wanting to know what comes next. He "begins with the end in mind", a concept they've been taught at school this year. I wish he would be as meticulous about his homework. I'm so proud of him for sitting there-it took about 15-20 mins-and not giving up to make a drawing that looks like he traced it out of a book.

Lucas also got into the drawing. But his technique was a bit different. He watched the whole clip of how to draw, before he even got some paper. After it was over, he got his paper and pencil, and joined Matthew in the drawing fun. Lucas's Fib from Outer Space.
Lucas has great pencil wielding skills-his homework is neat, and he has more patience to sit and draw or write than Matthew. His Larry and Fib turned out awesome. They also look like he traced them out of a book.Larry Mobile by Lucas

Maybe I need to find them an art class?

Nerf Wars

2011-02-01T09:23:00.005-05:00

NERF guns for everyone in the Hurst house.

Since we gained two Nerf guns at Christmas-the BIG ones with clips that hold about 12 NERF darts-there have been some wars happening in our house. Now we have accumulated 6 or so NERF guns, so everyone gets one. Even Natalie. She has to be in on the action, you know. It gets loud, and the boys (Derrick included) are running all over the place. Matthew in his full battle gear. The Halloween masks I bought on clearance last year sure come in handy for defense against NERF darts.

They hide in the basement from Derrick, and he waits at the door for them to come up, then shoots at them as they're coming up the steps. He's just as into it as they are. And Natalie laughs at all of them, while I sit and take pictures of the fun.

Natalie At Fifteen Months

2011-02-01T08:57:00.003-05:00

Natalie has turned into a toddler-literally! She's fifteen months, and full of fun, energy, and mischief. Here's what she's been doing:

*Sitting down and reading her books. She also brings a book to us and backs herself up into our laps to be read to. So cute!
*Showing she's excited to see us when we get home from work or when we pick her up from the sitter's.
*Saying "by-by" and blowing kisses. She also adds a "mwah" when she blows kisses.
*Giving a squeeze-aka, putting her arms around our neck and squeezing us.
*Her pointer finger is getting a workout. She will point to something that catches her eye and say "oooh".
*Using words like "nana" for banana, "bah" for bottle, mommy, and daddy are very pronounced, too.
*Following directions. When we ask her to go get her shoe, or find a baby, or get her pacifier, she will go and get it, and bring it back to us.
*She's so funny-when Matthew and Lucas are laughing about something, she giggles and laughs with them. Like she gets the joke :)
*Eating so well. She likes almost anything we give her. I'm so thankful for that. Her FAVORITE food right now is bananas. She eats at least one a day.
*Drinking out of a straw.
*She will unload a cabinet, toybox, or open drawer in a matter of seconds. I put this skill to good work by having her unload the dryer for me while I fold clothes in the laundry room. Such a mommy's helper.
*She loves music, and will dance to anything-especially Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (our vacation is going to be SO fun this year if her love of Mickey keeps up), and music in church.

Christmas Cookies and Friends

2011-01-10T21:48:00.001-05:00

A new Christmas tradition was started last year with the Hursts and the Larsons. Sarah and I needed a "break", and something for our kids to do. They were severely inflicted with cabin fever, so I invited Sarah and the kids over to decorate sugar cookies. This year, we got together again during the last few days of Christmas break to decorate again. I made the cookies a few days ahead of time, picked up some goodies to sprinkle on them, and whipped up some icing while the kids played. They were so cute icing and sprinkling the cookies this year. Eliana..the only girl in the group...was so girlie and careful about her sprinkles. Matthew and Lucas were all about speed and icing/decorating asap so they could partake of the goodies, and Noah was under the impression that the more sprinkles he had on his cookie, the better.
Eliana carefully decorating a bell.
Matthew and Noah
I think Noah sneaked a lick of his icing :)..or he's in deep thought.
Lucas likes decorating the stars the best.
Matthew slathering on the icing.

We love getting our kids together. I hope this tradition continues for many Christmases.

Christmas 2010

2011-01-07T11:24:00.008-05:00

Christmas was tiring, fun, busy...and so that's why I'm just now getting around to posting about it-because it was overwhelming and the thought of recapping is overwhelming, too. Here's the rundown:

December 24: Christmas Eve celebration at Omi and Opa's around lunchtime. We had the traditional German rouladden (basically cube steaks wrapped around a small pickle), mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, and fruit. So good. We opened gifts and played until it was time to go to church. Matthew, Natalie, and Lucas looking all dressed up for Christmas Eve.
The boys were SO excited about the Hot Wheels RC cars they got-and they are very cool. They fold up and fit flat in your pocket. We talked, laughed, and ate some more. Then we headed to church at seven. It was probably one of the most beautiful Christmas Eve services I've ever been to. Afterwards, we went back to Omi and Opa's so the Lawsons could open their gifts-and the rest of us watched. We ordered pizza, and hung out a little longer. It snowed a bit, making it pretty. Around 9 it was home to bed and put out cookies for Santa. Derrick and I were up until about 11 putting together the Weeble house, putting batteries in various toys like the Dance Star Mickey, and stuffing stockings.

Lucas opening his remote control Hot Wheels at Omi and Opa's.

December 25: Christmas morning, Lucas was up at 6, so I encouraged him to go back to bed, telling him it was the "middle of the night". It worked..kind of. We were up at 6;30, and the kids were up around 7. Opening stockings was pacifying enough to get them through church. Lucas was SUPER excited about the mini screwdriver, as well as other small tools in his stocking, and Matthew was excited about the LEGO Battles DS game and his new jibbitz. Natalie was excited about the Mickey Mouse board books she found in hers. Derrick gave me a beautiful, handstamped necklace with the kids' names on it. Love it. Then, it was off to church. After church, considering the kids didn't do too badly knowing there were gifts waiting to be opened, we headed home for the rest of the festivities. It was a LEGO Christmas for the boys...Atlantis, Star Wars, and City. They were pretty good sports about the clothes they got, too. Natalie was uber excited (as was I) about the Dance Star Mickey. She LOVED it. Her reaction was priceless. And it was a Little People Christmas for Natalie. We spent the rest of the day..until about 4 opening gifts, putting together LEGOS, and enjoying being home together. Then, around 5, it was off to Grandma Mae's. All the little cousins-Mae, Lucas, Riley, Matthew, Natalie, and Charlie
Another fun evening...my mom assigned parts to each child for the nativity, and they acted it out. Matthew was the innkeeper, Lucas was Joseph, and Natalie was a sheep, but from my lap. More gifts, more eating...then finally home to bed.

Lucas and Matthew with the Build a Bears they picked out for each other.
The Carfrey Family

December 26th: Christmas at Grandma Barb's. Yep, Christmas number 4. We headed to Grove City for a late lunch after church (yes, third day in a row of church)...and did our gift card exchange and enjoyed spending time with Grandma and the cousins I don't see very often. Afterward, it was back to Marysville...for the Carfrey (my side) Christmas.
Natalie have story time with Grandma Connie
We hosted Mom, Dad, Joey, Kristin, Lindsey, Ben and his kids for the evening. Thank goodness for Giant Eagle party trays and "everyone bring a little something". Ahh...more gift opening. Our living room looked like gifts were taking over. In fact, the boys stacked their gifts into towers before opening, and stood beside them-almost their height. Matthew excited about his stash.
Lots of fun toys-a disgusting science experiement kit, a coin bank (wooden and they had to put it together..good use for the boys' new tools they got in their stockings), Natalie got her first tea set (Fisher Price). Then it was crash into bed for a few days rest.

Lucas's pile was about as tall as he was.

January 1st: Hurst Family Christmas was an all day (literally from noon til about 8:30) affair. It was ALL toys from Grandma and Grandpa Hurst for the boys. Pillow pets...I knew they wanted them, but not that bad. Cousin picture-Natalie, Matthew, Lucas, Skyler, and AnnaMarie
And Grandma delivered...each grandchild got one-the boys each a bear and Natalie a kitten. Playmobil, GI Joe, and the Walking ATAT were enough to keep the boys entertained for the rest of the night.

Matthew and Lucas with their much awaited ATAT from Grandma and Grandpa.
Derrick and I got some super nice wall hangings, an over the door garage storage unit. And I was SO excited about my Cricut that my in laws gave me. We had tacos, rum cake, amaretto hot chocolate, and other yummies-my father in law makes the best Chex Mix and caramel corn...After the opening-which took a long time because the packages are numbered and we have to draw, and search for the number, then give it to the person it's for....we were ready for home.

Natalie and the life size baby from the Lawsons. It's seriously huge.

Gifts Times Two

2010-12-15T21:23:00.003-05:00

I have a lot of blessings by being a mom of twins. One of them I LOVE is getting two homemade Christmas presents that they make at school. I don't know if my Christmas would be the same without them. Seriously. I tear up every year when Matthew and Lucas come home with their gifts made at school. Even better is that Derrick and I don't have to share-we each get one! In Preschool is was the traced hand ornament with their picture on it, Kindergarten was a painted coffee mug, and first grade was a wreath made out of their hands with their picture in the middle. This year it is an ornament made out of MiniWheats, molded and mixed together with glue then shaped into a circle. I know for certain that Matthew wasn't excited about making it. That is enough to make me love it even more. I can see him sitting at his desk, while all the other kids are getting messy and molding/mixing, with his hands up as if the teacher was asking him to touch a snake. He does not like things that feel funny, and mini wheats mixed with glue is high on that list. Part of the process was breaking up and crushing the MiniWheats before molding. To avoid touching this, he told me he put it in a bag and sat on it.

In Kindergarten, they were all about hiding the coffee mugs under their beds until Christmas. This year, Matthew wanted me to open it ASAP when he got in the door. I managed to put it off...trying to wait until Christmas, encouraging him to hide it, wait until Daddy gets home...but nothing worked. Finally after dinner, he asked me nicely to open it and so I did. He even included a letter-they're learning about friendly letters in school.

His letter says: "Dear Mommy, I love you. You are the best mom! You are the 'allsomest' (read awesomest) mom ever! Love, Matthew

When Derrick got home, Lucas asked him to open it. Lucas's approach was different. Since it was for the "family" tree, he thought he should help Derrick open it, and the letter inside was "Dear Family....". So cute! Matthew's wrapping paper-a cross with Jesus on it.

And the topper on all of it, is the homemade wrapping paper. I loved how excited and proud they were to give us a gift. It showed their sweet side! The front of his paper bag-a heart, and nice coloring!

Feeling Like Christmas

2010-12-12T07:08:00.005-05:00

It's feeling more like Christmas! We had a nice little snow fall Thursday night, and into Friday. That caused a two hour delay for some schools here, including Alder and Marysville. Friday night we invited my parents to go to the zoo lights with us. Oh so fun! Dad, Natalie, Matthew, Lucas, and Mom

We ate at Applebee's before we headed to the zoo. The boys were SO squirmy and impatient while we were waiting..but they were obviously hungry...they can't go 5 minutes without eating lately...or so it seems. They, and Natalie, chowed down on their food, we talked with my parents for awhile, and after a bathroom break we were out the door. We arrived at the zoo around 7:15. It was super crowded. I give credit for how crowded it was to two things-it was a Friday night, AND it was in the upper 30s/low 40s..which is very warm for a night at the zoo lights. This visit was a huge contrast from last year-it was SUPER cold, Matthew was whiny and wouldn't pose, and Lucas wanted to be in every picture. Matthew and Lucas with the peacock.

This time it was "warm", and Matthew posed for almost every photo. This year, all the lights are LED, which made it so much prettier. Derrick had a "God" moment while we were walking in. He was "praying"/thinking to himself that he wished we had some cash with us because hot chocolate sounded good. Well, I was behind him, as always, with the boys, and Matthew stumbled over a piece of paper. I thought it looked like a dollar, and I picked it up. It was $20! I looked around to see if anyone was frantically looking for cash they had dropped, and there wasn't anyone. So, I put it in my pocket. I told Derrick about it. That is when he told me about his "hot chocolate prayer". Too funny! Derrick and I enjoying our hot drinks-provided by God!

We walked around, looked at the lights, had the kids pose for pictures, and Matthew had his first hot chocolate, we had hot lattes and cider, and we all shared a warm pretzel. I think Natalie had the best time..so bundled in her stroller that the poor baby couldn't move! It was a good night!

Thanksgiving in Pictures

2010-11-27T11:58:00.007-05:00

Matthew and I ready to start on his gingerbread house.

Kristin helping Lucas with his house. See all those candies? He used them ALL on his house..and then some.

Joey getting some help from Matthew on his house.

Lucas is finished...so many decorations!

My attempt at getting a photo of all three of them in front of the tree..good thing I wasn't planning on using it for Christmas cards :)

Thanksgiving Day

2010-11-26T11:23:00.005-05:00

Lucas standing in front of the tree in their room.

Thanksgiving Day was so rainy and windy this year! We started the morning by putting up the Christmas trees-the living room one and the boys' in their room. The one in their room is wonderful...in a kids decorated it, lots of kid ornaments, hodge podge sort of way. It's funny to watch them decorate it-they carefully place their Superman and Flash ornaments so they look like they're flying through the air. Matthew carefully placing the train at the bottom.

And they have some train ornaments that Joey and Kristin gave them a few years ago-they always get a spot at the bottom of the tree so the boys can see them easily. We finished the trees in the morning and had an easy lunch. Then it was quiet time and getting ready to go to Aunt Cindy's. We had dinner, and then the kids decorated gingerbread houses. Matthew and Lucas really got into it-I helped Matthew pipe the icing on his house, Matthew piping his icing on his house.

and he diligently lined up all his candies to look like Christmas lights. Derrick was on Natalie patrol, and Kristin helped Lucas with his. He wanted to use ALL his tiny colored candies and it took him quite awhile to do so. After they were done, we packed up and headed home. Lucas and Kristin working on Lucas's house.

I actually considered going shopping this morning, and even woke up at 3:30, wide awake. Had I been more prepared with my coupons and more of a plan, I probably would have, but online shopping took care of most of our gift giving this morning.

On the day after Thanksgiving (aka Black Friday), we went to the Hursts' for lunch. Our family on that side is getting so huge! Everyone, including Darragh now, has a boyfriend, girlfriend, or significant other of some kind. Devon made a fabulous turkey, and we played the Wii...rock band..and sat and talked and visited with each other. It was super cold, and the fireplace going made it so much more homey and comfortable. Happy Thanksgiving!

Christmas Cards

2010-11-19T10:29:00.002-05:00

Remember my last post on our Christmas cards? It took me forever this year to make them...since I knew I was getting 50 free cards for posting it to my blog, I worked hard on choosing the right ones and the right layout. It took me longer than usual-and shutterfly had so many to choose from! But in the end, I love them and can't wait to send them out!

Seasonal Chic Noir Christmas Card

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View the entire collection of cards.

"Homemade" Christmas Cards

2010-11-14T12:05:00.006-05:00

Yes, homemade Christmas cards...no, I'm not a cardmaker or a stamper. Scrapbooking is about as creative as I get, so I make homemade Christmas cards the non-conventional way-on the internet. We used to send them the old-fashioned way-buy a box of Christmas cards, enclose a letter with our family happenings from the past year, and off they went. I always admired and looked forward to the photo cards
I'd get in the mail every year, and decided that I was going to make my own-after all, why not show off my super cute kids at Christmas? This year, when I sat down to begin thinking about and sorting through our photos, I couldn't decide which ones to include. THEN, I got on Shutterfly, which is where I make our cards, and they have so many cute designs this year, I can't even begin to decide which ones to use. I made about four the other day, using pictures from our Disney vacation, and some good ones I had of the kids. Then, since I couldn't pick out one really good picture, thankfully they have designs where I could include up to four pictures, make them black and white, or sepia, too. Choices, choices!

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Maybe Not......

2010-11-11T15:36:00.003-05:00

We had parent teacher conferences for Matthew and Lucas on Monday. Mrs. Kinney said that she had never had a set of twins before, so she wasn't sure what to expect achievement wise, but she was shocked. Our district has a ridiculously low standard (as far as I'm concerned) that second graders should be able to read 5-10 sight words in September. By May, they should be at 180.

Matthew: 171, Lucas: 173 ......only off by two, and in my mommy mind, based on the standard, that screams OVERACHIEVERS!

On their HearingandRecordingSoundsInWords (or HRSIW), the expectation is 48...that means they can write down, correctly, words that are dictated to them.

Matthew: 58, Lucas: 58....exactly the same. I wonder if it was the same words they had correct/wrong?

BAS reading level expectation is that they are at a Level I....

Matthew: J, Lucas, J

Math Facts: They should know 25/100 in September....

Matthew: 43 addition/32 subtraction, Lucas 62 addition/41 subtraction

It was funny to see Mrs. Kinney so surprised at their similarities....and I was a proud mommy when I left the conference :)

A Year Ago

2010-11-11T15:24:00.004-05:00

Here are two comparative pictures about a year apart. Natalie is such a different child...there is no comparing her to her brothers. She is getting to be so much fun right now. I love how we'll read a book and then she lays her head down on the floor and says "ni, ni". Like she's going to sleep, or as we call it having a "night, night". She's also becoming more verbal and better at telling us what she wants. She is preferring to walk, once she pulls herself up using furniture or something else that's sturdy, off she goes. Natalie is picky-she knows what she likes and what she doesn't. She loves on her babies, but refuses to push her stroller when she has a baby in it. Too funny. She carries her babies around, and hugs them so tight. She is very interested in what we are eating-eggs, chicken, noodles, cooked carrots...you name it, she wants to try it...even pizza. The minute the boys walk into the room, she completely lights up. She is so interested in what they are doing, and just sits on the floor and watches them push their cars, planes, or whatever they're playing with back and forth. She is finally mastering a better sleep schedule at night. We've moved to having her cry it out, and after about 15 mins or so , if she doesn't stop, then I go in. She's also getting good at mimicking animal sounds. If you ask her how a kitty goes, she'll say "meow"...and for a puppy, she makes the "f" sound...like at the end of "woof, woof". So cute. I'd forgotten how much they change in their first year of life....and she is getting cuter everyday.

They're Different

2010-11-05T12:00:00.002-04:00

Yep, the title of this post definetly states the obvious, but it didn't become obvious to me until just "recently"....like in the last few months or so. Matthew and Lucas are becoming such their own little people. The other day I was discipling them for lying, and I was using the term "boys..." when I was addressing them. Matthew was distracted by this and said, "Why don't you call us by our names?" He was irritated about that. After this, I started to reflect on how much they really are different in a lot of areas-even simple and complicated differences.

Yogurt: Matthew likes Yoplait Orange Creme, Lucas prefers Go-gurt
Chili: Matthew will eat it, Lucas won't touch it
Cooked Carrot and Potatoes: Matthew LOVES cooked carrots and won't touch potatoes, but Lucas LOVES potatoes and won't touch cooked carrots.
Playtime: Lucas takes a break to suck his fingers and hang out with his jacket watching cartoons. Matthew, plays constantly and doesn't understand Lucas's preference to rest
Routine: Matthew gets out of whack when our routines are broken. Lucas is more flexible.
Helping: Lucas likes to help Derrick around the house. Matthew would rather play
Sports: Lucas is more athletic than Matthew (but not an Olympian by any means) and enjoyed going to the Blue Jackets game last week, Matthew prefers to do karate and not very partial to team sports or going to a sporting event.
School: Lucas's handwriting is great and he gets right to his homework and finishes it. Matthew's handwriting can use some work, and he dawdles through his homework and it takes him almost twice as long.

I"m sure I can go on and on and I'll probably add to this post sometime. But when I think about it, they aren't the "same" as people think they are. And I'm needing to be ok and adjust to that. It's hard being a twin mommy. Seeing them grow up, plus become different from each other at the same time is a double whammy.

Lucas's Thoughts

2010-11-05T11:17:00.002-04:00

The other night, I was getting the boys ready for bed. Natalie was down, and Matthew was putting on pjs while Lucas was in the bathroom going potty and brushing teeth. He decides to strike up a conversation about frogs and their ears.

Lucas: Mommy, where are a frogs ears?

Me: (from the other room w an exasperated voice),"I don't know Lucas, why?"

Lucas: Why don't you know? You're a teacher.

Me: Yes, but not a science teacher. Maybe we can look it up online tomorow.

Lucas: Fine, I"ll just ask Mrs. Kinney. She'll know. She teaches us Science.

Seriously...how does brushing teeth and going to the bathroom make him think about where a frog's ears are....at 8:30 at night? I just wonder how their minds work sometimes....

Shimmy and Shake

2010-11-05T09:13:00.004-04:00

Matthew and Lucas ready for the rockin' musical, "Showbiz".
Last night, the boys were shakin' what God gave 'em. They had their second grade musical, "A Little Bit of Showbiz". Super cute! Once again, Mrs. Galemmo delivered. They went through a "history" of music and showbiz, ranging from Broadway, to Detroit-the home of Motown, to Hollywood and singing about "Paparazzi" and posing for pictures.

Matthew in his rockstar pose. I think my favorite song was "I Got to Be Rich", and during the main music parts, they kids were to be freestyle dancing. Lucas and Matthew were up there doing robot moves during almost the whole song. All the kids looked great in their "bling",
and the boys fit right in with their rockin' guitar shirts, rock star hair (thanks to Daddy and a lot of hair fiber), and their sunglasses (a last minute add on as we were walking out the door).

I think the pictures speak for themselves :)

Lucas in his rockstar pose.

Chili and S'mores

2010-11-02T16:46:00.003-04:00

Our church has been working hard to do more things together to build fellowship amongst the members and new members. Last weekend, on Natalie's real birthday, we went to the Daley's for a chili dinner and S'mores. They live outside of Marysville on a huge acreage of land. They had a nice bonfire and lots of room for the kids to run around. The weather was just right-sweatshirts and jeans...no bundling up in winter coats. One highlight of the evening was the S'mores. My kids LOVE these things...and it's just another way they differ. Lucas loves them full out with chocolate and marshmallows. Matthew likes them with chocolate only between the graham crackers. For some reason he calls them "dwarfs" I don't get it, but it's his imagination at work again I suppose. The night wasn't complete without some bobbing for apples, and yes, both my boys stuck their heads in the pool and pulled apples out with their teeth. Also, Justin had glow sticks for the kids-a huge hit with Natalie!

Another Crazy Busy Weekend

2010-11-02T16:19:00.005-04:00

Halloween weekend was the second crazy busy weekend for us in a row. Last weekend was Natalie's birthday party, and we followed up with another round of entertaining this past weekend. The boys had their fall party at school, and after much deliberation decided to go as GI Joe. They had a costume parade to end Red Ribbon Week, and Lucas made a super cute banner to hang around his neck. They played Spooky BINGO and loaded up on sugar just to be sent home to their parents. Friday night we had plans to go to Boo at the Zoo, but they were thwarted by Natalie's super late afternoon nap. No big deal, we called in plan B: Pumpkin Carving and seed roasting. I get a small bit of joy as a mother over the strangest things-like when my kids beg for roasted pumpkin seeds this time or year, or when they come home from school and they've eaten all their carrots, but haven't touched their fruit snacks :). The most creative we get with pumpkins is a jack o lantern face, but this year we went one step further. I had a grand scheme to carve each kid's initials in the pumpkin, but that wasn't going to work out. Let's just say, the more square and straight the carving, the better off we all are. So, we decided to make their first letters as the eyes, and just put on a nose and a mouth. Done. I got the lovely job of pulling out the guts and separating the seeds for roasting, while Derrick did the carving. The boys weren't much help-they were engrossed in netflix, GI Joe, Rise of Cobra. Oh well. I tossed the seeds in some oil, sprinkled them with salt and put them in the oven for about 45 minutes. YUM! They crunched on them while watching Star Wars the Clone Wars-their Friday night ritual.

Saturday, I had a major errand running marathon. Derrick made us all pancakes, and I was out the door ASAP to hit the grocery and Sawmill Road. When I go to Dublin, I try to do as much as possible in one day. So, it was Target, Kohls, Meijer, JoAnns, Giant Eagle, and Kroger. Seriously...I didn't get home until about 1:30! I was beat! But, we won't have to go to the grocery for about three months! Since January, I've taken on a new attitude towards couponing, stockpiling, and trying to get the most out of our grocery budget. I try so hard to get the best deals, and return things if I have to when I find them at a lower price somewhere else.

Sunday was the big trick or treat day. Of course, as Lutherans, we also celebrated Reformation Day in church...but let's face it, trick or treat overshadows Martin Luther when you're seven. The day was full of being in the kitchen. I was a cooking fool-and exhausted that night to prove it. I made potato soup before church, two loaves of beer bread, oatmeal muffins, and chicken and noodles. I seriously didn't sit down until about 4 o'clock. Our families arrived around 5:30 to eat and help get the boys in their costumes. I must say, this year's costumes have been my favorite so far. They were Mario and Luigi. They had already decided that Matthew would be Mario and Lucas would be Luigi based on the first letters of their names. Ok...whatever. Well, I ordered the costumes a size too big for layering purposes, and because Luigi was online only at target.com, and that's the size they had. So, that meant the mustaches were too big, too. Thankfully they wore them for a few pictures, then I let them take them off. But they totally made the costumes. Not to be outdone, Natalie was adorable in her poodle costume. She was a trooper for about 45 minutes of trick or treating, then I think her hands were freezing, and she wasn't a fan of being cold. The boys RAN from house to house, as if they were in the video game. In fact, Matthew even said that when they go from street to street, it's like they're going into another world on Super Mario Brothers-that kid and his imagination! While we were out loading the bags with candy, my in laws were at our house helping Derrick pass out fresh hot popcorn and candy. It was a super fun weekend, and the boys were in bed asap-after a serious teeth scrubbing of course!

Natalie's First Birthday

2010-10-24T15:47:00.009-04:00

Happy Birthday! We had two firsts this weekend-Natalie's first birthday, and the first time we've had BOTH sides of our families over for a birthday party. Since our house is much bigger now, we were able to have both sides, along with Natalie's godparents, over for her celebration. We had everyone over for pizza, stromboli, and salad. As you can see in the above picture, she had a butterfly cupcake cake, made my my sister Kristin. She also made Matthew and Lucas's first birthday cakes, so it was fitting that she make Natalie's, too. When it was time to blow out her candle, she had plenty of help from Matthew, Lucas, and they're cousin Mabry. She wasn't overly interested in her cake, so we didn't get any smashing pictures of her and she didn't get messy at all. She ate a few bites that we broke off for her, and Derrick tried to get her to eat some but she wasn't overly interested.
She did, however, proceed to tell everyone that she is "So Big!", and when you ask her if she is 1, she puts up her right pointer finger. Too cute! She was most interested in the gifts that came in gift bags, as she could pull out the tissue paper one by one. She lost interest after the first two bags or so, but she had plenty of help. Matthew, Lucas, Mabry, Charlie, and Eliana made sure every gift was opened. She got a lot of clothes and some baby dolls. She LOVES her babies. She also got her first purse, as well as a xylophone and a walk behind/ride on zebra, a stroller, and a Fisher Price piggy bank.

One of the GREATEST blessings our kids have in their lives is that they are growing up around their grandparents and that they have six great grandparents who are still living. All six were here for the party. In the picture above is Natalie with her Hurst side great-grandparents-Omi, Opa, Grandpa and Joyce. In fact, at one point my grandma (Great Ma) and Natalie were snuggling on the couch together playing babies. She had lined up all of Natalie's dolls and stuffed new toys and they were singing Jesus Loves Me. Precious! It was an awesome evening with our families and our friends.

Dear Natalie

2010-10-24T15:41:00.002-04:00

Dear Natalie,
Happy Birthday, my sweet girl! I am so thankful to God for you. You are truly an answer to my prayers for a baby girl. I adore your brothers, but a part of me always felt like our family would be complete with a girl. A year ago, you made your entrance into our world on a cool, sunny fall afternoon. I pray that you will have a God filled heart as you grow. I know that you will grow up to be a beautiful, Proverbs 31 woman...who loves her husband, cares for her children, and above all carries Jesus in her heart. I love coming home from work and seeing your smiling face when I walk in the door. You are such a happy baby, and you are friendly to everyone you meet. Your "mama" sounds are very sweet, and when you play patty cake and peek-a-boo (which you played the other night with your pjs while I was readying you for bed) your fun personality shines. Blessings on your birthday, my princess. Jesus loves you.

Love,
Mommy

John Bryan State Park-On A Perfect Fall Day

2010-10-21T13:17:00.006-04:00

Sunday we went with my family to John Bryan State Park. Joey and Kristin, Lindsey and Ben, Wesley and Riley, my 82 yr old grandma, and the five of us all picknicked and hiked at the park. It was a BEAUTIFUL, warm, fall day. We all collaborated and brought something to eat. When we got there, we had sandwiches, fruit, and chips and cookies of course. After we fueled up on lunch, the kids found a fallen log to explore. It had obviously been climbed on a lot because there were many spots that were very smooth. Too fun. They happily climbed and walked from one end to the other over and over again.

Matthew picking the burrs out of his shoes after the hike.
After we were done eating and ready for a walk, we hit a trail. It took us back to our Colorado days when Derrick and I would spend hours on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon in the mountains, far away from the city and hiking while enjoying God's creation. The colors were starting to peak, and the leaves were crunchy and the air was warm.

We came to the bottom of a hill to what I think was the Little Miami River. Anyway, this made for a lot of great entertainment-the kids threw rocks in the water while the adults took pictures and talked.

Lucas throwing in the biggest rock he could find.

We hiked on for awhile, and after an hour or better, Grandma decided she was ready to go back. So, back we went to our picnic spot. We had a snack, the kids climbed on the log some more, and the kids engaged in a "kids vs. Ben and Grandpa" game of baseball. Too fun.

Matthew and Lucas down by the river.

I love these times with my family-when all of us get together and hang out for the day, not worrying about what we have to do, or getting to work on Monday. It was a perfect fall day!

The Birthday Preparations

2010-10-18T13:25:00.004-04:00

Happy girl! She knows her birthday is coming!

Natalie's first birthday is upon us-in 5 days, my baby will be one. Needless to say, I've been preparing and listmaking for this party for about two weeks now. I LOVE my kids' birthdays. I love celebrating them and that they made me a mommy. I get excited to plan around the theme, and this one is no exception. Her theme is butterflies. So, we invested in the Hugs and Stitches baby girl first birthday party plates, cups, etc. My sister, Kristin, is going to make an amazing butterfly cupcake cake. Of course, the birthday girl needs a birthday outfit, right? I scoured the internet for days, looking for the perfect party dress. I found tons of dresses that were adorable, but when I wanted to personalize it, that was going to cost me an arm and a leg. So, I decided to do it myself. I"ve been a bit craftier lately-branching out of my scrapbooking zone by making a shelf for Natalie's room, as well as two bow boards, a birthday banner, and now her birthday shirts. They're nothing overly fancy, but I"m proud. They are both longsleeve onesies with iron-ons I found at JoAnns. One has a large cupcake with a rhinestone number 1 on it. The other has an "N" with a cupcake on each side. Super cute, and reasonable. But the piece de resistance is the tutu.

Natalie exploring her birthday tutu!
My cousin, Chelsey, makes adorable headbands, hats, and tutus. Of course I commissioned her to make Natalie's birthday tutu, and adorable it is! Natalie loved playing with it, and looked A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E in it for her first birthday pictures. Can't wait for her birthday party this weekend. It will be the first birthday party we've had in years with both sides of our family present-because our house is big enough! Pizza, stromboli, salad, cake, and ice cream will add to the fun!
"Look at my fun tutu"!

The Weekend of Nothing...

2010-10-18T13:13:00.003-04:00

Matthew and his pretzel.

I waited and waited for the weekend of the 8-10th to come, because that was the weekend we had NOTHING...except soccer and church. I was so excited because I was going to get a ton of stuff done around the house, bake, and enjoy being home. Well, it finaly happened. Friday night we had yummy grilled pizza. Always a family favorite in our house, and a Friday night tradition. Saturday we only had soccer, then we were home together for the rest of the day. So, I decided I was going to try my hand at homemade pretzels. After I mixed up the dough, it was done rising and ready to be used after supper.
Derrick and Matthew making pretzels.

So, we pulled the dough out by fistfuls and started rolling out snakes to shape into pretzels. Derrick and the boys had much fun with this! They all three were so into it, and it was nice to see them doing something fun together.

Lucas and his pretzels
They experimented with different shapes, and of all of us, Derrick's pretzels turned out the best. So, we baked them, and I brushed them with butter then sprinkled them with salt or cinnamon and sugar. YUM! They turned out so awesome and yummy! In fact, Matthew liked the cinnamon and sugar ones so much, he asked for one for breakfast Sunday morning.

We finished our weekend by having Sarah and the kids over for chicken and noodles-which also turned out delicious! While we were outside after dinner, Natalie decided to explore the sidewalk chalk, and ended up looking like a little clown :)

Milestones

2010-09-27T13:00:00.003-04:00

Well, we've hit a few milestones in our house these last two weeks, and if I don't blog them now, they may not make it into the Hurst Family archives someday. As much as I love scrapbooking, and am so blessed to have all my stuff out all the time in the "craft" room (aka the spare bedroom, catch-all room, PS2 room...you get the picture), I don't always have time to conciously work on the kids' books. I just started Natalie's in July-and the sweetie will be one next month. Not exactly caught up in my mind. ANYWAY, I digress. Here's what I intended to blog about...last Sunday, the 19, Natalie took two small steps towards Derrick. She's been getting the grasp of standing unassisted-and will even play with a toy or look around and not lose her balance-for a short amount of time, but she actually took two steps. Secondly, Lucas learned to tie his shoes. Of this, I am SO proud...mainly because he picked it up pretty much on his own. Being right-handed, neither Derrick nor myself could effectively model shoe tying to my little lefty. Those were the two most exciting things happening in our house these last two weeks.

I have to brag on the boys a bit. They've started back up with karate in September. We were going to the Y, but it was on Wednesday nights and I don't like taking all three of them to karate, since Derrick has church. He was missing out on watching them, it's a hassle now with the stroller and a moving 11 month old, and I'm missing out on going to Bible study. So, our sensei has his own studio about 20 mins west of Marysville. So, instead of driving 5 minutes to the Y, hauling out the stroller, and keeping Natalie entertained, I decided to give the Bellefontaine dojo a try. It's AWESOME! And, the boys do SO much better! Sensei converted an old country church into a dojo (for those of you unaware of that term, that means karate studio). He has lots of equipment there, as opposed to the Y that is just a big open gym. Also, Matthew and Lucas are in a class of varying talents and skills, so they are being watched by the younger ones and can follow the model of the older ones. Since sensei has mats, and other equipment, sparring is a regular way to spend their time. This is basically one on one grappling/wrestling. Two weeks ago, Matthew was matched up with another boy about his size, and the same skill level. He just went after the kid! Matthew isn't usually so brave, and in fact has cried or been intimidated in other sparring rounds before, so I wasn't sure how he would handle it. He did awesome! Every time the boy would pin Matthew, he would wriggle and kick his way free and pin the other boy down. Eventually after doing this a few times, Sensei tapped them out with Matthew as the winner. So proud! Then Lucas gets against another little boy. He actually took the boy by his shoulders and "threw" him down so the little boy's head landed pretty hard on the mat. They went round and round awhile, and their match ended in a draw. The boys wrestle with Derrick every once in awhile, and not very much with each other-it's usuallyl hitting or kicking and not an intentional wrestling time. But, to get paired up with another kid and "hurt" them is a different story. I'm so proud of them!

Natalie...well, she's too cute and fun. We broke out the OSU cheerleader outfit the last two weekends on game day and she looks so stinkin' cute! I think it's going to be one of her one year picture outfits in a few weeks at Target. She says "mama" so distinctly, and gets so excited with going to Grandma Patty's to see the kitties. It's too cute. She is cruising right along as far as walking along the furniture. And she's finally enjoying a lot of her toys that play music and sing.

Real Life GI Joe

2010-09-11T15:25:00.004-04:00

This past week, we spent time in Ft. Benning, GA, for Daniel's Basic Training graduation. With the Hursts, that's a lot of people..fifteen to be exact...a lot of people! It started early Tuesday morning, with Derrick getting the boys up-around 4-to start driving. They were SO excited the night before to get to bed because Daddy was getting them up early to go on a road trip...they made it just fine, and later that day my dad took Natalie and I to the airport to catch a five o'clock flight to Atlanta. She did GREAT on the flight..smiling, cooing, giggling at everyone around her-even our seatmate who didn't look super thrilled to be next to a lady with a squirmy baby. Cheerios, puffs, and an hour and a half later, we were off the plane. Derrick and his dad picked us up and we headed for the hotel. Wednesday, it was up and at 'em to head to the base for the beret ceremony. Here the guys are in their dress uniforms and they get their berets. After they got their berets, we were able to find Daniel and see him for the first time since July. It was GREAT! The boys were in such awe, and Patty and Keith were so excited to be reunited with him. After the reunion, Daniel showed us around the base. He showed us the chapel, and then we drove over to the PX-like a "mall" for the military guys and families. We went out to lunch at Applebee's, and then headed back to the hotel. While he was spending time with his girlfriend and another couple, we took the kids to the pool for awhile. After dinner and some more talking, he had to go back to the base. Thursday morning we went back to base for graduation. It was interesting. First an Army band came out and marched and played some patriotic songs. They had some historical and background stories being told over the PA, and some soldiers dressed in uniform from the Revolutionary War through current day war. Then about twelve solders came out in full gear, and did a battlefield simulation, which was very cool. After they reached the bleachers and lined up, the announcer pointed out their gear and told what each piece was for. Matthew and Lucas were so enthralled by the "real life GI Joe men"..too cute! Finally, the Alpha and Echo companies came out in platoons and went through some logistical things, and were "graduated". Each platoon marched towards the bleachers and around the field, so all the families could get a good look at their soldier. After graduation, we headed to the Infantry Museum on base. This was very neat, too. It had a lot of displays of war, and what basic training is like. We were there for about an hour, then we went out to lunch. After lunch, it was back to the hotel and we visited with Daniel some more. Time went so fast, and it was time to take him back to base. We saw them line up as platoons and do some cadences and get their orders. It was hugs and goodbyes and back to the hotel for us and to bed for him. We left early Friday morning to drive home, and Daniel flew out to MO for his AIT training. It was such a great family time!

Why I Love My In-Laws..Reason 685

2010-08-24T16:24:00.003-04:00

With the perfect husband, I suppose come the perfect in-laws. I love them..I always have, and I always will. I mainly love them because they love me-have loved me since we started dating my freshman year in high school, and have accepted me into their family. Derrick's mom always thought we'd end up together, and was on the verge of disowning him when he went through his "let's date many other girls" phase. Anyway, I digress. Another reason I love them is their generosity...and right now it is being shown through the pool. Yep, my in-laws got a pool...a real live, huge, permanent pool. See, we don't spend money on a pool pass for various reasons-including many of my former students who hang out there don't need to see me in a swimsuit-as well as I don't think keeping track of two boys who can't yet swim and an infant is my idea of spending the day in the sun. Keith and Patty got this pool, and we've been out several times. We won't be out much more this summer, as it's a bit chilly when it's in the 70s/low 80s to to go the pool. However, I am already looking forward to next summer when we can lounge at the pool after church on Sundays, and during the week!
Natalie chilling in her floatie. She loves the thing. Give her some cheerios, and she has it made!
Matthew playing in the pool.
Lucas showing off his floaties...what a cheeser!

Second Grade Begins

2010-08-24T16:14:00.004-04:00

This morning started differently. Cinnamon rolls for breakfast, new shoes, new backpacks-that were packed full-and a walk across the street to school. Matthew says, "I feel like I have a million butterflies in my stomach". Then when he gets home, he says, "It was totally awesome!" I'm so glad-there were not any tears shed this morning. I'm anxious to see what this year brings-I remember second grade as being my favorite year. I hope they also enjoy it.

The walk to school with Derrick leading the way.
Love the look of nerves and anticipation in Matthew's eyes as he sits down to his first day in 2nd Grade.
Matthew ready for second grade.
Lucas showing off his new backpack and shoes. What a poser!
Lucas and Matthew ready to go!

Last Day of Summer Break

2010-08-24T15:49:00.006-04:00

For our last day of summer break, we wanted to something as a whole family and centered around the boys. Given some choices, they chose COSI-of which I was glad because it's one of our fun places to go, and we hadn't made it yet this summer. So after breakfast and getting the diaper bags and snacks together, we headed off to COSI. Now, this is a major, sensory overstimulation trip for all! There is so much to look at, touch, and do, that one can get overwhelmed-that was Matthew. He jumped from one thing to the next like and Energizer bunny. I don't think the kid walked the entire time. We always start in the SPACE exhibit first, as it is right past the admission desk. While in there, Lucas discovered a space ship simulation type thing, and sat in it. He pushed a bunch of buttons, and it talks to you like you're in a space ship, etc. Well, one that he pushed makes it move, as if you are blasting off. He looked a bit shocked, and said, "Ok, I'd like to get out now please". The look on his face was so funny when it moved unexpectedly! After we explored SPACE, we moved onto OCEANS, where the boys like to climb in the submarine. I remember the first time we went to COSI, it took much coaxing to get them down into the submarine, but now they clamor for the ladder and will sit in it for a little while. They love to "control" it, and then we moved on. After the lower level, we moved on to the Mezzanine. Here we hit the Progress exhibit, and the boys ran from decade to decade, checking out all the fun shops and restaurants. It was funny to see them in an old fashioned phone booth, and on the carriage.
In the LIFE exhibit, there was a piano that plays the noises of bodily functions. Of course, they found it absolutely hilarious. As a mother of boys, I've come to realize how hilarious bodily functions are through their eyes. Whatever. Anyway, we hit the GADGETS exhibit and Derrick gave each child a turn on the pulleys...Natalie, too. We left COSI very hungry, and headed to Red Robin for lunch. It was another instance where I saw how much they are growing. They nicely told the waitress what they wanted, drinks and all. It was so cute. We then headed home for some quiet time, and to get ready for the first day of school!

Time Alone

2010-08-10T13:59:00.003-04:00

Matthew and Derrick enjoying their blizzards.

Matthew helping with the stromboli.

Natalie's new trick-climbing the stairs.

Matthew and Lucas's new LEGOS-their reward for consistent good behavior.

Giving the boys time alone isn't something we do very much of. We've always had them together, and have had two of everything. That's where my parents come in. They will take one of them for an overnight every once in awhile, and this past week, Lucas got to spend his special overnight at Grandma Connie and Papa Ron's. This particular time was Lucas's turn. They did the same thing they had done with Matthew a few weeks ago-dinner at Max and Erma's, putt putt golf, and then on an errand with Grandma, Lucas got to pick out a toy. So we were left to entertain Matthew-and I mean that in the most loving way. The kid is go, go, go. He was lacking in a playmate, so Derrick had to step in for Lucas and suffice Matthew's need for a constant companion. I was able to talk Matthew into helping me with dinner, so he diligently spread the sauce on the stromboli and laid out the pepperoni. He then talked us into heading to Dairy Queen, we we went for a mommy/Matthew date to DQ and came home with blizzards for him, Derrick, and myself. He also sweet talked his way into a sleepover on our bedroom floor in his sleeping bag...he must have been cozy because he slept for about 11 hours.
Natalie's new trick is climbing the steps. It was awfully quiet the other day, and I came to find her five steps up...when the boys head upstairs, she is becoming quick to follow. What a stinker! She is growing so quickly. At her 9 month check up, she weighed in at 20 lbs. She's got such a cute personality, and is almost always a happy little girl. This past weekend we also celebrated Derrick's parents' 35th anniversary with a pool party. They got a pool this past weekend-a very nice, above ground, 5 foot pool, and we celebrated their purchase and anniversary with a cookout. Afterwards, we headed to my parents' for dinner to celebrate my grandma Barb's birthday. It was nice, as we don't see that side of my family very often. Only about two weeks until school starts..and my babies are in second grade :(.

Popsicles with Friends

2010-07-27T11:23:00.002-04:00

Friday night, we hosted the Larsons for dinner. Benny's Pizza, of course, was on the menu. It was blasted hot, so we sent the kids outside to play in the kiddie splash pool, while we adults sat inside and talked. Good times. After much splashing and soaking of each other, Matthew, Lucas, Eliana, and Noah were ready for a break. Out came the popsicles, and much slurping ensued.

2010-07-27T11:13:00.002-04:00

Lucas happy to help with the corn!

Matthew helping, but not liking how it feels. He's a bit on the sensitive side when it comes to weird feeling objects.

One of our favorite things about summer is sweet corn. After dinner at my parents last week, we came home with a large amount of produce from their and a neighboring farmer's garden. Lucas was more than excited-he asks for sweet corn frequently in the summer, and so he and Matthew set to shucking the corn and getting it ready to eat. Then, while they were outside helping Derrick, Natalie spent most of her time at the sliding glass door, banging on it because she was missing the fun!

Letters for Uncle Daniel

2010-07-20T15:53:00.005-04:00

Since Uncle Daniel is in Ft. Benning, GA, at basic training, the boys decided to write him some letters and draw him some pictures. I think they turned out great.

Matthew's letter: "I love and like you. You are awesome." His picture has a cross, a rocket, a snake, and a cat.

Lucas's letter says: "I love you. You are nice. What kind of gun are you going to use?" His picture includes a cross, a rocket, and a laser gun.

A Hurst Family Summer Night in Pictures

2010-07-20T15:41:00.003-04:00

Matthew, Lucas, Derrick, and Natalie enjoying popsicles on the porch.
Matthew showing his "Boom, boom..Firepower!" pose.
Lucas and his silly bands.
Natalie splashing in the sprinkler.
Matthew and Lucas at the sprinkler again.

Matthew running through the sprinkler.
Lucas running through the sprinkler.

I Guess Under the Table is Better Than on the Table

2010-07-18T15:04:00.005-04:00

The walking around....

The graceful lowering to the ground...

The exit...

Natalie's newest location to play is under the kitchen table. Let's just say that I sweep under there more often than I used to...stray food from dinner isn't something she needs to be digesting. So, she's been pulling up for a few weeks now. Now she's pretty much mastered the skill, and has gotten extremely comfortable moving from one piece of furniture-within a short distance-to the next. That's where the table comes in. She crawls into the kitchen from the living room, and makes her way under the table. She then proceeds to pull up on a chair, and walk her way around from chair to chair. After a few minutes, she decides she's done with that, so she carefully makes her way down and tries to crawl out. Inevitably, she squawks on her way out because she is "stuck"..aka she's going out between two chairs and needs someone to move them apart so she can get out. She's also developed quite the sassy attitude..as seen in the foot propped up on the high chair tray in the picture below!

As far as the boys go, their reading is growing by leaps and bounds! I make them have about 20 minutes of quiet reading time everyday. They have to choose two books to read, an activity book (of which they do 5 pages), and can do a puzzle or word search book, too. Last night, Matthew was engrossed in his LEGO Star Wars Visual Encyclopedia-compliments of Grandma Patty-and I was able to tear it away from him so we could read together. He and Lucas both read a lot of what I think are huge words for second graders-dehumanization, concussion, etc.

In other news, Lucas is becoming quite the logical little thing. While driving by the dry cleaners the other day, here is our conversation:
Lucas: "Mommy, what is that place?"
Me: "The dry cleaners. Why?"
Lucas: "Because we haven't been there in a long time. Why do we go there?"
Me: "That's the place we take our fragile clothes that I can't put in the washer. We don't have a lot of fragile summer clothes."
Lucas: "Maybe we should take Daddy's work jeans there. They are very fragile."
NOTE: Derrick's work jeans have huge holes in the knees, rips in the back pockets, and paint and grass stains all over them.
As if that wasn't logical enough, while I was on the computer he was in the office with me and observing two clocks we have in here. One is a standard wall clock, with regular numbers. The other is a small decorative clock with Roman numerals.
Lucas: "Mommy, this clock must be really old." (the small one with the Roman numerals.)
Me: "Why do you say that?"
Lucas: "Because it has old fashioned numbers on it. The other one has real numbers on it."
Pretty logical, isn't it?

Too Big for Her Own Good

2010-07-09T10:22:00.003-04:00

She's at it again..moving more swiftly. Yep, the nine month old is getting big for her britches. She's catching on so quickly, I can't keep up with writing it all down..This week she's mastered pulling up on the couch-rather gracefully I might add-and scootching her way from one end to the other. She even tried to let go of the couch to transfer to the coffee table yesterday.
Wednesday I found her pulled up at the potty in the boys' bathroom..good thing the lid was closed. Anything she can pull up on, she does..including in the bathtub. She's a wild child. I also gave her graham crackers last week, which she's all about when she needs a snack. Her new sound sounds like she's saying "ok, ok, ok" really fast, or "go, go, go" really fast. Too funny. Too big...she's into EVERYTHING, and her crawling speed is growing rapidly. She's getting too big too fast..

We LOVE the Spray Park!

2010-07-09T10:15:00.004-04:00

When we moved back to Marysville about five years ago, we were invited by another mom/preschoolers group to go to the Dublin Spray Park. Ever since, we go several times during the summer. We love this place. First, it's free. Second, there's a huge lawn and we like to take picnics, or snacks, and spend a whole morning or afternoon there. Also, it's not a very far drive, and the kids can run around and play, and stay cool at the same time. It's a win-win. The boys were old enough last summer that I don't have to watch them every second, and as long as I can see them, we're all fine. Yesterday was our first time there this summer. It was a super hot day, and I took my chances it wouldn't be too busy in the afternoon-assuming other, more sensible mothers had taken their kids home for lunch, naps, etc. So, we headed out around 2:30. It wasn't crowded at all, and the boys LOVE when all the water turns on full blast and they stand under the waterfalls. Natalie and I sat contentedly at one of the fountains and watched it shoot up and she splashed around in it. Great fun!

VBS and the Zoo

2010-06-29T15:10:00.005-04:00

Vacation Bible School was last week, and it was quite the success. This is Lucas modeling his craft from the first night. The best part of it, was that Matthew and Lucas were able to put their faith into action. They had invited four friends-two from school and two from the neighborhood, and all four of them came! It was so exciting to see the boys excited about sharing church with their school friends. The theme was Joseph this year, and we had a huge tent up in the worship area for the "marketplace", opportunities to create things with hieroglyphics, and they even made bricks from mud and straw for an activity on one of the evenings.

Since we've moved into our new house, we've done a lot of entertaining...more so than we used to. We had the Hurst side over for grilled pizza last Saturday. It was possibly the BEST grilled pizza Derrick's made, yet. While they were here, we had the sprinklers going, so the boys took full advantage of running through them and getting as soaked as possible. Not to mention the pop up thunderstorm we had, which of course Auntie Darragh took them running through puddles afterwards.
Natalie also had her feet in the grass for the first time. She loved it! She sat so nicely, for quite a little while, watching the sprinklers and the boys ride their bikes.

Today was our first zoo trip of the year. We went to check out the polar bear exhibit, and it was very cool..very crowded, but there is an area where you can walk down a ramp, and see them swimming from underneath. There were two of them swimming around, and it was very fun to watch. Of course, we had to go to the snake house, touch pool, and see the Asia Quest exhibit. They even found a little kid to trade silly bands with..only my kids!

Last night, it was very cute..Natalie has an interest in Lucas lately. She wanted up on the couch with him, because he was sucking his fingers. She pulled his fingers out of his mouth, and put them in her own...She is getting so big. She's pulling up on furniture, she wants everything the boys have (including their toys which drives them crazy), and she wants to sit with them.

Disney World-Vacation 2010

2010-06-14T14:12:00.009-04:00

Well, our vacation has come and gone, and now we have all summer to look forward to. It was fabulous! We left on the 4th, and drove to Columbia, SC to spend the night. We were up at ready to go around 9 the next morning, and continued on to Disney World. How'd we do it with a baby and two seven year olds...lots of DS games, videos, snacks, and mommy in the back to entertain the baby...It was a fairly uneventful drive and when we got to Animal Kingdom Lodge-Jambo House, we were very excited. It was a beautiful hotel. Some of the rooms viewed a savanna, with giraffes, zebras, and other animals roaming around. The lobby had a huge totem pole in the lobby, and our view of the pool was very gorgeous.

We unloaded at the hotel, and got settled. About an hour later, we headed to Hollywood Studios, formerly known as MGM. It was Star Wars Weekend, so of course we hit the Star Tours ride first. There was Star Wars music playing all through the park, and Stormtroopers guarding the entrance. There were also many characters from the movies to sign autographs. The boys were totally in their element. We walked around and they rode Star Tours twice, and then we hit Pizza Planet for dinner. I wanted to eat there last time we went, and we couldn't. But this time we were able to. Afterwards, we did Toy Story Mania-a VERY cool 3 D ride, and we did the Studio Backlot Tour. We also saw Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, which was very good. After all that fun, we headed back to the resort. I took the kids to the pool while Derrick finished settling our room down and ate.
The next day, we headed back to Hollywood Studios. We did Star Tours two more times, as well as the Toy Story Mania ride again. We saw the Star Wars Motorcade..complete with an Annakin Mickey and many other Star Wars characters. It was HOT! So we got Buzz and Woody's autographs, went back to the resort for some rest and pool time.
Monday was our first day at Magic Kingdom. We did a lot of rides, like Aladdin's Carpets, Space Mountain, The AstroOribter, and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. When it was time for some air conditioning, we hit the Carousel of Progress to cool off and give Natalie a bottle. After lunch, she started to melt a little, so Derrick took her back to the hotel and let her rest while I took the boys around Magic Kingdom. We did Dumbo, the Tea Cups, and the Tomorrowland Speedway, as well as Stitch's Great Escape. We met up with Derrick and Natalie at the hotel later and then went to Downtown Disney to do some shopping and to eat. We went to the LEGO store, and also to the Christmas shop to get some ornaments.
Tuesday we went to Epcot off and on. We did the Spaceship Earth ride, got some autographs, and rode The Land. We did lunch and walked around Innoventions, where the boys and I starred in our own video game. It was very cool. Epcot is so fun, if you let it. It is all about learning. We also did the Nemo ride, and saw Turtle Talk With Crush. We also rode Figment's Imagination Ride. We took a break from the park for a few hours, and headed back in the evening. We did the World Showcase, like the 3 Cabelleros ride in Mexico, and I had to have a German pretzel in Germany.
Wednesday we went to Magic Kingdom again. We rode Pirates of the Caribbean, and when we unloaded the right, which of course was right into the gift shop, Lucas decided he was going to pose like Jack Sparrow..or his version of Jack. We also rode It's a Small World and saw the Country Bear Jamboree. We did the Jungle Cruise, and Matthew got chosen out of the audience to drive the boat. He thought that was WAY cool. We rode Aladdin's Carpets again, and this time Aladdin and Jasmine were on our ride. Afterwards, Natalie got to meet Jasmine..her first Disney princess. We walked through Frontierland and had lunch at Pinocchio's Haus in Fantasyland. We did Mickey's Philharmagic..which is VERY cute. Then we head to Mickey's Toontown Fair to go through Mickey and Minnie's houses, and to meet Mickey and Minnie of course. We had lunch and rode a few more rides again. Then we went back to the hotel for a rest and pool. After dinner at the resort, we went to Magic Kingdom to repeat any rides and for the fireworks.
Thursday was our last day. We went to Animal Kingdom. Here we saw the Festival of the Lion King, rode the Kilimanjaro Safari ride, and the boys dug in the Boneyard. We also scored some great autographs from Terk, Baloo and King Louie, and Flick. After lunch we headed to check out from the resort and started our way home. We made it home Friday afternoon, around 4 pm. We stopped for the night somewhere in Virginia, and then made our way home Friday morning.
It was a great vacation, and there is so much more I could tell....can't wait til next year!

And She's Off

2010-05-24T15:22:00.005-04:00

Well, Natalie is crawling. In the last three weeks, she's mastered sitting on her own, very confidently, and now crawling. I'm not saying she's a crawling master yet. It starts as scooting, and pushing her toes into the carpet and lurching forward. In the last few days she's been putting the crawling motions with a little more speed. Today when I got home from work, she crawled to me..albeit slowly, but she did it. Yesterday she was sitting, leaned into the crawling position, then sat herself back up...the time's a coming....baby gates will reign.

She so wants to be where the boys are, and has developed a fascination with paper and tags. The boys didn't crawl at 7 months...not sure if she's a bit ahead of them because she's a girl, not a multiple, or not behind from the get go like the boys were...but needless to say I think I'll have a walker on my hands before her first birthday comes around. She especially likes to have the boys read to her...she pays great attention to them, and they love it that she'll sit and listen to them read to her.
Matthew Reading to Natalie

Lucas trying to read to Natalie..while she crawls around!

The boys are almost second graders! They have 9 days left of school, and are so ready for summer. Admittedly, so am I. I am ready for a lesser schedule, staying up late, and being outside a lot. Lucas was asking me yesterday if we can have Tuesday and Wednesday be "water days"...we'll see. They are starting "Camp Northwood" today, complete with tie dye shirts, bug journals, and trail mix for a snack. They were allowed to bring their sleeping bags to school for reading time and store them in their cubbies. Everyday they have mail call, and get letters we wrote from home. Sounds very cute, and definetly an end of the year activity.
What's next for the Hursts? Vacation and VBS...Daniel's graduation from HS and send off to basic training, as well as all the other fun summer stuff like the zoo, parks, etc.

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

2010-05-11T14:23:00.004-04:00

We've waited and waited, and we are finally in our house. We moved in on April 23rd. I had to sacrifice going to the twin sale..after I had tagged and sorted all my items to sell...to move into our new house. This has been such a great lesson in patience for us. Normally, for us, God's lessons in patience involve frustration, hurt, irritation, etc. This one came out on the positive end...with a lot of answered prayers. We are SO thankful for our new house, and all the space it is affording us.

Matthew and Lucas tested and passed for their yellow belts. They had to answer a series of questions in front of Sensei. Then after class, they were presented with their belts. Glad they both passed...can't imagine the drama if it had been just one. We celebrated with blizzards after karate, then on Derrick's birthday, the 30th, we celebrated with blizzards again. I don't think that I had two blizzards all last summer...and we had them within one week of each other..

We went to Bowling Green last weekend for Darin's graduation. It's so cool to watch younger siblings/siblings in law...graduate. Derrick's other brother, Daniel is going to graduate from Fairbanks in about three weeks. Can't believe it! Then it's off to basic training for him and the National Guard.

Mother's Day was a celebration of Darin's BG graduation and mother's day. We went to the Hurst's for lunch, then to my parents to visit for a little bit. After being gone ALL day Saturday at BG, and Sunday for Mother's Day, it was nice to come home. I did some cleaning, and Derrick worked out in the garage a little bit. We can finally get our cars in the garage, with lots more room than we had in our old garage.

I had Lucas to the pediatrician yesterday. Thinking he had strep throat, but the test came back negative. Then, she sent us to have bloodwork done to test for mono. That rapid test came back negative, so who knows what is going on inside that little guy's body. He was home from school Monday and today. On the way home from Children's Close to Home, after several minutes of silence, Lucas informed me that they have 9 more birthdays until they get their driver's license...guess he's started a countdown already! He also thanked me up and down for taking him to Children's "because the needles at Marysville Hospital are probably a lot bigger". Too funny.

We are looking forward to the end of school, and vacation of course. It's a surprise for the boys. We aren't telling them where we are going, until we are in the car leaving. We are heading out the day I get out of school. Derrick and the kids are picking me up at work, and off we go!

Spring Break 2010

2010-04-02T15:26:00.008-04:00

Our spring break started on Friday. Derrick and I ran errands while Joey and Kristin took the boys to the LEGO store to spend their gift cards. We picked them up and went home to have pizza and relax. Saturday was fairly normal, with Derrick and I working on cleaning stuff up and packing. I dread packing. I hate packing...it puts my home in disarray, and that is something I'm not comfortable with. Nonetheless, it needs to be done. The best part, for me, is the purging and pitching of things we don't need. Not only are we packing to move, but I am pricing and tagging stuff for the twin sale on the 23rd, AND we are packing for PLI in St. Louis..which also means packing up the kids for a week at grandma's. Anyway, we had Ladies Night Out for church on Saturday. We went to Casa Fiesta, while the dads and kids got together at a family's house to play and have a cookout. It was Matthew and Daddy night, because Lucas stayed home with my parents after complaining of having a sore throat all day and a fever. That leads to Sunday...I skipped church to stay home with a sick Lucas, and ended up taking him to Children's Close to Home for a strep swab, which came back positive. So, he was down and out for a few days. Finally on Thursday, the weather broke nicely. It was in the 80s! We were outside ALL day. I think the boys thought it was the only day of summer...they picnicked, rode bikes, played in the sandbox, we went to the park, had popsicles..everything but got out the slip n slide.

Easter we had church in the park. We had about 30 people or so. It was sunny and beautiful. Then we had a balloon launch afterwards and an Easter egg hunt for the kids. We came home and changed, took some pictures, and headed off to my grandma's for lunch. We had ham, noodles, salad, etc. It was fabulous as always. Then it was time for the egg hunt. The little cousins-Matthew, Lucas, Mabry, and Charlie, lined up and on "Go!" they were off to find eggs. After they collected them, they sat on the blanket, and had to do various tricks, sing songs, etc. to collect prizes. The hit was the kites. Matthew and Derrick and Lucas and my mom flew kites for what seemed forever. They did a really good job with them. After playing outside for awhile, we headed over to the Hursts' for dessert and more Easter baskets. Over break they spent a lot of time doing crafts. Earlier in the week, Matthew made all 8 creations out of his bendaroos, and then they got these kits to make a frog and a cat out of foam. Very cute, and kept them VERY busy!

Matthew's Dreams

2010-03-17T17:39:00.001-04:00

Matthew had a cute dream the other night. He dreamed he saw Jesus. We were all in church, "the Hurst family" he said. Jesus looked like he had dark hair and a beard. Everyone else was crouched behind their chairs because they were afraid, but everyone in the Hurst family was sitting there looking at Jesus. He was up by the altar in church. How sweet!

Life Changes....

2010-03-17T17:33:00.002-04:00

Well, what we've waited and prayed for has finally come. On Monday we got an offer on our house, and we accepted it. We had it on the market this past summer/fall, and took it off when it didn't sell. After much deliberating, we decided to give it another shot and put it back up at the beginning of February. We had several showings, but each one had something to complain about, or it wasn't the house for them. Selling a house is stressful. Sitting around, keeping it clean, and waiting for someone to schedule a showing, THEN waiting to hear how they felt about it is stressful. Saturday, we had two showings scheduled. Sunday morning, I checked my phone for emails, expecting the usual weekly deals from Target, an update from Money Saving Mom, etc. Along with those, I saw a feedback email from the showing company. The first agent to submit feedback from Saturday had nothing to say. I debated on scrolling through the rest of them, not wanting/caring to see more that say they aren't interested. But I checked anyway. It said, "Could the listing agent please call me? We would like to make an offer....etc." So, our realtor took care of it, and Monday the offer came. We deliberated....it wasn't quite as much as we had hoped, but it was reasonable. We took it! They want to close on April 15, with possession a week later. We need to start house hunting! We've found several that we like within the parameters of our neighborhood school that we like so well. It's so exciting to house hunt, but I didn't realize how stressful it would be. My insides feel all jumbled up...excitement, stress, we are going to be at PLI the week/day they want to close, so that means we want to be fairly packed up before we go to PLI...Easter, getting the kids packed for a week at grandma's, putting an offer on a home for us to buy....waiting for acceptance of that offer, it's so much to think about! Finally, yet another life change for us. We must thrive on those....or so it seems!

Blue and Gold Banquet

2010-02-24T16:59:00.004-05:00

Last night was the Blue and Gold Banquet for Boy Scouts. It is a night when all the dens get together and have dinner and then are recognized for their achievements. First we had dinner, catered by Bob Evans. We had turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, and pie. It was delicious. Thankfully they started with the Tigers first...they were hungry little guys! The boys downed their dinner, and asked for seconds. Not surprising from Lucas, but Matthew also asked. This from the kid who had to be bribed to eat no matter what I would put on his plate...or eat his chicken on the same bite as his rice because he didn't like it...but that's for another time. Anyway, they were called up and recognized for different achievements in their manual. They received beads for making a food pyramid, visiting a fire station, making a fire safety plan...things like that. They are so into their badges and getting them. It was very cute and a nice evening for the four of us. Natalie stayed home with Grandma and Papa for the evening. She rolled over today without any help and landed on her tummy...without her arm stuck. That is officially rolling over in my mind, and I got it on video. She is SO smiley and talkative lately. Derrick really gets her going with cooing and laughing....a very cute sound from the other room. We are starting her on vegetables this week. We'll see how that goes. She's been eating fruits and rice cereal for a few weeks and seems to like them pretty well. She weighs 14 lbs as of last week, so she is growing rapidly. She's almost doubled her birth weight. Enjoy the pictures!

A Cute Story About Lucas

2010-02-21T12:15:00.003-05:00

On Thursday, we had our parent teacher conferences for the boys. Miss Fisher does an excellent job of keeping them separate during our time with her, and she also does well with not comparing them. Anyway, when we were talking about Lucas, she shared with us that he had a small breakdown that day in school. While they were reading "The Magic Treehouse" on the carpet, most of the kids were talking and being squirmy. So, Miss Fisher quietly (without warning) closed the book and told them she wasn't going to read anymore because they weren't listening. Lucas was listening...she took them to get a drink and go to the bathroom, then sent them to their seats for some writing time. While at his seat, Lucas put his hands over his face and started crying. She asked him why, and it was because he was irritated that everyone was talking and caused her to stop reading. He was so into the story...and he is SO respectful and loves Miss Fisher....that he was very upset she stopped. So, she told the class that Lucas wanted to hear the rest of the story, and if they behaved they could earn it back in a little while. They must have listened, because they did earn it back. Sweet Lucas can be so sensitive sometimes!

The Seventh Birthday

2010-02-16T11:08:00.005-05:00

Well, it's official. The boys are seven. They had a whole weekend of partying to prove it, too. Friday night we had the Hurst side of the family over for pizza, cake, and ice cream. They were WOUND up tight, and after they finally settled down, it was a fun evening. They got Hot Wheels motorcyles and Transformers from Grandma and Grandpa, Atlanis LEGOS from Devon and Christopher, and PJs from Omi and Opa. I made them individual loaf cakes and created an M and L out of LEGOs to decorate the top.
Saturday, we cleaned up from Friday's party to prepare for their friend party at 1:30. I wasn't sure an hour and a half would be long enough for a friend party, but it was perfect. David Metzger, Colin Johnson, Derek Johnson, and Kyle Daley came over to celebrate. The boys were allowed to choose two friends, and they picked good ones. I let them play for awhile when they got here, then it was on to the first game. I had baggies with random LEGOS in them and the boys had to build something in seven minutes, using all their pieces. They turned out really cute. Then we played "pin the circle on the LEGO brick" and they had more free time to play. Finally, we did cake and ice cream and Matthew and Lucas opened their presents. Sunday was their Carfrey family party. We went to church at Atonement, then everyone came over around 3 for potato soup, cake, and ice cream. They got LEGO store gift cards and a promised shopping trip from Joey and Kristin, Crayola Glow Boards from Lindsey, money from Great Ma, and money, LEGOS, and books from Grandma and Grandpa. This party was more calm, as the boys don't get quite as wound up for my family as they do for Derrick's. Monday was their real birthday. We had a fun day planned, but the snow and Lucas not feeling well kind of postponed it. We did make it to Target to get pictures taken. Then, we were going to go to Toys R Us, Barnes and Noble, and out to lunch. Instead I took Lucas to the pediatrician and they found out he has strep. Good thing I took him. Monday night we got texts/calls that both Alder and Marysville were cancelled for Tuesday. I guess that was a great end to their birthday...a snow day!

Lucas, My Seven-Year-Old

2010-02-15T17:11:00.002-05:00

Lucas is turning seven in about three hours. He was born at 8:05, about five minutes after Matthew. He looked like a healthy newborn in comparison to Matthew when he was born. He's always been so mellow. When he was around 6 months, he started sucking the two middle fingers on his left hand, and became very attached to his "jacket". He still sucks his fingers and has his jacket seven years later! He follows Matthew around, and does what Matthew says. He's taking on a new role as "middle" child, and I'm not sure he knows what to think about that. When I ask him what he wants for a snack, he'll say, "What is Matthew having?", or "Whatever Matthew has". He more of a risk taker than Matthew, and doesn't get so intense about "little" things. He comes out from getting dressed with his shirt on backwards about 5 days out of the week, and can be pretty forgetful. However, he is very loving towards me, and LOVES daddy. He's always been especially attached to Derrick.

Favorite color: Green and red
Favorite movie: Star Wars the Clone Wars
When he grows up: Ambulance Driver
Favorite food: chicken nuggets
Favorite toy: All of his toys :)

Happy Birthday, Lucas! I love you!

My Seven Year Old-Matthew

2010-02-14T09:10:00.008-05:00

Well, in about three hours Matthew will be seven. He's the oldest, and definitely shows "oldest child" personality traits. He is quite the leader, and almost always expects Lucas to follow. However, when it comes to doing something new, he's not always the first one to jump in. He sort of stands back, and isn't a huge risk taker. He doesn't like to try new things, and is skittish sometimes. He is my little buddy...always has had sort of a special bond with me. When he was a baby, he was my sleeping buddy. We'd nap together all the time with him sleeping on me. He's sensitive, and takes things semi-personally. He is very routine oriented, and likes his toys and other things in a particular place. He likes to know what is next on the schedule. He's very good at Math, and is learning so much in first grade. He's getting SO good at his reading, too. He's lost three teeth. He loves to play outside and is always on the go. He warms my heart, and I love him so much! Here are some facts about Matthew:
Favorite color: Red and blue
When he grows up: He wants to be a police officer
Favorite Bible story: Jesus dying on the cross
Favorite movie: Star Wars the Clone Wars
Favorite toy: Star Wars LEGOS
Best friend: David
His smile is so sweet, and he's my little man! I love you, Matthew!

Snow Days

2010-02-11T19:26:00.003-05:00

This week has been totally off our routine. Monday I had a two hour delay that turned into a cancellation, while the boys had a two hour delay. Natalie and I ventured out after dropping them off at school to get much needed birthday party supplies. Tuesday and Wednesday both Marysville and JA had snow days. It has been blowing and drifting in central Ohio, so many schools and other activities have been cancelled. That meant no Scouts and karate for the boys and no Wednesday night church for Derrick. Today, Thursday, I had another cancellation and they had a two hour delay. I have been thoroughly enjoying my time at home with Natalie everyday this week, and Derrick is thoroughly enjoying getting to work completely uninterrupted. Natalie is growing so quickly. She is reaching out and grabbing things, partially rolling over, cooing and talking ALL the time, and has started eating pears with her cereal for her evening feedings.

To keep them entertained, the boys have played out in the snow a lot this week. We got out the craft box yesterday, and of course video games. The picture above shows how I found them yesterday afternoon...playing their DS games snuggled in Matthew's bed under the new comforters we got them for their birthday. The blessing in all these cancellations this week has been that I am able to get ready for their birthday parties this weekend. They are so excited about their big day!

They also celebrated the 100th day of school this week. Luckily they had school on that day. They did a hundred day snack, made crowns, and had cool 100 Day glasses. My next post will be the birthday update. Until then, everyone stay warm!

Snowy Sunday

2010-02-07T14:43:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures of a snowy playtime I just had with Matthew and Lucas. They ate more snow than I want to think about. Matthew is in the blue coat and Lucas is in the red.

It's Winter!

2010-02-06T13:09:00.000-05:00

It's Winter...or so it looks like it outside. We got dumped on last night...12 inches at least and hit a Level 2 snow emergency. We all closed school early, came home, and snuggled in for the night. The snow is heavy, wet, and packable...in fact, the boys were outside this morning at 9 am to start playing. It took me at least 15 minutes to dress them and get them outside. After about 5 minutes, the front doorbell rings, and they want to come in. I said absolutely not...it took me longer to dress them than they wanted to be outside. When they came back 15 minutes later, I let them in. Derrick is working in the basement today to finish the built in shelves he started over Christmas break. We put our house back on the market Thursday night, and got a calling Friday afternoon for a showing on Sunday. Hopefully the snow won't keep them away tomorrow.

Our January was tough...strep throat, stomach upsets...just germs! We are all on the mend, though. This week we are gearing up for the boys' birthday on the 15th. I can't believe they are going to be seven! Every year I cry on/around their birthday...I wonder if I will this year. They are having a friend party...well, only about 4 boys are coming over, bringing the boy total in the house to six. Friday is Hurst side of the family, Saturday is friends, Sunday is Carfrey side, and Monday (their birthday) we are going out to dinner and getting the kids' pictures taken. Their birthday has become at least a two or three day event. This year's theme is LEGO, and I think everything will turn out very cute. They are so into LEGO and are signed up for the LEGO club. This week Lucas got his LEGO magazine and 3D glasses in the mail. They had a fun time playing with those! Hopefully we can get this house sold and have both sides of our family over at the same time. Right now, space doesn't allow for that.

Natalie is growing so rapidly. She's almost four months! She has been eating cereal for a few weeks now, and is all over that spoon! It's so cute to watch her. We started her kind of early, but she was always smacking her gums and lips together, and she has always had great head control. So, Derrick gave it a try and she loves it. The boys are so cute with her. They lay with her and talk to her, play her toys with her. It's very cute.

Here are some pictures of our house this week. Also, Matthew lost his second tooth Thursday night...of course it was right before bedtime while his teeth were being brushed. He was holding out, hoping it would come out at school because they get a special envelope, but that didn't happen. My next post will be about their birthday. Have a good week!

Back to My Life

2010-01-05T19:38:00.000-05:00

Christmas and New Year's have come and gone. It's really nice to be back to "normal". We took our decorations down this past weekend. It's so nice to have my living room back to normal. Now on to getting our house ready to list again...we weren't successful this last time, but we are going to give it another shot. As I was thinking what to write for my post this time, I felt this overwhelming sense of how much I love my life. We in our home are so blessed. All three of our children are healthy..of which I am very thankful to God for. That helps me appreciate our kids and their health, and gives me opportunities to pray for our friends who aren't so fortunate. I'm also so thankful for my husband. Since this last pregnancy, he has picked up so many more duties around the house, and is being such a great husband. He works so hard, and is a fabulous example for Matthew and Lucas. They are so into seeing everything he does, and asking him questions because they want to learn about whatever it is he is doing. We both have jobs, and fairly secure ones at that. So many times I wish I could be a full time stay at home mom, but that's just not happening right now. I am so thankful to have a job that is very flexible, and that I can use my teaching skills. Our church is growing rapidly, and with Derrick's new call...that doesn't involve moving or other major transitions...it will hopefully grow even more. I am so blessed with our three kids. I have several friends who for whatever reason are unable to conceive at this point in their lives, and that has caused me to be even more thankful for Matthew, Lucas, and Natalie. And our parents and siblings...having them close to us and seeing them interact with our kids is amazing. We live so close to each other...in the same state with the farthest person living about an hour away. They weren't close to us during the boys' infancy, so seeing them and having the opportunitiy for them to get to know Natalie and vice versa in such an early stage of her life is fabulous. My life is awesome, and only because God chooses to bless me in so many ways...

How was Christmas in our house...wonderful. The boys were all about the gifts this year, which is to be expected. They each got a DS, which has been a long awaited request that was fulfilled. We had Christmas 6 different times, but being with our families is such a blessing. Sometimes I think that it's a pain to have to be everywhere all the time when we live so close, but it's also a blessing to be able to go without travel preparations, and to have our parents and grandparents so close. I am sure that is why God has kept us here in Marysville right now. For Matthew, Lucas, and Natalie to grow up around their grandparents like Derrick and I did is a priority for us.

Natalie..is growing. She started eating cereal this week. She has been working her tongue so much, and Derrick decided to try giving her cereal yesterday. She's been taking it in bottles for her acid reflux, but eating it off the spoon is a different story. You'd think she has eaten off a spoon everyday of her life. She's doing fabulous with it. She'll be to 12 pounds in no time if she isn't already.

So it's back to normal life in our house. PLI is this month for me in Dallas. That's about all the excitement this month. Looking ahead to February is Matthew and Lucas's birthday...we've already decided on a LEGO theme this year. I hope you all can take some time to think about your life and feel an overwhelming sense of blessing and thankfulness like I did today.

2009-12-14T19:26:00.000-05:00

This past week was busy but so much fun. Thursday night Matthew and Lucas had their Christmas performance at school, "Happy, Happy Holiday." Being our first year in a public school, I wasn't sure what to expect as far as the performance went and the message it was going to convey. However, it was fantastic! They sang some fun, jazzy Christmas songs. Granted, they were mostly about reindeer and fruitcake, even "Feliz Navidad" made it into the mix. But, it was so cute! The kids had learned some very sweet choreography, and were dressed to the nines. It was also only 40 minutes long, which was very nice. Matthew and Lucas were so good at remembering their moves and lyrics. Matthew had even volunteered to be a dancer in "It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas." Derrick starts singing that song every year..usually right after Halloween when he is getting into the Christmas spirit. Matthew was SO proud of himself, and kept looking at Derrick while he was dancing to make sure he had Daddy's full attention.
A few weeks ago, I was asking them about their performance and what it was going to be like. Matthew said that I would be so proud of them that I would cry and buy them a toy...well, I definitely had tears of pride and good thing Christmas is coming because that takes care of the toy part!

Friday was supposed to be the circuit pastor's Christmas party..but it was cancelled. Since we didn't want to take away a babysitting opportunity from my parents, they came over anyway so we could go on a date. It was fabulous! I didn't think Ruby Tuesday, Giant Eagle, Sam's Club, and Target could be so much fun. We finished our shopping for the most part..and I am learning to be VERY selective of the toys we buy for the boys...is it something that I won't mind picking up, tripping over, or having in my house?

Saturday was getting ready for the baptism. Natalie was baptized on Sunday, and Saturday meant rolling meat and arranging cheeses on trays for the lunch we were providing afterward. Let's say that I don't mind a deli meat sandwich, but I know now why I don't make trays for a living...yuck! Sunday we had her baptism. Church was full..for us that's like 50 people. Our neighbors, who are non church goers, actually came. I was so thankful they came. Pastor Brian and Sarah Larson and Derrick's brother Daniel are Natalie's sponsors. She handled the baptizing well...no crying! It was so cool again to see Derrick baptize our kids. Afterward we had a luncheon at church, then home to relax and get ready for the week ahead. Only 4 more days until Christmas break starts!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...

2009-12-09T17:40:00.000-05:00

Here in our house, we are getting more and more ready for Christmas. We put the trees up two weeks ago. As I mentioned, the one in the boys' room is interesting...and actually still standing! We received Natalie's stocking in the mail last week, so hanging that made a nice addition to our decorations. Matthew and Lucas got their Advent calendars from Grandma Patty last week. She buys them the big, "official" ones from World Market, and this year they got a playmobil one, too. That ended up in fights, as to who got what toy and who got to open the flap each day. So, we finally gave in and just opened the whole thing and added it to the playmobil collection. Tomorrow is their Christmas performance at school. They are under strict instructions to get "decked out"..good thing they each have one dressy outfit...since we wear jeans to church most of the time, their dress clothes collection has drastically fizzled in the last few years. They actually got dress shoes that I ordered from Kohl's in the mail yesterday...right on time for their performance and they fit! Guess that means they have to quit wearing their crocs to church and every other function that requires their khakis. Our Christmas plans are getting more and more finalized...where we are going and when. The only thing left is stocking stuffers and getting them to see Santa. Of course, Natalie is growing so quickly! She's going to be 7 weeks on Friday. She's having some seriously fussy evenings...like crying and holding her breath...so we are thinking acid reflux. She's starting a prescription tomorrow...hopefully that will make things better. Today I found out that as of next Monday I will be considered "full time" at work. Up until now I was being paid at the tutoring hourly rate for 3 hours and then a sub rate for 3 hours. This was because the lady who was there before me was on disability and was unsure if she was returning after the first of the year. She resigned as of today, so that moves me to full time pay and insurance. Yeah! This past weekend was Derrick's installation at Atonement Lutheran in Columbus. He's now the pastor of missions/outreach down there. Not much at Living Truth changes...he still pastors here, but Atonement has adopted our church plant and will be supporting it in so many awesome ways. His friend, Matt Hoffman (Oswald's grandson) preached a fabulous message at his installation. Next Sunday, the 13th, is Natalie's baptism. I am excited because I invited our neighbors, who don't go to church, for the service. She said they are coming! I really hope so!