tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62267498080398442312024-03-14T04:01:08.634-06:00The Dalpias FamilyCasey, Natalie, Benson and MollyNataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.comBlogger227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-47353274060772214682012-06-11T12:20:00.003-06:002012-06-11T12:20:53.512-06:00About being the mom...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've told this story before, so please excuse me if you've heard it.</div>
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Being a mom of 3 is a little different. Everyone asks if it's harder, and yeah, it is more work for sure... but mostly, it's just different. There is another mouth to feed and another bottom to wipe, more laundry, more dishes, and somehow less time.</div>
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I like to think of myself as a pretty good mom. My kids have pretty much everything they could want. They don't go hungry. They have almost every toy they could want. They get baths sometimes and usually, I fix them something they like for dinner. I know all the tricks to make them happy. I know how to distract Benson, how to comfort Molly, and how to get Jack to take a binkie. I will be the first to tell you that I am not perfect. Trust me. But I am trying. Boy howdy, am I trying.</div>
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And sometimes I feel overwhelmed. I could clean all day, and there would still be more to clean tomorrow. I could cook a gourmet meal, and the kids would still eat it like dogs, without using a fork. But the thing that overwhelms me is that it doesn't matter how much attention I give, someone isn't getting enough of MOM. Or, somehow, after I've tried and tried and tried, I didn't do a good enough job.</div>
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When Jack was just a few weeks old, I lost it one night. I felt defeated. So I left the older kids with Casey and took Jack shopping. Really, I just needed to go for a drive and get away from being pulled in 10 different directions. </div>
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As I was driving, I could not help but feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. I prayed out loud for some sort of comfort or relief from this overwhelming feeling of disappointment I was feeling. And the peace came almost immediately. My father in heaven heard my cries of despair, though they are small compared to some. He comforted me. I felt the love of my savior envelope me. And then I received a little bit of personal revelation that I feel like I want to share.</div>
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After all I do, or try to do... why do I feel so overwhelmed and inadequate?</div>
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I believe that I'm doing an important work. Being a mom might just be one of the most important roles anyone can play in this life, and guess who wants me to fail? Satan. I know, beyond a doubt, that Heavenly Father loves me and that if I am doing my best, that is enough. But there are real forces of evil working against my efforts everyday. I believe that Heavenly Father wants me to succeed. He is cheering for me. There are angels in Heaven who are helping me. But there is an adversary who wants me to feel like my best isn't good enough. I must be doing alright, or else he wouldn't be working on me so hard. It might seem a little cheesy, but all I can do is my best. All anyone can do is their best, try their hardest, and it will be enough. </div>
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Being a mom is tricky. It isn't always rainbows and butterflies. But it's an important job. I'm so glad that I have been SO blessed to have these 3 little angels who rely on me to teach them. It is overwhelming and I don't see it getting any easier, but I am thankful for a Heavenly Father who loves me enough to give me a little bit of peace and comfort once in a while. I think I'm doing alright. And guess what? So are you.</div>
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And now, because blogs are no fun without pictures, here are my Neapolitan children. One of each flavor: </div>
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<br />Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-57875492100005825942012-06-04T15:30:00.001-06:002012-06-04T15:30:07.464-06:0088 Random Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are 88 random photos of... you guessed it.... us!</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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Jack sleeping</div>
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They get to watch movies sometimes while I feed the baby.</div>
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Caught him giggling in his sleep.</div>
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These guys always want to take a bath in my tub. Sometimes I let them. And once in a while, they wear their goggles.</div>
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I love Ikea. Yes, this is in the "family" restroom. Took all three kids and had a great time!</div>
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Pancakes are never dull around our house. All shape and color requests are taken and sometimes honored. (This is a blue 4)</div>
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Date night to Home Depot. That's how we roll.</div>
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I try to be trendy, ok, knock-off trendy.</div>
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Mother's day</div>
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Someone is getting 2-year old molars and is a treat to be around. :)</div>
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Casey has been busy building our deck.</div>
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We went to the Beez baseball game with my family for family night and had a BLAST!!! </div>
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Casey surprised the kids with these bats. He's a sucker.</div>
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We rode the train in the outfield with Grandma Jan.</div>
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Mother's day aftermath of everyone trying to "help".</div>
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Benson started t-ball.</div>
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He watched the entire Lion King with this mask on.</div>
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Such a rag-muffin.</div>
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One month old! This is the outfit he wore home from the hospital. He's too big for it now.</div>
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Building the deck.</div>
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Few things are sweeter than a sleeping baby.</div>
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We love to walk to the park by our house to play.</div>
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Jack likes to ride in the front-pack</div>
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Seriously, we LOVE living in Hooper.</div>
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Sleeping again.</div>
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Building the deck... again.</div>
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Ahhh... Done with the deck.</div>
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Solar eclipse.</div>
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They always want to hold Jack.</div>
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Benson is such a boy. Catching worms.</div>
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Molly was sick one day and sat with this puke bowl on her head for 10 minutes. No joke.</div>
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I'm trying to get the kids' rooms all decorated.</div>
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Jack in Alex's bear outfit. At the air show.</div>
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Benson, Andy, Muck at the Air show.</div>
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Molly at the air show</div>
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Me and Jack at the air show.</div>
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I think they look alike.</div>
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More of the deck.</div>
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Visiting Grandma and Grandpa on Memorial Day. Man, I miss that Grandma Marie.</div>
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Sleeping again.</div>
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He's starting to smile and I love it!!!</div>
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Working on Benson's room. These are vintage flight posters.</div>
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Jack's first time wearing shoes.</div>
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Benson is a pro at riding his bike without training wheels.</div>
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I love it when they're little and snuggly.</div>
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Benson and his 4-wheeler.</div>
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Casey has been working so hard on the yard. Doing sprinklers.</div>
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Jack and Benson.</div>
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Jack and Molly.</div>
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Jack sleeping (again)!</div>
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Walking to the park.</div>
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Picnic at the park.</div>
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These two are silly. At Target.</div>
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Working in the garden.</div>
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He really does love bathtime!</div>
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Bedtime with three children.</div>
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Sometimes we get tired.</div>
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These two really are each others' best friends.</div>
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Jack likes to watch me work in the kitchen.</div>
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Car seat.</div>
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I love flowers!</div>
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I did this all by myself.</div>
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Molly likes to "read" Jack books.</div>
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Casey and Benson went frog hunting.</div>
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Benson graduated from preschool. Except he'll be back next year.</div>
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Brother and sister shirts.</div>
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Italian boys.</div>
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I sort of adore this little boy.</div>
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Ok, I MORE than "sort of" adore him.</div>
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Sleeping while the kids ride bikes.</div>
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Family.</div>
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I love it when they are all dressed up for church.</div>
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When Jack was 10 days old, we went to the zoo for Benson's preschool field trip.</div>
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<br /></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-91956536922620124002012-04-26T10:56:00.003-06:002012-04-26T10:56:40.478-06:00When Jack Was Born<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a hard time with birth stories. I love to hear or read other people's stories of when their babies were born, but I am a VERY private person, and I don't like to share a lot of details about myself with the world... especially personal details like those that go along with having a baby. </div>
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But, that being said, I want to share my story of when Jack was born. Hopefully it's not TMI for anyone. And, it will probably be really long because there are little details that I want to remember.</div>
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My due date with Jack was Monday, the 23rd of April. As I got close to the end of the pregnancy, I seriously felt like I was going to see the doctor everyday, even though my appointments were only weekly. I don't like to go to the doctor, and I don't like to find places for my kids to go while I'm at the doctor, so if anything, I wanted to have this baby just to avoid another doctor's appointment. My doctor said he would start me at 39 weeks, which would be Monday, the 16th. I told him that I would rather wait and see when this baby decides to come on his own. I was 75% ephased and dilated to a 3 at my last doctor's appointment, which was at 38 1/2 weeks. (April 10th).</div>
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For the entire pregnancy (or what seemed like the entire pregnancy), I had really bad contractions. The last few weeks of the pregnancy were especially bad, and multiple times during the pregnancy, I was counting the minutes between contractions. </div>
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Benson and Molly were both born at exactly 39 weeks. I went into labor with them both on a Sunday. With Benson, I let the doctor start me, and with Molly, I went into labor myself. It turned out to be a funny coincidence that Jack was born at 39 weeks and that I went in with him on a Sunday like the others.</div>
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So, for the story:</div>
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On Sunday, April 15th, I woke up NOT feeling awesome, as usual. I thought about skipping church and spending the day in bed. But, then I decided that maybe if I went to church and did what I was supposed to, that I would be blessed to go into labor. So, we all got up and got ready and went to church. We have been walking to and from church lately, but I didn't feel up to it, so we drove. Church was uncomfortable to say the least. I was HUGE!!!! </div>
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We got out of church at 2:00 and we decided to go for a walk. We walked to the cemetery while Benson rode his bike. It was a nice walk on the way there, and I got to see my grandma's grave, which was nice. On the way back, I started having harder contractions. Good, the walk seemed to be working to put me into labor!!! </div>
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When we got home, I decided I better get ready to go to the hospital, just in case. If not that day, then at least I would be ready when the time came. So Casey helped me pack a few things and we started getting the kids ready. As we were doing this, my contractions slowed down a lot. I could still feel them every once in a while, but they weren't very painful or regular.</div>
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We were going to go to my parent's house for lunch, so we decided to just take our bags and if the contractions got worse, we could just leave the kids there and go to the hospital. We got to my parent's house at 4:00, and I was feeling pretty good. Darn! </div>
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My mom made a really good Turkey Steak dinner, and we visited at their house for quite a while. If I was sitting down or resting, my contractions didn't seem too bad, but when I stood up or walked around, they got worse. Everyone kept asking me if I was having pains or going into labor. Honestly, I don't think I really knew if I was or not. We visited with Andy, Muck, Brady, Shawnee, and my parents for a while. I couldn't decide if I should go into the hospital or not. With Benson, I went in on a false alarm, and it was NOT a fun experience, so I was worried that if I went in, they wouldn't keep me, which would have been really bad. But, I was 38 weeks, 6 days, and 18 hours.... so maybe they would say I could stay. </div>
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My contractions seemed to be about 5 minutes apart at 7:00, so I told Casey we better head to the hospital. I was nervous about this delivery because the other two went so well, I thought the odds were against me to have another good delivery. I was VERY anxious on the ride to the hospital. When we got there, Casey gave me a blessing and I felt very comforted. One thing that he said in his blessing that really comforted me was that Heavenly Father really wanted this baby to be born and that my body had done this before and was capable.</div>
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We checked in, and they started monitoring me. I was dilated to a 3, and having contractions every 5 minutes. I was discouraged because I had been at a 3 for a couple of weeks, so I didn't think I was progressing. After an hour, my contractions were about 3 minutes apart, and I was dilated to a 4, so they decided I was in real labor and I could stay. YAY!!!! It was 9:00 when I got my IV and got settled in. Casey almost passed out while I got my IV. </div>
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They moved me into the delivery room and called the doctor. At 9:45, he broke my water. Then I laid there and waited. At 11:30, I was dilated to 5 1/2 and the contractions were about 2 minutes apart. I decided to get my epidural. Since Casey had such a hard time with the IV, he did not want to be around for the epidural. When I had my epidural with Molly, the nurse and the anesthesiologist both left me in the middle of my epidural to attend to Casey, who was nearly passed out.... So, he decided to step out into the hall while I got my epidural this time. It was pretty fast and painless and I was happy.</div>
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We tried to get some rest since we knew we'd be up all night. I wanted to have him on the 16th, mostly because it's my Grandma and Grandpa Haws's anniversary, and I thought that would be cool. And I love even numbers, I didn't want to have him on tax day, or Cory's worst day ever. So, I was glad when midnight passed, and I knew I'd have him on the 16th. </div>
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At 12:30, I was dilated to a 6, and contractions about 2 minutes apart. At 1:30, the nurse decided to start pitocen. I really didn't want it, but I also didn't want to be up ALL night and be too tired to take care of the baby, so I let her give me the smallest dose possible.</div>
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I started to notice that I could feel my contractions. The nurse called the anesthesiologist, and he gave me a dose of something stronger in my epidural. He told me it would be about 15 minutes until it kicked in. This was at 1:50. I was dilated to 9.</div>
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15 minutes later, at 2:05 am, the epidural still wasn't working. The anesthesiologist gave me another dose of something. Another 15 minutes, he said. He also said that the epidural was as strong as a c-section epidural, so I shouldn't feel a thing, Except that I felt pretty much everything. Also, every time they gave me more epidural or pushed the button to make it stronger, I got REALLY sick, and puked. Every time!!! That was annoying because I had only thrown up once with each pregnancy, and I didn't like my record being ruined.</div>
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At 2:08, I was a 10. They called the doctor. Since I could actually feel what was going on this time, unlike my labors with Benson and Molly, I really felt like I needed to push. It was all I could do to wait for the doctor to get there.</div>
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Dr. Bierer got there at 2:20 am. He got his gloves on, and got all set up. I seemed like he took his sweet time to get ready. Finally, I could push. It was a lot different than with Benson or Molly, because I could feel what was going on, and I felt very in control. I'm sure I couldn't feel EVERYTHING and that the epidural helped some, but I actually thought it was good that I could feel a lot of what was going on, and when I needed to push and everything else. I had a mirror, so I could see that he had a LOT of dark hair. I could also see when he was close to being born. I actually yelled to the doctor "get him!" because I was afraid he'd drop him? Not sure.</div>
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At 2:26, he was born. It took 2 contractions, and very little pushing to get him here. No tearing or episiotomy, which was great! My mom always used to say that having a baby was easier than baking a pie, and I can honestly say that his birth was VERY easy for me. I felt very blessed and I know now that the Lord was with me. What could have been a very terrible experience turned out to be one of the most special moments of my life. Casey keeps trying to get me to say which baby is my favorite, and I tell him that I love them all the same. But I will say that this labor and delivery was my favorite of the three.</div>
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After he was born, they did skin-to-skin, which is when they put the baby right on the mom's chest for a few minutes before they weigh him and stuff. It's supposed to help the baby's temperature regulate, help with the overall health and healing of both the baby and mom, and help bond the baby and mom. That was really special too.</div>
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He was a beautiful baby!!! He had SO MUCH HAIR, which I love. He weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce, and was 19 inches long. After they cleaned him, they handed him to Casey. We still hadn't picked out a name, and I told Casey that he was in charge of naming this one. When he held him for the first time, Casey looked at him, with his dark skin and dark hair, and said that he looked Italian. He asked if we could name him after his Italian grandpa, Ernie. The kids had been calling him Jack for months, and it seemed to fit, so he became Jack Ernest Dalpias.</div>
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Post-labor was great. I immediately felt really good, and recovering wasn't bad at all. Jack is our biggest baby, (8,1- Benson was 7,13; Molly was 6,13). He has been fantastic so far. He eats well, sleeps well, and is such a cutie that I never want to put him down or let anyone else hold him!</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-158276056037335182012-04-25T01:00:00.000-06:002012-04-25T01:00:17.429-06:00Who's Who?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There's been a lot of discussion about how different our babies look.</div>
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Benson was born with very little light colored hair, chubby cheeks, and big blue eyes.</div>
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Molly was born with an okay amount of red hair, skinny as could be, with HUGE brown eyes.</div>
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And Jack was born with a TON of dark hair, solid as can be, and the darkest skin and eyes.</div>
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Benson</div>
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Molly</div>
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Jack</div>
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Benson</div>
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Molly</div>
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Benson</div>
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Molly</div>
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Jack</div>
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Benson</div>
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Jack</div>
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Benson</div>
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Molly</div>
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<br /></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-73076574965573185232012-04-22T12:22:00.001-06:002012-04-22T12:22:37.461-06:00Jack Jack<br />
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Just because I can't get enough of this little guy, here is his birth announcement and some more pictures.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E3iozrWF-nw/T5RKqUoLh3I/AAAAAAAADlo/6jsaAwb095w/s1600/jack+birth+announcement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E3iozrWF-nw/T5RKqUoLh3I/AAAAAAAADlo/6jsaAwb095w/s400/jack+birth+announcement.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-50350317249437123312012-04-18T12:52:00.000-06:002012-04-18T12:52:57.211-06:00Introducing...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are excited to announce the birth of our third child....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jack Ernest Dalpias</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ernest is Casey's grandpa. I gave Casey charge to name this baby, and after he came out with TONS of dark hair, looking very Italian, we decided to name him after Casey's grandpa Ernie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Born on April 16, 2012 at 2:26 am</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">8 pounds, 1 ounce</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">19 inches long</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Everyone is doing well, and we are happy to have him here with us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lXaxw5z0WKY/T48Mes8cF5I/AAAAAAAADgY/3eFGG7WGpj0/s1600/DSC_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lXaxw5z0WKY/T48Mes8cF5I/AAAAAAAADgY/3eFGG7WGpj0/s320/DSC_0150.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We have all fallen in love with this little guy. Now we've got hair in every flavor.</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-14539526741930654812012-03-03T16:38:00.001-07:002012-03-03T16:38:14.895-07:00Virtual Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Please join me on a tour of our finished home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shoe removal is optional, but appreciated. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We'll start with Molly's room. The paint looks pink, but it's actually the same neutral color as the rest of the house (Kwal Berg).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This little girl loves yellow, and giggles when she sees her yellow quilt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9WO0lgqG-f0/T1Kh_p8ZNTI/AAAAAAAAC54/SZ2YoB6PEQM/s1600/284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9WO0lgqG-f0/T1Kh_p8ZNTI/AAAAAAAAC54/SZ2YoB6PEQM/s320/284.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XViHvxvOr2E/T1KiA9S5JDI/AAAAAAAAC6A/Rx6tQl40NAw/s1600/285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XViHvxvOr2E/T1KiA9S5JDI/AAAAAAAAC6A/Rx6tQl40NAw/s320/285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hqsmQtHhG3Q/T1KiCsUtfFI/AAAAAAAAC6I/mZaQwXBvyWg/s1600/286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hqsmQtHhG3Q/T1KiCsUtfFI/AAAAAAAAC6I/mZaQwXBvyWg/s320/286.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Benson's room. He picked out the blue color and asked for airplanes and helicopters. I haven't found helicopters yet, but we got these planes at Hobby Lobby and hung them from the ceiling with fishing line. We will add some vinyl clouds and other flight memorabilia later on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1LLn_nliyqA/T1KiE5ijVSI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/V2LVwej85Ko/s1600/288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1LLn_nliyqA/T1KiE5ijVSI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/V2LVwej85Ko/s320/288.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, this is also the future baby's room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-etBVSxW3RRg/T1KiIWGpAfI/AAAAAAAAC6o/J2P7b1dBkQo/s1600/290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-etBVSxW3RRg/T1KiIWGpAfI/AAAAAAAAC6o/J2P7b1dBkQo/s320/290.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kids' bathroom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sIJs_PbnKvU/T1KiLwM3xpI/AAAAAAAAC64/eIDJuBcsEIg/s1600/292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sIJs_PbnKvU/T1KiLwM3xpI/AAAAAAAAC64/eIDJuBcsEIg/s320/292.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Each child has a designated towel. One will be for our new baby, and another for guests.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-01RuRit7B3g/T1KiNiiTcYI/AAAAAAAAC7A/qu31Jk0p_S0/s1600/293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-01RuRit7B3g/T1KiNiiTcYI/AAAAAAAAC7A/qu31Jk0p_S0/s320/293.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MAkXJvJnleQ/T1KiO4PoFrI/AAAAAAAAC7I/4mRJYstSyVI/s1600/294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MAkXJvJnleQ/T1KiO4PoFrI/AAAAAAAAC7I/4mRJYstSyVI/s320/294.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The hallway, looking into our room from Benson's room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jrYGKnPu3Fc/T1KiQY51KlI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/8_n_8KSFLgs/s1600/295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jrYGKnPu3Fc/T1KiQY51KlI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/8_n_8KSFLgs/s320/295.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">From the hallway, looking into the living room and kitchen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kof9MeOgYrc/T1KiSaSJIvI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/-KmTDnAEgIg/s1600/296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kof9MeOgYrc/T1KiSaSJIvI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/-KmTDnAEgIg/s320/296.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Master Bedroom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cJpMTSjt4xM/T1KiTncT-2I/AAAAAAAAC7g/NCVeqiOMqr8/s1600/297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cJpMTSjt4xM/T1KiTncT-2I/AAAAAAAAC7g/NCVeqiOMqr8/s320/297.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Master closet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8dlKKP3Hmo/T1KiXO2yWKI/AAAAAAAAC7w/-mGw2gVxYuw/s1600/299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8dlKKP3Hmo/T1KiXO2yWKI/AAAAAAAAC7w/-mGw2gVxYuw/s320/299.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Master Bathroom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNf-wi1C0Bc/T1KiY3IrXYI/AAAAAAAAC74/tBS6yEd4YCs/s1600/300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNf-wi1C0Bc/T1KiY3IrXYI/AAAAAAAAC74/tBS6yEd4YCs/s320/300.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Our shower and tub.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0OuGbyRvGu4/T1Kiav60HiI/AAAAAAAAC8A/Jqe4En8IHa8/s1600/301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0OuGbyRvGu4/T1Kiav60HiI/AAAAAAAAC8A/Jqe4En8IHa8/s320/301.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">LOVE my white comforter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OgeTteAM8Ho/T1KicOspfeI/AAAAAAAAC8I/lif2tUYWI3U/s1600/302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OgeTteAM8Ho/T1KicOspfeI/AAAAAAAAC8I/lif2tUYWI3U/s320/302.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hall closet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SsrbTTPa0o8/T1KieC6WJyI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/paSNCY-7Mjk/s1600/303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SsrbTTPa0o8/T1KieC6WJyI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/paSNCY-7Mjk/s320/303.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Laundry room (it doesn't look that blue in real life.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03EC0qdhQzk/T1KifjU0XyI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/WZswut09rFE/s1600/304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03EC0qdhQzk/T1KifjU0XyI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/WZswut09rFE/s320/304.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Entryway</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Cvi9tS_jCI/T1Kihb2KXhI/AAAAAAAAC8g/IpFFx0nTjA4/s1600/305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Cvi9tS_jCI/T1Kihb2KXhI/AAAAAAAAC8g/IpFFx0nTjA4/s320/305.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Entryway to the left, living room to the right, bedrooms and stairs straight ahead.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQRlkYeBjDg/T1KijZOMMoI/AAAAAAAAC8o/1ReM5c08G3U/s1600/306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQRlkYeBjDg/T1KijZOMMoI/AAAAAAAAC8o/1ReM5c08G3U/s320/306.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kitchen sink.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YkG2vjGC7W4/T1Kik99pg5I/AAAAAAAAC8w/wTtMK981nmg/s1600/307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YkG2vjGC7W4/T1Kik99pg5I/AAAAAAAAC8w/wTtMK981nmg/s320/307.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">More kitchen cabinets</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8cuQBa-wKoI/T1KimjEHIYI/AAAAAAAAC84/Cpr8P-rkJjM/s1600/308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8cuQBa-wKoI/T1KimjEHIYI/AAAAAAAAC84/Cpr8P-rkJjM/s320/308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dining room (with folding chairs... still looking for some dining chairs).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQd5i0wgc_Q/T1KiomoCK8I/AAAAAAAAC9A/ZrIgAk44paY/s1600/309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQd5i0wgc_Q/T1KiomoCK8I/AAAAAAAAC9A/ZrIgAk44paY/s320/309.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">More kitchen. This is after a party, so don't mind the messy counter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCCpYxSlGTI/T1KiqZ8nQeI/AAAAAAAAC9I/aCqSnntHQXA/s1600/310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCCpYxSlGTI/T1KiqZ8nQeI/AAAAAAAAC9I/aCqSnntHQXA/s320/310.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bllpNAv90FY/T1KisW7hOQI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/0m0Kf17_SpE/s1600/311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bllpNAv90FY/T1KisW7hOQI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/0m0Kf17_SpE/s320/311.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Giant pantry</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jxpGbRHi1vg/T1Ki4Df0JxI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/zUF_oQV6zXo/s1600/312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jxpGbRHi1vg/T1Ki4Df0JxI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/zUF_oQV6zXo/s320/312.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nUeHdDyTZhw/T1Ki6QMyaBI/AAAAAAAAC9g/gJJ28b5ULGI/s1600/313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nUeHdDyTZhw/T1Ki6QMyaBI/AAAAAAAAC9g/gJJ28b5ULGI/s320/313.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mudroom in progress.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U9_jPH08Nsc/T1Ki8XoV5EI/AAAAAAAAC9o/2xJs_9owjq4/s1600/314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U9_jPH08Nsc/T1Ki8XoV5EI/AAAAAAAAC9o/2xJs_9owjq4/s320/314.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp2WVFi1xh0/T1Ki-GF7_eI/AAAAAAAAC9w/DyaPR57ESWk/s1600/315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp2WVFi1xh0/T1Ki-GF7_eI/AAAAAAAAC9w/DyaPR57ESWk/s320/315.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Garage</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zN16adpQeyI/T1Ki_0vaIHI/AAAAAAAAC94/kDiiW2iceAM/s1600/316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zN16adpQeyI/T1Ki_0vaIHI/AAAAAAAAC94/kDiiW2iceAM/s320/316.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Casey's tool bench</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9dC-1QQ0PwA/T1KjBmzEpFI/AAAAAAAAC-A/6bzSlsshVDM/s1600/317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9dC-1QQ0PwA/T1KjBmzEpFI/AAAAAAAAC-A/6bzSlsshVDM/s320/317.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mUM74q5VmVc/T1KjC899NaI/AAAAAAAAC-I/PmXJ1iCnvUU/s1600/318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mUM74q5VmVc/T1KjC899NaI/AAAAAAAAC-I/PmXJ1iCnvUU/s320/318.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the outside. All done.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UJepD4yJbYM/T1KjETgkfYI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/yOorLXQgkmk/s1600/319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UJepD4yJbYM/T1KjETgkfYI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/yOorLXQgkmk/s320/319.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just realized that I didn't take any pictures of the living room all finished, so if you want to see it, you'll have to come over!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you for joining us on our virtual home tour.</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-3466928637827904192012-03-03T16:24:00.000-07:002012-03-03T16:24:38.151-07:00House Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are some more pictures of our house building process:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Molly testing out the tub (in her leisure suit)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHgeP9Xh42s/T1KkRTUwbzI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/DQmOnjAnua0/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHgeP9Xh42s/T1KkRTUwbzI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/DQmOnjAnua0/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Casey and his dad tiling around the tub.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVnnHs9NLhg/T1KkS-ybevI/AAAAAAAAC-g/ASiHpyNYWeE/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVnnHs9NLhg/T1KkS-ybevI/AAAAAAAAC-g/ASiHpyNYWeE/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The beginning of cabinets</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GguEd8FaVCo/T1KkUaLN6iI/AAAAAAAAC-o/Pl7b9-FNYT4/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GguEd8FaVCo/T1KkUaLN6iI/AAAAAAAAC-o/Pl7b9-FNYT4/s320/052.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Under construction</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YonN8NOTlkc/T1KkWQ248fI/AAAAAAAAC-w/eNqPriwpPjg/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YonN8NOTlkc/T1KkWQ248fI/AAAAAAAAC-w/eNqPriwpPjg/s320/054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Casey and his helpers </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HB9NEgM9iaU/T1KkX1o2hJI/AAAAAAAAC-4/xv59v--q1XI/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HB9NEgM9iaU/T1KkX1o2hJI/AAAAAAAAC-4/xv59v--q1XI/s320/057.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The tub all tiled</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mZKXZUDp4ZM/T1KkZe4C10I/AAAAAAAAC_A/X7bABRdtdhQ/s1600/059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mZKXZUDp4ZM/T1KkZe4C10I/AAAAAAAAC_A/X7bABRdtdhQ/s320/059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Getting cabinets was VERY exciting for the kids.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BpeTaCDgZdY/T1Kka67y_1I/AAAAAAAAC_I/PqzUFCW8DOA/s1600/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BpeTaCDgZdY/T1Kka67y_1I/AAAAAAAAC_I/PqzUFCW8DOA/s320/061.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">About 30 weeks pregnant.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVvsNW5Ex6M/T1Kkc4lwpiI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/G1iB7ruS5m4/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVvsNW5Ex6M/T1Kkc4lwpiI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/G1iB7ruS5m4/s320/063.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Watching the carpet guy put in the carpet. (It was VERY thrilling to the kids)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mozA4qNltfI/T1KkeAxzraI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/kDz2RstXZYo/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mozA4qNltfI/T1KkeAxzraI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/kDz2RstXZYo/s320/067.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Benson was super excited to have carpet. He immediately came in and laid down on it, and didn't move for a long time. He loved it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BQqceOkGUAg/T1KkgcSlpOI/AAAAAAAAC_g/Wk3RyfaB2oU/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BQqceOkGUAg/T1KkgcSlpOI/AAAAAAAAC_g/Wk3RyfaB2oU/s320/072.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4F95fl18Mc/T1KkiQJBsVI/AAAAAAAAC_o/H1Hp4LCOdVs/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4F95fl18Mc/T1KkiQJBsVI/AAAAAAAAC_o/H1Hp4LCOdVs/s320/073.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Someone put Benson on our decoration shelf.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NDWqY4UwKAA/T1KkjwGx45I/AAAAAAAAC_w/esXgTCQHCaM/s1600/081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NDWqY4UwKAA/T1KkjwGx45I/AAAAAAAAC_w/esXgTCQHCaM/s320/081.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cabinets all done</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VUcN3LZOLfQ/T1Kkl7zeshI/AAAAAAAAC_4/ChTqWtSYXiE/s1600/092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VUcN3LZOLfQ/T1Kkl7zeshI/AAAAAAAAC_4/ChTqWtSYXiE/s320/092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Our island</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rp942fvgpGU/T1Kkn4zgBsI/AAAAAAAADAA/yEX1ClFPjSo/s1600/095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rp942fvgpGU/T1Kkn4zgBsI/AAAAAAAADAA/yEX1ClFPjSo/s320/095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Backsplash all done</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0apWsbKY0w0/T1KkpgRoxOI/AAAAAAAADAI/tXT5zb8XNqo/s1600/098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0apWsbKY0w0/T1KkpgRoxOI/AAAAAAAADAI/tXT5zb8XNqo/s320/098.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">We got our final inspection passed on Monday, February 6th. That night, we slept over in the living room on air mattresses and sleeping bags. The kids loved it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G3dOiLVWsxA/T1KksK16wqI/AAAAAAAADAQ/32JTN8fHgZI/s1600/105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G3dOiLVWsxA/T1KksK16wqI/AAAAAAAADAQ/32JTN8fHgZI/s320/105.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We had so much help moving in!!!! Thank you, Wayne, Brady, Andy, Danny, Nick, and Bryan. Your help was MUCH appreciated! And thank you to Tami and Shawnee for helping me organize and put everything away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-huCeJwQuQcI/T1Kktyg7yDI/AAAAAAAADAY/WqeJumFzoZc/s1600/109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-huCeJwQuQcI/T1Kktyg7yDI/AAAAAAAADAY/WqeJumFzoZc/s320/109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NV3nGUgAnNQ/T1KkvDHYicI/AAAAAAAADAg/Y6yIk1kI03U/s1600/112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NV3nGUgAnNQ/T1KkvDHYicI/AAAAAAAADAg/Y6yIk1kI03U/s320/112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The kids found the boxes of toys, and it was better than Christmas. They were so excited to get back all of their old toys.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ENENC-lYvt0/T1Kkxllv1TI/AAAAAAAADAo/ivY-oJ4flg0/s1600/131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ENENC-lYvt0/T1Kkxllv1TI/AAAAAAAADAo/ivY-oJ4flg0/s320/131.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Shawnee came and helped me organize my pantry. Barrett and Benson had a sword fight, which was hilarious! Boys just know what to do with a sword when they find one!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTSGRCI-8EM/T1KkzOzQeEI/AAAAAAAADAw/zjPNmMcbdP0/s1600/146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTSGRCI-8EM/T1KkzOzQeEI/AAAAAAAADAw/zjPNmMcbdP0/s320/146.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Molly helping me unpack boxes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k1KucDHaN3Y/T1Kk1S2CzRI/AAAAAAAADA4/lzYWq97As6o/s1600/151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k1KucDHaN3Y/T1Kk1S2CzRI/AAAAAAAADA4/lzYWq97As6o/s320/151.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Giant pile of boxes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BuhXz6CJI_k/T1Kk3PP3_OI/AAAAAAAADBA/c352BQcR_xg/s1600/153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BuhXz6CJI_k/T1Kk3PP3_OI/AAAAAAAADBA/c352BQcR_xg/s320/153.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy to have her kitchen back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdqQEhff0vI/T1Kk4u4MsLI/AAAAAAAADBI/ms9NMbVnm34/s1600/160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdqQEhff0vI/T1Kk4u4MsLI/AAAAAAAADBI/ms9NMbVnm34/s320/160.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Our first carpet mishap. Fun dip. Don't worry, it vacuumed up just fine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kW-f3e0tKNY/T1Kk7B18swI/AAAAAAAADBQ/mPy235ypptY/s1600/167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kW-f3e0tKNY/T1Kk7B18swI/AAAAAAAADBQ/mPy235ypptY/s320/167.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">We are still working on the mudroom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hVjbW_if2Hk/T1Kk--ynJQI/AAAAAAAADBg/6oqqjq2dKec/s1600/269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hVjbW_if2Hk/T1Kk--ynJQI/AAAAAAAADBg/6oqqjq2dKec/s320/269.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Everything seemed to have come together so easily. We are thrilled with everything about this house, especially how at home and happy we are here with our little family.</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-76525850912498360512012-01-28T13:34:00.000-07:002012-01-28T13:34:00.114-07:00Snow Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We haven't really had much of a chance to get out and play in the snow this year. So this week, while the sun was shining and there was still some snow, we geared up and headed out to build a snowman.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Benson and I built this snow friend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ixUrGKvmUvk/Tx8Ws-mADSI/AAAAAAAAC48/l2NYq1Sjj7I/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ixUrGKvmUvk/Tx8Ws-mADSI/AAAAAAAAC48/l2NYq1Sjj7I/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">and Molly shoveled.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J_vQZ-cVME0/Tx8Wv0ziKCI/AAAAAAAAC5E/pAlrvD3WiJA/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J_vQZ-cVME0/Tx8Wv0ziKCI/AAAAAAAAC5E/pAlrvD3WiJA/s320/DSC_0008.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mFdbtY3Y4so/Tx8WyrIudEI/AAAAAAAAC5M/x6_VrQlMgzk/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mFdbtY3Y4so/Tx8WyrIudEI/AAAAAAAAC5M/x6_VrQlMgzk/s320/DSC_0021.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> And Benson ate A LOT of snow!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UuEQndNjXwI/Tx8XHrCrXPI/AAAAAAAAC5c/8B2G_r_5eQY/s1600/DSC_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UuEQndNjXwI/Tx8XHrCrXPI/AAAAAAAAC5c/8B2G_r_5eQY/s320/DSC_0054.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MUI28mwj31g/Tx8Xj-tYVgI/AAAAAAAAC5k/BtfMJaVAWoE/s1600/DSC_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MUI28mwj31g/Tx8Xj-tYVgI/AAAAAAAAC5k/BtfMJaVAWoE/s320/DSC_0068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dEgIJemJ48Y/Tx8XFQ3bV4I/AAAAAAAAC5U/irZ585gKipI/s1600/DSC_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dEgIJemJ48Y/Tx8XFQ3bV4I/AAAAAAAAC5U/irZ585gKipI/s320/DSC_0049.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xI3lUwV1JaE/Tx8XmAvEneI/AAAAAAAAC5s/N3AqTanKQ1U/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xI3lUwV1JaE/Tx8XmAvEneI/AAAAAAAAC5s/N3AqTanKQ1U/s320/DSC_0069.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was such a wonderful day to play outside, that it didn't even matter if it took 20 minutes to get geared up and another 20 minutes to put everything away once we got done. Nevermind having to go to the storage unit and dig out our snow clothes. Every second of it was worth it!</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-90848670110358648762012-01-26T09:59:00.000-07:002012-01-26T09:59:00.070-07:00House Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we left you last, we had just framed our house. Since then, we have done QUITE a bit. (When I say we, I mean mostly Casey and his Dad.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is our house progress...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Roofing. Thanks to Mike, Dad, Danny, and Nick for helping.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YVGQd0f8_kA/Tx7nLD7m-zI/AAAAAAAACxY/OcDZzTKRszU/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YVGQd0f8_kA/Tx7nLD7m-zI/AAAAAAAACxY/OcDZzTKRszU/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ryMcxIUKNk/Tx7pz6SXc5I/AAAAAAAAC0Y/_jJ6bcKaJt0/s1600/DSC_0268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ryMcxIUKNk/Tx7pz6SXc5I/AAAAAAAAC0Y/_jJ6bcKaJt0/s320/DSC_0268.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Casey gets pretty nervous about heights, so this was a hard job for him to do. It ended up really great, though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OjU9uMRVr6M/Tx7p2DWYoCI/AAAAAAAAC0g/H4bjBbSsCzs/s1600/DSC_0271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OjU9uMRVr6M/Tx7p2DWYoCI/AAAAAAAAC0g/H4bjBbSsCzs/s320/DSC_0271.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the roof in progress.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPlyL1ERRLY/Tx7nMSwodhI/AAAAAAAACxg/ndBWvm53xwY/s1600/IMG_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPlyL1ERRLY/Tx7nMSwodhI/AAAAAAAACxg/ndBWvm53xwY/s320/IMG_0058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Casey's dad and my dad are both electrictions, (along with all of my brothers), so we had a LOT of help doing electrical, and I am VERY thankful for it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HkM4HyqHQ_k/Tx7p5sBQx3I/AAAAAAAAC0o/0Oi-Zw6wsac/s1600/DSC_0895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HkM4HyqHQ_k/Tx7p5sBQx3I/AAAAAAAAC0o/0Oi-Zw6wsac/s320/DSC_0895.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Casey wiring</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lE-33Kg1RVA/Tx7p9LfupLI/AAAAAAAAC0w/aLUmjBLeym8/s1600/DSC_0896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lE-33Kg1RVA/Tx7p9LfupLI/AAAAAAAAC0w/aLUmjBLeym8/s320/DSC_0896.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Cory even came all the way from Washington to help!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V7_bktn3Ei8/Tx7qE3G2KjI/AAAAAAAAC1A/BZN38XWbuTI/s1600/DSC_0898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V7_bktn3Ei8/Tx7qE3G2KjI/AAAAAAAAC1A/BZN38XWbuTI/s320/DSC_0898.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ESHGGyAweZI/Tx7qJD7elkI/AAAAAAAAC1I/F9DSXUQ1lXQ/s1600/DSC_0899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ESHGGyAweZI/Tx7qJD7elkI/AAAAAAAAC1I/F9DSXUQ1lXQ/s320/DSC_0899.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mike actually finished up the plumbing while they were wiring.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--vZEb0thyL0/Tx7qNU6dmMI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/6SWmTLlZfSU/s1600/DSC_0903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--vZEb0thyL0/Tx7qNU6dmMI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/6SWmTLlZfSU/s320/DSC_0903.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> My dad</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8OJAsnArD2o/Tx7qmdvpLhI/AAAAAAAAC2A/LzNtLWLSDWc/s1600/DSC_0913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8OJAsnArD2o/Tx7qmdvpLhI/AAAAAAAAC2A/LzNtLWLSDWc/s320/DSC_0913.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Danny </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-150CeNdnWOA/Tx7qic6X6BI/AAAAAAAAC14/pj-o_-23B0M/s1600/DSC_0912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-150CeNdnWOA/Tx7qic6X6BI/AAAAAAAAC14/pj-o_-23B0M/s320/DSC_0912.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We had cement come early because winter was fast approaching. I love how the cement turned out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QKzfD8i20VQ/Tx7nPVXarwI/AAAAAAAACxw/MUk4eS3ICpc/s1600/IMG_0204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QKzfD8i20VQ/Tx7nPVXarwI/AAAAAAAACxw/MUk4eS3ICpc/s320/IMG_0204.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Front Steps. Casey and Benson were really excited about the steps, I guess.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nqjy9UOD7to/Tx7nQCqKV1I/AAAAAAAACx4/-8Mdwj2IvgQ/s1600/IMG_0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nqjy9UOD7to/Tx7nQCqKV1I/AAAAAAAACx4/-8Mdwj2IvgQ/s320/IMG_0206.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3L3tuvP4TJA/Tx7nRWXr4AI/AAAAAAAACyA/4h-DD-5yUzY/s1600/IMG_0209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3L3tuvP4TJA/Tx7nRWXr4AI/AAAAAAAACyA/4h-DD-5yUzY/s320/IMG_0209.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Di_Zwciyh-w/Tx7nTAdMvII/AAAAAAAACyI/PnJjLiRf9mo/s1600/IMG_0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Di_Zwciyh-w/Tx7nTAdMvII/AAAAAAAACyI/PnJjLiRf9mo/s320/IMG_0210.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then Casey and his dad started on siding.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JcT2iT6OCOM/Tx7nV4IyYgI/AAAAAAAACyY/4RiuajNJ0Qw/s1600/IMG_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JcT2iT6OCOM/Tx7nV4IyYgI/AAAAAAAACyY/4RiuajNJ0Qw/s320/IMG_0297.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The siding took a long time, but it was very THRILLING for me to see it coming together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_Wwaeqely4/Tx7nYk2QD8I/AAAAAAAACyo/Is-on7BECwA/s1600/IMG_0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_Wwaeqely4/Tx7nYk2QD8I/AAAAAAAACyo/Is-on7BECwA/s320/IMG_0323.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">More siding</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OwGCzTNQPGg/Tx7mtBvAMFI/AAAAAAAACxA/JCCE7ipdPj0/s1600/DSC_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OwGCzTNQPGg/Tx7mtBvAMFI/AAAAAAAACxA/JCCE7ipdPj0/s320/DSC_0049.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qwLuK0LIDwQ/Tx7mv69VmfI/AAAAAAAACxI/s3ud9A0mfH4/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qwLuK0LIDwQ/Tx7mv69VmfI/AAAAAAAACxI/s3ud9A0mfH4/s320/DSC_0050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">As Casey and his dad were working on the outside, insulation came. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-en7Kd8DLpXg/Tx7nNjNCVEI/AAAAAAAACxo/IXFM2dbBckY/s1600/IMG_0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-en7Kd8DLpXg/Tx7nNjNCVEI/AAAAAAAACxo/IXFM2dbBckY/s320/IMG_0194.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> And then sheetrock.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-claXe-lsAdM/Tx7nUbPZEnI/AAAAAAAACyQ/GYH_p2Ul-js/s1600/IMG_0221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-claXe-lsAdM/Tx7nUbPZEnI/AAAAAAAACyQ/GYH_p2Ul-js/s320/IMG_0221.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bO7SyCA5YZE/Tx7nXYl3NeI/AAAAAAAACyg/vJlB6hg1jVo/s1600/IMG_0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bO7SyCA5YZE/Tx7nXYl3NeI/AAAAAAAACyg/vJlB6hg1jVo/s320/IMG_0318.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> And then brick</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IR7rXH5-8BA/Tx7nZc4QEAI/AAAAAAAACyw/v6qNmTs3V88/s1600/IMG_0433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IR7rXH5-8BA/Tx7nZc4QEAI/AAAAAAAACyw/v6qNmTs3V88/s320/IMG_0433.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qxlj4bb9Y5w/Tx7natcA1sI/AAAAAAAACy4/p6PxbbxhAn4/s1600/IMG_0499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qxlj4bb9Y5w/Tx7natcA1sI/AAAAAAAACy4/p6PxbbxhAn4/s320/IMG_0499.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">More siding and brick.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Poor guys, it was FREEZING outside while they were doing siding and brick. They were battling snow and a giant windstorm trying to finish up. Then, the week after they were done, we had the most beautiful weather. It all looks so good, and I'm thankful for their hard work, and their poor cold fingers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T2_A114mLpQ/Tx7nbrqfrKI/AAAAAAAACzA/8y5384hrODI/s1600/IMG_0628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T2_A114mLpQ/Tx7nbrqfrKI/AAAAAAAACzA/8y5384hrODI/s320/IMG_0628.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Once sheetrock was done, they started on finish work. They did trim and shelving.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm thankful for Casey putting up with me when I had crazy ideas. He has been very nice to consult with me on every little decision. On this particular day, I came to help him at the house, but was having hard contractions, so I sat in our closet and watched him measure everything out and hang shelves and rods. It has been really special for me to watch Casey work so hard on our house. He has done an AMAZING job, and I love every bit about it. I feel sad that I can't help much because of the pregnancy and the kids, but I am so glad that Casey still makes me feel like I am a part of it. I just love him!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u_2dBwlx9IA/Tx7ndDuo39I/AAAAAAAACzI/3F2LHMkBl40/s1600/IMG_0791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u_2dBwlx9IA/Tx7ndDuo39I/AAAAAAAACzI/3F2LHMkBl40/s320/IMG_0791.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, I did help patch holes and sand and tape. Pregnant friendly jobs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1w7IuxtrUBo/Tx7ne5bToTI/AAAAAAAACzQ/X12wxHZ_d8U/s1600/IMG_0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1w7IuxtrUBo/Tx7ne5bToTI/AAAAAAAACzQ/X12wxHZ_d8U/s320/IMG_0794.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is the trim on the doors and the shelving in the closets. I love it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xkai_9q-L8c/Tx7nhXmUCwI/AAAAAAAACzY/mdA-LtmWW4M/s1600/IMG_0844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xkai_9q-L8c/Tx7nhXmUCwI/AAAAAAAACzY/mdA-LtmWW4M/s320/IMG_0844.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">One of my most favorite things is our railing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpTai5DBuWQ/Tx7njjysPKI/AAAAAAAACzg/nfiD1d44psU/s1600/IMG_0858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpTai5DBuWQ/Tx7njjysPKI/AAAAAAAACzg/nfiD1d44psU/s320/IMG_0858.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After all the trim was up and sanded and ready, they started priming and painting. This is what Casey came home looking like for a few days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jfbsuoe-wuw/Tx7nmM6FEnI/AAAAAAAACzo/GQFDN1HV1e4/s1600/IMG_0872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jfbsuoe-wuw/Tx7nmM6FEnI/AAAAAAAACzo/GQFDN1HV1e4/s320/IMG_0872.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Taping off baseboards and getting ready to paint some more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IPugsc59Xqs/Tx7noAwrV4I/AAAAAAAACzw/52Kdin5u4Rw/s1600/IMG_0922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IPugsc59Xqs/Tx7noAwrV4I/AAAAAAAACzw/52Kdin5u4Rw/s320/IMG_0922.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Taping took a long time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KLvKtLZD5dI/Tx7np66AMZI/AAAAAAAACz4/hps68Fp6oZU/s1600/IMG_0923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KLvKtLZD5dI/Tx7np66AMZI/AAAAAAAACz4/hps68Fp6oZU/s320/IMG_0923.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">All ready to finish painting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MljOQ3Ez0YU/Tx7nq9YdlyI/AAAAAAAAC0A/g0zqEkqT4xo/s1600/IMG_0924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MljOQ3Ez0YU/Tx7nq9YdlyI/AAAAAAAAC0A/g0zqEkqT4xo/s320/IMG_0924.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, I did snap a picture of them painting before I was asked to leave for the safety of our unborn baby breathing paint fumes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nLB0TnPa0oc/Tx7ns1XGBLI/AAAAAAAAC0I/sKjVWfNhIrs/s1600/IMG_0929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nLB0TnPa0oc/Tx7ns1XGBLI/AAAAAAAAC0I/sKjVWfNhIrs/s320/IMG_0929.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">All in all, we have had VERY few problems with the house. I think this paint spilling has been the biggest mishap we've had. We have been very lucky and very blessed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0gqkxm6k0Wc/Tx7nvAWG-aI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/bQtcuJ2aosQ/s1600/IMG_0930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0gqkxm6k0Wc/Tx7nvAWG-aI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/bQtcuJ2aosQ/s320/IMG_0930.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Casey installed our doorknobs, while Molly watched.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sOWR5EP7hB0/Tx7wmLSa1qI/AAAAAAAAC2o/3t3HrSiMwUk/s1600/IMG_1029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sOWR5EP7hB0/Tx7wmLSa1qI/AAAAAAAAC2o/3t3HrSiMwUk/s320/IMG_1029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And then they started on tile.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eHnIxOrW718/Tx7wngJYYzI/AAAAAAAAC2w/mP89pi3Z5ZE/s1600/IMG_1065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eHnIxOrW718/Tx7wngJYYzI/AAAAAAAAC2w/mP89pi3Z5ZE/s320/IMG_1065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Benson watching his dad. So sweet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YF__DcXQ2Sg/Tx7wpRRqo0I/AAAAAAAAC24/tRxbc6F6Mqs/s1600/IMG_1070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YF__DcXQ2Sg/Tx7wpRRqo0I/AAAAAAAAC24/tRxbc6F6Mqs/s320/IMG_1070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Grouting</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zud3_clLvIY/Tx7wrB70ZVI/AAAAAAAAC3A/Es2tKYmjVrY/s1600/IMG_1083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zud3_clLvIY/Tx7wrB70ZVI/AAAAAAAAC3A/Es2tKYmjVrY/s320/IMG_1083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Our kitchen all tiled</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-18vWUjMCdRc/Tx7wsjoWxII/AAAAAAAAC3I/-DtmOAKDsqU/s1600/IMG_1086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-18vWUjMCdRc/Tx7wsjoWxII/AAAAAAAAC3I/-DtmOAKDsqU/s320/IMG_1086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">All of us one night working on the house together.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It has been really fun to go over some nights and just work on the house with Casey and the kids.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2M0NVHVQZNc/Tx7wtvXPcGI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/vt3MnemXsDI/s1600/IMG_1088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2M0NVHVQZNc/Tx7wtvXPcGI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/vt3MnemXsDI/s320/IMG_1088.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The first time of many times cleaning the kitchen floor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EoOsxXTZA5g/Tx7wvKKFccI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/Wg2v7VRemzQ/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EoOsxXTZA5g/Tx7wvKKFccI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/Wg2v7VRemzQ/s320/IMG_1100.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PHH1LAKPs3w/Tx7wwWjROEI/AAAAAAAAC3g/elW08h4kRDw/s1600/IMG_1105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PHH1LAKPs3w/Tx7wwWjROEI/AAAAAAAAC3g/elW08h4kRDw/s320/IMG_1105.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We got a toilet!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SO5-42ueNms/Tx7wyC67tcI/AAAAAAAAC3o/6tTGAqDJOF8/s1600/IMG_1106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SO5-42ueNms/Tx7wyC67tcI/AAAAAAAAC3o/6tTGAqDJOF8/s320/IMG_1106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Benson and Molly picking up tile spacers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5qA6xmW_-o/Tx7wzYyGf9I/AAAAAAAAC3w/D_9KIuLgIHY/s1600/IMG_1115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5qA6xmW_-o/Tx7wzYyGf9I/AAAAAAAAC3w/D_9KIuLgIHY/s320/IMG_1115.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's hard to tell the paint color here, but this is the railing and the walls and trim all painted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qUHl3X2BQLQ/Tx7x0liKFpI/AAAAAAAAC4A/YOe42OpFnpw/s1600/IMG_1008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qUHl3X2BQLQ/Tx7x0liKFpI/AAAAAAAAC4A/YOe42OpFnpw/s320/IMG_1008.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Our windows and trim</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7MZ5AzXlXyg/Tx7x1g8HZuI/AAAAAAAAC4I/TboN3R5QwAc/s1600/IMG_1006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7MZ5AzXlXyg/Tx7x1g8HZuI/AAAAAAAAC4I/TboN3R5QwAc/s320/IMG_1006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Benson took this picture of his blue room. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CgY-eBlwUpQ/Tx7w0zYWvqI/AAAAAAAAC34/SyjNRpirR_k/s1600/IMG_1150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CgY-eBlwUpQ/Tx7w0zYWvqI/AAAAAAAAC34/SyjNRpirR_k/s320/IMG_1150.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We are just about there!!!! We haven't wanted to put a deadline on everything since Casey has been doing most of the work himself (while working full-time and going to school full-time and taking care of his pregnant wife and two young children), but we are hoping to be ready to move in within the next 2 weeks. We pretty much only have cabinets and carpet, and then we will be ready!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for sticking with us for the home tour.</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-46519313087611801152012-01-25T11:24:00.000-07:002012-01-26T10:08:48.540-07:00Monster Trucks with Mom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have a little boy and his daddy who ABSOLUTELY love Monster Trucks. So when we were offered free tickets to see them, we were all very excited. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unfortunately, when it was time to go to Monster Trucks, Casey was stuck at the house painting and couldn't really leave right in the middle. Since everyone (Benson) was so excited about going, we couldn't just skip it. So, Benson and Molly got to go with Mom. We were sad that Casey couldn't come, but we still had a ton of fun!!! Here are some pictures of the kids with their headphones on (thanks, Andy) at the show.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nJjrzgHOmKM/Tx72g3UkjEI/AAAAAAAAC40/24jj_SfZhTI/s1600/IMG_0941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nJjrzgHOmKM/Tx72g3UkjEI/AAAAAAAAC40/24jj_SfZhTI/s320/IMG_0941.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I0V-vBEoH9Q/Tx72L5oDlsI/AAAAAAAAC4c/aKJsEUsq-yE/s1600/IMG_0942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I0V-vBEoH9Q/Tx72L5oDlsI/AAAAAAAAC4c/aKJsEUsq-yE/s320/IMG_0942.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sOJ1Hg1-UMI/Tx72MUzsCeI/AAAAAAAAC4k/VCa-VEPvXdk/s1600/IMG_0969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sOJ1Hg1-UMI/Tx72MUzsCeI/AAAAAAAAC4k/VCa-VEPvXdk/s320/IMG_0969.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-52660525877685450522012-01-24T09:59:00.000-07:002012-01-24T09:59:25.225-07:00Christmas 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know this is late, but we thought you all might want to know how our Christmas went this year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think this has been, easily, the most fun we've had on Christmas. It was also, quite possibly, the most stressful Christmas we've ever had.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The kids are such good ages this year. They both seemed to grasp what was going on, especially Benson. They both got so excited over every little Christmas thing, and so it really made this year a lot of fun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But, with Christmas being on Sunday, and trying to get to church, plus 45 different Grandma's houses in one day, we had a few meltdowns along the way. Mostly from me (Natalie), but we have seen that trend now pretty much every Christmas, so we're sure a tantrum from the mom is becoming a tradition in our home. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also, this year, we have been working on getting our house finished, so pretty much all of the Christmas responsibilities fell on me while Casey was building the house. And, since we didn't have a house, we had Christmas at Grandma Jan's this year. And that was a lot of fun too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are some pictures...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All the Dalpias cousins on Christmas Eve</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lxLtvdfhUGQ/Tx7eUcN26GI/AAAAAAAACuo/vDicUyW2xAA/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lxLtvdfhUGQ/Tx7eUcN26GI/AAAAAAAACuo/vDicUyW2xAA/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Molly got this Shopping Cart and it became one of her favorite things.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RqyrzkYa2ZM/Tx7eWqM4WRI/AAAAAAAACuw/zmnLx_9vPAo/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RqyrzkYa2ZM/Tx7eWqM4WRI/AAAAAAAACuw/zmnLx_9vPAo/s320/DSC_0015.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Benson in his new PJ's from Grandma Gayle</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qVhNOoDFCEU/Tx7eYhv1bbI/AAAAAAAACu4/PEtwTRdpRUQ/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qVhNOoDFCEU/Tx7eYhv1bbI/AAAAAAAACu4/PEtwTRdpRUQ/s320/DSC_0020.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Gunner showing Benson his new spy watch</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv3_0i19L6A/Tx7ebfGXt7I/AAAAAAAACvA/BtEgd7geAv4/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv3_0i19L6A/Tx7ebfGXt7I/AAAAAAAACvA/BtEgd7geAv4/s320/DSC_0022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Rylee and Molly in a giant box on Christmas Eve</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pz6GvR40-Vo/Tx7edkM4KcI/AAAAAAAACvI/FPZ7jYQk-h0/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pz6GvR40-Vo/Tx7edkM4KcI/AAAAAAAACvI/FPZ7jYQk-h0/s320/DSC_0044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Christmas morning all ready to go.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTiy1XGGr8Y/Tx7ehmv0PzI/AAAAAAAACvQ/vVItnr7yl9w/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTiy1XGGr8Y/Tx7ehmv0PzI/AAAAAAAACvQ/vVItnr7yl9w/s320/DSC_0061.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Santa got Benson this battery operated 4-wheeler on KSL and his little helper fixed it up for him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ECyHfS25OhA/Tx7elAPrKAI/AAAAAAAACvY/kdjezy-4qDI/s1600/DSC_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ECyHfS25OhA/Tx7elAPrKAI/AAAAAAAACvY/kdjezy-4qDI/s320/DSC_0077.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Molly got this wagon and LOVED it. She actually loves to pull it more than ride, which is fine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3v4oWO36tyo/Tx7ep4MEVeI/AAAAAAAACvg/K9ASH51hAQw/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3v4oWO36tyo/Tx7ep4MEVeI/AAAAAAAACvg/K9ASH51hAQw/s320/DSC_0084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">She also got a helmet, in case she rode the 4-wheeler, and she wears it all the time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eIY8f9GoFHk/Tx7euHv7_SI/AAAAAAAACvo/yiRrK0tiFPA/s1600/DSC_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eIY8f9GoFHk/Tx7euHv7_SI/AAAAAAAACvo/yiRrK0tiFPA/s320/DSC_0087.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Casey got a double shot, one of his lifelong dreams.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jc2wwxylAoI/Tx7ey-gsuGI/AAAAAAAACvw/WUXs3yU-QUY/s1600/DSC_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jc2wwxylAoI/Tx7ey-gsuGI/AAAAAAAACvw/WUXs3yU-QUY/s320/DSC_0094.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The kids on Christmas Morning</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XvRW0ove3yY/Tx7e3ZgwYCI/AAAAAAAACv4/Pi3zaBMc-KM/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XvRW0ove3yY/Tx7e3ZgwYCI/AAAAAAAACv4/Pi3zaBMc-KM/s320/DSC_0099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Santa's other helper made Molly this little makeup set. You can see how {<a href="http://www.corduroydreams.com/2011/12/how-to-make-play-make-up.html">here</a>}. She LOVED it!!!! She will sit for hours (literally) and put pretend makeup all over her face.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AoeoGh6ZVXo/Tx7e8XmWvuI/AAAAAAAACwA/BCwfK7yezDA/s1600/DSC_0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AoeoGh6ZVXo/Tx7e8XmWvuI/AAAAAAAACwA/BCwfK7yezDA/s320/DSC_0104.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was FREEZING, but the kids got to go out and play with their wagon and 4-wheeler. They were a hit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5szcII7BgP8/Tx7fA1dKGCI/AAAAAAAACwI/KWbUV8bKcfk/s1600/DSC_0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5szcII7BgP8/Tx7fA1dKGCI/AAAAAAAACwI/KWbUV8bKcfk/s320/DSC_0113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BuLqDTNDguQ/Tx7fFAMGoGI/AAAAAAAACwQ/PR1zBEGUfeQ/s1600/DSC_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BuLqDTNDguQ/Tx7fFAMGoGI/AAAAAAAACwQ/PR1zBEGUfeQ/s320/DSC_0124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is why Molly loves Grandpa Wayne. When it was too cold for everyone else to go out, Grandpa took her and pulled her in the wagon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFzpsiuOpFY/Tx7fJVMI1II/AAAAAAAACwY/JJ8Mh2-tUL4/s1600/DSC_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFzpsiuOpFY/Tx7fJVMI1II/AAAAAAAACwY/JJ8Mh2-tUL4/s320/DSC_0146.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRVBOVaIdz8/Tx7fM7C5JlI/AAAAAAAACwg/ofYEr1zpMJ8/s1600/DSC_0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRVBOVaIdz8/Tx7fM7C5JlI/AAAAAAAACwg/ofYEr1zpMJ8/s320/DSC_0156.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Benson and Casey playing double shot. Also a hit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FAls-5_dwWI/Tx7fRBH81gI/AAAAAAAACwo/Yz_bcY2WTIQ/s1600/DSC_0163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FAls-5_dwWI/Tx7fRBH81gI/AAAAAAAACwo/Yz_bcY2WTIQ/s320/DSC_0163.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not many pictures of the mom. It could be because of the tantrums I've been known to throw, or it could be because I was behind the camera. But, for the record, Casey got me a Chi flat iron, all of the things I need for canning, including a GIANT pot, he got me an e-reader, which I am quite fond of, and he even picked out a maternity sweater for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">All in all, it was a wonderful Christmas, and we are looking forward to many more wonderful Christmases in our new home.</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-5311420691027668672011-12-13T13:58:00.000-07:002011-12-13T13:58:58.792-07:00Guess what we get to do again in a few months?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8POH5OGknQ/Tue765SmS2I/AAAAAAAACsU/pbLIYtGPz-Q/s1600/Benson+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8POH5OGknQ/Tue765SmS2I/AAAAAAAACsU/pbLIYtGPz-Q/s320/Benson+018.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A6D0UlrzuZE/Tue78uWfu_I/AAAAAAAACsc/mOJHhdJwOFQ/s1600/Benson+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A6D0UlrzuZE/Tue78uWfu_I/AAAAAAAACsc/mOJHhdJwOFQ/s320/Benson+019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gnf5z1NAgJk/Tue79iYRz2I/AAAAAAAACsk/ubkYkUfZlR0/s1600/Benson+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gnf5z1NAgJk/Tue79iYRz2I/AAAAAAAACsk/ubkYkUfZlR0/s320/Benson+022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vDXaPxDa6wk/Tue8AkElzVI/AAAAAAAACss/AZMfJRk4bRw/s1600/IMGP1375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vDXaPxDa6wk/Tue8AkElzVI/AAAAAAAACss/AZMfJRk4bRw/s320/IMGP1375.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-texOITA-f_g/Tue8CGezj9I/AAAAAAAACs0/W5R4OdunDqM/s1600/IMGP1376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-texOITA-f_g/Tue8CGezj9I/AAAAAAAACs0/W5R4OdunDqM/s320/IMGP1376.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8ZlwQXWT1M/Tue8D9TIZfI/AAAAAAAACs8/7Y8Th1EjNj8/s1600/IMGP1378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8ZlwQXWT1M/Tue8D9TIZfI/AAAAAAAACs8/7Y8Th1EjNj8/s320/IMGP1378.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-85397599155792610922011-12-13T13:12:00.000-07:002011-12-13T13:12:57.396-07:00Let it Snow!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Benson and Molly love to shovel snow, and lucky for us, Grandpa Wayne loves to let them help him (or at least he tolerates it.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R4JGOfs-pLM/TuexHKax3AI/AAAAAAAACrs/3nVOljZqhfQ/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R4JGOfs-pLM/TuexHKax3AI/AAAAAAAACrs/3nVOljZqhfQ/s320/DSC_0067.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dff5CRcQduE/TuexJKqjp-I/AAAAAAAACr0/BSEmqfGrqyw/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dff5CRcQduE/TuexJKqjp-I/AAAAAAAACr0/BSEmqfGrqyw/s320/DSC_0073.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-AaIrXQ8r8/TuexQYGWqSI/AAAAAAAACr8/uinQ2SfKeY8/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j-AaIrXQ8r8/TuexQYGWqSI/AAAAAAAACr8/uinQ2SfKeY8/s320/DSC_0075.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cuZ-pT_xXzk/TuexR04KSDI/AAAAAAAACsE/0oLR7lSXr18/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cuZ-pT_xXzk/TuexR04KSDI/AAAAAAAACsE/0oLR7lSXr18/s320/DSC_0084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZZcIBcGkSw/TuexTkeUVRI/AAAAAAAACsM/jINB_Bb0vyE/s1600/DSC_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZZcIBcGkSw/TuexTkeUVRI/AAAAAAAACsM/jINB_Bb0vyE/s320/DSC_0090.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-16571917308322495332011-12-09T12:10:00.000-07:002011-12-09T12:10:36.226-07:00Santa Claus is coming to town<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Every year, for our Italian club, we have a little Christmas get-together. This year, Casey was working on our house, so the kids and I went solo. It turned out that Casey's mom and sister were there solo too. We all had a great time together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here we are on the hay ride. It was windy and COLD!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VrEhAdhWLxg/TuJaj5xqBNI/AAAAAAAACqs/TTXAt5DJ9W0/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VrEhAdhWLxg/TuJaj5xqBNI/AAAAAAAACqs/TTXAt5DJ9W0/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After the hayride, Santa came!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9jB5F1C_L0s/TuJbx8DtJCI/AAAAAAAACrk/Y9fmz_zvH4s/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9jB5F1C_L0s/TuJbx8DtJCI/AAAAAAAACrk/Y9fmz_zvH4s/s320/DSC_0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The kids were a very curious and excited to meet Santa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XqiIOwyCf5o/TuJamKXN9kI/AAAAAAAACq0/yng1mkHm6Sg/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XqiIOwyCf5o/TuJamKXN9kI/AAAAAAAACq0/yng1mkHm6Sg/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Until it actually came time to sit on his lap...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Molly did NOT want to sit on his lap. I can't blame her, though, because I'd probably cry like that if I had to sit on his lap too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T_iH0dPxirE/TuJan9FNdyI/AAAAAAAACq8/OYpSjXiHboY/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T_iH0dPxirE/TuJan9FNdyI/AAAAAAAACq8/OYpSjXiHboY/s320/DSC_0014.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Santa and Molly.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking at these pictures now, she says, "Santa! Ho Ho Ho! Molly cry!" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e88UKlwn2gg/TuJapy_oMAI/AAAAAAAACrE/mhWNjJnXJSA/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e88UKlwn2gg/TuJapy_oMAI/AAAAAAAACrE/mhWNjJnXJSA/s320/DSC_0016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WjKl_3QShtc/TuJasfEZI6I/AAAAAAAACrM/UJl-Zz9hNbk/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WjKl_3QShtc/TuJasfEZI6I/AAAAAAAACrM/UJl-Zz9hNbk/s320/DSC_0020.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Benson did VERY well meeting Santa. He climbed right up on his lap and said, "I want a dart gun." Then got right off. He didn't even pose for a photo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CqVZOQCOsKk/TuJawaTDgBI/AAAAAAAACrU/xIad9xHpPFY/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CqVZOQCOsKk/TuJawaTDgBI/AAAAAAAACrU/xIad9xHpPFY/s320/DSC_0027.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xKYa_8fZ8g4/TuJa0oh3YRI/AAAAAAAACrc/Fmu6gJgfRPA/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xKYa_8fZ8g4/TuJa0oh3YRI/AAAAAAAACrc/Fmu6gJgfRPA/s320/DSC_0033.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We always have such a good time at the Italian parties. We are very proud to be Italian!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's hope Santa doesn't disappoint this year.</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-25517261163797303932011-10-18T13:40:00.000-06:002011-10-18T13:40:40.544-06:00Building.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So... We are building a house. It is going to be in Hooper, and we are SO excited about it, and it's fun to watch it progress.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are some pictures of the house from the beginning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our lot before we started building.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h9oDIWSg0mY/Tp3LdS6IykI/AAAAAAAACf8/Vw5ZtdaK0hA/s1600/DSC_0336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h9oDIWSg0mY/Tp3LdS6IykI/AAAAAAAACf8/Vw5ZtdaK0hA/s320/DSC_0336.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When they started digging our hole, the kids and I ate a picnic in the van while we watched them dig.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIEMfPScFTo/Tp3MFDiJaGI/AAAAAAAACgE/wD9H1KIeDuA/s1600/1228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIEMfPScFTo/Tp3MFDiJaGI/AAAAAAAACgE/wD9H1KIeDuA/s320/1228.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Digging the hole.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tGbOU9XUpmQ/Tp3MG9FebeI/AAAAAAAACgM/XbXKUIDLNhs/s1600/1229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tGbOU9XUpmQ/Tp3MG9FebeI/AAAAAAAACgM/XbXKUIDLNhs/s320/1229.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our hole.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3NVby_o410U/Tp3LYhxzsiI/AAAAAAAACfs/4pB1Jemfs9k/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3NVby_o410U/Tp3LYhxzsiI/AAAAAAAACfs/4pB1Jemfs9k/s320/DSC_0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1hYu2Tr7Qv0/Tp3La9aXMNI/AAAAAAAACf0/M5AJKhgT76g/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1hYu2Tr7Qv0/Tp3La9aXMNI/AAAAAAAACf0/M5AJKhgT76g/s320/DSC_0018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our contractor, Brady and Casey checking out the footings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kWATBlwHjYY/Tp3Nrg0mj0I/AAAAAAAACg8/11yvPevul2A/s1600/1262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kWATBlwHjYY/Tp3Nrg0mj0I/AAAAAAAACg8/11yvPevul2A/s320/1262.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Foundation forms.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AOSNht8NPOU/Tp3MIBLSEEI/AAAAAAAACgU/87dusIUZ8ak/s1600/1311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AOSNht8NPOU/Tp3MIBLSEEI/AAAAAAAACgU/87dusIUZ8ak/s320/1311.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Foundation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yi6k9GPJ9OM/Tp3MJSwv-zI/AAAAAAAACgc/51UUjkaKLJQ/s1600/1331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yi6k9GPJ9OM/Tp3MJSwv-zI/AAAAAAAACgc/51UUjkaKLJQ/s320/1331.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Digging the trench for the water line.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z5g14OVqKaI/Tp3Nsu2NxdI/AAAAAAAAChE/bdlij0wycF0/s1600/1346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z5g14OVqKaI/Tp3Nsu2NxdI/AAAAAAAAChE/bdlij0wycF0/s320/1346.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Casey and his dad doing the plumbing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cqpOT3FfvBE/Tp3MK9tkONI/AAAAAAAACgg/GssBlja_wfs/s1600/1347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cqpOT3FfvBE/Tp3MK9tkONI/AAAAAAAACgg/GssBlja_wfs/s320/1347.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Backfill.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPSCvABY77c/Tp3MMFK5xOI/AAAAAAAACgo/1ZtOiIOw5iI/s1600/1361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPSCvABY77c/Tp3MMFK5xOI/AAAAAAAACgo/1ZtOiIOw5iI/s320/1361.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After gravel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fce_D8QOQoo/Tp3MNXxYQHI/AAAAAAAACg0/y5wWdmN4Xe8/s1600/1364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fce_D8QOQoo/Tp3MNXxYQHI/AAAAAAAACg0/y5wWdmN4Xe8/s320/1364.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Flatwork (cement in basement and garage).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ThfZouoUPv8/Tp3OX1ruW9I/AAAAAAAAChM/E9GkTaQXN9E/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ThfZouoUPv8/Tp3OX1ruW9I/AAAAAAAAChM/E9GkTaQXN9E/s320/DSC_0004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wk7BYh28nYM/Tp3OZ6vGisI/AAAAAAAAChU/Z3Tkdnu-w8U/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wk7BYh28nYM/Tp3OZ6vGisI/AAAAAAAAChU/Z3Tkdnu-w8U/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Framing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-Wz2B8M9g8/Tp3OcZF9uJI/AAAAAAAAChc/jHcrvk0I2hI/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-Wz2B8M9g8/Tp3OcZF9uJI/AAAAAAAAChc/jHcrvk0I2hI/s320/DSC_0013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbBV3_Axuqo/Tp3OeoQe5uI/AAAAAAAAChk/Ke4Fj6hHnPM/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sbBV3_Axuqo/Tp3OeoQe5uI/AAAAAAAAChk/Ke4Fj6hHnPM/s320/DSC_0017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aH1vRSLN8kY/Tp3Oh0QSj8I/AAAAAAAAChs/a0d71jYqejw/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aH1vRSLN8kY/Tp3Oh0QSj8I/AAAAAAAAChs/a0d71jYqejw/s320/DSC_0020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_NkWZ9cd6Gk/Tp3OmGNR9oI/AAAAAAAACh0/MyLJQCetDOo/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_NkWZ9cd6Gk/Tp3OmGNR9oI/AAAAAAAACh0/MyLJQCetDOo/s320/DSC_0030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1QhyhcL_LY/Tp3OrjFEOpI/AAAAAAAACh8/OMknSs9jTow/s1600/DSC_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1QhyhcL_LY/Tp3OrjFEOpI/AAAAAAAACh8/OMknSs9jTow/s320/DSC_0063.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhCxSc6UIGk/Tp3Own9-p3I/AAAAAAAACiE/pTx2CrnV91s/s1600/DSC_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhCxSc6UIGk/Tp3Own9-p3I/AAAAAAAACiE/pTx2CrnV91s/s320/DSC_0068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It rained for a few days before the roof was on. So Casey squeegeed all the water out of the house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qk4EiG92b5w/Tp3R39iSwGI/AAAAAAAACjk/qa7WfvggGLY/s1600/pic+%2528123%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qk4EiG92b5w/Tp3R39iSwGI/AAAAAAAACjk/qa7WfvggGLY/s320/pic+%2528123%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Benson helping.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AbYG9uUzC_M/Tp3R5brBFyI/AAAAAAAACjs/nV4B_vydgTA/s1600/pic+%2528117%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AbYG9uUzC_M/Tp3R5brBFyI/AAAAAAAACjs/nV4B_vydgTA/s320/pic+%2528117%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Trusses.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KVLxr95anlE/Tp3O06DQ1oI/AAAAAAAACiM/0v7aL5yeN7o/s1600/DSC_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KVLxr95anlE/Tp3O06DQ1oI/AAAAAAAACiM/0v7aL5yeN7o/s320/DSC_0074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9IhR_KfKHDs/Tp3O5ChQ6BI/AAAAAAAACiU/8Gk5gC6ZoVE/s1600/DSC_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9IhR_KfKHDs/Tp3O5ChQ6BI/AAAAAAAACiU/8Gk5gC6ZoVE/s320/DSC_0076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-juGiYehlbbc/Tp3O-A1V12I/AAAAAAAACic/SC9Z431_HL8/s1600/DSC_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-juGiYehlbbc/Tp3O-A1V12I/AAAAAAAACic/SC9Z431_HL8/s320/DSC_0079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jrTRwBio4ZA/Tp3PDU46F9I/AAAAAAAACik/S_EHQ2I1KCw/s1600/DSC_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jrTRwBio4ZA/Tp3PDU46F9I/AAAAAAAACik/S_EHQ2I1KCw/s320/DSC_0080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After the roof got put on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v9WOE1QefcQ/Tp3PIGzNI8I/AAAAAAAACis/Ms9_nV30z9A/s1600/DSC_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v9WOE1QefcQ/Tp3PIGzNI8I/AAAAAAAACis/Ms9_nV30z9A/s320/DSC_0087.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Our little family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMZavBIv97o/Tp3PgH_wGXI/AAAAAAAACjM/E0WxMiPsLcU/s1600/DSC_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMZavBIv97o/Tp3PgH_wGXI/AAAAAAAACjM/E0WxMiPsLcU/s320/DSC_0216.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVxYjvH35q0/Tp3Pk6qfauI/AAAAAAAACjU/5wY91WKnhGU/s1600/DSC_0218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVxYjvH35q0/Tp3Pk6qfauI/AAAAAAAACjU/5wY91WKnhGU/s320/DSC_0218.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Done with framing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xkCRiTBAY8I/Tp3PrHEgE4I/AAAAAAAACjc/sUmkYvaEslg/s1600/DSC_0221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xkCRiTBAY8I/Tp3PrHEgE4I/AAAAAAAACjc/sUmkYvaEslg/s320/DSC_0221.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We still have a LO-ONG way to go! But every time something new happens, we get really excited, and we get closer to having our dream house!!!!</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-58519245595977141492011-10-13T07:41:00.000-06:002011-10-13T07:41:17.058-06:00Announcing...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uM3YIyUazhQ/TpbqOkpI_II/AAAAAAAACfE/oG9wewf3DqA/s1600/photo+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uM3YIyUazhQ/TpbqOkpI_II/AAAAAAAACfE/oG9wewf3DqA/s320/photo+%25284%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We are very excited to announce that we are expecting baby #3 in April.</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-39664184027929824082011-09-19T23:46:00.000-06:002011-09-19T23:46:26.222-06:00Green Dragons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are so excited that Benson got to play soccer for the first time this year!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These photos are from his second game. I forgot my camera for his first game (mother of the year!) but we got some shots with Tami's camera. I'm SUPER sad that I forgot my camera too, because it was an EPIC game! Poor Benson has only been to 2 other soccer games, ever. And for one of them, he was off playing on the playground. So I don't think he knew what to expect. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He has been so excited to play soccer, and he was so thrilled when he got his soccer gear that he wore it 3 days straight before he ever played. We could tell that he was starting to get nervous on the drive over, though. We got to his game a little early, and talked to some people we knew. He started to get really clingy, which means that he was not excited. We found his field, and since the kids are so young, they do a short soccer practice and then a short game. We had to coax him on the field to practice because he was NOT having it. He got out and practiced OK, but we could tell he wasn't his usual crazy-kid self. Once they got done practicing, they started the game and Benson sat out for the first quarter. It went well, and when the coach told him to come in for the second quarter, he was NERVOUS!!! We coaxed him out on the field again, and he did alright. He ran around with the clump. Then came half-time and he sat for a few minutes. When he was called on the field for the 3rd quarter, he LOST IT!!! The poor kid did not want to play.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The 3rd quarter of his first game was one of my lowest mothering points so far. I was so bummed that he wouldn't play. We had all been so excited for soccer to start, and I knew if he got used to it a little, he'd be fine. I did not handle it well, though. I told him that we DO NOT QUIT!!! I threatened to take away all of his soccer gear (that he loves so much) and never let him come back again if he didn't get in there right now. The poor kid did not want to go out on that field! With the 4th quarter came more refusing by Benson and more threatening by me. Finally, I made Casey go out on the field with him and hold his hand while he played (against both of their wills). He stood lifeless for about 3 minutes at the end of the game and then got a treat and went home. The funniest part of all of this is that after the game, he kept saying how good he did and how fun soccer was. I got my mothering act back together and praised him for the times he did play and kept encouraging him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As the week went on, we talked A LOT about his next soccer game. I guess the whole problem was that he didn't expect that many people to be there. He seemed OK with the other kids, but he said that he didn't like the other moms and dads, especially when they were yelling for him. He said that he liked having his family there, but not the other people. We talked a lot about what a team is, and how the other people are there to watch their kids just like we were there to watch him. We also talked about how the coach is in charge and that when he tells Benson what to do, he needs to listen. All the talking and prompting must have worked, because we had a WONDERFUL second game!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Long Story.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are the pictures from his second game, which was great!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Practicing. He always runs with his tongue out. I love it!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WkiOBHAS8mQ/TngPIxRp8-I/AAAAAAAACeU/a5mDCjC37gE/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WkiOBHAS8mQ/TngPIxRp8-I/AAAAAAAACeU/a5mDCjC37gE/s320/DSC_0044.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sweet Molly was such a good spectator. She did try to run on the field a few times, but all in all, she did great!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jHfGiayg5g0/TngPS0yEKsI/AAAAAAAACeY/3Oefwn_x2xg/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jHfGiayg5g0/TngPS0yEKsI/AAAAAAAACeY/3Oefwn_x2xg/s320/DSC_0057.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is how he runs the entire time! Arms up, elbows out, and tongue flapping in the breeze. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgisu82Roqc/TngPg3qZVWI/AAAAAAAACec/E3penn5MAC8/s1600/DSC_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgisu82Roqc/TngPg3qZVWI/AAAAAAAACec/E3penn5MAC8/s320/DSC_0079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Molly again. Her hair is getting RED!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ha8dWgEaD8/TngPxmEC2lI/AAAAAAAACeg/Rqzn7FwaLWw/s1600/DSC_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ha8dWgEaD8/TngPxmEC2lI/AAAAAAAACeg/Rqzn7FwaLWw/s320/DSC_0090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Every once in a while, he'd look over at us like this. Just making sure everything was OK, I guess.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K-YJlP5BIIE/TngQIpK5UJI/AAAAAAAACek/PATVPZ88V8I/s1600/DSC_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K-YJlP5BIIE/TngQIpK5UJI/AAAAAAAACek/PATVPZ88V8I/s320/DSC_0095.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He even gave "thumbs up" after a while.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15DsB3AVkMU/TngQiy_GsqI/AAAAAAAACeo/HAHhEuhGIGk/s1600/DSC_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15DsB3AVkMU/TngQiy_GsqI/AAAAAAAACeo/HAHhEuhGIGk/s320/DSC_0106.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Another of Molly. Don't want her to be left out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OHAZyLWoWNM/TngQ0MeA7RI/AAAAAAAACes/wcNUblFS8vQ/s1600/DSC_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OHAZyLWoWNM/TngQ0MeA7RI/AAAAAAAACes/wcNUblFS8vQ/s320/DSC_0114.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kicking off.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ofkMGGxJ_U8/TngREF_G1UI/AAAAAAAACew/t8iTY57WF5Y/s1600/DSC_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ofkMGGxJ_U8/TngREF_G1UI/AAAAAAAACew/t8iTY57WF5Y/s320/DSC_0118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A plane flew by, and Benson stopped to watch it. Notice how there aren't any kids around him? They were all chasing the ball. He stood there for a minute, just watching the plane. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tsUrWdW7wk8/TngRSqBjg5I/AAAAAAAACe0/2u9EHM9uIhI/s1600/DSC_0123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tsUrWdW7wk8/TngRSqBjg5I/AAAAAAAACe0/2u9EHM9uIhI/s320/DSC_0123.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The one and only time he kicked it in the whole game!!! He was usually the last one in the pack, not the kid kicking. In fact, if he got close to the front, he would run around to be in the back of the pack.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32Wy_lGsYUE/TngRuP4fSNI/AAAAAAAACe4/j297_sh2O_k/s1600/DSC_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32Wy_lGsYUE/TngRuP4fSNI/AAAAAAAACe4/j297_sh2O_k/s320/DSC_0141.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There's that tongue again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TswYnZ_Ghf8/TngSA8LeTdI/AAAAAAAACe8/tj3sw6exjwk/s1600/DSC_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TswYnZ_Ghf8/TngSA8LeTdI/AAAAAAAACe8/tj3sw6exjwk/s320/DSC_0147.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Action Shot!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lc7xnyMadI/TngSORnvL8I/AAAAAAAACfA/J1syrvm3J_E/s1600/DSC_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lc7xnyMadI/TngSORnvL8I/AAAAAAAACfA/J1syrvm3J_E/s320/DSC_0162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He is a good sport. We talked about if he really wanted to play, or if he wanted to wait until he got a little older, but he always says he loves it and wants to keep playing. I'm glad he kept at it, because he did so much better the second game, and it is SO MUCH FUN for us to watch him.</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-12059453335288552272011-09-08T22:58:00.000-06:002011-09-08T22:58:54.346-06:00Preschool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Benson started preschool on August 31. Here are his "first day of school" pictures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's hard to tell if he was excited or not, because this kid does not show a lot of emotions unless he's REALLY upset. He didn't cry or scream, so I think he liked it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FD8r3d5dvq0/TmmbvurI2CI/AAAAAAAACdk/PpmJ-d2Uz8c/s1600/Photo_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FD8r3d5dvq0/TmmbvurI2CI/AAAAAAAACdk/PpmJ-d2Uz8c/s320/Photo_005.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DUDldhE7D0g/TmmbyMwyL6I/AAAAAAAACdo/MUSaBOxKNxw/s1600/Photo_009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DUDldhE7D0g/TmmbyMwyL6I/AAAAAAAACdo/MUSaBOxKNxw/s320/Photo_009.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m-L1wIKhPLE/Tmmcpjc3rxI/AAAAAAAACds/6SLv7orXIRQ/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m-L1wIKhPLE/Tmmcpjc3rxI/AAAAAAAACds/6SLv7orXIRQ/s320/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZTD0Kgieb8/Tmmcr9LPitI/AAAAAAAACdw/EcTXlJM67Fw/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZTD0Kgieb8/Tmmcr9LPitI/AAAAAAAACdw/EcTXlJM67Fw/s320/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M1AVnGMNeHs/Tmmcs-oeTEI/AAAAAAAACd0/nesTdLbnVvU/s1600/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M1AVnGMNeHs/Tmmcs-oeTEI/AAAAAAAACd0/nesTdLbnVvU/s320/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-42957250117810790422011-08-25T14:09:00.000-06:002011-08-25T14:09:11.150-06:00Summer Lovin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have had such a great summer!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are some of the fun things we've been up to... In no particular order.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Russ family came to visit. Benson and Zack were the best of friends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here they are playing their leapsters together. Both wearing "Love Stinks" shirts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-26dGkCscTJI/TlamGmRkF3I/AAAAAAAACao/iyxTEu9nBkM/s1600/IMG_1229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-26dGkCscTJI/TlamGmRkF3I/AAAAAAAACao/iyxTEu9nBkM/s320/IMG_1229.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Molly fell in love with little Alex.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Hoo5-r5ZTQ/TlamJNQ6TDI/AAAAAAAACa0/j0w0_Wl9N6s/s1600/IMG_1273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Hoo5-r5ZTQ/TlamJNQ6TDI/AAAAAAAACa0/j0w0_Wl9N6s/s320/IMG_1273.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We have loved staying at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Their playground is the best.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gCwUV91zSlA/TlamH2uJ2fI/AAAAAAAACas/Z4xtRzcYcSI/s1600/IMG_1256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gCwUV91zSlA/TlamH2uJ2fI/AAAAAAAACas/Z4xtRzcYcSI/s320/IMG_1256.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">4th of July. At the hospital visiting Tami after she had baby Luke.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-phtnzb65u-c/TlamIUmeWDI/AAAAAAAACaw/SlIDTd3EfWE/s1600/IMG_1262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-phtnzb65u-c/TlamIUmeWDI/AAAAAAAACaw/SlIDTd3EfWE/s320/IMG_1262.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We took the kids on a date to see Cars 2. Don't let this crappy picture fool you. They were out of control.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hqO9K5Ab5gY/TlamKO-qhLI/AAAAAAAACa4/fCTdxEAIKIA/s1600/IMG_1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hqO9K5Ab5gY/TlamKO-qhLI/AAAAAAAACa4/fCTdxEAIKIA/s320/IMG_1285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Alex and Molly got into lots of trouble together. Yes, that's sharpie on the counter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1KsamcTM3O0/TlamLHltZeI/AAAAAAAACa8/MshLTrVz06g/s1600/IMG_1304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1KsamcTM3O0/TlamLHltZeI/AAAAAAAACa8/MshLTrVz06g/s320/IMG_1304.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We love living in Hooper. Playing in the irrigation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hI1VTceSBwU/TlamMXC-tcI/AAAAAAAACbA/mxbKZ_6yFdk/s1600/IMG_1318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hI1VTceSBwU/TlamMXC-tcI/AAAAAAAACbA/mxbKZ_6yFdk/s320/IMG_1318.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wOccZAHAcHs/TlamNr7CXgI/AAAAAAAACbE/--aG9W5FrU8/s1600/IMG_1319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wOccZAHAcHs/TlamNr7CXgI/AAAAAAAACbE/--aG9W5FrU8/s320/IMG_1319.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Molly LOOOOVES shoes!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9t0Abq8bn8c/TlamRoGwRlI/AAAAAAAACbQ/JFcvEw9Fsh8/s1600/IMG_1342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9t0Abq8bn8c/TlamRoGwRlI/AAAAAAAACbQ/JFcvEw9Fsh8/s320/IMG_1342.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Weber State Fireworks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BqHCDjdNZBc/TlamUPRoLJI/AAAAAAAACbU/1O4rHp3l0xU/s1600/IMG_1348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BqHCDjdNZBc/TlamUPRoLJI/AAAAAAAACbU/1O4rHp3l0xU/s320/IMG_1348.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Baby Luke and his BIG cousin, Benson.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OiUCxJ0GyBM/TlamWTc1R7I/AAAAAAAACbY/CeBNjJYOmqk/s1600/IMG_1354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OiUCxJ0GyBM/TlamWTc1R7I/AAAAAAAACbY/CeBNjJYOmqk/s320/IMG_1354.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We got to be his first babysitters.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GL0jvKVvjiE/TlamX5B1uPI/AAAAAAAACbc/p17M9lSNk78/s1600/IMG_1357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GL0jvKVvjiE/TlamX5B1uPI/AAAAAAAACbc/p17M9lSNk78/s320/IMG_1357.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And we got to watch this little guy too. (Barrett)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YBItbY3jYLc/TlamZR7F_-I/AAAAAAAACbg/GW8sd88qgHc/s1600/IMG_1359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YBItbY3jYLc/TlamZR7F_-I/AAAAAAAACbg/GW8sd88qgHc/s320/IMG_1359.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes we had so much fun, we just couldn't take it anymore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-spVQwYCnTX0/Tlama5_eA3I/AAAAAAAACbk/iqXMEv4o4AI/s1600/IMG_1360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-spVQwYCnTX0/Tlama5_eA3I/AAAAAAAACbk/iqXMEv4o4AI/s320/IMG_1360.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We got a pass to Discovery Gateway. The little grocery store is Molly's favorite part.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vc-_IUQWbU0/Tlamc4OxVVI/AAAAAAAACbo/tg66hBNyTPw/s1600/IMG_1362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vc-_IUQWbU0/Tlamc4OxVVI/AAAAAAAACbo/tg66hBNyTPw/s320/IMG_1362.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Casey's favorite part of Discovery Gateway was the water. HA!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7twrVN1zz7k/Tlame0WlV-I/AAAAAAAACbs/vS8rY_BzAk8/s1600/IMG_1378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7twrVN1zz7k/Tlame0WlV-I/AAAAAAAACbs/vS8rY_BzAk8/s320/IMG_1378.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bSpznMcAAgs/TlamgWRtnxI/AAAAAAAACbw/ptH7SnxlfzU/s1600/IMG_1389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bSpznMcAAgs/TlamgWRtnxI/AAAAAAAACbw/ptH7SnxlfzU/s320/IMG_1389.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Grandpa Wayne made us homemade donuts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJnDPmPaqgc/TlamijoffuI/AAAAAAAACb0/b42S7wSs7D0/s1600/IMG_1427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJnDPmPaqgc/TlamijoffuI/AAAAAAAACb0/b42S7wSs7D0/s320/IMG_1427.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">All of the kids on the Haws side.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j4yyfR0xfhQ/TlammLNtVCI/AAAAAAAACb4/XnP4TY52ycA/s1600/IMG_1430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j4yyfR0xfhQ/TlammLNtVCI/AAAAAAAACb4/XnP4TY52ycA/s320/IMG_1430.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Btxi7e7zpo/TlamodF6H4I/AAAAAAAACb8/1RsO1GhGyDQ/s1600/IMG_1432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Btxi7e7zpo/TlamodF6H4I/AAAAAAAACb8/1RsO1GhGyDQ/s320/IMG_1432.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The toy room is the best part of living at Grandma and Grandpa's house. (Especially Grandma's hidden toys.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aw9A5CAobsA/TlamqtVm1pI/AAAAAAAACcA/iWzZzUUdsJE/s1600/IMG_1439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aw9A5CAobsA/TlamqtVm1pI/AAAAAAAACcA/iWzZzUUdsJE/s320/IMG_1439.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lots of swimming.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HlxpmA1twkA/Tlams27OMnI/AAAAAAAACcE/kqzjdoUPlik/s1600/IMG_1460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HlxpmA1twkA/Tlams27OMnI/AAAAAAAACcE/kqzjdoUPlik/s320/IMG_1460.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And eating at Grandma's counter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LuuBv21Cy_0/TlamuQfYnGI/AAAAAAAACcI/RWHRqjncVOM/s1600/IMG_1461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LuuBv21Cy_0/TlamuQfYnGI/AAAAAAAACcI/RWHRqjncVOM/s320/IMG_1461.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lots and LOTS of lawn mowing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SvefgmkTEAo/TlamxNAJGYI/AAAAAAAACcM/4_I47aBYLRE/s1600/IMG_1463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SvefgmkTEAo/TlamxNAJGYI/AAAAAAAACcM/4_I47aBYLRE/s320/IMG_1463.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The kids love the tramp. Typical, Benson picking on Molly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5W0VSrP7Ukc/Tlamy8vqbFI/AAAAAAAACcQ/CPRhGpXwf78/s1600/IMG_1468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5W0VSrP7Ukc/Tlamy8vqbFI/AAAAAAAACcQ/CPRhGpXwf78/s320/IMG_1468.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDsmkEUrjhc/Tlam0IAmqEI/AAAAAAAACcU/1x_hB8Aqtq8/s1600/IMG_1470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDsmkEUrjhc/Tlam0IAmqEI/AAAAAAAACcU/1x_hB8Aqtq8/s320/IMG_1470.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aWHrMDbI-C4/Tlam1lHR-2I/AAAAAAAACcY/Yw2h3RqyZKM/s1600/IMG_1472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aWHrMDbI-C4/Tlam1lHR-2I/AAAAAAAACcY/Yw2h3RqyZKM/s320/IMG_1472.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Trip to IKEA.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISw5xEF0TqQ/Tlam3VdbLSI/AAAAAAAACcc/zhhGLKUkQF8/s1600/IMG_1496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISw5xEF0TqQ/Tlam3VdbLSI/AAAAAAAACcc/zhhGLKUkQF8/s320/IMG_1496.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YcLI0NSbEbU/Tlam5MSEZCI/AAAAAAAACcg/qsRKpeeug90/s1600/IMG_1498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YcLI0NSbEbU/Tlam5MSEZCI/AAAAAAAACcg/qsRKpeeug90/s320/IMG_1498.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Benson got his training wheels taken off. And put back on again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hryak0ojfks/Tlam6wyxIwI/AAAAAAAACck/zJUweE0fVXw/s1600/IMG_1510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hryak0ojfks/Tlam6wyxIwI/AAAAAAAACck/zJUweE0fVXw/s320/IMG_1510.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The kids like making messes at Grandma's. This is cocoa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ItaXgZ0ZtlA/Tlam9alwmrI/AAAAAAAACco/uhmLhJYUBP4/s1600/IMG_1517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ItaXgZ0ZtlA/Tlam9alwmrI/AAAAAAAACco/uhmLhJYUBP4/s320/IMG_1517.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Discovery Gateway with our friends, the stowers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R2iSyaY13qw/Tlam_EzFk_I/AAAAAAAACcs/lRcKWxGCOZs/s1600/IMG_1519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R2iSyaY13qw/Tlam_EzFk_I/AAAAAAAACcs/lRcKWxGCOZs/s320/IMG_1519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZmNRvaRP4M/TlanA-yAhtI/AAAAAAAACcw/fRDnJwn3Yo0/s1600/IMG_1527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZmNRvaRP4M/TlanA-yAhtI/AAAAAAAACcw/fRDnJwn3Yo0/s320/IMG_1527.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">At the real grocery store. Molly picked out exactly what she wanted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xDr7VnkDCrU/TlanCzJxLLI/AAAAAAAACc0/fLNEOybgBYA/s1600/IMG_1539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xDr7VnkDCrU/TlanCzJxLLI/AAAAAAAACc0/fLNEOybgBYA/s320/IMG_1539.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Our Dalpias cousins at the Nature Center.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7YUFA7I7nqs/TlanFHOro7I/AAAAAAAACc4/GtQ_aPtvuOc/s1600/IMG_1542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7YUFA7I7nqs/TlanFHOro7I/AAAAAAAACc4/GtQ_aPtvuOc/s320/IMG_1542.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">More playing on the tramp. More Benson picking on Molly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QR7QJXROiq0/TlanG4qO9fI/AAAAAAAACc8/9l42GxIep3k/s1600/IMG_1549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QR7QJXROiq0/TlanG4qO9fI/AAAAAAAACc8/9l42GxIep3k/s320/IMG_1549.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hanging out at the playground. This hammock was already broken when Nick sat down. SUCKA.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bexQVoUWeuE/TlanJMmWL9I/AAAAAAAACdA/VAWvGWLempI/s1600/IMG_1557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bexQVoUWeuE/TlanJMmWL9I/AAAAAAAACdA/VAWvGWLempI/s320/IMG_1557.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Crafting with the girls... And Danny.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N6tEtuNxnEc/TlanLXyirZI/AAAAAAAACdE/oGvclnaxOaQ/s1600/IMG_1565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N6tEtuNxnEc/TlanLXyirZI/AAAAAAAACdE/oGvclnaxOaQ/s320/IMG_1565.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Watching Luke.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C4munPG4rbI/TlanNR9-12I/AAAAAAAACdI/I5sQVfuWZ5o/s1600/IMG_1573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C4munPG4rbI/TlanNR9-12I/AAAAAAAACdI/I5sQVfuWZ5o/s320/IMG_1573.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Growing CRAZY hair!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2JsPoXPBXE/TlanPu_OrfI/AAAAAAAACdM/dZm-Q7cHBDg/s1600/IMG_1579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2JsPoXPBXE/TlanPu_OrfI/AAAAAAAACdM/dZm-Q7cHBDg/s320/IMG_1579.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">More messes at Grandma's. This is sugar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RqEAaAP_PFo/TlanRhVxW5I/AAAAAAAACdQ/ar0P5qIz_Po/s1600/IMG_1583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RqEAaAP_PFo/TlanRhVxW5I/AAAAAAAACdQ/ar0P5qIz_Po/s320/IMG_1583.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Benson dressing in Molly's clothes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XF2oTy6i1_4/TlanToVZy7I/AAAAAAAACdU/QCWyrVkuzBo/s1600/IMG_1587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XF2oTy6i1_4/TlanToVZy7I/AAAAAAAACdU/QCWyrVkuzBo/s320/IMG_1587.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Trip to Bear Lake on the Hogs with the Stowers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fS1gH4rycrg/TlanVFQKMaI/AAAAAAAACdY/Q-GUCjkk2GI/s1600/IMGP0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fS1gH4rycrg/TlanVFQKMaI/AAAAAAAACdY/Q-GUCjkk2GI/s320/IMGP0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Splash pad with our cousins. They are all crazy about Barrett.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0E4XlD_MXDw/TlagPHWhHxI/AAAAAAAACYw/d-FLHR-ZgPI/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0E4XlD_MXDw/TlagPHWhHxI/AAAAAAAACYw/d-FLHR-ZgPI/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32aOEMs14kc/TlagQ46LaMI/AAAAAAAACY0/vpbn1Hm_ATI/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32aOEMs14kc/TlagQ46LaMI/AAAAAAAACY0/vpbn1Hm_ATI/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BO8igy9xhi0/TlagSggUs8I/AAAAAAAACY4/KMf_YhICJBE/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BO8igy9xhi0/TlagSggUs8I/AAAAAAAACY4/KMf_YhICJBE/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v5VUZYaG8-Q/TlagUsp8pfI/AAAAAAAACY8/QQiII5poa2k/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v5VUZYaG8-Q/TlagUsp8pfI/AAAAAAAACY8/QQiII5poa2k/s320/DSC_0008.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GAAMi_BYWKk/TlamO_jM2QI/AAAAAAAACbI/2ETEn7P6VyA/s1600/IMG_1331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GAAMi_BYWKk/TlamO_jM2QI/AAAAAAAACbI/2ETEn7P6VyA/s320/IMG_1331.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F4fqKy6Rj4A/TlamQJqhCqI/AAAAAAAACbM/J_Wo5cJfrbw/s1600/IMG_1334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F4fqKy6Rj4A/TlamQJqhCqI/AAAAAAAACbM/J_Wo5cJfrbw/s320/IMG_1334.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Benson learning the art of spray painting. He will be a good helper some day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PaMaiZIgl1c/TlagWK7-cAI/AAAAAAAACZA/b6vhbucyVk8/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PaMaiZIgl1c/TlagWK7-cAI/AAAAAAAACZA/b6vhbucyVk8/s320/DSC_0027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">4 wheeling at the cabin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ePOOGCrj9co/TlagZkKuBoI/AAAAAAAACZE/oUwPiTTJxeA/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ePOOGCrj9co/TlagZkKuBoI/AAAAAAAACZE/oUwPiTTJxeA/s320/DSC_0042.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CaqogwgpuRQ/TlagdFI8o2I/AAAAAAAACZI/43cuDngRjf4/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CaqogwgpuRQ/TlagdFI8o2I/AAAAAAAACZI/43cuDngRjf4/s320/DSC_0043.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fishing at Little Creek.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MtQZ3QJIBwQ/Tlagg1AGdXI/AAAAAAAACZM/4-BiyCz1d9A/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MtQZ3QJIBwQ/Tlagg1AGdXI/AAAAAAAACZM/4-BiyCz1d9A/s320/DSC_0045.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5bApL2sQVo/Tlagk9Du7jI/AAAAAAAACZQ/OZVGdR3aQ8o/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5bApL2sQVo/Tlagk9Du7jI/AAAAAAAACZQ/OZVGdR3aQ8o/s320/DSC_0056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Benson's first time fishing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORrfJA_xeuA/TlagoCmsEYI/AAAAAAAACZU/5ifn-YNBbUk/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORrfJA_xeuA/TlagoCmsEYI/AAAAAAAACZU/5ifn-YNBbUk/s320/DSC_0058.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2Fx8Of68Eg/Tlagr-rv0BI/AAAAAAAACZY/mIPY0Wzldag/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2Fx8Of68Eg/Tlagr-rv0BI/AAAAAAAACZY/mIPY0Wzldag/s320/DSC_0066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w1kusqL0m7E/TlagvbBSXcI/AAAAAAAACZc/K-SeRJEktDQ/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w1kusqL0m7E/TlagvbBSXcI/AAAAAAAACZc/K-SeRJEktDQ/s320/DSC_0069.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">At Little Creek.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMNmpwBcaZQ/Tlagy_Z0y2I/AAAAAAAACZg/66x1vNqnfi4/s1600/DSC_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMNmpwBcaZQ/Tlagy_Z0y2I/AAAAAAAACZg/66x1vNqnfi4/s320/DSC_0078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We found these deer at the cabin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wyVYueeCTzo/Tlag3PKI5UI/AAAAAAAACZk/wChQURX2dKU/s1600/DSC_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wyVYueeCTzo/Tlag3PKI5UI/AAAAAAAACZk/wChQURX2dKU/s320/DSC_0087.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJmBcNF1jMc/Tlag7SMvcPI/AAAAAAAACZo/xD1mbeVK_tg/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJmBcNF1jMc/Tlag7SMvcPI/AAAAAAAACZo/xD1mbeVK_tg/s320/DSC_0088.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mRYj3PFiEm8/Tlag-6vQS5I/AAAAAAAACZs/qgTKUq91HVA/s1600/DSC_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mRYj3PFiEm8/Tlag-6vQS5I/AAAAAAAACZs/qgTKUq91HVA/s320/DSC_0089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Is that a tree? Or Andy, the mighty hunter?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2PZMqE1LQ9I/TlahCttT69I/AAAAAAAACZw/UBZvo7urfJ0/s1600/DSC_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2PZMqE1LQ9I/TlahCttT69I/AAAAAAAACZw/UBZvo7urfJ0/s320/DSC_0091.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Molly sleeping at the cabin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yXGw7cZbUF8/TlahGsSYsBI/AAAAAAAACZ0/u2EcBCfKQng/s1600/DSC_0097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yXGw7cZbUF8/TlahGsSYsBI/AAAAAAAACZ0/u2EcBCfKQng/s320/DSC_0097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3WjFy3hcSbg/TlahLHElbgI/AAAAAAAACZ4/Bx1IP5MwKqU/s1600/DSC_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3WjFy3hcSbg/TlahLHElbgI/AAAAAAAACZ4/Bx1IP5MwKqU/s320/DSC_0098.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We even sewed a little bit here and there. Check out that ruffle skirt tutorial <a href="http://www.corduroydreams.com/2011/08/ruffle-skirt-tutorial.html">HERE</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XDdMtpbckbs/TlahN6h06tI/AAAAAAAACZ8/7SvofGBvlUU/s1600/DSC_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XDdMtpbckbs/TlahN6h06tI/AAAAAAAACZ8/7SvofGBvlUU/s320/DSC_0183.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy kids.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rHnsEJ3Wses/TlahRHk_1CI/AAAAAAAACaA/8BYNrw2LP_Y/s1600/DSC_0213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rHnsEJ3Wses/TlahRHk_1CI/AAAAAAAACaA/8BYNrw2LP_Y/s320/DSC_0213.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-knRgjUwZH0s/TlahUbL0Y9I/AAAAAAAACaE/NgNZK7v_C58/s1600/DSC_0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-knRgjUwZH0s/TlahUbL0Y9I/AAAAAAAACaE/NgNZK7v_C58/s320/DSC_0232.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">More fishing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YRXlZodcNnE/TlahZDObocI/AAAAAAAACaI/Q7sOVURz7rc/s1600/DSC_0243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YRXlZodcNnE/TlahZDObocI/AAAAAAAACaI/Q7sOVURz7rc/s320/DSC_0243.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ksmD3-FjgVk/Tlahc2ZQbXI/AAAAAAAACaM/BWI6AustMZQ/s1600/DSC_0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ksmD3-FjgVk/Tlahc2ZQbXI/AAAAAAAACaM/BWI6AustMZQ/s320/DSC_0244.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And feeding the ducks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kacT7hlo5nc/TlahhJFjGoI/AAAAAAAACaQ/8sd16RkC6T8/s1600/DSC_0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kacT7hlo5nc/TlahhJFjGoI/AAAAAAAACaQ/8sd16RkC6T8/s320/DSC_0254.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When they started feeding the ducks, there was ONE duck. Then all the rest of them showed up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pMqT0CIeYzk/TlahlW_3ydI/AAAAAAAACaU/iXdBz9IPiS4/s1600/DSC_0273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pMqT0CIeYzk/TlahlW_3ydI/AAAAAAAACaU/iXdBz9IPiS4/s320/DSC_0273.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-citQq1Xgl_w/TlahpmBEyXI/AAAAAAAACaY/liWRlcPMnzA/s1600/DSC_0281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-citQq1Xgl_w/TlahpmBEyXI/AAAAAAAACaY/liWRlcPMnzA/s320/DSC_0281.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3LLxBcNqig/TlahswBGnTI/AAAAAAAACac/cRnQQnVX3Zc/s1600/DSC_0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3LLxBcNqig/TlahswBGnTI/AAAAAAAACac/cRnQQnVX3Zc/s320/DSC_0287.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And someone (Nat) might have ruined Benson's fishing pole. OOPS.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TkXXB0OdHI0/TlahxH7lm7I/AAAAAAAACag/vAwgPsIMy4o/s1600/DSC_0296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TkXXB0OdHI0/TlahxH7lm7I/AAAAAAAACag/vAwgPsIMy4o/s320/DSC_0296.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-68615816483907622492011-08-01T01:56:00.000-06:002011-08-01T01:56:32.426-06:00Midnight SentimentsThe trouble is... I took a beautiful Sunday nap. And now I can't sleep. Never mind I stayed up after everyone was asleep to watch the Bachelorette; I can't watch trash like that when the kids are awake.<br />
<br />
Either way, I'm here now. 12:27 am, on August 1st. Sitting in my parents' basement, with a million thoughts going through my head. I tried to wake up Casey and make him talk to me, but after my attempts failed, I figured it wasn't fair to him anyway, seeing as he has to be up in 4 and a half hours to get to work by 6 am.<br />
<br />
And so, you out there in blogland get me. Not a very good version of me, but a post-Bachelorette, middle of the night, sort of nostalgic me. And, with me, you get my midnight sentiments.<br />
<br />
Here it is.<br />
<br />
We have been here for over a month now. "Living" with my parents has actually been quite nice. I'm not sure exactly how Casey feels about it, but under the circumstances, I am happy here for now. We had no idea we would sell our duplex, and especially not as fast as we did. Once we actually got an offer on the duplex, we were completely out in 3 weeks. There was nothing we could do about the situation, and we have felt VERY blessed to have even sold the thing. When we got the offer on the duplex, we were still under the impression that we were going to buy a HUD home or a foreclosure somewhere. But, in the 3 weeks between selling the duplex and moving out completely, our plans changed.<br />
<br />
I know I say this a lot, but the Lord has a plan for us. And, I can't help but think that all of these things are part of our plan. We have had some big time blessings, and some different options opened up to us, making it possible for us to build our new home. Building has always been a dream for me, but up until now, there was no way it would work for us. So, once we moved from Ogden to my parents' basement, we started figuring out what we want in our new house. Casey drew up the plans, and they are currently being engineered so we can turn them into the city and get our building permit. We have a contractor that we LOVE, and we feel super good about how everything is working out with the house, even if we haven't technically started building it yet.<br />
<br />
I would say we are a pretty happy little family right now. Besides being homeless. We are at a really good stage of life right now, and even though we have our crazy times, we are a happy bunch. I'm still pretty in love with Casey (think he'll read this?) and I think he still likes me a little bit too. Benson and Molly are both at such great ages, and everyday they make me laugh and sometimes scream.<br />
<br />
Benson is nearly 4 years old and is starting to be so helpful (and cute). For a while there, he was really whiny, but that seems to be fading now. He's growing up, and getting to be such a good boy. It breaks my heart to see him not need me as much, but I also love that he is getting to be independent. He will start Soccer and Preschool in the fall, which seems so funny to me, because those are things that boys do, not babies like Benson... Except, I guess he isn't my baby anymore. He is such a funny kid, and he says the funniest things sometimes. He is excited for our new house so he and Molly can have goats. He's already named them Blaster and Pokey. His goat is Blaster, although when he first named it, it's name was Blastard.... We had a good laugh and decided to drop the D. Benson is a really nice kid, except when he hits, which is kind of a lot. He doesn't spend much time around anyone other than Molly and me, so when we're around other kids, he gets frustrated easily and sometimes he hits. I'm not much help, because sometimes I want to hit other people's kids too. We are working on it, though, and he really is doing better (me too). One thing I've noticed about Benson is that he hardly ever hurts Molly; at least not on purpose. Sometimes he'll wrestle with her and play rough, but he never means to hurt her. He is very protective of her, he shares with her, and I kind of think he might like her a little. He really is a loving kid, and has some pretty deep feelings. He doesn't like feeling like he's done something wrong, especially if he knows it's made someone feel bad.<br />
<br />
Molly is 19 months old and is so sweet. She has been a pure delight from the beginning. She is at probably my favorite stage so far. She's just learning to talk, and pretty much repeats everything I tell her; but only if she wants to. She is a stong-minded little girl and doesn't really like being told what to do. She is usually just fine playing by herself and discovering things. She loves to open cupboards and drawers and get into everything she shouldn't. She still has bright red (curly) hair, and I think it's starting to soak in. Everyone asks me if she's a fire-ball, and up until recently, she has been really mellow. But now, she's starting to be quite the little firecracker. She knows when she wants something, and when she doesn't want something, and she will squeal and scream until she gets her way. She is a mommy's girl and doesn't like it when I leave her. We are having a really hard time getting her to go to nursery, in fact. Molly is a tender-hearted little girl, and she gets her feelings hurt easily. But, she is the toughest little thing I've ever seen, too. She can climb like no kid I've ever seen. She loves to run and jump and play as hard as the big kids. She doesn't know that she's tiny, and she thinks she can do anything. She loves to play with Benson and even when he plays rough, she is usually giggling. She has started to figure out that she can get him in trouble if she cries enough, and I sense that is something that will last a while. They are really cute together, though, and I love that they are starting to be little buddies.<br />
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I have felt a lot of joy in my family lately. Many of you probably heard about my sister-in-law's 25 year old brother who was killed in a bicycle accident just over a week ago. He was a good friend to both Casey and me, and always took the time to play with little Benson. I spent the morning of my 26th birthday at his funeral, and I wouldn't rather have been doing anything else. His funeral, and his life, were so uplifting to me. We will miss him, and we mourn with his family. But, his life has touched so many in such a short time, and I feel so grateful that I was able to know him and learn from his amazing example. I am inspired to be a little more kind-hearted, adventurous, friendly, generous, and fearless. But more than anything, I have gained a greater appreciation and love for my family. It's so sad that sometimes it takes a tragedy like this to remind me how grateful and lucky I am. I want to hold my children a little tighter and kiss their little cheeks a few extra times, because every day is a precious gift.<br />
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I know that life won't always be like it is in this moment. Although the endless amount of laundry will be forever ingrained in my mind, I'm sure I will start to forget the little things that I love so much about everyday of my life right now. I hope I never forget Molly's big brown eyes, and the way they sparkle when she gets into mischief. Or the way Benson giggles when I tickle him, and how he loves it when I stop what I'm doing and give him a little of my undivided attention. I always want to remember how they trust everything I tell them, and just holding my hand makes them feel safe. I will always treasure the way my kisses have the power to heal any wound, and soothe a broken heart.<br />
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Tonight I feel really lucky. Lucky I'm in love with my best friend. Lucky to be a mom to the amazing little spirits. And lucky to have the love and support of such an amazing family. God loves me. I can feel it. And guess what? If you take the time, I bet you'll feel his love in your life too.<br />
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nat<br />
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</span></span>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-41438515540795599832011-06-30T14:00:00.000-06:002011-06-30T14:00:23.456-06:00Five Years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Five years ago, this guy gave me his name.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8iYsj0dAxZs/TgzVGXmMeQI/AAAAAAAACVA/x1cHCWyzEr0/s1600/wedd0213a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8iYsj0dAxZs/TgzVGXmMeQI/AAAAAAAACVA/x1cHCWyzEr0/s400/wedd0213a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even though 98 % of people can't pronounce our name (including me sometimes), I'm so glad I've got it.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love being his.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">His friend.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">His partner.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">His accountant.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">His chef.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">His massage therapist.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">His personal assistant.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">His baby momma.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">His maid.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">His cheerleader.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">His stylist.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">His pain in the neck.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">His nurse.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">His personal shopper.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">His ball and chain.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Believe it or not....</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He is more to me than I could ever be to him.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He is....</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My friend.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My supporter.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My shoulder to cry on.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My technical support.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My late night chat partner.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My hand to hold.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My yard boy.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My baby daddy.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My chauffeur.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My alarm clock.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My handyman.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My movie partner.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My genius.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My high-reacher, heavy-lifter.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My comforter.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My sole mate.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Life is, of course, never perfect for us. Just like any couple, we have our ups and downs. We have been in a particularly stressful place in life with moving and building a house... But, when all is said and done, at the end of the day, we were meant for each other. In 40 years, when it's just us and we're sitting on our back porch, I know we will be just as happy together as we were that special day 5 years ago.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Anniversary, Casey Face.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-62228433473236580042011-06-16T09:52:00.003-06:002011-06-30T12:48:30.774-06:00Where are we???<div style="text-align: center;">If anyone out there actually follows my blog, you may be wondering where in the world we are....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Where" is a very good question. One that stumps Benson almost everyday. You see, we are moving. If you follow me on facebook (and you should), you may know that we have sold our duplex. We signed papers on Monday, which means we no longer own our home. We have to be out-out by next Monday, so we have been really busy moving and cleaning.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fina4IIqiv8/TgzE7oDsjNI/AAAAAAAACUw/K4WUEj_d9j8/s1600/DSC_0991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fina4IIqiv8/TgzE7oDsjNI/AAAAAAAACUw/K4WUEj_d9j8/s320/DSC_0991.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">You may wonder where we are moving to. That is also a good question. Benson cannot figure out if we live at our duplex or at Grandma and Grandpa's house right now, because we are sort of in limbo. The plan is to eventually build a house in Hooper, but while we are getting that going, we are staying at my parents' house. Most of our stuff is in storage. Whatever isn't in storage, is in boxes. It's been really exciting for us, and sort of stressful. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Our original plan was to buy a HUD home or foreclosure, and we even made a few offers on some houses, but then we got some new information and help from a lot of different people, and now we are working through the process of starting to build our home. We REALLY loved the process of trying to buy a home, but building seems like a much better fit for us. (Here's a plug: If you need a realtor, please call my friend, Sharli. She is awesome! Seriously, guys, I do NOT like realtors because they are so pushy. But Sharli has been great! She is never pushy and always answers her phone. She doesn't have secretaries or people to take messages for her, SHE is who I speak to when I call. I really have loved her, and if you're looking for someone to help you buy or sell a house, you need to call her. Send me a message if you want her number.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Since we decided to build and have sold our duplex, I have been working on cleaning my house out and getting everything moved. It's been tricky because Casey has started working 10 hour days, so he doesn't get home till later, and is really tired. Then he gets home and has to move our whole house. I have been feeling a lot of anxiety about getting everything done, and trust me, I have been praying for a lot of strength through all of this. The other day, I was home, moving and cleaning (like usual), and Tami and Nick called to say they would be over in half an hour. They came to my rescue that day!!!! In fact, they did that same thing 2 days in a row. Nick packed his truck and trailer full, then helped Casey pack our Tahoe and trailer full, while Preggo Tami played with our bored-to-death kids. She even folded my laundry for me. I have rarely had such amazing answers to prayers. Their help and friendship that day was exactly what I needed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uulp2K-hpFE/Tfob5k2_llI/AAAAAAAACUk/yQHZ5vuDriE/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uulp2K-hpFE/Tfob5k2_llI/AAAAAAAACUk/yQHZ5vuDriE/s320/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">We have had a lot of help from a lot of different people, and it has been very much appreciated.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Another prayer was answered yesterday. Casey's mom rescued me by watching the kids for a few hours. I was able to check a lot of things off my cleaning list. And, best of all, my poor kids didn't have to play all day in a nearly empty house with a busy mother who barely pays any attention to them. This moving stuff has been exciting, but at times, it has been less than wonderful for my kids. Not only are all of their things packed up in a storage unit, they haven't seen much of a fun mom lately. To have a day away at Grandma's house made all the difference in their little worlds. And they came home to a much happier mom.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dfcFn1EE4Qw/Tfob8I3n1XI/AAAAAAAACUs/0rduIdjTrLA/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dfcFn1EE4Qw/Tfob8I3n1XI/AAAAAAAACUs/0rduIdjTrLA/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">While Gayle had the kids, I was able to get all of our bedrooms and the bathroom all emptied and clean. We are so excited to get a new house, and to live in Hooper, but I would be lying if I said I was happy to leave our home. This little duplex has been very good for us. We have been so blessed to have wonderful renters, which made it possible for us to even own a home; some who have been such dear friends to us. We've loved our neighbors. I have felt so blessed to be able to send my kids next door, or to have our neighbor kids come play at our house, and feel like my kids had good friends. Not to mention the sweet friendship we have shared as well. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">As I was cleaning the house, I was washing off fingerprints from the walls where the kids would sit to eat, I washed off crayon where Benson learned how to write his name, I mowed the lawn where they spent countless hours running and playing, and I vacuumed the floors where they learned to walk. All the while, wiping my own tears from my eyes. I feel like this home is really where I learned to be a mom, and where I truly fell in love with my little family. I have so many treasured memories of that home, and boy-oh-boy, am I sad to turn off the lights and close the doors behind me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGTRGhUmZHA/Tfob679WKFI/AAAAAAAACUo/PoSDwL1HXvs/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGTRGhUmZHA/Tfob679WKFI/AAAAAAAACUo/PoSDwL1HXvs/s320/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I am glad to move on. Casey and I both really feel like building a home in Hooper is what we are supposed to do. I'm looking forward to being close to family and sad to be not-so-close to some. We have made so many memories in this little house in 3 years, but I cannot imagine how many memories we will have in our new house. The best part is I will never have to leave.</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-81352002280356200262011-05-20T15:37:00.000-06:002011-05-20T15:37:12.499-06:00slumber PAR-TAY!!!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A couple of weeks ago, we were lucky enough to have all of Benson and Molly's Dalpias cousins (minus baby Kayla) sleepover at our house. It was a little crazy with a 7 year old, 2- 5 year olds, 2- 3 year olds, and 1- 1 year old.... But we had a lot of fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0cQFbEByVs/Tdbd4hIcSzI/AAAAAAAACUc/0uwjEx09SU0/s1600/DSC_0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0cQFbEByVs/Tdbd4hIcSzI/AAAAAAAACUc/0uwjEx09SU0/s320/DSC_0713.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XKPCcl7feK0/Tdbd7DPKZ5I/AAAAAAAACUg/AsijDfzOhPI/s1600/DSC_0715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XKPCcl7feK0/Tdbd7DPKZ5I/AAAAAAAACUg/AsijDfzOhPI/s320/DSC_0715.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6226749808039844231.post-21799802710605980372011-05-01T04:00:00.003-06:002011-05-01T13:31:07.386-06:00A big favor!<div style="text-align: center;">Hello, Friends!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've entered this little old contest for an Epic Room Makeover from one of my favorite bloggers, Vintage Revivals, and I need your help to win it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's what I need you guys to do for me:</div><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vintagerevivals.blogspot.com/2011/04/epic-giveaway-linky-now-open.html"><span style="color: blue;">Go over to Vintage Revivals {</span><span style="color: blue;">HERE</span><span style="color: blue;">} and vote for me, #62. </span></a></h2><div style="text-align: center;">You can vote 5 times per IP address, but only once per entry. {So, that means you need to vote for me, and not one else!} And make sure you vote at each Internet location you can find.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, vote for me at home, at work, at school, and from your data-enabled phone.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then, call your mom, your aunt, your sister in Connecticut (that's you, Em), and tell them to do the same thing!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Technically, you have until midnight on Tuesday, the 3rd, to vote. But just do it now before you forget.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Seriously friends, I'm a little desperate!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I need all of your votes!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So go. {<a href="http://vintagerevivals.blogspot.com/">HERE</a>} is the link again.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm number 62.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Gracias!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16816774552885879978noreply@blogger.com3