Memorable Moment

The girls have been taking swimming lessons this summer. This is Ella's first time and Natalie hasn't taken since last summer so they are in the same class. Last week Ella was really scared about going out in the water with the teacher. At first she just shook her head and was saying she wasn't going to go. Then the teacher started picking her up and taking her out anyways, which is quite a feat in it self. For those who have spent time around Ella they know that when things are not the way she wants she can be VERY loud. She was really upset and was screaming and crying and I am sure had the attention of everyone at the pool. When she was brought back to the wall Natalie was really sweet and was hugging her and putting her arm around her. She started to explain to the teacher how Ella was scared. Then a minute later it was Natalie's turn and as the teacher takes her out she made sure to create a big splash to get Ella really wet.

Our New House!

We have put an offer on a house in Tigard and it has been accepted! If all goes well then we will get the keys July 21st. We are excited to have a little more space and a yard for the kids to play in. We have lots of plans to update the house over time and are excited to get started! We will be in our same ward and Natalie will be at the school with many of the kids in the ward and two of her cousins!

Family Room

Front view
Back view- we are going to get rid of the deck and hot tub so the kids have more room to play.
Back yard
Kitchen
Dining room- we are going to close this off and make it an office.

Natalie has been tagged

1. What is something mom always says to you?
"Natalie, clean up your room."
2. What makes mom happy?
"When I make my bed all by myself."
3. What makes mom sad?
"When I say you are mean."
4. How does mom make you laugh?
"Tickling you"
5. What was mom like as a child?
"You liked to go to school."
6. How old is your mom?
"Um, 59, no 29."
7. How tall is your mom?
"5 feet."
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
"Watch TV."
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
"Clean the house."
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
"Washing the dishes."
11. What is your mom really good at?
"Your really good at fixing hair." (I only wish!)
12. What is your mom not very good at?
"Your not really good at handling Cameron and Ella at the same time."
13. What does your mom do for her job?
"Work at Gymboree."
14. What is your mom's favorite food?
"Monte Cristos"
15. What makes you proud of your mom?
"When you clean the house."
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
"Word girl."
17. What do you and your mom do together?
"My workbook."
18. How are you and your mom the same?
"We both have brown eyes and we have the same eyelashes."
19. How are you and your mom different?
"I don't have brown hair and you don't have blond hair."
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
"Because you always hold me like I was a baby."
We tag: Madelynn, Maddox, Cienna and Ruby

I love you!

This is a phrase that as a mother I love to hear from my children. I remember the first time Natalie said I love you. I called Eric at work and had her say 'I love you' over the phone. It has been fun watching Natalie learn to read and write. She will draw a picture and write I love you on it for me or Eric. I never thought that these words would leave me in shock and disbelief, but they did just that yesterday.

I took the girls to my presidency meeting yesterday the way I always do. Cameron stayed home with Rachel so I was thinking the meeting would be easier with me not having to chase him. Jeanne, the president, took the girls upstairs to watch cartoons. For a minute I thought I should go up and just make sure there was nothing for them (mostly Ella) to get into, but I decided not to worry about it. For a while things were fine and then Natalie comes downstairs, followed closely by Ella and says "Ella drew on the couch with marker!" I looked at Ella and said "Ella?!" Thinking oh no, please tell me she didn't do that. Ella says, "No, Natalie did." I am asking questions trying to get to story straight all the while apologizing to Jeanne. Then Natalie says "Ella did it, she wrote I love you." Well as soon as she said that I no longer had to question who the culprit was. Ella is three, and even though I think she is a very smart 3 year old, I know she can't write. As we are walking upstairs I am silently hoping that it is something really small in an obscure location, but all hopes would soon be dashed. There in the middle of the futon is written rather largely in black Sharpie, yes Sharpie, 'I love you". I couldn't believe it. I was so embarrassed and shocked! Why would she do this I kept asking her. I know that she felt bad but I still can't figure out what was in her mind. I am so glad that Jeanne is such a nice and understanding person. Not even for a second was she upset or show any signs of disapproval. Jeanne you are the best!

A very LONG day

The past few days Eric has been in Utah having fun with some of his roommates from college. James is getting married next week (in Hawaii, wish we were going) so Eric flew down for a guys weekend. I am so happy he went because he hasn't seen these guys for a while and he needs a break. I don't even think he took his laptop so three whole days with NO work!
Today I spent hours cleaning our house before we turn the keys over. My mom and sister were so nice to take the kids so I could get a good chunk of it done. It is now 10 till 7 and the kids are in bed. Since Ella had no nap and Cameron had a very short afternoon one they were all really tired (so am I). I decided to put them in bed so we could all catch up on some much needed rest!
I am looking forward to Eric getting back tomorrow!

Chicksitting

Natalie's kindergarten class had an some chicken eggs in an incubator for about two weeks. Last week the chicks hatched and we were able to sign up to babysit for a night. When I picked up Natalie at school yesterday she was able to pick two chicks that she wanted to take home. Her teacher provided the box, food, water bowl and heat lamp along with instructions on how to care for them. I was a bit nervous about the chicks making it through the visit at our house, not so much because of the girls but the heat and water. The dish was to be placed two inches from the edge so they chicks could walk around without getting wet because a wet chick usually dies. I followed the instructions but those chicks had minds of their owns and kept getting in the water. I was also worried about them being too hot or too cold so I kept adjusting the lamp. This morning I had Eric go downstairs and check to make sure they were still alive. I am happy to report that we returned two very much alive chicks to school today! Our little chicks

Natalie was nervous about the chicks pooping on her Ella observing (she did hold them a few times but never long enough for me to get a picture before I had to get the chick back from her).

Cameron is One!

Well I can't believe it but my baby is a year old! This year has gone by so fast and I have mixed emotions about him being a year old. He is so much fun and his personality comes out more all the time, but I will miss having a new baby around the house. We had some of our family over on Saturday for a BBQ to celebrate the big event. It was fun to get everyone together and Cameron was his usual happy self. We had a construction theme party which Eric got VERY into. I am wondering why I never recieved this much input/help with the girls' parties. :) He was excited to see his cake or at least I think so (his arms are always flapping like that).

He thought the cake was good but just took him time eating it.
He had lots of help from his sisters and cousins opening his presents.