nat nat and pap pap

Thanks Pappy (a.k.a Pap Pap) for coming to spend the day with us today.
Natalie had SO MUCH FUN (and I did too).

the journey to get a good picture

With this one-year-old, it is almost impossible to capture the right moment! She is off and running so fast, I can hardly catch her. Before I have time to press the button on the camera, she has turned around or gone the other way. One strategy I've tried to use is to lay down on the ground. She thinks it is so funny when I do that, and she heads over to climb on mama. Here are a few outtakes from my latest journey in trying to get a good picture of my sweetheart in pigtails.

adventurous soul

It is so amazing to watch Natalie explore her little world. She loves to go outside and play in the yard. One of her favorite things to do is to climb up the hill into our neighbors yard, and then run down the hill. She goes so fast, it makes me nervous...but there is nothing in her eyes but adventure!

little easter dress

Our precious Bigma made this Easter dress...for my sister Katy when she was 2 years old!! I was so excited that Natalie got to wear it on Easter Sunday...a dress that is 27 years old, but looks brand new...made by the most precious hands. Natalie is SO EXCITED that Katy is expecting a little girl, to be born in August 2009! Molly Rish, we can't wait to see you in this dress too!

a few easter pics :-)

my little cutie...

it's an art, not a science (and a little catching up!)

I am not an artist or a scientist when it comes to cooking. I am a horrible cook, and I burnt these bunny cookies today (and ruined them) just to prove it!

my new favorite picture!!

The "Pebbles" ponytail!

Who needs expensive toys when you have ziploc baggie boxes around the house?

Blowing Bubbles

Playing with my friend T.!

I love my backpack that Aunt Shannon gave me!

Seriously, the child loves boxes!


The past couple of days, I have been reflecting on the fact that parenting is an art, not a science. I love being Natalie's mama, and I love learning more every day about how to be a good parent to her. For so long, I thought that surely there was an "exact" way to do things...but I am definitely learning that being a parent is like being an artist. I must be creative and intuitive and figure out what works best for this amazing little one... I can hardly believe that she is fifteen months old...she is certainly into everything! We are having lots of fun, and I really like this "toddler" stage. She is such a hoot, and keeps me laughing. She is the greatest blessing from God in our lives. Thanks for keeping up with us!

celebrating olivia

i had the joy of celebrating the upcoming arrival of precious lane's little olivia...i can't wait to meet her! we had such a fun time and olivia got lots of lovely gifts!!