Meyer Tales

Favorite little memories

2012-01-24T09:07:00.000-08:00

What is your earliest memory? I have some very vivid memories of when I was younger-may 3 or 4? I remember going down our large staricase to our basement in Valley Center, holding my baby sister, Erika Beth very carefully in my arms. I decided to scoot down on my bottom. I'm not sure my Mom knew what I was doing-I had to have been 4 or 5 though-I remember her being very little. I remember going next door to my best friend Micah's house and I dressed to impress him...I wore all purple-even purple socks and hat and chewed grape gum. I remember his Mom coming to the door and yelling for him as she laughed at me, engulfed in his favorite color. I remember we would then go behind my house in the wheat field and play house with the flour and chicken gizzards I had swiped from my mom's cooking preparations. I remember looking up at the massive blue sky and thinking it was the best day ever. Seeing the airplane swipes (as we called them) and talking about where we would go when we were older and married with kids of our own. I remember being very young and my Mom asking me where Sesame Street was-my very favorite show-and I would walk her all over the house looking for the street. I remember walking in on my Dad in his closet as he studied the Bible and made notes and highlighted. He did that every morning. I remember my parents playing some (actually crazy mean) tricks on our neighbors and me helping...as we placed Saran wrap on their toilet seats and put salt in their sugar jars! Ha! I remember having a family bible study every morning with a couple of songs.
My Grandma Ryel use to tell me that she remembered being 3...I can't think clearly to that far...just memories of a lovely past.

past regret or move past it...

2012-01-24T09:01:00.001-08:00

So Facebook can be a great thing...catching up with old friends via their pictures and finding people you thought you would never hear from or see again. I decided to take 10 minutes and look for someone from my past...someone I guess I hurt very badly and wanted to apologize to...for whatever I did to him. It's strange to see him now with a family and so happy. He was happy before but different. I'm not even sure of what I want to say to him. I know how I treated him, but I also just knew what I wanted at that point in my life, and he wasn't in that picture. I've always considered myself a generally nice person, but I don't think I was that to him. He needed someone to fall on and be his rock and I wasn't willing-does that make me a bad person? Does that make me at fault? Now I'm trying to remember what it was I did to him to make him just leave and refuse to talk to me again. Is it even worth trying to contact him TO apologize? I mean really? What do I really want from it? Closure that I never felt? I certainly don't want to bring up bad memories for him or put him in a weird place, but I have always wanted to say that I was sorry for the way it ended.

Christmas traditions-is different bad?

2012-01-02T14:53:00.000-08:00

This year was a different one during the Christmas holiday. I'm not sure why I never got into the spirit of Christmas...I mean, I did everything I could TO get there. Christmas baking, decorating, party planning, hosting, decorating cookies with lots of kids, gift exchanges, Church advent candles...I mean, I SHOULD have been there. It was around mid-December when I got sick-right in Hannah's 2nd birthday when I was supposed to be in Wichita for a work presentation. I HAD to get better, so I stayed home-for 3 days! But I HAD to get better...afterall, we were headed to Brandon that weekend to spend a little tme with all of my side of family. We packed up the car and headed out. Bunch of presents, 2 excited kids, a sick Mommy and a Santa hat on Dad. We did have fun though! Went to Silver Dollar City and worked our way around the other 50,000 people who decided to go there that day too. It took us 45 mins to get out of the parking lot!
The next day, we headed home after celebrating 2 December birthdays at a kids fun land. So tired the following day!
Christmas was fun with the girls...relaxed at home that morning and then headed to Andy's parents house where we ate and opened more presents. Hannah had fun opening...could have cared less what was actually IN the package, but it was entertainment for sure. All in all, this holiday season was different...but, but a good different.

Being Creative...or not

2011-12-19T14:49:00.000-08:00

So for Christmas, we always exchange names. At least on my side we do. This year we tried to be a little different and exchanged names with the idea that you had to make something based off of a Pintrest like/pin. It was fun...seeing what my sisters and Mom pinned or liked. I usually liked the same things...but my creative mind and creative hand are two very different things. The beautiful, simple bottle wrapped in yarn....looked like a clumsy hot glue mess.
The picture or card ribbon frame I had envisioned for my sister, didn't turn out quite right. The frame was a reused one-and I probably should have painted it or something...it took forever to get the ribbon on there and ..well...it just didn't turn out like it looked on the "professional's page"
It seems like that happens a lot in my life. I KNOW what I want to do, to say, to not do or not say...and it's not what actually happens. I MEAN to send dear friends birthday cards and Holiday cheer every year, but the time slips away with all of my good intention.

Hello Fall

2011-11-09T14:28:00.000-08:00

I love Fall...I've said it before, but there is always a sense of wonderment for me during this time. I love seeing the colors change in a day's time and I love all of the different holidays we get to celebrate, starting in Fall.
We went to Ark City in October to see family and take part in Arkalalah-a fall festival there-and a tradition since I can't remember when-FOREVER??!!
Family, tons of food and old friends make for a really nice time. We went down to AC on Thursday night and stayed until Sunday.
One of my best friends from high school and her new fiancee came and we threw them an engagement party.
sometimes I miss being so young and carefree...anytime I'm in Ark City, a flood of memories hits me. Some good, some sad but they have made me who I am and I wouldn't trade a single one of them.

We had some family pictures taken while there...here are a few...enjoy

I wish...

2011-09-26T13:24:00.000-07:00

I wish that I could...take back mean things I have said to hurt a sister, take back any pain or hurt my Dad has felt, take away any lonliness my Mom has gone through, talk to my Grandpa just one more time to hear him call me his "Number one girl", tell my Grandma I love her and hug her just a little bit longer, let Natalie swing just a little longer-and push her the whole time, let Hannah cuddle more, be more empathetic to Andy and take away his pain, meet his Grandpa who he loved so much, make his parents realize how much they mean to us, let my friends know I wouldn't be who I was if it weren't for parts of them.
I guess I just did,

What do you wish??

Most favorite season of all!

2011-09-26T13:22:00.001-07:00

I heart Fall! Not JUST because it's my birthday season, or because I love wearing sweatshirts, or love the changing colors. I love it because it reminds me that with every season, every year, I am so very blessed to be alive. I am able to enjoy swinging my daughters. Sitting on the porch with my husband. Talking to an old friend in my backyard. I am healthy. I am blessed. How could I ask for more?

Celebrate good times...come on!

2011-09-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

We just celebrated Andy's 33rd birthday this past weekend! Nothing big...He said "33 is no 30th" So we celebrated in style on his actual birthday by inviting a few couples to join us at a hibachi grill called Kiku's. One of the guys going texted me a few days before and said he had a limo...okay...totally random, but we had a blast! And Andy had no clue. He saw it pull up and just said, "Oh geez" :)
We had a great time and I think he really enjoyed himself.

Summer "funner" days

2011-08-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

Well another month gone and August in full swing...Natalie is getting excited to start Kindergarten and Hannah is entering the terrible...something or others :)
Natalie had her graduation from the YWCA preschool in July-they did it then so that the kids wouldn't begin asking about going to kindergarten. Now they only have 3 weeks instead of 3 months. I thought it was smart. We went shopping for her school supplies and she just couldn't understand why she couldn't get the cool notebooks and binders etc...
Natalie also started at a home daycare. She will go there full time until school starts and then she'll RIDE THE BUS back there with some friends...I'm a LITTLE nervous...I may have to follow the bus just once to see how it goes ;)

Andy started his job with Security Benefit in the first part of July and JUST started training this week. I'm surprised that he hasn't fallen asleep reading the Series 6 book he had to read. BUT he got a big compliment from his manager-the trainer told his manager that ANdy "knows his stuff" and will be one of the top guys in no time!! AWESOME! He felt pretty good about it too! He will be really awesome at this...stressful atmosphere-or can be, lots to get done in a short amount of time. He THRIVES off of that!

I'm so happy that he's happy...our relationship has gotten better and we talk alot more now. He actually TELLS me what he's been doing all day and he is upbeat and positive-something he hasn't been for awhile. I have the man I love back!

Mayday's come and gone

2011-05-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

May was super fast...Natalie turned 5 this month but the month seemed to go so fast, that her birthday has already come and gone...all that's left is gift wrapping, paint and a 5 year old! She was super excited to have some visitors come from a far away land called Oklahoma, come to see her on her special day. Grandma Ruthie, Aunt Erika, Zander and Jasmine all came up to stay the night with us and stay for the party on Saturday. Andy wanted to make her an extra special birthday dinner on Friday so he asked her what her most favorite food was...she said "Hot dogs and macaroni and cheese" so we laughed and said, other than hot dogs, what do you love? She replied, "well, I REALLY love hotdogs" Dad said, "Okay, if you had to choose between chicken and steak, what would you pick" Natalie said, "Chicken", Dad said, "Okay, if you had to choose between chicken and fish, what would you choose?" SHe said, "Chicken" Andy said, "would you like shrimp too?" "Natalie replied "YES...I LOVE shrimp" Andy said "Okay, we'll have some chicken and shrimp" Natalie responds, "What about crablegs?" ah...that girl

creativity

2011-04-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

sometimes creativeness comes when I least expect it. I just whipped out a cute apron for a friend. I was trying to be a sewing genius and although it did take me 45 minutes to figure out the thread and bobbin situation, I got it and it's done. GO me! ;)

March Madness

2011-04-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

OKay...I am SO glad that basketball season is almost over. I don't poke fun at people who enjoy this time of year...but COME ON! You can still function if you miss a few minutes of the game, I promise! I married into the NE Kansas craziness of KU basketball...I was told, "If you want to stay together, you have to choose" There was so much pressure! I don't even think I was given a fair opportunity to scout all of the possible teams to root for...but...I am a KU fan in all respect. No, I will not paint my face, house or car a certain shade of blue or red (although my Caliber is the perfect shade of red-on accident of course). I am pretty sure I will not bleed blue and red if I were cut, but I have to respect the love, passion and downright obsession of the man I married and some friends I surround myself with. (But I can't wait until they are "normal" again next week :)

New stuff

2011-03-09T19:34:00.001-08:00

Well...2011 has already brought us new things...I started my new job with The Network Today on Valentine's Day 2011 I am selling personality assessments and have fun promoting them. I am also promoting professional development and the two events we are putting on this Spring. ..so I am keeping busy. I am able to work from home, which has it's pro's and cons:
Pros-I get to set my schedule and be flexible with personal appointments; I get to be involved with the Chamber and young professionals group again-which I love.
Biggest con right now? I have to take the girls into school in the morning-which is great, but if I don't have an appointment, I havew to drive all the way back home. Grandma Betty has been generous enough to let me work from her home. Which works out very well.
I'm looking forward to the day when we have an office of our own-hopefully somewhere downtown, but this works for now.
I am TRULY blessed to have an amazing leader in Gail and a great co-worker who is excited to expand this company. I just hope that I can be what I need to be for this company to grow!

Nat's life

2011-03-09T19:26:00.000-08:00

New Nat stories...

"Mom, I'm sorry that I lied, but sometimes my mouth doesn't remember the truth"

After I asked her to pick the basement toy room up-all by herself-"But Mom, my hands will get tired and by the time I'm done, it will be dark outside."

After telling her to stop picking her nose (in the choir loft during church, no less)
"Mom, if I don't pick them out, the boogers will start coming out of my nose and scaring people-they'll say 'oh my, what is that on Natalie's face" :)

(Nat)"Mom, I need new friends" (me) "Oh yeah...why is that honey?"
(Nat)"well, Mom, my friends say that I am slow" (me) "well we know that its not true" (Nat) "well I am a little bit slow"

I miss her

2011-03-09T19:18:00.000-08:00

I miss my Grandma. I think about her at least 5 times a day. When I see a special type of bird; when I hear one of her favorite songs, when I call my Mom "Grandma Ryel" to Natalie, when I look at her picture in my living room; when I look in the mirror. I miss the way she smelled like powder and her favorite Doublemint gum. I miss the way she jiggled when she would laugh and pointing it out would only make her jiggle harder.
I miss the way she would talk and look out the window-all while rubbing her knee with her index finger as if soothing an ache in her bone.
Every Sunday at the Methodist church we attend, I think of her. When we stand and sit and sing the older hymns. I think of her when I am responding to what the Pastor is saying-God and her faith was such a big part of her life. I think of her when I see the elderly lady who sits all alone just down the pew from where we usually sit-I always try to talk just a little longer to her...after all, she reminds me of my grandma.

hello month of Luuuuuuuve!

2011-02-04T19:38:00.000-08:00

Wow...already February? It seems like the past SO fast!

Updates: Hannah is walking-pretty much all the time now. She continues to be in to EVERYTHING!!! Miss Curious or Hannah of Mass Destruction is usually her name at home ;)
She had to be taken in to the hospital on Thursday with a suspected fracture on her elbow. We're not sure what happened. And thinks she fell off of the bed...but who knows. You wouldn't even know she was hurt except that when she bends her arm, she kind of wimpers now. Orthopedic doc said that he's not concerned and wants to hear back after a week if she's not better. She started in the toddeler class last week and seems to be doing really well.
Natalie continues to learn new thigs at her daycare/preschool. She knows her address, my phone number, Andy's cell number and too much for a 4 1/2 year old. I wonder sometimes where she gets things, but she continues to make us laugh.
Ne news with m...I start a new job on Valentines Day!!! That's all I will now...but it's going to be AWESOME!!! More later...

Christmas time is coming soon

2010-12-02T18:54:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about a tradition to start with Natalie. She is at the age where something special to start with a Christmas theme would intrigue her...but I'm not sure what to do. We plan to put up the decorations and tree with her and Hannah this weekend, but I want to do somethng that she'll look forward to each year. Some ideas I had were:
-Going and seeing the lights in KC then maybe some ice cream
-letting her decorate her own tree (maybe someday we'll do this-we have no room right now for a second tree
-making an ornament (if only I could channel some creative mindset for that)

what I have come up with is letting her pick her very own ornament. Hobby Lobby is chock FULL of cute ones. The ones I have now are a mixture-some special, some given to me for "fillers".
What other ideas are out there?

November woes-November goes

2010-12-02T18:33:00.000-08:00

November came and went...Hannah has had two ear infections this month, so we're now talking tubes. We go in for consult with the same doctor who performed Natalie's procedure almost two years ago. I certainly don't want poor baby Hannah to suffer anymore than she already has :(
Natalie was upset at me the other day because I was on the phone while driving home and she wanted to tell me something. When I told her to "hold on", she got upset. So after I hung up, she was kind of crying and I asked what was wrong. She said, "Mom, I love you but I'm very upset at you right now". Funny big girl adult child
She is doing so well in her preschool class at the YWCA. She is a smart cookie and her teachers tell me so all of the time. She has known her alphabet for awhile now, but can now write it all out without seeing the letters, knows and can write her numbers up to about 50-she's starting to show interest in tying her shoes, reading and has been dressing herself and fixing her own hair.
Hannah is well on her way to walking...oh wait-no she's not! She has NO interest in the activity...at ALL! We've tried working with her, her wonderul teachers have tried...with no luck! I do love her teachers, Ms. Teresa and Ms. Marcie. They have been wonderful to leave my sweet baby with. Always asking questions, hugging and kissing Hannah. They treat her as if she were theirs and I know she loves it there. She wants out of arms and on the florr to play with her friends as soon as she is there. She has two teeth-and THAT is it! No more have come in yet, but they'll be here soon enough. This one is into EVERYthing! Natalie wasn't near this curious. Hannah pulls it all open, out, into her mouth, whatever she can get her hands on. She LOVES pulling open my drawer where we kee the baggies and saran wrap stuff...she a baggie at a time and watch it drop to the floor. She hasn't quite learned how to pick them up and put them back quite yet. :)
My babies are getting bigger...

A Time for Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T10:16:00.000-08:00

As I reflect on the past few years and all of the life changing things that have happened, I can't help but feel nostalgic about my past and memories with my family. The "simple times" for my sisters and I were probably not so simple for my parents. They probably stressed about money and schooling and the future-just as I am now for my daughters. They had to have worried about things and yet I never once heard about it. We were not rich with money by any means, but we never went without-they always provided, always taught us, always fed us and clothed us. I never felt like we were "shorted" anything. But I was also taught that not everyone has food, or clothes, or a loving family.
I am thankful that I did. I have always felt full, cared for and loved beyond belief. I am thankful for my amazing parents who have always given-everything-for those they love and even those they don't know. I am thankful that they taught me to care for others and the well being of those who don't have the luxury of a loving family; I am thankful for my sisters who I look up to as strong, Christian women, who want the best for those around them. We were all instilled with so many things-compassion, generosity, love and forgiveness-and for all of those things, I credit the path my parents took and take everyday.

Tender heart

2010-11-08T19:37:00.000-08:00

I'ma real crybaby when it comes to movies about: fathers/daughters, babies, friends, elderly, love...okay, I'm a crybaby about most movies. In fact, when I hear Russel Crowes voice, it makes me tear up. I don't even have to see the preview...just the sound of his voice. The movie Up-bawled like a baby...all three times. The movie Meet Joe Black, cried like a lil' girl. We just bought Toy Story 3 and guess what...cried during that too-but Natalie started it. There are several parts in the movie that are a little scary for 4 year olds ( in my opinion) she cried when the Big Baby cried and Lotso stepped on the BB heart; she cried when the toys fell in the dumpster...she's just a tender hear like me. And that's okay.

Natalie is funny #107

2010-11-02T19:50:00.000-07:00

My baby girl, Natalie Joy is funny-I've said that befoe, but she really does just crack my stuff up. This morning she complained of not feeling well (she had the night before, so I kind of believed her)so shewanted to stay at home-Andy just happened to not be feeling well either, so she got to stay with Dad all day. Before I left for work told her that sick kids have to stay in bed all day and they are not allowd to watch tv, movies or eat anything fun. Her eyes got really big, but she said, "I won't Mom, I'm just tired and sick and I'll be in bed all day with my fever"
When Andy called at 11am I asked how Natalie was, and when he told me that she'd been up since not long after I left, watching tv, I asked him to give her the phone. I said, "Natalie, what did I tell you before I left this morning?" She said, "That sick kids have to saty in bed all day, but Mom, when I woke up again, my fever was gone-so I thought, I better watch tv to saty better"-she got in trouble :)

uh-oh

2010-11-02T19:45:00.000-07:00

So lil' Hannah banana has always had dry skin issues, but Sunday morning as I was changing her, I noticed something a little more disturbing. several round patches on her legs. I just knew it was ringworm, so I asked our friend who is familiar with the fungal junk and he confirmed what I had guessed. UGH! Where di she get this?! I asked her daycare the next morning and they said no other parents has said anything and they've never had a problem like that. SO I called her doctor (because by Tuesday morning, it had spread) and took her in...Dr. Nichold said it's not ringworm, but poor baby will have eczema for the rest of her childhood. I get to go and buy only Cetaphil and Eucerin lotion...at least it's not ringworm...that freaked me out.

Hello November!

2010-11-02T19:37:00.000-07:00

Its hard to believe that it has been almost a month since I posted the last time-but I hope to post more now since I have joined the 21st century and gotten internet at home. I think Andy is more excited than me-no more looking at tiny phone internet with little to no pictures :)
So many things have happened since October...lets see... we celebrated my 30th, our 7th Anniversary, a wedding, another 3 anniversaries, a baby shower (Jennifer Bauer and he upcoming arrival TBA), a new career and Halloween/Arkalalah.
Arkalalah is a fall festival in Ark City- and not just ANY ol' fall festival-this is THE fall festival where all Ark Citians go every year toi see old friends, family, eat fried delish food and watch a 3 hour parade. NAt, Hannah and I went down to Ark City on Weds and stayed until Saturday afternoon. We sat down for the long parade and after about 20 minutes, Natalie says, "Mom, I'm hot and I'm done being here, let's go home" SO we piled in the car and headed back to Perry. It's alwys good to see my family and spend time with them, but you have to agree, there's nothing like going home...wherever that might be.

Happy Birthday! (to me)

2010-10-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

Yep-I'm officially in the "dirty, flirty, squirty, purty 30 club" -Natalie is learning how to rhyme-so we rhymed "30" with every word she knew. Since we celebrated ast weekend, I don't expect a lot for this weekend. I am honored to share my birthday with our dear friends, Dustin Cox and Audra Asher, who are becoming husband and wife tomorrow. We then celebrate Andy and i's 7th wedding anniversary. Somedays it seems like 10...in a good way of course! So thanks to all who wish me a happy birthday and to those who have helped me celebrate. May there be many more in my life.

2010-10-07T08:11:00.000-07:00

My LAST week

2010-10-07T07:53:00.001-07:00

So I've resigned from my job at Visit Topeka-the one job I have truly loved for the last 5 1/2 years. I love most of the people I am co-workers with and loved being able to meet with new clients daily and help them see Topeka through new eyes. I can't say that I'll miss everything-there is a reason I quit and although I hope things change, it's bittersweet to leave.

Falling into Fall

2010-10-07T07:12:00.000-07:00

It's here! My favorite time of year! Cool weather, changing leaves, pumpkins, apple crisp and my birthday/anniversary! Who could ASK for a better month?!
We celebrated my 30th a little early this year due to some dear frinds of ours getting married this weekend-Congrats Dustin and Audra!
Natalie is getting excited for Halloween-but I'm not sure who loves the celebrations more, her or Andy :) Natalie hasn't decided what she will be dressing up as-a "superhero known as "Hit Girl", or Wondergirl (thanks to the band Sell-Out for that inspiration) Hannah will probably end up wearing a second year hand me down ...but she won't care a bit.
Some cute things Natalie has said that crack Andy and I up...
"When I turn 5 and I get a bunkbed, you can't sleep with me anymore Mom. You're too big and we'll crash down and crush Hannah, and that won't be good-to have a cute little crushed baby. I need to start practicing sleeping by myself"
"Wait for it, wait for it-*burp*-I about died laughing on that one :)
"Oh my gosh! Was he shot?!" (after seeing a dead squirrel on the road)
"Mom-I think I have a fever because my head hurts" (Me: "why does your head hurt?" Nat:"Well, Mom, I had a long day" (as she dramatically holds her head)

Trip to Ark City/Ponca City

2010-09-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

Septembersaywhat?

2010-09-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

Wow...is this year FLYING to anyone else? It's the middle/end of September already! Busy month-they seem to all be busy anymore for everyone...I yearn for the days of relaxation and quiet-oh wait-when have I EVER had that? :)
Natalie is loving school and learning how to write words and read-She'll read signs to me on the way home-simple things like "s-t-o-p says stop" but she's just brilliant I tell ya! Hannah wants to be just like her and to prove it, no longer eats ANY baby food....she will spit it out if it's mushed or she can't put it in her mouth all by herself. This has made it hard in fixing her things to eat. She eats a lot of fresh fruit, peas, steamed carrots and potatoes and bread. She tried a turkey hot dog the other day-miniscule bites-she kind of gnawed on them with her gums because she STILL has no teeth! They are under those gums somewhere...just not poking out just yet. She LOVES her daycare-which makes my life SO much easier. She doesn't cry at all when Natalie and I say goodbye to her in the morning. She just smiles and turns to play with her friends. It makes me feel good that I am leaving my children in capable and loving hands. Hannah's teachers, Ms. Marcie and Ms. Teresa are wonderful and they all love her so much! She's alittle spoiled! Natalie is loving her teacher more everyday as well and recently informed that "Ms. Patricia was one of her very favorite people"

August videos

2010-08-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

Pics from August

2010-08-23T14:13:00.001-07:00

Some of my fav pics from this past month

Life in August

2010-08-23T14:05:00.000-07:00

First of all-I can NOT believe it is August-Actually the end of AUGUST! Summer has flowen by. Natalie started daycare with HAnnah at the YWCA and they are both doing so well. I wasn't sure Natalie was going to like it...after the 3rd day, she shared with me that her teacher was mean. I had to admit, her teacher was a little "rough around the edges" and so I asked about her to the Director. All is well now-we have an "understanding" of each other and she now knows what I need out of her-as does Natalie. She is learning new things everyday, and not a day goes by whe she doesn't make me giggle about something. Her latest "funny" was-the other day, I saw her doing the dance, so I asked her if she needed to go potty, "No Mom, this isn't my potty dance, these are just my moves" :) When I laugh out loud at her, she says, "stop", so I have to cover my giggling with my hand and look away.
Hannah continues to grow and amaze me everday as well. She started crawling this month-I know it happens around 8 months, but she is growing up too fast for me to feel like I see it. AM I missing too much? I go back and forth all of the time aout wha to do. I love being a working mom, and not sure I could be a great stay at home mom...but I don't know.

July 2010

2010-08-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that July is over? One of the longest months of the yera, and I don't know what we did! Actually I have a few pictures to prove we did do SOMETHING! :)

Summer time fun

2010-07-06T12:59:00.000-07:00

Natalie's first race

2010-07-06T12:28:00.000-07:00

Last week on Facebook, I saw the upcoming event, Tour de Lawrence-with a kids fun run in the morning. So I signed Natalie up, thinking she'd ahave a great time. We got there a little late-thanks in part to the fact that Natalie wouldn't wear anything but a skirt, a necklace, bracelet, pretty sandels and a tank top to run in. And in part to Mom and Dad being slow at getting around. Anyway, we missed her age group race. I really didn't think she'd care about it, but boy did she! She started to cry and said she wanted to "run fast", so we ran to the registration table at Gribble's and begged them to let her run in the next age group. Then we ran back to the start and she lined up with a bunch of 7 and 8 year olds. The guy there was SO nice...when we arrived (me panting BTW)he kind of looked at Nat like "she's a little small?" and I said, "she REALLY wants to run (and whispered)she REALLY doesn't care about winning-I mean look at her" and he laughed and said, "Hey there! We've been waiting for you!" So they shot the gun and off they went. I tried to run back to Andy and Hannah to get some pics of her. Andy shot a video-SO CUTE! She waas the hit of the race! Even the announcer said when she passed him, "Hey honey, as long as you look good, that's all that matters" ;) I caleld my Mom the next day so that Natalie could tell her all about the big race and I was saying how Natalie really enjoyed all of the cheering and clapping from everyone. When I mentioned how she was grinning from ear to ear and it was almost as if she was saying "ahhhhhhh", she interuppted me and said, "No Mom, I wasn't saying that, I was saying Thank you, thank you very much, thank you" !

Flip OUT!

2010-06-29T09:50:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, my boss brought my attention to this cool little gadget called a Flip video camera. We ahve been talking about getting one for awhile and so I called Andy, asked pretty please and we bought one! I LOVE it. I can get those cute moments I always wished I could, super easy! I've reccommended it to everyone I know and should probably buy stock in it as much as I've "sold" my great experience to other people!

Here is one of my many short videos of the girls

Territorial Days 2010

2010-06-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

Every June brings us to Lecompton for Territorial Days. This year was no different...rides, food and HEAT! Man was it HOT! We tried to keep cool by sitting in some friends shade for the parade on Saturday, then headed home for lunch and a much needed (by all) NAP!

Birthday party, Beach and BBQ's

2010-06-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was Memorial Day weekend AND Natalie's 4th Birthday Party (one of the good/bad things about being born around Memorial Day)
It started Friday night where we met up with the Cottrell fam and headed for the Topeka Zoo-had fun watching the elephants paint, the hippos eat watermelon and playing "I Spy" in the rainforest.

Saturday morning we got up early to run some last minute errands and came home to eat lunch, take naps and get some yardwork done bfore the big party!
Natalie had to try out the new pool before everyone else, so we got that out and filled it up with some nice, COLD water! Hannah stuck her feet in, but wasn't feeling it, so we watched happily from the sidelines.

After a great birthday party with friends and family on Saturday, Sunday brought us to the beach at Perry Lake...the water was cold and Natalie had a blast walking up and down the beach in the water-only up to her waist until our friends the Cottrells showed up and the beach/water experts, Ceci and Finn showed her how it was done. Hannah and I beached ourselves at the waters edge and let the waves come to us...Hannah had a blast and squealed when the waves hit her toes.
After an hour or so there, we went back home, ate some lunch and then headed into Gma and Gpa Meyer's house.
Andy and I took off with our friends, Dustin and Audra for some much needed adult time in the boat on the lake-for only about 40 minutes-astorms rolled in and we had to get off pretty quick
Monday we spent hanging out at home and relaxing from the already long weekend-until we had friends come over for a swim/bbq
Man it was a busy weekend!

Natalie turns 4

2010-05-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

My oldest baby is 4! I can't believe JUST how FAST time flew by! It's crazy!

She wanted a bike for her birthday and so the Gmas and Papas pitched in and got her exactly what she wanted...a water bottle with a Princess bike ;) So cute! She has taken it for a ride several times already and loves it!
She also got some new Little Miss Chatterbox shoes and a horn for her bike from Mom and Dad. We're having a birthday party for her on Saturday night-should be a good time.

In BIG trouble

2010-05-13T07:27:00.000-07:00

Natalie hasn't been acting herself at her daycare/school lately-she's been crying getting in trouble-she even had to go to the Directors office (which she liked-because of the stickers and coloring she got to do)
I made her apologize to her teachers for acting the way she did and told her that if she acted that way again, she'd be in BIG trouble at home. WELL...guess what-after the second day of acting that way, she was in BIG trouble! Afetr we got into the van and started to head hom, I told her that if she continued to act that way, they would kick her out of school-she started crying and I asked what she was sad about, she looked at me and said, "That's going to hurt!" Oh man...I have a HARD time not laughing at that girl!

Funny little things

2010-05-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

I think I've said before on here just how funny my 3 almost 4 year old is...
Here are some funny things she has said lately...

"I can't do nufing? Not nufing?" After being told that when she gets in trouble at school, she is not allowed to have anything special to eat (treats/candy) and she's not allowed to anything "special" (watch movies, play with friends)AND it's while crying, so it's even more sad to watch

"You're mylittle precious booger boo, yes you are sugar, buger wuger"-said to her baby sister who eats it up ;)

"Look Mom, a cavity! It came out when I was brushing!"
After I was telling her about what cavities look like...small and black and stick in your teeth. She must have eaten something with pepper in it. It was funny!

"Look at this stuff, isn't it neat, wouldntchathinkmycowectioncompete" she LOVES The Little Mermaid-one of the only Princess Disney movies she doesn't have...and she sings it SO well ;)

Family Fun Night

2010-04-19T14:54:00.001-07:00

Saturday night was Perry Prides first Family Fun Night. We decided that there should be something for families who didn't have anything going on (Prom was the same night)to do..so we came up with a "fun night" and BOY did we have fun! Around 50 Perrians, Lecomptoners (?) and surrounding areas came out...we had face painting, bean bag volleyball, board games, food, cards, Twister, crafts (courtesy of PAT) and airplane making going on...all at ONCE!
Natalie hada great time...her scary pink tiger was a hit. I took her into the barthroom twice to see her face. Afetr awile, I went looking for her-I saw her heading into the bathroom again. Somewhere she had found a chair and drug it into the restroom so that she could look at her face as many times as she wanted.

Week of one child...again

2010-04-19T14:47:00.000-07:00

Lst Monday my Dad called to tell me taht my Grandma Ryel wasn't doing well and was in ICU. So Andy, the girls and I headed down to Ark City to see everyone and visit her. Natalie ended up satying there to have some fun with my sisters and their kids-and of course Gma and Gpa! She LOVES her cousins, Jazzy, Zander, Jessyca and Carson-hopefully she was good for everyone who helped take care of her! Meanwhile, Andy and I were parents of one child again. Hannah had some quality time with Mom and Dad-something she hasn't had since she came home from the hospital. We had a good time but all missed Natalie until she came home Friday night-bringing the Hutchison's with her. We had some fun at the mall and then even MORE fun the next day at the Zoo. We even stopped to see our good friend, Kyndol, play her first soccer game!

Easter 2010

2010-04-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

We were a part of not one, not two, but THREE Easter egg hunts this year! Natalie got to start off Saturday morning at the Lecompton Easter Egg Hunt with our good friends, the Cottrells, and she cleaned up-literally! They hid eggs in the playground area and threw candy all over the ground right in front on a little hill. Once they rang the bell-totally cool-the kids ran right past the candy heading to the eggs. Natalie looked at Andy like, can I pick this up? She was so excited, she didn't know where to start. SHe gather a half easter bucket full of candy! PLENTY for the little girl! Then we headed over to get some pancakes at the Lecompton Pancake Feed at the Methodist Church-YUM!
That afternoon-after a much needed nap, we headed to our friends, the Golders for an easter dinner and ANOTHER hunt! Jason, Charlie and Chris outdid themsleves! They hid them so well, we were finding them an hour later! The girls (Katie, Ciera and Natalie) had a blast. Poor Hannah just watched with Mom and Dad from the sidelines. You could almost see her wanting to be out running with them...that'll come too soon!

The third egg hunt was in celebration of Easter and Olivia's 3rd birthday. After lunch, we stayed inside while Nolan and Josh hid the eggs...then Nolan counted down for them to run and find some eggs. They all had a great time!

Make up

2010-04-02T13:18:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in the drive to Topeka, Natalie wants to put on makeup. So (like a total nerd) I let her and she thinks she gets to do it whenever! This morning was no different, driving to school she asked if she could have some make-up. (eyeshadow and lipstick)I hand it to her, she puts a little on and we go in to her school. When I bend down to kiss her, I get a little lipstick on her forehead, and thinking it was a perfect opportunity to be "sly" I wipe it off and rub a little of the eye make up-which usually ends up on the top of her nose. She flips out..."MMOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM you wiped off my makeup..." Tears came instantly (that has always amazed me) and I had to take her outside to get more make up so she could look pretty for her Easter Party today. I. Am. In. Trouble!

Happy St. Pat's Day

2010-03-17T12:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at school they must have learned about St. Patricks Day because when I picked Natalie up...she informed me that if she didn't wear green "those stinkin' leprecauns will find her and pinch her!"
Not sure what happened, but this morning, when I went in to wake her up with a "Happy St. Patrick's Day" she said, "Mom! I'm not celebrating!"
Boo!

2010-03-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

Hannah

2010-03-16T11:21:00.000-07:00

Benefit Fish Fry

2010-03-16T11:09:00.001-07:00

Sunday was a benefit fish fry for a Perry community member-Jayden Souter-who was diagnosed with a Wilm's Tumor in June of 2009. She's only four and even though I don't know Erica, her mom, very well, I consider her a friend. Plus, Jyden is 4 and that's too close to Natalie's age. If I were in their shoes, I know I would appreciate ANY help from anyone!
ANYWAY...they hosted a wild game and fish fry at the Perry Pub and we went around 2:15. The place was PACKED!!!! We left and came back with our neighbor friends, Wade and Megan Cottrell and Jessica Hammes, to a still packed house, but there was at east a few seats. They had a band-"A Country Mile" that started to warm up and Natalie immediately stood up and started taking her jacket off. Andy asked her what she was doin and she said, "They are going to play music and I'm going to dance!" While she waited, she ate 3 pheasant legs! She said, "This is the best chicken ever" We won't tell her! She doesn't know the difference anyway.
Afetr a few songs up front, we moved closer to Jessica and the Cottrells where it wasn't SO loud and Natalie played with Ceci and Finn (Cottrell) until all of the sudden, the band started "Redneck Woman" You would have thought there was fire in Natalie's pants the way she pushed people out of her way to gett o the 3 feet of dance space available to tear it up on the floor! She cracked us all up! She definitely has her Momma's moves! Minus the cyclops! ;)

Work-out buddy

2010-03-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

Andy and I started P90X last week-it's a rough one...especially when I get up at 5am to do it. I admit, I've been a slacker not doing the full program each day...but come one, they are an hour (at least) each! I don't have that kind of time!

Anyway, this morning I got up with Hannah around 5am to change her feed her...usually she'll go right back down, but since the time change-she's been totally opposite and going to bed earlier (rather than later) She sleeps great and usually sleeps later than that, but today she was bright eyed and bushytailed ;)
So I turned on the legs and back first and while I did the moves, I noticed that Hannah would look at me and then the TV and then kick her legs...like she was doing the moves too! So cute! Then when I put in the abs DVD, she started kicking and "running" to the music and kept looking at me, then doing some more...definitely made my day!

Bedtime Stories

2010-03-16T11:03:00.000-07:00

So Natalie and I tell each other stories every night before bed. Usually she'll cut in and take over. This is how hers went last night: "Once upon a time, there was a princess named Isabella and she had a prince who wanted to marry her. The Prince would say, "Oh please won't you marry me, Isabella" But she said, "No, I want to go to school first" So she went to school and loved learning. Then one day, the Prince came to Isabella and said, Oh please won't you marry me? and Isabella said, "Okay but you have to buy me flowers first" and so he did and they got married at Chuck E. Cheeses and lived happily ever after. The End

Too cute! It's hard to keep from laughing when she starts telling me these stories!
Plus... Princess Isabella has to finish school before marriage? LOVE IT!

Oh my...

2010-02-10T06:27:00.001-08:00

So-I've said this before, but Natalie cracks me up! She says such funny things. Sometimes it's due to the fact that she doesn't pronounce some letters correctly. For example, she can't say her "F's" properly yet. They come out sounding like "epp"...here are some things she has said lately...funny girl!

"Mom, Hannah can't walk because her wittle wegs"
"You need to go paster Mom, my tummy is talking loud"
Last night, I'm sure Andy helped with this..."Mom, hurry up, I'm not getting any younger in here"

She also starts sentences like I do..."Well, Mom, I guess we can do that"
I love that girl!

Hannah Grace

2010-01-28T09:04:00.000-08:00

December 14th at 10pm something or other (it had been a long day/night) Hannah Grace came easily into this world. She weighed in at 7lbs 11oz and was 20.5 inches long. She came out screaming! :)
Needless to say that her big sister, Natalie was a little more than THRILLED to meet her "new baby". She's loved her from the start!

Late night

2010-01-28T08:38:00.000-08:00

So last night was our first trip to the ER with Hannah :( She started developing a rash around 6:30 and by 8:30 I was worried so I called her Doctors office and they suggested, because of her age, to get her to the ER. SO...we waited...for almost 4 hours for the doctor to come in and tell us that it was something called "viral exanthem" meaning there was really nothing to be done about it except watch and wait. If fever comes, we ned to call again, but otherwise she was fine.
Thank you God!

It's been a while

2010-01-27T07:28:00.000-08:00

Hello...I'm back (at work I mean) after a short 6 weeks away, I'm back at work full-time today :( Boo!
I was doing well and actually looking forward to it until this morning, after dropping Hannah off at Ashley's I come back to the car where Natalie is crying saying, "I want my sister...where is she?" I tried explaining that Ashley was only watching for the day and we would see her later...she replied with, "I thought you said we were going to keep her?" UGH....SOB! I started tearing up then too and we had a little cry. She cried all the way to her school...BUT I made it to work on time! We'll see how the rest of the week goes!
Pictures will come soon...I forgot the USB cord to my phone

Funny little girl

2009-11-24T07:33:00.001-08:00

Natalie Joy is seriously one of the funniest people I know...at 3 years old, she already makes her Dad and I laugh hysterically. Whether it's something she says, or the way she says it, or something she does, it's pretty evident she's funny! Last Thursday, we wanted to have a family movie night, so I rented "UP" and sat there sobbing during the first 15 minutes of the movie (sorry for that spoiler alert-it was so sad!) and Natalie sat there watching me and said, "Oh, come here sweetie and let me hold you"...I was crying and laughing at the same time as she was "coddling" me. Then on Saturday night, she wanted to watch it again, so we did and guess what, I start crying again and she says, "Oh not again, Mom", but she held me and cooed at me until I settled down.
She has also gotten more into dressing up and makeup...she loves to put it on and pout her lips, and you have to tell her tht she is "beautiful-not pretty", then she'll tilt her head as if she's embarrassed by the compliment. Here is a picture of one of the "aftermaths" of doing makeup herself

Baby Shower

2009-11-16T14:37:00.000-08:00

Whoa

2009-11-16T14:27:00.001-08:00

Is it REALLY November? October went by so fast! I had so many plans that I wanted to do, and I don't feel like I got them all done!
And now it's rainy and cold...:(

Natalie is getting so big...I look at her somedays and think, "where does she come up with this stuff?" She "membered" the other day, when we had her "Kyndol friend" and "Chancy" and "Trebber" and Ashley over and Daddy and"trebber" ate the wormies. We had tipped over a flower pot and there were a ton of worms underneath. I thought Natalie would flip out, but she picked them up and talked to them :) Andy and Trevor started pretending they were eating the worms and mortified Kyndol and Natalie. ANYWAY, she was "membering" and I thought I would be a good Mom and teach er something "wise", so I asked her if she knew where worms live (like where do they go?) And she said "um, in Perry with me!" I laughed so hard, I nearly ran off the road...she was right! Getting so big!

She's getting so excited for the baby...and so am I...I am ready for it to be here. Since we didn't find out what we're having, I'm a little more anxious for the date of arrival to get here quick! My dear friends held a baby shower for me on October 17 and I got some wonderful items, including lots of diapers and giftcards! The best! Some cute clothes and itty-bitty onesies have been washed and put away for the near future. Now "it" just needs to get here!

Turning 29

2009-10-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

Well I'm officially as close to 30 as I can be without actually being there...no problem...it's already been a great year and with a new baby to be born in late December, 29 can only get better!

My husband Andy LOVES surprise parties...and has thrown me some sort of surprise almost every year we've been together. This year was no different...my Mom was coming up with my nephew Zander that night, so I wasn't expecting to do anything TOO exciting Thursday night. But when Andy called and told me that there was a last minute meeting at the elementary school and his brother would be bringing over his 3 kids and we'd also have our neighbors 2, I thought, "Okay, he's planning something" But when they all showed up as planned to drop the kids off, I was thinking "Okay...no party tonight-but no big deal". So I asked Andy if we should make something quick or just order pizza. While I went to change out of my work clothes into sweats and a tshirt, everyone snuck back into the living room and yelled surprise when I walked out. Oh Andy...you are SO clever! :) So I had a Princess Party-can you guess who picked out the party decor?

She's home again!

2009-10-19T14:07:00.000-07:00

Natalie is BACK! And I missed her terribly, but she did have a little too much fun!

Before my Mom left with the kids last week, we took them (Znder and Natalie) to the pumpkin patch at Rees' Fruit Farm...it was that terribly cold Saturday!

She also informed me last night (when she was mad at me) that I was not her Mom anymore...I was still her parent, but Erika (my sister) was her Mom now...WHAT?!

I think she is happy to be home and get back into her routine-she was thrilled to see all her friends at school today and she's even back in time to go to the pumpkin patch tomorrow!

Missing my baby

2009-10-13T08:05:00.000-07:00

Natalie Joy went to stay with her Grandma and Grandpa in Oklahoma...and I am missing her BAD!
She has cousins to play with, aunts and unclesto keep her entertained and I'm sure she' being stuffed of delicious food, but I still miss her! :(

They'll all be here on Saturday for my baby shower, but this week is going to be a LONG one!

2009-09-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

My Natalie Joy is such a ham! And a royal pain when she wants to be! We went to Wichita last weekend for a baby shower (thank you to Lisha and all my dear friends who came) and I took Natalie with me. Ashley brought Kyndol too for the "all-girls" party. They had a blast, but if one wasn't crying, it was the other one...man! I LOVE being a mom, I really do, but whining in a small space, with two of my friends in there as well does NOT fly! She was tired, I'll give her that! Very much a routine girl, which is good-MOST of the time.
Short trip, great time and lots of nice gifts!

2009-09-15T13:09:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the 1st (new)Annual Perry Fall Festival and I'm on the committee that has been planning it. The group is a bunch of community members who just want to bring something positive into their community...nd I want to be a part of that!
So far, we have had a ton of support from the City and local buisnesses...BUT we need people there. My biggest fear now is e'll ahve all of this cool stuff to do and no one will show up-I'm sure that there will be people there. I've heard lots of comments about it, but there's always the nagging felling in the back of my mind...you know?

Frontier City

2009-08-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

Frontier City is an amusement park in OKC, somewhat similar to Silver Dollar City in Branson. They have the old time photos, the vendors dressed in plaid, entertainment, etc...

Natalie and I traveled down South to Oklahoma to see my family...Andy couldn't go-he got to work :( but we had a gret time. Got there Friday night and had my first Jamocha from Arby's...pretty tasty! Kissed on my nephews, Zander and Carson (mostly Carson-Zander was busy playing dodgeball with pillows and Natalie)

And went to bed...

We got up early the next morning and set out for Oklahoma City an hour and a half away...where we were meeting my Aunt Susan (it was her birthday we were celebrating), cousin Ryan, my sister Emily and her boyfriend Garrett. We had quite a troupe...matching shirts and all (thank you MOTHER!) We went to Cracker Barrel for dinner...YUM-O...and had Braum's ice cream on the way home

It was a great time and we were all exhausted that night!

August FLEW by!

2009-08-25T08:29:00.001-07:00

Whew...IS August really almost over? This is crazy! Summer just started the other day, I promise!

Let's see...what has gone on in the last (almost) month since I last posted?
I had a birthday/camping trip with some of my dearest friends...Lisha turned (ahem) 29, and we celebrated in a different way this year...hot dogs, smores, and fires...not in the order. First, our friends, Dustin took us out on his boat...thank you Dustin for enduring us all! and we zoomed around the lake a few times. Then hung out and "tanned" for awhile in the Cove. Around 8, it started lightening, so we headed back to start setting up our camp. We had Mandy aka Ms. Coleman, with us and with her expertise in camping gear, she had us set up in no time at all.

After some trouble with finding wood, we had a nice fire going and cooked us some hot dogs, smores and Doritos-is that not the best dinner EVER?!
It was all great until 1:30 when it started raining, some of us climbed in the car, and then back to the tents when it stopped. I tell you what though, sleeping in anything but my bed STINKS when there is already NO comfortable position!
Anyway, around 4:30 it started rainging again, or should I say, down pouring, and seeing as Jennifer, Sarah and I didn't have the Coleman tent, we ran to the cars to avoid getting soaked! Erin, Lisha and Mandy soon followed and I called to say, "Let's go home" So we carpooled back to Perry and slept until 9:30 at my house. It was a fun time though!

Happy B-day weekend!

2009-08-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

Two birthdays were celebrated this past weekend...a dear friend of ours, Joshua Reece (aka: Pampers, Make-A, Pickles, Ua, Pamps, Gerberbaby) turns the big 3-0 on August 4th and he and his lovely wife Erin had some friends over for a Cajun-style dinner at their awesome house in ALLEN. Natalie always has a good time at their house, so after being assured that other kids were going to be there, we brought her along for the party. Andy helped cook the boil...mussels, shrimp, kibasa, corn, potatos made up the cajun boil and the guys did an awesome job of laying it all out for us.
Then came the karaoke, and anyone who knows me knows I'm kind've a microphone hog :( Sorry it happens....but I have created a little mini-me, and she loves it just as much as I do...Natalie walks up there and sang her little heart out several times, including a new song, written by her, called "Butterfly Fairy"-a tribute, no doubt, to the new butterfly fairy Barbie her Daddy got her earlier that day. Part of the song that lasted FOREVER, was (after I started clapping to try and end this particular song) she gracefully sang the words, right along with her music, "Mom stop clapping I'm not done"...it was hysterical! She asked if Andy would dance with her and fell asleep almost immediately around 10:30...it was a LATE night for the Meyer's...we're usually in bed by 9pm!
The second birthday party was on Sunday for my 7 year old nephew Nolan! I can NOT believe he is 7! Boy time goes FAST! We had fun swimming and eating ice cream cake (thank you Amy!) and opeing gifts...lots of boys there, so Natalie got to practice shooting (and getting shot back at) with water guns. She and he cousing Olivia, who is two, had fun chasing people and shooting them, but it was NOT fun getting paybacks!

Pics from Zoo trip #2

2009-07-28T12:17:00.001-07:00

Some pics from our Wichita Zoo trip

Busy summer days

2009-07-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

Okay...good grief...it's been a month since my lst post! July has FLOWN by.

Busy with friends and family, work and life...keeps us entertained everyday!

Natalie has been to TWO big zoos this past month...we went on a mini family vacation with our friends, Trevor and Ashley Gray and their daughter Kyndol to Omaha...mainly to see the zoo, I don't know who was more excited though, the girls or the parents. Daycare told me that Natalie wouldn't stop talking about the Omaha zoo...and the "fishies all around us" (I told her there was a place we would go into and there wouldbe fishies all around us. Needless to say, we all had a good time and the girls were such troopers...no naps and they were still great!

It would be nice to spend a week up there...just to eat at every cool place down in the old Market Street area...

Then, I took my two nephews, Nolan and Mason and my neice Olivia with Natalie and I to the Wichita Zoo where we met my two sisters, Erika and Stephanie and my two OTHER nephews, Carson and Zander...we had a BLAST! It was supah-hot, but luckily, the zoo had tese water fan things on and we were able to keep cool with that. All the kids had a great time and no one had a break down :) Here's some pics of the two events!

More pics from Territorial Days

2009-06-30T11:08:00.000-07:00

Territorial Days and Turtle racin'

2009-06-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was Lecompon's Territorial Days and was only the second time I have had the opportunity to enjoy the festivities. This time every year, the people of Perry head over acrss the bridge to enjoy vendors of food, crafts, rides, a parade and a street dance with a live band.
Friday night we took Natalie over there to enjoy the "wristband night"...I was thinking, okay $7-10 for a night of all you can ride rides won't be too bad... I was a little off.....$18!!!!!!!!! For ONE night! AND it wasn't like Natalie could ride the Squirrl cages or the Twister thingy...but they did have some kiddie rides and she seemed to have an awesome time...plus she went on the BIG slide and the swings (which scared me to death) and had a BLAST! I think she rode the swings 10 times and went up the stairs and down the slide at least 10...so maybe I did get my money's worth. We were there until 10 and got poor, tired lil' Natalie home way past her bedtime.
BUT she got up at 6:30am ready to go "ride the swings" again...we had to get the trutle there by 8am to get in the turtle race...On Thursday, Natalie named our borrowed turtle (Thanks Trevor-again) Monisha...and then it's name changed to Sally...so "Monisha/Sally" was a pretty good turtle...loved to be petted and such...Trevor even gave us an insiders tip when he told us to sing "Eye of the Turtle" to it before the big race, which we did...but unfortunately, there were like 100 other racers there and poor "Monisha/Sally" didn't stand a chance. She lost in the first round...oh well. When we went to let her go "Back to her Mommy and Daddy" Natalie cried and was so upset, I was half tempted to crawl amongst the Porta Potties and bushes to find her again.

Onto other things, we tried to distract Natalie by eating some pancakes and visiting with our neighbors, John and Kay, but didn't stay long. Our friends the Golders showed up and we played hard at the playground until 11 when the parade started. Lots of candy (and I'm sure some cavities later) Natalie, Ceci, Dustin Cox and Andy and I went out on Dustin's boat and had a blast sailing around Perry Lake...

That night, we went back to Lecompton for the street dance where Natalie had an awesome time shaking her groove thing to the music...but after an hour or so, she (and I) was "off her face" tired and I got her home to bed...what a weekend!

Good times with the 'rents

2009-06-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

My parents came down on Sunday evening...we don't get to see them very often and when we do it's usually the mass chaos that is my large family. They came alone, just the two of them, so it was a nice "quiet" time with Grama and Papa for Natalie
She had so much fun while they were here and asked for her Grama when I picked her up from school on Tuesday...she was so upset when I told her they had to go bye-bye. She said, "they had to drive a long way and turn?" I'm not sure where she got the "turn" part but she is always asking to see her cousin Zander and I tell her it's too far away and we'll go soon. So cute!

My new nephew Carson Kaleo Dobbs

2009-06-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

Carson sleeping...something he does a lot!

Zander and Natalie playing in the sandbox

Natalie holding her "Baby Carson" and giving sweet kisses

Symphony in the Flint Hills

2009-06-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, Andy and I went to an event I have wanted to go to for a LONG time...Symphony in the Flint Hills. Since they first started, and I started this job, I have tried, in vain, to get tickets. They literally sell out 5000 tickets in a little over an hour-and tht doesn't count the 600 volunteers they allowed this year-getting most of them signed up within a day'stime! So I was either going to have to get supah-fast at getting online to their site, or donate $10000000-lots o'money as a sponsor to get tickets. PLUS...they are a little pricey at $63!

So last Friday I was THRILLED when my boss, Olivia, came in asking if anyone wanted to go. Becky Blake at the Kansas State Travel and Tourism department had extra tickets and no one in her department wanted them! ACH! So I called Andy and informed him of the idea...he was game...so a dream of mine was to come true!

We rode up with a former co-worker and friend of mine and her husband, Melissa and Curt DeDonder, and although it took an hour and a half to get there, we were pumped! Once we got to the "ranch" where we were to park...Mel pulled her tickets out and I got mne out Andy saw that they said "Patron"...not knowing what that meant, but seeing a special "Patron" parking section, we headed that way. When we got up to the gate, we showed our tickets and were ushered over to the Patron entrance...also known as the VIP entrance...what LUCK! Not only did we get a special wristband that would get us in to a tent and special section that included food and drinks and a covered seating area, but we also got to reserve really close seats. We sat down at an empty table, ate, had some good converstion with other Patrons and went down to our reserved seating. At intermission, we met up with Mel and Curt and as the boys headed into the tent again, Mel and I went down to our seats...they were fantastic and the KC Symphony was amazing!

Not something I'd probably do again soon, but definitely a wonderful experience!

Lots O'stuff

2009-06-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

Ah...spring/summertime! My "busy" time at work and it has been a crazy one this year...good grief! Last week was a blast but I literally wore myself out. I was sick Sunday and Monday...ugh. It doesn't help that I can't take anything that actually might help me feel better.

I heard the heartbeat for the first time yesterday...even when you know you are pregnant, there's no relief like hearing your baby's rapidly beating heart. It took Iyanna (my awesome nurse) a little while to find it and I had to pee like a MOE, so it didn't help when she started pressing harder around my bladder area to catch that little person inside me. Already a problem child ;)

Natalie turned 3 on May 27! We had a nice party for her in our backyard with all of her friends and ours...and family of course. My baby is such a big girl now...wearing big girl undies to bed and getting up when she needs to go "potty"...oh, *sob* my baby is gone :( But her big news is that SHE is also having a baby! A little girl to be named "Isabelle Grace" and her baby and my baby are going to be sisters...hmmm...she even rubs her belly when she talks about it.

We had a family party at my parents house in Oklahoma the weekend before Nat's bday so that Stephanie (who had just given birth that week) didn't have to travel right away with new baby Carson Kaleo Dobbs! We hd a princess party with tiaras and cupcake cake...we had a blast! I wish I lived closer to them!

Last weekend, Steph, Zach, Zander and Carson (along with Zach's mom, Jan) came up to Topeka to see us. We went to see Thomas the Train in Baldwin City and had so much fun! The train ride was fun although if I had to hear Thomas the Train song ONE MORE TIME, I think I would've screamed ;) But we had a great time! Until I got a speeding ticket on the way home...UGH!

Saturday night was the Perry Pride committee's first ever Summer Social with a Fish Fry, Ice cream social, popcorn and a movie...whew...it was a huge hit and we are planning another one soon.

Okay...enough rambling for now...

New baby

2009-05-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

So there will be a new Meyer baby sometime in the winter...which is awesome, but I TOTALLY didn't want to be pregnant in the summer...I'm already not a nice person when I get hot. Just remember, if I'm short with you for ANY reason...it's probably not you!

I'm already feeling it and uncomfortable in my clothes, that don't fit...ugh!
When I told Natalie about there being a baby in my tummy, she just says, "Me too!"

Best Friends

2009-05-12T08:38:00.001-07:00

Natalie is such a sweetie! The other night, Andy and I were laying with her in her bed...she has started being difficult to go to bed alone and at a decent time...and she was singing to us (every song she could think of) saying silly things to us) and she said, "Mom, Dad, I love you so much! We're best friends forever" sniff sniff...I had to write this as proof when she's older that she really did love me THAT much!

Last bootcamp

2009-05-01T06:37:00.000-07:00

Last night was the "official" last night of bootcamp in Perry...at least for awhile. Summer is here and lots of women have families and BBQ's and t-ball games, etc...going on. We stopped it until fall...thanks to all who participated...I had a blast getting to know you all better! I feel like I have made some wonderful new friends in the process! See you in the fall!

2009-04-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

Last night after cleaning, I went and picked up Natalie Joy from Denise's house and started home. Once home, I had a ton of groceries to carry in, so I let Natalie in the house and told her to go and find her babies or Barbies...when I came back in, there was a chair pulled up to the cabinet and no Natalie. I look around and see that her bedroom door is shut...I open it up in time to see her stick a handful of SUGAR in her mouth...ohhhh...she was in some trouble! ;} She acts like I deprive her of sweet things...good grief!

But I couldn't stay upset for too long...I mean look at her! AGh...I'm in trouble!

Spring is here

2009-04-29T08:00:00.001-07:00

We have had pretty nice weather but until I pulled out my bike and little buggy for Natalie, it just didn't feel like spring. It is here...although the rainy part is too...before I know it, it will be 80 degrees and I'll be complaing about the heat! ;)

Brilliant Child

2009-04-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

We have been doing Parents as Teachers since Natalie was itty-bitty...and last night was our "second to last" meeting with Awesome Angie Bloom...our PAT rep.
She did the Denver screening on Natalie and although I already knew it, my child is supah-smart! I love listening to her reason things and tell me and Andy "somtin".

Man I can NOT believe she will be three a month from yesterday! AGH...where did that time go?

Saturday Fun

2009-04-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

Friday night, after bowling and making sure Andy was having fun fishing with his crew, Natalie and I picked up some ice cream and headed to see Ashley and Kyndol (Chance was sleeping)

We invited Kyndol to have a sleepover and didn't get to bed until 10 (whoops).

Natalie got up at the crack of dawn and was ready to wake poor tired Kyndol up, I made her wait until at least 7am...after their shower and singing to Barney, we drove into Topeka to the Combat Air Museum's Pancake Feed and Fundraiser. BIG planes and jeeps, singing by local talent, pancakes and "hot dogs" (sausages) we had a blast! The girls were running all over the place and Natalie even got into the cockpit of the huge Air Nataional Guard plane that flew in for the special occasion.

After that air adventure, we went and cheered Mason on in his soccer game at Shawnee North...he was awesome! ;)

Lunch was next where we met Ashley and Chance at Las Fuentes at Gage Center (yum) and THEN went to the zoo and rode the train! It was a busy day!

Bowling baby!

2009-04-27T08:11:00.000-07:00

Natalie and I joined my co-workers at the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl-a-thon on Friday night after work. I didn't think she would like it very well and I would spend my time chasing her around the center, but she had a blast...as we all did! She was so upset when we left..."I want to roll the ball again" :(

First major haircut

2009-04-24T06:37:00.000-07:00

I couldn't remember who I had told but Natalie got her first haircut. It's been a few weeks, and it's growing longer now, but here's a pic of the event.

Baby's getting bigger

2009-04-24T06:26:00.000-07:00

Last night I got home a little early and (finally) cleaned my (disgusting) car out. I remember the days before Natalie when I would take pride in cleaning my car, Windex and all, at least a few times a month. Now I leave it there because I have other priorities in life...anyway...I got it cleaned out with my little helper and got her new (sniff, sniff) big girl seat in. Natalie is now sitting in a booster chair. And although it's not the "true" booster seat, it is detachable and I will eventually pull the back part off. I only kept it on because it ad the seat belt adjuster on there.
This morning as she sat in her new chair, I teared up...just a little...my baby's getting bigger!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

2009-04-23T12:59:00.001-07:00

So, as I'm sure everyone knows...yesterday was Earth Day...well last night, Natalie and I went to Target and Toys R' Us to find my nephew, Mason, a birthday present. Natalie starts saying "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle". Thinking that I am either world's greatest mother for teaching my child the importance of these things at such a young age or she learned something wonderful at her daycare, I ask her, "Honey, where did you learn that?" Beaming with pride because I just knew it was my doing, she replys, "um...Special Agent Oso" Oh man! Some cartoon on Disney taught my daughter an important life lesson...not me...oh well.

2009-04-23T12:55:00.000-07:00

Some pirate pics from my grandpa's b-day

60 years of being married

2009-04-23T12:50:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was my Grandma and Grandpa Manley's 60th Anniversary!
It makes me wonder if Andy and I will live to see that long...I mean, come on...that's a LONG time! But we had a really good time...and witnessed the renewed love they have for each other...AWWWWW...

in honor of them, we held a family concert. Kudos to my entire family...even Uncle David (the lost 5th Rat Pack member) sang to my grandparents.

Blog world

2009-04-23T12:40:00.000-07:00

So I have been hesitant to start one of these "things" for two reasons-one, because I type on the computer all day and the last thing I really want to do is more typing; and two, I usually am anal about spelling and if I see a misspelled word, I freak out and have to retype it all...but it's a great way to keep family and friends updated. Plus, I have long admired some of my friends (Megan Cottrell and Jennifer Wilkens) who do it. I love looking at photos and hearing stories that I might not hear otherwise. So here is my test site...have fun sharing my life with me!