Critchlow Crew

Joshua Funnies

2011-01-25T12:32:00.000-08:00

(Yelling from the toilet)

Josh: MOM! Come wipe my bum!

Me: Coming!

(As I am walking into the bathroom)

Josh: Be careful Mom there is an alligator in there.

Me: Really?

Josh: Yeah, its big and brown and floating.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T18:16:00.000-08:00

Unfortunantly Mark couldn't take that many days off of work so we had to leave him behind while the kids and I continued on our way to Grandmas house in Maryland. We spend New Years with my family. Grandma and Natalie liked sitting out back and looking at all the Christmas lights.

We had a fun New Years Eve. Talking, playing games, eating, and of course watching the ball drop.

Since Mark wasn't able to be with us Josh gave me my first kiss of the New Year! Love that little boy!!

Happy New Year 2011!

A Visit With Nana and Papa

2010-12-28T17:56:00.000-08:00

Following Christmas Day the kids and I packed our bags and headed out East. We stopped in Ohio at the Sorensens for a couple of days. Nana and Papa were visiting as well. The kids were able to play with their cousins and spend some time with Nana and Papa. Josh and Jon are the best of friends. They spend every waking moment together when we are visiting. We don't ever see them and that is just how we like it! They play so well with each other.

The kids snuggling up with their Nana and Papa...even though they were supposed to be in bed!

Natalie is attached to Mackenzies hip when we vist. She adores Mackenzie. Mackenzie is so good about playing with Natalie. They will dance together, paint fingernails, and play babies. No wonder she is Natalies favorite!

While we were there we took all the kids ice skating. This was Josh's first time and he did great. In fact, he LOVED it. He has asked to go back more than once since we left.

We love going to visit the Sorensens. I wasn't very good at taking many pictures this trip but we had a great time. We were in good company, played lots of games, and ate WAY too many hot fudge sundaes!

Christmas Morning

2010-12-25T20:25:00.000-08:00

Is it really March already?? And I haven't posted about Christmas morning! Yes we did have a Christmas morning. And it was great! Of course, Natalie was first to wake up. She is always up at the crack of dawn. I don't think she remembered it was Christmas so she came and hung out with Mark and I in bed for about an hour. It was now around 8 o'clock and Josh was still snoozing away. So we had Natalie go in a wake Josh up and tell him it was Christmas. It was the first year that we had Christmas morning with just our little family in our home.

The kids checking out their loot.

The dumping of stockings.

It was so fun to be able to start our own traditions on Christmas morning. We had a very slow, relaxing morning. After seeing what Santa brought, the kids played with the stuff they got. I think they had forgotten that there were still tons of presents under the tree. Which was fine by me. We wanted to stretch Christmas out as long as we could! We had breakfast and opened/put together/played with the stuff in and around their stockings. Later that day we got around to opening up the presents.

We took it very slow. If the kids wanted to open and play with their toys as we went along, by golly we let them. No rush in getting through them all at once! Its so fun that way!!

We had a relaxing rest of the day. The kids played with their new stuff. We layed around. Enjoyed each others company. Watched a new movie or two they had recieved. And had a delicious dinner. It was perfect!

Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T11:50:00.000-08:00

This was our first year to have Christmas at our own home. It was so much fun to be able to start traditions of our own for our little family.

Fred joined our family this year. He is one of Santa's Elves sent to us from the North Pole. Each day he watches the kids to see if they are being naughty or nice. And each night he reports to Santa what he saw. In the morning he is in a different spot of the house. There is only one rule. You can not touch him!

Growing up, on the Eve of Christmas Eve, my family would all sleep around the tree. Josh got to sleep around our tree this year. He was so excited!

On Christmas Eve we enjoyed a beautiful snow fall. Mark took the kids out to play in it.

They built a snowman.

And built, smashed, and rebuilt snow castles.

They got into a few snowball fights.
And went sledding!

That evening we had our good friends the Tree's over.

We made gingerbread houses.

Ate a ton of great food.

Danced to Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas!

And of course, among all the fun and games, you can't forget the reason for the season. Mark told the Christ story to the kids using our Nativity and each of the kids had their own little part.

The kids opened their Christmas PJ's.

We couldn't forget treats for Santa.

And we called it a night!

I love the excitement that is in the air with little kids and all their cute guesses of what Santa may bring!

Christmas Sunday

2010-12-21T20:42:00.000-08:00

On Sunday the kids wore their new Christmas outfits to church. They looked so cute that I attempted to get a picture of them before we went.

Please stand up Josh. And Natalie, not so forced.

Yes, both standing. Exactly where I want them. Open your eyes dangit.
(I may or may not have bribed them with candy canes)

Much better Josh. Natalie, really?

Natalie is checked out. Its only been 4 pictures. Come on.

(I may or may not have threatened to take candy cane)

Perfect Josh. Natalie you are getting closer to perfecting the forced smile, but not quite there.

Just one more.

PERFECT! Stupid candy cane.

Until next year...this will have to do!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

2010-12-12T12:58:00.000-08:00

We finally got our first snow of the season! Church was cancelled and we had a nice, relaxing Sunday.

We don't see much snow here so the kids were sure to get out and play in it!

It was super windy. I was surprised how long they lasted.

Our beach buckets can be used for all sorts of things!

They liked playing on the side of the house because it wasn't as windy.

We enjoyed hot chocolate afterwards. It is so fun being able to enjoy the snow from inside. I remember my mom always having hot chocolate and goodies for us when we came in from playing outside and it is so fun to be the one making them inside while everyone else is outside playing!

We made some brownies.

And did a lot of relaxing!
I live for days like this!

Dear Snow,

Don't stop.

Please stay for a while.

We would love to get enough

to make a snowman tomorrow!!

French Lick & The Polar Express

2010-12-10T17:21:00.000-08:00

We met the Sorensens in French Lick, Indiana for a weekend of fun to kick off the season! Right after we checked into our rooms we went down to sit on Santas lap.

Josh asked for a green race car.

Natalie wouldn't sit on his lap so we opted for a group photo! She did, however, love the candy canes!

That evening we rode The Polar Express to the North Pole and back!

While we were waiting to board the train the kids colored pictures for Santa.

And even mailed them.

Josh, Jon, Natalie, Mackenzie, her friend, and Tyler.

On the train!

Waiting for the Conductor to punch our tickets!

The Conductor came around and punched our tickets.

We got delicious hot chocolate!

And cookies.

We waved to Santa at the North Pole...then we picked him up!

Tyler danced with the elves.

Mark and I had just as much, if not more, fun as the kids!

Josh even got to put on the Conductors hat. He was so excited!

Santa came around and gave each kid a bell from his sleigh.

All of us in front of our hotel with all the lights lit up. Notice the snow falling. It was the perfect night to go to the North Pole!

After our train ride we went back to the hotel and swam all night.

There is something about kids and goggles that just makes you smile.

Natalies favorite place is in the water.

The kids loved the hot tub. It was snowing outside but being in the "hot pool" was a hit.

The following morning we had breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Natalie still wouldn't go near Santa but she loved Mrs. Claus.

We love vacationing with the Sorensens! We are always in good company with them. And the cousins go crazy together!! It was the perfect way to kick off the season and to get everyone excited for Christmas!!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2010-12-08T11:09:00.000-08:00

It is truly the most wonderful time of the year. Everything about it. The traditions, the goodies, the smells, the music, the weather, and all the hustle and bustle and happiness that goes along with it. This year is our first year to put up a real tree and I am SOLD! I love the smell of it and how pretty it is. We are all ready for Ole' St. Nic around here!!

I love the craziness of the season!

And listening to Christmas music while putting all the ornaments on.

And of course, we are so independent that we must put them up high by ourselves!

Simply perfect!

From the front door.

I love everything about Christmas. I can't get enough of it.

But most importantly remembering the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Savior.

Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-01T14:33:00.001-08:00

Okay...okay. I have been the worst at blogging for the past 2 years. I have such an awful memory and if I don't update this blog I am going to forget about all the fun things we do as a family. My computer is up and running again and I figured out how to upload my pictures without them deleting off my SD card, so I have absolutely NO excuses!

This year I hosted Thanksgiving and my side of the family came on out for it! These pictures are all out of order...but its better than nothing right?!

We played games.

Uncle Aaron and Natalie made cookies.

Lots of relaxing! This awesome couple, Aaron and Becka, are getting married in January!

Newly engaged...super cute couple...David and Leslie came up from Oklahoma.

Mark and I cooking on Thanksgiving. And yes, his apron does say Grandma!

We watched the Macy's day parade. A family tradition of ours!

We lounged and talked and laughed ALOT!

The girls making homemade pies the day before thanksgiving.

It was so fun to have everyone out. We had a basement full of air mattresses and people everywhere! Exactly how holidays should be. I am so thankful to have such a fun family. One who places importance on getting together and creating memories.

Thanksgiving 2010

Summer Recap - July

2010-07-31T19:41:00.000-07:00

July was fun for the kids! They had 2 very special visitors come. On July 1st, I had to have back surgery. I was having a new rod put onto my spine. The healing time is quite long so my mom came out to help with the kids for a few weeks.

Grandma put together a "Summer Book" for each of the kids and every day they made a new page to put in to their book.

They LOVED this time of day.

We had a couple great rain showers this summer.

If it wasn't thundering and lightening then the kids were out playing in it!

Josh and Grandma had fun taking pictures of each other.

Natalie burnt her back pretty bad on the fireplace this summer and so we had to put a stop on going to the pool for a while until the burn healed...so this was the substitute!

They built blanket forts.

I read books to the kids because all I could do was lay in bed or on the couch.

Grandma spent a lot of time sitting out front watching the kids ride their scooters.

And as always...according to Grandma...having an empty cookie jar is a sin. So Natalie and Grandma made cookies, quite often!

The kids LOVE when Grandma comes to play!!

The Critchlow Family Reunion was in French Lick, Indiana this year. I wasn't able to go but Mark took the kids and they had such a great time!

Sophie was blessed.

Cousins played.

Family relaxed and enjoyed each others company.

And cousins played even more! It is always a good time with the Critchlows and I wished I would of been well enough to go too!

We were lucky to have Daddy home for a few days and the kids couldn't get enough of him!

Grandma made Josh a cardboard set of armor and he STILL plays with it!

I couldn't do much. But I could paint Natalies toe nails, which she LOVES!

And my mom treated me to a amazing pedicure before she left!

My special spot on the couch.

After Grandma left Nana came to help for a couple weeks. I'm telling you, these kids were spoiled this summer! 2 Grandmas in 1 month! It can't get any better than that!

Nana and Josh sat and watched the thunderstorm.

I turned 25 (gasp)!!

More blanket forts...they are the best entertainment!

The kids liked swimming in our blow up pool in the backyard too.

Of course we played cards while Nana was here. It wouldn't be a trip without games.

The kids had so much fun with Nana while she was here. They went to story time at Barnes and Noble everyday. They played lots of games and read lots of books and went to the pool. They ate popsicles and played trains. And much much more. They were so happy to have Nana come play. It was a sad day when she had to go - sad for all of us!

Because I was out of commission for the rest of the summer we did lots of activites inside.

A favorite was painting rocks.

Cream cheese bagels were a favorite snack this summer.

Natalie had serious withdrawal from the pool! In fact, she would pretend she was swimming on our living room floor.

Surprise packages from Grandma always make the day great!

Summer 2010 Recap

To be continued...

Summer Recap - Pool

2010-06-30T19:23:00.000-07:00

We spent almost EVERY day at the pool. Josh and Natalie are fish. Literally. They LOVE to swim. And that makes me happy because I LOVE the sun!!

Josh learned how to swim underwater. And that is where he spent most his time.

They never wanted to go home and squeezed in little cat naps during adult swim!

Natalie LOVED the baby pool.

Josh, however, informed me he is not a baby and belongs in the big pool! Which is where we spent most of our time. We would only go to the baby pool during adult swim. Yes, we were THOSE people!

Summer Recap - June 2010

2010-06-29T18:55:00.000-07:00

I really, really, really, did I say really?...enjoyed our summer. I LOVE the lazy summer days. And let me tell you, our summer was LAZY! We spent just about every single day outside, rain or shine!

We caught frogs.

And kept them as pets.

We colored with markers? (Crazies!)

We caught fireflys just about every night.

We rode bikes.

We caught bugs. Lots of bugs.

We ate watermelon.

Played Flippin' Frogs. (Huge hit!)

Had our best friends, Saydee and Eli, over for BBQ's.

Ran around in our swimsuits.

Rode more bikes.

Smooched our daddy! (He is missed terribly while at work)

Ate bowls of pickles.

We blew bubbles.

And attempted to blow bubbles.

And that is not all.

To be continued...

Family Pictures 2010

2010-06-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

It has sure been a while. And I promise...well maybe not promise...but will try my best to get caught up. It has been a wild and crazy year. So I may not ever get caught up but I thought I better start somewhere or else I would be so far behind that I may not ever update again! Enjoy a few pictures from our last family photo shoot!

We do still exist...

2009-12-24T12:50:00.000-08:00

So much has gone on since the last time I blogged. But yes, we do still exist over here. We have had some major changes happen and some minor set backs that have kept me from blogging. But my new years resolution is to be better at keeping family and friends updated on our busy life. Sorry there are no pictures right now, but I will be better at posting here on out!! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Family Pics

2009-07-28T06:33:00.001-07:00

We took family pics while we were out at my parents place a couple of weeks ago. Our photographer did an amazing job! If you are ever in the DC area and want to get some great candid shots of your kids and family contact Tiffany Roundy at http://tiffanyroundyphotos.blogspot.com/. Here are a few of my favorites from our session.

May...in pictures

2009-07-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

I know this post is super late. But we had such a busy month that I hated to not post about it.

Start at the very bottom of the post and read it from there.

We had a great time at Lance and Michele's! We ate great food (always), played lots of Rook, and had great fun outside in the sun!

Nana with Josh and Jon.

Tyler and Jonathan thought it looked pretty fun so they all dunked their heads too. Silly boys!!

Uncle Lance dunking Josh in a bucket of water!

We setup the big waterslide for the kids and they spent quite a while playing on it!

She did a great job dancing! Our favorite was the daddy/daughter dance she did with Lance.

So cute!!

All of us watching.

We went down for Mackenzies dance recital.

Josh and Jonathan playing in the sprinkler.

We then all headed down to Lance and Michele's house for the weekend.

The weather was perfect and it was a nice relaxing afternoon!

And went on a walk with Natalie.

Nana built sand castles with Josh.

We went to Huntington Beach and did a picnic lunch there.

Just a couple of days after we got back Nana (Marks mom) came to visit!!

It was great being able to get together with my Grandma's family. We had a fun trip to Oklahoma. We love you Great Grandma Barker!!

Putting flowers on Great Grandpa Barkers grave.

Grandma teaching Josh how to eat honeysuckles.

My brother Aaron and Mark

Mom, Me, Leah, Great Grandma Barker and Josh

Josh playing in the backyard.

My parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary while we were there!
Happy Anniversary!!

Natalie adores Aunt Leah.

Great Grandma Barker and Josh.

Sweet Natalie.

Four generations- Me, Great Grandma Barker, Natalie, and Grandma

Hanging out in the hotel.

The family on Grandma Barkers front porch.

Watching an old gun fight.

Josh liked running through this caterpillar, but it is a little disturbing how they get in and out of it!

Funny Story- While we were watching the parade there were quite a few horses that went by with cowboys on them and one of the horses took a dump right in front of us, but on the street. Once the parade was over the first thing Josh did was run out to the BIG pile of dump and squatted down and just stared at it. A couple of the older people sitting on the side watching started laughing and said "You can tell he's a city boy!"

Natalie watching the parade at Nardin Days.

This old slide scared me to death. Of course, Josh LOVED it. Every time he would go down it Mark had to stand there because he would almost fly off the side!

Grandpa helping Josh climb this old wooden pole thing.

For Memorial Day weekend we packed up and headed to Blackwell, Oklahoma for a Mercer Family Reunion (my moms side of the family).

Natalie LOVES to be wrapped up and snuggled in blankets.

This keeps Josh entertained for a while!

Happy Birthday Love!

We kicked off our busy month of May with Marks 26th birthday on May 1st!

Tot T-Ball

2009-06-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

Josh started Tot T-ball this summer. His team is the Purple Indians!

Batting for the first time.

On first base.

Josh's best bud Max is on his team too!
Taking a water break between innings.

Josh and Max are funny together on the field. The coaches try and get them to play different positions but they always end up right next to each other. They are great friends.
Go Indians!

Rain...according to Josh

2009-06-19T06:11:00.000-07:00

It rains quite a bit here in Cleveland. Well this morning we woke up to a thunder storm. I was laying in bed with Josh and we were talking about the thunder and the rain. He looked at me and said "Mom, the sun is taking a shower." I just love the way 3 year old minds work! Precious.

Sweet Treat!

2009-06-16T16:21:00.001-07:00

Mark sent me this yummy "thinking of you" treat today!

It was delivered just in time for snack.

Josh is no dummy he knows to go for the chocolate!

Thanks Mark for such a fun, sweet treat. It was delicious!

So far behind...

2009-06-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

So much went on during the month of May and I am so far behind with blogging that I'm overwhelmed! I think I'm going to just have to skip the month of May or else I don't think I will ever blog again...how do I get out of this funk?!!

Fishing.Friends.Fun

2009-04-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

This past weekend the sun finally decided to come out in Ohio! We had great weather and knew it probably wouldn't last too long so we took full advantage of it. We spent the day outside with our good friends Tyler and Haylie. They are big outdoor people and have all that fun stuff so we went fishing with them in our neighborhood.

Josh and Haylie feeding the ducks.

Natalie was a little unsure of the ducks so she just stayed on the hill and watched.

The boys getting everything ready for fishing!

Mark and Josh putting a worm on the hook.

Josh liked the fishing for a little while, but I think it requires a little more patience than a 3 year old has! He spent most his time finding bugs and throwing rocks and sticks into the pond.

Mark caught the first little fishie of the day!

After doing a little scoping out of the pond Mark found an area with quite a few fish in it and had Josh come fish over there in hopes he would catch a little one! Well he did! He caught his very first fish ever and he even reeled it in himself! It was the biggest catch of the day!!

He liked catching it but didn't want to get too close to it!

Of course, on our walk home, we had to stop at the park and get a little see-saw action in!

Natalie was all tuckered out.

That evening we headed over to Tyler and Haylie's for dinner.

The kids look a little beat huh?!

We roasted hot dogs over a fire that the boys made in the grill...funny huh?! We had tons of fixin's for them and they were delish! A perfect way to top off such a great day!

The boys played some Bocci...

...and us girls watched them and enjoyed the weather!

Thanks Tyler and Haylie for such a fun day!! We love having you guys so close to us!!

Two Cute Dinosaurs!

2009-04-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

Joshua LOVES dinosaurs. Anything and everything about dinosaurs he is crazy about. His favorite shirt is his "sharp tooth" shirt. He would wear it everyday if I would let him. He has two bouncy balls that have dinosaurs in them and if he shares those with you, you are a very lucky friend! Well he also has a hat and mittens that have dinosaur spikes on them, so his newest craze is pretending to BE a dinosaur. (He is pretty scary too!)

Not only does he like to be a dinosaur but Natalie is the "baby" dinosaur. He pulls out one of Natalies hats and mittens, which look nothing like a dinosaur, and she plays right along with him. Not only does she NOT resemble a dinosaur in any way, but she comes no where close to sounding like a dinosaur or even knowing how to act like one. But that doesn't matter to Josh. He loves to play dinosaurs with her and she loves it too!

They are two cute dinosaurs if you ask me!!

Easter Weekend Sneak Peak!

2009-04-15T20:30:00.000-07:00

For easter we headed down to Dayton, OH where Marks sister Michele and her family live. We always have a great time visiting them! It was an action packed weekend, we had so many fun things planned we didn't even get to do them all! So this is just a sneak peak of the weekend...highlighting easter!

The kids dyed easter eggs on Saturday afternoon and had a great time doing it!

Tyler, Jonathan, Joshua, and Mackenzie

Josh loved his easter basket! If all he had got in his basket were those two dinosaurs it would have been the best easter ever!! So easy to please at age 3!!

Natalie wasn't quite sure what to think of her first Easter! Her cousins helped show her all the fun things in her little basket!

We thought we better get a picture of these cute cousins before church because after they would be looking like hoodlums!

After church the kids went on an easter egg hunt. Joshua and Jonathan hunted together and Mackenzie and Tyler had a more difficult hunt on the other side of the backyard. That easter bunny sure knows what he's doing!! Natalie was snoozing away for the hunt. Once all the eggs were found the kids opened all of them to get their goodies!

Michele put together a cute duck pinata for the kids to break open! Jonathan and Josh each got a turn and then Tyler busted it open! They all had a bag to put their treats in, even Natalie!!

We had a great weekend with the Sorensens! This was just a sneak peak into all the fun we had Easter weekend! There is more to come...

Happy Happy Birthday Natalie!

2009-04-09T20:19:00.001-07:00

[My computer is acting up again and will only let me put the pictures at the top of the blog...has anyone else ever had this problem?]

One already, I can't believe how fast your first year went by! We have had so much fun having you in our family. You were such a chubby, cuddly baby and now that you are cruising around you are losing that cute baby chub and turning into an adorable little girl! You love life! When you get excited about things you react with your entire body! You LOVE to be held and I love this about you. When you first wake up you get so excited when we come in to get you and then you just want to snuggle for a little while before you get down to play. You have a contagious smile and are constantly smiling and giggling!

You absolutely adore your brother. You like to follow him around, but get really frustrated when he takes things from you. Sometimes you even try to fight back! One day you will be able to hold your own!!

You are in love with your daddy. When he walks in the room you can't move fast enough to get to him. Sometimes you fall because your body is moving faster than your feet! But you get right back up and giggle all the way to his arms! You are a chocolate lover just like him...probably because when you get upset he will feed you chocolate pudding and it calms you right down!

Some of your favorite things are: Snuggling. You will just curl up in my lap and snuggle, then look up at me-giggle-then snuggle some more! You are so cute! You love playing peek-a-boo. You really enjoy "helping" me load and unload the dishwasher. Sometimes it drives me crazy so I will try to load it super fast before you make over to "help" me! Nursing. This is your comfort. I don't know how I will ever wean you! Laughing with Josh. Sometimes I will find you two just laying next to each other on the floor, looking at each other, and giggling. Love it! EATING. You LOVE to eat! You are my meat and potatoes girl! You will eat just about anything and everything...except baby food! You only ate baby food for 1 month and then went straight to eating whatever we were having for dinner and you love it! Smiling. You make people smile wherever we go because you are always smiling. This is one of my favorite things about you. You are such a happy baby!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY NATALIE!

Conference Weekend

2009-04-06T18:41:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went down to Maryland to visit my family. We had a very fun and relaxing weekend. Friday we went to the Baltimore Aquarium. Josh loves going there so we try to go everytime we visit. He loved the sharks and manta rays.

We also saw the 4D film Planet Earth. Josh was so into it. He wore the glasses the entire time. During the show water sprays in your face and things poke you in your back and flick your feet. Its really fun. Well it didn't seem to phase Josh at all. He didn't even say anything about the water spraying him until after the show was over. The boy was into it!

Natalie loves the water, so watching the manta rays was torture for her. She didn't want to watch them swim, she wanted to be swimming with them!

That night we partied!...Grandpas (my dads), Josh's, and Natalie's birthdays are all within a few days of each other so we had a little celebration for all three of them! Grandma made Grandpa his favorite cherry pie and made Josh and Natalie a fun caterpillar cake.

On Saturday we watched General Conference and ate yummy nachos. Between sessions Grandma did an easter egg hunt with Josh and Natalie. They LOVED it. Natalie was a little unsure of what was going on, so Josh filled her basket for her. She just liked to take the eggs out of her basket and put them back in. Josh on the other hand had a ball. It was cute, when he first started collecting eggs he was putting all the "girlie" colors (pink, yellow, purple) into Natalies basket and putting the "manly" colors (orange, blue, green) into his basket. Then he noticed that some of the eggs were dinosaur heads so Natalie ended up with all the eggs that were not dinosaur heads and Josh's basket could only hold the dinosaurs. Funny boy! After he would find all the eggs. He would dump the candy out of all of them, then put the candy back in all of them, and we would hide them again! I think he hunted the easter eggs 7 times!!

[The pictures are up top. For some reason my computer would not let me drag them down. Annoying.]

It was such a gorgeous day that we got the kites out and went kite flying. This is the first time Josh has ever flown a kite, but the boy knew just what to do. He loved flying the spiderman kite!

Grandpa got Joshua hooked on popsicles. I can't even begin to count how many popsicles he ate while we were there. Now all he wants to eat is popsicles. When I ask him what he wants for breakfast this is his reply, "Ummm, popsicle mom." No Josh, we can't have popsicles for breakfast. "Ummm, orange popsicle mom." Thank you Grandpa!!

The kids love to go to "Uncle Max's" house, as Josh calls it. It is not Grandmas or Grandpas house. Thanks for a great weekend Mom and Dad!

"Happy Day" Joshua!

2009-03-31T19:07:00.000-07:00

My baby boy...you are growing up too fast. Today you turned three! You bring so much happiness to our little family. You LOVE dinosaurs, crocodiles, lions, and monkeys. You will play and play with your box of them, you have such a great imagination, I often find myself wondering what is going through that little mind of yours! Your favorite dinosaur is "Sharp Tooth" and you love to pretend to be him. You will stomp around, jump on things, and growl like him. You are so fun to watch!

You love your sister, Natalie. You are a great big brother to her and she absolutely adores you. You always want her to be in the same room with you and love it when she will play with you as long as she doesn't mess up what you are doing! She loves to give you kisses and sometimes you like it but most the time it bothers you! You two will sit and laugh and laugh with each other, I have no idea what you are laughing about but you guys know and it is so cute to watch!!

Some of your favorite things: You love chicken nuggets (with lots and lots of ketchup!), cereal, and mac-n-cheese. You would eat popsicles all day long if I would let you! Your favorite cookies are oreos, but you have to have a glass of milk to dip them in! Your best friend is "Mack" (Max) Hale. You love to play swords, especially if it is daddy playing with you. You get excited to watch daddy play basketball. You enjoy coloring, painting, and drawing with markers. You will always curl up in my lap and read books. I love this time I have with you. If we had time, we would read every book on your book shelf. You always look up at me with those sweet blue eyes and say "One more Mommy" holding up your cute, chubby little finger. How can I resist? Your favorite person in the whole world is your daddy. You always ask for him when he is at work. And when he gets home you run up to him and give him a big hug! Sometimes, when you wake up, if daddy is already gone to work you get pretty upset. You are definately a daddy's boy!!

We are so glad you are in our family! We love every little thing about you Joshua!

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!!

Pay It Forward!!

2009-03-23T06:33:00.001-07:00

The first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive a gift from me during this year.

When and what will be a surprise!

There's a small catch though....

Post this same thing on your blog and then come back and leave a comment telling me you're in.

Remember, only the first 3 comments receive the gift.

*Don't forget to post this on your blog first,then come back and leave a comment on this post!*

Lost

2009-03-05T12:25:00.001-08:00

I have been terrible at blogging ever since our camera ended up in the bottom of the pool. We have been so busy around here and are having a ton of fun, but no pictures. I hate not having a camera. I never realized just how much I used it until now that it is gone. I feel like I'm missing out on chapters of my kids lives! (Even though it has only been a little over a month!!) I'm also one who loves to look at pictures and I don't really like to blog without being able to put pictures up. So sorry to those of you who are like me and LOVE pictures. I don't have any. I'm thinking I will have to use some of our tax return to purchase a new one. I wasn't completely satisfied with my last camera. Any suggestions for great cameras you love?!!

I'm lost without my camera.

VALENTINE TAG!!

2009-02-12T10:21:00.000-08:00

♥ How long have you been together? 7 years. (Married almost 4 of them!)

♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating? A couple weeks.

♥ Who asked who out? It was a mutual understanding! No one really "asked" each other out. It was just kind of a given thing. We just knew!

♥ How old are each of you? I'm 23, he's 25.

♥ Whose siblings do/ did you see the most? Its pretty much the same. We see each others entire families about the same...which is so nice!

♥ Do you have any children together? Two crazy little munchkins!

♥ What about pets? Heck no! I'm not really much of an animal lover. But I am told that one day we will have a dog because "every little boy needs a puppy" so says my hubby!

♥ Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple? Not being able to be as spontaneous as we would like. Little ones change a lot!

♥ Did you go to the same school? Yep, our junior and senior years of college we both attended BYU-Idaho. Loved the college days. Life seemed so simple!

♥ Are you from the same home town? We both grew up in the military so don't really know exactly where our "home town" is! I claim Maryland. He claims Virginia. So that being said, I guess not!

♥ Who is the smartest? I think it would have to depend on what it was we were talking about! But overall, I would like to say myself but I can't he definitely is.

♥ Who is the most sensitive? Definitely me.

♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple? We LOVE Chipotle!

♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple? Tokyo, Japan.

♥ Who has the craziest exes? Good question! I don't know if either of us have had "crazy" ones. We were both pretty picky when it came to dating.

♥ Who has the worst temper? Both of us are about equal these days, but I would have to say I probably loose mine more. Mark is more mellow.

♥ Who does the cooking? I do most the cooking, but he is an excellent cook. He loves to cook breakfast foods so if we cook breakfast, instead of eat cereal, Mark does the cooking and when we have breakfast for dinner he always cooks it!

♥ Who is more social? We both make friends very easily but I would have to say I am probably more social. Being a stay-at-home mom you tend to do things with other moms quite a bit. You've got to to keep your sanity! You can only talk to a two year old for so long before you insane!

♥ Who is the neat freak? ME! He likes things organized, but I am a freak about all kinds of cleanliness. He says I'm OCD when it comes to things being straightened up and everything having its own place and being put away just right!

♥ Who is the more stubborn? We are both very stubborn and so are our children! (hmmm...I wonder why??!)

♥ Who hogs the bed? I think it depends. But I would have to say him. He is such a heavy sleeper so he never knows when he is laying right on top of me!

♥ Who wakes up earlier? He does for work. But on the weekends he usually still does because he lets me sleep in. He's such a great guy!

♥ Where was your first date? We were going to go see a movie, but it was sold out. So we ended up going to Barnes and Noble and out to ice cream.

♥ Who has the bigger family? Me. I'm one of six and he's one of four.

♥ Do you get flowers often? When we were dating all the time. Now that we are married, not as often, and I am just fine with that. Although every once in a while I will get a special delivery!

♥ Who is more jealous? Definitely me.

♥ How long did it take to get serious? Not very!

♥ Who does/ did the laundry? I do. I hate it too! I don't mind putting the laundry in but man do I dread folding it!

♥ Who’s better with the computer? Definitely him! I just know how to blog and shop online and that is about it! What more do you need to know!!

♥ Who drives when you are together? He does! It must be a man thing but he never lets me drive. And I am just fine with that!

I tag...Tara Hale, Brittany Miles, Kayci Bitton, Haylie Harris, Heidi Fransen, Lauren Olsen, Sam Vojak and Alicia Wall! Do it before Valentines Day!!

I-like-a-you-Mom!

2009-02-12T07:37:00.000-08:00

When I talk to my mom on the phone, which is just about everyday and sometimes multiple times a day, I am always telling her the cute and funny things my munchkins say and do. She told me that I need to start writing these things down because in a few years I'm not going to remember them and my kids would have so much fun later reading about the things they said and did when they were little. So I have set a new goal for myself to be better at recording these cute things they say and do and what better place to do it than on my blog!

Josh is talking so much more now and it is so much fun to actually know what he is thinking. Well his newest and cutest phrase is "I like-a you Mom" or "I like-a baby, Mom" or "I like-a daddy, Mom." He says it for everything. His toys, snack, dinner, whatever it is if he loves it he "like-a" it too! It is so adorable and makes me smile everytime!

Sorry there are no pictures. We are still out of a camera. Who knows how long it will be before we get a new one :(

Great Weekend...Bad News

2009-02-01T06:36:00.001-08:00

This past weekend we went out to DC to see Marks brother Andrew and his wife Antoanela be sealed in the temple. She wasn't a member when they got married, was baptized 2 years ago, and they were sealed on Saturday, January 24. Their two little girls were also sealed to them and I loved being able to see those little babys with their parents. It made it more of a reality that my munchkins are sealed to me as well. It was a very special day.

Marks dad is back from Iraq for 2 weeks so it was great to be able to see him and spend a few days with him. What a great Papa he is and we are so grateful for all that he does for us. We all went to the Air and Space Museum in DC and it was fun listening to him explain some of the things that they use over in Iraq that were on display there. Josh was fascinated by all the "big planes" as he called them!

If you are wondering why there are no pictures...thats the bad news! We all stayed in some condos in Old Town Alexandria for the weekend and they had a pool, so of course all of the cousins want to go swimming. Well Josh, thinking he is a fish, got a little too brave and Mark ended up having to go in after him. The camera was with him. And that was that. Josh was saved...the camera was sitting on the bottom of the pool. All our pictures are gone. I am sad. We had a lot that I hadn't put on the computer yet and then all of the ones from the weekend. So it ended up being a much more expensive weekend then we had planned! But thats okay. Things happen! We laugh about it later!!

So until we get a new camera...my posts will be lacking pictures! We had a great weekend though and loved being with Marks entire family for such a special occasion!

CHRISTMAS 2008!

2009-01-29T20:30:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas in Maryland with my family this year. We had a great time and have lots and lots of pictures to show (who doesn't on Christmas!!)! Sorry this post is so late but I forgot the number one essential (our camera!) and so I got all the Christmas pictures off my parents camera this past weekend when I was out there!

My munchkins and me on Christmas Eve

Natalie LOVES chocolate...she takes after her daddy!

The boys "entertaining" the kids...playing Wii!

Josh called Grandpa "Santa" all night long because he had a Santa hat on...how appropriate!

The munchkins opening their Christmas PJ's on Christmas Eve.

Hanging out with daddy in their new PJ's!

Love this girl!

Josh opening Uncle Aaron's present on Christmas Eve.

He LOVED the swords Aaron got him! Sometimes he is a little too rough with them though and they get put on timeout!

Helping Uncle Aaron bring in wood for the fire.

Natalie playing with her toy from Santa.

Josh seeing what Santa brought him.

The tree.

Grandpa and Grandma (my mom and dad) going through their stocking.

Natalies first baby doll.

Josh in his dinosaur cave with all his stuff.

We played this game over and over and over (and did I say over?!) I am a pro at putting Don't Break the Ice back together!

We had to take a break opening presents. Josh wanted to play with his toys!!

Grandpa and Josh riding the horsies at the park. Josh's hands were cold so Grandpa gave him his gloves.

Grandpa and Josh

Grandpa and Natters

Josh and Natalie

Uncle Max and Josh playing who knows what! Matthew is such a great Uncle and Josh just adores him!

We had a great Christmas and always love going to visit "Pee-pa and Maa-ma" as Joshua calls them!

Slacker

2009-01-11T12:35:00.000-08:00

I have been such a slacker when it has come to blogging! It has been a little while since I have posted new pictures of the munchkins. Here are quite a few pictures of what we have been up to lately!

Partners in crime!

We had the stomach bug go through our house. Mark wasn't feeling well so Josh curled up next to him and they watched a movie together.

At the Rainforest in Cleveland.

Josh and I watching the monkeys. There was a baby monkey with its family and Josh was fascinated by them...of course...probaby because he thinks he is a monkey!

Daddy-daughter time! She LOVES her daddy! The moment he gets home from work she lights up and can't crawl fast enough to get to him!

When I was a little girl I remember putting my little brother Aaron into my baby doll strollers so I had to smile when Josh asked me to put Natalie in is Tonka Truck! He pushed her all around the house and she loved it!

He even took her back to his bedroom and got her a toy to play with. What a sweet boy!

Josh wanted a turn when he was done...he was a little bit too heavy for Natalie!

Josh was picking on Natalie so it felt like she would not stop whining. Finally the whining stopped and I come out to find Mark feeding her a Snack Pack! Of course she loved it...who doesn't?!

That is a face of pure enjoyment!

Happy baby after church.

Love her!

She was being such a sweet girl I couldn't stop taking pictures!

I know this was picture overload! But yes, we are still alive and well here in Ohio! We are getting a little case of cabin fever because we are getting so much snow. And it is so cold outside that it is just so much easier and warmer to stay in and have lazy pajama days! (those are the best days anyways!)

2009!!

2008-12-31T18:33:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it is already 2009! This past year has flown by. It was quite an eventful year for our little family. Here are a few of the highlights! In March, we purchased our very first house in Rexburg, Idaho. In April, we welcomed our newest addition, baby Natalie, to our growing family! In July, Mark and I graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho!! In August, Mark was hired on with URS Washington Division and we moved to Avon, Ohio (very unexpected...so in September we rented out our brand new home we purchased).

It feels like the more little munchkins you have the quicker the year goes by! 2008 has been a very busy year for us and we are excited to see what is in store for us this upcoming year! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!' (Christmas pictures are coming...they are on my moms camera so I am waiting for them to get e-mailed to me!!)

Does this look like a football to you?

2008-12-16T08:44:00.000-08:00

Josh is a funny boy. He likes football. Mark plays it with him quite a bit. Josh likes to put both his hands on his knees and say "FOOTBALL" in a gruff tone of voice (well I guess about as gruff as a two year olds voice can get!). It is the cutest thing! The other night I was giving Josh and Natalie a bath together and Natalie had pulled herself up so she was standing leaning on the side of the tub. Josh was playing and then all of a sudden he looks at her bum, grabs one of her cheeks and says "FOOTBALL!" I was cracking up and said thats Natalies bum Josh, not a football. He shook his head, grabs it again, and says "FOOTBALL" (in that gruff tone of voice)! It was funny! I don't know what it was about her little cheek...but to Josh it was a football!

I love my little monkeys!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2008-12-06T20:10:00.000-08:00

I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I love everything about it! I love putting up decorations, I love listening to christmas music, I love buying gifts for my family, I love taking plates of goodies around to the neighbors, I love making gingerbread houses, I just love absolutely everything that has to do with christmas. When we got back from Thanksgiving we took all our fall decorations down and got the christmas boxes out! We put on christmas music, I lit the cinnamon candles (don't you love the smell of christmas too?!!), and we started putting it all up! Mark always puts the tree up and I do the rest of the house! Josh and Natalie were very big helpers too! Here are some pictures of all the christmas fun taking place at our house!!

The kids helping Mark put together the tree.

My little bucket heads!

Josh thought it was pretty funny to put it on Natalies head too!

Josh ran around with his and Natalies stockings or "socks" as he called them on his feet!

He wore them all night!

Decorating the tree.

The finished product...

We are all ready for CHRISTMAS!!

"I'm a Monkey Mommy"

2008-12-04T07:36:00.000-08:00

Josh's newest craze is being a monkey. No matter where we are or what we are doing he finds a way to be a monkey. In Target I usually get those monster buggies that seat both kids and Josh, of course, won't sit he likes to stand and hang/swing on the bar saying "Mommy, I'm a monkey" followed by a screaching "Ooo-ooo, Ahh-ahh". Heads are turning in the store to see what that horrific sound is! I then proceed to ask him to be a quiet monkey so he then whispers "Mommy, I'm a monkey" followed by the same loud screaching "Ooo-ooo, Ahh-ahh". Oh well, whatever makes him happy!!

Yesterday, I hear Josh yelling "Mommy, I'm a monkey" over and over from my bedroom. I can only imagine what he is doing this time. I'm a little nervous, I walk in and he has climbed onto the tall dresser in our bedroom and is jumping off of it saying "Ooo-ooo, Ahh-ahh." Luckily, we had to move our lovesac into our bedroom so we could put our Christmas tree up in the sunroom so he was landing in the lovesac. It actually looked like a lot of fun!

I love this age. Josh has such a cute little personality and is learning new things so quickly. He amazes me. He always adds some excitement to my days! I love you my little monkey!

What a cute little monkey!!

I just love this kid!

He also likes to prove he's a monkey by hanging on the doorknobs!!

Thanksgiving

2008-12-02T18:50:00.000-08:00

What a great holiday Thanksgiving is! Not only is it a time to sit back and think about all the blessings in your life but you get to stuff your face while you do it! This year we went to Mark's sister Michele's for Thanksgiving. His sister Cindi and her family drove in from Virginia and his Mom was there as well. We had a great time playing games and eating all weekend long! Josh had a ball playing with his cousins. There are 5 kids in Cindi's family and 3 in Michele's and then our 2 made 10 little munchkins running around and it was fun! The weather was fantastic so the kids spent most the weekend playing outside. On Friday the boys stayed home with the kids while all of us girls went out and hit the sales!! We took advantage of this time without the kids and stayed out until 10 that night! It was a nice relaxing day!!

Mackenzie, Carter, Audrey, Lauren, Tyler, Josh, Connor, and Jonathan

Drew, Lance, and Mark sneaking turkey before the feast!

Josh, Audrey, and Lauren (they are twins, aren't they adorable!!)

Who Needs Pockets?

2008-11-25T17:23:00.000-08:00

Mark forwarded this video to me and I thought some of you would get a kick out of it! I don't know how this mom could stand there and watch her little girl do such a thing! I know I would be freaking out...how about you??

Fun at the Science Center

2008-11-24T11:08:00.000-08:00

So my good friend Haylie stopped by today because she wanted to show me this cool application she found where you can do fun collages with your pictures. This is BAD news! I thought blogging was addicting enough...no I was wrong. This application is way too much fun! It is like scrapbooking but digital and for your blog. I LOVE IT! So this is my first little creation and I am sure there will be many more to come!! Thanks Haylie for having patience with me and my 2 little munchkins as you taught me all the tricks!

A couple of weekends ago Marks sisters family came to visit. We had a great time with them! It was a rainy weekend so we took the kids to the Great Lakes Science Center in downtown Cleveland. It was a lot of fun! There is this great kids section there and they really enjoyed playing. I don't know who enjoyed it more though, the kids or the dads! Mark and Lance filled up this big bucket with the balls and then had all the kids lay under it and dumped the balls on them!! Josh loves being able to play with his cousins and asks me all the time if he can go to "Shells" (Michele's) house. It's so nice to live just a few hours away!!

Oh Where, Oh Where Has Fall Gone?

2008-11-18T20:44:00.000-08:00

I really enjoy living where there are four seasons. I don't think I could live somewhere that didn't have all four. I love the changing colors during the fall and the crisp days, cool enough for a jacket or sweater but not so cold that you need a coat. This year is flying by. It seems as if here in Ohio the fall has come and gone and winter is setting in. For the past couple of days it has been snowing and believe it or not, I LOVE it! I love that we had a nice warm summer, a decent fall, and now it is time for winter! It's coming just in time for the holidays! I feel like this time of year feels complete with a little bit of snow on the ground!

Living in Rexburg for the past 3 years, I really missed the changing colors of fall! It seemed out there, despite the fact that there aren't many trees, that fall was almost non-existant. It felt like it would go from summer to winter and back to summer! So I am really enjoying being back out east with all four seasons and so many trees!!

A few days ago we went to Huntington Beach, it is right on Lake Erie, and had a picnic. Mark and Josh played a little football (as much as you can with a 2 year old!) and Natalie and I cheered them on! The trees were gorgeous, the air was crisp, it was the perfect fall day!

Better late than never!

2008-11-06T07:18:00.000-08:00

Over the river and through the woods to Grandma's house we go! (Actually more like just a 6 hour drive!) A couple of weeks ago I got up the courage and drove, by myself with both kids, to my parents house in Maryland! If you know me, I am not so good with driving. I don't know what it is about the car, but once it starts moving I get sleepy. So I was a little bit nervous about driving out there without Mark to keep me awake, but I got up the guts and gave it a shot! We weren't even out of Avon (the town we live in) and I almost turned around and went back home. Natalie was crying and Josh was yelling "I want out! I want out!" I was thinking what the heck am I getting myself into! Well we kept on going and 2 stops to feed Natalie and 6 hours and 45 minutes later we made it! Alive...in one piece! I was pretty proud of myself and we sure are glad we went. We had a great time! Josh LOVES wrestling around with his Uncles and reading with Grandma. And of course, Natalie just eats up all the attention she gets! I figure that while I live so close to family I need to take advantage of it and spend as much time as I can with them. We went down for the entire week and loved it!

Uncle Aaron and Josh playing around! Josh adores Aaron and likes to tease him!

Playing Wii Mario Kart. Let me tell you it is NOTHING like N64. I would dominate in the N64 version. But on the Wii I am lucky if I even finish the race! It was fun though!

Uncle Max has a paper route and Josh thought it was pretty fun to play in them that morning!

Grandma and Natalie having a good time together! That little girls smile is contagious!

Josh thought it was pretty funny to wear Grandma's glasses!

While we were there we went to Hershey Park in Pennsylvania. It was such a great park to take little kids too because there were so many kiddie rides. I wasn't quite sure how Josh would like it but he absolutely LOVED it! There were some rides that we had to go on over and over and over because he liked them so much!

When we first got there we measured Josh to see what candy bar he was so that we knew which rides he could go on. He wasn't quite tall enough to go on the Hershey Kiss rides he was a Miniature Kiss!

This was Josh's very first ride to go on and I wasn't allowed to go with him. I didn't think he would actually go without me but he climbed right on in, I buckled him up, and off he went all by himself! Most parents would be so excited for their little ones and I was, but I have to admit a part of me was sad. My baby boy is growing up. He is starting to do things on his own and it tugged at my heart strings a little! But I was proud of him too!!

The rides that go round and round make me sick so Uncle Aaron would go on those ones with him! This rocket ship would go up really high if you pulled on the steering wheel inside and Uncle Aaron showed Josh how to do it so the entire time Josh had them flying high!

Natalie was the best baby all day! She just hung out in the stroller and didn't complain one bit. In fact she was so smiley all day! It was a bit chilly so we kept her bundled up in the stroller!

Josh will eat ice cream anywhere. It doesn't matter if it is cold outside or not. He really liked the Dippin Dots and just for the record that wasn't his only cup of them that day!

Josh rode the "Choo-Choo" with Grandma!

Uncle Aaron and Josh fed the ducks from the top of the bridge!

We all rode the Sky Tram around the park. Natalie enjoyed this part not being in the stroller!

Josh loved riding the airplanes. This is one of the rides he went on over and over and over. It was so sad because the last time he went on the ride he said "Ouchie Mommy" and pointed to his tummy. I can only imagine what riding that thing 7 times in a row would make your stomach feel like!

The Frog Hopper was Josh's all time favorite ride. I can't begin to count how many times we went on this ride! I didn't mind it at all because it just took you straight up and then dropped you. Josh thought it was hilarious! He had so much fun on the froggy ride!
We stayed the weekend for General Conference and then we headed home Sunday night.

Natalie and Grandpa watching Conference together.

Josh, Uncle Max, Me, and Uncle Aaron watching Conference together.
We had such a great time visiting my family. I know that we will be making the trek out to see the fam a few more times before we leave Cleveland! Thanks Grandpa and Grandma for letting us come crash for the week! We had too much fun!!

tRicK-or-TreAt

2008-11-03T12:28:00.000-08:00

This was Josh's first halloween to go trick-or-treating. Last year our little apartment complex did a trunk-or-treat for the kids but it was little. So this was his first year to get in on the real thing. My parents and little brother came to visit for the weekend so "Uncle Mack" went with Josh up to the doors. At first I don't think he quite understood the whole concept. But by the end he was going right up to those doors and sometimes when they would answer the doors Josh would walk right on in! It was cute. Josh had a ton of fun trick-or-treating!

Uncle Max taking Josh up to his first house...

Walking along with Grandpa...Josh was a little slow especially when his bucket got so full!

There was someone dressed up as Elmo and Josh was fascinated by him. He didn't want to leave. He sat right next to Elmo and even gave him a hug!

Josh went as a zebra, Natalie was a little kangaroo, and Uncle Max was a samurai!

Thanks for coming to visit Grandpa and Grandma! We had a great time!

Sweet Natalie...Growing So Fast

2008-10-16T06:09:00.000-07:00

This morning Josh and I were eating breakfast and I had left Natalie back in her bedroom on the floor playing. Usually she won't stay in her room, well make that any room, by herself. She doesn't like to be alone. But we were almost done eating and she still hadn't started crying so I went back to check out what she was up to and sure enough she was being naughty!! She isn't even crawling yet, but she knows how to scoot herself around, and this is what I found...

Babies grow up way to fast. Natalie turned 6 months about a week ago and she has changed so much! She is turning into such a sweet little girl. She is so full of life and already has the cutest personality. She is so smiley and giggly all the time. It is fun to have her in our family!

Her and Josh are becoming good friends. Josh is sweet with her and will share his toys with her (for the most part) but there is one thing he isn't so good about sharing and that is his cup! She loves to drink out of his cup and he will let her have sips but he won't let her hold it which she LOVES to do. So I went out and got Natalie her own cup. Now that she is sitting up by herself Josh loves to sit right next to her. He is a good big brother!

WE LOVE YOU NATALIE!

Bye Bye Paci!

2008-10-14T13:29:00.000-07:00

I am finally rid of the blasted pacifier! I don't know what it is with those things, but to Josh it was like crack. He NEEDED that darn thing in his mouth at all times. He wouldn't even be sucking on it. It would just be sitting in his mouth or hanging half way out of his mouth but it HAD to be in his mouth! Anyways I got sick of him always freaking out when it wasn't in his mouth and he didn't know where it was so we went cold turkey...bye bye paci! Actually, the baby turtles at the zoo needed them so they took them!

We went to the zoo this past friday and had a great time! I really like the Cleveland Zoo. It puts the Idaho Falls Zoo to shame! But we loved the Idaho Falls Zoo while we were there. Josh was very fascinated with the bears at the zoo but his all time favorite this time were the turtles, which are actually in a section of the zoo that is open all year long called The Rainforest. He went nuts over the turtles and wanted to stand and watch them all day! It was a good thing we did the zoo first and then the rainforest because I don't think we would of got to the zoo had we done the rainforest first!

Anyways, I am so glad that we are done with this whole pacifier business. I swear we were keeping NUK in business with how many we were buying here towards the end. Josh would rip holes in them every other day it seemed like. Although we have rid our house of them, Josh has not forgot about them. Everyday he asks about his paci and then says baby turtle in the same sentence. So he knows that the baby turtle has his pacifiers. So yes, we are having withdrawals over here...but we are done! Next on the list is potty training...any ideas??

Fives about me!

2008-10-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

Top 5 Movies

The Bourne Series
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
The Count of Monte Cristo
The Notebook
The Family Man

5 Things To Do Today Or Tomorrow

Go to the Cleveland Cavaliers Game!
Fold laundry (boooo...)
Make dinner
Give my kids baths
Get the mail

5 Things In My Purse

Diapers
Chapstick
Burp Cloth
Teething Tablets
Camera

5 Goals

To be a good mom.
To learn how to be a great cook. (Mark always appreciates a great home cooked dinner...lets just say I'm working on it!)
To work out. (Being a junk food junkie + Having had 2 kids = Out of shape!)
To get caught up with my kids scrapbooks.
To make the most of each day and to find joy in the journey!

5 Random Things About Me

I always clean the kitchen before I start cooking.
I must have the beds made every morning before I can get anything else done.
I love reality televison shows.
The thing I miss most about pre-children life is laying out by the pool with a good magazine!
I always enjoy a nice crunchy pickle.

Clapping Natters

2008-09-23T09:42:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we went down to Dayton, to watch our neice and nephews, while Michele and Lance ran in a 1/2 marathon. We always have a great time when we go to visit them! On the way home Mark and I heard clapping and Josh was asleep so we thought Natalie was clapping her hands and when I turned around to check it out, she wasn't clapping her hands it was her feet! It was so cute I had to take a little video of it!

"My Daddy Home..."

2008-09-16T16:37:00.001-07:00

Josh really misses his daddy when he is at work. Marks first week working Josh would walk around the house saying "Da-da where are you?" It was the saddest thing. I thought he had finally got used to Mark working but today Josh went and stood at the front door and pulled on the handle and said "My daddy home, my daddy home." He misses his dad, it breaks my heart! He has so much fun with his daddy. Even though Mark works he is still great about making sure when he gets home to spend as much time with the kids as he can before they go to bed. Here's a couple pics and a video of them having fun today!

My latest projects...

2008-09-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I love to do crafty things. It has been a couple weeks since I finished these two projects, I have just put off taking pictures of them. I got the idea for the huge bulletin board from Pottery Barn, but couldn't justify paying $175 for a bulletin board, so I decided to make it, with my own little twist to it, and I thought it turned out pretty cute! The desk was given to us from Marks parents and it was pretty old. It was this cherry colored wood with gold knobs...it didn't look like it belonged in our house! So together, Mark and I gave it a face lift. We put new knobs on it and painted it black. I actually like it now...it's always nice when you can use the stuff you already have and make it cute rather than going out and buying new stuff don't ya think!?!

Goofing off with mommy...

2008-09-11T08:21:00.001-07:00

When Josh is napping if Natalie is awake we play the whole time. Josh is definately a 2 year old! I don't know what it is with being 2 but I am ready for Josh to be 3. Josh is such a demanding child right now that when he is awake it is mommy mommy mommy the entire time and all attention is on him (poor Natalie...she doesn't know though!). No more playing by himself. And everything is "me do" so it takes A LOT longer to get anything done because if it involves Josh he must do it himself...and the tantrums do I even go there! Please tell me when he hits 3 the tantrums will not be so bad and the neediness will fade! Here are a few pics of Natalie and me having fun together...I just love having a baby girl...right now she keeps me sane!!!

I finally dug the exersaucer out of all the baby stuff and Natalie had a ball with it! What is it about these little toys that fascinate babies so much?? Whatever it is they are lifesavers for moms. I can get so much more done when Natalie is entertained...the only thing they need is a huge wall around them to keep big brothers out!

...Cookies...

2008-09-10T12:40:00.000-07:00

In the words of my mother "It is a sin to have an empty cookie jar!" I have not been the best at keeping my cookie jar full but I can say at this moment my cookie jar is full and Josh knows right where to go to get the goods!!

It's a fort!

2008-09-09T18:12:00.001-07:00

The other day I was feeding Natalie and Josh was being abnormally quiet so I knew he had to have been doing something he wasn't supposed to be doing. I come out into the living room and find Josh inside a fort he has built out of the cushions from the couch. He normally isn't supposed to take the back couch cusions off the couch, that is a no-no in our house (probably why he was being so quiet), but he was so proud of his fort he had built and I was pretty proud to. Look at how he constructed it...I think it is a pretty good fort for a 2 year old. I must say I was impressed!

Mmmmm...

2008-09-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

Natalie had her first bowl of rice cereal the other day and was a little unsure of what to think about it at first, but by the end I couldn't feed her fast enough! At one point she pulled the spoon out of my hand and stuck it in her mouth. What an independent girl already!

On the prowl...

2008-09-05T19:50:00.000-07:00

As many of you know about four months ago we purchased a cute townhome in The Meadows in Rexburg, Idaho. Well Mark got this great job in Ohio that we couldn't pass up so we had to leave our brand new place and move across the country. Well we decided instead of selling it that we would rent it out. So we had renters all lined up and turns out they won't be able to rent it after all. Now we are on the prowl to find renters for it. So it would help out a ton if any of you know anybody looking to rent a cute 3 bedroom 1.5 bathroom 1450 square foot townhome for $850 per month in Rexburg. Feel free to give them my phone number and I can answer any questions they may have! It is adorable and I was so sad to have to leave it. But we could really use all the help we can get in trying to find new renters...THANKS!

What a talented boy!

2008-09-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of my little Josh...he has taken after his mommy and grandma. Growing up my mom always picked up the house with her toes. If there was something on the floor that wasn't supposed to be there she would pick it up with her toes and then put it where it belonged. I always wondered why she didn't just bend down and pick it up with her hands...but now that I am a mommy I know why! I usually always have a child in my arms or something in my hands and it is just so much easier to pick things up with your toes rather than bending down. Well today I walked in on Josh trying so hard to pick one of his toys up with his toes...and he did it!! What a talented boy he is ;)

He's going for it...

He's trying...

He got it!!!

Labor Day Weekend Fun!

2008-08-31T15:59:00.000-07:00

This Labor Day weekend has been filled with lots of family and fun! We got together with Marks sister Michele and her family as well as Marks mom (Nana). We went up to Marblehead, OH on Lake Erie and took their boat out onto the lake! We had a blast water skiiing, riding on the hot dog, and having tube wars! We missed Pops who is in Iraq right now but have posted a lot of pictures for him to see! We miss you and can't wait until next summer when you can come with us. But we're proud of what you are doing and know that it is important. We think of you everyday. We love you!!!

Aunt Michele and Natalie hanging out on the boat!

Riding on the JUMBO Dog!

Mark water skiing...he's good!

Me, Mackenzie, Nana, and Mark. Lance went a little crazy driving the boat and I went flying over the front of the JUMBO dog...how that happened I do not know...but I got run over by the dog and when I went to get back on I accidently tipped everyone else off of it! We were laughing so hard we couldn't get back up onto it!

Even Josh wanted a turn! He was so cute. Nana would wave to him from the back of the boat and he would lift his little hand and wave back.

Josh just loves his cousins! It is so nice to be so close to family again. We sure missed it when we lived in Idaho. Josh and Tyler were being way too cute I couldn't help but take a picture!

Lance showing off his wakeboarding skills!

Mark and Lance were stuntmen out there on the dog! They would switch places on it and stand up and go with no hands and they even got onto each others back!! They were tricky tricky boys! This particular time, as you can see, they got bucked off!

Cute Nana climbing back onto the boat after we had played on the beach for a little while!

Lance and Mark having tube wars! Pops we think you would of had a blast and come out the champ at this game!! However, because you weren't here...Mark is the reigning champ!

Goodbye Rexburg...Hello Ohio

2008-08-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

These past 2 weeks have been bitter sweet. We were sad to leave Rexburg. It was where the "Critchlow Crew" began. It was the first place we lived after we got married and we started our sweet little family there. But it was time to go and we have made the trek across the country to Avon, Ohio. It is about 20 miles west of Cleveland. Mark was hired on with URS Washington Division (formerly Washington Group International) and started work on August 18 smack dab in downtown Cleveland.

I was not looking forward to to the drive out, but it actually turned out to be not so bad. The DVD Player was our saving grace for the drive. It also helped that we stopped in Denver, CO at Andy's house (Marks brother) for a day. Josh got to play with his cousin Ayva. They are cute little buddies.

We were also able to stop at my Grandma Barkers house, Josh's Great-Grandma, in Topeka, KS the next night. It was good to visit with her. She is such a sweet grandma. I just love her!

Finally on the third day we made it to Columbus, Ohio where Marks sister Michele and her family live. We camped out there and Michele watched Josh while Mark, Natalie, and I went to Cleveland to find a place to live. We found a place the second day we were up there and so we were able to spend the rest of the week at Michele's. She always treats us good while we are there. Josh had fun playing with his cousins, Mackenzie, Tyler, and Jonathan. And Natalie enjoyed all the attention she got especially from Mackenzie!

Although we were dreading the trek out, it turned out alright and we all made it in one piece! We absolutly LOVE the area we live in. It is such a cute town and everything is so close by. It's nice!!

Mark is enjoying being a "business man". He really likes his job. So we feel very lucky to be here in Cleveland and are looking forward to seeing more of the area!

Buddies

2008-08-04T21:23:00.000-07:00

Josh and Natalie are already buds. Josh wants her to play with him sooo bad. This afternoon I heard him in her room talking to her so I peek in to see what they were up to and this is what I found! So cute...

Sometimes he gets frustrated when she won't grab onto a toy he's trying to hand her! He's pretty good with her though. He's figured out that it works best if he just sets the toys on her tummy!!

Grasshopper

2008-08-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

It is another gorgeous day in Rexburg today so after church Josh and I decided to go on a little walk around our neighborhood. I love going on walks with him because everything is so fascinating to a 2 year old. We had to stop and look at every flower, rock, and bug we passed.

There was one bug we passed, a grasshopper, that Josh became intrigued with. It made him giggle everytime he got close to it because it then jumped away. At first it was hopping around in the street, but then it hopped onto a pile of dirt and rocks (we live in a new development so they are still building homes around us so we have many of these) so it was hard for Josh to get to it. So me, trying to be a problem solver, told him to pick up a rock and throw it at the grasshopper to get it to jump off the pile of dirt and rocks. I figured, he is just a two year old, he'll probably get close enough to at least make it jump. Well, I shouldn't have underestimated his aim, he nailed that grasshopper straight on. It was the saddest thing I have seen in a while. Josh was devastated. He kept saying "Oh, oh, he owie (ouchie)" and making the most concerned and upset face.

Josh looked at me like why did you tell me to do that. I felt horrible because he was so upset. It was all my fault that the grasshopper was dead. Josh is such a sweet boy and feels really bad when he does anything to hurt anyone. We had to stay there with the grasshopper for a while and the only reason we left was because I made him. I think he would of sat by that poor bug all night. I just love Josh's sweet personality. He is such a kind boy. Love you Josh...sorry Mommy told you to throw a rock at the grasshopper! (I know I will never do that again!! We learn from trial and error as parents right?!!)

Waiting...but enjoying it

2008-08-01T19:12:00.001-07:00

We are enjoying the summer here! Initially Mark was supposed to start work for URS on August 4 but because of all the paperwork that has to be processed before he can start the date has been pushed back until August 18 and I am not one bit upset. In fact I am LOVING these couple of weeks we are having as a family before we begin life in the "real" world!

URS provides a moving company to pack us up and move us out to Ohio so we are really being able to have a relaxing couple of weeks here in Rexburg before we make the trek out east not even having to pack ourselves up! It has been fun being able to go to the park and the duck pond and just hanging out as a family.

I have really been spoiled the last three years because all of Marks jobs have been sales jobs where he has been able to work on his own time and so we have been able to spend tons of time together as a family and I know I am really going to miss that. I must say, I am actually a little bit nervous to not have him around...well I guess he will be around but you know what I mean...not around ALL the time! It is going to definately be an adjustment thats for sure.

We are getting anxious to be able to get out to Ohio and find a place to live but we are waiting on the moving company to contact us and let us know when they will be coming to pack us up. Once they pack us up we are going to head out the next day. So until we hear from them we are going to continue kicking back and enjoying the lazy summer days!

Family Pictures

2008-07-24T23:53:00.001-07:00

It is hard enough to get everyone looking good for family pictures. It doesn't help when where you go rushes you. We went to JC Penney to get our pictures taken and it was a nightmare! First off, Josh was being a typical 2 year old and didn't want to sit to get his pictures taken. Then Natalie was hungry so I had brought her a bottle and the lady told me we didn't have time to feed her because there was another appointment schedule right following ours...ughh I was so bugged. So we took family pictures, Natalie was crying, Josh was not cooperating and I was not happy! After the pictures I went ahead and ordered some pictures...not pleased at all...and ended up returning them because I couldn't justify paying 75 bucks for pictures I wasn't pleased with at all.

That day I met a girl at the play area who is a photographer so she gave me her blog and told me to check it out and if I liked her work to give her a call. So I did...and she is amazing!! Her blog is http://www.katieportraits.blogspot.com/ She took our family pictures and we just got them back so I thought I would post a few of the pictures she took. If any of you are thinking about getting your pictures taken I would definatly recommend her! She does a great job! She is more than worth the money!

It's about time...

2008-07-24T15:49:00.000-07:00

I have had blog withdrawals lately!! We have been pretty busy around here this past week so my blog has been neglected. It's about time I update it to let everyone know what has been going on! My family and Mark's family came out for Natalie's baby blessing as well as for Mark and my graduation! We did it! Both of us finally graduated!! Mark finished with a BS in Business Finance and I finished with a BS in Child Development. It feels so good to be done, you have no idea...well a few of you probably know how good it feels!

Because all of our family was going to be out for graduation we decided to wait and bless Natalie when they would all be here. We ended up blessing Natalie on Friday in our home because our families were leaving on Saturday and wouldn't be here on Sunday. Mark gave her the most beautiful blessing. It looks like we are starting a tradition of blessing our kids in our home, Josh was blessed in our home as well.

Following graduation we went down to Bear Lake for a Vest Family Reunion (that is my side of the family!). My grandparents own a cabin on Bear Lake so it was nice to be able to go and relax and visit with family! We played lots of games, Mark went golfing with my dad, cousins, and uncles, and we spent time at the lake as well! Josh loves the water and had a fun time with his cousins (well they are actually my cousins...but they are the same age as my kids! I guess they are actually his cousins once removed or something like that!)

We are getting ready to head out to Cleveland. So it is going to be a little crazy at our house for the next week or so. We thought we were going to have to pack ourselves up and drive a moving truck out but it turns out URS (the company Mark is getting hired on with) actually arranges for a moving company to come and move us! So that is a huge relief not having to pack everything up ourselves! I think it will make this move a lot smoother. We are super excited about starting this adventure and will keep you all posted as to when we will be making the trek!

A Big Change!

2008-07-15T22:30:00.000-07:00

Well, the Critchlows actually have some exciting news! It all started about 2 months ago. For one of his classes Mark had posted his resume onto Y-Careers, a network the school has for students to upload their resumes so that employers can list job openings they may have as well as search for qualified candidates for job positions they have available. He recieved an email from a company, URS Washington Divison (www.wgint.com), who had seen his resume and wanted to have a phone interview with him.

As we all know, Mark would love one day to have his own business, and that had been the route we were planning on pursuing, following graduation, here in Rexburg so Mark didn't think much of this job. But he didn't want to let an opportunity pass by so he went ahead with the interview. After the interview he was notified that someone from the company would be coming to Rexburg to host an information meeting and would like Mark to attend the meeting and then would like to interview him in person the following day. After learning this Mark decided to do a little research about the company.

Many things about the company caught Marks eye and sparked interest (Granted, Mark hasn't had much interest in working for anyone at all). The more research he did the more he liked the company so he decided to take it more seriously. There were about 15 people interviewed the same day Mark was interviewed and they were told that they would hear back from the company within 2 weeks (this was a Thursday). Well Mark and 3 others from BYU-Idaho got a phone call on Monday (just 3 days later) and they wanted to fly them to Cleveland for a final round of interviews. Mark was excited!

Well Mark recieved a phone call today and they offered him the position in Cleveland! So he got the job and we are packing our bags!! Many of you may think we are crazy, seeing as we just bought a townhome here in Rexburg about 4 months ago, but we already have renters lined up and things are falling into place. We feel that this is what is best for our little family and we are excited to see what life brings us!! We can't wait to be close to family again and to go back east!

Sweet Natalie

2008-07-07T23:08:00.000-07:00

I just LOVE having a little girl. After having Josh I thought it would be fun to have all boys because Josh is such a fun little boy. I am glad that that didn't happen! I must say that Natalie is a doll. She is such a happy baby! The moment you walk into the room she lights up. She loves it when she gets attention. She eats it up! And she smiles and giggles so much that it makes you want to play with her all day. And not to mention getting to dress little girls up...all the accessories...it is too much fun!

Along with dressing little girls up...the other day Josh was being VERY 2. Throwing his fits and just being 2. So I decided it was Marks turn to deal with him and that I was going to put Natalie down for a nap. So I lock myself in Natalies room and start rocking her. Well she is smiling and not acting tired one bit. So I thought it would be fun to try some of her summer outfits on her. Remember...I left Mark out there with the little terror and I told him I wouldn't be long I was just going to put her down really fast and then I would be out to help. Well anyways I got a little carried away trying on all sorts of outfits and putting headbands on her and bows...you know having a little fashion show! Well I'm sitting there on the floor with Natalie and I hear a little "click." Mark was unlocking the door and I knew I was busted! I was caught red handed...not putting Natalie down for a nap but having a little fashion show! Needless to say, Mark thinks I use "putting Natalie down for a nap" as a little scapegoat from dealing with Josh!

But back to Natalie. She is my little girl and I could play with her all day if I had the time! I'm excited for her to grow and start interacting more, but I am definately enjoying the stage she is at right now. She is so cute and cuddly and her cheeks are so kissable!!

Giggles...

2008-07-06T22:49:00.000-07:00

Natalie is just starting to giggle and it is so much fun!!

Silly Boys!

2008-07-06T22:31:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Riot Zone. It is in a little town next to Rexburg that has a bunch of fun things like go-karts and mini golf and then this area full of those inflatable bouncer things that kids (and dads!) can go crazy in! Mark and Josh had a blast! It was a workout for Mark...2 year olds have quite a bit more energy than 25 year olds. Why is that? I think we should have more energy the older we get because we have to keep up with the little munchkins!

Happy July 4th!

2008-07-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July everyone!! I always love this holiday! I think it is so neat to see everyone wearing red, white, and blue and being patriotic. I just love the country we live in. We are so lucky!! We had a pretty fun and tiring day! We spent the day as a family at the zoo. Josh LOVED it! Lately he has been so fascinated by animals so he had a great time at the zoo today. We had to spend about 20 minutes at every exhibit...or so it felt! His favorites were the lions and the monkeys. He was growling at the lions what a tough little guy he is! Because it doesn't get dark until about 10:00 here we decided to pass on the fireworks. The kids go down between 7:00 and 8:00 at night....and Natalie is sleeping through the night now so nothing was worth messing that schedule up!! But after we put Natalie down for the night we went outside...even though the sun was still up...and did sparklers and poppers with Josh. He thought that was pretty fun! It is hard to see the sparklers in the pictures but I promise they are there!! Now that Josh is down Mark and I are going to kick our feet up and finish the night with a movie and rootbeer floats. Sounds so good right now! Here are just a few pictures of the zoo and doing sparklers with Josh. Enjoy!

I love Rexburg summers!

2008-06-28T19:41:00.000-07:00

We had a relaxing day at Porter Park today. Boy do I LOVE Rexburg summers! They are just perfect. It's not too hot outside that you are miserable. In the shade it feels even better! It's nice because it isn't too hot for little Natalie. So I park her in the shade, spread out a blanket, and we hang out while Josh plays and plays and never wants to leave! Oh yeah...Josh loves to wear his daddy's hat. He's such a stud!!

Taking Charge!

2008-06-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

Josh decided that he needed to wake Natalie up this morning...and she didn't mind a bit!

Daddy's Boy

2008-06-24T19:49:00.000-07:00

Joshua is such a daddy's boy. He has been so spoiled being able to spend so much time with Mark. When we were both in school we would do the baby swap so when I was in class it was just Josh with his daddy that whole time. Those boys would play the whole time I was in class. I would come home and they would still be in their PJ's wrestling or eating cookies or just hanging out! Josh adores Mark and now copies everything he does. The other day we were at the splash park and Mark was sitting on the bench and Josh came up and sat next to Mark so Mark puts his leg up across his other leg and Josh did the same thing...it was way too cute. I wished I had my camera, but I didn't! Mark is such a great dad and I love it that Josh looks up to him so much, I hope he always wants to be just like his dad!

Too cute for their own good!

2008-06-22T19:06:00.000-07:00

Thought these kids were being way too cute before church this morning that I had to take pictures!!

Summer Is Here!

2008-06-21T21:06:00.001-07:00

Finally, summer has made it to Rexburg, Idaho! I have only been waiting for 9 months now! This past winter has to have been the longest winter of my life. I must enjoy these next 3 1/2 months as much as possible because that is all we have left of summer!!

Today we all went to Rigby Lake. It was finally hot enough to go to the lake! I was somewhat worried that Josh might be a little too brave this year with the water, but to my surprise he only got in up to his waist...it was probably because the water was about negative 30 degrees or so it felt!! I don't blame the kid. He had lots of fun throwing rocks in the water and playing in the sand. The only trouble is he never wants to leave! He loves being outside...he takes after his mommy! Well I guess his daddy too! I am going to attempt posting some pictures of our fun at the lake with this blog, we will see how it goes!!

Trying to figure this out!

2008-06-20T13:01:00.001-07:00

I have no more excuses as to why I do not have a blog. I told everyone that I would do one once I finished school...well I finished in April and here it is June. It is about time for me to buckle down and figure out how to do this. I must say I do have a Bachelors degree but I cannot figure out this whole blog thing. It took me about 20 minutes to figure out how to do a post and I haven't a clue how to do anything else! So all you friends out there who keep bugging me to get a blog...I could definately use a little bit of advice on how to set this whole thing up!

Life is good I must say! Being done with school has got to be one of the best feelings ever! I get to play all day with my kids and couldn't be happier! It seemed as if summer was never going to make it to Rexburg, but it is finally here! It snowed last week, but we have been in the 80's all this week thank goodness...because I was seriously contemplating moving to the Caribbean if it didn't warm up! Josh, Natalie, and me have been spending our days at the zoo, the park, and the splash park here in Rexburg. I love summer!

Once I figure out how to do more on this I will post some pictures of our adventures this summer...but until then, this will have to do!!