Good-Byes and Christmas Decor

Today we said good-bye to cousin Simone. It was sad to see her go. These creative girls performed plays, made crafts, opened a small and stylish cafe on the porch, among many other things. In a perfect world, we would never be far from our loved ones.

After we unwound a bit from the whirlwind weekend, we pulled down all the Christmas decorations out of the attic and unpacked a few after dinner. I am looking forward to cutting down a fresh tree on Monday to put by our front window. Here is a picture of Mary helping Cameron place an ornament on the fake tree.

Ashland Festival of Lights

Tonight we headed up to Ashland to see the Christmas lighting parade. It was small and quaint and it brought to my heart the magical spirit of Christmas.

Note to self: Arriving at 4pm was smart. parking up in the houses before main street is really smart, and bringing folding chairs and strollers was brilliant.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Delicious food, great fun, entertaining movie, perfect company. What a great day!!! I'm feeling so grateful for so much!

The Three Musketeers Reunited

Otto Roger, Debbie, and Simone arrived today from California. The kids took all of two seconds to reacquaint themselves and run off playing together. All the family came over and we ate a lot of pizza to prepare our stomachs for tomorrow. Aaron built a fire outside with the kids, we all watched the Warriors game. So happy they're here.

Fairyland

The kids spent hours outside today making this intricate home for fairies. When I asked Noah more about it later he said, "No fairies came, but there was a fly that laid on the bed...with his eyes closed...actually, it was a fairy TRAP!" I have no more details, just that they play so well together. I love it!

Parent teacher conferences

Today Aaron and I visited the kids teachers to check in on their progress. We learned that they are both doing very well. Mary's teacher said she takes home some of Mary's stories to read to her husband. She gave us a file folder full of her creative stories. I was also impressed with Noah's work. He was able to write a full sentence on his own with correct spelling. His story was about a snake, I wonder why that was on his mind (missing snake next door, maybe)?

Both teachers gave us samples of their work. I thought these Thanksgiving papers really matched their personalities. Noah is thankful for family and food; and Mary for trees because they give her paper to write on. So cute.

Meet the author

The second Mary sees a piece of paper and a writing utensil her hand involuntarily grabs it and begins to write. Mary loves to doodle, draw, create stories, notes, songs, poems, just about anything. This is one that she wrote at church today. I am going to type it out to make it easier to read. Just so cute. And I love her illustrations, especially Cameron's bottle and diaper.

All about the Nadauld Family

So this is the Nadauld family. So the oldest is my mom. Her name is Allison Nicole Nadauld. She does a lot of things for our family. I'll name some things she does. She packs my lunch, she makes dinner, and breakfast, she cleans the house, she pays a lot on us (I think that means she spends a lot on us--I'm good at that), she makes projects with us. So she does a lot.

Next is my dad. His name is Aaron Dyreng Nadauld. And he does a lot too. He drives us to school. He makes money for us. And when he is at work sometimes we come visit him. And I hope he has a good time at work.

And next is ME! My name is Mary Elizabeth Nadauld. My most favortie thing to do is to play outside, color, and play with my brothers and sister. So ya, that's me.

Next is my brother Noah. He is 6. Noah, he is just the best brother you could ever have! We always spy on people together and I just have to say I love playing with him. And the next is my sister...Nicole Christine Nadauld. She is soooooo cute and sooo fun. And the last, but not least is Cameron Dyreng Nadauld. He is soo cute. I love him. Ya, that's it.

Bless My Parents

A few weeks ago, when we were living in the sick house I was aching for a good night's rest. So I asked my parents if they would stay at our home while Aaron and I went to sleep in some quiet cozy hotel room. They agreed...bless them. When it got closer and things became a little more normal I realized I didn't need the night of sleep as much. So, I told my mom we weren't going to do it anymore. She then offered to have my kids at their place and since she insisted I didn't fight it much (or I should say, I didn't want to fight it much).

Yesterday after my mom babysat while I went ot lunch with a friend, she babysat again. The kids got the royal grandma treatment...dinner, snacks, movies, games, questions---except with all the grandkids, making it a real party. Aaron and I went out to a dinner and movie and then we came home and went to bed early. I felt like I was on my honeymoon again. I loved it. I ended up sleeping for nine uninterrupted hours in the dark, no night lights, no leg pains, it was amazing!

And the kids? They had the best night ever. Cameron keeps asking when he can go sleep at Grandma and Grandpa's.

With all that rest the morning started with a bang...chores went so quickly I felt like I has been granted a day of super powers. After watching the tragic loss of our Cougars I even had enough energy to complete a few projects from my "forever" to do list...like, clean and organize the laundry room. I'd take a before picture, but that would be too embarrassing.  There isn't a lot of space in there, but I managed to make it my catch all for a long time now. Every cupboard, bin, and shelf was cleaned, organized, and it feels so good! All thanks to the help of my blessed parents. Love them so.

Frost

The kids woke up this morning to a blanket of frost. "Snow!" they shouted. But it wasn't. That didn't stop them however from spending the next hour gathering and layering up with snow gear. Out they marched around the field collecting the couple millimeters of frost to make a snowman ("frosty" pictured below...can you see the face? carrot nose, eyes, and start of mouth?). There were frost angels, slides across Sarah's frosty porch, and perhaps a little licking of frosted grass and icy trampoline poles.

Mr. Why

Me: Cameron, it's time to get out of the bath.

Cameron: Why?

Me: Because we need to brush your teeth.

Cameron: Why?

Me: Because it's time for bed.

Cameron: Why?

Me: Because it's late and you need sleep.

Cameron: Why?

Me: So you're happy and can get enough rest for tomorrow night.

Cameron: Tomorrow? Why?

Me: Because you're sleeping at Grandma and Grandpa's tomorrow night, and you have to get rest or you'll be cranky, like me...right now...so hop out.

Cameron: Okay.

Me: Thanks son.

Cameron: You're welcome Mommy.

My Superpower

Mary and Noah dressed up like superheroes today for school spirit week. I made some capes last night with fabric, scissors, and hot glue...my kind of sewing. I kept thinking as I spent the day cleaning, doing laundry, and cooking, what superpower would I love to have. I think it's a toss up between telekinesis (ability to move objects with my mind) and super speed. Both would allow me to get all my projects done in a day with ease.

My little readers...

Mary is reading lots of fun chapter books these days. I love listening to her read with so much expression. Noah's reading is also coming along quite well. It's exciting to see it start to click for him. Now if I could only get my tooshie into that school so they could take some AR tests I'd be in really good shape.

I hope they call me on a mission

Noah listened really closely to the discussion the sisters gave in our home this evening. I kept wondering about the kind of missionary he will be someday. Have I mentioned how much I love Aaron's new calling? The missionary spirit is definitely in our home. I can't help but believe that this will have a  fantastic influence on our children's testimonies.

The little girl who was being taught today has an interesting story. Her mother, a newly divorced mother of three moved into an apartment near a member family that also just moved into our ward. The investigator, who has also played on Mary's soccer team for several seasons, became close friends with the members' daughter, even attending church together on Sunday. When the little girl first became interested and wanted to be baptized we learned that her mother is actually a member herself. She gave permission tonight for both of her daughters to be baptized and told us how happy her active parents, siblings, and extended family are. It's a beautiful story about how God is bringing this single mother back into the church...through her daughter, her sweet friend, and I'm sure a lot of prayers and pleadings.

I'm just so grateful for an all knowing and all loving God who watches over each of us.

Some Random Thoughts

1. I finally caught up yesterday on a lot of blogging. As with everything, slow and consistent is always the easiest path. I like the every day posting. I find it difficult when I get behind to catch up. It's just so much easier to spend five minutes a day and get it done. It's nearing the end of the year and I don't want to give up on my goal just yet.

2. I take really bad pictures. As I was looking at the quality of my shots yesterday, I was disappointed. I'm not quite sure how to remedy this situation, but I will definitely give it some attention.

3. This morning I gave a talk in another ward on obedience. I, of course, learned a lot about the subject and the more often I speak in wards the more I think on what type of speaker I'd like to become. I wish I could get up and speak for 20 minutes on a topic using a simple outline filled with lots of great stories. But each time I write a talk I rack my brain trying to think of applicable life experiences. Nothing ever seems interesting. This is one skill I would really like to improve upon.

4. After giving my talk I learned the following ward was having a ward conference, which we as a presidency needed to attend. We thought this conference was taking place next Sunday. It's a real blessing that I did speak and learned about the change in date. Two of us were able to attend their ward conference and do our sharing time for the primary children. This is one of those moments when you realize that you do all you can and the Lord seems to make up where we lack. I couldn't help but feel grateful and watched over.

5. The older I get the more I see the beauty in every individual I meet. My struggles to be a good parent and my many weaknesses have taught me not to judge. Everyone needs compassion and kindness.

Obviously, attending two wards today without having to care for any of my own children during sacrament has left me a lot of time to ponder and reflect. Thus, all the unconnected thoughts. I kept thinking today about the promise of taking the sacrament each week..that we will remain unspotted from the world. It doesn't just mean that we will remain worthy each week if we repent and renew our covenants, but to me, it also means that we will have added wisdom, strength, and insight to help carry us along throughout the week with proper eternal perspective.

My Brave Big Boy

If you ever say, "Oh my little baby" to Cameron he starts bawling insisting that he is not a baby, but a big boy. Two times this week Cameron used the potty. I am very excited at the prospect of being completely finished with diapers. Today he started taking his diaper off and saying, "I am brave, and I go potty in the toilet." Nothing came out, but at least it's on his mind. I bet it won't be much longer now. (Hopefully this picture is not too graphic.)

Mary's Team Party

Tonight Mary's soccer team headed to Bobbio's for pizza and certificates. Following the awards the girls went to Tiffany's for a late night party and then Annie came over for a sleepover at our house.

My Turkey

Noah created this turkey today with a little help. His "show and tells" are called "sharing" and kids get to complete and talk about a project to be displayed in the classroom. There are some cute turkeys hanging on his kindergarten window, but I'm a little partial to this one.

A Golden Ticket

I swear today as we toured Harry and David's facilities that I was stepping right into Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. I kept peeking around the corner in hopes of catching a glimpse of an Oompa Loompa. I can't believe I've never taken this tour before. The kids loved it, especially the bus ride and samples. I of course, found the chocolate room most interesting.

Mucho Gusto

Kids eat free on Tuesdays at Mucho Gusto. SInce it was a busy day teaching and preparing for joy school I was happy to take the night off. And I think the kids were too. It's just so fun talking together at dinner, always one of my favorite parts of the day.

Hair Cuts

For Veterans Day I decided to get the boys haircuts. They did pretty well, no complaining from Noah and no major crying from Cameron. We've been doing them at home lately and it's been a little difficult to keep them calm. Jaime did a nice job.

Family Dinner

We had one of Nikki's favorites for dinner tonight with the cousins...hawaiian haystacks. Then following the dinner and hanging out the boys went to Jared's and the girls slept here for a night of MASH on the white board and Full House on the TV. There is no school tomorrow. Cameron went to Grandma and Grandpa's for his own sleepover and Aaron and I got a quiet night of sleep with out any sickies in our bedroom. Glorious.

Nikki's Gymnastic Party

My week long headache is pretty much gone, I've developed a cough and raspy voice, not sure if it's the same bug or a different one. Some of the other kids got sick again along with Aaron. I am aching for a good night's rest. We've almost all been sick three times this month. But I think we're maybe on the mend, I hope.

I bought Nicole a gymnastics outfit. She hasn't taken it off for two days. Her party was very entertaining today. It was so simple and easy doing it at another location. It's nice to mix it up since three of the kids have close birthdays.

Mary's Ramtastic...AGAIN!

I had Mary's teacher tell me a couple weeks ago that Mary would be receiving the Ramtastic award for her class this term. She was the first person to earn it in her kindergarten class, this first person in first grade, and now the first in second. This is a real honor because it means that she is consistently well behaved and working hard in her classroom. Her teacher, Mrs. Peck told me that she is a real special girl, so well rounded and a real pleasure to have in class. I am so grateful she is kind and obedient. What a gift.

Fussy Fashionistas

There are a lot of nice clothes, mostly hand-me-downs, sitting at the bottom of Noah's drawers. The only clothes that get used washed, folded, and put away are a handful of items which lay on top of all the "uncomfortable and too hot clothes" I wish he'd give a chance. Hopefully no one calls child protective services for dressing my child in lots of t-shirts and shorts during the winter months. Unfortunately, Cameron is now developing this picky preferences and I'm just not lovin' it.

Piano Deal

I made a deal with Mary today. If she practices from now until Christmas with out complaining I will buy her a knock of American Girl doll. She is very motivated and I think it's the perfect reward for us both. This is the doll she has picked out if she holds up her end of the bargain...I'm positive she can do it.

Happy Birthday Darling Nicole!

Nikki fills my life with so much joy. I am so grateful she is a part of our family and that I get to be her mother. She is full of life and love. We had a lot of fun celebrating today. And we were happy to welcome her newest friend Hally or Stacy into our home.

A Loose Snake

Damian found a snake the other day. And since our hermit crabs basically starved to death we had an open cage that he could put him in. I wouldn't let him into our house, so he brought it to his place. I don't think he consulted Sarah. Well, sometime recently Cameron snuck over and I believe let the snake loose. I am hoping he let it go outside, but I am not sure it's possible to get the whole story from a two year old.

When Moms Get Sick

When moms get sick the job doesn't pause. The kids still need you, they still need to eat, still need your love and attention. That's when you push through and call on the help of others. I woke up this morning with chills, did my best to get the kids ready during Aaron's morning meetings, lasted through sacrament with a now sick Cameron, postponed the family dinner I had prepared for Nicole's birthday, stopped by primary to watch Nicole get sung to and get her birthday treat, then headed home with Cameron and Noah so we could sleep. My parents watched Nicole and Mary at their place the rest of the afternoon, Cameron wouldn't go to bed so he hung out with Aaron, and Noah and I slept on and off the rest of the day. Now we all have had it except Aaron. I'm sure his will come soon. And when he does I'll be sure to pay him back.

Tournament Woes

It was another long night. We decided after a lot of rest that Mary was well enough to play in her soccer tournament. I had a stake baptism to prepare for, so Aaron took the kids. Although Mary's team was undefeated the entire season we ended up losing both tournament games to teams we already beat. Apparently, the first team cheated and put in an unregistered player who was older than the rest of the girls. She significantly helped their team, but by the time the refs and association leaders realized what had happened it, it was too hard to remedy. The girls were pretty heartbroken about it all and I guess it affected the next game. Lots of life lessons learned today and I feel so grateful for our Super Coaches and all of their time and energy into helping our girls. It's been a great season!

Slowing Down

Welcome November! I am looking forward to things slowing down a bit around here. The fall fun is starting to float away like the fallen leaves. I got a call today from the school that Mary was sick and Noah is looking a little run down. I think our bodies are telling us that it's time to step back.