A year later Aunty Megs...

Well, Aunty Megs bought Angel this outfit last Christmas and it finally fits!! So cute!

Thanks Sophie!!

My friend Sophie, whom we now call Mrs. Claus, brought over these beautiful gifts the other day and Angel looks so cute in her new snow bunny outfit!!

I love Christmas lights...

Too bad we cannot keep up Christmas lights all year round, I love driving home to this:

Some things change, and well some...don't

I was remembering a post, click HERE, I wrote awhile ago....and after today, well...thought it needed a little editing...click HERE for the new version, changes in RED. I know, you moms of two or more are probably shaking your heads and jealous of "those times".

One of those days....

Well, without having to say much, let's just say it was "ONE OF THOSE DAYS." And then I read this post, and knew it was meant to be read at the end of "one of those days". Especially when I read and was reminded of Mother Teresa's quote: “I have found the paradox,” says Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, “that if I love until it hurts, then there is no hurt, but only more love.”

Haven't you heard this story?

Finding our Christmas tree....

Not liking the sink bath...

Emma didn't really like the bath in the sink...we might have to try the tub...for more sink bath pics (she has some funny faces) click HERE.

Singing ABC

Angel's new toy has the ABC song on it and she loves it....although I think she just sings "B" over and over again....gotta love her enthusiastic BRAVO though...

Taking Christmas Card Pics

Well, my folks came over the other night to try and take some pics for us for our Christmas card. Trying to get Angel to cooperate was a bit of a challenge...she would laugh when Grandpa fell over on the floor...but I think we got a few good ones....you might see them again soon!! ( I hope). I love the ones of the girls with my folks....Enjoy!

I can do it myself!!

Angel tried really hard to get in her toy by herself, but eventually got stuck and needed some assistance!

Too much to play with!

We were laughing so hard the other night, watch Angelica driving her "truck" around (which Marmee gave her as her big sister present)...then singing in her microphone at the same time...and reaching over to hit the buttons on her new toy from a coworker of Jason's.....maybe I should hide some of them so she doesn't feel like she needs to play with all of them at the same time??

Yes...it's a cheeseburger...

...I was not ready to cook yet the other day, and Angel was in heaven!!

Guess how much I weigh??

This past week, Emma had her two week check up with the doctor....remember she was 7 pounds 9 ounces when she was born...so to find out her current weight....check out the journal entry on her website....HERE.

Due Date....

Today was Emma Catherine's official due date. I have to say I am so glad to be holding her in my arms today and able to give her kisses. She is such an easy going baby. She grunts a lot and squeals a little bit, so as rude as it may sound, I have called her my "little piggy". Plus, the fact that she loves nursing and already seems to be filling out quite nicely. We go tomorrow for her first check up...will let you know the results!!

This is too cute...

Thanks Kate for the idea....we had to do the same!! (click on link)
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1170626707

Surviving the love of a big sister...

Changes...

This picture pretty much sums up one of several things we are getting used to. Two car seats, double the diaper duty, double the baby laundry, using words like "babies" and "girls", two babies fussing at once, both of our arms loaded when going to church, playing tag team with who is needed with which child...we are slowly figuring out a new system, how to re-classify "normal routine" and how to keep Angelica from smothering her little sister, which we think she likes! To see lots of pics and read detailed updates, please visit Emma's site, HERE.

Our first big snow...

Well, today we officially got our first big snow fall. We currently have about 3 inches on the ground. So while we are mostly staying indoors and enjoying the warmth of the fire, we decided to see if Angel liked the snow. She associates snow and anything that looks like winter with Christmas and Santa....so she spent the day pointing outside and saying "ho-ho-ho". But as you can see from the pictures, she would rather stay in and look at it as she didn't really like it falling on her or trying to touch it....maybe one day!

Thank you Great-Meme

Meme made Emma a beautiful blanket, just like she did for Angelica. It is such a precious gift to have, not only because it is hand made but because it is from their great-grandma and I know they will treasure it forever. Thank you Meme!!

Baby Hartsell has arrived!!

Yes, Emma Catherine made her grand appearance...EARLY! She arrived on Tuesday, November 20th at 3:24pm. 7 lbs 9 oz, 19 inches long. She is beautiful and healthy and HOME!! For all the fun journal details and lots of pics, please visit her website; click HERE. Thanks to everyone's prayers and support...especially Theresa Herring for being with Jason and I thru the entire labor and delivery and the Gray family for watching our sweet Angelica.....and everyone who has already stopped by, made meals, and just continued praying!! Enjoy the info and we will keep you posted.

Sad, but true...

Unfortunately, my sister's Junior year soccer season is over. Jason and I watched the live video Saturday of their Quarterfinal National Game in Orlando FL on our computer. Her team played so well, and at half time were winning 1-0. Then the other team tied it up in the second half, and after two overtimes, it ended up going to a shoot out, where the team lost, 4-2. Click here for review and stats. WAY TO GO CAITLIN, YOU PLAYED GREAT AND IT WAS FUN TO WATCH!! Now enjoy the rest of your time in sunny FL!!

Soccer Nationals Update

Caitlin's team had their first game on Thursday and WON, 2-0!! Click HERE for the game stats. Caitlin had an assist. We watched live video on our computer so it was neat to feel there, at least sort of there!! I think I even heard my dad cheering a couple times!! Their team is the farthest traveled to get to Daytona, and there was a good article written up about them in the paper, click HERE. They play tomorrow (Saturday) in the Quarterfinals....we will let you know how it goes!! For schedule and info on how to watch the game, you can go HERE. GO CAITLIN GO!!

Baby update...

...37 weeks, had a doctor's appointment yesterday...so click HERE for the details!!

I am a cool dude...

...sporting my ball cap from Grandmaw...my jean jacket from Marmie...and my Nike shirt from Aunt Caitlin. (oh yes, and I just got new sneakers!!)

I love bananas...

...especially when I get to hold and eat the whole thing all by myself!!

Soccer Nationals

Well, this morning I took my family to the airport as they are headed to Daytona Beach, FL for my sister Caitlin's soccer nationals. Her college, Concordia University, ended up ranked #4 in their bracket!! My grandparents that live in Sarasota will also be driving up to watch the games. Wish we could join them all at the warm sunny beach and cheer Caitlin's team on, but we will have to stick it out here in WA and watch on the computer!! If you want to see the schedule or watch the games etc, click HERE for the link and info!! Her first game is Thursday and we will keep you posted!! Good luck Caitlin!! (and mom I will try not to go into labor while you are gone!)

Big girl table

Along with a $20 Sealy crib mattress we just bought, another Craigs List find....a $15 kids table that Angelica loves!!

I can do it myself...

Angelica has entered that phase of wanting to do everything on her own, including going down the stairs. We have been working on going down on the bum so she doesn't fall....enjoy!!

Bella update

Looks like it is coming to Seattle...click HERE for link. Also watch this YOU TUBE video of the star, Eduardo Verastegui. Go and support this movie!!

My turn

Angel saw mommy getting her picture taken and wanted to do the same....thanks Marmie for the pretty dress!

36 Weeks...

Well, I am officially 36 weeks this week, in the ninth month, feeling very pregnant, getting bigger and bigger and just about ready to meet this little one. I am keeping the baby's website updated with journal entries and pics and such, so don't forget to check it out and leave a message. I loved this POST and feel like I could have written it here lately. So keep praying that all goes well this last month and stay tuned for her arrival!

Thankful

Yesterday, Angelica had one of those lovely huge poopy blow outs...out the diaper, thru the clothes, down the leg. Lots of fun and stinky. So we immediately headed to the bathroom for an afternoon bath. While I was bathing her I realized that I barely done this over the past year. Bath time, as it was with my dad, has become Angel's and daddy time. They play, splash and get all sweet and clean. I treasured those moments with my dad and I am sure Angel will too! It was kind of funny because she was looking at me at certain times as if to say, "Why are you bathing me? Where is my papa? and Papa doesn't do it this way!" I realized how blessed I am not to only have a husband that is such a huge support and help to me, but how blessed Angelica is to have such a caring and loving papa. Thank you honey for all the countless baths and more you do for us!!

All Souls Day

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And may perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
Click HERE for info on this special day and month!!

All Saints Day - November 1

While All Saints Day was yesterday,I thought it would be nice to post a little info on our family's patron saints. Click on pic to read.

My sentiments exactly....

...too much Halloween festivities!!

Our little elephant...

Angelica was an elephant tonight for Halloween. She loved the costume and making the elephant sound. We celebrated by making a trip to see PopPop and give him some goodies...

then off to the church for the All Saints Party (although we had Angel be the elephant from Noah's Ark)

...and then stopped by friends to say trick or treat! (Sorry if Angel left your table a mess Alan and Linda!) Enjoy the pics and sorry for the sideways video!! Happy Halloween!

Pumpkin & Cookie Time

Well, finally last night we got around to carving our pumpkins and baking and decorating our Halloween costume. We have had my youngest sister Alli help us every year since we have been married and it is quite fun. Mom and dad came over for dinner...which if I haven't posted this recipe before...here is it and check it out...WHITE CHICKEN CHILI. I used this COOKIE recipe and ICING recipe this year and they are both great!! I made my own pumpkin seed recipe of melted butter, seasoned salt, brown sugar and Worchestershire sauce....and it is good!!Grandpa was making Angel laugh a lot and if I can figure out how to transfer things from my video camera I will have to include some footage. Enjoy the pics...Angel had lots of fun eating the cookie dough, getting messy decorating her own cookies, but wasn't too fond of the scarecrows!! Will post some pics from tonight's festivities later!! Happy Halloween!!