Root-Canal

So, I had a root-canal yesterday. Yippee and all that jazz! (JK, it wasn't anything to be excited over!!) Luckily the tooth was already dead, so I didn't have any real tooth pain, but man o' man did my gums hurt! I had an abscess on the very back molar on the right side and after I had the root-canal I thought I was about to die! I was in so much pain! I didn't go back to work (minus the 1/2 I was there and then rushed out) so that in and of itself tells you how miserable I was. But, I decided the only way to stop the pain was tor relieve the pressure (pain drives you to do crazy things!!). I will leave the explanation at that, but know I feel 100% better today and the only pain I feel, which isn't pain just soreness, is where he gave me my shot. So, whew, I am back to the pain free, care-free Natalie everyone loves. I promise not to bite your head off now that I feel better--not that I was that mean before. Richard--I wish you luck on your root-canals. My endodontist is great, but sometimes pain can't be avoided.

Praying Baby

Well, I've been working on praying with Sarah, whether it is family prayer or praying over a meal or personal prayers at night. I've come to realize babies, in general, know a lot more than we give them credit for. So, I thought it was time we started including Sarah in our praying time/circle.

On Saturday, after Stake Musical Rehearsal, I came home and I was absolutely tuckered out. So I ordered pizza and called it good for dinner. I put Sarah in her highchair and told her to fold our arms, it's time to talk to Jesus (Sarah knows who he is so I thought it was better to relate prayer to Him right now instead of Heavenly Father). Sarah crossed her arms, it was so cute!, and I corrected her into folding her arms. She then bowed her head and began saying, in her own language mind you, her prayer. It was so cute!! I then said a prayer over the food and then congratulated Sarah on "praying" herself. It was so adorable! I wish I would've had my camera running just then. It was the most precious thing you've ever seen!

5 Year Anniversary!

Well, Jordan and I have officially been married and survived the last 5 years all while still being in love. But, by looking at this picture you'd say he loved the dog more than me, huh. JK, I caught this picture one morning and I couldn't resist the photo op!

Hmm, I think that is a some sort of milestone in today's day and age, wouldn't you say? Jordan told me last night that he wants to take me on a 7 day Alaskan cruise in May!! Yeah for us!!! I am so excited to go to the one state I've never been, but always have dreamed about! If I had a choice I would live in Alaska for part of the year and then come back to UT for Alaska's dark season. I love the mountains and the ocean and it is all mixed together in Alaska!

Missouri Pictures!

Jordan sleeping at the Denver Airport on the way to Kansas City, MO. He doesn't look too comfty, huh?While Jordan was sleeping, Sarah was on the go. I was walking around the airport with her in Denver for a while before Jordan took her for walks. It was cute, fun, and exhausting!!

We got to Kansas City without too much of a delay in Denver (they had to wait for the cleaning crew to show up, so our flight was delayed 30 minutes. As soon as we did, we talked a little and then I was off to bed with Sarah. The next day we went skeet-shooting and Sarah found a new friend! I wasn't sure of the dogs name, but Sarah called him "Daisy". So, I think that is his new 'adoptive' name.

Here is another adorable, one of my favorite pictures of Sarah Marie, my little angel!

Here is a picture of Lincoln (Sarah's cousin), Jordan, and Sarah all reading together. Isn't that just adorable?! Well, I couldn't take just a picture of Jordan reading with the kids, so here is one of Rob and the kids.

Sarah and Lincoln got along well and by the end of the trip they were finally sharing (well, sort of). They are really cute together!

Here is one of my favorite pictures of Lincoln. This was taken at the Steamboat Arabia Museum just outside the entrance. Cute, huh?

We can't forget Isabella either. So here are some pictures of her and her and Sarah.

I have plenty more pictures, but I can't post them all here. But, these are some of my favotires from the trip. (Rednecks use a stroller as a gun rack...) The second is a picture of Sarah and Jordan asleep at the Denver Airport on our way home. Precious, huh!

Christmas Pictures! (Finally)

Auntie Roo, cousin Abby, and Sarah reading a book at the Harris Christmas Party.

Sarah was a bunny (since it was either that or a cat) in the manger for the Christmas Pageant.

Sarah opening gifts at the Harris Party. (Isn’t she cute?!)

Anna putting bows on Sarah’s head Christmas Eve.

Sarah on Santa’s Lap at the Harris Christmas Party.








Jordan Christmas morning…doesn’t he look chipper?!

Same to be said about Anna on Christmas morning…she looks like she is in pain!! I guess 6am is a little early, but hey, I am up earlier than that every work day of the week!

Sarah opening gifts on Christmas day.

Jordan helping Sarah open gifts Christmas morning.

Sarah got a rocking horse from Santa!!

Look at all those gifts! Too much if you ask me, but hey, Jordan went a little overboard (as always!)

Jordan helping Sarah at Nana’s open a gift Christmas Day.

Sarah got a 4-wheeler from Nana and Bompa!

Sarah giving lovies to her little baby Nana gave her.

Sledding at Green Canyon with Mommy, Daddy, Bompa, Daisy, Chubbs, and Auntie Roo.




Daddy sledding with Sarah and Daisy barking encouragement (or rather just being annoying!).

Bompa sledding?!

Auntie Roo! My camera was doing something a little odd in the bright sunlight, but hey, it makes her look like an angel.








Sarah in a Santa hat. Isn’t she cute?!

Missouri Trip

Well, Missouri was a blast! I was so glad we flew instead of drove!!! Especially this time of year when the Midwest is known for their sudden ice storms. But, the weather for the most part was beautiful. We flew in, Jordan, Sarah, Lynette (Jordan's Mom), and I on Dec. 31st. It was late and we made it to Rob's home just before midnight. So, we celebrated quickly with some snacks and such and then (for me and Sarah) it was off to bed.

Lincoln and Sarah met each other the next day. Lincoln just wanted to kiss Sarah, but Sarah wanted nothing to do with kissing boys!! That's my girl!!! They both, by the end of the trip, learned to share...well, a little anyway. Isabella is so precious. She is so content and well mannered, even for being 4 months old. Her temperament reminds me of Sarah when she was little. Just glad to be there and to have people to love her. Cute little thing!!

I have pics, but my Mom has my cord at her house, so I have to wait to post them until then (sorry!!). But Lincoln and Sarah both had fun running into Lincoln's room, reading books, playing with stuffed animals, and just toddling around together. It was so cute and fun! I am glad they get along. Oh, and Sarah is only a hair, literally, shorter than Lincoln. Talk about a family destined to be tall!!!

The next day we went skeet-shooting. It was great. I didn't do to well, but hey, I wasn't used to Rob's gun and that is my excuse and I'm sticking to it!! We put some ear plugs in Sarah's ears, covered her head and ears with her hat, and called it good. Sarah tagged along and spent the day with Uncle Rob, Da-da, and ma-ma shooting. It was great. It was cold, but fun.

The next day we went to Rob's Auction house in Kansas City, MO. It was really neat! He has two back offices, public bathrooms for when he holds live auctions, a kitchen area for a caterer to come in, and a large open area to hold several people bidding on items. It was really neat! After that we went to an authentic Greek restaurant and ate. Sarah chowed down their homemade pitas like it was going out of style! Lincoln decided he didn't want to eat, but sleep instead, so we hurried and ate and rushed back to the house for the kids to take their nap.

On Saturday we went to the farmers market downtown, or close to it, and went to the Steam Boat Arabia museum. It was so neat!!! This steam boat sank in 1896 with a full bed of cargo. No one died, but one mule didn't make it off before the boat sank. Since steam boats used a lot of lumber to operate, the people would cut down trees along the shoreline. Over time the river changed course and the Steam Boat Arabia was no longer under the Missouri River, but somewhere deep underground under a farmers crop field. In the 1980's some adventures sought out to uncover the steam boat and find the missing 400 crates of Kentucky's finest Bourbon. It only took 3 hours to find the boat. It took another 3 days to mark the outline of the boat with flags above ground, and then it took a month to uncover. Once this was done, the farmer gave them 4 months to extract everything they could because he had to plant his crop in the spring again. So they took everything they could, including dishes, canned pickles, buttons, beads, cast iron kitchen supplies, nails, chewing tobacco, pipes, etc. However, they only found a whopping 27 cents. They assume everyone back then would've carried their money with them when they abandoned ship and somehow only one person packed their money in their luggage. If you have time to check it out someday, do. It was so neat!! They have the largest collection of pre-Civil War artifacts in the nation.

Sunday we hung out and just relaxed. Reggie and Dixie, Rob's stepbrother and his wife, came over with the kids and had some cream of broccoli soup I made. We chatted for a while and then they took off. We packed and got ready to leave because we had to wake up early on Monday to catch our flight. So, all in all, it was a fantastic trip.

Merry Christmas One and All!!

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I am planning on having one myself!

I just wanted to write a little about this year so far, 2008. Some of my favorite memories from this year are:

1. Grand Canyon. Our first official trip with Sarah Marie. How could I forget the long drive to Arizona with a little 8 month old?! Sarah took the drive pretty well considering. She didn’t, however, like to be alone in the back seat of the car, so either Jordan or I had to ride in the back with her. As soon as we got to the Grand Canyon Sarah was better, mostly because she was out of the car! Perhaps she gets claustrophobic like Nana…? Justin and Lindsey met us there the following day and they we were off to explore the Canyon. It was beautiful there, flowers were in bloom, the weather was nice (although the wind blew often), and the sun was out. A complete change from SLC that still had snow on the ground! We didn’t explore down into the Canyon, I was afraid to take a baby down on the steep, narrow trails, but we did see every lookout point we could. My favorite moment of the trip: Sarah falling asleep in her backpack and snoring!! Cutest moment ever!!

2. Cottonwood! How could I possible not mention the most wonderful place in the world?! Sarah’s very first trip to heaven on earth. The weather was perfect for doing pretty much anything! 4-wheeling, hiking, and we can’t forget fishing! Luckily Nana watched Sarah Marie while Jordan and I fished, but Sarah did join me a few times. I am a fish-aholic—mom’s word. Sarah took a ride on the toonee with Nana, Dada, Mama, Auntie Liz, and Cousin Abby. It was great fun. When Sarah spent time in the cabin it didn’t take her long to find the stairs either. That little munchkin just wanted to climb! Do I have a mountain climber on my hands?! Sarah also tried her first bite of fish. She didn’t eat a lot, in fact only a bite, but she did eat it! Yeah for Sarah! Later on the trip we hiked to Dead Lake (Slide Lake is the official name). Sarah enjoyed sitting behind Dada and eating cookies. Her face was messy, her clothes were messy, but she was as cute as ever when she fell asleep with caked on cookie all over her chubby cheeks! What a moment to remember!! Not to mention, this trip was also Sarah’s first 4-wheeling ride with Dada! Yeah!!

3. Bear Lake. Second place on earth to be!! Sarah only had 3 or trips there this year, but all were a blast! We spent Memorial weekend at the lake, only to be frozen stiff!!, but it was great fun. We played on the swings and cards inside. We later went again in June and spent a fun weekend at the beach with the family and Daisy Mae. Daisy loves, repeat, loves the water!! I can’t get my dog out!! Daisy played fetch, dragged in anything she possibly could, wanted to ride in the boat (which she couldn’t), and followed us everywhere we went. Sarah enjoyed playing on the sandy beach, tasting a few seashells and rocks here and there, and playing with cousin Abby. For Sarah’s 1st birthday we went to Bear Lake with Nana, Bompa, Uncle Jon, Auntie Roo, Auntie Liz, Abby, Uncle Mike, Uncle Adam, Auntie Roo, James and Martha (Jordan’s cousin and wife), Phillip, Luke, and Lindy (their kids), Grandma Resch, and Great-Grandma Opal, Uncle Robert, and Auntie Anna, Meghann and Richard, and of course Mommy..whew…I think that is all who came!! We played on the beach all day, I made an under the sea cake, we had a piñata, presents, cake, and Bompa’s famous homemade icecream!! It was a beautiful day and everyone had fun playing in the sun. This is bound to become a tradition!!

4. Sarah’s first steps. Wow, that was a doozy! I never thought Sarah would all of the sudden stand up and start walking! We were at Great-Grandma and Grandpa Harris’ home playing with cousin Colin (my cousin Nicole’s son) and Sarah decided right then and there she was going to walk from the couch to the coffee table. I was watching Sarah and Colin play while lying on the ground and I turned around to see what Sarah was doing and walla! she was taking her very first steps!!! I freaked out and she fell on her bottom, but I scooped her up and kissed her, congratulated her for walking, and set her back down to see her take another 7 steps or so!! Yeah for my little achiever!

5. Sarah’s first two-word sentence. Sarah spoke her first two words together in October. One Saturday morning I woke up, changed Sarah for the day, and set her down to put on some socks. Daisy came walking in her room and Sarah squealed with excitement since she loves Daisy Mae to death, and said “Doggy-doggy!” I smiled and motioned for Daisy to join us. I patted Daisy on the head and Sarah followed suit, and added in “Good dog! Good dog!” My mouth dropped open and I stared at her in wonder and then added, “Yes, Sarah. Daisy is a good dog…most of the time.” We all know Daisy has a little devil in her that tells her to be naughty, but overall my beast is a great dog and takes care of Sarah too (or so she thinks by licking Sarah’s face that it is really cleaning her up and doing me the favor.) But, what other dog would allow a little baby-potential-monster climb on her back and ride her like a horse?! Sarah was right; Daisy is a good dog.

6. George. Sarah’s favorite stuffed animal Nana gave her while Jordan and I were on the deer hunt. Sarah clings to that monkey like her life depended upon him. He is her security blanket, so to speak, and she holds on to him for hours while we drive up to Nana and Bompa’s home in Logan. Even when she is hungry in the car she doesn’t drop George to eat with both hands. George is her little lovie! Heaven forbid we lost him, I wouldn’t know what Sarah would do without him!!

7. Stuffed animal kisses and nothing for Mommy or Daddy! Sarah loves animals. It doesn’t matter if they are t-rex or a tame lamb. Every animal toy she sees, and sometimes live ones as well, gets kisses and hugs from Sarah. Mommy and Daddy though, well, we get nothing. So, Jordan and I have resolved to “steal” kisses from Sarah. She’s too little to tell us no, so we pick her up and smother her with kisses! Her chubby cheeks need just as many kisses as the stuffed animals do!! Needless to say, Daisy Mae gets more kisses from Sarah than I do!! I think I just may be a little jealous!

8. Stake Musical. A project a year in the making has finally come to pass! Yeah!! I wrote the script and came up with a story line about accepting others for who they are and not changing who you are to be accepted. I incorporated songs from different musicals into the script, changed lyrics here and there with Anna’s help, and presto!...we had a start. Little did Anna and I know this was only the beginning. We sought approval from the Stake Presidency and 4 months later we heard back from them with an astounding “yes, let’s do this!”. Anna and I are still ecstatic that something we created is in the works and others are just as excited to do the show are we are! We have a cast and now we have a lot of practicing ahead of us.

9. My book. Yes, that is right, I wrote a book. I started the book when I was pregnant with Sarah Marie. I had this vivid dream one night about two sisters, who had complete and utter respect for each other, but were sister’s nonetheless, who lived in the small town (or valley) of Star Valley, WY. Set at Cottonwood. Go figure I could write a book about two sisters, who in the dream resembled Becca and me quite well, who one wanted out and the other wanted to stay put forever. This dream was so vivid, it lead to me writing a book based on it. It is a science-fiction young adult book. Aunt Nola, bless her heart, helped me edit the book. Anna, bless her hear too, read the book five times over or more and helped me clear the story line as I went, edit, and give me advice. I also love hearing her speculations as well!! Now I am in the process of finding a literary agent who likes my book enough to see it get published. The industry is harsh, finicky, and tough, but I really believe my book as something special about it and has a lesson for everyone to learn (not that I am biased or anything).

10. Jon left on his mission. My little Jonny-boy brother graduated High School and moved on quickly to leaving on his mission. Wow, time flies! Jon was dropped off at the MTC October 22nd preparing to learn a new language (Cebuano). Jon left for the Philippines the Saturday before Christmas and is now in Carcar, Cebu, Philippines. He loves the people, is embracing their culture, and says “he is a babe-magnet” because he is blonde and blue-eyed. We learned before his mission that fair skinned, blonde, and blue-eyed people were the most desirable in the Philippines. So, I think Jon just may be running away from girls on his mission and not the other way around. Jon, however, is a pretty darn good looking blonde if you ask me. It must run in the family.

11. Aiden. My older sister Liz welcomed her second born, Aiden Robert Kempe. He was born July 23rd, 2008 at 11pm or so. He was born a little sick, but after staying in the hospital for a week he was ready to come home. I went and visited her then, a week later, and Sarah and I met Aiden for the first time! He is so cute, and still is! Liz loves repeating my famous words, “You better watch out Liz, Aiden is eye candy!” Needless to say, my words are still ringing true today. Aiden is going to be a little football star and Mike couldn’t be more proud.

12. Christmas. This was Sarah’s second Christmas, but one she actually could open all the presents by herself. Although, she was going really slow so I had to step in and help. Sarah got all her clothes from Auntie Liz (I am grateful for hand-me-downs!!) so Sarah had a Christmas full of toys and movies. Santa brought her a rocking horse, that gallops, neh’s, and moves his head. Sarah loves rocking on him. Nana and Bompa got Sarah a 4-wheeler! Yeah!! Now she can keep up with Daddy. I got clothes, a new purse, and had family surround me (which is all I really ever needed). Jordan got a new car stereo because his pooped out a while ago. It was a great Christmas spent with family and friends. Sarah even went sledding for the first time! Bompa, Nana (who stayed in the car), Auntie Roo, Chubbs (Becca’s dog), Daisy Mae, Daddy, and I were all there to witness Sarah’s first sled ride down the mountain side. We didn’t stay long, but the time we were there was worth it.

As you can tell, we had a wonderful year filled with great memories. Sarah has grown from a baby into a full blown toddler. I love my little girl and husband so much and thank the Lord every day that they are here to share my life with me. What better gift could I have than my family forever? I firmly believe it is nothing. God bless everyone and I hope you too have had many happy memories through this year and I wish everyone the best in 2009.