{Just the Two of Us}

Stella was asked to give a talk one of the first Sundays in our new ward. Guess who gave the talk? Yes, it was I. Anyways, she was asked to give another one a few weeks ago. We practiced with her, and then Jonathan promised her a surprise.

So Sunday came, and she did beautifully on her talk. When we came home from church, Jonathan printed out a note for Stella. It was a invite to go on a date with him. They could go anywhere she wanted, and buy any surprise treat she wanted.

So yesterday, I could tell she was having one of those starving for attention days, and even though we played games, snuggled up and watched a movie, and made cookies... it just wasn't enough. When Jonathan came home from work, I suggested he take her on her date. It was just the ticket. She was so excited, and when she came home she could not stop talking about it.

I think it is so sweet to see my handsome husband making time for our amazing daughter. Just the two of them.

They went out to eat at Macaroni Grill, and shared a dish. They ate fish! I am sure Jonathan loved that, since I won't share fish with him. Then they went and browsed around Target, which is Stella's favorite store. She got to pick a prize from the $ section, and then she brought home a treat for Jex. Which I am sure was her idea. She loves to buy for others.

I am so thankful to Jonathan for making a special effort. I know it meant a lot to Stella. It was a nice night for me, because I got to enjoy some time with Jex. It was a reminder of how important one on one time is.

Grandparents Week!!

My parents came out to visit us this last week. It was so wonderful to see them. We have not seen them since March, so this visit was much needed.

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I loved every minute of having them in our house, and finally having a house to have them in. While they were here we:

*went shopping at The Handbag store I love, Hobby Lobby, The Container Store, Pottery Barn, and an Antique Store (just to name a few) I am so thankful that my mom shares my same interests when it comes to shopping.

*we ate at Waffle House (a tradition when they visit, gotta have a pecan waffle) YUM!!

*went to the river market in downtown Little Rock, and just browsed around the city.

*spent a long day at church. While they were here, I was sustained and set apart as the new first councilor in the Relief Society. I will be over the Enrichment part. The best part is that is my mom's calling too!! We can share ideas. It was nice to have them here to be a part of that.

As a side note: Jonathan was just called to be the executive secretary in our ward. He will do a wonderful job!!

*my wonderful dad, spent two days (while mom and I were shopping) running the heating and the air conditioning to our bonus room above the garage. He also did some other little tinker projects while he was here. He is such a hard worker, I am amazed at how hard he works!!Thanks DAD!!!

*we also got a babysitter, and went to dinner at a great BBQ restaurant. We enjoyed ribs, chicken, catfish, and the best rolls on the planet. My mom loved the onion rings too!! It was nice to be out and enjoy some time just us!!

*we also played some games at night when the kids went to bed, I taught my mom how to digital scrapbook, and we watched movies.

So much fun, crammed in to six short days!! We can't wait until you come again.

Thanks for the great visit Mom and Dad!! We love you guys!!

As many of you know, Isaac's middle name is Mark after my dad. I have been teasing him that Isaac can give a scowl just like him. What do you think?

He also looks a lot like my dad, so I think that it is fitting that we named him after such a wonderful person. Isaac has a lot to live up to with that name. What a great namesake.

{Visitors are the best... especially when it is your sis!!}

My sister and her husband get the first visitor to our new home award. It was so nice to have family come and see us. Lindsay was able to come to our old house last year, but Dave wasn't able to come with her. It was so nice to have them both this time.

The kids enjoyed every minute of it. I think they wore them both out. Dave pretty much played with the kids all day. We enjoyed having them hang out in our house. We made yummy food, went for snowcones(twice), played games and watched movies.

We also went to the zoo with them. We haven't been to our zoo yet, so it was really fun to go and check it out. I think we picked the hottest day of the year to go, but luckily we didn't melt.

One of the nights, we got a babysitter and went out. It was a blast. We went and ate at a place called The Whole Hog Cafe. It is famous for it's BBQ. It was so YUMMY!! Then we went to an Arkansas Travelers Baseball Game. They are a AA Team.

We were also able to celebrate Isaac's birthday. It was so nice to have them here. It is so hard to be away from family. You miss that connection with others. It was so nice to reconnect again, and get to know LIndsay and Dave all over again. Because we grow and change, it is difficult to know everything about our siblings. I think having them in our home allowed us to catch a glimpse of just how wonderful Dave and Lindsay are. We knew it all along, it was just fun to see it again, and to be with two great people.

We LOVE you Dave and Lindsay!! Thanks for a great visit.

P.S. Lindsay has the pics of the baseball game on her camera. Hopefully I can get them, and post them.

{Just ride it out.... and be prepared}

Yes... we are having the effects of the Hurricane Gustav. It has been very windy, and rainy here. This morning, we lost power for 6 hours or so. It makes you realize just how hard the people in Louisiana have it. I am praying that there power can be restored soon. 6 hours was extremely hard for me. During that time, I learned....

*How important it is to have flashlights handy

*That you should always know where your candles, and matches are

*That we need to buy some kind of lantern

*We need to find a way to warm up food with out a power source.(Let's just say Isaac did not love his cold bottle this morning, and didn't like waiting while we warmed it up in warm water.)

*I learned how to open the garage manually(I know, you are all laughing at this one.)

Jex eating his cereal by candlelight!!

All in all, this was a good reminder that we need to be prepared. Is my family prepared? NO!!!

We are currently working on our 72 hour kits, car kits, and food storage. Was I prepared to be at home without power? NOT AT ALL!! It was a good lesson for me.... PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE. PREPARE FOR EVERYTHING!!

I am grateful for the blessing that I have, and for the safety of my family, and surroundings. I pray that those who are watching these storms may use it as a reminder to BE PREPARED!!

Birthday bash...."Toadally Amazing"

We finally celebrated Isaac's birthday with cake and icecream. I wanted to wait to have my sister and her husband here for our celebration. It was a nice evening. We had some friends over, and just enjoyed talking and eating cake. Isaac was thrilled with the cake, and I think he even loved the icecream more. He was overwhelmed with everyone watching him, but once he got his mouth on the sweets he couldn't stop. It was a nice night.

"TOADALLY AMAZING"

Sidenote: HOW DO WE HANDLE FOUR BIRTHDAYS IN A MATTER OF THREE WEEKS?

I decided to have friend parties on my kids odd birthdays, and family parties on their even birthdays. That evens thing up for me a bit. This year was family for Jex and Stella, and that meant friend for Isaac. That way we know what to expect and I don't have to feel like a crazy person because I am doing something big for all of them. I love this idea!!