tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313130712024-03-07T05:56:31.439-08:00Oklahoma SkiesThe Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.comBlogger633125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-35669613933380284812012-06-29T07:54:00.003-07:002012-06-29T07:54:54.799-07:00webs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">to me, every hour of the day and night is an unspeakably perfect miracle.</span></div>
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-walt whitman</div>
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Last night, the four of us were in Hudson's room watching Charlotte's Web. Our babies stay up late. <em>Something I said I'd never allow for.</em> It's a terrible habit we've allowed during these long summer days. Hudson has always liked to wind down by watching a movie. <em>Something I said I'd never allow for.</em> He snuggles into my lap, and will switch back and forth between JR and I. An image came up of Charlotte spinning her web - and Hudson quietly said,<strong><em>"It's a miracle."</em></strong></div>
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I asked JR if he had just heard that, and he nodded yes. He's never said that word - much less, had an association with it. My eyes welled up. <strong>They see miracles where we don't.</strong> We protect them from spiders and webs, so they don't have to see the fear in them. We protect them, in life, until they are ready to face webs and such on their own. They see miracles where we fail to do so - out of fear, distraction, laziness, and so on. <em>My two year old gave me an unexpected look at my faith. Little does he know what a miracle, his tiny heart is...</em></div>
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</div>The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-21879842063008956532012-06-27T12:50:00.002-07:002012-06-27T12:50:39.725-07:00all because...Two people fell in love. No, for real. I'm a sap. Puppies, rainbows, babies, love stories, and babies. I fall for those previously listed things, in particular. I've recently been blessed with the opportunity to photograph friends, and friends of friends, and so on...it's a treat, really. I am SO thankful to get behind the camera and capture some really, really unbelievably neat people on camera. 'Tis true, that every photograph has its story. That's why I love it so.<br />
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Oh, and I have lots of favorites. Of all sorts of things. So, if we are ever having coffee or eating fried chicken together, and I tell you that 'such and such' is my favorite...keep in mind that it could be one of 77 favorites. Nonetheless, a favorite. So, what I show you next is a favorite morning in my journey into photography.<br />
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This family chose to be photographed, in a town I love dearly. It is where my husband grew up, and its a special place. Surreal. Its happy, green, and full of Jesus. That's where I came to know Him, actually. Another day, another story. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6pAZKVz2XkUTv7a8cj_Zn5nHy2iKtPAauJr77OaPwLZUnYfljdA15JEf-O2HdMz1VylCFLQhx1uonMJHiEUeXXGYjskTISXXeGYwtj_7XshLTZAd67BvwZAtT_vKRHqzjn3H/s1600/Enoch+Family3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6pAZKVz2XkUTv7a8cj_Zn5nHy2iKtPAauJr77OaPwLZUnYfljdA15JEf-O2HdMz1VylCFLQhx1uonMJHiEUeXXGYjskTISXXeGYwtj_7XshLTZAd67BvwZAtT_vKRHqzjn3H/s640/Enoch+Family3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This photograph shows each couple and their years of marriage. <em>This photograph is 199.5 years of marriage combined</em>. It gives me goosebumps when I see them all compiled. In fact, while editing, it made me think of how my grandchildren and great-grands will one day think of JR and I. <em>May we ever grow a family like this...</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLhJ7ePcD-rJkpqqhr3AweTBpc3m_8Xp8Bar8XtTjQtNpE9D0a2WKIXWDVJa_nyXGb2QqhulGRgdoSmtO3ZxFVWr-mpuUkU2I3fpPG_ntzW2Q7OCwUyBWyUt3wmfQU0iA2MEg/s1600/Enoch+Family2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLhJ7ePcD-rJkpqqhr3AweTBpc3m_8Xp8Bar8XtTjQtNpE9D0a2WKIXWDVJa_nyXGb2QqhulGRgdoSmtO3ZxFVWr-mpuUkU2I3fpPG_ntzW2Q7OCwUyBWyUt3wmfQU0iA2MEg/s640/Enoch+Family2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-56888081838265895632012-06-15T12:08:00.000-07:002012-06-15T12:08:09.363-07:00such a tease<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I left and then came back, and then left again. You probably haven't been teased like that since college. If you're still in college, then you're likely way too cool for this blog. There is envy in my words, too - if you are indeed in your college daze.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Don't fault me for missing the boundless freedom that exists only within those fast and furious years post-high school. I remember my Dad telling me shortly before my departure for OU, that the best days of my life were ahead of me. Like all things my parents told me, I believed it to be hog wash. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">He was right. So right. I attended a few social gatherings :) that's what I told my parents they were. Gatherings. When they saw my grades, I had to renegotiate the word 'gatherings'. My cover was blown. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I loved college. Seriously. This is a ramble. You must have left by now. Don't leave. I promise good things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Things are changing in my tiny 'ol space on the internets. Please, join me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Oh, and I missed you. I did. I said it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">{this is me, on my college football field, with small children running around me - one of them pictured is a child of mine - totally normal picture}</span>The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-45587160289312838962011-09-14T07:17:00.000-07:002011-09-14T07:17:11.450-07:00and...I'm back. Please, contain all that excitement.<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was asked a couple of times during my self-imposed blogging hiatus, if it was because we were just 'too busy' that I stopped. Yes, but yes and no. I got quite lazy. It's not that I didn't miss the sound of the keyboard and such, but what little time I have left in the day for <em>me</em> - tends to end with me watching my murder mysteries. That's totally embarrassing to admit, but honest nonetheless. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Confession above, I can tell you that there are things in our life that are for certain:</span><br />
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<img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/24.jpg" /> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">That my Bear and my Cupcake have grown. Immensely. He now a full TWO years old. He's a sweet little muffin. Still a lover of 'lammy', his bff - and his 'bopper' the pacifier that we've finally started to wean him of. We didn't even know the mouth full of humongous toofies he was hiding in there....and that smile. Oh, that smile. It's rare to catch him with a big grin, but when you get it, it's quite possibly as pretty as sunshine. He's a handsome little soul. There are favorites of his - his grandparents and Daddy, take precedence over just about everyone but Lammy. It is an adoration worth sitting back and watching. Babies can love completely uninhibited, and his big heart sure knows how. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cupcake is a week away from her very first birthday. There are days I'm still in disbelief that she is mine. It may have something to do with the silliness that I always 'knew' I'd have three boys. I don't. We were blessed with her tiny little self. So generous, joyous, gorgeous, and feisty. All girl, she is. Every morning, when I get her from bed she squeezes my neck as hard as she possibly can and hugs me until one of us eventually has to let go. She loves her momma something fierce, and the love I have for her and for what she's brought to our family is totally and absolutely inexplicable. </span><br />
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<img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/31.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are days when I have to laugh out loud, because I'll catch myself telling someone that 'I've finally got it!'. That I've mastered motherhood. Oh, the LIES. I do believe it sometimes, that I at last got the hang of it. Quickly though, I am humbled when Cupcake has a new 'thing' where when you change a dirty diaper she tries to snatch it and throw it before you've even cleaned her up. Seriously. Or, when the two year old fits seem like they last all day - or sometimes even for an entire week. I find myself in prayer often, hoping to make it thru nap time or that I get dinner on the table before 9pm. I've learned in my journey of having two babies of the ages of two and under - that motherhood has mastered me. It will on certain days, swallow me whole, but on most - it is a swell in my heart so full and overwhelming that above all...I know of the utmost certainty that I am blessed in ways I know, I do not deserve. That I was given the babies to be mine, and to have the responsibility of showing them the good, preparing them for the bad, and protecting their innocence for as long as is possible, is the greatest honor there ever was. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My favorite time of year is shortly upon us, and with mine and Bear's birthday's behind us - we now begin the celebrations of Belle, JR, and of course the holidays. I go a bit overboard with pumpkin spice syrup in my coffee, we play tirelessly outside, and I plan on a new recipe 3-4 nights a week. These are a few of the things that dominate our 'fall'. I started and took Hudson out of a mother's day out program. A wonderful one, actually. It seems though, that neither of us was quite ready to be away from the other. I missed him. He cried for me. We were just a mess. So, we wait until next year. By far, my hardest 'parenting' moment thus far. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">After a much needed blogging break, I happily invite you back into our home as we enter the very best time of year. I must go for the day, as I have grocery shopping {ugh} and Pinterest :) to do. Happy Wednesday, friend.</span></div>
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The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-62725337498695308682011-04-05T11:01:00.001-07:002011-04-05T11:06:30.092-07:00in preparation<div align="center">there is no such thing as too early, for them to know. for my babies to know that Jesus died on the cross for them. he loves them more than they can understand. i'm preparing a few crafts for Hudson to do this year. projects that reflect the reason why we celebrate Easter. <strong><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">He is the Reason. </span></strong><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/207606_10100159919576777_9601942_47893551_3608093_n.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center">this is the jellybean cross activity. my preparation of it. </div>The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-63680929899107141752011-03-16T08:48:00.001-07:002011-03-16T08:53:40.366-07:00life via the iPhoneIf it weren't for iPhone evidence that we're alive and well, then you'd think we ran off to Miami and never returned :) not true, well atleast not yet!<br /><br />Here is proof we've just been busy and busy and even a little more busy than that.<br /><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/200311_956646405867_9601942_47651863_5658874_n.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/198562_956649160347_9601942_47651890_3297181_n.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/199119_952932214137_9601942_47617769_3397585_n.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/189809_955381675397_9601942_47638216_6942214_n.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/190341_948469677097_9601942_47553343_5896257_n.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/184651_944944037507_9601942_47503471_887283_n.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/166379_932541796697_9601942_47289787_1338136_n.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/180870_941075669747_9601942_47448201_5403259_n.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/179443_934658330147_9601942_47335388_6303661_n.jpg">The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-23779746419153456142011-02-21T07:57:00.000-08:002011-02-21T08:10:32.343-08:00giveaway winner!The winner of the Opolis Clothing Giveaway is...............<br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Danielle L of <a href="http://babylederman.blogspot.com/">The L Family</a>!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:180%;">She said: <em>I'd love a sooners shirt for my little guy. super cute.</em></span></div><div align="left"><em><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></em></div><br /><div align="left">Danielle, please email me {natalie(dot)pettijohn(at)gmail(dot)com} your choice of shirt for you, choice of shirt for your baby boy, and your address please :)</div>The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-77373635150171151862011-02-17T22:29:00.000-08:002011-02-17T22:30:47.384-08:00life is......putting flowers in her hair.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/ShakeIt.jpg" /></div>The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-75446735399537640862011-02-17T08:56:00.000-08:002011-02-17T09:02:31.088-08:00marry you<div align="center"><img style="VISIBILITY: hidden; WIDTH: 0px; HEIGHT: 0px" height="0" src="http://c.gigcount.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyOTc5NjIwMTEyMTcmcHQ9MTI5Nzk2MjAxOTI3OCZwPTY5NDMwMSZkPSZnPTEmbz*4Njg2MjQ3YjUxNWU*ZWQwYWUz/MWRiZDQ*YzNjODYyMyZvZj*w.gif" width="0" border="0" /> <img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/love.jpg" /></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">i love you, i love you, i love you. and so happy to be your wife. life is so good.</span><br /><br /><div style="VISIBILITY: visible; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; WIDTH: 450px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><p align="center"><object height="270" width="435"><param name="movie" value="http://www.musiclist.us/mc/mp3player_new.swf"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="never"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="flashvars" value="config=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indimusic.us%2Fext%2Fpc%2Fconfig_black_noautostart.xml&mywidth=435&myheight=270&playlist_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.musiclist.us%2Fpl.php%3Fplaylist%3D84111766%26t%3D1297962004&wid=os"><br /> <embed style="width:435px; visibility:visible; height:270px;" allowscriptaccess="never" src="http://www.musiclist.us/mc/mp3player_new.swf" flashvars="config=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indimusic.us%2Fext%2Fpc%2Fconfig_black_noautostart.xml&mywidth=435&myheight=270&playlist_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.musiclist.us%2Fpl.php%3Fplaylist%3D84111766%26t%3D1297962004&wid=os" width="435" height="270" name="mp3player" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" border="0"></embed> </object></p><br /><a href="http://www.musiclist.us/"><img alt="Get a playlist!" src="http://www.musiclist.us/mc/images/create_black.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.musiclist.us/playlist/21532612107/standalone" target="_blank"><img alt="Standalone player" src="http://www.musiclist.us/mc/images/launch_black.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.musiclist.us/playlist/21532612107/download"><img alt="Get Ringtones" src="http://www.musiclist.us/mc/images/get_black.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div>The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-31826905774396663742011-02-14T09:40:00.000-08:002011-02-15T09:03:26.172-08:00OPOLIS CLOTHING GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!I get excited about much. So very many things. One thing that brings happiness to my day and life is sharing 'things' with you. This giveaway holds a special place in my giveaway heart because <a href="http://opolisclothing.com/index.shtml">Opolis Clothing Company </a>was started by two fellow Sooners. I will always support that which comes from the land of crimson and cream. You betch'a. They came up with a solution to a problem I know you've had if you're as die hard about your school as I am (all college gear looks the SAME). In their own words:
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<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Pat and Zac met in Middle School in 1995. They went to college together at the University of Oklahoma. Pat and Zac were both taken into the college life…classes, fraternities, friends and of course, sports. It was then that the guys noticed a lack of quality vintage looking college t-shirts. They were determined to find an old Oklahoma vintage tee to wear to the next football game. After searching stores, websites, even thrift stores, nothing could be found quite like what they had pictured. They knew it was time for a change.</em></span>
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<br /><em>Pat and Zac wanted a vintage university t-shirt that was soft, comfortable, and made of good quality material. They wanted to create the old times of university life. They fell in love with the old mascots, chants, lettering, and styles. While creating their designs, they knew throwing an old design on a brand new shirt, or putting a brand new design on an old t-shirt just wouldn’t cut it. That’s why they took the best of both and created the unique style that you find at Opolis today. They had a few designs here and there and showed them to their friends. Everyone they showed loved the styles and wanted to buy the tees immediately. The guys knew they were on to something.</em>
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<br /><em>Their idea became a reality as they decided to come up with their own line of vintage tees for people of all ages from seniors to alumni, to students, to fans and even to babies. Their goal is to create the vintage style that so many people had expressed an interest in. This was the beginning of Opolis Clothing Company! </em>
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<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Ok! So this giveaway is for ONE women's t-shirt OF YOUR CHOICE and ONE baby t-shirt or onsie OF YOUR CHOICE!! Humongous! </span>
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<br />To enter...
<br /><div align="center"><strong>for one entry</strong>: become a follower AND tell me which of the items you would like to win</div><div align="center"><strong>for two entries</strong>: become a follower, 'like' Opolis Clothing on Facebook, AND tell me which of the items you would like to win</div><div align="center"><strong>for three entries</strong>: become a follower, like 'Opolis Clothing' on Facebook, post about this giveaway on your blog, AND tell me which of the items you'd like to win</div><div align="center">
<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Below are the schools they currently have designs for and the ones you can choose from! <span style="color:#3333ff;">Arkansas-Kansas-Missouri-Oklahoma-Oklahoma State-SMU-TCU-Tulsa</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">
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<br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/Valentines3.jpg" /></div><div align="center">
<br /></div><div align="center">Check out their <a href="http://opolisclothing.com/index.shtml">website</a> for their full line of vintage college apparel! This giveaway closes Thursday February 17th at 6pm!</div>
<br />The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-67275127811396256392011-02-10T09:34:00.000-08:002011-02-10T09:53:07.772-08:00are you busy, too?We've got company this evening (a friend of JR's), company tomorrow (one of the prettiest families I know) you might know of <a href="http://kristiankatyrose.blogspot.com/">them</a>! We have a birthday party celebrating a one year old in <a href="http://herewebeemandd.blogspot.com/">this</a> most precious family this weekend, too. That's how we do :) busy, busy, and busy. We love it. I think our calendar is full into the middle of March. A calendar, hahaha! It always makes me laugh when my girlfriend's and I, 'put' each other in our calendars. Lame! I have to do that or I'll forget to shower, even. Lame! Do you have a calendar for your family?? Please tell me you do. I definitely have some blog world friends that I would LOVE to put in my calendar one day! Cheers to the totally creepy world of blogging!!<br /><br />I was going to do one of my '10 things you should know about Natalie' posts, but I always think of them when I'm in the car listening to Kesha or something else horribly inappropriate for a mother of two to be jamming to. Alone. In the car. I then forget by the time I'm actually at the computer.I'll tell you one since I've already built you up with such anticipation.<br /><br /><strong>#6 thing you should know about me</strong>: I use really cheap makeup. I read all of these blogs of girls who use high-end clothes, shoes (I do share in this, shoot - can't resist a nice shoe), makeup, toilet paper. Whatever. I've got two tiny's, a home I like to decorate, a dog that has some toys more costly than my clothes, and maybe one day a week that I actually wear it. My only splurge is Bare Escentuals eye shadow. They're stellar and shiny. Outside of that, my face is courtesy of whatever they stock at Walmart and Target. I hope you can't tell, and if you can just don't tell me.<br /><br />Before I leave you with some fun and excitement tomorrow, I'll leave you today with two pictures I posted a few years ago of JR and I as tots. I'd say our babies are a pretty fair blend of the both of us, with more a lean towards JR :) I'll take that, he's hot.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/snowdayandbread.jpg" /></div>The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-85683188443275303002011-02-08T14:58:00.000-08:002011-02-08T15:01:22.451-08:00do you like color?<div align="center">I love all white, but if not that, I'm starting to come around to the bright side. I'm loving homes with bold colors, but really have no idea where to start. Shoot.<br /><br />If only JR would let me paint somewhere in our house this color:<br /><br /><a title="Orange Bedroom by lilacsilhouette, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/35023804@N06/4448850688/"><img height="500" alt="Orange Bedroom" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4448850688_20f0dbc9d0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div align="center"> <br /></div><div align="center">Like a burnt mango color. Mmmmm. I love. Against that white. I die.</div><div align="center"> <br /></div><div align="center">Do you have color in your house? where? tell me!!! please and please :)</div>The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-86920033040249519032011-02-04T11:23:00.000-08:002011-02-04T11:54:30.214-08:00the little thingsI always tell you about how fast life goes, especially mine. There are days that after changing 17 diapers, washing bottles 3x in one day, and throwing food in the crockpot - those little things slip by. The ones that make you grateful to be alive. Like these...<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-22-8.jpg" /></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="left">That 'family' sign above, was a gift from some of the people that share a gigantic part of our heart - <a href="http://neavesnest.blogspot.com/">Lauren and Rico</a> - I believe it was a gift from them on our very first Christmas as married's. It's traveled from Texas, to Pennsylvania, and it now is home in Oklahoma. Everytime I look at it, I think of them. <em>That's a little thing that makes me grateful to be alive.</em></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-3-8.jpg" /></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="left">I love my husband. He knows it. There are days though - that after changing 17 diapers, washing bottles 3x a day, and after throwing food in the crockpot that I forget...I forget to be sweet. I do. I'll 'fess up. Sometimes he comes home and I nag, about many things. In lieu of my lack of sweet, I've set up '30 reasons why I love you' all around our house. Some funny, some real. A reminder that I'm not always a nag, and I really do love you. Even when you leave your wet towels on the floor...even when. *sigh*</div><div align="left"> <br /></div><div align="left">Leaving JR notes, that I know he appreciates...<em>that's a little thing that makes me grateful to be alive.</em></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-4-7.jpg" /></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-5-8.jpg" /></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="left"> <br /></div><div align="left">I used to make us meals that came out of boxes when we first started dating. That was a long way from the ramen and hot dogs I ate while in college. I didn't even know Food Network existed. I didn't really care. Thankfully, things changed. I now cook, and I now love it. It doesn't scare me like it once did. I almost caught our Dallas apartment on fire. Really. What's even better is that every meal I make, I have JR rate on a 1-10 scale. We like games like that, <em>keeps it fun y'all.</em> </div><div align="left"> <br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-16-8.jpg" /></div><div align="center"> <br /></div><div align="left">We're snowed in. We have been for a few days now. There's only two things 'people' do when you're snowed in, right? We won't name them here, publicly. As all are calling for a baby boom, I'm COOKING. Holed up in my kitchen. Our house will NOT be contributing to the <em>snow day baby boom. </em>Instead, I made you bread. If only I could blog the smell the bread gave my house. This was with no breadmaker, sister. Just me, flour, my kitchenaid, flour and flour. Did I say flour? It turned out delicious. The recipe called for six loaves, I ended up with three. What??? Either way it was fun to make, and I am dang proud of myself. It's so delicious and even nutritious! Beat that. Can't.</div><div align="left"> <br /></div><div align="left">Being able to gift it though to your friends, is one of <em>the little things that makes me grateful to be alive.</em></div><div align="left"> </div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-20-8.jpg" /></div><div align="center"> <br /></div><div align="left">...oh, and these two faces. my angels. (my toddler-tempered baby boy, and baby belle). angels, 98% of the time. we're working on that other two percent :) oh, my heavens.</div><div align="left"> <br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-7-6.jpg" /></div>The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-88658946430802712362011-02-02T09:07:00.000-08:002011-02-02T17:21:46.658-08:00where i come fromWhen thinking of this post, I had/have no intentions of this being a sap of a story...but I'm not sure that I can talk of my parents without it being somewhat of an emotional (happily-emotional) way of words for me.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/DSC_0275-1.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">Most that know me outside of blog life, know that both my brother and I <em>were adopted.</em> I've thought much of revealing this, only because I don't know that this is such a huge part of who I am. To me, adoption and being an adopted child play such a monumental and at the very same time, a very small role in what made me. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-23-4.jpg" /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">There is a 'thing' that I think wanders the minds of those blessed enough to be adopted - at least for me it did - that the idea of mothering and giving birth to your own children seems somewhat a suspicious thing. A curiousity. How can a parent that did not give birth to a child, love that baby as it's own? I was two days old when I was adopted. Two. At the age of seven I found out about my story, both my brother and I. My parents never hid the fact, and even encouraged us to seek out more about ourselves if wanted.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-33-4.jpg" /></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="left">I chose to never know more of the two days before I was <em>my parent's daughter.</em> I had a mom. I had a dad. Two people that in the twenty seven years of my life have not once waivered their love me, their care for me, and the inexplicable bond I share with them as <em>my parent's daughter.</em></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-32-3.jpg" /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">I was theirs, I am theirs. <em>They chose to love me</em>, and although it is a strange thought to feel gratitude for the love of your own parents...I do, and it sometimes overwhelms me the life they have provided for both my brother and I. They are the two best people I know. There is no better. Both are my best friends, and have supported the both of us in anything and everything that's ever come along our way - ever. I know that must have been hard with me!</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-27-3.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-22-7.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">They now share the overflow of love in the lives of my babies. The roles shift in life and I now know the feeling of being a parent. The joys, the fears, the triumphs, the tears, and the true true happiness that a child brings. I have yet to find a greater experience personally, than to share the babies with my parents. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-24-6.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-35-2.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">They love me, the same way I love my babies. The very same way. I say adoption is and isn't a big part of me, because my parents made it that way. It was never to make us feel different, nor to define us. It never did for me, and I rarely - if ever, think of where I came from. My life started <em>with my parents. </em>Didn't yours?</div>The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-81129210809494315322011-01-26T20:39:00.000-08:002011-01-26T20:56:00.109-08:00long distance loveThey haven't met yet, but between families we've arranged a baby love for these two...<br /><br /><div align="center">meet Porter Knight Braly {how many kinds of cute/precious/omgaw is he??}</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/porter.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">He's the newest babe in a family so so so very dear to us, <a href="http://thebralys.blogspot.com/">these</a> folk. 'These folk' happen to be the kind of friends that are family, you have some like that. We don't share them, though. Mine. Porter was born only two weeks after our Belle Monroe, and they share a baby love they are just not quite aware of yet. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">You see, shortly after Belle made her grand debut we received a package in the mail from Pittsburgh. Inside, was a sweet little dress for our baby doll and we told her it was from Porter. So, this is her personal thank you to her baby boyfriend. Don't think we haven't been way presumptuous and envisioned these babies to be roaming Soonerland one day with their older brothers...Belle Braly? How CUTE is that? omgaw. They're sweet, smart, handsome, and DANG cute. She can date a Braly. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-17-7.jpg" /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">She was so excited to send her message to Porter, that she forgot her BOW! We quickly corrected that situation and she was ready for her shot. </div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-18-9.jpg" /></div><div align="center"> <br /></div><div align="left">Dearest Braly's, if <em>relaying messages via our babies</em>/phone calls/texts is how we stay connected we'll take it. Counting down the days. We love you! all FOUR of you!!</div>The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-75718485395604955812011-01-25T10:42:00.001-08:002011-01-25T10:53:57.735-08:00want to come over?My most precious Bear is very very sick with an ear infection and sat with a 102.9 degree fever in my arms all day yesterday :( break my heart. eesh. to shreds. I can say now that it is fact that seeing your children sick or suffer is <strong>the worst thing ever.<em> </em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />JR is home too, today with a stomach bug--so I'm playing nurse to both of my boys today. I sent JR upstairs in hopes that the wicked bug stays clear of me and my babies. I've been whipping up some rice the way my mama makes it for me when I'm sick, and loaded up a tray with some crackers and a big glass of 7up in hopes that I can nurse JR back to health, soon...<br /><br />Doesn't my house sound SO fun and SO germy. Ick.<br /><br />----on a happy note, I could dedicate an entire post to my love of Bruno Mars' voice. It makes me happy, and this song I leave you with I cannot stop playing over and over and over and over. Since you can't come over and play today, I'll share the song with you.<br /><br /><iframe class="youtube-player" title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3FZtN7T5PXM" frameborder="0" width="640" height="390" type="text/html"></iframe>The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-42540883700278877882011-01-21T12:21:00.000-08:002011-01-21T12:32:28.848-08:00house shuts downIf it weren't for my ma-in-law, our house seriously would have shut completely down. I have been out of commission since last Sunday. I had an epic night last Saturday, having been within 5 feet of Sam Bradford (whom we named our pup after). If you aren't in the world of Sooner, I'll inform you that he is my athletic crush-- a former OU quarterback and currently the Rams' QB. He is dang cute, and I about lost my marbles when I came upon him. Here's phone evidence of this epic moment in my life.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/bradford.jpg" /></div><br />I think the intensity of that situation shot my immune system, and I've been sick now since last Sunday. Fail. I then passed it on to my both of my babies. JR woke up sneezing today, and I know he's next...JR's mom has rescued us all and helped me care for my babies. <em>Thankthestarryheavensforher. </em><br /><em></em><br />Upon return of my healthy self, I'll be back to catch up on blog life with you. Hope your house is virus-free...The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-89605775386464817322011-01-06T11:07:00.000-08:002011-01-06T11:29:00.601-08:00it's a new yearIt's two thousand eleven. Wow. It's so hard to believe that 2010, came and went. That fast. I can barely keep up.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-89-1.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">I'm sure you were awake last night in the wee hours of the morn' wondering what my New Year's Resolution was...</div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><br /><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-91-1.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">Worry not, I'll tell you. There is no appropriate way that you can keep me accountable so you'll just have to take my word for it, that I vow to hold true to my resolution this year.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-72-2.jpg" /><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">I resolute to not get pregnant in 2011. I do remember that I previously gave you permission to slap my face if I did in fact bear another child anytime in the near future. I'm not quite sure that resolute is the correct word, but you catch my drift. No babies. I'm going to raise and thoroughly enjoy the tiny tots I've got currently roaming my house. <em>All bets are against me.</em></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-86-1.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-79-3.jpg" /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">What's your resolution? Do share.</div>The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-73146477612769306702010-12-30T09:02:00.000-08:002010-12-30T09:32:58.734-08:00can i?Can I brag ? We're so close (you and I) that you won't mind that I brag right now and tell you that as of last night it is official: <strong>I am now a mama to TWO babies that sleep TWELVE hours a night</strong>.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-62-1.jpg" /></div><br />Do you see? Do you see the glory in what I just wrote? This goes beyond huge. This is more in the category of humongous. I think it was their Christmas present to me.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-3-7.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">As much as I love the holidays, I'm actually kind of happy that we're moving on to the new year---the explosion of all things Christmas turned my house into a war zone. One I have yet to conquer. </div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-7-4.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="left">I have the most horrid habit of coming home from trips and leaving my bags packed fo'eva. After a Spring Break trip in college, I left that bag packed until the next Spring Break trip...<em>an entire year later.</em> Worst part is, that doesn't embarrass me at all. When JR gets irritated at my Natalie'isms, I just tell him, <em>that makes me who I am.</em> That irritates him all the more :)</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-8-6.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-9-3.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">Oh, my point was--as I do my unpacked bags, I would like to do with our Christmas stuff. Just leave my tree up year round and decorate it with seasonal items. Yeah? Leave the nutcrackers up, etc...my husband is strongly against this, so eventually Christmas will come down. I guess.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-14-4.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-19-5.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-17-6.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">...and so, because this post was simply to tell of the joy that has filled our home since we turned a new leaf in our levels of sleep--I can tell you that I wake up singing harmonious songs, breakfast is served piping hot every single morning, all of the laundry is done by 5pm, and every night a new recipe is served.</div><div align="left"> <br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-21-3.jpg" /></div><div align="center"> <br /></div><div align="left"><strong>THE LIES!!!!!!!!!</strong> I still wake up cursing the rise of the sun, my singing doesn't start until I've spiked myself with a few espresso's, breakfast is oatmeal or eggs (those are your options, Mon-Fri), it takes me a week to do all of our laundry, and the recipe I tried last night was no bueno. Fail. <br /><br />Either way, I am more pleasant to be around with more sleep behind my eyes. Yes!!! You're welcome. </div><div align="left"> <br /></div><div align="left">Lastly, I leave you with the best family picture we got the whole wknd. What a heinous look on my face! It looks like I HATE SANTA. I got made fun of for this snapshot. I'll show it to you, because you're my bffff. I hope your Christmas was good, fantastic, and so many kinds of merry! </div><div align="left"> </div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-22-6.jpg" /></div><div align="left"> </div>The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-64482942887211783432010-12-23T06:24:00.000-08:002010-12-28T20:54:21.859-08:00our Christmas giftThis year, we've been blessed in an obviously inexplicable way...<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-65-2.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="left">As a family of four, this year we celebrate Christmas eternally thankful for not only one <em>healthy, precious, and beautiful baby BUT for TWO healthy, precious, and beautiful babies.</em></div><div align="left"><em></em> <br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-71-1.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="left">It is us, JR-myself-and our Bear, who have received the greatest gift under the tree.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-68-2.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="left">Daddy got his 'baby girl', I got my princess, and Hudson got his Sissy Belle. </div><div align="left"> <br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-72-1.jpg" /></div>The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-63772171771838786012010-12-22T06:41:00.000-08:002010-12-22T14:59:09.810-08:00Jingle Joggers?This is too funny not to share.<br /><br />Me, running. This is me, not on a stretcher {how JR thought I'd leave the race}.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/runners.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="left">This actually, is the iPhone evidence of us post-'run'. It was a 5k, a small feat for you...a marathon for me. 3.2 miles for you, is like 26 for me. The only exercise my body has endured in the last three years would be giving birth to my babies, and I was loaded up on some epidural. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I was sans epidural for this run, and by the last of it I thought my lungs were going to explode for it was a frigid Oklahoma tundra out there, the cold air felt like knives in my throat and <em>I'm a giant baby</em>. The elements got to me, yes? I ran with two fellow friends, they actually ran ahead of me. Eventually, I did catch up to Emily and Elizabeth and be it the cold, the prospect of cupcakes waiting for us at the finish line {yes, really---and they were frozen. Fail.} but, we MISSED the finish line and kept going. Only to later realize, we were the only ones doing so. Who does that? <em>Who misses the finish line? Me. Us. Me and my friends.</em></div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Our husbands rooted us on during the race, <em>from the car. </em>Lucky ducks. </div><div align="left"> <br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">My New Year's resolution for 2011 is to do a wholelotta 5k's. How stupid of me. I already hate myself for burdening myself with such a task. I failed miserably at this one, because I'm too embarrassed to tell you that it took me an hour to finish the ol' Jingle Jog. You do the math. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Again, E for effort. Can you see the competitive beams of light I radiate? um, no. </div>The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-29861324707352734092010-12-20T13:00:00.000-08:002010-12-21T10:11:52.535-08:00december happenings/major catch'n upThe only appropriate way to follow up a Thanksgiving post the week before Christmas is to do a <em>recap</em> December post. Can you tell I'm frantically trying to fill you in? I should get an E for effort.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-82-1.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center">The day the tree goes up is a big day at our house, officially marking the beginning of Christmas---this year, there was a little extra anticipation for JR and I...as this is the first year to see Hudson notice <em>a Christmas tree</em> for the very first time. His reaction was as magical as I had wished for.<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-59-2.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center">All of the holiday season is infinitely more exciting and wonderful through the eyes of my babies.</div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-66.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center">It's also the perfect excuse to outfit my babes, in their Christmas gear. Seriously, how fun!</div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-75-2.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="left">oh! and the <em>most perfect excuse </em>to PARTY! Baby party, that is. We have a few college friends, all of whom have had babies within the last 3 months---so we hosted a college reunion/baby party and called it our 'Show Off Your Baby Party'. Brilliant. We had a slew of food, a slew of babies, adult beverages, more pack n' plays, diapers, and bottles than you ever did see. It was plain awesome. <span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>{Tommy holding Belle Monroe, JR & Aspen Sage, Ryan & Reyd Parker, Blake & Camden Russell}</strong></span></div><br /><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></strong></div><div align="left">Our Christmas celebrations have been many, with a few more to go. I have no complaints, and neither does Hudson. He was bewildered with the decorations at his Nanny's house. The lights, the toys, the tree...oh my.</div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-22-5.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-20-5.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="left">We've had the chance to hang out with some friends that we don't often see {what a treat}, and Hudson never minds hanging out with some pretty girls---these red headed beauties, he is quite fond of. We happen to be quite fond of their parents, too :)</div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-16-6.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="left">No Christmas is complete without the meeting of Santa. This is how ours went this year:</div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-10-4.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><p>Bear turned 16 months old, and Baby Belle celebrated her 3 month birthday.</p><p align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-36-3.jpg" /></p><p align="left">We are currently in transition of removing Hudson's 'bopper' {aka, pacifier} as he's learned how to shove the entire thing in his mouth. <em>Hello, scare my pants off. </em>It is not going well. <strong>Any recommendations?</strong> He thinks it is a part of his anatomy, and I am not sad to see it go as it inhibits us from seeing those big teeth he's got sprouting and hearing the few words he's building in his baby vocabulary. For the record, he calls me 'mama' only in moments of need---but overall, I am referred to as 'gaga' by my baby boy. Yes, yes. Gaga. </p><p align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-8-5.jpg" /></p><p align="left">I have a tendency to spoil my babies. There is no way I can help it. Their grandparents, too, seem to have the inability to help themselves either when it comes to these babes. </p><p align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-24-5.jpg" /></p><p align="left">A few early Christmas presents have been opened, and Hudson got his very first Christmas cupcake from his Abuelos. We ended up with chocolate reindeer cupcake, in every room of the house. If there's such a thing as a cute mess, this was it. </p><p align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-26-4.jpg" /></p><p align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-30-1.jpg" /></p><p align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-33-3.jpg" /></p><p align="left">These babies have parents, I know you don't see us much. We do exist, and we actually have 7 pictures together from all of 2010. More or less. Here are three of the seven. I'll let you guess which one is the most 'jr & nat'. </p><p align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-19-4.jpg" /></p><p align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-18-8.jpg" /></p><p align="center">BINGO.</p><p align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-20-6.jpg" /></p><p align="left">It's now Tuesday, the week of Christmas, and I have not one present wrapped. I have high hopes of accomplishing this maybe tonight. Maybe tomorrow? I'm kind of obsessed with trying new recipes lately, thus delaying my gift wrapping. Excuses, excuses. I know. Don't hate.</p><p align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-38-2.jpg" /></p><p align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-41-1.jpg" /></p><p align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-39-3.jpg" /></p><p align="left">This ain't even it, y'all. There's still all of this week! My new curtains just came in, I'm still working on Belle's room---so stick around'ish, check in on us---so that I can continue sharing what the rest of 2010 bears for us. </p><p align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-43-3.jpg" /><br /></p><div align="center"></div>The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-50103556373460113962010-12-17T05:58:00.000-08:002010-12-20T10:41:31.454-08:00sand, surf, turkey {updated)<span style="font-size:85%;">{I bragged on our stroller find, and never posted the name of it. I would. It is a <a href="http://www.diapers.com/product/productdetail.aspx?productid=18411&site=CI&cm_mmc=cse-_-googlebase-_-strollers-_-OG-016&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=OG-016">Baby Jogger City Mini Double</a>, and we love love love and love it.}</span><br /><br />It's a cloudy, potentially snowy day in the OK--and I've started my morning quite early with Hudson and my espresso. Belle Monroe is our last to wake up, thanking the starry heavens above for babies that love their sleep.<br /><br />It's quite early for this level of pep, so I'll seize the moment and give you a mini-recap of our Thanksgiving holiday at the beach. By now, my reader friend, you...you know of our love of Miami and all that comes with. We're big fans, and after looking back thru our pictures it is quite obvious that my babies too, will be even bigger fans I hope.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-7-3.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-16-5.jpg" /></div><br />I find it very important that my tiny's feel the sand in their toes at a very early age, I think it's an essential part of their development :) This is true.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-14-3.jpg" /></div><br />There are few things I have found more precious and cute, than my babies tiny feet in the sand.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-15-3.jpg" /><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-13-3.jpg" /><br /></div><div align="left">Hudson came from the womb, a rather fearless tiny tot, thus turning our relaxing days at the beach into quite the task as we try and keep our Bear from running head first into the blue Miami waters. ohmystars.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-17-5.jpg" /><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-11-6.jpg" /><br /></div><div align="left">Are you still there? Probably not. I thought I'd post a few pictures, but a few is swiftly turning into millions. gah. I'll continue, in hopes, that you too are eyes wide open with your Hudson and your espresso and looking for something to read this morning. eh? yes.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-21-2.jpg" /><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-22-4.jpg" /><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-23-3.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">See that double stroller above. I could be the spokesperson for it. I love it as much as I love food. We were at the Miami airport upon arriving, and we saw people like 'us'. I'm like stroller patrol. I'll check you out if your stroller fascinates me. There are so many doubles out there, but some weigh 475 lbs, others are too long, but this one----oh, this one. We asked the nice couple how they liked it, and they more or less told us it was do or die with two babies. Ok, done. We bought one in Miami, and left our now lesser-loved stroller, the Chicco in the great state of Florida.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-27-2.jpg" /><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-25-3.jpg" /><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-24-4.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="left">Every month I get teased by JR, because it is every month that Hudson and Belle turn one month older that I find myself saying, "<em>this </em>is my favorite time with him/her, he's/she's so fun at this age!"...but how can it be? how can every new month with these babies be better than than the one before? I'm baffled I tell you. Baffled by the boundless love and obsession I have with these babies we've made.<br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-33-2.jpg" /><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-31-1.jpg" /><br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-18-7.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="left">I'm derailing off of my original post, but it is now 9:52 pm, well beyond the appropriate time for an espresso. This is how long it really does take me to post in one day. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I often go back to look at my pictures, and when I see the faces of my happy babies I know I've done right. Now, before you think this is a toot-your-own-horn moment---wait, wait, wait. I've done <strong><em>awholelotta </em></strong>things wrong in my days. Oh, eesh. So very many. I'm wild<em>ish</em> of sorts. So, I used to wonder if my love and desire to be a mother, would and/or could translate into actually <em>being</em> a good mother. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Now, good in my book does not mean feeding my tiny's all organic, hand-picked vegetables from my very own garden that I've sown from grainy seeds--dress them in the finest of hand pressed linens--sing lullabies to them with my beautiful voice, and read to them only the classiest of tales.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Good in my book means, making sure my babies are nourished, loved, cared for, kissed, hugged and kissed and hugged more than they would even like. That they feel the endless love their daddy and I have for the both of them. I'll pull out some frozen nuggets for dinner, or shovel some peanut butter sandwiches two days in a row...there is no garden I sow, our pup would have already eaten it--there are days, the finest linens we all get dressed in are walmart sweats, and although I do sing and read to my babies everyday, it is with something very far from a beautiful voice. They will know though, one day how much we have enjoyed giving them as wonderous and blessed a life that they could ever hope for. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left">That being said, when I see my babies smile---I know for all the wrong I've done in my days, <em>them I've done right</em>. Finally. The very best thing I've ever done are the two faces of Hudson Alexander and Belle Monroe.</div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-43-2.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-36-2.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-32-1.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="left">Every beach trip gets more and more fun with Bear, as he starts to understand more of this world and the fun it offers :) It is a joy to watch him discover more and more of his surroundings. Not much slows him down, ever. Thanksgiving morning though, he woke up with a rash covering his whole entire tiny body so off we went to the ER with our itchy, rashy, sad Bear. This slowed my Hudson down, and covered every little bit of him. Ugh.</div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-37-1.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-38-1.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="left">Upon arriving home post-ER, we had family in and Mom of course, whipped up a most delicious Thanksgiving dinner---one JR said, was one of the very best he'd ever had. She's quite talented, my Ma.</div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-39-2.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-45-2.jpg" /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-49-3.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-40-2.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="left">I never asked JR if I was allowed to post a picture of him in an apron, but he was the official turkey cutter for the family and Mom wasn't going to give him the honors without an apron. So, as his wife and bearer of his children--I get the honor of posting the picture.</div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-51-1.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-56-1.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="left">I told you...there was sand, surf, and turkey. All in one post. </div>The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-13940046051887519552010-12-16T13:07:00.000-08:002010-12-16T13:12:25.815-08:00renewing of the vows...to my blog. I, for the ever-loving life of me have found it dang near impossible to sit down and blog in the month of December. I very much overbooked our family, in between several Christmas celebrations and jam packed weeks---my little ol' blog has suffered greatly.<br /><br />Thus, following December 31st I will renew my vows and committment to you, my one sole reader, and to this blog. Until then, expect a totally random end blog-style to 2010. See, I haven't even recapped Thanksgiving and it's almost Christmas. bah. So, to slam you with a recap of your year, via picture overload, I leave you today with our 2010 Christmas card.<br /><br /><div align="center">Merry December 16th.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/Pettijohnxmas2010.jpg" /></div>The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31313071.post-66907908228233748002010-12-03T13:19:00.002-08:002010-12-03T13:33:42.195-08:00I enchilada, you enchiladaWe've just come home from our Thanksgiving week in Miami, but before I dive into that post let me first enlighten your day with the news that I've got THE very best enchilada recipe to share with you.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-60-2.jpg" /></div><div align="center"> <br /></div><div align="left">It's so good in fact, that JR took leftovers to work the next day. Leftovers getting eaten at our house is monumental. A rare occurance. I'm not a good cook, but I can follow a recipe and after following this one, I couldn't help but think of your dinner tables and think that you needed this dish served at your house too. I'm thoughtful like that.</div><div align="left"> <br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-69-1.jpg" /></div><div align="center"> <br /></div><div align="left">That's what bff's do, right? They share recipes. Lately, I've been rummaging thru my recipe box trying to find some I've never made before and this one caught my eye, and the ingredients I've had stored at the house. You're welcome.</div><div align="left"> <br /></div><div align="left"><strong><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cottage-Cheese-Chicken-Enchiladas/Detail.aspx">Cottage Cheese Chicken Enchiladas</a></strong> <span style="font-size:85%;">{seriously, even if you don't like cottage cheese (Lauren Neaves) you really don't even taste it, it just gives it the flavor it needs to make these dang delicious}</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> <br /></div><div align="left">1 tablespoon vegetable oil<br />2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - boiled and shredded<br />1/2 cup chopped onion<br />1 (7 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers<br />1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix<br />1/2 cup sour cream<br />2 cups cottage cheese<br />1 teaspoon salt<br />1 pinch ground black pepper<br />12 (6 inch) corn tortillas<br />2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese<br />1 (10 ounce) can red enchilada sauce </div><div align="left"> <br /></div><div align="left">1. To Make Meat Mixture: Heat oil in medium skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken, onion and green chile peppers and saute until browned, then add taco seasoning and prepare meat mixture according to package directions.<br />2. To Make Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl mix sour cream with cottage cheese and season with salt and pepper; stir until well blended.<br />3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).<br />4. To Assemble Enchiladas: Heat tortillas until soft. In each tortilla place a spoonful of meat mixture, a spoonful of cheese mixture and a bit of shredded cheese. Roll tortillas and place in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with any remaining meat and cheese mixture, enchilada sauce and remaining shredded cheese.<br />5. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. </div><div align="left"> <br /></div><div align="left">Upon the completion and success of my recipe, I finally got our Christmas cards designed and ordered. Sheesh. That was after my attempt at getting a picture of my tots together. Fail. Here's the evidence:</div><div align="left"> <br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-71.jpg" /></div><div align="center"> <br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-70-1.jpg" /></div><div align="center"> <br /></div><div align="left">In between the pulling of hair bows and a tantrum or two, I did manage to snap them alone. My Bear and Belle Monroe. </div><div align="left"> <br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-75-1.jpg" /></div><div align="center"> <br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-78-2.jpg" /></div><div align="center"> <br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-69-2.jpg" /></div><div align="center"> <br /></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/Natheff/_-74.jpg" /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div>The Pettijohn'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00030419118171072472noreply@blogger.com12