Who Wears the Pants

So why is Natali eating a frosty at 7:45 pm? Um, because she wanted to and threw a massive tantrum until we completely crumbled and folded under her screams and tears. What really happened was she got a sliver in her finger and was complaining that it hurt. So like good parents we tried to look at it and get it out with a needle and tweezers. Well you can only imagine how that went over with Natali...not so much. So with me trying to hold her in a death grip and Ben trying to get it out we ended up bribing her that she could have a Frosty TOMORROW if she stopped crying and held still. We finally gave up on the sliver, but all Natali wanted was the Frosty. And apparently she chose not to hear the TOMORROW part.

Anyway to make a long story even longer...Natali ended up getting a Frosty and staying up way past her bedtime watching a movie and eating a frosty. Why you ask? Aren't I the parent? Shouldn't no mean no? Shouldn't I be able to control my two year old? Come on...let's not kid ourselves...all hail Miss Natali!!!


***We at least did not let her eat it all, I get some points for that...right! I know giving in was a bad choice, but I really didn't want to battle her anymore. Some days I just have to wave the white flag.

First Hair Cut

After a meal of peas (which you can see on his face) we decided it was time to give Isaac a haircut. The poor kid was sporting a mini mullet and hair was covering his ears. It didn't go quite as we planned. Isaac didn't enjoy it at all and wouldn't hold his head still. The sound of the little buzzer freaked him out and he kept looking around for it. So needless to say Isaac has about half a hair cut and a really uneven mullet now. Poor kid...good thing hair grows back.

Are We Having Fun Yet!?!

So all day today we talked about coloring easter eggs. I thought it would be so fun with Natali. Isaac was down for a nap, Natali was up from hers, and the timing was perfect. Or so I thought.

In the middle of dying eggs!

"Natali...smile at the camera!" (nice blank stare)
Then I said, "I want to see a happy face." And below is what I got!
Oh the life of a 2 1/2 year old drama queen.

Thanks Nattles for the great memories :)
It's a "stage" right!?!?!?!?!?

Hop Hop

So today we were running errands as a family and one of our stops was to Wal-Mart. To our surprise the Easter Bunny was there. At first I thought Natali was going to just FREAK OUT! A large white bunny in a creepy mask with a pastel vest...freaky! But to our astonishment she loved it. And, you could have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny and get a free 5x7. I thought, why not! So since we don't have a printer with a scanner, a picture of the picture will have to do. Sorry about the flash spot, but you get the idea. Thanks Wal-Mart!

Taggity Tag

I have been tagged by my friend Emily to answer the following questions about my spouse. Here we go into the world of Ben! What else should I be doing at 10 at night while he is studying. Problem cleaning or folding something!

What is his name? Benjamin Lloyd Fluhman

How long have we been married? Four and a half years.

How long did we date? We were friend first and "hung out" for about 4-5 months. Then summer came and I went back to San Diego. We emailed/flirted for the summer. Saw each other twice while I visited family in Park City and later in Idaho. I came back to Provo for school. We officially than dated for 4 months and then got engaged.

How old is he? 28

Who eats more? Ben, unless it is a super nacho from Betos!

Who said I love you first? Ben

Who is taller? Me, but just by a inch. Thus the reason I gave away all my heels and platform shoes when we got married.

Who sings better? Probably Ben...when he isn't singing in his "annoying voice" on purpose to make me mad!

Who is smarter? He is in medical school...but I'm no dummy either!

Who's temper is worse? Me for sure...Ben doesn't have a temper.

Who pays the bills? I pay the bills.

Who does the laundry? I do, but he helps when I need him to.

Who cooks dinner? Me!!! Ben's idea of a gourmet meal would be...mac-n-cheese mixed with a can of chili and a jar of jalapeños.

Who drives when together? Ben

Who is more stubborn? Me, but Ben can give me a run for my money at times.

Who's parents do you see the most? Since moving to Iowa we don't see either as much as we would like to.

Who has more friends? Probably me.

Who has more siblings? Ben , middle child of 7

Who wears the pants in the family? what a silly question...Natali, then Me, then Isaac, and then Ben

Who eats more sweets? Let's hope it is Ben since I am the diabetic!

Who mows the lawn? Ben

Who kissed who first?Ben did finally! He was my first kiss.

Who asked who out first? Ben. Our first date when it wasn't in a group hang out setting was up in Park City. It was amazing! We took a ski lift ride up the mountain, ate Mexican food, and talked into all hours of the night!

Who Proposed? Ben. First we went to In & Out, walked on the beach, and then he asked at the San Diego Temple.

What's my favorite thing about him? Everything! He is very patient with me and reminds me of what is really important in life. He still can make me laugh and has made me a mother and wife. (sorry I can't get it to stop bolding the font)

Tag: If you read this...consider your self tagged!

Laughter

There is nothing quite as sweet and pure as a babies laugh. I love it when Natali makes Isaac laugh. It is a definite highlight of motherhood. Tonight she was doing it, but of course once I got the camera out she stopped. So I had to use that lovely "mom/baby" voice and do my best. Here is some footage of Isaac (7 months)!

Thank You Fun Dip

Despite the fact that Natali's mouth turned green I owe my sanity to a Fun Dip candy. This charming little device gave me about 20 minutes of "free time" to finish feeding Isaac lunch in relative silence (except the airplane sounds and songs I was singing to get him to open his mouth). You probably all already know this but Natali not only inherited my red hair, but my verbal abilities (I like to think of it more as a talent :) ). Honestly there are days where I swear she never pauses to breath. Usually I love it, but some days I just want a few moments of silence to think...a luxury I know! So that is why I say, "thank you", to the Fun Dip candy!

A few pictures of our growing guy eating lunch! What a little angel! I honestly feel like I just kiss those cheeks all day long, who could resist!

Our Little Singer

Natali will randomly break out in song through out the day. ..anywhere from Backyardigans, Wiggles, to Primary songs. It seems like when ever I get the camcorder out she stops and refuses to sing. Well I finally got it! We are proud to present...Natali. Side note...when she finishes singing she always says, "clap for me, clap for me!" What a cutie!

Happy Heart Day

There are many things I am in love with, but most of all my family! I LOVE being a mom, wife, daughter, sister, etc! I am so lucky to have my kids who I LOVE ! Heres wishing all of you a very Happy Valentines!

6 Months & Slowing Down

Our little boy is not so little anymore. He is 6 months old! It honestly feels like in someways he has always been a part of our family, but it also feels like just yesterday we brought him home from the hospital. I am sure you know what I mean. We had his 6 month check up yesterday and his stats are as follows: weight-19lbs 1 oz (75%....the kid has slowed down...but no worries he still has incredibly chubby cheeks) height-27 1/4 inches (75%). So pretty average. He is eating more fruits and vegetables and LOVING it, and I love making them for him...I seriously feel like wonder woman making his food. Here is a photo of a photo we had taken to mark being 6 months. I love having two kids!!!

Snowed In

Between yesterday and last night we have gotten over 8 inches of snow. Needless to say today we will not be leaving the house. They even canceled Ben's school which is extremely rare. I thought I would blog since it has been awhile. Isaac is 6 months as of Monday! My baby is growing up!!! We are working on sitting up and so far he has enjoyed sweet potatoes, green beans, and bananas. The green beans were store bought but I did the sweet potatoes and bananas at home. I don't know why I didn't do this with Natali but making your own baby food is so easy, I love it!

The other day I was sitting with Isaac and Natali walked over and kissed his head. She than said, "Oh Isaac...you my best friend..I love you." And then ran away and continued playing. It was one of those really precious mom moments. Thank goodness for those moments in between all the chaos, tantrums, dirty diapers, and tears.

DON"T FORGET!!!

This week this is a new give-away on the blog "I Love Give-A-Ways" Don't forget to go check it out and enter. (Seriously...there are no strings attached) And FYI next weeks give-a-way apparently will fall under the jewelry category...so keep checking in!!!

Baby Boy

I can't believe that Isaac is about 5 1/2 months old now! I am dreading his first birthday already. I just don't want my baby to grow up. But he is and hitting all those little baby milestones. Last week he rolled from his back to us tummy and we decided it was "saucer" time! He LOVES it, and so does Natali (shocker)! Just a couple of pictures to share. I thought he looked too sweet all bundled in white. (FYI...for those of you who are not currently in Iowa, the current temp. is a balmy 10 degrees with a wind chill factor of -8 degrees...ahh the Arctic)

Do You Like FREE Things?

Hey, you should really check this site out (listed below). It was started by a girl in my ward (church). Her site explains it all, but overall all you have to do is go there....look at the website/business she is sponsoring for that week, and then comment on her blog about something that you saw that you liked. Then she does a raffel at the end of the week and if you win you get a product from that company (that she will mail to you). You pay for NOTHING! Seriously...check it out! (you do NOT have to be in Iowa to do this).

http://www.ilovegiveaways.blogspot.com/

Trip Pic's

Here are some different pictures from our trip...cousins, grandmas, groups, and food!

Mary & Natali

Nattles & her Fat Boy

Grandma Fluhman

McKay & Isaac (2 months apart)

All the Girls

All the Boys!

It was the year of the BOYS! Look at those babies!

Drum Roll Please...

If you asked Natali what she wanted Santa to bring her she would say (very quickly and slurred) "Candyland Castle!" Guess what? Santa found her in Utah! She loves it.

Skating Party

It is a tradition that every Christmas Eve gma & gpa Hayes rent out a roller rink in Layton for a family party. And when I say family...I mean family...100 plus! Ben doesn't even know all their names....so I just walk around with this glued on pleasant smile and hope that no one tries to talk to me (cause I will have no idea who they are). Natali loved playing with her cousins (that she knew) and bouncing on all the inflatable toys.

Nattles & John John

More Fluhmans with Isaac

Natali & Savannah

Christmas in Iowa

Before we left for Utah we had our own Iowa Christmas. It was so much fun to watch Natali open her gifts. Thankfully she isn't old enough to really get it all...if you know what I mean...so we could get away with having 2 Christmas mornings. Isaac did a great job of just being a chubby little guy!

Santa Claus is Comin' To Town

Despite the ice storms, Santa did make it to Des Moines...and here's our proof! This Santa was awesome. Natali wasn't so sure of seeing Santa once it was actually our turn. Santa worked his charm and although I have no pictures of her all in smiles, I don't have any of her screaming and crying. Our purpose was accomplished when with some coaxing from mom she finally asked Santa for Kandyland Castle! He said he would put the order in. Thanks Santa!

Timid at first

Suckered in by a book...good work Santa!

Ice...Party...Rice

As a child I always thought ice skating was so cool! I even had a ice skating birthday party one year. Right now...I feel like I am living my childhood dream and living on a ice rink! Just kidding, not a dream at all...more like a NIGHTMARE! It seems like we have had ice storm after ice storm and that everywhere and everything is coated in a nice layer of ice. Thanks Midwest!!!

Back in my teacher days every December I would throw a Polar Express Party for my class. So this year I decided that Natali was old enough to get it and we had our own mini version. We had tickets to ride the train, we read the story, decorated cake trains, and even watched the movie...all while wearing our PJ's! Fun stuff. She loved it and still is asking me when we are having our Polar Express Party and I am trying to explain...that was the party!

Isaac has been given the okay for rice cereal. He has actually done really good with it. Most of it comes running out to corners of his mouth because he keeps grinning at me, but he seems to get some down as well. I love hitting these little milestones but I hate it too because it means he is getting bigger. Isaac...don't grow up!

Baby Isaac...4 months!

Yesterday we had Isaac's 4 month check up and are happy to report that our little guy is doing great. His current stats are:

Height: 25 1/2 inches (75%)
Weight: 17 lbs 8.5 oz (90%)
Head: 17 1/4 (75%)

He isn't rolling over yet...his big belly might be inhibiting that a little. But he is lifting his head well, grabbing his hands, and according to the doctor ready to try some rice cereal. We love our Isaac!

Do I Have To?

I have been delaying this but... it keeps happening. I've been "tagged". I haven't done it because I can't think of 6 interesting/unknown things about me. Here is my best try!

1. My husband was my first boyfriend and first kiss. It may sound lame...but I like it that way!

2. I can fit the bottom of a soda can completely in my mouth. A talent...I know.

3. I LOVE children's books! I guess it is the teacher in me, (taught 4th grade for 3 years), but I could spend hours in the children's section in bookstores. Someday I want a big library in my house just full of children's books.

4. I have been to a World Series baseball game, back in 99 (I think) when the Yankee's swept the Padres (bummer). I have four brothers and my mom picked me to go with her...yes they were jealous!

5. The pipes at my elementary school were broken (nobody told me) and the toilet back flushed/sprayed in my face. That means I had dirty toilet water ALL over me! Thankfully I lived 3 minutes away from school and immediately went home and changed.

6. The first time I was taken to my current in-laws (while were just dating) I shot diet V-8 out my nose onto their white table cloth from laughing too hard. Ben then continued by telling me it was his grandmothers and a antique. He was just teasing...but I wanted to die!

Thanks for the "tag" girls! I tag anyone who hasn't had this fabulous opportunity.

Hail to the Victors!

This Thanksgiving, we are truly grateful for the spirit that comes to our home when BYU beats the Utards!

Winter Wonderland

What was suppose to be a "trace" of snow turned into at least 4 inches of white fluffy stuff! Natali was completely enthralled. Last year it snowed but it was always to icy to play in. So we bundled up and headed out doors. It was AWESOME...Natali loved it. She made snow angels, snowballs, white washed herself, and even ate some. I was freezing and had to bribe her to come in with hot chocolate and marshmallows. She would have spent hours out there. Despite the fact that I hate the cold and especially driving in the snow, today I was grateful for it....fun memories with Natali!

Ready to Play

Playing on the Deck

Out in the Backyard

Thawing Out!

Grandma Time!

All I can say is YEAH for moms!!! We were lucky to have my mom come out and visit us this last week. Thank heavens for having babies/grandkids because I know she wasn't coming for Ben and I, or Iowa! We had a blast just being together. It's wonderful when your mom is also your best friend. We ran errands, played with the kids, and she helped me beautify our little house. Thanks to her we now have window treatments, the kids clothes have all been sorted and organized, and I have some new clothes and accessories. Again...yeah for moms! She had lost of snuggle time with Isaac and Natali loved playing with her. We weren't trying to leave Natali out of the picture below, she was just having a well timed two year old melt down in the other room and I didn't feel the need to document it! Isaac is 3 months old now and steadily growing.