still here.

Big, uncomfortable, tired but excited for the upcoming events.  I'd love to say that the following pictures are the nursery for baby #3  but they are of Clara's room that I am just finishing up.  I picked up the number cards at a cute shop at Sundance when we went on the Alpine Loop outing in the fall and instantly had a vision of how I'd use them in her room. (I wish my follow through had been as instant...3 months later.)  As for new baby, I've cleared room in my closet for her clothes, changing station, etc.  With our new house layout I felt keeping her close trumped cute nursery of her own.   The favorite movie line "nobody puts baby in a corner" comes to mind, however this somebody's putting baby in the closet (at least for now). 

Who says horizontal stripes aren't flattering? Yikes,  I know I will regret posting this one.

clara's room

'tis the season for...

Angels Singing,

bells ringing,

trains rides,

cousins nativity,

snow angels,

love,

almond roca,

games,

lights,

and special gifts.

What an beautiful, Christmas season filled with family, love, music and magic!

counting blessings, instead of sheep

I think its just third trimester woes, but I have lots of sleepless nights. (It seems like a cruel way to prepare you for the sleep deprevation that comes with caring for a newborn.) Gratefully, some words of a song I heard the MOTAB (mormon tablernacle choir) sing came to mind (the post title) and I have taken up my restless nights thinking of all of my blessings large and small. With Thanksgiving just past, and Christmas just around the bend, it seems like the appropriate time to share a little of my list.
good health
music
kind strangers
exceeding expectations
a clean house
green lights
freedom
making a good choice
watching your child make a good choice
getting to stay home with the kids
noah and clara playing together
homemade food
watching horses from my window
a backrub from Josh
feeling the baby kick
singing Christmas carols
twinkly lights
family "shows" on the hearth in the evenings
modern medicine
a warm home
my testimony of Christ
an eternal family
friends/family that love you as you are
a good night sleep
being happy in the moment

thanksgiving 2009

We were so grateful to be able to drive to California to spend Thanksgiving with some of my family. The weather was perfect for traveling. Noah kept us on schedule (he didn't want to stop at all until we got to Grandma's house). We had stocked up on dvd's from the library but also made sure we turned everything off for some quality family time singing, I spy, and storytelling.

We all nestled in easily at my parents house. Clara Jane loved running the halls chasing Kjell, being doted by her aunt b. and g-ma, taking rides on the bush hog with daddy, and finding mommy's old pound puppy to drag around. Noah (who quite timely transferred his obsessions of garbage trucks to trains) was sleeping with, playing with, could not be pryed away from Grandpa Jon's electric trains. Ad, Darce, Beck, G-Ma, G-Pa, and Daddy patiently helped assemble, reassemble, and replace and attach tracks and cars hours each day. He sat on Santa's lap for the first time and even talked to him (I usually just position him close for a picture and call it good). Josh enjoyed quality reading time, leaf racking along side his bff, licorice and boys night at the Kings game (they even won...call it a thanksgiving miracle). I loved cooking along side family, having my kids entertained without me or PBS, our day at Empire mine, the family walk, the a rain/ leaf and acorn shower, and the familiarity and love you feel being in the home/area you grow up in.

>

there she blows!!!

Yes, that is our NEW trampoline in the ditch on the other side of our SIX FOOT fence. It was an incredibly windy night (the kind that keeps you awake worrying if the the roof is still attached) and in the morning this is what we found. We were so shocked that it could of taken flight high enough to clear the fence and everything. Unfortunately, it bent, ripped through the metal frame, and is completely broken. Noah, in particular, is so bummed. I have to laugh that we thought we were done dealing with wind by moving off of South Mountain. I fear I'm going to have to start a whole section on the misadventures at the Stika Homestead.

halloween weekend

In preparation...
Friday night we spent carving pumpkins. Enjoying homemade pizza. Grandma Stika stopped by to finish up Noah's costume.


Halloween was a beautiful fall day. We tried to get some professional shots done of the kids, unfortunately, Minnie did not get the memo and did not cooperate. Daddy was able to capture the two when we went the park. We ended the evening at Lissy and Mark's home and got to even trick or treat with cousins! One of my favorite Halloween's to date.

sweetness in seatle

Josh and I made a super quick trip to Seatle. Some passes Beck had given us were just about to expire but we were able to squeeze the trip in just before the deadline. We were SOOO grateful to Liss and Mark who watched the kids for our final couple retreat before becoming a family a five! It was just one full day, and two nights, but it was perfect. We ate amazing food and didn't have to feel too guilty because walked so much. I learned what a good shopping buddy Josh is... not only does he encourage and compliment but pick up the bill as well! What a treasure to step out of mommy/daddy role for a minute and get to hang out with your best friend.

Of course coming home to this makes it all the sweeter.