Notes on the Nordfelts

Rexburg Here We Come!!

2011-10-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

Brady just accepted a job offer at BYU-Idaho. He will be working in the Admissions department and we will be moving in about 3 weeks. This has been an enormous answer to an army of prayers. We feel so humbled to be blessed with this job and are really excited for the new change. So all of you idahoans here we come!!

2 birthdays, a race, and the first day of Kindergarten!

2011-09-02T08:06:00.000-07:00

So August is a busy month for us. We have Crew and Kennedi's birthdays as well as our aniversary within 10 days of eachother. This year we also had a race down in denver and Crew started Kindergarten! Busy but really fun.

I just can't get enough pictures of this girl. She is so dang cute!

Crew had his first "friend" birthday. We usually just have a family birthday at home but I figured it was about time for him to have a big chabang! We had it at a local playground that also had a splash park. Lots of fun and lots of friends and food!

Spiderman cake, way cool.

He got so many fun gifts. It was a bit like Christmas. Thanks everyone for coming!

Now Kennedi's turn.

The wings didn't come off for the rest of the day. Her party was just with the family and a bit more girly than Crew's.

Brady ran a triathlon down in Denver. He did awesome and it was a lot of fun to cheer him along. This is before the race. Right before we realized he forgot his race packet and I had to hurry back to the hotel room making it back just in time. Always fun to forget really important stuff with 3 kids in tow.

Crew is now in school. I only moped around for one day.

Now I rather enjoy the time with the little girls.

All the Kindergartners wait outside and walk into the class together. Then they all come out and wait at the end of the day too. It makes it easy for us so we don't have to go inside at all, but I also wish I could see him in his class a bit more.

That is his teacher in the solid black.

And there he is waiting in line to go to school for the first time.

We discovered new tricks around the house.

We also discovered that Kennedi is really flexible.

Oh and who can forget this cutie? She is 7 months and probably around 17lbs. She is the happiest one around the house. I just can't get enough of her or that smile. We feel so blessed and a little spoiled by this darling little girl.

Family Pictures

2011-08-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

We took these pictures a while ago just behind our house. Who new it was that easy?

a summers worth in one post

2011-08-13T10:07:00.000-07:00

Spiderman and his side kick muscle girl.

First black eye of the season.

We went to Rexburg to see family is run a race. Brady got second in the 10k. Funny enough our good friend Jake who sent us to China (through his business China Horizons) got 1st!

My sister ran her 10th marathon on the same day and I ran my 2nd 1/2 marathon. It was a fun day.

The carousel in Rexburg.

Uncle Kit came up too!!

Bearworld

Our first cast. Classic story fell off the bed. Cast three weeks. Cute though.

Crew at his Amazing Atheletes class. It was a multi sport class through the city. Perfect for little boys.

Farewell Mom and Dad

2011-08-13T09:31:00.000-07:00

About a week ago my ENTIRE family went down to Durango for my parent's mission farewell. They have been called to serve a mission in Slovakia which is in the Chech Republic Mission. It was a fun week and the first time since I got married (8 years ago) that we had the whole family, all kids and husbands, together. That came to a grand total of 10 adults and and 10 kids all under one roof. It was busy, noisy, and very very special.

All 10 grandkids

The whole Ostergaard clan

The girls and Mom

The girls and Dad

We made an album of all the grandkids for them to take with them.

We went to Mesa Verde

Sister's night out!

To My Mother

2011-05-08T13:24:00.001-07:00

To my dear mother on this day of honoring her. I am who I am because of you love, teaching, and example. It is your influence that I look to every day as I try to raise my children. I pray I can live up to your legacy. Thank you Mom for giving me life, teaching me of Christ and devoting yourself to my success and happiness. I love you truly!

Easter

2011-05-03T13:12:00.001-07:00

We really tried to take some cute easter sunday pictures. That is not an easy task with three wigglers. Syndee actually was the most cooperative. These where the best of the lot.

A mission call, a Baby Blessing and family lov'n

2011-05-03T12:50:00.001-07:00

We had a special weekend a while ago and had a lot of loving family to share it with. Many of my sisters and parents were planning on coming up for Syndee's blessing and as fate would have it my parents also brought their UNOPENED mission call to open with all of us around.

They were called to the Prague, Chech Republic Mission as ward support missionaries! This came as a big surprise as most of our guesses were Japan or Hawaii or any where but the Chech Republic. It was really special to be there with them in that moment.

A quick wardrobe change and they are ready to go.

After Sydnee's Blessing. Everyone looks so grouchy. I promise they are a happier bunch than they look.

All the family. Three of my four sisters came and Rachel brought two of her three kids.

We missed you Heidi!

Shoe flare.

Sister lov'n

All day long...

Open mouth kiss, yum!

Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

Syndee now fits into her bumbo and it keeps her happy all day long. It's the only place where she will fall asleep on her own.

And it never gets old

Never

Our family and all that entails...

2011-03-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

So it's been over two months now of adjusting to a family of five and I have to say it isn't as bad as I had expected. Not as bad at all. There are times I sit and think how fun it is, yes I said fun. I have survived several grocery trips on my own with all three (quite gracefully I might add). For me grocery trips are the true measure of sanity and control for a mother. We also have made many trips to different playgrounds and I've figured out how to chase Kennedi, hold Sydnee and yell at Crew fairly well. So below we tried to take a family picture and this was as good as it got. Only one crying and another with his eyes closed, not so bad huh? At least Brady and I are smiling.

CREW

Kennedi got a hold of an apple and just took two small bites then put it back (a common happening with her). This time, however, Crew put his creativity to work and turned it into Jack the Pumpkin King. We were actually very impressed.

SYDNEE

Grandma and Grandpa Nordfelt came for a visit and thoroughly enjoyed the new baby. Here she was looking so cute with Grandma, despite the spot of spit up on her mouth.

It never ceases to amaze me the positions that babies can fall asleep in.

Same day different position, looking a bit like a pea pod.

Can't beat a pink baby.

The girls first bath together. And yes I love calling them my girls.

KENNEDI

I didn't realize how many more pictures I had of Kennedi in this post until I uploaded everything. However I find it fitting seeing as she has worked extra hard to demand my attention. She really has adjusted well with new little sister but there are still times when she needs a little extra love.

Kendi has found a great interest in her clothes and often times wants to wear all of them, at once. She was very pleased with this selection and wore it for the better part of the day.

Brady snapped this picture of her in her best face.

This is usually the face we get when we try to make her smile for the camera.

At the sculpture park in town.

I've realized that Kendi takes the majority of her naps on her bedroom floor. I always put her down in her bed and shut the door. Usually she will get down and play for a while before she falls asleep. This time she made herself a nest.

Sydnee- 1 month

2011-03-02T13:14:00.000-08:00

It never ceases to amaze me how fast time goes, especially at the beginning. Our little baby is already over 4 weeks old! She is doing really well. Eating like a champ and sleeping good too. We have been really surprised with her sleeping because some nights she'll go for 5 to 7 hours and not because of anything we've done. Of course there are other nights when I feel like she's up every 2 hours, her and the other two (that's always fun). Overall we have fallen in love with this little girl and are so happy she has arrived.

Here are some shots of a little photo shoot we did one afternoon. As you can see she likes to put her hands in and around her mouth. She was even like this in the womb. We have some great ultrasound pictures.

And here she is!

2011-02-03T18:06:00.000-08:00

Waiting...waiting

After seeing Brady holding Kennedi for so long I couldn't get over how small Syndee looks in his arms.

When the kids came to meet Syndee for the first time. They were really excited. Especially Kennedi. She loves babies and hasn't been able to let Syndee be since we got home.

Cute little hat.

My favorite picture so far.

I guess when one gets attention on the blanket, they all want in.

Every day we have to take turns holding the baby. Kennedi definitely gets more turns as she is constantly asking.

The Sydnee Rae Story (pictures en route)

2011-01-30T19:21:00.000-08:00

So the day has arrived and much to our surprise a day early! Sydnee was born Saturday the 29th at 9:40 PM. She was 8 lbs 9 oz and 21 and 1/2 inches. This labor was full of surprised for me and just goes to prove that no to labors are alike. I started having contractions on a trip to Walmart which adds a nice touch. I have never started laboring by contractions only. My water broke with Crew and I was induced with Kennedi so I was second guessing my self a lot as to if these were legitimate labor pains. At the same time I was worried about getting two children through a shopping trip while in labor. I got home and got everyone and everything inside and decided to call Brady so I could really start paying attention to my body and get ready if needed.

We decided to pack up and go. I was still going up to Fort Collins for my appointment and was planning on delivering there too. So on the drive I was making all essential calls and really hoping that they weren't going to send us home. My dear friend Shari was watching the kids for us so we stopped by to drop them off. She also lives 3 minutes from the hospital which was really nice.

We get in and settle into our labor room and I am checked. I was dilated to a 6 and 90% effaced. The nurse assured me that I would be staying and having the baby. We checked in around 5 and just hung out for several hours. My contractions were not increasing intensity while very fast. I was actually surprised that things were coasting along like that. I had expect to be faster based on the last two. My midwife then decided to check me again and maybe break my water to see if that would help things along at all. Well she actually broke my water unintentionally just by checking my cervix and was nearly washed away in the process. Honestly the water sprayed and splashed. She said she hadn't seen so much water like that in a long time. It was literally pooling around me. Rather funny. Things did indeed pick up from there. My contractions got more intense and closer really fast. As things were gaining speed I was concerned about when to push because I don't get the sensation to push for feel that pressure. Or if I do my contractions are too intense to notice. So my midwife said we could check were I was at and go from there. She said it looked like I was probably ready and could push on the next contraction. So I did and they shouted "stop, stop, wait!" She was already starting to crown so everyone scrambled to get all the towels and other delivery things ready. Then next push she was out! And boy was it a push. I'm sure that entire wing of the hospital heard me.

Now Syndee and I are both happy and healthy and glad to have it all over. We will provide pictures soon. Hopefully we'll be home tomorrow and then the adventure of 3 kids begins!

What? A craft?

2011-01-25T13:19:00.000-08:00

Yes people it is true I made a craft. Most of you may already know that although I enjoy crafty activities I rarely seek them out on my own. However I have broken the mold and made these name blocks for the girl's room. I was looking for a long time for some wall art or something cute to make their room a little more girly. I couldn't find anything that I liked and mentioned to Brady that I should just make something. So this was the end result. The blocks are now on the wall above each bed. I was really pleased and especially grateful for my visiting teacher who helped me with the cutting, sanding and letters. So now we just wait for the final touch...baby Sydnee. I'm due on sunday!

Christmas and stuff

2011-01-04T20:22:00.000-08:00

Sorry it's been so long since our last post. I've really been hit and miss with motivation lately. So here is A LOT of pictures to make up for it.

There is a nice trail just outside of town that we have enjoyed.

Robot Crew. Never underestimate the imagination of a 4 year old.

Crew and Brady took a walk near our home and this was a neat picture Brady took.

The first snowman of the year!! This snow was melted away the next day and it wasn't until last thursday (about two months later) that we saw any more snow. It was not a white christmas but it was a white new year.

Fall clean up with our little helpers!

Daddy got really ambitious one day and made the king of all blanket forts. We left it up all day.

The fort dwellers.

My parents and two of my sisters came for Thanksgiving. We had a great time together. Grandpa spent a large portion of time on the floor playing legos with Crew. He made some pretty impressive creations. Many of which were destroyed minutes later. One of the many hazards of building things with Kennedi around.

This is a PURE BOY picture. At first he wanted me to wrap him up like a mummy then he turned into a ninja. I love boys!

This has become Kennedi's new favorite activity. She pulls my basket of snow gear off the self and just sits there laughing to herself. This day Crew was her helper.

Kendi's hair is getting longer so I tried to see how many pigtails I could do. It's hard to see clearly but there is four.

Christmas eve the kids sprinkle a mix of glitter and oats on the lawn so Santa can see the glitter and the reindeer can smell the oats and then they can find our house better. This is a fun tradition Grandma Nordfelt started with us.

Crew is more of a dumper than a sprinkler.

Another tradition on Christmas eve is to open one present before bed. This is a shot of Crew accidentally opening the wrong present. Oops!

Here's Kendi Christmas morning before I woke her up.

Look at what Santa brought!

It took a while for Kennedi to wake up but the purse, stroller, and baby (not shown) were a HUGE hit. Sometimes Santa really gets it right.

The aftermath. I felt like we hung out in that little area for the better part of the rest of the day.

Playing in the toy box. Crew has now moved into his own bedroom and Kennedi will room with the baby once she's born. So we now have to take turns with whose room we play in. I enjoy the change.

Hope all of your holiday activities were as enjoyable as ours!! Don't be surprised if our next post is of our happy addition. I'm due on the 30th!

Halloween is the best!

2010-11-07T20:30:00.000-08:00

So for those of you that don't know, we love halloween. Family theme costumes are so fun for me and I start searching for costume stuff early to mid september. It's really the only time I get close to being crafty. I make halloween costumes and dinner and that about completes my resume of creations. Anyway this year was really fun and Crew loved going out as a family in our costumes. He actually wore his suit for nearly four days and nights in a row. But who can blame him? You can't beat batman pajamas.

This was one of our jack-o-lanterns. We had so much fun carving them and were so proud of how they looked on our porch. The feeling was sort lived as the very next morning we found the faces half eaten by a squirrel. I think I was more upset than anyone else.

We tried to do a little photo shoot for Kendi while the colors were still out. They turned out pretty good. She didn't smile much, which is a bummer because she has the best smile.

The only smile and of course she was walking away from the better setting with all the colors.

oh and it's a girl!

2010-09-30T20:00:00.000-07:00

So I don't know why but for some reason this summer has turned me into a really poor blogger. It's taken me two weeks to post that our baby is a girl. However, in an effort to please family and maybe the three other people that follow our blog I will try to do better. These are some pictures of the last month or so. Lots of fun.

Kendi's new favorite thing is to climb into things. Even things she doesn't really fit in. Most kids do this but it doesn't get any less cute.

And the trash has also been a new interest, not as cute.

Some more cuteness.

Crew would never cuddle at this age, but Kendi cuddles every chance she gets. Crew, however has become more of a cuddle bug as he gets older, which is still sweet.

Two peas in a pod!

Up in Rocky Mountain National Park, again.

My dear mother offered to come up and watch the kids while Brady and I went backpacking. It was really fun. A shared past time that we haven't been able to do for a long time. It was great weather and beautiful views.

A handsome mountain man.

I tried to make a fishing pole with a stick and some fishing line and flies I found.

I didn't catch anything.

After the trip, tired and stinky and ready to hug on some kids again.

Kennedi and Crew have really close birthdays so we decided to celebrate them together while Grandma and Grandma Nini were visiting.

Yummy birthday dinner.

Four generations altogether.

Baby update

2010-08-07T12:46:00.000-07:00

So I'll add to the short and uninformative #3 post from a while ago. I am 15 weeks and due on Jan 30th. I am doing good especially lately, but for future reference I will try to avoid being newly pregnant while moving. That was rough. I don't get too sick, my problem is energy. I've realized the more kids you have the harder it is to be pregnant, as if that was some mystery. But my next appointment will be the ultrasound so stay tuned for more exciting Nordfelt News!!

Lately, in no particular order.

2010-07-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

We took another day up at Rocky Mountain National Park.

We can't seem to get enough of that place.

One beautiful girl.

We have another picture of Crew similar to this taken in nearly the same spot.

We finally have enough room at our place so we bought a bike trailer. Our family was definitely meant to have one of these because we use it at least once a day and the kids love it. This is coming home from one of the nearby splash parks.

Up at RMNP again.

Splash park again.

Our staked out spot for the firework show over Lake Loveland. It was cancelled on the 4th but that seemed to work to our advantage to get an awesome spot the next day and Aunt Tay Tay was able to come too.

One of the splash parks in near a river. This was a big hit with Brady as you can see. Now whenever we go he gets more excited than the kids.

Brady took this picture for his mother who needed a picture of a child holding his mother's hand for a talk she is giving. Well not just any talk. She is speaking for one of BYU-Idaho's devotionals!

Before church. He was sad to take his hat off.

Brady put up an awesome swing in a grove of trees in our back yard.

So far it has been the best part of the yard for Crew. Lots and lots of swinging.

Kendi is a bit easier to please. Just keep her outside and she's happy all day long.

Just funny.

The train is coming! Cover your ears!!

Yup, Number

2010-07-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

The New Place

2010-07-02T13:37:00.001-07:00

So here's our new place. My parents came to help us move a couple weeks ago and I finally feel like we're settled. It was so great that they came because when it comes to manual labor they are superhuman. We worked really long days but got it all moved in and even managed to trim a huge tree, plant flowers and a little vegetable garden. They're amazing and I'm so glad they came.

Here it is! It was built in 1910 which is kind of cool to live in a 100 year old house. The tree on the right is the one my dad trimmed. It was reaching all the way to the ground and stuffed with junk. It took most the day. It's funny because he said he wanted to start in the morning before it got too hot and after all the trimming, hauling away of branches, and racking up the remains, he finished around 3:30.

Here's the back yard. This is where we spend most of our time now, especially in the evening. And there's my little veggie garden. Thanks Mom!

The living room. Crew was following Brady around taking pictures of him taking pictures of the house. That book shelf in the back was built into the wall. Brady loves it because it's packed full of books. He just wishes he had four more like it.

The kitchen. You can't really tell but the cupboards are a pea green color. I wasn't big on it at first but it's grown on me. Also there is no dish washer so we have to do everything by hand. Brady says our kitchen makes him feel like we live in the 50's. I agree and I like it.

Leave it to Brady to have only been here a day and he has to set up his hammock. We didn't even have all the beds set up but at least we had a nice place to relax.

This is now Kendi's favorite place. Grandma and Grandpa bought the kids a sand pile and it's funny because Kendi loves it and will play in the sand all day and Crew isn't big into the sand but he loves the lid/shell that covers the sand pile. They work well together.

Now that we have a yard there are new issues to deal with...like these feet coming inside every night.

We also have a clothes line that we use a lot. We have a dryer but in attempts to save on electricity costs we dry most of the clothes outside. Another thing that makes me feel like we living in the 50's. Really though this isn't far from how I grew up so this just takes my heart back to the farm.

Update on things

2010-06-14T07:52:00.000-07:00

So after graduation we were hot on the job hunt trail. We were not having much luck but we knew that there were some management positions opening back at Jax (the outdoor store Brady has worked at for the past 4 years). We decided to apply because something was better than nothing and it would also be great for Brady to get management experience for future opportunities. So we applied and he got it. The only catch was he was at the Loveland store (about 1/2 hour away). So he has been driving back an forth for the past month or so but tomorrow we are moving down! We found a cute little house to rent that is super close to Jax.

I'll be sure to post pictures of the new place once we are settled.

Last week we went to a big lake in Loveland called Boyd Lake. It was a great family day and we will definately be returing often. It was a really well set up lake with a large beach area, playground and large open pavilion. It kind of puts Horsetooth (a lake in Ft. Collins) to shame.

Here is a little taste of what 5 minutes put to good use between two kids can look like.

And I'm not exaggerating it was only 5 minutes. The room was spotless before.

And school finally comes to a close...

2010-05-16T20:29:00.000-07:00

So the day had arrived! This weekend we had lots of family come down for Brady's graduation. It's been a long wait and we are happy to finally be a normal or non-student family. After the ceremony, which was horribly long as most graduations are, we had a little gathering with family and friends. Then the next day we rented bikes from the bike library and took a nice ride to Laporte and back, then we worked our way down to denver for a late lunch and a Rockies game!! It was a great day with perfect weather and we enjoyed sharing it with so many loved ones.

There's the handsome graduate.

Poor Aunt Keri was sick most of the weekend. At least she got some good baby cuddling in while she could.

Everyone out on our ride! We highly recommend the Bike Library for anyone needing to entertain in Fort Collins. It's free!

It was their first time in a bike trailer and they loved it.

Group Shot

At the game w/ Papa. These two bonded all weekend.

A great shot of right field.

Spokane Scotts

2010-05-03T17:17:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago I took the kids and flew to Washington to visit my sister Heidi and her family. Heidi used to live in Wellington (just 20 mins away) and they moved away a year and a half ago. It was really hard to go from seeing them several times a week to not at all. Since they moved we've both had baby girls so it was great to meet and swap babies (or at least try to swap, they both love their mommies). Thanks Heidi for a great week!

Crew, Tug, Elaine, and Annie

Digging in the dirt, a common activity at the Scott's.

I thought this was cute. Fascinating morning cartoons.

Kendi-size

On a hike about 10 minutes from Heidi's house. They lived just far enough but close enough to everything. So ideal.

Hanging out.

Little Annie, she was posing for pictures all along our hike.

All in a row.

Kendi got a kick out of this poncho. I forgot a coat and luckily this was in the car.

The splendid Scott Family.

Little Ivy nestled into an ivy plant.

This was Kennedi's happy place. She nearly lived in this pack all week.

For my birthday Heidi took me out to this FANTASTIC greek place. I love greek food! Kelly kindly agreed to watch the kids and we took a date with the babies.

Thanks again for a great week.

New Website

2010-04-26T07:31:00.001-07:00

Just to let everyone know, I have made a new website where I have begun a new project. Among some other things, the website features a blog where I post a picture everyday of my 29th year of existence. I know it isn't that cool, but I think it is fun. Here is the link
Pages Along the Way

Let me know what you think.

Spring Break- Hooray!!

2010-04-02T14:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a load of pictures for you all. I guess I'm trying to make up for the lack of posts lately. We stayed home for Spring Break and it was great. We played hard every day and stayed a night in Estes Park at the end of the week. It was so nice to have Brady home every day. Going back to school was hard for all of us.

Yeah for Spring Break!

Painting Crew's Boat for FHE.

No vacation is worth much without going to Pump It Up. We live nearly across the street from one and it is truly Crew's favorite place ever! Actually we all like it.

Brady and I had to take shifts bouncing w/ Crew and holding Kendi.

We went to music time at the Library. This guy was awesome, but Crew was only mildly entertained. I guess there wasn't enough bouncing.

Kendi spent a lot of time in the front carrier, as we were out doing stuff all week long. Good thing it is her happy place.

Getting ready to start a SLUMBER PARTY. Who says you have to be a teenage girl to have slumber parties? We have them all the time.

There is the handsome man behind the camera. Brady was a picture-taking fool, so I tried to make sure and take some of him as evidence that he is in our family.

We also drove out to the national grasslands east of Fort Collins. It was a nice little hike and Crew was a trooper. He hiked the WHOLE way. This is big because usually he has one of us carry him 10 steps in.

Why does hiking always have this effect on babies?

On our way up to Estes. There is a store called the Dam Store that has this tower next to it that people can climb. As you may know, we like climbing things.

We hiked again up in Rocky Mountain National Park. It was a bit snowier than our last hike. Beautiful though.

Eating lunch after our hike and there were two birds that had obviously been fed a bit by other hikers (oh, and us too). Good shot Daddy.

Mr. Photographer

This is the best picture that I think Brady has ever taken. We were walking around a natural area in Estes and this was an old shed Crew sat next to. I absolutely love it.

And yet another sleepy baby picture. So cute.

There was a couple pool tables by our swimming pool. Crew wanted to play a game. He lasted about three hits and moved onto the fuse ball table. Brady had to finish the game off himself. Something he was happy to do.

This was what we woke up to for our drive home. Gotta love Colorado.

A Commissioned Photo For an Upcoming Film

2010-03-02T18:35:00.000-08:00

Well I got a call the other day from a friend and he asked me to take a photo for an upcoming movie he wants to pitch in Hollywood. He told me it was a take on Robert Frosts Poem, "The Road Less Traveled." Well I went to work and two weeks ago took a photo of the oval at CSU, and after he had a guy add the title and credits you have what follows. It is still a work in progress though.

Just Kidding, my brother is taking a graphic design class, and he had to make a fake movie poster. Other than that, the story is true. He asked me to take a photo, and what you see above is a photo I took of the oval. Hope you like it.

Like Father Like Son - Let the stitches tally begin!

2010-03-01T16:52:00.000-08:00

Growing up I had a few accidents that required me to get some stitches. From 2 years old onward, I was either being dropped (thanks sis), being pushed into a fireplace (my brothers this time), cushioning my fathers fall in a four-wheeling accident, skin grafting in my mouth thanks to heredity, or having fiber build ups removed (also hereditary) which all required stitches. I would just like to point out that none of these incidents was my fault, and I am sure that my sister Mindi would also like me to point out that none of them were her fault either. Anyway, all of these incidents added up to approximately 54 stitches. Well, being the only one in the family to ever get stitches, I was pretty proud of this, until a few years ago when my brother called me and informed me that he had beaten my record in one fell swoop with the help of a skill saw. He not only beat the record, he received so many that the doctors could even keep count. With a 6 inch wide, and 2 inches deep cut, he nearly killed himself in an attempt to beat my record. (I have been debating on putting a picture of his injury here, but it might cause some to throw up so I won't, if you want to see it, let me know and I will send it to you.) Well, now I have a son of my own, who it seems is getting in on the action. As you will see below, Crew had to get some stitches the other day when he fell off a chair and hit his head on my chair on the way down. We were at a sweet sixteen party for one of Erika's young women when it happened, and there was a crowd of about 300 people gawking as I ran to the bathroom with Crew in my hands bleeding all over the place. After we got him cleaned up we took him to the hospital where he received 5 stitches. And just like his father, he didn't even cry when he got the stitches. I say he was like me because when I was young I had to get 22 stitches in the exact same place as Crew did, and I did not cry either. Needless to say, the doctor and nurse where very impressed with Crew. They said that they normally cringe when they hear that a 3 year old is in for stitches, but Crew was perfect patient. Now Crew goes around telling everyone that he broke his head, but the doctors fixed him. What a cute kid.

Happy Valentines Day To Us!

2010-02-20T17:13:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago my mother offered to come up to Fort Collins to watch the kids and give Brady and I a Valentines weekend. Opportunities like that don't come often so I decided to make the best of it and plan a surprise 24 hour date with Brady. I looked at different options around here for places to stay and if there were any special offers. I found a little treasure right here in For Collins. THE ARMSTRONG HOTEL. Any guest at the hotel also gets complimentary tickets to a local play, free admission to a local gym (Old Town Gym) and they can check out old time cruisers to ride around town. So that was most of our date all bundled up in a hotel room.

So Brady had no idea where we were going. He guessed maybe Estes Park or Denver. So to throw him off I blindfolded him and drove around town for about 1/2 hour. Then he was effectively mislead. Then I took him to the hotel, which is a really neat historical hotel located right in the middle of old town. I was able to decorate the room a little before he got off work so it was a sweet surprise.

Next we went out to dinner at a local sushi restaurant. Brady had never had real sushi and although he still ordered a "backup" dish just incase, he thought it was good. After dinner we walked to the nearby play house and watched a great play. We joked that it must have been senior citizen night, because we were by far the youngest people there. After the play we had the unpleasant discovery that our car had died because of my oversight of the headlights. This was another bonus to staying in town because my little sister was able to come give us a jump. Then it would have been back to the hotel, but I dropped Brady off and went home to nurse Kennedi a little so my mother could have a better start at her night. Another benefit to being close.

The next morning we took the cruisers out to breakfast at my beloved Ihop and toured downtown a bit.

Then we finished off with a good and rare gym work out. It was a great time and we owe it all to my mom. Thanks Mom. We love you!!!!!

Happy Valentines Day My Love

2010-02-13T13:37:00.000-08:00

About a month ago I posted a few lines from Shakespeare and added Erika's name into the stanza's. Well one of our friends commented about how I should have waited till Valentines day to do that because how was I going to top Shakespeare. First off, every day is valentines day when you live with your valentine; and second, there is a way to top Shakespeare, and that is my own words. So here they are.

7 years ago on this very day I sat next to you. -

No ornament or symbol graced your tender finger,

No child honored you with the tittle of mother.

No infant radiated love from the comfort of your arms. -

No none of these things were there, it was just you and me.

But with my hand in yours, our shoulders side-to-side,

I looked into your eyes and right there I knew.

I saw it all, passion and obsession, two lives confused as one.

The personification of love and happiness.

A life of laughter, and play. -

A gift to us of which we had no right to believe in - or even hope for.

But it was there, I knew - I saw it in your eyes.

Seven years ago I knew that all I needed in this life was you.

Thank you for that gift.

I Love you.

Is there anything better than being a father?

2010-02-07T08:23:00.000-08:00

Kennedi has been such a sweet addition to our little family and I have neglected to write much about her. She is often so quiet and gentle, that I forget that she is even in the same room as me. Nevertheless, that is no excuse to not mention what a beautiful blessing she is in my life. Kennedi loves to hear my voice and constantly seems to be looking around trying to find out where I am. Whenever I am in a room and talking, she strains to look in every direction till I am found. Once I am found by her beautiful blue eyes, she gives me a large smile. Her cheeks puff up making her eyes narrow, and her lips stretch wide revealing the most heartwarming smile you have ever seen. It is such a cute face that it is impossible to resist. -- When Kennedi is in her relaxed state, her face is just as cute. She has a short upper lip just like mine, which means that her mouth is constantly gapped open a little; this, along with her wide blue eyes makes it look as if she is in a state of wonder and amazement of the world around her. She is such a small, dainty, and beautiful little girl, which I am more than grateful to have in my life.

Goodnight My Son

2010-02-07T08:17:00.000-08:00

The other night, I had an overwhelming desire to lay with Crew as he was going to sleep. Sometimes I just don't get to see him enough during the day that I want to spend a little more time with him. As is custom with Crew, every night he has to have what he calls "glows." These are glow in the dark sticks that we form into circles and put on his head. With these he also wants his Thomas the Train tent to sleep in on his bed. So as I walked into his room, there he was poking his head out of his tent to see who was coming into his room. With colors of green, orange and purple surrounding his head I saw him smile. His eyes opened wide, and the corners of his lips stretched from ear to ear, revealing cute little gaps between each his teeth. It was his smile, a smile that takes over his face, a smile that could drag my soul away from the deepest of sorrows. Then he said that word that all fathers know too well, that word that has the power to melt a heart, "daddy!" I crawled into his little tent with him, which only allows for his little body, and about a third of mine. Resting my head on his pillow he laid down next to me with that same smile. As we lay there, we named all the Thomas the Train characters we could see through the glow of his tent. After some time, I said to him "good night bud, I got to go." His eyes glowed with an intensity, a happiness, a love, that stopped my heart. He smiled, once again revealing all those little gaps, and said, "daddy, I want to sleep with you." And what he was really saying was, please stay, I love you. I told him I loved him too, and that I always would. - Goodnight my son.

My Love

2010-01-25T16:36:00.000-08:00

What light is light, if Erika be not seen?

What joy is joy, if Erika be not by?

Unless it be to think that she is by

And feed upon the shadow of perfection

Except I be by Erika in the night,

There is no music in the nightingale;

Unless I look on Erika in the day,

There is no day for me to look upon;

She is my essence, and I leave to be,

If I be not by her fair influence

Foster'd, illumined, cherish'd, kept alive.

Shakespeare

Christlike People and a Head Scratch

2010-01-04T12:17:00.000-08:00

Kennedi is getting bigger and bigger, and cuter and cuter. Even at 4 months, she only weighs 13 pounds. That is only 3 pounds bigger than Crew was born at. She is such an angel and has the cutest smile. On a side note, there is a story I need to tell you. While Erika and I were in Utah, last week, Kennedi had a very rough night and could not sleep. When morning finally came, Erika and I were both exhausted. We knew that something must be wrong with Kenndi and decided that we needed to take her to the hospital. The only problem was that being in Utah, Kennedi's medicare would not cover her. If you think about it, the whole reason Kennedi is even on Medicare, is because Erika and I are dirt poor students. So a 150 dollar trip to the doctor is no small thing. But after much deliberation and many phone calls to various hospitals and urgent cares, we decided we had to take her in regardless of the cost ($100 - $150 as quoted by several places we called). Well we ultimately decided to go to my sisters doctor since he was a pediatrician and it wouldn't cost any more than the urgent care. Well it turned out that Kennedi had an ear infection. At the end of her appointment, the doctor looked at us and said "I have decided that I will not charge you for this visit. Sitting here talking to you it just doesn't feel right to charge you." It was a very touching gesture, and very unexpected. Erika even broke out into tears in the waiting room after. Right before the doctor said this we had been discussing books and which ones were our favorites. I had mentioned that Les Miserable was one of my favorite books. The doctor replied that is was one of his as well, and one that he reads every year. His gesture of kindness reminded me of the unexpected act of mercy and kindness the bishop in Les Miserable did for Jean Valjean. This kind act has reminded me that there are still Christlike people out there in the world, and Doctor Winn is one of them. Thank you doctor Winn.
On a different note, today as I was putting Crew down for his nap, I started scratching his head. He seemed to really like it. He would close his eyes occasionally only to reopen them and stare at me. When I stopped, Crew reached over and started to scratch my head. We both looked at each other, and Crew smiled. A moment latter he was asleep and snoring. What a precious moment.

Christmas '09

2010-01-01T08:17:00.001-08:00

We went to Utah for Christmas this year. It was a nice low key holiday. Crew and Kendi traded of being sick a couple times but it all worked out by the time we drove home, which was nice.

We drove through a Christmas light display in Spanishfork. Crew loves christmas lights so it was a fun drive.

Making sugar cookies with Aunt Mindi.

Cute Bums.

Grandma with Kendi.

Christmas Eve in his new monster pajamas.

Holding up the reindeer mix that Grandma makes every year. It is oatmeal and glitter that attracts Santa's reindeer to our house.

Sprinkling the mix.

My favorite picture of the week. She is such a happy girl.

Dinosaur Museum

2010-01-01T08:07:00.000-08:00

Over the break we went to a Dinosaur Museum with family. Naturally it was a big hit with Crew.

Riley, Mycol, and Reese (our nieces)

Mindi, Arnold and Reese

Crew and Kit, the popular duo of the week.

Funny Little Boys, cute girls

2010-01-01T07:57:00.000-08:00

So Crew recently rediscovered a tent that he got for Christmas last year. He played with it all day long and when it came for bed time he still wanted to play. Nearly every night since he has had to have his Thomas tent to fall asleep.

Aunt Tay Tay came over one night after an ugly sweater party. You can't really tell but her sweater is covered in sequence.

I just thought this was a cute shot.

Family Pictures

2009-12-05T16:23:00.000-08:00

We have a friend in our ward who is a photographer and she agreed to trade a photo session if we took her family out climbing sometime. So far I feel I got the better end of the deal. They really turned out well. Hopefully we can return the favor once it gets warm again.

Thanks Danelle!

Thanksgiving Break

2009-12-03T20:28:00.000-08:00

Our thanksgiving was great. It was so nice to have Brady home more. We spent a lot of good family time. We shared a lovely thanksgiving dinner with some friends and went to the Parade of Lights in Estes Park.

On a walk around town.

Kendi all snuggled in for the parade. She slept nearly the whole time which made the whole experience a lot easier on me.

I love this one. It's so christmasy!

Brady took this one up on Lumpy Ridge before the parade.

Thanksgiving day at the Archibalds. Thanks guys for a good time.

Some Recent Pics

2009-11-19T21:31:00.000-08:00

Here are some of Brady's recent photo's. We have been going on lots of walks lately so that Brady can use his new toy. I think he is getting pretty good. Maybe he can make us some money someday with his photo's.

Lately

2009-11-14T10:35:00.000-08:00

Brady got a new camera and here are some recent pics.

We had a Family Home Evening based on service. We decided to pick up trash on a nearby bike trail. I thought we could make it into a fun game for Crew but he just stayed in the stroller and watched Brady and me pick everything up. I guess I can't expect too much from a three year old.

One of the best things about Brady getting a new toy (camera) is all the cute pictures we get of our kids (mostly Kennedi)!

smiles

2009-11-03T12:30:00.000-08:00

Mom here are some smiles for you.

Halloween '09

2009-11-03T12:06:00.000-08:00

This was another successful halloween. Our costumes were hits everywhere we went. We went to some fun parties, including Taylor's single's ward party. We were part of her costume so we had to go. She was the taller blonder version of Violet. It was a fun holiday (spandex have that effect on things you know).

Rocky Mountain National Park- again

2009-10-26T15:00:00.000-07:00

We visited Rocky Mountain National Park again. We love to go up during bugling season and this time we had some very close encounters! It was a nice day.

The road, the heard, and the spectators.

This one was taken from the car no more than 5 feet away. Nice rump shot.

The mac daddy.

ode to costumes

2009-10-26T14:33:00.000-07:00

So Halloween is one of my favorite times of year. I absolutely love to brainstorm different costumes ideas for Crew and sometimes the rest of us. So I dedicate this post to Crew and allowing me dress him up every year. I realize that this may be the last year that I get to choose what he gets to be. But that's okay because now I have Kennedi, a new doll to dress.

'06- Garden Gnome

'07- Nerdfelt (probably the favorite)

'08- Charlie Brown

'09- Dash

And Kendi gets to join the fun with her first year as Jack Jack.

We start the cross-dressing early in this family.

Yes, I realize that Halloween has yet to happen this year, but this just further proves the point that we get really excited about this holiday.

Here's some more Heidi.

2009-10-03T14:57:00.000-07:00

My dear sister says I don't post enough pictures of Kennedi so these are for you Heidi.

6 Weeks Old

2009-09-27T15:39:00.000-07:00

So we are finally getting around to posting more pictures of Kendi. Sorry to all of you that have been waiting patiently (mostly). She is doing great. She sleeps like a champ and is beginning to eat like one too. As you can see I have surrendered to the PINK. I kept saying that I didn't want to have tons of pink with this baby, but I now realize that there is just no way to avoid it, especially with your first girl. So I give up, pink is cute and it seems to be breeding in our house so here you go with an bunch of pictures all decked in pink.

This is my favorite. It's amazing what you can do with IPhoto. She looks so precious.

And yes, she is smiling now. This isn't the best example but it will do.

I can't forget my boys!

Kennedi's Blessing Weekend

2009-09-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

We had a fun filled and busy weekend with the family. My parents and little sister, Taylor, were here and nearly everyone from Brady's family came (we missed you Jen). Saturday we took everyone up to Rocky Mountian National Park and showed them around Estes a bit. It was nice to have everyone here to share this special time with us. Thank you everyone for coming!!

It took so many shots to get this one, but I love it.

Mindi, Reese, and Arnold. This is the photo spot so we all had to take a turn.

Ostergaards

Nanna and Papa Nordfelt

Sleepy face disguised as a smile.

The whole group!

Aren't we cute?

One set of proud grandparents

Taylor and her namesake

What? Preschool?!?

2009-09-03T14:16:00.000-07:00

Crew started preschool this week and it was much easier for him than me. I was okay all morning and to the school and even into the classroom. It was when we had to kiss and say goodbye that I started to cry. Then I had to wait all morning to go and pick him up. It was a lonely morning. Yes, I did have an adorable baby to kiss and hug but I still missed my little boy. Crew seems to like school more and more. Every day he gets his back pack ready, (that really is near empty because let's face it what does a 3 year old need to take to school). Picking him up is my favorite part. He always gets really excited and runs up to give me a hug. It's always nice to feel appreciated. So we have reached another big check point...school. Next he'll be married!!

Right before we said goodbye.

Happy Birthday Crew!

2009-08-25T07:24:00.001-07:00

Crew's birthday was last week and although we were still adjusting to life with an infant we had a really good day. We live really close to Pump it Up (an inflatable play place) and walked/long boarded over for a fun couple hours. This was Kendi's first official outing as well. Luckily we had Grandma there also so she could help taking turns playing with Crew. I assumed baby/camera duty. I wish I could take credit for the awesome cake but a friend made it. It was so good too!!

For those who like labor stories...

2009-08-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

After a bit of confusion, some luck, and some problem solving nurses, we were able to go in for my induction on friday instead of sunday. That was a blessing in so many ways. My mom had come into town early so she was able to take Crew and we were off to the hospital at 8:30 am. Once we got there they started me on antibiotics. I needed to get at least 4 hours of penicillin in before we started anything else. So Brady and I just hung out in the labor room and watched a movie.

My midwife and I decided we would try breaking my water first as a means of natural induction. Crew's labor started that way so I felt good about trying that before any petocin. After an hour of waiting nothing had happened so we began small doses of petocin. 6 hours later I finally started to feel some contractions. Once the contractions started they came on strong and Kennedi was born about three and a half hours later. It was intense but I am grateful for every minute of it. I was blessed to hang out and watch several movies and TV shows for 12 hours with no pain. Many people labor for that long.

After Kennedi was born I had a bit of hemoraging, which also happened with Crew, but my midwife was prepared and they got me on medications fast. My recovery has been 100 times better than Crew's. It also helped that Kennedi has been a much less demanding baby. She sleeps a lot so at the hospital and since then I have rested more.

This whole experience has increased my overwhelming gratitude to the Lord for sending his children to me. In so many ways I have realized how perfectly Kennedi fits. I know that all to be part of the Lord's plan for us and I thank him every day.

We are home!

2009-08-16T14:03:00.001-07:00

We are finally home now. Since being home, Crew has been very sweet to his little sister. He keeps giving her all of his toys and teddy bears. So far Kendi just sleeps and sleeps which has been great for both Erika and I. Well here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Kennedi Taylor Nordfelt Has Arrived!!

2009-08-15T08:36:00.000-07:00

Well she is here, and she is beautiful. She was born at 11:20 p.m. on August 14th. She was 7lbs 3oz a lot smaller than her brother was. She has a whole head of dark brown hair, just what Erika wanted. Now Erika is waiting for her eyes to turn green and she will have her "Brady" baby girl. So far she is much calmer and quieter than Crew was, which is nice. Well that is all for now, here are couple of pictures I took with the computer camera. More will come later.

Urrggg!

2009-08-12T07:43:00.000-07:00

No luck on being induced earlier than friday, I'm still not dilated much past a 4. However my midwife called over to the hospital to see if there was a chance of going in early and turns out I have been unofficially BUMPED from friday to sunday! Not the news we wanted or expected. So the wait continues....

The latest.

2009-08-04T15:56:00.000-07:00

I doubt any of you are counting down the days as we are but just in case we are more interesting than I suspect, here's an update. No baby but I'm scheduled to go be induced on the 14th. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the idea of having a baby on the due date! Crew was 9 days late so I have been spending the last 9 months convincing my self that I'll be late. They have to start me on antibiotics for this labor and because Crew's labor was so short they want to induce me to make sure the antibiotics are in my system before the baby comes.

At my last appointment (yesterday) I was dilated to a 3. My next appointment is next tuesday (11th) and there is a chance that if I'm dilated to a 4 or more on tuesday that they may induce me sooner than friday. We'll see. I'm ready ready and excited! I can't wait to say goodbye to my belly and hello to my baby!

She's Home!!

2009-07-24T13:54:00.000-07:00

This last week we took a trip to my parents in Durango for a little family reunion. My little sister, Taylor, got home from a mission in Brazil and all of my family came to welcome her home. It was a busy, exciting, and fun week. There was a lot of food, family, and flowers and it was really hard to come home.

On the way down we took a longer scenic route and drove to central CO to see Bishop's Castle. This is a castle-like building that one man has spent the past 40 years building. You can just walk around any where you like. It is far from ADA approved but was still fun to see.

The castle was huge, as you can see and it was a little nerve wracking to walk around with Crew.

You could go all the way up in the towers and the dome. It took a lot of stair climbing but we both were able to get to the top tower. My legs were achy for days after.

We camped at the Sand Dunes just outside Alamosa before heading on into Durango. It was like a giant sand box. Needless to say we all had a great time playing around.

The welcome home and the welcome committee.

Dad took several of us up high on 4-wheel only roads past Silverton. There were amazing mountain views and lots of old mining towns and structures.

Sister's Night Out! These don't happen very often.

Cousins. My older sister, Heidi is due 3 mos after me.

The sunday homecoming.

Rocky Mountain National Park

2009-06-29T19:08:00.000-07:00

Well since they have cut back my hours at work, Erika and I have been able to play a lot more this summer. Last week we went to Rocky Mountain National Park and drove the Trail Ridge Road up to the alpine Lodge. Along the way we got some great pictures of some elk as well as Crew. Overall, it was a great day. If you wish to see more pictures, visit our flikr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/39458908@N06/

Let's hear it for Mondays!!

2009-06-23T17:58:00.000-07:00

Brady's work schedule has a skewed weekend. He always works Saturdays but has Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday morning off. So monday always feels like Labor Day. I love Labor Day! We always try to play a lot on those days. This last monday was no exception.

Monday morning the boys made a boat from a "do-it-yourself" kit

that Brady got for Father's day.

After that we all went to work in the company garden at Jax (Brady's work).

Crew's job was to keep the mud good and squishy.

Then it was off to Horsetooth Lake. They have a nice beach area there. It was a good day for swimming.

Crew also swims in the sand.

Brady thought it would be fun to bury Crew.

I was surprised he laid so still. He thought it was funny.

More Pictures

2009-06-22T19:57:00.000-07:00

Here are some more of Brady's recent pictures. He has also made a flickr page if you are interested in checking out more. http://www.flickr.com/photos/39458908@N06/

This is his new thing that he does all the time now. He's really getting good. It's fun to see him enjoy this so much.

Boats, frogs, and family, a recipe for a great weekend.

2009-06-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

Monday we went up to Vedauwoo WY and went for a day hike. It was a perfect day and we left just in time to miss the afternoon rain.

The trail was a bit marshy so there were several frogs along the way. Crew loved the fwroggies.

Waiting for Crew to catch up. He did a lot of investigating along the way.

This is my new favorite picture of Crew.

The beautiful drive home. Brady has been getting really good at editing our pictures. This is one of my favorites!

Jax had a boat demo on saturday that Brady had to work. We love demos because we get to come play with daddy at work and it's okay!

Belly at Independence Rock

2009-06-17T20:26:00.000-07:00

A couple weekends ago I had the privilege of leading youth in our stake on a Pioneer trek. It was an amazing experience that really changed my perception on life forever, especially because I was pregnant. On our first day up we went to Independence Rock then to Martin's Cove. Then the next day we took a 7 mile trek around our camp area fully decked out in Pioneer clothing. The last day we had a testimony meeting and headed back home. I forgot my camera so wasn't able to take any pictures. Another lady in our stake sent this one to me and I had to laugh because she titled it "belly at independence rock." Observe how the wagon wheel is in perfect contour with my belly. Needless to say I stuck out a bit for this trip and not just with this shirt, my pioneer dress was quite tent-like.

Brady's Photos

2009-06-13T21:40:00.000-07:00

I have been getting into photography again, and thought I would share some photos I have taken in the last little while.

We love the rain!

2009-05-31T10:03:00.001-07:00

When it rains in our neighborhood the gutters flood. Bad drainage, but great fun! You can't really tell but it is raining in these pictures and my two boys got soaked after playing in it for over an hour.

Building a dam. This is one 1/4 the total size.

It is no surprise that Brady was the first one out the door.

He played in the rain before we had Crew.

There's the belly everyone. At about 7 months.

First Trip of the Season!

2009-05-31T09:43:00.000-07:00

What happens when two parents finish two tough and busy semesters? They want to relax and do nothing. On the next open day we all went camping up in Pingree Park hoping to do just that. What we realized was that we aren't very good at doing nothing. So in planning on doing nothing we brought little to do and quickly found out that we got board. See what school can do to you? It was still a nice trip but next time we're bringing cards.

We spent a lot of time in our new hammock. Oh, what a great invention!

Colorado Springs

2009-05-14T08:01:00.001-07:00

Cave of the Winds

Garden of the Gods

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo- the coolest zoo ever!!!!

Air Force Base- This was where Brady was born.

The Chapel on base.

Graduation!

2009-05-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

This last weekend we went down to Alamosa CO, with Brady's parents and met up with my parents for my graduation. It was a long ceremony, as most graduations are, but I'm glad I went. It was really rewarding to see some classmates and finish together.

My lovely family after waiting for me for three plus hours!

Crew came down to give me flowers after I got hooded.

Two of my classmates that have been in the majority of my classes.

Brady's Birthday and Easter

2009-04-27T17:20:00.000-07:00

So for Brady's birthday we had a nice relaxing day. My dad was in town so it was fun to share the day with him. We went swiming in the morning, watched a movie in the afternoon (along with a birthday cake installment) and in the evening we took my dad to the airport and went to the temple with some friends. Then we finished it off with a lovely dinner at Texas Roadhouse (one of Brady's favorite). Dinning out is quite the different experience without Crew.

The day before easter we went to several easter egg hunts and Crew got TONS of candy. I've learned my lesson that there is no need to buy any candy for him, all I have to do is take him to these hunts and we'll be well taken care off.

We went to an egg hunt at a local nursery and there was a bagillion eggs and a bagillion kids. So they opened the doors and it took about 2 minutes for Crew to fill his basket and then we left so other kids could get some eggs. Crew was not in favor of leaving as you can see here.

After the nursery hunt a family in our ward hosted a smaller egg hunt. They actually hid the eggs in the back yard to it was more of a search. It got me really excited to have a backyard someday. Oh someday....

One of the sunny ones

2009-04-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

So the weather here has been a bit bipolar. It is super nice and sunny for about three or four days and then it rains or snows for a couple days. It has been doing this for the past month. So we have learned that when it is a nice day, we better get out and enjoy because chances are tomorrow won't be the same. Here we all took a little hike around Horsetooth Res. (a reservoir just west of town.) Actually very little hiking happened, we rather strolled around and played on rocks.

"Same"

2009-04-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

Lately Crew really loves to compare things and show us by exclaiming "same, same." Sometimes we're pretty impressed with the similarities he has found in random things around the house. Yesterday morning he was eating mixed pretzels and in the mix there were very small pretzels that he always calls "baby." So as he was eating he had one of the baby pretzels and he held it up to my stomach and said "same, same." The baby pretzel was the same as the baby in the belly. I'll never get tired of the cute things he says.

It's a GIRL!!

2009-03-30T16:33:00.000-07:00

So we went in for my ultrasound this morning and yup the Ostergaard genes are back in play, it's a girl. I didn't really realize how much I wanted a boy until she said it was a girl. But the more I talk to people the more excited I get. A friend said, "just go shopping for clothes and you'll get excited real fast."

It's going to be a new change but we're happy. I am looking forward to putting cute little bows on her head like my mom did for us and like my sister-in-law does so well with our niece Reese. I couldn't get the ultrasound pictures to load up so I'll have to keep trying. So I'm putting Reese on display to get me more excited for newborns with bows!

It was bound to happen

2009-03-30T16:24:00.000-07:00

You know as a mother of a boy I feel like there are certain things that you have to expect to happen. Like pooping in the bath tub, destruction of most things paper (i.e. books), and now we can add swallowing rocks.

Thursday night crew had this little rock in his mouth. I tried to get it out but he would not open up. As I was trying to get it out he started to laugh and swallowed it. It was so big I was surprised he didn't choke but he was breathing fine and I called a nurse and she said that there shouldn't be any problems passing the rock.

The next morning Crew started throwing up so we called again and they said to take him into the ER. That is where we got our lovely x-ray. The doc said not to worry because the rock was well into his digestive track (as you can see here). We just have to wait for him to pass it and inspect every diaper to make sure he does. Fun huh? We thought this x-ray was a true testament to the experience of having boys!

Durango

2009-03-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

For the past two weeks Crew and I went down to Durango and spent time with Nanah and Papa. For my program I have to get 100 hours in an elementary schools. I just happened to know a fantastic elementary school counselor that worked down in Durango (or Ignacio but that's close enough). This wonderful woman is my mom!! So I went to work with Mom and Crew stayed home with Papa. It was a busy week and Brady got very lonely but we are happy to be home.

Papa saddled up one of the horses and we had a fun little ride.

This was Crew's first time on a real horse. Much better than the horses in the mall.

Oh the fun to be had with a two year old and a box!

First motorcycle ride too!!

A wagon ride too! I suppose "rides" were the theme of the trip.

Thanks Mom and Dad for a great 2 weeks. It was so nice to spend that time with you both!

And Dad a special thanks to you for watching Crew. I know he may have been more than expected at times but I couldn't have done it without you.

And the buzz continues

2009-02-16T15:06:00.000-08:00

Here's a little update on us so far. Sorry no pictures this time but I felt the need to post for some of our readers otherwise known as Grandma. This has still persisted to be the busiest time of our lives. This is a break down of our week.

Sunday- This day usually starts with church meetings for one or the both of us, then church, then sometimes more church meetings (for one or the both of us), then home for our ever so cherished family nap, then the rest of the day is usually played out with homework.

Monday- This is my favorite day as I have nothing! I often celebrate it by staying in pajamas all day. Brady has a morning and evening class, and we both spend much of the time in between doing homework.

Tuesday- I go to Rocky Mountain High School for my internship from 7:30 to 1:00. Then I rush home in time to give Brady a kiss goodbye as he heads off to work until 8:30 or 9:00. And yes for the both of us there is always a lot of homework done this day too!

Wednesday- We both have this day off, or so it would seem. I have presidency meetings in the morning every other week. Then have mutual at 7:00. The time spend in between those two things is usually dedicated to our weekly shopping trip, other errands, and yep you guessed it homework.

Thursday and Friday- repeat of Tuesday.

Saturday- Brady is at work all day and I use this day to clean, run errands, and study. I have two big tests coming up for school. One is the state certification test and the other is a comprehensive test required in order to graduate. I try to spend a couple hours on saturday preparing myself.

So that is a little taste of how things have been with us and probably will be for the next several months. Needless to say I am excited for May! We both are. Let the count down begin.

Yup, the cat is out. Except the cat is really a baby and it is actually not out but more like in...me...in my belly!

2009-01-18T17:09:00.000-08:00

There you go, another baby! We're happy and the baby is due August 14th. For those of you counting that is 4 days after Crew's due date and 5 days earlier than his birthday, AND 9 days earlier than our anniversary. So we could potentially have a very busy week in August for the rest of our lives, but I'm still happy!!

Finally!! A Post!

2008-12-29T19:58:00.000-08:00

So this has been the busiest semester of our collective lives, hence the time laps in updating our blog. Brady and I are both taking graduate classes, Brady is working, I am doing my internship (which is like working without the ever so needed pay), and we both are juggling Crew back and forth in order to avoid day care. Needless to say this Christmas break was needed and highly anticipated.

This was the first Christmas since we've been married that we stayed home. I was really excited to be home and start our own traditions and just have a christmas morning in our own place. It was great! There is nothing like a Christmas morning with a two year old. Crew was so excited and he loved everything. Even the socks! He just kept saying, "oh! oh! oh!" when he came into the living room. That was all I needed. No present could have been as special as seeing his reaction.

My parents came up for 7 days and it was so fun to share the holiday with them. There was lots of cooking, eating, and even more movie watching. On christmas day we watched roughly 5 movies! We could have probably fit another movie in too if we weren't talking to family on the phone for so long.

Since my parents were here we got to talk to my little sister, Taylor, who is serving a mission in Brazil. It was so nice to talk to her. She is one of my closest friends and I can't wait until she gets home this summer!

2008-11-19T10:05:00.000-08:00

This kid is amazing. Look at more of his videos on Youtube.

And if you haven't seen this video you are missing out.

Spokane Scotts

2008-11-17T12:33:00.000-08:00

Annie and Elaine (2006ish)

Thank You Heidi!

I have to thank my dear sister Heidi for giving into my peer pressure. She finally started a blog! Heidi lived about 20 minutes from us ever since we moved to Fort Collins, up until last August when her family moved to Spokane. So me being the lonely sister, suffering from withdrawals, kept begging her to start a blog so I could keep up on them and see pictures of my dear little nieces and my nephew. It took a little effort but she finally caved and now my problem with missing them isn't quite as bad. I love you Heidi! Now we just need to get Rachel and Keri to start one!!

Halloween and then some..

2008-11-11T21:04:00.000-08:00

The whole week leading up to Halloween was filled with action. Some friends and I put together a Halloween party early in the week. Then the school I'm doing my internship at has a Trick or Treat Street where they decorate the halls and kids can trick or treat to different classrooms. Crew loved it. Then the next day downtown Fort Collins has a Tiny Tot Parade where kids can trick or treat to all the businesses. It's a mad house every year!! So many people and so many kids. But Crew really got into it and ran from person to person. At one store there were three guys dressed up in as Sesame Street characters. Crew got so excited that he didn't even care about the candy, he just stood there and waved at them. He would have stayed there all morning if I'd let him. Last, Halloween night we drove up to Steamboat with our good friends (Archibalds and Camerons) and stayed the weekend there. Lots of food, candy, costumes, and more candy!