First Day of School

I had to paparazzi Kyler. He didn't want to get his picture taken.


Look at my little Kindergartner.



After two official weeks at school, Kambrie is loving it, and Kyler is hating it. Really. Kambrie does like five pages of extra writing every night, and I can barely force Ky to do his homework. He also already had to have a talk with the principal cause I couldn't pry his hands off of the front doors of the school to get him to go in yesterday. Nice. I know. Luckily we know the principal, and she was really nice about it. She was able to convince him to go to his class while I got to go and talk to the school counselor in my hot pink pajama bottoms, goldish yellow, ten year old city league softball T-shirt with a hole in it, no bra and tennis shoes with no socks. No, I hadn't showered yet, in fact I don't even know if I had brushed my teeth. I just threw on my stuff out of bed and was going to get ready as soon as I had the kids off to school. Well, when Kyler stalled for five minutes a half a block away from the house, I threw on my Nikes and thought I could convince him to get going. You can see that my persuasion skills need some work, as I had to walk him all the way to school and live out one of my most embarrassing moments. The counselor and the principal seem to think that this may happen again, and they gave me their cell phone numbers so that one or the other of them can meet me at the door when it does. I'm hoping that it will never happen again, and you can bet if it does, I won't be in my pajamas!

I wonder if the Golden Girls know that things like this happen when they are declaring on national television that they both want to have a baby so badly. Okay, okay, I wouldn't trade it for anything, not even a gold medal, but honestly, you never know what you're getting yourself into when you become a parent.

Olympic Glory

I'm just going to brag a little bit and let everyone know that one of my best friend's husbands is in the Olympics. His name is Jake Gibb and he is a pro beach volleyball player. I'm so excited for Jane and Jake! This is such an incredible experience...dream come true. Jane was my setter my sophomore year at Dixie (no wonder Jake married her, she was a little stud setter besides being a hottie. Yah, both my brothers had a huge crush on her and pretty much loved coming to my games to watch HER.) Anyway, I still remember the first time Jake watched us play at a tournament at UVSC, and then the first time I watched him play here in St. George at the spring tourney over at the park. He amazed me then, but now...Olympic Glory. Wow. Nothing could compare. So everyone, cheer for team Gibb/Rosenthal. Here are their game times...yah, I guess we missed the first one.

August 10th at 7:00am, August 12th at 8:00am, and August 14th at 5:00am. (These are Utah times).

Party, my house for the game on the 14th. Everyone invited, you can come in your PJ's. hahaha J/K I really think I'll watch it though, so come over if you want.

UPDATE:
Ok, ok...so the times posted above are actual times that they play, but I've come to find out that they are not the times that the games are broadcast. So, just check your local listings to find out when you can see them play.



USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!

Is This Even the Same Boy?

So my little man got a haircut. Finally. I put it off forever becaue I loved all of his curls. I finally decided though, that it was time. So he got his first official haircut a week ago. I'm just now finally starting to get used to the way he looks. It TOTALLY changed his appearance. Bye, bye baby. The good news is that I think when his hair grows back his curls will grow back too.

Pine Valley

We spent the weekend at Pine Valley with our good friends, the Magnesens. It was so beautiful up there and a little cooler too. The kids had fun and so did we. We rode the rangers, played a little rock band, ate, and ate some more and stayed up way past our bedtime laughing and enjoying the TV with nothing on it. It was a good time. Thanks Maggies, we'll have to do it again, soon! :)

Lady Rebel Reunion

2004
2004
2006
1997

Okay, so I guess it's time for our bi-annual Lady Rebel Reunion. Everyone has been talking about it, but we haven't picked a day or place yet. I'm making the first move and announcing it for this summer, SOON! I'll host it if you don't mind traveling to my place. Here' s the deal...whoever hosts does all the planning etc. etc., but doesn't have to travel. All the travelers have to do is show up. So what do you think? My house...last weekend in July or first weekend in August? Or anytime in between. I'm thinking about a two day deal, playin', eating and just hanging out, kids and husbands welcome. Everyone can stay at my house. Let's get some feedback going so we can get it finalized and we all can mark our calendars. When does Jane go to China? Ok, give me some input and pass along the word. Can't wait to see everyone. Go Rebels!

4th of July Fun

We had a very fun, yet relaxing 4th of July this year. We had a little barbeque in our new back yard ( yes, our back yard is finished!) for lunch. Grandma and Granpa Neva came over along with Bear and Uncle Don and Aunt Wendy. It was a last minute get together, but it was fun. The kids loved running on the grass and jumping on the trampoline and playing on their new airplane teeter totter that Dad put together for them that morning. We just kind of spent the day relaxing, and then headed over to the Waldvogels' for the neighborhood party at night. Mom and Dad decided to come with us, and so did Bear and Kyle and Kim. They love our neighbors and everyone has made them feel at home here. So it was fun swimming and eating and watching fireworks with the fam and all of our great friends of the neighborhood. Of course, I spent the night trying to get pictures of sparklers, and I guess I sort of did. Chyna (one of my YW and our good friends' daughter) helped me out with spelling with her sparkler. She spelled CTR. What a sweetie! Thanks to Monica and her taking pictures, I actually have proof that I was a part of the action. It was so nice to not be the only one taking pictures. The grand finale of the night was doing our own fireworks. They must have been illegal, but they were pretty awesome, and of couse, the guys loved lighting them and running. It was a great holiday for everyone, and again....I'm proud and so grateful to be an American.

Proud To Be An American

The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. I love the patriotic music. I'm Proud To Be An American is probably my very favorite and every time I hear it I cry. Really, how lucky are we to live in the blessed U.S.A.? So lucky. Thank you Grandpa, Grandad and Dad for serving our country and helping to give me this freedom. I love you and it's because of you and all the brave soldiers like you that I love to celebrate this great day of independence.

Can You Say Three?

Three gold medals that is. Let's give it up for my brother Bear. Oh yah. He won three gold medals at the Utah Summer Games in the Basketball Skills Competition. What a stud. I know, he got that way trying to grow up and be as good as his big sister. ;) What?! He did! Anyway, in honor of his achievement, I thought I'd treat him to a little photo session. It lasted forever and we had fun. Thanks Mom for watching my bald kids (I'll have to post a picture of the boys after Grandpa Nev Dog got a hold of them for haircuts) while I tried out my new photograpy skills and while Bear got practice for the cover of Slam Magazine. Top podium baby. I wish I could've been there to cheer him on as he took his place on the top three different times, but I heard Jamie did a pretty good job of giving him sister support, putitng on her gold Oakleys and cheering like a maniac everytime he got a medal. btw...I asked him if they had a flag hanging behind him and he told me no. What's a gold without the flag? Hence the inspiration for the photo shoot. Congratulations Bear. I'm proud to be an American...I mean, I'm proud to be your sister.

Okay, okay, I know I need to get some sleep. I'm going to bed right now. Goodnight.

Beautiful Girl in Beautiful Sepia

I'm Shooting in Manual!

Okay, so this may not seem like a big deal to you, but up until this last weekend, shooting in manual seemed like an impossibility for me. I took a class taught by Kellie and Staci, (thanks ladies!) and they made it all so clear to me. Yes, I'm excited about it. I thought I'd post a few pictures. Keep in mind, they haven't been edited at all, and no critiquing me too harshly, please. I still need to learn photoshop :) If you want to see a few more pics from the class check them out here. http://www.momentsbynatalie.blogspot.com

Let's Go LAKERS!

So I'm a little worried about the way the series is going right now. Although back in the day of the original rivalry (speaking of...don't you just love the Magic-Bird commercial?) you would've found me along side my dad, rooting for the Celtics. For the past ten years though, I've been a Lakers fan. Ever since Kobe joined the team, it's been Lakers for me. He was just such a great player that first year in the league, how could you help but root for his team. I was into him and had him for the screensaver on my roommate's (Viva) computer. I even borrowed my little brother's shoes, the Kobe's, to wear one weekend for my hoops games at Dixie. I wish I still had those shoes. :) Anyway...I'm still rooting for Kobe and the team. I hope they can battle back out of the 2-0 deficit. I think after the game tonight the Celtics have to be a little worried. Don't count us out yet. We're coming.

Fang Baby

I think he might belong in that book with the apple on the cover, ah, come on what's it called? The one with the vampires that all my friends LOVE and say I really need to read? Hmm, it's not coming to me. Weird. I think Stephanie Meyers is the name of the author. Anyway, check out those vampire teeth. Oh and don't pay attention to the mess on his face. We were in Montana, in a motel, after a very long drive, and I was too tired to care. Lol.

Another Birthday

Spring is definately a busy birthday time for the Stuarts. Let's not forget about Kyler's 7th birthday. He got a new bike and although he didn't have a party this year, he went to the Fathers' and Sons' Campout and then the Fishing Derby the next day. Camping and fishing...two of his favorite things.

Field of Dreams

Ky Ripkin, I mean Stuart

Kyler is on his first machine pitch Little League baseball team this year. Go Cardinals! He has great coaches and he is really starting to love the game. He's a good little fielder and hitter. He's very attentive and loves to get in on all the action. It's so fun to watch him play.

Birthday and More

Kambrie on her 5th birthday. They all had fun getting their faces painted by the princess. Kambrie was so excited to have a real princess at her party and all of her family as well. Yah, Dad surprised us all with the special guest. It's hard not to spoil the only girl.

Here she is at her gymnastics review. They said cartwheels were the thing she did best.

Now, here she is on pre-school graduation. I was practically crying when I saw her like this. I can't imagine how I'll react 12 years from now when she's doing the real thing.
Yes, yes, this last month has been so busy!

"Baby Ballerina"

Kambrie had her recital tonight. She did such a good job. Her first dance was ballet, and then she did a Charleston tap dance. She was so cute up on stage. She doesn't get stage fright. In fact, she said she loves "being on the stage." It was so fun to watch her. I'm glad to have my girl.

Happy Lovers

So I have to know, do you like this picture? I do. But I know it's one of those questionable pictures. Just want to know what others think about it. Do you think the sun spots are too much or do you think they add to the personality of this fun action shot? Be honest, it won't hurt my feelings. I'm gonna still like it even if you don't.

Dreams DO Come True!!!

And here's my sister Jamie's proof. We love Dierks. Seriously, he puts on such a good show, and he loves his fans and makes them know he cares about them. If you don't have a Dierks CD, go and get his greatest hits album. It just came out and showcases some of his best songs. You'll be hooked just like I am and maybe we'll see you at the next concert.

In case you were wondering...No, I wasn't at the concert. Weird, I know. This is the first concert that Jame and I haven't gone to together. Yah, bummer. Looks like I missed the concert of a lifetime. I did get to meet him last time, but front row...who just gets front row?!?!? Too bad I missed this one.

Don't worry Wade, you're the one that got to take her home. ;)

Happy Mother's Day Mamas!

To all you beautifully ordinary mothers out there...my friends, my family and all my loved ones, you are wonderful, you are amazing and you are incredible. Keep being the best mothers that you can be. Do your best and know that that is sufficient. Don't compare yourself to anyone else, you are you and your littles love you. Remember the things that you do and not the things you didn't do. I love you all!

Oh and go to my new blog...it's just starting out, but check it out and visit it often. It's kind of my own celebration of motherhood and hopefully it will be able to help you make it through some of those challenging days that all of us beautifully ordinary mothers tend to have. beautifullyordinarymother.blogspot.com

Look Mom, No Tooth!

Kyler lost a tooth. It's only his third one to go. I wonder if the tooth fairy will remember to come tonight. Last time he had to put his tooth under his pillow for three nights in a row before he woke up to money instead of a tooth. I told him that she must have been sick or had a broken wing, or maybe she just couldn't find our new house. Can you imagine waking up in hope of finding money under your pillow only to find your tooth, and not only once, but twice?! That must have been so devastating for him. It was devastating for me. What kind of a tooth fairy would do that to a poor kid. How much money does the tooth fairy leave for your kids? Kyler is hoping for $30 tomorrow. I told him to keep dreaming and he said that lots of kids get $20. What tha? Try $1, or maybe a dollar and some change.

Planting a Garden

Bishop Basso advised us all to plant a garden. So, we put on our "planting clothes" and our "shoes that already had dirt on them" and we made our first ever attempt at doing just that. It was a good time for us all. Kambrie loved watering the plants after they were planted.
Karsten, well, he loved getting dirty.
Kyler placed the plants making sure they were perfectly straight.
And Kolter loved using the shovel, or at least holding on to it and pretending like he was using it.

What's love got to do with it?

Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken? I know a few people that are very, very close to me that are singing this song right now. What is up with divorces anyway?!?! Why do they happen so often these days? Why can't we see through the evil plan of the adversary to mess things up in our ever important families? Not only does it effect the familes now, but for generations to come and into eternity. It's such a tough issue. I've been plagued by these distressing thoughts for months now, and it's all coming to an end, an end of just what I was hoping could be avoided. But is it really the end? Not a chance, in fact, it's only the beginning. The beginning of a whole new ball game, new challenges, new heartaches, new trials, and new obstacles that come when a family becomes split. I hope somehow, someway there can be happiness on the horizon. That is what we are all truly after anyway, right? Isn't it ironic that how often it seems we make ourselves unhappy in trying to attain just that. So is love really just a sweet old fashioned notion? I hope not. I really hope not.

Anyone for a Cherry 7-Up?

Okay, so I usually don't drink a whole lot of pop. In fact, it's basically my special occasion drink. Well, lately I've been having a special occasion on a daily basis. Nice. I know. But who can resist the crisp, cool, cherried taste of a cherry 7-up on the rocks? Not I, and the Magnesens have been keeping their fridge stocked just for me, or so they say, and I believe 'em. It's what keeps me going late into the night as we sing, sing and sing some more as I try desperately to become a "Sing Star." It's what kept me going as I braved it alone with four kids while Danny was away working. If things got a little too hard, I knew I could count on the Maggies to hook me up and keep me going for one more day, with not only a cold drink, but also with a warm dinner, yum. Thank you! A few sodas can't hurt too badly, right? After all, it's like the original, "No caffiene. Never had it. Never will." lol ;)

Looking Back...

Southern Utahs Unique Newborn and Child Photographer

Since I'm already highlighting my little one year old, how about a look back on the last year by way of a few pictures. Click this link to the greatest photographer in the world's blog and take a little peak. Thanks Kell! :)

Karsten's Big #1!

Our baby had his first birthday. It's bitter sweet to see the littles growing so fast. Thanks to everyone who shared his special day with us.

A Happy Birthday for Karsten

VOTE FOR BROOKE!

This came from my my good friend's blog (thanks Crystal). She is one of Brooke's friends. It's a message from Brooke herself. Just wanted to share and say VOTE FOR BROOKE for the next American Idol! Do you think that she'll be my nanny when American Idol is over?


Well... how can I possibly convey to you all just how grateful I am for your incredible support and love!The emails, messages, prayers, encouragement and VOTES, are SO GREATLY APPRECIATED! I seriously can'texpress this enough... If I could I would stand on the top of a mountain and scream at the top of my lungs that I love you all and that you all are the darn awesomest people in the universe!

Love you,
Brooke:)

Happy Easter!