The Lion

Natalie won 1st place in an art contest for the whole county. Her painting then went on to state to win 2nd place! We are so proud of our little artist. Natalie used black marker and watercolor pencil. The art contest was sponsered by the California Federation of Women's Club. Her painting is titled "The Lion." Way to go Natalie!!!

Natalie's Ears are Pierced

Natalie got her ears pierced yesterday. What a grown up little girl. She was sooo excited and didn't cry at all which is amazing for a girl who is DEATHLY afraid of needles.

Here is another Jul-ism for ya. Today Julia was telling me how her friend from school, John, was having his birthday party. I was explaining to her how because it is Sunday and we try to keep the Sabbath Day holy, we wouldn't be able to attend John's birthday party. She smartly replied, "Oh mommy, I know... We don't do ANYthing on Sunday except go to church and go to the dump." (I guess she noticed our occasional dump runs tend to occur on Sundays). :)

Sledding to the ER

Today we went sledding up near Baker's Ranch, just East of where we live. It was lots of fun until... Natalie went a little off track and sledded into some shrubbery. She has a few scratches on her face. I thought that 2 of them looked a little deep. That, and the fact that I couldn't get one of the pieces of wood out of her cheek made me go ahead and take her into the ER. The ER doc didn't want to mess up her face anymore than it already was, so he called in the plastic surgeon. 5 hours later the plastic Doc shows up. He dug around in her cheek for that elusive piece of wood and finally got it out. Natalie ended up with three stitches. We are hoping for no scars. :) We are supposed to keep all those scratches and cuts moist with Neosporin and followup in 6 days to remove the stitches. I am sooo grateful we have insurance, and so grateful the ER doc called in the plastic doc. Afterwards, I took Natalie out to Starbucks for their yummy Signature Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. She loved it. We then picked up some special Barbie Band-Aids to cover up the stitches. Natalie is very embarrassed about her wounds and doesn't want to explain to ANYONE that she KNOWS about how she had to get stitches. She OK'd me blogging about it because she doesn't have to see any of you all. :) She's such a funny girl.

Baptism Day

Natalie's Baptism Day. Here she is all dressed up.

Natalie with her Dad.

This was the program for the Baptism.

Here we are together: dad, mom, Nat, & Juls.

We are so pleased with the decision you have made, Natalie, to follow the Savior's example and be baptized a member of His Church. I know that if you choose the right and try always to be like Christ, you will truly find happiness and eternal life. We love you so much, Natalie. --Love, Mom & Dad

Natalie's Birthday Party

Natalie had her birthday party with lots of screaming little girls. It was fun. We made beaded bracelets. Then we watched a movie, "Casper Meets Wendy." The girls seemed to like it. We fed them popcorn, pizza, and punch. Those girls can really put away food! After the movie, we had cake and ice-cream and opened presents. I think Natalie and all her friends really had a good time. She told me it was the best birthday party ever!!! So she is officially 8 years old now!!! And such a sweet little princess. :)

Happy Birthday Natalie

Natalie is 8 years old! Happy birthday princess. You were a very cute and very LOUD baby. I think LOUD babies have strong spirits.

Your blessing day was Dec. 10th, 2000.

Your Dad gave you a name & blessing: Natalie Renee Light. (Your name was almost Sydney Renee Light because we really enjoyed the Sydney Summer Olympics that year 2000... but Natalie means 'Christmas Child' & we eventually agreed on that.)

Natalie & Daddy napping on a Sunday Afternoon. (I think you are about 4 months old in this pic).

Here you are all dressed up in St Patrick's Day green. You are about 4 months here also.

Here you are competing in the Memorial Day Hula-Hoop contest. You are 2 and 1/2 years old. This was taken May 2003. You are such a sweet, funny girl. You love to make people laugh! You are a very kind and loving sister to Julia!
And here you are today, all grown up! We love you Natalie... :)

Natalie's Baptism

We took pictures today of Natalie in her baptism dress. She is very excited about her big day. We are planning for Saturday, November 29th for her baptism. Thanks Grandma Charlene for making the beautiful dress. Natalie feels like a princess! Julia has been practicing her baptism song that she will sing for the past several months. Thanks also to Grandma Janeal who will accompany Julia on the piano. I am so happy for Natalie and the wonderful choice she has made to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Natalie Field Trip to Auburn Journal

http://www.auburnjournal.com/detail/93233.html

Read about Natalie's Field Trip to the Auburn Journal! :) Natalie is in the back row, center, with a blue t-shirt.

School Pics 2008

The girls got their school pics back today.

I think they turned out well! :)

Natalie 2nd Grade Mrs. Lambert

Julia Kindergarten Mr. Brown