The Morgans

My Agenda or Yours?

2010-05-21T11:38:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was a beautiful day here in Sanford, so I decided that a walk to the store was in order instead of driving. Hannah and I set out to take a quick walk to CVS which is literally just around the corner. Quick is the emphasis I want to make. I told Hannah that she could push her baby stroller thinking that would cause her not to dawdle...boy was I wrong! The stroller was not a deterrent to all the "interesting" things on the way to the store. First it was picnic table that was covered with water, then the sand on the side of the road, then the sand in her shoe that had to be emptied, then how many different ways she could push the stroller-with just her thumbs, really fast, slow, pushing and letting go..., then the ant hills on the side of the road, then the neighbors house, then the storm drain that she had to stand over and holler into to check for an echo. The whole time I am fuming-saying "Come on, lets go!" Then when we were almost to the store...an eight minute walk that turned into 30 minutes... I felt God speaking to me. Why am I always rushing? Why do I not take notice? Look at your daughter...enjoy the simplicity in things, the beauty in simplicity...the beauty in soaking it all in, in taking your time. Be Still, Be Quiet. If you know me you know I am always busy-on to the next thing...I am like the energizer bunny. I hate stillness. God was telling me to be still and notice Him. Take time to be with Him, soak in his delight. Stop rushing or I am going to miss all He has in-store for me. What a shame that would be?

Needless to say we dawdled all the way home and it was lovely... :)

The Plague

2010-04-11T15:22:00.009-04:00

Okay so the plague has hit Sanford...well not really but the Norovirus. It seem everyone I know has been dropping like flies for the past 2 weeks. I was the first in the family to have it April 2nd which basically consisted of 4 hours of hell. Then Thursday morning I woke up up to Natalie yelling "mommy I threw up" uh-oh...another one bites the dust...then Saturday morning Tom came home early from what was supposed to be his "first fishing outing of the season" to get sick and feel like death. Hannah has steered clear so far. I pray she does not get it. However, I am a realist and the odds are not that great.

(Hannah & Natalie, Easter 2010)

In the meantime of all this yucky stuff going around there was some fun!! Easter weekend was beautiful! The weather was fantastic and such a welcome after the rain and colder temperatures we were having. Tom's parents came to stay for the weekend and M0m and Dave came for a visit on Saturday. Saturday we attended a Spring Fling held at our Church. It was a great turn out, over 2000 people came. The girls had fun participating in an egg scramble, bouncy houses, and eating treats! Natalie devoured the cotton candy I waited in line for 30 minutes in about 2.2 seconds! Here is a lovely pic of her sticky face :)

(Natalie Spring Fling 2010)

On Wednesday we had an unheard of day here in Maine. Can you believe on April 7th the kids were in there bathing suits...playing in the sprinkler, using water toys...Crazy right? Here is the proof:

(Hannah, Emma, Ling-Ling, Natalie & Eyrn)

LOVES!

Rain, Rain , Go away...

2010-03-29T13:56:00.021-04:00

It has been quite a soggy month. Granted we have had some unbelievable temperatures for March, but overall it has been quite wet! About a week ago I was wearing my flip flops-mid march-how crazy! But they have since returned to the shelf--to be replaced by the rain boots and winter Crocs. We have been quite busy in March. Usually it is a month that I always dread! It seems to never end. But between good friends, a family visit and the some sunny days outside it has gone by rather quickly.

Sunday, was Maine Maple Syrup Sunday--we love REAL maple syrup and for those that don't I just can't fathom why not? It is truly a gift from GOD...to put that lovely syrup in those Sugar Maples---yum:P We took a little hike in the woods, saw some sheep, chickens and a couple of cows. It amazes me how much Natalie and Hannah love farm animals--they must get that from their Meme. My Mom always wanted a farm. She settles for fuzzy fake cows she puts on the lawn that drive Papa Dave nuts since he has to mow around them...lol! Anyhoo...it was a fun family time.

The Goodell's came for a visit: this was fantastic! Natalie and Hannah were so excited to see their Aunts. It was a reasonably warm day so we all played outside for a while. It is always fun to have Jackie-17 playing Duck, Duck, Goose, Mother May I? and other kiddie games. She is such a good sport:) The girls just soak it up. Grandpa even treated us to ice cream at Shaker Pond-yum!

Natalie has been doing well in school. We received her report card for the second trimester this month. She exceeds the standard in all her subjects--Tom and I are so proud! But, I would be just as proud if she was average. All I ask of her is to do the best she can...I am trying not to expect her to stay the course of being above average since this is only Kindergarten--what high expectations to live up to. I am just so happy she LOVES books. Tom and I both love to read so we hope to instill this gift in her. She has always loved books from a very early age.

Hannah is doing great. She will be ready for preschool in the fall. We need to work on the potty training. She tells me she is scared of the potty. Not sure how to proceed with this. Natalie was never scared of the potty so this is new territory. I am laying off at the moment to figure out what to do! She loves to sing. She still currently sings "jingle bells"...though I am working on the "itsy bitsy spider" to get us out of the Christmas songs--it is March. Hannah is on a roll with her Abc's, counting, colors, shapes...another smart cookie:)

Check out my new ride!!!!!!!

LOVES!

Girl Power

2010-02-25T21:03:00.006-05:00

As I write this Tom is in West Coast time. He is in Seattle. I have been home with the girls for 4 nights alone. Hey are you amazed that I am not zonked out on the couch but instead taking time to post a blog entry? Miracles happen everyday! So it has certainly not been a cake-walk that is for sure. Whenever Tom leaves there seems to be some catastrophe that happens. This time it was the furnace. It kept shutting off. Not so HOT literally! But, I took care of business and had it checked out and cleaned. The girls and I are all excited that Daddy is coming home tomorrow:) Especially Natalie who has prayed every night that the (3-2-1) days would go by quick and daddy would be home. It is too cute! I love listening to her pray. It never ceases to amaze me the things she comes up with. That could be and entire blog entry in its own!! Anyhoo...how I digress...but it is fun for us girls to be home-we don't have to listen to Glenn Beck(love you Tom)! And every day we bring our hands in and cheer to "Morgan girl power" after all we are a team and need to work together.

loves

January: In review...

2010-01-27T15:32:00.012-05:00

So the first month of 2010 is almost over...that went FAST!

Natalie settled well into school after winter break and we are back on a routine. I LOVE having a routine. We have played in the snow quite a bit. I personally am not much of a cold weather person--I seem to never stay warm enough. However, my LLBean gloves and Bogs boots have changed me into a new woman. I don't mind playing outside as much. I might need to invest in some new snowpants-as the ones I had pre-kids ummm...well lets just say the button pops...did I really just share that with y'all?!!! Tom made a fort with the kids. I was quite impressed! I never had a fort of that caliber when I was little. Unfortunately, the rain washed most of it away, along with the second snowman of the season. As I write this, there is a lump of snow with body parts on/around it that need to pick up for when we make Frosty#3! Hannah names our snowmen Frosty, although Natalie is quick to tell her that they do not look like Frosty. I am sorry but I can't seem to bring myself to make a two ball snowman--it has to be three. Why is Frosty only two...whose idea was that? We have been sledding on our little hill and over at the MacPherson's. The girls love to play with Ling Ling!

Natalie is continuing to take her swimming lessons and she is doing really well. Hannah Y class was canceled this semester-bummer! But, we are attending playdates when the opportunity arises. She and I both enjoy our time with our friends. Her "big thing" is we took her binky away except for nap and bedtime. AHHHH--that dreaded binky! We have been doing this for one week. She seems to be doing better parting with it as time goes on...we'll see. I am putting the law down so I refuse to give in to her. I know I am a big meanie :(

LOVES!

It's 2010

2010-01-02T14:06:00.004-05:00

We made our first snowman of the season-YAY!

Yesterday, was the first day of 2010. Natalie was super excited since now her birthday is only 4 1/2 months away verses 5 months in December...lol! She can't wait to be six...not exactly sure why. I have an inkling that it is because I told her when she is six and in first grade I might let her ride the bus to school..still not crazy about that idea...so I am trying to break it to her gently that it might not be the case :(

Our holiday season was lovely...I always enjoy seeing the family. The girls really enjoy it too! Natalie did some "triple salchow" on the dinky pond with Papa Dave, we played some Wii with Goodell's, went to the movies with Mammy and saw Princess and the Frog(may I mention how well Hannah did since this was her first time--she never ceases to amaze me!) , decorated some gingerbread cookies, etc! It truly was a great time. And that is what CHRISTmas is all about--spending time with the ones you love--and enjoying the joyful spirit! Loves!

A little Christmas Cheer...

2009-12-14T14:32:00.004-05:00

I know, I know...I have been absolutely horrible about blogging this year. I had extremely high hopes of blogging at least once a week. I think I will have to set a New Year Resolution to be better at it, until then...

Here are some really cute videos that are sure to spread a little Christmas Cheer :)

September is almost gone!

2009-09-28T12:19:00.008-04:00

It has been a busy September here at the Morgan's. Tom and I spent a good deal of the first half of the month preparing for his 30th b-day party :) It was a success! It was a great day and many of our family and friends came to celebrate the milestone with us. Unfortunately, during the time that I spent cleaning up the yard (weeding) for the party I got into some poison ivy--ugh~! This was/is my first experience with that awful, awful stuff. I am finally feeling better but it took about a week/and some good drugs for the itch to finally go away. Now that the party is over and cleaned up. Tom is focusing once again on the basement. Finishing up the playroom and "man-cave". Plus you have to love when the new seasons begin on your favorite TV shows. Tom and I love our House and CSI.

Natalie seems to be doing well at school. I say 'seems' because I am not exactly sure of what her day consist of. I ask her questions but she tells me she forgets what they do...lol! I have not had any "notes" come home or calls from school so I am taking that as a good sign:) Mr. Bell is a very structured teacher(one of the reasons I requested him) so I am sure that she is doing just great!

Hannah is enjoying her Tots class at the Y. It is so good for her to interact with kids her own age. I think next session I might even attempt waterbabies! This is a big step for me since I am not a big fan of participating in swim classes. I usually leave that as a "daddy" thing :P Hannah is growing leaps and bounds with her words. Both my girls a growing so fast.

Loves!

Toothless grin...

2009-09-08T19:49:00.005-04:00

It happened...Natalie lost her 1st tooth! She was at Mammy and Papa's when it happened. She was pretty excited about it since Tom an I both received phone calls to our cell(s) plus a picture (have to love modern technology)! I was so thrilled that it fell out-though she will tell you it did not fall out, she pulled it out...lol-I was hoping that she would not swallow it or misplace it. Since it happened the day before she came home I asked her to save it for the next night and she could put it out for the tooth fairy at home. Thankfully, there were no qualms about waiting a day...phew! I did not want to miss out on this first...I was so excited...probably more than her. Well the tooth fairy came and it was not a smooth process, but I think that she knows how to avoid all catastrophes next time* wink* which, will most likely be soon because the other little bottom incisor is pretty wiggly!

bye, bye, training wheels.... Natalie is doing great with two wheels :) We are hoping that she will soon have to confidence to master her 16inch bike and leave the 12inch in the DUST!

Loves!

Kindergarten

2009-09-02T09:05:00.005-04:00

Today was the big first day of kindergarten. Natalie handled it like a pro. Tom and I have been making a big deal of her heading off to kindergarten for quite sometime. So she has been super excited to go--asking how many more nights? Well, this morning when I went into her room she was grinning ear to ear that she was finally going to kindergarten. I on the other hand have been sick to stomach all week...reminding Natalie of all this "important" things as her mom I thought she needed to know--mommy wisdom :)

* Make good choices-if someone is making a bad choice do not do what they do-do what you know is right
* Remember your backpack is the one with NAM--I am sure someone will have the same
*You have cold lunch not hot and it is in your backpack
* If you have to potty remember there is bathroom in Mr. Bell's room
* Mommy loves you and I will be there at 3:05 to pick you up!

I repeated these things so many times in the past week that I am sure she thought I had the beginning stages of dementia (of course she has no idea what that is--instead she rolls her eyes at me).

Off into the world I have let her go...I can't wait to see how she blossoms at school. And, yes..I did cry but only after she went inside :)

Loves!

Playing Catch Up

2009-08-31T19:36:00.018-04:00

It has been so long I feel like I could write a novel. I had high hopes of posting once a week but somehow those days on the calendar go by way too fast. Once the sun finally came out...who had time to BLOG lol... So lets catch up :

I celebrated my 29th birthday on July 28th with my favorite cake! Triple Chocolate cake courtesy of Hannafords:) Boy is it YUMMY!! Anyone who knows me well...knows I am a sucker for chocolate cake.

Us Morgan's spent a lovely August evening at Wells beach with the MacPherson's and Hubert's. We packed a picnic dinner and enjoyed the waves and sand. Natalie and Hannah both love the beach...great space to run wild and of course what what kid doesn't love Sand!

Natalie attended an I volunteered at VBS (Vacation Bible School) the week of August 3-7th. We both had a blast. Our church does such an amazing job ministering to children. I helped with "Gator Games" and man I think next year I will need to get in better shape to keep up with those 5-11 year olds :) I truly had a great week and it was very rewarding to serve God in that aspect! Both of us look forward to next years VBS.

Later, in August Natalie spent a week with Meme and Papa Dave. She loves staying with them. She told me that she is going to move in with Meme when she is 60. At first it was 12, then 13, now it is 60...she is too funny:) They had a blast swimming, going to Ruggles Mine and visiting. Natalie also got to spend some time with Nanny...here is a great pic of them:)

While Natalie was having a blast at Meme's, Hannah was enjoying all of Mommy's attention. We played games, went for a walk on the beach, had a playdate, swam in the kiddie pool: This clip is hilarious...Hannah does not enjoy the water as much as Natalie-the fish. Hannah hates to get her face wet and this is her cautiously boogie boarding lol...

The latest adventure was Natalie and Daddy camping out in the backyard. Natalie has been itchin' to do this for some time now. But with the rainy weather and busy schedules it has taken this long! We had smores' by the fire and everything. Natalie truly loves the outdoors. I think she will be Tom's sidekick as she continues to get older.

Yesterday, we went to one of Tom's friends house (Eric) to drop off my moped for repairs--yes I did say moped. I have a moped-one 1979 Motobercane Mobylette 50V it's baby blue:) I received this beauty courtesy of Ryan another one of Tom's bubs. There was this deal that if Tom was "allowed" to buy a motorcycle then I could have his moped...I had my eye on it for awhile. So Tom bought a bike this spring and VOILA! I am the proud owner of a moped that is in need of a little TLC before it is road ready....boy how I digress... Now on to the chickens. Eric has 3 chickens that Natalie fell in love with! She even got to hand feed them. I tried it too...what a bizarre feeling but if you have the chance to feed a chicken--do it! (and yes I did make everyone wash their hands after...)

Well that about does it....I hope you all enjoyed a little look into the Morgan happenings the past month. I will try to do better about blogging :)

Loves!

Welcome to the DESERT of MAINE!

2009-07-19T15:50:00.012-04:00

Meme took Hannah for the weekend so Tom and I planned an activity that we could do with Natalie...We went to the Desert of Maine! What a neat place. I thoroughly enjoyed myself since I love to visit historical and interesting places. Natalie thought it was pretty cool too. She LOVES sand and well there is a lot of it! The pics below are:

1. Natalie making a sand pile and what looks like tree roots are actually tree branches! 2. Gemstones that Natalie found on her gemstone hunt! 3. A pic of us on top of the 90ft sand dune. 4. That is an oak tree in the middle of the desert with only its top showing(the rest is buried in the the sand)...there are even acorns beneath it!

LOVES!

Camping with the Goodell's July12-15

2009-07-18T11:11:00.002-04:00

Us Morgan's tackled camping once again...and we are alive to tell you about it! I love to go camping don't get me wrong. I grew up camping almost every summer since I can remember. However, being the parent brings a different perspective to camping then those FUN-filled summer memories I have. Last year, camping was not fun...granted Hannah was not walking and we did not fully prepare ourselves for the amount of effort it takes. So, I was was not too keen on doing it again this year. I was on board for waiting until the both girls were potty trained (give me a couple years to re-coup)! But...I must say camping this time was fun. Going with family helped a bunch and we did a short three day trip to not exhaust ourselves completely.
Am I on board for camping again next year? Um...I think so!

Below enjoy some pics from our trip and our first visit to Storyland with the girls:)

4th of July weekend

2009-07-08T08:58:00.008-04:00

Strawberry picking....The girls and I went with Mammy strawberry picking on Friday, July 3rd. Boy...it was hard work. The girls did not last too long but they seemed to have fun... :)

Then on Friday night Tom and I took Natalie to her first 4th of July fireworks! It was really fun to spend some alone time with Natalie...I thought it was quite special. However, as darkness approached Natalie grew quite nervous about the fireworks. I thought that we might have to leave before they began... But once they started she seemed to like them only if Tom or I covered her ears for her. She did say that they were pretty. Hartford did a great job. The fireworks did not get over till 10pm which is quite a longtime for Natalie to be up. On the way home she puked all over herself and the floor of the van--yuck! She told us that we could not keep her up that late again. Not sure if we will try this again next year...poor thing :(

On Friday July 4th, we were all in the Orford/Fairlee parade. The float was a Hawaiian Luau theme. As always it is fun to hang out with Meme and Papa Dave and their friends. Both the girls had a blast being in the parade. Natalie was throwing candy to the kids and Hannah was busy trying to steal Mommy's candy she was throwing lol :) Both the girls looked really cute in their hula girl outfits...Natalie was in her glory since she loves dress-up.

Overall, it was quite a busy 4th of July weekend...lots of fun and we always enjoy visiting with the family.

LOVES!

Growing up...

2009-07-02T08:40:00.011-04:00

I made it through the 5th birthday party, the preschool graduation, the Kindergarten registration/screening without tears but instead with a strong sense of pride and achievement in my little girl. But, I was not prepared for what I would encounter next in the journey of motherhood. The thing that would literally open the flood gate and bring out the tears...

"Mommy, my tooth hurts" Natalie said to me at dinner the other night... I was like okay which one...she pointed to a tiny little lateral incisor (aren't baby teeth so cute) I touched it and said "well there seems to be nothing wrong that I can see"...so I moved over to the bottom central incisor so pearly white...and well it moved! I said are you sure it is not this one...she replied "yup it is that one!" I proceed to wiggle it back an forth ever so gently...and sure enough it was loose. I told her she had a loose tooth. I could feel the burning in my nose ready for the tears to surface but I held them back. Natalie was so proud of her loose tooth. She told me that meant she was going to get grown-up teeth like Mommy and that was so exciting to her.... When we are young we always want to be grown ups!

Then after I put Natalie to bed I cried....and cried...I am SO not ready for my baby to loose her teeth. I was almost in a panic...like this was an end to something...to her being my little girl. Too much is happening too fast. But, then I stopped and realized I have plenty to look forward to on her journey to adulthood. And it is not like we are at the teen years... she still calls me Mommy...likes hugs and kisses...and well she is still my baby...even if she will be missing a tooth soon:)

Loves!

Hannah's Birthday Party

2009-06-30T08:09:00.001-04:00

Hannah had her second birthday party on Saturday the 27th. It was a beautiful day-YAY! We had lots of fun hanging out with family. It is SO nice to get everyone together and we are very thankful that our family will travel to our house.

LOVES!

Hannah's Birthday!

2009-06-25T08:46:00.012-04:00

Happy Second Birthday Hannah :) It has been 2 years...wow! Hannah has grown so much. There are so many things to love about her. I love her cuddling, her hugs, the way she says ma-MA! She is so stinkin' cute. Hannah has hit the terrible twos head-on which should make for an interesting year :P However, it truly is a blessing to be a parent and experience unconditional love.

At Hannah's 2 year check-up she weighed 28 1/2 lbs and is 35 inches tall. She is a healthy girl who was ready to get out of the exam room the moment we walked in. She kept saying "home" and "get outta here" but she survived and no more shots till school time--phew ! Here is a cute clip I took of her this morning :)

Loves!

Happenings....

2009-06-22T09:15:00.000-04:00

Natalie has graduated from preschool...my how time flies! The top picture is of her very first day when she was 3 and the bottom is of her very last day age 5. She really enjoyed going to preschool and made some great friends which we hope to visit with over the summer. Natalie is all signed up for Kindergarten. She had her screening last Thursday and they tell me she is performing at her age level and above on somethings(like language lol..) I already knew she has a lot to say...wonder where she gets that from.

Hannah....is doing great...well if that means acting TWO! She is finally starting to talk more. I thought she would never find her voice. Hannah loves playing outside...I am totally amazed by her motor skills. She has been swinging on a "big" girl swing since April...I did not even dare to do this with Natalie till almost Three. Hannah likes to keep up with the big kids so she does get frustrated but she also can hold her own for most things:) She certainly is a spitfire...

Just a little update on what is going on here in Maine....
LOVES!

We're blogging finally!

2009-06-18T19:45:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Morgan Family BLOG! I figured this was a great way to keep in touch with the happenings in this crazy life of ours:) I am new at this and hope to catch on fast....so I better get to work!