Allison

This is Allison with her first girl, Zoe Ella. I like this picture of Allison. How did my brother get a girl like her?!!! Allison is a very sweet sensitive person with a keen sense of understanding. She was a swimmer, just like me, in highschool. We swam the same event, 100 backstroke, and her time is faster by a second! I've always enjoyed spending time with her, especially between breaks in California. Our days were quite busy...we watched old movies, drank hot tea, coffee, ate cookies, and went on walks. Ahh that was the life! She was actually the first person I told about Ryan. We were sleeping in the same room together and I was so excited, I just couldn't hold it in. She was so exhausted from taking care of Zoe but when I told her I might like someone, she perked right up and giggled with me! She keeps Daniel in line, along with 2 kids. She's a photographer, so we've all benefited from that. She's faithful and caring, and I've always felt like I, or anyone, could talk so easily with her. She makes Daniel like 100 times cooler. :)

Daniel

This is my brother Daniel. Who doesn't like him? Seriously. He's one of those people you can never stay mad at cause he's so innocently bad and sweet at the same time. He's charming and delightful. Ever since I was little, I secretly enjoyed seeing him irritated, because he was just so cute. He also has this air of self-confidence that makes it easy to roll your eyes when he's struttin' around. I went running with him once and he told me, "Whoa Natalie, I think you're becoming an elite athletic speciman like myself!" Whatever Daniel. Only he can make someone feel good while at the same time complimenting himself! He's been an army guy ever since he was little, and I can't even explain what his skills are. He's my big brother to me. He has a wife, Allison and two little sweet girls, of whom I'll talk about soon. He like gadgets and figuring out stuff. He knows how to explain things to you without making you feel stupid. He has a tender heart that is easily touched. You can see his love for the Lord in his love for the saints. He makes everyone feel comfortable. I remember one time when I was in highschool, he went out and bought me a bright red dress! He gave me a really nice necklace when I graduated from highschool. It's an antique and I still have it. If you want to buy something, you should get Daniel to do it, because somehow he finds the best of everything!

Mom

This is my mom. I got my brown eyes from her, which was what apparently wooed my dad to her. Just like her, I love singing and all kinds of music! She experiences the Lord in the words of songs and hymns. Me too. She taught most of all of us until highschool. She's the ultimate multi-tasker. That was a big job. Those stories could make an entire novel. (Mostly because of my bad older brothers. Controlling them was like tryin' to keep monkies in a cage) :). She always pulled strings to take us on these field trips. We did the weirdest science projects...When I smashed my finger in the garage door, she said it was just perfect timing for a science project to show how your nails heal themselves. I remember the looks on people's faces as they saw my board and walked by. ugh. Anyway, my mom was never lacking in creativity and ideas. She's always reading some sort of informational book. I like this picture because it shows that she loves to have fun. She loves putting on "tea parties" and getting together. We never lacked affection. We practically were rolling in it.

My Hubby

I like this picture of Ryan. Since I'm a middle child, I've always had trouble making decisions. Ryan knows what he wants! It's so refreshing. He pretty much asked me to marry him the first date! (It was very much implied!) There he is, with his brothers Josh, Jon, and Jason. He's done so well, entering into a girl's world, having grown up with all boys! He's such a great listener, waiting on me to talk things out, especially when I'm still figuring out what I mean...I love his dimples and his spirit is so tender. Anyway, Friday nights are my favorite night...date night! I sometimes make dinner and we watch I Love Lucy and hang out. Or, we go to a couple restaurants where I can eat a gluten-free meal! I like to make him stuffed zuchinni, french toast, and fresh apple-carrot-lime juice (but not altogether!). I also like it when he sings with me and I play the guitar. He's really good at computer stuff, so thanks to him, I'm able to write this blog! He's my best friend and I thank the Lord for him. This is enough for now...:)

My Big Family

Dogs barking, phones ringing, babies crying, guitars strumming, loud laughing, yelling... It goes on and on. When we come home to mom and dad's, it's quite a circus. I love my family. There are 7 of us, but now 12 plus 4 grand kids! Our family hobbies are telling stories, eating, playing games, laughing, and oddly enough, napping. It's hilarious...We get together after having not seen each other for a while, and eventually someone says, "I'm tired. I'm gonna take a nap." And we usually agree. I think some kind of bonding occurs subconsiously.

Dad

I'll start with my dad. I inherited his fat cheeks and crinkly eyes. He's pretty much one of the funniest people ever. He doesn't care what people think, he's steady, faithful, hard working, and generous. He's pretty ornery, though. He loves to tease my mom and push all her buttons! He's hard of hearing, so you'll have to speak up. He likes to fly airplanes and ride his motorcycle. He likes to "kick back and relax," after a hard days work. Growing up, I always took naps with him. I once heard that he had high cholesterol. So, privately I looked up in a book what that meant, and it stated that high cholesterol could cause heart problems. I felt so anxious inside. When I would take a nap with dad after work, I would lay my head on his chest to make sure his heart was beating and pray that he wouldn't die. :) I eventually would fall asleep and he was always there when I woke up. Whew! Anyway, that's a bit about my dad. He's a hoot.

Our House

Ryan and I lived in a little apartment on Dewey Avenue. Although our little place holds sentimental value in our memory, we gladly embraced the opportunity to move into a real CASA! We enjoy a living room, the garage, big kitchen, and 2 bathrooms! Ryan has a favorite recliner, and I like how the rain sounds when it falls on the skylight in our bathroom...great for sleeping! We're so thankful to the Lord!