Tuesday, 27 October 2009

  • The Start of the 2009-2010 School Year

    The first day of school....



    Tyler's 1st day of 1st Grade



    Natalie's first day of 4th grade...



    and Eric's 1st Day of Middle School and 6th Grade!



    Eric with his best friend Maddux, dressed up for making silly films.  They used my color stay lipstick and pink
    lips for their football games the next day.  Hee hee!



    The kids are playing sports this fall

    Eric is playing slot receiver and quarterback.  He gives it everything he's got and we are really proud of him
    for trying so hard even though his team really struggles.  Rob is assistant coaching for his team.



    Natalie is cheering for Eric's team.






    Tyler plays flag and loves being on a winning team!  Yea!



    I was in charge of the student theater again this year at the elementary.  We hosted one
    of the directors and the play we did was called King Arthur's Quest.  Tyler was the miniature
    version of Merlin, the Magician and Natalie volunteered to be an assistant director.  It was
    a super crazy week but the show was fantastic!



    So far, it's been a very busy year!!!!!


Tuesday, 21 July 2009

  • Tyler turns 6!

    We celebrated a day early because Rob was leaving today to Atlanta for work
    but it was extra nice because my parents, siblings, Tiffany, Dallas and Kailynn, Janet
    and their kiddos were able to join us for a fun little birthday get-together. 

    We had cookie cake (a Norr child favorite!) but Tyler wanted his own little cake and picked out this cute little doggie.

    Ty couldn't wait to open his presents.  He pretty much had most of them figured out
    because it isn't hard to shake a box and not know that there are leggos inside.  He
    is obsessed with Star Wars- the Clone Wars right now and loves the leggos that go
    along with them.  He loves to build with them and Eric is finally loving it with him.
    (Eric never got into them too much, that would require sitting still for a few minutes...)










     

  • A little out of order...

     I blogged what's been going on for the last couple of months but realized
    it is in backwards order,   so if you are brave enough to endure the whole
    thing and want to see everything in order,
    you might want to scan down and start with "three Weeks of Camps" and go from there.
    Sorry for the  mix-ups.  I'm just trying to get it all down and share my fun pictures.

  • A Few Days in Ohio with the Price's

    Our next and final leg of the trip was Ohio to visit my sweet and wonderful cousin Kelly Jo
    and her awesome family.  I'd plan to visit two summer's ago but wasn't able to.  She is
    probably one of the sweetest people in the world.  It was great to see them.

    Sunday night I got to see my Uncle Eddie as he was visiting.  He taught us all how to play
    Texas Hold 'em.  Eric especially liked that game.


    Monday, the kids played all day. They had so much fun with toy guns playing Star Wars.
    We went to their community pool and I got to relax a little and read my book.




    That night, we ate outside (we ate out in the backyard three night in a row, the weather was
    so nice) and then roasted marshmallow and had s'mores.  I really love those things and it
    was fun to see my kids loving them too.



    Tuesday, Bob, Tanner and Dustin took us to the Cleveland Zoo while Rob and Kelly worked.  It was really great zoo! 
    Tyler especially liked the Dinosaur exhibit and Natalie and Eric loved the Australian section.  Natalie and I both loved the giraffes.
    They are my favorite!



    Tyler played for about 5 minutes with this beaver.  The beaver would go down when Tyler went down
    and then come up when Tyler would stand up.  It was fun to watch.



    And, we caught this cool pose of Dustin at the zoo

    unlike the scary face he painted on himself later that night to scare the crud out of his Aunt Casey.



    One of the highlights of our time in Ohio was seeing my dear Aunt Cathie.  She has always been one of my very
    favorite people in the whole world and I have such great memories with her.  She still shines as bright as she ever
    has and it was such a treat to be able to see her and introduce her to my family.  I probably haven't seen her for 20 years.



    We made Uncle Bob a Texas sheet cake for his birthday when we found out how much he likes chocolate.


    Wednesday was our last day to play before our 18 hours trip home, so we took the opportunity to
    visit Kirtland, Ohio where Joseph Smith and the early saints built the first modern day temple for the Mormon
    Church.  I'm so glad we took the time to visit this historical place as it was a faith building experience for me

    to remember all of the hard work and faith those wonderful people had and kept throughout all of their trials.




    Thanks Kelly and Bob for a great time in Ohio is was so great to spend time with you in your home!
    WHAT A FANTASTIC SUMMER VACATION! 



  • The Norr Family Reunion and Grandma Norr's 70th Birthday Party

    It was soooooo great getting together with Rob's family.  The Schoeny's did a
    fantastic job hosting and the best part was probably watching all of the cousins
    have such a great time with each other.

    The entire weekend was filled with activities like golfing for the men and pedicures
    for the girls and swimming at the local park.  The water was freezing!  I need some
    good hot Texas temperatures before I'll get in a pool but the kids really enjoyed it.
    Which, by the way,  the weather was absolutely gorgeous the whole time we were
    on our vacation.

    Friday morning, we had fun at the "Great Country Farms"

    playing miniature golf (Eric and Drew were quite the little buds),



    took a hayride and picked fresh green beans,


    the kids painted their faces, swung, jumped on the "huge pillow", road cars all over a cool track in the woods, went through a maze, down huge slides and played in a corn pile.


    That evening we went to a stream and made a campfire and made yummy s'mores.  The kids had to be creative because the fire was really big and really hot.



    Saturday we took family pictures.  I'll post those when I get them but I got this really nice picture of Rob's dad.



    and the girl's pretended to be models.



    Saturday afternoon, we celebrated Grandma Norr's birthday.



    It was really fun being together.



  • Virginia at the Schoeny's beautiful home

    Our next stop was Hamilton, Virginia.

    We stayed with the Schoeny family for the Norr Family Reunion
    and to celebrate Grandma Norr's 70th birthday.


    We celebrate the 4th of July by first going to a
    great hometown parade in Purseville, VA complete
    with a million fire trucks and candy being thrown to the kids

    That afternoon, we took the Metro to Washington DC.

    We had dinner, played on the lawn and watched fireworks at the nation's capital  just near
    the Washington monument,  and Rob got
    to "prove" to me, finally, that the fireworks there are really
    better than anywhere else.



    there were so many people at "The Mall"



    Getting home was half the fun as we were packed on the metro like sardines!


    Uncle Paul took us for a ride in the back of his farm truck to see the BEAUTIFUL Virginia countryside.



    and we picked wild raspberries.  Eric says that he liked them.



    We spent a day at Grandma and Grandpa Norr's house and ate Jerry's subs -  YUM!!!

    Tuesday, we drove to Jamestown to see the 1st settlement.  This is Natalie posing
    like Pocahotas, who used to be here favorite Disney princess.



    And, Wednesday we went to Bush Garden's (but Rob has those pictures on is I-phone).  We
    finally convinced Eric to try the roller coaster  (Tyler and Natalie wouldn't have anything to
    do with them).  Eric is now a roller coaster lover like his mom.  In fact, I went on one all by
    myself because I couldn't get anyone to go with me. Rob would've but he had a terrible headache
    by that time.  He was just frustrate that he'd spent all that money for his three kids to do rides
    like the bumper cars and the kiddie stuff.

    Thursday, we headed back to the Schoeny's to join everyone else for the official reunion.



  • Off to Georgia!

    At the end of June we packed up the car for a three week road trip!

    We actually did really good in the car.  Rob worked, we watched movies
    and sang to the radio and the kids took little naps.  We actually got them
    to do a few math worksheets.  I think we did great on the road together
    and would be willing to take another road trip again.  I love to drive and I
    love seeing this awesome country of ours.  All totalled, we spent 44 hours together
    in the car traveling from one event to another.



    Our first stop was Geogia.  One of Rob's young men got married in the Atlanta Temple
    and we couldn't miss it.  Kyle Wise lived with us for a few months when his mother moved
    back to South Carolina so we got close to him.  It was fun to meet is new bride and
    be there for their sealing.




    We were also able to go to one of Rob's co-workers the same day. 

    The rest of the week was spent playing and visiting with family and friends.

    We stayed at the Toliver's house the entire week and felt very comfortable with
    them.   They were very hospitable and fun to hang out with.

    Natalie had lots of fun dressing up with Tarin.



    and the kids played lots of games and grew to love Monopoly.



    The Toliver's were always are game buds.

    Monday, we had a special Family Home Evening at the park.  Many of our friends
    were able to come.  We all brought a picnic dinner and then Stephanie and Lauralee
    provided ice cream sandwiches and popsicles.  The kids played in the sprinklers, the dads
    and older boys played football and the mom's talked. 

    These women are my angels!!!


    While we were there, all the mom's had a GNO.  Eric and Natalie saw
    a few of their favorite friends

    including Chase and Lexi



    and Clay
     

    and Natalie's favorite teacher, Ms. Dykes and her little boy joined us at the pool.



    We had lots of fun at the pool and I just didn't take enough pictures. 


    We had a yummy taco dinner at my brother Justin and SIL, Clairissa's house and
    were able to visit with my Aunt Connie and Uncle Paul who are serving a mission
    in Georgia right now.
     

    None of could get enough of my precious new nephew Lincoln!  Isn't he cute!!!!


    And I just adore my niece, Avery.



    And Stacie and I couldn't resist taking the kids to the Mayfield Dairy.  We took the kids through the tour and then
    treated them to a yummy scoop of ice cream.  Rocco and Avery joined us for the fun. 

     

    It was so fun to see so many great friends.  We spent our last afternoon there with the Angel family, but I guess I didn't take any pictures.
    We also spent time with the Cheeks and the Douglas's.  I really loves these dear friends of mine. They are really, really special to me!!!
    I really should just attach a camera to my hip!

    It was the best.  We left there so happy to know that we have such great relationships and wonderful memories in Suwanee, Georgia!



  • The Jonas Brothers Concert

    I actually have to wonder if I had more fun at this concert than Natalie
    did.  I've been wanting to go to a concert for a long time and we couldn't
    pass up the opportunity to buy some tickets for great seats from some friends
    that have Dallas Cowboy Season tickets. 

    Me and Natalie! 



    Natalie and Maya



    We actually saw this same bus on the highway in Pennsylvania
    when we drove through there two weeks later.  What are the odds?
     

    It was so much fun singing and dancing and the Jo Bro's were awesome!

    Natalie is a huge Nick fan!



    and we even got to see Miley Cyrus when she and Nick sang their latest
    duet.  I wigged out!  I thought it was so cool that she was at the concert.
    It was kind of like a two-for-one!




    My girlfriend from High School
    was even able to join us.  It was so fun seeing Julie and meeting her little girl
    Tatum.

     

  • Three Weeks of Camps to start of our Summer

    I got to be the Young Women Camp Director for our girl's youth program at church.
    I was thrilled and had so much fun taking this awesome 16 girls to camp in Granbury, TX.



    The next week, Eric went to scout camp.  Rob was able to join him for a few days.  Eric
    had a great time with the other young men from church and was able to get 5 merit badges!



    The same week, Natalie attended a cheer clinic and Tyler attended a football camp.  They
    both plan on doing these sports in the Fall and loved learning new things and enjoyed
    every minute of their camps (in the 100 degree weather).  Tyler even got a medal for placing
    2nd place in the kicking competition.



    The third week, Eric went to Lacrosse camp Monday through Friday with all of his buds from Lacrosse.  The high school
    coach ran the camp and even though it was hotter than you can even imagine from 10:00am to 1:00 pm, Eric wanted to
    stay everyday "for a little while longer so they could scrimmage."  He really love Lacrosse.  Sorry, I forgot to take pictures.


Monday, 15 June 2009

  • The Last Two Months of Go! Go! Go!

    We've spent lots of time running from Natalie's softball games...

     
    Her coaches were the nicest bunch of guys ever and she loved being a "Firecracker" and playing softball.  Natalie
    was one of the best hitters on her team!


    And Eric's (and Rob's) Lacrosse games...

    Go Colleyville Panthers!!!!  Rob created the Colleyville Lacrosse Youth Associations
    and coached the very first youth team.  It was a blast and Eric loves lacrosse now!!!

     

    and Tyler's baseball games....

    This just might be Ty's sport!  He had a blast on his Detroit Tigers T-ball team.  His Coach Todd is Tyler's
    best friend, Evan's dad. 



    Natalie and I went to Medieval Times for a field trip in May.


     

    And Field Day was soooo much fun! 



    The kids had lots of end of the year activities including a Mother's Day Program with Tyler, a Third Grade end of the Year Awards Program with Natalie and Eric's Graduation from 5th Grade
    and lots of fun with his class at Main Event and then a swim party at Keller Point.  Does it ever end!



    A week before school got out, we took off for Cancun Mexico as a family along with my sister Candace and her family and Nana and Papa Cooper.

    We actually met the "Real Santa Claus" in the airport as we were leaving for Mexico.
     

    We went snorkling, swimming, played on the beach and drank lots of smoothies by the pool .

    The kids painted...




    Papa Cooper joined us for a trip to see the Mayan ruins in Chichen Itza...



    And, we celebrated Nana and Papa's 39th Wedding Anniversary together while we were there.

     

    It's been a busy and fun two months!  I have so many pictures.  I'll be scrapbooking for months!!!!

     

The Many Treasures in My Life!

....

My Husband Rob

Rob is my best friend in the whole world. He is my rock and takes care of me in every way. He is a hardworking and caring father who is committed to his family. He is constantly working to make me happy and have fun with me and my kids. He is one of the hardest working, most organized people I've ever know.

Eric

Eric is an energetic eleven year old who is constantly on the go. He enjoys sports in every way and lives life to the fullest. He is a good friend to everyone he meets as he is very social and enjoys people.

Natalie

Natalie is my princess. She is a beautiful little girl with a very tender heart. She would never dream of hurting anyone intentionally. Natalie is all girl. She enjoys school, reading dressing up, playing with dolls, music, crafts and playing sports.

Tyler

Tyler is such a fun little kid. He is always smiling and loves life. Everyone seems to enjoy being with Tyler because he is always so happy. He loves school, playing outside, super heroes and being with Mom, Dad and his big brother and sister.

My Testimony

I am member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know God lives and that he loves me. I also know that Jesus Christ lives, that he is our Savior and that he has done everything in his power to help us return to our Father in Heaven. I am more grateful for this knowledge than for anything else in this world. I know the Book of Mormon, along with the Bible is the word of God and that our Heavenly Father leads us through the direction of his prophet here on the earth at this time.

My parents

My mom and dad are extraordinary people! They've been faithful and stalwart in many tough situations and I appreciate their testimonies and examples. My dad, like me, is a cancer survivor. His and my mom's positive examples have always helped me get through some of the hardes times of my life. I really love them both.

My health!

Believe it or not, I am a cancer survivor! I was diagnosed with colon cancer at the young age of 35 and had to go through nine months of chemotherapy. My friendships were strenghthened by this experience and I made many new friends. I will never be grateful for cancer but I will always be grateful for the things I learned because of it. One of the things I personally believe is that God does not give us trials, but rather he allows us to have trials so that we can grow from our experience.

About me:

I love my family, my friends and learning. I enjoy reading (especially historical fiction), cooking, cleaning (crazy but true), hanging out with my kids, and being outside. Many people don't know this but I love to hike and camp. I play the piano and sing and love music. I sincerely appreciate others talents and constantly marvel at the creativity of others.