Christmas Q & A

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your family and friends. Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!! Just copy (not forward) this and paste into a new blog post. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. 'Tis the Season to be jolly!

**The only reason I was able to complete this lovely list of questions, is because I have been up since 4 am. I don't blame you at all if you don't. Please sleep instead... someone should.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping Paper with big ribbons. I'm a nut who LOVES wrapping gifts, I even wrap the stocking stuffers.

2.Real tree or Artificial? One of each- and this year a third that is fiber optic!

3. When do you put up the tree? The day after Thanksgiving, so as to smell the house up as soon as possible.

4. When do you take the tree down ? When Paul gets around to it :) But the decorations come down New Years Day.

5. Do you like eggnog? Yep, but I mix it with milk... otherwise it's too strong.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Pound Puppy... 5 yrs.old. I still have him.

7. Hardest person to buy for? My dad. He always asks for socks. No one has ever found him the perfect gift... maybe this year!

8. Easiest person to buy for? Paul, he is extremely grateful and likes everything.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, we have two. And Elizabeth has the "little people" toy version. Her favorites are Baby Jesus and the "Big Guys" aka Wise Men

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. And this year I lost my mind and made them all... part of my quest to be an overachiever.... bad idea.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Never really received a bad one

12. Favorite Christmas movie? Mr Krugers Christmas... sappy, huh?

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? This year I was almost completely finished by Thanksgiving. Surprisingly bad idea. I missed out on a ton of great sale items on black friday.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? In Jr. High my boyfriend gave me a ton of Disney Princess stuff that Libby inherited this year- does that count?

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Wild Rice from Minnesota. Takes my dad 2 days to cook it and it's the only time he makes it... it is most coveted!

16. Lights on the tree? Too many :)

17. Favorite Christmas song? The classics

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay Home. Especially if we can get the fireplace going. Logan is a second choice.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? dasher, dancer, prancer, vixon, comet, cupid, donner, blizten, rudolph, and OLIVE the other reindeer...

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? star

21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? Eve. Until we have older kids... it's nice to sleep in.

22 . Most annoying thing about this time of the year? So much peppermint hot chocolate... so little time! Luckily the Starbucks in Fort Union has a drive thru!

23. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Wild Rice again.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? 8 hours uninterrupted sleep.

Merry Christmas Pictures

So I ventured out last Friday with a toddler and an eight day old baby, to Southtowne Mall, to get family pictures taken for Christmas. Terrible idea! We arrived at Kiddie Kandids at 9:45 am and pulled back into our driveway at 2:00pm. I am still recovering. This was the best shot of the day.
On the bright side, I have beautiful children!!!!

Hailey Ann Norat

... is finally here! And I am so relieved!!! She was born @ 4:21pm on the 3rd of December. It was an easy, fairly quick labor. She weighed only 5lbs. 14 oz. A tiny little peanut compared to her big sister but 19 inches, long and slender. We stayed in the hospital just over 24hours, I was extremely eager to get home with Elizabeth and we were both feeling great. Elizabeth was pretty freaked out the first night home, more mad at mommy than anything. She is doing wonderfully now and loves her baby Hailey.

Last night I went into Libby's room after bed because she was crying. She said," Oh mommy, hold me." She I picked her up and asked her what was wrong. "Baby Hailey sleeping?" I assured her that yes baby Hailey was sleeping. "Binkie?" Yes, Hailey had her binkie. Sweet little Libby looked up and me and said earnestly "Oh good!" Closed her eyes and went to sleep. It was sooo sweet!

Here are a few shots of the new addition since birth.

Big Sister had to check out the co-sleeper!

This is my favorite thing that Paul does with our babies.

Hailey's boyfriends with a couple of Paul's closest friends. We all had kids within 8 weeks. Congrats Guys!

The SHOW Must Go On......

In labor, or not...... I must host a LIA SOPHIA party! So please come to my house Saturday @ noon ( before the BYU vs. UTAH game) and do some Christmas shopping and eat a snack!

If you cannot make it and would like to purchase something: visit www.liasophia.com/sites/emilynorat

Deal for NOVEMBER:

BUY 2 GET 1 50% OFF; THEN UP TO 3 NECKLACES 50% OFF!!!!

Baby update...

I went to the doctors yesterday. Dilated to a 2, head down, 75% effaced. Go team!!!!

"My Sister's Coming..."

Alright, I know that kids come up with some crazy things sometimes... but this borders on freaky.

Elizabeth has been talking soooooo much lately, it is truly amazing. She puts together the most interesting sentences that always surprise me. Yesterday we were driving on Creek Rd. and I took a corner going a bit fast. She called from the back seat, "be careful Mama, be careful!" It took me 5 minutes to recover from shock and laughter. Other common phrases are: "my turn, please," "sing it one more time," "where are you?" "no barking Vader!" "daddy's silly" "he's cute!"

Well, I think this one took the cake. Last week while Mariel was babysitting, Elizabeth ran up to her saying "my sister's coming!" Mariel freaked a little thinking that I had maybe gone into labor! Then yesterday while shopping at BabiesRUs, she kept yelling the same thing, "my sister's coming, my sister's coming." Elizabeth was born in March, and by January I had EVERYTHING we needed and more. If born at the same time, this baby will arrive Thanksgiving Day.... we have piles of bags and boxes stashed in various corners of the house.....

Is Elizabeth trying to tell me something?!?!?! I will be pretty freaked out if we have a baby before Thanksgiving. But if anyone knows, apparently it is Elizabeth.

(The BEBE #2s Room)

Happy Halloween!!!

Too stinkin' cute!
( Even if I was supposed to be a TIGER!)

Wee Witches Weekend

We had so much fun today at Gardner Village! It was Wee Witches Weekend and I took Elizabeth with a bunch of friends! There were hundreds of women there with their children, dressed as witches and in other Halloween costumes! They were so adorable and gave me great ideas for next year. This is the best part of having kids...all holidays!

Elizabeth and Avarie Bloxham

Elizabeth after she got her face painted.

Elizabeth in her witches hat!

Our little girlies!

RENEW the ZOO!!

The Salt Lake County Council has placed a $33 million bond on the ballot in November. This will cost the average household $0.39/month. The bond will help the Zoo build an Arctic Exhibit with animals like polar bears, seals, and wolves and an African Savanna that could make a home for giraffes, rhinos, and zebras among other things.

Elizabeth and I go to the zoo almost once a week, so for me this is a no brainer!!! We paid $50. for our year pass and have easily already gone 20x. So stop complaining about Hogle Zoo and do your part to do something about it!!!!

Rio Tinto Stadium

For Paul and I, who attended the first ever REAL Salt Lake soccer game together, the first game in the new stadium was a pretty big deal! Paul bought season tickets REAL's Inaugural Season hoping that soccer would really take off in Utah.... 4 front row seats, 2 behind us, and it was damn near impossible to get anyone to go with us.

Now we have 2 seats in the new WORLD CLASS STADIUM!!! and we are looking forward to many seasons to come! GO RSL!!!

Inspired by....

I have to admit I was inspired by reading Suzanne's schedule for the Fall; to organize, prioritize, schedule, and be a more effective person. Most of my life I have tended towards a more whimsical approach. However, I am never happier than when I rest well and accomplish much. Gives my brain more time to think, and I currently don't get enough of that.

I usually listen to Covey's book on CD every January, to get things into perspective for the upcoming year. But while getting ready for a new baby.... doubling my trouble and my fun... now may be as good a time as any!

So here are my words of wisdom... not my own of course... that have stuck with me since I first listened to this inspiring book:

"THE THINGS THAT MATTER THE MOST IN OUR LIVES, MUST NEVER BE AT THE MERCY OF THE THINGS THAT MATTER THE LEAST."

More Miami to Orlando

The condo that we stayed in was on Ocean Blvd. in South Beach and was perfect for a night on the town, however... Ed and Isabel's condo in Sunny Isle was much more family friendly with GREAT beach access and a pool. We drove up there everyday.

They also had a playground on the beach that Elizabeth loved!!! She dragged Paul over there for so long that I eventually had to go and rescue him. He tried to lure her away saying "do you want to go find mommy" she shook her head and said "no, no, no". I had to be the one to drag her away!

From Miami we drove to Orlando for a short stay. Elizabeth is too young to make the theme parks worth our money, so we limited our visits to Sea World only. I love Sea World!

This is the bottom of the dolphin tank. Up top Paul and I were able to touch one!

Welcome to Miami

Well we made it to Miami, 6 hours and 5 minutes travel time, one bebe kicking me in the stomach from outside, one from the inside..... Travel with a toddler - no big deal??? Whatever! Needless to say we were thriller to arrive in one piece! And the view was BEAUTIFUL!!!

My favorite part of going to Miami is that there is very little to do there, other than sit on the beach. So that is exactly what we did!

This was the first time Elizabeth saw/touched the ocean...

Sandcastle building with Daddy!

Dinner at the Cheesecake Factory!

and more fun to come...

Pregnant People Need Exercise Too....

especially in the great outdoors! Paul and I took Libby to hike Dog Lake and it felt WONDERFUL!! You know how I hate to toot my own horn (harhar); but it was actually fun and pretty easy. I got a bit winded the last quarter mile, but other than that I felt great!!

I want to do this one again, but drop down into the Big Cottonwood side.... when all the leaves have changed color (augh).... we'll see. I may be TOO preggers by then.

Elizabeth was so cute in the backpack, but poor Paul. I think she did more of a number on his back than BEBE #2 did on mine! She sure has fun though. My favorite part was when she stood on the edge of the lake clapping for the doggies that were swimming in the water. She made a fabulous cheerleader!

Mate Dinner??

In the spirit of the chilly weather, and nothing to do on a "holiday", Paul and I decided to stay home this afternoon and indulge ourselves in mate dinner.

For many of you who do not know what exactly that is; it's a meal that centers around drinking YERBA MATE. This is a traditional Uruguayan tea that you drink by brewing the leaves in a gourd, adding water from a thermos, sipping through a metal straw....adding a lot of sugar (optional ). This MUST be done sitting around a table with family and friends, engrossed in friendly conversation (usually more than one going on at a time), and eating: funky cheese, green olives, salami, pepperoni, bread and crackers! I think that it's the equivalent of English tea time; done daily but occasionally substituted as a meal.
It's really nice and relaxing and one of my favorite things to do with Paul's family... has been since we started dating. It has been my experience that Americans don't spend enough time talking to each other. We have no strong traditions that center on conversation, beside our cell phones.
It's been a wonderful way to get to know people. The experience is actually addicting.

Well, today was the first time little Miss Elizabeth joined us for a mate meal and WOW!!! This girl is a Norat in so many ways. My darling picky eater ate: Gouda, Dill Havarti, and Vintage Aged Cheddar Cheese!! She dipped bread and crackers in Roasted Pine Nut Hummus!!! And even nibbled on salami and green olives!!!
Was I missing something when trying to feed her PB &J?!?! Applesauce?!?!

(See the animal cookies in this picture? She wouldn't touch them!)

Rainy Days!!

Just more proof that the FALL is closer, if not here. The change in season, especially accompanied by rain, can be so refreshing. It's good for the soul!

Fall Is HERE!!

Can you feel it?!!? Cool in the morning, sweltering in the afternoon, then crisp in the evening... this is our favorite time of year! And this is Paul and Elizabeth at our favorite place for breakfast

Silver Fork Lodge!

So it has been 2 MONTHS since my last blog entry. Here is what we have been up to....

The Van Dycks and Ulrichs came to visit!

It was great to have Paul's family around. We got to do so many fun things that I felt like I was on vacation too. We went hiking, to the zoo, to Wheeler Farm, ate more often and more in quantity than we should have, shopped, swam at the Rec. Center, went hiking again... then ate some more! Can't wait to see the Van Dyck clan back in december. Preggers or not, I am on a diet until then! He He He!!

Libby got to meet her cousins, her favorite phrase: "Cuyler, where are you?"

BEBE #2

The suspense was killing us, so Paul and I went to Fetal Fotos today!!!!

I AM A GIRL!!!

Jaden Shawn Clegg!!!

My little sister Katie gave birth by c-section Tuesday, June 24th @ 7:51pm.

Little Jaden weighed in @ 4 lbs. 15oz.

Both mom and baby are doing wonderful and will be home Friday.

CONGRATS KATIE & SHAWN!!!

Elizabeth is so in love with her new cousin!

This is a video of the little peanut whilst sleeping... too sweet.

I Do Not Beat My Child...

Poor little Elizabeth has had quite the week of major tumbles. And her little face has the battle wounds to prove it! On Wednesday while playing outside with the dogs, she decided that she was big and able enough to walk down the stairs of the deck just like mommy. Well, instead she tumbled head first into the flower bed and came up with a mouth and nose full of dirt and an eye dripping blood! Now, most people know that I do NOT do blood and guts.... that is why God blessed us mothers with adrenaline, to forget what we do NOT do. I felt so bad for her, but it was nothing a Popsicle couldn't cure. Then yesterday, again out with the dogs, I heard a crash from the kitchen while I was making dinner. Poor thing fell head first off a wooden bench onto the wooden deck. This time the Popsicle wasn't the cure.... luckily Sesame Street saved the day and distracted her enough to let me put the Popsicle on her forehead and keep the swelling goose-egg under control.

You can imagine the look on Paul's face when he got home from work, but at that point all I could do was laugh. Luckily Elizabeth was laughing too! What a little trooper!!!

Picture Updates

Father's Day @ the Buck House!

Ed, Mariel and Paul

Grandma & ElizabethElizabeth LOVES this slide!

Marissa and Elizabeth"sharing" the slide.

Elizabeth @ home in the backyard. She loves buckets. She carries them around like a little purse.

Playing with her baby in the backyard.

Elizabeth 15 Months

Here are a few of the fun things that Elizabeth has to say!

The Aquarium..FSH! FSH!

"Mommy quit taking pictures and HELP ME!!"
Elizabeth LOVES "fsh, fsh,fsh!" And that's what she says whenever she sees them. She can point them out in books, on tv, and you can imagine her delight in seeing all the "fsh" at the aquarium! She loves to stare at the tropical fish in the tanks and gets so excites when they swim past the glass. Then she gets to climb all over the reef! What a great place to take kids when it is 60 degrees in June :(



Where is the sun?!?!