Today may have been the highlight of the month! This morning I took the kids to Wolgemuth Park to meet a friend from church. I wasn't sure that I wanted to go because I have just been feeling so uncomfortable lately but I am so glad that I went. I had the most wonderful time!! I feel like I am finally beginning to make this place home. I just felt like I went to the park with an old friend and we had a great time visiting and the kids played so well together. Although next time I think I might have to take 2 baby doll strollers. It was a very hot item!!
I am just so glad that God has blessed us with a church home and friends that share our love for the Lord.
Speaking of good friends tonight Jeff and Anna came over for dinner. I just can't believe how fast they grow. Anna kept calling her Daddy, Jeff. I just think it is so funny how they learn we have another name. When Hannah plays house she is Mommy and her name is Nancy Turk. I think that is so funny. She also calls Carter, Brian Turk when they play house. Anyway Anna was so cute we have a huge flag in the basement and she was trying so hard to get the other kids to salute the flag. She finally gave up... they just didn't get it. Anyway it was a great day and night and I am so grateful for the friends that we have. Praise God!
Friendship
Thursday, August 30
Brian Nicolas
Wednesday, August 29
Brian is such an awesome husband and I know I don't give him the credit that I should. When we met Brian was such the gentleman. While we were dating we lived about an hour and fifteen minutes from each other, which made things a little more challenging. I remember the first time we went out, which happened to be a totally last minute decision. I told Brian that we should meet at the movie theater between our houses, but Brian almost canceled the date because he said that he wanted to pick me up for our first date. Now instead of the commute time challenge we have the 2 kids challenge, which would be that they aren't welcome on date nights. wink.wink.I also want to share that I had a really hard day yesterday. I don't know if you read yesterdays blog entry, but the kids got up at 5am and I had a long day. Then, last night my body just hurt and I could not do any thing to get comfortable. This morning Carter was up again at 4:45am and I was up with him. I got him back to sleep this time. Thank Goodness!! So when Hannah woke up at 7am Brian went and got her and took her downstairs and took care of the kidos so I could get some extra sleep. Thanks Honey!! I don't think I could make it through this pregnancy without Brian! He has been motivating me to just get through one day at a time.
P.S. Since I said such wonderful things about my Honey. I had to post the photo of him in his pink shirt with a flower that Hannah gave him in his hair.
Pregnancy Brain
Tuesday, August 28
We've had a LONG day. The kids woke up this morning at 5:00am and were ready to play. So we took an early morning trip to the park and once again the other mother at the park was on her mobile phone (it was not the same woman FYI).
Now to get down to the true blog topic for this evening. First, I want to let all my readers know that I had NO choice. Brian made it clear that this evenings event must appear in the blog. So lets talk about door-to-door sales men. BTW while looking for a photo for today's post I found the following information:
You’ll need a hat. Every good door to door salesperson has a great hat. It doesn’t really matter what kind of hat it is, but there are some rules you’ll want to follow. The first is that you don’t want the hat to be the main attraction. You’ll want an ordinary hat that compliments your style. I’ll leave the decision up to you.A briefcase is also a must. You’ll need something to tote your catalogues and order forms around in, and the briefcase is the most common. I’ve seen people use over the shoulder bags and knapsacks, but the briefcase is the most professional.A good name is also important. You don’t want to be introducing yourself as a Teddy or a Missy. Use strong names such as Ted, Steve, Frank, Nancy, Tracy, and so on. You may have to change your name, but that’s alright. Every good sales person will do whatever it takes to make the sale.
Did you notice that Nancy was a strong name?? Okay so while I was preparing our dinner tonight someone rang the door bell. Brian is upstairs working. So I run to the door with a baby on my hip and Hannah holding onto my leg. As I open the door I am surprised to find a total stranger. Usually it is a neighbor that needs to borrow sugar or an egg. Anyway it is this young, cute girl who has these flyers in hand. She doesn't even come onto our porch, but stands at the bottom of the steps. "Hi. We are promoting our new carpet cleaning product and we would like to clean one room in your house for FREE. You are not obligated to buy or do anything. We are just trying to promote this new product and get the word out about our products" were the words uttered from this stranger's mouth. Now the wheels are turning in my head and I'm thinking 'GREAT' they can clean that one spot that the kids made while playing the other day. One last thing for my 'to do list'. So I hastily reply, "Okay. I guess that would be okay." The girl immediately responds, "Great! The guys will be here any minute to clean your carpet."
I am not sure why but at this point this seems really strange to me. Very few things in life are free, but I convinced myself that God was answering my prayers for a little extra help in my life. So I quickly forget about it and go back to peeling potatoes. A few moments later Brian comes downstairs, totally oblivious that anyone had rung the doorbell. "Oh, Honey someone is coming to clean our carpet in a little while" I mention as I am putting meat in the oven and boiling my potatoes. Brian stops dead "WHAT? You are kidding me right?" he replies. I very quickly tell him no and that this is great that I'm getting a little extra help. "Nancy, we did not even discuss this? What were you thinking? I can't believe you did this!" I am standing there looking at him just totally awestruck that he isn't as excited as I was. "Don't you remember when I used to sell windows?" Brian remarks and then proceeds to tell me how they sold windows to people who didn't truly NEED the expensive Windows that were marked up 70%. "Nancy, they are going to come clean the carpet and then guilt you and/or us into buying something we DO NOT need.
Now I am slowly starting to realize I may have made a mistake and I totally don't want to face/deal with it. At that moment the door bell rings again and I look at Brian "Honey, you will just have to tell them that we are eating dinner and tell them no thanks, because I am trying to cook dinner." I said, just trying to get out of this situation. So thankfully Brian goes to the door and "deals" with the situation. They were even willing to clean the carpet under us while we were eating dinner. Ha Ha Ha. Okay so I'm a very naive and trusting person. Thank GOD for my husband!!
P.S. I made these amazing Mashed Potatoes for dinner. As I was sitting there eating them I made a comment that they were so good you would find these in a restaurant. To which Brian busted out laughing, "Usually restaurants try to make meals that taste like home cooking not the other way around." Oops!?
Quality Time
Monday, August 27
I know that we all fall victim to it at one time or another. I know that you have done at least one of these very things. Do you talk on the phone while "playing" with your child? Do you watch TV while having a conversation with your spouse? Who has driven through the Drive Thru on their mobile phone?
One HOT Granny
Sunday, August 26
A comment was made on the last post about the dollhouse so I decided I would share the story with everyone.
About a month ago Grandma, Linda, came to visit the kids for a day. While she was here she needed to do a little spoiling, which included buying each of the kids a new toy. Hannah Grace already has the Fisher Price My First Dollhouse that is pictured to the right. So Grandma decided that she would buy Hannah the newest accessory, which happened to be the Grandma and Stroller.
Little Black Dress
Saturday, August 25
This afternoon I went to have my nails done. When I arrived
there was someone else in the chair so I began to search for a color. I have found that I don't actually select the color by color but rather by name. I was wearing Romeo & Juliet, which is a color I chose because Brian smokes a type of cigar with that name so it made me think of him. Today, I decided to go with Chick Flick Cherry and I love it!! I needed something to brighten my world.
I went to the doctor yesterday and I figure I'm about 10 pounds heavier than I was when I was pregnant with Carter. In addition, as we were leaving the doctor's office Brian, always trying to add humor to the situation, started to sing "She's a brick house, letting it all hang out..." Suddenly I realized that is exactly how I feel right now!! I am just so uncomfortable in my body. So this song just plays on repeat in my head.
Thanks Honey!! The good news is that this baby will make an entrance soon and I will be off running once again. I have it all planned... drop Hannah Grace at Preschool go across the street to the jogging trail put both Carter and Baby Turk in the B.O.B. and RUN!!
I have this classic black velvet dress that I bought at Ann Taylor a number of years ago and I would love to wear it to an up coming black tie event. So I need to really hit the ground running. The dress is a size 8. So any encouragement would be great OR It would be wonderful if you have any other ideas for a great dress to forward them my way!! I may be doing some last minute shopping before this event. wink. wink.
Before I wrap up this blog entry I want to go back to the nail salon. It is amazing how easy it is to talk to total strangers about life. It's as if we think we can tell them anything and it is okay because we will never see them again, right?! Today a woman was getting a pedicure next to where I was sitting and she began to tell me all about her husband and their family and her brother-in-law. I just sat and chatted with her as she unfolded some rather personal information about the family. I just thought to myself 'what if I know the person she is talking about?' Okay so I had no idea who these people were, but what if I did know them? Do you show in the conversation you know this person or should you try and milk them for all the details or should you let them carry on or should you stop the conversation. So many choices!!
Actually, I was recently in this very situation. I was talking to a young college age girl when she started to talk about this horrible person that she had encountered. I suddenly realized that this 'horrible person' was a dear friend of mine. A friend that is so polite and gracious and far from horrible. So I am left with knowing who she is talking about and not knowing what to do. I thought maybe I should correct her and stand up for this friend. Tell this young girl that maybe it was just an off day this woman really is loving and kind. BUT I didn't know this girl very well if at all so I decided I shouldn't tell her because then she might think I was just as horrible for being friends with the woman. However, I did make some comments that everyone has a bad day and that we should always give them a second chance. So now... do I tell the friend that someone thinks she is so rude and horrible?? Anyway these are the types of situations in life where I feel their is no correct answer. In conclusion, I think that I have brought this situation to a resolution.
Anyone else been here before?? Anyone heard anything horrible about me? I think I might like to hear about it?!
Boy or Girl
Friday, August 24
I just love having conversations with Hannah. The other day we were talking about the baby in Mommy's belly. Now that my belly is way out there Hannah really thinks about it often. So she started talking about the baby and I asked her what we should name the baby if it is a baby girl and Hannah responded " Mini Mouse, Angelina Ballerina, Dora, or Rosie" which are all TV characters for those of you without children. So logically the next question I asked her was what if it is a baby boy. To which Hannah responded " Then Carter will like it and he can give it a name." I just love the way kids think!Chocolate
Today, I got the new sweeter than ever chocolate by LG. I have had a mobile phone for years, but this phone truly is amazing to me. I have an MP3 Player and a navigation feature. I have been trying to learn how to use this phone for most of the day. Thanks to my husband I have been able to load about 500 songs onto the device and I am able to answer it, but beyond that I will have to keep reading. I just like that this phone is called chocolate. I feel like it melts in my hand every time I use it. Okay back to reading.
Off To The Fair
Wednesday, August 22
Girls on the Train Ride. Hannah was laughing and laughing and Anna was just looking too darn cute!
riding the car
Now this was one of the highlights of the evening. Rebecca on the mechanical bull. When we walked up a small group (maybe 5) high school kids were standing around. Then Beck got on the Bull and a sudden crowd appeared to witness the ride. She did a great job!!
The kids watching Becca ride the bull. It was the first time all night they were silent and watching the same thing!!Rain Rain Go Away
Fancy Nancy
Tuesday, August 21
Today, was the second very rainy day and from the looks of the weather it is going to continue until next week. So I decided to get the kids out of the house. We have a great playroom with lots of really fun toys, but they are the same toys that we always play with. So when you are stuck inside for days at a time and you don't want to watch movies/TV all day you need to be creative.
So we took a trip to the library. Hannah and Carter love going to the library because we usually go for story time and they give us snacks. Today we didn't get any snacks, but we had a great time!! I don't know if I have shared this with you, but our library has an entire floor dedicated to the children. They even have a toddler area where the kids are contained and can read board books, do puzzles, play with blocks or play with one of the many stuffed animals/dolls. I usually try to get the kids to sit and listen to some of the stories in the reading area which is a circular room with stadium seating. It is so fun to just cuddle with the kids and read books. Today we read about 4 books and did a lot of playing/exploring.
I love going to the library because I love books. I am so dangerous if you let me loose in a Borders or Barnes and Noble. However, at the library I can pick up as many books as I want and it is all free!! Not to mention that if I don't like the book when I get home I can just take it back.
So today I found the book Fancy Nancy, which I've heard is a truly wonderful children's book. Well today I read the book and I LOVE IT!! I feel like it is so fitting for myself and especially Hannah. For those of you who have read the book I can see Brian sitting at McDonald's wearing a crown and gold slippers trying to lay low with his sunglasses on, but Hannah would be so proud of her Daddy she wouldn't let him keep much of anything on the DL. What about the part where she tapes the crown on her little brother to teach him to be fancy. I think this may already have occurred in our house. Poor Carter really takes a lot from his fancy sister. Hannah likes to make sure that Carter has a purse and baby at all times. I am trying to teach her that Carter just wants to carry his mobile phone and a football. Anyway I could talk about this book for a long time, but I will just stop by saying that if you haven't read this book you need to!! I think I need to buy this book for Hannah's birthday!!
Uncle Matt
This photo is posted in honor of Uncle Matt. While we were in Pittsburgh Hannah told everyone that if you poop on the potty you get a cookie. Well my brother, Matt (14 years old), thought this was the funniest thing he had ever heard and continued to bring it up. So I thought I would post a photo of him to show that he pooped on the potty for a cookie once too!! We love you Uncle Matt.Moving
Friday, August 17
This weekend starts the big move for my Dad. He just bought a new house and it is charming!! He closed on it this afternoon and is already moving boxes over. Unfortunately, I am too pregnant to be much help with this move. Bummer!? Although Brian is doing a great job of helping. Thanks Honey!! Truth be told that Brian did tell my Dad that they should just go play 18 holes today and let the movers worry about all the stuff. Needless to say Brian is moving boxes as we speak.Well I should get back to the move. Blog ya lata!
Darrenkamp's Market
Tuesday, August 14
Okay I need to take a moment to talk about these samples. They were very good crab cakes, cookies, salads, salsa and chips, soup, soda, and much much more. Now here comes the part we need to chat about... the people were SUPER RUDE!! People would just cut in and grab the sample and move on. YES we are in line and we are waiting for the same thing, but it was truly amazing to me that people weren't even phased by this behavior. I don't think that some of these people had eaten in a week. I was really waiting for a fight to break out amongst the silver hair. I felt like if any one should be cutting and grabbing it should be Brian and I with 2 little kids and a huge belly.
Anyway the store was beautiful and the staff was great!! They even have 'shopper in training carts', which are real carts made for little people like Hannah. It has a really tall flag on it so you can see them coming and it says shopper in training. I think this may be one of the reasons that we change grocery stores. The other big reason is that it is a local family that owns and operates the store and we love to support local businesses.
Anyway here is the link if you want to check it out. Just CLICK HERE.
'dicky' road
As a parent I have learned that my favorite days are not the kids favorite days. I love to go on adventures all over town, but the kids would love to stay in pajamas and play at home all day. So today was all about the kids. We watched Mickey Mouse and ate our breakfast. Then we went down to the play room that Brian and I built this past weekend. We had a blast Hannah was playing house and Mommy, which meant that Carter and I had to be very quiet because her baby was sleeping. Needless to say Carter and I got in trouble a few times for waking up the baby. Oops! Carter and I were playing race cars, puzzles and ball. I cannot believe how well Carter is throwing the ball. Of course he threw the ball behind himself a few times, but for the most part he was throwing it right to me. I just love to watch the kids grow. It was really fun working on the puzzles with Carter because I remember working on the same puzzles with Hannah while I was pregnant with Carter. After playing for a while Hannah decided we should have a story time, which means that we put a blanket on the floor and get lots of pillows. Since we were in the playroom we had our GIANT stuffed dog, ruff, who made a great pillow. We read all the Elmo books we own. I think the kids just love to hear my silly Elmo voice.Next, Brian came home and decided to have a meeting in our dining room. So we had to get dressed for the day. LOL. So off we went to the bath tub. The kids had so much fun and I had even more fun watching them. Hannah washed her baby over and over telling her to look up so she didn't get water in her eyes. Carter was eating the bubbles, which meant that he looked like an old man with a beard. After brushing teeth and drying Hannah's hair we went on an outside adventure. We walked all over the development. Hannah kept saying, "don't walk on the road it is 'dicky' " When we did have to cross the road she would tell Carter, "no touch Carter, or you will get all 'dicky' and I don't like to get 'dicky'". Next we took the Cozy Coupe out for a drive in the back 'ward'6 (that is how Hannah says back yard).
Believe me that I was ready to go in for lunch before we even got outside. I still think it is TOO HOT to do much of anything outside. So we had a peanut butter and jelly lunch with Daddy and went down for naps.
This brings us up to the current time. I am just loving our kids today. Oh I forgot to mention that Carter is talking up a storm now, but Hannah keeps correcting him. Since she is the language expert, which is illustrated in the above paragraphs. Carter will say "ruck" and Hannah will say, "Carter that is not a ruck it is a truck". It is so fun to listen to them figure out the English language!! Well I am going to take advantage of this quiet time. I hope all are doing well!!
Sleeping on the Job
Monday, August 13
Early this morning the trucks arrived to pave our road. The kids were awake and so excited unlike the worker driving the truck above. Oops!
We ate our breakfast on the front porch so we could see all the TRUCKS!!
Even our friends Christian and Elizabeth came with their babysitter Kelsey.
After watching the trucks for about 2 hours the kids decided to go play in the backyard. We had such a fun time!!
After playing and a quick bath to clean them up we were off to the dentist for the first time. Hannah did a great job!! After we left she kept saying, "High Five Momma. I did such a good job." Way to go Hannah we are proud of you!
Twirl Skirt
Sunday, August 12

Hannah woke up from her nap this afternoon and found this skirt. It was given to her on her 1st birthday by a friend who bought the skirt for Hannah while she was in Italy. I've had it in the closet for a while because it is too big and it still is. When Hannah runs around it slowly starts to slide down; however, tucking in the shirt will prolong the skirt at the waist. Anyway today Hannah convinced Daddy that she wanted to wear the skirt to our Life Group. She calls it her princess twirly skirt. She spins and spins and spins. Brian thought that she would wear it around the house and change her mind but that was not the case. Actually Hannah even wanted to sleep in the skirt. She also wants to wear it tomorrow to visit the dentist. Well we will see how many times in a row Hannah can wear the skirt. Brian just wants me to get a shirt that actually matches. Maybe I will get some video of Hannah spinning and post it?!
Time
Recent Belly Photo Game Time
Saturday, August 11
PBK
Wednesday, August 8
All Smiles!!
I know that you have missed seeing photos of the kids so I put a few in today's blog entry.
We got up this morning and I was feeling very motivated. So I decided it was best to take advantage of the burst of energy. We got ready and ate our breakfast. Hannah made a trip to the potty before we went to get into the car. As I opened the front door all the energy pumping through my body was suddenly sucked out. The humidity is so intense that I felt like I swam to the car. I think this is the hottest summer and it makes it even hotter being pregnant.
Moving along... I had a blanket from Pottery Barn Kids and when I washed it I noticed a large hole. So I decided today was the day I would exchange it. So we got the the store and on the front display was a ton of backpacks. I thought the gator one was so cute! Not to mention that a big 40% off sign made me pick it up.
I have been looking for some type of book bag for Hannah. In the letter they sent home it stated that the kids needed to have a bag with NO zippers. Needless to say it is hard to find a book bag with no zippers. So when I picked up this bag and found that it had a Velcro flap with NO ZIPPER I looked at the price $5. How could I pass this up?!?!
Ready for School?











