Very quick update

First, we bought a house! Geoff and I went after 4 houses in a week and the 5th one finally took. We found out that we were competing with investors who are also wanting to take advantage of the low interest rates. It's close to where we currently live in the same ward. We'll need to do some improvements, but the house is in good condition and in a planned community. Come swimming with us! Anyone who can recommend a business who does quality, inexpensive flooring is much appreciated!

Second, the boundaries changed on our ward. I feel like we've been amputated. We'll find out this Sunday who is left.

Third, Katherine is talking up a storm. I woke up to overhear her on the monitor practicing how to say "What happened?" She walks around saying "Come on" and asks to watch her Barbie movie. She constantly finds things to laugh at and has discovered twirling a circle to make herself dizzy. She has been so patient these past couple of weeks as we have carted her around looking at houses. She is disappointed because the new house will not have stairs for her to climb.

Fourth, Genet called with great news... check her blogsite: http://friessfive.blogspot.com

Why pay for toys when she is happy mopping the rocks??

Katherine's jabbering has been hilarious! She jabbers in numbers, "9, 2, 9, 1, 5, 9, 9, 9" and "mommy" and "daddy"... We are reconsidering why we ever taught her those words... She has started to catch on to end consonants and multiple syllables. She actually said"cereal" and "strawberry" today.

I have been kid-proofing the closets. She has discovered that the hall closet has a stockpile of things for her to do - play dough, crayons, yarn, chalk, bubbles, toys... She runs to it everyday, begging for something else. Since she is already dumping what she grasp on the edge of the counter on top of herself, I have no doubt she will be wreaking havoc in the closets soon.

She has also discovered cartoons. The Disney's Playhouse website has transformed the battle for control over the computer mouse to "show me what to do to make it go." She loves the music. The dvd "Barbie's Princess and the Pauper" has caught her attention well enough that I have made dinner twice without her whining to be held. I am SO GRATEFUL.

Since Geoff's shift changed, he is home sleeping in the mornings and she whispers "shhhhhh" to me. She loves to knock on the door and then gently walks over to stick her face in his to see if he's awake yet. When she decides it's safe, she starts to climb on him. Then the sleeping giant awakes and tickles her until she laughs herself silly. It's a good way to start the day.

All in all, these are sweet times.

Highlights

As the week progressed, Katherine could almost say everyone in the family's name and would go to them if they asked. But I don't know if there is a girl who loves her Nana more. When she is in the room, everyone else is forgotten... Well, that is unless her Aunt "Nange" (Natalie) is holding Jonah... Katherine would love on that baby to death!
One afternoon we took an hour horseback ride. My sore shins reminded me that I have not been riding in years. Both Geoff and I got horses that wanted to stop to eat every chance they got. I got rope burn from trying to pull my horse Paco up from munching...

Quick shot of my straight hair. I'm almost getting used to it.

Another falling asleep during lunch shot... She refuses to eat in her high chair any more.

Ever since Nana put in EVERY BOW KATHERINE OWNS in her hair at one time, Katherine now allows me to put a clip in her hair without pulling it out. It's awesome.