Happy Birthday Nolan!

I cannot believe that my baby is 2! There have been moments during the past two years of his life that were not quite so happy...but today was a special day. I stayed up until 2am with my mother-in-law to complete this famous Elmo cake that I have made for two too many birthdays. Each time I go back and forth saying I am going to make it and then I am not going to make it. And each time at about 10pm I decide that I am going to make it. At 2am I told Hank that I am never going to make it again.

When Nolan woke up this morning and saw his "Em-o" cake he was so happy. He told everyone all day about it and Chase kept telling me that I had done a "beautiful job" on the cake. I guess that is what a birthday is all about...making someone feel loved and special if only for just a day. We love you Nolan!

"Santa is Coming!!!"

I'm sure there has never been two more excited boys to have Christmas come than Chase and Nolan. The night the Christmas tree was decorated, Chase turned to Jess and said, "O.K mommy, tomorrow Santa Claus comes." Unfortunately the tree was put up on November 30th.

The greatest thing about being a parent is seeing the excitement of a small child and the wonder of Christmas as you share stories, read books, and watch Christmas movies. However, maybe even better than that is a tactic I like to call "Don't make me call Santa!"

Whenever Chase or Nolan gets out of hand, we threaten to get on the phone and call Santa. The other night Chase refused to eat his dinner. After a quick call to Santa, (aka Hank Sr.-whose cleverly disguised voice was as funny as it was convincing ) made Chase sit straight up in his chair and completely finish his dinner after Santa threatened to take away all his presents.

So to all those parents out there consider this as our Christmas gift to you...Use the Santa Tactic whenever needed.

PS-You'll need to find your own Santa...Shortly after posting this, Hank Sr. was flooded with over 30 calls an hour wanting the voice of Santa to repremand their children.

Turkey Song Debut

For those who missed the much talked about and highly anticipated "Turkey Song", here is your chance to see for yourself what you may have missed this Thanksgiving. Thank you Aunt Amy for insisting we add the video to our Blog!

Hungry For Snacks

Shortly before dinner, and resembling a scene from Cliffhanger, Chase was spotted trying to locate "Snacks" in the pantry. Thankfully all the snacks are in the lower drawers of the pantry where the kids can easily access them. However, Chase thought that maybe his parents might be hiding the mother load of snacks on the top shelf.

To his dismay the only things on the top shelf were cups, juice, gatorade and paper towels. Thankfully Jess needed some paper towels so Chase was able to help her out with that task.

Apparently as boys get older, their desire to explore and to take risks outweigh their comprehension of what the consequences may be. Prior to Chase's "Summit for Snacks," he and Nolan were jumping off the bed and trying to land in the back of the dump truck. It was a unanimous decision not to show the picture of Nolan's elbow after the incident.

Coffee Table-1 Nolan-0

The old song "No more monkeys jumping on the bed" should also include the couch. Nolan decided Sunday night that even though he hasn't reached the age of 2 yet that he might possibly be able to fly.

Chase, Trent and Nolan started off playing a game of hide-n-seek and the game quickly turned into a game of jumping on the couch.

The large thud coming from the other room and Trent saying "I didn't do anything!" tipped us off that something was wrong.

Nolan cried for about 30 seconds and then realized the ice was way more interesting than goose egg on his head.

I have been tagged...

First of all, anyone who knows me, knows that I usually do not do stuff like this. However, since both of my boys are taking naps (small miracle) I have decided that I have the time to do it.

Here are the rules: A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning. B. Each player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves. C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

1. I love to run. I really don't know why I love it so much, but I think everyone who knows me would say it is some sort of addiction that I have. If I do not run, everyone runs away from me. I am completely dependent on the endorphins and it is these endorphins that give me the rush to get through each day with my kids.

2. Organization was ingrained in me as a child. My dad is extremely organized and I am assuming this is where I learned the value of organization. I love to open drawers and closets and have them free from clutter. I have been known to throw things away (even useful things) if they contribute in any way to cluttering my organization.

3. Thursday. My favorite day of the week is Thursday. This is the day I clean my house. Again, another obsessive compulsive trait that I have is maintaining a clean home. I should say Thursday night is my favorite, because that is when the cleaning is complete and my home is free from any dirt that has been brought in from the "new trails" in the backyard that Hank made for the boys.

4. Biting my fingernails is something I have done for years. It is a habit that I have tried to break numerous times. Unfortunately, I have had no success. If anyone is reading this and has broken this awful habit...please let me know how you did it.

5. Going to the movies is something that I have not had the opportunity to do more than once a year since my children were born. However, I would like to change that soon. I love getting red licorice and popcorn and watching a highly anticipated movie in the theater (without kids).

6. Being with my family at home. There is no place I would rather be than at home with my boys (Hank included!). Even in my childhood, I was always a home-body. Now that I have created a home for my individual family...this is the place I prefer over anything else.

That is it...Now I would like to tag Sara, Jocelyn, Whitney, Angie, Liz M, and Jessica B. Please do not feel pressured to do it...especially if you do not have the time!!

Backyard Exploring

Halloween Fun

Yes, Chase insisted on being Shrek again this year! Hank and I are afraid he thinks this is the only costume he will ever wear for Halloween...I guess it will save us a little money! So with Chase insisting on being Shrek, oh course Nolan was happy as ever to be his donkey!

Our Home...

I have been promising pictures of our home in
beautiful LaGrange, Georgia. So...here it is. Our
yard extends to the perimeter of the tree line. It is so fun to let the boys run and explore in the trees in the backyard. Steve and Hank made a trail through some of the trees a few weeks ago and the boys love to explore through the backyard "tunnels" as they call it.

The Best Part About Georgia

The reason we love Georgia so much is because we live so close to my sister and her family. There is nothing better than sharing milk and cookies with your cousins!

Georgia Birthday Party

Last weekend Chase and Nolan were invited to a birthday party. The theme was tractors. When we arrived at the home of the grandparents of Cayden (the birthday boy) they had about 5 or 6 huge tractors parked in the front yard for the party. My kids were the happiest I have ever seen them. They ran from one tractor to the next for about an hour.

This yard consisted of 24 acres of lush greenery and a pond for the kids to fish in at the end of the party...and it was stocked full of catfish...luckily, for me, the kids did not catch anything. Catfish are a little creepy looking.

Nolan sitting on the tractor and telling Chase it was not yet Chase's turn!

Some of the older kids that attended the party were being entertained by the mini go-karts. Hank thought it would be "fun" to teach our boys how to drive the go-karts. Chase liked it, but Nolan refused to get off it once he learned he could do it all by himself. For those of you who are wondering if we have completely lost our minds letting our children drive a go-kart by themselves...they only go about 3-4 mph. I love this picture of Nolan with his foot just casually "resting" on the gas pedal.

Pumpkin Patch 2007

I have finally succumbed to the world of blogging and decided to write my first entry.
Unfortunately, I have nothing funny to report on, just the annual trip to the pumpkin patch.
My sister and I decided to muster up the courage to take all 4 kids. After about 1 hour of being there we were tired and ready to go home. The kids on the other hand, could have stayed all day. They had the greatest time, which of course made it worth our time!

rednecksaywhat? Picture of LaGrange City Mayor and High School Principal

So surely everyone has heard about the South and the particular dialect, words, and phrases which are used in everyday conversation. Listed are the top 3 stories which have all happened to Hank over the last month.

#3- Get'em with gas! That'll kill em!

While trimming some trees in the front yard of the house Hank and Steve are working on, they were attacked by a swarm of hornets. Needless to say, the hornets won the first round. However, in GA the country folk know how to get back at them there hornets. After a few bottles of gasoline down the hornets nest, only a few remaining hornets lived to see another day. The landscaper (who could not of been more than 19, but married for a couple years...do the quick math...) said that gasoline works all the time. "Juz don't smoke-round the hole when you pour the gas in." Thanks for the advice!!!

#2-You favor Dr. Johnson the dentist...Y-all Kin?

Upon meeting a local roofer...who had very few teeth...(go figure) After a few minutes of talking with him about an upcoming project, he looks right at Hank and says, "You favor Dr. Johnson...Y-all Kin? The translation was apparently Hank looked like a local dentist and the roofer wanted to know if we happened to be related at all.

#1-Juriand-Firs

Just before closing on our house, Hank called the insurance lady to get a quote for the house. After going through a few questions about personal belongings, tools, electronics, and miscellaneous items, she asked Hank about his Juriand-Firs. Perplexed, Hank quickly covered the phone and asked Steve for assistance. Steve had no idea what she said so Hank said "I don't know." After a few more minutes of questioning on the phone the insurance lady asked again, "How about your Juriand-Firs? Thinking this was some new thing that only existed in Georgia, Hank said, "I'm sorry, I really don't know what that is." The lady quickly responded, "You know, like yur, gold, diamonds, necklaces..." "AAAHHHH, you mean Jewelry and Furs.",

Cleaning up in GA

Well after a month of settling in, the Armstrong family has finally been able to take a quick breather just long enough to give a quick update. Currently the temp is 65 degrees and we are loving every minute...Sorry AZ people!

Chase has started preschool twice a week and loves going to Miss Mary-Kate's house (his teacher) Although Hank was a little concerned after the 3 weeks straight of asking what Chase learned about in school, and his response was "The letter F!" Hank always thought maybe when the kids were young to focus on the letter "A" to set the expectation high. At least we're only dealing with the letter F and not the F word...

Nolan has started coming out of his shell more and loves being outside. He will for sure be the kid bringing in pet snakes, lizards, bugs, and anything else he can find. He loves the backyard and cries if he isn't able to go out when he wants. The other day it was pouring rain and he stood sobbing at the backyard because Jess wouldn't let him out in fear that mud might be tracked back through the home. Nolan has also started whistling since being in Georgia. It's not a traditional whistle, but more of a scream mixed with a stutter. The best part about it is how he puts his hands over his mouth to enhance the pitch and range of the whistle.

Jessica is starting to adjust and has been thrown into the fast lane of Georgia activities around town. In between running, the gym, and cleaning (in that order) she manages to keep the boys on track, juggle 2 different play groups, a monthly dinner group, nightly dinner for the family, all the accounting for the business and a host of miscellaneous other chores and duties. She truly deserves the mother/wife of the year award.

Hank has been working steady 12 hour days for the last month trying to complete the first house. As of today, the only things left are a few miscellaneous light fixtures, door fixtures, closet shelves and cleaning. We are hoping to have the official open house next Tuesday. We will keep you posted and send a link with pictures.

Almost Packed and Ready

While the sorting, organizing, separating, throwing away, and packing went under way, Chase decided to take a break from his labor intensive day and curl up in one of the moving boxes with a nice book. When asked about his feelings on the upcoming move, Chase said, "Sometimes we go to the airport on a bus and then the plane goes to Minnesota. Then we go on the plane again to Georgia and see Aunt Manda, Dukie and Uncle Steve-o...and the moving truck is coming in 8 or 10 or 20 days!"

CHILD VS. WILD

Discovery Channel MAN VS. WILD host, author and seasoned adventurer Bear Grylls began a lifetime of exploration at an early age. Bear grew up on the Isle of Wight, and as a young boy would go mountain climbing with his father.

Nolan Armstrong is no different and is one of Bears biggest fans. In a recent episode, Bear showed how to survive in harsh desert environments for weeks at a time. Nolan took careful notes and decided to give it a try. With the help of aunt Aarean's caramel bars, Nolan demonstrated how to sneak up on the caramel bar without being spotted. He attacked the caramel bar delivering it's fatal blow. Nolan on the verge of starvation did not wait to build a fire or even skin the caramel bar. Instead, he devoured the bar like a primitive caveman.

Discovery Channel has been reported saying that they are currently in negotiations with Nolan's managers and publicist trying to develop the new hit reality TV show scheduled to air this fall, "CHILD VS. WILD."

Apple Juice Meets Toe

Some bystanders said they could hear the cursing for miles. Yes Monday was a trying time in the Armstrong household. While pulling a brand new completely full 1 gallon of Costco's finest apple juice out of the refrigerator, Jessica attention was diverted for a Milli-second. Just enough time for the apple juice to slip from her Kung-Fu grip and fall almost 6 feet landing directly on her toe.

Luckily Chase only repeats certain words that his parents mutter but I think even at his young age, he knew better than to repeat any words muttered from Jessica. Nolan thankfully has only begun to attempt the English language, we believe his native tongue is a mix between Swahili and German.

Although the apple juice crushed Jessica's toe and left a bruise over a majority of her foot, she thankfully was still able to make it to the gym that day. Tomorrow, her plans include running 5 miles and chasing the kids around the house.

The Winds Are Blowin'

In what some are calling natures fury at it's best, Monday night's storm proved to be more than Chase and Nolan could tolerate.

Resembling a Southern California fire, dust, (as seen in the picture to the right), rain, lightning, thunder, and wind whipping at speeds in excess of 60mph. were some of the exciting activities of the night. After recent storms during this years monsoon season, Chase was quoted today saying "Uh-Oh Dad, it looks like another tree is blowing right over in our backyard." When asked for his thoughts about the storm, Nolan said, "Purple..."

Georgia Bound

It is official! The Armstrong's have just reported in an exclusive that they are truly on their way to Georgia. February 12, 2003 marked 270 years since General James Oglethorpe and his shipload of settlers reached their new home and founded the colony of Georgia. The last of the 13 British colonies on the Atlantic seaboard, Georgia was founded on February 12, 1733 at the present site of the city of Savannah.

When asked how they were going to cope with the drastic change from desert living in the west, Jessica Armstrong was quoted saying, "Well Y'All I think we ought bee goin' to the Waffle House and gettin ourselves some bisketz." We were unable to reach Governor Sonny Perdue of Georgia for comment on his feelings of the Armstrong move.

Most Like Grandma J

Amongst other summertime activities, the new favorite around the Armstrong household involves popsicles, being outside, and the hose. (In that order!!) Yes there is definitely a reason that Jessica Armstrong was voted "Most like Grandma J." The zero tolerance rule has always been in effect for anything that drips, drops, crumbles, or leaks in the Armstrong home. Therefore, the only place Chase and Nolan will be eating anything like a popsicle this summer will be outdoors.

However the story does not end there. Only after enjoying their sticky melting treat were the Armstrong boys introduced to the outdoor shower/bath. Instead of leading the boys upstairs for their usual evening bath, they were quickly stripped down of all clothing and given an outdoor shower (shampoo and all) surely Grandma J. would have been proud!

BIG J CONSPIRACY???

In what may prove to be one of the largest conspiracies to hit the United States in the last decade, you will only hear about it here first. July 4th, 2007. Some have said that it was the unofficial first day of the Jergensen family reunion. However, when a large group of family members decided to celebrate their 4th of July at Big J's, to their alarm, the small restaurant was closed.

Then to top it off, the official first day of the Jergensen family reunion almost came to a complete hault and shut down when the news of Big J's milkshake machine being broken was brought to their attention. Could this be a conspiracy against the well known Jergensen family, or just a coincidence? You make the choice!

Two Kids Eager For Vacation

"Safety First!" Are the words uttered by the Mother of Chase and Nolan Armstrong. The two toe headed toddlers get ready for a week on the indomitable Snake River. When asked how they feel about wearing their new river apparel, Chase said, "I like it really really!" Nolan with a nodding head said, "OOHHHAAAEEEAA!"

The two kids are counting down the minutes until they can actually go outside without having to withstand the 114 degree weather. Chase mentioned, "Only one more sleepy time until we get to go to IIIDAAAAAHO!"

Planned activities include, Fishing, Hiking, Sight Seeing, Floating, and River Rafting...and more Fishing.

Is 35 The New 25?

A Question for the Masses-

Is 35 the new 25? Scholars, Politicians, Pro-Athletes, and Hip-hop Artists agree that 35 is the new 25.

Luckily in 6 short days Hank Armstrong will be able to find out if this rings true. Saturday July 7th will be his 12,775 day celebration of living here in the good ol' USA.

Some other notable birthday celebrations which occur on July 7th are Giuseppe Piazzi, Italian astronomer, Joseph-Marie Jacquard, French inventor, Ludwig Ganghofer, German writer, Robert A. Heinlein, American writer, Revilo P. Oliver, American professor, Gian Carlo Menotti, Italian-born composer, Ezzard Charles, American heavyweight boxer, Pierre Cardin, French fashion designer, David McCullough, American historian and author, Ringo Starr, English drummer and singer, Howard Rheingold, American author, Rob Townsend, English drummer, Shelley Duvall, American actress, Len Barker, American baseball player, Jessica Hahn, American model, Kevin A. Ford, American NASA astronaut, Jorja Fox, American actress, Erik Zabel, German cyclist, Deidre Downs, American beauty queen, Michelle Kwan, American figure skater, Cassidy, American rapper, Kaci Brown, American singer, and most notably Liz Jergensen, American Mother, Pedicurist, Jogger and Rapper.

One side note to mention is that Saturday marks 07/07/07 which to some is supposed to be the luckiest day of the year. We will report back on lucky things happening that day...

Idaho Braces for Impact

As the minutes tick by, the residents of St. Anthony Idaho are anticipating members of the Jergensen clan to swarm upon the small city for what is destine to be the most outrageous family reunion the city has ever seen.

When asked, the owner of Big J's Drive In restaurant said she's stocking up on an extra 400lbs of hamburger patties and 250lbs of french fries. "We're ready for those crazy Jergensen people...This year we've hired extra help in anticipation for this event."

Mayor Bill Beck of St. Anthony, told us in an exclusive interview that they are still waiting for the final vote from the city council which would make July 8th "Jergensen Day." In an attempt to contact members of the Jergensen family for comment we were told by a family spokesman that the Jergensens are thrilled St. Anthony finally recognizes the enormous impact they give to the city. Each reunion typically brings in an average of $750,000 boost to the economy of St. Anthony with most of the money going to Big J's and Chins.

Queen Creek is Hot

Don't be alarmed!

Scientists have recently revealed that Queen Creek could possibly be the hottest place on the planet. When asked, residents of the small town have said, "Complaining about the heat is usually what gets us through the summer, and the fact that our AC units are running 24 hours a day."

One of the most popular past times when the temperature surpasses 105 degrees is heading out of Arizona for a vacation from the heat.

www.21778cherrywood.com is online

It is Official!

The Armstrongs have decided to put their home on the market and make the long move to Georgia.

Although they have only been in their home for a few months, the executive decision was made to sell their home and move Georgia. The Armstrong's are planning on starting and running Madison Earl Development with the McMinn family who currently resides in the small town of Lagrange, GA.

Other pictures of the Armstrong home can be viewed online through 21778cherrywood.com or by clicking on the link on the Blog.

Nolan "Caught on Tape"

Nolan was recently spotted in what some are calling the most outrageous stunt of the summer.

During a recent motorcycle ride, Nolan thought it best if he remove all his clothes. Apparently the attempt to be as aerodynamic as possible backfired when the neighbors started complaining about the public nudity laws.

Even the threat of major fines couldn't persuade this kid to put his clothes back on. Hopefully next time he will at least wear shoes.

Chase tries to beat the summer heat!

Chase was recently spotted at the clubhouse pool diving for rings and torpedo's. With the heat constantly rising in the Phoenix Valley this summer, Chase regularly turns to the pool as a way to get relief from the scorching sun.

When asked for a brief interview to talk about the pool, Chase said, "I love the pool...sometimes mommy gets me pretzels and a hot dog at the pool...but I don't like the slide...maybe I will go on the slide Thursday or Monday.

Chase recently was spotted trying to ride the kick board as a surfboard and was able to swim the entire length of the large lap pool by himself. This is one kid that could quite possibly grow gills.