The Replogle's

After weeks of waiting, it was finally here...our weekend get-away to see my sister, Megan, and her husband, Aaron! We left Thursday night and arrived around 1:00 a.m. - yes, you read it correctly. The boys were so excited when we got there and didn't understand why they had to go to bed and couldn't play with Uncle Aaron and Aunt Megan. We had a lazy day on Friday and so nice just to take it easy. The boys went to bed early and we got to hang out and talk all evening. Saturday we got up early and went to the playground, and I think I am just now beginning to feel my fingers again - the sacrifice we make for our kids...and nephews! Then after naps we went to a pumpkin patch farm and the boys had a blast. We went on a hayride, the boys rode behind a 4-wheeler in little wagons, they played in a huge box of corn, on a huge mound of dirt and then we did a sling-shot with gourds. That night the boys went to bed early again and we watched football and relaxed. On Sunday we went to their church and then after lunch the boys played in leaves and then we all went on a canoe ride. Then we packed up and headed home. The boys did great all weekend and slept all night. I know they will be talking about our full-filled trip for a long time to come! A few more pictures from the weekend...

Here is a little video of Jett that will make you giggle. Do you see monkey tucked into his coat. It is so funny and cute how much he loves his monkey. He carries him like this when we go outside so he doesn't lose him and that way he can keep him safe. What a cutie!

This year has been so difficult and emotional for us with Brayden's sleeping problems, health, stress and this fall has been the icing on the cake. In August we found out that we were pregnant with our third child, and although we were quite surprised, we were very excited. Then in the middle of September I started having some signs that things were not going well and on the 24th (being 9 weeks along), we found out through an ultrasound that the baby had not formed correctly and that I was starting to miscarry. So to make a very long story short...I tried to pass the baby naturally. We thought it was going well until I woke up last Wednesday with a lot of pelvic pain and found out through another ultrasound that I still had a "mass" that did not come out and a cyst on my right ovary. My doctor scheduled the DnC for that afternoon. The surgery went well, but recovery took awhile. I am feeling better and hopefully on the up and up and praying that the cyst goes down on it's own so I do not have to have another surgery. The pelvic pain is mostly gone, so I hope that is good news...I could use some:) Greg has been amazing, so helpful with the boys and so supportive for my physical and emotional needs - I am blessed! I know in my heart, that we will see the baby in Heaven, and so I know my welcome has become that much sweeter. My heart hurts, some days are better than others, but I know the baby is in the safest, most peaceful place and is being taken care of very well by the Lord and some very loving grandparents. Greg and I were talking about our rough year and how hard it's been and he said, "You know, I am not one for new year resolutions, but I am looking forward to 2009 and saying goodbye to 2008."

We had a good laugh tonight as we were talking about the last year and how often we have gone to the doctor. In the last three weeks we've been there at least six times and two separate times we went twice in one day. And I don't even want to start telling you about how many phone calls were made. So at the dinner table we came up with a list.

You might go to the doctor too often if...

*When you tell Jett that we are going to Goshen and he says, "To go see Dr. Haimes."

*You see your doctor more than your brother or sister.

*You inquire about getting a personal parking spot.

*When you call in all you have to say is, "Hi! This is Natalie!"

*You feel the need financially to ask for a hole-punch card, so the 10th visit is free.

*When sitting in the waiting area, the season dvd that they are showing of, Little House on the Prairie, you've seen the same episode twice in the last month.

*When all the fish in the tank are named and Jett knows immediately when there is a new fish.

*When your children know all the staff and which one holds all the candy.

*When the doctor and all the staff notice right away when I get a new haircut.

I might have the cutest kids ever! A little biased, but I am pretty sure I'm right:)

Ah, tis the season for hot apple cider, hayrides, fall decorations, combines and tractors in the fields to keep my kids interested for hours, jeans and a nice warm sweater...and for me...the blooming of my beautiful mums. Two years ago I ordered a bunch of flowers from Spring Hill Nursery (find out about them to the right) and I have been so pleased. My favorite has been my enourmous and beautiful mums (I should have waited until they were all in full bloom and color to take the picture, there are absoluetly gorgeous). I have all of my flowers beds outlined with them and I get all excited when they start blooming.

It also helps that I have one great little boy whom loves to water the flowers. I still remember this day and how cute Jett was (picture to the top left). He was watering a little to much, I think I heard the flowers gurgling, so I told Jett, "Good job buddy, I think you're done, the flowers are getting full". Then he stops, leans over, and says, "I'm sorry flowers, did I make your tummy hurt".