A Glimpse

Looking back at my childhood, I may have wondered how Christmas could get better than Christmas as a child. But it does. Christmas as a parent is even better. I love these priceless "mom moments." The ones of teaching and seeing a glimpse (even if only a glimpse)of recognition, he ones of excitement,and the ones of pure childhood joy.

Our Christmas morning didn't really start until 8:30. (Wouldn't it be nice if we could keep it that way!) We all headed out to the family room where Hannah discovered a few toys, doll accessories, that Santa didn't wrap. She was so excited to see her own dolls sitting there with them and was very content to play. I loved taking the time to let you enjoy the moment (and the toys, of course) and not rush on to the next. We each opened our stockings (even Bryson) and then it was time to go. At 9:30 Hannah and Nic went to his parents to eat breakfast, while Bryson and I headed to my parents to talk to my missionary sister, Lisa, on the phone. I really, really wanted to talk to Lisa, but debated leaving my little family on such a special day. I am so glad I went! The Spirit from a missionary is what this holiday is all about! I love Lisa so much. It was great to hear her voice and her testimony.

A couple hours later, we all reconvened at our house to finally open presents! Hannah still would have been content with what she had already seen. And as a parent I didn't want to "spoil her" or go over board but there were also so many things I wanted to give her and knew that she would love! (No, we certainly didn't get her all those things on my idea/wish list!) She is old enough this year to open her own gifts and get really excited about them. It was so fun to watch her and be her mom. Bryson didn't really need anything this year (which was nice... we already got him what he needs), but it was sure neat to have our own little infant to celebrate the birth of another, our Saviors. The rest of our day was relaxing. We even all got naps. It was nice to be home.

Enjoy a glimpse at our day:

this n' that

Just wanted to make mention of a few things:

Nic's brother and sister-in-law, Aaron and Daishan, had a cute little boy on December 10th. We are so excited for them and for Bryson. Although they live out of state, it will be so fun for Bryson to grow up with a boy cousin exactly his age! We can't wait to meet him.

We had a fun dinner party at our house 2 weeks ago with Nic's Granny and Grandpa, his sisters' families, and Clyde and Marj. It was fun to host at our house and especially nice to get together with Granny and Grandpa. With Nic's mom being gone there isn't much planned with her side of the family. I'm sure it was the perfect gift for her. I'm so glad Nic's sisters thought of doing it.

It snowed a lot last week! Many ask what Nic does during the winter months: Christmas lights and now removal! So he's been very busy. There was one day last week he worked from 3 am until 10 pm, came home for an hour and worked from 11 pm until 5:30 the next morning. The company needs the income during these winter months, so we'll take the storms but so far the winter working hours sure haven't made up for how much he works in the summer(and they never seem to)!

I'm back into the swing of things with my calling in Young Womens now (or at least trying to be). Although I missed the girls, it was so nice to take a break these last few weeks after Bryson was born and to know that everything was well taken care of. There are some wonderful leaders and I have sure appreciated their help. I was sure excited when I came into mutal and the girls were so excited to see me. I love them!

"I'm Maa-ry"

Our Christmas Eve was spent at my parents, with Mom, Dad and Jenny. We had a wonderful little dinner and then read 'the Christmas story' from Luke 2, while acting out our own little nativity. Hannah was Mary. She loved it. She kept going around saying, "I'm Maa-rry!" Bryson was a cute little baby Jesus and Nic was Joseph, although he thought he looked more like a caveman! I got to be the angel slash star. My mom was the innkeeper and Dad the donkey. We were also able to watch "Joy to the World" which hopefully reemphasized the story we had just acted out. Hannah had a wonderful time. I hope this can be a tradition that will bring lasting memories and bring the true meaning of Christmas to the forefront.





To finish our evening off we all got to open our 'Christmas Eve pajamas' that were provided this year by Clyde and Marj for everyone in the family! We all got matching pjs, with a t-shirt that said "Our Family Rocks."



And here's a couple pictures of Dad... or Grandpa Allen and Hannah because they matched!

Christmas Greetings

Friends and Family,

I’ve been reflecting a lot on traditions lately, hoping to create some memorable traditions for my little family that facilitate lasting memories, friendships, and of course help us remember the reason for this season. We love this time of year and all the traditions that come with it. One of those traditions is you! We love hearing from each of you and sending out a small greeting. We hope you know how much we appreciate your friendship and its lasting effect in our lives.

Here are some of the highlights of our year:

Nic has stayed busy with work and has started doing more with the maintenance side of the landscaping business this past year. He is a very hard worker and I am so grateful for how he supports our family. His big project this year has been finishing our basement! He did most of it himself (with some much appreciated help!) We’ve also enjoyed going to the BYU football and basketball games this year!

As for me… well I feel like I’ve been pregnant all year long and that’s about it! I’ve kept myself busy with sewing projects and decorating, hunting for bargains, and serving in the Young Women’s presidency at Church. Nic and I were in charge of youth conference this year. It was nice to be able to work with Nic. And last but not least, I’ve been busy being a mom. I’ve learned so much and have had so much fun.

Hannah (2 years old) has grown and learned so much this year! She is quite the little talker. She knows her ABCs and all the sounds they make. She loves to sing, dance, play with her babies and be a princess. Hannah moved up to a “big bed” and has absolutely loved it! She has been a great big sister.

Finally, we are excited to announce our newest addition: Bryson Baird Roach. He was born on November 12th. He was 6 lbs. 2 oz. and 18 ½”. He is healthy and happy. We love him so much. He has brought a sweet spirit into our home already!
This Christmas season reminds us to count our many blessings, especially made possible because of our Savior Jesus Christ and his Gospel. And again, you are among those blessings we count. Happy Holidays to each of you!

Nic, Natalie, Hannah and Bryson

Hannah Bean

Hannah got this cute shirt, specially made for her, from her cousins and Chad and Ashley for Christmas. We love it!


Hannah's nick name is Bean. Many of you may wonder how that came about! It all started before she was born and in my belly... and she was the size of a 'bean.' She was our "little Bean" then. Once she was born, she was so little and when swaddled in her blankets she looked like a "little bean." So the name stuck... and she is still our "little Bean!"

Hannah Singing

Here's our little singer singing 4 of her favorite songs. She can often do them without help... but this is what I captured. I think she's pretty darn cute!

"Teach Me to Walk"


"I Am a Child of God"
Sorry for the food in her mouth!


"Twinkle Twinkle"
She'll often sing this one or "Teach Me to Walk" to Bryson.


"White Coral Bells"
I grew up with my mom singing us this song. We would often sing it as a round.
Here are the words, for those of you that don't know the song:
White Coral Bells upon a slender stalk
Lilly of the valley deck my garden walk
Oh how I wish that I could hear them ring
That will happen only when the fairies sing


On Sunday we had a Christmas dinner and party with my family. Each family "performed" a little song. We enlisted Hannah to represent us, singing "Teach Me to Walk." (Isn't it great to have kids!) I wasn't sure if she'd do it in front of everyone. But she did a great job.

Photo Shoot

I took some pictures of my cute kids on Saturday and Sunday. Realistically this is how most of them turned out. If not blurry from moving, the kids were playing around or crying.



But there were some really good ones in the bunch too. Here are some of my favorites:
Hannah




Bryson