Nesting

Well, Im almost to 34 weeks. I just had my three hour Gestational Diabetes test (which was not fun) last week. Luckily for me, I dont have it. However, I have gained so much weight with this baby that my doc wants me to cut sugar back anyway. Alot of that is because I went from being active and teaching at the gym, to not doing anything at all. I mean nothing. I hardly know anyone, I didnt join a gym since we are only renting this house and plan to move an hour away, and I was just sick for so long, I had no movtivation. Now, here I am HUGE, and still needing to get this baby to pack on the lbs before delivery. Im praying for a BIG baby.

Anyway, as I sit home with Asher, I have found that I am finding little projects to get done. Here is my latest creation for the new guy. Kinda fun. Hope it works with this AZ sun. Now I need to make lots of bibs. Anyone have a great pattern or link?

Here comes Santa Clause

Here are some photos from Christmas. As you can see Grandmas and Grandpa's, you spoiled these children yet again.

We spent Christmas Eve with my brothers Neal and Taylor and his family, and my sister in laws parents, our friends the Jatens.
Before dinner, Santa made an appearance and gave each child a gift they could open.










Christmas morning the children awoke to so many things, their heads almost exploded. We spent a few hours at home looking to see what Santa brought. Opening family gifts, and then we drove to Tucson for another fun time opening gifts at Grandpa Banzhaf's house with family. It was alot of fun.

The family tradition of running the trains on Christmas still continues. The boys love it!

Zachary, wearing his great grandpas conductor hat.

Im sure he was smiling in heaven when he saw that his great grandsons love the trains as much as he did.

Yes, Santa brought the boys Littlest Pet Shop. Who says animals arent gender nutral?








Then the piles started forming all over the house.

Notice my kindle...yes...it is all consuming. I love it!

The Shrek and Spongebob Chia Pets were hillarious.

The kids cant wait to grow them in the spring.

Phoenix Zoo

Over the winter break, we decided to take advantage of the weather and do some outdoors exploring in Phoenix. We spent the whole day at the zoo. It was lovely weather and the animals were out and about. They had some great exhibits.
I may really HATE Arizona in the summer months. But, I'll admit...its heaven here in the Winter months. I miss seeing and playing in the snow, but I dont miss being trapped inside by it. We have had amazing temps here. I never thought I would say this, especially after only 7 mths of living here. I can see some of the appeal of living here. At least in the non-summer months.

Going Private

Well, after three years, its time to finally go private. I have held off doing it for some time since its such a hassle for some people. But, Im starting to get weirded out by some of the stories Im hearing, plus all the loonies that just want to write strange messages to me on here.

Anyway I will be going private in 2 weeks (most likely by the 23rd). So, if you want to still keep up with us, email me your address. My comments are moderated, so I wont post anyone's information on my blog. Even if you are just a lurker friend and want to be included, it wont weird me out. Just let me know!

More posts to come. Just need to download pictures.- Stay tuned.

Merry Christmas from US!

We were really lousy about sending out mass greeting cards this year. So, in lieu of a card, here are some Winter pictures I took of the boys.

We Wish you all love and joy this holiday season. We hope you think of the savior this time of year and reflect on all the many blessings he has given you throughout this past year.
Pregnancy brings a special feeling and close bond with Mary and her blessed little baby as I think of what she must have been feeling and going through. I am amazed at her strength and character. Whats more, I feel a special reverence for Joseph and his dedication and faith. What amazing people. We acknowledge the Savior, his birth, his mission, and his death. This time of year makes me want to recite the verse from Alma 29:
" Oh that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!
Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and acome unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth


We love you all and wish you a Merry Christmas!

Hallelujah

Can you imagine just sitting there eating lunch and seeing this.
Where the heck do I go to find out to join these things. This is totally something I would do!

28 Weeks

I woke up this morning. Stood in the shower for a long time. Trying to rid myself of the disgusting feeling of FAT. Seriously, I feel yucky. I know, I know, people say you are lovely and glowing when you are pregnant. That must be everyone but me. I just feel gross.

After drowning my skin in lotions and scents, I stood there looking at myself in the mirror.

In my kangaroo pouch garments. In the enormous parachute they call a bra. Staring at the face with triple chins and dry patches. Looking at the roots of my hair that need color so badly.

I wondered "what the heck happened to me"?

Im still in here somewhere.

Under the rolls and stretch marks. Still trying to breathe as my lungs creep into my esophagus. Sweating like a sinner in church all day and night, even in 50 degree weather.

Im still in here, right?

Then, after 5 minutes of just taking it all in, I decided to do something to see, if I was still me.

I put my ipod headphones on. Turned on some Enrique Inglesia ("Baby I like it") and tried to Zumba in my bathroom like I was teaching my class again. Half naked. With a huge gut. With dimpled thighs and back fat shaking.

It was scary to watch. Strangely, it made me feel better. I can still shake my jelly rolls. I can still laugh at myself. Im still in here...

SOMEWHERE