Who ya gonna be...

I wake up everyday to the sounds of my boys voices begging me for "Apple O's" and asking to watch "Caillou" . In those few minutes prior to the chaos of the day beginning and the quiet crunching of cereal commences, I watch them for a moment. Staring into my children's faces, I often wonder..."who ya gonna be, little man?" With the birth of my newest son, I have asked the same question in my mind many times this past week. "Who ya gonna be?". This of course makes me reflect upon my own dreams and desires as a kid and my current ambitions of BECOMING.
Who am I gonna be?...

When I was a kid, I wanted to be Indiana Jones:


I read as many books about archeology and Egyptology as I could. It was my dream to discover Nefertiti's burial chamber. I was obsessed with King Tut when other kids were in love with Gem and the Holograms. I even had the nerve to pick Alexander the Great as my focus for a 4th grade class project on "what famous person (dead or alive) would I like to meet and why"...the other kids picked rock bands,relatives, athletes or TV icons. Ok, so I was weird! When I lived in St. George Utah, I was invited to go on a dig at the Anasazi Valley site in Zions National Park, which I thought was the coolest thing I had ever done. Of course, I didn't care that the whole 5th grade got invited to tag along with me.
I dabbled in the idea once I was in college, but could never commit to the idea that I might only be a museum curator. It is still my dream to spend significant time touring and exploring Egypt.



In high school I was very involved in debate/forensics and speech. I loved the idea that I could someday be a great orator. Cicero, was my favorite orator. Considering he was alive in 106 BC, I decided that putting a picture of his bust in my locker was a really uncool thing to do. I opted instead, for a picture of Ted Koppel, who gave the famous commencement speech on the topic of the "Vannatizing" of American Society. The famous line is "What Moses brought down from Mt. Sinai were not the Ten Suggestions, they are Commandments. Are not were." It is still one of my favorite speeches. Now days, I am fine speaking in church or teaching a class, but have no interest in getting into debates or ethical arguments with anyone who reflects current mainstream ideology. Its not worth throwing my pearls before swine (teehee!).


In recent years, I have really wanted to be Rick Steves. Can you imagine getting paid to travel and stay at hotels across the world. Lucky man! My dilemma these days is trying to figure out how to haul 3 kids in a mini-van to grandmas house. I cant imagine having to take them with me out of the country multiple times a year. Not to mention, I wouldnt want to have to pay to use a public toilet in Europe with two grouchy 3 year olds and their portable toilet seats. "Two for the Loo, please". Scratch that dream....
Right now, I prefer to dream of being Rachel Ray. Making all my families meals in less than 30-mins. And I am not taking about making Mac and Cheese every night. I want gourmet food!!! Who knows, I am starting to think with a little time, this could actually be possible. Now that I am no longer pregnant, I can stand the smell of red meat again! Bring on the Kielbasa!


Most importantly, my kids remind me that I am trying to become the most important thing in the world. A good mom, wife and friend. Some days are better than others, but I feel grateful to have that as the ultimate goal. I have a wonderful mother who sets a great example for me to follow. I think I will try this hat on for a bit and keep trying to become.
Who ya gonna be?

Baby ASHER is here

Our newest addition has arrived. His name is ASHER PRATT BANZHAF. He was born on Monday, April 21st at 4:26 pm at Harrisburg, PA hospital. He was 7lbs 2 oz and 19.5 inches long. He has lots of sandy blonde hair and its CURLY! I have no idea where the curls came from but, it makes the cutest little natural mohawk when combed together. Asher means HAPPY or BLESSED . Pratt is the last name of my (6 gen) great-grandfather Parley P. Pratt. A man whom I have wanted to meet my whole life, who's influence has been felt for generations in my family and the church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints members.
Now for the crazy story...
Monday morning about 4 am I started having some pain. Nothing regular or consistent. It nearly stopped all together by about 9 am and I just thought it was false labor. By noonish, it had started up again and I decided to lay down for a nap with the twins to wait for Mike to come home. Again, nothing major and nothing consistent. I had my 39 wk dr's appt at 4:30 so I figured I would just wait and go and see my OB at 4:30 pm. By 3 o'clock, I woke up with contractions that started coming fast and consistent and went from 8-3 min apart in 30 min. I could no longer walk and speaking was gone, other than wincing from pain. Mike loaded the kids and myself into the van. About 1 mile down the road, heading for the hospital, I could no longer sit in my chair and went to the back of the van to lay down. Much to my dismay, the roofing project that Mike had started on Saturday had not be cleaned up and the back seat had been removed. In its place were 2x4's and a box of shingles and nails. I lay ed right on the construction material, just to have my water break a few minutes later. So, here I am pulling into the ER drive way and being pulled out of the back of a construction litered mini-van by the EMT'S...NICE!
Since we thought we had time to get me set up with an epidural and labor some more, Mike took the kids back the 20 min drive to Hershey to drop them off at a friends house. The EMT took me into L&D. I put on a gown, laid on the bed, pushed the nurses button and said "Can someone come in here, I need to push". A dr I had never seen or met, came in looked at me and I said through a contraction "I need medicine"...she said, "NOPE, the baby is right here, just push".
I was checked into L&D at 4:01 pm and had the baby at 4:26pm.
I am seriously lucky I didn't deliver in the van on the way there!
Meanwhile, Mike who had no idea what was going on had just parked the van at the hospital when I called his cell phone. I said" Where are you" he said "just parked the car, where are you?". " I'm in room 9" Mike says " So, what are they telling you?"....I say "Just come up here, I will tell you". In walks Mike, he sees a baby in my arms...he looks around the room confused (he said he was looking for the babies real mother, like I was trying to play a joke on him) and he says "NO WAY!!! ARE YOU KIDDING?! I MISSED IT!? OH MY GOSH, I MISSED IT!!!"
Poor Mikey...Asher was already here and bundled in my arms. The nurses tell me it was one for the record books.
The next morning, a nurse came into my room. As we were talking, she hears that my husband missed the birth of the baby. She said "OH, your the girl that came in, laid down, and had a baby"..."Yup, that's me".
We love him!! Asher is such a cutie! We will keep you posted on updates! Here are some pics

My Grandma

Today is the funeral for my sweet Grandma, who passed away last Wednesday.

I had the special privilege of living with my grandmother my senior year of high school. I will never forget the first day I lived in her home , when she told me "I dont want to be your warden, I only want to be your friend". I knew my grandmother loved me. She had a special way of always including me and making sure that I knew she loved me. My grandma made the best toasted tomato sandwiches, straight from the garden. She also made Corned Beef and carrots that would make any true Irish-man jealous. She was a fantastic and creative story writer and teller. I am indebted to her for the gift of her autobiography that she finished, just before her stroke. I treasure it and am excited about getting to share her legacy with my little ones. I loved her dearly, and will be overjoyed to be reunited with her in heaven someday. Love you grandma.

Deseret News Obiturary read:
Leah Call Chamberlain Farmington, Utah Leah Call Chamberlain, 86, passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at her home in Farmington, Utah.She was born December 5, 1921 in Bountiful, Utah the daughter of Willard and Leah Pratt Call. Married Alvin S. Chamberlain June 5, 1948 in the Laie Hawaii Temple. Leah was raised in Bountiful and graduated from Davis High School. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was a Golden Gleaner. She served as a Relief Society President and counselor and many other callings. She served two full time missions; Billings, Montana on the Rocky Boy Indian Reservation and Washington D. C. Temple. She also served with the South Davis young people's temple group and as an ordinance worker in the Ogden and Bountiful Temples. Leah's family was the most important thing in her life. She loved to be involved in the lives of her husband, children and grandchildren. She was an avid short story writer and published author. She loved to keep her audience spellbound with her humorous, dramatic, and spiritual stories. Leah was best known for giving loving services to those in need of a meal, a clean house, a kind word or a spiritual uplift. This service was given because of her love for and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. She is survived by her husband, Alvin, sons, Allen (Julee) Chamberlain, Rockledge, FL; Dale (Marilyn) Chamberlain, Nazareth, PA; David (Robyn) Chamberlain, Eagle, ID; daughters, Joy (Scott) Holbrook, Heber City; Rebecca (Steve) Holmes, Tempe, AZ; Carol (Mark) Romberger, St. George; 34 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and sister, Beth Dixon. Preceded in death by her parents, two daughters, Carrie and Leah and her 22 brothers and sisters.

I got Tagged...

So, I got tagged with some questions a while ago. I am now just getting around to answering them. Sorry ladies!I will combine the questions to shorten this.

10 years ago what were you doing: I was 19 and living in Provo Utah with my girlfriends. I was in school at UVSC and also working for Provo Craft in the Retail dept. Life was pretty crazy. Lots of dating, lots of playing, not enough focus on school. Which I will say is my biggest regret. I often tell people that I am " a Jack of all trades, but a master of none". I still wish I would have picked just one love and focused on it rather than spreading myself so thin in school. That country western dance team/ class has never helped me get a job unfortunately. Even though I loved it!

Name 3 Bad Habits:
1. I talk way too much.
2. If I see a SONIC, I have to get a Cherry lime aid. Its a MUST. I cant drive by one without getting a drink.
3. I cant say NO. Sometimes I get really overwhelmed but feel like I cant tell people no when they ask me to do something (especially church stuff). I wouldn't say I have no backbone, just cant say when enough is enough.


5 Things people don't know about me: I am not sure I keep too many secrets, so most people know more than they want to about me.

1. I have been dying to get braces on my teeth for the past 2 years. My teeth drive me nuts! Even though I had them in jr high, I want them again.
2. I hate my tattoos, even though I have a ton of them.
3. I really like reading Biography's/autobio of famous people.
4. I am afraid of riding in cars. I am a horrible backseat driver and dont like letting my kids ride with other people. I only feel safe if I am driving.
5. I look forward to Sundays because I get 2 hrs to myself when the boys are at nursery. I also really like going to Sunday School.



5 Snacks I enjoy:
1. Chips and salsa con queso
2. red licorice
3. Pecan Sandies/ Oreo's
4. Riesen Candy
5. Pizza Combos

5 Places I've lived:
1. St. George, UT
2. Farmington, UT
3. Keller (DFW) TX
4. Saftey Harbor, FL
5. Cumming, GA

5 Places I've been:
1. Rome, Italy
2. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
3. Hawaii
4. New York City
5. Mazatlan, Mexico

People who have influenced my life for the better and how? This would be a huge list so I will only mention a few.
My Kids- so many ways they make me want to be a better person
My sweet husband Mike- Cant even begin to list the whys and hows...he is an amazing husband and father
My Friend Dave C.- He has always accepted me good or bad. He has always been a great friend in high school and in college. He was a good example. Thanks for that!
My parents- this list would be a mile long. Great examples!
My in-laws- I am lucky to have such good in-laws! They really have helped me in so many ways. Darrell and Jim- Unspoken hero's to me & my family. I love them dearly.
Tons of others, just picking a couple off the top of my head

Name one thing that has changed the most since you were a kid.
Mostly, its my sense of identity. I finally figured out who I am and that I don't have to try to be anyone else. Once you know who you truly are and you try to be Christlike in all you do, life becomes so much easier. The drama disappears, you don't have to make tough choices or be in bad situations. It took me a long time to get here, but I feel very confident in who I am now.

Warm Weekend

The weather here has been pretty cold until last Friday & Saturday. We actually had a warm and perfect day of 73 degrees and one of 65 degrees. The boys have been ready to get our their shorts and play outside. Mom and dad relaxed in the sun while watching them ride their bikes and play by the river. We also spent time planting flowers on Friday. Even the boys got to plant some seeds. Here are a couple pics of the heavenly weekend. Too bad its back into the 50's today. GRRRRRR!

ODE TO MIKEY

Friday is Mikes 32nd Birthday! I cant believe he is getting so old. I dont often get the chance to brag about my amazing husband. But, since I have the chance here, I will. Mike has been my best friend and sweetheart for nearly 7 years. After our first date, I knew he was the one. He was so different and just made me feel complete and happy. Some of Mikes greatest strengths are his ability to listen, his compassion, his humor and his devotion to church and family. Mike truly is one person who "walks by faith". He isnt always sure he WANTS to do things, but knows that the Lord will guide him in his decisions. He has been such a light in my life. I really do find myself falling in love with him, over and over again. He is my everything.
Mike isnt without his quirks. Numerous times I have caught him rockin out in the bathroom after a shower to some awful 80's hairband. He refuses to even try items that are made with cheese. He is deathly afraid of bee's & spiders and screams like a girl when they surprise him. He stares at the moon every night, and follows the lunar cycles online. He can also do the "hot dog" goofy dance from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. What a nerd. But, he is MY nerd.
I love you Mikey...Happy Birthday! "You had me at hello" and you really do "Complete me"!- Eden

Dare alla Luce

In Italian, the literal translation of "to give birth"— "Dare alla Luce"— is: "to give to the light". I have been pondering this translation alot lately. Soon, my sweet little boy will be born and I will have the responsibility of not only delivering him into the world or bringing him into the light, but also to help give him light. To teach him of the deliverer of all men. Jesus Christ.

Light is such amazing imagery and symbolism. I have often wondered what darkness would be in my life without the knowledge of the gospel in my life. It gives me so much light when I stand in dark places. I love the scripture “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day” D&C 50:23-24.

It sometimes feels like a huge responsibility to have this new soul rely on me so heavily while he is so small and innocent. Being a parent, isn't easy but I hope to try and do my best as a mother.

I want him to know how much I love him. I want to teach him about the Savior, Jesus Christ. For with that knowledge, he will know who he is and who he can become.

For as the Savior has promised, "he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness" (John 8:12). Christ will always be there to illuminate our path.

I have seen and felt that light in my life and I will share its warmth and comfort with you my son. Come to the light my little one... You will find love here.
-Mommy-