Christmas Wishes and Kisses

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Merry Christmas Family and Friends,
Our family is happy and doing well during this holiday season. This year has been exciting and and full of new experiences.
February brought a new little one to our family with the introduction of CREW ALEXANDER. He is a sweet baby with lots of bubbly personality. He is now 10 mths old and is crawling and climbing into everything. He loves his brothers and likes to be the center of attention (I cant imagine where is got that?). We are glad he almost never cries and is generally a pleasant guy. He has been dubbed "Cooky" by the kids.
Sunday's he disappears into the Young Women's organization as he is the adoptive baby for the girls to all love on.
March brought a move from East Mesa to our new home in North Peoria. We have really enjoyed our neighborhood and the amenities this area has to offer. We are just south of Lake Pleasant (abt 10 miles) and its a dream that one of these days Santa will bring a ski boat to our house for Christmas. For now, the kids are content with our own pool in the backyard, which has been a big improvement to the gravel of our Mesa rental.
Zachary and Tanner (6 years old) started 1st grade this fall. They love their teacher,a male native New Yorker and avid sports fanatic. He has given the boys an excitement for school that we really appreciate. Our only complaint is that we hear the phrase "What yous guys doin?" in a hard Brooklyn accent around the house more often than we'd like.:) Both boys are becoming great readers and they are quite the social directors.
Asher is 3 and also attending preschool at the same elementary as the twins. He loves school. Asher's interest in science has bloomed into a full obsession with the solar system. He loves to tell people about nebula's, comets, and planets. He can argue with the best of them for Pluto's downgrade from a planet to a star. He really thinks he is an expert. He has broken the picky eating curse in the family.He is the only person besides mommy that likes nuts in our family and asks at least once a week to go get Chili's bottomless chips and salsa...this kid loves to eat!
Mike is still happily working for Physiom Monitoring (Denver). He really likes the surgeons he works with and has increased in dr's who are asking for services. The neuromonitoring field is starting to spread as standard of care in many hospitals. We are encouraged in the stability of employment as the openings in various states are expanding nationally. Recently Mikes old company Impluse Monitoring was acquired by NuVasive and will also be expanding nationally. We are hoping down the road to see hospitals in southern Utah using this advancement in surgical procedures of the spine and brain. Its our desire to relocate to St. George Utah in the future. For now, we are enjoying our time in Arizona and have resigned to the heat with the promise of beautiful and warm winters. Mike is serving in the ward as the 10-11 year old primary teacher.
Eden is also busy with church assignments as the 16-18 year old Young Women's advisor (Laurels). She is also spearheading a new assignment for our ward called "The Oath and Covenant firesides". These are monthly speaking engagements covering topics for women 18-21 who are transitioning between high school and college. Its similar to missionary preparation and temple preparation all rolled into one. She has loved studying and preparing for these firesides and feels blessed to have a deepened love for the scriptures and gospel of Jesus Christ. Eden has overcome her aversion to Arizona and has made many friends in the community. She continues to teach Zumba on Friday mornings and would love to pick up more classes and work on losing her baby weight!

We are grateful for the reminders of the season of love, giving and service. We are especially grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ who was born in Bethlehem so long ago. We echo his message of peace, kindness and love. For in him we will truly find joy and rest. May you feel his message throughout this holiday season and into the new year.
We love and miss you all.

-Mike, Eden, Zach, Tanner, Asher & Crew
Banzhaf

Snow Way!

Believe it or not, we had snow here in Peoria. Ok, ok, so it wasnt brought here by mother nature. Our HOA brought it in for the neighborhood Christmas party. It was actually really cool. The boys loved riding down the hill on our sleds.

The poor, poor sleds. They have been neglected since the move from Hershey. Im glad they got some use. I always feel like objects that I own have feelings. Especailly when they arent used, played with or neglected. I am sure they cry and are lonely and just want their day in the sun. Maybe its the movie "Toy Story" that has done this to me. I dont know.
Anyway, the sleds sure had a thrill riding down a snowy hill in 60 degree weather. I can see them secretly smiling now.

It was a fun day as you can see. Or maybe you cant see. As soon as I was ready to snap a picture they turned around and I missed their faces. Believe me, the had fun!

Thanksgiving 2011

Pin the hat on the turkey

Crew and aunt Mariangel love to play

Heres why the couches are only built for two at grandmas house.

Crew and Aunt Christy


I've been pretty lazy at our blog lately.
Thought I would post a few of our Thanksgiving pictures. We traveled to Utah again this year. It was perfect driving weather and there wasnt an inch of snow to be seen, so I had zero complaints about the drive. We had a great time with G'pa and G'ma and the many aunts, uncles and cousins that we were able to see. Thanks for squeezing us into your schedules. Crew was in "auntie heaven" as you can see...
The boys love coming to Utah. Its the only thing they talk about. Even now we occasionally hear someone say "Mom, Uncle _____put in a name___ is my best friend. I want to go see him". The name changes daily but my boys make it clear that they love all their uncles!!


Now we are just trying to get into the YULETIDE with some decor and lots of RAIN here in AZ. Its actually feeling festive with the need for coats and hats during the day. Believe it or not, we actually used our down blankets this week. Will wonders never cease?
I will admit that Arizona is growing on me. I dont love the extreme heat, but the winter is lovely.
I will enjoy it while we are here. You never know when things will change.
I true Thanksgiving fashion, I should mention some things I am thankful for this year.
First and foremost, Im thankful my family. Yes, at times I want slip quietly away from everyone and just disappear for a while. Then a sweet little voice will say "Mommy, I love you" and I remember why I wanted to be a wife and a mother. Is it weird that I actually like doing laundry and cleaning? maybe. But I find it bring an odd sort of fulfillment. I love my sweet children. I love my hunky husband too! He is my best friend and he puts up with all my shenanigan's. I adore him. He makes my life more than I had hoped for. He is truly a great man.

Im grateful for good health and great employment. Especially seeing the direction of health care and economy right now.

Im grateful for a God who knows me and loves me. For an elder brother Jesus Christ, that lay down his life for all mankind. Who bids me to follow him and find peace and happiness even amidst the chaos of the world. Im grateful that God didn't leave man to just spin in circles and wander without direction. He gave us the bible, the book of Mormon and living prophets. I love the gospel. The light it brings into my life. The anchor is gives me everyday. Im grateful to know where to look for answers and joy.


Well,I will try to get another post up with pictures of the Christmas decor and the kids latest adventure but, I've run outta time for today. Here is a glimpse of the tree. I will try to be better about posting.

Yeah Right!

I tried to be creative with my day today. I wanted to take some fun pictures of the kids. No one was very cooperative. None of the self timer pictures turned out. I have the lamest camera in the world. Plus I have no editing software. Im too cheap to buy photoshop. So, here is what turned out. Not great but you can see I had good intentions.

Mommy Reminder

I've been thinking about some important decisions lately. There is so much I want to do in life. So much I want to be and experience. But, I realize there is a season for all these things.

I love being a mom and I feel a desire to be home with my boys while they are little. To be here and enjoy these precious fleeting moments. Sure, being a mom isnt all fun and smiles. There is pressure and disappointments. Sacrifices and personal pursuits in limbo. This is to be expected and isnt always welcome.

There was a time in life where I never thought I would have these moments. Motherhood seemed so unattainable. That too was a difficult time with its own challenges. My perspective has changed alot. Im grateful and sometimes need a jog to my memory.

I recently read this and found it re-kindled my earnest desire to be a good mother and go without some of the things that I imagine would define me like: a college degree, a paycheck, a career, nice clothes, unlimited ME time for workouts and play, unlimited couples time for Mike and I, dining out, toys ,etc.

Its always nice to have a reminder, especially from someone whom I feel is inspired. I hope it may be just the thing one of you may need to read on an especially rough day in mommyhood. Or, if you dont have kids, its still good advice when in any family relationship.

“The family by its very nature is an institution based upon righteous self-denial and sacrifice. It is not an individualistic or self-centered organization, but a highly cooperative and other-centered institution. Successful families require that men and women make substantial and long-term sacrifices of their time, money, and personal fulfillment in order to dedicate their efforts to rearing the next generation. Selfishness in any form or degree weakens the bonds that hold families together. The rise of selfishness in our society is the fundamental underlying trend that undermines families and makes successful marriages so difficult. Many today find it irrational to devote so much time and energy to the welfare of the next generation, but if this commitment is not deeply rooted in society, civilization will decline and perish, while children grow up in a moral wasteland, confused, unguided, and unloved.

“Moreover, the sacrifices that fathers and mothers make for their children ultimately will result in the greatest possible happiness for those making the sacrifices. In all of human experience, there are no joys more tender, no love more sweet, no fulfillment higher than that found in the family. Those who honor the calling of righteous parenthood will find their souls refined, their hearts purified, and their minds enlightened by the most important lessons of life. They will rise to far greater heights of happiness than those who engage in the narrow and ultimately unsatisfying pursuit of self.”

Bruce D. Porter, "Defending the family in a troubled world", The Ensign, June 2011.

Happy Halloween

Halloween has come and gone. Pheew!! Its always crazy trying to get everyone to decide what they want to be and get them dressed. The Wards Trunk or Treat was one batch of costumes. The trick or treating was another. Gesh! Too much candy. This year, some of last years costumes were recycled. Some of us just cant be creative , I guess (yes, Im talking mainly about me!) I went as a fat, old mother that has boys...oh wait, that is my everyday outfit. As you can see, we had a great time.

The neighborhood block party was a hit with the kids. So was Mikey's Burger King costume.

Good thing he had on a dress, it was HOT. 89 degrees was our daily high. It was too hot for Asher to wear his NASCAR outfit again on Halloween Eve so he opted for Luigi. Zach was both Superman and WolfMan, Tanner was Darth Vader and Superman. Crew was a cute little cow.
Hope you had a Happy Halloween.

Aunt Khyra and cousin Damon came to Trunk or Treat.

Look, its cow and chicken.

B is for Boy

Arent they precious!?!

To Pennsylvania for some German Potato Salad

All is well here in Arizona. The weather today is a too warm fall morning of 80 degrees. However, there is cold front on the way and I am looking forward to it.
We just seeded our lawn with winter grass so we are anticipating a lush soft blanket of rye to lay in shortly. If the weather helps us out. I was sad the the gorgeous purple mums I bought only 2 weeks ago finally withered and died in their pots this week.- The heat just kills them too quickly here. Mums are a link to the fall season for me, so I was disappointed.

I recently returned from a short jaunt to Pennsylvania for a Columbus Day getaway. Mike stayed home with the kids while I joined my brothers Noah and Hunter, and my parents to welcome Lincoln home from his mission. It was fun to see him and introduce him to Crew, who traveled with me.

Murphys Law was in effect prior to my flight. An online error (I dont think it was a user error) caused some problems for my flight and I ended up paying for another one way ticket home. After I had already purchased my roundtrip flight. ARGGG!
Then, the day before I was leaving, Mike gets word that a new surgeon wants him to come work the next day, a Friday. Mike hasnt worked a Friday in over a year. Because he never has, he didnt schedule the day off to watch the kids while I left!! So, after a freakout and some choice words, I managed to get the older boys to school and arrange a sitter for everybody (thanks to the good graces of my friend and neighbor). Zach and Tanner were going to head off to Tucson for the weekend, so Grandma and Grandpa Banzhaf drove 6 hours round trip to come and take them, instead of mtg Mike halfway in South Phoenix. It was the most stressed I have been in a long time.- Asher has maybe been babysat 1 time his whole life for under 2 hours. He was at a sitters from 8 am-8:30pm. I was flipping out inside worrying about how he was feeling. Then to hear that Mikes case was extended for more hours, I lost it.
So, not only did Mike end up working, but he worked until 8:30 that night. In his field, this almost NEVER happens. But, the one day I was getting on an airplane it did.

The good news is, Crew was a great traveler. He entertained our fellow passengers, sat quietly and played and slept right on cue. He was an angel to travel with.

Pennsylvania was warmer than expected and absolutely delightful. It refueled me. I needed to just see the green and hear the sounds of the Canadian geese honking in the sky. I felt like I had started to forget my life there.It was good to reconnect.We did some sightseeing and just hanging out together. It was perfect.

To be honest, it was hard to get on a plane and return to Arizona. But, I had for a minute a sense of closure that I never fully had before. A realization that my life there was a grand adventure but not my only adventure. That while in fact I had loved my life there, it wasnt without its negatives also. Nowhere in the world is perfect. Each place has its own pros and cons. I will always cherish my time in Pa, but I need to live in the now and move on. I do hope to someday convince my husband to move back to the east coast for a time, but I will be grateful for the moments Im having here. In a few years, I may feel the same way about Arizona.

Im actually starting to feel like we have a place in the community, in ward, and in our home. Day by Day, project by project, Im learning to love my home and recognize my smallest blessings. My kids will reflect the attitude I have about where we live, and I need to give them a non judgemental base to start building on. Its not fair to poison them with my negativity. My husband needs my gratitude and assurance that I am happy with the blessings he works hard to provide. Im learning to be patient with myself and with others. I will make friends...but they need to get to know me, and I them. The Lord is with me, wherever I go. He will help me to find peace in any location. It seems so logical to KNOW these things, but LIVING them is more difficult at times.

Anyway- Here are some pictures from Pa. My parents threw an October fest party with German sausages, German hot potato salad, apple spiced red cabbage, and all the trimmings. They had over 70 people. It was amazing. What was my favorite part? (besides the pot. salad!?!)- My moms cold apple drink she served. It is just apple juice and ginger ale mixed(dont forget to serve it COLD with pebble ice too!). Oh my goodness...it was so good.

Beautiful Fall night sky from my parents porch.
Crew sitting on my lap in New Hope, PA
New Hope, Pa is a MUST see place. So quaint. Tons of shopping. Close to Philly. Loved it!


Washington Crossing. This is the area where George Washington crossed the Delaware River on Christmas Eve 1776. Changing the course of the revolutionary war.
Just taking a walk with Noah, Hunter and Crew around the neighborhood.

My Mothers Festive Home...Love being there.

Some were eating here on the patio. More in other places around the house and yard.

I didnt have my camera until the end of the party so I am not doing the food spread justice. And I didnt take any pictures of all the seating and lights that were all over the yard. Or the darling pumpkin centerpieces on each of the tables. Sorry...I get talking instead of photographing.


I was at the end of the buffet line. As you can see there were 3 types of meat.

Frankferters,Weisswurst, and one other that I cant remember.

Empty trays and delicious memories were all that was left in the end. YUM!

Monkey Business

Some cute pictures of Crew playing. Such a lovie. He had just bumped his eye on the floor hence the red mark over the eye.













And some picture of my projects. I finally got a BURST of color in my all brown front room. My lamps arent all painted yet and Im still looking for the right shades, but you get the idea.The pictures have a few smudges from my camera on it. Sorry. My portrait walll is next on my list of to do's.









You can also see how my millons of niches are getting filled with books etc..this is a neverending project. I am constantly looking for items to make them look more grown up instead of college dorm. Its starting to shape up. I've got some vinyl signs in the works that will be added.

10 Years and Counting!

The 27th marked TEN years of Marriage for us!
I cant believe it sometimes. I still remember our wedding like it was yesterday.
I thought I would jot down a few things I love about my husband.

Mike is very patient with me. He has shown me love when I definately didnt deserve it. If you know anything about my pregancies and how I turn into Medusa then you will agree. Mike is VERY patient.

Mike loves his family. He will do what it takes to make sure we are taken care of, even if it means alot of personal sacrifice.

Mike is kind to everyone. He is good to strangers and helps even when he doesnt have to. He says hello and interacts with complete strangers. He offers to carry things, load and unload trucks (even with a bad back) or help those who cant help themselves. I love that about him.

“If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.”
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Mike is a hard worker. He doesnt have to go into an office these days. He works when the surgeons work which is very random. However, when he is home, he can be found holding a baby, playing a game with a child, climbing in our trees, weeding, cleaning the pool, sweeping up the piles of dirt the kids bring home from the playground. Scrubbing a toilet, fixing a hole, building a project, uploading his cases, etc. He is always working lately. Maybe it has to do with buying this house. Constant projects to complete. He never complains and just gets to work.I love that about him.

Mike makes great pancakes. I dont know if its because I dont like pancakes, or because I dont read the instructions correctly, but I make awful pancakes. Mikes are perfect and the kids will only eat his creations. Not mine.

Mike is always trying to be better. I admire this quality so much. He is always trying to get better. Working on his weaknesses, Reminding me that we should always be doing more to be more like Christ. He wants to be a better person day by day.

Mike is Mike...even with quirks,insecurities,strengths,opinions, habits, and love of Metallica, I married HIM. I have NEVER regretted binding myself to him. I love claiming him as my husband. He is such an amazing man. Im glag he chose me and I chose him. I cant imagine life without him.

“Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, 'It might have been.”
― John Greenleaf Whittier

I love what I recently read in the Ensign magazine. Im paraphrasing but, it said that the temple is a place you get married. Having a celestial marriage is something you create after you are married. Im glad I get to build that with you Mike. Its been peaks and valleys and that is how God planned life. Working in unison to get through trials gives us a connection we might not have any other way. We also have long spans of peace and happiness and I am grateful for that too.
I love you babe. Thank you for 10 Amazing years, 4 children, and Happiness that I dont deserve but cherish. The journey continues...