Baby it's Cold Outside.

Luckily all of our major shopping was done before last week. We were hit with a very cold week and lots more snow. It was the coldest from Saturday to Sunday. -45 with wind chill I think -17 without. Sarah had her piano recital on Saturday and we drove very slowly in 6 new inches of snow and very cold weather. That night they ordered all of the snowplows off the roads because it was too dangerous. BRRRRR. Church was canceled so we had a little service of our own. It consisted of coloring nativity pictures and talking about the baby Jesus. I was in charge of music time so I played primary songs on my flute and recorder and everyone sang. It was so cold we really couldn't enjoy all of the new snow. Dave went Saturday morning before it got too cold skiing down at the park, but by the next day it was way to cold to go. He has been enjoying his new bindings on his skis (Thanks Oma!).

Today it actually is 25 and it feels so warm. The Icemelt stuff is actually working a little bit. I guess this is what you get when you live here. I keep telling myself it will be worth it when we have our beautiful summers that don't get over 85. Until then lots of hot cocoa and movies.

Here are a few pictures from the week...

Sarah at her piano recital.






Celebrating Advent!


Playing in the Snow

Alex's first time skiing!

We went cross country skiing today and got Alex ski's for the first time. If you look closely in the picture you can see his little boots that were sooooo cute! He did really good. Until it was time to go back and he refused. We could tell he was getting tired, so we took his ski's off and ended up pulling him in the sled for another round. He did really good and would get very excited when we would go down a little hill and glide. He was so cute lots of people stopped to watch him. We didn't get a picture of him in action though :(. Once he was in the sled he didn't want to get out, so we only have a picture of the skis by him to document it for history. Sarah was faster than all of us, because Dave was pulling the sled and I am way too pregnant to keep up with her. It was a beautiful day 40 degrees and sunny. I hope we can do it again a couple times before the baby comes.

A very pregnant Mary, 2 baby Jesus's, and an Angel

For family night Sarah came up with the idea of acting out the nativity. We didn't have a lot of people to start with, but we all agreed. It actually was very funny. Dave and I kept cracking up. Sarah was very serious and wrote out who was what and then told us to act it out. Alex didn't want to be anything except play with the baby Jesus, so he got to be a very big baby holding the baby. Sarah and Dave did most of the acting and Alex and I enjoyed it very much. Dave wouldn't let me get a picture of his Joseph/Shepherd/Wise man costume. Instead he took this picture that makes me laugh just looking at it. Sarah's face I think is what kills me. I look terrible and Alex could care less....

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This is real.....isn't it....

At 32 weeks pregnant (that is only 8 weeks left for those of you who are counting) I am finally realizing this is real. My stomach is HUGE. I can hardly sit down there is just so much there. The heartburn is killer, the leg cramps in the night are crazy, and sleeping isn't happening anymore. I am not complaining. :) Just stating the facts.



I am in the down hill stretch. I have bought real infant little diapers, girl binkies, and onesies. It is hard to imagine something so little in them. Alex's diapers are not small and what he does in them is not small (sorry a little graphic).

In two weeks I am going to pack my hospital bag (my sister's probably think I already packed it :)). I am holding out till at least 34 weeks to pack it. Sarah did come a few weeks early so I think 34 weeks is safe and not too insane.

My sweet Visiting Teacher even gave me her cell # and permission to call in the middle of the night if anything happens before my Mom gets here. YES!!!

I am very excited if you can't tell. I just love having babies. Not the pain, but holding them, nursing them, naming them, and watching them grow afterward. I just can't wait. Yeah, Christmas is coming to keep my mind of of it, but deep down this little kid is all I can think about.

Thankful

This morning it was 8 degrees when I sent Sarah out the door to the bus. She was bundled in very warm clothes, so I didn't have to worry at all. I always say a little prayer as I watch her go down to the bus. I just want her to be safe and warm when she is away. She always comes home happy and loves school. My worries are eased and I know she is a strong little kid that loves life.

I am now 31 weeks pregnant and really not doing too bad. I can hardly wait for our new baby and I try to keep myself distracted. Alex helps a lot with that. :) I can feel the baby kicking hard now and especially when I am sitting or laying down. She seems to have a lot of energy. I really am so grateful that we have the 3 kids we do. It has had it's ups and downs getting them here, butI don't think I would change anything, because it has taught me to appreciate each one.

I am grateful for the blessings of the gospel in my life. We have always had what we have needed for our family, a warm home, clothes, food, and more. I am really grateful that Heavenly Father knows what we need. He hears our prayers and answers them.

Well, I better finish this post. Alex is watching the lady that exercises in the chair on PBS. LOL.