Zoo Day

We went to the zoo on Wednesday for free day. I had planned to leave with the kids at 9:30 am so we could get there right when it opened ... we ended up leaving at 10:15. I'm learning that getting out with another kid can be pretty tricky. Sometimes I'm later than I think because it takes that much longer nursing. Other times it's because I find Sarah with a poopy diaper just as we are about to leave the apartment. I'm guessing the "incidentals" are always going to be there ... there is always something isn't there?

Sarah LOVED running around at the zoo. She definitely got her miles for running! She LOVED seeing the animals - the zebras, monkeys, flamingos, meerkats, prairie dogs ducks, etc. (We didn't go too far off the path to the Children's Zoo.) She liked petting the goats on the family farm, but the sheep were a little big and scary this time. Sarah also enjoyed playing on the tractors and pushing the wheelbarrows. We ended up staying an hour and a half. Will slept in the stroller the whole time. I pulled him out at the end for a quick photo to document his first trip. (Thanks Stephanie for having your camera there and sending me the photo!)

Third Time's the Charm

When the Academy of Sciences re-opened in September, Sarah and I went with our friend Ruchira to the grand opening. Needless to say, we decided against standing in line for four hours just to see inside. We figured it would be better to go on a non-free day and pay the money. Rog and I purchased a year-pass last week and I tried to go with the kids during the holiday break, but apparently a lot of other people had the same idea we had ... Again, it wasn't worth it to me to wait with my kids in a super long line just to get inside the front doors - let alone the exhibits - so we went home.

I am proud to say we made it INSIDE the Academy of Sciences today. I heard that if you go in the afternoon the crowds aren't too bad. Sarah typically naps until 3:30 or 4 and the Academy closes at 5 so I didn't know if we would ever get over there in the afternoon. Sarah actually had an earlier nap today and woke up just after 2 so we decided we would try our luck once more. This time Jenna accompanied us - with our pass we can get in a guest free so let me know if you want to go. (All kids 6 and younger are free!)

And can I just say the Academy of Sciences really is THAT amazing. I don't think I could have done the 4-hour wait 8 months pregnant with a toddler to get in (no regrets there) but it was an incredible afternoon. Since we were short on time, we were only able to go through the rain forest and the aquarium. Both were AMAZING!

RAIN FOREST




AQUARIUM





William will have to catch the exhibits next time since he spent the entire trip sleeping ... All in all a very fun day.

Walking to Zion

My family had the idea of "walking" from Winter Quarters to the Salt Lake Valley as a New Year's resolution to get in shape. Since there is 1,032 miles between the two points, the goal is to "walk" 1,032 miles by the end of the year.

Here is what makes a mile -

* Walk/Run/Bike/Swim 1 Mile
* Losing one inch on your body
* Every 30 Minutes of Scripture Reading (Can be combined into two days)
* Every 30 Minutes of "Active" Cleaning
* Every 15 minutes of activity
* Eating a combination of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables in one day
* Each pound lost equals 10 miles
* Each day without treats
* Each day without eating out
* Each day without carbonation and/or caffeine
* Each day not eating after 7 pm
* Diabetic trekkers: Getting your A1C under 8 equals 200 miles (I have 2 diabetic sisters)

I'm super excited about losing the rest of my baby weight and beating everyone to the valley. hehehe ... So the race is on. Feel free to join the fun with this trek countdown. (Save it to your desktop before printing to make sure you get the whole thing.)

Big Girl Bed Part 2

Well, Sarah did well her first night. She stayed in her bed until 5 am. She hasn't been feeling well and woke up hungry. However, she did stay in her bed and cried until we came in and got her. I laid down with her on her bed for 1 1/2 hours. (Yes, my legs were off the bed.) Overall, I think she did well for her first night.

I thought it would be more difficult for her to take her nap. But getting up so early on Sunday made her super tired. She even fell asleep during sacrament meeting, which she hasn't done since she was William's age. She fell right asleep again when I put her on her bed and woke up a couple hours later. Wow.

Sunday night started out great, but two hours after we put her down, she opened the door and came out to us. She came out 2-3 times before I finally gave up and put her in the crib.

Monday's nap didn't go so well - neither did bedtime tonight. Hmmmm. Maybe I'll try the door gate. We'll see how it goes.



Yes, I think William is looking more and more like his big sister every day.

Big Girl Bed

I wasn't planning to set up Sarah's toddler bed until the summer, but we decided to pull it out today just to have Sarah get used to it in her room. I wasn't expecting much. I figured we could try having her lay down and when she got out of her room a few times we would then stick her in the crib and that would be it for the night. I had a little talk with Sarah after we read books and sang a few songs and let her know she could sleep on the big girl bed tonight. But, if she got out of bed I would put her back in the crib. She immediately got out of bed so I put her in the crib for a visual (and to let her know I meant it.) That said, I still didn't think she would stay in her room once I turned off the light and shut the door. (She knows how to open the door to our room.) Sarah cried for a good 1/2 hour but then it was all quiet. I had Rog check to make sure she hadn't "sneaked" into our room. She hadn't. Now, 2 hours later, we sneaked into her room. She fell asleep ON the bed! OK, I'm not naive enough to think it will be just as "easy" tomorrow night, but hey, I'm SUPER EXCITED! We'll see how naps go tomorrow. I think she's really liking the "big girl" stuff. I figure we have a couple of months before William needs the crib ... here's hoping. Rog can't wait for Sarah to wake up tomorrow, come into our room and tug on the comforter of our bed.

Twilight Take Two

I finally took Rog to Twilight. We were planning to go to a matinee when we were visiting our family in Utah, but the day before our "date," Twilight left the matinee circuit in St. George. There was one theater - a 20 minute drive from my parents' home - that had an evening showing but we didn't want to spend one of our last evenings in the theater by ourselves when we could be spending it with our families.

We coerced a 2 children for 1 babysitting trade with the Chappells. But we did share our pizza with them - that made it fair, right? Sarah LOVED playing with Kenzie, watching Disney Cars (our copy arrived this afternoon) and playing "Mole Stomper" on the Wii (Outdoor Adventure - I gave Rog his birthday present early ...)


Back to the movie. Overall, Rog liked it. As a non-Twilight reader he thought the movie was pretty entertaining. I had to restrain myself from leaning over and telling him all the scenes that were wrong - either added to, taken away from, or just all-around different from the book. (He says when he buys me the DVD, I can then do the book-vs-movie commentary.) Once I resolved to contain myself, I actually liked the movie too. It was definitely better the second time and I was able to get a better feeling for it. Rog and I agreed that the chemistry between Edward and Bella needed to develop more. The one scene where Edward says he's "breaking all the rules" is probably one of my favorite scenes, but then the feeling from that scene doesn't reappear. I still hated the kissing scene - how they portrayed Edward in the bedroom was waaaay to creepy and inappropriate and she should be wearing sweats! Roger's favorite part was the baseball game. He also liked the "spider monkey" tree-climbing scene. (As did I.)

My Twilight series books are still in a box at Roger's office. I was really close to having him get them so I could reread Twilight and pick apart everything for him ... maybe when the DVD comes out. I'm too busy with two kids to start engulfing myself in Twilight (again) right now.

Happy New Year!

For New Years Eve we had the Brandon, Mary, Nick and Kim over for fondue. I have to admit that the only fondue I've ever done is dessert fondue. Mary opened my eyes to a whole new world of fondue. She made a cheese fondue for a variety of cheese and meat. It was super tasty.

I made a spinach-artichoke dip to accompany the meal. There was sooooo much food. I don't think anyone went away hungry ... in fact I think we all made ourselves sick (Rog did for sure) by eating too much!

I'm not one to be good about making New Year's resolutions. I do like my sister-in-law's implementation of "Lifestyle Changes." One lifestyle change I would like to incorporate into my life is to STOP EATING WHEN I'M FULL!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Back-Posting

In case you care to read them, I have back posted several posts for the events I missed:

* Katie's Christmas concert (12/17)
* Alli & Tony's wedding (12/20)
* William's Blessing (12/21)
* Galena & William (12/22)
* Christmas Eve's Eve (12/23)
* Visiting Grandma Osness (12/24)
* Christmas Card (12/25)
* Christmas Morning (12/26)
* Visiting Jen & Joe (12/27)

Trip Wrapup and Coming Home

The 2 1/2 weeks have flown by and we are back home. We had such a great time, but we are definitely worn out. Sarah fell asleep on the way home from the airport. She didn't even wake up when the cab dropped us off so we lifted her out - car seat and all. Sarah didn't wake up for another 1 1/2 hours. When she did, she wasn't feeling well and my newly cleaned carpets (Rog's present to me) got their first "spills." I put Sarah in the bathtub while Rog cleaned the carpet. No fun at all. Needless to say we spent the rest of the day relaxing.


We took a lot of pictures while we were in Utah. Here are some more that I wanted to make sure made the blog...

William's first (return) flight. Disregard what I look like - we had to wake up at 4 am to make our 6:30 flight.


Playing with Ryan's car. Sarah LOVED being pushed in the car. Kyler was such a great sport.


Hanging out with Natalie and Micah (The Ohioans). It was great having them coordinate their travel so we could be in Utah the same time. Sarah loved hanging out with Micah and Rog and I loved being able to catch up with Natalie.





Will's first smiles. Galena got him to smile at 5 1/2 weeks and now he can't stop! I LOVE IT!



Staying with the Harrisons & Crystal. Thanks for keeping a roof over our head!

The Spirit of God

Today for Sacrament meeting, the bishopric announced the ward's annual tradition of having a musical testimony meeting. I think the tradition started when there was a mix-up of speakers one Sunday and the ward was without a program. (I could be wrong of the real reason though.) I still remember the first meeting. I got up chose "I Stand All Amazed" as my favorite hymn. I am still amazed that through all my weaknesses and mistakes He loves me and continues to do so much for me.

As I listened from the mother's lounge today to those who got up to share their favorite hymn I thought of what I would choose. I surprised myself with choosing "The Spirit of God." If I was to have chosen a hymn last year at this time - or even a few months ago - I don't think I would have chosen this one. However, in looking back on the happenings of this year, this song has had more meaning in my life. I remember singing it in Sacrament meeting on the Sunday after William was born. With having a new baby, I had gone to just Sacrament meeting that day. There were 20-30 angry protesters shouting at me from across the street as I walked into the church. We could hear them during the service. As the meeting came to a close, the member of the bishopric conducting the meeting changed the closing hymn to be #2 The Spirit of God. As we sang the beautiful words of William W. Phelps I thought of my pioneer heritage. My heart remembered the stories of their struggles because of their faith. I took courage in their sacrifice as well as their eventual triumphs.

These last couple of weeks I have been blessed to see my sister marry her sweetheart for time and all eternity, to see Roger give William a special baby blessing and to attend the temple to not only bless others, but to remember the covenants I have made with Roger and the Lord. I know that "no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing." Life will be hard at times and our challenges may be severe, but I also know that the Lord has given us His spirit, His love and His blessings. We are not alone. I am so grateful for such a wonderful husband, two beautiful children, my parents, siblings and other family members who love and support me. I truly am blessed.

Joe & Jen

Sarah and I were sooooo super excited to meet up with Jen and Joe for a few minutes while they were in town. It's nice that Steve parents and Roger's mom live so close to each other. Sarah was ECSTATIC to see Joe and Jen. (As evident from the photos.)


They played peek-a-boo on the stairs. Sarah and Jen would hide and "boo" Joe as he rounded the corner from the stairs.


They made googly-eyes at each other.


They also played "Knock Knock"


And laughed to their hearts content.



We can't wait to see you again Jen and Joe. We definitely need to plan a trip out your way to see you!

Christmas Morning

It was fun to be Santa’s helper again this year. The best part was watching Sarah on Christmas morning. Santa had to search high and low to find a “Cheer” bear to place by Sarah’s stocking. Sarah has been all about “Care Bears” ever since Grandma Gubler came to San Francisco after William was born. I think Santa would have done a back flip over Rudolph if he found out what Sarah went for first …



That’s right, JUICE! She went for the Gatorade.


But Cheer Bear did get a hug too ...


Sarah also loved the fruit snacks and mini chocolate bars Santa left her in her stocking. Santa left us all “hoodies” to wear. Sarah’s is pink. Mine is green. William’s is blue and Daddy got a blue San Francisco one (no matching bottoms). You’d think I would have taken a picture … I’ll get on that one.

Sarah had the most fun playing with all her cousins’ toys. (Another great reason to visit family on Christmas morning.) Sarah LOVED the NASCAR Little People toy her cousin Sam got. That may be due to her having mostly boys in Nursery with her, but I think it stems from her LOVE for the Disney movie Cars.



William was super chill during the whole "unwrapping Christmas" thing.


Maybe that's because he was prancing around as a reindeer the night before ...


Rog and I don't really do gifts for each other. Well, not surprise gifts. We typically decide what we want together and then purchase it. However, I was able to surprise him with a book on his Amazon wish list. I'm excited to read it too! (Isn't that what makes a good spouse gift ... something that you'll use too?)


We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas filled with love and good cheer!

Merry Christmas!

Visiting Grandma Osness

Just before I left for Utah, we received this letter from Roger's grandmother to celebrate William's birth.


Ruth Osness married Roger William Osness (the first). They started the tradition of naming the first-born son after the father. Needless to say, Roger was super excited about introducing his grandmother to our little boy. It was such a tender moment to see Grandma Osness hold William for the first time.



It is a Grandma Osness Christmas tradition to give the grandchildren - and now great-grandchildren - an envelope with a $2 bill inside. I wanted to document their special gift with their name written out by Grandma. (We're saving their gift for them to spend when they are older.)



Sarah loved Grandma's "candy!" All the great-grandkids love Grandma Osness. She is so loving and welcoming - the epitome of a perfect grandma. We love you Grandma Osness!

Christmas Eve's Eve

Since my family is getting older - along with the nieces and nephews - we don't have the opportunity to do Christmas Eve as a family. However, this year it worked out that we could do a Christmas Eve on the eve of Christmas Eve. (Without Alli and Tony who are in Hawaii on their Honeymoon.)

One tradition we have as a family is to do the Nativity. My dad narrated from Luke 2.


William got to star as Baby Jesus yet again. Kathryn was Mary,


Annie was a "wise man"

and the rest of the girls were Angels.



George was Joseph


and Nathan, Henry and Sam were shepherds.



My brother James starred as the donkey (of which, Sarah was terrified!)


After the nativity, grandma gave us all a special gift. She made a family history collage for each of my siblings and gave us all a miniature chair. The chair symbolizes our goal as a family to have "no empty seats" in heaven. The collage shows both sets of grandparents along with a sibling picture and a picture of each child's individual families. (My mom used this as her final project in her photoshop class - she got an "A".) I have the best mom!


The grandkids then opened their Christmas PJs. I picked them out this year - Yes, I LOVE Children's Place! We meant to get a picture with all the kids in their PJs, but it didn't happen. This is as close as we got:


And a new tradition for us ... Christmas Wrapping Contest. James, Kim and Peter were the first participants. Aren't their entries incredible?


Here's Sarah by Peter's "Robot" entry.


It was a tough contest with Kim coming out on top by one vote. She cut each "shingle" from wrapping paper. I have such creative and dedicated siblings!


Can I just say, I LOVE BEING WITH MY FAMILY! I love it when we can get together. It's the best!