Belle, Beast and Mrs. Pots

With all the exciting events of the season, a wedding, an engagement, a misson call, officer training, visiting family, birthdays, and baby showers, we have hardly had time to breathe. Maybe I just hardly have room in my body for my lungs. The baby grows and my mobility slowly decreases. Callie had such a great time playing with dad on his school break. She had constant attention and tons of new toys to play with. Calling dad "the Beast", while she was "Belle", I inherited the name "Mrs. Pots". She would say to Cameron, "come on Beast, lets go play." Mrs. Pots seems to make sense because I spend a lot more time in the kitchen than dad, and there is a great physical resemblence. It was a nice break for me to have a companion for Callie. Since Cameron has gone back to school this attention spoiled child is now in constant need of me. She has even had a few potty accidents that tell me it may only get worse when the baby comes. Happily, we have her in ballet, two play groups, and art classes; giving her something to do besides watch TV and complain of being "really hungry mom" (insert a desperate, whiny voice with the last quote). I will make her a meal or a snack and she will, maybe, have two bites. I think it is a sign of boredom. I guess even though mom looks like a giant ball, she is not quite as fun as one. We have had some time to work on reading and writing, which, I am happy to brag, Callie makes huge strides in. She can spend an hour or two working in her dry erase book practicing her letters. I even find her alone trying to sound out words. Cameron said she read the word DOG the other day. I think she will be well ahead of the game when she starts kindergarden in 2 1/2 years. That seems so long away. She did start Sunbeams this year and really enjoys it. She is always a favorite among her teachers and peers. We love that she comes home singing new primary songs each week.

Quick recap of events. Alyssa got married to Trevor on Dec 21st. They seem very happy and are doing really well.

Cousins Maya, Callie, Gage, and Brayden display their personalities at the temple. Maya always ready to pose for the camera, Callie ready to run in case there is a flash, Gage announcing "Maya and Gage are getting married too," Brayden not sure he wants in on the action.

Callie turned 3 on the 23rd of December. No good pictures because she desperately hides from the flash. Papa and Sherri were here so it was a lot of fun.

We celebrated Christmas with high hopes of it being a great thrill for our three year old. She was not immpressed by the presents or anything Santa brought. She pulled me aside after desperately attempting to make her excited and said, "Mom, this is not what Christmas should be about, I think I would rather watch a movie about Jesus or just eat breakfast." Eventually the more worldly part of her caught on, (after 3 hours) and she warmed up to the idea of being spoiled.

Karen and Bill got a call to serve in the African Congo misson. We went to Snowflake to stay with Karen and Bill for a few days. We wanted to spend time with them before they left for 18 months. A medical problem may keep them from leaving for the Congo, but they are determined to go on a mission soon. In Snowflake Cameron got to golf every day. Karen and I had a good time visiting. We also did a little antique shopping. I found the perfect dresser for the girls' room. I have been looking for one for a long time, and who would have thought that it was waiting for me in Snowflake.

1st family picture with everyone, (except Jim) since about 15 years ago. Too bad four of the women are pregnant.

Billy left for officer training, to become a JAG lawyer in the Air Force. Alicia leaves in two months to join him. She is pregnant, working, and has two kids at home. What a supermom. We will miss them all very much.

My sister Sarah is getting married to Zach in August. We are very happy for them. I have been doing her annoucements etc.

I have one week till the baby is scheduled to come via C-section on the 18th of Feb. We are excited and a little nervous. Our family is growing and that means more responsibility, less sleep, and more love. We appreciate all the comments on the blog from our friends and family. I think I will soon be back to regular blogging when I am even less mobile.

More pictures to come. Right now we are going outside to enjoy our 70 degree Arizona weather.