January

Trevor and Gretchen came for a visit right after Christmas and they were quite the celebrities among the grandkids. Pippa too. :) Gretchen amazed me with the attention she gave them. She would tell them stories, let them sit on her lap, do their hair and just carry on long conversations with them. I was never that nice of an aunt. She's really very sweet. 

On New Year's Day we joined the crowds at the Phoenix Zoo. Trav had the day off so I wanted to take advantage of his help on a zoo trip. They had a Lego exhibit throughout the park that was a fun, novel addition to the normal sights. I told the kids to act scared in this picture and I love how the boys' faces made Olive legitimately afraid, haha!

I met Shelley and Leah at the park one day of Christmas break. We don't get together very often, so when we do, we make a day of it! Visiting for hours with them while the kids play is quite the treat for me. 

Grandma Cat was just so generous, supplying us with messy train kits as Christmas presents, haha. She never did stuff like this with us as kids because of the mess, so maybe she's trying to make up for it by making sure her grandkids get to?? ;) The boys LOVED it. Of course, eating the candy was half the fun.

I wasn't going to sign Olive up for any sort of classes until next year, since just keeping up on the boys' activities keeps me busy enough, but a friend invited her to join a dance class. As it turns out, the schedule didn't work for us, but it got me thinking that she really would love to dance. Soooo, I searched around and found a place called The Dance Loft that is nearby and reasonably priced. We tried out a ballet/hip hop class and she LOOOOVED it. I thought it was really well done and my own dancer heart filled up watching her prance around with a big, happy smile on her face. I don't know if she'll turn out to be crazy talented, but she does seem to be a natural at it. I always told myself that if my daughter/s didn't love dancing or the things I love, I wouldn't push it on them. I want them to find what THEY love. But boy, I can't tell you how much fun it was to watch her love something that I love! She goes once a week and it's a highlight for both of us. 

I got some new, comfy exercise shoes for Christmas! They make a big difference when I work out. Especially at High Fitness. My feet still go numb during some songs, but overall, the Nike Zoom's are a big improvement. 

We found out what we're having at the beginning of the month! Olive and Travis came to the ultrasound too. I asked Olive what she thought I was having and she said, "A girl". Then I asked her what she WANTED me to have. She looked at me like I was dumb and emphatically said (like, duh, I already told you, Mom) "A GIRL!!" I chuckled and told her that we should be prepared, because it might be a boy. I asked her if she would still love the baby if it was a boy. She scrunched up her face in disgust, paused ever so slightly and resolutely said, "NO!" Ohhh dear!!!

When the technician told us the gender, Olive's face was priceless. She didn't cry, but she looked at us like she had eaten something sour. The tech asked her what we should name the baby and she grumpily stated, "Nothing." Ha.

 I hate to admit it, but I was a little disappointed myself. I just love having sisters and I want Olive to have them too. I don't know if I can do another pregnancy. And obviously it wouldn't be a sure thing even if I could. To hear the word "boy" just makes me think of wrestling, noise, bodily functions, non-stop energy and mischievousness. The room situation would have been easier if it was a girl. I could have used all my saved girl clothes from Olive that I loved. And gotten rid of most of the "boy" toys that I have saved up in bins in the garage. Also, I feel like raising boys is the ultimate act of  service. Because you raise them to get married and leave you! Then their wife and family becomes top priority... as it should be.... don't get me wrong. It's similar for girls, but you raise your girl and they will get married and still be your good friend. There is still potential for them to be a big part of your life. You'll probably help more with their children. They'll help you with your life. Plan and carry out family parties and vacations. Take care of you when you're old. I know I'm generalizing, but it really is true. Travis reminded me that this baby is "him" in his family. His mother had two boys, a girl and then him. Paula always says he was the best baby. And you don't have to tell me that I scored the jackpot with my husband. I am grateful DAILY for the amazing man I'm married to. But even as he reminded me of this I had to wryly tell him that this is also the situation my Aunt MaryAnn was in and her fourth child could be classified as quite the stinker. ;)  (Lovely man now, though... lol!) 

Most of all, I was annoyed at myself for even being disappointed. This makes my fourth pregnancy ultrasound where I wasn't excited when I found out the gender. That's four for four, people. I wanted a girl with the first two and by the third, I was determined to not cry at the ultrasound so I just told myself it was a boy. And that it would be so fun to be a "boy mom". I don't know how I did it, but it worked. I was convinced Olive was a boy and I was truly happy about it. When the tech said it was a girl, I just didn't believe her. I really couldn't let myself think it was true until I saw her with my own eyes. So I held back the happiness. And that brings us to this ultrasound. My poor children. I feel so guilty about my orneriness. They deserve better. Maybe I really should be one of those people who just waits until the baby is born to find out the sex. Because once they are born how could you feel disappointed?! That's always the game changer. Holding that sweet baby for the first time, you'd never want it any other way. 

I needed to go on a scout hike one Saturday morning so I brought the whole fam with me! Early exposure for Collin and Weston. Show em what they have to look forward to. 

We volunteered us to help take down the temple Christmas lights on a Saturday afternoon. That's Travis up there, leaning into the tree. It's precarious work, wrangling those twisted lines off of high branches! The kids were able to help by picking up cut off zip ties, but they also did their fair share of playing. 

Making Cardamom bread is a Christmas tradition I love, but I just couldn't squeeze it in this last year. Good thing yeast still rises in January. I dare say it was my yummiest loaf to date!

HOW, I ask you, can you not just fall apart in giggles over this?!!! A sweet gift left by Collin on Olive's nightstand. Is it the killer eyes... or jackal teeth... or T-Rex arms in front that make it so perfect?? Collin is our head craft/card maker. It's how he shows his love. So darn cute.

The neighbors must have thought we were having second Christmas! When really it was just our water barrels getting delivered. 

Headband braid.

We finally finished the Wizard of Oz! Small print and long chapters. It felt pretty old fashioned, but the kids still loved it. I was worried they'd be scared when we watched the movie afterward ( I always thought it was a creepy movie as a child) but they seemed unphased. I love when they catch and point out the differences in the book and movie. In the book, she wears silver slippers.. not ruby. In the movie they don't have to wear special goggles to enter the Emerald City. And there's a lot of missing scenes in the movie. I was excited to watch it again too... but darn a dark room, and cozy couch at night. I cannot stay awake for the life of me!

I guess I would be somewhere around 20-22 weeks in this picture. It's morning, so there's less of a bump. By evening I felt like I showed more. 

Family bike ride around Tempe Town Lake! The boys did great! Poor Weston had to work so much  harder than the rest of us. For every pedal we made, I think he had to do at least 3. Never a complaint, though!

I packed donuts and fruit and forgot the hot chocolate in the car! Harumpf!

On the way home we stopped at Abbey's house to pick oranges!! A bag full of nectar treasure! The BEST part of winter!

Finally got our paws on some Bobby Q for a date night! The ribs were really yummy, but that mac 'n cheese?! Good night, nurse!! Best I ever had! I would cheat on any and all food with that tub of gold.

I think that was the night we also saw La La Land. I loved it. The music and dancing were beautiful. So unlike your typical movie. It's not often I find myself captivated at the theater.

Grandma Cat loves shopping at gift shops. And that includes the dunes! 

We didn't throw a baby shower for Marcie's second baby, but I still wanted to do something to celebrate, so I took her and Scarlett out to lunch. We tried a new place in downtown Gilbert called Even Stevens. It's a sandwich shop, but a fancy one! We really liked their gourmet combos. 

And then finished it off by trying a new French bakery up the road called The Great Gadsby. I finally understand why people like macaroons!!! They were amazing! Light and crispy on the outside with a gentle chew when you bit into it. The tart was fine, but the eclair was ah-mazing. I told Travis he should count his lucky stars that I was able to muster enough self control to save him half. ;) 

I had excellent timing too, because she went into labor that night! 

Collin asked if he could give the FHE lesson one Monday and it will always be a tender memory for me. He took it very seriously, furiously working on it after dinner. He set up a scavenger hunt around the house with clues leading us to taped stuffed animals holding paper quizzes. He would read the question to his siblings like, "Will you go to the temple someday?" Then tell them that he was going to and ask what they would do. He bore his testimony at the end of simple truths like knowing the church was true and that we have a prophet on the earth and that we should be baptized. He was so sincere and took it all so seriously that I just sat back and let all the warm, fuzzy feelings wash over me. It was a huge pay-day moment. A night where you feel like despite all the frustrations, anger and reprimands, you must be doing something right. Collin has a very sweet, good heart. 

Our friends asked if we wanted to join together to make dinner for the Ronald McDonald House one Tuesday night. I was able to find a babysitter so we met them down at the one by Banner Desert to prepare and serve the meal. We decided on making taco salad. I was really grateful for the opportunity. It's a great set-up they have down there! A fully stocked kitchen. You just bring the food and use all of their dishes. We ate there as well and had a good time getting to know one of the couples who had just moved into our ward. 

It was time for my eyebrown touch-up appointment and I was terrified! The first appointment had been traumatic, to say the least, so I begged Travis to inject my brows with lidocaine beforehand so I would be completely numb. It worked!!! The shots were no pleasant experience, but it sure beat feeling every slice of 20 minutes of cutting on my face. I could have kissed him through that mask I was so happy!!

Not every hairstyle works out... haha. Lots of trial and error. 

Still loving her dance class!

We had gotten a gift card to a restaurant called Roy's so we gave it a try after going to the temple on a date night. Well! It was MUCH fancier than we had expected! Yikes a roony! Apparently they fly their fish in daily from Hawaii. We both got the sampler platters and I have to say.. if it weren't for the fact that it cost a small fortune, I'd be back in a heartbeat. It was delicious! And fun to try the four different kinds of fish, prepared in unique sauces and presentations. Alas, we'll never be back to Roys, but if you love seafood and have money to burn, it's your place!

We had a busy Monday night with a fund raiser for Joshua at the Soda Shop in north Mesa then a visit to see Grandpa for his 91st birthday! He is really slowing down and showing his age these past two years. This past year especially. His hearing and memory aren't so good anymore and he needs a lot of help getting around. Grandma says he basically sleeps all day. He still stays positive and happy though and lets you know how delighted he is to see you. We love him so.

My first experience at Cub Scout Day Camp! I only had two Bears to keep track of, which made things easier. At our first class, the boys were supposed to set up and take down a tent. The stake leader divided up the wards, giving each den a tent. The other three wards with tons of boys and multiple leaders got simple, one man tents. But no, WE got some complicated, two room tent with crazy poles and connections I'd never seen before. I inwardly groaned. I've set up plenty of tents, but it's not my first activity of choice. The seasoned leader in charge even came over to see how we were doing and took a look at it and said he had no idea how to set it up. He said he'd just take down his own, one man tent and let us set it up instead. Well, while he was doing that, I figured it out!! Boo-ya! Totally tooting my own horn on this one! The Scout Master guy was all impressed and had me show him how I did it. That's right... I'm awesome. :)

Here's a different den activity we did. Word of the wise. Don't let Cub scouts stain their tool boxes. Paint is easier. Especially when YOU get to haul them home with you to dry.