Top Ten Moments of 2009- #5

So I am not going to be finished by the end of the year, but at least I can get half way.

#5

Yellowstone

As I mentioned in the previous entry, Mike's niece Sienna spent two weeks visiting us in the summer. During that time we went to Yellowstone National Park. We took Sienna and Mike's mom. Neither of them had been before. We spent two days in the park.

Sienna was excited to see all the animals and sights.

I love going over there and seeing my sister, Joyce. She is so gracious to open up her home to all of the family every time we go over there. We appreciate her so much!

Top Ten Moments of 2009- #6

#6

Three Island Crossing

The Final Crossing

In August, Mike and I took his niece Sienna (at the end of her 2 week visit with us) to the final re-enactment of the Three Island Crossing in Glenns Ferry, Idaho.

It was a lot of fun to be able to go to the crossing. It is such a great experience. I am sad that it won't be happening any longer.

We were joined by Carma, Joyce, Amanda and my parents. We were able to have seats right near the water at the place where they exit the river. After the crossing Sienna enjoyed the exhibits and booths that were at the celebration.

Top Ten Moments of 2009- #7

#7

Mike Turns 30!

I will admit, this post is not with Mike's permission. I am sure he would rather not have it on the list. But 30 is a big deal. And if I don't announce it, nobody would ever guess that he is 30 by the way he acts...LOL.

I originally planned to have a big party for Mike for his birthday but with things slowing down at my work and Baby Robins on the way, and Mike being rolled over to a full time employee at the company he is with (changing his paydays), we decided that for both our birthdays we would keep it low key.

This is also the first year Mike worked on his birthday! He ALWAYS takes it off but being at a new company and needing to save his time off, he ended up not having that luxury.

Mike has come so far since I met him almost 9 years ago. He is going to be a great dad. Turning 30 was a lot easier for him once he knew he would be having a baby on the way before his birthday. (Before that he was pretty depressed.)

Baby Robins is a ...

Before we share Baby Robins gender, I thought I would share how the appointment went. We got there and they had scheduled my ob to do 3 or 4 u/s at basically the same time! I already was on the verge of peeing my pants. So they let me empty my bladder a little bit.

On the plus side, even though baby was asleep, we had great shots of EVERYTHING! Baby has Mike's nose. Even though I have not gained a pound, baby is big. Not HUGE or anything to worry about. In the 75th % for height and weight. (Not sure where the height is coming from.)

Yet, I was most nervous to find out the gender. Maybe because everyone was guessing it would be a girl. Maybe it was because I was worried about not being able to tell since baby was asleep. Well this little one sleeps legs spread wide.



If you want to know what Baby Robins is, look at the first letter of each paragraph to see the gender.

I {LOVE} My Fuzzy Socks

Top Ten Moments of 2009- #8

#8

Camping at Stanley Lake

Mike and I were very excited that with his new job he had 3 day weekends and we would be able to do some camping this year. Well, we didn't get as much done as we would like but we did have a few good camping trips. The first was to Stanley Lake at the end of June. My family used to go to Stanley several times every year when I was little and remains one of my favorite places to camp. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable trip.

Top Ten Moments of 2009- #9

#9

Girls Weekend in SLC

Ok, So it may seem weird that this is #9 when it didn't involve Mike. But it did. I went to Salt Lake on a girls weekend with my friend Sabrena, while Mike stayed home and had a Game Night with his friends. It was a nice vacation for Sabrena and I. We saw our friend Sarah, went to Temple Square and watched The Joseph Smith Story. We also went to Gateway Mall and a few other things. It was a great weekend. The next weekend, Mike and I had a short trip to SLC so he and I were able to do some fun stuff then.

Top Ten Moments of 2009- #10

I will be breaking up my Top 10 moments as to not overwhelm myself and bore everyone else.

#10

St. George Trip~

So this was a trip that we took Labor Day Weekend with my friend Sarah. It was such a great moment because it was the first time we went on vacation with no big plans to do this and do that. We stayed in an AWESOME condo thanks to my sister Joyce. We swam every day, went to Zions National Park and did some shopping. It was a lot of fun!

Top 5 Movies of 2009

As always, these are the top 5 movies that I have seen this year. You may have seen something you liked a lot more, but that is why it is my list....LOL. (Also, Mike and I do not go to movies hardly ever, so most are ones we waited to see until they were on DVD)

5) The Soloist-

Not just because I was an orchestra and choir geek, or because I LOVE the actors, but because it is one of those movies that really makes you think. Not as good as the book, but a great movie.

4) Taken-

I loved this movie! I like suspense movies. I loved that there was not a lot of blood, gore, etc. Makes me never want to let my kids travel alone for sure.

3) 17 Again-

Corny to most of you I know. But remember, we are BIG Disney Fans in this house.

This was a remake of an old Disney Channel Original movie (the original starred the entire Mowry family). I thought it was a fun movie.

2) UP!-

At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about this movie. Mostly because it was so much darker then the other Pixar films. Maybe because the characters had real life problems. It wasn't just talking cars, etc. But in the end I really LOVED the movie. It was cute and had a good lesson.

1) Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince-

Yes, I know, it left out a battle scene from the book. HOWEVER- I do not think it varied so much from the book that it ruined it. (I know a lot of people feel differently.) I also think it was left in a good spot to lead up to the final movie(s).

Honorable Mentions:

He's Just Not That Into You

(WARNING: if you are in one of these relationships you will not like this movie)

Hannah Montana: The Movie

(Yes, another Disney Movie, but much better done then Lizzie McGuire)

The Proposal

(Probably the closest to making it into the Top 5. It was a little predictable but very cute)

I will note:

I am not a Twilight fan, so I did not see it.

I only see about 15 new movies a year so there are a lot I haven't seen yet.

Christmas Review

I hope everyone had a great Christmas. I {LOVED} Christmas this year because Mike and I decided we would cut WAY back and really focus on just being with family and friends.

We enjoyed having my brother Brian here. However, we missed having my sister Cathi and her family here as they were in Oregon visiting her in-laws. We also missed having Eric and his family here. Maybe one of these coming years we can all get together for Christmas!

I also love the week between Christmas and New Years. It is a week of reflection for me. I look back on the year and look forward to the year to come. Never has this been as true as this year. So much has happened and so much has yet to come.

This coming week, since I am on vacation, I think I will begin my 2009 Top Things lists. I hope everyone, whether you make lists or just reflect on your own, will take this week to remember all the memories that were created for you this year.

Many blessings for the rest of this year and the year to come!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas! I hope everyone is able to remember the reason we celebrate this holiday!

My Top Shots

I have posted some of my FAVORITE shots of the year on my photography site. I had a great year being able to take pictures for people. It was a true learning experience. One I hope to be able to continue. So take a look and leave comments here (on this site please) if you want. I am always up for some feedback.

The Robins Family in 2010

I am working on things I want to try for our blog in 2010. I plan on continuing with my 5 Things To Be Happy about. I have a few other ideas. But, I want to know what my friends and family would like to read about. Have you seen anything fun/cute on blogs that would make a great re-occuring post? I hope to start the new posts in Mid-late January. Please, give me some input!

"Crazy Coupon Lady"

So, with baby on the way, and trying to pay off all our bills and such (in the goal that at some point I will be able to be a stay at home mom, even if not right away) I have become quite the coupon lady. Mike has laughed and said I am the "Crazy Coupon Lady" but I must say this title goes to the gal (sorry, I couldn't find her name anywhere on her site) at A Thrifty Mom
She is the ultimate Coupon Queen! I am still new at the coupon thing, but I am learning a lot from her site. If you are interested in getting your groceries, etc for almost NOTHING this site is where you can learn from! She also teaches FREE coupon classes. She deal watches for you as well.
Please, go to her site and start following her. (For those not in the Boise area, if you scroll down in the column on the right there is a place to enter your zip code to get deals in your area)

Some Christmas Top 5's

My cousin Michelle over at Just Jump, started by doing Christmas Songs and Christmas Cartoons. I added a few more. Number one is my TOP/FAVORITE in the list.

My Top 5 Christmas Songs:

5) Joy To The World (not the traditional, the one by Nicholas Jonas that plays on my blog- yes this is the same kid that is now in the Jonas Brothers but is him when he was around 7 years old.)

4) Josh Groban's rendition of I'll Be Home For Christmas with all the messages from military personel

3) You're a Mean One Mr Grinch- THE ORIGINAL from the cartoon movie.

2) Little Drummer Boy- Bing Crosby with David Bowie (what an unusual combo, but such a gorgeous song)

1) O Holy Night- Especially by Josh Groban, and if not him, I love an alto female singing a capella with a choir coming in behind her.


My Top 5 Christmas Movies (Not just cartoons for me)

5) Christmas with The Kranks

4) A Christmas Story (It's an Award!)

3) A Charlie Brown Christmas

2) The Polar Express (and not just because it is another place to hear Josh Groban)

and the number one movie:
1) How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the original cartoon version)


Top 5 Christmas Events
(Especially in the Boise Area)

5) Holiday Parade (very small here in Boise but it kicks everything off)

4) Festival of Trees

3) The tree lighting ceremony at the capital building

2) Winter Garden Aglow

1) The production of The Nutcracker by Ballet Idaho


Top 5 Christmas Foods ( This is mostly Mike's list)

5) Peppermint Candy Canes

4) Fudge

3) Pie

2) Warm Apple Cider

1) Sugar Cookies

I am labeling

I am going to start labeling my posts. I hope this will let people see the updates they want in a glance, or if you want to see some re-occuring posts like my 5 Things To Be Happy About posts, you can use the labels to do such. I went ahead and labeled everything after Thanksgiving. I will continue to label posts as best as I can remember.

Looking Out My Window

I am so thankful to have a warm home! Especially this week with temps going to -13 (after wind chill). It is warmer today, and this is what I can see looking out my window. (It has been snowing all day)

Old Wives Tales...

I am so excited that I am able to be sharing my pregnancy with a lot of friends. Someone used this on their blog and I copied it as everyone has been asking me a lot of questions before voting on the gender poll. Here it goes:

Here’s a list of pregnancy old wives tales:
*Heart Rate*
If the baby’s heart rate is above 160 bpm, it is said that the baby will be a girl. If it is under 160 bpm, then it will be a boy. - GIRL
*Shape of Belly*
If you are carrying high with a big, round belly, you are having a girl. If you are carrying low with a smaller belly that sticks straight out, it’s a boy. -Can't Tell Yet
*Shape of Mom’s Face*
When your face gets fuller and rounder when pregnant, it means you’re going to have a girl. If your face is long and narrow, it’s a boy. -GIRL
*Key Test*
This test involves a key. If you pick up a key at the top (the roundest part), you are going to have a boy. If you pick up the key at the bottom (smallest part), you are going to have a girl. If you happen to grab the key in the middle, congrats, it’s twins! -GIRL

*Mayan Tale*
The Mayan tale adds the mothers age at conception and the year of conception. If the result is a even number then mom is having a girl. If the result is an odd number then a boy is on the way! -GIRL

*Acne*
If you have acne while pregnant, it’s a girl. -BOY
*Cravings*
People believe that if you are craving salty foods while pregnant, you can count on having a boy. If you crave sweets, fruit, and orange juice, you are having a little girl. -I crave both salty and fruits
*Smell of Garlic*
If a pregnant woman eats a clove of garlic and the smell does not come out of her pores, it’s a girl. If the smell seeps out of her pores, it’s a boy. -based on garlic on food- GIRL
*Skin under Left Eye*
The eye test is when a “V” or “branches” appear when you pull down the skin under your left eye. If you see a “V” or “branches” in the white part, you’re having a girl. I have this in both eyes- probably from contacts
*History of Parent’s Kids*
You can find out the sex by going off of your parent’s kids and the order. If you are the first born, you will have what your mother had but starting with her second child. If you are the middle child, you will have what she said, but starting with the third child. If you are the last child, you will have what your mother had in the exact order. This only works for a max of 3 kids according to what I have read. My mom had 8

*Time of Conception *
The person that is most aggressive in bed at the time of conception is the opposite of what the baby will be. Don't know. We did IUI
*Legs*
If your legs get really big, you’re having a boy. If your legs stay in shape and lean, it’s a girl. -GIRL
*Moodiness and a Little Pecker*
If you are really moody, you are having a girl since you have another extra girl hormones in you. Your pregnancy will make you smile and be more happy if you are having a boy because there’s a little penis inside you. -According to Mike- GIRL, I don't think I have been moody but not super happy.
*Bread*
If you eat the ends of bread, it’s a boy. If you eat the middle of the load, it’s a girl. I have only ever eaten the middle- GIRL

*Chinese Gender Chart*
The Chinese Gender Chart claims to have an accuracy rate of over 90%. It is based on how old the mother is at conception and the month that she conceived. - According to about 70% of them GIRL, 30% say BOY, there are a ton out there and each has different results

*Mom’s Beauty*
Basically you are having a girl if your beauty disappears during pregnancy. It is said that the girl “steals” the mother’s beauty. If you think that pregnancy has never made you look more beautiful, you might just be having a little boy. -I don't feel beautiful but I don't know if I feel uglier.

*Dream of Sex of Baby*
If you have dreams that you are having a boy, you will have a girl. If you dream about having a girl, it will be a boy. Dreams show the opposite of what you are having. -Haven't had any gender dreams

*Clumsy vs. Graceful*
If the pregnant woman is graceful throughout her pregnancy, she’s having a girl. If she becomes clumsy, she’s having a boy. -GIRL
*Toddlers*
If a toddler boy expresses interest in a pregnant woman, she is having a girl. If he doesn’t show interest, she’s having a boy. - (all the 2-3 yr old boys at church laugh and smile with me, usually all kids just love Mike) GIRL
*Side You Most Rest On*
If a pregnant woman prefers to lay on her left side, she’s having a boy. If she prefers resting on her right side, she’s having a girl. -GIRL - I think, I actually rotate all night long, and while pre-pregnancy I didn't sleep on my stomach now I keep catching myself trying to.
*Hands*
When the pregnant woman is asked to show her hands, it’s a boy if she keeps her palms down and a girl if she shows her palms up. -I flip them back and forth

*Dad’s Weight Gain*
If the dad-to-be gains weight while you are pregnant, it’s a girl. If he doesn’t gain weight, you’re having a boy. -GIRL Mike is gaining weight and now with working out, can not lose
*Breast Test*
If a pregnant woman’s left breast is larger than the right breast, she’s having a girl. If the right breast is larger, it’s a boy. -GIRL- I guess, I really don't pay that much attention
*What Do You Think?*
71% of the time, the mom-to-be knows what she is having. -No Clue, too nervous to guess
*Morning Sickness*
If you had a smooth pregnancy with no morning sickness, it’s a boy. If you were sick or felt really nauseous during your pregnancy, count on a girl. -BOY
*Areola*
If your areola have darkened, it’s a boy. -GIRL
*Protein*
When a pregnant woman craves meat and cheese, count on a boy. -BOY- but I have always craved cheese
*Feet*
Are your feet colder now that you are pregnant? If so, you just might be having a boy. If your feet have stayed the same before pregnancy and during, you’re having a little girl. -I don't want to say because it is winter so can't honestly compare
*Hair on Legs*
If the hair on your legs has been growing at record speeds, you might be having a boy. -GIRL
*Hands are Dry*
If your hands are constantly dry, it’s a boy. -BOY- but I have always had VERY dry skin

*Urine*
What color is your pee? If it is bright yellow, you will have a little boy. If your urine is a dull yellow, plan on a girl. -GIRL- except first thing in the morning
*Nose*
Do you feel like your nose is growing and getting wider? If so, you might be having a boy. -GIRL
*Headaches*
If you are having headaches, you might be carrying a boy. -BOY (I have always gotten migraines though)
*Baby Names*
It is said that when you can only think of specific names for a boy or a girl, you will have that particularly baby. GIRL

GIRL- 19 BOY- 5

2 WEEKS!

I can hardly believe there is only 2 weeks left until Christmas!

Are you ready?

I only have 2 people left to buy for! WOOHOO!

This year, Mike and I have been thinking a lot about TRADITIONS.

What are your favorite traditions?

One that Mike and I had issues with was opening presents. See, my family always opened one gift on Christmas Eve and then the remaining Christmas morning. Mike's family hated the kids waking them up to open presents so they opened ALL gifts Christmas Eve. This seemed CRAZY to me. Mike has eventually decided he likes 2 days of presents to open.

Another tradition I love is getting together at my parents house and Joyce playing all the Christmas songs while we sing.

A tradition Mike and I have started is going to a movie on Christmas (or Christmas Eve if Christmas is a Sunday) and also going out to breakfast with his mom. We love leaving a little gift or a large tip for the waitress that is stuck working on Christmas Day.

We have been trying to decide other traditions we will want to start with our kids. We know that we want to buy our kids an ornament every year so that when they have their own place they have special ornaments to place on their tree.

I would LOVE to hear your traditions! What are your favorite memories?

Traditions are one of those things that I think should be the focus of Christmas. All too often these days, people focus on the wrong thing. Or the complain that Christmas is too materialistic (um, only if you let it be...) and so on. I think as we bring the focus off expensive gifts and such we will find that it is the small things, like singing Christmas Carols around the piano, that we remember and love the most.

FOR ME...Revisited.

I have really felt the need to re-visit an old post but have fought that feeling for a few days. I don't think I can fight it anymore. I was thinking the other day about how Mike and I were about ready to give up! In August, we decided to try one last time to get pregnant. If it didn't work, we would apply for an IVF grant and then wait until we knew the time was right to adopt.

Mike and I have CONSTANTLY visited the idea of adoption. Every time we talked about it, and prayed about it, we knew it was not the path we were supposed to take at that time. For some, that may have been a comfort but to us, it may it even more difficult to understand why we couldn't get pregnant. Every time I started to feel that way, I would revisit my post from November of 2008.

FOR ME~ November 2008

After a rough night for Mike and I, as he went to take his mom home last night, I found myself at the edge of my bed, face soaked with tears, in prayer. Mike and I have questioned the direction we should go lately with the many obstacles in our life. I was deeply pondering on one of those items, frustrated that I had not felt that I had received an answer. I was emotionally and physically exhausted. I questioned the decisions I had made, although they had been made prayerfully. I was wondering if it was time to just give up on this certain trial.

Don't we all feel like that at some time or another? I have felt this way several times, especially with this particular trial. As I prayed and asked the Lord to give me the strength to accept whatever answer I was given, and to be able to recognize that answer, I expressed how I felt I could no longer continue in the direction I had been guided and that I felt it was time to "give up". As I finished my prayer, I felt comforted that no matter what, I would be able to handle the answer I was given.

As I read my scriptures later that evening, I was drawn to a scripture I had actually read several nights before. I kept trying to stop myself from reading it, but for some reason, when I would start reading the verses I had planned on reading, my thoughts and eyes were drawn to this other scripture. I would like to share this scripture. Not something I normally do but since so many of us often want to give up on the plan the Lord has, and since it touched me so deeply when I finally read it, I am going to share it.

Alma 26:27"Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold the Lord comforted us, and said: Go (insert where ever your trial is, etc (the one in Alma is teaching the Lamanites))...and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success."

What a comfort this scripture was to me last night. Although I must admit as I was typing it I realized the key is to bear with patience. Although, 7 years is pretty patient I don't think I have a patient attitude.Trials are the entire reason we are here on this earth. I have been taught that from such a young age. Many of us have. Then why do I (and maybe others but nobody else I know) always sit there with a why this, why me attitude? I know that when something happens to me I ask why this, why now and so much more. Or when you think you have finally overcome a trial, only to find you have farther to go...How many times have each of us thought "Why would the Lord finally give me such and such only to such and such to me?" Really, is that the attitude to have?

I remember about a month ago there was a Sunday school lesson and the question was does God do things TO US or FOR US? This entire experience, while not yet over, has made me take a step back and think about that. This particular trial (of which many of you are aware) has brought Mike and I closer together. It has made us feel grateful for the things we do have. We have been able to help others around us and make new friends that we may not have been so close to without this trial to share. So really, while it is hard for me to see at times, this trial was done FOR US. I guess I just needed to remember that. So the next time I start thinking that the Lord is asking too much and that he is being unfair to me, I really hope that I remember last night and the scripture that I read, the way the Spirit touched me and let me know that this trial is part of Heavenly Father's plan for me, that he does love me and if I am patient, obedient, and endure to the end, he will "give unto me success".

Now it seems so long ago that those feeling of hopelessness were surrounding us. I am so grateful for this trial in my life because it brought Mike and I closer together, strengthened our testimonies and so much more. It has been AMAZING journey. One I would never wish on anyone else, but one I would never change even if I could in my own life.

Christmas Craft~ Bath Salt

So, I can't share most of my Christmas Crafts I am doing until after Christmas because they are going to be presents for people who read on here. But this one I can! YEAH!
I have a bunch of those people that I need to find a small gift for. This includes those I visit teach, co-workers, neighbors, and friends that maybe I want to do a little something for to just let them know I am thinking about them. So what can I do for them while on a budget? Well, I found this "recipe" in the newspaper and LOVE IT! ....IT IS.......

HOME MADE BATH SALTS!!!!

In order to make these Bath Salts, you will need to head to your local grocery store (bulk section is great for the dry items) and pick up the following:

SEA SALT

BAKING SODA

EXTRACT

(Peppermint or Cinnamon are great this time of year)

Here is the "recipe":

1 cup Sea Salt

1 cup Baking Soda

1 Tablespoon Extract

Mix all ingredients together and scoop into mason jars.

To make a decorative lid, glue some Christmas fabric, old Christmas cards, etc, inside the lid.

Tie a ribbon around the jar with a home made tag and you are done.

A Much Needed Date Night.

I may not be doing the 25 blogs of Christmas this year, but I am suddenly feeling myself more inspired to post lately!

Mike and I feel so blessed to have some great friends! Our friends are not only people we can talk to and laugh and have a good time with, but they are also people who are EXTREMELY GIVING! One such friend (or friends, they are a married couple) are Matt and Monae. I have known Monae since high school. They are great people. They both work in the arts (At the Morrison Center) as (for lack of knowing their real titles) stagehands. These guys are always thinking of other people.
Last night, they had 2 shows they were apart of. They had been over working at the Egyptian Theater for Opera Idaho, and they had another show at the Morrison Center. Even though they are AWESOME, neither of them are able to be in 2 places at once. So they were WONDERFUL and gave Mike and I their tickets to Opera Idaho's production of Ahmal & The Night Visitors!
The opera (in English thank goodness since Mike HATES reading subtitles) was about a crippled shepherd boy, that is visited by the Wisemen as they journey to follow the star to see the Baby Jesus. They stop by this boy and his widow mother's home. It is very short but it was a great Christmas event. We loved it!
Afterwards, Mike and I decided to head to see another friend and went to Baskin Robbins for some SUPER THICK milkshakes! Yeah! We have grown to know the owners, Kim & Mark, and they are such an INSPIRATION! We enjoyed talking to Kim (Mark usually is working at the other store when we go) and seeing her.
So, thanks to some great friends, Mike and I had a much needed date night. We are trying really hard to pay off all our bills so money has been very tight. It was a lot of fun to get dressed up (a little) and head out. (Plus, Mike was excited because he had never been to the Egyptian before.) It is these kind of friends that really get you in the Holiday Spirit! They are all so wonderful and we feel so blessed to have them in our lives!
Matt & Monae~ We will have to take you guys out some time for all that you have done for us!

(I want to make sure others aren't left out~ we have a lot of other great friends that do a lot for us and we appreciate ALL OF YOU!)

A New Address for Your Christmas Card List

We are all so grateful to those who serve our country. A friend of mine told me about this and I wanted to share it with everyone here. If you have extra Christmas Cards, please write a little note in them for our military personnel. Then mail it to the following address:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

With all that they and their families give up for us, I feel a stamp and my extra Christmas Cards is the least I can give up for them.

(Now I know how to get rid of that box I have left from last year!!! So I get a little decluttering done at the same time.)

A Small Baby Update/Journal

So, I don't want to be the person that bores everyone with baby talk, but we have had people asking for updates so here goes.

We get to (hopefully) find out the sex December 29th. We should have been able to find out before Christmas but the OB does the ultra sound himself and will be on vacation. I am too afraid to make any guesses on what we are having, so I am leaving it up to all of you to decide. (See the poll to the right, underneath are tidbits to help you vote.)

We started a baby registry at Target and at WalMart. Mostly to help me keep track of what we buy. Plus, if we buy and use the registry, we get 90 days after my due date to return anything. Not just from purchase date. It is very small, with basic baby gear on it until we know what we are having. I was actually shocked at how little neutral clothing, etc that they had.

We do have names we are thinking of. Mike was spouting them off left and right until I asked him to stop because one person who is not happy that the baby will in no way be named after them is constantly making snide comments. So, sorry, we will not be sharing those with anyone at this time. Maybe after we know the sex and decide on a name.

Other than that, all is good. I am still feeling great! I have really felt the baby move the last week! I think I was feeling the flutters earlier but I was too nervous to announce it. Even to Mike. Mike is a little jealous because he can not feel it yet. I keep reminding him he will soon. I have been lucky and still have clothes I can fit into although barely. I guess I should go buy some maternity clothes so I don't wake up one day and not fit into anything. (I did buy a few shirts that were dirt cheap already but no pants) I have a bella band though so hopefully I can use that for a while to make my pants last longer.

15 Random Things About Me

I haven't done anything like this in a while so here it goes. 15 Random things about the most boring person....me!

1) I LOVE cheese...specifically the individually wrapped cheddar ones from Tillamook...called tillamoos!

2) I turn my radio to the all Christmas music all the time station the day after Thanksgiving, but I do listen to my regular station for the morning show. A nice break from all the Holiday Carols.

3) I am completely BUMMED that Mike and I are not able to go to Texas this New Years!

4) I have been completely addicted to reruns lately such as What I Like About You, The Nanny, Malcolm in the Middle and even a little Full House.

5) I am no longer highlighting/coloring my hair, but I still have my natural blonde streaks so I am not sure anyone can tell.

6) I like to run the heater in my car but still crack the window. I think it feels good to get some fresh air coming in.

7) I can not imagine how a year or so ago I was able to do 101 of these random things about me because I am struggling with 15.

8) I am enjoying all the new friends I am making through pregnancy forums.

9) I like to wear fuzzy socks in the winter.

10) I keep my house really cool and then cuddle up on the couch with blankets and hot cocoa.

11) I am wondering why I agreed to sing with a friend for her works open house! I haven't "performed" for Christmas in almost 10 years.

12) I am keeping all my fingers crossed that we don't get a lot of snow in the valley this year. The last 2 years gave us plenty.

13) I am just a little bummed that we didn't go to Disneyland one more time before we got pregnant....totally worth it, but now will probably be 5 or so more years before we go again.

14) I often laugh at how IRONIC it is that the Jackson 5 recorded so many Christmas Songs when they are Jehovah Witness and do not celebrate Christmas....HMMMMM

15) I have not yet seen the first Twilight movie and personally, have no desire to see them.

I hope others will take a moment to list some random things about themselves. Not only do others get to know you but it really makes you think. It is not as easy as answering a bunch of questions in a tag. TRY IT!

5 Things To Be Happy About in December

1) CHRISTMAS COOKIES

2) FAMILY TIME

3) CHRISTMAS SONGS

4) TWINKLING CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

5) PEPPERMINT CANDLES

and 5 bonus things since there is so much to be happy about this month:

6) CHRISTMAS CARDS AND LETTERS- I love reading what everyone is up to

7) CUTE SCARFS AND GLOVES

8) NO MORE TURKEY LEFT OVERS- one day is really enough for me

9) THE SMELL OF FRESH PINE IN EVERY PARKING LOT

10) HOPEFULLY FINDING OUT IF BABY ROBINS IS A BOY OR GIRL DEC 29th

(Mike is pretty sure he knows what it is- Answer my poll question if you want to guess)

The Christmas Season

The Christmas Season is here! I am SO excited! Last year, I took on a HUGE blogging task in doing the 25 Blogs of Christmas. I am NOT doing that again this year. While I loved that experience, it became more of a chore then a joy.

This year, I am making most of my gifts. I have some great ideas and I wish I could share them with you all now, but since most the people I am making them for, read this blog, I will have to save them for after Christmas. Thanks to everyone who gave me ideas.

If you are wanting a good site to find some great ideas check out THIS SITE.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Hope your dinner is more enjoyable then this guys!

May we all take time to share with each other what we are thankful for.

Over The Top Award

I got the Over The Top Award from my cousin Liz a little over a week ago. I am just now getting to doing something about it. (I know....S-L-O-W)
1.Where is your cell phone: On the couch next to me
2.Your hair: in a ponytail as usual
3.Your mother: is creative/crafty
4.Your father: hard working
5.Your favorite food: Steak
6.Your dream from last night: HMMM, don't remember but I have had some WEIRD ones lately
7.Your favorite drink: Mtn Dew
8.Your dream/goal: To be a great mom and live a happy and fulfilling life
9.What room are you in: living room
10.What is your hobby: Blogging, photography, scrapbooking
11.What is your fear: Not sure what to put. I have always put never having kids, but now that we are expecting....I don't know
12.Where do you want to be in 6 years: Healthy, happy, hopefully living somewhere warmer.
13.Where were you last night: At home watching the BSU game. GO BRONCOS!
14.Something you are not: crafty...my mom and sisters got all the craft skills
15.Muffins: blueberry
16.Wish list items: A home we own, a 60D Cannon Camera
17.Where did you grow up: Boise, Idaho...never moved away from this city.
18.Last thing you did: Worked on my Sunday School Lesson and our class's sharing time
19.What are you wearing: Jeans, cami (always have one on) and a t-shirt
20.Your TV:is currently on. Mike is watching King of the Hill while I blog
21.Your pets:Sage, our boxer/shepherd mix. She is a great dog. Unfortunately she is living with my parents right now.
22.Your friends: are wonderful and uplift me constantly. I miss those who are far away.
23.Your life: is going great. Very excited to start the next chapter of my life- parenthood
24.Your mood: good.
25.Missing someone: The Bolanders. We are so bummed we are not able to go down there this New Years for Drake's baptism. LOVE YOU GUYS!

26. Vehicle: Subaru Impreza AWD....LOVE MY CAR!
27.Something you're not wearing: shoes
28.Your favorite store: Not sure. We go to WalMart a lot, but only because it is close. I like Fashion Bug and Lane Bryant
29.Your favorite color: Deep purple, like eggplant
30.When is the last time you laughed: This afternoon. Mike and I laugh daily.
31.When is the last time you cried: I don't remember.
32.Your best friend: I have a few close friends. All are great supports. One is the most positive person I know. Another one is more like my sister then a friend, and has allowed us to be apart of her family, and the other is the one who is always up for a good time. Like Nashville.
33.One place you go over and over: Store wise: WalMart, Location: SLC and Disneyland

34. One person who email me regularly: My Dad
35.Favorite place to eat: Olive Garden, Chili's, Texas Roadhouse, Cracker Barrel

I'm going to pass this award on to:
Stephanie @ the Johnson Family Blog
Monae @ Backstage Center
Courtney @ The Tam Fam
&
Terrilyn @ The Houdek Household

I Am Thankful For~

My Family~ I am so blessed to have them

Mike~ my best friend and eternal companion, need I say more?

My friends~ they inspire me every day

The Gospel~ I don't know where I would be without the knowledge of Heavenly Father's plan for us

Employment~ I know it could change in a heartbeat, but for now we are both employed by wonderful companies

Modern Medicine~ Our little miracle would not be on the way, if not for medical treatments that are relatively new

There is so much more I am thankful for, it would take pages to list it all. I feel like I have everything I could ever want/need.

I {LOVE} Thanksgiving!

It reminds us all of everything we have to be grateful for. Even during these hard times, we all are so blessed! I loved the Sunday School lesson for the SR primary last week. It talked about how even with all the trials the pioneers faced, they still gave thanks to Heavenly Father for their many blessings. Our trials seem so small compared to theirs, how can I not be thankful for everything I have! I hope we all give thanks every day, but ESPECIALLY this Thanksgiving.

Fall Pictures

I have been very blessed to be able to put my camera to good use lately and take pictures for several families for their Holiday/Greeting cards and presents. I am a strong believer that we should be constantly working to develope new talents (although for me this may not qualify as a talent...LOL). Below are a few of my favorites.

Fall Pictures

Being Sick is No Fun!

Ugh! I am going stir crazy. Thursday, I got one of those soar throats where it HURTS LIKE HECK to swallow. I came home after work, and was in bed (well, on the couch) all night, all day Friday and most of Saturday. I felt a lot better Saturday so I met up with someone to do some pictures for her. After that, I came home and took it easy. By the end of the night though, I was coughing like crazy. My ears were plugged and my nose is stuffed up. No fun! So Sunday, my birthday, I have stayed home and in bed. I am feeling better, which is good because I have to go to work tomorrow, but I still have a cough. I never got a fever luckily.

Other than that, we have led a pretty boring life recently. I am looking forward to the Holidays. Mike has been rolled over as an official full time employee at his work and is now getting benefits, paid time off and more. I am spending a lot of time decluttering our home. I am also going to try and get a lot of Christmas crafts done.

5 Things To Be Happy About in November

1) BIRTHDAYS!!!!- both mine and Mike's (busy time of year, good thing baby is due in May)
2) The smell of pies, turkey, and so much more.
3) Another full month of BSU FOOTBALL
4) Christmas Crafts!
5) The new Jeff Dunham Show (FUNNY!)

NEED HELP!- Christmas Crafts

So now that November is here I am starting to think about Christmas. I have decided that this year I want to make 90% of my gifts. I have already decided the few gifts that will be bought and have my budget for them, and for crafts. I have been searching tons of blogs and sites for ideas. I thought that one way I may get some great new ideas is from asking you~ the wonderful family that are so creative (AHEM JENSEN FAMILY MEMBERS~ THIS MEANS YOU) and also my creative friends. Give me some of your ideas. Right now I am going to do a large picture thing (not sure what to call it) of "The Living Christ" that has the Christ pictures surrounding it. Anybody that saw the one I made my friend Terrie of the Proclamation, it is a lot like that. I am also thinking of making some fun purses, etc out of old jeans or something. That one may require to much planning for me though.

What are some great home-made gifts you have either made or received? Leave me a comment with the idea.

Hot Cocoa Mix

After a cold, snowy day, I came home from work and decided that I needed to make some home-made hot cocoa mix. I also made pancakes for dinner. YUMMY!
When I was little, my family had the best hot chocolate recipe. However, before I got too old, there were not enough of us in the house to use up an entire batch. My older brother decided to take our family recipe and make it into a mix. I thought I would share it with everyone.

FARRAR FAMILY HOT CHOCOLATE MIX

In a bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups sugar and 1/3 cup cocoa (we prefer the winco brand) If you use RICH cocoa, you may want to only put in 1/4 cup. Stir well.

Add in 3 cups of dried/powder milk. Stir well.

Put in a air tight container.

To use: add 1/4 cup mix (or more to taste) to each 8 oz of HOT water and stir well.

I will admit, I tried a new brand of powdered milk and the milk was in big clumps so it didn't mix in very well even though my water was BOILING! So you may want to beware of this.

This is great to have and costs a lot less then buying all the mixes from the store.

First OB Visit and a 3d/4d ultrasound

Mike and I went to my first OB appointment today. I was kind of nervous having been going to the Idaho Center for Reproductive Medicine for so long to be seeing a new doctor.

Our OB was highly recommended to us. INSTANTLY, we knew he was the right doc for us. He started out by asking me in a hushed tone if Mike knew I was pregnant. Then he cracked jokes about how we probably won't be able to turn off the baby machine now that it is started.

During the first part of the exam, pap, etc Mike sat in the corner playing video games. When the OB got ready to do the internal ultra sound (I thought I was done with those ones. Didn't know he was doing an us at all today) I asked Mike if he wanted to come where he could see. The OB said with a straight face and monotone voice, "He doesn't care."

Yeah, he is the perfect doctor for us.

Here are some pics.

First the Alien Baby looking one.

And now the one where the baby looks like a sleeping angel (OUR KID? Right!)

Everything's Amazing & Nobody is Happy

8 Wonderful Years

Married October 13, 2001

Sealed June 14, 2008

Today, Mike and I celebrate 8 years of marriage. Boy has it gone by fast! So, I thought I would list 8 things about Mikey.

1) He is still a giant kid at heart! He keeps me young and has gotten me to loosen up A LOT!

2) He grills an awesome steak! Keeps it super juicy while still getting it well done for me.

3) He has done such a good job at working out. Maybe it is because he can play video games while working out, but who cares. It has made it so much easier for me to focus on eating healthy when he is concerned about it too.

4) He won't admit it out loud, but I know he likes country music.

5) He loves to fish, but he didn't get a single bite this year. Okay we only went twice. Once the lake didn't have a single fish. Nobody in the campground caught anything. I still like to tease him about it though.

6) He has a great sense of humor! Probably one of the few people that can say some of the things he has to my dad and make him speechless too.

7) He has been a great support to me through everything we have been through. I couldn't have gotten this far without him.

8) He will be a great dad when baby Robins arrives in May!

Yes, we are happy to announce after years of struggling with infertility, we are expecting our first around May 12, 2010. At our last u/s the little one was already moving a ton so the picture is blurry. Thanks to all who kept us in their thoughts and prayers.

Fall

So the temperature in Boise dropped drastically last week. On Monday (Sept 28th) it was around 90 degrees and by Wednesday (the 30th) it was 55? WHAT THE HECK?

Don't get me wrong, I {LOVE} Fall! Love it! But, it is nice to have a slow decrease in temp. First off, it helps us get those beautiful, colorful leaves we had last year. The best I have seen in a long time. Second, it gives me time to adjust. As we have had days in the 40s and 50s (and when lucky 60s) I find myself freezing. I didn't even get to have time where I didn't need the A/C before having to turn on the heater.

Ok, with my little vent done. I really do love the fall. I love the activities there are. I can't wait to go to the Corn Maize again this year. We get to celebrate our anniversary this month. I love the crisp feeling in the air, when I am not FREEZING!

I have really enjoyed already seeing the mountains surrounding Boise topped with snow. It is kind of interesting. They usually aren't snowcapped for another month or so.

My favorite fall weekend, was this past weekend. I LOVE Conference Weekend. It is so uplifting! I loved all the talks. April I had a few that really stood out to me. This time, I can't pick. I loved them all.

5 Things to Be Happy About in October

1. Leaves changing colors
2. Cooler Temps (even though you freeze at first)
3. Hearts Beating
4. Every candy bar ever made in a bite size version
5. 8 WONDERFUL years of marriage!

Labor Day in ST George, UT

So for labor day weekend we went to St George, Utah with my friend Sarah. My sister Joyce got us a condo from her timeshare to use (it was nice)! We spent one day in St George out and about. Saturday we went to Zions National Park and Sunday we just relaxed. Monday we headed home and when we stopped in SLC to drop Sarah off we stopped at a Chick-Fil-A and got a free chicken sandwich for wearing our BSU gear. (A special they had that day...wear your team shirt and get a free sandwich). I will try and add pictures soon. I just feel like I am so far behind on my posts.

5 Things to Be Happy About In September

1. Cooler weather
2. Good news at the beginning of the month
3. BSU FOOTBALL GAMES!!!!!!!
4. One last long weekend before fall begins
5. Great friends near and far

Just call me Becca Stewart

I have some things going on right now in my life that are very emotionally taxing. So, in order to help keep my mind off things, I have turned to baking. Yes, I have always LOVED to bake, cookies and cakes mostly. But now, I am baking everything I can. I have become quite the Martha Stewart or Rachael Ray.
We had some bananas that were getting too ripe. So I announced to Mike yesterday that while he was at school tonight I was going to make banana bread.

"You know how to make banana bread?"

"Yeah, it isn't that hard!"

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Probably because then he would always want me to make that kind of stuff. Maybe because I like to feel like I am the modern bride who can cook dinner but isn't little miss crafts, cooking and such.
So after posting on facebook that I was thinking of making banana bread, my friend Jennette (who was like a second mom to me through high school) sent me a new banana bread recipe to try. It has peanut butter and chocolate chips in it. MIKE LOVES IT!
So I thought I would share the recipe with all of you:

Peanut Butter Banana Bread

3 eggs
2 c sugar
1/2 c oil
1/2 c peanut butter
2 large bananas
1 TB vanilla
3 c flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 TB cinnamon

1 1/2 c chocolate chips

Beat eggs until light and foamy. Add sugar, oil, peanut butter, bananas and vanilla.
Mix well. Add flour sifted together with salt, baking soda, baking powder and
cinnamon. Mix. Add in Chocolate chips. Pour into 2 greased and lightly floured loaf pans. Bake at 325 for about 1 hour.

I actually found that I had to bake it for more like 1 hr and 15 minutes and then it still was a little too soft (the top sunk a little) but it was very good! (According to Mike. I honestly am not a peanut butter person but he really wanted me to try this recipe.)

I have also made a devils food cake. I have been doing all sorts of crafty things around the house. I have been cleaning like crazy too. Last night I came up with some cool Chicken Nacho concoction. At least it is keeping my mind busy!

More 4th of July Pictures

My sister Cathi just brought me a cd of the pictures her and my niece Danielle took during the 4th of July weekend. They took them, I had a little fun in photoshop with them. But, they should get all the credit for capturing such great photos.

The above shot was taken by Danielle (to my knowledge). All I really did was a little cropping and for fun played with the saturation. These are 2 of my cousins kids. The girl in front is the daughter of Liz, and the girl behind is Liz's brother's (Mike I think) girl.

The shot above was a good shot, but the subject was not that great. Cathi, Danielle, Gregg and Mike and I camped at Massacre Rocks (NEVER AGAIN!) that night. I was walking the trails in the morning taking photos when Danielle spied me, called my name and snapped a picture. All I did was crop this one.

My sister Cathi is who I believe took this picture at Massacre Rocks. I just cropped it and played with the color a little. Was probably better in color but I don't know.

Normally, I wouldn't play around with these photos, but I have led a pretty boring life since Sienna went home and don't have any photos of my own to play with.

Way In Advance But Looking for Suggestions

Mike and I are planning on returning South this winter. Most likely to Texas! YAY! Since our friends in Texas will probably be moving next summer, this will also most likely be our last visit. At least for a while. So I have a list of things I want to do and want suggestions if anybody else knows what we should not miss. They live in San Antonio. We did go last year and we have been to River Walk, La Valitta, Alamo, Six Flags, Zoo, and Sunken Gardens. I do hope to go to the Riverwalk again and the Tower of the Americas. Here are some new things I want to do and am looking for other suggestions. (We also hope to head over to Galveston for a few days)

Natural Bridge Caverns

Moody Gardens (in Galveston)

Institute of Texan Cultures (I love these types of places)

The Missions

I am very open to anything but really enjoy taking in the architecture and culture of an area. If we don't make it to Texas, we still hope to make it down to the south, but of course, we are hoping it is Texas since we really miss the Bolanders.

The Final Crossing

Mike and I took his niece, Sienna, with my sisters- Joyce, Carma, and Amanda- and my parents, to the Three Island Crossing in Glenn's Ferry. It is the 24th and final crossing as the volunteers are getting to old and the crossing is pretty dangerous. We felt very blessed to be able to go. We have been wanting to go for a few years but have always ended up being out of town during the crossing.

They started across the Snake River at the top of the mountain and came down.

The first part was on the Sandbars so it looked deep but it really wasn't.

When it got to the deep part the people in the wagon would stand in the middle to help keep it steady. Then they tied ropes around the wagon for the people on horses to help keep it from tipping. Eventually even the driver of the wagon got inside. Sienna was amazed at the horses swimming and the wagon floating.

WooHoo! They made it! There were no problems with the crossing this year!

Carma snapped a shot of the rest of us sitting in our seats right at the bank of the river by where they came out.

Got to love camera remotes. Here is one of the entire group in front of the Snake River.

Afterward, we went over and Sienna got to play in the wagons, pet the horses and we looked around. We were stopped by a reporter who asked us questions about what we thought about the crossing. It was a lot of fun and I am glad we made it. Even though it was pretty cool out and the bugs were awful. (This is a weird cold front, Friday's high temp was 59.)

Unfortunately, our time with Sienna is coming to an end. We have to take her home tomorrow. We have really enjoyed having her these last 2 weeks. From making a belt, coloring, going to Yellowstone and Mike and her Wrestling while I edit, and post, photos it has been a lot of fun!

Yellowstone and Henry's Fork of the Snake River

This week, Mike and I took his mom and his niece Sienna to Yellowstone. Neither of them had been before so it was fun to take them through the park. We left Thursday at 4 am in the morning. We made a stop at my sister Joyce's house to drop off our stuff and then we headed to Yellowstone. The first day we did the more touristy things, like Old Faithful and the Lower and Upper Falls.

(Sorry if the pics aren't that great. I used the small point & shoot and then it got a little wet on the raft and I had to do a lot of work to recover the pictures from it. Only a few are from my SLR camera)



Sienna & Kathe at Old Faithful



While driving, we stopped at Yellowstone Lake and walked on the Sandbar that goes out in the lake.








Day 2 (Friday) We drove up to Mammoth hoping to see bears. (No such luck)
Then we went to Tower and then to Artist Point.



Artist Point



Sienna & Mike at Artist Point

Then Saturday Morning we went with Joyce and rented a raft to take on Henry's Fork of the Snake River. It was a lot of fun, even though I missed covering my back with sunscreen and got a BAD sunburn.



Above: Joyce & Sienna
Below: Me with Sienna






Mike and Sienna in the raft


All the women in the raft. Mike was DROWNING in a sea of estrogen. LOL

Sienna in the raft

After we finished the river we went back, ate lunch, packed up and headed home. All in all it was a great time and we are looking forward to having Sienna here for another week.

5 Things to Be Happy About in August

I am really enjoying making these lists. I even have to hold back from doing them more often than once a month. I may have to start throwing them in here and there. Here is my "official" list for August.

1. Family Time (even if vacationing together can be a little stressful)
2. Fudge Ice Cream Bars....yummy
3. Summer school being done...a true month break!
4. The Fair...what is better than cotton candy, rides, and a free concert.
5. Being able to float the Boise River without it being too cold.

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer! We sure have enjoyed it this year. Even though Mike has had school I think this is one of the best summers we have had in a while, mostly because he is free Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Remember to keep cool and drink plenty of H2O!

Settlers Park with Sienna