Monkey business...

I have been SO miserable the last few weeks, (well actually the last few months) that I didn't want to do anything but whine and complain! But I see THE LIGHT now!! The light at the end of the BIRTH CANAL!! LOL Only a couple more weeks! I am so EXCITED! And a little nervous! I am going to cowboy up and push her out DRUG-FREE! Wish me luck, even if you think I am NUTS!!

WINTER ZOO TRIP WITH HELEN FELT AND BENJI...



BENJI LAUGHED SO HARD AT THE BABY ORANGATANG SWINGING ON HIS VINE...UNFORTUNATELY HE STOPPED WHEN I STARTED FILMING. (OF COURSE!) Please ignore my fat face. That is what 40 lbs, and major swelling will do to you! And no I don't have to go potty...I was just trying to be cute!

New Year... Thank Goodness!

It has been busy with family in town and I haven't felt good, so that is why it has been almost a month since I posted last. What a lame excuse. Really, I haven't had much to say but to complain, so I avoided the blog. I read all of yours though and (especially Abi and Christi) and feel guilty for not being more positive and excited for the new year. I am happy that this is the year I will stop being pregnant forever! There how is that for a positive spin! Here are my other hopeful statements:

1. Lose all the 40 lbs I have gained in the last 9 months.
2. Save my "emergency fund" back, since I spent it all at Christmas.
3. Read the B.O.M. 5 days a week.
4. Wite in my gratitude journal every day.

There, I feel much better. I think that last one will help so I quite being so self-absorbed in my own misery and realize how good I have it. Sorry to everyone, that I have offended) for being such a selfish jerk that says everything that pops into my head. All I can say is... 39 more days!!!!



Christmas Morning was great! The kids were so happy with their presents!



That is a BYU shirt Ethan got for Christmas. He claims to be a cougar fan! HA!

Merry Christmas to my Bloggin friends!

This is the picture and letter I am sending out this year!



This was supposed to be the picture, but it didn't turn out as you can see. I had this great inspired idea to take a "spontaneous" pic in the conference center. By the time we got there Dan was so mad at me for forcing him to do this stupid thing, and the tree wasn't great, and there were crowds of people coming in the building. Why do I insist on torturing us all? It ruined the night for sure! The picture on top was one that Angie took on our way over to the "perfect spot". Spotaneous is better, but how do you plan that??? Hope your ideas turn out better!

November in Review...

Proud Pappa!



Playoffs! Go SKYLINE! Gremlins didn't win, but the PeeWee's went all the way to Champs! What a great season!



The girl in the cream sweater is Ethan's crush. Someone asked him if he was going to marry her, and he said "It's complicated." He told me that and I said, "Ethan you won't know who you want to marry until after your mission." He said, "I will if Ivylynn is still in my life."



A fourth grade presentation of the "first Thanksgiving". Prayer in school...I Love it!



Hopefully I am still his first love!



Thanksgiving was a blast with our Beaird family of the North here! This is Arick Beaird, Benji's new best cousin and friend! Doesn't that look like a little Travis and Dan together?



Taking a break setting up for Christmas...my cute kids!

Medical Warning...

Take my advise... be in charge of your own health care!!! Don't leave it up to the Doctors and believe they have your health as a priority. They don't! They have too many other patients to worry about and a family of their own.

Yesterday I had some very scary news that my thyroid level is low and my TSH is high. Not Good. Not good for any pregnant person, but especially a recovering cancer patient. I had a major breakdown last night. I am feeling a little better this morning. Eyes still swollen, but I will go on. I just hope and pray that Lauren is okay in there and no permanent damage is done to me or her. Faith is all you can have at this point, b/c neither of my very capable care providers can answer my pleas for assurance adequately.

Any extra prayers you can send our way will be greatly appreciated.