It Just Keeps Getting Better...

With each new Christmas, it just keeps getting better! This year was great! Except for the weather! All I wanted for Christmas was a white one. I got a big snow storm Christmas Eve, a very sunny and warm Christmas and a big snow storm Boxing Day! Sure we had snow everywhere on Christmas, but it is not the same to have a snow storm. I feel like there is someone playing with the weather that is tormenting me!

December 24:
Shared, Britney and little Ethan came over for a visit. It was wonderful to see them again. They have been living in Moses Lake, WA, since about May, so this was the first time I got to see them since then. Little Ethan has grown up so much. He is just the cutest little guy! They were only over for about 1 1/2 - 2 hours, but by the time that they left, Ben and Ethan were playing with our coasters on the floor. It was just too cute!

Later that day, Ben and I attempted to make fudge. Well should I rather say that I attempted and Ben succeeded! Ben now knows how to make Avril's Fudge (it is hard and requires a lot of patience - only the best succeed!), and Milk Tart. They were both a hit with family at Christmas the following day.

December 25:
I never slept very well Christmas Eve. I think the little Worm knew that it was Christmas and was very excited for it. By 5:30 AM, it work me up kicking and moving and all that other cool stuff that little Worms do. By 7:30 AM I could not take it anymore and dragged Ben out of bed to begin the day. We went to the living room to begin Christmas, but we could not figure out if we wanted to read the Christmas story first or open presents. I was excited! Then my Aunt, Avirl, called. We told her of our little dilemma, she said that we should read first since we will never be able to do it that way again after the little Worms and Monster are around. Then we chatted to my little cousins and Gran! It was the best! We then read the Christmas story in Luke and started on the presents! Santa and his reindeer's got lost with a bunch of Ben's presents so we are waiting for the UPS Brown Reindeer's and USPS Postal Reindeer's to deliver then for us. The next thing, it was 9:50, time to get ready for the day so we can head to Provo for lunch with family. We were worried that Ben would not be able to have any food, but apparently the way South Africans cook their food, Ben can eat it all! It was great. They never knew about his food issues, and he was still able to have a large plate of food! We had a fun afternoon there and then went to dye Layne's hair black. Ben had fun playing Rock Band while I dyed hair. It was a great day!

December 26:

Back to reality!

The End has Come and Gone...

The end of another semester has come and gone. The beginning of the semester I was freaking out! I had seven classes, working part-time, trying to keep a husband happy, a house clean and a baby was stealing all my energy and food. I did not think that I could do it! It just seemed so overwhelming. But with the help of a few select amazing people I was able to pull through it - better than I thought I would have done. My grades go as follows:

ACC 104 - Fundamentals of Computer Accounting (Quickbooks) - A

BUS 151 - Principles of Marketing - A-

BUS 200 - Project Management - A

BUS 201 - Principles of Management - A-

BUS 260 - Business Finance - A

REL 393R - Women in the Scriptures - A

SS 101 - Introduction to Psychology - B+

I really hated my SS class, so I am glad that I passed! Otherwise I have never had so many untainted A's (not A-'s) in one semester before! I am just hoping that I can get these grades next semester - my last! I only have 5 classes and two are religions, so I already have two A's but that is really besides the point. Religion classes are easy A's, it is the other ones that are the problem sometimes!

Doctors Appointment Update

Yesterday we had another doctors appointment. Last time if you remember the doctor said that if baby has not had some growth then she is going to send me for another ultrasound. I did not want to have another ultrasound, because to me that means something is wrong. And I felt as though everything was great. I wanted to believe my feelings rather than have an over cautious doctor send me for an ultrasound. So this is how it went...

At the beginning of the appointment, the nursy-lady takes my blood pressure. It was a little higher than normal, so doc was a little concerned. My tummy measured 34 cm and baby's heart beat was perfect (at least something was right). She said that now Baby is about 5.5 lbs. It is still not in the higher range of average, rather on the small side of it. Doc says that on average at 40 weeks the baby is about 7.5 lbs (I have just under 6 weeks for baby to gain 2 lbs). At the end of the appointment she took my blood pressure again and it was in a better range.

So the verdict is.... We are not having another ultrasound. Everything is looking better!

REMEMBER THIS AT CHRISTMAS TIME

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December.

Female reindeer retain their antlers until after they give birth in the spring. Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl. We should've known...

ONLY women would be able to drag a fat man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost.

21 Again!

Today is my coworker/bosses birthday. Yesterday my big boss, Frank, comes to me and asks about birthdays. I told him it was entirely up to the girl. He said that it was Cindy. I laughed at him and said that I had it all taken care of. I was going to make a sign for her door, have balloons all over her floor and have streamers from the ceiling. I got the sign made and then Sue and Tyler (6th floor friends) came down with balloons and little signs to hang from her ceiling. It was so much fun. Franks' nickname around the office is Scrooge. He does not enjoy the decorating or festive atmosphere - but we are sure that appreciates it. So he was grumpy as we decorated. Lets just say putting up with Scrooge was worth Cindy's reaction.

It's Christmas Time

We finally got our Christmas tree up last weekend. It only took us 10 days longer than we had planned, but at least it is up before Christmas. This year we decided that we wanted to do a snowflake theme on our tree. At Halloween they started to bring out the Christmas decorations and we noticed that there were some really nice snowflakes. Each week when we went and bought some perishables, we bought a couples snowflakes as well. So by the time the rest of the world and his wife decided to buy decorations as well, we had all of ours and did not have to worry about trying to get it. Since each snowflake had enough glitter on it to glitterize Temple Square, I wrapped each one up so they would not contaminate the others. This weekend when we were putting up the tree, I sat on the couch and unwrapped the snowflakes and handed them to Ben. Thanks to Ben and his decoration eye, we have a perfect Christmas tree!

Weekend Update!

This weekend we had a wonderful snow storm/shower/whatever it is really called. It was so beautiful! Last week Rory called and invited Layne, Ben and myself to go with him and his family to the Temple. Rohan got his mission called and is leaving on Dec 19, so this weekend he was going through the Temple to get his endowments. Layne drove up a little earlier and came to my place, that way we were only taking one car. Since it snowed the night before and was still kind of snowing, Ben and Layne had to uncover the car before we could go anywhere. There is a large tree that we were parked under/next to and I was standing underneath it thinking I was safe from getting snowed upon - was I mistaken! Standing under trees is not the safest place to be! I think that it is more dangerous to be under the tree than out in the snow.

After the Temple, we were getting pictures taken on the steps. It was still overcast from the snow that we had been having, but it was not snowing. Ben, Layne and I were getting out pictures taken and all of a sudden a big chuck of snow falls off the Temple and landed right on our heads. I don't how much Layne got, but Ben had big pieces in his hair and I got a large chuck land in the middle of my head, giving me a headache. It was funny! Gotta love gravity and snow!

If you look closely at Ben's head you can see some white - that is snow!

Doctors Appointment

On Friday I had doctors appointment. It went like all the others - only quicker! It was great. Instead of waiting for 2 hours to see her, we barely sat down in the waiting room when we were called in, and then we just got comfortable in her office before she walked in. We were in and out in like 10 minutes - we did not know what to do with ourselves for the rest of the afternoon.

Everything about me looked good, but when we were talking with her about baby's growth, she said that the Worm was average. She then went on to say that if he does not have some significant growth by the next appointment, she is going to schedule another ultrasound to see if there are any problems. Which makes us think that he might be average, but he is on the low side of it.

Our next appointment is in two weeks, so wish us luck!

Who said complaining does not get results?

So the other day I was complaining that here in Utah (which is meant to have the best snow) there is never any real snow. Well, with all the complaining I have done about the snow issues, the Lord decided to do something about it. I am proud to say that we got about 7 - 7 1/2 inches of snow on Saturday - more than we have had since I have been here! I was so excited! It is so beautiful! I had so much fun taking pictures and eating it.


I am slowly learning some truths about snow:

1. It is COLD!

2. Eating snow makes you cold!

3. Stupid people like to drive in it.

4. When it is falling it is cute, fluffy and innocent, but when it lands on the road it is hazardous to your health - as mentioned in #3.

5. Not everyone is happy and excited about it - which is so sad!

Let it Snow....

This last weekend, the weather man kept going on about 40% chance of snow on Tuesday. The closer we got to Tuesday, the more hype the weather men were putting on the snow. They had snow warnings posted and everything. On previous occasions when they say that we are going to have snow/rain, we never get it. And that is very disappointing. But yesterday they actually got it right! There was not as much snow as they were worrying about, but this morning the world looks all white, pure and beautiful! It makes me happy! We are meant to have more snow today - so exciting if it really happens! I want it to snow so it is like knee deep or higher! I feel jipted when there is only a light covering over the ground. What good does that do when the sun comes out, the snow melts! I want to have lots of snow.

Can you tell that I come from a tropical climate that does not get snow?

Something like this maybe...

Vampire Vs. Werewolf

For my birthday, my wonderful brother - who is always looking out for books that I would read - gave me a book called Twilight. About a week to 10 days after my birthday, I decided that I should actually read the book and not just let it sit around and collect dust. So I began to read it. A few chapters in, I was hooked. I never thought that there was an amazing story, but the author just traps in you with the way she writes. About a week later, I finished the book, and was wanting to sink my teeth into book two. So I dragged Ben out and we bought the second and third book. I have not been able to put them down. Like I said before, it is not a major plot that just has you hooked, it is the way she writes the story. It is just a page turner, you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. Because of that, I have been nose deep in a book for the past three weeks or so, meaning that I have neglected my homework - Oops, and now I am trying to catch up. Classes end on December 14th, so I can guarantee more postings after that, but right now, I am sorry, but you are stuck with just a few. And for those of you who want to get wrapped up in a page turning story, get your hands on Twilight!

paved with gold

Casey went outside the other day and mentioned that it looked like the ground was paved with gold. I found that to be interesting. So I have taken some pictures to illistrate this. The street we live on is paved in gold.

Layne

For those of you who keep hounding Layne for pictures of himself. Here are some to tie you over until he can send you some.

Note: He wanted you to be able to see his facial hair!

Key To My Life...

Though most of you know already the wonderful story of my birthday last week, I am going to tell it anyway.

So last Friday was my 21st birthday - its a big deal in South Africa, but nobody really knows about the importance of it over here. I had told Ben about the big deal on several occasions, so he knew what it meant.

The day began like any other normal day. I got up, I went to work, you know that normal nothing special day. At about 9:00 Frank (my big boss) came in from class and told me that he was going home for the day. So I was big bossless. Then Cindy (my little boss) arrived. She was carrying a big orange balloon and a pot plant of orange daisies! I got to play with a cool floating balloon until Ben arrived.

A little later my wonderful and thoughtful husband arrived at work as well. He had two more balloons (one a big red heart and the other was a big 'happy birthday' one) and a vase of long steamed red roses. So much for keeping this whole thing low key since I had class after work. He also brought me some food and a change of clothes.

After class a friend picked my up from school and took me to lunch. Ben had given her instructions to keep me out of the house until after 6pm. I was like sure, whatever. At about 6:45 we arrived back home and there was a surprise party waiting for me. We had cupcakes and pizza. It was fun. Ben had blown up a bunch of balloons and they are scattered all over the floor. Then it was present time. Layne gave me a book, Katelyn gave me some Love Spell from Victoria Secrets, the Hammerschimdts gave me a bunch of flowers, the Walkers gave me this really cool Walnut bowl (Brandon had actually made it at his shop - it is so pretty!) and Ben, the love of my life, gave me two keys. One was a antique skeleton key that was all polished nicely, on a key chain with a dog-tag thingy that says "Happy 21st" and he also had carved a key out of some really cool wood (can never remember what it is called). It has a 21 for the teeth and a rose on the back. He had bought a 14 karrot gold chain and made it into a necklace. It is so pretty.

The Saturday night I get kicked out of the kitchen while Ben gets to cook dinner. He made me a surprise, romantic meal. We had some peach bubble (Smiths never had white grape), I had some apricot chicken - my favourite - and Ben cooked himself a steak (since he can't have chicken or mayo). It was great. There were candles and soft music.

I love my husband to bits and he spoils me rotten!

My 21st birthday 'cake'

The front of my key necklace

The back of my key necklace

My key chain

My walnut bowl

Hairy Woodpecker

So most you really are not very interested in my little woodpecker story, but you are going to hear it anyway. The other day I was coming home from school. The bus drops me off about a block away from my apartment, so I get to walk home the rest of the way. There are three apartment complexes on the block, we live in (lets call it number 1) number 1. So that means I have to walk past number 2 and 3. Just before I got to number 3, I heard a funny tapping/thunking noise. I was looking for where the noise came from and then I noticed that in the corner of number 3 there was a little woodpecker merrily going about his pecking. He is so cute. I went inside and got my camera to take some pictures. He is black and white as you can see. The whole that he is working on can fit him inside of it. So he has been going at it for sometime. Is he not just the cutest little guy ever?

Tickled From The Inside...

This afternoon I was fighting my alarm after taking a nap after work and class. The little Monster was being really active so I was just letting him kick or punch or poke or whatever he was doing. He has been really quite for the last week, so it was reliving to feel him get his energy back - mine as well! Then the funniest thing happened. I am not very ticklish unless you get me in the right place. It is somewhere on my sides, I don't really know, but apparently the Monster knows. I started to feel light little pokes on my left side, then they got harder. They were moving up and down my side (as though you were poking some on their side with your finger). I didn't think to much of it, since he learnt how to pinch my bladder, I am not surprised he can poke my side. Then he moved up and it tickled. It was so strange. I could do nothing about it. The little Monster was poking me from the inside and it tickled as though some one was poking my side from the outside.

Its Who You Know...

With each new day, I am learning that the old wise saying of "It's not what you know, but who you know" is TRUE!!! As most of you know, next semester is my last - YAY for me! If I don't take those classes in Winter, I have to wait a year to take them next winter before I can graduate.

Since May I have worked as the morning receptionist in the Academic and Career Advising Services as the Business College. While working here I have developed good relationships with my most of the faculty - well those that really make a difference anyway.

Last Friday the Winter 2008 schedule came out. Ben and I have decided that it would be best for me to take all night classes so that way, I can be home during the day with Baby and he can be home at night with the Monster. With that arrangement I can still graduate and he can still work his two jobs, while not having to hire a baby-sitter or anything like that.

Arranging my classes Cindy, one of the counselors in the office, came to see how it was going. She knows what all my plans are for next semester and is in favour of most of them. Winter 08 they are trying out new times for the classes, that way there is more teaching time for the teachers and college ends two weeks earlier than usual. Arranging all my classes, I discovered that two of my classes over lapped each other. That would mean I would have to take a morning class - which does not agree with the planned schedule.

So Cindy made a call to her good friend Tyler - who makes the schedule, and now all my classes work perfectly with my new night schedule. The moral of business life - it's not what you know, but who you know!

We Are The Champions!!!

Last week I received an email saying that all South Africans and their supporters were to wear green and gold on Friday. I told my wonderful husband about that email and he loved the idea. So Thursday night we went out to get some green and gold. Ben has been following the rugby with me online and through family updates, so he got really excited to know that we were playing in the finals on Saturday. Lucky for Ben, is that he works all slaver-labor jobs, which means that he is able to decorate his work outfits with duck tape and not get into trouble. That is exactly what he did. Ben was not at home when I got dressed that morning for work in my green and gold, so there are no pictures of that - sorry, but you do get a picture of Chuck, my little plant at work!

Just For You...

Lately my dad has been on my tail lately about getting pictures and things on the web so that he can view them in South Africa. He keeps telling me to get a online photo album. I think they are great and all, but I wanted something different. So this is it!

Here's to me keeping everyone updated about the busy lives of

The Ames Family!