Allison and Phelan Got Married!

You know you love someone, when you are willing to drive over 20 hours in December and PREGNANT! I was glad to be there. It was a good day! PS...I met Jack Weyland in the temple. I felt famous!

"Epic" Snow Storm- Dec 2009

So Iowa gets snow. A lot of snow. But it rarely shuts down the city. Not until we had a pretty crazy snow storm. The schools closed...even ISU shut down. Apparently, that doesn't happen very often. Well, we got a lot of snow...and then we got some major winds. Snow drifts galore.

Disney Cruise 2009

We were fortunate to go on our annual Family Disney Cruise...with my parents, my siblings, and their families...45 of us in all! We had a blast! The kids enjoyed every moment. They are at the perfect age to truly appreciate all that Disney has to offer. And it is great for them to get to know their cousins...since we usually only see them once a year (on the cruise). Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Check out my other blog...

http://erikamarykayboutique.blogspot.com/

I just posted my December Specials!

Halloween

The kids were able to dress up 3 different times this year. We had our ward Trunk or Treat, a small friend party, and then Trick or Treating. They had so much candy! So much! And all they want is candy still. We still have lots left. (I am mean...I ration the candy out...to keep it fair and to keep bellys happy.) Here are the costumes...enjoy!

Trunk or Treat
Cleopatra, Ninja, and Spiderman

Halloween Party

TNMT, Butterfly Fairy, Venom

Halloween

It's Autumn Time, It's Autumn Time...

...the leaves are falling down.

This has been the most colorful Autumn in Ames...at least that I have seen in Ames thus far. I grew up in Maryland where the trees are over abundant and quite colorful. I love seeing all the colors. In fact, I remember my freshman year at BYU...I missed fall so much, I begged my mom to take pictures of some of my favorite trees in our neighborhood. It seems silly, but I really treasured those pictures of home.

Since we have moved here, Fall came and left so quickly. I suppose it was just so abruptly cold, that the trees didn't have time to go through the process. This year has been very mild...so the colors changed slowly and dramatically. I fell in love with Autumn all over again. So I had to take pictures...to remember Ames.

Inis Grove Park
Monkey Austin

Kaden did not want me to take his picture...can you tell?!

Sydney

And Nick too!

And I cried...

I cry a lot. It is actually very normal for me, but even more so when I am pregnant. I cry over happy things, sad things, inspiring things, or nothing at all. (probably more of the last than any of the others.)
I have been reading the NieNie Dialogues, a blog written by a woman who survived a plane crash, who is surviving being burned all over, and is functioning with grace. She inspires me so much. I read her posts and find such joy, sadness, love, deep admiration and inspiration. This woman is my hero. If she can face her day, so can I. She has been through hell and back...but she sees some joy in her very difficult life. I love her...and really I don't even know her. As I am writing this with tears in my eyes...I guess I just want to share her love!
Today's post pulled on the heart strings. I wish I could hug her. Instead, I'll just share my love her by sharing what I love most...Her faith is solid, her strength is powerful, and her edurance is admiral. Thanks NieNie!

16 weeks

I am 16 weeks today.

We had our 2nd appointment and I learned:

...I am NOT having twins! Phew. I am measuring a several weeks bigger than 16 weeks...so I guess I wasn't completely crazy in thinking I am too big! Well, that's still up for debate...but you know what I mean, right?!

Halloween Pumpkins

We painted our pumpkins! Can you guess who these guys are?

This was Elder Stock's last night at our house!

14 weeks

Is it just me...or is this too big for 14 weeks?!

More Photo shoot...