Why Must We Live So Far From Home...

Being home for the holidays has been fantastic. We have had busy days and lazy days, and we have loved every minute of it! When we are in Ohio I miss my family, but I have enough to keep me busy that I don't get too homesick. It isn't until I come home to see everyone that I realize just how much I am missing. It makes me the most sad that Cambri doesn't know her grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins so we spend the full two weeks just getting her use to everyone. Nate and I both have GIGANTIC families and I miss being able to spend time with them. I love that we are all grown up now and to the point where family is the most important thing. We still have about 7 years until we will have the chance to move where we want to. I sure hope at that point we are able to move closer to home. I am grateful that we are blessed in abundance with lots and lots and lots of family!

December 19th was my youngest brother Alan's wedding. Still can't believe he is old enough to be married!!! His wife Shana is WONDERFUL so I am very happy for them. The celebrations were great and the marriage ceremony was amazing. It was a great reminder of the importance of creating eternal families. It was also a great reminder of my responsibility and role in my own marriage.

Alan is in the front and Daren (another little brother) and his wife Shay are the ones behind him. So Cute!!!

The happy couple and me.
The LIFE SAVER!!! The little ones were able to stay entertained with a little Whiney the Pooh and the Hefalump Adventure during the reception. I don't think I can even count how many time we have watched this dvd while traveling. We will have to do a major tv detox when we get home.

Christmas morning was lots of fun with a little one. She gave the best reactions when she opened her presents.... or any present for that matter. If I can figure out how to download the video I will share it with you. Cams is a very animated and loud child. This might make for rough times during our church meetings, but it sure makes it fun for moments like this...

This picture is from our church party. We had to come dressed up in biblical clothing. Nate's Roman Soldier costume was hand crafted from tin foil, and shiny fabric off the clearance rack at the fabric store....quality!!! It was awesome. And check out those legs! My costume was thrown together last minute because I spent all my time putting together Nate's and Cam's costumes.

It has been a fun Christmas season. We are sad that it is over. Sunday we head back to Ohio and get thrown back into life. As we finish up another year I can't help but look back at the memories created throughout 2009. It has been a good year full of many wonderful times. I will have to look back at my 2009 New Year's Resolutions to see how I did:). I am excited for the New Year ahead and the chance to accomplish new goals. I have many in the making but will save that for a different blog entry.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. Thanks for the love and friendship.

Sending my Love...

...To my husband who is far far away. Cambri and I headed to Utah yesterday for A) my little brother's wedding B) and flying any closer to the holidays makes airfare sky rocket, but Nate can't join us until next Monday. We left the poor guy to suffer through his call week all by himself.

This week is also our anniversary...4 years! It is sad we won't be together to celebrate, but let's be honest, with Nate on call we wouldn't have been able to do anything cool anyway. So we will just have to celebrate next week when we have lots of willing babysitters:).

In the mean time I just wanted to do a little tribute to us, and let Nate know that I miss him and am excited to have a week of vacation when he gets here.

4 years of fun!...

Hiking In Provo before we were married.

Our first Christmas tree. We tied it onto the top of our green Ford Contour and drove it home from Idaho. It was totally a Charly Brown tree.

First Christmas as a married couple.

Nate and I graduated from high school the same year which means that I should have finished college before him due to his 2 year hiatus for a church mission. Instead I was nice enough to drag out my college career so we could enjoy this glorious moment together:).

Family vacation in Hawaii right before we moved to Iowa. (I will never be that tan again because I have since become paranoid about wrinkles and now plaster on the sunscreen).
Becoming True Iowans by attending the Iowa State Fair. Tried our first deep fried oreos...they were delicious btw.

No I am not pregnant in this picture. This would be our Halloween party a few years back.New Year's Eve 2007

Anxiously awaiting our baby girl. I know I look about the same size as the non-pregnant picture noted before...huge.

Nate I love you!!! Please come to Utah soon! Cams and I miss you.

18 months and so grown up...

My baby is not much of a baby anymore. It is hard to believe it has already been 18 months since this little girl made me a momma. Just wish she would stop growing up so fast on me.

Everyday she becomes a little more girly. She loves ribbons, necklaces and things that sparkle. She also has herself a very girly scream that she uses anytime she doesn't get what she wants.

Here are some pictures I took of her today that I think make her look so grown up...
This one especially makes her look like a big girl. I know being her mom I have to think she is cute and perfect, but I think this picture is just precious. Not sure how Nate and I created something so beautiful.

My studious little girl.

I do love being her mom.

Sporting the Skinny Jeans...

I am not brave enough to sport skinny jeans myself, but I do find this little girl to look rather adorable in them. Thanks to our Aunt Nikki for keeping Cam in style!

I do love dressing this little girl up. I always look dumpy but it's okay if she looks so cute!:)

We are definitely looking forward to Christmas. Only 2 more weeks until we get to go home to see family.

Finding Strength in Others...

If you don't want to read my whole blog entry that is fine. But take the time to check out this blog- http://journeytoheal.blogspot.com/.

Last night I lay in bed unable to fall asleep. I gave it a good 45 minutes before I decided to get up and do something more productive. There was a blog that a friend of mine had shared with me that I had been wanting to read. I figured while the apartment was quiet that this would be a good time to sit down and look it over. I had no idea it would be such an amazing experience. It was a tear filled night, but also very comforting, cleansing and uplifting. I want to share a few of my thoughts and I hope that you will take the time to read some of the entries from this blog. I promise it is well worth your time.

The last few months I feel that I have found myself wanting more from my life. Truly my life is fabulous so I am not in need of anything in particular. I am sure we are all familiar with that feeling I am talking about. In truth I should say that I have needed more spirituality. I can not doubt that this is what has left me wanting. My spirituality goes in spurts. At times I am sure I have been over the top...almost selfrighteous. And other times I have been lazy..almost defiant. One day I hope to be able to figure out how to stay consistent, continually moving forward.

The BIGGEST problem from all of this is I have found myself being overcome with fear. It has consumed me at moments. Left me feeling empty and scared. Most of my fear has been completely unfounded. Yet I find it taking over my thoughts and dragging me down. It is true that fear and faith can not coexsist. And that is scary to think that I have let fear overcome me...where is my faith?

Last night as I read from this blog A Healing Journey I found exactly what I needed to humble me to my knees. Up to this point I know that I have been falling into the trap of thinking I know what is best for me. And if God won't give me what I need how can I ever be happy? Funny how we think we are so strong all on our own. Luckily he gives us gently reminders to help us stay the course.

Last night as I read I felt so strongly that God is aware of me. And if I will just turn my will over to him all will be well. Not easy...but well. That has been proven to me TIME and TIME again. I just keep forgeting. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who doesn't give up on me.

Anyway, I highly recommend that you take some time to read from this blog. It is a girl that I know from BYU-Hawaii. I always thought she was a wonderful person. I just didn't realize how wonderul. The blog does better at explaining the whole situation so I won't go into detail.

These are a few of the entries that really touched my heart-

http://journeytoheal.blogspot.com/2009/06/overcoming-fear.html

http://journeytoheal.blogspot.com/2009/04/humbled.html

No Place Like Home...

Ever since I graduated from high school I haven't lived in one city for more than 2 years. Most of my moves have taken me to a different state. I can now claim to have resided in Utah, Idaho, Hawaii, New York, Connecticut, Iowa and Ohio. This is pretty big for a small town girl who grew up in the same town, same house her whole life. In a year and a half my little family will pack up and move again. That place is yet to be decided. Out of all the places I imagined living I never would have thought that I would consider Des Moines, Iowa one of my homes. The saying is true "Home is were your heart is".

Cambri and I took a quick trip back to Des Moines to visit friends last week. I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful it was to see friends. I know it has only been just over 4 months since we moved from there, but the friends I have there are near and dear to my heart. And I needed to see them and enjoy a little girl time.

We traveled by train. Honestly being on the train wasn't bad, just long. We left Sandusky at 4:55am and got into Des Moines around 9pm. I was definitely done with the train ride by the time we made our way back to Ohio.

I was able to teach some exercise classes at the gym I use to work at while in Des Moines to pay for my travels. I think I might have even made a little extra. Or maybe I already spent those extra dollars on some cute clothes for Cambri:). It was fun to be back in my old stomping grounds.

I already miss everyone.

If I could have a super hero power I would choose to be able to teleport so that I could be anywhere I wanted. And with this power I would teleport all my friends and family to a nice warm,beautiful island. And next we would make a stop in Italy. Until that happens my travels will continue to take me to Des Moines, Iowa.

Thanks Friends, I love you!

Fun Pictures...

A few weeks ago my friend Annie took some pictures for me. I wanted some pics of Cam and me while it was pretty outside. It was a cold day but it didn't seem to bother Cams. I wanted her to wear her little hat because she loves it. When I take it off she gets mad. Today she wore it when she went down for her nap. Thanks Annie for being our personal photographer. We love the pictures.

The famous Cheese face. She has been doing this a lot lately.

I love my baby girl.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Having a little one makes all the holidays so much more fun!

Our pumpkins had to be happy ones this year, otherwise Cambri was afraid of them.

Don't mess with this girls pumpkin bucket...she will release a blood curdling scream. I don't think she completely understood the trick or treat thing, but she had a fun time doing it.

Getting the party started with a little root beer:)

Weekend Fun (and other updates)...

We have been a bit sick in our home this last week and finally we seem to be on the mend. Nate is pretty sure he had the swine flu. He was never diagnosed but his symptoms matched up and right now he is on his pediatric rotation so he spent all day everyday around little kiddos with the flu. I am so glad he doesn't want to be a pediatrician because I don't think I could handle him bringing home all the germs.

Now that we all seem to be feeling better I will try to catch up on a few things...

Little Cambri has become quite the 'cheeser'. It is still quite the challenge to get her smile on camera but occasionally she holds still long enough for me to get the perfect picture. I think we caught her giggling in this picture. Her laugh makes everything better.

Here is our pink princess. Most of the time she pulls her headband off and takes her shoes off but here she wanted them on. Even though we were closing up shop and going to bed. This is also her favorite place to watch tv...two inces away from the screen.

I know I am biased, but pretty sure she was the cutest kid at the Halloween party. She kicks and screams when I put this costume on her, but once we get it on she embraces it. (We seem to be encountering a lot of those power struggles these days.) Cam really got into the trick or treating. She loved putting all the candy in her pumpkin and she made sure to say "thank you" to everyone who gave her candy.

She won't ride in her big girl stroller to save my life, but she wanted to be pushed around in her baby stroller with ALL her "babies" all day long.

And finally our weekend update...We went to a pumpkin patch with some friends. We didn't exactly pick the best day to go. In fact the weather was miserable...cold, wet and windy. And we got lost on the way there thanks to faulty mapquest directions (it had nothing to do with navigator error:). We are definitely getting a GPS for Christmas). Somehow it didn't phase this little one. She loved everything about it. She especially love the horse drawn hayride and petting zoo. I feel like she is growing up so fast but pictures like this one remind me how small she still is. At least compared to her daddy.

A little action shot for you. She got a little muddy from this fall. Notice how dad is just standing there watching.

It was a cold day but we still shared a pumpkin ice cream cone. It was delicious. (I truly have an obsession with pumpkin right now. I crave it constantly. I have a new cookie recipe with pumpkin that I will share later. You have to try it.)

Ok so this was pretty much a chance for me to journal a few Cambri updates. Thanks for indulging me. Here is to a healthier week!

Today I Am Grateful...

On Monday my dad had to go in for a biopsy on his prostate after having some questionable bloodwork results. I know it is only Thursday but the last few days have felt like an eternity as we have awaited the phone call from the doctor. Everydy that passed I wondered if it was good or bad that we hadn't heard back yet, or if it meant anything at all. Of course the night time was always when the worries started flooding in. My mind was full of so many "what ifs". Honestly I felt numb anytime I started to think that my dad could have cancer...I have to even say the word. I hate cancer. My dad means the world to me. Plus Cams needs her Grandpa.

But everything is going to be okay. And that is why I am grateful today. Because the biopsy came back negative. What a relief. I can breathe a little easier. All my fears can be calmed. At least for right now. I know tomorrow may pose its own struggles and trials, but today...today is a good day.

And tonight...tonight my prayers will be a little more sincere. My heart will be a little softer. And my desires a little more pure. So that tomorrow I can try to live with no regretts. Because you never know what tomorrow will bring.

Time for Pumpkin Recipes...so YUMMY!

I gave this little dish a try the other night and it was a total success. Nate was in love and raved about it all night. Other than the fact that I had to chop onions which makes me cry without fail every time I do, the recipe was really easy. I just used extra chicken stock in place of the wine. I did use the heavy cream but I am sure you could just use milk instead to cut a few calories. It went perfect over whole wheat noodles. You have to try it!!!

I borrowed the picture from the http://MakeitandLoveit.blogspot.com site which you should also check out. Tons of fun crafts.

Here is the recipe link-
http://www.rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=397&r=397,334,605,836,804,55,717,858,959,546,843

Bon Appetit!

Cam's Curls

From my last post there were a few people who commented about Cambri's hair. It is true she finally has some! It may not be thick and luscious, but it is cute. And yes it is curly. I love it. She even has a pretty red tint. I tried to get a picture of her smiling...virtually impossible. She knows what a camera is and she won't smile for it. So here is what I have to show her curls... She is pretty good at looking innocent.
Reading books...her very favorite pasttime.

This girl is ALL GIRL! We play house with her Little People and with her babies all day.

Love you!

She's a biter!...

It all starts innocent...

The two little ones begin playing and chasing eachother. They giggle and it is super cute. They even seem to share for a moment. And then...

Cambri decides to try and dance with George. It may sound like fun, but George doesn't like it much. I wonder why.

And then she takes his favorite truck away. George's truck is his best friend...you don't mess. But since Cami is bigger she takes it anyway.

And then they start to wrestle. Again it starts out innocent...but soon Cami is smashing George.

...And trying to attack him.

It would all be in the name of fun except before you can stop her she chomps her teeth into George's back. These battle wounds are minor compared to some in the past. She got a hold of his leg once and left a bruise in the form of her little chompers for days.

They really are best buddies and they get so excited to see eachother but the fun always ends with George in tears because Cams bit him.

Any advice? Does a 16 month old understand any form of discipline? I know she understands when I say no...but that usually isn't enough. It may be a stage that she will soon outgrow, but if there is anything I can do in the meantime I am so ready to try.

Way out of my league...

A few weeks ago I was asked to serve as the organist for our ward. Only problem is I have NEVER played the organ before. The Bishop was aware of this so he gave me the challenge to learn and said I could play the piano in the mean time if I needed to. Nothing like being stretched beyond your abilities. I was actually very excited about the challenge because I have always wanted to learn to play the organ. I just never thought I would be learning by self teaching.

Things have gone well so far... except for today. While playing a hymn that I am sure most people were not that familiar with, I somehow tapped a button with one of my fingers and all sound was turned off. I was horrified! I couldn't figure out what was wrong. The power was still on so I had a moment of panic. Everyone in the congregation continued to sing, a little unsure how to proceed. Luckily I only had a brain fart for a second and realized I needed to press a button on the front of the organ to reset everything. There really are too many buttons on the organ and I know how to use about 2 of them. After the congregation sang acapella for about one line of the song (can you imagine how awkward that was for everyone) I came in right on que to finish out the verse. I wanted to start laughing and if I would have looked at anyone I probably would have. I am so out of my league!!! Oh well, it can only go up from here. Or at least I hope so:)

Just look at all those buttons...so intimidating!

Getting use to it...

...I am not going to complain too much. Mostly because I know many of you have experienced far worse. Nate is in the 2nd week of his Internal Medicine rotation. He works at the hospital and his schedule is 7am-7pm everyday. With some days starting earlier or ending later. And only 4 days off the whole month. I am not use to him being gone this much. I was lucky to have him around a lot during the first 2 years of school. He often studied from home. But now he is a working man and I don't hear from or see him ever. Last night when he got home Cambri was so excited. She wanted nothing to do with me. Apparently we both miss him.

Everyone says this whole medical school thing will be worth it...I sure hope so!

What we have been up to...

...and pretty much a blog full of pictures of Cambri.

We have worked hard (at least Nate has) and we have played hard these last few weeks. Last weekend we took a day trip to Kirtland, Ohio to visit some of the Mormon church history sites. It is only about 90 minutes east of us so it makes for an easy getaway. Honestly Kirtland is amazing. There is so much church history there. I love being able to see all of these places in real life. Sure makes me appreciate the sacrafices that were made when the church was first organized. Makes me realize how blessed we are today.

This is in front of the Kirtland temple. Will someone please tell Nate that his shorts are funny looking. He bought them for a costume party a few years back and now he wears them all the time.

A senior missionary couple took us on our tour through all the sites and they were amazing. Luckily for us there was only one other couple in the group because Cams was a monster. She is just so loud...pretty sure she inherited that from the Rencher side.

Here she is trying to break all of the antique furniture used to decorate.

And here she is playing peek-a-boo with me while the rest of the crowd was learning about something cool. Note to self- don't bring a crazy 15 month old along when site seeing. She did have fun exploring but I think I need to go back to Kirtland without the babes so that I can get more out of the tour.

Our next stop was the beach...again. We love it here.

I just love those chubby little legs!

Yesterday we tried out the Toledo zoo and it was a success. We pretty much go to zoos because Nate loves them, but this time around Cams loved it. She growled and clapped for every animal. We actually had so much fun we decided to buy a membership. So it looks like we will be spending lots of time at the zoo. Does that make me lame that I have a season pass to the zoo:)?

I want to smooch that face! Both of them!

Her newest obsession...noses. And yes she is figuring out how fun it is to put her finger in her nose.

Like I said we played hard.

Now that I have completely dedicated this entry to Cambri I will share some new recipes that I have tried recently. I found them delicious so I thought you might enjoy.

http://whowantsdinner.blogspot.com/2009/08/chicken-and-white-cream-pasta.html

http://whowantsdinner.blogspot.com/2009/05/black-bean-confetti-salad.html

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Marinated-Chicken-Kabobs/Detail.aspx?prop31=4

http://www.stephanieskitchen.com/2008/06/creamy-ranch-chicken.html

There you have it...pictures of Cami and recipes. Intersperse a few sewing projects and that is pretty much what my life consists of right now. I kind of like the low key life I lead. It leaves a lot of time for visitors:)