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.