IT'S MOST DEFINITELY A BOY!

It's crazy I've known now for 7 weeks that I'm having a boy but today was my official 20 week gender ultrasound so I went in with a definite mind. From my ultrasound at 13 weeks I knew I had seen something and but after seeing it again today, there is NO MISTAKEN that I'm having a boy! I've seen quite a few gender pics in the last little while and I don't think I've ever seen one this clear, I'm still cracking up about it. The doctor said, 'Either that's a boy or its eating a carrot!' (Adam's words actually). But seriously, this is quite the picture! We're sure excited though that he's coming along and we're now over the halfway mark.

On a side note, we're having the craziest weather out here! It's gotten really cold in the last few weeks, meaning 40s/50s. But this week our temperature has been 76/77 degrees every day! I don't think I've ever worn shorts, flip flops, and a t-shirt in mid December before but I'm loving it. I went to my ultrasound today wearing a skirt and flip flops! We fly out to Utah tomorrow and it's going to be a shocker going from 77 to more like 27, not cool!

ENRICHMENT

For enrichment last week, we had a Progressive Dinner which ended with a really nice Christmas meal. I signed up do one of the tables, which meant bringing my plates, silverware, cups, and centerpiece. I thought it would be sweet decorating the table but later found out a lot of people that signed up had nice Christmas dishes they were bringing. I laughed since I don't have any Christmas dishes but just wanted to have fun with my table. I used my silver chargers and glass Martha Stewart plates and improvised to create some Christmas dishes. I printed out some lime green snowflakes on paper and put them under my plates. They turned out awesome! I was a bit non-traditional and went with whites, silvers, and greens but I sure enjoyed my table!

DINNER DIVAS (& DUDES) DO DECEMBER

This month's dinner group was hosted by Kellie, my sister. And of course, her table and main part of the dinner were amazing! Since it was December we had a couples dinner this time and had a super nice Christmas Dinner. Best part of the night was when Marissa calls me as I'm on my over to Kellie's and says, 'Where can I go buy a dessert to bring over?' I said, 'What! Did your cake not turn out?' She says, 'well I'm on my way to drop Jaxson off and a guy pulled out in front of me so I slammed on my brakes and my cake FLEW OFF THE SEAT AND LANDED ON THE FLOOR!' First of all, I don't do well in those situations, thanks to my mom, and would have totally lost it! But she was a trooper. When she pulled up to Kell's I went down and helped salvage part of the cake so we were still able to have dessert. She didn't think it was too funny. But the food & night were awesome! I made a POM Spinach, Tangerine and Fennel Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette and it was TASTY! I totally recommend it, especially for the holidays.

THE BOB???

What would I do without photoshop!

No, I haven't cut my hair yet but am so close to doing it. I have had long hair ever since high school, variations of long of course. Right now is probably the shortest of my long hair that I've had it and I'm wanting a change. Ever since the bob started getting big in the spring, I have seriously wanted it. I had considered cutting it in July when I went home but my hair dresser talked me out of it saying I'll probably want longer hair in the summer so I can pull it up and maybe try the short in the winter, not a bad idea. So I chickened out in July but have been thinking about it ever since. Adam isn't totally up for me chopping my hair off but I figure if I hate it, I can grow it out and have a decent length for the summer. So I decided to play around with photoshop and see what I would look like with a bob. I am really loving Jenny McCarthy's bob so I inserted my face and there you have it... What do you think??? I'm getting it cut in Idaho on the 20th so my days are numbering down. I'm the worst with decisions though so I probably won't decide until I'm sitting in the chair!

LETTING IT ALL HANG OUT

I have finally popped and am letting it all hang out. I was able to hide it pretty well up until Thanksgiving when my belly to decided to pop out. So it's now time to show off the belly, my favorite part of being pregnant. It's going pretty quickly, almost too quickly at times it seems like. Over Thanksgiving break I was watching my nephew who is 20 months old and thinking to myself, wow, that is where Kenedee will be when the baby is born and then realized she's only a few months away from that age, scary. So yeah, I'm about to hit the halfway mark (20 weeks) next week. Exciting! I had to post these pics cause Kenedee was looking mighty cute today decked out in her new H&M attire.

DADDY'S LITTLE GIRL!

Kenedee has made the switch to her dad and it happened out of nowhere! I'm not liking it! I knew once I had the baby that would happen but thought I had a few more months. We started to notice it over Thanksgiving break, Kenedee only wanted to go to Adam the ENTIRE time. She wasn't being the best eater that trip so many times I was force feeding her to eat which she didn't enjoy. So everyone was making the joke that she wasn't happy with me that trip for that reason. Little did I know that the switch had happened. Adam left for a work Conference the day after we got back (Wednesday morning). So I was again loving my four days of Kenedee wanting me. But little did I know that that was all going to end yesterday. Kenedee and I went to pick Adam up from the airport last night. From the second she saw him, she wanted to be with him the entire night, not joking. It's all cute and all til you want to hold her and get denied. She seriously would not go back to me all night! And then today at church (which I can't complain cause she's becoming a handful there) she wouldn't leave Adam's side again. I finally took her away from him and brought her to Relief Society with me. She wasn't too happy that I took her away and just held her hands out for him the whole time I walked away. I'm not ready for this change to happen but apparently she has made the switch, sad times for me!

THANKSGIVING IN BURBANK!

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We just got back from Burbank, CA, where we spent our Thanksgiving with Adam's family. He is one of ten children and everyone was able to make it home! I think we beat you all with 28 people in one house, it sure was a party!

Since we weren't celebrating our Thanksgiving Dinner until Friday, quite a few of us went to Disneyland on Thanksgiving. There was quite a crowd and I just kept thinking, 'what are you all doing here on Thanksgiving!' We had a blast and Kenedee quite enjoyed herself. She was such a trooper!

On Friday we had Thanksgiving Dinner, Family pictures taken in the park, our traditional Paper Airplane Contest held at the park, followed by the Laker's game on TV, and then the BYU basketball game on the computer. We had a full day! On Saturday we of course watched the BYU/UTAH game (go Cougars), had an In-N-Out run, and took the Metrolink to Olvera Street (basically little Mexico in downtown LA). It was pretty neat to see. Sunday of course included church, where Adam's younger brother & sister both spoke in sacrament meeting. They sure had a crowd there to hear them speak. Monday we took the scenic route through the Hollywood Hills and drove to Beverly Hills to hit up H&M! Man do I look forward to shopping there everytime we go visit! I found a few cute dresses for me and THE cutest clothes for Kenedee. We seriously need an H&M in Atlanta!

We flew home Tuesday and to our surprise, had Ben Stein on our flight, crazy! We flew out of the Burbank Airport which is where you're likely to see celebrities flying in and out of so we of course had our eyes peeled. It was funny cause we saw Ben Stein walking through the hall as we were sitting at our gate. So Adam pulled his info up on Wikipedia and was reading it aloud to me. Just as he was finishing the last line 'he owns a summer home in Sandpoint, ID' (go Idaho!) we look up and he is standing not but five feet in front of us. He looked at us both, nodded and smiled. It was pretty awesome. Adam kept thinking he heard us but I don't think he did. Good times. He sat first class so we didn't get to see much more of him. When we got off the plane in Phoenix he was nowhere to be found.

It's always funny to hear what people say when we are out and about with Adam's family since there are so many of us. A few of my favorites were first, when Kim (Adam's younger sister) had a bunch of friends over one night. The rest of us were in the other room and as I went walking into the kitchen I heard one of her friends say 'so is this your mom's side of the family or your dad's side of the family?' Kim responded, 'no this is my IMMEDIATE family.' Super funny. And the other time happened when we were getting off the train at the Burbank Station. We sat on the upper level so we all had to walk down the stairs to get off the train. Of course traveling with 28 people is quite the crowd. Adam and I were near the last few and some people were cracking up saying 'WOW, FAMILY REUNION ON THE METROLINK!' It made us all laugh cause they couldn't believe it kept going and going.

We take off in two weeks for our Christmas Vacation to Idaho! I have a lot of shopping to do in two weeks but I can't wait to leave again!

We hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

A FULL HOUSE

So a girl in our ward started a monthly FHE where families take turns hosting each month. The first one happened in October so I volunteered to host the November FHE. I love parties and having people over but I don't think we've ever fit this many people in our 1100 square foot home. It was a huge turnout with about 14 adults and 12 kids. I know, crazy! It really was a lot of fun though. Adam gave the adult lesson while I took the kids into the office and gave them a lesson. My lesson finished up a little earlier than Adam's so I let the kids run wild in Kenedee's room - 12 kids in one room, intense! But they were all loving it!

The best part of the night was when I started dishing up dessert. I was cutting/serving the cake while a few moms took the kids into the office so they could enjoy their cupcakes. After a few minutes a little girl comes walking up to me and says, 'SOME LITTLE GIRL IS GETTING CUPCAKE EVERYWHERE!' So she led me into Kenedee's room, where it remained silent and who do I see???? My own daughter was going to town on a stolen cupcake! She had somehow managed to sneek one of the other kids' cupcakes from the office and took off to enjoy her cupcake to herself. It was smeared all down the front of her and all over her floor! I looked at her and just busted up laughing, it was one of the funniest things I've seen her do. I was in too big of a hurry to get it cleaned up before the kids tracked it throughout the rest of the house so I didn't get a pic but it was sure a sight to behold. But I thought I'd post these pics to show how many kids were in Kenedee's room - party!

Entering Kenedee's room...

VIDEO GAMES W/DAD

Whenever Adam plays his Tiger Woods Golf game, Kenedee loves to sit on the couch and play right next to him. It's the cutest thing cause she usually leans up against him and kicks it there. I had to post these pics I took the other day of her sitting in between Adam & Steve with her own controller.

Kenedee made herself quite comfortable all cozied up to Steve.

OUR miniCHEERLEADER

Kenedee's Halloween costume this year is a BYU Cheerleader. I had bought this outfit for her before I had left BYU, but knew I was pregnant with a girl. I purposefully bought it the size I did so this could hopefully be her Halloween costume, and it worked out. I must say I did a good job matching her up to what I remember wearing, white turtleneck (for cold football games), uniform, and athletic shoes. I hadn't found any shoes for her to wear and was sad thinking she might have to wear her cute brown ones, which totally wouldn't go with the uniform. So hours before our Trunk or Treat, I made one last stop at our local Wal-Mart and found the PERFECT shoe, a white/navy blue athletic shoe. They were too cute and made the outfit, which also worked out since our little boy can wear these shoes. We hit up our Trunk or Treat on Saturday night and Kenedee loved it, mostly walking with her balloon around the entire gym. Everyone thought they were pretty funny asking me if that was my old BYU cheer uniform, haha not funny. There was a carnival beforehand and then the traditional trunk or treating outside. It was a good time for all!

Fishing with Dad

Coloring with Dad

Kenedee attempting the 'Donut on a String' | Jaxson had arrived! As you can see, Kenedee was a little happy to see him.

Kenedee thought she was pretty cool walking & sitting around everywhere.

DOES THIS MEAN I HAVE TO SHARE MY ROOM?

It sure does cause I'M PREGNANT! It's been a killer for me to keep quiet for so long since I get so excited about these things. We did tell our families though at like 12 weeks but I'm now officially 14 weeks and starting my second trimester. I'm due the end of April so I'm a little over 3 months along, crazy. It was somewhat of a surprise, yet not a surprise. I told Adam I did not want another baby in August since it was too hard to miss out on summer vacations with family. So if we could plan it, my ideal time would be April or October. Well April meant trying in July/August and we had so much going on. We just got home from our month long summer vacation, Adam was selling back his branch, he was also starting his second year of Law School, and I was planning Kenedee's birthday party. So with all that going on, we never sat down and decided on anything. So when the end of August came along I said, 'well, looks like we'll have an October baby'. I was quite excited for October because I just finished breast feeding and I was looking forward to four months of myself again before it all started. Well not the case, I started to feel quite sick the week before Labor Day and so I took a test... positive of course. So although we thought we missed our April baby, it was growing all along. When my parents came out to visit the beginning of October I made this shirt for Kenedee with the ultrasound picture to announce it. My mom didn't have her glasses on when I first went over to my sister's house so she couldn't figure out why Kenedee had this shirt on. Too funny.

And yes, we know the gender already. Well 90% sure, though I am convinced. My clinic now pushes for their patients to get the 'First Trimester Screening' done which takes place at 13 weeks. It is a test checking for Down Syndrome. I had the AFP done with Kenedee, which also checks for Down Syndrome, and that one is done at 17 weeks. So I thought why would I need to know that much earlier. It wasn't that big of a deal for me so I was just going to wait until 17 weeks and have that test done. But when I was having my ultrasound at my 12 week appointment the lady asked if I was getting the 'First Trimester' test done. I told her probably not so she went on to explain what all is involved in the test. With the AFP test, it's not that accurate and gives a lot of false positives. So they're pushing for this new test since it gives a more accurate diagnosis. The ultrasound tech went on to tell me that it involves blood work and an in-depth ultrsound. I was like 'what does that mean?' So she said that they go in and measure the fluid in the back of the neck and from that they are able to tell, super interesting. She then said that by 13 weeks she can usually tell the gender of the baby and she'd be able to tell me how sure she was. SOLD! That might be bad, but I was now getting this test done, if I could find out the sex of my baby at 13 weeks vs 20 weeks, sign me up! So I went in and had the ultrasound done. The tech told me the baby must have wanted me to know because its legs were spread open for everyone to see. And yes, IT'S A BOY! She said she was 90% sure and had to leave a 10% room for error since this isn't my 20 week ultrasound but after seeing it, I was convinced as well.

DINNER DIVAS DO OCTOBER!

I started a dinner group out here and Wednesday was our first real dinner. There are 6 girls total but only 3 of us could make it so I told the husbands to come along so we could all taste-test our gourmet pizzas. It turned out awesome and the pizzas were delicious. I've never made pizza before and didn't realize how easy and quick it is, we just might be having these more often.

(I stole this picture off my sister's blog since I didn't get any pictures of people at my table.)

After dinner the guys went straight for the couch to play Tiger Woods Golf.

OCTOBER FUN

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Every year we head up north Georgia with the Clark Family (my sister's in-laws who have adopted us in). We first stop by the apple orchard/store for some tasty apples, carmel, and boiled peanuts (Adam's favorite). We then hit up Amacalola Falls (which we didn't make it to this year since it was crowded) so we then headed to Burt's Pumpkin Farm, always a favorite. They have the biggest pumpkins and some of the craziest colored ones. The green ones are my favorite! They organize the pumpkins in groups and lay them out in square patches, it always looks so cool. We found some winners for our carving contest. The next day (Sunday the 21st) we headed to the Kelley's for our Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest. Everyone was serious this year and brought their A-game. Adam was quite proud of his winner last year and wasn't going to go down. I wasn't too sure of his idea I must admit so I went solo and carved my own, which I enjoyed (carving Kenedee's face). But I will say that Adam's turned out pretty sweet. It was quite creative and gave us all a good laugh. Our first judge awarded his champ and he was quite proud. Seriously too funny, I don't know how he comes up with these. I found this Halloween cake in a magazine and had to try it out. It's a Chocolate Pumpkin Cake and is sweet looking. I made it that night and it was a hit. I highly recommend it. If you want the recipe, email me and I'll send it your way, everyone should make this at Halloween.

Kenedee loved exploring the pumpkins at Burt's Pumpkin Farm


Adam's Masterpiece - Yes, it's what you think it is, a pumpkin taking a dump, toilet seat, bowl, facial expression and all.

My Pumpkin Entry - Kenedee's Face. The picture doesn't really do it justice, it looked pretty sweet all lit up.

My new favorite cake! You all should make it! Let me know if you're up for it and I'll email you the recipe.

KENEDEE CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF JAX

Our friends scored some tickets to 'So You Think You Can Dance' concert tour here in Atlanta so we were excited to watch Mr. Jaxson (Kenedee more than anyone). Every time Kenedee is with him she can't get enough of him. She follows him around everywhere and laughs at anything he does. It's pretty hilarious to watch. So after hours of playing they settled down to watch The Little Mermaid.

PAMPERING FOR THE LADIES!

My friend out here does manicures & pedicures, among other stuff, but I finally hit her up for some needed pampering. It was deluxe and I loved every second of it. It just so happened that the night before I painted Kenedee's toenails as well. So when we were at Marissa's house and she was putting flowers on my big toes, she found some super cute ones for Kenedee's toes. Talk about teeny, tiny flowers to fit on her teeny,tiny toes. I couldn't get over how cute they looked. How many one year olds do you see with their toenails all done up, polish, flowers, and all. I had to take a pic, TOO CUTE!

OUR VISIT FROM IDAHO!

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They finally arrived! My dad, mom, and younger sister flew out to Atlanta to spend a few days with us. They have come out the last three years now at this same time and it works out really well cause it's also Kellie's birthday too. So yes, it's one big party while they're here. We went shopping, played many games of Whirlyball, saw the new World of Coke, celebrated Kellie's birthday at Top Spice and then cheesecake at her house afterwards, more shopping, Priesthood session while the girls went yet shopping again. On Sunday we went over to the Clarks' to watch General Conference. It was a day of listening, eating, and playing badmitton. We were so sad to see them leave but will see them again at Christmas. Thanks for coming out!


Happy Birthday Kell!


My intimidation face. I know, a little scary


The Olson Fam (minus Kristopher/Celeste's family & Kurt the Hurt)

GOODBYE SUMMER

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Last weekend of September we took a much needed vacation to Hilton Head Island, SC. It's a well-known getaway out here and famous for its golf. So we thought what a perfect weekend, the girls could spend the day at the beach while the guys play golf. And that's just what we did. We were a bit nervous heading out because the weather forecast was supposed to rain (thunderstorm rain) - all day every day. Not cool. But to our surprise we couldn't have asked for a better weekend, totally sunny and HOT. We pulled in Friday night to our fabulous hotel, thanks to Howells. We definitely recommend the Marriott Surfwatch, newly built & located right on the beach. We had a 3 bedroom/3 bath villa with kitchen, living room, washer/dryer and all, it was pretty deluxe. On Saturday the guys headed out for golf and us girls hit the beach. We spent all day out there and couldn't have enjoyed it more. We were nervous that the clouds were going to roll in so none of us put on any sunscreen (except the kids of course) - and we got FRIED. The guys finally returned after playing 27 holes, yes 27 holes. You'd think they'd have their fill after 18 but not these guys. That night we tried the OLD OYSTER HOUSE which we heard had the best seafood on the island. Steve, Kellie, Bryan and Adam were brave enough to down some oysters but Marissa and I said no thanks. Oh how I needed that last bit of summer sun!



Kenedee found her new love for birds and screamed every time they flew overhead. "BIRD!"

HOW DID I LIVE WITHOUT GREY'S

After last season's finale, I couldn't believe I would have to go a whole summer without watching my favorite interns. And after watching tonight's premier, how did I go all summer without Grey's Anatomy. I don't know what it is but I love this show. I got hooked in it's second season and haven't missed an episode since. I still can't believe how crazy everything has gotten, Meredith & Derek, Christina & Burke, Izzie & George, Karev and Ava (aka Rebecca). I don't think I can watch an episode without laughing out loud and bawling my eyes out. Adam doesn't understand why I watch this show when it can be so sad sometimes but I love the good and the bad that make up this show. And where is Addison. I am still mixed about Private Practice, I love that show already but it's not the same at Seattle Grace without Addison Shepherd. I told Adam how awesome is it that I get double the fun though. Basically the same show for two hours a week, I do love that. I can't wait to see how this season unfolds. I'm love my GREY'S ANATOMY!

ONE YEAR PICTURES

I took Kenedee recently to get her one-year old pictures taken. I always get a little nervous each time I go hoping that nothing crazy happens. She was a little pro and sat and smiled so cute. Here were some of her cutest. I can't believe how old she's getting.


This would have been the cutest if she was looking at the camera, oh well.


What can I say, she's the cutest!


After tons of poses and smiles, she decided she was done - it was time for the thumb.

MISS FISH

Kenedee has these fish toys for the bath which she's obsessed with. And the last few days she's been crawling/walking around the house with the fish in her mouth. She's thinks it's hilarious. Who's kid is this?

We're off to Hilton Head Island this weekend for a little getaway with the Clark's & Howell's. Exciting! We'll post some pics when we get back.