That's Interesting…

So, some of you might think that I have been slacking off but I have actually been writing blog posts. I just have not been finishing them.
But I’d better start from scratch…
Quick Czech trip update:
Mom was unavailable most of the time, so I got to hang out with Dad a ton. He would leave for work early in the morning and I would come and walk with him back home in the afternoon. We worked on projects around the house. Got a ton done. I am someone for whom the fact that my parents are aging is absolutely incomprehensible. I just dont get it. I want them to have the energy they have always had. So, I spent quite a bit of time scrubbing, organizing, and rearranging, etc. The house was spotless and OCD-happy when I left.
Dad’s addiction to angry birds is growing strong. He even plays a few rounds when he gets up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Could I be prouder?
We went on an awesome trip to Dresden to see the Christmas market. I love Christmas markets!!!! The atmosphere is so warm and strong it is like a shawl.
Ooooh…I got a massage…a “pre-mama” massage at a Thai spa. They are very thorough–even my boobies got massaged!!! (Might have actually been my first lesbian adventure…I decided I was fine with that because my boobies have not hurt since )

Back in UT:
Jetlag.
Jetlag.
Jetlag.

On Thursday we had a blueberry doc appointment and got to hear the heartbeat!!! The blueberry seems to be doing fabulous. David thinks it is exercising.

Then on Friday it was decided that Litster Christmas was going to be at our house. This was about the fifth plan change and my head was spinning. Luckily, OCD keeps the house clean and cooking for masses is my forte. So, I braved Macey’s and Target while David was sent to Costco and Wal-Mart. I frankly think that he has been scarred for life–holiday shopping aint for the weak.
Jonnie slept over Friday night because the 24th is his bday and I was throwing him a bday bfast. I made Dutch Baby (his favorite), sausages, and hasbrowns with fresh-squeezed OJ. He was in heaven. Jennie joined us as well.
I spent the rest of the day at the stove. And that is how I want it. No shopping. Just cooking and chatting.
I made vanocka (a traditional Czech egg bread–with a quarter baked into it for prosperity), a roast, green beans, mashed potatoes, and chicken soup.
Dinner was at 5. I explained Czech traditions and we dove in. (Our table was wrapped in a chain, so that the family would stay together all next year, etc.)
After dinner we tried several Czech fortune telling and superstition techniques–slicing apples (for health), stepping on a hatchet (to break leg pain)….
Then we lit the candles and fire crackers on the Christmas tree (well-watered). It was perfect.

The boys went up to SLC to watch Jennie’s concert while I crashed.

I must also mention that I did not miss out on my parents’ Christmas as we Skyped while they opened their Christmas gifts that I brought over. It was FANTASTIC.

Christmas Day, David and I woke up early and wrapped gifts. David took charge of the stockings. He was adorable–laying them by his sleeping siblings. Awwww.
After breakfast (baked French toast), we read Luke 2 and opened our presents.

David and I spent all our $$$ on a DSLR Canon Camera. And then all our Christmas gift cash on a keyboard piano. I think we are officially mormon now–a piano in the living room and a baby in my tummy.
David gave his family a DVD of 6,000 pictures that he has been scanning and tagging for the 4 months. It was a mega project but he really put his whole heart into it. I am so proud of him.

It really was a lovely Christmas with everyone with us in our small basement. I do admit that I slept thru all of Monday though. Jetlag and pregnancy take toll on my energy level.

Well, it is Tuesday morning, David is going back to work and I need to tackle some cleaning, bills, and shopping.

I am a very happy and lucky girl.

Loves,

Sandy