Christmas Review

Jack was the littlest angel for our Christmas Eve nativity. After the nativity he was brave enough to very quietly sing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" to the whole extended family (from the stage). His bravery and sweetness melted our hearts. I just cried and laughed and dumbly held the video camera instead of actually capturing the moment.

Steve's 29th birthday bash on Christmas Day. Would you believe that he is less cooperative about having his picture taken, than Jack? Good grief...and I have another one of these boys heading my way...

Building a snowman as a family. Check out that face. Which one is the kid?

Five Years

Five years and what can we say? We've got a kid, another on the way, a bike, a Christmas can and each other. We wanted a picture that would capture our special day...this is what we came up with. I'm sure glad that I had another chance to wear my wedding dress. Who knew it would work as a maternity gown?

The Real Santa

About a week ago we went to Thanksgiving Point and Jack got to sit on Santa's lap. The video isn't very good, but the evening was nearly perfect. We had A-class parking, the shortest wait to visit with Santa and we received a picture for free. Snow was starting to fall outside and we visited Santa's reindeer. Afterwards we drove through the light display and tuned into the Christmas music on the radio. I cried. It was great!

The next picture is our excursion on the Provo River. Santa came to visit us in a canoe! What a novel idea. The lights reflecting on the river really made Steve feel like he was in Italy (hehehee). Can you believe Steve loved this? It was very, VERY low-key. They actually passed rock-hard tootsie rolls out in a blue crate.

After the fun visits with Santa (over the course of a week), Jack was saying his personal prayer. I think it went something like this (although you might ask Steve) "Thank Thee for the Santa with glasses (aka Thanksgiving Point Santa) and.....thank Thee for the other Santa...." There it is folks. Proof, that in fact, this child is nothing less than a genius! Steve and I are still laughing.

Does this shirt make me look pregnant?

Although I haven't taken any tests or anything, I'm sure I'm pregnant too. I get really weird cravings (like if its food, or even resembles food, I want to eat it), I'm moody, and there's plenty of room in my Navajo chest for a couple of fetuses. I just don't know how to tell Hailey.

Does This Shirt Make Me Look Pregnant?

The other morning I was trying to get dressed for work. I tried on too many outfits to remember. Each time I pulled something together I either liked the top or I liked the bottom and was thereby encouraged to create a new outfit by changing something. I finally came downstairs and asked Steve if the shirt made me look pregnant. "Hailey you are pregnant," Steve responded. He's such a scientist, always stating the facts. Well, I need to face it. I just am pregnant and it's only going to become more apparent.

I think I may develop a line of not so friendly maternity shirts. I was recently inspired while at the gym. Leaving my step class to use the bathroom (again) I received a not so flattering stare. I really want each single male to realize that they too came to earth in a mother's belly. Lay off! I'm tired, hungry and waaaay uncomfortable and heck I should get an award for going to the gym like this!

Why I'm a lichenologist

Some people ask (but most refrain from asking because they already know I'm nuts) why I study lichens, and I've provided some pretty pathetic justification. A friend from the US Forest Service (Mark Muir) recently sent me this photo from a summer trip to the High Uinta Wilderness Area. I can't imagine any better place to work than the wilderness areas where I spend my summers. The folks with the forest service have been incredibly kind and supportive. Look at the smile on Mike's face (the guy with the horses). You couldn't find many people who are more engaging and enjoyable to be with than Mike. Anyway, these experiences are tough to beat.

Never break a promise to a pirate

On Monday I told Jack that his friends were coming over. When friends didn't quickly arrive, he began to panic. "I need my friends, I need my friends!" He said this over and over until I begged Erin to lend us India for a little bit. India and Jack are the best of friends at their best and pretty awesome duelers at their not so best.

The bottom pictures demonstrate Jack's pirate skills. He can't even believe how talented he is. I just really want to get Jack and Ellie (Howell) together. I think they could create endless entertainment.

Welcome Home Daddy

The truth is, I think I'm Debbie Reynolds. Well, only the Debbie from 'Sining in the Rain.' I just know I could have done that. Now Steve is the only one to enjoy my enthusiastic welcome home...maybe Jack does too!