Any day now...please!

I'm finally full term and hoping this baby won't make me wait an extra two weeks past my due date like my boys did! This is the first pregnancy my belly button has almost popped out, it's stretched to the limit and I hate to think what the poor thing will look like when my belly shrinks back down ;) 

I really have no reason to complain because I don't experience most of the things most pregnant women do, I never have crazy cravings, stretch marks (except a few tiny ones on my hips), sciatic pain, swelling, etc... However, I'm exhausted. My babies move nonstop 24x7, not just little movements, like they're riding a roller coaster inside me. Makes sleep quite eventful... And it's no fun carrying around this heavy weight around my middle. Makes every task more challenging. Baby dropped last week and I'm crossing my fingers she'll make her appearance soon! 

Preparing for baby, sewing projects

I've really enjoyed getting into sewing again. In my pre-baby days I used to sew all the time, but I pretty much stopped sewing after I had the boys. When I found out I was having a girl, the first thing I did was get a new sewing machine and order a ton of fabric. I even learned how to sew a basic rag quilt using these Riley Blake pre-cut squares. Quilting has always terrified me but this was simple as could be- cutting straight is half the battle, all I had to do was arrange them and sew together, no cutting at all.

A screen-free home

When we moved from Kentucky we got rid of our 10 year old tv and planned to buy a big flat screen tv when we arrived in Germany. We went to the store and scoped out a few, but since we didn't have internet and cable hooked up yet we figured we'd wait a while. It's now been four months (actually, six if you count the two months we were in KY) and we haven't missed it a single bit!

Our German house tour + DIY wall art

It has taken me FOREVER to get unpacked! I am sooo tired of moving. At least this time I know we'll stay put for 2-3 years (the longest we've ever stayed in one house!) But getting ready for Christmas and a new baby makes unpacking slow. (Not to mention my little helpers who follow behind me undoing all my work...)

Anyway, a few of you have expressed interest in seeing what our house looks like. So...here are a few pictures of the rooms that are mostly unpacked and semi-clean (sadly, they'll probably never be this clean again).

Living Room

Frankfurt, Germany LDS Temple

Here are a few pictures of the Frankfurt, Germany LDS temple I took a few months ago. This is definitely the hardest temple I've photographed yet (and I thought Las Vegas was difficult!) It's in a residential neighborhood with several buildings behind it and it's up on a hill so it was really hard to get a good angle. I do plan on taking more pictures in the spring though when there are leaves on these lovely old trees.

As always, these photos of Frankfurt Germany LDS temple and all my temple images are available as a free download for personal or church use.

2012 Scrapbook

I managed to finish my 2012 scrapbook just in the nick of time! I'm really disappointed that my printing company (Inkubook) is going out of business in a few days. They did such a great job on my books for the last 5 years and were certainly the most cost-friendly option. So...now I'm looking for a great replacement for the next year. If you have a printing company you love (I like my books large square size) please let me know!

Create your own Photobooks with Inkubook.com!

Happy New Year!

We took the boys to play at the park behind our house so I figured I'd bring my camera and take some pictures. The last time we'll be a family of five (yes, Joshua was still in his jammies). Sure love this bunch of ruffians! Hope you had a fabulous 2012 and here's to great things in 2013!

2012 in Review

2012 was quite a traveling year for us! In January and February I took the boys on a road trip from Utah to Houston, Texas, Kentucky, Alabama, Albuquerque and back stopping many places in between and seeing good friend along the way. It was quite the adventure driving most of it by myself, the boys were such troopers.

We took several trips to Zion's National Park and the St George area, San Diego, Disneyland, Idaho, Yellowstone National Park, and explored many places in the Salt Lake Valley.

Our Christmas celebration

This was our house Christmas morning...

Merry Christmas!

From our family to yours! We wish you joy in celebrating the birth of our Savior and creating memories with loved ones.

Christmas Morning Breakfast

Yes, another food post! I'm very pregnant and am back in baking mode. I've been testing recipes for a special Christmas morning breakfast and have found two PERFECT recipes. The only problem, I can't decide which to make because they are both soooo yummy! The cranberry cake is definitely a bit more healthy, especially with whole wheat flour, but the raspberry rolls are so tempting...maybe we'll have to make both... What are your Christmas morning traditions?

Christmas Baking {cookies and such}

I am in full swing Christmas baking mode, neglecting all other responsibilities (such as unpacking and cleaning) and eating myself into a sugar coma. Here are some of my favorite Christmas cookies and other treats I've been making.

Ginger Crinkle Snowflake Cookies

German Christmas Markets!

Decorating for Christmas (without a mantle)

6 weeks to go!