Laura - 4 months pregnant

I plan to post a profile picture of myself for each month of pregnancy. I did this for my pregnancy with Andrew and it has been a fun thing to look back on. I will admit, I may have been sucking in a little in this picture but that tactic won't work for much longer!

***Michael is 33 years old***

Yes, we actually got 33 candles on that cake, all burning at the same time. It's a miracle the smoke alarms didn't go off....maybe I should check the batteries.

Christmas 2009

This is the first year that the boys were old enough to really get excited about Christmas morning. Joshua was up at 6:00 A.M. There was no talking him back into bed, so we woke Andrew up, settled in and let the present opening begin. About half way through the mayhem, Andrew stopped and with a worried look on his face asked, "Mom, is this Christmas?" The poor boy was not feeling well and the whole experience just wasn't adding up for him. After everything was opened he went back to bed for three more hours. Andrew may have spent the day sick, but Joshua could not have been better. He got most of the things he asked for and enjoyed the day even knowing the "truth" about Santa.

It wouldn't be Christmas without the traditional Christmas Eve pageant. Since there are only four of us everyone has to play a couple of rolls, and the pets even get involved sometimes. I've played Mary every year since I'm the only girl, but I'm alright with that. In this picture we have Michael as a narrator and inn keeper, me as Mary, Andrew as Joseph and the angel, and Joshua as a shepherd and a wise man. Jeri made a short appearance as a black sheep.

a few random photos

The fishtank got a makeover in December. New background, new fish, and a good cleaning can work wonders for an aquatic piece of art.

I caught this after bathtime - both boys were tuckered out after a long day.

Joshua got a knex set from Grandma Barlow for his Birthday. He built the whole thing without help.

Let the holidays begin

Andrea, Megan, Karen, and Rob on our tour of Temple Square.

Joshua and Andrew loving eachother on the Mars set at the planetarium

"Oh, look! A Martian!

The Youngs were in town around Thanksgiving and we were able to spend a very fun day in SLC with them and the Barlows. We ate out (a Barlow favorite pasttime...)at the Blue Iguana, caught a movie at the Gateway, visited the planetarium, and saw the lights at Temple Square. We love to seeing the North Carolina branch of the family - they are so much fun!

Janet, Laurie, and Carrie in the kitchen after dinner

Mike and Abby playing with their blackberries

Jon made sure we didn't run out of mashed potatos.

Dad and the Turkey...iconic Thanksgiving scene.

Dad and Jan Jaussi hosted a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner. Jon and his family came, as did we, and we were joined by Janet's kids: Justin, Jamie, and Lisa along with their families. Andrew and Isaac can never get enough of eachother and played the day away.

Gingerbread! Andrea and I took second place this year with "Hagrids Hut". I'll be putting the details of this monstrosity on our new blog: Moments of gingerbread dilerium

Burrito Grande!!

After Thanksgiving the Barlow clan took a trip to the Blue Iguana in Salt Lake City, I guess because we just didn't get enough gluttony on Turkey Day. Anyone who knows me well knows two things about me; I love to eat and I'm always up for a challenge. So, when I saw the Burrito Grande on the menu I just had to try it. It is over 3 pounds and includes chicken and beef (I think a pound of each), rice, beans, and a tortilla the size of Manhattan. If you happen to finish it, they give you a free dessert-- like you'd actually want it? I went in fairly confidant having never really been full at anytime in my life for more than a few minutes. So, I chowed down on the chips and salsa like I normally would at a Mexican restaurant and downed several glasses of Diet Coke before the entree was presented to me. Honestly, I was quite full before they even brought the burrito out, but I thought it wouldn't be a big deal. Boy was I wrong! I have never seen anything like it. Laura compared it's size to a small infant (not sure why?). I had a feeling I would be in trouble, but I tried to tackle the challenge anyway. As you can see by the pictures, I couldn't quite finish it off. I think I may have been able to force the issue, but I have a feeling it would have ended badly. More than anything, I just didn't want anymore of the burrito. I actually drank another glass of Diet Coke before we left and was ready for popcorn at the movie (although we didn't get any-- not sure why?). Next time I will be ready and won't get swindled by the chips and salsa.

3rd annual eggnog day

Yes, it is that time of year again for the fabulously made up holliday - eggnog day. The first Monday in December (that will be next Monday the 7th) is proclamed to be a day of eggnogginess. So everyone get to the store and stock up on this delectibly delicious treat because Monday is the day to enjoy it to your heart's content! Happy eggnog day everyone!