Christmas in Arizona

What a fabulous Christmas we had here in Glendale! After the craziness of juggling both our families in years past, it was kind of nice to relax and enjoy the day together. Although we missed our families a ton--especially me since it was my first Christmas away from family. Thank goodness for technology though--we were able to use our webcam with the Websters and watch our crazy nieces and nephews open gifts at Grandma and Papa's and then we were able to visit with the Carters all over the country by phone. Christmas Eve was spent with our friends the Bellows and in true Webster tradition we ate Mexican Hat, Slush and other various appetizers. Our Christmas dinner turned out fantastic--thank you Ben. The prime rib was divine and I made homemade rolls (Mom Webster's recipe) that were fantastic! To top off the night, I attempted to make Tom & Jerry's--and I don't know if it was that there aren't the same when my mom doesn't make them or if I did them wrong but it just wasn't the same. :( Maybe next year? Now we are just waiting for the big day--for Eliza to arrive! The doc says we do not have to induce if we do not want. What a relief! And everything is slowly moving towards delivery so we'll see what happens...only time will tell! Happy New Year everyone--we Love you!

Merry Christmas to All!

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you are enjoying your holiday wherever it may find you. Enjoy the family, the traditions, the food and everything else the holiday brings your way. May we always remember our Savior Jesus Christ -the love He has for us, the sacrifice He made for us and the tender mercies he continually gives us. We love you all!

3 wks to go and 7 lbs

Since Xander was 9lbs and broke his collar bone during delivery, our doctor recommended we take a peek at little Eliza to see how she is growing. The concern being that breaking a collar bone can cause permanent damage--and we wouldn't want that. So we had an ultrasound today to check on her and the technician had some fun with his 3-D equipment. So, here is our little Eliza--isn't technology amazing?? She is currently weighing in at an even 7 lbs and you can even see her chubby checks and little Carter nose! Don't worry about the things to her sides--those aren't growths--that is the placenta wall. Eliza dropped last week and so it was hard to get good images as she is down sooo low. The doctor will get the results and we'll talk next week about whether to induce me or not. But I had to share the early snapshot of our little one!

#3 on Google

A few years ago Ben wrote an article regarding the work he did with the BYU Folklore project. Well, tonight we were playing on the computer while catching a tv show and found that if you type "Benjamin R Webster" he shows up in the #5 spot on Google (or #3: Benjamin Webster Mormon)! How fun is that?? ...I just had to brag. :)

T-1 Month

As I was looking at the calendar today I realized that it was December 8th. One month exactly from my estimated due date. WOW. I cannot believe that I am going to be the mother of two children so soon! By the way...for those who do not know...the name we will most likely choose for this new bundle of joy will be Eliza Joy Webster. Eliza for my middle name, Elizabeth; Joy for my mother-in-laws middle name Joyce and well, Webster because it is tradition to give your children the same last name as yours. :) Have a GREAT day!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

1st to my family: PINCH PUNCH, 1st of the MONTH! :)
Since moving to Arizona we have heard the statement made many times that, "This is not typical weather." The 20+ days of 105, the 80+ deg weather in November and now the 'biggest storm' in 2 years have come our way since moving here. Now, the days of 105 and the 80 deg weather were a little unbearable but this 'storm' is fantastic. This is a picture from our little balcony of the flooding that is taking place in our complex. Last night, Xander and I went to deliver dinner to a family in need and thank goodness I had put my flip flops on because the water in our parking lot came to my ankles! (And I'm so glad I had put Xander in our big stroller and not the umbrella one!) There has been wind, rain, lightening, thunder--this is the kind of weather I like during my winter. Our windows have been open for 2 days and our home feels so wonderful (attribute that to the pregnancy). Anyways, yeah for the weather finally changing and yeah for the rain...since Arizona is in a small drought. :) And like I said, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas now!!

Thanksgiving

We had such a blast this week in San Diego! Kayley, John & the Krages helped us have one of the most memorable Thanksgivings we will probably ever have. Xander was in heaven since Nana, Grumpy and Uncle Jake were there and also because he got to play with "Wrinkles" the dog and all the Krage children. We made it to Sea World on Wednesday. And despite the fact that Xander did not get more than 8 hours of sleep the night before he only broke down and cried once--because Mommy told him he could not ride Shamu. He really did not understand and still asks to "ride the whale." :) He loved the animals though and so did we. Despite the waterfall being broken (it wouldn't shut off--so it really soaked everyone) on the rapids, Daddy enjoyed the rides and Mommy enjoyed watching everyone have a great time. Thanksgiving day was a blast--we were in charge of pie crust and we pumped out 8 crusts in an hour. Dinner was fantastic with lots of new recipes that will definitely become part of our family recipe book. Kayley did a fantastic job figuring everything out and organizing dinner for 22+ people. Friday was definitely awesome since Ben & I left Xander with Nana and went on our Anniversary date. We took a 2 hour cruise of San Diego bay (since the 2 days prior we were on our feet the whole day and my feet were getting a little big!) and then enjoyed dinner there as well. We love family, we loved San Diego and we are so grateful we got to share our holiday with those we love!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY XANDER!

My son is 2! And boy can we tell...not because he's "terrible" (although he has his moments) but because learning is everything right now. He'll randomly do and say things that I never knew he could do--like tonight for example. We were changing his diaper and he broke out into "Happy Birthday"--without forgetting a word! It is so fun. We never know what he'll surprise us with next. As you can see, I made a train cake for the big celebration. Trains are everything to this guy right now--especially if it is Thomas. The best part is Thomas (to Xander) is a character in a book. We tried the movies (we rented one from the library) and he gets bored but he LOVES the books. So I'm ok with him loving this "cheeky" train. Anyways, we sure love our little man and are excited to continue watching and helping him grow!

Tagged

So, I NEVER do things like this but the dishes are done, Xander is asleep and I don't feel like watching TV or reading a book...so here are the rules and 6 things about me:

A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
B. Each player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves.
C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 6 people and posts their names, then go to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

1) If I had an extra $10,000 to spend, I would buy a string bass. I really miss playing one. And I'd love for kids to know that their mom spent 9 years in an orchestra.
2) When we finally find a place to call home, I would like to get my teaching credentials and teach high school. Preferably Government or US History or World Cultures...something like that.
3) I have a secret wish to be able to sing again. It has never been the same since I had vocal cord pallups in the 10th grade...someday I'd love to even sing a solo in Church and have people say, WOW!
4) I would also love to learn to dance. Especially when I see movies like, "Save the Last Dance" and Julia Stiles audition to Julliard in that flick...it makes me want to learn to move like that.
5) (This is harder than I thought) When Ben retires, I'd like to open a Bed & Breakfast with him...in a country/rural area where people can come fall in love again. And our kids will be able to visit us with our grandkids and there will be room for everyone!
6) There is nothing I like better than a clean, organized home on a Sunday afternoon with my amazing husband and Xander. After church when we are home resting or playing is the most wonderful time of my week.
-The End-
I tagged the following people: Em, Sheryl, Stephanie, T, Rachel and Amanda

A Good Thing about AZ

I know I complain a lot about AZ...so here is one thing I am thankful for here. There is NO daylight savings time! So we did not change our clocks last week and therefore I did not have to adjust Xander's nap or bed schedule. In times past we would always have a rough day or two as we tried to get used to our new time--but not here. YEAH ARIZONA!!

Phoenix Zoo

I didn't snap very many pictures at the Phoenix Zoo this past week. But we did have a great time. The Thunderkids group that we hang out with (kids whose parents go to Thunderbird) had a field trip to the Zoo on Wednesday. The zoo itself was beautiful--an oasis in this desert area. There were lots of animals--more than we had time to see! I think Xander's favorite was the monkey cage that we got to go in to...as seen here, it is an open cage that we got to walk through. The only thing Xander remembers now though is that we had to wash our hands when we got done because the monkeys pee everywhere and well, good luck getting a 2 year old not to touch things!

Thank Goodness #2 is almost here!

I guess I never realized how lonely my son was until the other day when I found him playing catch with his stuffed dog. It is his favorite game right now...he throws the ball at the dog and giggles when it hits the dog. He always aims for the "nose". Hopefully he'll be just as excited when his sister arrives, right?

Sgt X

Xander is ready for Basic Training! He loves doing push-ups. Every since mom showed him how to do one (with an 8 month belly, I only managed one but I did do 1!) he has loved showing off his muscles and doing push-ups at random times.

Better Late than Never?

I know, you are suppose to carve the pumpkin before Halloween! Well, we did not even buy the pumpkin until the day before so our real opportunity was last night. Mom had gone to get a few tests done (one downside to the baby measuring smaller than I'm used to--I don't feel her move unless I focus all my attention on my belly--don't worry everything is A-OK!) and so she suggested to Dad that to pass time he and Xander could carve the pumpkin. I can't believe what a happy boy I found when I got home! He couldn't wait to show me the seeds or 'beans' as he calls them or how the top comes off to reveal NOTHING. Ben actually had him scoop the pumpkin himself and he loved the ding he got each time the spoon hit the bowl we had for the innards. We might try and do a face tonight--who knows? We may carve pumpkins every week until they go out of season? It is a pretty cheap activity, huh??

Family Home Evening--Music Time

Alright, I know what you are all thinking. Xander is definitely my son! Just because I have pictures doing the exact same thing at the same age doesn't necessarily mean that. Seriously though, Xander just loves to conduct the music. Anyone who sits next to us at Church ends up busting up as he prepares each time a Hymn is sung. I just love my son!!

Trying New Things

Ben said that he would dress up for Halloween and wear whatever Xander made for him. Since we had already determined there wasn't much for me to be with my belly we decided to do a family costume. Xander would be Peter Pan, Mom would be Wendy (haha) and Dad would be a lost boy. So Xander learned how to finger paint this weekend and made Ben a shirt and a headband with feathers for the Church activity that was Saturday. Mom made Xander a hat--yes, I used a thread and needle and it held together well! And luckily, Mom's costume she bought for Otters Champs 04 still fit, a little snug, but it fit. As you can see, the finished product didn't look all that bad. :) It took people awhile to figure it out, they said something about Wendy wasn't pregnant in the movies? We had a blast though out in the park playing carnival games and eating chili. Xander especially loved earning candy. Although, it has somehow seemed to disappear since arriving home? Anyone??

AZ State Fair

So, hopefully we'll be able to figure out our video camera so we can upload a picture to this entry but for now let's just say that we had a great time at the AZ State Fair Friday night. We chose to go on Friday because admission prices were cheaper than the other nights--thanks CBS. If you ask Xander what his favorite thing was he would probably say watching the Sheep get sheered. Now when you ask him about sheep, he pretends to cut his hair. That makes me a little nervous--but hopefully we won't have any problems with that. :) Much like the CA State Fair, there was plenty of deep fried food--in fact, just like we have a Twinkie, the AZ State Fair is known for its deep-fried Snickers. I wouldn't recommend it--it wasn't all that special. Of course, I've never eaten the Twinkie so maybe comparatively speaking-it's better? We did enjoy our Navajo Tacos though and the few exhibits we were able to see. I have to admit though--CA does a WAY better job. :) I know, I know, I always say Cali is best and well, I guess it just is--I am biased though. :)

California Love

Well, I remember why I love California so much. It is perfect here! Xander and I arrived on Tuesday and have been going crazy with cousins ever since. We've hung out with lots of cousins, Grandma's, Papas, Nanas, and Grumpys. Xander has been working out so hard that his naps have reached a solid 3.5 hours since arriving. We've had fun taking the llamas on walks, riding tractors, finding pumpkins, running around Fairytale Town in the rain, trying hot chocolate for the first time and enjoying planting plants. The weather has been, well other than some rain, beautiful. Here are a few pics of our adventures:

The Belly

I know you've all been wanting to see a picture--here it is at long last. This isn't the greatest picture of me...but Emily, Ben does want me to accidentally forget to give you back this shirt...he's a big fan. So anyways, here I am at about 27 weeks...6.5 months. I'm not wearing a maternity skirt because well, the one I have doesn't fit yet. But, I am sure it will because on average a baby at this stage only weighs 2 lbs-ish and so that means we have 6 more pounds to go! At least I still have a great tan!

Mom's Birthday/LalaGlendooza

What a great birthday weekend we had! Ben surprised us on Friday and announced that he had finished all of his homework and was taking the morning off! The city of Glendale had planned a big (FREE) Western activity for preschool age kids and so we were off to the park after a scrumptious breakfast (yes, I got my b-day donut). Xander got to pan for gold, catch plastic ducks, go through a maze and we all got free rootbeer floats! We would have ridden on the ponies, but while we were in line, a girl got thrown from the horse, so they put the horses away. We had a blast though--especially watching the blacksmith. Then after an afternoon of rest and meetings (I volunteered as the treasurer for the Thunderkids club--so we had a presidency meeting) we went to dinner. Tonight we'll celebrate with our friends and have strawberry cake. Other than that, life is fantastic! The school had a regional night celebration last night so we dined on foods from Asia and enjoyed entertainment by those from Asian countries. Xander especially liked the dragon dance, the Korean drums and TOFU! He is definitely my son. So we had lots of parties to celebrate mom hitting the quarter century mark--maybe we could make this a tradition?

Homecoming 2007

So, I know Xander isn't 16 yet but it was a picture op we couldn't miss. This is Sierra--one of Xander's favorite friends. Sierra's mom is having #2 on Wednesday and so we had them over to dinner tonight to give her a break. (Dad is away on an interview). Don't they make a cute couple?? :)

Favorite Activities

The camera decided to work today so here are a few shots of Xander's favorite activities: trains, coloring and bubbles. Although since it is starting to cool off (don't hold your breath they say) we may try and head outdoors a little bit--at least in the morning. We still swim daily though. Xander is a natural little fish. Ben was elected to First Tri Rep for Student Gov--yeah Ben! And we joined a few of the other clubs on campus as a family (the French club, Soccer club, International Women's Club etc). We will definitely be staying busy down here.

Alas, No Pictures

Well, I know you are all dying for a new post...but our camera broke (again) and so I have put off posting anything new. Some exciting things though: For Me: I'm the proud owner of a Kitchenaid stand mixer now. I know Ben bought it because it means I'll cook certain favorite treats of his, but I have one...that's all that matters. :) I have also become the Treasurer for the Thunderkids program here...so I'm important:). For Ben: Student Council elections were this week and Ben ran for First Tri rep. We'll get the results some time this weekend. School is tough but Ben keeps plugging along. His first foreign excursion will probably be to Mexico in Feb. And for Xander: (Aunt Kayley can be proud) if you ask him what a shark says he sings the Jaws theme!! He's learning new words all the time and memorized one of his favorite books and reads along now. He also counts to 5 and is speaking more French and Spanish daily. That's really all...I know some of you requested belly pictures but well, I'm still barely fitting into maternity clothes--to date, I've only gained 11 lbs (compared to the 20+ I was at w/ Xander by now) so there isn't much to see. Hopefully we'll get a new camera soon and we'll post then! Take care!

Daddy finally got his guitar out!! And it's Xander's favorite activity now--the boys will sit and play and sing for minutes at a time. :) Amongst other treasures we've found unpacking, Xander has picked up the harmonica and coloring. He really is growing up fast--I guess he's almost 2 though. --SIGH--

Haircuts for Record Breaking Days

Well, after 30 some odd days over 110 degrees here, we decided that Xanders curls, while very handsome, were not suited for the heat. So, Xander got a buzz this week And I think he aged a few years as he shed his locks. Things are going well here though...We have lots of new friends from all over the place. To beat the heat today we had our family outing at Cabela's--Xander loved looking at all the "stuffed" animals and the live fish aquarium. We even got to watch them eat. Ben enjoyed his Bison burger and we all had fun practicing our shooting. All while in an air conditioned facility. Our new addition is still doing well--she is a very active kicker--so she doesn't let me worry too much. I know she is doing just fine.

Fam Shot

Family Shot Dec 2006 in Fort Bragg, CA

We're trying!!

In an attempt to follow the crowd we are starting a blog in order to keep you up-to-date with our new adventures. So, if you are ever bored, or curious, feel free to come and visit and receive updates about Ben, Wendy, Xander and Baby XX!

As for this shot--this is Xander learning to swim at the beginning of the year. Now though, since Mom is not working, we have ditched all the equipment and are working on holding our breath!