Grateful

I NEVER watch Oprah but yesterday I did. She did a story about "faces of the recession". I'm sure that many of you saw it.  Anyways it really hit home for me. They interviewed a family that was middle class last year and is now living in a homeless shelter.  At first I was quick to judge. I thought they had to make so stupid choices to end up like they were. But when I heard the mom and dad both lost there jobs and couldn't find another one, it made me sad. This is such a reality for so many people. Those poor kids. They are homeless. In America. This story made me feel so grateful for everything thing that I have. Big or small. This is just some of the things that I'm grateful for;

• For a husband that loves me and sticks with me threw better or worse.
• Happy healthy kids that I love so much.
• It's no secret that I not a fan of pregnancy but I'm soooo grateful that I'm able to have children.
• Having a wonderful and supportive extended family.
• To have a home. We bought a townhouse when anyone could get a loan. They approved us for much more money than what we decided to buy. I'm so glad that we didn't get in over our heads with a mortgage payment.
• Having food to eat each and everyday.
• Being able to spend the first two years of Zac's life at home with him.
• Ethan leaves the house at 7:30 a.m. and gets home around 7:15 p.m. 5 days a week. Sometimes 6 days a week. Even with the long days he works I'm extremely grateful that he has a job.
• I'm glad that we have two working cars that are almost payed off.
• I'm grateful for all the small things in life such as hot water, heat and a/c.
• Having such great neighbors.
• With every experience in my life good or bad. I'm so grateful to have had them because it makes me who I am today.
• Last but not least I'm very grateful for having a belief in God and being able to apply that everyday in my life.

23 weeks

Here you go. I'm doing this for all my friends and family that don't live in Utah.

Help!!!!

I was playing around with my blog and found a supper cute blog template. Anyway, I was trying to reload it and I lost all my friends and family. So if you could leave me a comment with your blog address that would be great!!!! Or email me at Shanerto@hotmail.com.

P.S. Now it will not let me change my template. HELP PLEASE!!!

What we have been up to.

Well I guess I should title this "What Zac has been up to". He has been having a much more excited couple of weeks then I have.

We have started the potty training thing about a week ago. I wasn't sure if I wanted to start him so young but I just couldn't ignore the signs that he was ready. He has been doing so great! He has gone poop in the potty for the last 5 days strait. The pee thing is a different story but we are working on it. He is still in diapers when we go out or when he goes to bed. Overall I'm very pleased with the progress he made!

Last friday we went to the Living Planet Aquarium with some friends. I love getting out of the house with Zac to go do something fun. Sadly, Zac's 2 year attitude was in full force that day. I think he liked it but I need to take him back when he's in a better mood. 

I think the thing I'm most excited about is Zac has been off his reflux meds for a month!!! This is a very expensive medicine he has been on since he was five weeks old.

 I've been nesting big time!!. I have so many projects that I have been working on and a big list of new ones I want to start. I feel so bad for Ethan because I always have a list of things I need help with when he gets home. He's a good sport about it. I'm looking forward to warmer weather but till then I will continue to think of things to get us out of the house.   The pregnancy is going better but I'm still not a fan of being pregnant. I will post a picture of me someday soon.

To cute not to post!

Zac is such a HAM. When I took this video he wanted to watch it over and over again. What a cute guy!

A minute to vent.

I have a love, hate relationship with pregnancy.  You're growing a baby inside your body and it's the most amazing experience. BUT... your body takes a toll for it. I know it sounds vain but I hate the way my body changes when I pregnant. I gained sooo much weight with Zac and when he was here it took a big toll on my self-esteem. To make matters worse it seamed like everyone around me had their old body back by 6 weeks postpartum. I've been trying to avoid the same situation this time by gaining less. I had a hard day because I feel so fat. I know I'm just pregnant but it's hard when you look at yourself and see a big belly. I'm really starting to POP! OH WELL! It's just one of the many sacrifices you make for your kids. I better start doing more yoga.

Our Christmas week.

Our Christmas fun started on Sunday and lasted all the way to Saturday! My parents are in town and decided to come to church with us on Sunday. I couldn't find my camera but luckily grandma got some pictures of Zac in his Sunday best! That night we went to the Abbott's for the first or three party's. We opened gifts for the kids and had a great meal : ) Zac loved everything he got but also wanted to see what everyone else received. He is such a ham and loves getting attention.

On Monday my family came over to have a baking day. We do this every year. We watch Christmas movies and gain 10 pounds from all the goodies. This year we did our fudge different thanks to a recipe from a neighbor. (Thanks Kacey) We also had Dallas join in on our fun. He is a little boy I watch. Zac has a new found love for hats, so when my dad came over with his, Zac didn't want to take it off.

On Tuesday I went to my doctors appointment. Finding out that I was having a boy was such a great Christmas present! Christmas eve we went back to the Abbott's for more food and fun. This year was the first year we bought Zac anything. It was soooooo much fun to see him get excited about opening presents on Christmas morning. We didn't do much for each other because we got a New MacBook for our “Christmas present” two months ago. 

We were supposed to go to my brothers in West Jordan that morning to open presents with my family. It had to be postponed because of the crazy weather. They closed 7800 south and my brothers power was out for awhile. So instead we hung out at home and didn't do much. Well, we still saw my parents and sister. That night we went to the Abbott's again for even more food and fun. We just cant get enough. Yummmmm!

Can you tell that Zac loves his new toys from Santa? Anyways, my family's Christmas was moved to Saturday. Zac loved playing with Mari and of course opening more presents. He got a little crazy with it and stared to open other peoples presents.

We were all very spoiled with great gifts and gift cards. Zac got spoiled with clothes, books, and toys. His favorite toy was the Elmo Live. He also loved his "Cars" rain boots. He wouldn't let go of Elmo the whole night. 

Needless to say we had a crazy week, but a fun one. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!