We Are Surviving!

We have made it one month as a family of three. Zach feels huge. We put him on the scale with Jacob and he weighs just about 12 pounds. He is slowly figuring out his nights and his days.

Here is what one month old Zach likes to do

• Stare at Christmas tree lights
• Listen to stories. He actually stares at the pictures while I am reading.
• Bathe
• Kick his legs
• Grunt. He grunts a lot.
• Eat
• Sleep

Maybe next month he will have more interests. He has been a good baby so far and we love having him. One month old Zach sleeping on Jacob.

Welcome to the World, Zach!

He is here!!! Horay! I was in labor for 6 hours and here is how it went...
Zach decided he didn't want to wait around until Tuesday to be born. Thank heavens. Thursday night I was having some light contractions, but not anything that I got too excited about. Jacob and I went on one last date to Planet of the Apes to pass the time. I woke up Friday morning with some more contractions, but just about the same intensity as Thursday night. So, I sat there, yelling at my contractions in my head, "MAKE ME CRY! MAKE ME CRY!" Just as I was pretty sure Friday wouldn't be the day, I felt a huge pop in my stomach, kind of like a back cracking. I sat up thinking that wasn't normal and then I was wet. So we made way to the hospital and we got there right around 8:00 a.m.

I had originally decided that I was not going to get an epidural, but the contractions were coming on strong and fast and I was only dilated to a 3. We were not at the hospital 5 minutes before I was begging for an epidural. Literally begging. Every time the nurses made me move I had a contraction. My body just just kept shaking and I couldn't stop. Around 10:00 the epidural started kicking in, but getting in position for the epidural was the worst part of the whole labor. The anesthesiologist was wearing a black hat with fruit designs, and thinking about it now, I probably should have been more nervous about him sticking a huge needle in my back. Anyways, getting into position for the epidural is when I started to cry. But soon after that I was in heaven, watching The View and I could not feel a thing at all. The nurse told me I was dilated to a 7! In 2 hours! No wonder I cried. The contractions apparently weren't as intense anymore, but I couldn't feel a thing anyways. I was in heaven. My shakes hadn't stopped but the nurses gave me a big heated blanket and it helped a little bit. I just kept talking about how amazing the epidural was.

When the nurse saw that I was at a 7, she started setting up the room, but she left for a long time and when she checked me again at 12:40 she said it was time to have a baby! The doctor came in right away and seemed pretty relaxed. I went through my first set of pushes and he just sat sideways on the bed next to my feet. Then he got serious. Apparently I am pretty good at pushing. Three or 4 more nurses rushed in and the doctor stood up to get read to catch. I still couldn't feel anything but a little pressure that didn't hurt. I just pushed when they told me to. To be honest, I couldn't even tell if I was pushing hard, I just kept doing it as hard as I thought I could when ever they told me to. 15 minutes later at 12:55 on November 11, Zach was laying on my belly, not in my belly! He was 9 lbs 3.4 oz and 20 3/4 inches long.

We got home from the hospital 5 minutes before the Boise State game started. A disappointing game... But Zach was decked out in Boise State gear. Thanks to my friend Cari for the Bronco onesie!We love him and he is absolutely perfect! I am so glad he is mine. People say you forget about the pain right away and I can't say that I have forgotten about my pre-epidural labor, but he was completely worth it.

Bad News, Good News

Hopefully my next post will be a big announcement, but for now, I will just update how I am... or am not... progressing.

I get uncomfortable announcing my effacement and dilation and all that sort of thing, even to my mom, so sorry if I am vague and you're into that sort of thing.

At my 39 week appointment the doctor got me all excited with my progress, the baby's head was down and she made it sound like I was progressing nicely. Then I went in on Monday for my 40 week appointment and nothing had changed at all, despite a jog I took on Saturday. I must have looked pretty ridiculous. The teenagers doing yard work did not attempt to divert their stares at all. Anyways, the doctor actually told me that the stage I was at was considered "unfavorable." At the time I was able to laugh about it, but she did do some poking around to help move things along. So after that depressing news, Jacob's mom treated me nd Jacob to my favorite drink from Starbucks... grande size. Salted Caramel Chocolate Frappuccino with salted caramel on the top AND the bottom. Thanks for the tip from my cousin Liz. The Iced Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate is really good too. I just think you get more drink from the frappuccino... truly delicious. I get all giggly every time we get one.

I took a four mile walk on Wednesday. Today's appointment went well. But not as well as I was hoping after that walk. No signs of a baby. My bishop score is a 9. So that means I can be induced. I will be induced on Tuesday the 15th if he doesn't come on his own. I feel pretty good about that decision. The doctor made it seem as if he could very well come on his own, but to be honest at this point I am not getting my hopes up at all.

Tuesday it is! Baby or Bust!

Martha Martha Martha!

Thanks to Pinterest, I have been getting inspired and getting crafty while I wait for little Bronco to come. I don't know if I would call it nesting because I am not very energetic about it and none of it has been for the baby.

Jacobs inner Martha Stewart spoke to him (yes, men can have an inner Martha too) and he really wanted to paint my belly like a pumpkin. My belly just isn't that cute, never mind my pregnant belly painted bright orange, so we compromised and I wore an old shirt. A free Halloween costume this year!

I got excited one night and remembered something I saw a long time ago, so we got sneaky with eggs and sharpies.Jacob's dad has eggs for breakfast almost every morning. We weren't there to see the reaction, but he said he felt bad cracking them open.

Then Martha Stewart spoke to me via Pinterest and I decided to make a witch's broom treat for the kids we teach at church on Sunday. Martha's of course looked way better and she made it sound so easy. I don't think I would do these again. But I filled the bags with homemade caramel corn and all the boys said they really liked it. The one girl we teach said she put rocks back in the bag and tied it back up to look like a broom again, so I would consider the treat a success.

On a non-Martha note, Jacob has a bump on his cheek. It kind of looks like he got his wisdom teeth out on one side. We aren't sure if its a spider bite or some kind of boil type thing. I think its a boil or some kind of staph infection. If anyone has advice on how to get rid of a big bump ASAP, we'd be open to any suggestions.

I Hope The Terrorists Aren't Pregnant

I hate to turn this into a pregnancy blog, but the fact of the matter is, that is all that is happening in my life right now. At least I only write every 5 weeks.

A few weekends ago I went home for a baby shower which was so much fun! I got to catch up with some old friends and our little baby received so many cute and needed things. On top of that, I was so happy to see old friends and family.

On the way back to Idaho the nice TSA guards in Oakland asked if I would rather have a pat down than go through the new X-ray machines. I told them I didn't really care and I'd just go through, but they insisted I get the pat down instead. So they motioned me past the X-ray machine... and then nothing. I stood there and watched someone else get a pat down and by that time my purse and shoes had made it through the X-ray machine, so I picked them up and waited some more. I made eye contact with several of the security guards, including the people who let me pass the X-ray machines, but no one said anything. I certainly was not going to stand there and beg for a pat down so I left. Good thing the only thing I'm hiding in my big belly is a baby.

Today I had a check up and this little baby is doing perfect. Even though I am 34 weeks along my belly is measuring 33 weeks. His heart beat is 130 beats per minute, which is apparently great. His head is down and his bum is up. I still don't know how the doctors can tell by pushing my belly. It all feels the same to me. I feel like a beached whale and have a hard time catching my breath, as does everyone else at this point in pregnancy, so I can't really complain. But I am glad I am not normally this big.

We've decided to name him Zachary Bronco Curtis. Yes, Bronco. I am writing about this to make one thing clear. While we (especially Jacob, and Zach already has Bronco socks, onesies and pajamas) are Boise State Bronco fans, we are not naming him after the Boise State Broncos. My friend Cari said that her husband wanted to name their baby Lyon. We thought we'd copy cat them and we thought of names like Zebra, Sloth, Cheetah and all sorts of animals. Then we got to Bronco and it stuck. I told Jacob that after Bronco, I'd like to stick with family names for their middle names, but he is already thinking he likes Bear for a boy. We will see who wins that battle.

Here I am, getting bigger and bigger. As for Jacob, he is still enjoying his new job and working very hard at it. He is counting down the days with me and probably is just as ready for me to pop as I am so he doesn't have to help hoist me up off the couch or run up and down the stairs to get the things I've forgotten.

40 days tomorrow!!!

A Depressing Moment...

The madness has begun. Boise State football madness. On Saturday the smurf turf was open for fans to watch a free scrimmage. Over 15,000 people showed up in all their Boise State gear... FOR A SCRIMMAGE! Including me and Jacob.

We were checking out the new players and I spotted one who was just a little guy. I laughed and pointed and told Jacob that I probably weigh more than him. Then I looked at the roster with the player's stats only to find out that I do in fact weigh more than him. Its sad when a joke like that turns out to be a reality.

I am at 29 weeks and only have 11 to go! Still feeling good and going strong. I have had several people warn me that I might have a hard time finding a doctor if I go into labor during the Boise State vs. TCU game. But believe me, there are going to be several people wishing they never heard of Boise State football if I have to wait on a doctor because of one of their games. In an area where people's only outfit choices in the morning are their blue Boise State shirt or their Orange one, and you don't get angry letters from your HOA for having a Boise State mail box cover, this could very well happen.

On another note, if I told people how I was really feeling when they asked, this is what I would say:
1. I miss being able to breath.
2. My ribs feel broken... permanently.
3. I do not like stairs.
4. I know how old people feel when they have to build up momentum by rocking back and forth to get up out of their chairs and then they fall back down into their seats a couple times. That's totally me.
5. I love air conditioners and can't wait for fall.
6. I love feeling him kick. Even if its in the ribs.
7. I like that no one lets me lift anything heavy, even though I feel perfectly capable.

I keep forgetting to have Jacob take a belly picture of me, so until we get around to it, this will have to suffice.

I LOVE All The Orphans In The Whole World

He's at it again.

But this time it was for the children. Jacob ran in a race last weekend called Hurdle For Hope that raised money for an orphanage in Ecuador. The track he had to run was a 3 mile obstacle course. (You have to look at the proofs because we were not going to pay $5 for each picture even if it was for the orphans.)

The race included a very long tire run. Its hard to see Jacob, but he is there.

A fire jump.Pond swimming... Actually this is a campground that was flooded from all the snowfall and rain this year and smelled like an outhouse for ducks. Jacob is the one jumping in.There were also hay bails to jump over, an army crawl under some ropes, tunnels to crawl through, actual hurdles to jump over and no obstacle for orphans is complete with out a huge mud pit.No picture of Jacob for the mud pit. But the tutu girls were funny. I don't think they had any idea what they were getting themselves into.

At the end they slid through a slip n' slide that was soapy at the beginning but at this point it just looks like more mud to roll in.Here is Jacob, smelly, wet and dirty.And here are his dirty socks that will probably be thrown away.I am pretty sure Jacob would have done this even if it wasn't for the orphans. He had so much fun! I was disappointed that no one thought to dress up like Nacho Libre.

The Ironman

This is a post dedicated to Jacob and what he has been up to, because he has been a busy, busy guy.

In June he completed the Lazy Ironman Triathlon. Over the whole month of June he ran 26 miles, biked 112 miles and swam 2.4 miles. Tomorrow he gets a free t-shirt for finishing! We like free.

Saturday Jacob did a mini Triathlon. Here he is already to go! First he ran 2 miles. Look at him beating all the girls. And he's doing it in floral print swim trunks. That's my guy!Then he biked 12 miles,and finally swan 12 laps.I am not sure how far the 12 laps was. His time was an hour and 16 minutes. Here he is, our triathloner hungry, tired and wet, but still smiling.Besides his athletic endeavors, Jacob is finishing his LAST SEMESTER OF UNDERGRAD! HALLELUJAH! He's still finishing strong, and heaven knows how hard it is to care with 2 weeks left of school. He will have his Bachelors in Business, Finance.

And yes, he does have plans for after graduation. We're moving to Boise and he will start a job as a Financial Advisor at Allegis Financial Partners on August 1st! After he takes a test he will be a Certified Financial Planner. So, anyone out there who is looking to get their finances in order, prepare for their future, and whatever else you want to do with your money, Jacob is your man. And he can work with people in other states, so no excuses for everyone out there.

He has had more interviews than I can count... probably more than he can count. He'd never tell you this, but I will because I am allowed to brag on him, he had 4 job offers! And he narrowed down his options to Allegis. Finance has been a passion of his since I've known him and he'll tell you every which way to be smart and invest your money. Sometimes, he'll read articles about what others have done to get rid of their debts and he'll give a speech on how he could have done it better, he probably could have too. These are mostly just speeches to me right now, with lots of smiling and nodding on my part, so I know that he'll work hard and be happy.

Not only that, but he bought me dinner tonight and helped with the dishes. That is what I call a great husband! GO JACOB!

BOY!!

Today was the big day! We had our ultrasound! Our baby was being very uncooperative and not showing off for us. Being uncooperative is very much an inherited trait, but I don't know why he wasn't showing off.

We had two ultra sound techs and both said that its for sure a boy. I am excited for Jacob to have someone to take to action movies, camping and doing all sorts of rough housing with. We've only been married two years, but I've paid my dues. Time for a boy to take over for the next 18 years! WOOHOO!

The doctor said everything looked perfect with the baby. He is 9 ounces which is in the 42nd percentile for weight. A little bit small, but nothing to worry about. He is measuring right on his due date as well. Go Bronco!

We have no names picked out so we are open to any and all reasonable suggestions! You've probably already seen the pictures on my facebook, but here are a couple to decorate the blog with.

Dam Volunteering

This morning Jacob and I got up at 6:40. Almost an impossible time to function for us. Why? We wanted free t-shirts. Every year Rexburg hosts a marathon from the Teton Dam all the way into town and the volunteers are supposed to get cool t-shirts that look like this with their logo on the front and "Dam Volunteer" on the back. (I don't know who these girls are.)

Instead, we got these dam ugly things.

There were either small or extra large shirts. So, here I am looking like a neon balloon in a small shirt at almost 19 weeks pregnant. Here is Jacob waving like a flag in his extra large.

We were dropped in the middle of nowhere at 7:30 at 23 and half miles from where the race started at 5:00 and 10 miles from where the half marathon began later. We didn't see anyone for about an hour. It was cold and windy. Being dramatic, I swore we were left to die. If it weren't for the old farmer spraying pesticides on his crops, I would have had no hope for survival. Eventually we saw the first runners who looked like this was a Sunday walk in the park for them. They were smiling and cheering for us, the volunteers, the ones who were supposed to be smiling and cheering for them. Then came the middle of the pack, some where happy, some were not. Then, the end... Some people were okay with us clapping for them and telling them they were almost there. Others looked like they wanted us to shut up. But there was certainly no one cheering for us by then. Couldn't they see that we was standing there since 7:30? That deserves something.

As soon as there began to be what felt to be 5-10 minutes between each runner, I was done. A volunteer van would pass our corner every once in a while to pick up volunteers, but they would just stare at us blankly like we didn't have these hideously bright matching neon shirts on. So we made like the slow runners and walked 3 miles back into town. On the way we passed some houses. One house in particular had a dog that Jacob was playing with through the fence, until the dog came through the fence and didn't want to go back. We had no idea what to do and it didn't have a collar. I started yelling at the house that we had their dog, but the house sat there. Finally a runner came by and heard what had happened. So she picked the dog up and shoved it back through the fence. Why didn't we think of that?

All of this has taught me an important lesson though. Never get up at 6:40 for a free t-shirt, because the shirt will be ugly, and it wont be fun.

The Difference Between Men and Women

Today I went to a baby shower for a friend here in Rexburg. I told Jacob that I needed to run out and buy a little card to go with the present. Jacob is always trying to save money, which is very good of him, so he suggested that I make my own card. I could have, but I didn't really have anything to make it with.

So I was walking out the door and Jacob with a ton of enthusiasm told me he had a bunch of Thank You cards and I could use one for the gift. It was like a huge "ah'ha!" moment for him. He is right, he does have a lot of thank you cards and I appreciate his good intentions very much. But this is the difference between men and women, women buy cards to go with the occasion and men don't give gifts.

Stranger Things Have Happened

Today I did a baby morph. That is when you take a picture of yourself and a picture of someone else to see what your baby would look like. So I found this picture of myself and this picture of Jacob.
This is what Baby Morph predicted our baby would look like.At first I thought maybe Baby Morph knows something I don't. Then I thought maybe the shadow on Jacob's face confused the program so I used this picture of Jacob instead.And this is what baby number two looked like.As long as baby number two turns out to be a pro football player, I'll be alright. Jacob said he'd have to be visited by an angel.

Kate and Julia

Today was a damp, cold overcast day. It reminded me of winter at home, but this is spring in Rexburg. Here is the view from my front door.A perfect day to stay inside... and get in touch with my inner Julia Child! I pulled out my trusty baking book and decided to make some cinnamon rolls (with raisins!). I did not think that they'd turn out. Nothing ever turns out how I hope. But they were perfect!! Golden on the outside and the perfect amount of cinnamon sugar melted and on the inside.A baking victory for me and Julia!!

To The Mommas!

I have the best mom a girl could ask for. I am sure everyone is saying that today, today being Mothers Day. Ask me tomorrow and my answer will be the same. As a kid, you don't think about what your mom does for you until you are put in her shoes. I am just starting to get a glimpse of motherhood but I don't think I'll ever fully understand exactly how hard she worked for me and my brother.

When my brother and I were little she was working on her getting her degree from BYU on an independent study program. She was be the first in her family to earn a degree. My mom would wake up early in the morning to work on her papers and homework. I remember getting up early sometimes to go to the bathroom and she'd be working away at the computer in the dark while the rest of the house was asleep. Then she'd get herself ready for work and then get everyone else out the door. After all of that, her day was just getting started. She worked part time at first but after a while she had a full time job. And after a long day she'd come home, make us dinner, which no one said thank you for, did the normal housework and still found time to read to me at night and pretend to snore on my belly and make me laugh. I for one, could not have done that every single day.

I am so grateful for my mom and all that she did and does for me. I'm grateful that she'd stay up late with me to work on my papers that I procrastinated. I am grateful for the quiet warnings she gave, telling me to pull my act together or I'd soon get a not so quiet verbal spanking from my dad. I still call my mom just to talk and she'll talk to me no matter what else is going on and I'm grateful that she'll drop whatever she is doing to listen.

I love you Mom!!!

Not only do I have the best mom, I have the best Mother-in-Law too!!If there is one thing I know about Cheryl, its that she loves her children. She'll drive across a state just to make sure her children are doing well and she'll always have a van load of treats if she is coming your way. I am thankful that she took on the responsibility to raise Jacob and I can see so many of her teachings through him. She too, is a working mom and I have so much respect for mom's work and come home to care for her family after a long day. I am so grateful for all the love that Cheryl shows to her family. She truly is a rock in the family that I know I can always turn to for advice and support.

From Jacob: Much like Kate's mom I remember how hard my mother has worked to support her family. She was extremely involved with all her children even with her busy work schedule. She would set time apart to tend to all of her child's needs at school, work, social, spiritual etc. She constantly cheered her family on through thick and thin. My mom has been such a great impact and example to me and those around her from the way she lives and the love she gives. Thanks for all that you do! Happy Mother's Day!

We love you Cheryl!

I am grateful for all the mom's who work hard for their families. I can't wait for our little Bronco/Broncette to arrive so I can experience the love and happiness that a mom feels when she meets her baby for the very first time. And I am so glad that I have wonderful moms to look up to.

Lessons Learned

I am thirteen weeks along! Almost out of the first trimester, and I have learned a lot. Some I would have rather not learned at all, but this is my reminder check list for the second time around.

(I have to apologize for excessive barf talk in the first 2 lessons. It happens to pregnant people.)

1. ALWAYS keep a barf bag in the car. The night this most important lesson was learned, Jacob and I were going to go to the movies, but I was extremely hungry and I had eaten pretty much everything in the house so we stopped at Wendy's. I thought I could handle a cup of chili. I could not. We were pulling off the freeway and I knew the next few moments were not going to be pretty. All I had was the paper Wendy's bag. Not to be too gruesome, but I exploded. The bag broke and so not only was I covered in regurgitated chili, so was the floor of the car. It was a huge mess. We pulled over into a Target parking lot and dumped the bag on the ground. An older lady was quite unhappy and made it verbally known by yelling some unhappy words as we drove off. We went home and I scraped the chunks off myself while Jacob scraped chunks off the car carpet. And after all of that, we made it to the movies on time!

There is a permanent bag on the floor and it has been replaced more than once.

2. Don't Eat Healthy. I tried to eat healthy. I honestly tried. The official "Does Not Sit Well List:" Yogurt. Bananas. Salad. The salad is a recent development. The Yogurt and Bananas I learned really early on. For whatever reason overly processed foods that can sit for years and not go bad have been working really well. Like these:My poor little baby.

3. Take Baths. When ever I was just feeling lousy, I took a nice warm LONG bath. When the water got cold, I'd let some go down the drain, and fill up the tub with more warm water. I sat there until I was too pruney to function. Then I would go to bed and life was wonderful. My parents are probably grateful that my bath addiction is not on their water bill.

4. Fro Yo Loves Mom's. Today I took the little boy I babysit on a walk. We walked past a frozen yogurt place called Twizzle Berry and the owner was driving out of the parking lot as I was crossing the driveway. I stopped to take my jacket off and the owner pulled over. At first I thought he was going to yell at me about something or tell me something was wrong with the little boy but he handed me a $5 dollar gift certificate and said, "You deserve this. Have a happy mothers day." So it wasn't my child, but I figured being pregnant deserved a gift certificate too.

My last rule would be do not move. But that's kind of an unavoidable rule that I wish were true pregnant or not.

The Cacti Awards and Park City

While we were in Arizona, I was on the hunt for the perfect touch down cactus, you know like the one on the license plate. I was unsuccessful. I am pretty sure the perfect touch down cactus does not exist. Some looked perfect from one angle, but then a third arm would be sticking out the back. I'm pretty sure that is the case with the license plate. In an effort to stay entertained by the landscape, Jacob and I started handing out "The Best Cactus Awards."

Here are our winners:

Best Nubbins
Most Ready to Rumble
Creepiest CarcassBest Crowned Cactus

Despite our efforts we still weren't too entertained.

Our trip to Park City was much more exciting... maybe not to read about, but definitely much more exciting to be there.We spent the first part of the week with Jacobs parents, Harold and Cheryl. They took us to the Carl Bloch exhibit on the BYU campus. The paintings were spectacular and I was very thankful for the iPad tour guide with clips from people explaining the significance and the symbolism which helped make the paintings feel much more personal.

Then we were able to go on a tour of the Church office buildings in Salt Lake with Elder C. Scott Grow who has been a long time family friend to the Curtis'. It is so fascinating to see and hear ALL the work these men do and how its done.

Other than our outing to Salt Lake and Provo we spent our time exploring Park City and enjoyed some time to relax. Harold and Cheryl even went swimming with us!

After they left us our friends Annalise and Ryan came to enjoy Park City for the weekend. We found this shoe tree and spent about an hour pulling shoes out and throwing them back up. Somehow it was much more entertaining than it sounds.
Now we are back in Rexburg and Jacob is getting settled into school again and we are getting settled in our new apartment. Its the biggest place we've ever lived! Its an attic above a chiropractic office. Its cute, but I don't feel its picture worthy quite yet. Maybe by the next post it'll be ready.

A Bun in the Oven!

Jacob and I are having a baby!!!! After two years of marriage we decided that we were bored with each other. Not true, but we knew it was time to add to our little family.

We had our first appointment this afternoon. I was so nervous and excited. The ultrasound showed that the baby was healthy so far and it is quite the mover. The technician had a hard time getting the baby's measurements, but I am measuring at 11 weeks. I thought I was at 10 weeks, but what do I know. The baby had a strong heartbeat at 162 beats per minute. It was so much fun watching the baby kick, wave and wiggle and we saw the cute little feet. The arms and legs are actually much longer than they look, but this is the best picture we got.

So ready or not, come November, we'll be a party of three.

I've Had a Birthday!

At first I thought I wouldn't like getting older. But I was sitting by the pool watching 4 teenagers swim. I felt so awkward just being near them. It made me extremely glad that I am not a teenager anymore. What painful, horrible, awkward years. And then I thought about this stage in my life where we are paying our newlywed dues, living on camp chairs and eating off of plastic dishes, while everything nice we have is in storage. So if getting older means that I am getting closer to some stability and a permanent place to live someday, then I am okay with getting older.

That being said, I had a great birthday weekend! We went to Phoenix on Friday, determined to eat at this pizza place, Pizzeria Bianco, we had planned to dine at with my cousin Jeff and his family but there was a 2 and a half hour wait! I think not. But this place has been featured on different cooking shows so we knew that it had to be good and it was officially on our Arizona bucket list. This time we only had to wait an hour and 15 minutes! I thought that the pizza was good, especially fresh out of a real wood burning oven, but only worth the wait once, unless someone else was paying and was set and determined to go and I'd NEVER wait in the summer. Not that I've had authentic Italian pizza, but this seemed like the real deal. If you have a couple hours to waste in Phoenix, then its a good place to waste time.The Suns game was a fun change of pace for us. We weren't sure who we wanted to cheer for. My hometown Golden State Warriors who are terrible or the Suns... who aren't all that great either. I think my favorite part of the game was a show by the Golden Grannies at half time who wore sparkly gold stretchy bell bottoms and big white t-shirts and showed off some scandalous moves to top 40 hits.

On my actual birthday Jacob made me pancakes and took me shopping for some shorts. Then we relaxed a bit and later went out for a free birthday burger at Red Robin. I love relaxing Saturday birthdays.

Since we have no furniture in our apartment, our floor is the perfect length to spread out all the blankets and roll up like a burrito. I can't put my arms in because I get claustrophobic... inherited from my Dad.I can't believe our time in Arizona is almost over. Soon we will be back in our car headed back to hopefully thawed, but not counting on it, Rexburg.