CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS

This year for Christmas day we decided to take advantage of being able to sleep in. We figure that it will be out last year to do so in a LONG time so why not enjoy it? That afternoon Cameron had a football game that he played in. Sadly not very many people ended up showing up but those that did still had a blast. As for those on the sidelines...Tia and our friend Sara...they had fun just visiting on the sidelines. Here is Ti as take on what happened during the game...Cameron fell down while trying to catch the ball (its all muddy and icy and wet out), he then caught the ball, made a touchdown and then he made a really good pass. That is about all that that she saw of the game. After the game we went down to Sara and Robert's house to hang out and for dinner. Sara made a WONDERFUL ham dinner that all of us enjoyed. The night was wonderful!

We had a babysitting job for the rest of the week....to hold us off for New Years. We babysat our friends Matt and Joanna's children from the 27-29. They took a trip to Turkey and as always while they where away their children where wonderful. We never have any problems with their children when we babysit them. We really will miss this family when we leave Germany.

As for New Years Cameron had to work on New Years eve and so he did not get home until close to 8:00PM. But, once he got home we went to our friends Caleb and Suzy's house. They invited a few couples from the ward over for a big New Years bash. We ended up visiting, playing Scum and snacking the night away until midnight. At midnight we welcomed the New Year in with a toast of sparkling cider and TONS of fire works. They live on a hill that over looks a valley and so we got to see not only the fireworks that we set off but also all of the fireworks that anyone in the valley launched. It was really neat!

Then this morning first thing we had to pick Cameron's sister Linsey up from the air port...YAY! The drive to the air port was quick because most people probably had hang overs and/or where in bed. Her flight went by smoothly! She will be staying with us until the 8Th. After we picked her up Cameron had another one of his football games. He had a lot of fun playing and watching was also a lot of fun.

HOUSE GUEST

Cameron's sister Linsey is coming to visit us! She will be arriving on the morning of January 1...and she will be staying until January 8. Hopefully her and Cameron will get to go skiing in the Alps while she is here. We both really wanted to go skiing in the Alps before we leave Germany but with Tia being pregnant that kind of got pushed aside. Now hopefully at least Cameron will get to go.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

On Monday we decided to go to some Christmas Markets with our friends Sara and Robert. We started off the day going to Dortmund Germany and then after we where done there we went on to Essen Germany. Christmas Markets are so much fun to go to. They have items from all over for you to purchase and you can always find something that you want. They also have a wonderful variety of foods for you to try out...sometimes foods from around the world. Every Christmas Market has a giant Christmas tree. Although what was neat about the one in Dortmund is that they make is out of hundreds of small trees. Which is really neat since it is usually just one giant tree. It was a wonderful day...although by the end of the day everyone is always exhausted...especially us two pregnant woman.

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As in other news...we had another Childbirth Class last night. This time the class was about the different things that might happen while you are in delivery and the risks involved with each. Such as using the vacuum, forceps, ripping...getting cut and having to have a c-section. They then also talked about caring for a newborn and your own post-partum care. All in all the class was a good one...but we say that about all of them. We honestly are not learning very many new things...the classes tend to be a review from the things that we already have learned. We have noticed that lots of people are very nervous about their labor and delivery...which makes me feel weird because honestly neither of us are worried at all...as of now. So we will see what happens.

KEEPING BUSY

As we have said before we are trying to keep ourselves busy so that the remaining few weeks of the pregnancy goes by quickly. Although these continuous updates that just give some general information are not always exciting they help to pass time. So here is what all has been going on the last few days.

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We ended up not going to see Inkheart. We where having some people pick up an extra bed that we had and there was a mix up about the time. So, it interfered with the timing of the movie. Maybe we will see it another day...who knows. It was OK that we did not go and see it though...we ended up just spending the evening together...which was nice.

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On Thursday we had another Birthing Class. In this class we learned about the different stages of labor, relaxation techniques and the different types of medication. They then had us all share what kind of medication we think we will want. Knowing that Tia has NO pain tolerance we are going to go with an epidural. Hopefully if everything works out right we can have our Anesthesiologist friend Matt do it for us. We also figure that way if Tia wants a blessing we will have two priesthood holders there (Cameron and Matt). Which will be nice.

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Today we received some packages. It was exciting. We received some things that we ordered for Clayton and we also received a package from Kaleena. It always is fun to get a package....even just a letter is exciting! Sadly we still have not mailed out our packages for people. We are thinking that we will get it done on the 26th. Because then we can mail the package that we are getting ready for Kaleena as well...get it all done in one trip. Sadly that means peoples Christmas gifts WILL be late. But, as the Germans say all is well.

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Today is Cameron's Friday again. (This week he works 2 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on....etc) For his weekend we have a few things planned. Tomorrow we will be going to church...of course! Then our friends Sara and Robert are going to be coming over for dinner. They are also going to be staying the night because we are all going to be getting up early. On Monday we are going to two Christmas Markets.,...one in Essen and one in Dortmund. We will tell you all about it and hopefully this time we will actually take plenty of pictures. Our goal is to leave the house by 6AM and then we should be home no later then 1AM Tuesday morning...and our poor husbands have to work on Tuesday. Good thing they can sleep in the car. As Christmas Markets always are we are sure it will be a lot of fun!

WEEKEND FUN

This weekend Cameron had a jam packed schedule...Thanks to his wonderful wife. Here is what went on this weekend. (FYI: His weekend this time is from Monday the 15-Wednesday the 16.)

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On Sunday night we had a sleepover. Our friends Sara and Robert came and stayed the night. Their heat was not working and we could not let them freeze. We all stayed up late watching movies and visiting.

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On Monday we had a new parent pregnancy class. This one they called the New Parent Boot Camp. In the class they talked about the usual things such as SIDS, Shaken Baby Syndrome, Discipline Techniques, Diapering, Things to Bring to the Hospital, What to Expect from a New Born, Purple Crying and techniques for soothing a child. Our favorite thing to learn about was the 5 S's. The 5 S's come from the book Happiest Baby on the Block. It talks about techniques for soothing a child. Here are the 5 S's.

1. Swaddle

2. Side/Stomach

3. Shhhhh

4. Swing or Jiggle

5. Sucking.

We can not wait to try this technique out. It is supposed to work really well because it triggers the child's crying reflex.

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After class on Monday we then went over to our friends Sara and Roberts house. Cameron and Robert destroyed a couch with a sledge hammer. They had a lot of fun doing it. Meanwhile Tia and Sara just visited. It was a good evening the guys also ended up playing some video games while the girls played bored games. We sure do love hanging out with them!

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That night as we where going to bed Cameron decided to play with Clayton a little. They both had fun being mean to Tia's belly by trying to attack each other. This went on for about 20 min. When Cameron then stopped the games and removed his hand Clayton then went crazy attacking the two places where his hands had been. It was fun for all...

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Today (Tuesday) we decided to go to a Christmas Market with Sara and Robert. We drove to Mannheim and enjoyed taking part in the festivities. Tia found some really AWESOME Nativities for her and her cousin Kaleena. (They both collect them.) We spent the day just wondering through the booths and having fun. After the Christmas Market Cameron then had two basketball games. In the first game Cameron hurt his thumb. The game went well even though they lost. They then won the second game. By that time our group was hungry and we all went out to dinner at JR Rockers at which time we came to the conclusion that Cameron may have broken his thumb. Hopefully we will find out tomorrow.

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As for our plans for tomorrow we do not have many. We figure it will be a nice day to relax. The only things that we want to try to get done are going to the doctors and mailing Christmas gifts. Then tomorrow night we are planning on going to the movies with Sara and Robert to see Inkheart. We will let you all know if it is good.

COOKIE ROUND-UP RECIPIE

Pecan Florentines

Makes 3 dozen cookies

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-3/4 cup finely chopped pecan halves (To grind pecans, place in food processor or blender. Process until thoroughly ground but not pasty.)

-1/2 cup flour

-1/3 cup packed brown sugar

-1/4 cup light corn syrup

-1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter

-2 tbsp milk

-1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

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Preheat oven to 350. Line cookie sheets with foil; lightly grease foil. Combine pecans and flour in small bowl. Combine brown sugar, syrup, butter and milk in medium saucepan. Stir over medium medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat; stir in flour mixture.

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Drop by teaspoonfuls about 3 inches apart onto prepared cookie sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes or until lacy and golden brown. (Cookies are soft when hot, but become crisp as they cool.) Cool completely on foil.

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Place chocolate chips in small resealable food storage bag; seal. Microwave on HIGH 1 minute. Knead bag lightly. Repeat steps as necessary until chips are completely melted. With scissors, snip off small corner from one side of bag. Squeeze melted chocolate over cookies to decorate. Let stand until chocolate is set. Peel cookies off foil.

FOR NEXT RECIPE CLICK HERE:

http://thesandsthroughthehourglass.blogspot.com/

THE SUPRISE

Well, we just got home from the surprise date that Cameron and his friend Robert planned. They first took us out to eat at The Snitzel House. Lunch was fun and we all enjoyed doing as the Germans do and taking our time just visiting forever. It was a lot of fun.

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They then took us to Kaiserslautern to check out the Christmas Market. Its not a big Christmas Market but we still had fun walking around. While there Cameron bought Tia another Nativity and we also bought one for Kaleena. They are really unique ones too. After we walked around the Christmas Market for a bit we then where off to the third part of our date.

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They took us to the movies and we watched a movie called Four Christmas's. The movie was just ok...it did have some funny parts. All in all the surprise date was a lot of fun. Cameron is a WONDERFUL husband! When we leave Germany we will really miss going on double dates with Sara and Robert they are wonderful people!

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As for the Ward Christmas Party that we where going to go to we had woken up this morning just to find out that it was cancelled. (Our ward seems to be cancelling a lot of stuff lately....) But, that’s ok we had a busy day as it was and it was still a good day and we have had a wonderful weekend (It's our weekend). Now Cameron has to go back to work tomorrow...Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy! But its something that needs to be done.

OUR FIRST CLASS

Today we had our first Childbirth Class. Here is what we learned...

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First of all we went over the things that we need to watch for to know when we need to call the hospital and/or go in. They want us first time moms to try to wait until our contractions are 3-5 min apart and they went over how to time them with us.

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They then went over some positions for laboring effectively with us. They showed us some different positions using an exercise ball, standing up, sitting down and crouching.

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Then they went over the different pieces of equipment that they will and/or may use. Once we went over these things we then went over to the Labor and Delivery area of the hospital for a tour. They showed us what our room would be like and explained that they do not have a nursery and that our baby will stay with us the whole time...I actually like that idea. Also, they told us what all they will do to the baby once the baby is born and they explained birthing plans and told us that they would like us to create one sometime this week.

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Once we where done in Labor and Delivery they showed us the rooms that we will be in for recovery. They will be keeping us in the hospital for at least 48 hours after the baby is born...longer if they feel the need.

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We also got to watch a few delivery videos today in class. Which were no big deal to us since they are similar to the ones we watched in our child care classes in high school. Well, that’s about all that we learned in class today. We will keep you informed on what else we learn.

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As for other things that are going on.... tomorrow during the day Cameron and his friend Robert have a surprise set up for Tia and Roberts wife Sara. So, that should be a fun date. Then tomorrow night we have our wards Christmas Party. So tomorrow looks like it will be a busy but fun day. That’s about all we have planned for this week. Clayton is doing good. Still moving around ALL the time. Right now with how he is positioned when he moves his head or shoulder just right he makes her leg twitch. However, we where told that it is a normal thing that can happen. Weird we know...but it is kind of funny.

32 WEEKS

Well, we had Tia's 32 week appointment today. She is measuring exactly like she should be meaning that Clayton should be about 4 lbs as of right now. The doctor also felt Tia's stomach to try to determine how the baby is positioned inside of her. Here is about how the baby is positioned...if you where looking at Tia from the front. (Although the head is down a little more...we just could not get the 3D image to fully cooperate.)

Well, that's about all that we learned at the appointment. Tia's next one will be January 7. WOW the time sure is flying by.

CHURCH MILITARY LIFE WORKSHOP

Today at the church house we had a Military Life workshop. To start off the workshop they had Elder Oaks talk and then after that we split into two different groups (1. Managing Stress Through Hope and Faith 2. The Key to Successful Family Relationships in the Military) Although some of the information we have heard before it was still a nice Workshop to go to and Cameron and I enjoyed ourselves. Here are a few notes from the workshop for those interested.

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FROM ELDER OAKS TALK

-While at the workshop we learned that This is a Gospel of Miracles and everyone of us has received one. If we feel like we need more miracles in our life we need to do 3 key things.

1. Mighty Prayer

2. Scriptures

3. Service

-Some words that come to mind when war is mentioned are the following: Separation, Fear, Sickness and Killing. If you have ever been deployed and now ask yourself where you stand with the Lord two good scripture verses to read are the following: Alma 43:43 and 47.

-We also learned that there is no need to stress over our trials we need to "let it happen and learn to laugh" -Elder Joseph b Worthlin. By doing so we will be happier.

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MANAGING STRESS WITH HOPE AND FAITH

Understanding Your Individual Stress Level

-Sources of Stress: importance of perception -Relationship between stress and performance; not all stress is bad. (With some stress in our lives or daily performance increases)

-Signs of Stress: physical (heart rate, blood pressure, tension), emotional (anxiety, poor sleep)

-Effects of chronic stress (immune system crashes, depression, lower performance level)

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Taking Action: Learn to moderate your reaction to stress

-Goal is to reduce intensity of your emotional reaction to stress

-Recognize and focus on those areas you DO have control over

-Build physical, emotional and spiritual reserves

-Three key areas to work on:

1. Reduce physical level of tension effective relaxation (deep breathing, imagery)

2. Develop and maintain healthy habits: sleep, nutrition, exercise, leisure, effective time management.

3. Address thoughts and self talk; develop calming thoughts; challenge your unhealthy thinking.

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Examples From the Scriptures

-Take care of the body: Word of Wisdom, D&C89; get enough rest, D&C 88:124

-Organize yourselves: D&C 88:119

-Wisdom and order; don't run faster than you have strength; Mosiah 4:27

-Cheerfully do all in our power, then allow the Lord to do His work: D&C 123:17

-Be of good cheer, be not afraid, the Lord is with you: D&C 68:6; Joshua 1:9

-Answer stress (fear) with faith: Romans 8:28, Romans 8:31

-Put down your burden and rest: Matt 11:28-30

-Maintain emotional/spiritual reserves: Take time to be holy, D&C 25:10. Search, ponder, pray.

-Use self talk to work through challenges. Psalm of Nephi, 2 Nephi 4. Nephi talks through his afflictions and sorrows and comes to rejoice in the Lord.

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THE KEY TO SUCESSFUL FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS IN THE MILITARY

The key is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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Helpful Ensign Articles:

-Staying Together While You're Apart, Mary Lynn Hutchison, Aug 1984, p.57

- At Home with the Hinckley’s, Oct 2003, p.32

-Nurturing Marriage, Elder Russell M Nelson, May 2006, p.36

-Christ-like Communications, L Lionel Kendrick, Nov 1988, p23

-Armor of Battle, Armor of God, Various Contributors, Jun 2008, p.24

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Books

-I Don't Have to Make it All Better- Gary Lundberg

-It Takes a Parent to Raise a Child- Glen C Griffin

-THE BOOK OF MORMON

SICK, SICK, SICK UPDATE

Well, Tia is finally feeling better again. YAY! Her pains in her chest when she coughs are completely gone along with the runny, stuffy nose. Sadly however Cameron is now sick. We are hoping that since he can take medicines...(Tia couldn’t due to being pregnant) that he will get better sooner then she did. Since her being sick lasted just over a week. Well, we just thought that we would update you...

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Other then being sick nothing else is really new...although being sick is not really new either. This week is going to be a busy week for the two of us between work, baby stuff and other scheduled activities so we will keep you update throughout the week.

BABY CLASSES

Well, it finally feels like we are getting somewhere in the pregnancy! We only have 8 weeks to go...WOW! But what we mean by the getting somewhere comment is that Tia is now far enough that we can start taking some baby classes. Here is what we have scheduled class wise...

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-Child Birthing Class- December 11, 18 and 23 (plus one more class with a date to be determined)

-Preparation for Birth Class- January 22

-Infant CPR Class- January 9

-Bundles for Babies Class- January 20

-Breastfeeding: Getting Started and Pumping-January 12

-Basic Training for Parents- December 15

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We are EXCITED and we will tell you all about them. The pregnancy sure has flown by and we are excited that our time is filling up these last 2 months so that time will go by faster. Tia is not tired of being pregnant yet....however we both are counting down the days until we can hold Clayton in our arms.

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Clayton sure does move around a lot and he gets picked on by Tia all the time. He tends to make her belly do a little dance a lot...Tia can watch this for an hour or more and be completely entertained! They also have a few games that they play together...one for instance is that he will kick and then she will poke him back in the same spot and this will continue going on back and forth until Tia decides to stop. She is always the one that has to stop first when they are doing that. He will not stop first...stubborn little man. LOL! He already takes after his parents.

SNOW

This morning we woke up for Cameron to go to work and we discovered that its been snowing! We have about 3''! YAY! Its funny because we have already had more snow this year then any other year we have been in Germany. Which is AWSOME!!!!! WE LOVE THE SNOW!!! We had to take some pictures...OF COURSE...we were too excited to wait until the sun was up...but here they are. (There is really nothing out my front door worth taking a picture of.)