Christmas and a little more...

The last three months have brought some amazing changes.

First: After a 2.4 year relationship Mark kissed PriceWaterhouse Cooper goodbye. I had been dreading Mark working for one of the "Big 4" accounting firms from the moment I said I would marry him. I don't enjoy Mark being gone all the time, I rather enjoy him being with me all the time. He is a really fun/awesome/sweet guy and I really like hanging out with him. I knew the hours he would have to work would be awful, and I was anxious having my love gone 60-80 hours per week.

Mark is a very hard worker, but in no way a workaholic. He finishes every job he begins, but likes to have fun, to have friends, have time with his family, and enjoy life. We knew it wouldn't be an easy ride for either of us.

I am so proud of Mark. There were times during "busy season" when he would leave for work at 6:30 a.m., get home at 1:30 am, sleep for a few hours and be gone before I even woke up again. This could go on day after day without having a Saturday or Sunday off. I could see the stress in him, building up each day and had no idea how he handled it. I couldn't.

When New Zealand plans came crashing through the floor, we started looking for something else, and Mark received an offer from Disney as a financial analyst. I am pretty sure Mark isn't going to sign onto the blog and post his feelings about his new job, so I will have tell you all that he is very happy working for Disney, and enjoys his work. I love having him come home at night and say, "I really like my job". I also love having him come home at 6:30. I could not be happier. Three weeks after we quit PWC I realized the lonely feeling I have had in my chest the last couple of years was just gone.

Second: Around 22 weeks pregnant my nausea seemed to disappear. I feel so horrible for women who are sick the entire 9 months. What a wonderful welcome change!

Third: While we were quitting jobs, I quit mine as well. I have been working at home as a resident manager the last 1.5 years, and am now done. It is quite glorious. I would way rather deal with a grumpy toddler than grumpy tenants who know how to yell and swear. Especially because my toddler isn't always grumpy and gives me spontaneous hugs and kisses and has cutest face I have ever seen. Another very welcome change.

As for Christmas. Mark's boss was very generous to let him take some vacation time early, and we were off to Utah for the season. It was our first time driving the entire way with Russ. He didn't sleep one wink all the way there or back, but he did love watching Bolt.

Santa came to visit Russ Russ. If you can't tell Santa gets a sweet discount with Mickey Mouse.

These little Disney figurines were by far the biggest hit of the season. Russ has not willingly surrendered them yet.

His first time in the snow. Russ learned the word "cold" very quickly and said it over and over.


Mark's family has this awesome cabin up American Fork Canyon. The entire family spent a day up there sledding and playing in the snow. Gardner cabin sledding is one of the most fun activities I have ever done.

See the road to the left of Mark? This is our bobsled run. The road is covered in packed snow, a perfect course for these wooden sleds (on Mark's right). Mark and I did this on one of our first dates. You can get going very fast on one of these little numbers.

The four of us about to take off on our first run. You can't see little Luke, but he's there.

We put Russ Russ down for a nap at the cabin and Mark and I escaped on a 4-wheeler for a while. Always fun to get out alone.

Mark and Rasty built a jump, and went flying over and over.

I think the picture above is Scott

Rasty

Mark

Mama and Russ Russ watching the boys jump. I'm a little envious I can't try the jump as I am six months pregnant. Russ is loving all the action.

Mark

New Years Eve brought our traditional Christensen party at the Busbys. Mark's a veteran by now, but this was Scott's first New Years party.

Keeping Russ happy until midnight.

Getting pretty sleepy.

Lots of Band Hero

We had fun doing about a hundred other things over our break, but were pretty horrible about taking pictures.

Mom and Dad Wood took the whole family (minus Mike and Beans) to Disneyland after New Years. It was an awesome day. I am so sad we forgot our camera. We had such a fun time.

Back home. It was strange to drive out of the dead of winter to 75 degree weather. Honestly we love the weather in Southern California. The snow is fun for a week or two, but it was nice to come home and spend a beautiful day at the beach.

Wow, aren't they cute?

27-28 weeks pregnant. This picture was three months exactly from due date.

I haven't taken any belly pictures in forever, but you can't really complain because now you get to see the belly in a bathing suit. Doesn't get better than that.