California Winters

December 12th
Jared with friends at Altisima Park. I'm amazed that he is (A) looking at the camera, and (B) is smiling naturally. Trips to the park are never to be underestimated in value...

Quick baby Pearson update

As of this morning, I'm 3 cm dialated, 70% effaced and, in the doctor's words, she "would be surprised if I made it through another week pregnant". All very encouraging words for us parents hoping for a 2008 delivery. The size estimate is 7 lbs. with another pound or so expected to add on by the time of birth -- but keep in mind the estimate was made by poking and prodding my tummy and guessing, so who really knows? Of course, Baby Vuka (aka baby banana) may have other plans, but everything still feels and looks on track for a good-sized healthy little girl. That's the best gift.

Latest Picture from the Mission

Dear family,
Nancy Henrie, the mother of Elder Henrie who is serving in the Baytown area with Kenneth, emailed me and let me know "our boys" are in the same mission and that Kenneth is in several photos her son sent to her. She was so nice! She sent some digital photos of Kenneth's district for our family to enjoy. She has a blog for Elder Henrie we're invited to look at, too, http://natehenrie.blogspot.com/ Kenneth mentioned the car accident in an earlier letter - and there are pictures of that, too. We might see more of Kenneth in the Henries' blog in the future.

I'M ENGAGED!!

I know you all know, but I thought I'd make it official and post it on the family blog. Cyrus and I are engaged! The date is still being decided, but we are leaning toward May 22nd. It's Memorial Day weekend so it might make it easier to have everyone come out. We're going to get married in the Nauvoo temple on the 22nd and then have a reception in Champaign on the 23rd. Here are some pictures of the hike Cyrus and I went on where he totally surprised me at the top with a proposal.

Corbin's Baptism!

We are so proud of Corbin and were happy to celebrate his big day with lots of family and friends. Here are some of our favorite pictures (from Marcia's downloads - thanks!). We're sure more are coming...it was a good day!

2nd week of December...

Kara Morrow Family GIVES TO Kathryn Pearson Family
Kirk Price Family GIVES TO Kara Morrow Family
Kathryn Pearson Family GIVES TO Krystle Thiel Family
Krystle Thiel Family GIVES TO Kendra
Kendra GIVES TO Kirk Price Family
Missionary Kenneth GIVES a letter to us all
Everyone GIVES TO Missionary Kenneth, Mom & Dad

Shasta and Shasta

I don't know how Tom and I escaped photos of ourselves, but here are the ones we have of Jared and Kara's family from the annual "Follow the Star" nativity pagent and creche exhibit, which was even more beautiful than ever this year. They added a fantastic idea this time - a "find it" game. A half-sheet of paper with 8 photos of different creche details for children (or adults) to find amongst the hundreds of creche scenes. Corbin was the perfect age for that and it kept the hoards of kids distracted while their parents enjoyed the displays.


Jared kept himself entertained by jumping (well, skip-hopping) over that rope...

Kara's family at the creche exhibit.

Jared's horse, Shasta, meeting his namesake, "the Real Shasta". The Real Shasta is a donkey - we met her last year at this same nativity and 2-year-old Jared went home and promptly re-named his stuffed horse Shasta. He sleeps with this horse in his bed every night. We were hoping to see the Real Shasta again this year so we brought Jared's horse along just in case - and got this precious photo of Jared introducing his horse to the donkey. On the way to the church building, Jared said, "I want to show my Shasta to the real Shasta because she will think my horse is very pretty."

Shower hosted by Jan

Jan Lam hosted a great baby shower the day after Thanksgiving - scrumptious lunch at Buca di Beppo's in the hilariously decorated "Pope Room". Friends from high school, college, neighbors and new friends came. Fun time!



Kendra is training the baby up early for school brand loyalty.

First sister shower with the three of us. It's not complete without Krystle - we miss you!

Kendra won the "Baby Animal Names" game. We all know what a baby fox is called now...do you know what a baby swan is called? Or a baby dolphin?

Kara knew the most details about me, the pregnancy and the baby - she won that game!

Thanksgivings in SoCal 2008

California Thanksgiving feasts of 2008!

November catch-up

Voting
Church baby shower
Thanksgiving & Kendra's visit
Jan's shower
Twilight
Pearson parents' mission ends
4 weeks from baby