what have we been up to?

Hello everyone! It's been a while since I've even had the motivation to get on here. So much has been going on with our little family, I hardly know where to begin?

The biggest news in our lives culminated last night: my sister Kelly's wedding. It was a beautiful day, a beautiful bride, a handsome groom, lots of good food, good company, and some amazing hair extensions. I guess that's what happens when you're a hairdresser! It was fun to get together with family and friends, especially Gary's sister Katie, who I think was separated from me at birth. Below are some pictures of the flower girls and Kelly's one-of-a-kind designer gown (all of which, were made by the fabulous Judy Tenney).Before the wedding, Mike and I had been entertaining family and friends for close to three weeks. Needless to say, we had a very full house, with lots of people coming and going! Hopefully our schedule has died down enough to resume normal activities once again, but with my new job I'm sure I won't have as much free time as I used to.

Alli is still living with us, and we are very happy to have her around the house. She is a great help to me, as well as a good friend. We share: "The Office", movies, books, shopping trips, cooking, Peter duties, etc. She helped me plan and execute my shower for Marie, as well as put together all the cute favors (which you can see on Cupcake Chowder). I mentioned to Mike the other night that it's almost like we are a polygamist family, except the fact that it's his sister and not his wife. He made a really strange face, and the topic hasn't been brought up since.

What?! Did I say something wrong?

Now to the part you all really wanted to hear about: Peter. He's doing excellent. He went in for his 9 month check-up not too long ago, and the doctor said he looks great. 24 lbs and counting. Apparently we've been feeding him too much, so I've cut back a little on his formula (which in turn cuts back our grocery bill). He is eating lots of different foods now, and loves to beg off everyone's dinner plate. His favorite dinner is sweet potatoes with corn, or any kind of fruit. Corn Chex are also a big hit. He has recently learned to clap his hands, turn pages in his baby books, and is now crawling at the speed of light. His favorite toys are his baby books, Classical Baby DVD's, and pretty much anything that makes noise or lights up. He also enjoys pulling all the CD's and DVD's from the shelf and watching them crash to the floor. Mike and I bought him his Halloween costume the other night...he's going as a skunk. It's really cute, especially the patch on the rear end that says, "Little Stinker". It couldn't be more appropriate.
Unfortunately, with the good comes the bad. Mike and I have also had some hardships recently. My father-in-law has been in the hospital for the last few weeks (but was just released last week). He suffered some minor strokes, as well as several other complications from the strokes. Mike's brother Jared is out in Wisconsin right now helping Dianne keep things running smoothly. Please keep Phil in your prayers, and hope for a speedy recovery! We love you both, and wish we could be there with you.

On a related subject, (that I'm sure Phil will love to hear), Mike and I found out tonight that we have a common in ancestor in Lady Godiva - of all people. When my aunt called me today to tell me the funny news, I just laughed and said, "That explains so much."

Speaking of family, I have an aunt who sings in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and this morning Mike and I decided to skip Stake Conference to get up early and to head to Salt Lake City to hear, "Music and the Spoken Word." It has literally been years since I have been in the old Tabernacle (Two words Zauss girls: JELLY BELLY'S), as well as enjoyed a live broadcast. It was so wonderful! The Galaxy Children's Choir was there from Beijing singing (they were so cute and talented), and Mike got really excited when we looked at the program and noticed the last number was a John Williams song. The acoustics in the Tabernacle are perfect, as were the combined choirs and full orchestra for the rousing arrangement. I myself liked hearing the Chinese choir singing, "It's a Small World" in Chinese. It was a nice break from our usual Sunday routine, and a great cultural as well as spiritual experience. I definitely recommend it, if you have the opportunity.Well, that's about all the update I have in me for tonight. Thanks for listening. Until next time...XOXO Meg