Jesus has really sustained us through this time. I’ve really come to terms (for now anyway) that I cannot fix things and do everything on my own and how much I need him in my life.

When the world seems overcome in darkness, I turn to the light. The happy things. This life is truly wonderful gift but sometimes it takes effort to remember that. I am so grateful for all I have. I am incredibly blessed.

Finding joy, working through sorrow and shaking it out! This song has meant a lot to me lately. Perhaps if you need encouragement, it will encourage you as well.

I love many of the Y’s teachers, but especially Christina and Athena. They are extremely encouraging and do a fun but challenging class. They are also kind, caring and amazing women. I don’t have any video of them. I wish they would post some!!!!!! But, this below is one of the routines that we do in classes that I really enjoy. My shoulder shimmy is still a little rough, but it’s come a long way.

Zumba-hey Zumba-hay!

I’ve been almost a gym addict lately and so when I didn’t want to go yesterday and didn’t really want to do anything, I was so grateful for a baby who craves sunlight and a friend who called me up to go to the park with her children and her. That really helped.

You can imagine my dismay when I woke up this morning and it was still there. Ugh. I didn’t even want to go to Zumba this morning, which is a big thing. We already paid for Mother’s Day out and I HAD TO get dressed to go to that, so I made myself put on my gym clothes. My senses were super dull as we began the class, but as we began to go through the steps and songs, the dark feeling disappeared. I am so grateful for this outlet that I have found.

I continue to pray for everything to regulate so that I am healed, but for now, I am just really having to employ self-discipline. What a tough time. I am thankful for Wes, Ruby, friends and family that make it easier to make it through.

Instead, I tried to open my mind and hear her points, most of which are pretty well informed. I told her I would look into other options besides dairy for calcium and vitamin D for Ruby, but I would need to find something pretty realistic for a toddler. So, I am guessing there will be no major changes in her diet anytime soon, considering the battle that mealtime can be already.

This was a good reminder for me, to try to keep my opinions to myself unless requested. Even when well-meaning, it usually just lends way for an awkward conversation. Which is why I try not to “Dave Ramsey” people, even though I can feel it rising inside when financial topics come up. Someone mentions buying a car and I want to interject, “Of course you mean a used car and you want to save up and pay cash only for it?” Wow, that would super annoying to the person that was just wanting to talk about what kind of car to get.

So anyway, I will control myself, no matter how many times I know JUST HOW TO FIX so-and-so. Chances are, they know already and just don’t care. ha

Ruby and I enjoy listening to music together. Because of her, I actually appreciate and listen to Arcade Fire, Coldplay, and Radiohead. Her musical tastes seem to trend more towards her father’s. Anyway, here is a list of Ruby and my top ten songs of 2010, in no particular order. These are not merit based, but are just ones that she and I enjoyed.

10. Fader – Temper Trap
9. California Gurls – Katy Perry
8. Ready to Start – Arcade Fire
7. My Own Sinking Ship – Good Old War
6. Bang Bang – K’Naan
5. Birthday – Kings of Leon
4. Eyes – Rouge Wave
3. Take Me Out – Atomic Tom
2. Hannah – Freelance Whales
1. My Body – Young the Giant
I left off Shake by Jesse McCartney for fear of massive ridicule, but we like it. What can I say?

You can listen to a playlist of all the above songs, and a few bonus songs that didn’t make top 10, right here.

Enjoy 2011. I hope there is fun, memories, and music in your future.

Christmas yesterday was wonderful! Ruby had a great time with family and was spoiled with the most amazing gifts. We are blessed to have so much of Wes’ family close. It makes for some special memories.

We have been through a lot this year, and because of that, we have each learned a lot. Below are a few things that each of us have learned this year.

Ruby has learned -

• How to walk, run, climb and stomp
• Using a fork and spoon can be fun AND messy
• A big appreciation for being outdoors. She’s a nature baby.
• To appreciate many foods | Triscuts, Sunchips, Blueberries, Pancakes, Life Cereal, Raisins, Oatmeal, Applesauce, and Mandarin Oranges are some of her favorites.
• To love trips to the zoo and animals in general

and so much more!

Sarah has learned -

• How incredibly blessed we are in so many ways
• To try not to be so hung up about germs, boogers, and food all over Ruby and me
• To say “No!” in a firm, adult-like voice. But she doesn’t like saying it! It would be much easier to give in.
• Ruby, like her father, enjoys quality time over a quantity of people. It’s hard for Sarah to understand, but she’s learning to compromise.
• It is okay to say “I cant,” “No,” and “I need help.”

Wes has learned -
To get to things as he can, and spend quality time with his girls when he can. I’m sure we will update this for him soon. But I needed to make this post. xoxo – love you, babe!

Some photos of our year:





We were in the local paper in November.

So Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Love to you all, especially my Corbaley family that I won’t see except for by video chat. I miss you guys!

So, we’ll keep the updates coming. Once we get to the hospital, Wes will be updating wesandsarah.com often with photos and status updates, as well as if this baby is a BOY or a GIRL! We cannot wait to meet them and can’t believe it could but just over a week away.

Please be praying for a safe delivery and healthy baby. Love you all!