Post Holiday Life Update: Christmas and Nesting!

I know this post is a little late. I was planning on posting it before we went to visit family in January, but I didn't get it up in time. I hope you still enjoy it, even if it's a few weeks late. Happy February!

The past few weeks have been amazing. Gabe had time off work, and we were able to really spend a lot of time together discussing life and enjoying the last little while when it is just the two of us. This Christmas, we kept things pretty low key. Gabe had a half day of work on the 24th and then the festivities began!

I made him a hearty pot roast (by request), and we cuddled up and watched Christmas movies. I think everyone misses family during this time of the year if they aren't living close to them, and we definitely felt the longing to be closer. We are praying our next base is warmer and easier to visit home, especially during the holidays.

We were able to Skype with my younger brother, Elder Ishimatsu, on Christmas morning. He is doing well in Germany, loving his mission, the people, and the word of God. He still has his sense of humor firmly intact. I can't believe he will be home before our baby is born! (Unless the little guy comes early).

Brrr....

As I have started preparing for the arrival of our baby, I've found an unnatural drive to clean EVERYTHING. I say unnatural because I've never been quite so obsessed with cleaning, organizing, and consolidating a whole house. 

Isn't he precious?! Gabe has been able to feel him move and we could 

sit for hours just waiting for him to kick or roll over!

What have I learned from my nesting experiences? Firstly, when you do a little bit of something everyday, eventually the whole project is finished! Being pregnant, I have found that I run out of energy a little bit earlier than I am used to in my non-pregnant body. Being aware of my energy levels and lower back pain (which is starting to creep in), I have been doing 1 deep cleaning project everyday. Most of the time, this project lasts less than 1 hour. And I've nearly gotten through the entire house! Secondly, we have donated many unused items that were just taking up space, I packed away all my non-pregnancy clothes, and threw away or recycled all useless things. It has made me completely obsessed with a minimalistic view of material goods. Our house is much more clean, and our lives seem much more focused. I feel as though I can spend more time living and less time cleaning all the junk.

Our cat, Pixel, has really been enjoying the cleaning process,

although he does have a tendency to fall asleep on the job.

Now I want to know, what is new with you? Comment down below and let me know!