January

We are finally starting to feel settled in after the Holidays. Jack just keeps beaming more every day and Lauren keeps becoming a really good Big Sister.



Bath time is always fun!


We had a Double Date with Amy and Jarom. Jarom gave Amy snowshoes for Christmas and this was her first time trying them out. We found a fun little jump at the top of our trail. While Amy and Marie made it down the mountain Jarom and Dave wanted to see if they could ski down (it was really flat). Jarom and Dave were like two bats in the dark. It was fun to hear them laughing down the mountain.




Horrible Parents... na. Jack got his first hair cut!!




I was just testing out some poses with Lauren and Jack. They are so precious!!!



Lauren was "caught" with a little marker on her hands. Little did we know she was up to. "I just wanted to be a Tiger Mom," said Lauren. I had to take a picture.





We finished off our Fun month of January with a little Snow shoe trip up Rock Canyon. (there wasn't much snow)

Confession and Commitment

Alright everyone who I can confess my commitment to... I am trying out a year of Blogging... Not to be connected (which part I love) but to create a Photo Journal at the end of the year to print out on a book... I really want this so Hopefully I can keep up. I have a feeling it's going to be an eventful year. :D

Now I have to back track February and January... Let's see if I can get it done in a week's time. Jack will be 22 weeks by then... eek!

Home Sweet Home

I have spent more time lately about hour home. Not our House might I add. Well it's more of the combination that our home is not our house. Yes we are renting. But there are some beautiful things about renting right? Things that I appreciate now. Like, I don't stress if we are going to be "stuck" in a house, or that if anything breaks I don't have to foot the bill, or that when I find out my neighbor stole our Grill Cover (I know right?!?) I don't cringe and think... I have to live next to these people forever!!!???!!! (btw I should tell more about this grill cover... next time)

All those positives of renting still don't make me stop and sigh every time I see a friend Painting their Baby's room... or actually have space to put their things... or customize their decorations to the house so it's one cohesive decoration ;) I see people in their houses and they are working on a masterpiece. Weather it is complete in 1 year or 20 it's okay because it's their permanent home, one they can mentally and emotionally invest in as well as physically and financially.


But... I walk around and see what we have done to make this condo our home... from Snowflakes on the windows... to Patio lights on the porch... I do feel nestled here and a little nervous for when we pick up our young roots and plant them somewhere new. (our roots have never been in one place long) On the other hand I hope someday I OWN a home... but right now I'm happy to be borrowing a home.

Can I borrow some?!?

Seriously ladies! Where do you get the time?!? I feel like my nose is above water if I get the dishes done by bedtime. :D I think a lot about a desperate house wives episode ( I have watched like five episodes) that I saw before I had Lauren, and the mother of five was exhausted and couldn't understand how moms were 'doing it all' and found out they were taking ridlin from the black market!! Ha! Somehow this gives me a tad amount of peace because it suggests maybe I'm normal because I can't do it all.

A lot of Lasts before A lot of Firsts

Today I am overwhelmed. There is so much to be done before little baby boy comes. But I am also catching myself thinking every time Lauren has a fit, or cuddles or is sleeping or is getting dressed or is brushing her teeth or .... I will have another little body in a month to think about somewhere in this house or in my arms. I also keep thinking oh dear I better get a date in before we never go on dates again.
But...
I also keep dreaming of when I get to hold my little boy for the first time and see his tiny little fingers and toes and eyes and nose! I think about how there is going to be another little one in the car with me when we go places and how it will really feel like a family. I keep thinking of the walks that I'll take with him while lauren rides along on her bike and chats away to me while he smiles or sleeps...

The balance isn't shifting from good to bad... I'm just getting more.

I'm excited!! 17 days!!

It's a Boy

Thank You everyone for the congratulations!!! We really are so excited and the Ultrasound was fantastic! Here are some pictures of baby boys first photo shoot ;)



I know it is kinda hard to decipher these pictures for some but He's resting his elbow on his knee.



Here is little boy. I am so excited to have such wonderful docters who know exactly what they are looking for and how to tell me what they are looking for and I felt completely involved in the Ultrasound and I loved every second of it.

There were 11 posts and 5 said girl, 3 said boy. I didn't really think about it too hard but I have no baby boy stuff. A lot of baby girl stuff that I've tried over the years to go through but I just can't seem to part with some of those super adorable clothes.



Now for name picking. Any Suggestions? ;)

My new BFF.

Surprise!!!

Alright... Let me tell you a small story. It's a bit personal and I realize this but if you are comfortable being so personal with me... read on.

Dave and I got married 7 years ago. I was not the kid type. I am way more now that I have one but... So, I had no problem going to school, graduating and working for awhile. It just felt good to accomplish something so early in my life. Then, I started to get baby hungry, don't ask me how this happens to someone who was terrified of babies. Dave and I tried and thinking it was as easy as a wink, I was frustrated with waiting for a year for it to happen. I felt like something was wrong with me. But having patience kinda proves one a silly dilly. We got pregnant with Lauren and had our precious pea on the 4th of July of all days. (it fits her) She was early and I was freaking out... Pregnancy with her was a breeze and I only had one day that I felt sick, it was a good combo of a lot of things that did it to me. So when she came, it just felt surreal. I guess that describes becoming a parent right, surreal?

Off we three went to Virginia! Spent two wonderful years with friends and the water and the beautiful east coast. During this time... I got baby hungry again and we wanted to have another little one. But... if you have had to learn patience once... well doesn't mean you don't have to learn it more and even harder. Over two years ago Dave and I started trying again. We succeeded and failed a couple of times and all I have to say looking back at those really really really hard times, I am so blessed. The Lord was with me. He sent me a wonderful miracle when we were on our way (packing up in Virginia) to Utah, Dave needed to take a really hard end of rotation exam along with another exam for graduating. He happened to be with a great OB/GYN who was able to help me on such short notice and was so kind with my emotions. I felt so blessed with great friends who helped me on my way on a six day drive to Utah. Sigh. Dave and I succeeded again four months later. Super nervous about this, afraid that it would happen again I opened up to the wonderful wonderful friends around me who, honestly I feel I was blessed with not just to be friends with them, but I feel the Lord helped me have them in my life right then. I had such support when Dave was gone to Virginia getting ready to graduate and I was pretty much a wreck. But even when it was just Lauren and me and things really hit the fan... the Lord blessed me with a super sweet little girl that was more of a support than any two year old could be. She put her hand on me and said in that little sweet angel voice of hers," Mom why are you crying?" and I could barely muster out," because mommy has had a really bad day." she was quite for a bit and then said," It's okay mommy, it's going to be okay." I really feel I was blessed and the Lord showed he was there for me through the wonderful little and big people around me.

So after a break and a sigh and a recoup we thought well we got to get going again. And four months ago... well let's just say We are four months PREGNANT! Yeah!!! Hip Hip Hooray!! We kept our mouth closed so long because it just was very frustrating to say, "We're pregnant!! Yeah!" and then "Ummm not anymore" But here we are!!! And I can not tell you how grateful and happy and so overwhelmed with joy that this is happening! And the sound of that beautiful beautiful and wonderful heartbeat each and every time I hear it. Oh it's music to me. I cry every time i hear it. At the last check up this little one was kicking like crazy and it was the first time I could feel it. I laughed then cried. It's so wonderful!! Mothers day was kinda fun, I got an extra big kick during sacrament, kinda like Mommy I'm here Happy Mother's Day, love you. It's such a blessing and sure, I'm scared out of my pants to have a baby again but... nothing ever happens the same twice. And, as bad as I feel for saying this but not that I don't love Lauren more than my own air, I want this more than with Lauren. With Lauren I was mostly just unaware and scared. This feels good.

Lauren is pretty excited and she'll still have hard days (same as me) but she prays and says, "and thank you for my sister" and I just laugh because we don't know what we are having yet. She can't wait to help but, "not with the poopy diapers because they stink. ;)" Dave is excited too... I think he's afraid we will become miserably trapped like last time but... I hope we know how to handle things a bit better now. Dave thinks we are having a boy. He might be right... He was right with Lauren when I was wrong. I would love a little boy, and I would love a little girl... Honestly I would love either. I would love to have a boy because I just can't wait to have a sweet little boy of my own and for Dave to have a boy to do all those fun things that he can do with Lauren but... boys are different. I would love a little girl. Girls are so fun and Lauren would have a sister. Every girl out there with out a sister understands me. I would feel horrified if I didn't let Lauren have a sister. I can't control fate though so...

Here's the question... What do you think we are having?


Dave's parents and sister think we are having a boy. ;) I thought for sure we were having a girl at first. For sure! But now I call him a him. I felt like the heart beat was so clear and I have been sick but... I'm asking ya'll because it's just a fun game and we find out in two weeks :) Yeah!!

Well.... Surprise!!! We are pregnant and due in October! four days before my B-day ;) it will be a good present.

Easter Weekend

After our super fun visit and night at The Steve And Pamela Hotel, we went on the JEM trail with one of Dave's good friend from High school.This trail is by far my favorite, especially when you shuttle the uphill ;) I was so happy at the end of the trail because we were talking to a guy who had just finished the trail. He had a camera on his head and you could tell he was pretty good. He complimented me on taking the drops and said he saw a lot of girls and people walking them. I was so glad to hear that. Dave and Jarom are just way better than me so... anywho. It was a blast.


After a short hike and a good dinner in Zions we camped on Dave's new pads, they are as wonderful as he's let on to. Then when we woke up there was the Egg hunt. It was sooo fun to have two kids doing this. Plus it was kinda fun to set the eggs out. Lauren kinda made a good haul.


Here is Lauren just sulking on a rock. This girl, I have no idea why she was sulking but it kinda just cracks me up how much spice she has.


After we packed up camp, we went to hike Angels Landing. I'm glad I did it... but... it might be awhile since I do it again. It killed my knees and I'm pretty sure I strained my groin, yes i said groin. ;) This is the mountain we hiked. Yep, to that very tippy top.


This is part way up the hike. It was so beautiful. Dave had so much energy it was amazing. He packed Lauren 1/2 way up this trail. I know!!! I couldn't even keep up with him. It's the poles right?


Dave used his multipurpose poles, so cool I know it looks super old foagy, But.. I wished I had some. Plus people all the way up and down were saying things like, "hon, you take the guy out and I'll take his poles." I think I wasn't the only one wishing i had poles.


This was the switchbacks and they were steep!!!



This was one of the pictures Dave took and I edited over looking the peak. The last "half mile" is so not a half mile and it's really kinda scary. It just drops off and I just had to keep looking right infront of me. Plus it's kinda a climb. But... isn't this pretty?

Holding Back.

I feel like I've cut myself out of some pretty cool things in life. You'd think I'd change... But, I really think I missed out in Norfolk. Granted I miss Norfolk horribly. It was such a good time in my life. But, It could have been so much better. All I needed to do was try to not hold myself back so much. I think people are afraid of getting hurt or rejected by others so they don't put themselves out there. When now that I look back, I just missed out on being friends with some really amazing people. I feel like I knew them... but I could have really enjoyed them. Such a sad scenario. And it's all because I didn't reach out when another did, or try to get myself into their lives. I think most of the time people like friends, so why was I so scared to be one?? I wonder if I should still try, via blogger or facebook to get close to these ladies from Virginia. But, maybe it's too late. I don't know.
So, I remember leaving Virginia and going to Denver and realizing this. Even as I was spending my last days in Virginia I couldn't reach out and become closer, silly me. So I went into Denver thinking, I might have a really great friend here. And I found four. Plus a whole crowd that I'm still getting to know. I was so boosted and uplifted and helped by these wonderful women. Friends are so important and gosh I'm so sad I've missed out. So... As I'm moving into another ward where it would be soooo easy to hide and think "They don't want to be my friend" I'm just going to give it a good head held high and smile.
P.s. if you are one of the ladies I'm talking about I just think ya'll are amazing and I love to learn from you.

Yea!!! It's sunny!!!

I'm so glad it's sunny outside! I just have to write it down. So, we are moving at the end of this week, into a rental. Bit frustrated about that but... it was our decision (I guess) And Lauren and I have felt like crap the past week and a half. Seriously throwing up all night, we take turns Lauren and I, barely able to eat during the day, completely crummy. Lauren's had serious Diarrhea, poor girl. While, those of you who have vacationed with me... know I get a little... backed up. So needless to say we don't pop out of bed like daises and rush to scrub walls and carpets and baseboards and ceilings and organize so when we unpack we don't hate life. Plus it had been so gray the past forever and I just have to thank the sun for showing it's beautiful self today. I honestly feel so much better. Still lightheaded and what not but I might actually be able to do something today, other than watch movies.

It's Decided!

Yes It's Decided! We are going to Disneyland for Christmas!! I feel like there hasn't been much stability in our lives the past year (and yes I am doing a year cap for my next post) and call me silly I just didn't expect to be at Disneyland with no real place to just sit and enjoy the day. But... I think it will be full of fun memories. I have always kinda liked the thought of Christmas in Disneyland but I didn't expect it or even really plan for it this year. Dave's parents have a hard time with Christmas and so I think since we (the only kids in Utah) are having my family for Christmas this year, they didn't really like the thought of that. So, they took the initiative and invited us to Disneyland. Dave can't say no to Disneyland. I'm excited that Lauren will have so much time with us and her Grandparents. It will be fun and I hope to post some pictures too.

Christmas!

This year I felt so hum drum about Christmas and I still am not going to decorate but I feel like I finally caught the Christmas bug when I started to read the Christmas Carol. I told myself last year that I would make it a tradition to read The Christmas Carol every December and I was excited to do it so it was easy. Then the bug grew when I went to watch The Christmas Carol in theaters with Dave. I really grow from the story and sometimes feel like there are little pieces of me that are a bit scroogish and need a little kneading.
So I softened and last week I made 32 dozen cookies and gave them to people who work with Dave and family and friends. I loved it!! I thought about those people the whole time I was making the cookies and I was just excited to give them something. For me I hate the thought of the monetary side of Christmas. It takes the life out of Christmas for me. So this was a good way for me to give and not think about the money.
Plus I love Christmas Carols. Yesterday, Relief Society sang "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" and despite the horrible singing that was going on all around, I really started crying. It is such a beautiful song. I was also thinking during the lesson how it really is a Miracle every Christmas. I hear people say, "I should be like this all year" or "We should be like this all year". Then I think, no then that would take the miracle of Christmas. I think every year you become better, (should at least) and every Christmas still is that much more of a Miracle. It always leaves mans heart a little warmer, a little softer and a little more giving to "our fellow travelers to the grave"

"I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"

(Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882), 1867)

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."

Till, ringing singing, on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

So, I know that I don't post hardly ever so it's kinda a cycle where the less I post the harder it is for me to post because I know no one will read it so... Anyways, I'll catch everyone up with us. Two weeks ago I flew out to Virginia with Lauren to meet up with Dave who had been there a week and a half. Then later in that week after we flew out Dave Graduated! Hurray! It was so fun to visit and be at our old home. But we were ready to come back to Denver. Next... Pictures.

Does this really work?

Firemen stand up for their Morals - Please Visit Site

http://www.firefightersdefensefund.org/site/c.jdKMKSOuHoE/b.4802855/

This is a site that makes me feel a bit better about things. And yet I'm still a little red under the collar. Today I was driving home with Dave from Fort Collins, CO. I turned the radio and scanned the channels. I was very interested in a talk radio conversation which had a Fireman from San Diego on the line with the radio host. They were talking about a present case that this particular Firefighter Unit in San Diego, was in. I was so livid and down right well... livid explains it. The Firemen in this unit were called and told they had to be in the Gay Pride Parade of San Diego. The chief simply stated, none of the men and he as well did not want to be around, or associated with the activities that would go on during this Parade every year. Come to find very lud and crass behavior, not surprisingly, is exhibited every year at this parade. And, why do we over look these "illegal" actions? Seriously, they are illegal and the city turns a blind eye to it every year. gerrr, I better calm down. I just feel it so unjust that someone would be forced by the government in that particular city to participate in something that is very strongly against their belief, against their will, and how horrible it would be for those men with families and wives to spend a horrible horrible day being cat called, exposed to nudity, and inappropriate language and physical action. Oh, goodness, seriously? Do we really have a hard time standing up for things? Well, i was very proud and happy to hear this Unit did. They stood up and because of it are in a costly case to help them and others who do not wish to forced to do something they do not agree with. I am so happy to know there are average day Hero's still out there who want to stand up for them selves and not be pushed down and subjected to.

Acadamy of Country Music Awards!

Alright,I have always liked the occasional Country song, but I think I was slightly converted tonight. I love Country music!! And I actually feel like there is something worth while in the music and lyrics. Like Carrie Underwood said tonight, "It's my belief that Country music makes the world a better place." Thank goodness there is still that!

Dave Telemarking

Maci & Ryan get Married, And Dave and I get A day away!

I am so happy for my good friend Maci! She is one of the funnest, smartest, kindest people I know. I'm so blessed to have good friends, even if we act like sisters sometimes. Her wedding was just right. I felt like everything about it was comfortable and easy and enjoyable.

I had so much fun seeing everyone and laughing with them while we ate our scrumptious dinner/lunch. I just love having my friends around, but I love having my friends and my hubby around. It was a lot of fun to laugh with Dave too. I honestly say he is my best friend.

After the Wedding we wanted to "hit the town" of ol' St. George. I just boggle myself when I remember growing up in Delta and felt that St. George and Provo were such monstrosity of cities. I know if you live there you usually know the nooks and cranies where you go and do things, that sounds like a bad joke. But, we aren't from there or ever lived there, so... we went to a movie and Loved it!!! We were early and so Dave was like should we go somewhere, I said, No way!! Do you see the arcades? Yes we played arcades for half an hour and it was a blast!! I love feeling like a kid at times. Then we went in and watched Knowing It was crazy and I liked it. The best part of this movie was walking out and looking at eachother and saying, "What next?" Oh it felt soooooo good to not to have to rush home because of worries.
We went to the Family Fun Center and had a blast!! yes we did race cars and I laughed the whole time. A little twelve year old passed me but not to worry I was neck and neck with him after that. So then we went to dinner, then headed back to Cedar City to our awesome Bed and Breakfast. Dave was getting a little worried and a bit jealous of the bed and sheets we had. I was sooo in love. Some people like their mattresses hard, I like mine to feel like I'm on a cloud and I did! And to think I just got this place because it was the cheapest :) Then after a blissfull night sleep, we treked down to Virgin and did a bike ride. Ohhhhh my lands. I felt like I was the same person who graduated college four years ago. I missed myself and it was a good reunion to be together again. I just can't wait to do the trail again with Dave and some of my family at the reunion this summer.

Oh The Spoils of a Good Storm

Last Thursday a storm hit, it was pretty big. Big enough for half of Denver to go home from work early. So Dave came home early, I hadn't left the house because the snow was blowing sideways. I had snuck down to the gym and done some good circits, lunges and what not. He says, well the D.O. gave me some ski tickets for a great price. "Wha?" Let's just say, I loved the snow in my... more unresponcible days. I loved Snowboarding! Snowshoeing, skiing, and when I met Dave he taught me how to Telemark. So.. it's been soooo long since we have had a good day on the slopes. The D.O. said if Dave wanted to take Friday off to go skiing that would be fine with him. Great hu? Well, I was a bit hesitant to doing this, mostly because I didn't want to wake up at 6 a.m., I was a bit sick, and I am sick of driving. But... lo and behold I woke up at 6 a.m. and drove to Loveland, CO, about one hr away from Denver.
There was a Day care at the resort which did a good job at watching Lauren. She was really excited to be there so I didn't have any worries. I feel like Now that she is getting older I don't have as much anxiety about leaving her. Dave and I put on our new (old) tele boots with a smile and scout our routes out and just hit the slopes for 2 & 1/2 hrs.

I was really tired because of the early wake up, being sick, and my intense work out the day before. When you Tele you use so much thigh you are basically doing lunges down the mountain.
So my first few runs were not so good. I had a lot of fun with Dave and by the end I felt like If I went again this season I would be kickin' it. ;) What a blast hu?
Then I hung out with Lauren for an hour while Dave did another long run.

I just love Colorado! The people are so great and it just feels like they are similar to Dave and Me.