We finally know

Tonight we went to my parents house to have some dinner, spend some family time and find out exactly what kind of baby it is that we're having. We had some delicious french dip sandwiches with all sorts of yummy sides and treats. Afterwards, we were sent on a scavenger hunt. The first clue to finding out what our baby is was some diaper pins and the note attached said: "Here is a pin, to help put on that grin, now hurry and jump all the way to the pump, because, Cam, we all know you're miring, to know if boy or girl you'll be siring." So we headed downstairs into the the laundry room.

There we found our second clue. It was a bag with blankets in it and the note said: "Here is a blanket to wrap the baby so warm, in no time at all it will be in your arm, Now look under Chelsy's bed, for there's nothing to dread, the sex of the baby soon will be said."

There our gift was a couple of bottles and the note said: "Here are two bottles, one blue and one pink, the answer you're after is just on the brink, so please walk and not run, to where dad keeps his gun, and maybe there you'll find what the lord has assigned." There we found our last clue which was attached to some pacifiers.

The note said: "Here is a pacifier, and I am no liar, if you and your groom go to the blue room, you may just find out, what the fuss is about." There we found a gift wrapped photo frame with this in it:

I've tried to upload the video of us opening this present but for some reason, it keeps giving me an error message, so I'll try and post that later, if I can get it figured out. Oh, and don't worry if you can't tell what the baby is from this picture. We couldn't either. But of course the writing at the top is what gave it away. After opening this picture we stepped into the room and it was plastered with pieces of paper with the word "boy" written all over them.

Needless to say, we are pleased as punch! Either way we would have been but it's so exciting and new and I can finally say he, his, and him and start calling him by his rightful name, Anders Camron Reeder. I've never been happier and I must say even though it's not quite Christmas for another half an hour, it's the best one ever! Thank you Mom and Cassandra for a memory that we'll never forget! And thank you everyone who knew, for keeping a secret so well!

Baby's playlist

What have I been doing today, you ask? Well, I should be cleaning up the house and wrapping all of my Christmas presents, but no. Last night Cam said that it's about time that Baby starts listening to Mozart. So I've spent my morning putting a Baby playlist together on my Ipod. If you know Cam and I, you know that music is an important part of our lives. Cam especially, he even listens to music while he's reading a book. I personally, can't do that. I guess I'm not the best multi-tasker, because I'd rather be into either one or the other. Here's a taste of what I've put together and why:
Adam Monroe - 3 Libras. The guy who sings this, is not even quite famous yet. I found him on youtube and he does piano remakes of a lot of songs that both Cam and I enjoy. He also has quite an amazing voice. There are a lot of songs that I decided to add because they have a lot of piano in them, and it makes sense to me to throw some in. I hope one day that our kids will enjoy playing the piano. I played a little when I was younger and absolutely loved it. Ask me to play now, ha, not going to happen. I don't really remember half of what I learned but I thoroughly enjoyed learning what I did.
Andrew Lloyd Webber - Think of me, Angel of Music, All I ask of you. Of course I have to throw in some Phantom right? Add in a bit of culture? Yep.
Bad Company - Feel like making love. This is one of my favorite songs ever, even though the chorus makes me blush a bit. It's just such a happy, mellow song. I have to confess that if there's any music that we both listen to more than anything else, it's 70's stuff. I'm sure you can guess where our love of '70s music comes from, right? Yep, our parents. A lot of the songs, remind me of my childhood. This is one that my parents in particular listened to quite a bit. I also have some Doobie Brothers, Led Zeppelin, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Lynyrd Skynyrd. Okay I know it's weird to add so much of this music, but again it makes me think of my childhood, so of course I want our kids to listen to it too.
Blessid Union of Souls - I believe. I love everything about this song. The message that it gives, the piano and the voices singing it.
Anytime - Brian McKnight. I don't know if Cam would agree with me putting this song on the playlist, but again, it's the piano in it that I love.
All American Girl - Carrie Underwood. I happen to know that this is one that Cam wouldn't agree with. I have developed an affinity for country music lately and Cam absolutely loathes it. Whether we're having a girl or boy, I love this song.
Coldplay - Clocks. Again, the piano.
Dave Matthews Band - A lot of songs. Both of us have grown to love Dave Matthews Band. Along with the amazing work they do on the guitar, again they are just happy and upbeat songs that I think Baby would enjoy.
Depeche Mode - Somebody. The reason I decided to stick this song on there is because of the heart like beating in the background. I also thoroughly enjoy listening to this song.
Explosions in the Sky - Your hand in mine. I heard this song for the first time, the day before I found out that I was pregnant. It just made me feel so calm and relaxed, even though at the time I was quite anxious. I remember thinking, when I get pregnant, I'm going to listen to this song whenever I need to calm myself. I had been taking pregnancy tests for days before that. Some of you may not know that we were on fertility drugs. Boy did we get lucky. It was our first month on fertility and it happened! So I had to add this song, it's really special to me and always will be.
Incubus - Stellar. I had to add this song, because when me and Cam were dating, we listened to this album over and over again. He told me that this song made him think of me.
Kelly Joe Phelps - Gold Tooth. Cam and I went and saw this guy up at USU when he came to town and boy! is he amazing on the guitar. We both thoroughly enjoyed it.
Melody Gardot - Sweet Memory and others. Another genre that Cam and I enjoy is jazz music. I had to add a couple jazzy songs.
Opeth - Benighted. This is a Swedish death metal band. Yes, I am crazy. Funny thing is though that half of their music is VERY mellow acoustic stuff. So I added a couple of their mellow songs on to the playlist. This is Cam's favorite band so I had to add some.
Primus - Tommy the cat. What if our son or daughter wants to play the bass? Haha. I know it's kind of an odd one to add. But I'm interested to see which particular songs will get our baby moving.
Sarah McLachlan - Blackbird. I've always thought of this song as a lullaby, so naturally this one's added too.
And of course, tons and tons of Mozart and a few other classical hits including the song that I walked down the aisle to.
One problem is that I could have the baby listening to music 24/7, but from what I've read, if you play music to often, they will learn to ignore it. So I'll have to pace myself. Just a couple songs in the morning and again at night. Our Baby is going to be a genius!!!
Let me know if there are any others that any of you think I should add!

The strange and wonderful blessings of pregnancy (for adult female eyes only)

It seems like almost every time I ask my mom anything about her pregnancies, she can't remember. Because of that, not only do I want to blog about everything that has to do with pregnancy, but I'm trying to keep a journal about things too. I want to be able to have that information for my kids when they ask me things. The things that I'm going to list in this post may or may not be things that they even want to know about, but I want to remember them so here we go.
I was in the bath tub a couple of weeks ago and went to sit up and happened to watch my belly when I did that. Well, now every time I flex my stomach muscles I feel like I'm in the movie Alien. Instead of seeing my stomach go flat, it comes to a point in the middle of my belly. It looks so strange! I thought maybe I was the only weird one but I happened to mention something about that to my co-worker yesterday and she said "Oh yeah, I forgot about that." So I felt a little better. I showed Cam last night and he thought it was pretty funny but doesn't think it is as pronounced as I do. He's just not getting the same view as I am. Sometimes I wish I knew exactly what's going on to make it look like that. Whether that's my baby or exactly what's happening in the anatomy of my body when I flex my stomach muscles.
I've been trying to figure out what's going on with the baby being in the 85th percentile. I know Cam wasn't a very large baby and only one of us kids was even over seven pounds. This one my mom did happen to remember. She said that at all of her first doctors appointments, they told her that she was further along and the baby was big. So, I'm thinking that I'll be growing really fast in the beginning and then slow down towards the end of the pregnancy.
As far as cravings go, I haven't really had any crazy ones. If anything, I'm a little more picky about what I'll eat. Before I was pregnant, if I was having a really busy day, I wouldn't hesitate to stop and get a burger somewhere. The thought of a greasy burger now, just doesn't sound so great. Occasionally I still pick one up, but I can never even finish half of it. One thing I do have to agree with though (as seen on dooce) is that the food that I do eat, I THOROUGHLY ENJOY! Everything tastes sooooo good to me. Almost like it was the first time I was trying it. I do crave fruit a lot now though and have to have my fix every day. I guess there are some things that are a little strange but not way out there. Last night as I was cooking dinner I realized that we were almost out of milk, so I ran to the gas station to grab some and when I saw the frozen yogurt machine, I couldn't help myself. It's like ten degrees outside, but I had to have frozen yogurt. Funny thing was that when I got home, instead of Cam saying "Frozen Yogurt?!", he said "Aaaah, why didn't you get me some?". I guess I didn't figure that he would be up for frozen yogurt too.
And here's the weirdness that drives me crazy! When I was two months along I went in to curves and was weighed and measured. At two months I had put on 1/4 inch in my abdomen and TWO INCHES in my bust. For some reason that is always the first place I gain and the last place I lose. I know some of you out there may be saying that I should count my blessings, but when they're growing at a faster rate then my belly, sometimes I'm sure the baby is in my chest instead. I guess that I just need to cross my fingers and hope that at some point my belly will outgrow my chest, because right now I feel really awkward! Gee, can't wait until my milk comes in, right?!

Half way there

In honor of being twenty weeks along, HOLY COW!! Half way done!!! I decided to take and post a picture of me, Cam and the belly.

I just can't believe that I'm half way done. I'm so thankful for this journey that Cam and I have started. It's just flown by. And I'm sure I'll find out soon that if I think that this has gone by fast, I have another thing coming. Things are going really well. I'm feeling really good except for the growing pains. I find myself doing some odd stretches at night to try and relieve the aches, but I'm loving it!

Smile Lines

I borrowed this one from Erin (if you give a mom a moment on my sidebar). I thought it was really fun so I'm going to copy her.

1. Put your music listening device on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write that song name down no matter how silly it makes you look.
4. Title this post what the answer to your last question is.
5. Good luck and have fun!

If someone says "is this okay", you say:
Brass in pocket - The Pretenders
How would you describe yourself?
Your hand in mine - Explosions in the sky
What do you like in a guy?
Better man - Pearl Jam
How do you feel today?
One more day - Vast
What is your life's purpose?
The phantom of the opera - Andrew Lloyd Webber
What do your friends think of you?
Wanted dead or alive - Bon Jovi
What do your parents think of you?
Who was in my room last night? - Butthole Surfers
What do you often think about?
Change for you - The Midway State
What do you think of the person you like?
Simple man - Lynyrd Skynyrd
What is your life story?
Gone Daddy Gone - Violent Femmes
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Rooster - Alice In Chains
What do you think when you see the person you like?
Shut your eyes - Snow Patrol
What will you dance to at your wedding?
Take me there - Rascal Flatts
What will they play at your funeral?
Is this love? - Bob Marley
What is your biggest fear?
April 29, 1992 (Miami) - Sublime
What is your biggest secret?
I could have lied - Red Hot Chili Peppers
What do you think of your friends?
Wonderwall - Oasis
What are you going to name this email?
Smile Lines - Incubus

Happy as can be

I just want to express how happy and excited I am about the whole baby thing. I've never been so happy in my life and I wish this joy and happiness upon each and every one of you. Nothing can touch me now, if I have a rough day at work, I forget it before I even leave the office, if my dogs are driving me crazy, it's okay, I just jump in and join the crazy. Everything's just perfect and nothing can change my attitude. As long as I know that my baby's doing well, that's all that matters. I can't believe the love that I feel for this little one already and I can't imagine the way that I'm going to feel when I'm finally holding him/her in my arms. It makes me weepy to even think about it.
I also want to say that although it's only been a day, in hindsight, I'm so glad that we're waiting to find out.What a special thing that's going to be. My mom asked me last night if it was okay if we found out on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas day. And I guess that makes sense, because, let's face it even on the weekends I'm up around 5 or 6 and I don't think they want me busting in there that early. Plus all of my family will be together on Christmas eve and everyone wants to be there when we find out. On Christmas day, everyone usually has to go their seperate ways and we don't always get to meet up, so we decided that Christmas Eve will work just as well.
Well I just want to say thank you to everyone for being so supportive and enjoying this almost as much as we are. It's such a special time in our lives and I'm so glad to have all of you around to share it with.
By the way, this smile hasn't fallen off of my face for one second since I got to look at my baby yesterday, and I carry my pictures with me everywhere I go!

IT'S A... SURPRISE!!

Yep, we still don't know, even though there are a few of you out there who do. I'm excited to find out though, but I can wait. The doctor says that everything looks great. Here are some pictures of our beautiful baby.

This picture above is my favorite. If you can't tell what it is, you can see the baby's hand on the middle to left side and the babies pointer finger is touching babies nose and the middle finger is touching the mouth. The rest of the fingers are in a fist. I think it's so precious! I just love it!

Oh and by the way, the doctor said that the baby is in the eighty fifth percentile for size. He said that either baby is having a good growth spurt right now or I'm going to have a very large baby!

Thank goodness for text messaging

The other day I got a text from my sister in law that said, "Kenley covered herself in bum cream. Just covered herself!" Here is the picture that was sent with it:

I love technology!!!!

Christopher Cleland

This is Christopher Cleland. All 7 pounds 14 ounces and 20 loving inches of him. He was born yesterday at 11am and he is my brand new nephew. First grandson in the family, isn't he so beautiful?

Brock was so excited he even called me at three o'clock that morning just to tell me that she was dilated to a six and things were going well. Poor kid probably still hasn't slept, I think he just needed to talk to a family member after hours of labor and not having any of us there. But I guess my parents showed up around 5:30 that morning. I kept calling and checking in and finally at eleven I talked my way out of work for the day and decided to drive to Jerome, Idaho so that I could meet my new nephew. It was quite the experience. It's about a three hour drive and it felt like forever. I went alone, my sister had offered to go with me, but she couldn't get off of work until one, and I wanted to go and come back as soon as possible, so I decided to brave it alone. Not a good idea! Just the thought of going made me nervous and scared but I decided that it was really important that I go. I got about half way there and the winds were blowing so bad that I thought my windows were going to break out of my car because they were rattling so bad. For the next hour I was terrified. I don't think that it helped me very much that I was listening to a podcast called This American Life and it was their Halloween podcast and they had some teenagers on there talking about hitch hiking and the scary things that they went through when they did. So all I could think about was the fact that if my car broke down, I wouldn't let anyone help me, I'd lock my doors and wait until someone I knew could get to me. I couldn't figure out for the life of me why one window sounded so horrible on my car but the rest sounded, well, not as bad. Finally I leaned over enough to look in my passenger side mirror and see up against my car and this is what I found.

The reason that I thought my window was going to break out was because this piece that half broke off in the wind was slapping against my car. I couldn't figure out why all of the other cars were still doing 75 when I was having to go 50. Once I saw that, I felt better and sped up a little bit because I wasn't about to stop on the side of the freeway and try to fix it. I didn't used to be like this. I would even go as far as to say that just a few months ago, I would've been fine. But knowing that I have a baby that I'm caring for wherever I go, scares me to death. I think I even scared my poor husband to death calling him every hour or so telling him that I was scared. At one point after telling me about ten times that I needed to be careful, drive slow, remember... it's not just you in that car, and um... maybe you should just stay the night there and come home with your parents, he even said "oh my, now I'm sounding like grandma!" I feel really bad that I scared him, but I was definately scared. Cam and I decided that I'm not going anywhere far away and alone, again. I got there, stayed for about an hour, duct taped the piece back on to my car (yes it looks lovely), and headed back out again. I got home at about seven last night, showered and went to bed. It was a long day. But, well worth it! I'm so glad that I got to go and meet my new nephew. He's so beautiful and I'm so blessed to have him in my life. Congratulations Brock and JusDee, I'm so happy for you both.

I couldn't help but just sit and stare at him the whole time, thinking, "wow, this is what my big belly is going to lead to." Although I know that I'm pregnant and it seems real and everything, looking down at a newborn baby brings it even closer to home for me. I can't wait!

Thanksgiving

First of all I want to say I can't believe how fast time flies. We are only a week away from our ultrasound and it's actually been going by pretty fast. It's definately making me think that I can hold out for those two and a half weeks. Just wanted to do a list of things that I'm thankful for even though it's a few days past Thanksgiving:
Our earth. Cam says that when we start populating other planets that he would be the first one to sign up and go. I don't think so! I don't think that it will happen in our lifetime (Cam does), but I would definately rather stay here. Along with the other, I'm thankful that I live in America and even more than that, that I live in Cache Valley. I couldn't ask for a better place to live.
Cam, all of our family and our friends. We are so blessed with wonderful people in our lives. I love the holidays and the time that we get to spend with people that we love.
Our dogs, they keep me laughing! Our house would be so quiet without them. As some of you know, it was about this time three years ago (wow I can't believe it's been that long), that we had quite a loss at our house. When I was ten years old I talked my mom into letting me take home a puppy that they were giving away at Macey's. I loved that dog to death, even though she was definately not the cutest or cleanest dog in the world. She had long scruffy hair and she was always out rolling in something disgusting so it was just a matted mess of fur all of the time. Atleast until I started having her shaved. She was a mutt if you ever saw one. But that dog was with me through all of the hard times. I remember when I was a teenager sometimes feeling like she was the only one that I could count on. I could always lay on my bed and cry into her fur and she was always there for me. Luckily when we got married Cam was willing to let me bring her along for the ride. Chessney lived until she was thirteen years old. About a week before christmas that year, she started having problems breathing, so Cam took her to the vet. I couldn't get the day off of work and I'm thankful that that is the way that it happened. They took x-rays and came back in to Cam and showed him that her lungs were filled with cancer. When I got home that day, Cam told me what was going on and we decided that we needed to put her down. That night was one of the hardest nights that I've had to go through. All that we could hear was her having a hard time breathing and of course I didn't sleep that night. She had stopped eating at that time. So I cooked her some hamburger and had a good friend, who knew what was going on, stop by that night with a cheeseburger from McDonald's. Sometimes if I had to take Chessney with me somewhere I would stop and get her a cheeseburger and they were her favorite. Neither Cam or I could stomach the thought of being the one to take her to the vet to be put down. We were both just sick about it. So in the morning, my dad came and picked her up and we spent our last few minutes with her. After he left, Cam ran me a bath and I got in and just cried for a few hours. My dad then took her to the place where we grew up and buried her underneath a tree overlooking the pond in our backyard. Very fitting, she loved being out there. I took her over there regularly after we moved into our house because I could tell that she missed it. She was such a good dog. Always waiting at the end of the driveway for us to come home. We never had to lock her up because she always just stayed near. After she was gone, Cam wanted us to wait a little while before we got another dog. I thought I would go crazy in the two months that we waited. Yes, only two months, but our house was so quiet, I couldn't stand it. I'm just excited that now it won't only be our dogs that keep our house busy, but the baby too!
First and foremost, that is what I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving. That we are so blessed to be able to bring a child into this world. We can't wait! I've never wanted anything more in my life then to be called Mommy and for Cam to be called Daddy!

A little anxious

We had our third doctor's appointment yesterday. I just can never wait to hear that little heartbeat. It's the most amazing sound in the world. I bought a monitor for home, but unfortunately you have to be in your third trimester to hear it. That doesn't mean I don't try atleast once a week though! And it doesn't mean that I didn't try to talk Cam into paying $500 for the same ones that they have in the doctors office. Even though I know that we really couldn't do that. So basically I went in and was measured and heard the heartbeat. Quick in and out, no big deal, everything looks good. But I want it to be a big deal! I just can't wait until my next ultrasound when they check on the baby's heart and brain to make sure that everything looks good and then you know what else! It was a little discouraging to be in and out so quick when I feel like there's so much more that I need to know. I think I am the most inpatient person in the world right now. And how am I going to wait the full two and a half weeks to find out what it is that we're having when everyone else knows? I really don't know. But I know that it's a darn good thing that I posted that here on my blog so that I feel like I've made a commitment and can't back out of it. There's so much more to come and although I feel like I can't wait for the next steps, I'm having lots of dreams now about the baby and I now tell Cam about 2-3 times a day "I just want my baby now!" He just laughs and says that I need to be like him and take it in baby steps. He says that he just looks forward to the next appointment every time and eventually it won't be the appointments that we're looking forward to, but the baby coming into our world. So, two weeks, and you can all know what we're having but we're in for a long four and a half weeks until we find out. I do know that it will be worth it though. This will be the best christmas ever!!

Six years and counting

Yesterday was our sixth year anniversary. I just can't believe that it's been that long. We woke up and the first thing Cam did was go into the other room and come in with a card and a gift for me. He gave me a beautiful sapphire necklace on a chain of white gold and I absolutely love it!

Last night I pulled out the talk that the bishop gave at our wedding. I do this at least once every year and always on our anniversary. For the first few years I didn't and then I found it and read it and it spoke so true to me. More so than it did on the day that we were getting married. I think I was just a bundle of nerves and I was just so excited that I didn't really hear what he had to say. I cried the first time I read it after we were married and I still cry almost every time that I read. What a beautiful day it was. November 15 and it was seventy degrees outside. We were so lucky. I want to share with you a good portion of what was said that day, not only because it's my anniversary but also because they're such good words for everyone to hear. I'll skip through the introductions as well as the regular stuff that is said at all weddings. Here goes:

I have been asked by this fine couple to perform their marriage, I am honored and deeply touched that they have entrusted this responsibility to me. Brandy, you are a beautiful young bride and Camron, you're a handsome groom. I must say - you complement one another. Before we begin the actual ceremony, I would like to take a few moments and offer some words of counsel.
Brandy - I have come to understand that you are an emotional young lady, you want love and understanding. Camron, I encourage you to daily express your love to her, feel of her joys and sorrows and accompany her through these emotions. Cry with her, laugh with her and love with her.
Camron - I have come to understand that you are bold, you feel that you must be strong and lead the way, you have great desires to take care of your family. Brandy, I ask you to stand beside him, always giving encouragement, and be content and grateful with the life Camron provides for you.
President Hinckley taught - "the sweetest feelings of life, the most generous and satisfying impulses of the human heart, find expression in a marriage that stands pure, such a marriage, I believe, is the desire of men and women everywhere."
This day will be filled with excitement, stress, love and commitment, but a happy marriage requires work. Camron, you must give 150% and Brandy - you the same. If either of you feel that one is slacking in their effort, it should not be an excuse for the other to start slacking as well. It really means that you give even more.
President Hinckley has written a book "Way to Be". There are 9 B's that can strengthen your marriage.
1. Be Grateful - You can never thank one another too much or show your gratitude enough. Gratitude creates the most wonderful feeling. It can resolve disputes. It can strengthen friendships, and it makes us better men and women.
2. Be Smart - By suggesting that you be smart, I mean be wise, be intelligent. Be smart about training yourself for the future. Be wise about what lies ahead. We can't change the past, but what we do today will definitely influence what the future holds. You have probably heard about how lucky some people are - they have a good marriage, they have a good job, or they are lucky because they have good kids. Well, I don't believe in luck, I find that these people are just being rewarded according to the effort put forth. Remember the harder and smarter you work the luckier you will be.
3. Be Involved
4. Be Clean - It is perceived by some that the woman should do the house work. Camron, don't get caught up with this mind set, you are equally responsible to pick up after yourself and others. If you want a clean house you and your wife should work side by side, and as you have children, they will work by your side as well, but remember - it is the woman's touch that can make a house a home. The spirit of the Lord dwells in clean and orderly homes.
5. Be True
6. Be Positive
7. Be Humble
8. Be Still - You will find at times, that you will be irritated by what the other does, and you will want to lash out or get revenge, this is the time to remember the words of Christ. "Peace - Be Still". In other words, if you want peace and happiness in your marriage - then sometimes you must be still.
9. Be Prayerful - Camron, as the one presiding in the home, make sure that prayer is an everyday occurrence, morning and night, together and individually. Express your gratitude every day to your Heavenly Father for your wonderful companion; and Brandy, you do the same, as you kneel side by side each day and thank your Heavenly Father for Camron and all he does.

These nine B's are meant to make someone a better person and as each of you become better, your marriage will become stronger. When the time comes that you come before God, hopefully He can look at you and say "Way to Be".

Now I have gone on probably more than you would have wanted, but let me say two more things. When Adam and eve were put in the Garden of Eden the Lord told them to cultivate it and take good care of it. The two of you are now being put into your own "Garden of Eden". It is your home and that little piece of earth that you will have control over. Compared to the vast expanse of this earth it is small, but you will be just as responsible to cultivate and beautify it as Adam and Eve were.
Cultivate your home to be a haven of peace and love, a place where in times of stress you and your children can come and find peace and beauty, and feel the Spirit of the Lord. They were also commanded to multiply and replenish the earth, Brandy and Camron enjoy your children and have joy in your posterity.
Now Brandy and Camron let's see if we can't tie a knot that cannot be loosed. Let's send you off on a trip that will provide you with a life of wonderful experiences and memories.



And what memories and experiences we've had! I have such a deep love for my husband and couldn't imagine my life without him. I am so thankful to have him in my life. I was a rough teenager and did a lot of stupid things. I got involved in a lot of stupid crowds and situations. Somehow, no matter how many hard things I went through, and even though they were my mistakes and I was putting myself into those situations, I always told myself that I would marry the right one and from that point on, things would be okay. The past six years of my life have more than made up for any of the rough times that I've had to go through. And going through the rough times now are so much easier with him by my side. I love that I can always count on my husband. I love that he has made me into such a better person. I love that he loves me. I love that he is such a caring, loving and generous person, not just to me, but to all that he meets. I love that he has the attitude that we can handle any situation and the positive attitude that he has about life. I love that if I ask him to, he'll read aloud to me at night, because I love to fall asleep to the sound of his voice. I love the love that he has for our dogs and that he cares about them as much as I do. I love that he loves my family. I love the way that he is with our nieces and I absolutely love thinking about the future that we'll share and the amazing father that he will be. Thank you Brooks and Kathy for raising such an amazing man for me to share my life with. I'm forever in your debt. And thank you Camron for letting me be the one that gets to share my life with you.

Flu Shots

We had a pretty eventful time getting our flu shots today. Cam and I have never had them before but the doctor recommended that we get one so we did. Cam's work was having them right there on-site so I went over there this morning so that we could get them done. Let me just start with a different story.
A couple of months ago I met this lady, and I hate to be rude but she made me really nervous with some of the stuff that she was saying. Let's just say she wasn't the most intelligent person I've ever met. And when she told me that she was a nurse it made me nervous about the next time I went to a dr.'s appointment. Needless to say, when we walked in today to get our flu shots, there were two ladies there, the lady that I met a couple of months ago and someone else. I begged Cam to take my place if she called for the next person, and luckily the other lady called me before she did. But I know that my courageous husband would have sacrificed for me if he had to. Thanks Cam!!
So after we had the shots we had to wait in the room for fifteen minutes so that they could make sure we didn't have an allergic reaction to the shot. Well I'm watching this lady get her shot and she turned and looked at the needle and I saw all of the blood rush out of her face. Luckily so did the nurse and she caught her and layed her down before she passed out. Her husband was sitting in the chair next to hers getting his shot done and laughing at her, yes laughing at her. I think everyone in the room had a smile on their face at that point. Poor lady!
It reminded me of when I used to work at the plasma donation center. Those were some fun times. I really loved that job. Let me tell you a little something that happened there that I will remember for the rest of my life.
When you walk in to the donation center, there's a front room where I worked, where vitals are taken and finger sticks are done. Then there's a long hallway and on the other side of that is where you lie back and give plasma. Well I was taking someones blood pressure up front and heard someone running through the hallway I looked back to see what was going on and saw this poor college kid run head first into the dr.'s office door. After he came to and was feeling better he told us that he thought he was going to pass out and wanted to make sure that someone saw, so he decided to run up to the front to make sure that we knew. Obviously he passed out in the middle of running and ended up slamming face first into a door. Luckily he was fine and uninjured. But it made me think back to the times when I used to work there, and regularly see things like that. How I miss those days!

Angels & Demons

One of my favorite books ever is being made into a movie. I was so excited when Cam came home from work and told me about it today. If you haven't read the book I highly recommend it and hopefully they do the movie well too!

I've done it now

So yesterday after wearing a pair of khakis that I have and feeling uncomfortable and then coming home and having an indent of a button pressed into my skin for hours afterwords, I decided to go and by some maternity pants. A bit early? Probably, but hey atleast I'm comfortable, right? I still have my pants from before I lost all of my weight and they fit but I hate the way that the butt hangs on me when I wear those and I don't have enough of them to get me through the week. I'm not one who can do the unbutton thing with my pants and just have my shirt over top of it, that feels way too weird to me, so I took the plunge.

In case you're interested in my opinion...

I'm a loser and did not vote today. It's not that I didn't want to but I've recently become quite the space cadet and totally forgot to go register. (Just an example of the space cadet I've become, I was roasting pumpkins seeds the other day, reached in to grab the pan, picked it up and realized at that time that I was using my bare hands to do so. Ouch! I sat and shook my head for a good ten minutes after that because I couldn't believe that I did it!)
I am very disappointed that I didn't get to vote. After work I stopped at a few places on my way home and was amazed at the talk that I was hearing. One kid answered his cell phone and said "Hi mom" pause, "No I didn't get to vote today and I'm so mad about it. At the last minute they switched where the polls were. I was told that they were polling at the University but when I got up there they said that they switched it and they didn't have information on where I needed to go. It just makes me mad because they know that at the university we would not be voting McCain and it's kind of funny that all of a sudden we can't vote there and they don't know where we need to go." It just made me sick. I really wanted to turn around and say something but I didn't.
Honestly I can't say exactly who I would have voted for because this year I've tried not to pay a lot of attention. I remember getting so worked up about the last election and didn't want to be that way this year. One thing I know is that I wouldn't have voted for Obama and the main reason for that would be his stance on gun control. I know that you're supposed to look at all of the issues, but that issue alone is one that is very important to me. I believe that we should have a right to protect ourselves and that right should be a guarantee for us. I am not a huge fan of guns and don't much like even being around them but sadly I know that it is almost a necessity in this day and age. So just a little blurb on how I feel about the election. I'm nervous to know what the results will be and I'm dying to find out. Hope you all had a great election day! Kudos to you that voted, no matter what your stance!

Christmas Surprise

Okay so I'm posting really close together so if you missed it, read the one before this first. So after thinking about it last night we've decided what we're going to do. We'll see how well this plan goes, but we're gonna try. So my mom will be coming with us to the appointment to find out the sex and we've decided that my mom can find out and let everyone else know, but we'll wait. Then on Christmas morning, we will open gifts and find out that way, what the sex of the baby will be. Again, a lot of things can happen in two and a half weeks. I don't think I'll be able to turn my head away from the screen so if it's obvious we may find out that day. Also, I don't think anyone will, but hopefully the beans don't get spilled in the two and a half weeks we'll have to wait to find out. I'm sure it will be hard for those who know to remember not to start saying he or she. So those are our plans for now. We'll see how things go!

First trimester down, two to go

I went to my second appointment today. It was awesome as always. I got to hear the heartbeat again. They also let me know that they will actually take me at 20 weeks to do my ultrasound to find out the sex, so Happy Birthday Mom. Not only will you possibly be getting a new grandbaby on your birthday, but you'll definetely be finding out what the sex of our baby is. So December 8th we'll know. Thanks for the idea Erin! I'm still trying to decide whether I'll have the patience or not to wait until Christmas. Had our appointment been the week before Christmas, then definetely but we'll have to see if we'll be patient enough now.

Playing in the leaves

I forgot how much my dogs (especially Onyx) love to play in the leaves!

Son of Rambow

Cam and I watched a movie last night that both of us really enjoyed so I thought I would recommend it to all of you.

It's the best movie I've seen in a long time and it's super cute!

It's a breeze!

We figured out the coolest thing this year and picking up the leaves is cake now! Turns out that we have this attachment for our riding lawn mower and although we had to rig it and it didn't work perfectly, it worked well enough and made our jobs a lot easier!!

I love picking up leaves now! It's just as fun as mowing the lawn, which I thoroughly enjoy and will for as long as we have our riding mower!

Well the snow came and (thankfully) went. Although it was pretty I'm not quite ready for it, but it was okay for just a day or two. If only winter came in spurts like that!

Things are going well with us right now. It's UEA so I don't have to go back to work until Monday which is great. I love long weekends. So this morning I woke up and decided that I wanted to go up Logan Canyon and take the dogs for a walk along the river. I wish things were always as easy and fun as they sound in my head! It was great to get out though. The smell of the leaves all around was consuming and I just had a big smile on my face at all times, except for when I was scolding Onyx, of course. I really need to be better with my dogs and get them out more. For a while I would take them running every day when I came home and Onyx got to the point that she wouldn't pull on the leash when I took her out. And if we walked past people or other dogs, she didn't even pay attention just stayed right next to me. But I started slacking and now I have a dog that drags me everywhere when we go for walks. Lola just stays right next to me whether she has a leash on or not so she's always easy, but I never feel good about taking one of them out and not the other.

So I'm feeling good. For the most part I don't really get sick anymore. My stomach is changing though and it is super cool! It's starting to feel even more real and I can't help it, but I find myself holding my belly all the time now! There's not much of one there but I can see and feel the difference and I love it!

On the paper that the doctors office gave me, it says that I will find out the sex at my 22 week appointment. Well, I sat down the other day to take an exact look on the calendar and see when that was. I knew it was before christmas but I wasn't quite sure when. It looks like twenty two weeks for me will be the 24th of December. So, I'm going to beg at my next appointment to have them schedule me before so that I'll know before Christmas. I hope it works! Although if they're open and get me in on Christmas Eve that would be fun too! I just hope they don't postpone it until after Christmas. It really doesn't matter I guess, but I just can't help but think, the sooner the better!

PS we got our crib on Tuesday and can't wait to put it together this weekend!

This weekend

We had planned, this weekend, on getting family pictures done. My mom has wanted them for a very long time and us kids decided that for christmas we would get them done and framed for her. So the photographer is supposed to be here tomorrow to do them. Our plan was to go up Providence Canyon and get them done. Cam and I got our engagement pictures done up there in the fall when we got married and the colors up there are so beautiful right now. Well, since it's supposed to SNOW tomorrow we're trying to come up with an alternate plan. Part of me wants to say let's try it in the snow and see how it turns out. I'll have to call the photographer today and get her opinion on what she wants to do or if she wants to reschedule. But I'm excited and think that it should be a lot of fun either way.
Cam and I also decided that crib or no, this weekend we're going to start setting up the babies room. It's starting to get pretty full with baby stuff already and it's so fun! Okay I have to admit it! I found a pair of boys shoes that I loved and bought them. They were the last ones and had been discontinued and I had to have them. Besides I know that my brother's having a baby boy so if it ends up being a girl I can give them to my new nephew.
We're going to turn our computer room into the babies room and I can't wait. So we're moving the computer and the bookshelves into the living room. The only problem is that the room doesn't have a closet. So now I'm trying to decide if we need one and if so what I am going to do as an alternate. If you have any suggestions, let me know.
So I found out yesterday that in about a monthmy nephew will be here. The baby wasn't due until December 8th but my sister-in-law has gestational diabetes and the baby already weighs 5 lbs!, so they're going to be starting her on the 14th of November. The day before our anniversary! I'm excited to have a nephew and hope that everything goes well for them.

Fall

Fall is my favorite time of year and always has been. I think that it has a lot to do with the fact that our vacation was at that time of year. When September came around it was our time for family vacation, i.e. the elk hunt in Wyoming. We always went up to a campsite in Wyoming and spent 1-2 weeks there. We always had a blast and one of these years I'm going to make it all the way back up there and have a camping trip again. They've closed the road off that went to it so we would have to hike to it but I think it would be fun to see it again, it's probably been 14 years since I've been there but I really want to go. Anyways here is how our little fruit patch turned out. I think I failed to mention in the first post that I decided to plant a pumpkin seed in there too. So the watermelon and cantaloupe didn't make it but we got pumpkins, raspberries and strawberries (2 to be exact) and it's been great to be able to go out and pick stuff. The raspberries have been coming like crazy and I was a little nervous about them because after I bought them I noticed that the label showed orange raspberries and I thought "who eats those?" but they're actually delicious, maybe even more so than the regular red ones. It's going to be hard to see the plant because of course the pumpkin plant is covering just about everything but it's the tallest plant in the picture and leaning over pretty bad. I've strapped it to so many different sticks and in different locations but it keeps falling over.

So the raspberries have been great! But I planted four strawberry plants and one of them has produced two strawberries but the rest of them, while they haven't produced anything, atleast look healthy.

And here's our wonderful pumpkins. As I said in the first post, I knew it was really late in the year, but I'm still hoping that they'll turn orange before Halloween so that we can use them. They're getting pretty big!

So hopefully we'll get some jack 'o lanterns out of them in time for Halloween.

Yes fall is my favorite time of the year, but the one draw back?

The raking of the leaves. We have seven huge trees in our yard that are so great for shade in the summer, and make it totally worth it, but it's not very funny raking all of those leaves up when the time comes. Looks like it's about time for us to start that again. Atleast they don't fall all year.

I just love the crisp chill in the air in the fall as well as the smells that I associate with it, like the smell of raking leaves, the mountain air and of course pumpkin pie and spiced apple cider. There's no better time in the year than now. My favorite are the rainy days when everything's glistening and the leaves are all changing. It makes me want to curl up with a good book and that's one of my favorite things to do.

Heartbeats, Joy, Sickness and Cribs

So we had our first appointment on Monday. It was the most amazing thing ever! Sorry everyone, it's not twins. Looks like we'll just be having one. I had some mixed feelings about that, a little disappointed and a little relieved. But I'm happy. I have a healthy little baby growing inside of me, what more can I ask for?

The top picture is in 3D and the bottom one is just your normal 2D image. Hearing that little heart beat was the most touching and life changing sound that I've ever heard. It absolutely feels real now. I can't wait! Cam's so excited too, I love it. He's been so involved and helpful and I just couldn't imagine my life without him. I am one lucky chick!

Poor Cam has been so sick for the last week. He's had a really bad cold that he's been trying to get over and I've been trying to take care of him the best that I can but I have also been sick. I guess I spoke a little too soon last week when I said I really haven't been that sick. Because since last Thursday I have had pretty much constant morning sickness. The worst so far is this morning on my way to work. I had to pull over three times and I was 20 minutes late. It was not fun! But the doctor said that right now is usually the peaking time for morning sickness and it should cool down from here. I sure hope so! For the first little while it was kind of fun when I felt sick, I'd just laugh and be excited and it was fine. But I think it was Saturday that I finally said, okay this is not fun anymore! When I was sick at first, all I had to do was eat and I would be fine. Now I feel like all that I do all day is eat. I usually feel better for about five minutes after I eat and then I get sick again. Yes it's absolutely worth it, but no it's not very fun. I've also been waking up at 3am every morning, and I'm talking wide awake and for the last few days I've had a hard time falling asleep too so I haven't slept very much. We've been pretty busy lately but tonight I will be napping as soon as I get home!

So on labor day Cam's parents came into town and bought us a crib that we liked at Stork Landing as seen here:

They said that it was two weeks out and as soon as it got in they would call and set up a time for delivery. So weeks have passed and last Monday I called them and they said that the manufacturer hadn't made enough and they were supposed to be getting more by Tuesday, Sep 30 at the very latest and again they would call me as soon as they were in. So of course, when I didn't hear from them yesterday, I called to find out was going on. I know that our baby isn't going to be here for a while, but I'm just really surprised that they don't call and give updates on the status, where it's already paid for. So yesterday they told me that they've had some problems with the company because a) they just got bought out by a different company and b) they are having problems keeping up with orders. So they're hoping, but not promising, that they will be here by the 10th. Again, I know that our baby is not due for a long time but I just can't believe how unprofessional they are. You would think that they would atleast call us and let us know what's going on.

Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention, they moved my due date up. After measuring baby they put my due date at April 30, a few days earlier, so I'm excited!

So I made a slip of the tongue the other day at my parents house and said, "it's a boy, I know it's a boy". The second those words came out of my mouth, I was like what are you thinking? I don't even know where it came from or why I said it. I have not even an inkling of what it is. And then something weird happened when we were having the ultrasound. When the doctor went to measure, she clicked with the cursor at the head and dragged to the tail end and when she clicked on the tail end the word "girl" flashed for a second. I don't know what that was all about but it made me wonder if it was some kind of premonition. In all honesty, I have no idea what we're having and it really doesn't matter either way to me, but I would like to know. It sounds like we'll be finding out the sex a week or two before christmas, so we're very excited and can't wait for that! It'll be a long process but we're excited and can't wait for baby to come!

The waiting game

It's been a little longer then usual for me to have not posted. I just want to tell you the reason for that. There's one thing and one thing only on our minds. Our first doctor's appointment.We both took the whole day off of work for it. It seems like it's taking forever and we cannot wait! It feels like I've been pregnant forever and at the same time it doesn't feel real because I feel like I don't have any proof. In all honesty I kind of do though. For the most part I think I'm really lucky because I haven't been sick very much. I usually have a day here or there, maybe once a week that I don't feel so great, but it's never really bad. I just love to sleep now. I don't remember, ever since I was a kid, being able to take a nap. Even if I hadn't slept very well. Now I nap like a champ! I can even go home on work days and take a nap if I want, but I try not to. Poor Cam is in bed with me at eight o'clock every night. Of course he just watches tv because he's not tired but I sure appreciate him coming to bed with me and keeping me company while I fall asleep. So, yeah I just want to say that this is taking FOREVER and I wish it was Monday already.

JDRF

A few months ago me and my mom went on a walk with Curves that was for muscular dystrophy and we had a blast and thought it was great and ever since then, we've been wanting to do more of the walks, but we've had a hard time finding out about them. So last week on the radio we heard an ad for a walk that was coming up for Juvenile Diabetes and decided that we were going to do it. It was amazing to see those brave little kids up there talking about their disease. One little girl was so cute and said "I'm going to do a dance for you all so that you can see that we can do all of the same things that you can." All of it was very touching and neat and got me to thinking about how lucky I am to have my health. It was a neat day and a fun walk and I hope that we keep getting more involved in these fund raisers because not only are they fun but they're always for a good cause too. It amazes me how much goes into putting these together and that everyone who is involved is donating their time.

Death metal good for babies in womb...?

That's what my husband tells me. The other day he was listening to some new Metallica songs and just to give him crap I said "no death metal while baby's around." Cam proceded to tell me that he's heard before that babies in the womb listening to music seem to develop the traits of people who listen to that type of music and he had just read an article that said that the personality traits of people who listen to death metal are that they are kind, gentle and shy, and so maybe baby and I should listen to more death metal. I can't help but chuckle every time I think of that conversation. And, sorry Cam, I still stand by my statement: There will be no death metal while baby's around.

I've been tagged

Audrey tagged me so here goes:

3 Joys:
1. Pregnancy!
2. Cam and all of my family
3. My dogs

3 Fears:
1. I'm a little superstitious and don't want to list my top one for fear that it may come true.
2. Snakes (I worry about them constantly while I'm hiking)
3. Moose (see below)

3 Goals:
1. Still be close to my same weight now when I have the baby (yes I'm still going to Curves)
2. Find a way to work it out so that I can stay home with baby when he/she is born.
3. Get my house in ship shape before baby.

3 Obsession / Collections:
Right now
1. Baby stuff
2. Baby stuff
3. Baby stuff

3 Facts about me:
1. When I was young, we were camping and a moose and her baby chased my brother down the mountain and we had to spend the day in our camper because she wouldn't leave our campsite.
2. I started reading when I was 3 years old.
3. I've never been able to get up on water ski's.

3 People I'm going to tag:
Sarah, Trish, Sara.

Slow dancing in a burning room

I was watching some of the dances from the last season of so you think you can dance on you tube and ran across the original dance to this song that Wade Robson choreographed and was blown away. I loved the one on so you think you can dance but if you watch these side by side you can really see the difference. This one is soooo much better. If you get a chance, check it out. It's very intimate and very beautiful and I adore it (the song too). I don't know how to embed videos onto my blog so here's the link to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hk9-qH5fyTU

Cloud 9

There are so many ways that I could announce this that I've been debating back and forth for quite a while now. So instead of starting with, hmm, let's see, why Onyx and Lola are losing their place, our long story, how excited we are, how nervous we are, our new life, or the version where I sit here and cry for an hour pouring my heart out, I think I'll just copy and paste this here:

How Big is the Baby at Four Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby at 4 weeks is still incredibly miniscule, about .014 to .04 inches long. That is roughly the equivalent to 1/2 to 1mm long, which isn't very long at all. Your baby will however slowly start changing by 4 weeks pregnant so that he/she starts resembling more of a small tadpole with eyes than an egg. That is quite an accomplishment for your little bean!

Your Baby's Growth and Development:
Your baby will be implanting furiously during pregnancy week 4 into the uterine lining, to ensure that he/she has a safe and secure home for the next nine months. Fetal development by and large is still in the earliest stages at this point in time. By now the blastocyst or ball of cells that is your baby will be imbedding deeper and deeper into the lining of the uterus. The amniotic cavity is forming and the placenta is starting to form.

As you continue to grow and expand during your pregnancy week by week, the placenta will help nourish and support your baby during the nine months of pregnancy. It consists of vascular networks and blood from your body that helps transport oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. There are several different layers of cells developing in your body, which will eventually develop into your baby's organs and other body parts. Other layers will form the nervous system including the brain.

A pregnancy of 4 weeks is often noted as the beginning of the embryonic period. During your pregnancy at 4 weeks, your baby's organs will start developing. The early weeks of pregnancy are considered a critical time of development.

Your Growth and Development:
By the end of 4 weeks pregnant you would normally expect your period to arrive. If it does not there is a good chance you might be pregnant!

During the early weeks of pregnancy before the placenta is fully formed, an area of your ovary forms what is called the corpus luteum. This generally occurs at the site where your egg is released from the follicle. The corpus luteum is believed to produce progesterone during the early weeks of pregnancy. The placenta actually starts producing the majority of progesterone your body needs to carry a pregnancy typically by about 12 weeks.
Changes in You:
You might actually start realizing some changes 4 weeks pregnant. Some women start to feel a little bit tired (Yeah I've been in bed by about seven every night this week, but I also wake up at three and start thinking about things and can't go back to sleep!) during pregnancy at 4 weeks, which is not a surprise given the remarkable work your body is performing to support your new baby! Many women liken the symptoms they are feeling during this stage to those they feel around the time of menstruation. You may in fact experience during pregnancy at 4 weeks nothing other than some menstrual symptoms, including a bit of nausea and even some cramping. Believe it or not, some women cramp very badly during this time and are absolutely positive that they are about to get their period, only to find that they are actually pregnant a week or so later. (Not me! After a total of 6 tests, I'm pretty sure it's a yes!)

I thought this was really interesting and I hope that this blog will stay up for a long time so that I can look back on it. I'm planning on posting this information on a weekly basis as well as how I'm feeling. We couldn't be happier and we can't wait.

Quite the resemblance, I think

And it's not just that she looks like Odie, or has a constant smile on her face like Odie. I swear she has the same demeanor. She's just happy go lucky at all times, nothing can get to her. Even with Onyx doing the things that she normally does, like the fact that every time Lola runs to fetch anything, Onyx has to take off running from a different angle and slam into her so that she misses it (sometimes really hard too and they both hit the ground), or cut her off so that she can't get to it as quickly. It's not normal and we can't figure out how to stop it! But it's funny to me the different personalities that our dogs have. Lola's just happy to be, period. Onyx on the other hand is only happy to be... in your face. For instance, this afternoon I was in the backyard throwing the frisby for Lola and Onyx is sitting about two inches in front of me staring at me. Luckily I was on a step so I was a little higher up then her and I could see over her head to throw the frisbee. All of a sudden Onyx lifts up her paw and starts pawing me. I look down at her and think "what do you want?", and then realize that she's staring at the piece of licorice that I have in my hand. She certainly doesn't hesitate to let us know what she wants. They keep me laughing, that's for sure!
My sister keeps asking me questions like, "what are you going to do if you have a kid who's allergic to your dogs?" and such. Okay, Chels, you don't need to worry about me, I promise I have my priorities straight. Yes I love my dogs, but come on! Just know that if anything like that were to happen you would need to start looking for a house with a fenced yard because my dogs would be coming to you!

Saturday, August 16,2008

Well yesterday was a fun one! Woke up and got ready to go to Sarah and Daniels wedding. It was so absolutely beautiful and I am so happy for them. It turned out to be such a perfect day! Sarah's hair was so beautiful and classy! And her makeup too, was just amazing. Awesome job, Trish!

On the way to the ceremony, we heard an ad on the radio saying that it was Paradise Trout and Berry days and they were having a trap shoot from 10-4. When Cam heard this he about jumped out of the car! I told him to call my brother. And Tucker, who never answers his phone picks up on the first ring and says, "yep, I'm on my way out there now." So after the ceremony Cam and I came home and changed and went up there. Tucker was leaving as we got there, but we decided to stay and let Cam shoot. He didn't do so well yesterday. I think I'm bad luck, but he says that's not the case.

It's fun to watch him do something that he enjoys so much.

After the trap shoot I dropped Cam off at home and decided to go to my parents house. Realizing that right now is elk hunting season (which is why Tucker didn't stay at the trap shoot for very long) I knew that chances were pretty good that Kenisa, abandoned with the kids, would probably be there and it would give me a chance to go and play with my neices. Kenley's so funny on the trampoline. She has to say the word "jump" every time she moves her little arms to try and lift herself into the air. It's so cute!

Then it was time to go up to the country club for the reception. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures there, because I was too busy socializing. It was so fun and I saw and spoke to so many people that I haven't in quite a while. It was a blast! So, today Sarah and Daniel are off to Florida and then to Puerto Rico! I hope you guys have a blast. Yesterday was beautiful and I wish you guys the best of luck. We love you guys and we hope you have a ton of fun!

Something about this weekend gave me the feeling that it was the last summer one to be enjoyed. Probably because school starts this week. I just have to remember that summer will come back and I can still go out and play until then. Maybe this winter, we'll try and get outdoors and find something that we enjoy in the cold. If there is such a thing. I guess we'll have to see!

A little less rust... and a bit better gas mileage

Cam happened to notice a blazer that my dad had parked and asked him about it. His truck is really taking a turn for the worse lately. Not that it's ever been in decent shape, but hey, considering we spent $500 on it (and yeah we definately put atleast that much money into it) it's worked to get him from point A to B. So Cam asked my dad about it and my dad said that he'd sell it to him for $100. Woohoo, an even better deal! So we went and picked up his new truck yesterday. We finally got it started, because it's been sitting for a while and plumes of smoke billowed out all the way to our house as I followed him. It does need quite a bit of work but Cam took the day off today and half of the day tomorrow so that he can try to get it up and running. He's become quite the mechanic lately. I guess when you're married to me you have to be. Anyways, here are some pictures of his new Blazer.

The interior is awesome! It's really in great condition and I'm excited to be able to put our dogs in the back of it and go for drives up the canyon with them. So here's the old rust bucket that we're saying goodbye to. I don't know why but somehow I get a little bit attached to cars.

I can tell you that I miss my Stratus so bad and I wish that we wouldn't have sold it. Of course that's probably because of all of the trouble I've had with my new car, but I really enjoyed my Stratus. It just fit me. I ran that thing constantly and we took many fun trips and we have a lot of good memories in it.

But favorite of all was my first car. When I got my license my parents gave me a 1982 Honda Prelude. I hated the thing when they gave it to me. I was so upset that my parents would give me such a horrible car, one that was as old as I was. I can't believe what an ingrate I was back then! I decided that I was going to run it into the ground and then they'd have to get me a new one (can you believe that?).I took that small car everywhere, regularly up canyons, including dry canyon (I don't know how)! That car would not die! But really what more could I have asked for. It was a small sports car, with a sunroof and a great stereo system. I happened to ruin the ignition switch within the first few months that I had it (my keychain weighed about 10 lbs and ruined it), so my dad rigged it so that to start it I only had to flip a switch and push a button. It was actually really cool. So when it finally died, I was pretty upset and I actually tried looking around to find another one. Unfortunately I wasn't able to. So in my life, I've had an '82 prelude, two '87 Nissan Pulsars, an '87 Suzuki Samurai, my Stratus and my Saturn. But all of them hold great memories for me. Comment back and let me know the favorite cars or car stories you've all had and why.

Bear Lake

Yesterday, Cam and I went to Bear Lake to spend the day out on the boat with Thai and his kids. Unfortunately, just as we got there, a storm rolled in and we got the boat in the water, but we didn't end up getting into the boat.

The water was pretty scary looking and we thought that we would wait it out because it looked like it was passing by really quick. The dark clouds overhead did, and the sun came out, but the crazy winds didn't stop. Thai's boat ended up with the engine flooded and he had to be towed back to the marina by the coast guard. So Cam ended up having his first lesson in driving a humongous truck with a trailer hooked up to it all by himself. He did great! I was a nervous wreck. It took them a while to get the boat out of the water and back to Thai's house so I was watching the kids back at the house. Thai sure has some cute kids. This is Julia.

And here's Cam and Carson

So, after they got the boat out of the water, me and Cam basically headed home. We had to go to La Beau's when we got back because Thai lives right by La Beau's in Bear Lake and you can smell the delicious burgers cooking, but we didn't want to wait there in Bear Lake with the crazy lines. It was Raspberry Days there this weekend, so the whole town was pretty crazy. It was nice to sit on the beach and relax though. I think we definately need to try and get up there again. Cam was really excited to try wakeboarding so we'll have to try again later this summer. Not that there's much of it left anymore. It's gone by so fast and I'm not looking forward to winter. Fall is my favorite season of all, but the only down side is what comes after it.

Slammin new dance moves

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Audrey

I have to say that my co-worker is one of the most sarcastic people that I know. She always keeps me in stitches. Here's an example with an instant messaging conversation we had today.


Audrey Seymour... thanks for allowing me to direct all the subs to orientation. It is really my favorite thing to do in the whole entire world. Sometimes I dream i could just bathe in a pool of substitute teachers. They are like an ocean of relaxation and brightness.

Brandy Reeder/... sometimes I cry at night
Brandy Reeder/... because I want to be the one to direct them

Audrey Seymour... I bet
Audrey Seymour... you're jaleous
Audrey Seymour... normal

Brandy Reeder/... Allison says you can always just stand at the front and direct them like you're Vanna White
Brandy Reeder/... she knows that would make you happy

Audrey Seymour... if you don't mind the blood on the walls
Audrey Seymour... :)

Brandy Reeder/... you're killing me back here
Audrey Seymour... i hope so

Something random...

Conversation between me and Cam:

Me: "What are the dogs barking at now?"
Cam: "Who knows" (looking out the window)
Cam: (Big smile on his face) "There are some people pushing a couch down the street with their car."
Me: "What?!" (Looking out the window to see a Subaru with two people in it going slowly with a couch being pushed on the front end of it and two people walking next to it.)
Unfortunately we didn't notice it in time for me to whip out my camera and get a picture.
Who knew that such strange things happen in Millville?

Being an Aunt part II

A few more pics I want to post regarding "Being an Aunt"

Being an Aunt

I just wanted to post again about my new neice and how happy I am to be an aunt again. I'm so blessed to be an aunt and I am so lucky to have that interaction with kids that I didn't have for such a long period in my life. What a joy children are. I'm so happy for Tucker and Kenisa and the awesome little family that they have. It's so awesome to see my brother as such an amazing father. I went to visit them again today at the hospital and it was so fun to see Kenley this time with her little sister. She was so sweet to her and so helpful and Tucker and Kenisa are so lucky. Kamrey is already opening her eyes and looking around and it's amazing. I feel kind of bad though, because I leaned in to give her a kiss on her forehead and thought that I about scared her half to death! What an amazing experience it is to spend time with such a little one, though.