Following God's Direction

Last week home

2011-10-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

This has been my last week to be a stay at home mommy. I have loved every moment of the past nine and a half weeks, and I can't believe that it is all over. :(

Tummy time waiting for grandma and grandpa to get here ~ October 6

Check out my cute toes! ~ October 7

In the past week a lot has happened. A week ago my mom moved in!! We are so excited to have grandma here. My dad came with my mom, and it was great to spend the weekend with them. We spent a lot of time playing games, moving my mom's stuff in, and of course eating. My dad makes the best tacos ever, so we had to have him make those before he got on his flight on Sunday. The boys also watched some comedians, while my mom and I got some stuff done around the house. It was great just to spend time with grandpa, as he won't be back again until Thanksgiving. I know it is going to fly by, but I know it must be so hard for my mom and dad. For those of you who don't know my parents well, they have never been apart in the 26 years they have been married, and they are more in love then any other couple I have ever met. They are even still VERY affectionate with each other, yes to the point where sometimes I am grossed out as their child. But to look at their marriage, it is a marriage I could only hope to still have when Tyler and I have been married for 26 years!

Grandpa and Grandma with B

Sunday we celebrated B's two months!! I can't believe he is so big already!! We of course did another photo shoot, and we took a big family picture as well. Tyler's parents came over to have a play date with B, and they took him for the afternoon. So since my dad was here, and they were both here, we took a big family picture of the seven of us!

2 months old!

I love my little guy!

Family picture

Hathaway clan

After my dad left, Tyler had Monday off as well for Columbus Day. Tyler and I took B to the doctor's office in the morning for his two month check up. He hasn't grown as much as he had in the past, so now we get to feed him more! We are up to 5 ounces a feeding now, instead of just four. He weighed in at 9 pounds, 2 ounces. Not quite as much as I guessed, not even close. I thought he would have been up to 10 pounds the way that he was growing before. I guess he just needs to eat more!! :) He also had to get his first round of shots. :( He wasn't as excited about those, and I was very thankful that Tyler went with me. Tyler held him, so that way I didn't have to.

During the week I have had volleyball practice. I had practice Monday and Wednesday. My girls are looking good, and I am excited about the season. We have our first game this afternoon, so we'll see how we do. I have confidence in them, and they have confidence in themselves, so we'll see how it comes out on the court.

My mom and I have also been doing a lot around the house. My pregnancy album is officially finished!! We added the extra page protectors, and put in the extra posts to bind the album. We even started working on B's album, and we are almost done with his week at the hospital! I can't believe we've almost used 50 pictures in that first week though! Crazy how many pictures we have of our little bundle of joy!

Thank you all for your continued support, and words of wisdom as we have started this journey with our precious baby boy. I apologize in advance in my blogging starts to taper off. Going back to work tomorrow is going to be a hard transition for me, and I know every chance I get at home I'm going to want to spend with my new little family. I will keep you all updated though, but ask for your prayers as I go back to work.

Supporting Aunt Megan

Grandma Moves In

2011-10-06T10:27:00.000-07:00

We are super excited because Grandma and Grandpa (my mom and dad) are on there way today!! They drove to Palm Springs last night, and will be here this afternoon. We know that Grandpa isn't very excited about the end of this trip, because then he will be leaving and Grandma will be staying with us. We are looking forward to an exciting weekend together though. We'll be cuddling our sweet babe, eating yummy tacos only my daddy can make, having a grease night (deep fried food, yes please), and of course I'm sure we'll squeeze in some games. My mom and I won't tackle the scrapbooking until he leaves. :)

Now if only the driving part wouldn't take so long and they could be here already!! B and I are super excited to spend some time with them before daddy comes back from camp tomorrow afternoon!

Smiling because Grandma spoils him!

Last Week Alone

2011-10-01T16:25:00.000-07:00

This was our last week B and I had to spend the week alone, because next week, GRANDMA MOVES IN!! :) If you can't tell, I am a little excited!! :)

Anyways, B and I had a great week! We spent the week sleeping a lot, so I think that he is growing!! Due to the fact that he slept so much, I was able to get a lot done around the house. I was able to clean up downstairs a lot, which was nice. I also was able to put out all of my fall and Halloween decorations. I love the holidays, and am even more excited that it is already October 1! That means only a month and a half left until Thanksgiving, and then I get to take out my Christmas decorations!! Plus my mom will be here this year, so she will be able to help me put everything up, and bake!

Our beautiful china hutch, with "new" wedding pictures above

Our fireplace. Would look much more fallish if there was a fire in there!

Our downstairs bathroom

I also started volleyball this week, which was a lot more tiring then I thought it would be. Luckily it wasn't too hot out, which was nice. I only have 12 girls this year, which will make rotating in a lot easier. Last year I had 15, and that was hard to make sure everyone had enough playing time. There were some games when girls didn't get to play very much because the game just went too quick!

Brandon did some tummy time this week, and I was able to take some video. He couldn't decide if he liked his knees in or out more, so he kept kicking them in and out. It was really funny to watch, especially since he was making silly faces too. As soon as I figure out how to get the video to my computer, and then on here, I will make sure to upload some video for you all!! Until then, enjoy these pictures of us!

Tummy Time, Sept. 29

Onesie from Aunt Megan and Uncle Dan

"If you think I'm handsome you should see my Daddy"

At bible study I decided we needed a picture of all the kids too. We don't have very many pictures of us adults, so I figured I should start early with the kids so that way we have them to look back at. It was perfect too, because we were celebrating Kyrie's birthday. She just turned 3 yesterday!

Brandon, 7 weeks ~ Kyrie, 3 years ~ Caleb, 7 months

The last project I finished around the house this week was my DIY picture frame wall. I love these pictures, and was so excited to put them up!! Tyler just left for the ASU game, so I hope he enjoys them as much as I do when he gets home. He won't, but it's nice to pretend he might!

Some of my favorite pictures by Oh Snap! Photography

Brandon's Baptism

2011-09-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

Please save the date!! We're so excited to share this special day with many friends, and family! We hope that you'll be able to come and celebrate with us. If you will be traveling in from out of town, please let us know as soon as possible. We are planning special activities and accommodations for our out of town guests!

http://www.punchbowl.com/save_the_date/c32a29d87a814d58dd15

Breast feeding, Pumping and Formula

2011-09-26T11:48:00.000-07:00

Just a warning, this is a rant about feeding, so if you don't want to read, I totally understand.

Okay, so we all know how important breast milk is, and I totally understand that. I have/had every intention of breast feeding as long as possible. In my mind it was going to be something that was going to come easy, and I was going to pump when I went back to work, and hopefully we'd have breast milk until he was about one?

Well, we all know that nothing goes according to plan. Hello, we have a baby, and according to my plan I wouldn't even be pregnant for another year. Now, don't get me wrong, I love my baby boy, but just saying, nothing goes according to plan.

Needless to say, it didn't work out. B came three weeks early, and according to EVERYONE, he was too wrong to latch, even though we tried, so we started him on the bottle the day he was born. I tried to get him to latch, for three weeks I would try every time it was time for him to eat, to get him to latch. He did latch a couple of times, but never for more than a few seconds. I tried the football hold, holding him across me, with lots of pillows, lying down in bed, walking around with him, even standing on my head. Just kidding, I never stood on my head. :) He just didn't want to latch, and why would he when he knew that he could have a bottle if he just cried long enough. Luckily I let my nurse talk me into renting the hospital grade pump, and God bless her for talking my stubborn head into it. As much as I hated pumping then, I didn't know how amazing that pump was until I had to return it. We were able to get enough that we were feeding him breast milk about 95% of the time. I was able to do both sides at once, and be done in about 15 minutes.

Then came our month, and me being cheap, didn't want to pay another $80 for the month, when I had a $150 pump sitting in the house ready to be used. At least we had a little supply built up, because when I switched pumps I swear my supply plummeted. I could barely get out two ounces, and I was pumping almost four times as long!! I only bought the swing, which I thought would be great. The HUGE downside, is that you can only do one side at a time. So my 15 minute pumping sessions were turning into 30 minutes to an hour depending on how long I had time to sit there. Now, imagine doing this six to eight times a day. I was not a happy camper. Plus, B is now getting to the point where he isn't really napping during the day. (Thank God, really praise you Jesus, that Grandma will now be here in nine days!!)

I started taking Fenugreek about a week and a half ago. I was taking two pills, three times a day. By Tuesday, I had to go back to the doctor and my supply had not gone up. I read about women who had their supply instantly go up. I talked to my doctor about this, and she prescribed something else for me to take. Now I take that three times a day. I still haven't seen much of an increase, so we are having to supplement A LOT with formula, and not really getting that much breast milk out. It seems like I am either feeding B, or pumping. I try to pump for longer periods to see if that will help, but it really isn't. I go back to work in three weeks, I can't believe it is already here, and I don't know how much I want to try this once I go back. I know I am going to be even more stressed once I go back to work, so that isn't going to help.

So, my main point is, I think my baby may be a formula baby by two months old. I know there are plenty of formula babies out there, for lots of different reasons. One of our good friends is a formula baby, because they adopted and he is a great baby, and very healthy. I'm not worried about any of that, the cheap side of me, just wishes I would have saved the $150 and spent it on formula rather than a pump I was going to use for a month!

Thanks for listening to me vent, or if you didn't, and just skipped this entry, good for you!!

Aunt Bree's Visit

2011-09-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

This past week one of my best friends, Bree, came to visit us! We had a great time, just doing nothing. We were able to spend the week relaxing, reading, and eating. Some of the things that we do best!

Bree flew in Tuesday, and after our busy morning, B and I went to pick her up. That night Tyler came home and we grilled steaks and had salad for dinner. It was quite a yummy dinner. While Bree was unpacking, she also gave us a present. Check out the pictures to see if you can figure out what she gave us. :)

Wednesday we spent the day just hanging out with B. Actually that is how we spent our week, and it was our evenings where we did things. Wednesday night we went down to Tyler's school to go to dinner at the Vig. They were donating a part of their sales to Christ, so we went to support the school. It was nice to spend time with some of Tyler's co-workers too. A couple friends of ours just put offers in on houses, so it's exciting times for all of us!

Thursday night we had Chili's for dinner because a pat of the sales were going to Shepherd. We had a bunch of people over to have dinner with us too, which was a lot of fun. Then Bree stayed home to watch B for us, while Tyler and I went to bible study. I love our weekly bible study, and our group is a lot of fun.

Friday night we went to a murder mystery dinner party. This time, I was not the killer, which was nice. I don't think I played very well though because I didn't really know anything about what was going on at the murder. My clues kept telling me to only talk to two people, so I didn't really expand too much. Bree was able to go with us, and we had a lot of fun. Tyler died, and our friend Joe killed him!! It was really funny, because Tyler wouldn't go out with me, so it was fun to ask him why he wouldn't date me. :) I would love to do another one, now that we all have a better understanding on how to play.

Saturday morning we had to take Aunt Bree to the airport. We hate saying goodbye to good friends, but at least we know it's we'll see you soon, and not goodbye.

Getting ready to leave for the airport

Saying goodbye to Aunt Bree

Our firsts...

2011-09-18T20:30:00.000-07:00

Last week Tyler and I decided that we wanted B to start sleeping in his crib. We were able to borrow a basinet from some great friends, but we were ready for him to move into his own room. It was a long week full of ups and downs, but he is sleeping in his room now all the time!! It is great, because it gives us quiet in our room, which is great for Tyler since he is working.

I started taking B out for walks during the day too, which has been great. I'm really looking forward to getting back into shape, and being able to go out and buy some new clothes!

Saturday Tyler and I left B with grandma, and headed up to Prescott for the day with our friends Sarah and Bryant. It was a blast! We went hiking around Lynx Lake, and then went and had some lunch with them. It was great to get out, in the cooler weather, and exercise again!

Today B and I went to Mega Life! We had a blast, and we were able to meet some more friends. :) B did great in church, while people passed him around. I thought he would be upset by the very loud music, but he did great!

We have an exciting week coming up with Aunt Bree coming to visit!! :)

DIY - frames

2011-09-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

I have been living on Pinterest lately, and have been finding a lot of great ideas that I would like to do in my house. We have been moving things around, and finding new spaces to put up all of our great photos of B. In the process of doing this we have moved some frames, and decided we didn't want them any more. Instead of going out and buying new frames, I decided to give ours an updated look.

I took the old silver frames and decided to paint them using the sample colors left over from B's room. Then I am going to use these frames to put outside of his room, where I am going to put up pictures of our little monkey. I'm excited to see how the wall turns out. For now, here are the frames.

The frames were silver with wedding pictures

Now they'll be green and khaki with B's pictures

Another pinterest idea I took i decided to hang in our bedroom. I love this, and decided it would be a great way to affirm each oter. It was really easy to make too. Thank you Joann's for the frame, and my Cricut for the words.

Happy birthday Daddy / Grandpa

2011-09-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my dad's birthday! We just wanted to say happy birthday to an amazing man who is always willing to give us any thing we need!! We know how much you are sacrificing in the next year for us, and we just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate it. We all love you!

High school graduation, June 2003

Disneyland trip, October 2005

Christmas pictures, 2006

Double fisting because I graduated college, May 2007

Playing at IKEA, May 2007

Disney World Vacation, July 2007

Disney Cruise, July 2007

Merry Christmas, 1987

Parent's 25th Wedding Anniversary, March 2010

Lake Tahoe, March 2010

Phoenix, November 2010

Christmas 2010

Grandpa and B in the hospital, August 2011

<3 Family <3, August 2011

One Month Old

2011-09-11T08:47:00.000-07:00

We can't believe our baby boy is already a month old. So many things have happened in the last month, and time is going by so fast! Before I know it I will be back at work already. We are trying to enjoy our time while we can. Here are some pictures from our one month photo shoot. My goal is to take the same photos every month so that way we can see how much he grows!!

Two weeks of visitors part 2

2011-09-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

Instead of updating the other entry, I just thought I would make a new one.

So we had a very busy end of our week. Wednesday we took B to the doctor. We were having everyone guess how much they thought he would weigh now. We were all guessing low 8 pounds. Well, we were all surprised to find out the little guy already weighs 8 pounds, 7 ounces!! He has really started to pack it on! While we were at the doctor she told us that we need to cut back on how much we are feeding him. He was eating, so we were feeding him 5 - 6 ounces at a time. She wanted us to cut it back to 4 ounces at a time. Since we have done that, he now has decided that he needs to start eating about every three hours again. Not so fun. I was enjoying our longer stretches at night.

Thursday night we took B to his first experience at Benihana. It was a delicious dinner! We went to celebrate my dad's birthday, my birthday, and B's birthday. We had a lot of fun, and our cook was very entertaining. Of course, B slept through the entire experience. He is pretty good at sleeping through things. :)

Friday we just hung out. My dad got some more things done for us around the house, and we played some more Catan. My mom and I also made B a onesie to celebrate the fact that he was one month old. I can't believe how big our little boy is already!

Saturday my grandma, and my parents left to go back home. It is always sad saying goodbye, but I am excited to know that my parents will be back in just three and a half weeks!! Plus Bree comes to visit next week, so we know that time will just fly by!

Enjoy some pictures from the last two weeks!

Uncle Jon and B just relaxing

Hanging out with Aunt Nicole

The boys are so cool :)

Saying goodbye to Aunt Nicole

2011 Family Picture

Daddy's first ASU game of the season

Daddy and B hanging out with CJ and Matt

Cuddle time with grandpa

B is a crazy sleeper! And yes, that is a pink sheet, we borrowed the basinet from great friends! (who had a girl)

My mom and I love our punch bowl!

B and his two favorite women!

Four generations

Huey family

Two weeks of visitors

2011-09-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

My parents came into town last Saturday, just in time for B's birth. Oh wait, they would have been here about five days before B's due date, but he decided to come three weeks early!! :) What a little stinker!! My parents still came to visit though, since they already had their hotel reservations, and the two weeks off of work. They drove in on Saturday, and my mom brought some more stuff with her. We found places for all of her stuff, and then we just had a great week. Tyler of course had to work, but my parents, B and I spent the week cleaning house, playing games, doing a little shopping, and of course eating. I love hanging out with my parents, and I know we'll always have a great time!

Last Thursday Tyler had his first ASU game of the season, so my parents and I took B out for his first dinner out! We went to this awesome restaurant called Charlestons where my mom and I always get this awesome shrimp appetizer and the ribs for dinner. AMAZING!! :) Before we went to dinner we took pictures of daddy and B in their ASU outfits. (Once I load pictures, I will make sure to upload them.)

My parents went to Prescott for the weekend, so that way they could start looking at houses. We are so excited for them to be moving closer to us, and I know we will be spending parts of our summer and breaks up at their new house. They found two houses that they really like, so now they just need to sell their house. It is a little sad they'll be selilng my childhood home, and B will never get to play in it like I did, but he'll have a gorgeous house in the mountains to play in instead.

While my parents were away Jon and Nicole came to visit us for the long weekend! We had a blast with them. Saturday we just hung out all day. We all took a nap in the afternoon, watched some TV, the boys played some video games, and we just relaxed. Saturday night we took B for a walk around the neighborhood. Sunday we took a family trip to the mall, and then when my parents got back into town, the seven of us went to Oregano's for dinner. That place is amazing too! We had a great time, even though we had to wait 45 minutes to be seated, and then Nicole and I had to wait 45 minutes for our pizza. :(

Monday Jon and Nicole had to leave to go back to work. Never fun saying goodbye to good friends, that we consider our family. We were sad to see them go, but so excite that they were able to come and spend some time with us! Hopefully they'll be coming back in December for B's baptism.

This week my grandmother came into town. She drove in yesterday, and will be staying until Saturday. I know that we are going to have a great week. My parents leave on Saturday too. I can't believe our two weeks together is almost over. I'm just thankful that four weeks from today they'll be back again, and that time my mom isn't leaving. I can't wait until she is here full time. :) We haven't even touched scrapbooking stuff yet, and boy do we have a lot to do!!

First week without Daddy!

2011-08-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

B and I had our first week alone last week. Tyler had to go back to work on Monday, so B and I got a week to spend by ourselves. We had a pretty great week!

Monday we spent the day being lazy, and enjoying my birthday. :) Tyler had to work late again that night, so I knew we wouldn't see him all day. Katie, CJ and Liz brought over a delicious dinner for us to have. We had shrimp alfredo, salad, and ice cream! Of course, no dinner is complete with out dessert in our house now. After we had dinner we watched Bachelor Pad.

Enjoying his new swing on Mommy's birthday

Tuesday Tyler's mom came over to take us to my doctor's appointment. I had an appointment with Deka to check on everything. I am healing well, and doing great. She was very impressed that I wasn't on pain relievers any more, and that I was moving around so much. She obviously didn't know how I always have to be doing something, and can't just sit around and do nothing. I was also given permission to not use the bathroom bottle any more!! I am pretty sure that was the best news I got last week! She gave me the best birthday present ever!!

Wednesday I got the car for the day! It was great to be able to get out of the house, and drive! Brandon and I headed off to the doctor's office for his two week appointment. When we got there we found out that I had messed up the appointment time, and we were supposed to be there at 11:30! Ooops, we showed up at 1:00!! So, instead we headed over to work so I could pick up some paper work and sign B up for insurance.

Our big adventure out, by ourselves!

Thursday we went to the doctor's office again. This time I was there at the right time. Brandon now weighs 7 pounds 6 ounces. Our pediatrician also gave me great news. We no longer had to set an alarm to wake Brandon up for feedings, but he would tell us when it was time to eat!! I was so excited to hear that I didn't have to get up three times during the night any more!! When we got home from the doctor Brandon decided he wanted to hang out with mommy all day! He wouldn't let me put him down. So, I held him from 11-5 when Tyler got home!

Friday was a big day for us. Brandon and I just spent the day being lazy again, but then Tyler took me out Friday night. I was really nervous about leaving B for the first time, even though we were leaving him with Tyler's parents. Tyler and I went to dinner, and then we went to the Diamond Backs game because Toby Mac was playing after. Toby Mac is Tyler's favorite, and I had been telling him for a couple of months to get tickets to the game. It ended up working out better this way because we went with some new friends!

My first drink since December!

The Kriegers, Hathaways and Hulkes

Overall, I would say that Brandon and I had a great week at home, even though it was harder to do everything without Tyler. It just makes for really long nights when you are the one who has to get up for every feeding. I was excited that Tyler took the middle of the night feedings over the weekend, because I was able to sleep for a 6 hour stretch without having to get out of bed. I still woke up for the 2:30 feedings, but I didn't have to get up and do them!!

One of my amazing fifth graders!

We are excited because Grandma and Grandpa are here now too! They drove to Palm Springs Friday night, and then drove the rest of the way into Phoenix on Saturday afternoon. We get to spend two weeks with them!! We're looking forward to many games of Catan, Shanghai, scrapbooking and naps!

First Week Home

2011-08-21T10:31:00.000-07:00

We have had quite the experience our first week at home. We were able to come home from the hospital Friday afternoon, August 12. We were so excited to come home, I didn't really think about the fact that now we were going to have this little guy all the time with us. My parents were here until Sunday afternoon, so that was a HUGE help. We were able to get home Friday afternoon, and I looked around my house amazed at what a mess it was. I had left stuff half done over the weekend, and Monday morning, because I thought I still had three weeks! Plus, Tyler's staff had given him all of their gifts while I was in the hospital, so those were all over our living room as well. I wanted to go straight into cleaning mode, but everyone made me sit. Tyler, and my parents went through all of the gifts, showing me what we got, and then trying to find homes for them. After that was done I felt much better, because at least my living room looked livable again.

Saturday we had a pretty relaxing day. My mom and Tyler went to Shepherd to pick up some things for me, and my parents went grocery shopping for us. We don't need many groceries because thanks to Katie we have meals being brought to us until September 5! We are so blessed! For dinner my dad grilled up some steaks, corn on the cob, and shrimp. It was amazing!! Saturday night we played a round of Shanghai while we waited for 10 pm so I could feed Brandon again before bed.

Sunday was a hard day. I know my parents are coming back again really soon, but it's hard to say goodbye. Especially now with Brandon here, I really didn't want them to leave. Sunday morning Tyler had to go to church, so my parents helped me out big time around the house. My dad cleaned the grill, and moved a curtain rod for us. My mom swept our floors, and then dusted for us. They both wanted to help so much, and we really appreciate all that they did!

For lunch some one on Tyler's staff sent him home with some food. It looked and smelled delicious. She had made a salad, brownies, risotto, and a chicken dish for us. I had not eaten chicken since early in pregnancy because I had kept getting sick from it. I thought I would give it a try, and I didn't get sick. A couple of hours later though, my dad noticed that I had broken out again. I had broken out in the hospital as well, but we didn't know why. Thanks to this awesome lunch, and it really was very tasty, we have come to the conclusion that I may be allergic to chicken. :( My mom became allergic to crab after she had me, so I know food allergies aren't that uncommon.

Over the week Tyler and I adjusted to life with Brandon. We were able to get some stuff done around the house, go out and do some shopping, and have Brandon's pictures taken twice!! :) I love pictures, and I'm very excited to have this pictures to put up on our walls! We made our first shopping trip on Thursday when we headed out to Target. We wanted to get some things that we hadn't gotten off the registry. It was quite a good trip. Saturday we made a trip to Babies R Us as well, because our little guy likes to pee everywhere!! We bought some more sheets, and I don't think it will be long before we put him to bed in his crib. I love having him near me at night, but it's easier when I can turn on lights to be able to see him for feedings and changings. With Tyler going back to work tomorrow, I know it will be easier for him if I take care of that stuff in B's room, instead of our room.

Overall, I would say that we are doing great. Everyone keeps asking about my recovery, and I feel great. I don't really have any pain or discomfort from the C section. Probably the worst part is remembering my bathroom bottle. Trust me, you don't want to know. :) I can go up and down the stairs no problem, even holding Brandon. I try to limit my trips up and down, but with Tyler going back to work I know I'll be making more. I went for a walk yesterday too, all by myself! Tyler kept Brandon at home, and I walked to Walgreens to pick up a print I made for him. My mom made one for my dad as well, since they both have to go back to work. I'll probably make myself one, or take a bunch of photos to work with me when it's time as well.

Yummy cookies from cousins Brooke and Dylan, August 16

Enjoying a nap in the boppy, August 16

Taking a family picture, August 19

Playing with mommy, August 20

The Hospital

2011-08-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

Brandon and I spent the rest of the week in the hospital. It was quite a transition going from having a baby in my belly, to now having one on the outside that needed me to take care of him all of the time. Right after surgery I was really out of it, and don't even really remember a lot of what happened before we came upstairs. I was having a really hard time moving my legs, as I had a lot of drugs running through my system. In the beginning I was having a hard time moving my arms as well, as they had given me an extra drug to try and keep my calm during the C section.

After a little while I was feeling better, and we were ready for some visitors. Katie came by after bible study to check in on us and see how things went. I am so thankful for her, and that she was willing to stop everything she was doing Monday night to come to my rescue. If she hadn't answered her phone, or been home, I don't know what I would have done. I probably would have paced around my house freaking out, waiting for Tyler to get home.

Katie, more than just a neighbor!

Friends from Tyler's work also came to visit us Tuesday night. Beth and Jason came by to bring Tyler dinner since he hadn't eaten anything since he walked to Starbucks Tuesday morning. It was a long day for everyone.

Sorry, not a very good picture Jason, we'll have to get another one!

Tuesday night Tyler stayed in the hospital with us, and it was nice just being the three of us. I was really tired though, and it was hard to make sure we were doing everything. I thought the nurses would come in and wake us up when I should have been feeding, and I found out the hard way that isn't how it works. The next night we made sure to set alarms so we knew when we should be getting up.

Wednesday Brandon had his first bath, as well as his hearing screening. He didn't enjoy the bath very much, but he made it through. The hearing screening didn't work the first time either, so the lady had to come back and try again on Thursday morning. When she came back on Thursday he passed with flying colors!

Wednesday we had a lot of visitors. After school got out Kathy brought by some of my eighth grade girls so that way they could see Brandon, and I could see the girls. Liz came by when she got off work, and then Anna brought Tyler dinner. It was amazing to see the people come out, and help us out when we were stuck in the hospital. Tyler wasn't really stuck, but I for sure was! Sarah, Andrew, Tracy, Jeremy, Rachel and Kyrie also came by Wednesday night. It was a blast to have everyone there, and introduce them to our little man.

My eighth grade girls!

Liz

We had to make Anna hold him!

Sarah, who took some amazing pictures for us!

Kyrie and Rachel love babies

Jeremy

Skoog

Andrew was checking him out

Thursday after school Matt came by to visit. Our friend Kris was in town from Idaho, so she was able to come by and see Brandon too! Bonnie came by Thursday night also. I felt really bad because I fell asleep while she was there. Wednesday night Brandon didn't sleep very well, as he decided that he wanted to be up at 2 am looking around, and just making noise. Luckily my mom and I took turns who would hold him for a little while so we could try and get some sleep. Tyler went home Wednesday and Thursday night to sleep because he went in to work Thursday and Friday for the first two days of school.

Matt

Kris, all the way from Idaho

We had to convince Lauren to hold him too!

Bonnie

On Friday morning we had Brandon circumcised so that way it would be taken care of in the hospital. He handled it like a champ, and came back and slept pretty much for the rest of the day. I felt bad for him, but I know that he will be healthier now, and he won't remember the pain he was in. Friday I was excited to go home, so I got out of the hospital bed first thing in the morning, and put my real clothes on. Then my parents, Tyler's mom, and I just sat around all day. We had to wait for my doctor to come in and check on me after lunch, and then we had to wait for Tyler to get off work so we could go home!

All smiles!

Ready to go home!

Proud Grandma waiting for daddy so we can go home!

Last family picture in the hospital

The only picture I have of Eleana, my favorite nurse

We were so excited to be going home on Friday, but are very thankful for all of the help that we got in the hospital. We were blessed with amazing nurses, especially our day time nurses. We are also very thankful for all of the help from my family, especially that they were willing to fly in as quickly as possible to be here for us. We are also very blessed by our friends, our family by choice, that came out to support us at the hospital. We love all of you, and can't wait to share many special memories with Brandon and you!

7:45 pm, August 8 - 4:45 pm, August 9

2011-08-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

Monday night was a night I will never forget, as well as Tuesday. Monday night after work I was running some errands, and then I came home to relax with an awesome double double from In N Out. I was watching Bachelor Pad, since Tyler was at work, and I could have control over the TV and not have to worry about him making fun of the crazy people. I ran upstairs to change my clothes during a commercial, and that was the end of the show for me. I was in the process of changing, and luckily on our tile in the bathroom when all of a sudden my water broke. I was so surprised, and freaked out, I ran back downstairs to get my phone and call my mom. For those of you who know me well, of course, my phone was about to die as well. So then I had to pull out my charger real fast and plug it in. My mom told me to call the hospital, and Katie so that way I could get to the hospital. Tyler was at work for the night because they had a back to school night. I called the hospital to let them know I was on my way in, and then called Katie to ask her for the biggest favor ever. I am so thankful that they live right up the street, and that she was actually on her way out of the neighborhood to go grocery shopping. She just flipped around to come and get me. I was still freaking out, running around the house trying to figure out what to pack when she came in. My goal for the weekend had been to pack our hospital bag, but I had been too tired all weekend to pack, so I hadn't made it that far.

On our way to the hospital I was texting everyone I could think of that works with Tyler to try and get a hold of him. Finally he called as we were almost to the hospital, so that way he could meet us down there. I got checked in, and sure enough my water had broken, and we were having a baby! I was already 1 cm dilated as of 8:30 and we knew we would have our baby boy in less than 24 hours. It was a little surreal, and crazy. I called back my parents and my mom booked the first flight out in the morning. We didn't think my dad would be able to come out until later in the week.

We were in the triage room until about 2:30 when I said it was time for the drugs. It took about an hour to get me from the triage room to the labor room, due to paper work, and trading of people. It wasn't too bad, but I was glad for the change. The triage bed wasn't very comfortable, and we had already heard two other women come and go in the room next to us. The chair that Tyler had to sleep in wasn't very comfortable in the triage room either.

We got to the labor and delivery room, and then nice Mr. Drugs came to talk to us. We explained what was going to happen with the epidural, and my nurse told me many people thought the IV needle hurt more than the epidural. I would have to agree with all of those people as well. Mr. Drugs did an awesome job, and yes I could feel the pressure when he was working on my back, but it wasn't bad at all. After he was done I was able to finally sleep too!! Before I went to sleep, she checked me again, and I was up to about 3 cm. We knew that the first 3 cm were supposed to be the longest, so I was glad that those were out of the way!

I slept until about 4:30, and then dozed until about 5:30 when the sun started coming up. I talked to my mom around 6:30 when she was getting on the plane to come to Phoenix. The nurses changed shifts at 7 am, so my new nurse came in to check me around 7:30, and she said I was between 3 and 4 cm. I was hoping I would have been further along by then, but that's okay.

I had to wear an oxygen mask this whole time as well, so that wasn't very exciting. I am glad that I was able to sleep though, because it made time go by a lot faster, that's for sure. My mom, and Tyler's mom got to the hospital around 9:45. Tyler then walked across the street to get some Starbucks since he hadn't slept very well.

Around 11:30 we had a little scare. My contractions were coming too close together, and Brandon's heart beat was dropping. They kept flipping me from side to side, to try and get him to calm down, and they had to give me a shot to stop the contractions. There was a swarm of nurses in my room all of a sudden, and they were all giving orders to each other, and talking about sending me to the OR. It was quite scary, and at one point they sent Tyler out to go get scrubs on. My mom came to the door, and my nurse told her to leave because they weren't done yet. At this point I was 5 cm. They finally got Brandon calmed down, and his heart rate up, so we were in the clear again.

My dad was in the air at this point, as he was also able to get a flight out that morning and make it to the hospital. Tyler was talking to everyone via text messaging since I wasn't really able to do much. I slept pretty much all day, and was heavily medicated so that way I could make it through the day. Jeremy and Andy came by around 2:30 to pray with us. It was great to have them come by, and pray with us.

Around 4:30 my contractions were becoming too strong for Brandon again, and his heart rate started dropping. This time wasn't as scary since we knew what was going on. This time Dr. Crum, not my doctor, but another doctor in the office, was on the floor so she also came rushing into my room. She told them not to wait this time, and that she would do the C section if Deka couldn't make it over in time. It was crazy to see how fast they could move everyone over, and get everyone in place. They kept trying to wheel me out before I was unplugged from everything though, so that was a little uncomfortable.

When we got into the OR I was given more medicine, as now they were going to be making an incision on my belly. It was really cold in the OR room, and I started shaking and shivering. Mr. Drugs also gave me something else to try and calm me down, because I was moving around too much. I could feel them trying to push Brandon out, and it was quite a weird feeling. It's like someone sitting on your stomach, and trying to push something out of you. Imagine getting the rest of the toothpaste out of a tube. That is how I imagine they were able to pull Brandon out. Tyler was able to be in the room with me, and was able to watch them pull him out.

It was amazing to hear his first cry, and then to finally see him. Tyler was able to take him out of the room, and show him to our parents while they were closing me up. I was really out of it, and didn't even see Brandon until I got to the recovery room. I was really weak, and couldn't move, so Tyler just brought him over to me so I could feel him. I was finally able to start moving my arms a little bit so they wheeled us upstairs to our room.

We are now blessed with an amazing baby boy, and we couldn't ask for more. I know that God is going to continue to bless us abundantly, as he already has done!

Proud Daddy

Crying Grandma Darlene

Excited Grandmas

Happy Daddy

Checking out our blessing!

First Family Picture

37 - 40 weeks?

2011-08-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

Our life has been quite the roller coaster during the past 37 weeks, and this past week and a half was no different. Saturday, August 6, after I posted I had a really lazy day. Being at work all week really wore me out, so I took a lot of naps on Saturday. I also was able to go and have lunch with Liz, which was a blast. Saturday night Tyler and I went to BJs for dinner, which was super yummy!

On Sunday we went to church, and then we went to Bed, Bath and Beyond. Tyler needed some more coffee, and we needed an apple cutter since we've been trying to eat healthier. We went grocery shopping at Sprouts to pick up some produce and the newspaper. Then we came home and just relaxed all day. We watched some Criminal Minds, and I took another nap. It's crazy how much that baby boy made me tired. (It took Tyler and I about 5 minutes to try and figure out what we did, and this is just our guess, ha ha)

Monday Tyler and I both went into work. Tyler had a long day at work, as they had Back to School night Monday night, so I knew I was on my own for the night. After working all day, and meeting almost the rest of my students, sent Lynda home, and hung out getting a few more things done. After work I headed over to Old Navy to try and find some more clothes to wear to work for the rest of the month. I really wanted to find a pair of khaki capris since we got new red polos for this school year. Since Old Navy didn't have any I went up to Kohls to see if I could find any there, since I had a gift card. It was getting time for me to eat, so I decided some In N Out would be delicious!! I got home, ate dinner, and then started watching some high quality TV, Bachelor Pad.

About half an hour into the show I went upstairs to change into PJs and relax for the night. Well, Brandon had a different idea for the night, because my water broke!! I am so glad I was upstairs in the bathroom, and not downstairs sitting on the couch any more! Our couch is a cream/khaki color and that would not have been fun to clean up. I freaked out a little when my water broke, and actually called my mom to find out what your water breaking was like. Then I freaked out even more because it was only 7:45, and Tyler wasn't going to be home from work until 9 or 9:30. Luckily Katie lives right around the corner so I called her and she drove me to the hospital. The whole way there I was texting Tyler, and everyone I could think of that works with him trying to get a hold of him. He called me when we were on our way there, and he met us at the hospital.

I had joked about Brandon coming early, but I never expected him to come this early! I promise I did want to start the school year, and if you ask my sub Lynda, I would have had way more prepared and ready if I didn't think I would be there for the first 8 weeks of the school year!

36 weeks

2011-08-06T07:52:00.000-07:00

Tyler and I have both been so busy during the last week, I apologize for this posting being late. Tyler and I spent our last weekend of summer, last weekend, relaxing and enjoying a good movie. Last Friday night we went out to see Crazy, Stupid, Love and then went to dinner. It was nice to be able to go out and have a date night. Saturday I was able to go get a pedicure with Chelsea, which was a blast. I love a good pedicure, and it was so nice to have someone rub my swollen feet for me. :) Sunday we ran some errands to get some last minute school stuff, and things for around the house. Overall, a great ending to the summer.

This past week Tyler and I have been at work all week. We both had to report back on Monday for meetings. Tyler had meetings all week, where my meetings ended on Wednesday. I had kids come into the classroom yesterday to start dropping off their school supplies as well. We are both ready for the school year to start, but I don't think I am ready for how tired I am going to be. After working in my room all day Thursday, making sure everything was put away and clean for the kids on Friday, I came home and fell asleep before dinner. Then I woke up to cook dinner, ate, and went back to sleep. One bad part about this diet, is that I also have to eat a night time snack, so I set my alarm to wake up and eat that as well. I can't wait for when I can eat when I'm hungry, and not every three hours. AND when I get to have dessert again!! I told Tyler that will be my first meal in the hospital, and I don't care what we eat those first couple of weeks, as long as it involves dessert!

I had another doctor appointment Thursday afternoon, and now we begin the weekly appointments. No progress on baby, other than he is head down, but has been for the past couple of weeks. I'm not dilated yet, but she said my cervix is softening. I'm really hoping as I start to go in weekly she starts to tell me I'm dilated a little bit. We've learned that the first three centimeters take the longest, so if I could do one a week, that would be great!! I don't think it will happen, but I'm almost willing to try anything to make sure Brandon is here on time!! A little early would be great too. :)

Other great news we found out yesterday as well, I have officially completed my master's program!! :) I saw my final grades yesterday, so I now officially have my masters! I was so excited to see that, and know that it is all done! I told Tyler I kind of want to go back to school again, but I'm sure that will end after Brandon is here and I realize how busy I am!

One year later

2011-08-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

It is crazy to believe that it has been one year already. It is amazing how fast time flies. I know it was a hard year for many, and that this date will live on in the lives of tons as a day they will always remember. Lori was a beautiful person, both inside and out. She was a wonderful mom to her three beautiful children, a great friend, and the biggest help ever to us teachers. I am sad to say I didn't know her better over the two years I was blessed to have her in my life, but I do know that she had a love for Jesus, and a love for others. She was always willing to help someone out, and do that extra something that someone needed.

Her girls are doing amazing, and I am so blessed to have the in my life. Skittles, my little Tia, is a rock star!! :) I can't wait to see her after the summer. She always continues to amaze me! I can't wait to watch her shine on the volleyball court again this season, and show others that she can do whatever she puts her mind to. Summer is a beauty, and it's amazing to watch her grow as well.

Days like these I am so thankful to know that Brandon, Pops, Christopher, Lori and Austin are up in heaven, and that they are hanging out with Jesus. I know that they are in a much better place, and suffering no more. Thank you God for being a great God, who loves us, even though we sin every day. Thank you for keeping my special friends and loved ones safe until we meet again!

The small things...

2011-07-28T20:55:00.000-07:00

So far this summer I haven't accomplished a lot of the goals I set for myself at the beginning of summer, but I did some things that I didn't think I'd do.

I had wanted to read all 7 Harry Potter books, before I saw the last movie. Needless to say, I'm still only half way done with book 4. I doubt I'll even finish before Brandon comes. At least I'll have lots of reading time in September!

I also wanted to watch all of Criminal Minds. Tyler and I were on a roll for a while, but haven't watched at all in about two weeks. I can't watch without him either. 1 - I scare myself. 2 - we both want to watch them. I know we'll finish them eventually, but it was one thing I was really looking forward to. I think once school starts it will be a nice break for us to watch an episode a night just to relax.

I have been able to clean house, and organize a lot this summer though. We have redone two bedrooms, the office, and the downstairs room. We have also spruced up our living room, our cross wall, and family picture wall. We also added a collage picture frame in our dining room. We cleaned out the kitchen, went through our dishes and food. We went through the house, got rid of a bunch of stuff, and took tons of stuff to Good Will.

I know my house isn't perfect, and will never be totally clean, but at least we're getting organized. I have found http://pinterest.com/, and I love it!! I have been looking for ways to stay organized, as I know things are going to start getting crazy once Brandon is here. Plus Tyler and I are going back to work, and I want to stay on top of things. I know I'm going to want to come home right after school, so I'm trying to find ways to use my time to the fullest. I am also trying to find ways to cut back on the amount of paper that I use/waste.

Tonight I designed our weekly meal plans, and grocery lists on the computer. I was so proud of myself, because now I can email them to myself, and view them as a pdf on my iPad. Sure, I can't cross items off the list, but I have it pretty well organized to know what section of the store it comes from. My mom said I could even add aisle numbers so if someone else wanted to take my grocery list to my grocery store, like when Brandon comes, she would be able to do the grocery shopping and know exactly where everything is. It might add some time to my shopping tomorrow, but I'm definitely going to look into that one. So, for those of you who want a weekly grocery list that you can print, or type on, here is mine. Here is our weekly meal plan too!! If you want either of these files, just let me know and I can email them to you!!

35 weeks

2011-07-28T07:06:00.000-07:00

What a busy week we had!! The week started off amazing, with my mom coming to visit for four days! She drove down Thursday so that way she could bring her first load of stuff! I was so excited to know that she was coming, I'm pretty sure I called her about every two hours to check on her! She was able to bring her bed, desk, some Christmas stuff, and lots of scrap booking stuff on this load. We also set up a plan so we know what we want to tackle the year that she is living with us to ensure that all of the scrap booking stuff doesn't just move to her new house the same way that it came to my house.

While my mom was here, she was a HUGE help to me! Tyler too, because then he didn't have to help me do everything! We went through almost all of the rest of the scrap booking stuff I had left in her room, so that way we could condense it, and organize it a little better. Then we went through all of our paper, and organized it a little bit, so that way we could know what we already have. Of course, I'm sure we'll go buy more. Especially since Joann's has paper on sale right now, and a 20% off coupon for your entire purchase this weekend!! :)

Friday morning was probably my mom's favorite part of the trip. I had a doctor's appointment, so she was able to go with me. I really wish we could have snuck in an ultra sound too, but we haven't had one of those since week 20!! My mom was able to meet our doctor, the fabulous Deka, as well as hear the baby's heart beat. B has decided he doesn't like the right side of my belly any more, so he has flipped to the left side. Thank God he is still head down though, so we don't have any worries there!

My mom also helped me wash and FOLD all of Brandon's clothes!! It is amazing how many outfits our little monkey already has!! Thanks to Katie she already gave me three boxes of clothes to go through. I know it's still early, but I'm really afraid that once school starts I'm going to be too tired to do anything around here, so my goal was to have his room as ready as possible before school starts in a few weeks.

His six month + clothes

Not a very good picture, but his crib now has his bedding in it

One of the walls, with our fun decals

My mom and I also did a lot of errands while she was here. We got to go grocery shopping, check out Costco, and do some returning of things. We got amazing gifts at our showers, but there were some things we got multiples of. We were able to return what we needed, and then of course we had to pick up some other things as well. Tyler really wanted his backpack diaper bag, so we picked that up. We also were able to get a couple of the bathroom pieces because they were on sale! We were able to get the rug, and the shower curtain. Really, we don't need any of the other pieces, but mom was going to check her babies r us at home to see if they had the trash can in her store still.

Since mom's birthday was last week her one request was to go to the movies. Now for those of you who know my parents, they don't really go to the movies, so you know this was a big deal. So, Saturday afternoon my mom and I went to see.....Winnie the Pooh!! It was really cute, and a movie that I'm sure Grandpa will end up buying for Brandon and Grandma!! :) Saturday night we went to Charlestons, which has to have one of our favorite meals ever. My mom and I split this amazing shrimp appetizer and then the ribs. Amazingly enough, my number was low!! I was so excited, it means we'll go back again before B comes!

We also introduced mom and Andrew, as I'm sure they will see a lot of each other in the upcoming year. Andrew and his wife Emily just moved to Phoenix this summer, as Andrew will be teaching with Tyler at Christ this year. Emily is finishing up school in Colorado, so Andrew is on his own right now. Of course, my mom loves to play games, so we had Andrew over Friday and Sunday night so the four of us could play some Catan! After Friday night, where my mom did an awesome job blocking Andrew so he couldn't win, Andrew was ready for revenge on Sunday!! We had a great time, and envision many more Catan nights with the five of us over the next year!

My mom left Monday morning, bright and early, and even though I know she'll be back in five weeks, I was still sad when she left. It was so nice having her here, being able to get things done together. I can't wait until she moves here, and it is official that we have a move in date now!! :) My dad has already even bought his plane ticket to go back to California. So my mom will officially be moving here the weekend of October 8!!

Since my mom left both Tyler and I have been working hard in our classrooms. Tyler starts school two weeks from today, and I start school two weeks from yesterday! It's crazy to think how fast our summers have flown by!! Tyler and Andrew have been getting a lot done at Christ, and have been helping each other out. I had the girls come back in on Monday, and then again yesterday to help me finish up my room. We got A LOT done on Monday, so that was awesome. Yesterday we almost finished, but it was my last day with the girls. They were amazing helpers, and I know I wouldn't have been able to do it without them!

Our English and Writing Center

Dive into a good book!

My blank calendar board

Hathaway's Castaways Wall - not completed

Treasured Work - just needs the work to put up!

Our island, now with the seagull

Our sea friends

Last night we had week 2 of our birthing class. We learned all about DRUGS!! :) It was an amazing hour! I for sure will be taking lots of drugs, since I have a zero pain tolerance. I wasn't too excited to find out I'll have an IV in my forearm as well as a tube coming out of my back and bladder, but hey, that's life. Anything to make the labor part of this process more friendly. We also learned about what happens after Brandon is born. I will be in the hospital for TWO DAYS!! There they will help us get adjusted to life as a family, as the rooms we stay in are for all three of us, not just me. Brandon will be with us the whole time, as they don't have a nursery, unless there are complications, or you just need that break. Between both sets of grandparents, and others who are going to want to come visit, I'm not worried about needing a break.

July 26 - 34 weeks, 5 days

34 weeks

2011-07-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

Sorry I'm a little late in posting for last week, but we've been super busy getting things done, and having people in town.

Our friend Susan came into town for the long weekend, and we had a blast with her. We spent a lot of time watching movies. Susan flew in Thursday morning, just in time for the Harry Potter midnight release!! Chelsea, Liz, and I saw movie 7 part 1 together in November, so we knew we were going to see this one together too! Thursday night we headed over to Liz's with pizza, and watched part 1. Then the four of us went out to the theater to see part 2 together. It was a late night, but a lot of fun!!

Friday Tyler decided we would have a movie day. We went and rented 5 movies!! We had a blast doing nothing, but relaxing and watching movies. We were so thankful for a day to do nothing, especially after being out so late the night before.

Saturday I had my amazing baby shower, which you can read and see pictures all about here!! When we got home from the shower we watched some more movies. Susan helped move everything from the shower up stairs too, so that way we could play some games!

On Sunday we went to church at Shepherd to listen to Jeremy preach. He did an awesome job! After church we went and saw Larry Crowne! That was an awesome movie, and one I will totally own! I love Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks! Sunday night Tyler grilled steaks for us, and we had a very yummy dinner!!

Monday morning we got up and went to see Horrible Bosses! That movie was also very funny, so funny in fact that Tyler has already gone to see it again!! Susan had to leave Monday night, so we went to an early dinner, and then drove her to the airport.

We had a great time with Susan in town, and I think it was what we all needed. A weekend to just relax, and enjoy before we all head back to work. After Susan left Tyler and I went back to the real world. We both went into work and started getting things ready. On Wednesday I had the Wilmeth girls come in to help, as I decided I should redo my room this year. I don't know what I was thinking, but it is looking good!

The beginning, even though it looks like a mess.

My desk with it's skirt!

The library

Homework board

Our island!

Wednesday night Tyler and I went to our first birthing class. It was a long day because we went on our hospital tour first. The hospital is super nice, and we are excited that is where we are delivering. We learned all about the different stages on labor in class, and some of the things that happen during them. There were a couple of people in class who are going to deliver before us, but most people are delivering any where from a month to two months after us. I almost feel like we waited too long to sign up for these classes. At least hopefully we'll remember what we learn, even though I don't think it will really matter in the long run. As long as Brandon comes out, and everything is okay, we'll be good. :)

Pregnant Photo Shoot

2011-07-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

Last year Tyler and I did a photo shoot with our friend Carlee, and I loved the way that our photos turned out. It was nice to have some professional pictures done of us, since we hadn't had any real nice photos since our wedding. I knew that I wanted to do a pregnancy shoot too. We weren't able to schedule a time with Carlee, but we were approached by another girl, Kayla, who is just starting out her photography business as well. I am so blessed to have such awesome friends who want to go into photography. Check out the amazing work that Kayla did for us!!

Happy birthday Mommy!!

2011-07-20T07:50:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday Mom!! Thanks for being such a great example of what it means for me to be a mommy to baby B!!

I love you and can't wait to celebrate your birthday with you this weekend!

New York Trip, 2006

Hanging out in my dorm room, 2007

Wedding Day, June 30, 2007

Enjoying Florida, 2007

Disneyworld, 2007

Disney Cruise, 2007

Flagstaff, 2009

Parents 25th Wedding Anniversary, March 2010

Lake Tahoe, Summer 2011

Baby Shower

2011-07-18T08:25:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I had a beautiful baby shower put on by some fantastic ladies here! Liz, Rachel, Katie and Chelsea did an amazing job!! The theme was rubber ducky and they left nothing undecorated!! The girls did an amazing job, and I was so excited to see the beautiful decorations, and fantastic friends who came out for the shower.

The beautiful decorations!

Fun Party Guests!

Party Games!

Presents for Brandon!

Amazing Girl Friends!!

Susan came from California!!

33 Weeks

2011-07-13T06:31:00.000-07:00

It's been another busy week. I can't believe how fast summer is flying by. We only have a couple of weeks left, and I feel like I haven't accomplished half of what I wanted to do this summer. I guess this is how my life is going to be from now on. The good news is, our living room is complete, the cross wall is done, as well as our new picture wall. Liz helped me go shopping on Saturday, and we added pillows, and drapes to our windows too. I promise to add pictures later, as I still haven't taken any.

Our new photo wall, above the couch

Our new cross wall, where the photo wall use to be. We need more crosses now!

Last Thursday I went to the doctor, and she said my pregnancy is text book. I am measuring right as I should be, and all of that looks great. She explained gestational diabetes to me a little, and told me I was right on the cusp. Hopefully I'll be able to keep this all under control with my diet, and won't have to worry about insulin or this staying around after Brandon comes. Thursday afternoon I had my diabetes class, and I was given a glucose meter. Right now I have to record everything I eat, and take my blood four times a day. It isn't as bad as I thought it would be, but it isn't fun, that's for sure. I have to eat six times a day too, which doesn't sound too bad, but when you have to over think everything you're eating, it isn't exactly fun. I am on a 225 grams of carbs a day diet, which when you think about it, isn't really that much. Eating an apple alone is 30!! I talk to the diabetes lady again on Thursday to make sure that everything is working out, and that I won't have to go on medication. We are discovering that my body doesn't metabolize very quickly in the morning, so I'm going to have to start exercising before or after breakfast. It won't be so bad until I have to go back to work. Then I don't even want to think about what time I'll have to get up to make sure I eat breakfast by 6:30, have time to work out, and can get to work at a decent hour. For me, being to work after 7 is late.

Sunday Tyler and I drove up to Sedona to spend a few days. It was nice to be able to get away, and not have to think about our to do list. We didn't do anything while we were up there, which was great!! We really just watched Criminal Minds, and I took a nap on Monday. We finished season 2, and started season 3. We didn't get to go to Savanah's this year though, because it has closed!! We were super sad to find out it was closed, but at the same time glad, because then we saved a bunch of money that we would have spent on dinner. It was beautiful up there, and the weather was very nice.

We came back home on Tuesday, because I had bible study tonight. Katie, Rachel and I took the girls to Fashion Square for our girls' night out. The girls had a good time, and we had a great time shopping. We had the girls go on a photo scavenger hunt, and they found some awesome things. It was a blast to do, and I think that they would enjoy doing it again. We had them find things like headless mannequins, Mickey Mouse, baby converse, an orange purse, and a family with 3 or more kids. The girls came up with some awesome outfits, for a mix-matched outfit as well.

Today I get to finally do my final presentation for grad school, so I'm excited to finish that and be done with grad school! My presentation is at 2:00 this afternoon, so all prayers around that time will be greatly appreciated. I just have to present everything I did this semester, including the reason I created my training sessions, and then what I did. I don't know how many people will actually "show up" to listen to my presentation, but I'm assuming not too many. Then I'll be done, and will be able to put my diploma up on the wall. We're excited to add two more diplomas in our office!

We are also taking maternity pictures tonight, so I'm really excited to see how those will turn out!! A girl I went to college with is taking them, because she wants to get her photography business started. I went shopping with Liz on Saturday and got new outfits, so I can't wait to wear them.

Until next week, I hope that you are all doing well!! We love and miss you all!!

32 Weeks

2011-07-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

What a week it has been! I went in last Wednesday for the three hour glucose test. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Luckily the "vampire" as I call her, even though she is a really nice lady, is super good at her job. I had to have blood taken four times in the three hours I was there. Once, right when I got there, and then again every hour. It wasn't too bad sitting there either. They had a nice room for me to wait in with lazy boy recliners, a TV, pillows and blankets. I read a bunch, took a little nap, and Nicole talked to me to help me pass the time.

I found out on Thursday that I did not pass the test, so I now have gestational diabetes. I don't really know what that means yet, other than I can't have sugar! No desserts, sweetened beverages, syrups, jams, jelly, fruit juices and I need to limit the amount of milk I drink. I don't really understand the milk part, but I'm sure someone does. I am going tomorrow to take a class about how to handle this, and make sure that Brandon and I are going to be good during the next eight weeks.

Tyler and I also celebrated our four year anniversary last Thursday! We were going to go out to dinner, but instead just stayed home, and he cooked a delicious steak dinner! We then went out Saturday morning for brunch to celebrate our anniversary. We ended up going to Brio. It was yummy!!

Saturday night we took out the Hulkes to Oreganos which is a very yummy pizza place that just opened near our house. It is one of Tyler's favorites, and is probably going to be deadly that there is one near our house now. :) The Hulkes just moved here on Friday, and we are excited that they are going to be here. Andrew will be teaching with Tyler, and Emily is going to be finishing up some schooling, and then doing her internship this year. I am also super excited because they love to play Catan as much as I do, and Tyler wants to play with them!! We have already played twice with Andrew!!

Sunday Christie flew into town, and it was great to be able to spend a couple of days with her. We just ate, relaxed, watched some movies, and went to traffic school!! We both got caught on photo radar tickets, and it just happened that we both were able to take this class. I think I am the first person who was excited to get their letter from the MVD telling them to go sign up for this class!! I knew Christie was going to be taking it, so I was glad i was able to take it with her! It made the eight hours go a lot faster, that's for sure. We learned a lot, and there were some crazy people there, that's for sure. Out of the 14 of us there, 4 people were in for DUIs!! We learned though, that in AZ you can get a DUI for even one drink with dinner. The 0.08 limit in California doesn't apply here, any hint can get you a DUI. To me that is just crazy!!

I go back to the doctor tomorrow, and then I have my diabetes class in the afternoon. I will keep everyone updated on what is going on, but prayers are always appreciated!! We're counting down the days, and can't wait!! Only 8 weeks left until Brandon comes and joins our crazy household!

4 years...

2011-06-30T06:31:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe that Tyler and I have been married for four years!! It is crazy to imagine how much our lives have changed over the past four years. We have gone through many ups and downs, as any couple has. We have spent 1,460 days, 35,040 hours, or 2,102,400 minutes as man and wife. That is a lot of time to spend with someone.

During these past four years we have traveled up and down the state of California visiting friends and family.

Celebrating Christmas at the Lampe home with the Stellers! Fresno 2008

Dinner with Kelly, June 2010

We have moved to Arizona.

Welcome to Arizona!! June 2008

We have gone to weddings of family members, and friends who we consider family.

Piol Wedding, May 2010

Shaver Wedding, July 2009

Kahler Wedding, May 2011

Stetson Wedding, August 2009

We've traveled to the Bahamas, Lake Tahoe, Sedona, Orlando, San Francisco, Newport Beach, San Diego, Palm Springs, Houston, Texas, Omaha, Nebraska, Boulder, Colorado and Bend, Oregon.

Lake Tahoe, June 2011

Bend, Oregon, June 2009

Sedona, March 2010

Tyler went to Alaska with the guys, summer of 2009. I went to New Orleans with the high school youth group, summer of 2010. I traveled to Las Vegas with the Pinter family June of 2010. I also went to Florida to visit the Richter family October of 2010.

Hanging out in Vegas with the Pinter crew!

Jeremy, our DCE biting an alligator in New Orleans!

We have had multiple side jobs including coaching flag football, soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball, tutoring and working for New York and Company.

We have gone to many concerts, including Jeremy Camp, Mercy Me, Toby Mac, Third Day, and Rascal Flatts.

We have seen countless movies, and added to our movie collection. We are now the proud owners of two DVD stands!!

Tyler's pride and joy!!

We have bought rented two apartments, lived with the in-laws, rented a house, and bought a house!

The day we got our keys and moved in!

We have furnished our home, and then bought new furniture to turn our house into a home.

We have had many people come to stay with us, and taken them out to the zoo, movies, spring training, and yummy places to eat.

Piol visit, Howl at the Moon, November 2009

Melting Pot with the Richter's before they moved to Florida, August 2010

We have both worked on our masters, and almost finished!!

We have fallen in love with each other more and more every day, and we are now falling in love with Brandon. We have been blessed with our baby boy, who we can't wait to join our family in just a short nine weeks!!

June 2008, Dave and Busters, Orange County

June 2008, Gondola Ride, Newport Beach

June 30, 2009 ~ 1 year!! Sedona, Arizona

July 5, 2010 ~ Eating our wedding cake with Susan!

Matt's 30th birthday! August 2009

Saying goodbye to my childhood home!! June 2011

Heading off on our honeymoon!! July 2007

June 2010

Brandon going on Toy Story at Disneyland, March 2011

31 Weeks

2011-06-28T21:28:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened in the past week! I can't believe how quickly the time is flying!! Tyler and I are still working hard on getting the house ready for Brandon, and all of our guests that are going to be joining us in the month of July. We are very excited for the busy month ahead, but at the same time, sad that our summer is already half way over.

Last Wednesday I had another doctor's appointment, and we found out that we graduated. Now we get to start going to the doctors every two weeks. That means we go again next week, and then hopefully I'll be able to schedule my appointment after that for when my mom is here. :) It would be awesome if she got to go with me, because she hasn't made any appointments yet, and then she can hear his heartbeat too!! I got a phone call from the doctor today, and found out that I failed the glucose test last week. That means I get to go in for a three hour test tomorrow!! I'm oh so excited about that one!! I had to start fasting at 8:00 tonight, which includes water as well!! It is really hard to be living in the desert in the middle of the summer, not drinking anything. Luckily I'm going to go to bed soon, and then hopefully I'll sleep in (at least until 7), so it won't be as bad in the morning. I know I'll be starving though. Especially since I ate breakfast at 6:30 yesterday, and 7:00 this morning. The doctor also told me that I'm anemic, so I had to start taking Iron as well. For those of you who don't know, I can't swallow, so finding iron in liquid form was hard enough, but then paying for it was even harder. I got 240 mL for $15, and I have to take 20 mL every day. Needless to say, I'm going to search the internet for a cheaper price to order the next bottle online tomorrow. I'm going to take the bottle in that I have and make sure it is okay first.

Other than that, we have just been working hard around the house. Tyler has been a great help getting everything ready since I'm not supposed to be lifting any thing. We went to IKEA yesterday to buy my new desk, so now our office is set up with my computer in it. I still have to finish cleaning out my office though, and moving stuff over. It will be interesting to see how often we are both working at our computers, but it will be fun for a while to share this space. I need to be done moving stuff out, or at least cleaning it up A LOT because our first July visitor is coming on Sunday!!

We also cleaned out some stuff from the kitchen. We went through our spice cabinet, and started throwing stuff away that was outdated. We also went through our cabinets, and moved some things around to make room for some things my mom is going to be bringing. We are probably going to be doing Christmas at our house this year, unless they get their house first, so I'm pretty excited that I'll get all of my mom's Christmas china for at least the year!! We've used this china for Christmas for as long as I can remember!! I want to get my own stuff too, and I saw some at Khol's last year that I really liked, but I know it wouldn't be the same.

I also decided to redo the picture wall that we have downstairs, along with our bedroom picture wall. I haven't finished either project yet, but that is what I plan on finishing this week. I promise to put up pictures of that as soon as it is done as well. I'm excited for the new pictures that are going to be going up, as some of the ones that we had on the wall were four years old!! We'll still have some older pictures on the wall, but excited to show off some of the new additions, or adventures we've had with our loved ones!!

We just ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers as I go through testing tomorrow, and Brandon continues to grow. It is amazing how much more active he is, and how often he is moving around. I still feel pretty good, so I'm excited about that. Tyler is finishing basketball camp this week as well, so he is excited that then he'll be able to stay home and relax with me.

Until next week, I hope that you all have a great 4th of July, and be safe!!

30 Weeks . . .

2011-06-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

It's crazy to believe that I already only have 10 weeks left before Brandon will be joining this crazy world!! We had a doctor's appointment yesterday which went well. We got to see our doctor again because she was off for the last two appointments because she just had a baby. We also have to register for classes soon, so we have to sign up for those. We want to do them in July, but because of the dates they are offered I don't think that we'll be able to. We may end up just doing them through the hospital instead, or waiting until August.

Now that we are back home Tyler is back at work. He has basketball camp this week, and next week. Him and one of the fifth grade teachers are running the camp, and this week they have something like 25 kids!! Next week they only have 12, so they are looking forward to that. Tyler has also been tutoring this week, and will continue that next week as well.

We have been working hard on getting things cleaned up, and ready here as well. For the last two nights Tyler has painted the letters that we are going to hang on the wall, as I've been writing thank yous. We have also started watching Criminal Minds, because my parents got Tyler the complete set for his birthday and we knew we wanted to wait until this summer to watch it!

Other than that, we aren't doing much. We are just relaxing, and enjoying the fact that it is summer. It's crazy to think that in a month we'll be going back to work already. We are excited that we have a lot going on before then!! In the month of July we'll have two good friends visit, as well as my mom come to visit too!

For those of thinking about visiting, right now on Southwest you can get cheap tickets!! The only bad part is that you have to buy them by today. For those coming from Orange County (hint, hint Nicole) they are $40, and those coming from Oakland (hint, hint, EVERYONE ELSE!!) they are only $80. We would love to see you all, and can't wait to introduce Brandon to everyone!! :)

Baby Shower

2011-06-22T08:21:00.001-07:00

While we were in Northern California my mom and my aunt threw me a baby shower. It was a blast to see friends and family that I haven't seen in a while. My mom and aunt did an amazing job, and it was a lot of fun. We didn't play very many games, which was nice, because it gave us time to talk.

My mom and I

Brandon was spoiled by everyone there, and he got lots of amazing presents. His bedding is now complete, and he got his pack and play, as well as his high chair! He also got a lot of awesome clothes that we can't wait to put him in. He even got his first Disney onesie!! My mom had already sent him a Disney PJ set, but this onesie came from Aunt Bree and Uncle Kevin. :) He is going to melt some hearts in it.

It was nice to see friends that I haven't seen in a long time as well. The guests ranged from family, grandmas (all four of them!), to family friends from when we were young, the vice Principal's secretary from high school, to my best friend's moms. It was great to see everyone, and my only regret from the shower is not taking more pictures with people. I wish I would have taken more pictures with these people who love and care for me and my family. I have a few pictures with some people, but not very many. For those of you who know me, pictures are huge in my life!! I will make sure to do this at my next shower, so that way I can show Brandon all of the people who cared for him before he was out here in this crazy world with us!!

Some of my High School Moms (My mom, Alex's mom, Brian's mom)

My cousin was the closest to how big my belly is!!

Brooke was my little helper, she helped open all the presents. (This beautiful blanket was handmade by my friend Heather's mom)

California Vacation

2011-06-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

Tyler and I went to California to escape the heat, visit friends and family for a week and a half. It was a blast, and nice to be able to get away. We started in Orange County visiting the Steller family, and Tyler went back to his old school so we could see the teachers, and he could watch his last 5th grade class graduate 8th grade. He always has a blast going back, and seeing his friends. We don't get to see them very often, so it's nice to get away for a few days.

Uncle Jon and Aunt Nicole after an amazing dinner!

While we were in Orange County we were also able to have lunch with Dustin, who was in our wedding party. It was nice to be able to spend some time with him, even though Julie and Connor were out of town. We are really hoping that they will come visit this fall!

We also went to Disneyland one more time, to use our season passes on the day that they expired!! I can't go on a bunch of rides, but we were able to go on Buzz and Pirates. I really wanted to go on Toy Story, but I didn't want to wait in line for an hour. We just walked around, and enjoyed being at Disneyland for a couple of hours.

Our last picture in front of the castle before Brandon comes!

After our two days in Orange County we drove up to my parent's house, so that way the five of us could head to Lake Tahoe!! My family has been vacationing in Lake Tahoe for as long as a I can remember, and it is always a blast to go back. No two trips are ever the same.

While we were in Tahoe we didn't end up doing much. My mom and I worked hard on my pregnancy scrapbook, and we actually finished a majority of it. We have everything scrapped up until the trip, so that was nice. We played a lot of Catan, and a lot of Shanghai. We also ate a lot of course. We went to dinner at the Sage Room, which is always an amazing meal!! We had planned on going to the beach one day, so we thought we would go to the pool the day before to get a little color before we all went to the beach and fried. Well, needless to say, we didn't end up going to the beach because my dad and I both fried at the pool and we were there for less than an hour!! My mom and Tyler came out much better than us!! We went to see Bobby Slayton while we were up there too. My mom apologized before we went for anything that he might say that offended me. I didn't think he was too bad, but I could tell he would offend some people. I was just glad he hadn't made it down the line to pick on us, because he was picking on people in the audience!! Our week ended way too quickly in Lake Tahoe, but it always seems to.

Out on the beach!

Packing up on our last day!

It was nice to just be able to relax, and do whatever we wanted while we were on vacation. We didn't have to rush to get things done, or make sure that we were in certain places at a certain time. Tyler and I love days like those. :)

When we got back to my parent's house we were able to go to dinner with Bree and Kevin before we had to head back home. We went to our usual spot, and it was nice to just be able to spend some time with them, and catch up. We're praying for them right now, as Kevin is trying to get a job with a fire department. No one is hiring, but he is taking lots of tests, and has an interview next month. He is also thinking of applying for a job here, which we would love!! :) So please, keep them in your prayers!

Uncle Kevin and Aunt Bree after our yummy dinner!

Saying goodbye was hard of course, but it always is. My mom is coming to visit next month, to bring her first truck load of stuff, but we won't see my dad again until the end of August. Hopefully they'll be here before Brandon is so we can spend some time together, but if not, then this trip was my last trip as just the four of us. It's crazy how you prepare for this, and know it is going to come, but then hits you all at once.

27 weeks

2011-06-01T17:59:00.000-07:00

What another crazy week it has been. So much has happened in the past week and a half. Tyler finished school last Tuesday, and we were both blessed by his parents and students. We were showered with gift cards, gifts, and the amazing sweet words in cute little cards! Tyler finished up meetings on Thursday, and was ready for summer by Friday mid afternoon.

On Thursday my class threw me a surprise baby shower! It was adorable! My room mom, and some other handy moms had decorated the room for me, including a clothes line with clothes hanging! The kids all had these adorable hats to wear, that they just loved! We played some shower games, ate amazing food, and of course I had the cutest basket full of books and gifts ever!

Walking into my room!

The amazing parents who were there the day of (minus Eileen)

Friday was the last day of school, and even more parents came up to shower us with gifts and love. I hope Brandon realizes how many people out here already love him and can't wait to meet him. All of the parents at Shepherd and Christ have been amazing throughout this whole process!! Friday was also a hard day because one of our families is moving to Minnesota. It was really hard to watch them say goodbye to everyone, and to say goodbye to Angela. She has been my aide for the past two years, and I loved knowing she would be there every Tuesday and Friday afternoon for a chat. Plus I have had one of her boys every year since I came to Shepherd. This would have been my first year without one of the boys in my room, but it's going to be hard not to see their smiling faces come running down the hall.

Friday night we flew out to Northern California for my sister's graduation. She graduated Saturday morning from Sanoma State. It was awesome to be able to go and see her graduate, and to see family. Everyone was able to make it up for her graduation, which was awesome! We got to spend time with my grandma, see my aunt and uncle who live in San Diego, and of course everyone else. I only wish we were able to spend more time with everyone, but that is the way it worked out.

Mom and Dad with Rachel

Our aunts and uncle

Sunday night we were able to go to dinner and a movie with the Piols! I love my time with them, and am so excited we'll see them again in just a few short weeks. I know our time of just hanging out with them is getting closer and closer to being over. Once my parents sell their house we won't be making trips back to the Bay for visits, so we'll have to plan special trips just to see them! That will be great, because we'll be there to see them, but it's going to be fewer and further between.

When we came back on Monday we had a Diamondbacks game to go to with the Fischers. The game was a blast, and the Dbacks kept kitting home run after home run. Plus, our seats were AMAZING!! We were sitting about ten rows behind home plate! I don't think I have ever sat in such great seats! It was nice to be able to relax and hang out with the Fischers too! CJ is getting so big already, we joke that he will be driving by the time Brandon is born!

He's such a cutie!!

He is a big smiler now

We're determined for them to be BFFs!

Our amazing seats!

Yesterday I had to go back to work for our end of the year meeting. At the end of the meeting the staff surprised me, and had bought us our travel system already!! I was so surprised, and we are so thankful that they did this for us! They also gave us a Target gift card that of course will be put to good use! Tyler didn't have to go to work yesterday, so he stayed home and put the crib together!! The nursery is now starting to feel and look more and more like a nursery. We bought the bookshelf we were going to build, but we bought the wrong color, so now we have to return it and wait. We bought it from Bed, Bath and Beyond because it was cheaper than the one on our registry, but BBB doesn't sell the bookcase in cherry, which all of the other furniture in the nursery is. Target does sell it though, so we'll just wait for it to go back on sale at Target.

The crib!

Today they had a going away party for the Koumontzis at the park. It was great to be able to go and see the kids. They looked like they were having a great time, and really enjoying the day. It was nice and cool today, so it was a great day to have a park morning. The moms who put it together did an awesome job! No tears today though, because I get to have lunch with Angela next week! :) I'll miss the boys, and they will have a special place in my heart! Right before we were getting ready to leave Demi came and popped a water balloon on me! If I wasn't seven months pregnant, and there were more balloons, I would have gotten him back, but I'm sure his brothers will do that for me!

Now Tyler and I are in full summer mode. I turned in all of my paper work, so technically I don't have to go back to work any more this summer. I'm sure I'll be there a lot in June to try and get things together before I start to feel too tired, or worn out. I came home, and after lunch today took a tour hour nap. I know I am going to start getting more tired, so I just want to make sure I stay productive in the mornings.

25 weeks...almost 26

2011-05-22T20:06:00.000-07:00

What a week!! Between the craziness of Tyler and I trying to finish out our school years, Tyler's sister Megan got married this weekend!! It was a blast to be in Omaha for the weekend, and to spend time relaxing with family and new friends! We had such a blast, despite the weather!

We flew in Thursday afternoon, leaving our classes in the hands of trusted subs. For those of you who know me, it's hard for me to leave my class. Luckily I knew I was leaving them in good hands! When we got into town Tyler's parents picked us up, and then we headed into Lincoln so the boys could pick up their tuxes and the girls could get their nails done. It was nice to start the weekend off with some pampering. After we headed to Dan's parent's house for some dinner.

Despite the fact that we should have been ready to go, Tyler and I were tired, so we headed to our hotel early that evening. The storm on the way to the hotel was HORRIBLE!! I thought we were going to die a couple of times on the way there. Tyler's aunt and uncle were following us, and Tyler's dad did everything he could to not lose them in the storm. At one point Tyler's dad came up to this car that was going maybe 15 or 20 miles an hour on the highway. Now, I know it was storming, and if I was driving, I may have been driving that slow as well, but it was almost scary how slow this person was going because they were going to cause an accident. Right when we got to the hotel we heard this loud crack of lightning. Later we came to find out, that the lightning had hit Tyler's uncle's car!! They were almost to the hotel at least, but their car was fried!! Friday morning they woke up, walked out to the street, and found parts of their antenna!

Friday we got up and headed to the hall to help Megan and Dan decorate. We set everything up, and then headed off for some lunch. It was a blast to hang out with Megs and Dan, and meet their friends. Tyler quickly became friends with this guy named Harlan and they had a great time all weekend! After lunch Tyler and I went back to the hotel for a quick nap. It was so nice to be able to rest. Brandon is starting to take over again, and my rest is not always the best.

Friday night we went to rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal dinner was a lot of fun, because they invited friends and family who had come in from out of town. There I was able to meet some of my Hathaway family. I was finally able to meet Uncle Mike, Aunt Debbie and cousin Brandie. It was great to meet them!!

Saturday was a long day, but a blast!! We headed out to the church around noon so that way the guys could get ready, and we could be there to help Megan get dressed, and take pictures. Tyler and Megan's aunt took all of the pictures, and I can't wait to see the amazing job that she did!! The wedding was beautiful, and the reception was a blast!! Everyone had such a great time, and it was fun to meet more of the Hathaway family. I was able to meet Uncle Paul, Aunt Sally, and cousins Shannon and Jason.

You may kiss the bride!!

We have one from our wedding, where Megs has Tyler in a headlock!

The wedding party!

Most important men in Meg's life!

Aunt Luanne, Uncle Paul, Aunt Deb and Mom

Today we headed to Lincoln and had lunch with Megan, Dan, mom and dad. It was nice to see Megan and Dan again before we left, since we weren't able to see everyone else before they left this morning. After lunch we headed to the airport to come home. Now we are home, and I am very much looking forward to sleeping in my own bed, with my big body pillow!

We miss them already!

24 weeks ... almost 25

2011-05-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

Things are winding down at school. Tyler only has 7 days left, and I have 10. It is amazing how quickly this school year has come to an end, especially with everything else we've got going on here at home.

May 10

For Mother's Day Tyler made me cheesy potatoes for breakfast, and he also bought me a couple of CDs that I wanted. We weren't going to celebrate Mother's Day and Father's Day this year, but it's nice to know he knew how special this day was in our lives now. We then went over to his parent's house, and went to lunch with his mom and dad. His dad got a job in Seattle, so we know now that we won't be able to see them whenever we want, but we'll have to see when dad is in town. We'll get to spend a lot of time with them this next week though, as Tyler's sister is getting married on Saturday!

Tyler built the dresser Mother's Day morning!

Brandon has been very active this week. I was reading on the couch Wednesday night, and Tyler saw him kick me! It was crazy to see something stick out of my stomach like that! He still hasn't felt him yet though. We'll get there, as I'm sure there will be times when he doesn't stop after one or two kicks. Thursday night as we were driving to bible study I think he was practicing his soccer or kick boxing because he was going at it.

This week was Teacher Appreciation at Tyler's school as well. When Tyler got to school Monday morning his door was decorated with diapers, and baby stuff, and then his classroom had lots of diapers all over it. He didn't take a picture for me, but our dining room table was full of stuff that they had left him. We also got a package from the Votaw/Shaver women this week!! We love all of you, and appreciate all of the support that you are giving us. Especially all of the love and prayers that we already know Brandon has!

Teacher Appreciation Presents

From Tyler's "favorite" students. This cookie was amazing!

Our box from the Votaw/Shaver women!

Friday night we celebrated our friend Liz's birthday! It was a lot of fun. First a couple of us went to get pedicures, which always feels amazing!! Then we had everyone over for a little BBQ dinner at our house. After the girls got ready, we went out for a night down in Old Town. It was funny to see people's reactions when I walked in, or when they asked if I wanted a drink. I was wearing black, so it was hard to tell a lot of the time, but to me I feel like I look pregnant.

Girls Night Out!

Yesterday Chelsea and I had the girls over for our swim party. It was a blast. The girls that came are amazing, and I love them. I love all of those fifth grade girls! We had a blast playing Apples to Apples, swimming, watching Blind Side, eating some pizza and candy, and then we finished by walking down to the park and passing the volleyball around. Chelsea and I are already planning next year's auction day.

It's going to be a busy two weeks, so I apologize now if you don't get an update until June. We leave Thursday for Megan's wedding in Nebraska, and don't come back until Sunday evening. Then we leave Friday evening to go to Nor Cal for Rachel's graduation. It is an exciting time for our families right now!

23 weeks . . . or 25 weeks?!

2011-05-07T09:29:00.000-07:00

I have always speculated about our due date. Needless to say I have been looking into it a little bit more. I have been following a site that tells you how things are going in your pregnancy, and what things you should be experiencing. I have started to get really tired again, and at first I thought it was just due to the heat. Then I read that once you enter your seventh month that the tiredness starts to kick in again. I wasn't so excited for that, because I thought I would make it through May first, now it doesn't seem like that is so. I looked at our ultra sound pictures again too, and there is one picture that has all of the baby's measurements. I didn't really pay attention the first time, because we were just so excited to see Brandon. On the picture though, it shows that due to his development, they estimate his due date to be August 24!! That is a whole week ahead of our estimated due date, and three days before my parents will be here!

No idea what the numbers mean, but up top you can see the differences in our due dates!

Other than thinking about our different due dates, things have been going really well. Tyler has finished his grad work for now, so he is really excited to be done with that. We have finished painting Brandon's room too!! We now have one green wall, and three tan walls. Next weekend we'll probably put the furniture together to start setting up his room even more! Plus it will give us some room back in our office so we can start moving other things around.

We love the green!!

We have bought shelving for our garage so that way we can start moving everything out of these two bedrooms that we have expanded into over the last two years. It's amazing the amount of stuff we have, even though I know Tyler will say it is all my stuff!! I'm just excited for my mom to come, and bring even more scrapbooking stuff with her so that way we can buckle down and get to work!! I really want to finish my pregnancy album before Brandon comes, because I know once we get here the next 18 years are going to be a whirlwind!!

Tyler only has 12 days of school left, and I have 15. We are both excited to start our summer vacations. So far we don't have too much planned, a trip to Orange County and then Tahoe with my family, and a two night stay in Sedona. We are excited to be able to watch Criminal Minds, and read a lot this summer!! Thanks to my mom and dad we are the proud owners of the first five seasons of Criminal Minds, so that is how we plan on spending at least a week this summer! Plus I want to read all of the Harry Potter books again to get ready for our big night out in late July!! :)

We hope that you all have a great Mother's Day tomorrow, and we both love our moms and all of the moms in our lives so much! Thank you to all of you who help support us, and pray for us!! We love you all!

Crazy Coupons

2011-05-01T14:12:00.000-07:00

So my friend Katie and I stayed home Friday night, while the boys went to the baseball game, and we watched TLC's new show Extreme Couponing. We were both inspired, and now we want to be those crazy coupon women. Granted we will never have stock piles of stuff, we just don't have room in our house, but we both love to get a good deal. Needless to say, if you read this blog, and want to help us, please mail us your coupons!! Please go through your coupons and take out what you want first, but if you have coupons left over, please send them our way. We would love to get really good at this, and if we can, eventually get on the show. We are not that crazy yet, but we would love to be!! If you don't already have my address, send me your email and I will send it to you that way. Hopefully I'll be able to report later what a great job we did!! Thank you all for your help in this!!

22 Weeks

2011-04-30T06:39:00.000-07:00

A lot has been going on, as we are nearing the end of our school years. Tyler only has three weeks left of school from this Tuesday, and I have four weeks left of school from yesterday. We are so excited to be finishing the years, as they have been fun but challenging years for the both of us. A lot has happened this year, in the classroom, and out, and has affected each of us differently. I love my kids, and wouldn't trade them for the world, but I can't wait for summer vacation!

This week is the first time I actually felt Brandon kick, and knew that he was kicking, or moving! It is such a crazy experience. I'll just be sitting here, and all of a sudden, BAM!! :) I love this little kid, but I wish he would find a comfortable position. The kicking I don't mind so much, but I have this muscle below my ribs that I think has been stretched out, or has moved, and it isn't always too comfortable.

22 weeks

We have made a lot of progress in Brandon's room so far. Last Monday we decided how we are going to lay out our loft, and looked at buying some shelving for the garage for the things we can't part with. We also bought paint, and Tyler will be painting Brandon's room today!! I would love to be able to help, but because of the fumes, I must stay away. We have decided to do a green wall, with the other walls a cream/tan color. We also already have the crib, and dresser, so once Tyler is done painting, he will be assembling!! I can't wait to see what the nursery will look like in the beginning stages!!

We are using the top colors on both walls, as the other ones we are afraid would be too dark

21 weeks...

2011-04-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

We went to the doctor's again yesterday. We just had to go in for our monthly check up. There we discovered that our doctor will be out next month because she is having a baby. Tyler said he knew, but I had no idea!! Now I guess I shouldn't feel as bad when people say I don't look pregnant. Then again the last couple of times I have seen the doctor it has only been for about five minutes.

We met the doctor that will take care of us next month, since our doctor is only taking four weeks for maternity leave!! That's crazy!! Anyways, the guy was really funny, and answered lots of questions for us. During our ultra sound last week the guy scared us, and told us we might have concerns about the baby. Our doctor told us to be more worried about global warming, or a nuclear holocaust. Obviously there are still things to be concerned about, and I want to make sure I'm staying healthy. Brandon is doing great though, and he had a strong heart beat once again.

We went back to Target last night to try and finish our registry. We have now registered at both places, and if any thing I just feel even more overwhelmed then before. There are just so many things to think about, and figure out. I know we'll get what we need, and that God will provide, but it's still crazy to think that in 19 weeks we'll be coming home with a baby!!

Tyler had a rough week this week, as he got an abscess on his tailbone. He was in a lot of pain last weekend, and he finally went to the doctor on Wednesday. My mom asked what is in the water here, since Tyler and I have both gotten weird things since we've been married. I had to remind her that mine was in Orange County, before we came here! She is safe, nothing weird in the water here. (Besides it probably comes from Northern California anyways!)

Tyler spoke at the Good Friday service yesterday at church as well. Our friend Chelsea came to join us, and it was nice to take that break in the middle of the day to be reminded of the greatest gift we have. Jesus gave up His life, so that way He could SAVE our lives. It is amazing that He would do that for us, knowing that we are going to continue to sin day after day.

Today we are just relaxing, and then tonight Tyler's mom and dad are coming over for some BBQ dinner. Tomorrow we're going to their house for Easter lunch/dinner since it is Tyler's dad's birthday. It will be fun, and we are even going to try and get them to do a puzzle with us. (They don't play games like my family does.) I'm a little sad we didn't make it home since today everyone will be at Aunt Michelle's house for Brooke's birthday, but now Tyler and I get to start making our own traditions, especially with Brandon joining us in the fall. It will be strange not to be at my parent's house for Christmas this year, but then again, they may not even have a house.

20 weeks

2011-04-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a week. We celebrated Tyler's birthday last Saturday by having a bunch of people come over. Tyler really just wanted to have fun, so we played some board games, and ate some good food. Then on Sunday night we went out to dinner with some dear friends of ours here. It has always been a tradition for Tyler's birthday to take out just a few very special people to us to let them know how much we appreciate their friendship.

Monday we celebrated Tyler's birthday by babysitting CJ for a little bit, while we waited for Katie to get home. It was a blast, and just reminded me how much I am looking forward to coming home at night and getting to play with my baby.

Wednesday was our big day, the day we went to the doctors!! It turns out our sweet bundle of joy is a boy!! Brandon Keith will be joining our family in just a short twenty weeks. It's so crazy to think that we are already half way through the pregnancy, and that now we get to start buying stuff for our sweet baby boy!!

Brandon didn't want his picture taken (he takes after daddy already!)

Last night at bible study Tyler held CJ, so Katie had to take a picture to celebrate the festivities! We are pretty sure this is the first time that Tyler has held CJ, and CJ is now over 3 months old!!

Tyler and CJ (What a great dad he'll be!)

It's been amazing how some people still don't realize I'm pregnant. I know people say I don't look like I'm pregnant, or that I'm not showing that much, but goodness I feel like I am already! Last night it felt like my stomach couldn't get any bigger, because the skin already feels so tight. I know I have a long way to go though, so at the same time I'm grateful I'm not too big already.

Tomorrow night we will both go to our auctions, to raise money for our school. Tyler never buys anything at his, but I'm pretty excited about some of the things I saw for our auction. There are a couple of awesome looking baskets for Brandon and for me!! Plus, I get to make Tyler go register on Sunday, so I'm even more excited for that!!

19 weeks ... almost 20

2011-04-09T08:19:00.000-07:00

Things keep going in this crazy world. Tyler and I have been working really hard at work to make sure we stay on top of things, and I'm trying to get ahead a little bit. It's nice to finally have some energy back, so I'm taking advantage of it!

Right now I'm coaching volleyball three days a week, and thankfully it was cooler this week. Last week it was SUPER hot though, already in the 90s. I can't imagine how I'm going to survive the whole summer!!

Coaching has been so much fun though, and I am reminded every day how much I love my fifth grade girls! They are more than just my students. I know teachers don't normally have friendships with 10 year olds, but I would do anything for any one of those girls. For those of you who know the story, or remember Tia is on my team. I love her, and her new nickname is Skittles. Anyways she has really been beating herself up because she knows she's not where she was when we stopped playing last spring. I keep telling her she is doing an amazing job, and that if we keep working she will be able to serve by the beginning of our fall season. Well Tia doesn't like to just do what people think, she likes to prove them wrong, and do way more than you ever imagined. At practice this Wednesday Tia served the ball over the net!!! We were all so happy and proud for her I even picked her up and swung her around!!! (Tyler wasn't too happy when he found out, but you know what, she weighs like 50 pounds, no big deal, I'm sure the baby is fine!!)

I know what an influence my second grade teacher had in my life, and I go back to visit her constantly. I invited her to my high school graduation, college graduation, wedding, and you know she will be invited to my baby shower this summer. Teachers have such an impact on children, and I love knowing that I get to help these girls grow and become the beautiful young women they are turning in to. I just pray that as they go through those awkward teenage years we all love, they remember that I love them!!

Enough about my girls, now on to Tyler!!

Monday is his birthday, so he decided he wanted to have everyone over this weekend!! He's pretty excited to just be able to relax and enjoy some drinks and food with his friends. I can't believe he will be 29 this year. It's crazy to imagine how fast time is flying! I remember the first year we celebrated Tyler's birthday together, falling in love at where else, Disneyland!! :)

This wasn't our first Disney date, but proof of how much Disney meant to us dating!

Now it is time to go clean my house, and get ready for our friends to come over and celebrate with the old man! Next year we'll have a huge party, he already informed with, me kegs and everything. My mom already volunteered to watch all of the babies at the Fischers for us!! So crazy to think how much our life will be changing!!

17 weeks...almost 18

2011-03-26T07:14:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while, and I apologize for not keeping you updated more. It has been a whirlwind of a month.

President's Day Weekend CJ (baby Fischer) was baptized, and it was awesome. We were able to help Matt and Katie get ready by setting up the food, so that way they didn't have to rush home after church. Then that Sunday night, Christie was supposed to fly in. Now I say supposed to, because due to weather in Detroit she didn't actually make it in until Tuesday night. It ended up working out though, because then she was here until Friday afternoon. It was great to see her, and be able to catch up with some other friends for dinner on Wednesday and Thursday night.

A week after Christie left Breeann and Kevin came!! I love when they come because it is always an adventure, and we never get to spend enough time with them. Once my parents move here, we will be able to make trips up there just to see them, but it's so hard to go up there, and spend all of our time with them when I love spending time with my parents too! The four of us ate a lot of course, but we also went to a Spring Training game. Kevin loves the Giants, so we went to a Giant's game. Now, before you get too excited, we didn't get to go to their home field though, we drove all the way over to the West Side to the Dodger's stadium. It was still a lot of fun, and the best part was probably our pit stop at Denny's for the boys!!

Top Shelf didn't have a Pink Cadillac so this margarita had to do.

Kevin and Beautiful in our amazing seats at the game!

Our "normal" picture. Apparently I have to say that now!

On Saturday our friends the Hulkes flew in so that way Andrew could interview at Christ. We met Andrew two years ago when he was student teaching at Christ and Valley. Emily and him got married that spring, and now they have been living in Denver. We are so excited to find out if they are going to be coming out, but we are waiting just like everyone else, and praying for them. The six of us went to eat at Oregano's, Tyler's new favorite place, and then we went out to play some mini golf. The boys did awesome, and us girls had some fun!!

Our updated picture!!

On Sunday Tyler and I had to go to church for the beginning of Lutheran School's Week. When we got home we took Bree and Kevin to breakfast at another one of Tyler's new favorites, Chompies. Of course then we went to the bakery and spent $25 on cookies, brownies, and chocolate covered strawberries. Well worth it!! Sunday afternoon the boys played some video games, and Bree and I did some shopping. :) It was nice to be able to go out and get some new clothes with a friend who would tell me if it didn't look good!! We just stayed home Sunday night, BBQ some steaks and enjoying talking.

Monday morning came way too early of course, and it was time to say goodbye. I hate leaving those I love, or having those I love leave, but at least this time it is only until June. If only plane tickets weren't so much!!

Breeann and Kevin left right at the beginning of one of the busiest weeks of school for Tyler and I. Lutheran School's Week!! It is a week full of activities such as teacher vs. 8th grade volleyball, talent shows, reading days, dress up days, field day and grandparents day. Throw in the fact that I was in charge of the Talent Show, and my kids were in charge of chapel that day, and needless to say it was a very stressful week for me!! I tried to keep it light by dressing up to our theme days every day, but Tyler made fun of me. He made me take a picture so that way everyone else could see how ridiculous I looked!

Monday - Crazy accessories day

Tuesday - 80s Day

Wednesday - PJ Day (my favorite)

Thursday - Field Day (Go Orange Team!)

For the Talent Show the teachers decided to do a flash mob to Black Eyed Peas, I've got a feeling. If you haven't seen it before you should check it out!! It was a lot of fun, and thanks to Chelsea and Lori it was easy to learn, and the kids loved it!!

Friday we had to wear normal clothes, since it was Grandparent's Day, hence the reason for no weird picture. :) Friday night we went to dinner with our friends Jeff and Carlee and it was nice to be able to relax after such a long week.

15 weeks

Saturday morning we headed out to Orange County to spend the week with my parents at Disneyland. I was looking forward to this trip from the day that we planned it. I was so excited to be able to see my parents, and to spend some time at Disney!! For those of you who don't know, Disneyland is the happiest place on Earth. We met up with my parents Saturday night and were able to of course, go and eat. :) Sunday we headed over to Disneyland Hotel, and Uncle Jay came down from LA to meet up with us! Monday morning I woke up, and started not to feel well, but we pushed through the day. We were able to get tickets to see World of Color, thanks to staying at the Disneyland hotel, so we had plans to see it that night. I was so excited because it had opened the year before when Tyler and I were there, but it has always been so crazy to get tickets that we hadn't seen it yet. It was an awesome show, due to us standing there and waiting for an hour and a half, but I loved it. It's not as good as Fantasmic at Disney World, but I would see it again for sure!

On the Jungle Cruise

My parents wanted to celebrate Tyler's birthday with us!

We love the Toy Story Ride!

Breakfast at the Grand California

Tyler is ready for take off

The baby wanted to play too!

At least I beat him in accuracy

We were playing cards downstairs, and Goofy wanted to play with us!

The cool headboards in our rooms!

Tuesday morning I woke up not feeling so well, so we didn't a half day at Disney. We went and played a little in the morning, took a nap, and then after dinner with Nicole, went back in for Toy Story. Wednesday morning I woke up and was awful. I didn't get to go in the park at all. After breakfast we played Catan, and then I went back to bed. Tyler worked on some homework, and my parents went shopping in the park. We played some more cards, and then Tyler went to go see Dustin and Julie. I was sad that I wasn't able to go and see them, but it was nice to be able to have down time when you don't feel well. My parents were real troopers and hung out with me all day, even though I kept telling them they could go back into the park.

Thursday morning we all woke up up the lovely hour before 5 am to get ready to go home. For those of you who don't know, LA traffic is awful, and none of us wanted to sit in it. We were both home before noon, so it paid off. Thursday morning was our only whole group picture too, but on my dad's camera, so I don't have it yet. When I do, I will upload it!

When we got home I went to the doctor and it turned out I had an ear infection!! What!? I haven't had one of those in FOREVER!! I was really surprised, but it prompted my need to find an ear doctor here. Friday I went to the dentist, and that was so much fun. Saturday night I was able to coach my girls in a volleyball game, and we WON!! It was a blast, and it reminded me how much I love these girls and missed them over the week.

This past week at school has been busy, as I have been trying to get caught up on everything. I have let things get behind with Lutheran School's week, and then not feeling well. Plus I didn't have my aid this week due to her traveling with her son for his hockey tournament. I am looking forward to getting caught up today, as well as going to a cheer competition to cheer on my girls!!

I went to the doctor on Thursday and everything still looks great. The baby's heart beat was 153, which others (not the doctor) then tell me means we're having a girl!! We would be so excited to find out the bean is a girl, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up. Someone in Tyler's class even bought him a picture frame that says "What a Whirl, It's a Girl" because that is how much she believes it's a girl, and she hasn't even seen me!! We find out next month what the bean is, and we are so excited!!

I promise to update more often, and to start posting more belly pictures. I know there aren't many on here, but before last night I kept thinking I just look bigger than normal, not pregnant. When I was in the bathroom last night though, I turned sideways and I could say baby, not "fat" so that was a breakthrough for me. I know Baby Bean is growing strong in there, but for those who know me, waiting is not one of my strong suits!!

12 weeks...almost 13

2011-02-21T08:21:00.000-08:00

Our weekend took quite a different turn starting on Saturday. We thought we were going to have a house full of people starting on Saturday, and lasting until Thursday. Instead trips and planes were cancelled, so Tyler and I are enjoying our day off by ourselves. To enjoy this lovely President's Day, Tyler gets to go to the dentist, and I just ordered some pictures from Costco. I started a scrapbook for Katie, Matt and CJ, and still haven't finished. I figured I should stop procrastinating, and get it done TODAY!! :) Plus, I am going to start the baby bean scrapbook, as well as try and start working on our wedding scrapbook. My 2011 goal was to finish our wedding, and honeymoon, so we'll see how that goes.

I thought I would share some pictures with you, even though they are a little old at this point.

January 19, 8 weeks

TWINS!! January 22

Nicole bought us our first baby present too!! When we told her we were pregnant she asked if we could go to babies r us while she was here. I was excited, but of course Tyler wasn't too thrilled. After a yummy dinner at Carlos O'Brien he drove us up there, and we walked around the store checking everything out. :) Nicole bought us the cutest little picture frame that I can't wait to put up in the baby's room. As soon as it is up, I'll share!!

I can't believe we're almost 13 weeks along, but we do go back to the doctor on Wednesday. I'm excited that I've started to have some energy back, but I do enjoy relaxing and my mac and cheese still!

11 weeks . . . almost 12

2011-02-13T09:46:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe how quickly things are moving!! I have finally started to get back some energy, but I'm praying that it stays with me. We have some friends coming to visit for the next couple of weeks, so we are trying to get a ton of stuff done around the house. It's crazy that we've already lived in the house for two years, and just the amount of stuff that we have. We have started to downsize some things such as books and cds, but I know our movie collection will only continue to grow. :) Good thing we already own almost all of the Disney movies!!

We have decided that we aren't going to re-carpet yet, but we'll wait and do it in a few years. Instead we will save the tax rebate money for when our baby bean comes. We're so excited to find out if we're having a boy or girl, and can't wait until we do. Hard to believe we still have to wait another couple of months.

We are both continuing to finish up our masters, and we ask that you continue to pray for us. I just have to finish my project this semester, but we are concerned about what Tyler is going to be able to do. He still has to student teach and we found out Wednesday night that they won't let him do it during the summer. That means he may have to take three months off of work to student teach, and if you know me, that puts me in a panic when I think about our financials. I know that God will provide, and show us the direction he has for Tyler, but it still worries us.

I'll put up new pictures soon, we go back to the doctor on February 23!!

Big News!!

2011-01-29T09:13:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!! I know, I know, it's been forever since I updated our blog!! Tyler and I have had quite a whirlwind of the fall, and just when we thought we were settling into a routine, something amazing happened to us.

On January 4, it was confirmed that Tyler and I are going to be parents!! We had an idea that we were pregnant since about Christmas, but didn't share any of those ideas with anyone. We told a couple of people that we were going to start trying for a baby, but never in our wildest imagination did we believe it would happen so fast!!

We had our first doctor's appointment this past Tuesday, January 25. Our doctor confirmed that I am nine weeks pregnant, and that our baby bean is growing, and has a strong heart beat. We are so excited to begin this journey, especially when really good friends of ours just adopted their first baby on January 11!

Overall I have been feeling pretty good. I have had some days where I haven't felt my best, and I have battling a head cold the past couple of days. Overall though, no really weird cravings, or sickness.

I will keep everyone updated about baby news, and I will try my best to keep this updated more as we go through our pregnancy, and then when we welcome our baby bean into the world! Our baby bean is expected to join our family on September 1, my cousin Steven's birthday.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Starting School

2010-08-10T20:28:00.000-07:00

Summer has come to an end, and Tyler and I are returning to our classrooms. I start school tomorrow, and Tyler starts on Thursday. We are excited, nervous, anxious, happy, scared, and so much more about this school year. We ask that you continue to pray for us as we are with our kids every day, and are teaching them about God and the world. Please continue to lift up the Crane family as well.

Love and miss you all!

Crane Family

2010-08-08T22:19:00.000-07:00

So much has happened in the last week, I don't even know where to begin.

Austin has gone to be with Jesus and his mom. He was announced brain dead on Wednesday, and his body was finally shut down on Friday after he was able to donate 7 organs so other kids would be able to live. He is a hero, and it is amazing to see how God is working through this already. I know that this is what I am going to have to tell my kids on Wednesday, and I know it's true, but it is going to be so hard to face my kids, talk about this, and not cry.

Summer and Tia are doing as good as can be expected. Both are still in medicated comas, but hopefully Summer will be coming out soon, and then Tia not too long after. Dad is facing surgeries aggressively so that way he can be there for his daughters.

Tonight was another hard night, as a mom who was able to be there with Austin all week told us all about it. It was a great therapy session and I know that we are all going to be effected by this for quite some time.

Once again Im' asking for your prayers for myself, our school, our staff, the Crane family, and our school families. We are all going through this together, and are all trying to figure out what we can do to help. If you feel led to help prayers are much appreciated, and soon I believe there will be a link on our school website so that way you can donate money to help with medical bills. I don't even want to think about how much their medical bills will be once they are all recovered.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. We miss and love you all!

Prayers please

2010-08-02T23:13:00.000-07:00

A school family was in a fatal plane crash this afternoon, and I just found out. We had Ben and Alison over for dinner tonight because they leave on Sunday to move to Florida. I came upstairs and saw that both Andy and Matt had called me. I knew it couldn't be good, but was never expecting this. One of our families was flying home from San Diego, and the plane went down. Mom was announced dead at the scene, and now the three kids and dad are in critical condition, but at different hospitals. Please keep the family in your prayers as they are fighting for their lives, and then will have to figure out how to go on. I love this family, and I am really struggling with this right now, and I know other staff members and school families will be as well. Please keep our entire school, and school family in your prayers as well. They are such an awesome family, and the mom was amazing. It's hard to imagine that I won't see her next year, and the hard times those kids are going to have growing up without a mom. Thank you all for your support, and prayers. I really appreciate them, and know that their family will as well.

I just keep going back to my go to verse.

Isaiah 41:13
"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do NOT fear; I will help you."

All I can do is lift up my prayers to God, and know that he will be with that family. At least I have the comfort in knowing that they are a family who fully believes and relies on Christ. She will be missed, and I will make sure to keep you all updated.

What happens in Vegas...

2010-06-18T15:01:00.000-07:00

This week I was able to go to Vegas and spend some time with Bree and her family. Her parents were awesome hosts, and made me feel like part of the family the whole time I was there. We stayed at Ballys, but walked the entire strip on Wednesday. I drove up Tuesday afternoon, and had to leave on Thursday to get home. Bree and Nicki were leaving too though, so mom and dad lost three of their kids that day!! We had a blast, and I would love to go back and do it again!!

Dinner the first night at Margaritaville

A little beer pong on the way to the comedy show!!

Mom and Dad!

Enjoying our time together!!

Having fun!!

We were a little hungry around 2 am. :D

Happiest Place on Earth

2010-06-18T14:47:00.000-07:00

Our first vacation was to the happiest place on Earth!!

In front of the castle!

They knew we were there to have a good time!

It was a lot of fun, and a blast to be back. We even bought season passes again! I was super excited about that, because that means we HAVE to go back. No way did we get our money out of it this time. I think that we might be traveling back through in July, so I'm excited for our next trip already!! We were able to see the new parade, which isn't much of a parade, but more of like the block party from California. It was still a lot of fun because our good friend Stitch was right in front of us the whole time!!

While we were there we finally got to go on Toy Story together. I went when I went in October, but Tyler hadn't gone yet. I thought that since he hadn't gone I would be able to dominate. Man was I wrong. We went Thursday and Friday, and Tyler beat me both times!! The first day he got the high score of the hour too, but I didn't grab a picture of that.

Our scores. I'm sure you can figure out who was who.

Tyler's best score in the car!

While we were in Orange County we were able to meet up with some friends too!! We had dinner with Kelly one night, drinks with Jim and Nina, dinner with Jessica and Adam, and lunch with Jon and Nicole. I also got a special girls night out with Nicole. We had a blast, and love seeing our friends that we don't get to see that often any more!

Dinner at Buca with their tentacles!

Yummy drinks with Jim and Nina!! We realized after we only took pictures of the drinks!

To end the trip we went camping with my youth group for the night. It was a lot of fun, and beautiful to be on the beach again!

Piol Wedding

2010-06-07T10:09:00.001-07:00

Tyler and I were able to travel up to Sonoma for Breeann and Kevin's wedding the weekend before school got out. It was a lot of fun, and we had a blast. We were even able to eat at our two favorite places at my mom's house before we drove up for the wedding.

Friday I met up with the girls for us to get our nails done, and then we all headed over to the country club for rehearsal. After rehearsal we went on a nice little adventure to find dinner. It was super yummy, and a lot of fun!

Saturday was the big day. We woke up early to start with our hair, and keeping Beautiful company all day.

Before Beautiful got dressed

The wedding was amazing, and so beautiful!! I'm so happy for them, but we miss them tons. I even called my mom and told her we were going to move home because I miss them. :D No worries though, we're not going any where. Hopefully on vacation to visit this summer, but we're not leaving Phoenix any time soon.

Two of my favorite people

Our family

Had to bring it back from 2007 :D

We love them, and wish them nothing but happiness!

Summer Vacation

2010-06-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

Tyler and I are so excited to be on summer vacation! We ended the school year right before Memorial Day, and have just been relaxing ever since. Our friend Christie left yesterday to move to Detroit, so we had a going away party for her on Saturday night. That was a lot of fun, but we didn't take any pictures.

Last week we headed up to Sedona to hang out with Jeremy and Rachel for the day. That was a blast! We made plans to hopefully go up again some time soon. It was nice to escape the heat for a day!

Tyler and I in the desert somewhere

Rachel and I near the Devil's sink

Tyler and I on top of Mushroom rock

The steps, we drove DOWN these!

Out for a nice dinner

Rachel and I enjoying ourselves

Our awesome hosts, Jeremy and Rachel

Sedona

2010-03-18T13:33:00.000-07:00

Tyler and I just got home from a pretty cold trip up to Sedona for Spring Break. It was beautiful up there, but pretty chilly compared to down here in Phoenix. While we were up there we had the heater on the whole time. We also were wearing jackets and sweatshirts when we went out. Then we drove back here, and it is 80 degrees today!! It's crazy that it is already getting this hot!

While we were up there we were able to enjoy some of the beautiful parts of Sedona. We went back to Savanah's for dinner on Sunday night, and had another delicious meal. This is where we went the first time we went up there, for our 1 year anniversary as well. The food and service was outstanding again, and we would recommend the place to any one! It's a little pricey, but delicious!

Monday we decided to try and go hiking. Tyler took me to a spot he went in high school. The hike was supposed to be three miles long. While we were driving up to the hiking spot, we were met by some snow though.

I had to jump out of the car, run across the freeway to take this picture! I was so excited!

Tyler was having fun taking pictures of the snow, mountains, and river!

Our only picture from the trip of us together!

We found where we were going to go hiking, and set off. We were a little nervous because we had no cash with us, and you were supposed to pay $10 to just park and hike. I'm a little glad we didn't know, and you'll find out why. We started off on the hike, with our lunch in our backpack because we had planned on eating on the trail. The hike starts in the dirt, and then all of a sudden we are in the SNOW!! There is snow all over the place, and you are walking through the snow trying to find the trail. Eventually we made it to a creek, and we knew we weren't going across. It was way too cold, and who knew where the trail was on the other side. A family came up behind us, and the dad was determined to figure out how to get across the creek. We didn't wait long enough to watch him fall in, but while we were walking down the trail, we heard a yelp and figured he fell in!!

Monday night we went to watch the sunset up at the airport. There were a lot more people than I expected. I don't know why I didn't expect that many people to be there. It was really chilly as the sun started going down though, so we didn't wait until it went all the way down. It was really pretty though, and fun to see the city from up high!

Up at the airport watching the sunset, 6:20 at night.

Tuesday we just relaxed, and played a lot of games. We were very excited to be on vacation, and enjoyed ourselves. Now we are back at home, and getting ready for school to begin again on Monday. Can't wait for two more weeks, when we are on vacation again for Easter!

New Stuff

2010-03-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

Our house is now complete!! We were lucky enough to be able to buy our house one year ago, thanks to some help from some very special friends. Due to that, we were able to receive a new refund from the government this year. With that money, besides saving, we decided to purchase some things for the house that we really wanted!! Here are our new friends in our home!!

This is what the living room looked like when we took out our old couch.

Now with our new couch, which fit perfect!!

We were also able to purchase some new storage space!

Tyler was really excited about his newest toy! He was able to buy this with money he received from Christmas presents from his kids at school. It has come in very handy!

We were also able to finally buy a bedroom set!! I was so excited to not have to sleep on the ground any more!! Before our mattress was just on the ground.

We made friends with Greg at JC Penny and he was able to give us a very good deal! We bought the whole bedroom set, and the couch from him. Now he sends us cards telling us to come back all the time. He must think we like to shop! :D

Our last purchase, and probably our favorite!!

We'll finally have ice!! Won't have to ask Matt and Katie to bring some down the street any more!!

I just realized Tyler's favorite new purchase isn't in the collection. We have had this since the day after Thanksgiving, so it's almost not as exciting, even though we have very happy with our new washer and dryer!!

Tyler was so excited to do laundry in these that first weekend. We sold our old ones to our friends Ben and Allison and ended up in their wedding sermon because of it!!

1 year!!

2010-03-13T05:58:00.001-08:00

It's crazy to think that 1 year ago TODAY we were moving in our home! So many things have changed in the last year, even in our house!! I am so blessed to have a husband who loves me, a roof over my head, amazing friends close by, and a family who supports me!!

February

2010-02-28T15:17:00.000-08:00

What a month!! I can't believe that February is already over! We had a very exciting month. We were able to finish our taxes, and get back a pretty nice rebate. We decided we wanted to finally buy a bedroom set, so we did! It's really nice. We were able to buy the bed, two night stands, and the dresser. We love finally having a bed!! :D Pictures will come!

Then we also bought a new couch! It fits the room so much better. Then we moved the table into where it should go, and made a little reading room in the fireplace area. It is so cozy now! Our last purchase will be a new fridge. We are just waiting for a good deal!!

Tyler and I are both still plugging away on our masters, and trying to finish as much as we can! Spring Break is in two weeks, and we are so excited! We are going to Sedona thanks to mom and dad for a couple of days! It will be beautiful!

Happy End of January

2010-01-26T21:05:00.000-08:00

It is crazy to think that we are almost in February of 2010!! Where has the time gone! At school I just got an interactive white board installed yesterday! It will be a lot of fun, but I feel way out of it because my room is a disaster in the process of moving everything around!

Had to share a funny letter with everyone that we got in the mail today from our HOA. Tyler cut down the tree in our front yard when I went to visit Nicole in October, and just took our Christmas lights down on Sunday. Yes, we were a little behind the times, but we love Christmas, and are a little lazy. Here is what the letter said, "There are holiday lights and/or decorations visible after the holiday. Also, there is a tree stump left in the front yard. See that all holiday decorations are removed and the tree stump is removed." Really though, is that what my $240 a year is paying for!?! This is crazy!! I hate the HOA! First they write me a letter to tell me my tree branches are in the way of the sidewalk, and now they tell me something is wrong with the stump!? Crazy!! Guess what Tyler will be doing this weekend!! Amen for the rain!! At least it made the ground soft! I'll try and get a picture of the stump before it's gone to share with you all!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-18T12:48:00.001-08:00

I know it's been a while, so I thought it would finally be a good time to update!

At the beginning of November Breeann and Kevin came out to visit us. We had a lot of fun with them, but I don't have many pictures because my battery died the day we went to the zoo. We didn't do much while they were here, a lot of lounging around, but we did go to the zoo one day, Howl at the Moon one night, and of course we ate A Lot!

The four of us at Howl at the Moon!

The holidays were super busy for us. For the beginning of Thanksgiving break we traveled to Palm Springs, CA for teacher's conference. While we were there Nicole came out and spent a day with us! It was a blast to see her! We headed back to Phoenix on Tuesday so that way we could get ready for Thanksgiving.

On Thanksgiving Day, Tyler's parents, Jeremy and Rachel came over to share a meal with us. We had way too much food for just the six of us, plus Kyrie, but it was still a lot of fun to share the meal with people we love.

Our table set before everyone got there! So much more food was on our table!

For Christmas we celebrated early when Dan and Megan came out to visit. That was a lot of fun too, and it was great to see them. We only wish that they lived closer so that way we could see them more. We were able to hang out with them for the weekend they were here, and we took them to Howl at the Moon too!! (Seeing a theme yet, if you come to visit, we'll take you there too!!)

I did a lot of baking!!

During Christmas break we traveled to my parent's house, up in Northern California, to be with my mom. She had knee surgery a week before Christmas, and I wanted to be home to help her get ready. She did great though, and was up walking around by the time I got home. She actually went back to work the same time Tyler and I went back to school! Yes, she is crazy! While we were home with my parents we were able to spend a couple of meals with Breeann and Kevin! It was great to see them again so close together! We can't wait for their wedding this May, and all of the fun activities before then! We were very blessed to spend Christmas day with my family, and they spoiled us of course! We were able to see my aunt, and cousins too, and his babies! I love those kids, and only wish we could see them more!

My mom and I enjoying the warm fire!

My dad making his AMAZING tacos!

After we left my parent's house, we traveled down to Bakersfield to hang out with another set of our parents. Kris' parents are wonderful, and we always have a blast staying there. We were able to spend a day with them, and to see Kris and Ross too! We love them, and are so happy that we were able to impose on their family time and hang out! Of course our time was way too short, but it was a blast!

My beautiful friend Kris!

We came to visit mom on her lunch break!

We then headed down to Orange County to spend the rest of our time with Nicole and Jon. We ended our break in an amazing way!! We just hung out, read a lot, played a lot of Wii, and ate! They are a blast to hang out with, and our New Years was a lot of fun! We miss them, and were very happy to have a couple of family meals!! :D We even got our annual family Christmas picture in!

Our annual family picture!

Now we are back in the swing of school. We have today off, which has been a nice and relaxing day. Tyler and I are both working hard on our masters, and keeping up our grades. We are both hoping to be done by spring 2011, so we are pushing through it.

We are looking forward to amazing summer plans, and can't wait to see you all again soon! Please keep us in your prayers, and I promise to be better about updating our site!!

Love you all!

Skype

2009-08-11T19:41:00.001-07:00

We just downloaded Skype so Tyler could talk to his girlfriend, and for those of you who don't have an apple, it is an awesome free way to talk. If you want to chat, just let us know, and we'll set up a date!!