the Moons

No More Fine Hair

2012-02-03T15:40:00.000-05:00

Okay, well that's not true. I was born with fine hair but a lot of it. I've heard by everyone that it's not good for your hair to wash it daily. I didn't want to believe it but I do think my hair would be much healthier if I didn't wash it every day. The girl that did my hair in St George went a whole week without washing her hair....but it looked gorgeous everytime I saw her. She really is the one that convinced me that maybe I should try something different. So I started with baby powder on the roots just to see what it did. It gets me by but sometimes it whitish and is not cute. I need to try dry shampoo but have heard baby powder does the same thing. I do love how much more course my hair is the second day and that may be because I have tons of product. But the whole reason for this post is I wanted to get opinions on what YOU do for your hair on the 2nd day to not have the crazy oily root problem?

Oklahoma Science Museum

2012-02-03T14:29:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to plan activities on the weekends so we can have fun family time and so Kyle can see how fun Oklahoma is. So, last Saturday we went to the Oklahoma Science Museum with the Tribetts. It is a museum filled with toys/activities for all ages (mostly kids). Lacey loved it and Kyle and Joe I think had as much fun as Lacey and Liz did. We liked it so much that we bought a pass for a year. After we enjoyed some Subway. (I haven't been there for almost a year due to the smell. Is anyone turned off by the smell as much as I am? Smells like bread + dirty.) Anyways, we had a blast. It's been so fun to have Celeste and her family so close and that we do pretty much everything together.

Merry Christmas to Us!!

2012-02-01T21:35:00.000-05:00

Today is a big day for us. Kyle is now past his 90 days of working at Chesapeake and we now have Health Insurance. Lacey and Kyle had a short term insurance plan for the past 90 days but it was really for emergencies. After calling many insurance companies and eventually the state health department, I was denied health insurance due to my pre-existing condition and because it was so recent. It doesn't make sense and it really has been an eye opening experience because there needs to be a change to health care system so people in my situation are able to get coverage. Obamacare is not the answer, Romneycare... maybe. Now I have many appointments to make for all of us. Unfortunately, with this happy news there is some not so happy. Our new insurance company will not cover anything stroke related for a year. Here's for that to not happen in the next year or....or EVER. Thanks.

Guess What I Found?

2012-01-21T14:21:00.000-05:00

Today after working out I looked at myself in the mirror and I saw something I haven't seen in years..... my abs. Boo yeah! I love working out, feeling so good, and seeing the results slowly but surely.

Goals for 2012

2012-01-18T16:46:00.000-05:00

Ahhhh... It's January. The holidays are over and it will be cold for another 4 months. I think this time is not my favorite part of the year. Good thing is Oklahoma has probably had a total of 5 really cold days this winter so no complaints. With January comes New Years Resolutions or I like to call them Goals for this year. It helps for me to write them down because I remember them better. So here we go:

#1. I want to be an Active mom. Oh there's a story time at the library? I'm there. Oh there's a swimming survival class for tots? Done. I feel like the past year I've had my time and I'm tired of being the mom that stays home. Granted, I'm a home body so I might still have those days I will stay home, but I want more days doing things.

#2. I want to continue cooking. I actually am starting to enjoy it more. Emealz is the best thing that has ever happened to this family. The food is amazing. It deserves it's own post for realz. But I also want to learn some more cooking skills like knive skills, maybe cake classed (except maybe not because I really don't like cake). So yes, I want to be a great cook. Better than Kyle. There I said it.

#3. I want to be more healthy. I'm already on my 3rd week of working out and am starting to lose some of my ghetto booty. Our complex has a brand new/awesome workout room and I have started going with a friend that just moved into our ward. I also my goal is to be the same weight I was before I was prego. I was almost there before the stroke but then I was so inactive that I never got there. So here's to look great in a bikini. Okay, maybe just a swimsuit.

#4. I want to read and finish the Book of Mormon. Almost done with 2nd Nephi.

#5. Blog more. I got in a rut and I kinda think the blog world has kinda died down since the lovely Pinterest has shown itself. But Blogging is a great journal and is theraputic really. I actually took it off Private because I hated the sign in, the hassle that the family had to go through to see pictures of Lacey, and I'm fine with it not being private. If something changes my mind, I have all the email address to make it private again. Win Win.

I could go on forever with goals but I'm going to stop now. I like that this list is short and sweet.

Top 10 list of 2011

2012-01-09T00:53:00.001-05:00

10. Gave Cash away :( But we are happy to report that our friends, Len and Lois, are his proud owners.
9. Visted all of our family this summer.
8. As of May I became a stay at home mom and I love it!
7. Celebrated our 3rd Anniversary in Vegas.
6. Moved cross country twice (from Kentucky to Utah, from Utah to Oklahoma)
5. Lacey turned 1 and learned to crawl.
4. Kyle graduated law school.
3. Kyle passed the Utah Bar.
2. Kyle getting a JOB!!!
1. WaWahhh....I had a stroke. It's been tough but it has changed our lives for the better.

A Whole Lot of Updates

2012-01-09T00:22:00.000-05:00

Where do I start? I miss blogging I do, but I hate the fact that I feel like I should catch up. So for my sanity I'm going to do a few quick updates and then go from there.

A LOT has happened the past six months. As you know, in May we moved to St. George and lived with my parents. Saying it was fun would be an understatement. We loved our time in St. George. We loved seeing both sides of our family and so many of our friends, and also loved the perfect weather. Here are some fun pictures of our time there.

Lacey has grown up so much and we love her so much. She started crawling July 24th (Pioneer Day) and started walking January 3rd (Mom's Bday). She's definitely not my little baby anymore. She is a growing toddler and loves to read, play with toys, watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, eat Peanut Butter and honey and all vegetables, and is such a daddy's girl. I don't know her actual weight but I think it's around 27-28 lbs. She has been and still is wearing size 4 Huggies diapers and size 18 months clothes since she was 5 months old. Once she started moving she slimmed down, but since she's been trying to walk/walk she has slimmed down even more. Her favorite activity is having us read books to her. She also loves playing peek-a-boo, upside down Lacey, and tickle games. Here's a few pictures from the past 6 months:

Lacey had her first surgery in September. She was playing on the floor and tried to pull up on the coffee table and instead hit her head which resulted in biting 3/4 way through her teeth. We thought it would heal quickly but we wanted a doctor to see it before we went that route. The doctor said it was deep enough for surgery. With her being a baby they had to give her drugs to put her out. They sewed her tongue with 4 stitches. They dissolved after a few days and she felt fine the next day. She's a trooper.

Lacey had her first Halloween. I have to say she was the cutest ladybug around. She wore her ladybug costume at our ward Halloween party. Seriously, adorable. We also went to a few pumpkin patches around and took some pictures:

Lacey turned 1 on November 18th, 2011. We had a small family party. She had a blast opening presents, playing with presents, and eating cake. Pictures:

Kyle and I celebrated our 3rd Anniversary August 1st. We celebrated in Vegas with lots of booze, gambling, and..... not really. We stayed at the Planet Hollywood and enjoyed a few days of walking, shopping, pool, piano bars, and eating. We also went and saw Phantom of the Opera. It has been a dream of mine to go since I was a kid. It did not disappoint. The opening scene gave me chills after chills and the music was magical really. It was great to just spend time with Kyle and have a break from the crazy year. A big shout out to Julia for watching Lacey. Gracias Julia.

Kyle took the Utah Bar the end of July. We found out the end of September that he PASSED and is officially a lawyer in the State of Utah. It was a huge accomplishment and I'm so proud of him. After applying to tons of jobs in Utah he decided to widen his search. He applied to a job in Oklahoma City to a company called Chesapeake Energy. Celeste happened to visiting us at that time and she had a few friends that worked at the company. Although he wasn't qualified for the job he applied for, his resume was forwarded to another area of the company. They conducted an interview over Skype, and 2 weeks later offered him an awesome job as a Title Landman. We were thrilled to have such a great job and excited to move to Oklahoma. Sure Utah was fun but we were ready for the next stage in our life. We moved the week of October 9th, moved into a brand new apartment complex October 14th, and Kyle started his job October 17th. We moved to a suburb just north of Oklahoma City called Edmond. We love this city and the best part of it is we live 2 miles away from my sister Celeste and her family. Kyle plans to take the Oklahoma State Bar this summer or next.

We traded our Honda Civic for an Acura MDX. There's soooo much more room. Love the change.

Thanksgiving and Christmas was spent here in Oklahoma. Kyle was still in training with no vacation days to take and to be honest it was nice just to chill at home. We had Thanksgiving with the Tribett's and Jeffrey's. We had a great time. As for Christmas we woke up at our home, then went to the Tribett's and opened gifts. I was so excited for Kyle and Lacey to open their gifts. We all made off like bandits. We Facetimed with the Moons and my parents. Technology is really amazing. We also were able to Skype with Kyle's brother Elder Moon. We went to church and enjoyed the talks and music, and then went back home. We had a nice dinner at our place then went over to the Tribett's and worked on a puzzle. Actually just watched Celeste work on a puzzle :)

So I accomplished my goal, to catch up. I don't think there was anything quick about doing it though.

Lacey's 6th Month Stats & Shots

2011-08-30T18:45:00.000-04:00

May 16, 2011:

6 months old: 26.08 inches (66%) and 20 lb 8 oz (99%)

The first thing everyone says when they see Lacey is either, "You're feeding your baby too much" or "You're starving your child (enter sarcasm)". She is very healthy and is quite the chunk. We love the rolls!! It does have a few adverse effects for me which are: 1) can't hold her for longer than 3 minutes without pain, 2) back pain, 3) having random women coming up to me saying how much I have helped my baby for the rest of her life by breast feeding. Most the time I smile and agree, but one lady was too up in my area and I told her I formula feed then watched her judge me and walk away. It was funny.

Lacey is growing so fast! Too fast for me I have to say. I loved the newborn stage minus the no sleep, but I loved the cuddling. Lacey is does NOT cuddle right now. I try and she pushes me away, even if she's tired. She is started eating baby food morning and night. She loves vegetables, and much to Kyle and I's chagrin she LOVES peas. Right now she puts everything possible in her mouth. She's also teething with her top 2 teeth and is slobbery. I have broken down and put a bib on her along with her outfits. It keeps her chin and neck dry and it's easy to wipe her face with the constant bib. It's practical and I am realizing that that's all that matters. :) Lacey is sitting up and really enjoys her ExcerSaucer We love our little girl so much and we love watching her grow!

Our Trek to the Wild West

2011-08-15T00:42:00.001-04:00

On the way out west, we drove to my sister's Celeste house in Oklahoma and stayed with her and her family for a few days. We were going to go to Arkansas so we could pick up my parents but I-40 was close from Memphis to Little Rock due to the flooding AND we realized that we had way more stuff than we thought so my parents would need their own truck. We got there Monday afternoon. While we were in Oklahoma we went to Pop's (an awesome store filled with thousands of soda pops), Celeste took us to some fun restaurants, and just chilled.

Tuesday morning Kyle, Joe (bro-in-law) and Ned (father-in-law) drove our truck, my parents truck, and my mom's car out to St. George. Wednesday night Celeste and Liz, Lace and I, and Mom got on a direct flight to Vegas. It was Lacey's first time on a plane and she was a champ. As soon as we got on the plane and got settled she fell asleep for the whole flight. The 3 hour flight was so much better than the 2 day drive. When we got to Vegas Jules picked us all up in her van and we made the trek to St. George. We stayed at her place and the next morning it was to our new place (AKA my parents beautiful new home). We love it here already!

Mother's Day 2011

2011-08-14T23:57:00.001-04:00

My first Mother's day with Lacey was an emotional day for me. I woke up with Kyle giving me 3 cards. One from him, one from Lacey, and one from Cash. It was adorable... and meant so much to me. He also gave me a necklace with Lacey's name on it. I love it! Simple, and precious. Then, we finished cleaning and left our home in Lexington for a new life adventure. I'm so lucky to have the husband and little girl that I have. Being a mom has changed me in a lot of ways. It's hard work and yet so very rewarding!

Last days of Lexington

2011-08-14T18:30:00.001-04:00

Oh Lexington how I love and already miss you so. The last few weeks in Lexington was a complete whirlwind. Between working, packing, goodbye lunches/dinners, doctor appointments, Kyle's finals, and still recovering from stroke it was C-razy. Thank goodness for the help of my mom helping us out, Kyle's family helping us pack, and awesome friends who helped us with packing and more.

Here are just a few things I love about Lexington, Kentucky:
The thunder/rain storms, the abundance of green land/trees/etc, Southern Hospitality, and the most important, all the AWESOME friends we were able to make while living there.

Before we left, we had a family picnic at the arboretum:

I don't have pictures of my work friends but we did party it up the last week we were there. I'm going to miss Kurt, Joe, Kim M, Kim W, Katherine, Danna, Benny, Jeff, Angela, and Rachel. They are who made my job fun.

Jessi and I had a going away party with all of our girl friends from church at Cheddars and had a blast. I miss all of these girls so much!

We also grew very close with our neighbors Len and Lois and love them like family. They currently have Cash (our puppy) until we find a job/house. Right before we left we had a Derby Party at their place. Lois is sporting her Derby hat.

We also got close with our other neighbors Dennis and Darla, and Chris across the road. We had so many funny conversations with them.

It's sad to leave but know that it's the best thing for us. We miss all of you! Bye Ya'll!

Law School.... CHECK

2011-06-03T00:07:00.001-04:00

Kyle graduated LAW SCHOOL!!! I'm so proud of him, this is such a big accomplishment. We worked hard the last few years, him taking classes and me working. It's such an accomplishment for both of us.

Kyle's family (minus Alex because he's on his Mish) flew out to attend his graduation and celebrate. We had a blast chillin with the Moons. I know they had a blast helping us pack our whole house up...seriously they were amazing. We packed everything up in 3 days. I don't know if you know this but I loathe packing. I'd rather do pretty much anything else. I wasn't too much help because yes I'm still a little slow physically, but Ned and Mary were a super team and were the perfect people to help with their many moving experiences while Ned was in the Air Force. Juliana and Lacey became best friends instantly and she helped so much with watching Lacey and helping us pack.

On Thursday, May 5th, we went to a Law School reception at Spindle Top Hall. It's a beautiful Southern style home owned by UK Alumni club. We met the Dean of the Law school, hung out with a few of Kyle's friends, and munched on a few hors d' oeuvres.

On Friday, May 6th, at 4:00 we attended Kyle's graduation ceremony. Again, I'm going to say it again...I'm proud of my man. It's been a great 2 3/4 years but there were many challenges. Yay for school being over with! We celebrated by eating at Bella Notte (best Italian in Lexington). Then we spent the rest of the night packing. It was a good day...

Happy Easter 2011

2011-06-02T23:25:00.000-04:00

Easter was fun this year. My favorite part was dressing up Lacey in her frilly adorable dress. I didn't plan enough time for me to actually get ready so my hair was thrown back. I feel like that happens a lot more now. Church was good and Easterish. I love Easter. I am so grateful for Christ and His Atonement.

We didn't do much for Lacey's first Easter. We did get her a bunny toy but that was the extent of Easter gifts. We had some friends over for dinner and Kyle made a delicous dinner (smoked turkey.... the works).

Starting Solids

2011-04-04T22:12:00.000-04:00

Lacey got the go ahead to start solids at her last doctor appointment so last Sunday we introduced her to rice cereal. I was far more excited than she was about this, and she was so confused as to what this new taste was. She ate a little bit and didn't care for it much. Hours after she went into the 'my stomach is hurting' fit and was arching her back due to discomfort. So...my mom instincts says to wait another month and try oatmeal out. There's no real hurry for her to eat anything other than milk. She is far from starving.

Lacey's 4 Month Stats & Shots

2011-03-28T16:48:00.001-04:00

March 25, 2011:

4 months old: 25.75 inches (91%) and 17 lb 7 oz (98%)

Lacey is growing so much and too fast if you ask me. I love the baby stage and want it to last forever, but it's fun to see her learn and develop everyday. She is such a happy baby but definitely lets you know if she's hungry or tired. A few weeks ago she finally took a binky thanks to my mom efforts of working with her for 6 weeks. I love the binky and she does too. As soon as she's tired I pop a binky in her mouth and she's out within a minute or so. After buying every binky out there, she went back to liking the first one's we tried out which was the NUK. Love their binky's because I personally think they are the cutest.

We went to her checkup appointment last Friday and she was not happy to be there. I had woken her up from her nap and she was hungry too. She hated me taking her clothes off to be weighed and of course hated the shots. It was great to have Kyle come with me because he comforted her this time and fed her. She definitely loves her daddy. He does all the heavy lifting too...and I still have trouble at least carrying the car seat. When we found out how much she weighed and how tall she was we just laughed. She's still a big girl with the most scrumptious cheeks. Some things about Lacey:
sleeps through the night, loves to try to hold her bottle but ends up squeezing our hands, still loves her baths, is the happiest when she wakes up from her naps, loves Baby Einstein, hates tummy time, loves music, likes to sit on our laps when we eat, loves to cuddle, is very picky about standing up and being held, mostly always has a smile on her face, loves peek-a-boo, loves talking to herself and others, started becoming picky about strangers and will let you know she's uncomfortable by rolling her bottom lip down first as a warning and then a cry (it's adorable), doesn't mind bows, stands up and holds herself up when she has a grab of your fingers, loves to eat!! We love our little girl and as Kyle said last night, "She's the light of our life".

5 Week Notice

2011-03-25T14:22:00.000-04:00

So today I gave my 5 week notice at work. I know I know, it's quite the notice but my boss and I have been talking about the future and the possibility of me moving for awhile now. He said I don't need to give him more than a 2 week notice, but we were talking about the future again today and I just decided to tell him since Kyle and I just made the decision.

So what are our plans for this summer? Well, so far we know my last day of work is May 4th, Kyle graduates May 6th, and we will be moving May 9th. We will then go live in St. George with the parents for the summer while Kyle studies for the Bar Exam. We'll also get to go up to Idaho for a few weeks and visit Kyle's parents. I'm so excited for the summer. Kyle's summer will be more stressful with studying and all but this will be the first summer I haven't gone to school or worked in 11 years (19 years if you count paper routes). I can't wait to live by (with) my parents and to be by Julia and her family. I've loved Lexington but I'm ready for the next step in our lives.

Lace Face

2011-03-13T19:41:00.001-04:00

Lacey is my life size doll with the happiest personality. I can't even describe how much I love her! Being a mom is the most fulfilling job. Just in the past week she has become so much more active. I love seeing her learn new things. She absolutely loves her morning bath time and her rub down she gets morning and night. She loves to eat and I can't wait to introduce her to solids. She's super chunky and I wouldn't have it any other way. She is now in size 3 diapers...and she's not even 4 months yet. She is such a good sleeper and now wakes up once if at all. Lacey loves her play time and naps. We couldn't have been blessed with a better baby. Some nicknames she already has is: Lace, Lace Face, Miss Happy Pants, Miss Poopy Pants, and more. We love this little girl so much!!

Stroke Victimness

2011-03-09T22:30:00.006-05:00

I started my story last week and with my right hand still not working the best, I decided to put the rest of the story on hold. Now I have I'd say 90% of my right hand coordination back and I can type much better. Yay!

So after the ER doctor said I had a stroke, I was told I would be transferred from St. Joseph East to Central Baptist which had a ICU dedicated to stroke victims. I didn't plan for this day to happen like this. Yes I secretly wanted to take the day off to spend time with Lacey but I would take going to work any day over this. So the EMT came to pick me up. I scooted over to the small/moveable bed, then they strapped me in like I was a crazy person needing to be strapped in, then cranked the bed super high. As I was being wheeled out of the ER at first I tried to not meet people's stares. It was the uncomfortable stare that people do when they don't want to look at you but can't help it because you're in front of their face. I decided to have what fun I could and started doing the pageant wave with my right/stroke hand. It was hard not to giggle because as soon as people saw that I was waving at them staring they looked uncomfortable. It was funny and the EMT's loved it. It was the first time I rode in an ambulance and I hope the last. I kinda wanted them to turn the lights on and I could of if I would have asked but my energy was shot by then. The EMT that rode with me did comfort my fears some while we talked. I had to keep telling myself we were going to be okay.

When I got to Central Baptist ICU room there were 10 nurses around to get all my info, stick me with needles, put IV needles in my arm, and to undress me. I'd be lying if I said any of that was fun. I tried to be positive and was happy when they said they couldn't believe I had a baby 3 months ago. Bless their hearts. :) The rest of the day was somewhat of a blur for me. Jennilyn came and picked up Lacey while my mom and Kyle came to the hospital. I knew Lacey would be taken good care of with her. I had 3 different doctors come in and work with me to see my reactions to movements. My boss came by. My home teachers came and gave me an awesome blessing. I'm so grateful for the Priesthood. I saw Lacey at night and I was a mess. I have never been away that long. She wanted to eat and I had already pumped. I felt like a horrible mom and missed my baby. Late that night the nurses took me to get yet another MRI/MRA. I broke down right before they put me in the tube. It had been a long day.

Friday was rough. More tests, more pumping, more of not seeing Lacey. I had some milk frozen so Lacey had food. I was happy to wake up to my cutest little sister Celeste sitting next to me. Oh how I wish we could have fun with me not in the hospital. Friday afternoon I had an Angiogram. Sounds fun huh? No, it's the opposite. They went up through the groin area to my vertebral artery in my neck and then gave me a shot with dye so they could see both the left and right vertebral artery. My right v artery was what caused my strokes and was a mess of dissections. The left v artery was good but it was so sensitive that just injecting the dye in my bloodstream slightly damaged it. So the neurosurgeon put a stent in my left vertebral artery. The best part, and I'm being extremely sarcastic, was that I was awake for the whole surgery. I had to be. So that was so not fun. I was wheeled back to recover. Again, I saw Lacey at night. She was the highlight of my day. Right after that I was given Heparin in my IV drip and then a shot in the stomach of Cumidin which I got 4 of over the 24 hour span. Thanks nurse for making my day worse.I saw Lacey at night again. Usually babies or kids are not allowed up but since she was so young and she was covered while in the hospital except my room the Doctor and nurses gave us the green light. I would have been more of a mess if I couldn't have seen her.

Saturday I spent with my dad. My dad is a very calm person and it was nice to be around him and his positive attitude. I've always been a daddy's girl. Speech, occupational, and physical therapists all came by to assess my situation. It was so frustrating to not be able to do the simple act of pick buttons up. If I could have I would have thrown them across the room. Dumb test. My speech was getting better and only I could notice it being somewhat slow. I then had an ultrasound on my heart, and more blood tests. I was told then that I could no longer breastfeed. I was heartbroken. I had worked so hard to enjoy breastfeeding. Seriously, whoever says that it's all fun and games is a liar. I'd say the first 6 weeks were horrible. I'd run away from Kyle when he would say Lacey's hungry. It hurt and I finally started to really enjoy it. I could actually say that I loved it. I already felt I was such a bad mom for leaving my baby while in the hospital but this too? I didn't have a choice really. There was no choice but to put me on blood thinners which could cause harm to Lacey through breastmilk, even death. So...yeah I quit. But add trying to 'dry up' to the stroke patient in the ICU. Shoot me.

Sunday I wanted Celeste with me all day while Kyle took care of Lace. We talked, laughed, and played with the buttons. I was progressively getting better and even walked around the ICU. I saw other stroke patients and yes I was an easy 50 years younger than them but I was moving around unlike most of them. It was sad. My PT helped me walk and then did a few tests. He said I was an easy 8 weeks ahead of any stroke patient he's ever seen. He told me to be patient and consider myself really blessed. Then and there I said a quick prayer for all my blessings. Really, I'm blessed to be alive, blessed to be regaining my coordination so quickly. I had to start looking at the positive. The highlight of Sunday was easily my shower. I had had a sponge bath the last two days. I did think the hair caps that wash your hair with shampoo were cool but I was so over that. I was supposed to be moved to a regular room that had a shower but I was still in the ICU. I talked the nurses into letting me take a shower anywhere close. So..they had me use the bathroom next to the patient waiting room just out of the ICU. It was a small bathroom but it did have a shower. There was no seat in the shower so they put one of their wheelchair seats in the shower, so ghetto, but it worked. Celeste was a saint. I had to sit down and she washed me. We couldn't stop laughing at the awkwardness and the randomness of the situation. It was hilarious! It was so nice to be clean! After the shower fiasco, Kyle, my parents, and Lacey came. During their stay they finally found me a normal room and transfered me. They took me off all the monitors and IV's and I was finally on the road to recovery.

Monday we slept in a little bit. My mom and Kyle were there for another surgery I had Monday afternoon. They did find a small hole in my heart that was supposed to heal after I was born but it was nothing that needed surgery or to worry about. I saw Lacey again at night and was happy to hear she was taking the bottle and formula like a champ. I really missed her and couldn't wait to be home and be a mom. Monday night was of course the Bachelor and I looked forward to it all day. Celeste, Kyle, and I ate goodies (thanks Buffie, Vicky, and Sonja) and watched the Bachelor. Team Emily for sure.

Tuesday both Kyle and I were ready to go home and thank goodness we were discharged. I worked with the PT for a little bit and she gave me a crutch to use on my left side to support my right side. I was still weak on my right side but hoped I wouldn't have to use the crutches long. It took awhile but we got home around 4. I was so excited to be home with Lace. I tried to cuddle and wanted to walk around with her but physically I couldn't. I had a really hard time not being able to feed her, change her, not even wake up in the middle of the night to do like I had been doing the past 3 1/2 months. I was a bit bitter and angry about it.

Since being home I've recovered I'd say 90%. I can walk without a crutch, I can walk around with Lace, I can do most of the everyday things. My neck, where they put the stent in hurts constantly, my handwriting isn't what it used to be, and I can't walk for an extended amount of time. I'm on 3 blood thinners right now and I'm waiting for results on my blood tests to see just how long I need to be on this medication. I'm scared for the future and for the possibility of maybe having another stroke. However, I'm so blessed to have recovered so quickly. I'm blessed to have a loving Heavenly Father who I know is looking after me and my family. I'm blessed with a loving and supporting husband and the cutest daughter. I'm blessed to have such a supportive family. My parents and siblings all have been there for me and my two sisters even came out here. I am so grateful for the many prayers that were said in my behalf and I'm grateful to all my friends that have either visited, called/emailed, sent flowers, sent candy/letters, gave meals, helped babysit, etc. I feel so loved and supported. That is what gets me motivated to get better everyday.

For more details of the type of stroke I had go here.

Unlucky Lucky

2011-03-02T19:29:00.000-05:00

Thursday morning I woke up and started my daily routine: fed Lacey, showered, and I started doing my hair curly since it was going to be a rainy day. As I started putting product in my hair I got really dizzy enough to make me sit down. I thought it would go away but it just got worse. Sure I had a few dizzy spells in the past but I couldn't shake this one. I then sat on the floor so I could be closer to my hair dryer to do my hair. As I tried to grab the hair product, my right hand couldn't grab it. After a few tries I picked it up then I tried to open the tube and my right hand wouldn't do what I wanted it to do. It freaked me out and as I tried to stand my right side of my body went limp. Lacey was in her swing watching me and when I fell she sensed something was wrong. Since I couldn't walk or move my right side of my body, I army crawled to my bed to get my cell phone. I called Kyle and could barely talk...all I could say in a slur was "I don't know what's wrong" and then I just started bawling. Lacey then started crying. Kyle was on his way to work and was about 5 minutes away when I called. He drove home and ran up the stairs. He came in the room and I was laying by Lacey's swing trying to calm her while I was crying. Kyle picked me up and put me in bed to try to figure out what to do. After my mom came over to watch Lacey for the day, Kyle drove me to the ER.

While walking in the ER I had to pretty much be carried on my right side. My right leg wouldn't stand and my right hand/arm felt heavy and I had no coordination. Then I started throwing up..ugh. The doctor came in to review my case and said that I had classic signs of a bad migraine but they had to do an MRI before they sent me home. So I got an MRI and went back to my ER room. Kyle had to leave to get my pump (breast pump) and was gone for a total of 5 minutes. Before he got back my doctor came in and told me she had bad news. That wasn't what I was expecting or wanted to hear. She said I wasn't going to die and I didn't have cancer but I had just suffered a stroke on both sides of my brain. I broke down......Kyle came in a minute after and she told him what she told me. I wish she had waited to tell me with Kyle with me. We both were shocked and had so many questions. What 27 year old suffers a stroke? Why did this happen? Will there be permanent damage?

Temporary Working Mom

2011-02-23T22:07:00.001-05:00

Being a mom is amazing. Sure it's hard but it's the most fulfilling "job" I've ever had. That is just one reason why it's been difficult for me to go back to work. I took the full 12 weeks of maternity leave, 6 of which were paid, thank goodness. Due to our current situation, I needed to go back to work. The first day I didn't know what to do with myself. I have been taking care of Lacey the last 3 months and for the first time in 3 months I wasn't holding or listening for Lacey. I felt like I had free time and I hated it. Granted, I enjoy my job and I have made great friends with my co-workers so that made things bearable. But I had no idea that it would be (and still is) so difficult to go back to work.

Thank the heavens my mom came to help with the transition. I have to admit, she's super mom. She got Lacey to take a bottle, still working on her taking a binky, has her on a schedule, cleans my house, does laundry, and was even ironing our clothes today (which I don't even do). Again, she's super mom. She leaves next week and will be missed by all of us.

So who's taking care of the cutest baby while I'm working and when my mom leaves? Oh that's a story all in itself.... I had her going to an in home daycare woman who is a mom of a coworker (brother's cat's friends mom...i know right). Well, I've been sick about it because I had such a hard time with someone else taking care of Lacey. After pining over the situation for months, Kyle and I came to the decision that he would quit his part time job at the Capitol, and be Mr. Mom while I work. He has school at 3 to 7 two days a week and our friends/neighbors/we call family down the road are going to watch her for those days until I get home from work. It seriously is a huge weight off me and I feel extremely happy about this decision. So starting March 7th Kyle gets to stay home and watch Lacey. I'm jealous but I am on board with working until we will move. We continue to work on figuring out our future after Kyle graduates in May. Even though the future is full of uncertainty, I do know that we will be taken care and we are extremely blessed.

Going Private

2011-02-21T15:57:00.000-05:00

Time to take the plunge and make my blog private. If you want access leave me your email. If not, later gator.

Lacey's Blessing Day

2011-02-13T20:43:00.005-05:00

Lacey was blessed last Sunday (2/6/2011). We were fortunate to have Kyle's dad and my parents come into town for this special day. Lacey was decked out in her beautiful dress (handed down from her aunt Lest), and looked so adorable. Kyle did a great job with her blessing and made it short and sweet. It was a special day for all of us.

Catching Up and New Year Resolutions

2011-01-31T15:51:00.005-05:00

My blog is finally updated! It's bugged me that it's taken me so long but I have a good reason. My options on any down time that I have has been to either catch up on sleep, eat, clean, everything else, or to blog. Unfortunately my blog took the back seat for a while. Just the last week or so I've wanted to blog again but I wouldn't let myself until I caught up first. So..I've officially caught up.

Now onto some New Year Resolutions I've made. Yes I realize it's the last day in January but whatever. Here are a few things I want to work on this year:

1. Cooking. I'm not the best cook because 1) I don't enjoy cooking, 2) It sucks comparing anything I cook to my husband's food, 3) I don't like recipe's that don't have more than 5 ingredients, 4) I would rather spend my time doing anything else, and 5) I'd much rather go out to eat and let someone prep and clean up for me. BUT I'm looking to change for the better. Sure my husband is an amazing cook but I can be too. What really inspired this resolution is the show "Worst Cooks in America". I hated that I was actually worst than some of the people on the show. The more I have watched the more interested I've become in cooking and all the techniques. I've started making dinner and they have actually tasted pretty good if I do say so myself.

2. Eating Better. I hate the word diet because I don't believe in them, but I do believe in eating better. I love love love my desserts. So instead of having a small dessert everyday, I plan to cut the dessert down to one a week. I have friends that have cut sugar out completely which is brave and not possible for me. Well, possible but I don't want to. So I'll cut down the sugars, drink more water, and bring my diet coke consumption down to 1 can a day instead of 2. Curse that diet coke but I love it still.

3. Positive. I consider myself a pretty positive person, but I want to be better. Life's not perfect but I believe you control your attitude and how you feel about things. You can either act negatively which doesn't help anything or you can be positive which helps anything. There's a lot of changes that are coming up for my little family this year so I want to be able to respond positively to the good or bad.

4. Read More. Who am I kidding, my goal is to read. Kyle and I read two books (The Girl and the Dragon Tattoo and The Hunger Games) in December and I really enjoyed it. My excuse why I usually don't read is because there's always something more interesting on tv or a craft to make, but that is no longer my excuse. I think the trick is finding good books to read. So I'm open to suggestions. I do have to start and finish the last Twilight book before the movie comes out.

5. Be The Best Mom Ever. Self Explanatory...

Lacey's 2 month stats and shots

2011-01-31T15:40:00.003-05:00

January 19, 2011:

2 months old: 23 inches (71%) and 13 lb 4 oz (93%)

As you can see, she is not hurting in the gaining weight department. She definitely has the Martindale genes. There is nothing cuter than a chubby baby! During this checkup Lacey had to also get her first round of immunizations. It was sad to see her get poked multiple times and as they did she turned to me and she just cried. I almost lost it but pulled myself together. Her legs were sore for a few days afterwards but other than that she was fine.

Lacey's First Day at Church

2011-01-31T15:25:00.003-05:00

Okay, yes I'm one of those moms...I want to document things like this. She just looked so cute! We stayed all 3 hours and she was great!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-31T14:47:00.005-05:00

I love Christmas and everything that goes with it..the shopping, the snow, etc. This year was a little different because I didn't go shopping, I didn't get out in the snow, I didn't do much but feed and sleep. We did get to attend our neighbors Christmas party which was fun. We also made a 2 week trip to Oklahoma to Celeste and Joe's new place. It was a 13 hour drive which I was somewhat nervous to make with a newborn but Lacey slept most of the way. I would pump in the back, feed her, stop off and burp her and change her (diaper and clothes because she blew out of her diaper everytime), and then we would be on our way again. We thought we may have to get a hotel at the halfway point but we made it in one day.

We had such a good time in Oklahoma. Kyle and I haven't had that long of a break since our wedding and since he didn't have school and I'm on maternity leave we took as long of a break as we could. It was great being around family. My parents came up for two weeks as well, and Derek came for almost a week. I haven't been with my family for Christmas for 4 years so this was a treat, although we did miss celebrating with Kyle's family. We spent the whole time hanging out, watching Princess and the Frog 80 times, eating, playing with Liz and Lacey, and shopping.

We spent New Years Eve playing Bananagrams and watching the Oklahoma City ball drop on the local channel. When it was time to leave I didn't want to go home and almost spent the rest of January there but decided to come home. It was such a vacation and I can't wait to go back to visit...that is after Celeste comes and visits again :)

Would would I do without...

2011-01-31T13:41:00.004-05:00

My Mom and Mother-in-law.

Having a child was quite an experience. It was an amazing and humbling experience. I've always been a little head strong about doing things my way and not really wanting help. I was even this way up until I had Lacey. The day we came home with Lacey it hit me. I needed help, a lot of help. Thank goodness my parents arrived an hour after we came home from the hospital. My dad was able to stay a week and he excelled at putting Lacey in six hour sleeping coma's. My mom stayed a total of 2 weeks and helped us out so much. I'd never experienced any of the situations before and my mom had. I also was a zombie and was grateful for all the times mom took Lacey so I could nap. She did so many things for us like cook my favorite meals growing up, cleaned, kept up with Laundry, woke me up when Lacey needed to be fed, helped set the Christmas decorations up, be my cheerleader when it came to continue breastfeeding although it hurt like crap, helped with Lacey's first bath, babysat Lacey while Kyle and I went to dinner, and the list goes on and on. The first two weeks (who am I kidding...four weeks) were rough but it was so helpful to have mom my there. Our relationship grew a lot and I learned humility. After my mom left, Kyle's mom, Mary, flew in the next day. Lacey is the first grandchild on Kyle's side. It was so cute to see Mary with Lacey. Mary helped out so much while she was here. Things had kind of calmed down and Lacey had somewhat a schedule by then so Mary had a lot of cuddle time with her. It was great to get to spend this time with Mary and get to know her more. During the time she was here, Kyle was taking his finals. In order for him to get some sleep he slept over at our neighbors/friends house. Mary kept me sane while he was gone for five nights. We were very grateful that she could visit.

Lacey's First Bath

2011-01-31T13:28:00.004-05:00

The remnants of Lacey's umbilical cord fell off December 1st (Kyle was hated the look of the leftover umbilical cord). I was excited to give her first real bath and not a just sponge bath. She absolutely loved her bath! As long as there is warm washcloth on her belly she is all smiles while we wash her. She didn't love being taken out of the bath but calmed down once she was covered by towels.

Lacey's 2 week stats

2011-01-26T14:33:00.002-05:00

December 2, 2010:

2 weeks old: 21 inches (76%) and 8 lb 6 oz (53%)

She has a super strong neck for a 2 week old and loves to eat. Most of the time she eats every 3 hours, but sometimes she loves only an hour break. As far as breastfeeding goes...I'm still doing it.

Thanksgiving 2010

2011-01-25T21:48:00.006-05:00

This Thanksgiving was so different than any other. Usually we are at my parent's house in Arkansas (Thanksgiving is a bigger deal with my family and Christmas is a bigger deal with Kyle's family so it works out great.) This year my parents came to us since Lacey was born a week before. They actually arrived the Saturday we got home from the hospital. I'm so glad they came then, because initially I thought it would be nice to be home a few days by ourselves. Boy were we glad to have help right away.
It's funny because I'm trying to remember Thanksgiving and it's really just a blur to be honest. I don't remember ever being so tired in my life (okay, the custodial job I had freshman year of college was a close second). I remember Kyle smoked a turkey, my mom made pies and the sides, my dad made his infamous potatoes and gravy, and Lacey and I pitched in by showing up for the meal. We had the missionaries over for dinner and we all had a good time. I ate for ten minutes and then Lacey was hungry...so I missed out on much of the conversation but I was back for the pie.
I have so much to be thankful for this year. Here's a quick list of just a few things I'm thankful for:
~A healthy, happy, beautiful daughter who makes me smile everyday.
~An amazing husband who is talented, ridiculously good looking, and is always there for me.
~An awesome family (My family and Kyle's family).
~My sisters who I talk to more than once a day.
~Our health, a roof over our head, food to eat, reliable transportation, my great job, Kyle's internship, and our friends.

Getting to the Root of the Problem

2011-01-11T21:45:00.003-05:00

I've finally done it, I had my hair dyed brown. True I've had it done before but it was only brown for less than two weeks and my dad paid to have it dyed back. It sounds weird but I did dye it two weeks before our family picture. I wasn't ready for it to be brown, but I am now. I don't know what my true hair color is because I've been getting my hair colored since I was 14. I love being blonde. It makes me feel sassy. But since I've had Lacey my roots have become even darker than before. Sure I get my hair done every 6 to 8 weeks anyways, but I feel that it's time to try to go brown....atleast for a while. So my good friend/hair stylist, Jacklyn, colored my hair today. It's such a change but I love love love it.

Introducing: LACEY RANE MOON

2011-01-07T23:28:00.005-05:00

Lacey Rane Moon was born November 18, 2010 at 1:23 PM. She weighted 8 lbs 1oz and was 21 inches long.

And now for the whole story. As you know I was due November 27th. At my weekly ob appointment my doctor was concerned at how swollen I was. See picture to understand:

It didn't hurt, I was just sore at the end of the day and Kyle took care of me by massaging my feet every night for a few weeks. My doctor was also going to be out of town Thanksgiving week and I really wanted her to be the one to deliver Lacey. An induction was scheduled for November 17th at 9:00 PM at St. Joseph East. I was all for the induction and although people tried to scare me out of it I went with what I and my doctor knew was best. Once I knew I would be induced, I scheduled my last day of work before FMLA kicked in. Tuesday was my last day of work, and on Wednesday you would think I would relax before the big day. Nope, I had so much to do in so little time. On Monday and Tuesday night I did not feel well and was having contractions. I didn't want to go to the hospital unless they were too painful to bare so I took my phenergan which seemed to calm them down as well as knock me out. On Wednesday I cleaned the house, went to the mall to get a few things, finished the nursery, did laundry, etc. I felt so accomplished :) After Kyle got home from school we went to a nice dinner together. I then enjoyed a long shower and then we packed up and left for our 9:00 PM appointment. Kyle and I were both really excited and nervous. This is a picture of me right before we left for the hospital:

We arrived at the hospital and filled out all the necessary information and then were shown to my delivery room. It was spacious and as comfortable as a hospital room could be. I dressed down to the hospital gown and got comfortable in my bed. The nurse came and stuck an iv in me and checked me and I was already dilated to a 2. She had to go up and around the uterus and good thing I didn't know how bad that alone would hurt otherwise I would have ran the other way. Anyways, she then inserted cervidil which induces labor. After about 30 minutes the nurse gave me Ambien which knocked me out until 7 AM. While I was knocked out Kyle enjoyed the couch which turned into the bed as he tried to fight off a cold.

After I woke at 7 AM, my doctor broke my water. Kyle was with me and his face turned white and almost fainted. As water and blood was coming out of me, the nurse and doctor ran to Kyle and gave him food and a drink. I almost had to laugh. Here I was having a baby and Kyle was the one getting pampered :) After that episode, the nurse gave me pitocin to help increase my contractions. About 30 minutes later I was given an epideral and a dose of phenergan and that knocked me out until about 11. I woke up to strong contractions and was in quite a bit of pain...go figure I know. The anesthesiologist was called and he increased the epidural amount but that didn't help much so he gave me another epidural. After about an hour of being uncomfortable, I couldn't feel much at all. By that time it was 12:30 and I was dilated to an 8. At 1:15 I was dilated to a 10 and my doctor and nurses were prepping for delivery. I didn't know what to expect. I was nervous, didn't know if I was ready to officially be a mom. Ready or not..here she came. At around 1:20 I started pushing. My body was in shock and I started throwing up. Thank goodness I didn't have much to throw up and that I only had to push 4 times until little Lacey was born. The whole experience was surreal for both Kyle and I.

Kyle was going to cut the umbilical cord but my doctor had to cut it when she was halfway out because it was wrapped around her neck. And as soon as her bum hit the air she messed all over the doctor. The nurses took Lacey and after they got her weight/etc they put her on my chest so Kyle and I could see her. She was perfect. She had a full head of dark hair and so cute. Soon after I held her, Kyle went with the nurses to clean her off. My doctor started stitching me up and trying to talk to me but I was dozing off. I could not keep my eyes open. I remember she finished stitching me up and then I fell asleep. I was awaken by a nurse to feed Lacey, and soon after that I was asleep again. After a few hours, a nurse came in to transfer us to a different room upstairs.

Once we got upstairs we called our families and friends to tell them the news. We had a few visitors that night, and more the next day. On Saturday evening we left with our little girl with us. We love our little Lacey so much and are so happy to have her in our family!

Happy Halloween 2010

2011-01-07T23:15:00.003-05:00

I love Halloween. I love planning costumes, carving pumpkins, going to the corn maze, and everything else that goes with fall. But this year... I just didn't get into the Halloween spirit like usual. Kyle and I had cute costumes planned but carrying them out was too much so we opted out of the ward trunk or treat. The Friday before Halloween everyone at work dressed up in their Halloween costumes. Halloween is kinda a big deal there. My team had a great idea to dress up as the Spice Girls but days before we were supposed to dress up we all decided to not do it. Being 9 months pregnant I didn't feel too 'spicy'. I was just going to wear pajamas, but instead I went to Kroger the night before and bought a witch hat. I wore a witch hat and all black (the most slimming color) and went with that. It was simple, comfortable, and perfect.

Baby Shower!!

2011-01-07T22:42:00.007-05:00

My awesome friends, Jessi and Jacklyn, threw me a baby shower on Saturday (10/23/10). It was decorated so cute, the food was awesome, and even the game was fun (and I'm not one for baby shower games :) )! My sisters and mom were in town and I loved being able to have them meet everyone. I feel so blessed to have the friends that I have here, and I'm especially grateful for everyone's generosity. This little girl is set with everything from clothes, to diapers, to bows, to butt paste.

My Sisters and Mom Visit

2011-01-07T21:38:00.006-05:00

My sisters, Celeste and Julia, and my mom came to visit the weekend of my baby shower. It's been a tradition for all us girls to be at each others first baby shower. They arrived on Thursday night (10/21/10). We spent the weekend cleaning and arranging the baby's room, eating, laughing, and talking until 4 am every morning. My baby shower was on Saturday (10/23/10..and more on that next post) and I loved having my sisters and mom meet all of my Lexington friends. There really is nothing like having sisters. They are always your best friends no matter what. I talk to my sisters and mom every day and usually have lunch with them on a conference call or skype. It was great to actually have everyone here and we could really go out to lunch together. Now that we will no longer have baby showers to get together since we've all had babies, we are planning our next girl vacation. We had such an awesome weekend and can't wait until our next girls trip!

The Nursery is Complete

2010-11-08T21:07:00.007-05:00

Our "Baby Moon" before our baby Moon

2010-10-28T19:27:00.003-04:00

Kyle and I wanted to have a getaway before the baby comes the end of November. So we combined the celebration being soon to be parents and a recent anniversary and went on a Baby Moon. After researching Bed & Breakfast places in Kentucky, I came upon Maple Hill Manor Bed & Breakfast. After reading the reviews and checking out the pictures we booked a room for a night. We even signed up for the "Baby Moon" package minus a few things.

The first week in October we stayed a night at Maple Hill Manor. We both took off of work a little early on Friday, drove an hour away from Lexington, and pulled up to this huge Southern home in the middle of nowhere. The thought of being away from everything was so nice and relaxing. We pulled up to the home and we were welcomed by one of the owner's, Todd. He showed us our room...it was so awesome! I've always wanted to stay in an old Southern home and this one was perfect. The tall ceilings, woodwork, bed, fireplace, and jacuzzi in the room, it was so nice. We dropped our night bags in the room and roamed around the house and property. After, we wanted to eat dinner so we went to the closest town and ate at Mordecai's. They had a great seafood buffet and you could tell it was the Friday night hang out in town. We enjoyed dinner then went back to the Bed & Breakfast. The rest of the night was spent hanging out on the tree swing, dancing under the stars, playing chess, eating cookies straight out of the oven, and talking to the owners.

The next morning we woke up and ate an amazing breakfast and hung out on the porch for awhile. Then it was time to leave. We both felt it was too soon to leave but we promised ourselves we'd be back. It was such a great time, we plan to go back next year if possible. It was a great getaway from all the hustle and bustle of life and it was great way to relax and prep for baby moon.

Just One Reason....

2010-10-26T21:54:00.004-04:00

Sure I need to catch up on my blog but...that time will come. For now I just want show you just one of the many reasons I love my husband. Here it is, almost 10 PM. We hung out with our neighbors tonight, went to Walmart, then watched an episode of House. As I was checking my email/facebook Kyle came into the front room with a plate of two homemade mozzarella cheese sticks? Seriously? I laughed at the randomness and told him how random and amazing he was. Who just whips up delicious homemade mozzarella cheese sticks at 10 PM at night? Yes, that's right... my husband. Love him.

Nursery Craft Projects

2010-10-18T22:07:00.005-04:00

After months of craftiness and fun mixed with a lot of frustration and even tears...the two main nursery craft projects are COMPLETE:

Butterfly Wall Collage

This project was inspired by this site. The image makes it look like the frame is unfinished but if you click on the image you can see it's supposed to be more a distressed look. A big thanks to Kyle for helping me measure the butterfly spacing. I'm really happy how it has turned out. My collage is a much larger version of the one on the blog. The reason why I made mine so large is because the wall is so big and bare that the large size will look much better and feel up the bare space.

Butterfly Wreath

This project was inspired by this site. I know I have a lot of wreaths already but I love how colorful this one is. This may look like it could be a quick project but it was not at all. The first challenge I had was to draw a butterfly. I tried to free hand it like the lady did on the blog but my butterflies looked more like caterpillars on crack. So I went to my go to source for everything and like always...Google didn't disappoint. I googled, "how to draw a butterfly" and so many links with a step by step process came up. I wanted to have a variety of butterflies so I tried many different kinds. Then I watercolored, then used acrylics to spice it up. With a cute bow, it will fit in baby Moon's room nicely.

Newborn Baby Hat

2010-10-15T08:37:00.003-04:00

Check out what we bought Baby Moon to wear for her newborn photo shoot. It's so adorable!

31 Weeks

2010-09-26T22:04:00.002-04:00

I can't believe I'm already 31 weeks! Time has really flown by. I still feel pretty good which is a blessing. I had to take the 3 hour GD test because I didn't pass the first one by one point. But the second test I passed with flying colors and I didn't have to be put on a strict diet. I have, however, stopped eating as many sweets as I was before. If I crave sweets I try sticking to fruits. The last few days have been a little more challenging because my fingers and toes look more like sausage fingers and toes. It doesn't bother me much, just makes me laugh and I have to switch my wedding band to my pinky sausage finger. One thing that I don't love so much is being absolutely exhausted. I know it's downhill from here when it comes to sleep, but I wake up more tired that I was when I went to bed. I can't seem to get comfortable and when I wake up my body feels like I just ran a marathon (which I really don't know how that feels but I can imagine :) ) But in all, things have been good. I went to a ward Country dance on Friday and I participated in a few line dances. It was fun and we had a good time but I quickly realized that 1. I have little to no balance, 2. My body doesn't move like it did 8 months ago 3. Even though I have no balance or don't move exactly like I used to, I still love country dancing. Anyways, things are good and Kyle and I are excited for this little girl to be here. We have quite a few projects to complete before she arrives and have the next few Saturday's planned out to finish up our projects. As for names, we have a few we like and will choose from but we don't have anything concrete. Stay tuned....

Latino Festival

2010-09-26T21:47:00.004-04:00

Last Saturday Kyle and I ventured to downtown Lexington to the Latino Festival. We purposely missed the parade and arrived just in time for the dancing and food. We watched a few dances from different parts of Latin America. It was more of the performance type of dance and not the Latin dance that I love to dance. But it was entertaining. Then we walked the booths and stood in the long line for food. Kyle ordered the tamales and both the tamarind and guanabana juice. I quickly learned that I love guanabana juice and downed that. I also tried tamales for the first time which were pretty good. Next he ordered freshly made churros and fried plantains. I stuck with the churros. Kyle was in heaven with all the Latin food and even got to use his Spanish a little bit. We had a great time and enjoyed all the festivities.

Halloween Wreath

2010-09-21T20:12:00.003-04:00

Fall is here even though it doesn't feel like it yet. With Fall comes Halloween. I love love love this season! I love it so much that I decorated for Fall/Halloween a month ago. I couldn't help it, I was just too excited. I've liked wreath projects a lot lately and I saw this beauty and had to make it. It's the perfect Halloween Wreath.

Oh Heaven, I'm 27!!

2010-09-20T21:32:00.002-04:00

One more year and wiser too... I can't believe I'm already 27. I do have to say though, all my friends/co-workers all guessed I was turning 24. I'll take that. I just hope that this whole looking younger than I am continues :) So for the big Birthday, I went to work and worked. Yes I know, it sounds like a blast. Kyle was a darling and sent me beautiful roses and a cute note. Lunch was the usual leftovers, but it was good, and I spent it hanging out with puppy. After work Kyle took me to my favorite (yes still favorite) restaurant Saul Good. We enjoyed our dinner in the closed in patio while it rained a bit. Serious, the best atmosphere ever. Later, we had our neighbors over and enjoyed cherry cheesecake. It was a chill birthday and perfect.

Juliana's Visit to the Bluegrass

2010-09-20T20:41:00.003-04:00

Juliana, Kyle's sister, visited us a few weeks ago. I took off of work, which I love doing yet never get to do, and we visited a few Lexington's sites. Friday we went to the Woodford Reserve to check out how bourbon's made. Sure we don't drink but the whole making whiskey process is interesting. So we went on the tour, saw and smelled the beginning and end product. I secretly loved the strong yeast/sour mash of the beginning stages of the product. After, we went and had lunch at Wallace Station. It was good and worth the almost hour of being lost. Then Juliana and I went and laid out at the pool. Probably our favorite part :) Saturday we went to Cincinnati to visit the Roark's. We went to dinner and chilled at their place for a bit. Sunday Juliana had to go back West. We're so glad she got to come and visit us!

Delicious Avacado Shake

2010-09-09T22:20:00.004-04:00

Those of you that know me know that although I can cook and bake I usually let the husband work his culinary skills. It's been that way really since we've been married and I don't complain a bit. But every once in awhile I like to pull out a family favorite (usually a dessert). My bro-in-law, Nathan, used to work as a waiter at a Mexican restaurant and they served this amazing shake. We will call this shake the delicious avacado shake. It's amazing. Here's the recipe:
*3/4 to 1 cup of Cool Whip
*1/3 cup of Lemon Juice
*1/2 Avacado
*2 small or 1 large Banana
*3 to 4 scoops of Pineapple Sherbet
*6 small scoops of Lime Sherbet
*8 to 10 Ice Cubes
*Pack down all ingredients together
*Pour Sprite to top off blender
**If too runny add more ice cubes.

Enjoy!!

Popped

2010-08-24T19:02:00.003-04:00

The last 2 weeks I have definately seen/felt some major changes in the pregnant belly area. As people say at work, I have seemed to have 'popped' this past week. I'm starting to feel awkward, tired more, and my hands/feet are starting to swell especially when it's hot. So please fall, come when you can. She's moving a lot more this week and I can look down and see my stomach doing the wave. It's pretty awesome. We ordered her crib yesterday and can't wait to pick it up next week. The nursery is coming together nicely but I still am quite a few projects away from it being done. I have time right? Almost 3 months until the due date. Time is flying.....

23 weeks

26 weeks

Mirror Art Project

2010-08-03T19:18:00.005-04:00

Jessi and I worked on a Mirror Art Project that took us about a month to complete. We love how they turned out. You can find the how to instructions here . We went to Lowe's to get all of the supplies, painted the board, broke the glass mirrors (thanks mom for giving us the mirrors), then pieced them back together somewhat, then glued the pieces to the board, then scrubbed what glue and paint that got on the mirrors. It took a long time but it was so worth it.

Happy 2nd Anniversary

2010-08-03T18:53:00.003-04:00

Kyle and I celebrated our 2nd Anniversary on Saturday. Even though it was really on Sunday, we celebrated on Saturday. We started our day by sleeping in until 9, then we to the Arboretum and walked the trail with puppy. We then went to Panera and had some breakfast out on the patio, and then we took another nap. Kyle's not one for sleeping in or napping in the middle of the day so it was a treat to just kinda lay around. Then Kyle went and did the Saturday grocery shopping while I did the Saturday upkeep/laundry. When he got home we both got dressed up for dinner. We went to Merrick Inn and had an amazing dinner. The restaurant has a nice/quiet/candlelit atmosphere and not only was the food good, we had fun just reminiscing about the past year. We came home and spent the night reading our book together. The best thing about our relationship is everyday is a cherished day. So as much fun as it is to celebrate our anniversary, neither of us expect a big production to show how much we care about each other. It's the everyday things that matters most.

22 weeks

2010-08-03T18:51:00.001-04:00

Baby Clothes

2010-07-28T12:43:00.005-04:00

My sister, Celeste, sent me a package yesterday. Not only did she give me more maternity clothes, but she sent Baby Moon's first toy and a bib. My mom included some cute baby clothes. It made my day! It's crazy I'm going to be a mom, but I'm so excited!

Painted Glass Cake Stand Project

2010-07-26T20:25:00.003-04:00

After surfing through craft blogs for our next craft project, we found this beauty here . We couldn't wait to try this project. I already had a cake stand that we use for our breads, but I wanted something I could decorate to serve at parties and such. Check it out!

A Visit From Michelle

2010-07-25T15:38:00.010-04:00

My best friend/college roommate came out to Kentucky the end of June to visit. We had attempted to plan all these extravagent trips for this summer but I didn't have many vacation days and she already had a trip to Europe planned. So she came out here and we had still had soooo much fun.

Michelle and I met freshman year of college in the dorms. None of us knew each other from Adam, but we were insta friends. Michelle was my room roommate and we roomed together a few times over the college years. Michelle, Rachel (another freshman roommate/bf) and I still remain really close now. We try to take 'girl' trips every year since college ended. We've visited Huntington Beach, Cayman Islands, San Francisco, and now Kentucky. We may live in different sides of the country, but we still talk monthly, and when we do get to see each other it's like we are still in college acting like we are 12. I love it.

Sadly Rach wasn't able to come this year, but Michelle did get to come. I picked her up at the airport and wined and dined her at the Cheesecake Factory. I brought her home and introduced her to Lexington, puppy, and my home. She got to know Kyle better which I really liked, and he had made all of our favorite meals while she was here. She enjoyed having the home cooked food, and we enjoyed her company.

We went to Raven Run and what was supposed to be a 2 mile hike turned into the longest possible trail we could have taken. After mile 5 of laughing how we were lost, so hot, and walked into every spider web possible, we both were silent because we got so frustrated with the situation. After we went to the pool and laid out for 3 hours. No one was at the pool and we ate our Jimmy Johns and giggled the whole time. After dinner every day, we would turn on the tv and watch atleast 3 episodes of Modern Family. We introduced it to her and we would quote the episodes all day. We had long talks about life and it was so good to just hang out.

Tuesday I took her to the airport to go back home. It's always sad to say goodbye but I know I'll see her soon enough. Thanks Mich for coming and visiting my stompin grounds! Next year, the Bahamas??

Some pictures of Mich, Rach, and I the last few years:

21 Weeks and Counting

2010-07-23T16:32:00.004-04:00

Last week I was 20 weeks, which is my halfway point through my pregnancy. We went to our 20 week appointment and the ultrasound tech checked and it’s 100% a girl. So now the shopping will start.  She’s healthy and strong and growing like a weed. If her personality is true to what she showed through her ultrasound, she’s as stubborn as her mom. She refused to move when the tech wanted to check to see if she was a girl, and when the tech push and prodded, she kicked right back. That’s my girl!

As far as how my pregnancy has gone up until now, I can’t complain at all. We found out I was pregnant March 22nd, after taking 2 prego tests. I didn’t really believe the test results so I scheduled a blood test the next day. A day later the office confirmed that I was pregnant. Around 7 weeks I started getting really sick and was purging so much that I couldn’t keep anything down and was so dehydrated. After 2 days of that I thought that there must be something to fix the sickness so I called my doctor. My mom and sisters get really bad morning sickness so I expected to be sick for atleast 6 of the 9 months. But I wanted to check with my doctor to see if this was really necessary for me. My doctor prescribed Zofran in the day and Phenegran at night. At first I tried to skimp on the medication because I thought less medicine would make me a better mom. Well, my doctor knew better and said that because I was purging so much I was dehydrating myself and the baby. From then on I took the pills as prescribed and I have felt great. I’ve cut back now but I’m still on what I need to get through the day. Everyone has their opinions about medication, but in my case I am truly grateful for modern medicine. I haven’t missed one day of work, and I have felt great since my 8 week mark.

Thanks to everyone that didn’t tell me some fun sight effects of pregnancy. Thank goodness for Miralax, gross I know but I’m being honest. Acid reflux started up last week and I requested Tums to help. Unfortunately Kyle bought the no name brand, which still work I know, but I don’t know if I can taste wedding mints again without thinking Tums. Next time I’m getting the berry flavored ones. And who knew that Charlie horses in the legs are common? I had one in my shins two nights ago and I felt like a small alien was in my leg trying to break out. But really, if those are my only complaints so far, I’m truly lucky. I’ve started walking the last few weeks and it has helped me stay fit and I feel so good.

As for cravings…yes, I have cravings. I thought it was kind of a made up thing, not that I’m discrediting other pregnant people, but seriously, they are real and strong. At first it was fries. Give me McDonald’s fries and I would be your friend for life. Then I realized it was more the ketchup than the fries because I would use a whole package of Ketchup on one fry including sucking the package because it worked better. Then it was Strawberry Mini Wheats, well it still is because I’ve eaten 4 boxes the last 2 weeks. And the other day I was all into eating eggs but didn’t because I knew I didn’t want to smell the eggs. I eat snacks during the day and I don’t eat too much at meals. People at work see that I’m prego and they feel inclined to give me food. I just laugh and eat what they have. Again, I do eat lots of fruit, vegetables, and yogurt, but I do have the occasional treat.

Kyle’s been great through this whole pregnancy. He still cooks the dinners, goes shopping by himself more because Walmart in flip flops isn’t what I call a blast, rubs my Charlie horse legs, and continues to help around the house. He’s amazing what can I say. We are both ecstatic for this little girl to come in our family and we’re having fun looking for names, cribs, etc. He’s going to be such a great dad and can’t wait to see him hold our little girl.

The most amazing Rhubarb Pie recipe

2010-07-12T19:45:00.004-04:00

I've made 2 Rhubarb Pie's this summer because it is just that good. This recipe includes the Rhubarb mix and awesome pie dough. Enjoy:

Rhubarb Pie Mix
3 Cups Sliced Rhubarb
1 Cup Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Grated Orange Peel
3 Tablespoons Flour
Dash of Salt
Put in Pie Crust and Add 2 Tablespoons of Margarine on top, add top crust.

Pie Dough Crust
1 Cup Shortening
2 Cups Flour
1 Teaspoon Salt
*Mix until crumbly (pea shaped)
Add:
1/3 Cup Milk
1 Tablespoon White Vinegar
*Mix and add a little more flour until consistency of ball (about 1/4 cup). Put flour on flat surface and roll half of dough out. Place crust in pie pan and flute edges, prick bottom and sides with fork.
Add filling and bake at 375 for 35-40 minutes (until edges are lightly browned)

July 4th things and stuff

2010-07-11T21:36:00.006-04:00

Our July 4th weekend was so nice. Kyle and I didn't go out of town and really had no concrete plans other than a Sunday BBQ. It was so relaxing and I had the best time just chillin with my husband. I wouldn't have wanted to spend it any other way.

Saturday we woke up and went to downtown Lexington. We browsed the booths, listened to live music, went to the farmer's market, and wait for it....got a Library card. I never think about going to the Library but it was so cute to see how excited Kyle got when we both got Library cards. We are on a joint account and the man setting up our account was worried that we would be restricted because of the 35 book limit. I assured them it wouldn't be a problem. Maybe if I enjoyed reading more..... Anyways, so the morning was fun, then Kyle and I went to a friends pool (thanks Jessi). We loved hanging out in the sun, and the tan was an extra bonus. That night, when the fireworks were going off around town, Kyle and I were snuggled up at home reading a new book that we bought called, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo".

Sunday was July 4th and I loved all the patriotic songs sang at church. I'm truly proud to be an American and feel so thankful for our leaders and military who continue to work and serve our country. To bring in the 4th, we decided to have a BBQ with our neighbors. We have awesome neighbors and hang out with them atleast once a week. The BBQ was held at Len and Lois's home and Dennis and Darla came. Kyle made some pulled pork, corn on the cob, salad and I made a rhubarb pie. Lois made some mean coleslaw and pork and beans. The food and company was awesome.

BYU-Idaho Trip

2010-07-05T17:36:00.003-04:00

I don't know if you know how much I loved my college experience, but let me just tell you....I absolutely LOVED my time at BYU-Idaho. Not only was the social life awesome, the professors were great, and I made lifelong friends there. It was so awesome that after I transferred to BYU-Hawaii my sophmore year, I decided to go back to Rexburg after only a semester. What can I say, Hawaii is beautiful and all but the social life and my major at Hawaii was not what I really wanted.

Okay, there's my BYU-Idaho rant. Now for the trip, I was able to take Alee, a young woman in our ward, out to school to BYU-Idaho the first of June. It all started when she said she was going out early and I told her how much she would love it and how much I would love to go. Well, she had a ticket she had to use and offered it to me to take her out and show her the ropes. I was soooo excited. So, the night she graduated high school at Tates Creek, Alee stayed the night. We woke up early and Kyle took us to the airport.

The plane ride was fun and we talked about her future college life. We arrived and my brother Derek picked us up. We went and hung out with my grandparents and had lunch, and took a quick but much needed nap. From there we drove up to Kyle's parent's house for the night and had a blast. Saturday morning we woke up and drove to Rexburg. As we drove into Rexburg all these memories came flooding in. Sure a LOT of things have been built since I graduated in 2005 but the 'Ricks Spirit' was the same. I had a permasmile on my face.
We found Alee's dorm and she met her roommates. Then they helped unload all of her things. I was going to take her around town and get groceries but her roommates wanted to take her. I could tell as soon as the luggage was unloaded, Alee was ready to start her new life (and me to get on the road). I took her around some of campus. I was going to show her the MC building and the Galley but guess what, the MC had changed into a huge, modern eatery called 'the Commons'. It kind of made me sad, but I guess with time, things change. We took pictures with the 'Peter Priesthood' statue. After the short tour, I took her back to her dorm and left. I'm so excited for her to have the BYU-Idaho experience. There's nothing like it.
I drove back to Salt Lake and met all 3 of my brothers and my awesome friends: Michelle, Jen and Jason, and Marci. It was so fun to see everyone. I hung out the rest of the night with my brothers, went to breakfast with them the next morning, and then saw Ryan and Jane and their cute kids. They have gotten sooooo big. Little Elise is so adorable. Then it was time to take off... I love the west but I was ready to get back to my husband. It was a quick trip but so much fun!!

Uncle Don

2010-06-21T20:21:00.004-04:00

My Uncle Don recently passed away. He was a great man and loved by all. It's been a very emotional week, and I wish I was able to be with my family at this time. I'm grateful for the knowledge of the gospel and I know that I will see him again.

Baby Moon...is it a mister or a sister??

2010-06-09T22:10:00.003-04:00

Since I've been prego I've been convinced I'm having a boy. I had a few dreams about having a baby boy and so we have been planning for a boy. We even picked out cute names.

So when we went to Arkansas for Memorial day my sister asked her old boss/Doctor/friend if she could do an ultrasound so we could find out the gender of our baby. I was only a little over 14 weeks so we were all unsure if we would be able to tell.

And guess what we saw.............

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..................................................................

..............................................

......................................................NOTHING.

It's a girl!! The Doctor could only give us 90% certainty, but that's pretty certain. My parents, sister and bro-in-law, and of course my husband all were in the room when we found out. It was such a cool experience. We can't wait until little Miss Moon is here.

Memorial Day Weekend

2010-06-09T21:16:00.006-04:00

This past Memorial Day weekend Kyle and I drove to Arkansas and spent time at home. It was great to be home with the family and just relax. On Saturday the girls (Mom, Celeste, Lizzy, and I) went shopping for maternity clothes. Celeste gave me a lot of clothes for the latter months but I needed a few things for the 'in between months'. So shopping we did. We found such cute maternity clothes! Then we went to lunch, pedicures, and met up for yogurt at CYC. Sunday we started the morning off with a delicious breakfast, church, and then just hung out with the family. Memorial Day we did a little more shopping and had a pool party/BBQ at the Duckett's. It was so nice to be just hanging out with family. We were able to stay until Tuesday because I took Tuesday off and thankfully the Kentucky Senate and House passed the budget on Saturday so Kyle was able to take off.

On the drive home we drove through Memphis. This usually happens only at night but this time it was around lunch so I suggested some famous local BBQ. Well, as soon as I suggested it and Kyle agreed I thought, well maybe sweet meat doesn't sound too appetizing. But I was brave and decided my stomach could handle a few bites. So I googled the best Memphis BBQ places to eat and we decided on "Paynes BBQ". Kyle's a BBQ fanatic so he was excited to try local Memphis BBQ. I mapquested Paynes BBQ and we got off the freeway. After driving a few blocks I started to realize that we were in a pretty scary area in Memphis. Every other house/building was boarded up and people were walking aimlessly. We drove up to Paynes and it was an old gas and service station that was closed to be a restaurant. We walked in and it looked much like an old town kitchen and had no AC. There were only 2 people working in the kitchen and the kitchen itself was run down. We decided we were there so to go for it. Kyle ordered the Ultimate Pork Sandwich and I was just going to eat what I could off of his. We go to pay and it's cash only. Of course I couldn't find my $10 bill but a nice gentleman behind us offered to pay. We were going to go to an ATM but I didn't trust going anywhere other than this place in this area in Memphis. The guy was a sweetheart and paid for the BBQ sandwich (and we will pay it forward). So the website said that this place was good, but seriously....this pork sandwhich was AMAZING. We loved it and it was worth being in the wrong part of town (at least it was day time right). So if you're ever in Memphis, definately stop at Paynes BBQ.

It was a great Memorial Weekend. I am grateful everyday for the free country I live in and for the many people which have given their lives for our freedom and serve our country.

The Husband

2010-05-26T21:27:00.004-04:00

I want to give a shout out to my husband. He has completed his second year of Law School and got an awesome fellowship (aka job) at the LRC (Legislative Research Commission) with the government. It's a full-time gig for the summer and part-time until he finishes school which is next May. He's my law school student, political talking, lover. I love that he loves what he does. Good job babe!

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-10T22:09:00.003-04:00

It all started with her being sick until she was blue,
And then the day came when she was due.
I entered this world so pure and new,
Little did my mom know what she was getting herself into.
I grew up from a little girl to a young lady faster than she may have wanted me to,
But she instilled in me the love for life and I’ve taken that with me in everything I do.
Through amazing times and some hard times and through many many moves,
“Bloom where you’re planted” was what she always told me to do.
My mom and I are a lot alike even though she may refuse,
Mom, you know you can get ‘tude, just like I can too.
There is a special bond that every child and mother share and will always remember,
I am excited for my chance to be a mom this November.

Currently 11 weeks and a few days, Due: November 29th, 2010

Happy Cinco de Mayo

2010-05-05T11:51:00.004-04:00

It's Cinco de Mayo and I can't wait to partake in some food from Qdoba tonight. That being said, I want to but don't want to address the whole drama going on with the new immigration bill in Arizona. Although Kyle and I have somewhat different beliefs on this, I think the bill is a good thing. It's sad that the government has not been proactive about enforcing people that are here illegally out of our country, especially since the President wants to give amnesty to those in our country illegally (that's another issue). But I'm glad Arizona took a stand. And you know what, people in Arizona that are here illegally are leaving. Unfortunately many are leaving to live in surrounding states to continue living in the United States illegally. I found an editorial posted here that describes how I feel about how I feel about this issue:

Let’s say I break into your house.
Let’s say that when you discover
Me in your house, you insist that I leave.
But I say, “I’ve made all
The beds and washed the
Dishes and did the laundry
And swept the floors. I’ve
Done all the things you don’t
Like to do. I’m hard-working
And honest
(except for when I broke into your house).

According to the protesters:
You are Required to let me stay in your house
You are Required to add me to your family’s insurance plan
You are Required to Educate my kids
You are Required to Provide other benefits to me & to my family
(my husband will do all of your yard work because
He is also hard-working and honest, except for that
Breaking in part).

If you try to call the police or force me out,
I will call my friends who will picket your
House carrying signs that proclaim my
RIGHT to be there.

It’s only fair, after all, because you have
A nicer house than I do, and I’m just
Trying to better myself. I’m a hard-working
And honest, person, except for well,
You know, I did break into your house
And what a deal it is for me!!!

I live in your house, contributing only a
Fraction of the cost of my keep, and
There is nothing you can do about it
Without being accused of cold, uncaring, selfish, prejudiced, and
Bigoted behavior.

Freaky Big Ant

2010-05-02T15:52:00.003-04:00

Dear blog friends, it's been way too long since I've blogged and I feel like I do when I need to write in my journal but then I have to play catch up so much that I just don't do it. Therefore...such as...I'm going to start somewhere. Not that life is so extremely busy, it's just that I work on a computer all day at work and when I come home I think....ehhh I'll check facebook on my phone as well as everyone else that updated their blog but I quickly dismiss the idea of opening my computer up. Anyways, I have a great story and it's freaky so don't say I didn't tell you:

So as the weather gets warmer, the insects get more abundant. We really only have had an issue with ants and it was only for 4 days (I think our dog scared them off by killing the first few ants kinda like 'Honey I Shrunk the Kids'. I told that to Kyle and he said that he didn't think ants could be scared for the loss of there fellow ant comrade. I thought differently.) Anyways, the ants were marching their way into our house and I was really getting sick of them after a day or so.

I needed to get ready for the day and I jumped in the shower real quick. Thanks to the water heater being fixed it was maybe a little longer than quick. So I turned the shower off and reached for my towel, pulled the towl off the rack and into the shower, and hurried to close the curtain so I could trap any warm air into the shower. I opened the towel and started wiping off my face, arms....and then to my surprise I felt something crawl down my whole body. I shivered and thought...okay maybe it was just an ant. It's okay if it's just an ant. And then the more I thought about it I thought, that was a really big ant. So I tried to find this 'ant' and if you know me I'm blind as a bat without glasses. I can't see 5 inches in front of my face without glasses/contacts. Sure enough I saw this dark spot on the shower floor. I was like...ahh..that may not be an ant so I threw my insect holding towel to the floor and felt around the counter for my glasses. After patting everything I finally found my glasses and put them on to view this 'big ant' in the shower. Well my glasses were foggy so I was wiping both sides like a windshield, opened the door, and turned the fan on. And then I could see it. It was no ant after all. It was a large centipede, millapede, whatever it was it was gross big. I kinda freaked out. Not because I saw an insect but the fact that it crawled all on me........blah. So I calmly/sternly called for Kyle and he picked the gross thing up and flushed it down the toilet. So if you get anything from this story, you might want to think twice when grabbing for your towel and maybe give it a good shake or two before you use it. Just saying.... check out the picture of the insect:

Paper Wreath

2010-03-28T20:57:00.004-04:00

I love crafts and haven't done anything for a while, but this week I worked on this beauty with my friend Jessi. I love how it turned out!!

Learn how to make it here.

Mission Call

2010-03-25T21:31:00.004-04:00

Kyle's brother Alex got his mission call today to........ Albuquerque, New Mexcio English speaking!! I'm so excited for him! He's going to be such an awesome missionary!

2010-03-21T21:37:00.003-04:00

Grandma Sabey passed away on Tuesday and we were lucky enough to be able to go out to Idaho for the funeral. We left on Thursday night, after work and school, and made it to Idaho at 3AM. Friday was Grandma's funeral and Kyle's birthday. The funeral went well and it was a good tribute to Grandma. We celebrated Kyle's birthday Saturday. We went to Twin Falls and shopped (okay, Kyle doesn't love shopping), but we had an extended family dinner and games. And don't forget the Costco dark chocolate cake. As much as he loves it, it was beyond rich. Sunday we left Idaho early and went to my Grandparent's house and saw them, Ryan and his two kids (Luke and Sydney), Derek, and my best friend Michelle. It was so good to see all of them. But after an hour, we were off to the airport to go back to Horse country. We didn't get home until late Sunday. We were exhausted but were so happy we were able to go to Idaho to the funeral, spend time with Kyle's family, and see some of my family and friends.

Obamacare

2010-03-17T20:55:00.003-04:00

Dear Mr. President, I'll pass on the whole health care reform. Here are some reasons why:

1. Government run programs historically don't have the best track record. Aka..Post Office, Social Security, and Amtrak to name a few.
2. The way you're trying to get this passed is S for shady.
3. If you can't tell, people don't want it. States are already working on suing the federal government if the bill is passed or they are working on bills to make the healthcare not valid in their state.
4. I think it's okay for people to take responsibilty for their choices. If you don't have health care, get health care.
5. Since I don't believe in abortion, I shouldn't pay for those that decide on having an abortion.
6. I'm kind of tired of the idea of having our rights taken away, slowly but surely.
7. Do we really want our health care to end up like Canada's? The answer is no, find a Canadian and ask for the many reasons why.
8. What will be the incentive for doctors to be innovative? None, they will be overworked for less pay.

Although our current health care system is not perfect, it sure beats what we will have if this bill passes.

Grandma Sabey

2010-03-02T22:26:00.004-05:00

This morning our beloved Grandma Sabey joined Grandpa Sabey in heaven. We will truly miss her and her loving spirit.

I Like It, I Love It...

2010-02-28T15:40:00.006-05:00

When I was in junior high, I was given one of my first cd's by my friend Branden. This cd was Tim McGraw. Sure I lived in the south, but up until then I really only listened to oldies music. Then, I was introduced to Tim McGraw and I was hooked. Since then, I've purchased his cd's and gone to 3 concerts. The first time I went to a concert was with my brother Derek. We had fun but I didn't know many of his songs. The second time I went with a friend and this time was well versed in both his old and new music, Faith Hill sang with him, AND I was in the front row at the concert and touched Tim's and Faith Hill's hand.Then, this weekend I went with my girl friends (Jacklyn & Jessi) to a concert and seriously had the best time.

We started the night by going to an awesome burger place in town called 5 Guys. Holy cheeseburger and fries. Greasy burgers and country music goes hand in hand. Then we parked and walked to Rupp Arena where Tim held his concert. There were tons of people there ready to have fun. So we found our seats which were on the upper side of the arena and then joined singing with the crowd in the opening band, Lady Antebellum. I have to admit, I didn't know one song of hers but we all acted like we knew every song. Jessi sat by a guy that seemed around 50, that looked like he was there for his wife. That was what we thought until Lady Antebellum sang a song that he knew by heart and he was screaming the lyrics at the top of his lungs. It was so cute/hilarious.

After Lady Antebellum performed, we waited for 20 minutes and then Tim made his debut with his song "Real Good Man". Oh my goodness, he still is so good looking and knows how to rock a hat. So the whole time we were in the concert we were screaming, singing, and laughing. That went on for four hours, well with the 20 minute break. It was so much fun!!! After we went for a much needed drink at Jimmy Johns and recapped on how cool the concert was and how our ears were still ringing. Although I had fun at his concerts before, this one was the best because I had girls there that wanted to have fun and had fun singing with every song. Definately a memorable night.

I'm Addicted...

2010-02-21T21:47:00.002-05:00

It's only been a few weeks and other than diet coke I really didn't think I had an addictive personality. That is until a friend introduced me to the 'WordsWithFriends' app. At first I just thought it was some lame version of my already downloaded scrabble game. Then I realized it was so much better. The WordsWithFriends app is an interactive scrabble game you can play with others that have an iphone. First I played with Rachel, my old roommate. Then Kyle and I started playing, and just last weekend I introduced it to my sister, Celeste. It's so addicting. Not only do I love scrabble, I love the competitiveness that comes with playing with your friend, sister, and especially my husband. I knew it was bad when Kyle and I were playing today and after everytime one of us played, we would put our phone down and say "boo yeah" like we just played the best word possible. Kyle has yet to beat me in a game, but Celeste has beat me twice. I don't mind losing (actually I really hate it) but the sibling rivalry is pretty intense. This game is all the craze...and if you have an iphone and want to start a game with me.... bring it on.

Valentine's Weekend 2010

2010-02-16T21:17:00.003-05:00

Last weekend Celeste, Joe, and little Liz carried on the tradition by visiting us on the weekend of Valentine's. Friday I used my one and only vacation day I just accrued and stayed home with Celeste and the fam. It was so much fun! Friday we went to the stake Valentine's dinner/dance. Celeste and I worked the dance floor with the electric slide. Oh, memories of stake dances....

On Saturday, Celeste and I went to the movie "Valentine's Day" and it was an okay movie but we still had fun. Kyle and Joe played their beloved video games while Lizzy napped. It's great that our husbands get along so well. We ate great food, lounged around, watched Olympics, and fell in love with the new comedy "Modern Family". Sunday Celeste and I pulled out some old pictures and giggled about all our memories. Then we enjoyed the hot tub, sparkling grape juice per Valentine's day, and enjoyed the snow falling on us. It was picturesce, if you will.

Celeste and fam left on Monday morning. I secretly hoped the snow would keep them here for a few days longer but Joe braved the challenge of the snow packed roads. Boo. Oh, and a shout out to Lizzy as the cutest little girl ever. We went shopping and I got her a little Valentine's outfit and pink skull shoes that had a smile in them. So precious. It was fun to have a baby in the house but Celeste had to bring her whole house because I really have nothing baby. The weekend was a blast and I already miss them....until next time Celeste.

So Much For Global Warming

2010-02-10T21:04:00.003-05:00

Washington, D.C., breaks record for total snowfall with 54.9 inches. Chew on that Al Gore.

These Are My Kind Of Jeans

2010-02-02T20:52:00.005-05:00

I love pajamas and hate jeans. How to fix this conundrum.... Pajama Jeans!!!

Fixed

2010-01-26T20:53:00.003-05:00

Cash had surgery today, he was 'fixed'. Not that anything really needed to be fixed, but we thought it was best to take away any chance of him making puppies. So Kyle dropped him off this morning and picked him up this afternoon. I was pretty worried about him and hoped he was okay from his surgery. I came home and saw the plastic cone on his head. I would compare his uncomfortableness in the cone as about as comfortable as turtlenecks are (even though I still wear them due to the cuteness factor). Anyway, back to puppy...he looked so sad and looked like he was bawling all day with his moist eyes. I doubt that really happened but I was sad that he was sad. I quickly took the cone off, Kyle gave him his meds, and a little to eat. Every once in awhile he looks at us and moans. It's weird to see him so calm. I wish that I could be at home the next few days and care for him but work doesn't see a week off for puppy surgery as FMLA worthy. He'll get better soon and should be back to his usual self in a week or so.

Where's Mine?

2010-01-25T19:14:00.005-05:00

Motivation that is... Motivation in a few things right now but more specifically working out. Kyle is getting fit, strong, and looking fab and I am um... not. I'm not saying I haven't tried, I started going to Urban Active again the first week of the year (like all those New Year Resolutioners do). But after a week I just didn't want to fight the crowds, wake up at 5 AM, or go after a long day of work. You may say I have a lot of excuses, and you would be right but what it really comes down to is that I just don't have the motivation. Kyle's motivation is to look good, but also because he has to be a certain weight to be in a uniform (if he gets into the JAG program). Not only that, he's in ROTC 3 days a week and works out with the 19 year old army kids at school.
So what can I use as motivation? I've tried, feeling healthier, feeling better, maybe a beach trip later in the year, and I've even tried betting with Kyle. Now Kyle gets a gun and I'm out a hot swimsuit I would have maybe looked good in if I worked out. Maybe one day then.....just maybe.

I love Sushi

2010-01-10T15:32:00.003-05:00

Check out the beautiful Fire Scallop Roll pictured. I wasn't going to take a picture but it was too pretty not too. Why I love Sushi you ask? That's easy, It's the best thing you can eat that is the size of a silver dollar with the most flavor possible. I like to say it's a 'party in your mouth'. The flavors are intense and the mixture of the different components all in your mouth at the same time, it's awesome. Also, it is not a heavy meal yet it can keep your stomach satisfied for a long time. Kyle's not a fan of sushi, so I try to go when I can with my friends when possible. My co-worker and I went for lunch on Friday to a sushi place in Lexington called School. The selection of sushi is good, the atmosphere of the place is very modern, and it's all around a good experience. Except the fact that any fountain drink purchased has no carbonation. Anyways, I like to try out Sushi restaurants wherever I go, and the one in Lexington is second to the one I ate at in Huntington Beach, CA off of the pier.

Celebrating 2010

2010-01-09T21:18:00.005-05:00

For New Year's we had the Quillen's come over for food, games, and to watch the 2010 ball drop. We had a lot of fun!

As for New Year's day, I put away all the Christmas decorations and put up the spring/summer decorations. Then after a nap, we went to my favorite restaurant, Saul Good. The best way to start the year is with my husband, a diet coke, and an amazing burger.

2009 in Review

2010-01-05T20:34:00.003-05:00

Goodbye 2009 and hello 2010! It's hard to have the holidays aka vacation over with. But I feel like New Year's makes me excited because anything new is good like a new pair of shoes, new place to live, new dessert to try. So new year, bring it on. 2009 was a good year. Not as eventful as 2008 but still good. So things I did accomplish in 2009:

1. After temping for what seemed to be a lifetime, you have nooooo idea, I was promoted to a real job with benefits. It tried my patience and I was negative nancy about it but it really taught me patience. I put in my time and we were blessed. I'm grateful for my job and the new people I've met.

2. Kyle and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary. We have worked on planning our future a lot this year and it's been fun. Of course we don't agree on every situation but that's the part that's been making us the most strong.

3. I've been working with an old co-worker of mine for his start up business. I've done things that I've never done, or thought about doing, and I've loved learning throught the whole process. It's an ongoing project but I'm excited for when the site is ready to go. Don't worry fellow friends, I will post it when things are up and running.

4. This year I have worked closely with the Young Women. It's something that I've wanted to do since graduating into relief society. I love our girls, they are such great young women. I was able to be a leader at girls camp this year and it was such a fun opportunity. I am now a Beehive teacher and love it.

5. Kyle and I have traveled quite a bit. Not the one big vacation like I've usually planned in a year, but more weekend trips. We've been to Nashville, Louisville, Cincinnatti, Chicago. I love trips and it's great that we have so many fun cities around to visit. Now the question is, where will we go next?

6. Oh, and don't forget the new addition to our family, Puppy! So our dog is named Cash but we both call him Puppy. It's just cute. We picked him up in May and haven't looked back. Well, I did a few times while potty training but that's over and done with. He is so fun has such a happy spirit. He listens to Kyle and me when he wants. But when Kyle is discipling him, he runs to me cause I coddle him and usually block the discipling. Oh I hope that's not foreshadowing our discipling role with kids......

So goodbye 2009, you made great memories but I'm ready for a new year!!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-04T20:24:00.003-05:00

Kyle and I spent Christmas in Idaho with the Moons. We had such a great time!! We left for Idaho late Christmas Eve and came back on Monday. We ate a lot of food, played a lot of games, and enjoyed each other's company. Check out all of our Kentucky getup. UK pride and because the basketball team rocks this year. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Season

2009-12-06T19:54:00.003-05:00

Christmas time is here! Old man winter showed up on Saturday and surprised us with a blanket of snow. It didn't stay long, but I loved seeing it. The Christmas tree is up and this year it's in front of our living room window. In light of the season I have brought out my yearly Holiday Fragrance:
1 orange, cut up including rind
1 lemon, cut up including rind
1/4 cup whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
2 bay leaves

*Mulch together and cover with water. Simmer on stove or potpourri pot. Add water when needed. It will last a long time. Enjoy!

Thanksgiving

2009-12-06T17:34:00.009-05:00

Out of all the holidays, Thanksgiving is my favorite. This year's was no exception. Kyle and I left on Tuesday after work/school and got to Arkansas around 2 AM. This trip we also towed our puppy, Cash, with us. Along with the parents, my sister Celeste and her family, brother Derek, and Julia and her family also came home for the weekend. We had such a great time! I met little Liz for the first time (she's absolutley adorable) and had fun playing with Julia's kids. I really love being an aunt and really miss my neices and nephews so it's always a treat when I get to see them.
The weekend was filled with fun, food, rock band, food again, shopping, Christmas decorating, reminiscing, and laughter. My mom was in the hospital for a few days of the trip but we were able to visit a lot and hopefully made her hospital experience somewhat bearable. On Sunday, Liz was blessed. It was a great experience, and she was such a doll. We left soon after church and was home in time to get some sleep and awake to the usually daily grind. It was hard to go back to work but I was happy I was able to take two days off to extend our Thanksgiving visit.
I'm also happy to report that Cash did great. I was nervous to have a dog around kids, but it was a good experience and he was really good with keeping out of mischief and keeping the neices entertain. We had so much fun and can't wait for the next time to be able to hang out with the Martindale family again. :)

New Moon and Is Twilight Bad For Your Relationship

2009-11-23T21:08:00.004-05:00

I went to New Moon with some friends on Saturday night and then went to Cheddars for some dessert. Yum! As for New Moon, it was good, better than the first one. I give actors Edward and Bella a D- in acting but Jacob gets an A- plus and then a plus for each of his 10 abs. Wow is all I can say. And come to find out, I was the only one out of the whole group that hadn't read all of the Twilight books, some had read it more than once. I was such an outsider... I have to catch up on reading so I can know what happens to Jacob. He is so much better, and better looking than Edward.

I read this article a few months back and I really think that Twilight may have a skewed view when it comes to relationships. See what you think for yourself.

Is Twilight Bad For Your Relationship--By Erin Meanley

"Some of you told me I wouldn't like Twilight, but I bought the book anyway just to see what all the hoopla was about. Well, I finally finished it, and ... I appreciated the romance-factor, but I couldn't help thinking it was giving girls the wrong idea about love and relationships. I did a feminist reading of Twilight and here's what bugged me:

1. Bella has no outside hobbies.
After she moves to Washington, Bella makes a few friends, but she's not interested in them. Mostly her life is about Edward, Edward, Edward. But what relationship can survive that? Take it from Simone de Beauvoir, who writes about this in The Second Sex: "Two lovers destined solely for each other are already dead: they die of ennui, of the slow agony of a love that feeds on itself." (658)

Outside interests breathe life into a relationship. If you want a healthy one, you better get a life, whether you're a dead vampire or not. On the other hand, Romeo and Juliet were teenagers obsessed with each other, so I don't know what to make of that.

2. The guys are totally unrealistic.
Women are always writing male characters how we'd like guys to be — not how they really are. We're setting up expectations. In Twilight's beach scene, Mike Newton brings Bella "sandwiches and an array of sodas to choose from" (118). Excuse me, but a teenage boy at a beach is either going to be goofing around with the other boys, throwing marshmallows, or spending hours in the water.

3. Bella is brainwashed.
Bella tells us repeatedly that Edward the smug vampire is "too perfect," (256) "flawless," (261) and has an "angel's face" (262). I nearly got brainwashed. But it's like, he could kill her at any second, yet she continues to trust and lust. Of course he doesn't kill her, so we're supposed to be grateful and think highly of him. Such manly restraint!

But he is always talking down to her about her safety, like she's a porcelain doll. He tells Bella he can't leave her alone for a second. Even doing laundry, he speculates she might fall into the dryer. Really? There's nothing wrong with being a klutz, but even joking like she can't possibly function ... well, that doesn't do wonders for a girl's confidence. It turns her into a dependent. And as my mom says, no one loves a helpless woman. Obviously, for the story, it's the knight in shining armor thing, I get it, but I don't have to like it.

4.Bella is a domestic diva.
She cooks for her bachelor dad every night. (Okay, I guess cooking is technically a hobby. But she doesn't do it out of joy, really. It's more out of a sense of obligation.) Bella does laundry, too. But I think we only see her do homework once. See, she's too busy feeding a man to stop and feed her mind. There's nothing wrong with cooking for a man, but doing it in tandem with constantly getting saved by a guy and worshipping said guy ... it's just too much. At least Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast loves to read, right?

But! I am not saying I didn't enjoy the book at times, and that I wouldn't have swooned at 13. I just worry that some people will read it without a critical eye (I know, it is just a story). Some girls might expect their love life to look just like Bella's. Now that's what I call scary."

Interesting and kind of true huh? Still the books were good and Jacob is hot.

Finally..... a Reality Flower Show

2009-11-12T20:27:00.003-05:00

Oh TLC, they have come up with some beloved reality shows which I sometimes watch. There's Little People Big World, What Not to Wear, Say Yes to the Dress, and now.....Flowers Uncut. Now it may sound like I'm making fun of this new show but really, I'm really liking it. So the florist is a metro guy that has amazing talent. I don't know if you know or not but I'm kinda obsessed about flowers. I love flowers, all kinds. Kyle gets different kinds of flowers and I love to make my own arrangement out of them. Seriously, I love it. Anyways, back to the show. So the point of the show is that this guy decorates extravagant arrangements of flowers and candles for posh events. I love his style of work, it's so beautiful. So if you're ever bored and TLC is an option, I definitely recommend this show. Disclaimer: Kyle is not a fan of the dialogue of the show because it is pretty dry, but I say who cares. It's the work that he does that makes the show.

Halloween Fun

2009-11-01T20:54:00.006-05:00

Kyle and I love dressing up on Halloween. We have talked about what our costumes would be on and off throughout the year and we both had some fun ideas. Then I found a site with cute couple costumes. So we decided to be Pebbles and Bam Bam. When I bought my sewing machine I also bought fabric for our costumes. Well Thursday night came quickly and after trying and not succeding Wednesday to even set up my machine much less sew the costumes, I almost gave up on making costumes. But I wanted to atleast try again on Thursday so I asked my new neighbor to help me set up my machine. She came over, went through the instructions with me and gave me a quick lesson. An hour and 1/2 later, and with Kyle's glueing skills, the costumes were complete. I was proud of how well they turned out.

Friday came, and I was in charge of our department's potluck and Halloween theme which was "Welcome to Bedrock". Then after work, Kyle and I dressed up for the ward's Trunck or Treat. We had a good time. As for actual Halloween day, Kyle and I just relaxed and carried on my family tradition of making chili, chips, and cheese. Good times.

I Love Chicago Land

2009-11-01T17:14:00.007-05:00

Last weekend Kyle and I went to Chicago and met up with one of my old roommates, Jen and her husband Jason. We stayed at an awesome apartment in downtown Chicago, right next to the Navy Pier. Our weekend was full of shopping (thanks H&M...I love you), food, walking, Willis Tower, Navy Pier, Cheesecake fatory, walking again, and fun time with friends. It was such a fun trip and I now have a new love for Chicago, well everything except their politics.

Sew What

2009-10-20T20:30:00.003-04:00

Dear Blog, right now I'm feeling like you're my journal and I don't want to write because I have too many things to write about. But, I did something tonight that I laughed about so all the pending posts...I might get to later. So I've been thinking about getting a sewing machine. Ya, my wants come and go but I keep going back to getting a sewing machine. I kinda started getting annoyed with thinking about this because I have never been interested in making anything from scratch. Why not buy a new purse instead of making one, why not buy a costume instead of trying to put something together...I'm not doggin on anyone that likes to do it, I'm just not patient and nothing is more convenient than picking something ready to be used. So I've been entertaining this idea with Kyle the last few weeks and we have researched them online and at a few stores. Kyle thinks it would be fun for me to have a hobby (because I really have zero right now).

So we went to Hancock Fabric tonight, a few minutes before it closed, and picked up a sewing machine and fabric for our Halloween costumes. I don't know how much a yard will get me but I got a few of each. It's better to have more than not enough right? I didn't know what I really needed to start using a sewing machine so I hope black or white spools of thread is it. So we were in and out of the store within minutes. As I was walking to the car I started giggling. It was almost like I went to the store to get some milk or something I forgot yet I got a sewing machine and supposedly everything I needed for both Kyle and I's costume. We'll see how this turns out. And wish me luck. If anyone has patience to teach me the basics it would be great. I learned them when I was 12 but unfortunately, I remember little.

Dear Fall

2009-10-11T20:11:00.002-04:00

I love you're cold, crisp October air. I love how the leaves blow with every gust of wind. I love the splendor of colors that every tree displays. But even more I love the warm Starbucks Carmel Apple Cider I get on the cold mornings and the warm blankets I get to cuddle up in. Oh Fall, I'm glad to see you again!

Do You Like My Bootie?

2009-09-28T21:01:00.003-04:00

Saturday I went shopping for some cute shoes. Again, most of the time shopping for shoes is more than frustrating. Rarely can I find my size which leads to me getting annoyed. Hard to believe I know. Anyways, so this time I was looking for something a little different. I was actually looking for cute and comfortable heels. Oxymoron, maybe. The first row of shows were the new bootie shoes. I have seen some people wear them but I have never been a fan. It's a short boot, but can look awkward. I tried other boots on but nothing was as cute or comfortable as the first bootie I tried on (see above). So I bought them and wore them on Sunday. I loved them! Of course I had to figure what to wear with them so I wasn't a walking disaster. But I'm here to say that I love love these shoes. And my feet/ankles weren't killing me when wearing them or after. So win win! Oh and my title for this rocks.

26 Years Young

2009-09-28T20:40:00.005-04:00

A big thanks to Kyle for the cute post. I loved it. He is so sweet. So my birthday was fun. Since Monday's are Monday's my birthday was on a Monday it was still a Monday (say 5 times fast). I worked, then Kyle took me to my favorite restaurant in town, Saul Good. I love the restaurant because I not only love the food, the atmosphere is great, and the service has always been good. And for the present: Kyle got us personal sessions at a ballroom dance studio. I love to dance and Kyle wants to learn so dance sessions will be great! So although I'm older and maybe even wiser too, it was a happy birthday (clap) to me. :)

Aubrey's Birthday!!

2009-09-14T14:08:00.003-04:00

A tribute to Aubrey.
By Kyle (her husband)

You mean the world to me. I admire you in so many things. You are a fighter and don't give up, even when you want to so badly. That means you don't give up on our little arguments but you don't give up on the big things either. Your smile is so cute and I love it when you are excited about things. I love that you get stressed about everything being perfect for others, you are so caring. When I think I've got you figured out, a new nuance is discovered and you keep me growing and learning. I love your smile and the look on your face when you are surprised, which isn't often (either because I suck at keeping surprises or you are awesome at uncovering them). You help me to be better. You support me in everything. You don't always agree, but you support me 100% and I love you so much for that. I love you. Happy Birthday!!!

Trip #1: Home

2009-09-13T19:58:00.003-04:00

The past few weekends I've been traveling. As much as I love being at home I love the occasional trip, especially 2 weeks in a row. The first trip I took was home to Conway for my little sister's, Celeste, baby shower. I flew out of Lexington after work on Friday and arrived home in Arkansas late Friday night. My other sister, Julia and her little boy Ty came for the weekend as well. It was so much fun to have all us sisters together.

Saturday morning was Celeste's shower. It was held at my mom's house and so many people came. It was great to see all our church friends/neighbors after not seeing many of them for many years. Celeste was cute and pregnant and got so many adorable gifts for her new little girl Liz. After the shower we went to eat at Mike's Place, went shopping, and then enjoyed a pedicure. Note on the pedicure: I realize I don't really enjoy them due to the fact that I'm way too ticklish on my feet. The girl giving me the pedicure was not to happy as I giggled the whole time. After the agonizing tickle fest though, I did get some pretty cute painted toes.

Saturday night we went over to the Green's and had a BBQ for my good friend, Anya's birthday. It was really fun to sit and talk and laugh about the past. Sunday we went to church, took a nap, and had every Martindale kid's dream meal: my dad's roast beef, potatoes and gravy, corn, and salad AND don't forget the birthday cherry cheesecake that mom made. Holy goodness, as always, it was delicious!! Soon after I went to the airport and headed home. I was happy to come home to my honey and puppy. It really was such a fun weekend and can't wait to go home with even more family home for Thanksgiving. And Celeste, I can't wait to hold cute little Liz!

Liz Aubrey Tribett

2009-09-09T22:14:00.002-04:00

Celeste had her baby this morning and named her Liz Aubrey Tribett. I love the name and am giddy that she has my name as her middle name. Both Celeste and Liz are doing great. My mom has more pictures on her blog for anyone to see! Happy Birthday Liz! And congrats Tribett family!

2009-08-24T21:09:00.002-04:00

If you pull up a blank google window, and type in, “Obama is” into it, this is what you get.
It doesn't seem like people are googling to see how awesome he is. I'm just saying....

Orchid Care

2009-08-10T20:58:00.005-04:00

I need some advice on how to take care of Orchids. I've googled, talked to the lady in charge of plants at Kroger, and I still can't seem to keep my Orchids alive. I love the flower and I'm on my second plant. The first one I'm pretty sure I gave it too much water. So for this plant, I put 5 ice cubes once a week in the soil/roots and spray it lightly with water and yet, it's still dying. I know people that have kept the same orchid for years and I'm working on my 5th week. Seriously, bugged over this small thing because I can't fix it. So, either I ask for advice now before it's dead or result in buying a fake orchid plant when this one bites the dust. Help if you can.

Anniversary Trip to Nashville

2009-08-09T20:37:00.005-04:00

Kyle and I went for a weekend trip to Nashville. It was a belated Anniversary trip due to the fact that Kyle had finals the first part of last week. So with no finals or stress to bother us we had a blast! We left town after I got home for work and after we dropped puppy off at our neighbors. We stayed at a hotel downtown next to all of the fun. We walked to BB Kings and ate and listened to two live bands. The food was oh so Southern and good, and the live bands, so energetic and fun. After, we walked the main streets and went into random clubs to listened to more live bands. Then we went back to the hotel for a swim and some time in the sauna.

The next morning we slept in a bit and then went to a great restaurant called Pancake Pantry. After the delicious breakfast we did some shopping. We were ready to go after shopping and drove home in the heat of the day. Thanks Kyle for great trip!

Happy Anniversary

2009-08-04T19:57:00.003-04:00

As of Saturday, Kyle and I have been married for 1 year. It's crazy how fast time has flown by...even if it is a year. It's definitely been a fun ride. Kyle is such an amazing guy, and I'm amazed often at how great he really is. I know it sounds cliche, but it's true. Here's just a few things I love about Kyle:
1. He's always wanting to serve, whether it's to help me with something or others, he will serve and do it with a smile on his face.
2. His hobby is to cook and he absolutely loves making gourmet meals. I love eating them.
3. Our favorite nights are cuddling on the couch, watching a Series or movie, and popcorn.
4. He knows how to work with me, he's figured out how I think and I'm not sure that's a good thing.
5. He's always a gentleman to me and everyone else.
6. He takes care of puppy and enjoys it.
7. He loves the Law. He loves learning and talking about Law.
8. He's passionate about his beliefs. Whether it's about abortion or the cap and trade bill, he's not afraid to talk to anyone about his opinion on why he believes a certain way. And he can do it without becoming an argument.
9. We have a different sense of humor, but I think this year he's become funnier.
10. He gets up every morning, even when he doesn't have to, which motivates me to get out of bed. When I go downstairs he has my breakfast ready for me and my vitamins out. It's a small act, but it makes me so happy.

Happy Anniversary Kyle! Just one year down, countless more to go!

Dinner at Merrick Inn
1 Year Anniversary

What's Up With Us

2009-07-26T21:38:00.004-04:00

We have been super busy with life lately. Kyle is nearing the end of summer school, but with that means a lot more studying for finals. He has a mock trial this Thursday and then finals in two classes the week after. He really enjoys school and I'm really glad. He's going to be a great lawyer. As long as he doesn't use his lawyer tactics on me :)

Since being hired at Galls, things at work has been really good. I enjoy my team and really like learning new things daily. I've kept busy with Young Women's (now the Personal Progress leader) and even taught a dance class to them last week. I know how much my leaders were an example to me growing up and I hope I can be a good example as well. Kyle and I's 1 year anniversary is coming up Saturday, August 1st. I can't believe it's already been a year..more on that later. I'm itchin to go on vacation soon and I recently booked a ticket to Sacramento, Cali for my best friend's wedding. I'm so excited for it! Also, my puppy Cash is potty trained (for the most part) and is more calm and loveable. He's really growing on me, so adorable. So, life's good! We enjoy what time Kyle and I have together and really love life!

New Patio

2009-07-26T21:13:00.006-04:00

We haven't used our patio much since being here because we had too many things on our patio including our old kitchen table. We recently transformed it into a comfortable, enjoyable place with comfortable chairs, small drink table, bbq, and smoker. We are also trying out our luck with a herb garden and a pepper plant. The view from our patio is amazing, it overlooks our neighbors garden with different color trees, flowers, birds, etc. It really is gorgeous. Kyle and I really love our new patio. Check out before and after pictures:

Raven Run

2009-07-26T20:54:00.004-04:00

A few weekends ago Kyle and I went on a hike/stroll through the woods at Raven Run. We met Kyle's law school friend, Richard and his fiance Gwen to go with us. The hike was fun and I enjoyed making new friends as well. The downside was that the humidity was high and mosquitoes love me even more in the woods than normal. So in all, it was a blast!