Just the Three of Us

And..... They're In!

2012-01-06T11:12:00.000-08:00

All of our graduate applications are IN!

{"Our" referring to the combined effort- but Jed will be the graduate student}

So- in *NO* particular order:

University of Illinois- Urbana/Champaign, Illinois

Purdue University- West Lafayette, Indiana

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts

University of Wisconsin- Madison, Wisconsin

University of Utah- Salt Lake City, Utah

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

We are more than overjoyed to be done with the application process- but now we are just WAITING. We don't expect to hear anything back until March/April so now we just have 3 months of anxiety. We are very pleased with the schools we have applied to- would be happy with any of them- but if it wasn't obvious enough- this list is in our preferred order.

Firstly, we just want to go to graduate school- wherever they will accept us. Then of course we have to consider the price of the university, as well as consider the school's engineering rank. Location of course is also important- though it will be difficult to leave everything in Provo. Most importantly, we will go wherever the Lord wants us to be- wherever and whenever we are needed.

Looking forward to some big changes for our family in 2012!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T14:07:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas all!

We are spending time with family up in Washington.

It's so nice to continue traditions as a family.

I'm pretty sure my family has the best Christmas traditions.

{But I'm sure that everyone thinks that}

But really, my family's the best!

I hope you enjoy this season- and take a quiet moment to soak it all in, it always goes by way too fast!

Merry Christmas, from the Alvey's!

November (ish)

2011-12-06T11:54:00.000-08:00

Sooner rather than later I will be writing 2012- as will you. Are you ready?

I am SOOO not. I can't believe time goes this fast- is it just a married thing?

I don't remember it being like this- but man, I feel old.

Speaking of old-- we had a birthday around here!

{I'll get to that in a bit}

I feel like I should be singing this blog- just a quick flash of a picture with a witty comment on what was happening- followed by "and a partridge in a pear tree." I don't know why.

Maybe it's because I have vowed to listen to Christmas music as often as I can. I mean- I only listen to it after Thanksgiving- which only happens once a year.

Bad Idea.

I have 10 or so songs stuck in my head because they are just cycled through on the Christmas station. It is fun to watch PK dance- he'll bend his knees and bounce up and down- and then twirl in a circle until he falls down. {Look on my Facebook page for a video coming soon!}

Anyways- whether I am ready or not- the end of the year is coming. Which means parties, a trip, service, and continued festive spirit. I love Christmas with my little family. We're reading scriptures focused on Christlike attributes and have special activities that help us live those attributes. It really is a fun and meaningful way to spend the Christmas season. We've also started our service tree and are filling it up with tags of acts of service our family has been able to do this month. I can't wait for our kiddos to get older and to have discussions about the Savior during this month. I hope you and your family enjoy this Christmas season! I think it's becoming my favorite :)

So here is a quick montage of our November:

We went to the Gateway mall in SLC for the tree lighting ceremony.

PK trying on a funny hat and gloves I picked out for him.

For Thanksgiving we stayed home and shared dinner with our great friends Lillie and Long and Lillie's family. We had a blast with their family and really enjoyed cooking part of the meal! (Including a TURKEY! giblets and all)

And Pk NOT understanding that some days it's TOO cold outside for a walk.

We've started to become mall walkers- it's great!

We headed down to St. George for a quick visit for baby Brooklyn's baby blessing. It was so fun to spend time with family- but stinky that we were quadrupley+ booked that weekend and only got to stay for less than 24 hrs.

Remember the birthday I mentioned? Yup- Jedediah turned 25!! OH- wow. We spend the day with family and traveling home- but I threw him a surprise birthday party a few days before. It was EPIC. I can't believe he's 25 but I'm so proud of everything he's done in that time- he's a great guy let

me tell ya.

We drove 4 hours each way to St. George (okay 3.5 there and 5.5 back) We were almost home and he was screaming at the top of his lungs and I had to go potty so we made a quick stop. When I got back I was surprised at who was driving the car! What a cute guy :)

We had a great month and this month we have tons to look forward to. We have applications submitted and will continue a few more submissions and then play the A.W.E.S.O.M.E waiting game to find out where we're headed. We're excited for a change next year- but it's going to be an emotional move for all of us. {Oh gosh. I can't start getting emotional now!}

Have a GREAT December guys!

Love, the Provo Alvey's.

P.S. I forgot about Black Friday!! IT was AMAZING! I look forward to it all year- and after having a very tight couple of weeks after the last 2 years of Black Friday shopping- we planned ahead. We saved money every month so that when November rolled around I had a nice little nest egg to shop with. Remember a few months back when I posted about a very "lofty" goal I had and how I needed a new bra-zier- badly!? Well- I finally did it! Lifted to new heights and no terrible poking wires- it is a MIRACLE! {Did I mention I got them for $15- regularly $70 during Black Friday. That my friends- is the reason I get up early and deal with the crowds. I am one of "those people" and I'm proud of it baby! Did you score any steals?

Our Halloween Adventures:

2011-11-02T21:18:00.000-07:00

I love Halloween.

Thus, Jed loves Halloween {by default.}

(Man, I have the best hubby!)

We decided what we were going to be for Halloween on Sunday the 23rd. I didn't have very long to put them together, which is why Parker definitely got the shaft on costumes- I just didn't get to his costume early enough.

Anyways... here we are:

(Woody, an ailen, and Bo Peep from Toy Story)

Here's a close up of Parker's costume

I had fun putting the costume together. I borrowed a friend's sewing machine and I finally realized that I should have been listening to my grandma when she was trying to show me how to thread the bobbin. (That is the hardest part of sewing!!)

Anyways, we were also able to enjoy a Family Home Evening activity to the pumpkin patch.

Parker thought he was soooo awesome-

Well, he really is! We had a lot of fun as a family- here we are:

That was a fun day!

Well, we're all sick now- hopefully not for too much longer! I just love spending time with my PK.

And I love my hubby.

Happy {Belated!} Halloween everyone!

Just some thoughts

2011-10-14T15:17:00.000-07:00

I've had some special thoughts recently. About Provo. About what this town means to me- what this chapter in my life has meant to me.

If you are interested, here is the link.

I probably won't be putting a link on this blog for everything I post on that blog-

so go head and become a follower over there so you don't miss anything.

Because you know everything I have to say is just. that. awesome.

hahahahahahaha.

September mostly...

2011-10-10T22:14:00.001-07:00

We've been busy around here. As always.

But things are going to start calming down.

We are going to get back on a routine-- going to bed before midnight and all.

Parker is going to eat a well balanced meal, have clean clothes on, and bathe regularly ~~from now on~~.

I promise.

Well, anyways- here are some pics of what we've been up to.

We had a GREAT visit with my brother and his family. I loved having them here SOOO much. Until they left, when I remembered how much I miss being with my family.

The last few days have been {cold} around here- but at least PK looked adoreable in his hat.

{And Jed thought buying that hat last summer was a waste! tsk. tsk}

We went to the BYU homecoming parade! We got a lot of candy- and a beach ball! This could be one of our last for awhile- so I made sure we were there (2 hours early apparently- but that's okay)

Parker outgrew his rear-facing car seat- so here he is sitting like a big boy!

{He sure loves that! He smiles a HUGE grin every time he gets in there!}

We got to meet baby Reed! Oh man! He's adoreable!

So was when PK hugged him.

But I missed it- so we tried it again, and this time he was a bit more apprehensive!

~~~~~~

All in all, it has been a great few weeks/month. Parker has been fussy lately- a mix between staying up late, teething, and a cold. {greatest mom ever, right?}

So, this is how ~~everyday~~ today was:

But come on! He's even cute when he's crying, Aubrey.

UM. no. :)

A New Blog: A New Me

2011-09-30T23:06:00.000-07:00

On the path to discovering myself, I have decided to start a blog. Another blog. I will post family related things, Parker stuff, just whatever over here- but I will also be posting over at

http://sweetnessoftheeveryday.blogspot.com/

This is a space for me to be creative and quirky, and to learn, love, laugh, and find

the sweetness of the everyday.

I would love if you went over and checked out my first post over there. It's a big one.

If you like it- let me know!

Anyways, happy day friends. Happy day.

p.s. I'm gonna be 22. WHOA!

Happy 22nd, Aubrey!

2011-09-30T16:06:00.000-07:00

This post is from Jed this time. Since Aubrey's birthday is coming up on Monday, I wanted to do a special post.

Here are 22 of things I love about Aubrey, one for each year:

1) Her Smile

2) Her laugh

3) The way she kisses me

4) The way Mother she is to Parker

5) Her ambition to be a school teacher

6) Her toughness

7) Her love for other people

8) How she always

9) Her eyes

10) How she makes her own cleaning products

11) The care she puts into our home

12) The way she focuses on the Savior

13) How she loves her family

14) How she cares about people she barely knows

15) The thought she puts into gifts

16) The way she loves being social

17) Her spontaneity

18) Dancing with her

19) How excited she gets playing taboo

20) How smart she is about everything that I'm not

21) Her hugs

22) That she is my Wife!

I love you, Aubrey.

Product Review: All You magazine

2011-09-26T16:53:00.000-07:00

I've been reading couponing/meal planning/frugal blogs for awhile now. I haven't always been interested in couponing or anything like that- but when money's tight, you do what you have to. I decided that I really wanted to jump on the bandwagon full throttle, so I started getting the Sunday paper and the All You magazine because most seasoned coupon-ers will tell you to.

I can't even stop raving about this magazine. I love it. Every time it comes in the mail I pour over it's pages and hang on every last idea within. It's SAD. But, it has TONS of great ideas, coupons, craft ideas, work out ideas, weight loss tips, fashion advice- you name it.

You can get this on nearly every magazine rack- so the next time you are browsing, take a look. Then, if you are serious about wanting a subscription- look online. There are tons of offers so you aren't stuck paying the $4 for every issue. Get it. And I promise you, you too will squeal every time it comes.

Site Review: Zenni Optical

2011-09-26T16:44:00.000-07:00

Being blind stinks. I mean, it's kind of a crucial sense.

So I wear glasses. Or contacts. But this post is about getting CHEAP glasses.

Backtracking.

I have had terrible luck with glasses. You name it, I have done it to my glasses. No joke. I once went in to a Dr. appt. to get my glasses fixed, when my Dr. looked up at me and said, "Man, it looks like you ran into a tree!" When I dumbfoundly said, "Wait, did my mom tell you?" Yes. I had run into a tree. So yeah, I have needed my fair share of glasses.

A few years ago, my sister told me about Zenni Optical. I'm not sure where she had heard about it, but after looking at the site- I thought it couldn't hurt to order one more pair of glasses. Guess how much they cost me? 12.99+shipping. It was under $20. For prescription glasses. AND, it came with a case and a wipe.

HOLY COW! I love them! I have gotten 2 pairs of the same glasses- and they have lasted forever! In all fairness, I'm not at a neighbor's playing baseball every day, but I do have a 1 year old. And they have withstood.

IF you are one of us blind guys walking around- DON'T pay hundreds of dollars for glasses- I know. I've been there. Well, mostly I need to apologize to my poor mother who had to continually shell out the cash for yet another pair of glasses for me.

Go to zennioptical.com. It WILL change your life.

Sa-tur-day is a spe-cial day...

2011-09-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

In our house-

Saturday is a special day.

A very, very special day.

When Parker was first born, I was going to school and working from home. I felt very overwhelmed at times but I loved everything I was doing and wasn't willing to give it up. My choice.

It was also my choice to implement "Saturday is a Special Day."

Basically, Jed is in charge on Saturday. Of basically everything. All things Parker. Meals, decisions, whatever. He runs the show.

Normally, we do a lot of things together. We enjoy planning things, laughing together, helping Parker etc.

NOT Saturday's.

After 21 years- I have learned that I just need a day to be told what to do and to not to anything.

It is magnificent. And it has saved our marriage in a lot of ways.

When it comes to Parker, there are specific ways I like things done. I used to nag on Jed that he wasn't holding him right, wasn't changing the diaper fast enough or used too many wipes (really!! in worst cases you only need 2!!) and it made Jed feel like he couldn't do anything right.

Thus-- Saturday is a Special day.

Now that Jed has taken care of Parker nearly every Saturday since he was born, he has learned how to do everything, I have gotten the much needed rest that every Mom needs, and Parker gets to spend Q-T with his daddy.

Win. Win... win.

[Office anyone?]

The Yeast Free Diet

2011-09-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

After getting a recommendation to a Dr. in Provo (my previous Dr. was in American Fork) I went in for an appointment to get a different type of birth control. I have been on several different kinds- basically everything you can think of- I've tried. Anyways, the BC I was most recently put on made me sick... yet again. The only type of BC I have been on that didn't made me sick is the mini-pill- commonly prescribed to breastfeeding mom's for several reasons. Then after I stopped breastfeeding and running out of the mini-pill I went back to the same BC I used before getting pregnant- one that at the time worked fine- and it made me sick. Yay. OKAY- this post is not about BC. I was just trying to point out that I went to the Dr. for a new prescription.

Whew.

After taking a life-long medical history- NO JOKE!- and taking a few tests and doing a physical, the Dr. prescribed a yeast free diet- also referred to as the Candida diet. My diet (many yeast free diets differ) is no sugar or sugar containing foods, no white flour or refined grain products, no cheese, no alcohol, no fruit or fruit juices, no coffee/tee/caffeine containing herbal teas, mushrooms, peanuts and peanut products, all processed meats and lunch meats, artificial sweetener, and vinegar.

Nearly every product on the market has sugar in it!

The list is overbearing at times- like when I'm trying to eat- but I've done some reading and it sounds like it has potential. There are several books, articles, forums, and websites where people can discuss this diet and can help each other with it. It's not easy- that's for sure. I'm on day 2. Of at least 4 weeks. Gosh I didn't realize how unhealthy my diet was until I started reading labels. Wake up call.

I have always been the "sick kid." My immune system has always been weak and I seem to catch EVERYTHING. I've had strep throat 4 times since being married- not to mention impetigo, a staph infection, bronchitis, pink eye and a billion other things just in the past few years.

If I have to ultimately eliminate some foods from my diet- I'm okay with that. Especially if that means being more healthy. Being a mom is that much harder when I feel like I'm on my deathbed with another bout of strep. ugh. For now I have researching recipes and meal substitutions that don't break my budget. It's not easy- but I know it's gonna be worth it.

Isn't everything that way?

Parker's Party!

2011-08-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

For Parker's party this year- I really wanted to do something duckie related. He loves water and loves to play with his duckie! I thought that doing candy as the main refreshment would save on money and prep time- so that's what we went with. Well... the colors of the candy were so vibrant and pretty when placed in glass candy dishes- that doing blue, yellow,and white duckie themed party just didn't fit. And we already had the candy. So... we did both. It really wasn't the most cohesive and I'm not even sure the guests saw the ducks (or the duck shaped ice cubes that took 4 days to re-freeze) but it was sooo fun! A TON of people showed up, and even a few surprises showed up! All in all, it was a great party. OH, and yes. He had his very own cake. :)

here's where I got my ideas from: the ballon wreath , the yarn balls, and the sponge water bombs (pictured in the pool)

Parker Post- 1 year!

2011-08-21T20:43:00.000-07:00

HOLY COW!

I literally can not explain how weird it is that Parker is 1! I mean, am I really old enough to have a 1 year old? Did I really survive one whole year with a child? And he's normal---WHAT!?!

It's CRAZY! Even still. I always just think he's 9 months old. I dunno why. I guess the same reason I still think I'm 18. Who knows?

Anyways-- here are Parker's stats:

Height: 29.5 inches

Weight: 20.5 lbs
Head Circumference: (who cares?)

{this is him at the DR's and the onesie I made for him}

About Parker:

He LOVES to:

-take a bath

-swim

-push things around

-crawl

-chase after anyone who

leaves from the front door

-play with electronics- a NO NO

-sleep with 1 of 2 light blue crocheted blankets

(one made by each of his great-grandmas)

-eat... basically everything

-especially meatballs and animal crackers

-playing with other kids

He DOESN'T like:

-getting his diaper changed

-getting dressed

-being held

-staying quiet during church

-juice

-getting his ears/nose/hands/face cleaned

-being dirty

(those last two really don't work together... hence the daily battle)

-anything cold

-cuddling

Other:

-he signs more, all done and is working on please and thank you

-he loves to crawl and is VERY close to walking

-loves to laugh, and he smiles a lot

-he flips the pages while we read

-he claps by holding one hand still and moving just one hand

-he drinks VIT D milk

-drinks water from a sippy cup

-he takes two 2 hour naps a day

-can climb up and over the couch/pew

-can stand/squat by himself

{the family at Coney's getting some froyo}

My mom, Morgan (left) and Gabrielle (right) and Alyssa (not pictured) were all here for Parker's birthday! The day before we got to go to a tour of a candy factory! It was a blast! So glad they all could come- even if it was for just a quick visit.

Parker had a great birthday! Love you, Parker! :)

Erica's Baby Shower

2011-08-21T20:41:00.000-07:00

I was able to host a baby shower for my SIL Erica.

We're excited to meet Eric Reed Alvey Jr.
And his due date is my birth date- so woot woot!!

I just wanted to share some pictures of the party- it was a blast!

Thanks to everyone that came and supported Erica and baby Reed!

Ideas came from: cupcake to go

July 2011

2011-07-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

Our July was pretty eventful. So is every month, right??

It started out with the 4th of July.

We headed up some mountain for Grandpa Chuck's (Jed's dad's dad) annual breakfast.

It was delish and a fun way to start the rest of the festivities!

Then we went home, got ready, and headed up to Roy for the other Alvey's BBQ. There was so many people there, yummy food, and Parker got passed around to everyone- so for me, it was a hit!

This is was we made:

I got the recipe from Craftaholics Anonymous. I made each layer over several days, and just garnished the top that day. It made it way easier, and much more fun.

You'd think after that jello dish- that things like this wouldn't happen:

but they do. 'Tis life.

Then we went to the Benson reunion the next weekend. It was in this beautiful location:

Parker got to play with his Grandma's hat

hang out with Dad

and we did an "Amazing Race" with the whole family. Jed and I were team captains for our teams- and my team won 2nd place and Jed's team won 3rd. Then we both were in the horseshoe tournament and my team got 4th place and Jed's team won. It was SOOO much fun! I loved how organized everything was, and I got to meet a lot of new family members. I even volunteered to help out next year-- which should be fun.

Then we watched my cousins for 4 days. We stayed at their house and basically didn't see Parker the entire time we were there. There kids just love Parker and he LOVES the attention they give him. It was fun to get to spend time with them, and to help out so my aunt and uncle could have a getaway.

Then we celebrated our 2 year anniversary! We went out to the Olive Garden for lunch one day. {Thanks Lillie for watching Parker!)

Then, we arranged for Charles and Erica to babysit Parker (OVERNIGHT!!! thank you, thank you) and we got to go to the drive inn to see Harry Potter! It was a magical night- mixed emotions about leaving Parker- but it was really REALLY nice to have some time with just the two of us. {The FIRST overnight since Parker was born!}

Then the next weekend we went camping with our ward and then the next weekend we went camping with a big group of friends. Both were awesome trips and Parker did so well. I feel LAME because I didn't really get pictures of either trip- because we were just having WAY too much fun to stop and get a picture I guess.

Here are a few other pictures for your viewing pleasure:

Up next for the Alvey's is a baby shower, first birthday/party, hopefully getting a job offer, and applying for grad school. YAY! Life is gonna start calming down.

Bra shopping

2011-07-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

I am in the market for a new bra.

{Whoa, Aubrey. Isn't that a sensitive subject to be putting out in "blogland"? No- it's a fact of life. And I'm pretty sure no men read this blog. So I'm okay with it}

My friend, Christine, told me she was gonna look at my blog today.

No one has ever told me they were gonna look at my blog.

I was {MORTIFIED}.

Why? Cuz I haven't posted on here forever.

and because I have so many high hopes for this URL-- that have NOT happened.

Anywho--- welcome, Dean!

Back to the BRA situation.

For those of you who are equally or more "endowed" than I am in the chestal region, I am SO Sorry! I think they make bra's for sizes nearly A-B... and after that- you are just expected to deal with the icky spillover, back bulge, and all other sorts of uncomfortable-ness.

Why am I so suddenly interested in this?
I am DOOONNNNNEEEE breastfeeding.

Parker is 11 months and 9 days old, and I am done. Well, WE are done to be exact.

Let's just say 6 teeth {fangs} are not allowed ANYWHERE near these jewels.

My experience with breastfeeding was a ROLLARCOASTER to say the least, but I passed my goal of 6 months a LOOONNNNGG time ago, and with Parker now totally fine without my milk- I feel like doing some sort of rain dance,

except I CAN"T. Cuz my bra doesn't hold these things in.

So here's where YOU come in. Have you found a brand or style that has helped you? Or have any suggestions for when I go bra shopping for a NON-nursing bra? I really need some help here, sisters. (Literal and figurative sisters)

Please leave a comment.

Vacation 2011

2011-07-01T22:24:00.000-07:00

We had the GREAT fortune of getting to VACA again this summer! It was an amazing trip {nearly COAST to COAST} and it was totally worth it. Here are our pictures:

Before we left- at the airport

first FAMILY flight. Parker's 3rd

At OMA's. and OUT- in ILLINOIS

Jed helping Grandma

Uncle Grant with Parker

Oma giving Parker a bath!

Cousin Ryan with Parker- going to the park

Shelling the shrimp (Ashley, Me, Amol, and Jeremy)

Lauren and the kiddos

Jared, Parker, and Callie

Dad and Parker

Oma and Parker (GREAT picture!)

I just love how Parker is sitting!

Parker is in the coffee table at the Wheeler's!

VIRGINIA

COUSINsss

washing the car

pool fun!

the Atlantic

converts from Jed's mission: the Wackerly's (LOVE them!)

the Botanical Garden

the ocean again..

Ryan playing with Parker

Another convert family: the Baum's (sweet family!)

Aunt Day and Parker

SISTERS

waiting in a LONGGGGG line at the airport

on our way home....

We had an amazing time. Seriously. From the get go when I searched FOREVER for airline tickets-- I was getting excited. I don't think it was until we were on the airplane that I realized how STOKED I was. We headed to Illinois first to help with preparations for my Uncle Jared's sealing in the Chicago temple.

The week was full of busy preparations, walks through my hometown, yummy food courtesy of Jared, and good ole' fashioned quality family time. We got to see so much family and friends and make so many special memories. My grandmother so lovingly opened her home to everyone and made us all feel at home, like usual. She really is one of my favorite people.

Then we were headed to Virginia. This dual trip was different than we had planned- but with the right price and perfect timing, we just continued on to the coast. The weather was HOTTTT but we loved getting to stay with my sister. Her three kids (almost 4!!!) were soooo great with Parker. They played with him the Entire time, and taught him how to go UP stairs! yay!

Getting to see the ocean, visiting Jed's mission area and converts, as well as the nearly daily trips to the pool made this trip amazing. But my favorite part of everything was getting to spend time with my sister and her family. When I found out they were moving to Virginia I thought it would be forever until we would get to see them. So when this trip unfolded- I was sooo extatic. Thanks Day for opening your home and your arms. Always.

He did it!

2011-04-29T17:36:00.000-07:00

Jedediah Benson Alvey graduated from BYU. YAY!

I used to think that during graduations families cheered really loud because there was a chance that their student wouldn't have graduated. Well-- I knew that Jed was gonna graduate- I mean he was practically born to be a student- but I still cheered. Really loud. :)

After the grad party we had a hoppin' party at our place. It was a much needed "happy" party, and I think it was pretty great! The kids were entertained, there was some aggressive 4 square (made-up rules and all) and some fun to be had by all. Plus, the food was delish!

We had a pinata- which I did not make- (side story- if you want a pinata that isn't Justin Beiber or rugrats-- don't go to Walmart) but the kids had a blast. I loved it! Honestly, I don't know if I loved it more than the kids or not- there's something about hitting something with a bat-- that sends candy everywhere, that I just LOVE!

So many family and friends were able to be there. I know Jed probably didn't say much-- but it meant a lot for everyone to be there. It was a special day for him- thanks for making it even better!

***shout out for the letters we recieved in the mail for those family long distance-- that was very thoughtful :)

Pictures

2011-04-29T15:35:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from our visit in Boise and Twin Falls... for your viewing pleasure :)

ONE TOOTH :)

'till we meet again, dear Krystal

2011-04-29T14:54:00.000-07:00

With the events in our family in the past month, I have thought about how I wanted to rehash the details. I do like to think of this blog as my journal, so I wanted to give a play by play about what Jed and I and many of the other Alvey's did after Krystal's passing.

But I think I can speak for everyone involved when I say- I don't want to relive that all again- either reading it or writing it. I decided I wanted to focus on the positive.

I really needed to get together as a family. On Friday morning, Kate called me- and told me that Krystal had died. Looking back- the conversation took forever, and all I remember saying was that I loved Kate, and that I would be willing to help in any way-- and even now, that seems so shallow. Not that I could have said anything to make Kate feel better, but I wish I could have said something that did.

Then, I called Jed- and he was barely able to speak. He got the call from his mom right before he was supposed to give his final presentation for Capstone- which he had been the captain of and had worked on for 2 semesters-- but his team was so supportive through everything. He was on his way home from school, and I waited impatiently at the front door. I saw him about 1/2 block down and saw that he was crying. Never before had my heart hurt more. I opened the front door, and gave him a hug. Still- I couldn't find any words to help the situation. We sat down and both cried together. It was a very tender moment, we both just ached. Looking back on that day- I am grateful for my knowledge of the plan of happiness- and for Jed. For every awkward thing I said- it was somehow able to help both of us.

Throughout the next week- we were busy. We had to help plan the memorial, practice singing, pick out flowers etc. It was very emotional- unimaginably exhausting. But, I am so grateful for the Alvey's. I'm grateful for the chance to reminisce about Krystal and the beautiful life she lead. I'm grateful to feel like I got to know Krystal on a deeper level- after hearing everybody's memories. And I'm grateful for the time that I got to know the Alvey family better. We laughed and cried together, sat up late at night with Parker together, and I know that we are stronger as a family because of it.

I didn't personally have the chance to know Krystal for very long. But every memory I have of her is sweet and precious to me. She welcomed me into the family with open arms. She made me feel apart of the family from day one. I realized even more so these past few weeks just how much Krystal and I have in common. We have a lot of the same interests, and similar struggles. When we got to stay with her and her family in Boise for a few days- she let me do her girls hair, which was so fun for me. We chatted a lot, and I got to see her more silly side. Though Krystal is no longer on this world with us, Jed and I promised ourselves to do our best to help our children know her. We love you Krystal- families can be forever.

Days 21-30...

2011-04-02T16:41:00.000-07:00

I knew as soon as I started this that there would come a day that I just couldn't do it. But, I also knew that I was going to finish. No. Matter. What. So, step aside final project, Parker, Jed, parties to plan, dinner, and laundry... I'm gonna git r' done!

Day 21: favorite picture of yourself ALL TIME, why?

I really love this picture. This was a great day, my bangs are swooped (which never properly happens) and I'm with my hubby.

Day 22: What's in your purse.
UGH. Wallet, lip gloss, chap-stick, lipstick, a few pens (all black), coupons, cell phone (currently), old receipts, coinage, and gum. [FYI, I just cleaned out my purse. There's usually TONZ more!)

Day 23: Favorite Movie:
13 Going on 30.

Day 24: Something I've learned
Don't judge.
Pre-momhood, I used to think that screaming baby= bad mom. (Boy, was I stupid). I also thought that my children would never cause a scene because I would have taught them differently. (haha!) I just got back from Illinois, and the flight there was a nightmare. Nightmare is an understatement. Let me tell you. From creepy men, glaring eyes, and a terrible stench in the airplane bathroom that I endured for over an hour with a screaming baby. Yeah, I was that lady. I thought I had done everything right- I was sooo prepared. Well, plans change (flight delayed 4 hours!), Parker was over-tired, and there was literally nothing I could do to help him.
Most moms do what they can and what they believe is best for their baby. Don't think bad thoughts about the woman they are based off the actions of their child. I'm sure you don't do that though. That's just something I'll keep working on. :)

Day 25: I don't use my iPod that regularly. If I went to my car, the soundtrack for the movie Curious George (by Jack Johnson) is in the CD player, and at home we mostly listen to the radio. In the stereo we have "Echoes of the Sabbath," a Taylor Swift mix, and a Peter Breinholt CD.

Day 26: Your dream wedding.
If I were to do it again, I would change the date. It was wayyyyyy too hot in July. I think I would have chosen April or May. Probably May. I mean, I didn't have an outdoor reception in Illinois, so I wouldn't have had to worry about rain etc. And everyone else would have made arrangements to be there then. And maybe Jed wouldn't have gotten arrested on my dream wedding day. I don't know though. It makes for a great story- but that was the hardest I've cried in my entire life I'm pretty sure. :/

Day 27: Original Photo of the city you live in: Provo, Utah

Parade on a pretty day with a great friend.

Jed and Paul at the duck pond

Snow. House. and there's a little, tiny baby down there too.

This was what my walk to school looked like most days. But now, it's much better!

Day 28: Something that stresses you out: (just one thing???)

Highest on my list would be waiting. Whether it's the grocery line, airport security, waiting to hear back about a job or school, waiting for Parker to arrive, just any kind of waiting. I am a [now!!!] kinda girl. I am learning patience, but it certainly stresses. me. out.

Day 29: 3 Wishes

1. My family is happy and healthy. (that counts as one)

2. We have sufficient for our needs.

3. trip(s!) to Bora Bora

Day 30: Pic of myself today, and how I've changed

Today is a great day. We watched General Conference together as a family, which was really nice. I think since the start of this blog challenge I have learned a few things. First, I need to start taking more pictures. I have gotten better, but I need to start taking pictures of everything because I am used to taking pictures of nothing. Also, each day really does bring beauty. Sometimes I forget this. But I have been able to start doing this, and it really does make a difference.

Thanks for those of you who were able to join me in this, and for those of you who read these posts. :)

To truncate or not to truncate?

2011-03-07T19:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I know that my blog doesn't get that many readers-- which is cool, until I have a cool blog showcasing some awesome talent I haven't found yet.....

Anyways, do you prefer truncated blogs or not? Blogger lets the author insert a page break

and then on the main home page- only the first snipet is posted... it often follows with a link that says

"read more...." which is linked to the rest of the post.

I really don't care that much about it- for me there are just about as many pro's and con's to do it on my blog, and similiarly I have been either annoyed/joyed that someone else did it on there blog.... and apparently it's kind of a big thing out there.

So, what do you think? To truncate, or not to truncate?

Oh, blogger drama. How I love thee.

Day 20: nicknames

2011-03-07T12:19:00.000-08:00

I got a letter from a friend about 2 months ago, and it was addressed

Aubdog.

I forgot about that one.

Here are a few others:

Miss Maye

Aubs

Babe

I'm pretty sure that's it. I mean, with a name like Aubrey- do you really need a nickname? ;)

Day 19: something you miss

2011-03-07T12:16:00.000-08:00

Waking up, calling my girls, and having them come over in less than 5 mins.

Teaching swimming lessons.

Tanning.

Hinkley Hall.

the ocean.

nuclear power plants.

getting giddy for a date.

my fam.

school. 3 credits is not the same.

oh, the nostalgia.

Day 18: Favorite Place to Eat

2011-03-07T12:11:00.000-08:00

Jed and I are fortunate to be able to eat out- usually about once a month.

Neither one of us really likes to try new food, nor do we like anything too extreme.

So my favorite places to eat are kind of boring.

I will give my top 5 places. Really in no particular order.

i Buffet-Provo

It's this little sketchy Chinese place that serves pizza. My dad used to take me to a place similar to this- and I've been searching for one forever. Then about 2 months ago a friend recommended it to us- and we went. It was amazing. Loved all the fried food. It was expensive though- so

not somewhere we'll go regularly- and the parking stinks.

Pizza Pie Cafe-Provo

Another buffet. All you can eat pizza, pasta, breadsticks, salad, and dessert pizza for $7.

We love it. I really love the atmosphere and the board and batten. When Parker is like 5 or something,

I would love to decorate his bedroom similar to there decor. (Oh, and the food is great!)

Zupas- Provo

Just went there on Saturday with some friends- it was gooooood!

I got a panini and a salad. (They had way cooler names, but I have no idea what they were. I just know the panini had sprouts and they were yummy!)

They also give you a slice of hard bread and a dipped chocolate strawberry. Plus, they were giving out free desserts to everybody, so I got creme brulee and Jed got some chocolate treat. Yes, I ate it all, and it was wonderful! Plus we went with our two favorite couples- and had a ball :)

Three Sisters- Illinois

Even better than the food, were all the amazing hours that i sat and talked to my two besties here. (cheesy, right?) But seriously- we loved hanging out there. I always got the turkey, bacon wrap, veggies, and pickle. Plus, they also have the best ice cream ever... darn. I can't think of the name- but I know it had oreo's and other candy bars in it. YUM.

Steak n' Shake.- Illinois

Great memories here. My big sis took me here to chat after some sort of event in my life. We have continued the tradition with my neice, Whitney, and something that I can't wait to share with my own daughter. And yes, the shakes are HUGE and to die for.

Day 17: something you're looking forward to

2011-03-03T20:12:00.000-08:00

I've been sooo excited about this post.

There is something about me that most people don't know.

I even have a separate bank account for it.

What is it?

I'm going to Bora Bora baby.

I mean ~~drool~~ look.

Wowwwwwwww.

Bora Bora is out in the middle of NOWHERE in the Pacific Ocean. Almost directly

between Australia and South America and south of Alaska.

(I tried posting a map, but it didn't work)

For me, Bora Bora is heaven on Earth. It's everything I love.

Jed surprised me with the bank account- which I knew nothing about until recently.

(He is definitely the saver in our family)

Just having that little account makes my dream seem so close.

I might even come back with a Bora Bora baby. I have always

wanted to adopt from there. But if nothing else,

I will come back

TAN.

like black tan.

oh! I'm sooo excited!

Day 16: Dream house

2011-03-03T19:47:00.000-08:00

I have 2.

My first dream house is in the movie

Marley and Me.

The winter cabin house.

But my actual dream house I know almost every detail.

Most little girls dream and plan their wedding,

well, I planned my house.

And it is based off a friend's house, with a few changes.

I've "walked" Jed through it, and he sounds cool with it.

Oh.... to dream.

Day 15: Bible verse

2011-03-01T16:52:00.000-08:00

Matthew 7: 1-5

1.) Judge not, that ye be not judged.

2.) For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

3.) And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

4.) Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

5.) Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

In my goal to be more prepared, I'm trying to study the lessons for Sunday during my personal studies. After an amazing Stake Conference (probably one of the best I've been to) a lot of things have been going through my mind. (Isn't it interesting how all things really are gospel related?)

Anyways, before I was a mom I often saw mom's doing something that I thought was wrong. Either it was a parenting technique, or something they made their child wear.... whatever. Well, I have had my fair share of people questioning my own mothering techniques- and boy, that is NO fun. Being a mom is hard, and we all are just doing our best.

I just have really been trying to not look at other mom's with a judgmental attitude. They're doing their best, they know their baby the best, and hey, we're all on the same team, right?

Day 14: A picture of you last year: how have you changed

2011-02-28T15:30:00.000-08:00

March 2010

Here I am- 18 wks along or so- So at this point I was over being sick (unless your hubby passes gas in your face.... long story) and I had a little baby bump. So yeah, a LOT has changed. Really,

my entire life has changed from pre-mom to mom. It's amazing.

I feel like I really am a different person, or at least I'm trying to be. I am trying to be more selfless as a mom; selfless for the right reasons anyway. Parker has changed most everything about me, and I'm so glad that it was for the better. Being his momma is awesome, and such a blessing.

Also, since then, I have changed my hair style soooo many times. It's fun for me. I've seen the ocean since this picture, and have gotten new perfume. So yeah, a lot has changed :)

p.s. I still have those glasses. This is the longest period of time that I have kept the same

pair of glasses- because they usually get broken mysteriously.

Day 13: Goals

2011-02-27T20:35:00.000-08:00

Well, not too long ago I had a rather detailed post on my goals here,

but I do have a few specific goals for this year.

1. get organized

I'm proud to say that I have already organized 2 areas in my house that were once scary. I also created a binder to organize my daily tasks, and completely redid my filing cabinet. In this category I have a few more specific goals, like organize my car console and get rid of stuff that we don't need in there (and the trunk). Also, I have a few binders full of church related material that I would like to get organized. Then to my computer. Oh, how I am not looking forward to that. But, I gave myself the whole year, because I really need it.

2. Have more charity

This has always been a goal of mine, but I really want to focus this year on charity. Specifically, I want to learn to love people that are difficult to get along with, and to continue doing family history work. This really is a great act of charity- becoming Saviors on Mount Zion, something that really cannot wait. Also, after a great Stk. Conference, I am adding to this category to become more selfless- both as a mother and wife.

3. Become more healthy

Not a huge fan of dieting, but I would like to lose some excess weight- so, I have decided to become more healthy. Both through working out and eating better, and if (when) I lose some weight, then I do. But I haven't set any specific time-line for the weight loss, but so far so good. Because I gained so much water at the end of my pregnancy- I lost all my prego weight when Parker was 2 weeks old. But now, I would like to lose some extra poundage that is not welcome on my tummy. :)

How are you doing on your 2011 goals? If you have given them up, its okay! Restart- there's no rules against that! :)

Parker Post

2011-02-26T22:22:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it. My little boy is 6 months old!

Whoa.

That's crazyyy.

Here's a few pictures of my favorite little boy, Parker.

After his first feeding of the day

Before Daddy has to go to school.

(I love when he does that with his lipsss)

It's hard not to love this kid

Lifelong BYU fans

Going down for his first nap of the day

Starting his second feeding

This is the face he makes while I'm getting ready to feed him.

No matter how fast I go, it's just not fast enough.

Getting ready to run errands with Momma

Now, time for some glamor shots.

This little boy is amazing.

After a little rough patch in the beginning with some physical issues, he has been the best little baby. His schedule is so like clock work, it's amazing. He now wakes up around 7AM and goes to bed no later than 8PM.

He eats every 3 1/2 hours- almost to the minute- and is just so incredibly happy.

His grumpy periods happen right before he goes down for a nap. He usually fusses for a few minutes until he settles in and wakes up about 1 1/2 hours later. Then he fusses until I can get my bra undid, and then he is as happy as a clam. :)

Parker is now eating some solids- usually in addition to a feeding-- and he sure loves it!

The only thing we've given him that he didn't care for was broccoli. But that's okay. Who likes broccoli anyways?

I just steam so vegetables, blend them up, and freeze them in an ice cube tray. 1-2 ice cubes is what he'll eat depending on how hungry he is.

Parker recognizes any picture of Christ and will just stare and point at it. It's really amazing. During sacrament meeting, I talk to him about the bread and the water and what they represent, so that he'll start to understand the meaning of being reverent during it.

A few fun facts about our little boy:

Height: 27.5 inches-- 75%

Weight: 16 lbs-- 50%

(yes, we have a long skinny baby.... hmm, wonder where that comes from??)

favorite book: Barnyard Dance

(or anything Jed or I are studying... cuz that's what I read outloud.

Yay for writing workshop-- that's what he read about a few weeks ago)

favorite activities: playing with Mom and Dad

bath time, diaper change, EATING, singing/dancing, sucking on anything,

hanging out in his exercaucer, and brushing his teeth

favorite song: Hokey Pokey

(that's and Daddy and Parker game)

Milestones: He roles over from front-back and back-front,

grabs and plays with his feet, passes a toy from

one hand to the other, almost sits up

Other: He loves when I toss my hair in his face.

He closes his eyes and coo's. It's adorable.

Parker hasn't always been this easy. There were times when he was a newborn when I questioned if I would ever have any other children- I mean, around the clock feedings, really? But he just thrives on a schedule, so I'm so glad we stuck it out for the first little while, because now he's mostly a breeze.

And I know it won't always be this easy. I just wanted to document this for my own sake, so that when he is crawling/walking and being a terror, I can remember that he was a cute, innocent, easy little baby. But, I CAN still wish that maybe, just maybe, he'll stay this way forever, right?

Day 12: Something you don't leave the house without

2011-02-26T17:30:00.000-08:00

Growing up, I often heard the following phrase:

"You never know when you're gonna meet your future husband. "

My mom never left the house without putting her "face" on.

It was just understood that we were supposed to look our best when leaving the house.

So, I'm one of those women.

However, with Parker, I am not able to get my entire "face" on before leaving. Heck, getting my teeth brushed is a huge feat, so I settle for the following regiment:

I put this one on first

With this glossy coat on second (in raspberry)

I think these are a good combination, usually with my eyelashes curled, some mascara--

a bun and I am good to go.

That is what I never leave the house without.

Well, and my phone. Except it's usually dead.

I need to get me one of those car chargers.

Ahhh, someday.

Day 11: favorite TV shows

2011-02-25T20:21:00.000-08:00

These are some of my favorite TV shows.

I like TV shows more than movies because they are shorter, and have some closure at the end.

So here they are:

Here they are folks. My fav TV shows. Well, and of course Studio 5. :)

Day 10: Something you're afraid of

2011-02-24T21:49:00.000-08:00

Well the thing that I am most afraid of is--

Jed dying. But since I soooo don't want to even talk about that, this is something

I am afraid of, but not on the same {level}.

Actually, I am a huge baby, so there are tonzzz of things I am afraid of. But there is one

that shoots itself to the top of the list.

What is it?

B.U.G.S.

I know, I know. No one likes them.

But I am terrified. TERRIFIED of bugs. terrified people.

2 Examples will illustrate this.

Case study 1: Spider in the laundry room

Most of my childhood memories are from living in Rose Ghettos (meadows) with my mom and little sister. We were just three girls livin' it up. (not).

Anyways, there was this slightly {huge} gap in the corner of the laundry room where two baseboards met. There would frequently be small little things around there, and luckily I didn't go into that room very often (I still call my mom to ask her what temperature to set the loads at. don't judge)

Okay, so one night my mom screamed like a little boy which really scared me. (She never screamed about stuff like that) anyways, my sister and I went in to the laundry room to find my mom hunched on the washer machine screaming about the very large spider in the corner. As soon as she said that I LEAPED onto the machine with her and after seeing the spider, I .... ~~wept bitterly~~ cried.

Then my mom left and told us to figure it out, so my sister and I did what any civilized girl would do. We got all the aerosol cans of whatever we had (bug spray, hair spray, Windex etc) and sprayed that spider until he shriveled up and died. And then I ~~wept bitterly~~ cried some more.

Case study 2

Today. I was doing laundry, again. (okay, so there must be something about gross, icky clothes and bugs-- i really should give up laundry)

I was sorting the clothes and getting to the bottom of the basket, when a little spider crawled out of the sleeve of Jed's shirt. I screamed, ran out, slammed the door, and {literally} have not been back into my bedroom since.

I don't know how I am going to finish the laundry now because I am NOT gonna see another spider.

Terrified doesn't even describe my fear of bugs. I saw a caterpillar once on my back porch and started going out the front door and walking all the way around the house to get to the backyard.

So now you know. Want to see me pee my panties?? Show me something small and ~~harmless~~ icky.

{Or just make me laugh really, really hard}.

P.s. Remember when I said I was gonna do a Parker Post on Friday? Last Friday??

Well, one week late, but not short on pictures-- his update with be tomorrow. i promise. cuz hey, I won't be doing the laundry, right?

Day 9: A favorite picture of your best friend(s)

2011-02-23T14:02:00.000-08:00

I know I added the (s) to friends, but that's just the way it is. My mom always used to say that three girls just don't mix. In middle school when I would hang out with three girls, one of us always felt left out, ignored, and it usually caused drama.

But when I say that I have two best friends, that at one point in our HS career we did everything together, and we still have long 3 way conversations, have a special FB group to communicate through, and we still all consider each other best friends-- it {is} for realzzz.

Here we are

Jennifer (left) is amazing. She has beautiful long blonde hair and really gorgeous finger nails. She has an uncanny ability to make other people feel really good about themselves and she has always been there to comfort me- usually through recommending a song or making a mixed CD for me. We have been through a lot together but she has stuck through it: she's in it for the long haul. Jenn is studying to be an event planner or something awesome like that, and she is really smart. She is way into books and movies and I recall many times walking over to her house (about 157 steps) and laying on her bed watching a movie. Jenn has been there for me unlike any other person. She really is my best friend, and I'm so glad that she puts up with me.

Heidi (center) is my unborn sister. I mean- yeah, she's born, but I think into the wrong family. Okay. She was born into a great family, but we really could be sisters. haha.
Heidi is the sweetest person I have ever met. She literally has never said anything mean, degrading or harsh towards anyone that I can recall. She is very athletic (she has ran several marathons, including the Chicago Marathon) and even when I ask her for help being more healthy- she has never once made me feel bad for relapsing (4+ times). Heidi fits very well with my family, and sometimes I am afraid that my mom or grandma would trade me for her. :) She is a great person- always does the right thing, and has always been an example to me. Heidi is studying to go into the medical field, and will someday go to Africa and set up hospitals for those that have nothing. I am so glad that Jennifer and I welcomed her into our group that day at the bus stop (don't make fun. we didn't have our licenses yet) Heidi really is my best friend.

So there. I have 2 best friends. Jennifer Wheeler and Heidi Chamula: I love you. Thanks for being such great friends, for putting up with my ridiculous-ness, and for helping me be a better person. Here's to a life filled with great friends.
{cheers}

Day 8: A place you've traveled to

2011-02-22T21:16:00.000-08:00

I love to travel. Love, love love it. Jed, however, doesn't like to travel. Luckily, this is one disagreement that I usually ~~always~~ win. So we travel. But, hey, we eat mac & cheese for dinner- so we compromise.

A few places I've been:

Bear Lake

The water here is so beautiful. I loved being here- luckily this is the location for Jed's HS friends annual 24th of July trip.

San Diego

This picture looks a lot like the beach we went to. It might be the same one-- I remember there were dogs and those big rocks. It was warm, loud, and salty- and I want to go back.

Byron, Illinois

Byron- my hometown. Born and raised. I miss the town and the cornfields.

My two favorite places:

Nauvoo, Illinois

Adam-ondi-ahman

For more information on what this place is, go here.

But I am most excited to go somewhere I've never been. Actually, somewhere I have never met a single person that has been. But I will get there. Soon. More on this to follow.

Day 7: Favorite Movies

2011-02-21T12:08:00.000-08:00

Really? 7 is my lucky number, and all I get to chat about is movies... ugh.

I am not really a movie person. I don't know why not, but they're not for me. I have a few movies that I really like, some that I'm willing to watch, but more often then not I watch movies to take a nap.

So here goes I guess: (I decided to post pictures from scenes in the movies... to jazz it up a bit)

This comes from my favorite movie. Which I posted in the "introduction" day one post. But here it is again:

Thirteen going on 30

"razzle red" anyone?

I have also mentioned I am not much of a dog person. Actually to be more accurate: I am not a dog person. I dunno- they smell, okay?

But when I watched this movie, and for the first time- I considered getting a dog. WHOA. That's how good this movie is.

What is it?

Marley and Me

greatest dog movie ever.

Well, this (these) movies don't need much of an introduction- they are what they are.

Amazing.

Yes, of course, they stray from the book- occasionally adding ridiculous scenes- but the true HP fans know what really happens, and that's what matters most.

So far Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is my favorite HP movie- while I like all of the HP books- with the last one being my favorite. :)

Then a few of my other "favorites:"

Rush Hour(s)

August Rush

The Best 2 Years

Charly

The Ultimate Gift

Pay it Forward

the Bourne series

Day 6: A picture of something that makes you happy

2011-02-21T11:43:00.000-08:00

Of course there are tonsss of other {way more important} things that make me happy, but honestly Studio 5 is high up on my list.

I wouldn't say that I am against TV, yeah, I have the shows that I like to watch-- but I never thought I would be one of "these" people. A day without Studio 5 for me is a sad day. Honestly.

This is a show that reminds me there are good people trying to do good things and share them with others. They're my friends. Or at least that's what I tell myself as I get ready to watch them at 11 AM M-F in my joggers.

It technically is a "lifestyle" show aired by KSL. (Another thing that is AMAZING. Classifieds Tutorial to follow) Most of the people, I'm pretty sure, on this show are LDS- but either way, they are good, wholesome people.

They have chefs and bakers (who I get recipes all the time-- including a supper YUMMY Lion House cheesecake recipe that I took to Thanksgiving)

They have relationship coach Matt Townsend (love him and his advice!) that gives me cheap date ideas, topics to talk about with Jed, as well as ways to show Jed that I love him (something I struggle with)

They have a Health and Fitness contributor Melanie Douglass (my BFF) who teaches about healthier ways to live life- without giving up everything!! (and she has helped me to get back to pre-prego weight and I'm still goin'!)

{and tons of other contributors! (crafters, psychologists, librarians, politicians, this couple that gives great parenting advice ETC, ETC, ETC.)

Not to mention Brooke and Darin (the hosts) whom I love! They both have great personalities and I feel like if when I meet them- we will have SOOO much to catch up on :)

Okay, so I'm a little obsessed... but it really does make me happy. It teaches me things, and really does encourage me to be better.

So there for rationalization :)

Day 5: A song to match your mood

2011-02-21T11:21:00.000-08:00

I love music. But I wouldn't consider myself a music guru. I really just listen to music to avoid silence-- something I really don't like.

I listen to music while I'm cleaning, dancing with Jed and Parker, in the car etc. but still- whatever is on the radio is what I listen to.

And since this post was supposed to be on {Saturday} this is the song that I think described my mood best.

{Marry Me: Train}

After Valentine's Day: best ever!!, and an awesome party at our house on Friday full of yummy food, tons of people, and great games- I woke up on Saturday realizing how lucky I am to have Jed. He let me sleep in on Saturday while he got up and started on the mound of dishes that we had left the previous night. Then he took me to a few thrift stores just to look around {boy does he get bored} but he pushed Parker around while I looked at everything.

Then to finish off an amazing week, I got to read a book while taking a warm bath. Come on. Does life get better than that?

Anyways, this is a great song. Really. One of the best.

Day 4: Your parents

2011-02-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

My parents are John Lucas and Darlene Winter.

{I searched for a picture- none to be found :/ }

I grew up living with my mom after my parents split up. My mom is now a CNA and has been taking care of elderly women. She is very talented. It's interesting how similar old people and babies are. That's why I tell my mom- she will be going straight to a home as soon as she needs that kind of help!

My dad has been a taxi driver most recently, and he is an avid ping pong player. He has had back and other physical problems, but he says that ping pong has helped him feel a lot better. I think it's kind of cool, and it keeps him busy and healthy- so the more ping pong the merrier. He loves to golf, hates the cold weather {enter over-sized hat and coat} and listens to talk radio.

I didn't really get a chance to know my dad that well growing up. But I know that he loves me, and that's a lot more than most people have- so really, I'm lucky. I'm excited for him to meet his little grandson in March!

My mom recently got remarried; so Robert Winter has now joined our big, happy family. I don't know him very well, but he makes my mom happy. After seeing her alone for awhile, I'm glad she has someone (mainly to get stuff off the top shelf!) Robert has a quirky sense of humor and is pretty relaxed, so he fits pretty well in our posse.

When my parents were together they both worked long hours to support all 6 kids. We lived in a tiny 2 bedroom apartment (girls in 1 room, boys in another, parents in the living room). While they were gone, I was taken care from a young age by mainly my older sister. She did a great job taking care of me, and we still have a special bond because of that.

I also know that it really takes a village to raise a child. From my experience growing up, as well as from being a mother- there are a lot of outside people that play an important role in raising a child (church leaders, extended family/siblings, friends etc). I know that the Lord has put some pretty amazing people in my path to help me on my journey. They're awesome.

So let's all go be great parents (whether you have kids or not).

Day 3: Your first love

2011-02-17T13:51:00.000-08:00

Growing up in Illinois, there weren't that many LDS boys to date. Even then, most of the youth in my branch had grown up together. We did get together on the weekends, and of course we had "crushes" on other people, be we never got exclusive. Honestly, I am so grateful for this. I learned a lot about myself, about how men should treat women, and about the type of person I wanted to marry. That group of friends will always hold a special place in my heart- we had {a lot} of good times. We all had similar standards, and we got along really well.

Since this question says, "your first love" that is exactly what I am going to answer. No need to bring up all the crushes. Cuz yeah, there were TONSSS.

With that said, my first true love was Jed.

{cue the choir of awwwwwww's}

Because of my experience growing up, I was pretty sure what I wanted/didn't want in a husband. I have often said that Jed is the summation of 3 guys that I had crushes on, plus way more I didn't even know to look for.

Those 3 characteristics would be

1. LDS/sensitive
Marrying someone that was LDS, that could hold the Priesthood, be sealed to me in the temple, and share a life trusting in the Lord was my priority. The sensitive part was also pretty important to me. I have been around tough guys- and they are just not appealing to me. I am a relatively sensitive person, and I knew that I needed to be with someone who understood that. And yes, Jed had that... {check}

2. Musically talented/passionate/tall
HAHAHA.
It's funny to me that this was even on my "list," but it really has always been. I love it when guys can be passionate about something- that isn't sports (typical). Not to say that sports are bad, but I needed someone who didn't live their life for the next game. Also- he had to be taller than me. Preferably a lot taller. And yes, Jed had that... {check}

3. Good Listener/different
I like to talk. A lot. Something about getting the thoughts out of my head and into the world really helps me to figure stuff out. And sometimes I can be funny, sooo.... BONUS! I am also different. I think everyone has their own way of being different, but sometimes my way is a little bit more... {noticeable} So I really wanted to be with someone that at least understood my weirdness and possibly enjoyed it. And yes, Jed had that... {check}

Jed really was an all around catch. Obviously the first day that I met him I didn't realize that, but there was just something about him that made me want to hang out with him. {Jed and I met at a Marriott Center fireside, when Elder Holland was speaking-- the place was packed [22,000 ppl] and we happened to sit by each other} I have often wondered what it was about Jed that first made me want to get to know him better- because even though he was ~~sexy~~ that isn't usually a reason to give someone your number.

While I was thinking about this post- I figured it out. After the fireside was all over, Jed and I stayed there (with my friend and my date... LONG STORY) and we talked. For a LONG time. We didn't even do that much small talk either. It was about stuff that we both really cared about- and we had only just met. Looking back, it was because Jed and I could have an honest conversation- he listened but also contributed to the convo- that was why I was so interested in this guy. I mean- I was a FRESHMAN. No one cares about freshman. But he did. He cared. And that has made all the difference in the {world}.

4 Dec 2008

Who was my first love? Jedediah Benson Alvey.

{forever and always, yeah.}

Day 2: Meaning behind your blog name...

2011-02-16T11:40:00.000-08:00

{Just the Three of Us}

Well, I think it's pretty obvious what my blog name is referring to- but here's some pics to indulge your curiosity :)

I really like to blog about my life- pretty much like a journal (minus the long lists of what I ate that day... I dunno why I used to do that in my journal??) so of course the main topic of my life would be my family.

Jed and Parker are my main priority- but not in the {ugh} way. More the {really, me?} way. I love being a wife and mother. Yes, my life has gone a different way than I thought growing up- but I would NOT change a thing. I love getting to be Parker's momma- I love the look that he makes when I come to pick him up after a nap. I love giving Jed a big hug after his long day at school/work, and I love how he thanks me for the ~~yummy~~ dinner I made.

My life is grrrrr-eat! So yeah, that's what I like to blog about. I'm a Mormon Mommy blogger, are you? :)

Day 1: Introduction

2011-02-15T14:30:00.000-08:00

So it looks like I was really supposed to start this tomorrow-- but in my world TOMORROW is like 100000 years away- anything could change by then. So, I wanted to start today, to make sure I stick to it. If you're joining me, feel free to start tomorrow.

Here I am. Oh- don't I look good! :) 15 February 2011.

Okay... here she goes. {do I have 15 interesting facts?}

1. My name is Aubrey Maye Alvey. Lucas is my maiden name.
2. I was born and raised in Byron, Illinois. I lived in 3 different homes- but most recently in Rose Ghettos.
3. I have 5 siblings. Dalynne, Rachelle, Aaron, Grant, and Alyssa. All but Alyssa are 1/2 siblings-- but it's not like that in my fam. We're one BIG happy family.

4. Married my best friend Jedediah Benson on 10 July 2009 (yup, we're newbies) in the Nauvoo, Illinois temple. Best. Day. Ever.

5. Parker Benson joined our family 18 August 2010. He's incredible.

6. I am a very proactive member of my LDS ward-BYU 147 yo! I am a Latter Day Saint, and to learn more about us you can go here (or chat me up!). Religion is more than going to church for me. It is who I am.

7. Seven is my favorite number. Lasagna- fav food. I love pop music. Favorite all time movie: Thirteen going on 30 (DO NOT JUDGE!) Fav Color: changes daily. seriously. Fav flower: gerbera daisy. Tooth brush color: yellow.
{starting to run out of ideas.....}

8. I am Brigham Young University student. I love it. My life would be so different had I gone to any other school... oh wait, I didn't apply to any other school. It was BYU or bust I guess.

9. I will get my BA in Elementary Education with a TESOL minor. My minor is almost as important because I want to get my Master's in teaching ELL with an emphasis on children's literature. #'s 8 and 9 could have gone together but for me they are both so HUGE, they deserved their own number.

10. I've been told that I have a crazy laugh. I guess you will have to decide how accurate that is. :)

11. I am Green. I mean through and through. Tree-hugger to the bone. I would love to (and will do my best) to leave a very small carbon foot-print. I want to be as self-sustaining as you get (while still having running water and Wi-Fi) So it's a great thing that my hubsters is an engineer that wants to research and work with sustainable living. BOOM.

12. I wish I could say I'm an avid reader- I used to be. I read textbooks, scriptures, and picture books now. But occasionally I get to pick up a book (prolly one I own) and I thoroughly enjoy it. Reading is very therapeutic for me; it clears my head and gives me confidence. Favorite All Time Series: Harry Potter. If you disagree- it's probably because you haven't read them. :) How many times have I read the entire set cover to cover? Dunno. Stopped counting after 5.

13. My finger nails are very important to me. Everyone has their "thing." That is mine. Want to upset me-- break my nails. {I can feel my heart race faster even as I type that}

14. I love warm. All things warm {except ice cream... gross} I'm an unusually cold person (body temperature NOT personality!) So I love the summer time. LOVE LOVE LOVE the summer time actually.

15. I am a comma-splicer. If you don't know what I comma splice is- you probably are too :)

30 Day challenge

2011-02-15T13:33:00.000-08:00

Since one of my goals for this year is to write in my blog/journal more; I saw this challenge and new it was for me. I really like to challenge myself-- and this one sounded just right. So here it is.

Day 0: The 30 Day Challenge Explanation and Description
Day 1: Introduce, recent picture of yourself, 15 interesting facts
Day 2: Meaning behind your blog name
Day 3: Your first love
Day 4: Your parents
Day 5: A song to match your mood
Day 6: A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7: Favorite movies
Day 8: A place you've traveled to
Day 9: A favorite picture of your best friend
Day 10: Something you're afraid of
Day 11: Favorite tv shows
Day 12: Something you don't leave the house without
Day 13: Goals
Day 14: A picture of you last year - how have you changed?
Day 15: Bible verse
Day 16: Dream house
Day 17: Something you're looking forward to
Day 18: Favorite Place to Eat
Day 19: Something you miss
Day 20: Nicknames
Day 21: Favorite Picture of yourself ALL TIME Why?
Day 22: What's in your purse?
Day 23: Favorite Movie
Day 24: Something you've learned
Day 25: Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Day 26: Your Dream Wedding
Day 27: Original Photo of the city you live in
Day 28: Something that stresses you out
Day 29: 3 Wishes
Day 30: a picture of yourself this day and 5 good things that happened since you started the challenge

So wish me good luck-- Join me if you want!
A link to where I got this idea here.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-15T13:26:00.000-08:00

Okay-- so it was yesterday.... but I just wanted to spread the LOOVVEE.

{It can come on ANY day, right??}

Here is a pic of my little sweet valentine.

Yes, I made that onesie. It was a fun DIY-- freezer paper stencil project. It was WAY easier than I thought, and my little guy looked great in it!

{For the 2.5 hours he wore it... EXPLOSION!}

I'll be doing a full Parker Post on Friday... can you guess why??

Imperfections

2011-01-19T16:34:00.000-08:00

I was reading my good friend Katelyn's blog (I love her blog- so honest, and often hilarious!) Here's a link.

I thought it would be good for me to explore my imperfections. As it is January I have thought a lot about things I would like to change, but I want to put it out in blogland so that I feel more accountable. I hope as I make progress or not-- I can use my blog as a place to share. In (almost) no specific order:

1. I rarely finish stuff
    Right now I can think of an unhealthily long list of projects that need to get done around our home. Granted- we did just move here, and we just found out the owner is going to pay to let us paint (6 rooms...) so yeah that is weighing on me. But Parker's baby blanket (not finished). Parker's baby book (not started). Several misc. craft projects. I really want to finish my "laundry list" because now I have MORE time than I EVER have had.

2. I am Disorganized
Admitting it's the first step, right? Yes, I am disorganized... very disorganized. That is just how my brain works. After being married to my wonderfully particular husband, I have started to improve my disorganized brain/lifestyle. Not only do I hoard things (plastic bags, brochures, business cards, birthday cards etc.) but I go from one project to the next leaving my crazy trail behind.
   At the risk of having to sleep on the loveseat tonight (haha) I am going to say that I like being disorganized. It helps me feel comfortable. When I walk in to an imacculately clean house I feel like I have to hold my breath. I want my house to feel comfortable and inviting to everyone-- but as I have found-- that does mean laundry has to get put away etc. So I am really REALLY going to try to get more organized. HOWEVER-- I am not getting rid of a few select bags/brochures, and I am going to continue keeping cards. oh- and don't look in my craft room- that will NEVER be "organized." Messy is the way I work best.

3. "If you Fail to plan, you plan to fail"
Mr. Horsman taught me this.

Anyways- for how much I love school, you'd think that I would have learned the importance of planning ahead. (I'm really referring to school work here-- meaning I need to read texts ahead etc) I have found that reading texts ahead really does safe you time in the long run. Keeping up is sooo much easier than catching up. (Yup, you can quote me on that.) This goes for Sunday School too. I have found that I get more out of Sunday School/Relief Society when I have read ahead. So far so good on this goal (both school and church) but it's only January :)

4. Accident Prone
There is really no way that I can improve this, but it is an imperfection. I really am as accident prone as you get. I am used to falling, tripping, spilling, ripping, burning.... you name it, I've done it... today. But I have learned that my high heeled boots are not good on ice. Check

5. Be more Healthy
Lose weight is a terrible phrase and is really meaningless. I just want to be more healthy. I have chosen a few workout plans that really work with my personality and time schedule, and have started them. LOVE it so far. We already eat pretty healthy but I am just going to make a few more wholesome changes to our diet (low-fat, wholegrain, less processed stuff). I am not going on a DIE-t and I am not having a New Year's Fail-solution to lose weight, but I do want to be more healthy.

This list is getting pretty long....

6. Too proud
I think that as a woman I struggle with this. Comparing myself to others etc. But Parker has taught me one thing-- everyone is totally different. When I look at other mother's thinking that what they're doing is not what I do-- that's all it is. It doesn't mean that they are bad mother's-- they just know what it best for their baby. Just like I know Parker better than anyone else--they know their baby the best. There are many ways to be proud, but this is one aspect of pride that I want to deal with now.

7. Aggressive Driver
There--- I said it. okay- so I'm an aggressive driver. Runs in the family. I have never gotten a ticket or been in an accident (that I was driving). So I think that should count for something. But I get REALLY unnecessarily angry at drivers that do stuff that I think is stupid. Anyways-- for the last week or so every time I say something to another driver (because YES they can hear me!) Jed says "Wow, they're a bad person" in a joking tone. It lightens the mood and makes me remember that even though they cut me off, left their blinker on, failed to get over when I was merging etc. it doesn't mean they are a bad person. Thanks babe for that :)

8. Have more charity
I really want to be a person that people call first when they are in a jam. I want to be reliable and friendly enough that people will call me first in tough situations. In order to do this, I am trying to have more charity for everyone. I really do love everyone, I just need to learn to show it better. This is a pretty hefty goal, but I really REALLY want to have and show more charity, so I will continue to keep working on it.

WOW. That was really enlightening. I really enjoyed that. Now-- back to bed. DID I mention I have been sick since Monday? Today hit me the worst. But I am going to get better. I know it!

Oh, and an ongoing goal of mine: shower more.

Rhetoric

2011-01-11T14:28:00.000-08:00

Ever since a Bones episode I saw- season 2 I think- about a man that put off a bomb outside of a bank because-- well I can't remember if there was a reason or not-- but anyways, it was found out that he was listening to a radio host right before that- one that was very loud and persuasive and caused a lot of emotion.

In the show it wasn't a big issue, but due to recent national news, I think it is a big issue. I don't care who you are or what you have to say--- when your words invoke so much terror, anger, or hatred towards anyone or anything, maybe- no-- you SHOULD not talk like that.

President Thomas S. Monson of the LDS church said “Anger doesn’t solve anything. It builds nothing, but it can destroy everything.”

So no matter what radio or tv host you listen to, or something your hubby or wife says, or really ANYTHING-- let's all try to get rid of the anger we have. There is a place for rhetoric- just not hate rhetoric.

640 N (Cragun's Place)

2011-01-02T22:17:00.000-08:00

Moving to our 3rd apartment in less than 2 years has been definitely bitter sweet. Our great friends that used to live here-Nate, Diana, and Gracelynn- moved to San Diego. Then we thought our other friends, Dave, Alyona, and Natalie would be moving in to the new place- only to find out that they were moving to Texas. So after 2 great families had to move, we got the apartment. Bitter sweet. Diana and Alyona-- you are dearly missed. Know that you are always welcome back here to Provo :)

Now that we are here, we are trying to settle in. This place is so much bigger than we are used to- we actually have a choice as to where to put stuff. Before- it was-- put it in the only place that is left. So it is taking us a little bit longer to get settled-- but that's fine. I took some pictures of our apartment- just know that we are not fully unpacked/ and have not done much decorating.

The Living Room. View from the front entry. I have no idea where to put the couches- I think it's weird to look right at the back of the couch as you walk in- but HGTV says to center your room around a focal point (fire place). I am sure we will move stuff around several times before letting it stay. YES! the piano came with the place. Like the blue carpet? UM, no.

Fireplace: lights on/off. This is one of my favorite features of the apt. It really adds a breath of life to the living room- and a fun place for me to decorate. (I put these decorations up in less than 15 mins- just to add some character to our boring living room, before our New Year's Eve party. I am sure you will be seeing plenty more of shots like these with the different holidays etc.)

Kitchen. Just left of the sink, and right of the oven-- a DISHWASHER. Something we haven't had. What a beautiful thing that is :) The kitchen is smaller than what we have had, but everything is newer and functional. Plus-- Did I mention we have a DISHWASHER!! yay.

Now on to uncharted territory. In preparing for our New Year's Eve party, after moving in the evening of the 29th, we focused on rooms our guests would see. This beauty is going to be a craft room/ tv room. That wonderful wooden entertainment center thing is getting sold, as with that Queen Anne coffee table, to make room for.... my crafts. I decided to keep the current paint color in this room, but we are painting the ceiling a cream-ish color (instead of the same color as on the walls, which it is now) to make the room feel larger and more open. I foresee myself spending a lot of Parker's naptime in here! :)

Parker's room-- another room we have neglected. There is a place for all that stuff... I just haven't put it there yet. Notice that twin bed?? For any guests that want to come- we have a place for you. I might even move over my crafts stuff for you :) Though Parker's room is a DISASTER he is still sleeping soundly in his crib :) Yes I did turn the light on and take this picture with the flash, and no it didn't bother him one bit. He LOVES his sleep. Just like his momma.

This shot is pretty lame, but I was hurrying to get to bed. When you walk in on the left there is a cupboard, to the right is the vanity, left is the shower, and to the furthest right is the toilet with more shelves above. It may not look like much, but for all those that have ventured in to either of our previous places... it is a SUITE. There is enough room for a PARTY in there. seriously.

Built in cupboards. gotta love old homes with charm!

The master. Though it is looking anything but master-ful right now, we have BIG plans for this room. Literally every time that Jed has walked in to our room he has started laughing because the amount of space that we have is CATASTROPHICALLY more than we have ever had. Let's just say that in our first place- the bed was the room. To "navigate" in the bedroom, one had to crawl over the bed. Not attractive or possible when pregnant- let me add.

This is our entry way. Another one of my FAV parts of this home. Because it exists. In all of our other places we walked right in to a room- so this makes the house feel so much more homey. (And I am in LOOVE with that light fixture). To the right is a coat closet which is also super handy.

We welcome all to our new place- we would love to have you. Hopefully sooner rather than later I can post with some updated pictures of our place. But for now-- school is starting. So off to be the wife, mother, student that I love.

Update...

2011-01-02T21:42:00.000-08:00

I want to start fresh in 2011. I did post more often than I thought I would in 2010, but I wanted to post more often. So here goes the start of my "hopefully" improved blog posts.

This is the Alvey family up in Montana, picking out our tree. Bare but beautiful.

We are BYU fans.

It's not hard to get a cute pic of Parker in the bath. It's just hard to choose one!

(P)laying in the snow! I gave him some snow to eat, got a funny face, but he didn't seem to mind it all that much :)

Jed walked in to Parker's room, only to see this. Instead of uncovering his face, he ran out of the room laughing, and told me to grab the camera. Best parents ever! p.s. he's FAST asleep.

Da Boyz.

Parker with his Christmas present.

My man. Parker is 4 1/2 months old. He loves all things water, naked, and fist. He will and does suck on everything. He has already started to show his personality which is outgoing, attention starved, and giggly. (Sound like anyone you know?) He has started to mimic our facial expressions (I will open up my mouth super wide, and then he will too!) Jed and him will just laugh back and forth together forever! He has continued to be a great sleeper, but he is still a fussy eater. He eats, and on schedule, but off and on for 40 minutes. Parker is still solely breastfed, but we'll start solids probably around 6 months. He rolls over, and loves LOVES loves to be played with. He has blessed our home with even more happiness than I knew was possible. We love you Parker!

Update! :)

2010-12-02T17:25:00.000-08:00

I wish after the previous post (not that you read it) that I could reward you with pictures, but I want to wait until I have our Christmas tree decorated and take some pics with Parker and the tree (cant wait!)

We got back from Montana visiting Jed's sister and her family, as well as some other members of Jed's family. If you have heard anything about Utah weather at all lately, you know that we have been bombarded with terrible weather. I don't want to go into all the details, because just thinking about it makes me sick. The roads were terrible, we had some technical difficulties with our car, and hit a deer. The car trip was a lot of fun, minus the afore mentioned awfulness.

The break from school and visit was festive, yummy, and cozy. Aside from the yummy, yummy Thanksgiving dinner- one of my favorite parts of the visit were going and chopping down our Christmas tree. (Like I said before I will post some pictures soon.) For $5 we got to go up in the mountains and literally cut down our own tree. It was great! Coming from small farm town America, I loved it! We have done this 2 years now, and I hope to continue doing something like this as often as we can.

We are looking forward to celebrating Christmas in our own home. I love the thought of cuddling up with Parker and Jed, reading stories, sipping hot cocoa, and teaching Parker about our Savior. Depending on how Parker is and whether I feel up to it, we do have some parties that we've been invited to, but I really would like to just stay home and start making my own family traditions. I like being able to wake up in the morning and decide what I want to do. Especially during a school break.

As for Parker he currently has a small cold, so he was fussy today. It's hard for me to say that he was fussy because he really only cried for a few minutes before I got the snot from his nostrils (eww!) so he wasn't really fussy- just trying to tell me that he couldn't breathe. He has continued to be a great baby, and hopefully soon (!!!) he will be back to sleeping through the night. He got up once last night, and even though a few months ago he was getting up several times a night- today I feel like I haven't slept in years!! He is super active and Jed swears that he rolled over yesterday. Today when I was playing with him, he was SOO close to doing it, so I hope to post a video of when he finally gets it (for momma.)
Jed is in school mode as finals are 2 weeks away. He is home so much more often, which is sooo much better. I love having him around- and sometimes Jed is just what Parker needs. He is such a great dad and I'm so proud of his efforts to keep going to school, work, and be a great family man.
All of my difficult projects/finals are over, so I just have one project (Jed and I are doing together for our creativity class) that I might do a quick post about when we're done. I am trying to decide about taking classes next semester- I'm leaning towards no, but I haven't quite decided.

That's pretty much it for us Alvey's. Look forward to come cute pictures soon!

Book Reviews

2010-12-02T17:07:00.000-08:00

{Preface: I am a fast reader. I'm not super smart, there's a lot (LOT!) of talents that I strive for, but I am a fast reader. It honestly bothers me- it's [ALMOST] more of a nuisance. Okay. I have always wanted to review books. It's a weird wish, but since I read fast, I figured I could "read" a book and give a review, so that someone else doesn't have to waste their time reading it if it wasn't what they were looking for. Here goes.}
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I read a lot of books during pregnancy. It was a mix of boredom (I wasn't working full time and I wasn't in school) as well as the dire need for information. Being a resident of Provo (engagement/marriage/baby making) capital of the world, I hoped that there would be tons of information readily available. NOT the case. The Provo Library is seriously lacking in the Pregnancy Department. Why? I have no idea. Many a-nights I have sat up wondering this myself.

Anyways- this is my first set of reviews, I can't promise any more, but I would love to do this regularly. I also welcome any differing opinions. I am ordering the books from my least favorite to my most favorite.

This book was honestly terrible. I read (almost) every page. I think I stopped at the last 20 pages. I just couldn't. keep. going. The author of this book is not a doctor, nor does she have any real background of medicine. So yes, the title is accurate. It is just a bunch of gossip. It has however, won several awards- been on several tv shows (including Oprah) but I just don't get it. There are several blatantly wrong statements- as far as other medical journals are concerned- and I don't think anyone should read this book for anything more than fiction. Yes, a quick read, but awful. * (one star- just to be nice)

This book is WAY TOO LONG. (even for me). No one should read this whole book. Okay-- let me back up. It is separated into months (9) thus one could read a chapter a month. Not that bad. But it is so outdated. Really. It was boring- and I don't think it offered anymore information than one could get just form talking to a mother, sister, or anyone else (which the typical pregnant woman does). Anyways- it does have (A LOT) of information- and I think that's what it should be used for. A reference book. So, if you don't have the internet- this is the book for you. If you are in the Utah area-- please don't pay full price for it- there are tons of copies at the DI for $3-- and I have a copy if you want to borrow it (thanks Aunt Carolin). I would NOT have spent any money on it. (**) For the vast amount of information- but seriously- use Google.

If you want a "reference" type book- then this is a good one. Yes, it's long- but it's the type of book that you would just want to look up the sections you are interested in. I like it because it has pictures (that aren't weird sketches like in the "what to expect" book) which is nice when you don't want to google something for pictures.

I also liked that it had stories of real people- sharing their stories. It seemed more personable and more relateable than the typical generalization stories. (****)

There are so many things to say about this book. I will try to keep my thoughts relevant and pertinent to others. First of all, this book is FULL of very useful information. It is written by a woman that has tons of experience when it comes to babies and new mothers. It is broken up into different sections (chapters) about {nearly} everything a mom would want to know.

A few of my favorite things about this book-- there is a well written quiz that helps you decide what temperament your baby has. Knowing a babies temperament helps you know how to best manage them. Honestly- i'm surprised that more people don't talk about this. How are you supposed to know how to take care of your baby if you don't know if he/she is sensitive, text book, etc??

In addition, she gives detailed explanations on diapering, bathing, massaging etc. your baby. I found this very helpful. Especially the diapering. Of course I know how to change a diaper, but I had never considered talking to my son while I change his diaper- telling him what I am doing. If someone started to change my diaper (haha) I would want the same courtesy-- that mindset- do as you would want-- is the theme of the whole book. A philosophy I full-heartedly agree with.

She also stresses the importance of a schedule. {and I CONCUR!) Her schedule follows the acronym EASY. Eat, activity, sleep, you time (mom to-do time/sleep). This is a life saver. Honestly. The best advice in the book by far.

There are of course a few things I didn't like about the book. When it comes to the schedule- she didn't really give an actual time table that it's supposed to happen on. Which I didn't understand. Also- she has a few very strong opinions on things that you MUST do or things you SHOULDN'T do, and though it's her book and she can say what she wants- obviously as a mother, you have to make the decisions that are best for your baby. (****1/2)

This book really is excellent. It's a quick read- it's specific, and has very easy to follow directions- and the outcome is... {sanity!}. This book helps you to know how to get your children to sleep. It sets up a schedule- with time increments to follow- that really help your child become independent and set good, healthy sleeping habits. I like that the book gives realistic situations that could/do come up frequently that would compromise your baby's schedule- and give possible solutions. For example- if your baby is on a 3 hour feeding schedule, you're on a plane and you're baby is fussy-- do you feed him/her? Of course- it would be rude to the others on the plane not to... but there are some feeding schedules that are VERY rigid.

This book sets up a feeding schedule referred to as the Parent-Directed Feeding (PDF). This is a healthy combination of watching the clock and your baby's cues to know when to feed. I loved this book! It honestly gave me an idea of {what the heck!} I was supposed to do with Parker. I had no idea at first. It is the same idea as in Secrets of the Baby Whisperer- Eat, Activity, Sleep which is very important. I loved this book- and would give it 5 stars, but it isn't a stand alone book. There are so many other aspects of babies, pregnancy etc. that this book just doesn't cover. (****1/2)

I cannot do this book justice. I have done plenty of reading, in all facets of life, and this book- aside from the Book of Mormon and the other scriptures and a very short list of other books, this book has done the most to change my life. Whew. That's a rather bold statement that I hope to properly defend. All of my life I have been a rather curious person. I am really grateful for this quality. It has led me to enjoy schooling, people, and life in general. This curiosity mainly comes from my grandmother and sister who are two very curious people.

Anyways, I have always been curious about child birth. Growing up, I really never thought that I would have my own children. (WEIRD!) I mean I knew I wanted children, I love children!, but childbirth scared me more than almost anything. I talked of adopting because I was so scared (un-informed) about childbirth. (Not to discount adoption- something that I would love to do.)

But this book really, truly helped me to better understand childbirth and the beauty that it really is. I know, within my heart, that childbirth doesn't have to hurt. It really is a natural thing, a power that we women have been so blessed with. And this book gives a natural alternative to excruciating pain that is most often associated with childbirth.

Now that I have had a child, I totally understand the beauty that modern medicine is. After being in labor for 10 hours, I too received an epidural (beautiful thing!!) By that point- that day- everything about that day- Tuesday August 17th, was terrible. Parker was born August 18th so I can say that. :] But hypnobirthing teaches that it is the tensing of the muscles that actually causes the pain, and that tension come from fear. Fear from everything that we women have seen, heard, dreamt about etc. about childbirth. So as we are already terrified, we tense our muscles- which constricts them from doing what they are naturally meant to do.

From my experience, after having one child, this is true. I have heard (obviously I don't have anything to compare it to) that being induced causes stronger contractions that if someone goes into labor naturally. I was induced and the first 10 hours of labor I was doing my breathing and self-induced hypnosis and it was beautiful. I was talking on the phone to my family, I got in a jacuzzi, and played games- all while the contractions were full blown.

It wasn't until I was checked by my midwife and found out that I had not dialated at all, that I lost control. I mean I wasn't screaming or anything- Jed said that I was actually really calm, but mentally I couldn't get to my "safe place." That is when I decided to have the epidural- because I was feeling pain.

In addition to teaching self-induced hypnosis (not weird, I promise) this book teaches of delayed cord clamping. I can't personally teach the medicine or research behind delaying clamping the umbilical cord for 10 minutes or so, but from what I have read and heard, it is the BEST thing for newborns. (I am willing to talk about what I have learned if you're interested). For Parker, it was beautiful. After he was born, they immediately put him on my bare chest, and he was calm. He wasn't screaming or anything like I have always seen. He was calm and comfortable.

Though I don't have the greatest personal experience with this, I loved how well this book teaches the hubby to be involved with the birth. I was nervous because my hubby was uninformed about childbirth- really when would he talk about that?- so I was worried that he would either freak, leave, or stay silent. I was glad that this book does give things for the husband to do.

This book is primarily about pregnancy and childbirth, not about the children or really anything else, so I still must give this book (****1/2) I understand that no book could realistically discuss all aspects of babies in a reasonable number of pages- I wanted to reserve 5 stars for a book that does that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So now you have my 2 cents about baby books. If you have any books to suggest, questions, or comments, I would love to hear. Thanks for reading this (honestly a little surprised you finished!)

FALL

2010-11-08T14:25:00.000-08:00

I love fall. For the following reasons:

Pumpkins (Prize winning one's... hence the blue ribbon!)

The farmer's and the pumpkin they "grew"

Bundling up in layers

Football games... especially when we win.

GO BYU!

Sisters that come visit :)

And that live close!

Playing inside on {COLD} days!

him

AND him :)

this

Oh, and this

We had the greatest time taking our family pics this past weekend. Mandy over at Mandy's Studio did a great job! It was a bit cold, but Parker was so content and Mandy had so many good poses! She was super easy to work with and we HIGHLY recommend her for anyone in Utah County. Great Prices and Even Better pictures. But hey-- when you're that good looking, it's not {too} hard to get a good shot! HAHA.

Gratitude- Day 1 (already behind!) HOME

2010-11-02T15:41:00.000-07:00

Wow. I just read my (cousin-in-law's?) blog post about gratitude and of President Monson's talk about gratitude this conference. This is a link to her wonderful post. Thanks Michelle!

She, like many others, are taking this month to show gratitude for things in their life. Hopefully I will be able to keep up with this daily posting- seeing as I am already behind.

There are so many things to be grateful for. Literally everything that I have is given to me by the Lord. Today I am grateful my home. That I have a home, a place to live, a roof that provides shelter for me and my family- I am truly grateful.

Every night, when I am turning up the heater, I recall a cold November night when Jed and I helped a homeless man. We didn't have much to give him, but we gave him a blanket that we were keeping in our car. It was just a small fleece blanket that my grandma had given me, and I know that that man needed much more than we did.

I can't stand being cold. It is one of the WORST things in the world to me. And neither does Parker. He is constantly being bundled up and I have had to make many accomodations so that he is more comfortable. Though Jed is probably a little too warm at times, Parker and I are able to be warm.

And yes, I often find myself looking at others who have such nicer homes, who have their own home, or who might have more space than me-- but I love my home. It is mine. My family and I get to make memories in our little basement apartment on 800 North in Provo. I will always remember this home. I brought my first baby home here. I have done many "firsts" here. Yes, I love this home.

A few lessons learned

2010-10-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

Babies really are their own specie. That probably sounds funny, but to me they are so Abnormal. My family is LOUD- not over bearingly annoying, but yes, we speak our peace. Speaking for myself- this is ONLY done within my immediate family- with others I feel so misunderstood that my brain is too foggy for coherent conversation--- (what a rant) so its strange to me that babies don't speak. In the words of my 6 yr old cousin, Caroline- "What words does he speak?" ... "What!? No words!" I was just as dumbfounded.
Considering the field that I want to go into- teaching English as a 2nd language- learning to communicate with those that don't share a common language-- I thought that this would be easier. But babies can't do ANYTHING to express themselves. Oh how I wish that Parker could just tell me he's warm/cold so I can dress him appropriately. Or tell me when he's done eating so I don't force feed him, or under feed him. Or when he's tired so I can lay him down to sleep. I've heard that you can listen to their cries- and though I think that has its place-- when it's 3 AM and I have eye boogies in my eyes (recent infection I think) I'm still totally dazed and Parker's crying-- listening to his cry is the last thing I want to do- I just want to find out what it is so he can be happy (and not wake up our upstairs neighbor) So YES-- I can't wait for Parker to SPEAK.

(** Disclaimer: None of these pictures have been doctored or staged- that is just how {incredibly} good looking my son is!)

We are loving being parents. I love being Parker's Momma. Still adjusting- its a process for sure. Trying to juggle parenthood and being a student is challenging, but I have found the support and love that I've needed. {thanks all!}

ALL ABOUT PARKER:

He loves to

SMILE (aww!!)

and I can't get enough of it

MOVE

his little legs are always going

SUCK

he's gonna be a thumb sucker

SWING

in his "Johnny Jumper"

But by far... his favorite thing is....

BEING NAKED! :)

Not a surprise to those of you who truly know me. I am a girl that loves her birthday suit. As creepy as it sounds, it is the truth. I am constantly in my robe (at most) so yeah, I am in tune with my body. And SOOO is Parker. He loves his diaper change time, Bath time, any time that I let him have his diaper/clothes off. HE is a momma's boy- and I LOVE IT :)

Halloween Decorations

2010-10-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the lovely ladies at Graphics Fairy, Stories of A to Z, and House of Smiths,
I was able to create my own Halloween space. OCT 31st and all that comes before, has always been my favorite time of year. Pumpkin Patches, apple cider doughnuts, getting all dressed up, and CANDY makes this holiday the best.

The blocks were made out of some wood that we had cut at Lowe's, some black acrylic paint (.30) at Michael's, and the stencils were handmade (took forever!) by printing out the letters, tracing them with an x-acto knife and sheet protectors. It was a bit of a process, but it was super fun. Everything else was super easy- and definitely added a bit of "spook" to our living room :)

This is the entrance to our "BAT CAVE" as we so lovingly call it :) (Lately it might be better known as an ICE CHEST, but you get the pic)

These little projects have been keeping me busy and have been getting us into the HALLOWEEN spirit :) Happy Halloween all. I'll post our costume pics a little later!

Parker, things, and LIFE in general

2010-10-03T21:48:00.000-07:00

YAY!! Pictures of Parker! :) We love our little man. He is soooo sweet and cuddly and boy does he smell good :) This picture was after 19 hours of labor (amazing!) and 9 months of being preggers.... (ick!) So we both were so excited to see him, hold him, kiss him etc. Even still today I love getting him dressed each morning, giving him a bath at night, reading to him- anything. He is my own little doll, and he is just so fun to have around.

Here he is- after MOM had taken WAYYY too many pics :) (and I still do!)

Oh gosh I could just take pictures of him all day. And thats what I did for the first few weeks-- Now he stays awake a little bit longer- but this was during the time when he would stay awake for ten or so minutes-- just long enough to get a diaper change and get dressed before he was off to never never land :) Now he is up to about 45 minutes of awake time, so I have a few pictures of him being super cute :)

I LOVEEEE this picture. When I rested him there on the boppy- he looked nothing like this. This was apparently a far superior postion. He is also breathing pretty heavily in this picture, so I was able to get some footage of him with his hand on his hip, and it bopping up and down- way too adoreable for me!

This was a highlight of my life. So we went up to campus to buy our textbooks-- the last day before class started--whoops!--- and baby parker was less than 2 weeks old. We needed to feed, so I fed him in the ladies room. As I was changing him- I realized he had pooed all the way through his outfit, and I didn't have any other clothes for him (Im still a newbie at this!) Anyways-- I was about to leave the bathroom when I passed the mirror and saw that- yup! My little guy had peed right through his diaper while I was feeding him. (LAME cheap diapers!) Well, with no clothes for Parker, and no clothes for me-- we walked home. Him (nakie!) and me- WET! :) Oh, how I love the number of times Parker and I change throughout the day. When will I learn to start wearing my rain gear all day?!

PARKER'S BLESSING! It was amazing. Parker looked soo handsome, and Jedediah did a marvelous job blessing our son. We were so blessed to have so many of our family there- I was so surprised so many people could make it. There almost weren't enough seats! This picture is with my mother dearest and my younger sister, Alyssa. My mom stayed for a week to help with Parker, and Alyssa was there before, during, and after Parker- thanks sis! With their help, as well as many others, I can say I survived the first few weeks (man I am not looking forward to that again- I guess I will never be a new mom again, whew!)

Jed's parents, Eric and Kathy, were also able to make it out. It was so nice to have Parker's grandparents there with us! Hopefully we can make it to Seattle or they can visit us, because Parker misses them already. Grandparents are great all around- they spoil them, love them, and almost always bring them back :)

These last three pictures always bring tears to my eyes. (Okay, so the hormones are still a rollar coaster!) but even still- I love my son. I mean, obviously I knew I would love him, but its INCREDIBLE how I love him. That probably sounds kind of strange- but I am really surprised that I am able to love anything so quickly and so fully. When he's sleeping I miss him. When I have to go to class, I miss him. I just always want to be right there with him. I feel like every single aspect of my life changed now that I have added "mother" to the list. My priorities have all shifted down so that Parker can find a place at the top.

Motherhood is everything. I finally feel like everything I was taught in young womens and by my family has made full circle. I was meant to be a mother. It really is a divine calling. A woman's place is in the home.

I still don't know what I am doing for school. I am taking 8 credits right now. I don't know exactly what Jed is doing for work or school next year. Nor do I know what to do for Parker most of the time.

But I do know, and have always known, that I am a daughter of God, and I don't take that lightly. The Lord knew that I needed Parker right now. He was meant to come into our family at this not-so-ideal time. I have been prepared from the beginning for this purpose, and I so grateful for those who have taught me how to be a mother. Jed is an amazing father. Fatherhood is a weird thing. I still don't have it all figured out- but Jedediah surely does. He has been so caring and understanding- as always- these last 6 weeks. Whenever he's home (which isn't very often) he takes care of Parker. Jed changed all the diapers while we were in the hospital (then Alyssa took over.) Jed got up with me everytime I fed Parker. Now I only wake him up when I need him- but he is alway so willing to do anything I ask. Jed is the best father I've ever known, as well as the best husband.

WOW. Well this got long, very quickly. I was going to say a bunch of other things, but I should end now. Maybe some other time I will give the birth story- but for now, keep us in your prayers-- we can take all we can get. :) xoxo

Kyle Andrews "You Always Make Me Smile" Official Video-- Yeah, we were there. The GREEN TEAM.

2010-09-02T12:26:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy Post

2010-08-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

I feel like as soon as I'm not pregnant anymore, and after all the initial baby craziness (plus a few months) maybe I'll look back and enjoy my pregnancy. Because even now I can recall a (very) short time when I enjoyed it. But as I sit here, in outfit number 2 for today (already sweated through #1) I cant even fathom doing this again. I am trying to pull together a list of things I liked about my pregnancy- because the list of things I DIDNT like would be long, really long, and everybody who reads this has probably heard me complain at least once (sorry!). So with literally nothing in mind right now, here goes.

-I got to eat without counting calories.
The few extra pounds on my face will tell you I did this.

-Baby clothes shopping.
My new favorite thing to shop for.

-Feeling him kick.
Each time I felt him, I felt like he did it just to let me know he was okay.

-Ultrasounds
I wish we could do these more often. At first he looked like... a blob of something- and then a few short months later, he was a full fledged baby. Amazing!

-Baby showers
I love getting together with people I love, and I love getting presents for Parker.

-Letting Jed feel him kick
He always gets stage fright when Jed is trying to feel him. Jed says that in the morning when Im still sleeping he can feel him kick and move. (my heart melted when he told me that)

-Organizing his baby clothes
Lets just say I have done this way WAY too many times!

-Talking to Parker
pretty much about everything Im doing, things I am thinking about. I just like talking to him. I really hope he is used to my laugh by now. :)

-Swimming
I almost dont even feel pregnant. I think that counts!?!

-Jed rubbing my feet
He has pretty much gone pro at foot rubbing. Such a good guy.

WOW. I am honestly super impressed with myself. I didn't think I could come up with 5 things to think positively about. All things considered, I think I will love holding my little boy more than anything. I cannot WAIT! :)

Now for the pictures. Excuse my swollen face, sweatiness, and overall pregnant grossness. I am not one of those girls that feels sexy when she's pregnant. Definitely not!

Jed and I at Olive Garden (Alyssa is taking our picture). We get so spoiled. I watch our friends 1 yr old daughter for a few hours, and they give us a gift card to the Olive Garden. YUMMY!

Friends from my ward throwing me a baby shower! Thanks Sarah! It was a blast! Nice to have Alyssa there as well.

There he is. This is me, at 38 weeks-- Aug 12th. I honestly didn't think I could get this big. At least my huge club feet aren't in the picture (thanks Alyssa) they are huge!

This is Jed and I at Bear Lake for his family's reunion. It was a lot of fun, warm!!, but lots of fun. Look at the water! I had never seen water that color before-- gorgeous! p.s. Jed has gotten a tiny belly too. I loveeee it!

Motherhood:-An-Eternal-Partnership

2010-08-03T14:23:00.000-07:00

As the weeks (days!) come down to the big event. Easily one of the
biggest in my life so far, I am touched by the power of motherhood.
What a divine calling it is. As I struggle to balance being a mother, a wife,
a student, a daughter, a sister, a friend and all other roles I hold in my life,
I am confident that it can be done.

Thank you, all the women in my life, for being such a great example to me.
Thank you for showing me that it IS possible. Thank you for encouraging me
with words of love and support, and for helping me see my own potential.
To all the mothers and women- know that the Lord loves you. And is mindful
of your righteous desires. Keep up the good work.

Below is a link of a video that is certain to brighten any day, and make
that list of to-dos seem possible. Oh- and its by Elder Holland. :)

Motherhood:-An-Eternal-Partnership

Just Pictures

2010-07-09T17:10:00.000-07:00

I had to hold the camera super, super still... and these are maybe a 1/4 or what I wanted to upload, but here's some for now.

This was in April when we found out we were having a boy. I knew, Jed knew, we just had to let the Dr's see. Oh goodness he's so darn cute. P.s. I didn't even cry. I was super surprised.

This was at Jed's friend Jacob's wedding. Jed was the best man. Don't we look hot. :) Took me forever to find a dress to wear... and I really can't stand that dress. Oh to find cute (CHEAP) clothes whilest pregnant.

There she is! My lil' sister getting her diploma. It was really, really weird to see her all growed up like that. Oh, and did I mention how weird it was being back (only 2 years after my own graduation) with a hubby and a baby..... that was slightly weird.

My nephew, Jax and myself. Loved being back in Illinois. Loved seeing the fam, and this little guy even let me hold him. Just a few times. He is too darn cute!

My two besties. The cutie on the left is Heidi and the hot one on the right is Jennifer. These are the girls that I spent my high school years with. Boy did we cause trouble. Love them both so much and miss them already! p.s. between the three of us, we're pretty much unstoppable.

There's the 3 of us (the Three Sisters) with our picture proudly displayed on a HUGE wall of other pics at our favorite restaurant, the Three Sisters. To my knowledge we are the only pic that aren't biologically sisters.

**** Well I had tons more pictures to post. I didn't get to post any of my family or the awesome baby shower they threw. Maybe sometime soon.

Hypnobirthing

2010-07-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to the Parker's birth date (c. August 24th) it is sooooo soon. I have no idea how I am ever going to get everything done. Tomorrow I am going shopping for fabric to make his bedding with (that should be interesting!) Then we still have a BUNCH of shopping to do as well as much needed psychological preparation. But one thing we have started, that I am way stoked about!!!, is our birthing class.

For me the biggest thing about this baby, is to have a relatively good birthing experience. I love children- look at what I am studying- and though I need a lot of work in the mom department- children are the greatest things in the whole world to me. But the thought of doing this whole baby thing again, at the moment, is not sounding too good. (All about adoption) So I REALLY need this to be a good experience so I will look back and say- yeah, I would do that again (if only for my children).

Hence- the need and desire for a birthing class. I really wanted to find one that fit my needs, as well as encouraged a natural birth (I knew I would need all the encouragement I could get). After talking to my midwife about different classes offered here in Utah county, I decided to look into hypnobirthing. I had never heard of it before, nor did I have any idea what it was about. But after a few days, more discussions with my midwife, talking to Jed, and looking at this incredible website www.hypnobirthing.com I had made my decision. At first finding a class that worked with our schedule, finally finding one and then the instructor needed to cancel due to family issues etc., we finally started our class.

It is a five week- 2 1/2 hour- course that teaches hypnobirthing. We had a great experience last night. We were taught all about what it is, taught why it works, and even started doing hypnosis in class. It was way cool. Not cool. That's not the right word-- it made sense. We talked about our conscious and subconscious minds, and how strong our minds are and can be if we help train ourselves to use that potential. At first I read hypnosis and thought- okay, well my midwife is a wonderful, trained medical professional- and she said that she has personally seen this type of birthing work wonders for each patient willing to put in the effort--- so I continued thinking, hypnosis... like swing a watch in front of your eyes, wake up an hour later and have no idea what happened-- lame, I want to be fully awake and alert during my birth. But after all the research I have done, the class, and I started reading the book about it, it is anything but a crock. It really is mind over matter, and letting our bodies do what they were created to do.

I cant wait to keep learning about this class, and I am actually (sort of... in a way) looking forward to the birth now. I love love LOVE how much Jed is involved. It is exactly what I wanted. I'll keep you posted on more about our class, as well as hopefully soon update with pictures. (Our camera cord is shredded). Much Love from here in the valley <3

First of many (hopefully) ~ April~

2010-06-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

I really don't like cleaning. I mean, aside from a handful of people out there- LUCKY!- who does? But i mean, if you asked any member of my family, especially my younger sister that had to share a room- who is the messiest in our family, it would be me. I like to think its because I am so busy, that cleaning is just not an option-- which in high school that could have been a decent excuse-- but now it really doesn't fly. Aside from growing a baby everyday-- which is literally a piece of cake (or two, with ice cream) I haven't been doing too much. Okay-- so we moved, I went on an amazing trip back home to Illinois, and there is plenty of stuff keeping me busy with a baby in our near future--- REALLY what I am trying to say is

Sorry for not blogging. I didn't want to come out and say it, but seeing as this is an exciting time, and my family does like to keep updated on what the heck I am doing in Utah, I really hope to be better at blogging more regularly. Even just to post pics (which hopefully I can remember how to do)

So this post is about April. That was a CRAZZZYYY month for us. I was getting over being sick (no details there-- it was gross. so glad its over) but I was beginning to feel better. Jed and I both were finishing the semester- which involved several late nights with both of us finishing projects, papers etc. It was crazy. Im pretty sure looking back there were a few days where aside from saying prayers together- we didn't see each other.
Then there were finals, and because I work at the the Testing Center on campus, I was working tons!!-- oh and pregnant. My co-workers were really sweet and offered to let me do the jobs where I could sit- that was so kind of them!
Jed also had to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, and apparently he opted to take a more difficult 2nd half of the test. (Instead of general engineering he took the mechanical engineering portion) But because he works at the math lab, and is a smart kid, he didn't really need to study too much because most of the math was fresh in his mind. We recently got his scores ( HE PASSED!) It was just a pass/fail test-- which I think is lame. I really want to brag that he did super super good comparatively, but HE PASSED so I guess thats all that matters.
Then we moved. Into a much nicer apartment. It's still a basement apartment, but the windows are much bigger, there are actual rooms, and with all of Jed's handy-man work, it looks so much better. We love it. I honestly forget about some of the rooms because of their creepiness, but mostly because I am used to being able to see my whole house from the couch.

***** PICS to be uploaded later when I can re-figure it out*******

What's Going on...

2010-03-26T10:03:00.000-07:00

So I thought, after a month, that I should do a post. Nothing too exciting is happening
in our lives. But I thought I would do a quick update, before April.
p.s. it's a long post, but there are pics!

We are both still chugging along in school. Jed is super busy (all the time) with
projects and homework etc. but he manages to come home at decent hours (most nights)
so we can spend some time together.

I am just finishing up my sophomore year, and Jed will be done with his Junior year. I
should be applying to the the EL ED program, but I am not too sure how thats all going to
work out. I don't plan on going back to school in the fall (the baby is due the week before school
starts) and I know I am going to need those four months to heal/figure out how to
be a mom. And with my program come the exciting practicum hours where we go into
the schools and teach for 6 weeks out of each semester. This would be very difficult/rather
impossible to do with a nursing baby, and a husband who's gone all the time. So I am going to
keep trying to figure out a way that it can work, because Jed and I both feel that I should
continue going to school.

Jed is nearly done with his bachelor's degree, and looking forward to graduate school. We both
were pretty much solidified with this idea after a banquet Jed got asked to go to. They talked
about with a bachelor's degree Jed can be making "X" amount of dollars, but not really
doing any sort of designing himself- primarily he would be working under other people. We both
know that Jed would be good at that, but I know he would much prefer getting to do his own drawings
and working on his own schedule etc. So, we're going to continue renting and being poor for awhile
so that he can go to graduate school, I can be a mom, and find a way to go to school as well.They
discussed at the banquet that either you can go to graduate school and have a full-time job, or you
can just go to school. With having a full-time job, graduate school will usually take upwards or
four year (vs. 1 1/2- 2 years) So-- we're hoping Jed can get a research position where he is able to be
doing research, getting paid for it, and working towards his thesis all at the same time. That
is obviously ideal, and if that doesn't work, then we'll go to plan "B".

What come after graduate school you must be asking yourself? Well that would be CONTINUING
school and working towards his PHD. haha. Dr. Jedediah Alvey. I think it's great. With a doctorate,
Jed will be able to do his own drawings, have more freedom with his own work, and being the
one to actually create something that didn't exist before. This will take a few more years, and we
will continue being poor and living off nearly no income ( I will probably be working part-time etc)

But this is our plan for right now. It's a rough outline, and we're not too sure how babies, my schooling, and bills are all going to fit in that equation- but we both feel like we're headed in the right direction.

Now we just have to figure out what school Jed's gonna go to. Who knows where we'll be in a year?
I am so excited though. As we were laying in bed last night (Jed got done with his homework SUPER
early!!) and we were trying to listen to the baby move (Jed loves to do that. He asks me all the time if
he can talk to "my baby" like it isn't his or something!) haha---- Jed said, "So we're gonna be in school
for the rest of our lives. I was like-- yup. Im planning on being a teacher, so even when we're done,
I will always be in school. We both love school though. We were the kids in elementary who cried
if we had to miss a day. Loved doing extra credit etc. We are such nerds.

So now-- on to CONSIDERABLY more exciting things! April 9th, we go in for our 20 week ultra sound. I am supppppperrrrr excited. Though I think it's a boy, but REALLY want a girl, I just
want to know what it is, so we can start buying cute stuff :) We had an appointment at 16 weeks
and got to hear the babies heart beat. Beautiful. I think it was like 140 or something. which is
super middle of the road-- so healthy! and they looked at me and said that my body was just
built for baby carrying-- i was like whew- i would be nervous if it wasn't!-- so everything
seems to be great. Just two more weeks and we get to see everything. Big Question-- BOY
OR GIRL? Parker or Adelaide? Who knows? I am getting giddy just thinking about it.

So the picks below-- the first one is 13 weeks, and the second is 15 weeks. I am 18 weeks now,
but I haven't taken any pics this week. Maybe I'll do a quick post this afternoon, after I shower. :)

p.s. I think the 13 week one looks HUGE, but really I think its just the shirt. ????

It's getting real-er...

2010-02-08T18:13:00.000-08:00

This whole baby thing is just not real yet.

The throwing up and feeling gross, as well as
the random crying and complete exhaustion are
pretty good indicators- and so was the ultrasound,
but not REAL. I guess when I start feeling the kicking
I think it will start to feel like yeah there's a baby
inside me, but for now-

Im just fat, emotional, malnutritioned, dead tired, and
overall gross.

But...........

aside from all that,
We got a CRIB! We were given (thanks Carolin, DW, and Rachel Mary)
a BEAUTIFUL, white wooden crib. I love it. I
would have picked the same one. So now, it's starting
to feel a little more real. (Because Jed and I
aren't going to sleep in it, so there must be a baby who will)

We are so grateful for the crib and all of the encouragement
and support from our families and friends.

p.s. My plan for adopting children from Bora Bora is sounding
PERFECT right about nowwww.

What's In a Name

2010-01-20T18:36:00.000-08:00

Well I am not too good with names

actually I am terrible with names. I lived with 40 girls
for a full year, and I still don't know all their names.

Its gross.

But man this BABY is gonna have a great name.

Cuz no matter the first name, the last name is

ALVEY

and that's the best name i know. so....

Yes I'm Expecting!!!

It has been crazy here in our house, but we
are having a baby! Oh my goodness.
Jedediah's gonna be a daddy. Im gonna be a mommy.
WHOA.

White female from rural northern Illinois, USA

2010-01-12T20:55:00.000-08:00

[And Proud of It!]
To chose three artifacts (definition: an object made by a human being [not me], typically an item of cultural or historical interest) that represents me culturally and ethnically is not an easy task. (A sentence whose words I had to individually define in order to properly do the assignment). But after thinking about it for awhile, and really looking deep, I think I figured it out. [A school assignment of course]

Black Pen
   I loathe blue pens and pencils, so I write with black pens. I take all my notes, grocery lists, and whimsical ideas with a black pen. Every thank you note, Christmas card, and form- I have to do with a black pen. I have yet to figure out exactly why I can't use anything else, but it is the way it is.
      Especially because I love to write. I love to write my thoughts, wishes, dreams, catchy titles, and book ideas all down because I WILL forget- and when I write them down, I always use my on-hand black pen.

Houndstooth high heels
Shoes. Pretty much every girl's favorite thing. I feel like they represent me because they show where I have been, where I was today, and where I will go tomorrow, and where I will be going for the rest of my life. But okay- yes, they have to stylish. I am not the type of person to wear tennis shoes because they are comfy- I wear tennis shoes to match my cute pink shorts- and yeah, I might be doing some exercise. :)
     Even if I know I will be standing on my feet for long periods of time- I wear my cute black boots, or my brown flats. NOT my tennis shoes that are "comfy." Not unless I will be wearing my cute pink shorts. Maybe its a phase, maybe it's even a little immature- because yes, I do occasionally have back problems- I am gonna keep on wearing my favorite- CUTE- shoes. Like those! --------------->

Family Pic
     My family. Man- do I love them. I love every quirk, every mole, every temper, every laugh, every smile, every call to say "I love you", every shoulder given, every prayer thought, everything. My family is anything but "normal". We totally passed the 1.5 (?) children, any nuclear family definition, and we totally surpass being just a family. We are best friends. There is 6 of us- some step siblings, mostly half siblings, but all best friends that I would give everything I had and wanted for.

I think I chose them to help represent my culture- because that's where I got any sort of culture from. I get my ability to find screaming deals, and make yummy dinners from my oldest sister. She taught me that being good isn't an option. The best is what He deserves, and she has showed me how to do this. Another sister opened my eyes to music, and being daring, and how to have a good time. Then my brother- he taught me how to eat ice cream. And well. And to do accounting, and all sorts of calculus, and how to be loyal and honest- no matter what. Another brother taught me that laughter is a good thing. Make mom laugh- and she'll love you. He taught me that I can pursue my dreams and go to school far far away. And then theres my younger sister. Sometimes I feel like she should be running parts of the family. She taught me to listen. To cry when someone else is crying- to play more intense church ball than expected. That I can be myself, and somebody will always be there to throw mud right back at me.
I would say that I am the person I am, I do what I do, I live the way I live, primarily based on what my family has taught me. I love them. Whether the last name is Denhof, or Lucas, or Culey, or Alvey, we are a team or strongwilled-full of life all around- best friends.

"How do I love thee, let me count the ways"

2009-12-04T10:57:00.000-08:00

Today is Jedediah's birthday. He is 23 years young today!

1. He married me. The best present ever.
and im still trying to figure out why.
2. He makes me laugh.
and so does everything else- you may be wondering. But he makes me laugh when crying seems like the best solution.
3. He lets me cry.
thats always a good thing.
4. He is super smart.
I love listening to him talk about stuff I have no idea anything about.
5. He Loves kids.
maybe not as much as I do :) but he's gonna be a great daddy
6. He works hard.
I have never seen someone who studies like he does.
I always get compliments from those he tutors saying, "Hey- you're married to Jed Alvey? He pretty much gave me the A in my math class." Then I get butterflies.
7. He laughs at my jokes.
they're really lame, and he still does.
8. He does the right thing.
9. Loves his calling.
I know that it is super important to him, even though he's gone a lot.
10. He rubs my feet.
Enough said.
11. He lets me ask "stupid" questions.
12. He uses Excel.
and I think its hot.
13. He's very clean.
he does the dishes. everyday.
14. He doesn't mind when I get lost.
he always seems to know right what I did wrong, and how to fix it.
15. He likes the crafts I make.
they're lame- so its nice that he likes them at least.
16. He never complains about supper.
NEVER.
17. He lets me take my time to get ready.
18. He's a GREAT kisser.
19. He charges my phone.
20. He lets me pick my favorite pillows.
21. He opens my car door.
and he helps me into the seat at restaurants. LOVE IT.
22. He watches the movies I want to watch.
really. he likes them too.
23. He is my best friend. Really.
Forever sounds perfect.

Happy Birthday Jedediah. The first of infinity birthdays to come.

Lets both by "y".

XLIII. "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways..." by Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of Being and ideal Grace. I love thee to the level of everyday's Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. I love thee freely, as men strive for Right; I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise. I love thee with a passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.

we love to laugh.

2009-11-24T11:47:00.000-08:00

Setting: Laying in bed after a LONG day---

Aubrey: Why do you have that other blanket?
Jed: cuz you always steal the blankets

Aubrey rolls over trying to get comfortable
Jed rolls the other way trying to get some room

Aubrey: Snuggle with me not against me.

Laughter (which has been an ongoing joke for days)

Jed: Isn't that a line from somewhere or something?
Aubrey: Now is not the time. Sleep!

I love Jed :)

Love this product!

2009-11-09T14:47:00.000-08:00

After following this blog, Leelou showed us her stroller. It's called the Joovy Caboose Stroller. After reading just her one little blog post about it-- it got me interested. After looking around at other strollers, I like this one. It's lightweigh, small, and can hold 2 kids.

So i guess when the time comes, this will be one decision I won't have to make.

Thanks Leelou!

Aubrey: The crafter---- NOT!

2009-10-26T10:38:00.001-07:00

So I am in the "craft" mode. I have never been a very crafty person-- but as Jed has soo much homework (ALL THE TIME!) I have to do other things to keep me sane. :) Luckily, right as I was at my breaking point, a sister in my ward got a group of us together to make quiet books. I am soo excited- as it will be fun, a great way to meet more sisters, and a something crafty for me to learn! YAY!

Anyways-- does anyone have any specific suggestions, or ideas-- or pages that your kids have really liked to use (Im nervous that I will pick pages that kids will get bored with easy). Anyways-- just calling for ideas is all-- Thanks!

Homecoming Weekend

2009-10-24T18:51:00.000-07:00

Before we left for the dance, three of my friends came over to take pics of Jed and I. It was a lot of fun, especially because it was one of the first times Jed showed some of his "true colors." He had a some fun taking the pictures--- and my friends were definitely pushing his comfort level :) They turned out pretty good- even though my hair didn't. It was humid and nothing I could do would let it stay curled or straight. I was forced to the typical pony tail. My makeup was a little too heavy-- I guess because my trusted older sister wasn't there to do my makeup. No matter, it was a lot of fun, and Jed still thought I looked good.

(The Photographers)

The dance was a lot of fun. We went with our friends the Lisonbee's (they're so fun!) We went to the new pizza place-- Pzza Pie Cafe--- and it was yummy! I guess they have another one up in Rexburg- and they just opened up another one in Provo. All you can eat pizza, pasta, and salad for $7. Nice :) We went to the dance at Thanksgiving Point and danced the night away. I think Jed's favorite song was one from the Spice Girls (he knew all the words!) It was fun to be there with him and just have a night free from homework, laundry, work, dinner or anything else-- and just be together. (Wuve, true wuve)

----------------------

Then Saturday morning, I went with my friend to the Homecoming parade. I love getting to hang out with her and her daughter-- and I got a gift certificate to the Brick Oven.

BYU band

Stopped two of my friends from the dorms, and watched the parade with them too!

My and my good friend Diana. Her little one was so happy to be there!

She's a trooper-- it was chilly.

Us watching the game-- fun! I was scheduled to work- but then was called to stay home! I didn't make any money, but it was nice to just stay home with Jed-- I couldnt find my BYU shirt-- but i snuggled under my BYU blanket of course :) All in all it was a great homecoming, and a excellent way to spend the weekend! Jed and I are so happy to be here, and are really enjoying the whole married/student life thing :)

Pictures- i hope they turn out

2009-10-20T22:30:00.000-07:00

Taking pictures for a group FHE

couch and rug :) -at Hyrum Lake with family

at the corn maze for my birthday <3

Jed going down the "big" slide

Went to a local museum-- saw a Gutenberg Printing Press--

It "impressed" me :)

Outside the conf center-- went to the

Sunday afternoon session. We HEARD Elder Holland. amazing.

Pre- Blue Foam-- look how nice we look-- (girls I lived with last year- plus a boyfriend)

Post Blue Foam--- It's just something we do to pass the time at BYU

My Husband Got Arrested on Our Wedding Day.

2009-09-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

So today is Friday. And for us here in Provo- that means only 2 things. First- tomorrow is a football game!! Second- no school until Monday! So in all of this free time I find on my hands, I decided to finally update this blog of ours.

First-- and definitely most important-- WE GOT MARRIED! I know everybody knows already- but it just has to be said. July 10th we sealed the deal- pun completely intended- and what an eventful day it was! More on that shortly :)

Second-- we BOTH moved in to our very small, very!!! cozy apartment. We love it! As pathetic as it is, I couldn't imagine cleaning anthing any bigger. Its perfect for us.

Third-- of course we started school- at BYU of course. Jed is diving right in with hours and hours of homework every night- I dont have so much, so I do tons of other little things to keep me busy. (FYI Jedediah is studying Mechanical Engineering, and I am studying Elementary Education. Jed's getting a minor in Math and I am getting a K-12 TESOL minor.)

Continuing on--
We recently were called as Gospel Doctrine teachers-- nervous about that! for reals! At least we get to teach together :) Then I am also a District Visting Teaching Supervisor- and love getting to meet all the women in our ward.

Okay-- so the story... this is by far the best story you have ever heard, and I am not kidding. No part of this story is fabricated in any way- Girl Scout's honor!

So we got married on a Friday- and I had gotten up early (of course!) to get my hair done by my cousin. I still had a little packing to do, and thus was very flustered when the time to leave had passed. We left probably 15 minutes late, and boy was I annoyed. IT was RAINING! This had not been factored into my hair plans, so with the very HUGE and awkward umbrella my grandma had let us borrow- we were off.
    Jed was driving, and Boy was he driving S L O W. This got me even more annoyed, and we started arguing. (We both agree neither of us were actually upset, we were both just so darn nervous.) So as we were driving out of my neighborhood, Jed stopped the car and I got out. Yes, in the pouring rain, I got out and started heavily walking away from the car.  Jed came, picked me up over his shoulder, and walked me back to the car, where I got in. We didn't talk much, and by this point I am sobbing because of everything that happened.
   We drove a few more miles down the road, and were now in the center of the very small town I live in. Jed pulled over to the side of the road, and I got upset. "This is not the time to stop and discuss our feelings! Let's keep going, and we can talk about it on the way!"  Jed shortly replied, "Well the cop is the reason I pulled over." Oh Man! My thoughts were racing! What was going on? We were already late! We had just gotten the car! Then as I wipe away my tears, the cop opens the door, with his GUN pointing at Jed, and says- "Get out of the car, and keep your hands where I can see them." My brother had called, and I start freaking out-- "Aaron, Jed is getting arrested- I don't know what's going on!" Then I hung up- and got out of the car-- OH GEEZ! The next few mintues are a HUGE blur in both of our memories.
   I get out of the car- trying to supress the already gushing tears to ask "What is going on?" The officer replied that a neighbor had called and witnessed this man kidnapping me. (HAHA) I said, "We are getting married today, and I was nervous, and my husband was helping my back in the car. Wouldn't you be nervous on your wedding day?" (With a little sass). By this point, we are all drenched- because yes, its still raining, and yes we lost all dignity- because the factory workers were on their break at this time, and watched the whole thing. (Not to mention 2 of my co-workers, and my photographers mom).
So after the police officer finally removed the cuffs from Jed's hands, he asked us to go back to the people who complained and apologize. (WHAT?!) We did as we were told, being law abiding citizens, but we were not too happy. I of course cried the whole time, which made everybody feel bad, but it was my wedding day.
Of course we laugh about it now- and even that afternoon when we retold the story to our luncheon guests. Life is for us to laugh at- and this is HE-LARIOUS!
        ~~~~
The rain stopped during our luncheon and for picture taking after the wedding- it cleared up, and was once again the hot, humid, muggy Nauvoo everyone knows.

On the way to Nauvoo- where we got married, I reapplied my make-up and tried to redo my hair. It never fully came out right, but Jed lovingly said, "I think you look beautiful," which made me feel like the queen of the world.

Jed's final project

2009-04-19T22:08:00.000-07:00

Well, finals are here for us cougars. Aubrey and I are right in the middle of our test taking. So that means final projects are finished. One of my classes had a fun project where I worked with a great group of guys to design and build a little pneumatic engine. It took most of the semester, but we presented it a little over a week ago, and it ran wonderfully. I had a lot of fun working on it, and I was really happy with how it all turned out. It's made out of aluminum, brass and steel, and runs on one cylinder. We designed and manufactured all the parts ourselves (except for a few bolts and washers). Here is even a video of it in action.

Queen of the Playground

2009-04-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday's feel like the single day that whatever needs to get done can. Last Saturday I was able to go to a 2 hour Stk. Enrichment, then help my Aunt move for a few hours, get home, make Jed go grocery shopping, make pretzels dipped in chocolate, and yes, totally dominate a 4-Square game. If you don't know how to play 4-Square, I am very sorry. This is easily the most competitive playground game. As I was chasing Jed, for no other reason than to get water on him, we ran outside, to stumble on a 4-Square game. My Sunday School teacher was there, and he asked if I wanted to play (remembering that at BYU he is also 19 yrs old). I don't even remember asking Jed if he wanted to, but I jumped in. The other two couples that were making pretzels with us came out, and we had a serious game on our hands. I didn't pull out all of my tricks immediately, but as soon as I did, everybody realized how stellar I was. Now, to eat some humble pie, I have played for 5 years working at a school, and those kids beat me all the time. But sometimes I get in my groove and nobody can get me out of the 1st square. When I inched my way into the first square, nobody realized how long I would be there. There were cheers of "Get Aubrey out! Get Aubrey out!" (Music to my ears!) After having everybody get in and out again, probably a few times, I did get out (only to a cheap shot of course!) But then I was able to revive myself, and the game ended with me in the 1st square. If I recall the rules of 4-Square (the rules we play with at work, I usually make up) the person who is last standing in the 1st Square gets to have bragging rights for the rest of the day. Well, it was midnight by then, so I understood this to mean that I have bragging rights for a few days. So here is my bragging post, and a challenge to anyone who thinks they can beat me at 4-Square! :)

What can I do?

2009-03-06T22:27:00.000-08:00

Tonight Jed and I went on our weekly date. I guess everyday is a date for us, but we try to have one actually scheduled date each week. Obviously, being college students, and us being us, they usually don't cost much money, or take much prep work. Well, this week we went to the Hunger Banquet, which did cost a few dollars, but it was so worth it. It was put on by a club at school (one of the very few I am not apart of, but that will be changing!) We had heard many observations about how the evening was going to go, but nobody really knew for sure.
We got there a little early, so we were one of the first "seated". We found out that seating was decided by complete chance, and we happened to get what was considered "Upper Class." As we were seated by our waiter, wearing a suit, who pulled out our chairs, we noticed we were definitly in the minority. There were only a few tables set up, and then a few rows of chairs on the outside, but the entire ballroom was filled with flattened cardboard boxes, which is where the majority of the people sat.
Not only was the seating different, but depending on the level that you were seated, determined your food. We ate bread, a salad, potatoes, pulled pork, corn, a cookie, and ice cream. We were served first, and both Jed and I felt a little weird eating in front of everybody else. There were a few other tables, but we really were eating in front of a few hundred people sitting on the floor, eagerly waiting their own food. The middle class people were fed hotdogs or pizza, which wasn't that bad. The rest of the people in attendance were served rice and beans, which they shared with those around them. I didn't see them get any silverware either.
I think the thing that touched my heart the most was the stark difference between each level. There were sooo many more people living in poverty compared to the middle or upper class.
Then when they said that 85% of the population of the world lives on less than 2.5 dollars a day, I wasn't surprised. Not only 2.5 US dollars, but compareably, they live off of what it would be like to live off of 2.5 dollars a day in the States.
There were a few keynote speakers, one talking about his experience in a small village in Africa, being able to help build a school there; the other a woman who works in Utah County in an organization for Adult Illiteracy. Both of which were touching, and very interesting.
I think that the thing that I will most remember from this experience isn't the awkwardness of eating in front of other people. I don't think it will even be the children who were rescued from Congo who came and sang and danced for us. No, I don't think it will even be the grown man and woman who both cried as they spoke about their life's experiences with poverty. By far it will be the way that I felt as I looked at the children who had just recieved a school, the first for them. They never before had a school where they could learn to read or write. No crayons, coloring books, playgrounds, toys of any kind. This was all a first for them. What I will remember is the little boy who reached up to share his book with a girl who didn't have one. That is what I will remember from the 17th annual BYU Hunger Banquet. "It's not about what you can't do for the world. It's about what you are able to do with what you are given." "Where much is given, much is required."

Plans, Plans, Plans!

2009-02-21T13:47:00.000-08:00

I'm sure, whether old or young, every married couple can attest to the craziness that wedding planning is. Jed and I are getting a taste of this, especially as we try to plan our wedding 100's of miles away from the actual location. Among every tiny detail that has to be made (needless to say the amount of time before the wedding the plans need to be made) we also have the after-the-wedding details that need to be decided. Well even when it seems like all doors are being slammed in front of us, one was just left wide and open... Jed and I got our apartment for next fall. It's small, REALLY small, but it's ours. Everything worked out really well, and the price is right (cheap!) We've heard that the these will be the best years, that we will grow the closest. I think I am starting to understand how this is going to happen. The house is so small... we're bound to be close all the time. We will eat, sleep, do our homework, and exercise all within 10 feet of eachother!

2008-07-22T13:19:00.000-07:00

Here is my blog. Ta Da!