Lesson Learned

16 weeks today and going strong. Up until this last week, I had still been feeling miserable. I was sick all the time and getting more and more frustrated. I felt like I wasn't eating right (still feel like that a bit) and just didn't know what to do. Matt, Whitney, my mom, and other family members have been for weeks suggesting I switch to taking my vitamins at night. I had this bizarre mental thing that I thought the baby wouldn't be getting all the nutrition throughout the day if I took them at night. It is still all wound up in my head and way complicated to explain. But...after one super frustrating day last week thinking it would never end and how could I go on, I switched my vitamins to the night time. Now, I don't want to jinx anything but so far so good. It has made such a difference! Mornings are still a bit slow and now more than ever if I don't eat often I want to die. So, basically lesson learned. I understand. And I hope our little babe is continuing to grow strong and healthy.

We have an exciting week ahead finding out the gender and another doctor's appointment. Stay tuned for that later this week.

Giving Thanks

We sure did have an awesome Thanksgiving! I loved spending time with my family, although we did miss Courtney. Connecticut was such a new place and it was fun to see. My mom has done a great job of making their new house a home. We went into Boston, which despite the freezing wind, was a really cool city. Wish we had more time and warm weather to explore it. Matt and I really love big cities and all there is to do there. Thanksgiving day was delicious as ever. Although it was a quick trip, I am soo glad we were able to go out. Thanks to my parents for all they do! They truly are the best!

Successful Turkey Bowl - no serious injuries

Smoked Turkey - success

Happy Thanksgiving

on the ferry to the USS Consitution - Boston, MA

Family's Reaction

One of the best things so far about this pregnancy has been telling our families our news. They have all been so excited and so supportive. We told my family via FaceTime. Got to love technology. We told my grandparents with the pumpkin. With Matt's family, we dressed up for a family Halloween party as newspaper ads. I had a sweet phone call with my Nana as well. It has been so fun!

 

1+1 = 3

Alright the word is officially out. The only people that read this blog have known for a few weeks, so I feel a little silly. But yes it is true, Matt and I will have a little babe joining our family in May. We are so excited! Throughout the pregnancy, I have been keeping a journal so I don't forget things. I am pretty much through my first trimester. It has been an adventure. I sure hope the sickness ends soon. We both like our doctor and things are progressing well.

A few of my first trimester favorite things:
- Cheerios
- yogurt and granola
- popsicles
- salt and vinegar chips
- baths
- Noni body butter (thanks for the tip Whit)
- Unisom
- air conditioning

Obsessed

Les Mis has always been my absolute favorite. The music is so powerful. I just love it. For my 21st birthday, I got to go home to Chicago and went with my family to see the show. Talk about best birthday ever! Anyways, it was incredible and I became more obsessed. Much to the dismay of Matt, Les Mis Pandora station is often playing in our home. So you can imagine my excitement when I found out a movie was coming out this Christmas. Here is proof of my excitement with an email from my dad sharing the news: 

I have watched the trailer many times. One day I may or may not have watched it over and over on repeat for like 8 times. This movie is not going to disappoint. I am not a fan of movie theaters, but you can bet I will be at the theaters. And then I will watch it on Redbox. And then I will buy it the day it comes out. For those of you who have not seen the trailer I leave it with you so you can see the goodness this film will be.

Recent Happenings

Life for us has gotten so busy lately. Weekends don't come soon enough and then they are gone too fast. We are both looking forward to Thanksgiving Break and a trip to Connecticut to be with my family. I love this time of year. So here is a glimpse into our lives thanks to the iPhone. 

1//Meeting new baby Jude 2// Loving on the sweet tiny perfect babe 3//Pumpkin craft with my Grandma 4//Thanksgiving turkey 5//Made burp cloths for Jude 6//Got our blood drawn for health insurance

St. George

This past weekend we went down to St. George with our friends Emily and Brad. It was the perfect getaway. We stayed at my Aunt Diane and Uncle Ron's house and they were so generous and fun. We went on a hike, swam, went on a few church site tours, and the highlight was going to Tuacahn. We saw Hairspray and loved it. We had 3rd row seats. Awesome! Sunday morning we went to the Brigham City Temple dedication and then headed home.

When Mom Comes to Town

These past few days went by way too fast. I loved having my mom here. It was so much fun. She truly is the greatest person ever. We made pizzas on the bbq and played cards. We made journals. We made the cutest fall table runner. I love how it turned out and can't wait for fall. And we made homemade pretzels, which were delicious. It's a bummer that she lives so far away, but it makes the time we get with each other that much more meaningful. Love you, Mom!

One Year Anniversary

I can't believe we have been married a year. It has truly been a great year and we are excited for what is ahead.
We started our day enjoying some delicious breakfast together. Waffles, strawberries, and smoothies. Then we had an unexpected event. The night before we were out running errands and the car decided to die on us. An overly enthused lady helped us jump our car and we made it home, only to have it die on us again. Matt spent the morning buying a new battery and fixing the car. Not the expense we were thrilled about, but glad the car is back to normal.

We got ourselves a Costco membership and finally got my name on my scriptures. Then we were off to Park City to Ruth's Chris. My mouth was watering the whole time. It is seriously so delicious. We went there last year on our honeymoon, so we thought it would be fun to go back. Fun little tradition...don't know how long it will last though.

Then today, we had left over steak and sweet potatoes and enjoyed the top of our wedding cake. We completely forgot about it yesterday! Even though it was a day late, it was still fun. The cake was surprisingly pretty good.

Can't wait for the next year and the adventures we are sure to have!

1st Day of School

Today was Matt's LAST 1st day of school. WAHOOO!!! I surprised him with a tradition my mom has done all my life. I made apple cookies. It was so fun. Thanks Mom, for starting that great tradition. I love traditions. Making these cookies seriously took me all day. I am not a baker. But thankfully these cookies ended up great!
As for me not being in school, I have to say I miss it. There are definitely things I don't miss, but I didn't think I would miss it this early. It has been a weird day for me.

Summer Party

Summer has come to a close. Matt starts school tomorrow and we have to adjust to a new routine. It will be good...the end of school for him is in sight. What's better than ending the summer with the Morinda Summer Party? Not much. Matt had a fun time golfing in the morning and we had even more fun that night. Delicious food, fun activities, great people, and blissful music. Sounds perfect to me.

 

Cal wasn't so sure about the pony ride, but...

he sure loves being thrown by Uncle Matt

63 mph

Rung the bell

Holding on for dear life

Yours truly, the asays

Movie in the Park

Last night we ventured into Provo for a movie in the park. It was a typical Provo gathering with lots of singles hoping they would meet some cool people, the over-the-top cuddlers, and best of all a proposal. Yes, Matt and I watched as an overly cocky guy took over the microphone to embarrass his now fiance and propose. Weird for everyone involved, but not unusual for Provo. The movie was John Carter. I thought it was going to be another Disney sport movie, but it was the complete opposite. Aliens, planets, Tim Riggins, and total confusion. But it was fun anyways! We are determined to enjoy these last few weeks of summer before Matt starts school again.

Pre-movie entertainment

We prefer to play cards

Let the Games Begin

I have been anticipating the Olympic games since the Today Show's 100 day countdown. I love these games. Some of my favorite summer Olympic games are swimming, gymnastics, and basketball. You can probably catch me watching archery or handball just because too. Last night we watched the Opening Ceremonies with Josh, Whit, and John. The first half was a bit confusing, but the Parade of Nations was great. Not sure what Ralph Lauren was going for in the U.S.'s outfits, but there was American pride nonetheless. Here's to the next 17 days of fun!

Cute Olympic ring sugar cookies Whit made

Finished this bracelet last night too. Thanks John for all the help!

Simplicity

"By small and simple things are great things brought to pass..."

Now that Matt and I are Primary teachers, the word simplicity has come to my mind often as I prepare the lessons. Simplicity implies beauty, clarity, purity, and truth. That is how I see many things, especially the gospel. It has been great to teach these 9 year olds the simple truths, principles, and stories of the gospel. My testimony is simple, but strong. The sometimes confusing scriptures can be explained in a simple way. The gospel is simple, true, and right. The more complicated things are doesn't mean they are anymore right than the simple things. I typed in "simple" into lds.org and some of the related topics were service, faith, love, and obedience. Those things can be simple and we must work on all those principles and maybe try thinking about them in a simple way.

Then I started thinking about my life and the simplicity of it. I have my routine each day. I get done what I need to and do things that I want to do. I have friends that may look at my life and think I am wasting my time, but I like the simplicity and time I have for me each day. I know that won't last forever, so for now I am taking advantage of the simplicity of things in my life and doing what I like to do.

4th of July

4th of July has always been my favorite holiday. This day was extra special as we celebrated my grandma's 70th birthday. Wahoo!!! Despite all the stressful moments, party planning, and organizing, the party turned out awesome! The fire in Alpine sure did spice things up a bit.

We started the day off early with the Asay's at the Provo Parade. Fun way to begin even when there are tons of people, no parking, and a hot blazing sun.

Calvin loved the big floats and horses, didn't love the machine guns shooting off right in front of us

Then some more party prep stuff and then it was time to celebrate. It was so fun to have so much family around. Missed those that couldn't be there. We had a wonderful BBQ, Julia Trivia, water balloons, and a great time.

Happy Birthday Grandma!! Love you!!

Quarter of a Century

Yesterday was a fun-filled day of birthday celebrations. Matt has hit the great 25 year old milestone. We started the day off with a breakfast bike ride up the canyon. It was beautiful and we loved it.

Thanks to my family for the gifts. Matt is super excited!

 Then we headed to Alpine. Matt mowed the lawn and we had a delicious fajita dinner. To end the perfect summer night, we sat outside telling stories and bringing out the telescope. It was the best.

Happy Birthday to the best guy around! I am excited for many many more birthdays to celebrate.