The best things in life are worth waiting for....

That's right, you guessed it!!!!! WE ARE FINALLY HAVING A BABY!!! After 3 long years, 4 doctors, and too many prayers to count, we are finally past our first trimester!!!

I found out I was pregnant on June 6, and only after 4 tests did it actually sink in. I was so afraid of letting myself get worked up again, that we didn't really tell anyone for awhile. I switched doctors again, and something is just right this time I suppose.

I have for sure learned patience, and that all things come in time, but I have to say, every week that goes by I am so greatful!!!

As of today I am officially 15 weeks, and that puts our due date on February 14, 2010!! That's right folks, a Valentines baby!! My only concern is that I am seeing a doctor in Blackfoot, and I am terrified that I am going to go into labor in the middle of a snowstorm and be like all the crazy women in my family and have a baby in 2 hours flat. Can you just picture Shawn trying to deliver a baby in the jeep (cause "it will buck drifts ya know!") on I-15 somewhere in between our house and Blackfoot!?!

And for those of you that know my besty Leslie, she and Travis are also having a baby, and we have the SAME due date!!!!!! We are both going to Bingham, and I am so thankful that we are doing this together!!! Its been such a comfort that she is going through the same things at the same times as I am. Its true what they say, "Everything happens for a reason." I guess our babies were meant to come to Earth together.

Shawn's sister Mindy is kind enough to deal with my constant questions and concerns, and I am so lucky to have her around. She has been doing my ultra sounds for me, and I know as scared as she has been to do them for me, I wouldn't have it any other way. She took these amazing shots for us, and I hope you get as big of a kick out of them as we did!! In these shots I am only 12 weeks 5 days, so you can see that the little munchkin is growing like crazy!!

bAcK fRoM vAcAtIoN

We just got back Monday night from our vacation in Texas, and man was it hot there!! It was so nice to see my sister again and her little family. She just had another baby about 6 weeks ago, and it was perfect timing to see the little guy. He is so dang cute, getting chunky monkey and he is a really great baby.

The first night we got in to San Antonio kinda late, so we got back to my sisters house, and hung out for an hour or so, then went to bed. The girls were so funny and shy the first few hours, I hate that I only get to see them every 6 months or so.

Tuesday morning we got up somewhat early and drove 5 hours to South Padre Island. We stayed in the nicest Condo. ( I unfortunately didn't get many pics of our vacation cause my batteries died in my camera and I forgot my charger.) We were only about 300 yards or so from the beach, so it was perfect to just walk down and play in the water whenever. The girls loved the water, and it was so nice to just even hang out and get some sun. Baby Kohen even loved it, there was a perfect little breeze and he didn't cry the whole time we were near the water.

We stayed at South Padre for 3 days, and drove back Friday afternoon. Saturday morning we took all the kids to their grandparents house across town and we all floated the Guadalupe river. It takes about 2 hours or more depending on where you start, and because it moves kinda slow. It was so crowed that day because it was so stinking hot!!! like 105 or so!! We all got kinda sun burned but I think it was worth it.

Sunday we all went to Church for Kohens blessing. I am so glad that we were able to go down for that, because I wasn't able to go when the girls were blessed, and it was nice to be together as a family. (minus Karl) After Church we all took really long naps, then went downtown to see the River Walk. Its so beautiful there and so full of history. If you ever get a chance to check it out I recommend it.

Monday morning we got up early and I gave all the girls haircuts, and colored Shannon's. The little girls are so funny about their hair, and showing it off.

My mom and dad bought a car down there, and so they headed out about noon Monday to road trip it home. Shannon and Jason took us to the airport, and as soon as we pulled up Kamryn started crying. We all thought it was because she thought her daddy was leaving, but then she starting crying out "CHON!!!" It was so stinking cute!! She and Shawn were inseparable for most of our vacation, and she didn't want him to leave. I guess I am just chopped liver or something. All in all it was a perfect vacation and much needed.

What we have been up to....

So, I haven't posted anything for awhile; its been kinda hectic around our place. June flew by in a blur, and I don't really know what we did except alot of working, and a little bit of play. I cut my hair off again, and am getting used to it being short. I love my bangs short, but I get impulsive when I have bad hair days, and cut it myself.... not always a good thing.

Two weekends ago when it finally stopped raining we went and played at the park with Jenny and Shane, and our dogs. It was nice to get out side when it wasn't raining, and I really miss Jenny. ( I know you will read this, and you need to move back to Idaho!!)

Last weekend we went to Missoula MT for my little cousin Jordan's wedding. It was a fast weekend, but it was so nice to meet his new bride Pam, and see Jody and the rest of the fam. Its so crazy to think that Jordan is old enough to be married!! I used to watch him after school when we were little, and its nice to see how he has turned out. We love you guys!!

Over the Fourth, we had a family reunion with Shawn's family, but I didn't get any photos cause I was at work all day. That's right I had to work on the Forth of July!! Who seriously gets haircuts on INDEPENDENCE DAY!??!? Once again, I missed out on alot of family fun, but I did make it up in time for the BBQ and the fireworks.

And this past Sunday I was able to meet up with some friends that I grew up with. I has been so long since I have seen them. Sarah and her husband Joel came from Washington, and we met up at Cortnie and Wrays house for a get together. Shawn didn't go, he had too much stuff to do at home. Anthony was also part of our summer gang, and I really miss having us all together, it was a little strange not having Robert and Gabe there, but hopefully next time we will all meet up. Sarah, Cortnie, and I grew up together since preschool or so, and I miss them so much!! We are all left handed (CRAZY HU?), and so different, but I know they are some of my best and closest friends even thought we live so far way.

Tomorrow we are off to Texas to visit Shannon and Jason, and play on the beach, so I will post photos after we get back. I am so excited to get out of the rain here, and have some fun in the sun!!

bEsT bIrThDaY eVeR!!!!!

So two weeks ago Tuesday ways my 26th !!! birthday. I know I am old, and I didn't really want to do much or make a big deal out of it because I am an old fart now, and lets face it, I am not getting any younger. :) But then I realized, I LOVE my birthdays!!! Shawn and I's first kind of official date/hang out was my 20th birthday. Thanks to Cody and Jonna and Jenny, the great match makers!!!! I was smitten, from the beginning. I had kinda known him for a little while, but thanks to some smooth roommates, that was our official beginning. A year later on my 21st birthday, Shawn proposed while we were in Temple Square celebrating my birthday. (I seriously wanted to go there for my birthday, totally not thinking anything, but I set it up pretty dang nice for him. seriously NO idea it was gonna happen.) Meeting him was the best brithday EVER! So here are some photos to commemorate the last 6 best years of my life!!


The first two are while we were dating.

This was right after we got engaged. I know I look like a horse.

and this was on our honeymoon.

Happy Memorial Day!

Today I was thinking about all the years I used to go to the cemetery with my grandma. we would watch the military salute, and I remember how much I was in awe of the whole thing. I don't know that I really understood what the whole thing was about, but I do remember Shannon and I teasing each other even though we would both get emotional when they would have the moment of silence, or the bag pipes or trumpets playing. Now that I really know what this day is all about I feel that it just isn't enough to show our gratitude. I still get really emotional every time I think about our soldiers, and all the sacrifices they have made in our behalf. So to those of you that are in our armed forces, or have family members that are serving I THANK YOU!!! I hope we can all remember everyday of the year to appreciate our country, and those who serve it.

DATE NIGHT

So Friday night wasn't your typical date night, unless you are talking about Shawn and I. I really don't know of anyone more redneck, and adventurous than Shawn; and I have to admit I do love some good "Off Roading." We went out with about 6 of Shawn friends, and only one other girl, it was pretty fun.

The pictures don't do it justice, I was freaking out at more than one point during the evening. I don't scream anymore, but I am getting really good and closing my eyes and waiting til its over, or we roll the wagoneer. (which I hope never happens!!!)

Other than my allergy attack afterwards,(that I am still paying for!) it was a really fun night!

HaPpY eArTh DaY!!!!

Ok, so you may or may not know that I am kind of a nut when it comes to being "Earth Friendly". Now don't get me wrong, I am defiantly not a saint by any means, but I love finding new ways, to be GREEN!!!!


And since today is Earth Day, I thought I would share some interesting facts and some of the Earth friendly things that I enjoy!

• Did you know that it takes plastic bottle an average of 700 years to decompose in a land fill?



• The average American disposes of 4.5 lbs of garbage EVERY DAY!!!! times that by 365, and the average life of what 75 or 80 these days?!? That's 131,400 lbs of trash in your life!!



• The average American uses 2200 paper napkins a year!!!!! That's insane!!!



• The average American also uses an estimated 80-100 gallons of water a day!!!!

Here are some of the things that I like to use or do, that you might like!!!

Biokleen laundry soap. 100 loads for $14. It lasts forever, and you use a tiny bit! It doesn't really have a smell, but remember that fragrance isn't really good, because that's what all the chemicals are for. If something smells good, it usually isn't good for the environment unless its all natural. CLEAN REALLY DOESN'T SMELL LIKE ANYTHING!

Mrs. Meyer's dryer sheets. They are all natural, and they are made out of biodegradable paper, so unlike traditional dryer sheets they will only take a few years to decompose, as apposed to a few hundred years with traditional dryer sheets. My fav is Lemon Verbena.

Seventh Generation. Everything this company makes is great!! they all smell good, and are made of earth friendly products.

Also, never reuse a plastic bottle unless it is made for reuse. Check out the little number on the bottom of the bottle, every plastic container should have one. They are ranked 1-7. Not all are good however just remember 2,4,5 keep yourself alive. any other number will decompose at different rates and release chemicals into the water or whatever is in it.

I try not to use paper towels when I can, I use old rags or paper napkins. It makes sense and saves paper.

Ok. I will get off my soap box now, but I just thought we could all do something in lox of Earth day! Thanks for humoring me!!