Labor Day Weekend

We had a great weekend with both some adventure and relaxation. For the adventure we went with our friends the Lee's on a lake sleep over. We stayed over on Friday night and went boating all day on Saturday. It was fantastic and the weather was perfect (no wind and not too hot). I worried about Scarlett but she never ceases to amaze. Went right to bed in the tent and had a blast all day, even without a nap. Nick made these fantastic tinfoil dinners we ate on Friday. It's official, he needs to cook more. My favorite part was seeing Scarlett's excited face in the morning when realized she was not in her crib. She looked out of the tent and just kept saying "wow". I do love her. The rest of the weekend was just relaxation. Traditional Labor Day breakfast at my mom's house with swimming and then we all took naps. Oh and we went to dinner on Monday with Nick's parents and then to the District ferris wheel. Scarlett cried when we took her off. I do love her.

Scarlett loved the tube. Nick tried to bring her over to his seat and she would have none of it. While the boat was going she crawled over to her seat. When Nick tried again to bring her closer she pushed his hands away. She is just one independent gal.

Funny pregnancy things

1. I drove off to work without my bra. I have the worst memory while pregnant. I drove home and Nick threw my bra to me from the garage. Sad thing is, I never even put it on. That is one good thing about being a AA. Is that TMI for a blog? Oh well.

2. I stayed a little late at work one day (about 7:15) and got so hungry driving home I picked up a pizza. I ate almost the whole thing. I get starving while pregnant, like really, really starving. It was delicious and completely guilt free.

3. 16 weeks and starting to show. I am feeling much better but still am super tired all the time. I was brushing my teeth the other morning and gaged myself. It did not end well. Darn gag reflex gets me every time. Scarlett faked gag/throwing up all day.

Ramblings

So this is some serious random thoughts but why else do I have this blog but just to ramble. I finally went to the grocery store today. First time in like 10 weeks. Poor Nick has been carrying that load. Since he has been the doing the shopping my couponing has gone out the window. That and the thought of clipping coupons left me feeling like death. I about died going to the store and seeing all the deals I am missing. Couponing must begin again! Anyway, right when we walked into the store Scarlett jumped into one of those carts with a car attached. She had the biggest smile turing the wheel and pushing the horn. She sat content and happy with her free cookie and "driving" around the store for the whole hour...miracle. Seeing her so happy made me think of a memory of her birth. Nick was pushing me out of the hospital and I was holding Scarlett when one of the nurses came up to me and said "you take good care of her." This feeling of dread washed over me, a feeling I was not prepared to feel. I had been around babies my whole life. I knew all about changing diapers, nursing, how to put them on a schedule, and the lack of sleep. I was prepared. Right? I felt too young and unwise. My sisters had seemed so old and put together when they had kids. I looked up at Nick and said " Nick we are taking this baby home and everybody is okay with it. Either us or them are insane." He just laughed and left to pull up the car. Time passes as it always it does and her I am with a beautiful toddler. I kept her alive! That is a miracle. Even more of a miracle is that she is happy, well adjusted, full of energy, and runs around our house screaming "roach" (we have not figured out what it means yet) She loves her life and we love her. I am a great mom, far from perfect but pretty great. I am often afraid to tell that to myself in fear it is prideful or that is sounds "snobbish". But I have been hard on myself lately and I need to recognize my greatness. I left the store with a rejuvenated sense of accomplishment. Raising a good human being is a great accomplishment.

Why Scarlett loves her life...

We let her paint the paper, floor, and herself in finger paint

Nick planned this for FHE. Scarlett was in dirty baby heaven

When I found her hiding and covered in vaseline I just let her play

It might have been the best day of her life!

Okay so she actually hated this moment but I sure loved it. She looked hilarious.

New Port 2011

A couple weeks ago we as a big family (except Brady's family) we went to New Port beach and stayed at the lovely New Port Coast Villas. I came down a couple days after the rest of my family. Mainly because Nick could not come and it that was during my "deps of despair" phase of pregnancy. I did not want to do a whole week without Nick. It ended up being the prefect get-a-way and best of all I actually felt pretty good. We did all the good stuff like the beach, good food, beach pier, hikes, bbq on the beach and swimming at the pools. It was just fabulous!

Day 1: We went to the BeachComer for breakfast and then stayed right their at Crystal Cove beach. It was the perfect beach day with tons of sun, ocean breeze and one happy little girl

(the best breakfast and right on the beach)

(truth of it's goodness)

Day 2: We went on this great hike/walk around the New Port bay (or whatever it was). Lots of great nature sites and we stopped by this kids museum. Scarlett loved their play room that had real animals, puppets, blocks, and art projects. That night we did the best thing ever... a bbq right on the beach. It was one of those perfect moments you wish could last and last.

Day 3: Spent all day playing in the pools and taking walks around the resort. That night we all really wanted "true" balboa bars. Of course you can only get those on the pier so away we went. It was one of those grimy/dirty/sketchy piers with tons of junk food and games. It was the perfect way to end the trip.

I could not have done it without my family, who pretty much parented Scarlett.

Thanks Clarah!

There's a reason...

There's a reason why I have not posted much. There's a reason why I have been sleeping in and going to bed too early. A reason why laundry is piled in our bedroom and the house needs vacuuming (desperately). There's been no cooking and barely any grocery shopping but a lot of nap taking. The reason... I am PREGNANT! We are all very excited, even if it is hard for me to show. I am just finishing up my first trimester and am due end of February. I am finally coming back to life and it feels so amazing. Six weeks of the stomach flu is plenty thank you. It's a good thing I know it is all worth is. So here is to round 2!

And we are hoping for one that's just like her... cause she is awesome!

He really loves me

This was taken summer of 2006 when Nick and I started dating. It was the perfect summer romance. The best part is that it never ended. It was on this mountain bike ride in Brian Head that Nick and I first talked marriage. Well, the word was never used but it went like " so you like me and I like you so maybe this is going somewhere". Nick was always 100% committed but he never used the big words like "date" or "dating" or "marriage". It has been 41/2 years and we still just "hang out". It's cute.

Same people about 3 weeks ago on our road bike trip down to Pangquich lake near Brian Head. Nick is an awesome biker and could have done it in half the time but he let me set the pace and road in the back warning me of all cars. I love seeing these two pictures and realizing how far we have come. I don't know how I did it because I am not that cute or impressive but I got THE best man. I have yet to post it on the blog so here goes... Nick got into Indiana University Business School of Kelley. I am so proud of you! Just think when that first picture was taken you were at CSN with 12 credits trying to decide your major. Now it is off to get your MBA!

PS no moving required because they have a fantastic online program!

Family Reunion

We went to St. George this past weekend or maybe it was the weekend before (time is starting to just blend together). It was the Woodbury family reunion and it was a blast. I love seeing my aunts, uncles, and cousins. Oh and my grandparents, who crake me up. My favorite event was Friday evening when we just sat around a talked. All gazillion of us. My grandparents have lived a good life and I know that they find so much joy in their family. It is hard to believe that one day that will be me. I mean I hope one day that can be me, surrounded by all the people I love.

Tragically my camera was out of battery so I only got one picture. Nick and Scarlett hanging out on the boat at Sand Hallow. They are my favorite people!

Let Freedom Ring

We spent the long weekend at my parent's cabin in Brianhead. We did the usual stuff like four wheeling, hiking, fighting off mosquitoes, and eating way to much. But we also did some new stuff too; roading biking to Panguich lake and playing Settlers of Catan. Both of which were fantastic and dangerous. The cars nearly killed us on the bike ride and Caity wanted to burn down all our settlements. Of course we came home on the 4th and just crashed. Not even an attempt of fireworks that day. Nick did buy some small ones and we lit them off the day before, so I feel we had some celebration. Scarlett hated the fireworks and kept on saying "all done, all done". Surprising as she is usually so brave. Maybe next year.

I think that being a mom and wife makes me appreciate this country so much more. Knowing that my family and the ones I love are safe. That we can raise our children as we desire and worship the God we choose. That our country has order and protection. It is not like this everywhere. I was reminded of that last week as I was talking with one of my patients. She is from Croatia and when she was young her country was in such upheaval that they were sent to live in Arizona as refugees. She was saying how much she appreciates this country and the opportunities it has given her. When they were able to move to Arizona she said her father cried tears of joy and I am sure relief. Although she is not a citizen I feel she has a love for my country that is beyond any I could possess. I am proud of American, proud that we have come so far and helped so many. I am so grateful for those men and women that keep this country safe and our freedom intact. Happy Independence Day!

Andrew is especially proud to be an American. He loves America so much it is scary!