Birthday Girl

Courtney has to LOVE this picture, but I keep looking at it and BUSTING up laughing... I just love it!!

Wow, I cannot believe my little sister is turning 19 today... where has time gone?? She's turning 19, and I'm sounding like a grandma saying this haha! Anyway- Today's blog is a Happy Birthday Shoutout to the firecracker at the end of our family, HAPPY BIRTHDAY QBERT!!







Courtney is the kind of girl that comes into your life, and you never forget her. She is a fiery little ball of energy with a little bit (ok, she can have a lot) of sass. One of my favorite things about Courtney is the way she is never afraid to just let loose and have a good time. She is one of the most caring people I know- especially when it comes to caring for people who need extra care. She has always taken special interest in anyone or anything that she feels she can help. Whether it is an old neighbor who needs someone to talk to, someone who is handicapped and needs a friend when everyone else is picking on them, or just a dog at the pound that "spoke to her." Courtney has brought home more helpless animals than anyone I have ever known, we used to tease her and call her Dr. Doolittle. She has a huge heart and has a way with people that few people can compare to. AND... this girl was made to work magic with children. I know she is the favorite aunt by FAR, and I will never compare to her on that note. Sure love you girl! Hope you had a great day!!

CONFIRMED!!

Well, we had our official ultrasound tonight and we have confirmed that we have a very health (very active) little girl. She was moving all around but we got a good look and the technician said to go ahead with the pink purchases. We got 3 cute shots of her face- she wouldn't let us have another profile shot, but thats ok. Everything else looks great. We saw the four chambers of her heart which was pretty cool, and her heartbeat is normal. AND... good news- we got some good shots of her bum as the Dr. said she was boxing out- an early basketball player. She must hear me yelling during Charles's basketball games for those guys to get some rebounds!! I see some real potential here :) We couldn't be happier!! There's the latest for us!!

Ok, Ok...

Ok Lori, I guess I will find things to write about in my exciting life :) School has kept me really busy the past couple of weeks, and Charles has been swamped with work- so our lives have been just roaring with excitement. I have a couple pictures from Valentine's day, Charles got me some really pretty roses, and I made him a cookie bouquet. For our Valentine's night, we baked a Papa Murphey's Pizza (Gourmet Veggie... our favorite), and stayed home and played a game together. It was such a fun night. We borrowed Settlers of Catan from Kyle and Alissa, its a really fun game we just learned. I beat Charles five times!! The sucker just kept coming back for more... :) It was really nice to have a quiet night at home during such a hectic time.



Last weekend Charles's parents came up for his cousin Steven's wedding in Salt Lake. We are SOO excited that Steven and Allison are finally married~ they are by far one of our favorite couples to hang out with. Charles loves it because Allison is a perfect audience for him. She is the happiest, smiliest girl you will ever meet and is just a blast in any situation! I'm gonna throw in just a few pictures from their wedding and say CONGRATS! We are so happy for them!


Anyway, it was a fun weekend with the Himmer's here. Charles's mom wore me out!! Haha... we went shopping friday while Charles and his dad had a business meeting. She bought us the cutest little dress outfit EVER!! I have been looking at it all week, wondering what I will do if the ultrasound on Tuesday shows different than the last one, haha! But we shopped for a couple of hours and then on Saturday, we got down to business with the house. Spent a couple of hours at Lowe's going over things and picking some of the little details. Charles died laughing when we got home because I looked like I was about to die and his mom was still her regular ball of energy! I'll blame this one on the pregnancy...

Anyway- that's the rundown on our last couple of weeks. I'll be better about keeping this updated :)

Wake up call...

So I was just telling one of my friends yesterday that I really don't think my stomach has grown much over the past few weeks. Well, this morning I went to put on my last pair of jeans that still fit me. I wore them LAST WEEK and they fit fine. Well, this morning, I couldn't even zip them up, so I guess I realized the baby must have hit a growth spurt or something. And I realized... its only just begun- kiss those clothes goodbye...

A Giant Among Men

All week I have been thinking about President Hinckley and his passing. I can't help but feel what a great loss it is to the whole world that such a great man is no longer with us. At the same time, it is near impossible for me to be sad about it. I have thought back on the things that I have learned from him as Prophet and there are so many. One thing that has always touched me is his deep love for his dear wife. What an example they are to what we should strive for as husband and wife, sealed for all eternity. I was forwarded a poem this week that I really liked:

I imagine he’s running to Marjorie now,
Yes, running, not waving his cane.
I see him embracing his father and mother
While they keep repeating his name.

I see him now meeting his forebears,
Brother Brigham and Joseph are there.
Sweet reunion of prophets, united by service
That only such noble men share.

I see him embraced by the Savior
While Father says, “Good and well done.
So faithful in stalwart endurance, I welcome
My noble, most excellent son.”

I then hear the ripples of laughter
As he says the reception’s just fine,
But he hopes that he’ll get an assignment or two
Since there’s no need to waste any time.

I can hear his clear voice in the stillness
At the close of this sweet Sabbath day,
Have faith and move forward – there’s work to be done.
President Hinckley would want it that way.

Anna M. Molgard
January 27, 2008

Watching his funeral many different tributes touched on the contributions he has made to the world and to the church. He has done great work and will surely be remembered for that. I will remember him as something different though. I will remember him for all that I learned from him. I learned from the spirit he brought with him as he bore testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel. I gained my testimony that we have a living Prophet on the earth as I listened to him speak, and felt the spirit confirm to me that he was a Prophet of the Lord. He taught me to love the scriptures. He challenged me to be a little better, and stand a little taller. What he taught most to all who saw him serve, was how to be like Christ. He taught how to love everyone despite religion, race, culture, etc. He taught by example in a way that makes everyone who sees him want to be their very best and serve the Lord's work more fully.

Baby Henry

We got to go meet little Henry today and he is PERFECT!! I could not believe what a beautiful baby he is! Here are some of the better pictures I got. I'll take more tomorrow :) Henry is doing well and so is Alissa. He was 7lbs 9 oz when he was born and is the cutest little thing! Alissa had a rough labor but she looks great and is feeling a lot better. She seems to be doing great. Her and Kyle are both naturals with Henry~ makes me so excited for July!!

Pretty in Pink

Well... it looks like we have a little girl on the way!! We don't have a 100% confirmation, but we are feelin pretty good about it. We are both really excited. We will have another ultrasound in about a month and that should confirm things for us. Here are some of the shots we got. The top two are really clear. The bottom two were a lot more clear right before she printed them out.The first one is of her bottom half her little booty is at the far right, with her legs bent. The second one is her profile.... so cute :) The bottom left is the "gender shot" it doesn't really show up on here though, the print out we have is a lot bigger so its more clear. Then the last one is her little footprints, but you can't see them too well either.

Antsy Pants

We are going to get an ultrasound in half an hour and I can't think about anything else. I have been looking up baby names for about the past hour. I keep submitting names for Charles's review. He finally had to tell me to cool it so he could get some work done. I really hope we can see today if it is a boy or girl!! I'm trying not to get my hopes up... but that is impossible!! I'll let you all know how it goes later, and hopefully have some pictures to show for it :)

I've been tagged!

Michelle tagged me so I am supposed to write 10 weird random things, facts, or habits about myself and then tag 10 more people... and since I don't even know 10 people with blogs- y'all better get ready because you will all get tagged too :)
1. If there is any spot anywhere that is slick or icy... I will find it, and I will slip. Charles finds this VERY amusing.
2. Most of you know this- but its the most unique fact about me- I have a natural blonde streak in my hair that I have had since I was born.
3. People say when you glance at my feet it looks like I have six toes. They try to count them... THERE ARE ONLY 5, PEOPLE!
4. This one is gross... but I pick at everything on my face. Sick I know- I'm trying to break this habit, mostly because Charles hits my hand every time he sees me picking at my chapped lips.
5. I drape myself all over the place when I'm sleeping. Hand hanging off the bed, elbow in Charles's back, and a leg draped over him. That is the formula for a great night's sleep and an annoyed husband :)
6. I get the hiccups from eating carrots. Not just little hiccups either... we are talking SERIOUS hiccups.
7. I am afraid of water in a weird way. I'm actually just afraid of things that live in water. I have spent years conquering my fear of being in the lake... and now- Charles just wants to throw me into Ocean life- I don't know if I'll ever adjust!
8. I always forget to pick up my wet towel off the bed. Charles loves that about me :)
9. I am NOT a morning person in any way. I'm actually more like a... Troll in the morning. But then some mornings I am exceptionally perky- those are rare occasions.
10. I would have never noticed this about myself, but Charles says that when I am barefoot and sitting or laying down, I always cross my big toes, one over the other.

Happy Birthday Mom!!

Today is my mom's birthday so I thought I would do a little shout out to the Red Hot Mama! I don't have a great selection of pictures- but here are some of my favorites. Since she is turning 20 today :) I thought I would share 20 things I love about her. Here are some of the things that I love about my mom:

1. She is the most selfless person I know; She puts everyone before herself!
2. She is so fun to get laughing and laugh with.
3. I love how she squirms and squeals when you double team her and tickle her neck (Courtney knows what I mean)
4. I love everything that comes from her kitchen... yumm...
5. She is the best grandma ever! The kids love Mimi!
6. When she is determined to do something, nothing gets in her way.
7. I love the way she could always tell right when I walked in the door if I had a bad day and needed someone to talk to.
8. I love how I could talk to her about things when I didn't want to talk to anyone at all.
9. I love how supportive she always was of what I was involved in. 2 games a week for years and years and she was there no matter where we were playing, or even if I got off the bench to play.
10. I love that she taught me to set my goals high and go after them.
11. I love that she can sometimes just be plain crazy- like call about square dancing dresses for sale in the newspaper. (does anyone else remember that? funniest thing I have EVER heard!)
12. I love how she always made sure our home was welcoming to anyone who wanted to be there or needed a place to go.
13. She is the strongest woman I know (and I don't mean muscles)
14. She has a greater capacity to love than most people.
15. She is forgiving when she doesn't have to be.
16. She is a miracle worker with a sewing machine. (you should see the costumes she used to make us as kids)
17. I love her passion for children.
18. I love how she is always excited for me and about whatever it is that I am excited about.
19. She is a wonderful teacher (inside and out of the classroom- especially in the home)
20. I love the devil that comes out in her when you play spoons :)

Happy Birthday Mom!! Thanks for everything you do for me!!

Snow

Its one thing when it snows once or twice a year and everything closes down so you don't have to go anywhere in the nastiness and can just enjoy it. That kind of winter is enjoyable- after all, anything to get you out of a day of class right?

Well... I'm beginning to wonder if it will EVER stop snowing this year. It's my fourth (and LAST thank goodness) winter here and it has NEVER been this bad before. Seriously... it snows all the dang time. The snow doesn't melt in between snow storms... and no one cancels anything!! I think I might go sabotage the snow plows or something so the town will shut down! I am sick of walking to school either walking through about a foot of snow, or on a thin sheet of ice trying to keep my balance. That groundhog better end winter early this year!!

I just thought I would share with y'all what we have out our front door today... a TON of snow!! The street is even covered- normally those are plowed, but not today! It has been snowing since we woke up this morning- crazy, crazy- we'll see if it lets up enough for us to do anything on our day off!

Yesterday I made Charles one of his favorite Sunday dinners- Ham and Potatoes, but to top it off, I made him one of his favorite desserts- this chocolate raspberry cake. Well- by the end of the night he had eaten 4 or 5 pieces of this cake and was feeling a little overloaded, so he decided to try to "work some off." To my amusement, push-ups turned into push-ups with a clap. Then I had the idea to tell him to try clapping behind his back in between each push-up- after several tries I convinced him to let me video it so HE could see. He asked "no one else is going to see this, right?" He knew it would make the blog... What tops this video off is his outfit. Take notice of the Hawaiian shirt. I actually had to tell him that he couldn't wear this in public when he showed up at my apartment one night when we were dating wearing it!! He still doesn't understand why this is a shirt you only wear in the comfort of your own home :) So here is the video- Enjoy!

15 Weeks

Well... after some prompting from Katherine today, I decided to get over being annoyed with my appearance and take a picture to start documenting the belly growth. I didn't really think I was showing too much because everyone keeps saying..."Oh I can hardly tell" blah blah blah... Then Charles took this picture and I was like- Holy crap, do I really look that big?? So maybe y'all are all laughing at me thinking... just wait- but it seriously weirded me out to see these pictures- especially the close-up. Is this normal for 15 weeks, or am I just paranoid that I am going to blow up before 9 months comes?? Yeah right... like any of you are going to tell me- yeah Heather... you are looking pretty huge... haha- oh well! On the bright side... I am feeling GREAT!! I think I am finally over being sick which is marvelous! Anyway- I'll probably try to keep y'all updated as I grow and we find out more. We'll be finding out the gender in about 6 weeks hopefully- WOOHOO!!

Las Vegas Bowl

And here is the last of the promised catch up blogs. Here is a little bit of our trip to Las Vegas documented.


The airforce base from Las Vegas (or somewhere close by) brought 300 soldiers who during the national anthem (sung by Ms. America) pulled out this flag over the entire field. It was pretty incredible. Then they had 2 F-15's fly over the field right after the anthem. It was SO cool. I tried to get a picture of the jets, but they were too fast!


Mighty coug's running out

We WAY underestimated the Las Vegas weather. This expression says it all. We were FROZEN!! And, by this point in the game, it was looking pretty bleak for the cougars.Who woulda thought they would block an easy field goal to win the game. The kicker had nailed 2 field goals from over 50 yards, and we got a piece of this one from about the 15 yard line. The place went CRAZY!
And this is after we decided that instead of rushing the field, we would rush to the car and get warm!

Baby its cold outside...

Well, here is my response to Lori's blog about their 70 degree weather. This is what we woke up to Wednesday morning. When we were eating breakfast Charles looked outside and said, I think it's snowing. We decided it was but didn't realize how much had gotten dumped on us that night. When we went to bed at 10:30, no snow... when we stepped outside to walk to school, we sunk in a good 6 inches. We had snow midway up our calves- it was crazy.
We had quite a bit piled up on our car so I took these pictures while Charles was clearing all the snow off. We went to the Doctor on Wednesday and got to hear the little baby's heartbeat. It was pretty neat. It is starting to feel a little bit more real than before. Charles looks at my stomach every day and says- MAN, its getting so big! Mr. tact... gotta love him. No one else can see yet though, so we'll see how much longer until I am showing to anyone else :)