Happy Father's Day!

I just wanted to wish my wonderful husband a Happy Father's Day. He is the best husband and father and I am so grateful for a day to reflect on all that he does as a dad. Now Brian is headed off to scout camp for the week so we won't see him but we're glad we got to celebrate Father's Day with him! Ethan and I love you, babe!

TV and Scooting

We are finally getting real TV. I am so super excited. We have had basic cable for the last several months, which I got bored with real quick. There are only like 10 channels total and nothing ever good on. So we signed up for Dish Network so that we can have a DVR (yay!!) and a ton more channels. I'm so excited and get this, its only going to cost $10 more a month than what we were paying for basically no channels. I am so happy, I'm posting about it!

Ethan decided to do a few things yesterday that surprised me. First he scooted to get to a toy that he wanted out of reach. Then he rolled over from him stomach to his back. Amazing! I can't believe he did both things. But today he is back to being his lazy self, no moving at all. I am totally fine with that because once he starts, he'll never stop! Oh I love this kid! How could you not?

This Weekend

Let's start with Friday. Last week had been one of those weeks for me because Brian was gone a lot and Ethan wasn't being the happiest so at Brian's softball game Thursday night, a girl in my ward invited me to go to Girl's Night. I was really excited because I really needed a break from everything and I wanted to get to know the women in my neighborhood better. We went out Friday night to Pier 49 Pizza where they have a date night deal where you get two personal sized pizzas, two drinks, two movie tickets and two ice creams at Charly's for $30. I know, good deal right? So that's what we did except we didn't end up going to a movie because there weren't any good ones that we wanted to see. No chick flicks. So then we went to the church to play some games and that was a lot of fun. I had to leave a little early because I had to feed Ethan but it was so much fun and I'm glad I went.

Then Saturday, I went down to my mom's to work on a blanket for my dad for Father's Day. He doesn't have any blankets so we thought it would be a good idea for him to have one from all of us. So my sisters (except Heather, who had to work) and I worked on the blanket and finished in 3 1/2 hours. That's really fast for the size of blanket we did. I was really excited because it turned out really good. Then my mom sewed up the edges as I fed it through the machine. We had some yummy lunch, thanks to my wonderful mother who took care of all of us this whole time. She kept the needles threaded and candy available. It was great. I had a good time spending the day with my sisters.

Yesterday, we didn't go to all of church because Brian hurt his back pretty bad doing tile on Saturday. Our shower floor tile cracked and leaked under our tile floor so Brian fixed that on Saturday while I was gone. He was really sore and not feeling so good so we didn't go to church but I still had my meeting and I had to go to Relief Society to do a few things. Then we just vegged the rest of the day, while watching Alias. I love this show. I forgot how much I liked it. We watched it back when we were dating and watching it again brings back so many memories! So fun. Anyway, we had a good but crazy weekend. And Ethan's been a little stuffed up so I'm hoping that he's finally getting teeth. He's been drooling forever and been a little cranky. He's chewing on his fingers more and cries when I try to touch his gums so hopefully that means a tooth. We'll see!

What a Disaster!

On Monday, I went to pick up Brian's dry cleaning and was gone for about a total of 15 minutes. When I left, everything was perfectly fine. As soon as I started driving, it started raining like crazy outside and hail came and it was all so nuts! So when I got home, I went to our sun room and put Ethan in his toy so that I could bring in the clothes. I turned around and saw that our cabinet above where our computer desk is going to go had fallen off the wall and was shattered on the ground. There was glass and wood chips all the way to the window, which for those of you who have been in my house know that is a long ways. I was so upset at the time I didn't think to take a picture of the mess until after I had cleaned it all up. I tried calling Brian like a million times but he wouldn't answer. Then I went downstairs to see if the rain was coming in our window in our cold storage room. It was and it was also coming in another window that one of the screws wasn't sealed off right or something. It's all fixed now but at the time I thought I was going to have a nervous breakdown. And Ethan could tell I was upset so he was screaming like a madman until I picked him up and loved him. I also wanted to say that our cabinet guy that we just absolutely loath is the one to thank for our cabinet falling. We checked it out a little closer to see why it would've fallen and we noticed he put one screw on the top of the cabinet and three on the bottom. And they weren't even in a stud. Can you imagine the fury which I felt? I very much dislike the man as it is but to find out that he was stupid enough to only put screws in the sheet rock and only put a few in I was furious. And I usually put Ethan in his bumbo right where it fell so the bumbo was underneath the whole mess but its made of rubber so it didn't get hurt at all. But its a huge blessing that I wasn't home when it fell because Ethan would've most likely been in his bumbo. I can't even think about if that had happened. Its too scary and sad to think about. Oh and all the things that were in my cabinet broke. I mostly had candles in there and about half broke and shattered all over the place. I didn't notice at first but when I walked in and put Ethan in his toy, I had walked over all this glass but just thought they were crumbs or something. I took some pictures of the aftermath so they don't do justice to what it really looked like. The worst part of this is that where the cabinet fell on the wood floor is totally scratched up and a huge chunk is missing in part of it. The cabinet also took a chunk out of our wall and banged up the cabinet below that has drawers for our computer desk. Oh well, what do you do? We can't sue him because he has no money and it would totally ruin him and his family and if we called him to replace it, it would just take a year to get a new cabinet because that is the way he works. We're just going to call someone else and see if they can make us one within a reasonable amount of time. Wish us luck!

This is obviously after the mess was cleaned up.

I don't know if you can tell very well but there's a ton of scratches and a huge chunk missing in the floor.

Here's the cabinet in pieces. We may be able to use one of the doors again but as you can tell the other one on the left splintered in half. SO unfortunate!

Oh The Joys of Teaching

This past week has been a little crazy, but what's new? Life is always busy now that Brian is in scouts and Young Mens and I am in Relief Society. I was asked a few weeks ago to teach this Sunday. Anyone who knows me knows that I am NOT a public speaker of any sort, but to teach is 10 times worse for me. I am so scatter brained when I get in front of people that teaching has, in the past, been a very bad experience for me. I taught Relief Society today on prayer and I did a lot of that this last week in preparation for this lesson. I tried to forget that I was teaching during church so that I could enjoy the other lessons. I actually did a good job forgetting, thanks to my crazy son who takes up a lot of my attention. So Relief Society came and it was time. Of course I got really nervous but it wasn't as bad as the anticipation. It actually went really well because I had a lot of comments and I stayed pretty close to what I wanted to say. I got a little sidetracked a couple times but overall, it went well. I am SO glad it is over and I don't have to teach until November. The funny thing about me teaching is that I am the secretary of Relief Society so I'm not considered a part of the presidency. So I don't have to go to certain meetings and I never have to conduct but yet I have to teach. Makes no sense but oh well.

Yesterday, my sister and brother-in-law blessed their little angel, Clint. He was the baby who was supposed to be born a day before Ethan but was actually born three months too early. He is about the same size of Ethan now and he's 10 months old. It was a lot of fun getting together with my family and to see little Clint out and about. He's been stuck at home for most his life so he wouldn't get sick so this was the first time he got to see some of Mason's family. It was a lot of fun but unfortunately, I didn't have my camera so no pictures. Sorry.

Ethan is 7 months old today. He is growing so fast and I can't believe he's been with us that long. Its so great and I just love my angel baby. He is so much happier and will laugh for no reason. He just loves to eat anything he can get in his mouth, especially table foods. I've been careful what I give him but I let him eat half pieces of cheerios. He loves them! He could eat them all day. Silly boy! We love him so much. He's such a huge blessing in our lives. I know I say that a lot but its so true. Love you baby!

50 Mile Bike Ride

Yes, folks, that's right. 50 miles on a bike. Oh the joys of scouting. Brian has been working with his boys for the last few weeks on getting their biking merit badge. They started out doing two 15 milers, then they did two 25 milers. To complete the badge, they had to do a 50 mile bike ride. They rode their bikes all the way to Riverdale, Idaho. They ended at a pretty ghetto water park and most stayed to play in the water for a while. I had to go pick up Brian from the park and he was so exhausted from the ride, he didn't want to swim (plus anyone who knows Brian, knows he's not big on swimming in public areas). We stayed for a few minutes to chat with some people who are in our ward and who used to be in our ward. Then we came home and just chilled the rest of the day at home. Brian was too tired and sore to do much of anything. 50 miles on a bike is a LONG way when you aren't used to it. Poor guy. But he did it and so did all his scouts. Yay for Brian! It's done!

And of course, our section on Ethan. He is sitting up really well and won't stay on his back for more than ten seconds anymore. The only problem with him rolling is that he rolls to his belly in his crib then can't roll back so he just starts screaming. He doesn't get the naps he needs anymore thanks to rolling over. Rolling onto his tummy wakes him up and then he won't go back to sleep. Little stinker. I wish he would just roll back to his back. He knows how but won't and then gets really mad. Its so funny to watch him sometimes though. He is getting so big and Brian and I can't believe he's almost 7 months old already. Our little baby is growing up so fast. I have to say that I really like this stage he's in though. He is starting to play with us more, laugh more, and just shows so much personality. He has found his tongue the last few days so he clicks it on accident and sometimes surprises himself. Its so funny! I love this kid!

Memorial Day

This weekend started out pretty busy and ended pretty busy.  Saturday, Brian helped my brother-in-law, Mason, put in a new main water line because their existing one was leaking somewhere and running up their water bill like crazy.  It was a lot of hard work but it worked and they no longer have a leak! So I just hung out with my wonderful sister, Tara. We had a lot of fun just chilling out at her house and playing with our babes. It was a lot of fun. Then Sunday rolled around and I woke up with a really bad headache. I went to my presidency meeting that morning but by the time I got home, my head hurt so bad I could hardly keep my eyes open.  So needless to say, I didn't go to church.  Brian, being the good husband that he is, stayed home for most of it to help me with Ethan.  He went for Young Men's though so that was good.  

Monday was a blast.  We went up Providence canyon with most of my family to just hang out by the camp fire and chat.  All the boys and Heidi and Heather played a few rounds of paintball, so they had a ton of fun.  It got really chilly for a little bit but that made it more fun to just huddle around the fire.  By the time we left to go home, it was absolutely beautiful outside and warm. Too bad it wasn't like that the whole time.  It was still a lot of fun and I can't wait to do more things like that this summer with Ethan.  He loved being outside all day and was just so happy the whole time.  Except when my nephew Payton put a worm in Heidi's face while she was holding Ethan.  That scared him pretty bad because Heidi screamed.  I just love his little sad face.  And I love being the one who comforts him. I just love being a mom!

Updates on Ethan:  He rolls from his back to his tummy like a mad man but will not for the life of him roll back to his back.  I don't get it but whatever.  And I've decided that our trip to Oregon was a cure-all for him. He is such a happy baby now.  He is fine with whoever holds him now, he poops very regularly, and he sleeps longer at night.  He didn't do that on our trip but since we've been home, he sleeps till about seven. Its really nice! And I have to mention that his bumbo has now become the "poop chair".  Almost everytime we put him in it, within a few minutes he has pooped.  It is amazing. Enough about poop. Enjoy the pics! 

I just love this picture. He was so happy and playful this bath!

Look at those big blue eyes. So handsome!

Here's Brian before paintball, all decked out.

Not an attractive one of me but I just loved how cuddley Ethan was being.  He was so worn out from having so much fun outside.

Handsome Brennan, my nephew.  He is just so dang cute!

Laura in her pretty pink sunglasses. You can't see but there was awesome bling on the sides. Her husband got them for her because they looked so cool!

And here's Carson, another nephew.  He was having so much fun throwing rocks into the river.  I just love kids! They are so cute!

Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday to my wonderful, loving husband, Brian. He turns 26 today. I love him so much and I am so proud of all that he does. I am going to put a few things on here that I absolutely love about my babe. 

1. He loves me and puts up with me. I am so grateful that he does!

2. He is such a good dad. Ethan just loves his daddy and can't wait to see him every night. 

3. He loves the gospel.  I admire him so much for his testimony and how devoted he is to serving in his calling.  

4. He is so willing to serve anyone.  I love that he wants to be a good person and he is.

5. He rubs my feet. I know this is selfish of me but he rubs my feet a lot and I absolutely love it. He is so good to me.

6. He is such a hard worker. He works so hard so that he can provide for his family and let me stay home to raise our baby.

7. He is so dang good looking. I love his smile the best. And those blue eyes, can't get enough.

8. He is so smart. Whenever Brian has something he wants to know, he researches it until there is no leaf unturned. He really knows a lot about a lot.

9. He is so easy going.  Whenever I get worked up, he is the one who is always the cool headed one, hence why we've still never had a real fight.

10. He is a great artist and I wish he had more time to do what he loves. He is so good at everything he does but art is something he is really talented in.

Happy birthday babe! I love you so much and I am so grateful you decided to spend the rest of your life and eternity with me.  I hope you have a good day!

4 years, 6 months, and a trip to Oregon

This post will be very long because I have a lot to update on. I know its only been about a week and a half since I wrote but A LOT has happened. First off, I have to report that Ethan is still as stubborn as ever and will not roll over unless he is in the mood. I try every single day and some days he'll roll over like he's a pro and others he'll just scream his head off until I roll him over. Its getting kind of ridiculous but what do I do? Just keeping trying I guess. And Ethan can sit up by himself for at least 10 seconds. He still tips over every time but he is getting so much better at it. He's just growing so fast, it makes me happy and sad at the same time.

Okay, so news on the ward. I have received a new calling and the first counselor in the bishopric came over the night before I left on my trip to call me to be the secretary in Relief Society. What's so funny is that I saw a lady from our old ward who is now in the newly formed ward and asked her if she had received a calling yet. She had been called to be the second counselor in Relief Society and I gave her a hard time about it because we always teased about being in Relief Society forever. Then two hours later, I'm called to be the secretary. I guess I am eating my own words. I am actually really excited about the calling. I had our whole trip to think about it and get excited. Now to Brian's calling. He's going on his first camp out tonight. They are going to bike 25 miles into the camp and stay the night. Then tomorrow morning they are going to bike the 25 miles home. I hope he does okay. He's done two 15 mile bike rides so far but this is going to be a lot to do in two days. But to make up for his absence my beautiful friend, Jacque, is coming to stay the night with me. I absolutely love that girl and I'm super excited to spend some time with her.

Onto my road trip. It was fantastic to get away and Ethan was an angel the whole time. He probably had only one breakdown and it was one night he was just exhausted. He was perfect on the ride there and home. He slept most the time and when he was awake, we couldn't even tell half the time because he would play quietly with his toys. So we drove there all day Thursday and got to our hotel around eight o'clock Oregon's time. We stayed at a hotel that was on the Columbia River, which is the border for Oregon and Washington. The river is huge by the way. I didn't know it was so big and beautiful. Anyway, Friday Missy's cousin and her fiance went through the temple so I stayed at the hotel with the little ones. It was a lot of fun for them since they had been cooped up in a car all day. Then Saturday was the wedding. It was absolutely beautiful. I love how green everything is in Oregon and Washington. And the Portland Temple was gorgeous. It was a very busy but fun day. We had lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory and it was fantastic. The reception was a lot of fun and it was decorated beautifully.

Then Sunday, we went over to Missy aunt and uncle's house to watch Emily and Brad open their gifts. Later, we went to a place called the Rose Gardens. It was really pretty but unfortunately none of the roses were in bloom yet. They had other flowers and bushes that were really pretty though and it was in the middle of a forest on the side of the mountain. So pretty! We also took Abbi and Ethan swimming for the first time. The pool was broken so we were only in it a few seconds when someone told us to get out. So we went to the hot tub, which wasn't really hot. They had a blast because they thought it was a huge bath. So Monday we went to see some waterfalls. We took what's called the old highway, which was awesome because it took us through some really pretty parts of Oregon. We stopped at this place called Vista Point, which was on a cliff. It was really cool and had a beautiful view. Then we drove on to see Multonomah Falls. It was so amazing. I love to see waterfalls because it just amazes me on how beautiful they can be. This whole time Ethan was doing so good. He slept a lot during the trip, which is why I think he was so good. Him and Abbi had such a good time together. Later that evening, we took a walk along the river. It was so fun to see the ports and all the ducks. We had a really good time.

We drove home all day Tuesday and it was a pretty uneventful drive. It was kind of funny though because when we left Portland, it was raining. Then we hit a canyon that was a blizzard and when we were exiting the canyon, the sun was out and it stopped snowing all of a sudden. Weird weather. Oh and the whole time we were in Portland, it didn't rain once. Apparently that is really weird weather for there too. I had a great vacation, thanks to Missy and her wonderful family. Especially her dad and step mom, Brenda. They let us stay in their hotel room and they helped a lot with the babies. Thanks again, Miss, for inviting me to come with you. I had a blast.

And now since I've been home we had our anniversary yesterday and Ethan's 6 month appointment today. Our anniversary was a lot of fun. Ethan's been a little sensitive since we've been home so we took him with us. Brian didn't have to work so we went to lunch at Winger's and then went and saw X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Brian's movie for the day. It was really good, definitely a guy's movie but I also enjoyed it. Ethan was really good the whole time. He slept for most the movie and lunch. Then we came home and just relaxed and watched Bride Wars, my movie for the day. The movie was okay, a good one to see once.

Ethan's appointment went well today. He is 26.5" long and weighs 16 pounds. He is in the 50% for his height, 30% for his weight and head. I thought he weighed more but I guess its because I hold him a lot so he just seems heavier. He's had a b.o. problem under his arms lately but the doctor said its just the new foods I'm giving him being sweat out. Not normal but also not a concern. I'm just glad Ethan is doing good and doesn't have anything wrong with him. He has yet to be sick, which we feel is a huge blessing. Still hasn't had any earaches or a cold which I hear is pretty strange for his age. But we feel very blessed to have him in our lives and to have such a healthy, chubby baby boy. He is the joy of our lives and we can't imagine life without him. I took a lot of pictures of my trip but I'm only putting a few on for now. I may post more later. Enjoy!

Here's Ethan at the temple. He was all smiles the whole time.

This is the Portland temple. It is huge and really gorgeous. What's weird is that it doesn't have any windows. It looks strange from the outside.

Here's a shot of the Rose Gardens. It was absolutely beautiful.

This is Ethan's first swim. He loved the warm water!

Abbi with her pretty mama! I love the swim suit. She looks so dang adorable!

And beautiful Abbi at the Rose Gardens. She is too cute!

This is Multonomah Falls, the bottom half. I didn't get a good shot of the whole thing, unfortunately. It was so pretty though as you can tell.

This is me and Ethan looking out from Vista Point. Such a gorgeous view.

And here's Ethan and Abbi taking a bath together. This was Ethan's first real bath. He wasn't a fan. He kept slipping and he didn't like having to sit up.

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary Babe! We've been married for four years today and I just wanted to tell Brian how much I love him. He is the best husband and father anyone could ask for and I feel so blessed to be his wife. I can't believe its already been four years. In some ways it seems like so much longer because we've done so much in four years but in another way, it seems like it has just flown by. We've known each other for almost five years. Crazy! Thanks for the best four years of my life babe! I love you!