The Big Apple

Last month Jeff worked in NYC and he brought me along. Who could turn that down? We had a great time together. We got to do some sight seeing and I was able to go the the Manhatten Temple while he was at work. Great memories were made as we start out our lives together!

The trip started off with Jeff using his powers and getting my ticket upgraded to first class so I could sit by him. WOOO!! "My fiance and I are going to New York and it's my 30th birthday" Bam! That's all it took :-) (and a little more talking and convincing) That was definitely the way to fly on a red eye 5 hour flight. It was so nice!

The first day we walked around Central Park and parts of the city. It was really pretty, even in the winter. I would love to see it in the summer!

We celebrated his 30th birthday with dinner at ESPN Zone (of course his birthday had to be sports related ;)) Then walked all around Times Square

We're assuming this ice block was there from Valentines Day. Jeff got a NY Giants hat. Not just because we were in NY, but because he's a HUGE Giants fan. Perfect! He fit right in :-)

Of course this is a select few of the many pictures that were taken :-) I'm so glad we were able to take this trip together and make fun memories. And to know there are many many more to come! <3

The Engagement!!

Ok so..... I'm a slacker and have yet to post about my ENGAGEMENT!!! I know it was almost 2 months ago, but better later than never, right? :-)

So here is a little briefing about my fiance and I... Jeff and I met online almost 2 years ago. I NEVER thought I'd ever meet my future husband online and am actually guilty for somewhat judging people that do. I just didn't think it was very safe and didn't think it was possible to work out... I was humbled with that assumption after I fell in love with Jeff right away :-) We immediately hit it off and knew right away that this was it! After a few breaks on and off here and there ;) Jeff finally proposed on January 2, 2010. It was super romantic and totally unexpected. We went home to Lovell for Christmas and New Years and he talked to my parents the last night we were there and asked for their "permission" Of course they were very excited for us and completely approve of him. I was totally expecting him to wait at least a couple weeks to actually propose just to throw me off...something he would do ;-) But he said he couldn't wait any longer. I was getting ready to leave my house to go have icecream with a few friends and he handed me the keys to his truck and the ring was on the key ring. He got down on one knee and said the sweetest things and then asked me if I'd marry him! It was completely spontaneous which made it that much more romantic. We are getting married April 10th, 2010 in the Provo Utah Temple (hopefully, if the cancellation of my temple sealing goes through in time) We are sooo excited. Including Carsyn, he cannot wait! Wedding plans are coming along, and I am looking forward to my Mom coming down for a week to get lots of wedding stuff done :-) I need my Mommy!

Here is the ring :-)

I would like to thank all my family and friends for all your love and support over the years. I have grown and learned so much, especially over the last few years. And I have many examples to thank. Carsyn and I are are so blessed, as we always have been. We are so excited and blessed to be a family and to have Jeff in our lives. We look forward to sharing this joyous time with all of you!!

OCTOBER

In October Carsyn and I went down to Las Vegas and stayed with our cousins for a weekend. I have a cousin that plays football for UNLV and he got us some tickets. That was also mine and Carsyn's first Vegas experience! When we got there we joined Whitney and Bailey and went to a magic show. The magician came down into the audience and chose Carsyn to go up on stage with him for a little bit. It was soo cute! He did a few magic tricks with him and Carsyn thought he was so super cool. Afterwards the magician and his assistant signed a poster for Carsyn and it has been his prized possesion... Then we went outside and had "The Freemont Street Experience". Amazing!! Carsyn was just in awe because it is soo different than Utah! (I might have been a little bit in awe too :)) I can't wait to go back though!

A couple of weeks ago Carsyn was visiting his dad in Logan and I had to pick him up in Salt Lake. I chose to meet at Temple Square so that Carsyn and I could have a "FHE Fieldtrip" haha We walked around temple square and talked about the importance of temples and took a few pictures. It was a lot of fun and Carsyn loved it. He keeps asking when we can go back to the temple :)

Of course he had to have his turn at taking pictures....

Last Sunday I went to pick up Carsyn from Primary, and his teacher informed me that he had an "accident" and a big heavy wooden table fell on his hand... It was a little bit swollen and starting to bruise at that point but I had hoped it was going to be too bad... Throughout the afternoon and evening it got a lot worse very quickly. His whole hand was swollen and black and blue and he couldn't move his fingers at all. As a mom should, I started to worry and pray that it wasn't broken! We kept ice on it all night and by morning it had doubled in size. I took him to work with me and my dentist took a couple x-rays of it and he said it didn't look broken, just sprained. We had to keep it wrapped the rest of the week and he took very good care of it. It was so sad to see my baby in pain! :( But luckily he is a very strong boy and we both made it through :)

So there ya have it :) The month of October in a nutshell! More posts coming quickly though! Including my awesome camping/hiking trip to Zion National Park!

As most of you know, I have some O.C.D. in me, and I am very planned out and organized. Whether I am planning out my day, what I need to do tomorrow, what I need to get done or what my plans are for the upcoming week, or what my goals and plans are for the next year, and even the rest of my life. I like to have a plan!! I'm afraid I've been this way most of my life. As a child and especially a teenager, I always liked to look forward to the upcoming years of my life. (Turns out, I should have stay more focused on the present time :)) I had all the "ideal images" in my head for where I would be and what I would be doing at certain points in my life. As far as I was concerned, I had it all figured out and everything was going to turn out JUST how I planned it....WRONG!!! As my 25th birthday is approaching in a few days, I come to realize that my "plan" that I had as a teenager is nowhere NEAR what I thought it would be by the time I was 25. In fact, it could not be more opposite... But, despite the fact that my "plan" and "image" failed, I could not be happier with Heavenly Father's plan for me instead. I like to think that while I was dreaming up my life, He was probably chuckling and thinking "girl, you have no idea what you are in for!" :) Not really, but I really had no clue what I was in for... Just when I think that I can't do it anymore, and life is too hard, and my situation is too heavy on my shoulders, I am given more strength and endurance to keep going a little further. Happens every time. I do not wish this situation upon anyone, but I know it was handed to me for a reason. I have been blessed with so many things in my life, but my #1 blessing so far has been my son. Again, just when I think I can't do it anymore, all I have to do is look at him and then I remember that I CAN do this. I know we are all guilty of sitting on our "pity potty" once in a while, and I probably sit on mine more often than I should... But it doesn't take me too long to remember my blessings and what I am thankful for. The picture above is one I took a few weeks ago near my house of the sun setting. It is images like this that help me to remember how lucky we are to enjoy the beauty of this earth that God created for us to life a happy and healthy life and return to him someday. I am so grateful for the family and friends and examples that I am surrounded by. I love you all so much!!

And always remember... "It's ok to sit on your pity potty once in awhile, just remember to flush when you are finished" :)

Where Did It Go?!

Wow, I cannot believe that September is almost over! Where did the month go?!

Well it's been a few weeks so I just wanted to post a few happenings....HAPPY 23RD BIRTHDAY MATT!! On Monday was Matt's birthday, so I cooked dinner for him and his girlfriend, Abby. It was fun to have them over, especially because we are all so busy that we rarely get together.

Matt and Abby babysat Carsyn while I went to the BYU/Florida State game. Apparently Carsyn tried to make the moves on Abby haha. I appreciated them helping me out though. It was fun to get in our blue game day gear :)

So I have been doing lots of "projects" lately to keep myself busy and occupied. Oh, and I just love to organize :) Last Thursday's project was to clean out my storage closet under the stairs. I took 2 car loads of stuff to DI and kept a few things to give away. Since I am nowhere near having another baby, and don't really have room to store stuff anyways, these are for grabs! Any boy babys on the way out there? The bassinet above (which Carsyn didn't even use because he wouldn't sleep!) is very cute and nice. The wheels are convenient and the bassinet part just lifts off of the stand. Good storage on the bottom too!

I really liked this carseat. The buckle was really easy to function and it lifts off of the base smoothly.
So if anyone is interested, or if you know of anyone please let me know! :)

Family Home Evening

So I've tried really hard over the years to have Family Home Evening every week with Carsyn (I might have missed a few weeks...) Especially since Carsyn is getting older. I usually have an activity (to keep the 5 year old's attention) and then incorporate a lesson around it. For MONTHS he has been begging for me to take him bowling. Finally, I gave in. So a few weeks ago that was our Family Home Evening activity. The lesson was that sometimes in life we face obstacles and trials (the pins) and with strength and faith (the ball) we can knock them down. The stronger we are and the more faith we have, and as long as we are following the straight and narrow path we will be able to knock them down and overcome them. Sometimes we are weaker and only able to knock a few down at a time, but that is why we are given more chances. Anyways, you get the idea :)

Tonight we decided to go to the single's ward Family Home Evening. Country themed. (obviously) I refreshed my swing and line dancing abilities out on the dance floor and Carsyn and I got our pictures taken with our sweet western gear :)

He posed so cute and I missed it every time! Oh well...he still looks cute :)

Well, there are few examples of our awesome Family Home Evening's together. I'm so grateful for Carsyn and the joy that he brings to my life. Although some days I wonder how I will ever be able to survive this time in my life, all I have to do is look at his precious angelic smile and remember why he is here.... I'm so grateful for the role that I play as a mother. Mommy loves you, Carsyn!

Labor Day

I love sunsets...

Me and Chance

Carsyn and Chance

Taking Carsyn and Breeah for a ride
Since I had a long Labor Day weekend I decided to go home to Lovell and spend it with my family. We went camping on the beautiful Big Horn mountains and had a great time riding the horses and 4-wheelers. Carsyn LOVES being outside and getting dirty. Typical boy! He had a blast with his cousins and it was a nice relaxing break. It was also nice to be home hanging out with my parents for a few nights. There's no place like HOME :)