Christmas Time!

Merry Christmas and Happy New year!!!

Where do I begin?! It's been magical.

 I left off my last post with Adam's work party. The following week(DEC 21) we headed up to the Gateway for dinner. Little did Adam know, I was taking him to see The Piano guys!!!

He was so surprised, it took him a little while to let it sink in. Adam loves the group and plays the cello himself, so it was a real treat for him to see them live. They are amazing and so talented!

They took a picture at the concert, we are the left side, see us?!

We finally got down to business and made Gingerbread houses with Nate and Sarah (adams brother and SIL). The Ruben boys do not take building houses lightly. Their Grandpa ( an architect) would have been proud!

Adams final masterpiece!

We didn't finish the houses in one night, we started at about 8pm and went till 2pm the following day. 

And what fun grandma Mo is. She made basic gingerbread houses for the grand kids to decorate followed by  snowman crafts. 

With Ryker and the Moore grandchildren

We spent Christmas Eve at the Rubens. As tradition we get together, eat, showcase our talents and spend the rest of the night playing games.

Then it was Christmas!!! Can I just say this was the year for everyone to get sick? I didn't get very much sleep in and around 5am I started throwing up. It was just pregnancy sick, but no fun. Besides that Christmas Day was really special. Adam and I stayed the week at his parents so we opened up presents with his fam.

Hyrum, Adam's Nephew just chillin after opening presents. 

I have the weirdest facial expressions..I look like Cassie my little sister...

Adam got me a new monitor for my photo editing! He also got me an umbrella light so I can start building a small studio in plans of taking pics of my baby girl when she arrives. Now I'm just working on saving up for a good portrait lens.

After a wonderful morning we headed up to Ogden where the present opening continued and  to have Christmas dinner and games with my family. My parents always deliver when it comes to food. They had roast beef and fire glazed ham YUMMM. And the rest of the family brought delicious dishes and treats. It was so good to get together with everyone!

A few days After the Christmas celebrations Adam and I headed back home to finish working on our home improvement project. Last month, my monther-in-law jump started us on painting correctly and thoroughly. We finished the nursery and started on our half bath. It's been a learning experience and we had to make a few sacrifices along the way--Adam ripped a foot down his pants removing the toilet! I couldn't stop laughing. His face was priceless when we heard the tear...bye bye favorite jeans. 

BEFORE

 

AFTER (almost done! Just need shelves up and a rug)

 

Well, 2013 has been a very blessed year. We have learned a lot, grown closer together and have been able reach our goals. We will soon welcome our little baby in 14 weeks. I can't wait for the new year and the experiences it will bring!

Have a Happy New year Everyone!

Almost Christmas

Tis the last month of 2013! I cannot believe how fast time flies. Here's a few of our activities this month. 

We got our first snow fall, and boy did it fall!

 Adam has the opportunity to help with Toys for Tots every Christmas. His first event took place in Brighton where he got to snowboard after the event, one of his favorite things to do.

Although I wasn't able to join him snowboarding, I was able to go to his second event. This took place at the Masons Temple in SLC. We got to hear from a popular Orchestra, soloists and see ballet dancers from Ballet West. I love ballets! 

We had a blast at our ward party. The Photobooth was such a a great idea!

I am now at 24 weeks!!! I can finally recognize the difference between baby movements vs. I ate something I shouldn't have. 

Last Friday we had our work party. Well, Adam's work party, I resigned a month ago. But it was fun and the food was awesome! I didn't take any pics though, I'm so bummed because it was a very classy event held the Pacific Union station in SLC. I also got to see friends and a mission bud! But, Adam caught a picture of me before we left. I love occasions to just dress up, its a welcomed change from T shirts and yoga pants. (do you like our 4ft tree and stocking for our cat?? :)

Adam's Christmas break officially starts now! He finished his last exam today and is getting a well deserved celebration nap :) good luck to all our friends with your final exams!

9 days till Christmas...and then the New year!

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hmmm....walked in the house last night and found this big red shiny box. It's killing me having to wait another week...I totally get you little children, the wait is terrible. 

One Year Later...

I've put writing this off for so long. Finally, I got down to business.

One year later with the love of my life...and it's been wonderful.

Here is a quick rundown of our anniversary weekend! On Thursday (Nov 21) I had my 20 week Ultrasound. Its always fun to see the little being brewing inside and imagine what she'll be like. From what we saw we came to a few conclusions about our baby girl to be.
One, It was hard to get a profile pic of her for the longest time because she kept putting her hand on her face. It looked like she was sucking her thumb, if that's even possible a this stage. As embarrassing as this is, I was a thumb sucker till I was three our four... she make take after her mother.
Two, she is also very flexible (what bay isn't though?). The nurse conducting the ultrasound was in awe when she found Emery's legs crossed at the ankles above her head for the longest time! She'll be great a yoga if she keeps it up, something she won't be taking after her mother.

 We love any opportunity to stay at a hotel so on Friday afternoon we checked into The Little America in downtown SLC.  From the moment you walk in, you feel like you're in an episode of Downtown Abbey. So "Posh" I like to say. Im still not sure what posh even means but the place sure was fancy!

I won't go into much detail but we very much enjoyed our anniversary weekend spending time together in downtown SLC,  watching hunger games, getting a couples massage, pigging out for the first time for me at Cheesecake factory (my new fav place) and Rodizio (wow, the grilled pineapple) and reminiscing at temple square.

I just love my husband and his support and inspiration. He motivates me to be a better person and is just perfect for me!

The following week of course was thanksgiving and I have much to be grateful for.Here are just a few-  I am grateful for loving husbands, including mine. It makes me so happy to hear the sometimes small and great acts of love husbands do for their wives. We wifeys really appreciate it!

I am grateful for family and friends and the support and influence they have in my life.You are my angels.   

And of course The Gospel, as it gives me direction and helps me to follow the example of the Savior. 

 I however am not grateful for snow. I DO NOT like snow. But, it does bring on the Christmas spirit!

Marine Corps Ball

Happy Birthday Marines!
     On Saturday the annual ball was held in honor of the Marine Corps' 238th Birthday. It's an event to look forward to each year but this year we were overly excited when we found out who the guest of honor was. One of Adam's commanding officers is a Latter-Day Saint and he asked Elder L. Tom Perry of the twelve apostles to be the Guest of Honor. He accepted and we were privileged  to hear a motivating address from him. We got a great video because we were actually seated next to the podium where Elder Perry spoke from. HOW AWESOME!

     The ball was held on the top floor of Zions Bank in Downtown Salt Lake, as you can see we were overlooking the temple. What a beautiful view of the city from up there!

(I love my man in his Blues and I don't look to shabby at 5 months preggo!)

Here is the Video we put together (mostly Adam) from Elder L. Tom Perry's Address at the Ball

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQWsP9P9hj4&feature=youtu.be

     I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised with how tall Elder Perry is! Right before this picture I had the opportunity to help him figure out how his phone works! He wanted to take a picture of all the marines and their guest taking pictures of him. But, he couldn't figure out the camera on the phone. Luckily, I use to have an iphone and figured out why it was doing weird stuff. He is just too cute. It was so nice to share the evening with him and his wife. I hope they felt our love for them, everyone was excited to meet them and get their photo taken. I hope they got cake too because every time I saw Elder Perry pick up a slice of cake, another admiring  couple would come and greet them. They always had a smile on their face and were so happy and sincere meeting all the marines. 

     After the ball we first went to taco bell, classy right? I was getting so hungry and so nauseous from being hungry because I couldn't eat the food. Really, the steak was RAW. Adam is a beast though, he ate three steaks...because he had to finish two of mine that I attempted. The steaks were mooing at us, I couldn't handle it. Afterward, we had Colten and Sarah over the house to hangout, good friends from Adam's company. 

Thank you to all the Marines for your service and sacrifice. This nation does need a few good men to lead, protect and inspire. Thank you to my dad, my brothers, my husband and all those Marines I have met over the years. 

OOO RAH!

Hey Baby Girl

     I always imagined the first time Adam and I would find out the gender of our first born child. It would be something we had anticipated for weeks. Adam would be sitting at my side, most likely holding my hand and telling me how much he loves me and then cracking a joke. The nurse would come in, congratulate us and turn the screen on. Here we go, she would show us on the screen our baby and then ask, "Are you ready to know the gender??" Then she would tell us and we would smile, cry, and rejoice together. It would me magical.
     Yeah...it didn't quite go that way. On November 6,2013 I went in for my initial visit with the new practice I switched too. As a routine they do an ultra sound to check on the baby. I knew they were going to and I was just excited to see the baby again on the screen. Before we started the ultra sound my doctor asked If I wanted to know the gender. I am far enough along that they can pretty much tell from the picture. I was surprised, not expecting to find out for another two and a half weeks. Of course I wanted to know, but not right then. I asked them to put it in an envelope so I can find out with my husband.  Happily they obliged. I got to see my baby on the screen once more.  It was the first time I really saw a human being, before it just looked like a blob in space.
While viewing the ultra sound at the end, the doctor told me to look away so I can't see the gender. I looked a few more seconds, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference anyway I thought. Then, we finished the check up, went over pregnancy items and then both the doctor an nurse left. I jumped off the table grabbed my clothes and started to dress. As I was dressing my eyes met the screen...and there it was. The picture of my baby with the word GIRL written across it!
     So, instead of Adam being by my side after much anticipation, I was half naked pulling my pants up when I unexpectedly  found out my baby's gender. I had to get out of there. I found my way to the parking lot where I just cried tears of joy. I felt closer to the little being I am carrying now. The thought of Adam having a little girl had me tearing up. He is going to be such an amazing daddy to our little girl. When he found out we were having a girl, after excitedly screaming and squeezing me to death, he said "Now, I have to watch Sister Dalton's talk on Loving her mother again!"

How did I tell Adam?

     I didn't know If he wanted to know, so I recapped the story of my visit up until the part where the doctor would put the picture in the envelope. As soon as I relayed that to him he frantically asked where the envelope was.  I could have just given him the envelope, but I am a little nerdy and so is he so I thought I would do something different. I told him the way I did because if you knew Adam, he is a financial guru. 

     Earlier that day, After the appointment I went to the bank. We discussed opening a savings account for our baby. While I was there I renamed the account "Emery's account" (This is the name we picked out for our first baby girl a long time ago- baby name: check!). Back to the story- After telling adam about the doctors visit, I told him how I went to the bank and set up the account. He's getting really impatient at this point hearing me rant as I pull up my bank account on the computer. He just wanted to know! I have a few accounts under my name so he's reading each line till he gets to the last line. " Oh look" he says "Emery's Account?...Wait...It's a girl!??!" I giggled and nodded. He grabbed me and squeezed me so tight. He was ecstatic to know he would have a little girl. After that we just cuddled on the couch and talked about having a little Charlee and how chubby she will be when shes a baby because both of us were chubsters :)

How did we tell everyone else?

We threw a very last minute part two days later, tonight! I mean, how many times are you going to throw a gender revealing party? Once, if not ever so I wanted to do one. My friend Jenny came over and helped me stuff balloons with pink confetti...though, it looks almost purple. We gave everyone a black balloon and had them pop it at the same time. We'll be finding these stars for years!

So there we have it. We have little Emery (em-mer-ree) coming on April 7. I can't wait for the baby shopping!

Our LITTLE secret!

mortgage, then a...BABY IN A BABY CARRIAGE! You guessed it. It's time for Adam and I to join the parent club. We've been so excited to tell everyone.

 I think Adam was more excited than I was when we found out. Of course, I was excited to have a baby, in the hopes my baby would be delivered to me by a stork in nine months...if only, because the first trimester has been brutal! Seriously, my body has gone rogue on me.  Nonetheless I am excited but super nervous for what happens next. I have no idea what I am doing! I could barely keep my sunbeam class( 3yr olds) from jumping out of their seats, eating their ties and kicking other kids. How do mothers do it? My respect for them has deepened. I am grateful for the advice i have already been given, so keep it coming!

How did we find out? Well, it was not unexpected. We were trying. In mid July I tried a pregnancy test one day earlier than I should have, the results faintly said I was pregnant. I didn't believe it. Seeing really is not believing! I tried two more test in the days to follow. Adam could not stop smiling and screaming every time I showed him the results. We had our first ultrasound last month and got to see our little blob and hear the heartbeat. It started to become more real. 

On a side note, Adam has noticed pregnancy is turning me into a baby. I am cranky when I am hungry, I can't keep anything down when I do eat. All I want is milk, which is funny because I don't really like milk. And sleeping as much as possible is a need. 

(I wish I could say I'm pregnant in this picture, but I can't lie. I just have a gut.)

Well, we are expecting our little bean on April 7. But, I've always dreamed of a March baby. Why, you may ask? Just because of some very unimportant reasons. Its right after we get a tax return so you'll always have money for your kids birthday. Also, my family has a birthday/anniversary wall hanging and every month is filled up except March. I want to change that. 

It's crazy to think we're going to be parents next year. We could not be more thrilled!

Story of my life right now. 

Home is where the heart is

Hallelujah! We are living the American dream and bought our first house. It's a town home at Thanksgiving point in Lehi Utah. It's very convenient to work and Adam's school which was a big selling point for us. He just transferred to UVU. We plan to be here about five to six years and I am already falling in love with the place. It's a few steps up from our 450 sq ft. garage apartment for sure! Though, we had great "first place" memories there and it provided us the opportunity to just save up a ton, but it was time to move out.
 
We would love to invite everyone to our house warming party on October 19 from 5-8, so mark your calenders! There will be food AND to all our mission buds and Filipino friends, my mom is bringing lumpia. Yes I said it, lumpia. You don't want to miss it! We hope everyone can make it out. Love you all!

Maternity Shoot with the Halls- Sneek Peek!

This was my first Maternity shoot! I love capturing this special moment in life. Bringing another little soul into the world is such a blessing! These are great parents and I was grateful for the opportunity they gave me to capture this moment. 

Beach shoot with Ryker

Sneek Peek of Ryker's Beach shoot! He was so much fun to shoot with. Tracy Layne with Tracy Layne Portraits gave me great advice when working with children and it worked wonderfully. He just had a blast playing on the shore with his mom. The scenery and morning sunrise was just perfect. I wish I could shoot here more often!