Happy Heart Day

Valentine's Day was quite the success!! John is convinced it's a marketing ploy but he still participates for my sake. In his defense though, he thinks everyday should be Valentine's Day so I'm not complaining. However, I participate simply because I didn't get to for sooo many of my single years. It's a fun time to contrive ideas/gifts/service for the person you love! And this year was no exception. I decided to divert from the "coupon book" idea of last year (that has yet to be redeemed) and try something new. I decided to go for the gusto and get John a neck/shoulder massage certificate at a local spa while also cleaning out his truck. For those who are aware, his truck was the major feat of the operation. He's a typical guy when it comes to his truck. Thankfully he is the only one in it most of the time. However, occasionally I get the luxury to drive it and 9/10 times....it isn't a pleasant experience. When we were dating it was always immaculate. Now that we are married I suppose there is no reason to try to impress anymore. Riding in it brings back memories of riding w/my Grandpa Bell in his truck. At every stop, every door opening, Dr. Pepper cans and trash would roll across the parking lot. So, I guess in a way I can thank John for getting to relive the childhood memories.

Anyway, since John was gone all last week for a business trip, I got plenty of opportunity to accomplish my task at hand. It took me two days!! Granted they weren't "full days", I did move at a snails pace, take my time, detail, and take many, many breaks....but still! I spent Monday afternoon scrubbing away at the inside trying to locate/eliminate the stank. I even resorted to sitting on my bootay and scrubbing away at his brake dust covered tire rims. Simply because I knew this would singlehandedly win him over. Then I headed off to KC the following day to play with my sis and her family. They did a wonderful job of entertaining me while I was "John-less" for the week (more on that later) and I finally returned back to Arky on Friday afternoon to finish up my work. Just a few things left to do, go to the car wash, wash the windows, and wet-black the tires. Phew! Overall it took me ample time to move my ample self around that truck but it turned out beautifully if I do say so myself. I even realized at the end of the day that I've now broken through the "swollen ankle" part of pregnancy. Boohoo. Granted it was a LONG day so I'm hoping I'm only a "one-day member" of that club and can avoid it for a bit longer before the baby comes. Anyway, I crafted my "gift-giving" plan. I would lock everything in the truck and give him the keys on Saturday morning and wish him a happy V-day. However, it didn't go as planned.....it was better.

::His reaction::
As we headed back from the airport Friday night he was telling me all about his trip. We pulled into the driveway. He stops mid-sentence, kicks the car in reverse, and squints at his truck...
J: "Are my rims cleaned?"
S: "Dangit!! Happy early Valentines Day" as I gave him the keys to the truck
J: "Who cleaned my truck?" As he pulls up and gets out and looks in the cab.
S: "Me" as I stand by beaming at my handiwork.
J: "Who detailed my truck?"
S: "Ahem....ME!!" "helloooooo"
J: "My pregnant wife cleaned my truck?"
S: Me....just beaming
I also showed him the rest of the gift talking all about his wonderful future massage on his neck and shoulders as he continued to comb over his truck. He was more awe-struck over the truck. It made all the sweat and pain worth it. Even a week later he still randomly says...."I can't believe you cleaned out my truck!" So....it was a success and he is doing wonderfully at keeping it clean. Sometimes giving me a full report at the end of the day about how he takes the trash out of the truck when he's done with it. Huge milestones folks!!

And no worries, John did not dissapoint on V-day either. After feeling bad for being gone and present-less after a full week out-of-town, he spent all Saturday cleaning/organizing the house while I was at work. And upon my return home I enjoyed a DELICIOUS homemade meal with fresh flowers on the table. Grilled steak (he's great at this), tossed salad (this too), fruit salad (this too), mixed veggies w/cheese sauce, and french bread. And afterwards? A delicous mixed fruit/strawberry shortcake. I enjoyed mine so much I even managed to eat his as well. Granted I did wait the obligatory amount of time before sweet-talking him out of his sweets. It was DELISH!! Another record-breaking holiday down in the books!! Hope everyone else had as wonderful a holiday as we did!! :D

25 Random Things

So, I think I've been tagged on this a couple of times via Facebook. However, since I'm desperate for new posts, I'll put it on my blog as well. Enjoy getting to know all about me!

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits or goals about you.

1. I got married at the ripe old age of 29 years old. 3 months before my 30th. Phew!
2. John was my first kiss. Something I've spent the majority of my life embarassed about but now am grateful for.
3. I can't think of one fun date spanning my whole single life. They've all been painfully awkward. So much so that I was ready to just give up all together. Now, I'm thrilled I no longer have to endure those.
4. My parents divorced when I was 12. At the time I thought it was the worst thing ever. Now it's been the best blessing in my life. It took me YEARS to realize this.
5. I love to travel and spent most of my single years taking exciting trips to Mexico, the Caribbean, Italy, France, London, etc. Before John, my travel buddy was my cousin Jared. John and I still enjoy traveling - most recent trip to the Hookie Lau (Hawaii).
6. I have a VERY close family and I love it most of the time. My cousin has always been one of my best friends.
7. I've always wanted to be a Mother all my life. Now I finally get to. It was worth the wait.
8. I have my Bachelors from University of Missouri in Information Technology, Computer Science, and Business. But John still knows more about computers than I do. I wouldn't have it any other way.
9. I used to work for a college textbook wholesaler for 7 years. Yes, those people that rip you off when you buy/sell your college books. Never thought I'd support that industry but I learned the truth behind the whole process.
10. I'm the most like my Mom than any of my siblings are. Both physically and emotionally. Most of the time I think this is a good thing.
11. I survived college life in Utah for 3 years and managed to do the impossible - come back unmarried!
12. I like to laugh at/with people. I like to people watch.
13. I have a younger brother that was stillborn. I never got to meet him but have always felt close to him.
14. I never liked that I was tall growing up. As a result I have a slouching problem.
15. I'm named after my grandma who I've always adored and felt so close to growing up.
16. I had random pets growing up and loved it. A cow that acted just like a dog, a potbellied pig, chickens, ducks, horses, dogs, cats, a goat, a ferrett, bunnies, a baby opossum, fish.
17. I was voted most shy my senior year in high school and HATED it. I went to college in Utah and was determined to change that about me. I think I did for the most part.
18. I served as RS President in my old singles ward and that helped me become more social/outgoing. However, it's amazing how sometimes I can slip back into my old ways without even knowing it.
19. I don't consider myself shy (never have), but I'm definitely not super out-going.
20. I'm clumsy and trip over my own feet. A lot.
21. John and I met online and dated for 9 months before we got married.
22. I spent most of my single years refusing to date online and trying to get over the "stereotypical" stigma associated with it.
23. Marrying John was the best decision I've ever made in my entire life. It was worth the wait.
24. Our growing little girl will join us on May 17th. She came 4 months before she was planned but we are excited to roll with the punches.
25. I'm a real estate agent. It's the hardest job I've had my entire life but the best one for me and my little family.

Phew, ok I think I'm done now!! :D And I choose to tag whoever wants to fill this out. Hopefully you've learned something about me that you didn't know before!

Belly Shots

As promised, for those of you far away who can't see my protruding belly on a daily basis (yes, I pity you really) here are the belly shots for all of you to see.  Until today, I didn't quite realize how big I got from the first picture to now.  And yes, I promise more in the future.  John and I need to get more routine in this process I suppose - we keep forgetting to take them.

19 WEEKS

23 WEEKS

**A special shout-out to my sisters Cass & Michelle for providing my wardrobe in the above pics....and Old Navy of course.

Hookie-Lau: Part 1

So, in celebration of our first year together, John and I have been planning....for quite some time...a trip to the Hookie-Lau (aka Hawaii).  Technically our anniversary was December 15th but considering the bustle of the holidays, we ventured out Jan 2nd.

Day 1:  Consisted of John and I waking up super EARLY and heading to the Arky airport to fly out.  We were anxious to get outta the cold and into the sun.  Granted, we didn't quite realize just how long that would take.  We flew into DFW on a rather pleasant flight, only to cram ourselves into a bigger plane with more people as we headed to Oahu on an 8 1/2 hour flight.  Yes folks....a whole work day!!  I was amazed that we were sitting on a cramped plane for as long as most people work each day - but WE didn't get a lunch break! :(  And I find it interesting how you don't get any extra leg room regardless of how long your flight actually is.  So....after self soothing through the majority of the flight by watching movies, mentally calming down/conversing with our aching, cramped muscles, and eating sugary snacks we FINALLY touched down in the Hookie-Lau.  So, on our flight I actually finally learned where Hawaii is located....embarassing...yes.  Okay, I DID already know it wasn't in a little tiny square at the bottom of the map (like in the paper map versions) but I didn't quite realize that we were smack dab in between Australia and Japan and the California coast.  Makes sense that it took so long to get us there after realizing that.  Kinda exciting knowing that I almost got to visit Australia too.  

Once we located our rental car, and hotel, we ventured out to Waikiki beach to observe the natives doing their thing.  There were TONS of barefooted surfers walking around.  We took a sunset stroll on the beach, did some light shopping, and went to bed at 8:00 pm due to the jet-lag of a 4 hour time difference.  

Day 2:  We set off for the coast of Hanauma Bay to do some swimming and snorkeling.  Sidenote: A special shout-out to Rhonda (our WONDERFUL GPS unit) to guarantee us a safe and direct arrival to every destination on our list.  Hanauma Bay was GORGEOUS.  Just like we had stepped into a postcard.  Many years ago it used to be a volcano that erupted and the land eventually dropped/parted and formed a nice bay area with TONS of coral.  I must say, even after all the places I've been, this was the best snorkeling adventure I've ever been on.  No seaweed, no jellyfish, and TONS of cool fish to look at.  It did prove interesting to maneuver ourselves around/on top of coral as the waves crashed around us.  We had a blast and quickly put it on our list to visit again before we headed back home.  

Day 3:  Was a nice relaxing day.  We lounged around our hotel room.  Enjoyed our beach side view from the 30th floor, ate some lunch at the Hard Rock cafe, and walked the beach again.  Yes, we again fell asleep at 7:00 that night.  Even after spending a week in the Hookie-lau we never quite adjusted to the time difference.  It could be due to the fact that we never tried to.  We were quite content with sleeping up to 10 hours each night. 

Holiday Happenings

First, I must say:  Phew...where has the last month gone?!!  I swear the days went by so fast it's all a blur.  And thus I have TONS of catching up to do on these blog posts.  

December was a busy month for John and I.  We had TONS of excitement in the air since we got to celebrate a baby blessing, find out we are having a GIRL in May, celebrate multiple Christmases, our own little family Christmas on the day of, then head to Sarah's and celebrate with John's side, and then head to Springfield to celebrate with my side the following day, ring in the New Year with John's family, and lastly but not leastly, head to Hawaii the day after to celebrate our first year anniversary.  So...in an effort to document all of the events for future posterity.....you get to hear all about our fun!!

Christmas day was so much fun.  It's entertaining (and yes...a bit embarassing) to see how much two grown adults can enjoy such a holiday even when there aren't any kids around.  Even at 30 years old, I actually had the Christmas jitters the night before and could hardly sleep in anticipation for what Santa would soon be delivering.   

John and I actually set a budget this year (unlike last year, as newlyweds, where we gifted each other with EVERYTHING).  One interesting fact we learned as we compared our "1st Christmas" with our "2nd Christmas" - was that this year our gifts were definitely more meaningful and thoughtful for each other.  Just what we both wanted.  Granted our first year Christmas was also in the midst of our wedding plans so even though it was busy it was still great too.  

Anyway, one of the things I got was my blog in a book! :D  Just so you know, I don't necessarily keep up our blog just for viewer entertainment....although I'm not complaining if you enjoy yourselves here.  The more the merrier.  My main reason for writing this blog is so that we have some kind of journal/document/proof that we once existed etc.  I'm HORRIBLE at journal writing so this is as good as it gets...for right now at least.  So for those who didn't know you can put your blog in a book, feel free to hit me up and I'll tell you how.....er let John tell you how since he was the one that did it.

Anyway, after our lil family Christmas together, we packed up and headed to Sarah's to enjoy a delicious meal and fun games.  Again, Sarah is a wonderful hostess, even though I'm sure she's sick of seeing our faces about now since we've been entertained by her three times in the last two months.  I thoroughly enjoy my in-laws and their family get together's since it's so laid back and crazy and relaxing all at the same time.  We are expanding our festivities into the gaming arena and it's proving quite entertaining.  Catchphrase is a fast growing favorite as we all come away with aching bellies from all the laughter.  (Yes we point and laugh at each other.....a lot.)  Apparently everyone has their own interpretation of how to play the game and it changes every time.

After Christmas, John and I headed to Willard to celebrate with my family for the weekend.  It too, was a nice relaxing time.  Ashlyn (my niece) was definitely living it up with all the attention from the adults since sadly Kayley and Cora were celebrating with their other family.  She was hamming it up the whole time and was adorable while doing it.  We exchanged presents and vegged the whole weekend.  Which included a trip to the movies to see "Yes Man" (I only give it one thumb up - and barely that for those who are curious).

New Years was nice and low-key...once again returning to our party planner Sarah's house.  We snacked on yummy food, visited, played games, and laughed some more.  The festivities ended before the official ball drop but John and I still watched a bit of it before we went to bed anyway.

  Anyway, all in all it was a GREAT holiday celebration and we had a blast!

You Can Build It - We Can Help

I forgot to mention our exciting time at Home Depot during Alexa's blessing weekend.  Cassie being quite the entertainer, found out Home Depot was having a children's workshop and all the girls (plus Nick) loaded up the kiddos and headed to town.  

It was adorable to see each of them hard at work on building their little easels.  The parents were more confused on how to put them together than the kids were.  It made quite the entertainment for my Mom and I who were their audience as we occupied Preston and Alexa.  Everyone did a great job, got their own cute apron, and a pin for their accomplishment.  I highly recommend everyone join in on these fun and FREE events that Home Depot does.  I'll definitely be taking our little one there as soon as she can use a hammer.

Christmas Comes Early

Today was the day we got to peek at an early Christmas present.  John and I had our 2nd ultrasound - this one to tell us what we were having.  For the longest time I had been convinced it was a girl simply because my sisters and Mom had girls first.  However, within the last few weeks my confidence fell down to about a 60/40 split and I was thinking more and more of a boy being a possibility.  Obviously we would be THRILLED for either.  Our dream is to have at least one of each so whomever made their debut first would be just perfect.  The ultrasound and doctor's appointment went perfectly.  I was just as relieved to see a beating heart and a moving baby as I was to see it was a girl.  All her measurements were taken and she was perfect.  I haven't been lucky enough to feel her in my stomach yet, and I was paranoid that my tummy was still fairly small so I was definitely glad to put my worries to rest.  The tech did say she was quite a mover so hopefully within the next few weeks I'll be able to witness that first-hand.  We are still expecting her around May 17th and are excited to meet her!  John will now be outnumbered but he's not complaining.  He's excited to have "his girls".   Here are some pics of our ultrasound.  (Belly pics to come soon I promise!)