Monday, December 20, 2010

Ultrasound Pictures of a LARGE baby

Due the fact that I am so far along, they don't even ask if we want 3D pictures of the baby.

It will be interesting to see who he looks like more, and how close to this he looks.  He is measuring with an expected due date of Dec. 29th, so we have another ultrasound on the 28th to see how much weight he has put on.  He is supposedly already 7.5 pounds!  The doctor didn't want to make a rush decision and take him before the next ultrasound because they can be off by a bit on the estimation of the weight.  Depending on how much he puts on in the two weeks, will decide whether or not we have a c-section or inducement.  There is not really a chance that things will happen naturally unless I go before then, which is very unlikely.  Who knows, I could have him in a week or so...

Friday, December 10, 2010

Lately

Well, I have been feeling like there has been nothing to post for a while now, but I have decided to try and be better about blogging.

About a month ago Brandon went to Costco and found this box of dog toys for a really good price.  When we got it home Gus took to just about all the toys right away which was a first.  What you must understand about our dog is that he loves toys that have squeakers in them, and most of these toys do.  One night Brandon and Gus were playing with one of the toys and Gus decided that it was time to find that squeaker.  Next thing we know, the head of the fox toy is completely ripped off the body and Gus is taking out the filling to find that squeaker.  I was a little worried that he would eat the filling, but instead he would take a little out and throw it to the side.  Eventually, he found the squeaker and this was the result:



Brandon and I couldn't help but laugh at him.  Shortly after the video ended Gus punctured the squeaker making it so that it had to be thrown away.  I have never seen him more concerned and upset about anything, but he was definitely concerned about why the super fun squeaker was being put in the garbage.

Gus also loves rawhide bones.  We just can't afford to have them all the time.  Gus can finish a good size bone in just about 2 hours.  Therefore, he tends to not get them as often as he would like.  However, this past week we went grocery shopping and they had a three foot long rawhide bone.  This thing was huge!  Brandon however decided that we just had to buy it for him, and so we did.  Gus was so excited when we took it out of the package.  However, as you can tell from the following pictures that it was as big as him!  All he did for the first couple of days was lick it, because he couldn't figure out what else to do.  Brandon eventually took the saw to the bone and cut off a piece.  Gus was in heaven and has been happily enjoying the monster rawhide since.



The bone was as long and tall as him!


Well, baby Austin should be here anytime.  The crib is put together, just need some sheets, and the changing table is together.  We have the car seat ready to go.  All we need now is the baby!  Brandon is so excited to be a dad.  I can tell that he is going to be great!  Even though he says that we are not Gus' parents, he sure treats him like a kid.  We will get to see our baby on Tuesday, so I will try and put up a better picture.  The doctor wants to see just how big he is so that we can start making plans according for birth.  Brandon was 10 lbs so the doctor wants to make sure that if he is larger, that we know before hand and can have him early.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Oh sleep....

... where have you gone!  It is hard to get to sleep, stay comfortable, and get back to sleep when I wake up to change positions.  I know that I am just complaining, but still I would like to have one week of really good sleep.

Friday, September 3, 2010

It is a....

BOY!!!

We could not be more excited! We even bought a cute outfit for him at Target.  It has dinosaurs on it, with the hood to the coat having dino spikes.


This is his profile, he had his hands by his head most of the time.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Summer is over

Well, it is official. Summer is over for both of us. Today was the first day of school for Brandon, and I got a new batch of kiddos a week ago. It is very hard for both of us to wake up at the very early hours that school demands. This morning was 4:50 and I didn't care, I didn't want to go. However, once Brandon is up and going Gus wants to go on a walk, so that is my job Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Joyful! Needless to say it will be a night to get to bed early...

Oh, and we will find out on Thursday how the baby is doing and the gender. We can't wait!

Monday, August 2, 2010

He's back

I am happy to say that Brandon was released from Fort Lewis on July 29th! When I saw him I asked him how he was and all he said was "Let's get out of here." I can't blame him. He ate a bunch of MRE's (Meal Ready to Eat) which are not the best cold. Most of the time they didn't have time or were too hungry to wait to heat up the food, so cold it was. It you have never had an MRE and would like one, just let me know, we have plenty in our food storage.

I was able to drive up to Washington with my mom, spend some time with them, and then pick up Brandon at the Fort. My parents, our nephew Seth, and I went on the morning he was being released to watch the graduation. In my opinion it wasn't all that interesting, but to my parents and nephew it was.  Seth is 11 almost 12 so this was the first time he had ever been on a base before. He was very impressed with all the accommodations that they had like Burger King and Popeyes, not to mention the movie theater. We told him that it was it's own city and he just kept saying wow! It was very funny to see a child's perspective of a base. I think that the first one on went on was actually the Air Force Academy after we were married. Growing up and having no family in the military limits that, so Seth is one lucky kid.

After the ceremony was over we hopped in the car and headed farther north to Seattle. This was Brandon's first time there so he had a blast. He also proceeded to eat lunch with the family; buy chocolates later (which were almost gone in 30 minutes); and then a chocolate, banana, almond crepe all under 2 hours! I understand that he had been eating food that wasn't the best for a month, but it was still very funny.

We had a grand time in Vancouver with my family but a very glad to be back home. There is just something nice about coming back to your house.

9th Regiment Alpha Company 2nd Platoon
 This is Brandon's platoon from Fort Lewis. There were 5 platoons in each company and two companies in each Regiment. With two different regiments that made about 500 Cadets that graduated on the 29th. I am so proud of you Brandon!

On a different note we have our 16 week doctors appointment on Wednesday. Time is just flying! I can't believe that I am almost half way done.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Summertime

Well, I am loving the summertime! It is so nice to have some time off. Brandon is still working, but as of tomorrow he is leaving for the month of July to do some Army training. It is going to be lonely without him but I am probably going to go to Colorado for a few days and then to see my family at the end of the month. It will be great!

In more exciting new I am 11 weeks and 4 days pregnant! Brandon is floating on a cloud! You would have thought that we won the lottery by his reactions. Well, that is okay. I love him so much and I can't wait for the journey that coming soon! I am due on January 16th!

Monday, June 7, 2010

School is almost out

Well, I have almost finished my first year of teaching. It is crazy to think that at this time last year I was busy buying everything, nervous for the year to start. Now, there are only 6 more days of school and they are going to be a busy six days.

There are many things that I have learned about myself this year. A few of them are:
- I like organization with a little chaos
- Second graders are the best!
- I am good at what I do
- When it comes to the hard days, I can focus on the good to get me through the day
- Sometimes I can be a bit hard on them, but I know that it is going to make them better

That is just a few. The parents that have entrusted their child into my hands for about 7 hours a day are just wonderful. I had each of the students write a big thank you note to all the parents. I was able to recall things that I had forgotten the parents had done to help out. I am so grateful to have wonderful parents that support me and tell me that I have done a great job with their child.

I will miss those wonderful kiddos! However, on days like today, I will not miss all of them. ;) These kids extend love so much, that it will be hard to say goodbye on Tuesday. Many are returning to the school, some are going back to their old ones and I will miss them the most. Well, I guess that is part of being a teacher!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Mister Cupcake...

Well, over the weekend we went down to Provo to spend some time with the wonderful Taylors. We were so excited to just have fun and relax with each other. It started with a softball game in the early afternoon, which the other team had to forfeit due to the lack of players. Oh intramural games, you are so funny...

After the softball action we head back to the car to head over to the Taylor's apartment. On the way, we noticed this new place called Cocoa Bean - a cupcakery. So, Brandon just had to check it out. If any of you have heard of Sprinkles in Hollywood it is like that. They have big cupcakes, and a cupcake menu that changes based on the day. We purchased 6 cupcakes and were very pleased to show our friends the goods.

After a wonderful grilling session we decided to head to a movie. Did I forget to mention that this whole time we had the dog with us? Well, this is where the story gets interesting. Each couple grabbed one cupcake to split for the road (we were still stuffed from the wonderful burgers). Then, not thinking we left the box of cupcakes on their table. Honestly, I didn't think that he would get into them. But, you can guess the rest of the story. Gus helped himself to the cupcakes, devouring three and licking the frosting off of the fourth! We were so shocked that we didn't know what to do. Of course he ate the cupcake liners as well, so that will be interesting...

When we found him going crazy in the apartment, we didn't have the time to take him home to let his sugar high out. Brandon had a mission reunion; therefore, Gus was passed off on to Brandon's unsuspecting sister. When we got home to him, we asked her how he was. All she could say is that he was unable to walk in a straight line for a while!

Then, tonight we were watching a movie and he started barking at the DVD as I ejected it from the PS3. Oh man! This dog is strange. He was honestly scared of the DVD and would not look at it no matter what Brandon said or did.

Sometimes it feels like I have a kid...

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Leaving on a jet plane...

As of this morning we are making our way to L.A. for Brandon's brother's wedding. Well, okay, we are really not leaving on a jet plane but we are driving. You understand. We are taking the dog with us, so we will see how he does on long car trips.

Yesterday was a blah weather day here, so needless to say I got really excited last night to be going someplace that is sunny and warm. At least, I hope that it is warm. We are going to go to Disneyland with Brandon's whole family tomorrow and then off to San Diego for the wedding. it is going to be a quick trip, but fun!

Of course, this means that I had to get a substitute. I don't like doing that ever because you are not there and I remember as a kid how we would treat a sub. Plus I am getting this one from a substitute service so I have no idea what their experience is. It is very hard to trust some stranger with your class, hoping that they will be fine. It is especially hard for me today because yesterday they were great for me and then they went to P.E. at the end of the day and they treated the P.E. teacher horribly. They had to sit and do nothing because they were just out of control. Then, I didn't see them again because they leave from P.E. for home. Not only am I disappointed in them, but I can't talk to them about it before Monday. Why did they have to be mean to her? Also, does that mean that they will be mean to the sub? The joys of a teacher...

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Spring Break!

So, this week is spring break! I am loving having the time off. However, I still don't get to sleep in. Gus makes sure that I am up by the latest 7 am. Which is sleeping in a little but, not as much as I would like to.

Brandon was out for his field training this past weekend. He has to rush a girl to the medic because she was not taking care of herself. Apparently, she was "dieting" because she is over the weight limit for the Army. SO all she ate all day was snack bread that is 180 calories. She collapsed from the lack of food and started to have an asthma attack. Brandon thought that she was going to pass out and that he would have to give her rescue breaths. Instead, they got a van and took her to the medic but that took like an hour. He yelled at her the entire time to keep her from passing out. Why is it that many girls think that "dieting" consists of not eat at all. I can't believe that people think it is healthy not to eat.

Anyways, life has been wonderful. For all you that have wanted to see a picture of Gus the dog here you go...


Sunday, March 14, 2010

House and DOG!!!

Well, we are officially moved into the house. It is wonderful to have a place that is ours and that we can do whatever we want to it. I love the fact that it has a garage. I don't think I could ever go back to not having one.

Right before we got the keys and signed the papers, we were homeless, living with some wonderful friends. They housed us for just about one week. Then, we were able to sign the papers and move right on in the next day. However, I had to fly to California two days after we got the keys for a funeral. It was nice to be with family, but very sad at the same time.

When I got back, Brandon had of course finished organizing the house. I am so grateful for him.

Yesterday was an exciting day for us. We were up in Salt Lake looking at washers and dryers (since we still don't have them) when we just happened to drive past the Human Society of Utah. Needless to say after about 3 hours we were leaving with our new dog!!!! It was hard to choose but he just so well behaved that we couldn't help ourselves. Plus, we did save his life! He is an Australian Cattle Dog, about 4 years old, and he was already named Gus when we got him so we kept the name. We couldn't be happier!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Sick of it!

Well I am! I am just sick of being messed around with. One thing after another seems to be ruining our plans of moving into the house this weekend. I can't believe it. Stupid IRS, stupid Title Company. We might be homeless as of Saturday, and now the only question is where are we going to put our stuff. It is one of those time where I needed a good laugh and chocolate to make it through to 5 pm....

Sorry for venting, I am done now!

Monday, February 15, 2010

We are just too nice

So, we went to the mall a few weeks ago looking for a new hat for Brandon. While we were walking through one of the people working at the Dead Sea booth jumped us. We had just been talking about not looking directly at anyone because we were in a rush and we just always end up telling people no...

We were just too nice to say no, so we stopped. She did the whole spiel, and then tried to get us to buy the product. She even threw in a buy one set get one free just to entice us even more. Brandon had been wondering what to get his mom for her birthday so we bought it for her, but then the girl just kept pushing another set on us for a Valentine's present for me. Finally, we got away and laughed all the way to Macy's.

This whole experience reminded me of a time when my mom was in town and we were in the mall. We got stopped at the same booth and my mom was too nice to say no and ended up purchasing a nail set for her and one for me. She flew home that day and forgot that the set had lotion in it, didn't check her bag, and the lotion was thrown out the same day she bought it.

We are clearly just too nice to tell people no and therefore we end up buying things that we either hadn't planned, in the case of Brandon and I, or didn't need, my mom and I. Oh boy!

Saturday, January 30, 2010

House!

So, we went and had the inspection today. It went great! I am so glad that my brother in law was able to come down and do it. He took precious time out of the cabin he is building for a job, just to come inspect our house. Thanks Brent!

While we were there we were able to take some photos.

The master bath. We are inspecting everything

The guest bath on the main floor.

Fireplace

Shower in the Master, the bath and closet are as big as the bedroom

Kitchen!

Stairs to the unfinished basement

Front room

We are really excited to move in!

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Life

Well, it is about time that I update you all about what we have been up to.

For Christmas Break, we drove to Brandon's parents house in Colorado. It was quite the drive on the way there. I drove through unplowed highways, and behind semis. It was hard to see. Then, Brandon took over and he had problems seeing too because it was just so dark by the time we were about 1 hour from his parents house. We loved spending time with family. It was so nice to just get away. We went sledding one day, went up the Cog railroad up Pike's Peak, spent almost an entire day shopping in Manitou Springs, and went to a four course fondue restaurant. When we got back, Brandon had to help his brother replace the fuel pump on his truck. It took them about 10 hours to do it. It was horrible and I felt so bad for them. Needless to say, I stayed inside the apartment and about every hour to hour and a half I took out hot chocolate.

Brandon surprised me on Christmas morning with a reservation to a bed and breakfast in Provo. Even though we were only 7 blocks from the apartment, it was still nice to just have us time. The Hines Mansion is a wonderful place. The rooms are all themed and we stayed in the Library room. It had a wall that turned to get into the bathroom like a secret passage, and circular stairs up to a jetted tub for two. We also were able to go to Chef's Table (our favorite restaurant) and then to Hale Center Theatre as a part of the package with the room.

Brandon changed his major officially to a Marriage and Family Major. He is really excited because he is taking three major classes this semester and enjoys them. Since he wants to be a Chaplin, they are right what he need to study.

School for me in going well. I have had two new students join my class, and it is very interesting to see the change that those two students bring to the class. I am now at 10 boys and 14 girls. However, most of the time it seems like I have more boys than that. They are the wild ones, and the girls just end up being mean to each other. You would be surprised but 7 and 8 year old girls are mean! I have little girl fights everyday, and most of the time it involves tears.

As for news about the house, our offer was accepted. We are now under contract to by the house, which will be so nice. We can't wait to get out of our apartment. We reached the end of our love with this apartment a while back, and it just will be nice to get out. We went four days without heat, and that is enough to make anyone want out. I will be taking pictures of the house next Saturday, which is the soonest we will get to see the house again.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Long time no post

I am sorry that I have been so lazy updating this blog. I am trying to be better, but we will see what happens.

So, as of late, we were without heat for 4 days, so that was fun. Also, we put an offer down on a house, and we are just waiting to hear back about all the details. I will post pictures as soon as we have a chance to go see it again. It is out in Eagle Mountain. It will be nice to have a place that is ours and as much as I love Provo, I am ready to be out of here.

Well, I don't mean to cut it short, but I will update again soon about the house and about our holiday break.