Young Womens

I don't typically blog about my callings, but I just had such a great experience last week at Mutual I wanted to write a bit about it.

I'm in the Young Women's Presidency here in the McKay ward, and I love it!!  On Tuesday we got to take a tour on the Relief Society Building on Temple Square.  It was a really cool experience and I learned a lot.  I hope the girls did too!

 All the girls in Sister Daytons Office

 Young Women's general Presidency

 View from Sister Daytons desk :)

 View from Sister Becks desk (Relief Society General President)

 View from Sister Wixoms (Primary President) desk

Photo and signature of all the Relief Society Presidents.

The spirit was so strong while on our tour, and there is just so much that I learned that I don't want to bore you with a long post about the history of women in the church, but I took notes because I'm that big of a nerd :)  It was such a great night and such a wonderful experience!

Back to School

Leaving for his first day back to School!



And there he goes :)

 "Back to School, Back to School, to prove to dad I'm not a fool"
Scott is loving being back at school.  I am too because he cooks dinner for me at night while I'm at work.  We got a pretty sweet deal with all the grants Scott got, and now that I'm back to serving I'm making more money, which is helpful at this time.  So here's how the decision was made to go back to serving early, while still breastfeeding.  In my job I don't get breaks, ever, unless you're greeting, which is the lowest paying job at the restaurant.  So while Scott worked dinners (which was what his job was) I worked lunches as a greeter so I could take breaks to go pump (meaning I was making less money and doing less work, but still providing some sort of income).  Since Rivers began sleeping through the nights at 6 weeks I haven't been getting a lot of milk during the night.  When we decided it was the right decision for Scott to quit and return to School we both knew I would have to start working nights so Scott could be at school during the day, and keep Rivers out of Daycare (not that there's anything wrong with it, other than the cost).  It works out really well.  I pump before I go to work, and when I get home.  Scott gets to do all the cute bedtime stuff like dinner, baths and putting him down, then has plenty of time to study and do homework after bubs goes to bed.  Since I'm only missing one feeding I was able to serve again and I'm making at lot more money, not as much as when both Scott and I were working, but it pays the bills and I know it will be for our benefit later on.

Life is good, we're all healthy and happy, and I feel truly blessed

10 months

I don't think I've ever noticed how quickly 10 months has passed before.  Rivers is still just as perfect as ever, and certainly the light of mine and Scott's life :)
Here are just a few of his silly quirks.
Kicks his right leg while nursing and having his diaper changed.
Singing when sung to.
Likes to intentionally hit his head on things.
Licks walls.
Likes to "play ball"
Babbles to himself.
Likes to spit.
Loves dogs.
Enjoys grabbing faces.
Isn't very helpful with the laundry.
Super ticklish.
Enjoys being "chased"
Likes to Open and Close doors, drawers and cabinets.
Likes to go outside.
Likes to throw things out of his crib.
Thinks it's funny when people fall.
Likes to play with a turkey baster and Scott's alarm clock.
Bites :(
Loves to be around other babies.
Has nightmares.
Is easily entertained by fans.
LOVES to read books.
And is generally all around an awesome guy!  I just can't believe how much I love this little guy!! 

A Hunting He Will Go

My guys in their matching "dirt shirts" from Moab

So... About 3 hours ago, my sweet kind loving husband went out into the woods with the other men with the last name Shepherd (minus Rivers since I don't think he'd be very helpful) to go hunt wild beasts. Well deer really. 
I miss him, sleeping in our bed is no fun with him gone :(
Although, I'll sleep better with him not talking or walking in his sleep.
I hope his family watches out for that tonight.
I hope he doesn't get shot. 
We have plenty of food, I'm not sure why he's hunting, I guess than hunter and gatherer in men folk just never dies.  I think it's more about bonding.  Bond away men, bond away...

August so far...

Mid-way through August, and boy have we been busy!! 
So to save time, and energy, here is a brief update...
Scott is unemployed!!  This is surprisingly a good thing... I think...  I have mixed emotions about this, but I do think that ultimately it will be for the better for our family.  Living off student loans and taking this HUGE leap of faith and walking into the unknown by faith is a challenge.  The photo below was taken as Scott left for his last night of work.  I have to admit, he is so much happier, and I do enjoy the idea of him not being a slave to his job.  He may want to find some part time work next semester, but for now we both feel he needs to just focus on school.  And to be honest, when I go back to serving (which I do tomorrow) I make more part time than any other part time job Scott would get.  So Scott gets a sugar mama while playing Mr. Mom in the evenings.  That's another nice part of my job is the flexibility it gives me.  I'm super sad about missing bedtime with my little guy, but for now we really do feel like it's the best for our little family :)

Sadly, on August 6, 2011 Scott's Grandma Brady passed away.  I didn't take any pictures, but luckily Scott's sister Christy did and I stole this on off her blog.  Scott was a pallbearer, and it was an amazing service.  I spent most of it in the hall with a very sleepy, hungry, squirmy baby, but I was able to hear most of it, and I learn a lot about this wonderful woman.  We spent, basically, two full days with Scott's family and it was really nice.  All of his cousins came into town, and we spent the evening before her funeral talking about how great she was.  It was a sad event, but it was also so lovely and spiritual.  Bubs was mostly good for this day too, it's not his fault he doesn't know what's going on...


This is another stolen photo (hehehe).  At our company picnic last month Scott and I won 2 free passes to Seven Peaks.  On Monday we went down to Provo (Scott said it was the best one) and luckily Scott's sister Christy (yup, same one mentioned before) was able to go with us, she has a season pass, and is such a life saver!!  Here is Rivers with his cousin Emily fighting over treats.  They are so cute together, ok well not really, yet.  They are both just really cute.  Rivers gets so excited when he sees another baby that he wants to give lots of hugs and kisses and really wants to play, but other babies just don't seem to like this as much, and I can't blame them.  Luckily Emily has learned to crawl away from him rather quickly, which is very smart of her.  I'm sure as they grow up they will be good friends, but for now Rivers just wants to pull her hair and eat her food (Rivers doesn't have any hair, he's unaware of how much it hurts).
We had lots of fun though at Seven Peaks, and Scott got so sun burnt!  Which is funny since he wore sunblock and I didn't, and I'm barely pink and the poor guy is starting blister.  Bubs did get a little bit of a sunburn on his arm, and I'm fairly certain it's because  he moved and I'm not sure he actually got sunblock applied to that arm, but don't worry, the other arm was super covered twice. 
All in all it's been a great month with lots of time with family and lots of playing.  Now it's back to work and getting Scott ready for School!
Enjoy August, and I'm going to try to blog more since I'm home more :)

Back to School

So Scott got his "U" card today.  We got it largely so Scott could ride the bus and trax for free, but they haven't been activated by UTA yet. 
I'm so tempted to post the picture I took of his card, because it is seriously the funniest picture ever!!  But I'm a good wife and will respect his wishes to not show anyone.  But if you see him you should ask him to see it, He'll likely say no, but harass him enough he'll cave, and once enough people have seen it maybe then I can post the picture.... Just the thought of his picture makes me laugh hahahahaha. 
It's a good thing I love him so :)

Today's thoughts

It's almost 9:30 on a Saturday night, and I still have dishes to do, laundry to fold, a living room to clean, and a shower to take, a pie to make, and nine o'clock church in the morning.  But  I wanted to write for a bit
I really try to stay on top of the house work, and for the most part I succeed.  I take great pride in being a good house wife.  I enjoy the fact that Husband is never without clean clothes and food in the fridge.  It's hard, but I feel fulfilled knowing I can do these things.
For those of you who knew me before I got married, you are probably shocked at my words!  This isn't me at all.  Who knew this little home maker was living inside of me.  I get so bashful when people call me on it. Just the other day my neighbor commented that her house was clean "not by your standards, but it's good for my family"  I was a little taken back by this comment, I'm not a neat freak or anything, and her house looked really clean and pleasant to me.  I guess my lack of furniture makes my house look cleaner than it is, I'm a minimalist.  I've never thought to judge anyone by how clean their house is.  I understand that people have lives, and more than one child, and a husband who isn't at work until midnight four times a week (when Scott is home I don't clean, I spend time with him).
Another thought is how sad  I am about the passing of Scott's grandmother.  I'm grateful that Scott and Rivers were able to see her before she passed away this morning.  She was a wonderful women, and I'm grateful that my sweet little boy comes from such a great family.  I know that he will always be taken care of even if I'm not around.
Yes, I've been dealing with my own mortality lately.  My greatest fear is that I won't get to see my little bald-headed boy grow up.  He is my greatest joy and the reason I stay up late cleaning, and baking and taking care of myself personally.  I need that little boy as much as he needs me.  I am so proud of him everyday, and my blog is largely a tribute to him, in hopes that he can one day read it himself and see how much I love him. 
I always felt I might die young, and because of this I try to make everyday count.  I tell Scott and Rivers  I love them about a million times a day.  We never leave each other with out saying it.  I also tell my parents I love them every time we talk or see each other.  I never want to have any of them question how I feel about them. 
Well my evening tasks ahead of me are piling up, so I must get back to work.  But I hope Scott and Rivers, and my family, and the neighbors know how much I care and love them...

Nathan's wedding

Scott's younger brother Nathan got married, to the sweetest girl named Jessica!!

It was such a good day, and Scott got to cater the event.  Now I'm not a fan of him catering family weddings, mainly because he spends the whole time in the kitchen, and misses things like the first dance, and cutting the cake, and talking with his family, and dancing with me.  I had to BEG him to leave the food to the super nice ladies helping and dance with me.  He just loves food so much! I just love dancing with my husband so much! 

We had such a great day, well all except the part where my super sleepy baby refused to take his afternoon nap at Grandmas house, and just cried the whole time.  Not fun. 

Jessica and Nathan were married in the Salt Lake temple, and had their reception in the Provo Library in the Grand Ballroom they have there.  It was so pretty and such a nice day.  Rivers loved all the music, and all the Aunts, Uncles and cousins that played with him so I could chase my husband and force him to dance with me.  I really like dancing with my husband, who just steps on my feet the whole time anyway.

It wouldn't be a wedding without me getting a super close, super awkward picture of my cute husband :)

9 Months

I've had a hard time writing this post, because I'm still coming to the realization that my little man has been alive longer outside of me than inside.  Crazy I know, but for the last 18 months I have done nothing but care for him, and most of that time he was much easier to take care of.  Babies in the belly may not be great, but I was much less worried and stressed with him inside rather than outside.  Although, I hated being pregnant I do miss having him with me all the time.  He is just so much fun now!  It's been bittersweet watching my baby grow up.

So, Rivers likes to move.  While at the doctors he was crawling and standing and pulling himself up all over the place.  The Pediatrician even made a comment to the effect that he is burning more calories than he's in taking.  He is just so excited about life!  While I was washing the dishes the other day I left Rivers to play.  He's pretty good about staying near me, but sometimes he just wants to explore.  Well it was quite, and like the paranoid new mom I am I was afraid he was dead (I'm always afraid he's dead), so I went to go find him, but what I found was the funniest, cutest thing ever!!  Rivers was in the bathroom, and had discovered the toilet paper!!  He was having the best time!  I was laughing so hard I had to run and get the camera, and he just kept on playing. 

 He's just so happy!!

 How can you get mad at that face?

 Rivers is also standing, here he is playing us a song on the guitar.  Is it too soon to call him a Phenom?  Since California he has been pulling himself up on to the furniture, and recently he has began to let go and just stand there.  He has also been "cruising" along the couch and coffee table.  Well yesterday while playing with his books in the middle of the room, with nothing around him, he pulled himself up into a standing position.  I thought I was just seeing things, but then he did it again about 5 more times, including while in the bath tub.  I shouldn't be surprised, Scott began walking at 11 months, and with as eager as Rivers is to move I really should have expected this sooner, but it was still such a shock. 
He just amazes me everyday.
here are his stats from his 9 month check up:
Weight:  17.7 lbs 10 Percentile (he's a little guy)
Height:  27.5 inches  26 Percentile
he's healthy, and based on height if he weighed too much more he would be a fat baby and we would have to talk about his diet.  He's thin, but as our doctor always puts it when I ask if he's ok "Don't we all want to be tall and thin?"  and like I mentioned before, he's burning calories fast than he intakes them.  I was never a chubby baby, and he's growing and eating and having regular bowel movements so I have nothing to worry about.
I'm so in love with my little guy and I wouldn't have him any other way :)

Pioneer Day!

I love any weekend that involves bbq's and family time.  So of course Pioneer day is right up my alley.  We had a pretty low key holiday this year, but it was still tons of fun.  On Sunday the 24th we went to church, then to my falks house for a bbq, after we headed over to my grandparents house for a potluck and fireworks.  We were out way past baby's bedtime, so we left around 9 and missed the fireworks.  but we had a good reason besides baby's bed time.  Monday morning was the Parade!!
One of our very first, and favorite traditions has been to go to the Days of  '47 Parade that runs through Salt Lake.  Last year we actually spent the night on the parde route, but this year we lived so close we just woke up early and headed over.  Scott left first while I got baby ready for the day then we joined dad and some of our friends as the parade was starting.  The parade this year was better than last years, and I got to sleep in my own bed and that makes things better

 So excited for the parade!!  This was Rivers firts parade, and he loved it!  He loved the police cars and all the clowns that stopped to tell him how cute he was. 

Rivers even sat in his own chair for part of that parade, and didn't start getting grumpy until the end.  Such a cutie! 
Here are some highlights:
Stoned guy in orange shorts walking up and petting the hourses in the parade
Crazy pioneer lady sitting next to us that cheered loudly for everything pioneer related
Free creamies
Gang fight in the house behind us
Nice family who sat next to us that accidentally stole our chair, but don't worry, Scott has some amazing investigation skills, and we found them and got our chair back that afternoon.
Funnel cake.
Watching awesome fireworks from my front porch
It was a great weekend, and I look forward to next years Pioneer day when baby might be old enough to stay up and watch the fireworks :)