Melissa's Blog

WE HAVE A HOUSE!!!

2011-12-22T19:47:00.003-06:00

Austin and I went in and signed an offer last night for the house we have had our eye on...today the sellers counter-offered. We counter-offered again back, and asked for the fridge to be thrown in as well. They agreed! The only difference is they asked $75 for the fridge--a great bargain for a nice fridge! :) I'm so happy, this is probably the best Christmas present ever!!! :) We are closing January 30.

Here's a link to the house we are buying:

http://ebby.com/property/13914106/2017_Arles_Lane_Carrollton_TX_75007-2206

Take a look if you like. :) It's right next to a park, and all the schools it is listed to go to, and close to the library, the pool, and close to the building where the ward is for that area. Yay!!!

Christmas Cookies

2011-12-20T19:13:00.004-06:00

Last night for family home evening, Austin and I made and decorated our Christmas cookies. I had been wanting to do this sooner, but we have been busy with house-looking, and our little Claire. We had a lot of fun decorating and cutting cookies with some new cookie cutters we got a few weeks ago at Aldi, listening to our Christmas music! :)

Daddy and Claire being so silly. :)

Austin and his cookies!!! We each did a cookie sheet full of cookies.

Claire--pretending to help!

"Mommy and Daddy, these cookies are YUMMY!"

Claire sat and watched us decorate cookies for part of the time. She was cute as always, and so of course pictures needed to be taken! :)

"Um...I think I'm getting sleepy."

Of course we had to let Claire take a nibble to taste! :) Just kidding...but maybe she got a crumb or two during the pictures. :) Merry Christmas--only 4 more days!

Going Crazy

2011-12-16T12:16:00.002-06:00

These cats are driving me crazy. The little kitty wants in. Gingerbread wants in. I just want them to enjoy the sunshine outdoors...and enjoy Claire to myself. I think it's time for a walk to get out the stir crazies!

Someone Thinks We're A Pet Palace

2011-12-14T14:47:00.003-06:00

Claire is saying, "hey, what's the big idea?" And rightly so. Lately there have been quite a few kittens on our back porch (not even including Gingerbread). It seems there is someone out there somewhere who is dumping kittens with the idea that our apartment is a pet palace!
Most of the kittens have not been as little as this kitty though. This one is just a baby, probably about a month or two old. Poor thing was wet and freezing. We were not letting another pet adopt us, but Austin and I did feel awful for this baby kitty. So, as you can see, we put out some food and water, and a box with a towel in it so the kitty would stay warm and not starve. We are probably going to see if we can donate it to the SPCA...if they don't have room we'll have to give this little one to the animal shelter. I hope someone is looking to adopt a kitten for Christmas!
It seems sweet, and it is adorably tiny. It keeps going to the edge of our porch and meowing out to the air (and meowing at our door to be let in as well). I think it is looking for its mommy, poor thing. Claire and I are just having a quiet day at home--Claire is napping as I write this. I hope that she continues to be a happy girl today, since she has been having such a rough time this past week or so. Only 10 days left until Christmas eve! :)

Christmas and Kittens

2011-12-13T13:08:00.008-06:00

We decked out for Christmas the first Saturday night in December. It was a bit of a stretch trying to rearrange everything to get the Christmas tree in, but I ended up liking how everything got settled. Here are some pictures of our decorations.
We bought some lights last year at an after-Christmas sale, and decided to put them up inside to be festive. We strung them all around in the kitchen, dining room, living room, and over our front door. It makes a perfect amount of light in the evenings without turning on any other lights but the Christmas tree.
My Christmas wreath is back up again this year. :) Also, here is a beautiful new nativity decoration Momma got me. I like how the lights light up the board at night, so it looks like it is glowing, like a Nativity Star. :)

The piano decorations for the Christmas season.

Our Christmas tree even has a few presents under it already.

This is the Nativity Austin got me last year for Christmas. I love it! It is one of my very favorite Christmas decorations.

And this is the kitten that adopted us, Gingerbread. Ginger for short. She showed up on our back porch during one of those really cold days we have been having lately. She wouldn't give up on trying to get our attention, so Austin and I finally took pity on her. Now she has her shots, and is a wonderful pet! Seems our family just keeps growing--if we aren't careful, the pets will outnumber the people soon.
She is a good kitten, and never scratches or bites. She doesn't get much attention (which I'm sure she doesn't like), but she is good anyways and leaves the hamsters and Claire alone. I just tell her, "sorry kitty, but we have a new baby that is our number one priority over here." If she had wanted someone to love on her all the time, she should have picked a different family's porch to meow on. But we still play with her in the evenings when there are two of us here to help with the baby, and have more free hands and time for the kitty.

Merry Christmas!

3 Months Old

2011-12-05T12:47:00.006-06:00

Claire will be 3 months old this Thursday. Where has the time gone???? It seems to have flown by. This will Claire's first Christmas...and I'm so excited! I think Christmas is my very favorite season of all...what with all the music, happiness, and rejoicing in Christ, I sometimes wish that Christmas could last all year long!

Claire has gotten so big. At her 2 month old appointment, she was 12 pounds, 3.5 ounces and 23 inches long. She smiles so much now, and loves to laugh...especially when it is time for bed, and she decides she isn't sleepy. :) She can also roll from her tummy to her back, and so close to being able to roll from her back to her tummy--I just know one of these days she will! :)

Austin and I decorated for Christmas here at our apartment this past Saturday night. We turned on some Christmas music, put Claire in her bouncy chair and proceeded to deck everything out in grand Christmas fashion. The sweetest thing was when Claire started singing! A song would come on, and Claire would start making "lalala" baby sounds, singing out QUITE loudly! It was so adorable to listen to, and made the music that much sweeter. :) When the song would stop, Claire stopped. Then she would start again as soon as the next song came on. She is so smart! ;) It will be exciting to share Claire's first Christmas with her!

3 Weeks Old

2011-09-29T19:18:00.005-05:00

My big girl is 3 weeks old today! Here she is, fresh from yesterday's bath (which she loved...she must be a water-lover like her momma and daddy!). Like her outfit?

"Duckie" in her ducky towel after her bath. She is too cute, and I adore her!

She is chunking right up and getting cuter by the minute! :) Last week at her 2 week well check-up at the doctor's office, Claire weighed in at 9 pounds, 1 ounce. What a big girl! She did so well at the doctor's office that she slept through most of the doctor's exam...even when he opened her eyes to check them! I think Austin and I got spoiled in the good-baby department. :)

Not only did she sleep through the doctor's visit, but last night Claire slept from around midnight all the way until 5:30 AM! What a nice stretch of sleeping for her Mommy and Daddy, I think. :) I think she looks especially cute in this blanket made for her by her Great Grandma Collins. :) Thank you!

Claire being sweet...sleeping! :)

Claire and her daddy. :) Austin is just so sweet with her! The other night Austin was holding Claire, and I went into the bedroom to check on how he was holding up...and found both of them sleeping away! It was too cute, I wish I had gotten a picture of it. :) Austin is one sweet daddy to our little girl.

Last week and this week my mom has been coming over every day to help me out. It seems like there is a little "fairy" around the house these days, helping out with everything I need. I will sure miss her when she isn't here, and I'm trying to "fly solo" in the Mommy-ing department. Thank you, Momma! :)

Between my mom and Austin's mom, it might be a little rough next week when I start the real Mommy job alone. Wish me luck! At least I'm fitting into some pre-pregnancy clothes these days...I was able to squeeze into a pair of blue jeans today! :) Now, only 10 pounds left to go. :)

Austin and I finally were able to get a date for Claire's blessing day--October 16, 2011. It will be very special to hear Austin take our tiny daughter in his arms to give her a blessing from her Heavenly Father. What a special time that will be. I can't wait!

Claire Brianne Is Already 1 Week Old!

2011-09-17T12:08:00.012-05:00

Can you believe this little sleeping cutie is already over a week old? I can't! She is growing everyday...and getting cuter by the minute!

I love this picture of Claire sticking out her tongue. Isn't she silly? :)

Here is a picture of Claire posing on one of her blankets she got from her great-grandma Collins. Her outfit is from her grandma Palmer! :)

Claire making use of her best talent--looking cute!

Claire and her grandma. We are so glad that you are visiting us, Claire says! :)

What a poser. :)

My beautiful daughter.

Claire has been very good for the most part, except for one night where her tummy was hurting, and it took us three hours to finally calm her down. That was so sad, and she cried so much until she had worked everything out that it just broke my heart.

Claire in another outfit from grandma Palmer. I just can't get enough of my sweet girl's cuteness!

This week Claire's umbilical cord fell off...right on her one week birthday! :) So we were able to give Claire her first real bath that day. She did fairly well, but she did cry. I don't think she was quite sure about all of this getting a bath stuff...she would rather be wrapped up all warm and cozy in her cute outfits and blankets!

She has been eating very well. We have had a few incidents over here...all involving the diaper changing and Austin. Earlier this week Austin was changing Claire's diaper, and everything was going well...when...surprise! Claire went potty all over Austin's hand that was cleaning her up. Austin didn't think it was so funny, but I could not stop laughing.

I'm so lucky to have Claire for my precious baby daughter. She is so good and happy so much of the time. I love how she enjoys laying on your lap and looking around with her big blue eyes. I love that she sticks out her tongue when she is taking things in around her. I think it is cute the way she smacks her lips when she is finished nursing, and then stretches really big before curling up to sleep off her meal. :) I love the little rolls of fat she is getting now that she is gaining weight and chunking right up. :) She is so precious to me, and I am so lucky to be her mother.

First Pediatric Appointment

2011-09-14T12:45:00.006-05:00

Claire had her first pediatric appointment yesterday...and she did wonderfully! Austin and I really liked the doctor that we saw (wasn't our original pediatrician)...which is good, because the practice that our pediatrician is in is big! Five doctors...we have met three of them, and liked all of them so far. Everyone is very friendly, and makes sure any questions or concerns get answered...the doctors make sure you don't feel pressured, like they are too busy to stick around. The doctor we saw was very good with Claire, and talked to her all while he was checking her.

When we went in to Claire's appointment, we filled out some paperwork before they measured and weighed her. I was so proud of Claire...she only cried for the minute it took for Austin to undress her to be weighed, and then settled right down. They let us swaddle her until they put her on the scale, which I thought was nice since doctor offices are always cold. :) She is already almost back to her birth weight! When we left the hospital on Sunday, Claire weighed in at 7 pounds, 15.9 ounces (just under 8 pounds). At her appointment she was back to 8 pounds 5 ounces! :) We are happy that all is going well. She is nursing great, and just generally being very happy. :)

The nurse gave us a sheet with Claire's measurements and percentiles. Here is how she is right now (as of yesterday):

Weight = 8 lbs 5 oz (66%)
Length = 21 inches (85%)
Head Circumference = 14 inches (56%)

We're so glad that Claire is doing well! We are just having so much fun getting to know her. :) Yesterday Austin's mom flew in to visit and help us out, and we are enjoying letting Claire get to know her grandma. Hopefully everything keeps going this well for our little one! :) Our next appointment is on Thursday, September 22 for Claire's two week checkup! :)

P.S. -- The hat Claire has on with her cherry outfit is one that I made for her while I was pregnant. I'm so glad it fits so well! :)

First Full Day at Home With My Little Claire Brianne

2011-09-13T00:16:00.005-05:00

We are loving our first day at home with our precious little daughter! :) She has been a little fussy, but overall very cuddly, snuggly, and cute! Austin and I gave her her first sponge bath at home today...and right in the middle she did her business all over the towel! Austin and I could not stop laughing (not a small feat after a c-section, let me tell you!)...but we moved that towel over to the side, and then got some wipes to clean her up. Needless to say, bath time was over then, so we just cleaned her up, put her in a fresh outfit and headband, and proceeded to snuggle away. I think the best thing about this was the expressions on Claire's (and Austin's) face! They both just looked shocked, like someone had jumped out and scared them! :) It makes me laugh just thinking about it. :)

At the Hospital

2011-09-07T23:25:00.003-05:00

We're at the hospital, and getting excited for a baby! Here is Austin, my wonderfuly husband showing his positive support...and me in the hospital bed trying to stay relaxed. I've been having contractions about 5-7 minutes apart, lasting anywhere from 40 to 60 seconds. If I continue contracting, we won't have to start any pitocin in the morning, because the baby will be coming on her own! We'll keep you updated as we can! :) Good night!

41 Weeks

2011-09-06T18:02:00.005-05:00

So I had another visit today at the doctor's office, since apparently this baby is so comfortable staying right where she's at. :) I'm going to go in to the hospital Thursday for a trial of labor, which is where they give you pitocin to stimulate contractions, and monitor the baby to see how she handles them. If nothing happens, I can come home if I like, or keep trying to see if something will happen since the baby is full term. If I decide to come home, they will induce me a week from today. Nothing much has changed, and no contractions for the past three weeks, so I guess we will see if the trial of labor picks up real labor or not...only time will tell!

Nothing much else different...well, I take that back, I did gain another two pounds, putting my maternity weight gain totaling out at a whopping 38 pounds. So much for the idea that the last few weeks your weight gain will slow down and stop. :) But the baby sounded good on the Doppler this week, and is still moving good, so I know she's healthy, and that is good. :)

I'm hoping that this baby comes soon! I'm very excited to meet my little girl, and to finally hold her in my arms (instead of just her snuggling in my tummy). :) Everything seems a little surreal...that after all this time, there really will be a little baby to call my own. :) Hopefully she wants to meet us soon, too! :)

40 Week Pictures

2011-08-30T21:07:00.000-05:00

Come on baby! :)

(Can you tell how low she is?)

40 Weeks...(AKA. Baby, It's Time To Come Out Now!)

2011-08-30T13:44:00.003-05:00

So, I'm 40 weeks today...and no baby yet. Fortunately I'm feeling quite optimistic today so far, but since my emotions have been riding a roller-coaster this week, I'm just hoping the optimism holds for a little while. :) Or, you know, that labor starts and our little girl arrives! :)

At my appointment today I was measuring right at 40 weeks, and fortunately I hadn't gained any more weight. I thought I had stopped gaining weight at my 38 week appointment (I lost a pound)...but then at my 39 week appointment I had shot up FOUR pounds! I must say, for reminding myself to eat every day, that is quite the significant increase! At least for now everything is hovering around the 152 pound-mark. That makes 36 pounds that I have gained total since I became pregnant. Now it's time to have the baby and lose it all! :)

The baby is no longer in a posterior position, fortunately for me. :) However, since she spends her days flipping back and forth from sunny-side-up to face-down, I just hope she stays this way permanently until she is born. Austin and I like to joke that she thinks she is a little flapjack pancake, making sure both sides are fully ready before she decides she is ready to be born! :) She is at least lining up as she should, so all we need is for some contractions to start up now. :)

I'll post the picture tonight when Austin gets home. Hopefully this will be the last post before our little girl arrives! You never know when a baby will be born...maybe she will even decide to show up later tonight! :)

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

2011-08-24T18:35:00.003-05:00

I made some homemade cinnamon rolls today, and they turned out just perfect! :) The smells were very tempting when they were cooking in the oven...but I held out for the final product. :)

Here's the whole batch! I did the dough in my bread machine and then went from there to this yummy goodness!!! Austin loved coming home to a cinnamon-roll-smelling apartment, and we both loved eating them! Everything is homemade that you see, from the rolls to the filling, and the glaze...makes me think of Christmas! Maybe instead of Christmas time, we'll just go for having a baby instead? :D

39 Weeks Part 2

2011-08-23T19:11:00.003-05:00

I think I must have gotten bigger...or the baby did! :) I'm voting the baby. :) I did gain 4 pounds from last week (I don't know how since I'm never hungry and have to remember to eat every day), so I think our little one will be no small fry when our she does finally arrive. Since I posted this morning though, she did flip back around so that her back is facing out instead of her tummy...hooray! :) Now let's just hope she STAYS that way...

The baby belly at exactly 39 weeks...maybe next week at my due date I'll get to post pictures of a cute baby instead of just my baby belly. :)

39 Weeks

2011-08-23T10:15:00.002-05:00

Not much has changed this week. Playing the waiting game, and feeling tired mostly, I think. The baby has flipped to where she is facing up instead of down now, so I'm hoping she will flip back around before she gets here! Feeling big...and this is the last week to go (hopefully!). I hope we can make it! :) I will upload this week's picture of the baby belly tonight when Austin gets home.

38 Weeks Down, 2 To Go!

2011-08-16T19:17:00.002-05:00

Here's the baby belly at 38 weeks! I'm getting bigger by the hour, I'm sure of it...I think we will have a big girl once she decides to make an appearance. :) At least we have told our little girl to come any time...we would love for her to come this week! :)

Getting big! No sleeping going on over here, so I am looking forward to our little girl's arrival, when I can look at her perfect little fingers and toes, and cute little face. :) I wonder how big she will be, and when exactly she will get here? Make a guess and we'll see who gets the closest! :)

37 Weeks!

2011-08-09T10:55:00.004-05:00

Everything is all systems go! :) Today our little girl is full-term, and getting bigger every day. Up until this point I had not a single stretch mark...last night I did notice a couple lower on my stomach however, and told Austin. Then, I woke up this morning, and there were a ton of them! Oh well, at least they aren't that big. :) I just am excited to meet this little girl once she finally gets here!

My appointment went well, and I found out that I was coming right along and making progress, and that so was our baby! I guess we will just have to wait to find out when her birthday will be...I'm hoping she comes on Aaron's birthday (August 19)...that would be perfect, I think! :)

Sunday night I had a lot of contractions again-real ones! This time they didn't really let up, but must have continued off and on throughout the night, because when I woke up Monday my stomach felt like it was in a vice-grip. Needless to say, I haven't been feeling perfectly marvelous, but I am at least very glad that the contractions are working and doing their job. :)

I was measuring about a week and a half ahead of schedule today as well, and continue to gain weight...I don't know how, but I think it must all be going to the baby! So far I have gained 33 pounds-hopefully now that I'm almost done everything will start to level off. :) I'll update with a picture at the top of this post tonight again, once Austin gets home. I'm feeling mighty big these days! :) Here's hoping our little girl makes an appearance sooner rather than later! :)

(P.S.--Austin wanted me to post this last picture, so here it is...me and baby Palmer looking big!)

36 Week Update

2011-08-02T12:28:00.003-05:00

I'll add a picture of how I'm looking later tonight once Austin gets home to take my picture, but I wanted to update about my appointment today, which was pretty busy!

All seems to be going pretty well. Sunday I had contractions for a while, but by the time that I went to bed that night I was feeling better. I woke up around 4 AM though, with more contractions again, but they went away after a little while as well, fortunately! :) Hopefully this will help to move things along with our little girl. :)

I was measuring 36.5 cm today, so I'm still on schedule, just feeling very tired mostly. Our little girl has dropped even lower once again, so I think the contractions must have done something other than just make me uncomfortable. :) Even though I am very tired, at least I was able to sleep all night last night! :) I didn't wake up until 6 AM, which must be a record for me--that hasn't happened in months! I was able to go back to sleep again even, though only for a few hours so I could get up to get ready for my appointment today.

All is going well, I'm just ready to wrap up being pregnant--and get to see my cute little girl! :) Only 4 more weeks left until her due date, and we're officially in the last stretch!

Moses Basket Bedding

2011-07-28T12:06:00.002-05:00

What is a pregnant girl to do when she can't sleep anymore? Make some girly bedding for her Moses Basket! :) That's right, I made this bedding you see now all on my own! Last night when Austin went to scouts, I headed off to Hobby Lobby for some materials, and then got right down to work. I did most of the sewing last night...all except the top part of the bumpers--but I pinned that together before I finally went to bed last night. It was very late, I must admit!

This morning I also cut some ribbon for the ties and sewed them in when I sewed the top trim into the bumpers. Then I googled how to tie a pretty bow (so the basket would look extra nice for the blog!), and had at it! :)

What do you think? Not bad for a beginner sewer and her trusty sewing machine! :) I was pretty proud of myself for being able to do this without getting frustrated...

Here is the up-close shot of the material I used, and the eyelet trim. I'm just so excited for this little girl to get here soon! :)

The Pictures (Look for Explanation in Blog Below...)

2011-07-26T20:36:00.007-05:00

Getting bigger!

This is one of the grocery bags that I sewed! This is the "side shot" of the bag...I made the handles and sewed them in too! :)

The front view of the bag.

Sorry this is in two separate posts...I just got a new card reader, since I had been having problems anyways with the old one...and since it wouldn't work at all tonight, I figured better to be prepared, and not sorry--we wouldn't want to have to go without pictures when the baby comes! :) So, here are the pictures...hope you enjoyed!

What's New?

2011-07-26T19:04:00.004-05:00

Several things, actually...the least being that when I went to upload some photos, neither my computer (nor Austin's even!) would read my camera card plug in. So I guess this post about how big I'm looking these days, and about some grocery bags I sewed this past week will have to be picture-less for now. :(

Last week when I went to my appointment I was measuring a week ahead, and everything was looking good for our little girl! :) Not too much to report in this area, other than I'm feeling very pregnant, and many people at church have commented that I looked like I got very pregnant very fast. Probably because I can hardly sit for any period of time anymore. However, our little girl is still moving around quite a bit (especially lately), and I'm looking forward to her arrival very soon--she's due in just 5 more weeks! :)

On another note, I have been fairly industrious lately, cleaning house, washing up all our baby clothes, and sewing grocery bags! :) I was pretty proud of my grocery-bag-making, since the bags are much bigger than the kind you could buy at the store, and cute as well! :) I made them out of sheets that were on sale last week at Anna's Linens, because it is much less expensive that way, and everyone likes to save money! :) Austin and I were excited to use them this past weekend when we went to do our shopping at Aldi, and are happy to report that they worked fantastic! We used just four bags, and it made carrying our groceries to and from the car SO much easier!!! :) (FYI: at Aldi they don't give you plastic bags, so you can either provide your own, or buy some paper bags or some re-usable bags that they sell there...but nothing was as good as the bags we brought, of course!)

I wish that I could post pictures for everyone, but until then...I guess you will just have to wait and see! I will try and figure something out, because I can't not post pictures this close to the baby being born! :( Hopefully I can get something sorted out soon...

33 Weeks Down...7 to go!

2011-07-15T10:16:00.001-05:00

One Year Anniversary Trip--Part 2

2011-06-17T14:01:00.024-05:00

Monday before we headed back to fly home, we decided to spend some time at the Texas State Aquarium. It was so fun, and we had a blast! :) Here is my cute hubby outside by the neat waterfall entrance.

And me, looking forward to the fun!

We spent about two hours at the Aquarium, and saw all kinds of different things. This was one of the first birds we saw...since it was pink, I had to take a picture! :)

And this was a HUGE stingray...absolutely massive! My hand would probably barely fit over the "nose" at the point of the stingray's head. It's name was Bertha!

At one of the sea horse tanks, there was a little bubble to peek up from the inside. Austin and I couldn't resist a few fun pictures!

Besides being silly, it was interesting to get to see the sea horses from "inside" the tank, per say...and watch them wrap their tails around the plants while they slept!

This tank held two different sharks, but the good pictures are only of one shark. This was Austin's favorite part of the Aquarium. I have to admit, I'd never want to meet one of these guys out in the ocean myself!

The shark looks like he's charging after his prey...really he was probably just enjoying a relaxing swim. :)

Fish and birds weren't the only "wildlife" there in the Aquarium. There were also snakes, frogs, and a porcupine! These are poisonous dart frogs--which I found out are only poisonous in the wild, because of what they eat. The frogs are harmless, and not poisonous at all in captivity. I guess we learn something new every day! :)

This picture was probably one of my favorites that I took the whole day...it's like the fish was posing just for me! :) The Aquarium was very well kept, very clean, and very fun! I'm so glad that we got a chance to go! :)

The dolphins were probably my favorite part of the Aquarium. We didn't stay for the dolphin show, but we did get to watch them play around with these noodle-like floats for a while. There were three dolphins total, and they loved to throw the floats, splash back through the water, and grab the floats back up in their mouths before starting the process over again. It was beautiful, and fun to watch!

More dolphins...

There was an underwater lookout you could watch the dolphins from as well.

Here they are doing tricks...one of the dolphins liked swimming upside down a couple of times. They seemed very playful. :)

This is a picture of some of the sea turtles they had at the aquarium in the outside tank with otters. One poor turtle looked like it had a problem with it's shell...it's bottom kept floating up when it tried to swim! :( But they seemed pretty happy for the most part--and they liked getting their pictures taken. :)

Austin also liked the alligator "swamp" part. If you look closely into the water, you can even see the alligator!

This was one of the birds of prey they had outside. Along with this bald eagle, they had an owl, and a hawk (or maybe it was actually a falcon?...I can't remember). They were beautiful, and we were there right around their lunchtime...don't worry, they didn't eat us! :)

We took a moment to sit down while we were outside and take a look at the USS Lexington across the way from the Aquarium. Austin thought it looked pretty interesting...I think we might be stopping there when we get the chance to go down to Corpus again! :)

We had a wonderful time on our anniversary trip. :) It was our best vacation yet! :) I think celebrating being married for a year does that to you... :)

The inside of our rental car...it was so nice and made for a comfy trip to and from our destinations! :)

And here we are at the San Antonio International Airport, waiting for our plane to arrive...I think we would considerably more tired out on the "going home" portion of our vacation than on the "going away" portion, don't you? We might have been just a little tired out...but only because we had so much fun! I'm so lucky to be married to such a wonderful man, who I know will make a wonderful father to our daughter...due in only a couple more months! :) I love you, Austin. :)

One Year Anniversary Trip--Part 1

2011-06-15T10:11:00.018-05:00

This past weekend Austin and I celebrated our one year anniversary!!! Since this will likely be the only anniversary for a long time that we will get to celebrate alone, we decided to splurge a bit on a trip to Corpus Christi, and some time at the beach! :) Fortunately for us, momma and daddy agreed to "hamster sit" for us the couple of days we would be gone, and take us back and forth to the airport. Here we are Saturday morning, waiting for our flight! We were pretty excited.

Our flight took us to the great city of San Antonio first, and we rented a car there to drive down to Corpus. However, while we were in the San Antonio, we decided to visit the Alamo, and have a fun afternoon learning about Texas history! :) It was pretty warm, but luckily for us it wasn't too hot.

Here we are! Austin especially liked the Alamo, and it was neat for me to go now that I'm the "grown-up" and not the "child" because everything seems so different, and that is exciting! The inner part of the main sanctuary of the Alamo was being remodeled, so there was not as much historical memorabilia set up in that building as usual, but it was still neat to see!

Here we are at one of the inner courtyards of the Alamo. One of the outer buildings by this point had all kinds of neat historical artifacts, including rifles and sabers, as well as pottery and jewelry.

Of course we had to be a little silly (life is more fun that way)...here I am with one of the cannons.

And here is Austin showing a excited face for the six flags mounted by the Alamo for the six flags that have flown over Texas throughout the years: Spain, France, Mexico, Republic of Texas, United States of America, and the good ol' Texas state flag.

In the middle of another courtyard there is a wishing well fountain where you can sit down and enjoy the breeze. Austin decided to take out a coin and make a wish while we were there...unfortunately when he flipped in his coin, it did not make its original target, but hit a young teenage boy instead! :( Oh no! The boy was alright, but Austin was kind of embarrassed...I guess whatever wish he wished was not intent on coming true that day!

After we finished in San Antonio, we started our trip down to Corpus. What a fun ride! We rented with Enterprise and had a very nice 2011 car that was a joy to ride in! Finally we got to our condos, after stopping for some groceries and some Chili's To Go (for dinner).

Our condos were right on the beach, and we enjoyed every minute we were there! They had a pool there as well, which was nice too. :) Here's the view of our condo when you walked in the door: there is a couch to the right of that white wicker table, and a small kitchenette, bathroom, and bedroom straight back.

The room was nice and cozy...just perfect for a weekend anniversary trip!

And here is the view from the bedroom looking straight out. The window shades we kept open when we were in the condo, because they were just steps from the beach! We had a wonderful view, and a fantastic time! :)

Here is the view standing on our doorstep. This is the sunrise our first morning there.

The water was so clear and warm, and there were no jellyfish in sight! We did see a couple of sea snails our first night there, but everything was just perfect! The sun, waves, and cool sea breeze were just what the doctor ordered. :)

There were even a couple of people out riding horses! Unfortunately the riding stables that I rode at a few years back is no longer there offering beach rides, but it seems that a few people with horses of their own still get to enjoy the surf!

While we were there, Austin and I made a quick stop at a local CVS store, and found this cute sign. How fun! This trip was so perfect, I think it is a collection of memories Austin and I will treasure for years to come, especially with our little girl on the way! :)

28 Weeks Picture

2011-06-07T18:17:00.003-05:00

Momma sent me this picture that she took a couple of days ago when we came over for Sunday dinner. Here I am! :) My belly bump is finally looking like it feels...big!!! :)

28 Weeks and a Check-up!

2011-06-07T11:19:00.003-05:00

I now only have 12 weeks left until my due date! :) I went to the doctor this morning for my check-up, and was measuring about a week ahead, so I'm thinking our little girl will be big and strong when she makes her appearance to the world, which is wonderful! :) I will post a picture later tonight when Austin gets home of how big I'm looking this week. The only thing off on my check-up was a little high blood sugar level, so I will be going in again on Thursday morning...let's hope all turns out well! Everything seems good though. Our little girl was very busy moving around (as usual) when Aliza was using the Doppler to check our little one's heart rate this morning...no big surprise there. :) My tummy was bouncing around as the Doppler tried chasing our little girl around to get a reading. Since this happens every time I go in to the doctor's office, I think Austin and I are in for an energetic little girl...maybe even as energetic as I was! :) I guess we will just have to wait and see. :)

27 Weeks

2011-05-31T21:31:00.003-05:00

I am now officially in the third trimester! Today was my 27 week mark, and even though I look about the same as last week, the heartburn and pillows needed to sleep comfortably in the night have both increased exponentially. Fortunately I have the best of husbands who is always willing to give me a wonderful backrub to make me feel better! :) Tonight when Austin got home from work, after going swimming for a wonderful evening cool down, Austin took this picture to mark my "belly bump progress."

Feeling pretty pregnant! :) Our little girl moves all the time, but most especially at night and for a few hours after I'm awake in the morning. She was having a ball tonight when Austin and I went swimming though! It felt like she decided to do the Butterfly stroke in my tummy--that was the most forceful I have ever felt her move all at once! She must be a water baby...just like her parents. :)

26 Weeks and Counting....

2011-05-24T20:07:00.004-05:00

Only 14 weeks left until my due date! Our little girl is kicking away in there, and has especially been a busy little mover today. Not long now!

Hamster Race Track

2011-05-23T11:28:00.006-05:00

Our little hamster girls are very happy with their new present from Grandma and Grandpa! :) They love their race track, just look at them go!

25 Weeks!

2011-05-17T18:06:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I had my checkup at the doctor's, and everything is going great! I have gained 16.5 pounds total, and feeling our little girl moving around and kicking in there all the time! :) Yesterday morning her little feet were up by my ribs on my left side, and her head was down on my right side. It is so wonderful to get to feel her moving, even when it wakes me up at night (because at this point I can go right back to sleep). :) Here is a picture from last night that Austin took so you can see my baby bump. And today I finished submitting all my pre-registration forms to the hospital for when our baby is born! It seems more and more real every day, and I can't wait to meet our little "Duckie", as Momma calls her! :)

This picture I wanted to post for Amanda...when I had taken the pictures of the crib all set up in my last post, I still wasn't truly finished setting everything up yet. Here are the bumper pads in place with the bedding and ready to go! :) Every morning when I wake up I look over at the crib and think, "in just a few months, we are having a baby!" and I'm sure I get a silly little grin on my face because I'm just too excited! Happy summer days are going strong here at our little home! :) I hope everyone else is enjoying their (almost) summer days as well! :)

♥ Home Is Where the Heart Is ♥

2011-05-13T12:15:00.009-05:00

Lately Austin and I have taken to rearranging our apartment in the interest of making room for our new little addition to the family! :) I decided to post some pictures now that I'm on a break until the baby comes. :) Also, if you notice, we got curtains!!! I was so excited to get them--and I put them up, too! On Wednesday this week, I installed the curtain rod, the curtain holdbacks, and put the curtains up all on my own! I was pretty impressed with myself, needless to say. And I'm loving the look that the curtains give...it just looks so much more homey here at our apartment now!

I figured I would just do some "panoramic" shots piece by piece of our "new" apartment, so you can get an idea of how our setup is now that we've moved everything around. I'm standing by the piano that has stayed, despite all the shifting around of furniture, with the bookcase and kitchen on my right in this photo.

Sorry this picture is kind of blurry, but on the left you can see the couch and the rocking chair, and then the bookcase with my dolls in its usual spot. Then, you will notice my white organizers that we moved from the bedroom out into the living room to make room for the baby, as well as my dressing table which is now a part of the living room as well! :)

These are the curtains I originally bought for the living room window. On the package the curtain length and width were labelled, but I mistakenly assumed they were giving the length and width of each panel. Apparently not, but Austin had the wonderful idea of putting my pretty curtains on our window in our bedroom, and they just look gorgeous! I love the way that they complete the room, and give it an elegant feel. :)

For Mother's Day, Austin got me many sweet presents, but one of my very favorite presents was this BEAUTIFUL bouquet of white roses!!! Every day they have opened up more and more, and are just looking so amazing, I had to document their beauty for everyone to see. :)

Last night Austin was such a wonderful husband and put up the baby crib! I am so lucky to have such amazing sisters-in-law and sister who have so lovingly given to me so many pregnancy and baby things. Everything I will practically ever need I have received from Amanda, Kristie, and Heather, and I am so blessed! This crib was originally Amanda's, and I just love having it up! :) I know it is still a few months until the baby is born, but I am just too excited to wait. :) Hence all the rearranging of furniture so that baby things can start appearing here and there.... :)

This picture isn't the best one of me, but I'm getting bigger every day! I now have gained 12 pounds since I first became pregnant, and 9 of those pounds have been in the last month! I can feel my little girl kicking every day now without fail, and moving around like I'm a little mini-jungle gym. It is so amazing to think of how big she is getting, and how in just in a few months, a new life can have formed so far! I am more excited than ever to meet my new little one and hold her in my arms for the first time.

I LOVE this red and white bedding that Amanda gave me, and I think it is so cute! I can't even begin to express how grateful I am for so many wonderful baby things. :) After the crib was made up, dust ruffle and all, Austin and I put in some of the baby things we have for our little girl so far. The pink onesie I got for Austin says "I love my daddy." I keep telling my tummy, "You are a lucky girl, you sure have a great daddy!" Austin is always so sweet to give me backrubs when my back is hurting, and I can't wait to see how wonderful he will be as a daddy. :)

The white onesie I made to match some white "Palmer" shirts I made for Austin and I for his birthday, but I added the "baby" to the Palmer to make it look cuter. :) On the back I also ironed on a pink and white cupcake since on the back of our shirts each has our names on them. We'll be the matching family now! :)

I also painted these letters for Austin's birthday last month, and just finished hanging them this week. We decided to hang the "Love You" message over our new little girl's crib, because not only do Austin and I love each other, we love our precious little girl! :)

We are just so excited to have so many changes going on in our life right now. Austin just got a promotion at work, and we are very excited about that--he has been working extra hard these past couple of weeks, putting in 12 hour workdays almost every day! We feel so blessed to be a part of a wonderful family, and to be starting a new little family of our own! Only three more months now, and our lives will change forever...and we couldn't be happier. :)

Beautiful Flowers

2011-05-10T11:59:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago Austin and I got some flower planters for our porch balcony, and some pretty flowers to plant in them. However, our railing was too thin for the planter box clamps, so Austin did some fancy rigging with a couple of wood pieces to make them stay last weekend. Then, we planted our beautiful flowers! I just love the view from our back door now, don't you? :)

We planted some Impatiens...these are the purple variety in one planter box...

And here is the pink and white variety in our other planter box! :) I just love pretty flowers. It reminds me of the Primary song, "In my pretty garden the flowers are nodding. 'How do you do' they say, 'How do you do today?' In my pretty garden the flowers are nodding..." Heavenly Father has created some beautiful scenery for us to enjoy while we're here on Earth! :) And today, I'm especially grateful for the beautiful flowers He created.

Hamster Mansion!

2011-05-10T10:41:00.003-05:00

Several weeks ago Austin and I connected our two hamster cages we have so that our little hamster girls could enjoy a new palace! :) They seem to really enjoy all the ins and outs, and especially all the wheels. The cage on the right used to be Little Bear's, but we figured he wouldn't mind if we shared it with his sisters. :) They are such spoiled little girls! :)

Austin and His Bubble Gum Egg Hatcher...

2011-04-20T21:02:00.003-05:00

Easter Family Home Evening

2011-04-20T17:37:00.017-05:00

For our first married Easter Family Home Evening, Austin and I dyed Easter eggs together. Here we are just about to start!

Here I am mixing up the color tablets for our egg dye.

We got some cute little cups for Easter to put the dye into for our fun family home evening...aren't they cute?

This particular paint was a new one for me...these sponges came with three packets of color...to spackle your Easter eggs with! Austin thought it was the greatest idea ever, and so he mostly spackled the eggs he had for the Easter egg-stravaganza. :)

Austin being silly. It is never a dull moment in our home...we both are children at heart, and love every moment of it! :)

The beautiful colors: green, red, orange, yellow, blue, and purple!

Austin spackling his first Easter egg of the year!

The very first 2011 Easter egg of our household! :)

These are the first two eggs of mine that finished...mine was put into the red color. Can you tell we found out that the red was actually a brilliant pink? How fun!

Austin had so much fun spackling, I decided to give it a try.

Once we were almost done with our eggs, we did other fun things...like create little love messages to one another! :)

The finished product! The eggs I did read: Easter 2011, Melissa, Austin, Little Girl Palmer...and the top right handed speckled egg is mine too. Austin did the other eggs with his spackling expertise. :) I especially like the one he did in the top left corner with the pretend cracks in it. :) We loved our fun evening!!! Happy Easter everyone!!! :)

Baby's First Dress

2011-04-14T21:17:00.002-05:00

Today we bought Baby Palmer her first dress from Kohl's to celebrate the sonogram news. :) We thought it was particularly cute, and are looking forward to the time when we can dress her in it! :)

It's A Girl!!!

2011-04-14T11:44:00.008-05:00

Here's some pictures of our little girl! She weighed in at 12 ounces this morning for her first close-up. :)

I like this picture--you can see her rubbing her eyes!

The picture of the head and neck and spine! We got to see her little heart beating strong too! Looks like we have a healthy and strong little one!

Looks like she has some good muscle on those legs of hers! :) And look at those cute toes...

We're very excited, and this seems more and more real with every day that passes!!! :) Hope you enjoyed our sonogram excitement! :)

20 Weeks!

2011-04-13T09:21:00.003-05:00

Austin and I are getting excited for tomorrow--the day we find out whether we're having a boy or a girl! :) We'll let everyone know once we know! :)

Baby Bump!

2011-04-06T11:37:00.006-05:00

So I finally began "showing" a little bit, but my baby belly still isn't very big. However, since Austin and I both are too excited for me to look bigger, I figured a couple of pictures could be posted now to let everyone know where I'm at (size-wise). Surprise! Don't I look huge?! :) Just kidding, this was a silly picture Austin and I took around Christmas eve when we found out we were having a baby! :) I'm NOT actually that big yet (thank goodness!). Just thought I'd put that out there for the sake of being silly. :)

Here's how big I ACTUALLY am right now. Sort of anti-climatic after the other silly picture. But unlike a shirt with a pillow stuffed up to look like a pregnant belly, this IS my actual pregnant belly. :) It may not look like much, but now that the queasy morning sickness is totally behind me (as far as I can tell), I'm hungry. ALL THE TIME. No kidding! :) I thought that feeling so hungry was an exaggeration that people like to joke about when they are talking about pregnancy. It's not. I have woken up the past two nights in the middle of the night starving for something to eat, even when I just ate before going to bed! What a crazy time, is all I have to say. I just know that Austin is very sweet to me with all my pregnancy needs, and is always willing to help. He's just the best husband ever, I think! :)

It's been four weeks now since I first felt the baby move, and by now the moving around has escalated to nice, strong kicks, and PLENTY of wiggling! It's so neat to be able to feel my very own baby move--and Austin likes to feel those strong kicks too! :)

Now that I'm 19 weeks along, we only have to wait one more week for our ultrasound, which is scheduled for April 14 at 10 am. Yay!!! We can't wait to find out what we're having! :) What do you think it will be--boy or girl?

Update...

2011-03-22T12:07:00.001-05:00

Austin was able to feel the baby move for the first time this last Sunday! :) This is all beginning to feel totally real now, and we are getting excited over here! :)

Baby on the Move!

2011-03-09T11:16:00.002-06:00

I haven't been providing many baby updates...mostly I have just been "holding down the fort" and hoping to feel normal again. :) I am excited though, because now that I'm at least 15 weeks along, Austin and I can start counting down the time until our sonogram when we finally get to see the baby!!! :) We can't wait to find out whether our little one is a "he" or a "she," -- so I'm VERY glad that we live in a day and age where we don't have to wait until the day the baby is born to find out!

Well, last night was a restless one for me. I just couldn't get comfortable--something I hear happens quite a bit when one is pregnant. :) Finally, around 6:30 this morning, I just flopped over onto my back and tried to lay really still...maybe if I was lucky, I would find a comfortable spot! Well...I found something even better!!!

As I was laying there, I felt a funny little fluttery-feeling where the baby would be right about now. The first time I felt it, I went: "what was that?" I wasn't sure if what I was feeling was what I was hoping I was feeling. Then, a few moments later, I felt it again! I couldn't believe it...there really was a baby in there (not just a sick feeling)! :) I was so excited, and then the fluttering moved a little to the right and changed direction, and all of a sudden I felt a flurry of little flutterings! I quickly figured out that maybe this might have been what was keeping me sleeping restlessly last night. I quickly poked Austin and said, "honey, wake up! I can feel our baby moving!" That woke him up in a hurry (despite the early hour), and we both marveled together at how wonderful a blessing we had received from Heavenly Father in the form of a precious child of our very own! :)

I am so lucky to be getting ready to be a Mommy to a sweet little child of my very own! I am so happy, and excited, and in awe that I don't even have the words to describe it--and I love describing things (I'm a word person...). This is like a fairytale come true, and I'm so glad that
Austin and I can share this wonderful experience together.

Our Beautiful Finished Dressers

2011-03-08T22:58:00.012-06:00

This past Saturday, Austin spent a couple of dedicated hours staining our new dressers! :) I was pretty excited to be getting them finished, and he said he enjoyed working at finishing them! Here's the work (and handsome worker) in progress...

A little bit later...with only one full dresser left to finish! :) Austin is such a good worker. :)

The works! This was taken when all the dressers had finally been stained...and were drying in the cool garage air (don't worry, it was open for ventilation)! :)

Later tonight, I persuaded Austin that our beautiful dressers just must be finished off so we could put them in our room! :) He just added a finishing layer of wax to top it off, and then I dusted it to make it shine! :)

The waxing in progress...doesn't the color look beautiful?

All finished! Didn't Austin do such a wonderful job? I am so lucky to have him for a husband!

My dresser...doubling as a nightstand!

Austin carrying his dresser to his side of the bed...and he's doubling his as a nightstand too! :)

This third dresser we bought for the baby, when he or she comes to the family in August...but for now we decided to use it as a makeshift office for our bills and such until we move to our home.

Don't our dressers look wonderful? I ironed some beautiful embroidered linens from Austin's grandma for the tops of our dressers. Now they look officially perfect, I think!

My dresser...

Austin's dresser...

We love adding to our home furniture, and are enjoying every moment of our new little treasures! :)

A Wonderful Husband, and Wonderful Deals!

2011-03-04T22:59:00.012-06:00

Austin and I have been wanting to use our IKEA gift cards we got for our wedding, but we wanted to get something that we needed, and would use for a good long time with those gift cards. Therefore, when Austin brought up the subject of getting another dresser for the two of us, and maybe looking into getting a dresser for our new little addition to the family due in August, we thought--aha! This is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of those great IKEA gift cards! :) Well, we searched and searched, and found a deal that we thought was just right for us--a 3 drawer chest for $29.99! With our gift cards we were able to pay for almost all 3 of the chests, which made this a great deal, we thought! :) Here Austin is opening the box of the very first dresser we opened. We were really excited! We got one chest each for Austin and I (to use as nightstands as well as doubling as dressers), and one for the baby! We love making everything count over here! :)

This shows the type of dresser we got.

Here is Austin, being so smart and starting the adventure of putting the first dresser together. Yay! He is so handy a husband to have around (and a pretty cute one too, I might add)! :)

There aren't any words in the instruction booklet, but everything was pretty clear and straightforward...especially after you put the first dresser together and figured out just what you were doing! I took the role of "photographer" while Austin did the manly work here. :) Don't worry, I jumped in later, and put one of the three dressers up too. :) Can't miss out on all the fun!

This is what the dresser looked like at the very basic, bare-bones structure (the front is facing the camera).

Austin was doing so great! At this point he was making sure the screws were in nice and snug.

"Hello!" Austin is saying to our new dresser. "Anyone home in there?"

A power tool was not called for, but Austin loves to use his fancy tools, so it was fun to let him enjoy his "toys" so he could screw in a few dresser drawer screws faster and save time. :)

Two drawers down! Only one left to go, at the top! The only thing we didn't put on that we will later are the drawer handles...we are going to stain the dressers first, to make them pretty and more dressy. I don't know if you can tell in these pictures, but the wood is very nice, and everything fits together tight, and snug. We were very happy with our wedding presents from those great IKEA gift cards!

Hard at work on yet another dresser...I was working on putting one together in front of Austin, and I wanted a picture of my cute hubby putting so much TLC and hard work into our new furniture. :)

The finished product! :) (Sans dresser handles anyways....) Here's to a wonderful hubby and three wonderful dressers!!!

Just for your viewing pleasure...all three dressers set up in our garage, ready to be stained! :) I measured the dressers against my leg, and then compared it to our bed height...and the bed and the tops of the dressers will line up exactly! :) I couldn't ask for any better than that! :) I'm so glad for a wonderful husband and wonderful deals! :)

The Snowy Week!

2011-02-04T17:23:00.022-06:00

This week the crazy weather state of Texas was blessed with SNOW once again!!! :) I think this time the weather gave us more snow on the ground than I've ever seen here before! When I woke up this morning, this is the view Austin introduced me to...

Snow upon snow upon snow! :) It was so amazing and beautiful I had to snap a few pictures before too many excited children churned it up having fun! :)

I didn't think to measure how much snow we got from last night and this morning, but...I did do a google search on it today out of curiosity. Turns out that our city (according to a local newspaper) got 12.5 inches of snow! This was apparently a record snowfall, with the the next being a snowfall recorded in 1976 (or 78, I don't remember exactly). Wow! I don't think the area by us got THAT MUCH snow, but I would say maybe a little bit more than in the snow Momma got? I guess that would probably put us around the 6-7 or 8 inches of snow. How exciting!!!

Another shot of the snow accumulating on our bushes, and the cars in a different parking lot. Not that you can really tell from these pictures, but there is a valley-like terrain outside our apartment balcony outdoors (for runoff to drain when we get a lot of rain all at once). However, the snow makes it look like one perfectly flat carpet! :)

I was so excited, I told Austin, "Let's go to the park again and play in the snow this morning!" We decided to play at the nearby nature park because we both would feel bad churning up all the snow that children in the aparments I'm sure would want to play in (lacking a yard of their own "personal" snow). So, we both decided to bundle up fast. I decided to bundle up with tights, turtleneck, sweater, snow suit, socks, ear warmers, thick gloves, scarf, boots and my coat from Lands End. I knew Momma would smile, because she wants to make sure I get good use out of that coat when I get the chance! :)

So, without further ado we set out on our journey. Now, before today the roads were I-C-Y, and terrible to travel on because there was almost nothing for car tires to grip. Thanks to the handy-dandy snowfall, we now were able to travel without too much worry! :) Here is the field next to our apartment building...if you blow up the picture you can see a little family building a snowman. This is the very same field that we watched fireworks in this summer in the warm night air with Momma, Daddy, Kristie, and all her wonderful kiddos! :) I'd say it looked a little different today than it did back in July, don't you?

This is what our lovely roads looked like. Surprise! Luckily we knew where the road was (and where it was not), so even though everything looked the same, we didn't drive into any ditches. :) Needless to say, there wasn't any speed car race-driving today! :)

Like I said, we were driving safely and slowly. :) The buildings to the left are another apartment complex that also is in our church ward boundaries. If you look at Austin's speedometer, you will see the pace every car (at least all the smart ones) were driving at today.

We pulled into a parking spot at our nature park, and here is the tire track. I was surprised how deep our powdery snow was! We were one of two cars at the park. Wasn't that so nice of Heavenly Father to provide us our own special, private Winter Wonderland?

One of the first things I had to do in all that UNDISTURBED snow was to promptly throw myself into a bank of snow and make a snow angel. Brrr! I was glad for my snow suit so that no snow made my legs all wet and cold! I LOVED making a snow angel! :) After all, how often does a Texas girl get to experience THIS kind of snow in Texas???!!!

Austin was having a hayday too. There were TONS of little birds flitting to and from in the snow over here...and Austin's favorite pastime was to chase them! :) I'm glad I'm married to another person who's still a child at heart! :)

I think someone on a tractor came through earlier in the morning and left these tracks for us. Weren't they so nice to blaze us a trail? They cut out the hard work until we hit the real trails!

Speaking of which, here is OUR trail! :) There is a real trail underneath all that snow...and we were going to explore it once again! :)

Here is the trail again. As we walked into the trees, we felt like we were the Pevensie children stepping into the magical world of Narnia...a place of our very own! :)

Fortunately, I don't think any White Witches ruled our pretty little stretch of snow land. :)

"Look!" Austin said as he stepped off the trail! "Snow up to my knees!" How fun! It also looks like I caught a snowflake in the picture just as it was falling...I hope Austin likes his Frosty the Snowman nose! :)

There is a little "river" that winds through the trees that we like to look at. Here is Austin having a good time, looking at our frozen (well, partly frozen) river! Wow! We took turns throwing snowballs into the river to break up the thin sheet of ice over the running water.

And here am I as well, enjoying our frozen wonderland while staying toasty warm. What a treat!

I love it when Austin acts silly. Here he is smiling away on the big snowy tree log! :) Isn't he cute? I'm so lucky to be married to him!!! :)

And here am I, striking a pose on my great big snowy tree log! :) Austin and I had such a fun time! We loved our little "snow vacation" and the chance that we had to play in the snow together and enjoy nature. We even saw a beautiful cardinal on our walk, but my camera battery had died by that point, so I couldn't get a picture. :( However, this was a time I hope I won't forget! We even laughed and said this was the first snow our Baby Palmer gets to "experience" (through me of course). :) We're silly. But we always have fun. :) I'm glad that we got to spend the morning playing in the snow--life's just more fun when you're children at heart!

Baby Palmer

2011-01-22T12:48:00.003-06:00

I would guess that almost everyone who reads this blog knows already some pretty big news that Austin and I have yet to reveal to the world...that's right, I'm pregnant! :) My due date is August 30 of this year, and I'm about 8 and a half weeks pregnant.

Sunday is the day that we will be announcing our exciting news at church, and to however else may not know! :) I put a baby ticker at the top of my blog so anyone who visits can see how the baby is developing, and how far along I am.

Austin and I are so excited! I had my first appointment this past Thursday, and all was prounounced to be on schedule! :) Now all I have to do is get ready--good thing Austin and I have several more months to prepare for our little miracle of life!!! :)

Sunday Snow Fun

2011-01-11T22:02:00.018-06:00

So, this Sunday as you might know Texas had a wonderful winter snowfall! :) It was very exciting to those of us who live here to look out the windows and see big, fat, softly falling snowflakes instead of rain! Austin was very excited to see his native weather appearing here in Texas (the snow). :) However, we both waited until 4pm, when church was done before the Sunday Snow Fun began. I was so excited so see snow that I suggested to Austin that we have some fun and go out and play. Austin suggested that we go to a park that is a couple minutes away where there was sure to be plenty of snow. What a fun time we had! Here is Austin's excited face as he is starting the drive to the park. :)

Here is my excited face as we arrive at the park. Yay!!! There was snow everywhere, and it was ripe for all kinds of snow fun.

This was the first view we had as we arrived. To us it seemed like a icy winter wonderland perfect for our enjoyment! :)

At this park there are quite a few nature trails that people can go walking on. This is one of our favorite aspects of this park. Plus, there was hardly anyone else there! We did happen to pass a photographer out and about in the snowy trees, and a man walking his dog. Otherwise, it was a snowy escape all to ourselves! :) What a treat. This is Austin at the start of one of the trails we took. He is leading the way into the snowy "wilderness"! :)

Austin is just so cute I had to take more than one picture of him. :) Here he is. The other pictures didn't turn out so well, but right before this he was shaking the tree to make it look like it was currently "snowing" on him when I took the picture. :)

Here is my wonderful husband. "Will we make it out alive?" He seems to be saying. At one point out on the trails (we were a little worried that we had lost the trail we had started out on) he assurred me: "Don't worry, I'm a Boy Scout, and I know the way!" Fortunately, we did make it back without really getting lost. I'm glad that my hubby was such a good boy scout! :)

A trail marker on the beautiful snowy day. It was starting to get dark about this time, and we were headed back out of the trees before the sunlight was completely gone. I love the way the snow looks on the trees. It transforms ordinary trees into beautiful works of living art that are marvelous to behold! Much like the gospel transforms ordinary people into extraordinary people, because of the beauty and strenth that it lends to the life of the person.

And what is this? A strange, but wonderful sign in the snow! :) Austin and Melissa Palmer, plus hearts and a hug and kiss! :) I think Austin's finger traced this cute message, don't you? :)

And a snow angel! I did this right before we left, so it was much darker by this point. It was Sunday after all, so I figured the making of the snow angel was an appropriate snow activity for the Sabbath. :)

Here is my wonderful Austin--King of the Snowy Log! :) This was too good of a picture to pass up. We both posed on this log before jumping over to the other side to continue on the trail.

My pose, unlike Austin's, was rather silly. :) Here I am showing off my muscles in a classic pose! :) As I was looking at this picture, it reminded me of a certain nephew of mine with curly blonde hair out in Kentucky! :) Brian, maybe you and I are more alike than you think! :)

Another pretty view. I couldn't get enough of what snow we had! :)

Another viewpoint...

Here is a picture of Austin under a tree that is bent over by the snow so much that it looked like a beautiful arch! :) Can you tell we were having lots of fun? We definitely were! :)

I hope that you enjoyed our walk in the park as much as we did! :)

Christmas Time Is Here!

2010-12-15T17:04:00.014-06:00

Here is some more of Austin and I's wonderful Christmas Resort at our own little home! :) Here is the completed Christmas tree--and it even has a few presents under there already! :)

This is what I look at everyday...a Christmas wonderland!!! :) I believe that the Santa blanket on the chair came from a wonderful Momma last year! :)

This is another retainer from my BYU-Idaho years...Santa night light! :) He just looks so cheerful, I try and turn on the night light for a little bit each night.

Since Austin likes the Tree of Life represented in our home, this tree is another (smaller) representation, complete with beautiful white and silver ornaments and little lights! :) We turn this on every night without fail along with the big Christmas tree, and my BYU-I little mini Christmas tree. :) The Christmas carols book and little framed picture are from my Momma, as well as the lovely Merry Christmas linen! :) Thank you!

Along with the cute, official stockings that Austin hung, here are some more Christmas stockings we decided to hang up. They are from the Christmases that Austin sent me presents from Colorado...I'm so glad that this year we get to wake up to Christmas morning together and enjoy the happiness that Christmas morning always brings!!! :)

This is the first of some close-ups of the fun Christmas decorations we have on the piano. The "Merry Christmas" blocks and the nativity on the far right are from my sweet mother-in-law, and this is the Nativity that Leah gave me last year. Austin and I are so blessed!!! :)

This is a Nativity set we got for our wedding this past June. We love it, especially the shepherd on the bottom...and the fact that it's a music box playing the tune of "O Little Town of Bethlehem."

Here is a jolly Santa Claus that currently holds our yummy candy canes...however, at the rate I'm eating these candy canes, I'm betting they don't last all the way till Christmas! :)

This this basket is a exceptional favorite in our household! Every time Austin and I had gone Christmas shopping for Nativities this year, we ALWAYS happened to pass marvelous-smelling cinnamon-scented pinecones. Finally, one time at Wal-Mart Austin turned to me and asked sheepishly-"Melissa, you know those pinecones that smell so good?" I looked at him in surprise and said yes, which led to his inquiry, "Do you think we could get some?" At this I officially had to tell him how sweet he was for even asking, and that OF COURSE we could get some, because after all it was the Christmas season! :) We were both so happy, we went through ALL the bags of scented pinecones, and settled for the one perfect bag--then went home and promptly put them into a basket to add to our decorations! :) Now every time we walk past them, we can smell anew that wondeful smell that we both love! :)

Now, the other day Austin came home with this beauty--if you look close you can see the leaves are more pinkish, with beautiful sparkles all over them. WOW, was I ever surprised! :) I love flowers, and this was a special treat for him to bring me some! :) Apparently his work had handed out these poinsettas to everyone at work. While all his fellow employees had quickly settled them on their desks, Austin had thought to himself, "I bet Love would be so happy to have these brightening up our home. I think I will take them to her instead of leaving them here at work." Isn't that so sweet? I think he is my personal guardian angel, because he is so good to me. I love you sweetie! :)

Here is a top shot of that beautiful poinsetta. Now we have two beautiful bundles of poinsettas! :) "'Tis the season to be jolly...." Merry Christmas, everyone! Christmas day will soon be upon us!!! :)

It's Beginning To Feel A Lot Like Christmas...

2010-12-14T12:14:00.013-06:00

This Christmas is not like all the rest of the Chrismases I have experienced in the past. This Christmas is extra special because THIS Christmas, I get to spend the joyous season with my sweetheart, my one and only, my wonderful husband AUSTIN!!! :) We were so excited to start the Christmas season together, our first one ever, as well as our first Christmas as a married couple, that we pulled out those decorations bright and early--well, nice and early, anyways. :) This is what our apartment looked like the Monday night of Family Home Evening, November 29, 2010. We were all a-bustle with trying to make our new little home ready to welcome the season of happiness and giving!

Here is Austin, my sweet husband, decorating our very own first Christmas tree! Hooray! We were SO happy!!! :) Austin wanted to decorate with white ornaments in remembrance of the fruits of the gospel given to us by Christ the Lord, so here is the work in progress. :)

Right before this, Austin asked me, "Am I doing this right?" He had never put garland on a Christmas tree before! I happily assured him he was doing a great job. :) What a wonderful tree-decorater he is! The garland just makes our Christmas tree look so cheerful! I'm glad that I got it last year when all the Christmas items went on sale. :)

Austin's dad makes beautiful Christmas stockings for everyone in the family. Since Austin loves his snowman stocking, and I like snowmen too, we got matching Mr. and Mrs. Snowmen stockings this year to hang on our "mantle". :) Hopefully Santa will find us in our new apartment! :)

I made a wreath for the fall holidays a while back, which gave me the idea to make a Christmas wreath, too! When Austin and I were at the store picking out things to decorate our home with for Christmas, I managed to snag some pretty ribbon, red jingle bells (originally on a door hanging decoration), and some beautiful and sparkly (fake) poinsetta flowers! Twist and twine these into a $4.50 pine wreath from Hobby Lobby, and *woila!* you get a cheery Christmas wreath! This was so fun, and makes it especially Chrismas-y over here. :)

This little tree brings back happy memories of decorating for Christmas at college. Momma sent this to me my freshman year at BYU-Idaho, and it has been with me ever since! If you make the picture bigger, you might be able to see that instead of hanging the nativity ornaments, I have arranged them around the tree like a regular nativity.

And here is my wonderful (early) Christmas present from Austin this year. A nativity set of our very own to display! And thanks to the beautiful furniture from a kind friend, we even have a fancy coffee table to display it on! I LOVE this nativity. Austin and I looked and looked for something that wasn't too expensive, but had all the pieces we were looking for. Austin especially likes that baby Jesus comes out of his manger, because the people in France have a tradition of waiting to put baby Jesus in the manger until Christmas eve to celebrate His birth. :)

This pretty poinsetta couldn't be left out! Momma and Daddy gave it to Austin and I to display in our home after the Carrollton Community Nativity display was over. We love it!!!! Thank you, Momma and Daddy!

I just love this Nativity so much, Austin wanted to take my picture with it. Nativity sets are so beautiful because they glorify the reason that we celebrate this season...and the reason that we can be joyful. Even with all the excitement of gifts and decorating and baking, the joy of the Christmas season really comes down to one of the most important events this world has ever seen--the birth of a Savior to redeem mankind. I can only imagine the joy of that first Chrismas, when the angels proclaimed the birth of a newborn child who would someday save us all, and allow us the chance to return to our Father in Heaven someday.

And lastly I wanted to show the beautiful piano that is my pride and joy, sporting its holiday decorations. Between the Merry Christmas blocks is the absolute first nativity I have received--I got it last year at Christmas, from my best friend, Leah. :) Thank you!

Merry Christmas to all! I hope that you are enjoying the Christmas season, and the true reason for its happy celebration!!! :)

Christmas Amazement!

2010-12-11T12:32:00.003-06:00

Okay, so I really have been meaning to do a Christmas post about Austin's and my first Christmas together being married. But we came across these two AMAZING videos, and I just HAD to post them! WOW!!!!!!!!! This is a MUST WATCH!!!

Beautiful Home Furniture!

2010-10-27T19:40:00.005-05:00

Thanks to the most wonderful neighbor in the world, Austin and I are now the proud owners of the most beautiful home furniture!!! It took us a few minutes to decide how we wanted to arrange the end table and the coffee table, but once we were finished, it looked just right! Plus, now we feel like we have an official living room, just perfect for receiving guests! :)

Here is the coffee table in our living room where my pink chair used to be, and some blue tubs that we are storing things in currently. Doesn't this look so much nicer??? :) I did a little arranging with our little lamps, and the pretty needle work that Austin's grandma gave us for our wedding. We LOVE it!!! :)

Here is the more full shot of our living room (I'm sitting in the glider in the corner of the room to take this picture). So tell us...what do YOU think? I hope you like our new "look"! :) We sure do!

Camping Part IV: The Lake

2010-10-10T14:59:00.008-05:00

I wanted to dub the lake swimming area "The Beach" since that is exactly what it seemed like. The beach front you can see behind Austin is one of the larger parts...the other large sandy part just like this is on our left (they're both connected though)...it was a BIG swimming area, and so much fun! :) We spent most of our Saturday here after hiking, and Austin proclaimed it his very favorite part of the park! :) It was REALLY fun, and the weather was even warm enough to swim! We didn't take any pictures of us swimming out there because we didn't want the camera getting sand in it. However, the water was WARM!!! It was a lovely day swimming. (And I'm not that big of a lake swimmer even!) :)

We didn't have our campfire anymore, so we cooked up the last of the hot dogs on our camp stove (Austin's pride and joy). There was a great playground right next to the lake...I mean, after all, this place has it all! :)

It was slightly difficult roasting hot dogs on the camp stove...but, Austin knew just what to do. :) Here he is with our roasters, roasting away on the hot dog. Isn't he so smart? :)

Above all, the sunset was GORGEOUS. We specifically chose our picnic table to face right towards this beautiful scene, and ate as we watched everyone playing around in the lake before the sun set. I love nature!

This picture was taken not too long afterwards. What a wonderful end to a wonderful trip! I hope you liked the pictures as much as we liked out campout! :)

If you enlarge the picture you can see the sign we saw as we drove out of the park--"Y'ALL COME BACK." Since we had such a wonderful time, I have to agree...I can't wait to come back! :)

I think we just might too...Austin bribed me (not with Fruit Stripe gum but with a state park pass) to swim out to the buoy and back with him. I did it! :) I will most always respond to the right kind of bribery after all. Hurray!!! State park camping, keep a lookout for us, we won't be gone long!!! :)

Camping Part III: The Hike

2010-10-10T14:36:00.014-05:00

We were finally able to pack everything up and take it back to the car. It only took 2 trips! :) Here is Austin at our campsite with the last of our camping things...we loved you, little camp!

This was the trail by the Headquarters station we saw after checking out for the day. It's called the "Lost Pines Trail." It is a short loop that intersects with a long, LONG trail going all around the south side of the lake (Isle Du Bois--the southern part of Ray Roberts Lake State Park...also known as the part of the State Park we went to). Needless to say, we decided to take the shorter loop, rather than hiking the 3.5 mile trail.

Here is Austin at the start of the Lost Pines Trail next to a--what? You said it...Pine Tree! :)

I'm here too! We were both ready to get hiking, and enjoy some more beautiful sites in the state park. :) Here we go!

Here we are as we started the trail. You can see just how wooded and hilly it was here. I give it two thumbs up!

This is a picture we took along the trail in one of the more open spots. Pretty flowers, and a fun-loving husband! :) Hooray for camping! :)

This nature trail had some different facts about early settlers along the Lost Pines (nature) Trail. This spot was a settlement built in the late 1800s that was occupied until around 1948! Can you imagine? This is the original chimney before the rest of the house was knocked down.

I took this picture of a beautiful plant along our trail for Momma, since she is the picture-taking queen! I thought this was one of my better up-close nature pictures! :)

And of course, Austin had to pretend to eat the berry bush. He is so silly! :) That's okay, I still love him. :)

Remember how I said we were taking the SHORT trail??? Yep...we definitely veered onto the longer loop at the intersection of the trails accidentally...without even knowing it! We probably walked about 1.5 miles before we turned back around. However, the longer trail came close to the lake, and what a beautiful sight it was!

This is what we saw, so of course we had to document it! :)

Isn't it pretty? We loved hiking, even if we hiked longer than we were expecting to! :)

Camping Part II: The Campsite Panorama

2010-10-10T14:09:00.011-05:00

This is the trail that lead down to a better lookout over the lake. This is what you saw when you walked past our fire pit and picnic table. So pretty!

This is was the view from behind our tent, off to the right side.

This was the view from our picnic bench. If you look carefully, you can see the little trail off the main path that we took that leads to our particular campsite. Its the little trail between the big tree closest on the left, and another tree on the right...if that makes any sense with so many trees all around. :)

Closer shot of that trail...and this was the left side of our campsite. Beautiful, wouldn't you say?

This was further left than the picture right before this, and shows the lantern pole provided for our tent site. We would have brought the lantern we got, but we unfortunately found it didn't have a handle, so we're working on that one. :)

This is off to the right from our picnic bench, but without the neighbor's tent in the shot. Trees, trees, everywhere!!! I LOVED it!!! :) We will definitely be coming back here!

The nice thing about these particular sites is the fact that they are the least expensive (but I like all the close-up nature without the gravel needed to park your car in, as well). :) I was a little unsure about the "hike in" to set up the tent, but the trail wasn't a trail so much as it was a path where sand had been brought in to make it easier to walk. This also made it easier to see in the dark, by the way. :) Fortunately no close overhanging trees konked us over the head. :) The trail that you hike in to your campsite is anywhere from 1/8 mile to 1/4 mile (for the 40 sites in this area)...but we got a site about halfway out, and it wasn't a big deal like I thought it might be. The bathrooms were a short walk away, as was the water spicket between the camps. Very enjoyable, very clean, and a must see! :) If you ever want to relax feeling like you're alone in nature (while being protected by Park Rangers), here is the place to go! :)

Camping Part I: Starting Out

2010-10-10T13:22:00.015-05:00

This weekend was quite the exciting one for Austin and I. We both needed a break that included plenty of nature in it--so we decided to go camping!!! :) Nothing huge, just a little overnight at the local Ray Roberts Lake State Park where we could roast some marshmallows and hot dogs, go swimming and hiking, and see the beautiful stars at night. Fortunately, this was a great state park, and so we got to do all of these things, and enjoy relaxing in the fresh outdoor air!

Here is a picture of our camping spot! :) We stayed at campsite 34A, and loved it!!! :) You had to hike a ways in to get to the site, but it looked right over the lake. Also, we went camping in the "primitive" tent site areas, so the water was a little walk away, but nothing too far. :) What a wonderful treat! Everything was beautiful, and everyone that we met who worked there was very friendly and helpful. :)

I love this picture because it illustrates so well how excited both Austin and I both were to get to go camping this past Friday! :) Even though we were in the "primitive" camping area, the site still had a picnic table, fire pit, and a pole for hanging a lantern on. All in all, not bad I thought!

This is the view looking out to the lake. This is what we saw when we woke with the sunrise (sort of). :) The state park here was beautiful, with tons of trees, and lots of little critters. In fact, the night we stayed there, a little animal came creeping right up next to our tent! We never figured out what it was, but from the footsteps, it sure sounded like a deer. :) Before we went I read all up about the different types of animals here at the state park, and it did say that white-tailed deer were spotted around here. Hurray! :)

This campsite was divided into two spots: 34A and 34B. These were our friendly neighbors next door at 34B in the orange tent. We didn't really get to meet them since we got in so late, but they seemed like a nice little family, with the parents there with their son and daughter (probably around 9 and 11).

Here is Austin building our fire in the morning. We got to the state park too late to buy firewood there, so when I went shopping at the store for some camping food (those healthy hot dogs, buns, and marshmallows), I checked to see if the store was selling firewood yet. We were in luck! Only $4 for a nice big bundle, so that we had enough firewood for a big night fire, and another fire in the morning! :) Luckily the weather was just cool enough that a fire was a treat (but not too cold so that a fire was an absolute necessary to stay warm). Austin was our fire person in charge of building and maintaining so that we could enjoy the fire as long as we wanted. :)

This is actually so you can take a closer look at the tent that we set up in the dark (with the help of a flashlight) around 9pm Friday night. The rain fly is so nice, if it was hot or rainy you could sit underneath and stay cool and dry. :) Here you can see we put our camping chairs underneath the fly for the night. Then in the morning when we woke up, we could sit in them and put our shoes on! Pretty nifty, we thought. :)

This picture is to show the inside of our tent a little. Here Austin in on our air mattress huddled up in his sleeping bag being silly. :) It was the perfect weather for camping...not too cold at night, and just right during the day!

Austin has been dying to try out the camp stove we got for our wedding this past June. Here he is cooking the breakfast sausage that we ate with our scrambled eggs. Yum yum! :) Everything is even more delicious when you're camping.

Here I am, eating the delicious breakfast! The camping chairs we also got from our wedding, and made the camping trip MUCH easier, and a great place for our water bottles to rest. :)

Austin, in his element poking the fire. Ever the eagle scout! :)

We were in the middle of packing up after breakfast, since checkout is at 2 ( we wanted to hike and swim without worrying about getting out in time). Austin looked so cute as he packed his backpacking camping backpack so seriously. :) I just had to grab the camera and take an action shot! :)

This was pretty much one of the nicest, cleanest state parks I have ever been to. Austin and I loved it, and can't wait to go back for more camping! :) Stay tuned for the next segment of our camping trip!!!! :)

My Dearest Peachy, I Will Miss You

2010-09-03T12:38:00.004-05:00

Dearest Peachy,

I will miss the way you nuzzle my hand. I will miss your cute little running around, and the way that you would run to Austin and I when we called your name. I will miss your cheerfulness, even when your tummy hurt so much that you squeaked because you were sick.I will miss the fact that anytime we would pick you up, you were determined to be the happiest hamster alive for us - running on our arms and hands, munching on any little seed we gave you to eat. Even until the last minute that you were alive, I thought you would pull through. My brother Aaron would be proud of you for being such a trooper, and for being so happy and loving despite being very sick. Maybe now that you're gone he can keep an eye on you, since I can't anymore.

Thank you for being a part of my little family, even if it was for such a short time. I will miss you more than anything. When you died today at 12:16pm, it just broke my heart in two. You are my sweet little Princess Peach, and I am glad that I got to be your "mommy," even if it was just for a little while. Rest peacefully, Peachy. I hope that you are in the very happiest of hamster heavens, with all the sunflower seeds to munch on that you could possibly dream of, and the biggest of running wheels, and all the little play TV's to curl up in you could ever want. I will miss seeing your cute face every morning, and chatting with you as I eat my breakfast. Goodbye, my beloved Peachy. Goodbye.

Love,
"Mommy" (Melissa)

Happy Driver's License Day To Me! :)

2010-08-27T18:36:00.003-05:00

Finally, after 21 years of life, I went today and took my driver's road test...and passed! :) Hooray! Now I am officially a licensed Texas driver! And after Sunday, I will get the extreme privilege of driving my very own car, thanks to the very best Momma and Daddy in the whole world! :) Thank you!

As for my past first week of school, it has been AMAZING! I am so excited for this semester, and I think that it is going to be a dream come true! :) Life feels perfect right now...except that Leah left for college yesterday, and Taylor will be leaving for college in a few days from now. :( I guess we need to take the good with the bad...

Anyways, I'm so glad that I finally got my license!!! The whole rigmarole process took up the whole morning...but it was so worth it! :) I think I will go and celebrate! :)

Back To School

2010-08-22T19:58:00.002-05:00

Well, everyone else is starting school, and so am I...again! I finished with summer school and had this past week off...now it's back to school for me! I must admit I am a little apprehensive about taking a full load again, and want to prove my mettle with this sign language interpreting. Here's to a good school year - wish me luck!

Twinkies!

2010-08-20T15:46:00.015-05:00

This past Monday Austin and I welcome some little twinkies into our home! :) They weren't the edible kind of twinkies...but they were cute enough to be. :) When we originally got them at PetCO, I wanted to make sure that they gave us only two of the SAME GENDER. They assured me that they did not allow any unauthorized breeding...so since we got both out of the same cage OF COURSE they would be the same gender. Right? Wrong. I had previously read all up about Dwarf Hamsters...including on making sure that new pets were actually the gender the pet store claimed they were. We got home...I checked...sure enough, we got - ONE BOY AND ONE GIRL! :) Silly me, but...so much for that unauthorized breeding policy. :) The hamster you see before you in her cage is the little girl hamster (Austin's) that he named Peach Pit. He wanted to name it Peachy, but she was darker than peach...hence the Peach Pit, or Peachy for short. I like to call her Princess Peach.

We house our little hamsters in separate cages now. Doesn't our little Princess Peach look cute nibbling away on her food?

Here is Austin taking a picture. We were so excited to get our little twinkies home! Little Bear is really warming up to me, and loves getting out of his cage. However, he isn't the most...energetic...hamster, and although he will try to run around and escape if we are holding him, once you put him in his little ball to run around in...he falls asleep. I think he looks at his ball and his wheel in his cage as hammocks. Silly boy. :)

Here is Little Bear again. Since he is the boy, we let him have the blue ball. Peachy got the orangey-yellow ball since she is the lady. :) Bear is having a little peek to make sure all is well before he ventured out into the big world! :)

Fortunately for us, he was a brave little guy and determined that we were safe. :)

Isn't he so cute?!

Disregard me, I just wanted to show you just how little these cute little hamsters are. Here you see Little Bear climbing up my arms, trying to make a quick break and easy escape. He's a regular Houdini!

Here's to happy hamster-ing! :)

Ansley's Play

2010-07-23T18:29:00.005-05:00

This Friday, Ansley performed in a play, dance, song, and showed off her art from a week-long day-camp called Jumpstart, funded by the City of Plano. Here she is after the performance, smiling because she did so wonderfully! It was so fun to get to go see her, and to cheer her on. :)

The play was about a Princess Splishy-Splashy...you guessed it, the kids made up their own play! They were helped out by a drama leader, and they put together all kinds of fun and crazy ideas. The play had not only a princess, but a king, a queen, an alien, and a witch! :) The kids had rehearsed in their separate groups, and then performed together Friday night. Since there were many children, each part had many voices...so when Ansley spoke the lines of the Queen, several other voices joined with her - but I think they all had a blast! :)

Here is Ansley with her group (the Yellow group) during the middle of the dance portion of their performance...as you can see, I obviously didn't get a part where they're moving...sorry. Plus, the picture uploader from Blogger posted my pictures in an odd order, so instead of going from the play to the choir songs to the dance, it posted in scrambled order instead.

Here is the entire group of children that performed Friday evening singing the songs they practiced for the week. There was a lot of fun songs, and a LOT of smiling faces!!! :)

Here is the choir again, but with a close-up so you can see better where Ansley is. She is in the upper-left hand corner, singing out loud and proud! :) Way to go, Ansley!!!

Here she is in the play. The adult in the background was the narrator, who helped feed the lines, and generally was the storyteller while the kids acted out the scenes. What a great time! :) The story was about a princess who wanted to go and play splishy-splashy in the woods, but since the forest was dangerous the king and queen made her wear a charm to keep bad things from happening to her. However, there was an alien in the woods that tricked her and then turned her into a frog! When the king and queen came to save the princess, the alien turned them into frogs too! :) Finally, the witch came out to the woods after a nap, turned the alien into a handsome prince, and decided they would get married...the wedding menu? Frog legs, of course! :)

Since the pictures posted backwards, this was Ansley before the play started. Everyone was sitting around in their places waiting for the time when the evening program began. Great job Ansley! And thank you, Michael and Heather, for inviting me!

Wedding...Marriage...I'm In Love!

2010-06-28T15:22:00.003-05:00

I wanted to post more than this, but these are some of my favorite pictures from our wedding on June 12! Amanda did an amazing job posting so many pictures, I loved them! Married life is wonderful - Austin and I just look at each other and smile...we can't believe we're finally actually married! :) Here's to marvelous memories, and an amazing future to look forward to! :)

Counting My Many Blessings

2010-06-01T14:36:00.004-05:00

Everyone who loves someone knows that one of life's greatest desires is to be with our loved ones forever. I love my family, and all the wonderful people in my life who have shaped my perspective and opinions. I am thankful for all that Christ has done for me to make it possible for me to return to Heavenly Father, and to return with my family when I do so. This life is such a wonderful blessing. I am thankful that I can be married in the Lord's Holy House only one week from Saturday. I am thankful that my entire family will have the ability to be there with me.

Most of all, I am thankful that I am marrying a righteous Priesthood holder, one who is patient, and loving, and understanding. I love Austin more and more each day, and every time I look at him I know that I have found a precious Son of God who will lead and guide me by example in the ways of the Lord.

Back to School

2010-01-19T15:32:00.004-06:00

The joy of school has started once again for me...and one class for Tuesdays is a nice change. :) However, all I can think about is a certain cute guy that I will be marrying in only a few months! :) However, it was nice to go to school today and start being productive again. :) My government class today went well, and I applied for graduation after lunch at the Admissions office...so if everything works out well, I should be getting my Associates of Arts degree in May! Here's to a bright future! :)

The Spirit of Christmas

2009-12-22T15:37:00.002-06:00

I am so happy that it is the Christmas season. This is one of my favorite times of the year; a time when the world remembers the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I love my Savior, and know that the Lord let Him come to Earth to Redeem all mankind. I want to testify that I know that He lives, and that He loves each and every one of us, no matter our status, situation, or circumstance. We are all His Children.

I light of this season, most special above all, I am putting 2 links to wonderful Christmas videos. If you have time, please watch them. They are filled with His Spirit. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ and all that He has done for me. I glory in His strength and love. I know that the Book of Mormon and Bible are living testaments of Him, and are scripture for us today. I know that President Thomas S. Monson, His prophet for His church today, leads and guides us in righteousness and by the authority given him by God. I testify of the truth of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PURToRRq7gM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXXwtFWpAI8

Extra Treats

2009-12-13T15:52:00.002-06:00

Okay, so these are pictures actually from way back at Thanksgiving when I went with Austin to spend Thanksgiving holiday with his family. The pictures with the fountain in the background were taken at Casa Bonita, a restaurant with cliff divers inside, a mariachi band...the works. It was really neat to go and experience everything with such a wonderful family that I get the privilege to be a part of soon! :)

This is Austin's family outside of the fountain. From left to right: Ryan, Sister Palmer, Britta, Austin, Denya, Blake, and Brother Palmer. What a great group! :)

It's been snowing a LOT here in Rexburg lately...hmm...I think the weather is trying to tell us it's close to Christmas!!! :) I can't wait to be home, but it IS fun to see all the snow (for a little while). One night when Austin was over, I went outside and wrote this in the snow...I love my fiancé!!! :)

Sorry that the pictures on Blogger don't ever post in the right order...(sigh) oh well. This is a picture of downtown Denver, in case any of you were wondering. :)

And THIS is the scenery for pretty much 1/4 of the drive from Rexburg to Denver. The other 3/4 looks just like the drive from Texas to Utah...flat. With some rocks occasionally, but mostly flat. Oh, but there were a few little rolling hills...and some pioneer wagon tracks (but I wasn't fast enough to get a picture of those). :( Hope you enjoy these extra pictures! :)

Christmastime

2009-12-13T15:26:00.003-06:00

Okay, so this post is for you, Momma! :) This is Christmastime in good ol' Rexburg, USA. Freezing, but fun. :) Here is a picture of Austin and I, enjoying being engaged! :)

Janessa and I in front of the Christmas tree Momma got me for Christmastime away from home my freshman year away at college. Tis the season to be jolly! :)

This is (from left to right): Nikol, me, and Sarah. :) You can't see the Christmas tree in this shot, but it's there...right behind my head... :)

A better shot of Nikol and Sarah with our apartment Christmas tree. :)

I thought I would include this picture too...I love nativity sets! :) This season is one of celebration after all, because it marks the birth of the Savior who chose to atone for everyone so that we could return to live with our Father again someday. I know that Christ lives, and that He atoned for our sins. I know that He will gather us to Him, and strengthen us as we continually turn to Him in humility. I love my Savior, and my God. I am so happy every Christmas because I know that Christ made possible our salvation through His perfect life. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is His church today on the earth. I know that Thomas Monson is His prophet helping to guide His church today on earth. I bear witness of these truths in the name of my Lord, even Jesus Christ. Amen.

Cleaning...

2009-12-12T15:07:00.003-06:00

Last night was my apartment's White Glove cleaning marathon. We had our apartment checked this morning to make sure that everything was SPOTLESS (and I do mean spotless). So...I was up until 4:30 this morning cleaning my room and the apartment bathroom, and packing almost all my stuff away to come home!

I was the first to go to bed, because the kitchen was taking a little bit longer. However, there was a ward party at Craigo's pizza this morning at 10 (our White Glove check was at 8 am). NEEDLESS to say, I did not go...I was way too tired!

Today I am instead just studying for finals this next week. Since I haven't blogged in a while, I thought I would take care of that as well. :) I hope that everyone is doing well this weekend, and that everyone hopefully got more sleep than I have! :)

I'M ENGAGED!!! (Part 2)

2009-11-06T23:17:00.004-06:00

The ring again! He has such good taste in jewelry! :) I'm kinda partial to this ring he seemed to have on hand today...what do you think?

My wonderful fiance! Don't you think we look good together? :) :) :)

These signs greeted me when Austin and I got back from dinner tonight! How sweet!

These sidewalk-chalk drawings also attracted my attention. I have such great roommates!

I said "YES!" Goodnight, y'all! :D

I'M ENGAGED!!!!

2009-11-06T21:51:00.003-06:00

Austin proposed to me this afternoon outside of the Rexburg Temple, and I said "yes!" Here are a few pictures of the ring and my sweet fiance! :)

He employed the services of my roommates and best friend Taylor Bluth to blindfold me and walk me up to the temple around 4:30 this afternoon. When they sat me down on a bench outside the temple, he leaned in and pulled off the blindfold. The first thing I saw was Austin Palmer standing with a bottle of Apple Cider Bubbly and five pink heart balloons. :) He had a little book with the lyrics of our song, "Love Story" sung by Taylor Swift. After reading me the book (which had pictures of us in it), he got down on one knee in front of me AND PROPOSED!!! After I said "yes," he took me out to dinner at Red Robin, and then back home. While we were gone, he had my roommates decorate the outside of my door (to the apartment) with signs, and sidewalk chalk the front entryway. I'll post some more pictures of that later. For now we are just enjoying a wonderful evening together! :)

Elder Oaks Devotional

2009-10-16T16:16:00.002-05:00

This week I have been so busy, but I just wanted to share a wonderful experience that I had this week.

This past Tuesday in the Hart Auditorium, Elder Dallin H. Oaks talked for our University Devotional. I was of course SO EXCITED because he is one of my favorite apostles to hear from. Luckily I was able to get tickets for the bleachers in the Hart at the last minute (most students had to sit elsewhere, because tickets were only available through a lottery system when you registered for tickets) - my roommates and I got some of the very last tickets.

I settled down to listen, and loved the devotional. Elder Oaks talked about religious freedom under the United States Constitution. He quoted the first Amendment in the Bill of Rights under the Constitution stating that "the United States shall have no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion." He stated that religious freedom and the exercise thereof were the very origin and existence of America and its foundation. The most important topic of his talk was about conditions we will face in our lives. He stated that one of the most dangerous circumstances we will face is the "silencing [of] religious voices in the public square." He stated that our nation has become, and will continue to become more and more secular and antagonistic. He recognized that there are many forces that reject the authority and power of God. They favor laws that will grow to infringe on religion and its liberties.
Elder Oaks addressed the growing threat of atheism in our society - he stated statistics that recognized this idea that man does not have, and does not need, a God has become the "4th biggest 'religion' in the world." His words illustrated a growing, anti-religious movement in our nation that he described as "bigotrous."
He addressed conflicting issues encompassed by the First Amendment: marriage and adoption, religious universities available (such as BYU-Idaho), and the prohibiting of discrimination against those of certain religions. The biggest subject under this was the recent Proposition 8 conflict in California. He asserted that the biggest clash would be between the people's ideas of "equal rights" as opposed to "religious rights." He instructed us that religious freedom needs defending against "human rights" today; that we need to do everything in our power to legally take a stand as advocates for the values and standards and morals of our church and our lives.
He commanded that we not lose voice in the public square; he promised that if we did, we would also lose religious freedom. We all should have the protection and rights inalienable to all flesh.
He gave us five points of conduct to follow to enhance our religious freedom, and here I quote:

1) Speak with love, always showing patience, love, and compassion to all.
2) Don't be deterred or coerced into silence by those who are determined against you- protect your constitutional rights, especially when concerned with moral issues.
3)Insist on your freedom to preach the doctrine of our faith - the law of chastity has never been revoked or changed - the eternal relationship of marriage as only being between one man and one woman is the same today as in the past.
4) As advocates of truth, we must be wise in our political involvement - act legally and wisely; we can be most persuasive by framing arguments that are understandable by those who don't share our beliefs and understanding.
5) Be careful to NEVER support or subscribe to other beliefs in order to obtain a political office - religion should not be a political campaign.

His talk was marvelous. He had opened it saying that he would be careful in what he said, as he knew that the audience of the broadcasts of Devotional would be broad, and that their opinions would be many. I loved the devotional, but it turned out that Elder Oaks was right. Apparently news broadcasts of a "ridiculous Mormon sermon" were circulated almost immediately afterwards, and areas around here have admitted offense to Elder Oaks testimony of religious freedom. However, I felt the spirit of truth in his words, and want to add my testimony of the divinity of the message that he delivered to us this past Tuesday afternoon.

After he delivered his talk, I had the marvelous chance to meet Elder Oaks and his wife. Many, many students lined up in the auditorium for the chance to shake his hand. Though the line was long, the wait was a quick one. I almost cried to look into the smiling face of an apostle of the Lord, and see the strength and beauty of the spirit of God that he carried with him. It was an experience that I will never forget - that I hope won't ever leave me. I bear witness that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the restored church of Christ here upon the earth today, with the fullness of the gospel attendant in it. I bear witness of the truth of modern-day prophets and apostles who help to guide Christ's church, and direct His people in these latter days. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that we live under an inspired government lead by the Hand of God. I know these things are true, and I bear solemn witness of them in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Weekend of Leah! :)

2009-10-12T16:05:00.004-05:00

I had to start out with a picture of Taylor, because she was not able to come over this weekend. She had the Flu!!! :( We definitely missed her smiling face...so Leah and I baked chocolate chip cookies, and took the very first batch over to her to make it more of a TML party.
Here are the three of us! :) We had such a great time, even though one of us was a sickie (hence the blanket).
Here is Leah and me after dinner Friday night. We were being silly (well, we were silly pretty much the whole weekend). Best friends forever!!! :)
Yay! Leah went with me to my ward yesterday before she left on the 2 pm bus out of Rexburg. We had such a good time...talking, laughing, and simply enjoying each others friendship. Now it's back to the grindstone...welcome to Monday!

A Weekend of Friendship Fun

2009-10-09T15:13:00.002-05:00

Yep, that is right! Leah will be here visiting Taylor and me for the weekend in approximately four more hours!!! :) I am SO excited to spend some time catching up! I'll make sure to take pictures to blog later. I hope everyone else has a great weekend (full of sunshine)! :) We just keep getting more and more rain...actually, as I'm looking out the window, I think the rain is turning into snow....
(Sigh) oh well, we will enjoy the cold! :)

Me!

2009-10-07T18:39:00.002-05:00

Okay, I'm not a fictional character...I am alive and well here in Rexburg. :) SO, upon request, here is the picture that I had Sarah take of me to prove my healthy existence up here in Idaho taken in Janessa and Sarah's room! :)

Stuff Left Out

2009-10-07T17:56:00.004-05:00

Sorry, I left out the (smaller) bathroom, and the different-style closet that I have here at school. Here are some more pictures of my apartment! :)

Apartment Tour!

2009-10-06T17:19:00.009-05:00

To the right is the front doorway. To the left continues our hallway to the bathroom and bedrooms. This apartment is the flipped version of my old apartment.
My chair! :) A favorite piece of furniture in the living room.
More living room.
My doorway into my room. Mine is the left bedroom.
My closet with special notes from a few special girls! :)
My room! Mine is the bed on the right. :) You can see my backpack and bag for my classes and books on the poster of the bed.

Yellowstone (Part 1)

2009-09-18T15:39:00.007-05:00

This is runoff from the Midway Geyser basin. It was a beautiful view, I just had to take several pictures!
Another view in the Midway Geyser Basin. These walkways (the new ones) were mostly made of a certain type of plastic wooden board, so that they would not erode under the extreme heat as fast as regular wood. Around all the hot springs we visited were walkways around the geysers (like you see here).
Austin and I in front of the runoff.
More pictures...
This shows a little more ideally how the hot water was running into the stream. On the bridge (where I took this picture), it had a sign "No Swimming." I don't think ANYONE could want to swim in THAT...even if it was pretty!
Another picture.
The Spasm Geyser.
This geyser is called Spasm Geyser. It kept going the entire time we were walking up to it, while we were looking at it, and as we were walking away. Pretty cool, I thought!
This is me at the geyser known as The Fumarole.
Most of the hot spring pools had names, however, either I didn't get a picture of the name of this pool (which is not likely...I took a TON!), or it was just unnamed...which is what I think happened. But it sure looked neat, so I thought I would post it.
This was a bacteria mat at one of the first stops we visited after entering the park. Pretty crazy-looking, isn't it?
Isn't it gorgeous out here? This is my wonderful boyfriend Austin, who took me out here to Yellowstone for a wonderful date idea!!! :) It was so fun to visit the park!
This is the big bull elk that was with the other doe elk. Here he is crossing over a small part of a river to the little island in the middle.
Another good shot of the bull elk. I couldn't believe I was able to get such great shots!
A close-up of the bison. Pretty cool, huh? :)
We saw quite a few animals when we first got into the park...and you can get really close!! This is just to show how close people actually got to the animals. You can see the bison and elk in the background.

Roomies!

2009-09-11T21:59:00.005-05:00

These are my new roommates here in Kerr Hall. :) They are so nice and fun! I'm sure that we are going to have a great semester together. The top picture is of Janessa from Missouri. The middle picture is of Sarah from California, and the bottom picture is my roommate Nicole from Utah. Yay for the best apartment ever!!! :)

Nursery Fun Part 3

2009-09-03T16:15:00.006-05:00

When you get a new camera, you just can't help posting adorable pictures! Here are some more of nursery...

Melody's little sister Katy, as well as Lindsay and Sister Cannon.

Caitlin is so sweet, but just wasn't in a smiley mood for picture-taking this day.

Dakota and her dolly. :)

Carter trying to open his eyes "really wide."

Stacy and I.

Stacy, Shannon, and I.

Aiden and I.

Bryson and I.

Ian and I.

Melody and I.

I will miss all these precious children when I leave on Saturday. Sometimes I just wish they could add a nursery to my student ward!!! But they can't...and it wouldn't be the same, anyways. So I'll look back on these pictures, and look forward to seeing them again at Christmas! :)

Nursery Fun Part 2

2009-09-03T14:56:00.004-05:00

This is Taylor, my best friend and helper (also a nursery assistant) this past summer in nursery. :) We love playing play doh!!! :)

Here is Sister Crane, the nursery leader, and one of the sweetest ladies ever! She is so patient with the kids, and so kind to me. Thanks for the great year and a half together, Sister Crane!

Here is a better picture of Aiden. I thought this was an adorable pose...I think he was planning what to do next! :D He is busy, and so adorable!!!

Stacy and Shannon, best friends forever! :)

This is Stacy looking beatiful! She is a very outgoing girl, and I know that she will always be a good leader! :) I think I lucked out -- nursery has all amazing kids!

Nursery Fun...Part 1

2009-09-01T13:50:00.006-05:00

This past year I spent at home has been also spent as a nursery assistant to some of the cutest children on this earth! :) I love them so much, and will miss them terribly when I leave. I took many pictures, but just am posting "individuals" here. What will I do without my cuties to look forward to every week?
This week my class started out playing with Play Doh. The picture above is of Melody, who always has a kind word for me, and loves to be near me, cuddling or just smiling and asking all sorts of sweet childlike questions.

The picture above is of Bryson. :) Here he is busy making a snake, or something fun to play with. He is one of the most handsome boys ever! He is one of the kids I have known the longest in Nursery. (Also, this picture has Aiden in it, who was quite busy making different inventions with his play doh, but didn't really want his picture taken at the time.)

This picture is of Shannon. She and Stacy are best friends, and are my "story tellers" because they like to tell me all kinds of interesting make-believe things when we read stories...they sound like they have wonderful imaginations, which is one of the best things about being a child and playing with others! :) Shannon is so beautiful and sweet, and I will miss her twinkly eyes, and smile.

This picture is of Ian. Ian is a peacemaker, which is very important in a nursery class. He always has a kind word for everyone, and a cheerful attitude about everything in class. He always comforts those who get hurt playing, and plays with those who feel shy and lonely. I will always remember him and try to be more like my young friend Ian when I am in a new situation. Everyone loves a genuine, nice friend--which is what Ian is to all. :)

This is a picture of Carter, my sweet, blue-eyed, blonde-haired cutie who likes to snuggle, and play with all the cars he can find. He likes to color with me, and play trucks, airplanes and cars. I love the way he treats me like his best friend. The other Sunday I took him to his mommy, and Carter said he would rather "stay with Melissa" than go home! :) What a sweetheart! :)

I have LOVED being in nursery with such special children of God. They are such a light, and good example to me. I will miss you all!

Yes...I AM Alive!

2009-06-30T10:08:00.002-05:00

Kristie is here visiting with her beautiful children and I am working like a crazy lady (all the time) at the pool lifeguarding. I'm having a wonderful summer...I just have a blogging problem. I don't do it! But I AM alive and well, and having a great summer! : ) I hope that y'all are too!

I Am Thankful For...Mothers!

2009-05-12T21:11:00.004-05:00

Mother's Day was this past Sunday...so technically this should have gone up then...but what can I say...I'm a little slow in the blogging world!

There are so many things that I am thankful for in life, but one of the most important is my Momma. She is kind, loving, and has SO MUCH ENERGY! :) Even if I can't always keep up with her (sadly enough, it's true...), she has always been there to keep up with me. I love you Momma!

2 MORE WEEKS!!!!

2009-05-04T08:13:00.002-05:00

Aaghhhh! I have this week and next week, then I am officially done with school until the fall!!! I'm so excited! One last push this week to study hard, then finals, then VACATION (AKA. camping trip)!!! :D I'm so excited! Summertime is almost here! Texas heat, here I come! :)

Three Musketeers Together Again!

2009-04-29T21:10:00.003-05:00

Leah is finally home! This Friday we're FINALLY going to have a TML party once again. Yay!!! The Three Musketeers have finally been reunited! :) Welcome home, Leah and Taylor!

Cartoon World

2009-04-23T11:36:00.002-05:00

In a world where everything and everyone is two dimensional, where people can do impossible things and chipmunks can sing...this is me.

Yesterday at Brookhaven's graduation party, the college provided free food to all of its students (which was absolutely delicious). Also in appearance were several band groups providing live music, and a cartoon artist for the many people who decided to stop and get their picture drawn. It was amazing to watch him, because he drew pictures like this in less than three minutes! In the three and a half hours he was there, I wouldn't be surprised if he drew over a hundred faces!

When I was finally brave enough to get up there, I loved the picture he drew of me. So, I thought it would be fun to make a post of my cartoon-self here on Blogger, where things are also 2-D...so that way the cartoon would have a place to belong. :)

"I Stand at the Door and Knock"

2009-04-21T18:29:00.003-05:00

In Luke 11:5-10, it reads:

"And [Christ] said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

The Savior is our friend who will give us the Bread of Life we need to return to live with God. We must go to Him and ask. We must seek Him out, and knock on His door, supplicate Him through prayer. He will never fail us, and will always give us all that we ask when our heart is right with Him, and our desires are pure.

Likewise, the Savior said in Revelation 3:20, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." We know that the Savior will always open His door to us. We are constantly given the opportunities to grow and gain better understanding through the Lord's spirit by serving others, keeping His commandments, attending church, studying the scriptures, and praying. When we find the Savior knocking on our door, what will be our response? I hope that mine will be to open to Him who has saved all of mankind, for He is the only Way back into Eternal Life.

I bear testimony that Jesus Christ lives, and that His Atonement and Gospel is the Good News of this world. I bear testimony that His church has been restored in its entirety here upon the earth through His prophet Joseph Smith, and that President Thomas S. Monson is our Lord's Prophet here on earth today. I bear witness that the Bible and the Book of Mormon bear joint testimony of Christ, and that in them the scripture Ezekiel 37:16-17 has been fulfilled. I know that these things are true by the personal witness I have received from His Holy Spirit, and I bear solemn testimony of them in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

I Miss You!

2009-04-03T17:33:00.003-05:00

I wanted to color a few pictures to represent Austin and I, and this is how it turned out. I think it looks rather cute! :) I thought I would put them next to the picture Austin gave me at Thanksgiving when he came to visit.

I miss you tons, Austin, and I can't wait until I can see you again!

Having Fun

2009-03-17T16:40:00.005-05:00

I'm so glad to be a girl!!! :D I love to experiment on my fingernails...and so I have decorated my nails with french tips, hearts, flowers, and now--poka dots!! :) I wanted to originally just paint them red, but then I thought...hmmm...I have white too, why not make the red more cute with white? So while I was talking to Austin on the phone that night I did just that...and this was the result! :)
Happy St. Patrick's Day! :) I hope everyone remembered to wear green!

The Piano Lesson

2009-01-30T16:49:00.006-06:00

Today at 4 pm, I gave my very first piano lesson to Rebecca Blake! :) I was so proud of her, she is a great player, and her excitement with the piano makes me want to go and practice, practice, practice!!! I was so happy that I just had to blog about it! :) I hope that everyone else could have as good a day today as I've had! :D

Also, I just had to post a thanks SO MUCH to you, Kristie, for helping me out with staying calm! You are a big help to me!!!! I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful big sister! Thank you for talking to me three million times today when I had questions, "What about this, and what about that?" I miss you! Thanks for everything!

You Gotta Love Texas!

2009-01-28T07:50:00.003-06:00

I woke up like normal this morning, ate breakfast, and took my morning shower...but just as I was getting out I got the lovely announcement from Daddy that "School's cancelled!" These pictures above (courtesy of Daddy... I sure didn't go outside with a wet head when it's 20 degrees) are documents to our "Winter Plight." :D

Imagine my surprise! It was around 20 this morning when I got up, but since I hadn't seen much ice or snow, so I figured that school would go on as planned. Nope! Weathermen in Texas are going crazy over the "severe ice storm and bad winter weather." Yay for crazy Texas people and weather!!! After I post this, I'm headed back to bed for some more shut-eye. I hope everyone has a great day! :)

Vacation Kentucky-Style!

2009-01-12T18:22:00.004-06:00

Since Blogger doesn't post the pictures in order, let me start off by saying that Brian requested this specific picture of him be posted (it was his favorite...he is trying to scare Auntie M by being a monster...). Brian is such a cute guy! :)
I'm having soooo much fun here!! :) I'm loving spending time with everyone! Here's a picture of Weston...I'd thought I'd post this pic because Weston is just like--Me!!! :D He loves to read, and has done so quite a bit! I'm impressed by how well he reads!

This is Kristie trying to get a picture of Amber saying "Ta Da!" Amber usually climbs up on the chairs (and sometimes--if she's fast enough--the table) and turns around to someone and proudly declares, "Ta Da!!" She's so cute, and so is my big sister!!! :D

Here's a picture of Amber several days ago when she was using her hamper to pretend to be a "Ghostie"...she walked around saying "rawr rawr rawr rawr" trying to scare us as Ghostie Amber! :)

This was Weston around the time he went to Cub Scouts showing me his "cool moves." He's so funny, and such a great big brother!!! :)

I've had such a great visit, and tonight Kristie and I are going for a girl's night dinner at Ihop! :) I love Kristie!! Barth is going to hold down the fort while the kiddos are asleep while we enjoy our dinner! And maybe, if we're lucky, we'll get to see some more snow while we're out tonight!!! Thanks for sharing your kiddos, Kristie! I'm having a marvelous trip!!!

A Visit With the Best Sister In the Whole Wide World!!!!

2009-01-08T11:32:00.003-06:00

I've been at Kristie's house for three days now, and am loving it!!! :D I'm having so much fun playing with everyone and talking and doing hair (Kristie lets me do some pretty crazy hairdo's on her)! :)

We had snow yesterday and last night, so I also got to go sledding with the boys out front!!! (It was sooooo much fun!) Plus, we've had quite the snowball fights...apparently everyone likes to gang up on Auntie M! :) I'm so glad that I got to visit the best sister ever this month!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks, Kristie!!!! Thanks, Momma and Daddy, for my amazing Christmas present (the chance to fly out here and visit)!!!! You guys are the best!!

Holiday Break!

2008-12-28T22:56:00.003-06:00

This Thanksgiving, Austin came to visit me all the way from the land of ice and snow that I call Rexburg, Idaho. :) We (Austin, me, and my mom and dad) had an amazing time at the beach down in Corpus Christi for the holiday break. We flew kites, fed the sea gulls, swam in the ocean, played board games, and just generally had a good time. Here's some pictures!

This picture was taken in the car as we were travelling home to Dallas from Grandma's house in Austin. Yea for the comics! :D

This is one of my favorite pictures that was taken during our vacation, minus the kite string interrupting the picture.

Happy Holidays! I know it's past Christmas, so this Thanksgiving break post is "late", but I still enjoyed having Austin here, so I thought it deserved a post. :) Happy New Years!!!

2008 Election

2008-10-25T16:27:00.005-05:00

Well, this week Early Voting was open for the Presidential Election this year. Today I got to vote and have a voice in my nation for the first time ever! :) The picture above was taken right after I got home from voting.The officials handling the proceedings were really nice, and very friendly. I hope that everyone else has as great an experience voting this year as I did! :) Happy voting!

"What are you gonna be on Halloween night..."

2008-10-24T20:51:00.004-05:00

"A witch, or a goblin or a ghost? What are you gonna be? Now don't tell me...wait till Halloween and let me guess!"

I was a bunny! :) The song I quoted was one of the songs that my mom and I listened to when we were in the car when I was little. Halloween is just around the corner! :D It is so nice to have a Halloween that isn't H-O-T this year!!! It has been sooooo nice outside, I have really been loving all this fall weather! Happy Halloween, y'all! :D

It Starts...

2008-08-28T20:22:00.002-05:00

So I have officially lived through my first week of college in Texas! The summer is pretty much ended, and except for this coming Labor Day Weekend, I'm all done with lifeguarding (until next year, that is). :( That's okay, I think I got as dark as I possibly could this summer. :)

Leah has already come to visit from Utah, and gone back to school for the fall semester again. :( Taylor leaves me on Tuesday, and then I will officially be alone once again (this time in Texas instead of Idaho)...well, except I'll still get to see my family and live in Carrollton. :) Make way for change!!!

I love my "new" room...if you check on Momma's blog you'll see what I'm talking about. I have been reading, taking quizzes, and writing notes like crazy this week! Luckily I will get a break this weekend--I have a date tomorrow afternoon, and on Saturday night! So that should be pretty fun. :)

It's strange for me to not be going back up to Idaho, but I know it's hard for Momma and Daddy too...but at least I get to enjoy the great Texas heat for another year! :) I like the snow, but sometimes it would just get so cold up there! Here's to hoping it will be a GREAT (A+) school year, and a fast one too! :) Only three more months until Christmas!!!!!! :)

Girls Night Out!

2008-06-29T23:37:00.003-05:00

So, for the past several weeks, Thursday night has been my Girls Night Out with my best friend Taylor. :) We both work together on Fridays, so we decided to get together every Thursday night at either her house or mine, and have the night to relax and talk and just have fun being girls. :) This is what we did last night:

First we started out with a to die for foot scrub--the only word that can describe the way our feet felt afterwards: AMAZING. :) The scrubbing stuff looked really gross, though. Then--after our foot scrub--we did facials (a self-heating clay mask thingy that felt great and was way fun to do together!) to finish it off. I'm so glad to be a girl, and have Taylor for a friend! :)
YAY for friends and fun! :)

Only in Texas...

2008-06-17T14:44:00.004-05:00

Okay, so today's my day off, so I thought I would post a blog. :) Yesterday it was 100 degrees outside, and today it's 72 outside, and it's been raining off and on. Sometimes I am amazed at the crazy weather here in Texas! Hot and humid one day, then rainy and cool the next...good grief! Too bad we didn't have this weather yesterday when I was out lifeguarding! Oh well...

Also, today I got a haircut! It's been really long for a while now, so today I got up and Momma took me to get it cut!!! Yay! It's shoulder-length now, and it feels GREAT! :) Thanks Momma for taking me to get my summer cut today! :)

Oh, and I keep forgetting to post some pictures of my bedroom. I moved it all around! I took down the canopy, and moved my bed against the other wall with a window, and shifted my little dresser to where my bed was. There is so much room! I also got a new picture to put up on my wall for $3 at Garden Ridge! It's so pretty, I'll have to post pics of my "new" room's look soon! :)

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-15T11:11:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to post saying HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! to a wonderful Daddy. :) For the past (almost) nineteen years of my life my daddy has held my hand when I've been scared, given me Father's blessings when I've been sick, and made me pancakes on Sundays (until I was big enough to do it myself...and even then sometimes he still makes me pancakes!). :) He is such a loving and wonderful daddy, and I'm so glad the Lord sent me to him and Momma! He is a one-of-a-kind Daddy, and I'm so glad he's mine. :)