This, That, and the Other

The Gospel is Perfect! People are not.

2011-12-09T09:53:00.001-08:00

The title pretty much sums up how I have been feeling for a while now.

Forgive my complaints, but I just have a hard time when I show up late to a Christmas Party because of work, only to find my husband and child sitting alone at a table in the middle of the crowded room, with about 6 chairs to spare.

Maybe this should bug me as much as it does, but I know everyone hates to feel like the outcast.

I know that in new wards everyone is shy, everyone stuggles with being out of their comfort zone, getting to know new people, getting the hang of new callings, etc. But I feel like I have put myself out there a lot; trying to be a part of the ward, helping out sisters when they ask, being cheerful and talkative...

And this was a burn.

Bored.

2011-08-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

So here goes another attempt at blogging.

Well a lot of this is I am not ready to go to bed yet and I need to do something to distract myself from the downstairs neighbors most recent habit of turning on there bass any time AFTER 10:00. So here it goes.

Sadie is turning 2 this month! I can't even believe it. She is talking so much and is such a little lady now. She is so polite and is getting better at telling us what she wants and is really really good at saying thank you for everything we give her! She says so many words now. My little baby isn't such a baby anymore!
Right now she is battling a cold. We are hoping it won't turn into a 3rd battle with pneumonia.
My heart melts when she comes up to me for kisses and says, "I yub you mommy!"

Corey is starting school in a few weeks and will be working hard in the Creative Track at BYU!!! A very competitive program that we were very blessed he got into!!! We are very excited for all the hard work he will be putting into this program and hope that it will lead to great things in the future! If the stars align hopefully next summer we will be off somewhere for an internship.

My life just got interesting! I will be taking over a lot of responsibilities at work which is going to be good, but scary. I am excited for the new challenges and being able to grow in my company. I am seriously blessed to work here! My co-workers are fabulous and they truly care about people. They have helped me SO much with juggling work and motherhood!

I recently started voice lessons which I am SO EXCITED about!!! I finally decided to do something that makes me really happy! I am hoping to audition for some musicals this next year and I can't wait!!! First up: A Christmas Carol at the Hale Center Theatre in Orem!!! We shall see!!!!

Well that is it for now. I really am going to try to keep up with blogging. I need to as a diary for me and my family.

until next time

And here we are again

2011-03-28T15:26:00.000-07:00

I have tried several times to start a new post, and I don't know where to start! A lot has happened in the last few months and not knowing how to make blogger all cool just exhausts me. So "here we are again!"

Here are some things we have been up to:

Sadie:

She is 19 months, her vocabulary is growing everyday! and I mean GROWING! She learns so much so fast!

She is in the 60th percentile for weight, and 85th percentile for height

February and the beginning of March were hard for her. She had pneumonia for the second time, was put on ammoxicillin, had a reaction to that and broke out in hives, was put on a steroid, then got sick again because of her weakened immune system.

She graduated from going to Relief Society and Sunday School with mom, to nursery and is doing really well!

LOVES Elmo

Has peed in the potty twice

Loves to count and color

Isn't fond of standing in the corner

Loves to visit her Papa and Nana, and Grandma and Grandpa

Will have a very interesting phone conversation with you using only the words "yeah and hi"

Corey:

Working at Xactware as a technical support rep.

Taking classes on Tues, Wed. and Thurs

WAS ACCEPTED INTO THE BYU ADVERTISING PROGRAM!!!

Working very hard to get through school

Having a great time playing with his cute little girl

Hannah Liz:

Working at First Choice Home Health and Hospice, in the billing dept.

Working M,W,F and gets to play with her sweet baby girl the rest of the time

Looking in to vocal lessons and is VERY excited about that!

Exploring different hobbies that may expand her horizons!

All in all we are doing very well! We are feeling very blessed to be where we are. Heavenly Father has been watching over us through our every trial and I am so grateful for his love!

I am hoping to update a lot more often. Hope all is well with everyone!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

2010-09-02T20:47:00.000-07:00

MY BABY IS ONE!!!!!!!!!!

Baby and daddy on her birthday

Mommy and her birthday girl!!!

She's so cute!

These pictures are out of order and I don't really know how to work blogger all that well so I will just explain. Sadie was supposed to go in for surgery to fix her little belly button this last Thursday (Aug. 26th 2010) It was rescheduled because the Surgeon had to do an emergency liver transplant so it will now be on Sept. 16th 2010. Which is good because her belly button is so much a part of her that we weren't quite ready to say goodbye to it yet. So here are a few before pictures.

My happy girl! This picture doesn't really do it justice.

We had a birthday party for Sadie a couple weeks ago which was so much fun! This adorable cake was made by my good friend Jen who is AMAZING!!! Thanks Jen you rock!!!

This was taken in June, but I think its cute!

She got so excited about all of her super cute clothes and way fun presents! Thank you everyone for your love and support!

Busy with one of her toys!

Love those baby blues!!!

What's your secret?!

2010-07-28T14:44:00.001-07:00

Okay so....

I was never really into scrap booking, or homemaking growing up.

While some girls were threading a sewing machine: I was threading my softball cleats.

While some girls were throwing a pie in the oven: I was throwing a grounder to first base.

While some girls were focusing on hanging a picture straight on a wall: I was trying to make a straight line while marching, and playing my flute.

While some girls were learning all these cool techniques to make a house a home: I remain clueless.

So please, tell me your secret. How did you learn to put this color, and that color together and make it look so cute? And how did you learn to make that yummy dinner? And how did you learn to use a sewing machine without jamming it or breaking a needle? And how did you learn to reupholster furniture of crying out loud?!

Is it some skill that you are just naturally born with? Or do they secretly take you to some other world for training on how to do all of these things, that no one bothered to tell me about?!?!?!

So please: what is your secret?!

The Goings On

2010-07-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

When I first started this blog I told myself I would blog at least once a week... Yeah that didn't happen. So I am finally updating for all of you who have looked at my blog with disappointment the last 2 months or so. Well I don't even know who reads my blog or who cares to read it but nonetheless here is a little glimpse of what has been going on in our lives... I wish I could post more pictures, but I am running out of time and blogger isn't wanting to work for me right now. so here you go:

We went on our annual river rafting trip with my family and had a great time spending time with them and splashing around in the COLD water!

Sadie got to go on the "kiddie run" which I think she enjoyed! She just wasn't a big fan of her life jacket!!! Sorry baby, its a must! And once we got on the water she was fine.

And of course we went to see the midnight showing of ECLIPSE!!! It was by far the best so far and we had tons of fun goofing off, making funny faces for the camera, and playing games!

The whole gang!

Blue Steel!

In June we got to go to Vegas with Corey's family. They have a timeshare out there and we got to join in on the fun! Here is us on the roof of the Marriot we stayed at.

On the strip

It was fun but long days for Sadie

On the roof again

The View from our hotel. We were seriously right off the strip! you can see Excaliber in the top left of the picture.

And of course we have to post about the person you really want to see. Just the cutest little red head in all the world!

Check out THAT bed head!

Sadie is 10 months, 3 weeks and 3 days old! And believe me I want to keep her little as long as possible! I can't believe her first birthday is next month! She just battled pneumonia and came out on top and she is doing great!!!

So tired!

She decided that the way she wants to tell us that she is full is by rubbing her face... this doesn't work so well if you have a spoonful close to her mouth!

She has 10 teeth, (1 year molars are coming in strong)

Her current favorite hobbies are crawling around like a mad woman and pulling herself up, pulling everything out of her diaper bag, and mom's wallet, furrowing her brow then raising her eyebrows and giving you a big smile, waving (when she feels like it) and splashing around in her tub or pool!

She got a new car seat a few months ago and seems to enjoy it as much as a baby likes a car seat :S.

Favorite foods include: yogurt, graham crackers, puffs, grapes, potatoes, and of all things: PICKLES!!!! She loves pickles!!

We cut her hair a few months ago to get rid of the mullet look. I'm surprised how well it turned out! and her hair is just getting longer and longer!!!

So that's our life currently! Hopefully I can do better at keeping up to date!

50th post!

2010-04-27T17:18:00.000-07:00

Wow! 50! I didn't think I had that much to say.

Well, forgive me but today I am bugged. I'm just lacking something. Patience mostly. I just have this icky naggy feeling irritated feeling in my chest. You know the one that you feel like you have a huge weight on your chest and your heart rate increases. I am just really bugged.

I know I should be nicer, and more patient, and have a better attitude about things.

But it really bugs me when people go back on what they say. I try to do what I can to live up to my commitments. I try to be dependable. I hate it when you can't count on people. So I ask that you please please don't make promises that you can't or won't keep.

I do not understand why people feel like they have to have power over other people. Why do people have to show off what they have. Why does it make people feel better to put others down?

UGH! I am so bugged!!!!

I have noticed that I tend to get tired of places easily. We were in our old apartment for 2 years. And have been in this apartment for only a year and I am so done. I don't want to be here any more. I just feel so unsettled. This isn't home to me. Its not a bad place. We have a good amount of space for a good price, but I just want out!

I have been thinking about why that is...

I just want to be done with this whole part of life. I want to be out of school I want to be somewhere else! I have never lived in one state this long in my life. Can we say CABIN FEVER!!!

RARRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunshine!

2010-04-21T15:47:00.000-07:00

So today I was driving to work in the rain. Rain so hard and heavy that I thought it might break my windshield. And I started thinking about the weather. I really like rain! I mean I don't particularly like getting wet, but I love the sound of it against my window. I love the cloudy sky, I love how green and clean everything looks after the rain. Rain has to be my favorite type of weather.

But then I was thinking about other things in my life the I love. Things that bring me sunshine. (I find "sunshine" a more appropriate word for happiness than rain... just one of those things I guess) Some really sweet simple things that just make me smile. So I thought I would make a list so maybe on my not so happy days I can look back on it. (no particular order)

1. a good movie that I can watch over and over again that I don't get tired of

2. songs that you just can't help but rock out to

3. singing at the top of my lungs in my car where no one can here me

4. sleeping in

5. waking up in the wee hours of the morning to leave on a trip

6. spiritual songs that give me goosebumps

7. the sound of my dad's deep, guttural, genuine laugh when he is watching a silly movie, or gets embarrassed, or embarrasses my stepmom :)

8. when Corey laughs at something funny, and I don't find it as funny, but I end up laughing because he found it so funny

9. singing or playing the piano with my sisters

10. quoting movies with my family (usually they are the only ones that know what I'm talking about)

11. when Megan and I check with each other to see if we did something funny

12. when Sadie gets excited when I walk in the room

13. the look on Sadie's face when she tastes something new that she isn't too sure about

14. memories that make you laugh just thinking about

15. Melissa's "Stuart Impression" (she knows what I'm talking about)

16. Temple initiatories

17. The running man

18. my sister's and I performing Snow White

19. tickling Corey even though he hates it

20. a billing cycle at work that doesn't require any fixing (doesn't happen very often)

21. text messages from Corey telling me he loves me

22. friends that I can share memories with

23. conference parties

24. ballroom dance

25. super late nights when you are so tired that everything is funny

26. laughing so hard you almost pee your pants (or sometimes do pee your pants)

27. the sound of a mens choir

28. being super warm inside my covers when its really cold outside

29. spending a whole day at IKEA

30. watching Sadie become more and more independent

31. my motherly protective instincts

32. when the scale says even one pound lighter

33. Novocain and laughing gas

34. giving Sadie a mohawk

35. the way my hair smells after I get it done

36. good hair days

37. battle wounds from a good softball game

38. feeling short when I stand next to Corey

39. the big splash of water in my face when I'm river rafting

anyway... I could go on and on but I don't want to bore anyone.
I hope you have sunshine on cloudy days!

No door mat here so please wipe your feet before entering!

2010-04-12T10:34:00.000-07:00

The title of this post may seem a bit strange to some, but not to others. It kind of depends on who has heard me vent recently, so I apologize for anyone who is tired of hearing this.

Today I was thinking about my little girl. How when she was first born, I wasn't very coordinated with giving her a bath, holding her with one arm, feeding her...etc. And now, everything seems so much easier. I have gotten the hang of it. When she was first born, the "bond" wasn't there. I didn't feel like "every other mom" where it was just an instant connection. I had a hard time with it. I looked at her more as something that was preventing me from sleeping, something that cried a lot, more of a burden than a blessing.
Now before I start sounding like the worst mother in the world I do have to put a disclaimer on this and say that I feel quite the opposite now. I love my baby more than anything! I don't mind (even though I do like my sleep) getting up with her at night. If Corey does, I feel like I have missed out on something in her life. I wasn't a part of it. Sometimes the crying and whining does take a toll, but it doesn't bother me as much. And like many people have told me, but like most people, I didn't believe it until it happened to me, I don't notice her "talking" during Sacrament, or Relief Society. So I apologize to anyone that has heard Sadie and has been bothered by it. It truly is different when it is your own.

Anyway that was a long tangent to get to what I was going to say. I was thinking about how my love for Sadie has grown, and along with that my mothering instinct to protect her. I am momma bear and I will protect her from anyone and anything.

So the reason for the title of my post. There have been somethings going on in my life lately that have truly tried my patience. They have left me more worn out than a lot of things. Trials that I truly feel like I don't have the strength to overcome. But you know what... I do! This experience has opened my eyes to things that took 20 years (that makes me feel old! :( ) to finally see. And you know what I decided? I am no longer going to be anyone's door mat!!!! I am a firm believer that we knew the life that we were sent here to live and experience. I also believe that it is up to us to make the best of it. I don't believe that we should just "live with it." WE are responsible to come out on top!
Many people have probably figured this out long before I did, but there is no way to progress if you continue to let people step all over you and allow their toxins in your life. I will no longer surround myself with people that are poisonous. I have my little family that loves me and cares about me! I have family members that I matter to and that matter to me! I have friends that are the best friends anyone could ever ask for! I will no longer have relationships with anyone out of obligation! I will have a relationship with you because I want to! People love, people laugh, people have joy! People are not meant to be bullied, people were meant to have feelings and to inspire others in good ways, and to lift others up! Not tear them down.

I will protect my baby as best I can from poisonous people. She will know that she matters! She will know that she is important to her mommy and daddy and all the people that love her! My job is to protect her and to give her the tools to protect herself. I will do the best I can to do that!

Sorry for the long rant, just needed to get that off my chest.

Thanks for listening!

Catch Up!

2010-03-23T20:31:00.000-07:00

Okay so it has been a little bit and Sadie has just grown and grown and grown!

So forgive me but I have to brag about my cute little girl!!!!!

So... guess who turned 6 MONTHS!

I love those adorable big blue eyes!!!
This is Sadie's cute little friend Rex! He is so sweet and fun! His mom Heather babysits Sadie a couple days a week so that I can go to work, and I watch him when she needs me to. Its been so much fun!
And this is cute Rhett! His mom also helps me out and he comes and hangs out with us sometimes! I hope its okay with them that I put their pictures up. We love having them around and thank you SO MUCH Heather and Jennifer!! You are LIFESAVERS!!!!
She looks a little tipsy in this shot but I love it! Pretty much anything that wasn't meant to be a toy is a toy: paper, magazines, necklaces, water bottles... the list goes on and on...
I went through her room the other day and I found her newborn diapers... all I have to say is :(
I tried to be artsy fartsy in a few of these shots. P.S. She has a herniated belly button. No worries she is just fine. Thats just why it may look a little funny. And believe me some people kind of wondered but she has girly parts! She just may need surgery someday.
:)
Her first time spoon feeding... it started out well...
But this is usually what happens... followed by crying and spitting and crying... so any advice would be appreciated!!!!!!
Daddy was watching her this day..................

On a side note:

Sadie has a new cousin!!!!!!!!!
Corey's brother Jacob and his wife Marina welcomed Cameron James Ostler on March 22, 2010
7 lbs 3 oz.! and oh so CUTE!
If you notice, I'm holding Sadie's hand. She didn't quite know what to make of this new little person that had her Momma's attention so she went for his head a couple of times. Its INSANE the difference is between a newborn and a 6 month old! My baby isn't a baby anymore! SAD DAY!!
Corey with his new nephew.
And there is the happy family!!! Just 5 days shy of their 1st anniversary and they are a family of 3!!! Congratulations you guys!!!!!!!!!!

In Other News:

The red cross calls me constantly for blood donations. I have made appointments but for one reason or another I didn't make it. Until today. The guy messed something up and I got a hematoma... which means I started bleeding outside of the needle. We kept going to see if I could fill the bag and it just got too painful. So here is the bruise today... we will see how it gets in the next couple of days.

Married Musings

2010-03-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night:

Me: What movie do you want to watch?

Corey: I don't know pick one

Me: Romancing the Stone?

Corey: No

Me: Indiana Jones

Corey: No

Me: Robin Hood- Men in Tights

Corey: No we've watched those too much

Me: well what do you want to watch?

Corey: I don't know... Lets watch Sleeping Beauty!

.... hee hee hee

Spoon Feeding...

2010-03-12T12:44:00.000-08:00

to sum up...................

UGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the end

5 Months! and 11 days

2010-02-09T20:46:00.000-08:00

Its really sad how long it has been since I have blogged! Not a lot of stuff has really been going on except that Sadie has just been growing and growing. Its so fun to watch her learning. And its totally crazy how it seems like 1 day she doesn't quite understand how to do something and then the very next day... she's a pro!

Here are some pictures of my girl:

Mommy had fun with her hair that day ;)

She got her first tooth the first part of January! Followed closely by her second tooth right next to it a week later! Baby girl was such a trooper and just sucked extra hard on her pacifier and wasn't really fussy!

She has also developed quite a grip and knows exactly what her hands are used for! If you look at Daddy's ear and see how red it is turning it may give you a clue how good her grip is.
She is fascinated with Mommy's toothbrush. Every time I am holding her and brushing my teeth its kind of a fight as to who has control of it.
She is starting to figure out that she can be independent at her feeding times with a little help from Mommy and Daddy putting her hands on the bottle but then she takes it from there.
It may not look like it here, what with the blanket and all, but she is SITTING ON HER OWN!!!!!! This last week she really got the balance down! We are still working on going from a laying down position to a sitting position but she is doing so well!

P.S. About a month and a half ago she learned how to roll over from her back to her tummy over her right shoulder. But I think she is not as thrilled with that as we are. She only does it when she feels like it ;)

We are so proud of our healthy, strong baby girl! Its so exciting that she is just thriving and learning everyday! At the same time though I'm kind of sad that my baby, even though she is still a baby, isn't such a "baby" anymore. She isn't teeny little anymore... :( But we couldn't ask for a sweeter, happier, cuter baby in the whole wide world!!!

Happy 5 months Baby Girl!!! Mommy and Daddy love you SO much!!

4 months... already?

2009-12-29T19:56:00.000-08:00

Its amazing that we have gone from this...

To this!
Weight: 14 lbs 14 oz. -80%
Height: 26 3/4 in. -95%
Head: 42 cm -75%
Favorite Pastimes: Loving her monkey Aunt Megan got her from Mexico (swine flu not included), eating lots, pooping more, pulling momma's hair, smiling,talking, and laughing a bunch! and sleeping a good 7 hours at night!

So I know I posted this before, but I'm just so proud! She knows where the good stuff is!!! ;)
We went to Temple Square about a week and a half ago. Sadie LOVED the lights! Not such a fan on the cold, but loved to see all the pretty twinklies all around!

It is so much fun to be together as a family! We are so happy to have our baby girl with us! She has been such a blessing! All the long nights, the crying, the pooping... its all worth it! We love our baby girl!!!

Happy Holidays!!!!!!! We hope everyone is having a wonderful and SAFE holiday season!!!

Just pictures for now

2009-12-12T17:02:00.000-08:00

The little engine that could

2009-11-30T00:32:00.000-08:00

You know the story of the little engine that could? Where he had to make it up this big hill, but he was just a little guy. Well the whole way up he kept telling himself, "I think I can, I think I can," and he made it all the way up that big hill!

Well I have a big hill I need to get up. Sometimes when I look at it I don't know how I could possibly make it; it's so high and far away!

We are given challenges in our lives to help us grow as people. To shape us into the people we are continually trying to become. Everyone has their own challenges to face. Sometimes they are almost too hard to bare.

I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that our Heavenly Father will not give us anything we can't handle. And when it seems that he has, it just means we need him that much more. We NEED to turn to him! I'm cashing in all my tokens right now, and I know he hears me.

I know that my Heavenly Father hears my prayers. He knows of my every happiness, every sorrow, every desire, and every intention. He knows me better than I know myself.

So I will have to continue up that hill... I think I can, I think I can

So much to blog about!

2009-11-18T18:14:00.000-08:00

So its only been about 2 weeks since I have blogged, but I haven't blogged a lot of things that have happened so this is going to be one big blog so I hope you enjoy the super random topics!

First off of course I have to show you pictures of our cute little girl!

First encounter...

She has been growing and learning so much! We put some toys on her little bouncy seat and at first it was totally stimulation overload!!!! She just couldn't stop staring! Now she is learning how to bat them around and she can almost hold on to them!!!
Thanks Auntie Melissa for the awesome shades!
Grandpa is lookin' awesome in his viking hat! I think Grandpa likes his little girl... just a bit....

Remember when I blogged that we were in Moab? Well I'm finally getting to posting some pictures!!!! YAY!!

It was my first time hiking in Arches, and I gotta say... I can't wait to go back!!!! I had a lot more fun than I thought I would! For those of you who haven't been, GO!! its totally fun! Here I am right when we got to delicate arch. The hike is about 1.5 miles one way. There is one part that really kicked my butt, but it doesn't last long. Anyway one cool thing about this hike is that you don't see delicate arch until you are just about there! There is a little arch that you can go through and see it (that's where I am in this picture) or if you keep going, you go around this bend and don't see it until the very last second and BOOM! there it is! So cool!!
Here's the both of us. A very nice German gentleman to this for us. Another cool thing is that Arches National Park attracts people from all around the world! We saw German, English, Asian, and French people!
Here's Corey at Landscape Arch. A big portion of this arch collapsed in the early 90's I think, so Corey and I are thinking this should be Delicate Arch and Delicate Arch should be Landscape Arch. Makes sense right?! With the whole license plate and all!
Photo op or what? We were thinking of staying the night in here... survivor man would be proud!

See this rock to the left of where Corey is standing? That is actually an arch that we are on top of... kind of... that is Double O Arch. You can climb up and out on top of the arch, but since there wasn't anyone to take our picture really, we just stood close to where you walk out but we did climb up!
There I am next to Double O Arch. If you look up in the left corner where the rock starts pointing up again, that is about where Corey was standing in the previous picture.
Us and the cool landscape right before we climb down a fin!

Spaghetti Squash of Steel!!!!! (Note to self- turn up the fridge temp.!)

So in my attempt to be more domestic I have been cooking dinner a little more often. (Only like the last 3 nights but still that has got to count for something!) Anyway... I had this wonderful thought I would make steak, potatoes, and squash.
So I'm getting everything going and I pull the squash out of the fridge and it is super cold! But I think that a regular serrated knife should be able to cut through.... well it makes a little scratch.... so I stab it!!! yeah..... then I can't get the knife out!! So I call in the big guns and have Corey pull the knife out. So he tries the cleaver... yeah not so much.... determined that I am going to get this thing open I call in the REALLY big guns!!

I got it open!!! If you can see it here is a little better picture...
That's right! a cleaver with a little help from the hammer and it opened! I WIN!!!

.......... however sadly, even though I love spaghetti squash I stink at cooking it. Unfortunately my hard work didn't really pay off....... Any help with how to cook a squash would be greatly appreciated!!

Baby's First Halloween!

2009-11-03T18:39:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween to everyone!!! I hope everyone had a great holiday! Corey's friends came down from Salt Lake and they came to a super fun masquerade hosted by some friends. Mercedes, in the purple and black is Huntress. Tom in the black and blue is Nightwing. Juli, in the black is The Black Canary. and Mike in the green is the Green Arrow. It was lots of fun!
And here is our little family! Mario, Luigi and little Wario!!!! We got the 3rd place award for best baby costume. We are convinced its because we were the only ones that drew on our child ;) She was a good sport!

Happy 2 months baby girl!!!

2009-10-30T09:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Sadie turned 2 months!!!!!!!! I can't believe it!! We had her 2 month appointment yesterday. The Doctor said she is looking great! She got her shots and was not very happy about it! Totally broke my heart to see her in pain. Here's how she measures up:

Head: 40 cm 80th percentile
Weight: 12 lbs 6 oz 80th percentile
Length: 24 1/2 inches +100th percentile

We have been battling sickness in our house, Corey got it, then I did... so its pretty inevitable that Sadie will get it. The Doctor says that her throat my be starting to hurt by the looks of it and with her shots and all we have made sure to give her some infant Tylenol. But she has been handling it really well and getting lots of sleep! In fact, she slept through the night last night!!!!!!!!!!!! I know she may be sick and that is definitely a contributor but a solid 8 hours does me some good as well!!! So thank you baby!!!

Here are a few pictures of the earlier days. It seems so long ago, yet just yesterday as well!

If I can't do one, I will do the other...

2009-10-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

So Corey and I decided to get away for the weekend and go to Moab. In fact I am in our hotel room as I am typing this. His parents have been kind enough to watch Sadie for the weekend, and while I am looking forward to a good nights sleep and only having to wake up to pump, I still miss my baby girl terribly!!!! So I decided that if I can't hold my baby and snuggle with her, then I will just have to look at super cute pictures of her and talk about how cute she is!
She has started to smile and laugh and it has just been SO MUCH FUN! I am really enjoying her being able to respond! And her smile just makes me melt!!!

Look at how cute she is!!! Sorry I am just a total cheese ball but I just love her so much and really miss her! So please bare with the super stinky cheese!
I love all the faces that she makes! Its really fun to watch her discover things and look at them for the first time.
We took her on a walk up the canyon and I think she really liked it. She did get sick of her car seat so we took her out and just carried her.
Here we are! Thanks Aunt Megan for buying Sadie that fun pink track suit! It has to be one of my favorite things to dress her in! And it keeps her warm!
And there they are! It was such a fun day!
I just had to post this picture! At my baby shower my mom gave me a whole bunch of dresses that have been in her cedar chest that my sisters and I wore as babies. This was one of them and it has to be my favorite little dress to put her in for church! SO CUTE!!! and in my opinion it doesn't look to bad for being over 20 years old!

Well, I am off to bed. Got a big day of hiking to do tomorrow! Thanks for letting me brag!

Blessing day

2009-10-13T08:38:00.001-07:00

Sadie was blessed this past Sunday! Corey did a great job and we had so much family and lots of friends come! Thank you everyone for your support!

Here she is with her daddy.

Sadie with Daddy again showing off her dress (which was mine when I was blessed) I thought it would be really cool to pass on the dress.
I LOVE how cute she looks in her little bonnet!

I think she looks like a porcelain doll! Grandpa Thom was really entertaining!

A good day!

2009-10-07T16:21:00.000-07:00

Okay so my last post was kind of depressing, I apologize for that. It's just sometimes we have really bad days.
Well today, I don't even know why, but I am in a good mood! YAY!!!!! I'm really excited about that! Not only am I in a good mood but let me tell you, things are starting to really look up!

I have been working from home during these last 6 weeks, and it has been good, but sometimes the work load is very little which leads me to stress about not pulling in as much money for my family. But, today I was actually given a few projects that will keep me busy for a while! I know that may sound kind of odd, the thought of more work, but it really helps calm my nerves! YAY!!!!!

I was able to talk to my Mom today and it looks like she and my Stepdad are able to come up for Sadie's blessing and not have to high tail it right back home!!! There is no school for Thom so that is a blessing considering that they didn't know if they would be able to come up at all. YAY!!!!!

Also, when talking to my Mom I found out that my Stepdad was called back from his school district and offered a contract!!! (He has just been subbing for the last few months) so YAY!!!!!!!!!

Another reason why today is a good day: last night I had a dream that I forgot Sadie's blessing dress and we were already in Sacrament Meeting and all we had her in was a Onesie... so I went and got it from my Dad's house so we are good so.... YAY!!!!!!

And last but not least... I have been slowly getting Sadie used to her crib so we can have her sleep in there overnight. and she is adjusting REALLY well!!! She doesn't even need to be asleep when I put her in there. Sometimes she just needs her pacifier, sometimes she needs some music, and sometimes she will just cry for a few seconds but then she puts herself to sleep!!!!!!! so YAY!!!!!!!!!!!

Its a GOOD DAY!!

A little slip.

2009-10-03T10:18:00.000-07:00

Okay so I know everyone expects these wonderful new moms to just be all bright and cheerful about being a mom... well that may work for some, but I slip now and then, and right now is one of those slips. I just need to get this off my chest...

I know that being a mom requires some sacrifices, sacrifices that I am more than willing to make, but there comes a time when I reach my breaking point.

Since when does being a mother mean that you completely lose touch with humanity to the point you feel that you are the only one that is making sure that this child survives, and you are alone ALL the time and the thought of going to I don't know, say, running errands is just a daunting thought because it is too much work to get EVERYTHING together and cart it around. And even when you go places specifically to not be alone, it seems like everyone has dropped off the face of the planet and you are still alone, leaving you to fall further into depression?

Anyway, I'm done. Thanks for listening

For real???? Are you kidding me??

2009-10-02T17:31:00.000-07:00

So..... yesterday I went to the oh so wonderful "Wally World" to print off some of the newborn pictures of Sadie for her blessing. oh PS... Sadie is being blessed on Sunday Oct. 11th at 11:10 anyone that wants to come is more than welcome!
Anyway back to my story... So I am there at Wal-Mart and I have Sadie bundled up due to the inconvenience of the recent cold weather. She is wearing a pink, long sleeve onesie with white polka dots, pink socks that you couldn't see because of her thick fuzzy pink blanket, and pink, brown, and green striped blanket, all topped off with her pink beanie complete with a pink bow infront.
Now I am not a pink person. It just happened that those were the warmest things I could find for her.
Anyway so I am standing at the photolab picking out the pictures I would like blown up, when an elderly man comes up to me and our conversation goes as follows...

Man: Oh! He's sleeping...
Me (unaware that he just called my daughter a boy): yep!
Man: do you want me to wake him up?
Me (still not catching what he said, but slightly annoyed that this perfect stranger would think it is okay to wake my soundly sleeping baby when I am so happy that she IS sleeping): oh no thanks she is good how she is.
Man: Oh its a girl
Me (now realizing what he was saying and much more annoyed that he would think that this child is a boy considering her outfit): yeah... she's a girl
Man: you know at this age it's so hard to tell
Me: yeah............

I MEAN COME ON PEOPLE!!!!!! FOR REAL?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! SHE IS IN ALL PINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Man, people are clueless!!!!!!!!!

One Month... ALREADY!!!! YIKES!!!!!!!!

2009-09-29T19:20:00.000-07:00

Our baby is already a month old as of TODAY!!! I can't believe it! She is definitely growing big and strong! She can already hold her head up for a good amount of time. But it is still heavy for her little body so she still needs some help now and then but I just can't believe that a month ago we were welcoming her into the world! Oh my goodness how time flies!!! Well as you can tell we got some pictures taken! Our good friend Angel was so sweet to offer her talent! Thank you so much! they turned out GREAT!!! Here are some highlights... hope you enjoy!

2 weeks ago...

2009-09-16T16:05:00.000-07:00

My baby is already 2 weeks and 4 days old! I can't believe it! And where there has been very little sleep there have also been some really good times. We have some really cute pictures but once again I am a techno tard and can't seem to get them on the computer. so I promise I will get them on here soon!
Sadie had her 2 week appointment yesterday and I am very happy to report that the Doctor said she looks perfect from head to toe! YAY!!! Her head is 36 cm. around. 50th percentile, Corey was really glad to hear that considering I have a very large head and his is kind of small so we evened out with her ;)
Weight: 9lbs 11oz. 90th percentile! She gained more than a pound after leaving the hospital! (she left the hospital at 8lbs 6oz.) That makes me feel good as a mom that I am feeding her enough!
Height: 23 inches!!!!!!!! +100 percentile!!!!! She is so long!!!!!
She has been so much fun to have around!
We are taking some newborn pictures tonight actually so I will make sure to get those up as well!

Good Morning Starshine! The earth says "Hello!"

2009-08-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

Okay so I tried but I wasn't able to change the picture but you get the idea... She is Here!!!! YAY!!!!!!

So here is the story...
August 29th. At 5 am started feeling contractions. Thy weren't 3 min apart bu they were intense. Corey had work at 6 am and let because we figured it would be fine. Then the contractions got more intense and I started bleeding. So I called the hospital and they suggested I come in. So I called Corey and told him to come home about 10 min after he got to work =]

We got to the hospital about 6:50 am. I was in a lot of pain from the contractions, but they had to wait for an hour to make sure I was making progress. I was admitted to the hospital at a 2 1/2 and after an hour was at 3 so hey fully admitted me. Requested the epidural right then and there and got it in at about 8:45 am. At that point I was in good shape.

We did a lot of waiting, but at one point I went from a 4 to a 7 in 45 min. I called my mom (who was diving from California) and she as in Vegas at that point and that sort of threw her into a panic. She actually was pulled over or speeding, but the cop said he would let her off with a ticket for just 10 over.

By about 3 I had dilated to a 10. The nurses suggested we do 'rest and descend' which is where I had dilated to a 10,but would just rest for about 1 hour before pushing so that the natural contractions would bring the baby down further so I would push for less time.

About 20 minutes before started pushing my mom came! I was so happy she had made it. The pushing commenced at 4:15 pm . I only pushed for about 45 min and she came right out.

I had a great cheer squad and support system there. My two sisters Lydia and Megan were there in the room taking pictures. Corey and my mom were coaching me through the pushing. Everyone said I was doing good which helped me feel good.

At 5:11 pm Sadie Renee Ostler was born at 8 lbs 13 oz. 21 inches long. We are so glad our baby girl is here!!

12 days.....

2009-08-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

So I know that a lot of people put up pictures of their nursery and cute little things here and there, and I would totally love to be one of those people. Unfortunately I don't know if I will... We have 12 days to go... at least until the due date, 1-1 1/2 cm dilated and 70% effaced. Quite frankly I am feeling completely unprepared! we have the crib up with the bumper and the sheets and even a stuffed animal in there for a more decorative look. We have our baby swing set up, (I did that yesterday morning at about 4 am because I couldn't sleep and decided that I should do something productive) and we have our pack'n'play up (another of my early morning activities). And let me tell you... this pack'n'play is awesome! it even comes with a bassinet and a changing table! Needless to say that is what Baby Girl Ostler will be sleeping in for her first few weeks because she will be in our room. We have clothes all hung up in the closet, we have her stroller and car seat all ready to go. (just need to put the base in). We have our bags packed as much as they can be for now. We have even talked about getting a plastic sheet for our bed just in case my water were to break in the middle of the night.
However, there are things just nagging and nagging at me. I'm worried that we will bring her home and she will need something and we won't have it. I am worried that she will have to do without because we won't be able to provide something that she will need. I'm terrified that as her mother I won't be able to produce enough milk for her. (I'm her mother! Shouldn't it be natural that my body can do what it needs to for her?) I'm worried that there are going to be complications with the birth or maybe with her, we have been so fortunate that everything has gone pretty smoothly, surely something is bound to go wrong! I'm worried that our apartment won't be completely done by when she comes. Speaking of which, we have a washer and dryer that we are trying to get rid of so if anyone is interested please let me know!......... Anyway, I'm worried that we won't have enough clothes for her, I'm worried that, as silly as this may sound to most of you, that we won't have any bows for her hair so people will think she is a boy. and I am worried that what if the Ultrasound tech missing something and what if she is a HE?! What will we do then?!?!?!?!?! I'm worried that when people ask if they can do anything for me and I can't think of anything, that I am really missing something and I really really need their help, I am just completely clueless! and I'm worried that she may come a little earlier than expected and that my mom won't be able to be here.
I'm sorry to dump everything out on here but these have been some real concerns and I am just looking for some words of comfort. Any advice?
Thanks for listening!

4 weeks and counting!

2009-08-04T14:09:00.001-07:00

So here I am at 36 weeks! I'm huge! I can't believe that we have less than a month left! Scary yet "oh my goodness we still have a month!"

I had my 36 week appointment this morning and it looks like baby is head down which is a good thing! Also (and I was a little surprised about this but...) I am a 1 cm dilated, and 50-60% effaced! crazy business! Dr. says we are moving right along. so that is good to hear.

My feet are super swollen. The only shoes I can wear are flip flops and even with those I still have to force my foot in them and wait until my feet mold to the shoe. Its kind of funny to see what my feet look like when I take my shoes off. HAHAHAHA!!!!

Baby is moving a lot! and she really likes my right side to the point that I have to push her back in so that my side doesn't split! but other than that I have had quite an easy pregnancy so I can't complain too much. :) lets just hope she comes around her due date! not too early, not too late:)

So bad lately!

2009-07-22T14:13:00.000-07:00

I always told myself that if I started a blog that I would keep it updated frequently and have pictures in every post.............. well as you can see that hasn't happened. I will put pictures up I soon I promise! Got to keep everyone updated on how "fat" I am getting. HAHAHA!! But I thought I would write a little something to not be boring.
So here is an update...
I am 35 weeks along in my pregnancy... well tomorrow I will be so I'm writing it now because I can. Things are going really well, she just keeps growing and growing and growing! sometimes I don't think its possible for someone to fit a baby inside them especially when she moves sometimes! Yesterday she had the hiccups and she REALLY didn't like them! I could feel them in my pelvis and my back so I was feeling kind of tossed around that way, and then she was all irritated so she kept kicking around and moving up in my rips. I wish I could have video taped my stomach moving all over the place, it was pretty interesting to watch, but not the funnest thing to feel on the inside.
My feet are more swollen everyday and I think at the next doctor's appointment I will ask her if I should be worried. I'm not really all that worried, but just want to be sure.
Also... WE MOVED!!!!! We moved into a larger 2 bedroom apt. with new carpet! it is very exciting and a big thanks to our families for helping so much! And pictures are coming soon on that as well. We just need to finish the last few boxes and get a couple of things furniture wise.
Corey is also in a band! He has been wanting to be a singer of a band for a while and we just happen to be friends with someone that was in a band that needed a new singer so it worked out great! They are taking band pictures tonight so maybe I can get one to post!
Anyway that is really all that is happening with us right now so hope you enjoy!

Pregnancy Etiquette. (In my opinion)

2009-06-08T16:26:00.000-07:00

Okay, so the last 6 months have kind of opened my eyes to a lot of things, and have really showed me some people's personalities. Now once again, I don't mean to offend anyone in this post. I just need to get somethings off my chest about my experiences in this journey.

Some rules I think shouldn't be broken, but of course, some people feel differently than I do...

Rule #1
After someone is already pregnant, and they are obviously excited about this blessed event, and you think they may need to grow up a little more, please don't voice your opinion to them. If you think it is stupid, keep it to yourself, or tell someone you can confide in. You would be surprised how bad feelings can be hurt by those comments. (This never happened to me, but I am sad to say that it did happen to someone that I know, and they ended up leaving their job because they were tired of coming home from work in tears because of peoples unwanted opinions.)

Rule #2
Unless the topic of conversation heads this direction, please do not tell a pregnant woman your horror stories about giving birth. I am sure that she (especially if it is her first) is a little nervous, so why would she want to hear all of these horrible things about giving birth if she didn't ask, and doesn't know how her body handles birthing?

Rule #3
If you personally chose to have the baby completely natural, with no assistance of an epidural or local anesthetic, good for you! That is awesome! But, if you encounter someone that has chosen to use the drugs, please don't say anything about how they may not be as strong, and how natural is so much better etc. Obviously if they have been giving these drugs for so long, they aren't THAT horrible.

Rule #4
Unless you are asked, please PLEASE don't give advice. In my opinion, there are only a few people are allowed to give advice when not asked. And please do not assume you are that person, unless you are (at least for me) a parent of the woman having the child!

Rule #5
If you know someone is pregnant, and they are getting a little further along, and you may be able to tell, even in the slightest bit, please tell them! I bet they feel like they are getting huge, and are probably feeling bad that their clothes aren't hanging on them like they once did. The reminder that they look pregnant, and that they aren't just gaining weight would probably help their opinion on their looks.

Rule #6
Again, UNLESS YOU ARE ASKED, please don't suggest names, they may not share your opinion on what is a good name. And if they tell you some names they are thinking of... DO NOT say you don't like it, or its ugly, or a way to make fun of it, or say eww, or anything like that!!!! I guarantee, they will not be very happy! ESPECIALLY if it has already been a little difficult for them to agree on any names, and it is a bit of a miracle that they have a possibility for a name!!!!!!!!!!!! Obviously if they have it as a possibility that means that they like the name. And just because people haven't said negative things about your children's names, it doesn't mean they necessarily think the names you have chosen are so great, it may just mean they may be a little more conscious of the fact that you like the name and therefore you have every right to name them that name and it doesn't matter what other people think!

Okay, I feel better... sorry, just some observations I have made.

Once again... Thanks for listening!

28 Weeks!

2009-06-05T14:56:00.001-07:00

Well here I am at 28 weeks! I can't believe I am here! My next doctor's appointment will be the last one I have in the "every 4 weeks" category. Then it goes to 2, and then 1, and then BABY!!! Totally crazy!!!

Things are going really well, everything with baby girl looks good, or at least that is what the doctor says. I took the glucose test and passed it with flying colors! Always a good thing, especially because with this pregnancy I have liked me some SUGA! HAHAHA!!! Last post I have my little "woe is me" time so I won't bother anyone by saying any more. Except.... I feel like a freaking WHALE!!!! This was probably the most flattering shot we took so this is the one I am showing. :)

So yeah... I don't have any other updates on pregnancy, everything seems to be going well, but I do have to stop and tell everyone how sweet my husband is!!!
Lately we have been going through milk faster than we have in the past, so this last trip to Costco we made the big leap and bought 2 gallons!
I was thinking we would probably be okay, but still had a nagging feeling about what if we didn't drink all of it in time? and milk is one of those things I have always had a hard time with consuming after the expiration date.
... So anyway on with my story... I decided that it would be wonderful if we had chocolate milk, and strawberry milk mix! That would definitely help me consume that much milk within the allotted time! Also lately I have been wanting some of the most wonderful comfort food there is... Mac and Cheese!!! I love it!!! totally sent straight from heaven!!! but alas we had gone through our stash.
So we decided we would run to the store to grab these items and have a fantastic night. When we looked at the clock, we realized that one of my favorite shows, "So You Think You Can Dance," was supposed to be starting in 5 minutes! (That's right! another dancing show! gotta love 'em) Well my sweet husband decided that he would make the trip to the store by himself, so that I wouldn't miss my show. AWE!!! (it may not be a big deal to anyone else, but it sure meant a lot to me!)
By the time he returned I had learned that SYTYCD was starting at 8 rather than its usual 7 o'clock slot. But he came back with both chocolate and strawberry mix and... a 12 pack of Mac and Cheese!!! After that he totally let me lay down and relax with my full glass of strawberry milk while he slaved away making our cheesy delight, served it to me, and refilled my glass (with regular milk this time)
After we ate, Corey took both dishes, and my empty glass, and washed them. Then the show came on and we watched that. (Side note: I am so sad they didn't let both of the Casperzan(?) brothers through!!! they both we awesome!!!) As we watched, Corey was so nice to give me a back massage, and massage my hips which have not been feeling wonderful lately. When the show was over, we decided to catch some news, when to my dismay I found... a stretch mark!!!!!!!!!! "Dun, dun, dun" (in gloomy suspenseful tones) I was so sad!!!! I have been lathering myself with cocoa butter religiously everyday, and have not escaped this dreaded day!!! So, I cried! and Corey was so sweet and just held me and let me cry. I told him my fears of him not liking me anymore after this whole thing and he reassured me that it didn't matter if my body was covered in these ugly marks, he would still love me. I just love him!!!
So after we got our fill of state and world events we decided it was time to head to bed. So we laid in bed for a bit while Corey read to me one of his Batman comics. and let me tell you... there is a lot more to the Batman stories than I ever would have thought!!!
Now this last part needs a little back up story, but it will be quick. Corey sleeps with 2 pillows, on for his head, and one he holds on to while he sleeps. I have a body pillow, and one for my head. And last night while we were starting to fall asleep Corey remembered how I told him that I was needing another pillow to prevent me from rolling onto my back, (not good when the baby's weight cuts off circulation in your main arteries) and recalled how I told him I stored an extra pillow that we had under the bed and ripped a big hole in it and that I have been scared to take it out because of not wanting to get feathers everywhere. So my loving, thoughtful husband gave me his pillow, so that I would be comfortable!!! I know, it really may be little to anyone that reads this, but it seriously means the world to me, that he would care about my comfort so much to give me his pillow so I had 3 and he just had his one and only. I just feel so lucky to have him in my life and just want everyone to know that he makes me so happy!!! I love you Corey!!!

P.S. Thanks for tuning in! sorry it was such a long post!

Getting the ball rolling!

2009-06-01T15:06:00.000-07:00

Today Corey and I start our prenatal classes! I am pretty excited because its starting to feel like things are actually moving along. So every Monday night for the next 4 weeks we won't be able to hang out or anything, not that we really did before, but just an FYI :)
I am really excited to learn more about pregnancy and giving birth and breast feeding and all that jazz! I was actually just reflecting on where I am now where I was 6 months ago on the whole pregnancy thing. I have actually learned a lot! and a lot about myself in the process!

1- I don't really like as much attention as I once did. I don't mind the questions, but I have found that I like to blend in a lot more and not have all the eyes on me.

2- I am a bit (and by a bit I mean a LOT) more self conscious about the growing tummy and the weight gain than I thought I would be, the acceptance of these didn't come as naturally to me as they have to some people.

3- I never thought at this point I would still be able to fit in my pre-preggo pants, but I can!!!! (with keeping the button unbuttoned of course)

4- I really haven't had too many cravings, they come few and far between.

5- Feeling the baby move inside you pretty much feels like it would feel if someone were touching you on the outside.

6- And while feeling the baby move is a great experience, is a little more annoying sometimes than I thought it would be, especially when she is up in my ribs and I can't really relax.

7- Sleeping on my side isn't as comfortable as it once was, especially when the baby is awake and decides she wants to jump on the bed.

8- I don't mean to offend anyone when I say this, but people asking about names starts to get old, really really fast. The answer is -No, we haven't found a name yet, and no we aren't going to decide on one for sure until we see her and see what she looks like.

Anyway, those are just some things that I have learned about myself, and this whole journey...
I hope it has been a entertaining, enlightening, and interesting. I will post another preggo picture soon. Thanks for reading!

A day late...

2009-05-21T08:56:00.001-07:00

Sorry this post is a little late, and I don't know who is really going to care... but because of the fact that nothing really exciting has happened worthy of blogging about I will just share this...

SHAWN JOHNSON WON DANCING WITH THE STARS!!!!

I am so happy she won! I was rooting for her from the very beginning but my hopes were dwindling because of the judges being so hard on her. She was so precise and never messed up a dance, yet the judging paddles rarely went above 9's. So frustrating!!! Especially when she has a flawless performance once again in the final Paso, and Melissa Rycroft (who I don't really care for anyway) has an extremely visible mistake that one of the judges commented on and she still STILL ends up getting a higher score than Shawn! So I have to say well done Shawn and Mark and well done America for voting!!! :)

24 Weeks!

2009-05-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

Here I am at 24 weeks! Taking the pictures is still really awkward for me. And please keep in mind that I am wearing maternity pants, and a somewhat maternity shirt(it wasn't intended for that at the store but I made it one ;) ) so my belly may look a little bigger than normal. I'm at the stage where depending on the shirt I either look REALLY pregnant or not just a little thicker.
She is kicking a lot, but it isn't really uncomfortable... yet... still haven't decided on names, its been a struggle getting Corey to agree on any, and I don't feel bad about saying that because he will be the first to tell you that!

My doctor said that everything is looking great and at my next appointment I am going to take the glucose test to see if I have developed gestational diabetes. I am not too worried about it though.

This morning was an AWESOME morning! I got to wake up and take a HOT shower... in MY shower! Our water heater broke over this last weekend, and I took about 3 cold showers, we called the landlord to fix it but the store with the part was closed so we had the water off for about a day and were using a vacant apt. for showering and going potty. (Not so fun when you are pregnant) anyway, our landlord ended up having to drive up to Salt Lake for the correct part and came down and fixed it! so YAY!!! YAY for hot showers!!!

Just as a side note, we haven't found out about Corey's program yet, some people have been asking and so I thought I would let everyone know, but we are hoping to hear back in the next week or two.

Also, I hate to put this on my blog but hey, what can you do? We are trying to sell our apartment contract. We have already signed a contract for a really cute 2 bedroom place close to where we are now, but our current contract isn't up until Aug. 31st. and we are moving on July 15th. so if anyone knows of anyone that would be interested, it does have orange carpet, but it is only $490 a month, and is pretty good sized, so if you could just spread the word we would really appreciate it!

last one I promise...

2009-05-04T15:56:00.000-07:00

Virginia has this really cool place called Luray Caverns, it is awesome to see all of the stalactites! We learned that this guy once found out that if he attached a mallet to different stalactites that they would make different tones, so they hooked up an organ to them, it is the largest natural instrument it the world! and we got to hear a live performance it was awesome!!

They thought that was pretty cool!

How cute!

Sorry these pictures are kind of scrambled but I want to just show everything! This is seriously the way to travel in DC's many museums when your feet are killing, but you just want to see everything!

So this is really dark, but it is the Declaration of Independence! how cool is that?! the National Archives does not allow flash photography. The flash can harm the document. It is just amazing that they can preserve a document that is over 300 years old!! I think this was one of my favorite things to see!

And a little more...

2009-05-04T15:47:00.000-07:00

So this is our second day in DC, and this is about as close as we got to the Washington Monument. Just FYI if you reserve tickets you have to call WAY in advance, like months... and if you just get them that day you have to go WAY early!
That is Marine 1 it flew over us like 5 times! it was pretty awesome.

WWII Memorial

Okay, so on our first day in DC it would rain for about 15 minutes, then the sun would come out, then it would rain, then sun and so on... well for lunch we brought peanut butter and jelly, and sat in the park next to the monument and had a tree for a little shelter. it was awesome, but I bet we were a pretty pathetic site! good stories though right!

Here's Corey and Steve getting our sandwiches ready, seriously how cold do they look?!

And More...

2009-05-04T15:38:00.000-07:00

Here I am at the tiller of the Discovery (one of the first three ships to bring settlers to Jamestown) Rachel's in-laws have a timeshare out there so we were able to go see Jamestown (as in Pocahontas and Colonial Williamsburg) it was awesome!

Rachel wasn't super happy about wearing the bucket holder thing. I didn't volunteer to wear it either, we were both wearing white shirts!

Corey and Steve in the stocks in Williamsburg. I love their faces!!!

We are really small in this picture but here we are on the Susan Constant, the largest of the 3 ships that brought the settlers.

A little Refreshment

2009-05-04T15:26:00.000-07:00

So after finals Corey and I were able to get away for a little while. My best friend lives out in Virginia and was very kind to let us come visit her and see the sites in Washington DC. It was a MUCH needed vacation and was so good to see her. Once again I don't really know how to navigate around the blog so I will have multiple posts with more pictures but as for now, enjoy! Here we are walking up to Lincoln.
This was one of the places I said was a must to visit! We were really only able to see one exhibit, but it was well worth it. As you can see Corey is pointing up to the sign for the Holocaust Museum, but I love the poster that says "think about what you saw" it was amazing! Going in and seeing "Daniel's Story" really touched me!

Here is Corey with FDR

And here we are in the FDR memorial. I love the water display that they do it is awesome!

Corey was getting a little intimidated by the size of his teeth at the Natural History Museum. A must if you have the chance to see the Smithsonian.

A simple request

2009-04-15T07:44:00.000-07:00

Today Corey gets reviewed for the Bachelor of Fine Arts at BYU. He has worked so hard on all of his projects and is truly dedicated to his art. This is a huge thing for him and for our little family, so we are just asking you to please keep him in your prayers and thoughts today. We don't find out for about 2 weeks so its going to be kind of intense for a little while. We want to also thank everyone for their love and support! We truly appreciate every single one of you! You have blessed our lives in SO many ways! Thank you!!!

still learning...

2009-04-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

Okay so I am still trying to figure out the whole "blog" thing. This has to be my favorite picture of the bunch! and I don't know how to do more than 5 picture on a post. so you get 2 posts today! YAY!!!!

Lots of Weddings!

2009-04-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

We had ANOTHER wedding! 2 weddings exactly 2 weeks apart! Needless to say it has been absolutely crazy lately. It has been so fun though! with all the craziness its fun to look back on all the time and effort put into them and you just can't help but feel good. Plus, its so fun to watch friends and family start an eternity with someone they love! This time is it was my best friend, Melissa's wedding. She got married in Manti. I had never been inside that temple and I will tell you that there is just something different about it! I mean, all temples are wonderful and amazing places to be, but I just had a different feeling while I was there. It was amazing! and the sealer did an AMAZING job! And of course... I had to post some pictures!

Here we are getting ready to take pictures outside the temple. and if you are wondering, that is Melissa's brother-in-law Aaron. He is a crack up!

Here they are coming out of the temple. They don't look happy at all do they ;)

Getting ready for bridesmaids pictures at Wadley Farms.

All the bridesmaids with Devin! (Obviously)

Awe! BFF's! HAHA just kidding but not really! I am so happy for her! it was such an awesome day! and she worked so hard to get there. She is a huge example to me!

Its a GIRL!!!

2009-04-09T07:50:00.001-07:00

Here I am at 20 weeks! I can't believe I am half way already! Looking back that the first 20 weeks it seems to have flown by but the next seem like forever, but I'm sure when she is here it will all seem like it happened in the blink of an eye! So I am getting "thicker" but haven't quite popped out yet. I am hoping that will come soon so I don't just look like I am gaining a few extra pounds like I do now. And I apologize again, I am not all that photogenic and it is kind of awkward to take these pictures, at least for me. Anyone else feel that way?

HERE SHE IS!!
So sorry about the super bad fuzzy picture. I was relying on my "super awesome picture taking abilities". And we can all see how that turned out. but you can see her profile kind of so that's good! The tech said that everything looks really good and that is a relief! I was thinking she was a boy but the most important thing is that she is healthy! I don't know if I have felt her yet. Every once in a while I will feel something and I wonder, but nothing to big. And during the ultrasound she didn't seem to be moving to much so I wonder if she will just be a very laid back baby... maybe... well anyway thanks for your guesses! We will continue to keep you posted!

P.S. We are thinking of names but we would LOVE any suggestions so feel free to leave a few if you have any! thanks!

Who would'a thunk...

2009-04-06T16:30:00.000-07:00

So I lucked out this April Fool's Day and didn't have any jokes played on me. Well, at least non that a fell for :)
However... I guess you could say that my house kind of played one on me
On Wednesday I decided that I didn't want to steam up my whole bathroom while taking a shower. (we only have one small window in there and no fan so with out fail, it gets all steamy) Anyway... I decided to leave the bathroom door open to keep the air circulating. Well without having a problem anytime before I proceeded to take a shower. All of a sudden, hair full of conditioner I hear the smoke alarm chirp. and not a chirp as in it was out of batteries, a chirp as in earsplitting all hell breaks loose deafening sounds! So I rush trying to get the conditioner out of my hair, while worrying that I am waking neighbors up, and worrying that there is an actual fire. Jump out of the shower (soaking wet) no time to dry off, put on a robe while grabbing a chair to investigate the alarm. I can't get the alarm to turn off, so I called my dad to see if he knew of any tricks or could tell me of something I was doing wrong. He asked if I had burned something, I said no, then asked if I took a shower, which of course I said yes to. well he told me to fan out the bathroom and swing the door to get the steam away from the alarm. I hung up with him and did what he asked and shortly thereafter the alarm turned off. Quite an "adventure".
Well telling Corey that, he didn't really believe that steam from the shower could set off the alarm.
Unfortunately for him (fortunately for me) he had to find out the hard way... Sunday morning, once again the fire alarm goes off, luckily it was a little later in the day but I'm sure our neighbors probably didn't appreciate that much. Corey does what I did and is scrambling around trying to get the thing to turn off while I am laughing hysterically at the situation and at him! Well he comes up to me asking what he should do. I took one look at him and erupted again with laughter, so hard I couldn't stand up straight! He didn't have his contacts in so he had put on his glasses and with all the steam from the bathroom I couldn't see his eye color through the big white, fogged over lenses! Finally I told him to fan the door and eventually the alarm turned off. It may not be funny to whoever reads this, but it sure gave me a good laugh, just thought I would share. Yes who would'a thunk, shower steam can set off a smoke alarm.

At least we know it works right!

OH! P.S.
We find out tomorrow what we are having! I am so excited!!! So if anyone has guesses and reads this before I post some time tomorrow or the next day I would love to know what you think!

Wedding Bells...

2009-03-30T09:22:00.000-07:00

Corey's brother, Jacob, got married this last Friday! It was really fun to be there! Here we are out side of the temple. I don't know if you can tell from my face, but it was cold!
And here is the happy couple! YAY for newlyweds! Corey and I (mostly me) we kind of sad to think that we aren't the newlyweds in the family anymore. but we are sure happy for them!

Here are the Ostler siblings, oldest to youngest. its kind of funny how they go short to taller to tallest, to shorter, to shortest! and of course Corey is making a face. HAHAHA!

Here are all the Bridesmaids with the Bride!

Here is a fun little picture, we were all making a "sassy" pose. Corey got a little shot of me.

The First Day!

2009-03-25T13:52:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to do a session at the Draper Temple THE FIRST DAY it was open! that was awesome! Corey's brother, Jacob, is getting married this Friday and his fiancee was going through for the first time. It was really fun to see Marina take it all in and experience that! Her mom was also able to come all the way from Russia! I don't really speak russian but from the little that we are able to communicate I really like her.

Here is everyone that was able to attend minus a friend of Marina's and Corey's sister Carina (yeah that's going to get confusing) and her husband Stephan. L-R... Christine and Blake (Corey's parents) Grandma Ostler, Grandpa Edwards, Grandma Edwards, Andrea, Marina's mom Alexandra, Corey, Me, Marina, and Jacob

I just had to get a picture of Corey and I at the temple!

P.S. Pictures from the wedding to come...

Guilty Pleasure

2009-03-20T14:05:00.001-07:00

I love Dancing with the Stars! And the only problem I see with this is that my list of shows is just getting bigger and bigger. Not always the best, but this one I will watch and totally not feel bad about!

Corey is actually getting into it too which I love because he doesn't mind me watching. I do have to say though I could have a very detailed conversation about this to who ever may bring it up so be prepared.

But I do want to just make a few observations of what I have seen...

1. Shawn Johnson should win! because...

- she is GOOD!

- she is the youngest and smallest to ever be on so how cool would that be?!

- and she can pick up the routines and execute them like a professional!

2. They really need to stop giving Jonathan Roberts the lame partners! he is so good, yet he is always on of the first to leave.

3. I totally want Melissa Rycroft off the show! I think she is just using her "heartbreak" to her full advantage. SHE IS NOT A STAR!!! but America loves her right now so of course she is going to go far. And in my personal opinion, Jason (the bachelor) just needed to follow his heart and go with who he loved. I don't think he is a jerk at all but that is how America and tabloids portray him.

Anyway, sorry, I just have some opinions about the show. and those are just a few. but I just thought I would share some... Thanks!

Boy, Girl? Girl, Boy?

2009-03-11T16:05:00.000-07:00

For the last little while I have been having some thoughts...

For I don't know how long I knew that when I eventually had kids, I was hoping for a boy first. Not because of any disliking for girls its just, growing up in the family I did... where if you added everyone up there were 12 of us and out of the 10 still living, there was only one boy. So it is more of, "a boy would be nice."
Well anyway on with my thought...
Anyway so when I found out that I was pregnant, my first reaction was "I HOPE ITS A BOY!" And hearing the things you do, the advice (wanted and unwanted), and the old wives tales, and this, that, and the other. You start hearing about different ways you can tell before the actual ultrasound.
I have had dreams that I was having a boy so I just credited it to "intuition." but one of those old wives tales that I have heard is how a boy's heart beat tends to be slower than a girls. Well anyone who has or is having a baby can tell you that the average heart rate is between 120 and 180 beats per minute. and the highest my baby has been at is 162 and has gone down to 138 since then.
Naturally this would thrill someone who is really hoping for a boy, but with not being able to know for at least another 2 weeks, I am trying not to get my hopes up for anything.
And before anyone thinks that I would be a bad mother if I got a girl, I just want to clear the air that I have taken that into deep consideration. and I know, I mean KNOW that I will be very happy with a girl if that is what the Lord has decided for us.
I would say that for about the last week to week and a half it has truly been on my mind. I feel that the Lord has softened my heart so much to the thought of having a girl that right now, (and I don't know if this will change) but right now I truly couldn't tell you what I am hoping for. I know that I will love this baby more than I can even comprehend right now! This baby will be a part of me and a part of Corey, the most important person in my life! How much of a gift is that?!
So anyway I don't know if anyone else has experienced this same thing but I am truly thankful for this lesson!

Heaven on Earth...

2009-03-06T14:46:00.001-08:00

Last night Corey and I were able to go to the Draper Temple open house along with his family. The temple was absolutely beautiful! The chandeliers, the wood, and the art work was truly amazing. I feel so privileged to have these temples so close to us!

I would have to say that one of my favorite parts of the whole experience was watching members answer non-member's questions. This was an amazing missionary experience even for me! I didn't teach anyone, but my testimony was certainly strengthened my the reverence and the majesty of this wonderful place. I hope everyone that wants to, has the chance to go through and partake in this special experience.

15 Weeks!

2009-03-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

Okay so sorry about no smile or anything. It was early. But today marks 15 weeks for my pregnancy! I have a little something but I think I notice it more than anyone else. And I do have to say it is starting to feel crammed in my tummy. I can only wait to see what it is going to feel like in a couple months! The morning sickness is starting to go away but I do still have somedays that are hard to get through. and I have come to hate brushing my teeth, that always triggers my gag reflex! I am just glad I am over the worst of being sick! I am very thankful for that!

WE HAVE A BLOG!!!

2009-03-04T09:07:00.000-08:00

YAY! We are starting a blog. I tend to be one of the last to start anything like facebook, myspace etc. but now we have a blog!

I should probably start by explaining our strange URL... you see... my family LOVES to quote movies, it is one of our most favorite things to do. and that line "whozits the whatsler?" is from one of the best movies ever!!! The Court Jester starring Danny Kaye! kind of lame, but I have that right! anyway I will do my best at keeping everything up to date and putting up lots of pictures but as for right now, enjoy!