The Hammons'

Exchange Student from Osaka, Japan

2009-03-26T23:19:00.000-07:00

Sakura was our exchange student that stayed with us for 5 days. It was a really fun, exciting, neat experience and am looking forward to hosting someone else again. Sakura was so sweet and loved Lyla, but who doesn't? Since she was only her for 5 days we had to cram what life was like here in Oregon and America in such a short time.

Feeding Lyla some marshmallows

Playing with Lyla at our brownie ice cream get together.

I took her to school everyday, picked her up, went shopping at Fred Meyer's, had a bunch of friends over for brownies and ice cream, took her to a mall, carpooled to the Tillamook forestry, got ice cream at a local parlor here in town, got a slurpee and had a potluck dinner and a small presentation from the exchange students at Forest Grove high school. I really enjoyed everyday. She didn't speak a ton of english, which made it harder to communicate. I tried really hard to have American meals, we had a hamburger from a local joint here, got some pizza from Papa Murphy's, french toast, pancakes with peanut butter and syrup, and fruit loops. It was really sad to have her leave. She really loved Lyla. It was so fun watching her play with her and show her off to all of her friends.

Sakura and my friend Cori's boy, Trennon @ the high school potluck

Here are the exchange students singing a goodbye song to the families who they stayed with. They started crying and Sakura wouldn't look at us during the whole song. She hid behind her friends, because every time she looked at us she started crying.

The lady who was in charge of the whole thing told me, "Sakura was not too excited when she found out she didn't have anyone her age. All of the other students were talking about how the families they were staying with had someone their age and were really excited to meet them. But now I have only heard good things and she says she is having a really good time and enjoys staying with you." That made me feel good, because it was hard to tell if she was enjoying herself with the amount of english she spoke and the lack of Japanese I knew.

The night before she left she opened up a ton. She was talking about her family and friends, laughing, showing me pictures and I felt like she really enjoyed her time with us. She helped me get Lyla ready for bed and just hung out with us.

For her going away gift we gave her a Book of Mormon in Japanese with these two pictures of me and Lyla with her, some candy, beef jerky and a necklace. Overall I would hope to say she had a good time. I know we did. We miss you Sakura.

Mom and Bella

2009-03-26T22:05:00.000-07:00

My mom and Isabella came to visit for a few days. It was a lot of fun having them both here. Isabella still is the funny, entertaining, loving, cute boo she was before I left and I love her just as much too. My mom was just happy being able to be with her granddaughter and Trevor and I. It was a lot of fun having them in town, I wish they could have been here longer. The time went by way too fast. We weren't able to do all the things I had planned. While they were here I got Bella some heelys for her birthday that is on the 27 of March, she is going to be 7!!!! How time flies. It was a lot of fun watching her practice. She is one determined babe. She would fall and get up and try again. By the time she left, she had it almost mastered. Man how I love and miss that girl. If only they lived here. My mom took me shopping for my birthday and I was able to get a bunch of new clothes from the Rack. I haven't been that spoiled since my baby shower. It felt so weird. Also while they were here, Lyla started taking steps. I can't believe she is walking. She doesn't walk full time, but she walks from furniture to furniture or person to person. She can't get back to her feet once she falls but will crawl to something pull herself up and will decide whether she wants to walk or crawl. She is getting so big. I will have to get a video and post her walking, she looks pretty dang cute.

Lyla loves looking at herself in any type of mirror. What can I say, my baby loves herself. so sweet.

Bella and Lyla took baths together. I think Lyla enjoyed having someone to play with. And I enjoyed having some help from Bella roo. She misses her bath partner.

Lyla loves Isabella so much. She could get her to laugh so easily and Lyla would follow her everywhere. It was so fun seeing them together and seeing how much Lyla loves her. They both were making me laugh so hard. If only Lyla had a older sister.

My mom and Lys before our drive to the airport. Lyla loves her grandma.

Mom thank you so much for all of your help with Lyla, Bella, crafts, groceries, birthday presents/dinner. You spoiled me. I really enjoyed having you around and Lyla did as well. She loves and misses you, as do I. See you in May.

Bella thank you so much for coming to my house and helping me with Lyla, making bracelets, flower clips and my crochet overalls. You were such a big help. I'm so sad you aren't here anymore and miss you so much. I can't wait until you come visit again...hopefully in the summer (remember your supposed to ask you mom). This time the weather will be nicer and we will be able to go outside and do a lot more fun things. I will teach you how to crochet, without the t.v. on, so you wont be distracted. I miss you and love you sweetie. Muah!!!!

We Hope You all Had a Happy Love Day

2009-02-16T12:24:00.000-08:00

Our Walk Through the Forest with Friends

2009-02-16T12:14:00.000-08:00

Mommy look at what I can do...

2009-02-16T11:48:00.000-08:00

I can give myself kisses

You should try it...

I can have crazy hair...

Day dream on your bed...my favorite

I can even blow bubbles...

Get my own toys if I want...

I know mom I'm pretty cool...

My Little Helper

2009-02-16T11:40:00.000-08:00

Soap please...

Eating the Big Foods...

2009-02-16T11:14:00.000-08:00

Nilla Wafers are a favorite...

Macaroni and Cheese I like too...

Avocado Yum...

And she's always wanting more...

A Post From Trevor

2009-01-28T21:02:00.000-08:00

Funny Lyla

2009-01-21T12:32:00.000-08:00

Lyla starting do this whenever she would get mad. Most of the time it was while she was in her chair waiting to be fed. One day she just started doing it because Trevor and I were totally laughing at her. She puts so much effort into it. She is such a doll, so much fun, we just love her to death.

Lyla laughing at her two boyfriends, Easton and Trennon. She could play with them forever.

Picture Time

2009-01-21T09:50:00.000-08:00

While we were in St. George Tammi took some pictures of Lyla, for her website, featuring the blocks. I love the way they turned out. They look vintage with the colors in the room and the lighting we had. Thanks again Tammi I love them. The crocheted dress that she is wearing was Trevor's moms. I think she was blessed in it and so was her cousin Mia.

Salt Lake Fun

2009-01-21T09:07:00.000-08:00

After christmas we headed to Utah to visit both mine and Trevor's family. We had a lot of fun with family and friends. I wish I would have taken more pictures. We were able to see some of my aunts and uncles and some cousins before heading to St. George. It was really nice to see them because they only come out twice a year, christmas and summer.

Lyla with her cousin Molly from Arizona

Lyla with her great-grandparents

Lyla with her cousin Ruby that shares the same birthday as Trevor

We also got to have another christmas while we were there. Lyla was so spoiled all the gifts from grandparents, aunts and uncles. She is one spoiled baby. My sister got her this adorable coat. Thanks again Whitney

She also got a bunch of toys, a scrapbook of her first year and some clothes. We sure do love family. Thanks again everyone. We love you.

Sorry the videos are sideways, I can't figure out how to turn it. It's my first time uploading a movie, so it is still a work in progress.

We put Lyla in this jumper, but she wasn't heavy enough to really touch the ground...so she looks like a fish out of water, the way she is jumping.

Lyla and Dex playing. They are so cute.

Both of the babies sleeping with Josh and Geneal.

Over break Trevor and I both got sick with the flu. I was sick all New Years and Trevor got it after I did. My brother also had to get his appendix out while we were in town. He ended up getting fluid in his lungs and started coughing and throwing up blood. They had to move him into the ICU for several hours. He was put on oxygen until he could get his oxygen levels back to normal. He doesn't have insurance and just to stay in the ICU for 24 hours costs $10,000.00. I think he was in there for about a total of 12-14 hours. Luckily IHC gets a bunch of donations for this type of situation. So Hopefully a lot of it gets covered. So a half-a-day hospital stay ended up being I think a 3 day hospital stay. He is doing a ton better now and we are so glad. We love you Josh.

Sweetest Daddy Ever

2009-01-20T20:08:00.001-08:00

After a morning shower with mommy, getting dressed and then time for...the picture explains the rest...and...Trevor is the sweetest daddy ever!!!

Our Christmas Haps

2009-01-20T17:24:00.000-08:00

We had a lot of fun having our own christmas with our little family. We took Lyla to see Santa, she was really cute in line, but the second we sat her in Santa's lap total stink eye to everyone.

Santa's helpers brought some new PJs for sweet Lyla. Her she is in front of her christmas tree with her new jams.

Trevor also got us a nice new fire place. It was so nice being able to have a fire going all night Christmas eve and coming downstairs Christmas morning to a fire. You are such a clever man...you Trev.

Also Oregon got hit pretty hard with snow. Now this is nothing compared to Salt Lake snow, but here in Oregon they don't have the proper snow equipment to clear any streets. So you get a bit of snow and the whole city shuts down. All the while a few classes canceled, a few take home/open book finales and it's still snowing. It snowed for a week straight. The biggest storm in about 10 years. The roads were a giant ice rink. The roads were rutted from everyone driving and getting out of the ruts to turn was almost impossible. You would fishtail every time and a few times we missed our turn because we were stuck in the ruts. Well here are a few pics where we live. I didn't get any pictures at the peek of it all, so a bunch of snow had already melted by this time.

Lyla's first snow!! I think she loved it...It's got to be the Utah in her.

Happy Birthday

2008-12-25T16:51:00.000-08:00

Michelle, Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear Michelle, Happy Birthday to you. My best friend and my big sister I never had. You have helped me out in so many ways, I don't think I could ever thank you enough. Thank you so much for letting me be apart of your family, I love you all so much. Thank you for letting me be so much apart of Bella's life. I don't know what I would do with out you guys. I'm glad I asked to be your nanny!! : ) Michelle you are an amazing person and I look up to you in so many ways. You have so many qualities that I hope to have someday. You are super kind, thoughtful, an excellent mother, a good communicator, funny, open, fit, good wife, best movie critic, beautiful, the best friend anyone could have, smart, emotional, caring, just to name a few. This list could go on and on. I can't wait to come and see you guys, I miss you so much. I hope you had a good birthday and your day was full of sweet friends and loving family. I remember when you were pregnant, with Bella and I would come over all the time and hangout with you and watch movies, this is where our friendship began. I remember the many times you were sick and you would come over to our house and eat dinner and then fall asleep on my parents bed, or the times you would be outside laying on the hammock letting lucy and bridger play. I remember our many trips to Lake Powell. Remember the time we got lost? Bella was pretty young and it was way late. We were talking and totally missed the exit and we had no idea where we were. We pulled over at a hotel and asked for directions. Luckily we weren't too far away from our exit and Bella did really well. All of Brad's Conference trips, Boston, New Orleans, Chicago, San Diego, Florida, I'm sure there was more. Our trip to California, Wicked, Disneyland, Angeles game, easter, you really made us feel so loved and you truly are the best. I remember all of your funny stories and share them with friends here once in a while. Oh the memories!!! I have so many more. You are awesome and I just love you to death, I couldn't ask for a better friend. Happy Birthday Michelle.

3 Years

2008-12-04T16:45:00.000-08:00

(Back in the day)

It was mine and Trevor's anniversary the other day. I just wanted to make a post and tell my husband how grateful I am to have him. He is a great husband and father. He is very patient and I love how much he cares for his family and friends. He would do anything to make us happy. He is an awesome student and it takes up all his time... but he never complains. I love how he is always thinking ahead and having big dreams for our future. He has such a goofy personality and can make me laugh so easily. He is very talented when it comes to music, I could listen to him play his guitar for hours. He is always helping me become a better person. I could not ask for a better husband. I love you. Happy Anniversary Trev.

Thanksgiving

2008-12-04T12:53:00.001-08:00

This thanksgiving we got together with a few friends and had a really relaxed afternoon. Trev and I made our FIRST turkey. Fun... but a lot of work. The turkey had a really good plum sauce that you coated it with and it turned out being really moist. So Trevor and I were pleased with our efforts. I got up at 5:30 to start cooking. We were in charge of making the turkey, a salad, jello, cheese ball and apple cobbler. After our morning of cooking, we headed across the street for our afternoon of feasting and gathering with friends.

It was a lot of fun. After stuffing ourselves full we all relaxed for a while and then enjoyed playing the wii for the rest of the evening. It turned out being a great day with close friends and am looking forward to it again next year.

1/2 year old

2008-11-20T09:44:00.000-08:00

Dear Lyla Sophia,
You are now six months old and it breaks my heart. Your growing up to fast and mommy doesn't like it. You have been sitting up by yourself now for a month. You eat baby food, bread, crackers, cheerios and love all of it. It took me awhile to figure out how you like your rice cereal. You don't like it with water. You don't like it with formula. You didn't mind it mixed in with your food, but you still gaged every once in awhile, but you love it with diluted juice. You are getting your 2 bottom teeth and have been your happy self for the most part. I think at nights it bothered you the most, because you had a little bit harder time sleeping. At your six month check up you did really well. I could tell that you knew something was up, because you did not want me to put you down and believe me I didn't want to either. I hate shots too, but you did exceptionally well. You had 4 shots and one drink. You loved the drink and by the second shot you started to cry, the instant the shots were done and I picked you up to comfort you, you were calm again. You weight 14 lbs and 9 oz, your back up in the 25th percentile, which made mommy feel better, because at your 4 month you were in the 10th and that made mommy a little worried. After a trip to the lactation specialist, (who just loved you let me add) and an herb called fenugreek your weight increased. You are 25 in long. You are such a petite and sweet little girl. Your favorite word is dadadadada, which makes daddy happy and you also love making the sound MmmmMmmm. When you make this sound for some reason your facial expression reminds me of a turtle and I just love it. You love getting kisses and sometimes you give me an open mouth kiss and of course it is the sweetest kiss ever. Whenever you wake up from a long sleep and I get you out of bed you are so excited, smiley, talkative and your whole body shakes with excitement and you lay your head on my shoulder. It's one of my favorite parts of the day. You love playing pat-a-cake, getting kissed on the neck by daddy, having clothes shaken above your head and then put on your face. It's our more exciting way of playing pick-a-boo. You love your Binky. You play with it, chew on it and if it's in a pile of toys it's the first thing you grab and stick in your mouth. It cracks me up how much you love that thing. Mommy loves taking showers with you. We take 4-5 showers a week together, I just really enjoy that time with you. Any kind of camera fascinates you. The second I pull it out to capture a moment you stop and just stare at it. You love watching yourself on video or looking at yourself in the mirror. You smile at yourself, giggle at yourself, reach for yourself, and talk to yourself, you could do it for hours. Whenever family calls, your super talkative while I talk to them, but the second I put the phone to your ear so they can talk to you, you just stare at it also and sometimes you try to eat it. Baby girl you crack me up. Lyla I just want to let you know, I just love you so much. I can't believe you are 6 months old!!! It makes mommy so sad, but I just love your little personality and can't get enough of it. You have so many people that love you. I just hope to raise you to be the best person you can be. Mommy loves you so much and I'm so glad you chose to come to our family. I wouldn't trade you for the world.
Love, Mommy

OuR LItTlE lObStEr

2008-11-08T11:09:00.000-08:00

I know that I have a ton of catching up to do. I will as soon as all of my pictures are organized. But I couldn't help but post our sweet little lobster head. She was just so dang cute I could have eaten her. Trevor and I were cooks. We had a lot of fun passing out candy at our ward trunk or treat. Enjoy our munchkin...

The perfect halloween atmosphere...it doesn't get any better.

Pigtails and Photoshoot

2008-08-29T09:15:00.000-07:00

Trevor's sister Tammi, came in town to visit us and some of her friends. We had a blast. She took Lyla's first photoshoot in my blessing dress, which she was blessed in also. She also managed to get pigtails in Lyla's hair. She looked so stinkin cute. Here she is at 5 weeks.

The Things I Love

2008-06-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

I love it when...

...Lyla gets so hungry she starts to eat my chin.

...She is so tired she tries to bury her face as deep into my neck as possible. She's such a cuddler.

...She is so upset, the second you hold her to calm her down, she makes the cutest sound.

...She tries to talk. She'll open her mouth up so wide, but no sound will come out.

...She sleeps. Not only does she look so peaceful, but she sleeps just like her mommy.

...I am the only person that can calm her down. It makes me feel so special.

...She is eating, she will look at me in such deep thought, as if she is studying my every gesture. So you are my mommy.

...She is sleeping and she smiles the biggest smile. I just wonder what she is dreaming of.

...I kiss her and she gives me the tongue.

...She is sound asleep, I 'll just stare at her and think how lucky I am to be her mommy.

I love you Lyla, my baby girl.

My Sweetest Baby Girl

2008-05-17T20:27:00.003-07:00

I've always dreamt of being a mother, I never imagined it would be this wonderful. Our little one is seriously the sweetest thing ever. She is such a good baby. All I can say is I look forward to my job, being a mother, I couldn't ask for anything better.

First Grand Baby

2008-05-17T20:27:00.001-07:00

This is the first grand baby for my side of the family. It's been so fun seeing my parents interact with her, they are so good. I have enjoyed having my parents around as well. They leave tomorrow and I am going to be real sad. They have been such a big help. You forget how much you miss your family when they are not around. Thanks for all you have done for us. Love you mom and dad.

She's Here!!!!!

2008-05-12T17:08:00.000-07:00

Lyla Sophia
Born May 10
7 lbs 11 oz
19 inches long

Tag

2008-05-02T01:15:00.000-07:00

Four Things You May or May Not Know about Me - (in no particular order)

A) Four jobs I have had:

1. News Paper girl- this was my first job ever! I had this job from about age 10-13. Making about $100 a month was good for me.
2. Papa Murphy's- I was a pizza maker. This type of pizza store was a take and bake, so we didn't actually cook the pizza's. This was a high school job, working with a bunch of friends so it was a lot of fun. The only downfall was you'd stunk like pizza the whole rest of the day.
3. Salt Lake City Sports Complex- Another high school job, working concessions. The only reason I had this job was for free ice time. They had 2 brand new olympic sized skating rinks and I could skate any time, any day, how ever long I wanted for FREE. Couldn't ask for anything better being a figure skater. Not only was it free, but you were pretty much the only person on the ice-perfect.
4. The Little Gym- this was the first job I had after I graduated. I taught kids gymnastics. It actually was a lot of fun. I enjoyed this job up until I became a nanny.

B) Four movies I would watch over and over:

1. How to lose a guy in 10 days
2. Juno
3. I am Sam
4. Annie/Oliver- I love musicals

C) Four places I have lived:

1. Salt Lake City, UT
2. Forest Grove, OR

D) Four TV Shows that I watch: obsessively (insert your own adjective here)

1. The Hills (a guilty pleasure)
2. Real World
3. The Amazing Race (I totally want to be on this show, it's free traveling!)
4. Surviver

E) People who e-mail me (regularly):

1. Family
2. Relief Society Presidency
3. Urban Outfitters, J-Crew
4. Friends

F) Four of my favorite foods:

1. Cereal
2. Fresh Fruit
3. French Toast
4. Caesar Salad

G) Four places I would rather be right now:

1. In the hospital, having Lyla
2. California
3. Lake Powell
4. Visiting Isabella

H) Four friends I Tag:

1. Alexia
2. Brynn
3. Cori
4. Anybody else who wants too.

I)Things I am looking forward to this year:

1. Meeting baby Lyla
2. Becoming a Mommy
3. Summer Vacation- Salt Lake, Mesa, St. George, California
4. Trevor being done with his first year of Optometry School

Suns vs. Trail Blazzers

2008-03-16T23:37:00.000-07:00

Trevor and I got to go to a Portland, Trail Blazzers game against the Phoenix, Suns. It was a lot of fun. We went with a few other first years. It was nice being able to take a night off and hangout with some friends. We really enjoyed ourselves. Thank you Josh for getting us tickets. Trevor loves his Suns. Thanks for the Suns shirt Whit. Trev wears it almost every game! Those that he can actually watch.

8 Months...

2008-03-16T23:33:00.001-07:00

And feeling everything...

My Amazing Husband

2008-03-16T23:06:00.000-07:00

Trevor Glen Hammons

The past few weeks Trevor has been studding nonstop. I can't believe how much time he has put into school. I thought I should dedicate this post to him and let him know how much I commend him for his time and effort to better our future. Not only does he love school, but is taking his own time to be able to support his family someday. I couldn't be more appreciative. He is an amazing person, and husband. He gets good grades and still manages to spend time with me. Trev, I just love you!!!

I couldn't ask for a better friend...

2008-03-16T21:41:00.000-07:00

So Michelle gave Trevor and I our crib and got our bedding for us. The crib is very sentimental to me. It was Bella's when she was a baby. The many times I put her down and got her up. The look of excitement when you came to get her. She never tried to climb out, so she would always call out for you to come and get her, "Mommy, Jojo, it's a beautiful morning." The times I slept in her room with her while Brad and Michelle were out of town. All of the memories of her, while using it, from a new born up until she was 3. I am just so happy Michelle passed it down to me, so my little Lyla can use it. I can't wait to add more memories to this crib.

The bedding...I had found this bedding online and loved it. Michelle had asked me, before sending the crib, if there was any bedding I liked. She has a friend who owns a baby store, she thought she might carry the brand and be able to get it wholesale. So I waited...hoping this was the case, so Trev and I could save $$ (It wasn't very cheap bedding). Well her friend didn't carry it, so we were back at square one. A few weeks later I get a text from Michelle telling me she has an idea. So I text her back wondering what it was, because I love her input and ideas. And no reply. So I call her a few days later and finally get a hold of her. She tells me another one of her friends might be able to get us a deal on it...which isn't true...so I wait. Well on March 14, the day before my birthday I get a package addressed to me. I start to open it not knowing what it is and to my complete surprise, my bedding, from her, as a birthday gift! I immediately call her to thank her. She later confesses that she made the story up, there was not second friend, she wanted to surprise me by getting it for my birthday. I couldn't ask for a better friend. Thank you so much Michelle.

Mad Sky Kids

2008-03-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

Mad Sky Kids, is another brand that I'm finding I like a lot. Most of there stuff is really sweet, but I really like the fabric choices. This line has more color, and designs. These are a few outfits I like and hope to purchase as well.

Kissy Kissy

2008-03-01T10:13:00.000-08:00

Kissy Kissy is by far my favorite baby brand yet! They use a prima cotton, which is SUPER SOFT. I want my baby in really soft stuff so they are comfy and very soft to cuddle with. Most of there clothes are really plain, but at the same time very fashionable, cute and detailed. My next purchase will be one if not all of these outfits. I just love them.

The other thing I really love about this brand is they have converter gowns. Gowns are really nice with newborns but once they start sticking their legs out of them and they no longer are covering the legs, these gowns convert into pants. So it's like buying two outfits for the price of one. It's all about function, right?

I also think this white dress is super cute. I already have a white dress from kissy kissy that my mom bought me, but it's still really sweet.

Honda Ruckus..Is Here

2008-02-28T17:09:00.000-08:00

Well, Trevor and I got a scooter and let me tell you, it is so fun!!! I've wanted a scooter forever.

I've only driven it once, but the one time I drove it was a blast. I can't wait until Lyla is here so I can drive it more. It's been nice having the scooter. Trevor is able to come and go and I am able to come and go. This is by far one of the best purchases here in Oregon.

Winter Break

2008-02-06T16:21:00.000-08:00

We had a lot of fun over Trevor's 4 week break. We were able to go to St. George and Salt Lake to visit family. Here are a few highlights of our trip. We love and miss our family so much.

It got so cold in St. George, Tammi and Jerry's fountain froze

I was able to go and visit my grandma. She is even more sweet and funnier than before. I even got to witness my grandma's strength. A guy named Jack, who I think likes my grandma, came into her room while we were their. She grabbed his shirt and started to pull him out of her room. He sat down on the floor. She smacked him on his head and exchanged a bit of language for him to get out. My grandma totally won.

Trevor Cowboy at Heart, Bella following close behind

Olivia Jane

2008-02-06T15:50:00.000-08:00

Michelle Reedy finally had her baby and she is so cute. It was so fun seeing Michelle in action, she is such a cute mom. It was also a lot of fun being able to see Bella as a big sister. I am sure little Olivia will look up to her so much. I am so excited that she finally has a baby sister, after all the trouble Michelle had. Congratulations Brad and Michelle. We love and miss you so much.

Olivia Jane Reedy, 8 lbs 6 oz, 19 in, Born Dec. 18, 2007

Michelle I love you

Isabella the "Big Sister"

2nd Trimester

2008-02-06T15:40:00.000-08:00

6 Months

5 Months

4 months

It's Our Little Baby Lyla

2007-12-26T11:59:00.000-08:00

This year for christmas we surprised our parents with these ultra sound pictures. We had some christmas cards made and this is what was on them. Not only were they surprised I was expecting, but it was also a girl and I was 20 weeks along! So our parents only have to wait half the time until their little granddaughter is born. It will go by twice as fast. Both parents were shocked and so happy. Crazy, Trevor and I will have a baby in May!!!! So the ultrasound was a lot of fun. Seeing our little babies heart beating and all of her bones and her swimming around in my belly was really exciting. I just can't wait until she is here.

Flooding

2007-12-08T18:56:00.000-08:00

As a lot of you have probably heard on the news, Oregon has suffered with some serious rain and wind. This morning Trevor and some of his friends went to a small town to help clean up. He said it was pretty sad. A lot of these families have lost a lot of their things because of water damage. The water was all the way up to the deck. Just to put it into perspective on how much rain there was.
It is amazing how a community can pull together so quick and offer a hand to those in need.

Finally an Update...

2007-12-08T18:06:00.000-08:00

Well sorry to everyone for our blog is so boring... I just love looking at everyone else's, by the time I am done checking out what's going on in your life's I'm done being on the computer. So today I thought I might as well update everyone. Our Thanksgiving was a lot of fun. We spent it at the Loffgren's house, some close friends. The Loffgren's are kind of like our family here. They have taken real good care of Trevor and I. Letting us know about all the in's and out's of school and having us over all the time for dinner and just to hang out. It's nice having people like that here.

Trevor and I just had our 2 year anniversary on Dec 3 (I had to put in a few pics of us when we were dating). It didn't start out great. I showed up to work and unfortunately was "let go". I was stupid and told my work I was looking for another job, unless they could give me a raise. I wasn't looking too hard. I had interviews here and there, but didn't take it serious. About 3 weeks later on our anniversary I show up to work ready, but ended up having to come back home and face Trevor jobless with no income. Pretty emotional day, let me say. So I spent most of the day job hunting while Trevor was at school. The day got better though. Trevor was really sweet and understanding, I needed it. Later on that night we went out for dinner. I was craving wings so we went to Buffalo Wild Wings. It was really good. Not super romantic.. entertaining it was monday night football.

As for what is going on in our lives. Trevor is hitting finals this next week, and will soon be done with his first semester of Optometry school, half a year down. He is really looking forward to his 3 1/2 week break. I don't blame him, school is hard work. It will be fun being able to spend time with him. As for me jobless and looking...I was able to get our christmas decorations up and it got us into the christmas spirit. I just love christmas

Bella...

2007-09-05T18:22:00.000-07:00

I miss my Bella Boo so much. I love you sweetie!! Come visit me soon in Oregon.

Our House

2007-08-28T21:40:00.000-07:00

Trevor and I are starting to feel more at home, now that we're almost all moved in. I can't believe how tiring moving is. All the boxes and boxes pile up in our garage because in Oregon you have to recycle EVERYTHING...It's going to take us months before our garage is finally emptied. The other day I was so bothered because every time I opened our door to the garage, you couldn't help but see all the boxes piled up! I finally took 2 hours and cut the boxes down. Our garage is looking a little better, but still can't use it for our car. Along with moving comes projects. The projects that Trevor and I have done so far include:

Painting our kitchen chairs and

painting our dresser 2 different times

Trevors first go at a color we thought was going to be rust

Trevors second go at a color that doesn't quite match our bedroom. I don't think that it looks bad, but Trevor wants to paint it dark brown.

After putting our house together we were able to go and buy a few things we needed. We bought our selves a KITCHEN TABLE (our first one since we've been married), desk, 2 night-stands and a bunch of nicknacks from IKEA. We also were able to get stuff for our bed such as, new SOFT sheets, NICE pillows, some THROW pillows and a DUVET COVER (that we actually really like) all from bed bath and beyond. WE ARE SO SPOILED!!!! I guess this is the plus in moving...getting all the new things that you need. We weren't able to have these nice things while living over on Princeton. We were both really happy, but at the same time have a little bit of buyers remorse. Hopefully it wont last for too long.

Overall Trevor and I really enjoy being here. Trevor had orientation on Thursday and Friday. I attended Thursday, went with him to class and was able to here what school is going to be like for him. Then they had a banquet with salmon, chicken, potatoes, and salad, it was really nice. The funny thing is we came to school just Trevor and I, but we left with a guy named Emmanuel, from Ghana, Africa. He is a really nice man. The story with Emmanuel is he came here on a british scholarship, left his family in Ghana to attend Optometry school @ Pacific. He didn't have a place to stay...but in a Motel, so Trevor invited him to stay with us for a few days until he could find a place to stay. In Ghana he is considered rich, he's 47 years old, married, has 4 kids, 1 boy who is 10 and 3 girls who are 8, 6, and 2. His family is beautiful! He hopes that his family will be able to get a visa and join him for his 2nd year. It has got to be so hard being away from your family for a year. He told us that his girls were balling when he was leaving. They knew it was better for him to go attend school in America, but at the same time they didn't want him to leave. That makes me so sad. So Emmanuel is here living with us, he tells us lots of stories and even gets lost! Funny story...So after orientation on Friday Trevor had to stay after school to sort some stuff out. He told Emmanuel to just go home, and he would be home soon. Well the poor man got LOST trying to find our house! 6 hours later Trevor and I are eating dinner wondering where on earth he could be...when the phone rings...it was the POLICE, calling and telling us some man named Emmanuel, said he was staying with you, but can't remember where your home is. Trevor had to go and pick him up at the station to bring him home. Trevor said he was traumatized, almost in tears. Trevor couldn't help but laugh at the situation, as for me I felt so bad for him. Good thing Emmanuel has a good spirit about the situation. He laughs about it now and on occasion makes a few jokes. Overall life in Oregon...is going really well.

I'm trying to figure out how this works...

2007-08-23T22:13:00.000-07:00

Well I finally decided to start a blog now that Trevor and I are no longer living near family and friends. I'm a little slow on how this works but I am trying, so bare with me. Hopefully it wont take me too long. I'll get some pictures up as soon as I figure this out.