Summer time happenings

These pictures are all out of order!!

We had our 4 year anniversary in May, Steve's 27th birthday, and my 25th birthday in June. I had a rough time with this one. We went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner and had some games at our place afterward, and then Sunday we had 'family' birthday- We didn't have a 2 or a 5 candle, so I turned 944 this year :)

Steve and I were both released from our callings (Elders quorum 1st counselor and Primary secretary) . I was so ready to get out of primary, Ive been there for 4 years! Steve has been called to Ward mission leader which he is getting used to- the elders are pretty eager which usually isn't Steve's strong point, so he gets annoyed, but I think things are smoothing out. I am the Young women's 1st counselor, and I love it! I taught today's lesson on Revelation and it went really well. I have always wanted to work with the youth, I'm looking forward to getting to know the girls better. There are only about 7 active YW total, which is very different from my home ward growing up, but I think it will give us an opportunity to get closer. Its a different pace coming from a primary with 70 active kiddos.

We went dancing last night at Coupland dance hall which is waaay out east- population 27. Not really, but its a tiny town. The AC was not working, I don't remember the last time I was so hot and sweaty. It was fun though, we need to get out more and practice out Texas two step.

I wanted to show you my progress on my family tree! I ordered a black iron decorative tree and thought it would be really cute to add all the family members around it. I still need a few more pictures, but you get the idea. Ill post more pics once its finished!

Welcome to the family, Lance!

We went to Utah last week for the wedding, it was so great to see everyone! We sure do miss living there.

Its nice to have another in-law added to the family- Ive been the only one for 4 years now! We are excited for the family to continue to grow. Kyle, you're next!!

Camping

We went to Marble Falls this last weekend and hiked through the Llano river and camped on an island. It was pretty fun- we saw some big fish & tons of bluebonnets! I dont know that we will go again, its alot of work to pack everything in, just to leave the next morning. Lucy was quite a little trooper- she swam most the way even though she hates the water. She doesnt like to be dirty, so she stands on anything that will keep her up and away from the sand. She is such a diva. Here are a few pics of our trip:

We got some snow!

Yes, snow! Ive never seen it stick in Austin, so this was kind of a big deal. The news showed kids "sledding" (on yoga mats, since they dont sell sleds in TX) down hills, mostly in slush and mud. So funny!

Steve got me a rose bush for Valentines day, and I just happend to plant it the night before the snow, so this is me being sad. I hope its still ok!

the latest fertility stuff

We started with a new fertility specialist in January and we really love him. He has such a great reputation around Austin, and I know so many women that have had quick success with him. I've done like 6 rounds of clomid and havent had any luck yet, so today I went and had an HSG x-ray done. Basically they squirt dye into my uterus and fallopian tubes to check for any blockages. Sounds pretty harmless, right? Wrong. Oh my gosh, so painful. I dont know if it was becasue of the pain or what, but I almost passed out. She sent the images over to my doctor, so I will call tomorrow and see what he has to say about them.

This has been quite an experience that we have had these last few years. We have been trying to start our family for almost 4 years. Sometimes I wonder why we have the trials that we do. Maybe they arent trials at all. Maybe its a blessing that Steve and I have had more time to grow and bond with one another, really learning everything and appreciating each small trait in eachother. Maybe Im suppossed to learn patience, or that this really isnt MY life, its the Lord's.

Sure do love you, babe! We've have had some great times just you and me-

We will make good parents one day, till then, we remain positive and happy, sometimes thats all you can do. We do appreciate all the thoughts and prayers that you all are sending our way. :) I'll try and keep our progress posted!

Christmas

This whole post is out of order and I'm too lazy to correct it, sorry!

Val got engaged over the Holiday- Welcome to the family, Lance! We are so excited for yall.

We had Christmas early at my parents house (on the 23rd) and then took off that night on our drive to Utah so that we would arrive on Christmas eve to see Steve's family. It was so much fun- lots of great times and too much good food.

Im so greatful for...

This season is such a great opportunity to really see all the blessings that the Lord has given you through the year. I am greatful for Steve and that he is able to take me to the temple and that we are only an hour away from San Antonio. I love this temple- it will forever remind me of the confirmation that I received a few years ago to move out here to Texas. Im so thankful for family, mine specifically. I really believe that we chose our families before we got here, I love them and am thankful for all their support and help that they extend. I'm so excited to see the other half of my family in Utah in just a few days!

Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope you all take some time to see how blessed you really are.

Thanksgiving, new countertops & new hair!

Steve came to me a few days before Thanksgiving and had this great idea to tile our countertops. I went along with it, not thinking that he would actually do it, but then the next day, we were at Home Depot choosing our tile! I was still hesitant, Steve has never tiled anything before, I think he may have helped his uncle once years ago. We bought all our tile and all the other stuff you need. We were going to start the day after Thanksgiving since we had all weekend off work. Thanksgiving was at our house this year for the first time. I was in charge of the turkey but since I had never done a turkey before, I decided to do Cornish game hens instead. They turned out so good!! Each person got their own baby turkey that they got to carve themselves, so cute. I even stuffed each one! Am I domestic or what! We had my family over, it was lots of fun with yummy food.

Friday morning, Steve got up early to start on our counters. I didnt get any before pictures, but it was just the normal ugly cream colored laminate that they had on all the counters in the mid 80s. You can kind of see how they looked in this first picture. Here are the progressive pictures with Steve hard at work.

Arent they beautiful?? I love them, and I love Steve for doing them! He did such a great job, I am really impressed. Thanks lovey, they are great!

I never did like my flat bob as you can tell from my earlier post, but then I came across this fabulous picture of a razored bob on Kimberly Caldwell. She is so cute, and I love her hair even more. I have gone to 2 different stylists to try and achieve this cut, and am still working on finding the right way to style it. I have never had this short of hair and I was really nervous, but I do like it! :) I may need a few more razored layers...

Friends & More puppies

Well, Lucy got knocked up again and nine weeks later we have 3 precious puppies! They are white, tan & black which is a nice mix- last time she just had 2 black ones. She started her labor around 4:30am and we were up with her till she had the last one at 7:30am- then we had work that morning- we all were so tired. They sure are cute, I know I will be ready to get rid of them once Lucy no longer cleans up after them .

We were going to go with some friends to a haunted house last night, but the line was insanely long! We went to eat at Johnny Carions (YUM!) instead and then went to a movie. They boys saw GI Joe and us girls went to see All About Steve- it was so random, but pretty funny otherwise.

I got back in touch with a couple friends from high school, we have been getting together once a week or so. Its so nice to be able to see friends after years of not keeping tabs and still be able to pick right back up where you left off. Good friends are hard to come by, so if you have them, hold them close and dear to your heart. My mom always tells me to be the kind of friend that I would want to have. Wise ole' woman :)

My ugly new bob

So, we've all been there, I guess... a bad haircut. You know when you see someone with a super cute cut and you think 'Oh yeah, I could totally do that too!' only to find out that you really dont have the right hair or face shape. I seriuosly feel like I'm 8 again. I'm going to start some prenatal vitamins, I hear that they help hair grow fast.

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