casey.mary.gerret

Little Reader

2011-12-20T21:06:00.000-07:00

Just Some Cute Pictures

2011-12-20T20:59:00.002-07:00

All I Want For Christmas is...MY TWO FRONT TEETH!

2011-12-20T20:49:00.001-07:00

and a mohawk...

Gerret's hair is now long enough to do it in a mohawk!
Also, he now has his two bottom front teeth...they are SO cute!

Gosh we LOVE him!

Our Little Puppy

2011-12-20T20:05:00.000-07:00

Our little puppy

Gerret's first sucker...he LOVED it!

He was SO sleepy!

Gerret and Grandpa Lonnie

Happy Halloween!

Gerret LOVES his daddy!

Me and little Gerret

A Baby That Eats...

2011-12-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

Is a SUPER great treat!

Too CUTE!

2011-10-24T21:57:00.000-06:00

Gerret kept falling asleep in his Johnny Jump Up so Casey took a video of him. It was hilarious!

Cuteness

2011-10-21T11:55:00.001-06:00

He has finally figured out the Johnny Jump Up...I had started to lose hope :)

Gerret LOVES bath time and so does mommy! I can't stop taking pictures and making videos of this kid. He is a hoot and Casey and I can't get enough of him!

I just love this shirt...Gerret makes it so cute ;)

I discovered Glee the other day on Netflix...I'm hooked and apparently so is Gerret. I thought he was asleep this morning and I looked over to see him watching it just as intently as I was! Gosh I love him!

Moving Up On The Crafty Ladder

2011-10-21T11:45:00.000-06:00

Okay so I'm not really trying to go anywhere with my crafts but I sure love doing new things. The onesie and the diaper cake I made for a friend who is having a baby here in a few weeks. The onesie was an idea I had while making flowers for headbands. I made a matching headband but I forgot to take a picture of it. If you look closely at the diaper cake you'll see it. I had a lot of fun and I was really pleased with how it turned out.

I loved making the diaper cake! I have never made one before so I gave it a shot and now I'm addicted!

The other flowers I just made for fun. I like to give them to my nieces since I don't have a little lady of my own yet :) Someday I hope Gerret has a sister so I can put big flowers and bows on her head!

from GARDNERS to BERGERS

2011-10-02T00:03:00.002-06:00

Okay this blog is so amazing! My friend Rebecca Berger is AMAZING at what she does!
Go check it out you won't regret it!

from GARDNERS to BERGERS

Can't Get Enough!

2011-10-01T23:19:00.001-06:00

So I said I would post some pictures from our Idaho trip so here they are...plus some :D

So I can't get enough of Gerret and his adorable blue Adidas hat.

He wears it a lot because we just love how cute he looks.

Gerret loved playing with his cousins Sam and Emma. They were really cute together.

Gerret is SUCH a daddy's boy. Casey and Gerret are just so cute together and

I love watching the two of them play.

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Gerret is so funny and puts his feet up ALL the time!

His swing won't swing because he gets he puts his feet on the bars and stops it.

He has started on some baby food, which he isn't so sure about yet,

but he really like the Sweet Potatoes!

Gosh, we love him!

P.S. Here are Gerret's 4 month stats:

18 lbs 15 oz 27 1/2 inches

98th percentile for weight
Off the charts for height......

Where did this kid come from?!?

Time Flies!

2011-09-19T11:35:00.001-06:00

I can't believe how fast time flies!

Casey is working hard, I'm in school and Gerret is now 4 months old

and he couldn't be any more perfect!

I have realized that managing time with a husband, baby, business, homework, and house to take care of

can be pretty time consuming but I'm loving every minute of it.

This past week we went to Idaho (pictures to come soon....hopefully).

The trip was wonderful! I loved seeing my sisters and their families and I got to

show Casey where I grew up. We spent a lot of time with Casey's Aunt Peggy too and that

was a blast! I didn't want to come home I was having so much fun!

Anyway, here are some pictures of the last couple of months. Gerret is so cute I just have to share!

This boy LOVES the camera

He loves to stretch at as far as possible

Cute boy

He fell asleep at cousin Wyatt's 1st birthday party

My smiley boy

Gerret and Emery (same birthday!)

Gerret and Kason

Playing in his crib

Gerret is such a daddy's boy!

Gerret playing with cousin Anna and Uncle Brady

Gerret laughing with cousin Ammon

Such a cutie!

Went to put his onsie on him and it was too small! This kid is growing so fast!

Came home from grocery shopping to this adorable sleeping boy

I am loving this being a mom thing! I can't even describe the joy that Gerret brings to Casey and I.

Casey and I are always smiling these days because Gerret just makes us so happy!

Lately

2011-07-16T08:52:00.001-06:00

We have had a lot going on lately!

JULY.4TH

On the 4th of July we spent time with Casey's side of the family.

We did a little photo shoot of the 3 babies.

I snapped a few pictures on the side and we ate yummy food, including smores! YUM!

the 3 grandsons...

gerret/casey.bryce/wyatt.unclekyle/zac

gerret with aunt yolanda and the twins(still cooking)

wyatt and his daddy bryce

zac with his daddy randy

gerret with aunt robin(wyatt's mom)

just for fun pictures of gerret

the three cuties

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VISIT WITH UNCLE RUSS AND AUNT BECCA

Casey had to bring some policies to Russ and Becca so we drove up to West Jordan to visit.

We were planning on only being there for about an hour but we ended up not leaving until 12:10 AM!

We love Russ and Becca and there little cuties.

uncle russ and gerret

uncle russ, gerret and joseline

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LITTLE CHUNK

Gerret LOVES the bath. I have too much fun playing with him and we always have to snap a picture.

Just look at this little chunk! I'm LOVING it!

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CAMPING

Every year the Patten's have a camp out up past Tabiona in the Uintah's.

It is BEAUTIFUL up there! I love going each year.

This year was a lot of fun, it rained and RAINED but it was still a lot of fun.

Casey and I were anxious to see how Gerret would do and he did...

GREAT!!!

Gerret is one campin' champ!

here is g in his camping outfits...so cute!

such a smiley boy

dad and gerret hanging out

casey playing with his knife

we look like we've been camping for a few days:)

charlie keeping watch over the tent

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TWO MONTH CHECK UP AND A GREAT FIND

So Gerret had his two month check up yesterday...here are his stats:

14 lbs 7 oz 25 inches

97th percentile for height and weight

He got his immunizations and did a GREAT job!

He is getting so big! He is in 3-6 and some 6-9 month clothes!

He is so tall that his 0-3 outfits just wont fit anymore.

We are really loving this cute little guy!

Check this out ;)

gerret found his thumb

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So we've had a lot going on

we are happy

we love each other

we love Gerret

we are excited for the future!

Fun Pictures

2011-07-05T23:19:00.000-06:00

The other day I wanted to get more pictures of Gerret so Casey and I took him over to his parents house and had a little photo shoot. It was a lot of fun and they turned out really great! Here are just a few of the pictures that I've played around with. I'm quite proud of my little edits that I did on picnik :)

I may be prejudice....

But our kid is CUTE!!!

Gerret's Blessing

2011-07-05T23:09:00.000-06:00

members of the blessing circle

Gerret was blessed on Sunday

It was a beautiful day and it was a wonderful time to be with family.

I am a very lucky girl to have two wonderful boys in my life.

more pictures of little g in his blessing outfit to come soon!

I LOVE HIM!

2011-06-27T11:04:00.000-06:00

I've probably said this before...

but I just love Casey!

He is such a hard worker and a great husband and daddy!

He is doing so well with his business.

It has been a tough road but he is doing it and I couldn't be more proud of him!

Casey has been watching the babe so I can get some naps in...he lets me sleep way too long but I guess I'm okay with it...I LOVE NAPS!

So yes...I'm still madly in love with my hunk!

Love you babe!

Our Blue Eyed Boy

2011-06-27T10:52:00.000-06:00

The past few weeks have just flown by!
Gerret just keeps growing and growing and he is now a whopping 12 lbs!
Tomorrow he will be 6 weeks old!

Gerret did a great job at church yesterday! He sat through all three meetings and was so reverent ;)

Casey and I had to take turns holding him because he is such a little heater we were sweating so bad!

One of our ward friends was sitting across the chapel and said that he could see Gerret's big blue eyes from all the way on the other side of the room.

It's true, this little boy has some penetrating blue eyes.

When he wakes up at night and we look at him in his bassinet, all we see...even in the dark...are these big blue, wide eyes looking at us. It is so cute!

This morning Gerret just didn't want to sleep. I kept looking in at him and he was just wiggling like crazy with those big blue eyes looking everywhere. I was so sleepy but I couldn't help but laugh at our cute little boy.

Gerret is such a happy baby and he has a very calm demeanor.

He loves his grandparents...Patten and Rowley. Both of his grandmas just adore him and love to give him baths and play with him. They are so cute:D I love seeing his grandpas hold him too. They are so funny, at the first fuss they are ready to pass him back to mom or dad. It makes us laugh!

Gerret is smiling a lot now and we are just loving it! He is such a fun little boy and we are so happy he is here with us!

We are two VERY happy parents!

Check out our cutie!

...sleeping boy...

...smiles...

...little chunk...

...patten man pose...

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...We really just can't get enough of this boy...

One Cute Boy

2011-06-16T21:20:00.001-06:00

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Fun with Gerret

2011-06-16T21:18:00.002-06:00

This is Gerret's classic face. We were having fun together while Casey was at appointments for work. We have a cute kid!

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Four Weeks!

2011-06-14T15:59:00.000-06:00

Our little Gerret Jax is 4 weeks old today!

I can't believe how fast time flies!

We sure love him!

Happy 4 Weeks Bud!

Snapshot

2011-06-14T15:44:00.000-06:00

My little sister Heather took some family pictures for us. We had a lot of fun, I am thinking we are going to have to take more! Here are just a few fun ones.

We are lovin our little family!

Two Weeks Old

2011-06-01T02:40:00.001-06:00

Gerret is two weeks old as of yesterday.

He had his two week appointment and here are his stats:

9 lbs 9 oz 22 inches long

He is in the 90th percentile for height and the 70th for weight...

needless to say we have a big healthy boy.

Gerret's pediatrician says that Gerret looks really good.

This made us VERY happy.

Gerret is a very happy and alert baby.

He loves his dad a lot!

He has the biggest blue eyes I have ever seen!

His hands and feet are so big! He won't even fit into some of his new born stuff now.

We are so happy to have Gerret! He is perfect and we LOVE him.

Casey is an awesome dad. I can't help but look at him and smile every time he holds Gerret. It is apparent the bond between the two of them already. I can't believe how I can fall in love with Casey over and over again. It happens on a daily basis these days.

Casey is wonderful!

As for me, I'm doing really well. I'm shedding the pregnancy weight and feeling so much better. I am loving being a mom! I don't mind all the feedings, diaper changes and sleepless nights. They are all worth it because the person I am taking care of is our perfect little boy.

Also, another reason Casey is great...he takes Gerret every other time he wakes up in the night. One night I was so out of it that he took my shift too. Gosh I sure love him :D

Here are a couple of pictures from the past two weeks. We have a lot, so I just picked a few of my very favorites.

bath time

he loves his bouncer

relaxing with dad

sleeping on the couch (cute outfit I know!!!)

he just looks so cute in this one

two weeks old

one of my favorites

my favorite of them all so far!

...We have a pretty cute kid...

'The Story'

2011-06-01T01:52:00.000-06:00

Monday May 16th I was going to my friends house with no plans of anything happening with my pregnancy until the 18th which was when I was scheduled to be induced. I got out of my car and I was like...hmm...that was different, I won't go into gross details, it was just the beginning of my water breaking. It was small though so I didn't think anything of it. I went into her house and we chatted for a little bit and I started to feel really weird and had a feeling I needed to go home. So I went to my car, got in and more water. So I was pretty positive that my water broke. I called Casey and told him and he was a little concerned because it was rush hour traffic and he was in it! We both laughed when we were talking on the phone, like...of course my water breaks at 5 PM on a Monday when the freeway is jammed with obnoxious/stupid drivers!

Okay so anyway, we got to the hospital, they admitted me and the process began. They didn't finish breaking my water until 11:00 PM. I was on Pitocin and they gave me my epidural. By 1:30 PM on Tuesday, I was finally to an 8 and fully effaced so we all figured it was soon.

waiting VERY patiently

Well 5 hours later, the Pitocin almost at the maximum and I wasn't dilating any more and my contractions were on top of each other killer! It had been 27 hours!!!!!! The nurse was getting worried about me because I was getting a fever and my blood pressure was really low. So my doctor came in and said we needed to do a C-Section since the baby wasn't coming out on his own.

I was relieved, and REALLY SCARED!!!!

getting ready to start surgery

So they took me into surgery and the anesthesiologist gave me some great medicine that numbed me up perfectly so I couldn't feel anymore contractions/pain. I even looked up at Casey and asked if they were cutting yet and him and the other people in the room laughed at me because the doc had been working on me for five minutes already.

Finally at 7:11 PM I heard my baby cry, and man he can cry! I sobbed with relief and happiness. He was finally here. I kept asking my anesthesiologist to give me more medicine to take away my discomfort and he told me I should wait so I wouldn't be asleep when they brought my baby to me. I agreed. I could hear my son screaming to the left of me and Casey and the nurses talking about his big feet and cute tummy. I even heard someone say, "This is DEFINITELY a boy!"

8 lbs 14 oz 21 inches

big feet!

They finally brought him over to see me and I sobbed even harder. Our beautiful son was amazing and perfect and I was just so happy.

Gerret meeting Mom

After they took Gerret out of the room the anesthesiologist gave me the rest of the pain medication and I zonked out. They took me to my room where I woke up and they informed me that Gerret was in the NICU because he was having some issues with his breathing and they thought he might have an infection. I was still too out of it to really worry, but for the most part I wasn't all that worried, I knew he would be taken care of because Casey was with him and the doctors would take care of him.

While I was doing the hour recovery Gerret had a C-PAP mask put on him along with all sorts of cords. I don't like the picture with the C-PAP machine so I'm not posting that. But here is a picture of Gerret with all the cords connected to him. He's a real trooper!

Gerret being a TROOPER!

I finally got to meet little Gerret at 2:30 AM on Wednesday the 18th. I was so sore and tired but I just HAD to see our son! Casey practically lifted me into the wheelchair and wheeled me into the NICU. By the time I got there I almost passed out because I hadn't eaten anything for almost 2 1/2 days! I just exclaimed...'JUICE, I need JUICE!' After I had my juice fix I was able to be alert and hold our little Gerret for the first time.

I don't remember a whole lot, I was really tired and sore but I do remember the feeling of relief and happiness. I was sad that our baby was in the NICU and that I couldn't have him with me in my room beside my bed but I was also really grateful that he was being taken care of by such great people.

First time holding Gerret

It was a long 5 1/2 days. The first two, Gerret was really sick. They were treating him for a whole range of infections. I know that they were treating him for Pneumonia for sure. After the third day he started to really improve and he started to show us all that he had quite the little personality. He was so alert and wiggly. All the nurses loved him. One of them told me that Gerret would get attention first over the other babies because he could scream so loud. Gerret was by far the biggest baby in the NICU. Most of the others were premies and tiny! They were all SO adorable.

Gerret was really funny about sleeping and noise and light. The nurses had to make a dome around his head with the blanket so that the light and sound would be blocked out. He would get mad at the beeps of the machines and if someone was talking too loud he would let them know.

Casey and I had so many precious moments with our little boy in the NICU. I almost cry thinking about them again. Gerret was so good and got better so fast. He is a beautiful baby and he has such a sweet, cuddly personality. We continuously said prayers of thanks to Heavenly Father for the sweet, perfect spirit that he had sent to us to care for.

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Here are a few videos of Gerret in the hospital that Casey took. The first two are of the first night, Casey made video of Gerret so I could see him moving and wiggling. It was before I got to hold him and I probably watched these minute long videos about 30 times over and over before I finally got to hold our little guy.

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...and so Gerret's story begins...

Tiny Miracle

2011-05-22T22:14:00.001-06:00

I'm sitting here in the special care nursery watching my baby boy sleeping peacefully. It has been a long week, full of joy, but so long. We should be able to take him home very soon which makes me so happy. Casey and I are more happy than words can describe. We love our little son.

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A Little Preview

2011-05-20T20:40:00.001-06:00

Tuesday May 17th 2011 Gerret Jax Patten was born. He weighed in at 8lbs 14oz 21 inches long. 'The Story,' will come soon. For now check out our little guy.

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Two VERY Talented Ladies

2011-05-16T13:59:00.001-06:00

This is the car seat that my mom recovered and made a little tent/canopy (not sure the right name) for.

It looks so cute!

Here is the crib set my mother-in-law made. It turned out really great too!

Thanks Mom and Melanie! They both turned out SOO cute!

Baby Update

2011-05-13T13:56:00.000-06:00

So I'm 40 weeks and 2 days. No big deal right?

If this little guy doesn't come on his own before Wednesday the 18th, then I will be induced.

I'm excited and it is nice to have a day that I know for sure something will happen.

We really can't wait to meet our little son.

Come on buddy!

Thanks HKP For The Photo Session!

2011-05-13T13:32:00.000-06:00

My awesome friend Heather Kennington is a photographer and she took these photos for me. I think she did a great job. She does all sorts of photo shoots, including weddings, engagements, baby and anything else you would want. Check out her blog here!

P.S. I was really swollen that day so don't judge to harshly. :D

Thanks Heather!

Who Will He Look Like?

2011-04-29T21:14:00.002-06:00

Alright, the countdown is really on! We're really curious about who our boy is going to look like. What do you think?

p.s. my dad isn't included, but his glasses are pretty great:)

Couldn't Live Without Them

2011-04-21T19:47:00.003-06:00

First off let me just say that I have some of the most amazing women in my life. All who I call my friends. I have had 3 baby showers thrown for me, a whole baby accessory donation, carseat recoverd, bedset made, and countless other kind things.

The first two women I want to mention are Shirley Rowley (my mom) and Melanie Patten (Casey's mom).

These two are amazing. They are indeed two of my greatest friends. They both threw together a fantastic baby shower for me. Food was delicious and my mom made sure to have baby blue balloons all over the house. (This was my personal request.)

These two are both fantastic sewers. My mom recovered a carseat for me and it looks delicious! Our little son is going to look darling in it. Oh and it will keep him safe too.

Casey's mom has been diligently working on a crib set for the kiddo. It is looking so great!

*I'll post pictures when both are completely finished so you can get the whole effect. Let's just say though that these women are SO talented and I am so grateful for their time and efforts! Love you Mom and Melanie!

The second person I want to mention is one of life's greatest people and one of my closest friends. She goes by the name of Lyss Hall. Lyss threw me my second shower and it was so cute and perfect and she did all of it while being pretty sick. Lyss has been my friend for years now and I can't imagine my life with out her. She is a fabulous mama and a great friend. Thanks Lyss! Love You!

The third is two people. Rebecca Berger and Bethany Davis. These girls are the greatest. Rebecca, Bethany and I were all in the nursery together and got to know each other really well that way. Bethany is also my Visiting Teaching partner and now we are so lucky to be Rebecca's visiting teachers. Anyway, these two threw me the cutest baby shower (#3)! I loved every bit of it and I felt so spoiled after all the showers were over. I felt really loved by these wonderful people in my life!

Then of course my sisters Sara and ReNae who both drove from Idaho with their sweet kids to be there for my baby shower. ReNae is a little over a month behind me in pregnancy which has been really fun. I never imagined being pregnant at the same time as my big sister. She is having her last and I am having my first. HOW FUN!? Sara is going to school right now taking kick butt HARD classes. I love them so much and I wish they lived closer to us.

My brother Russ's wife Becca has given me a ton of clothes, a bathtub and a few other things. I feel so grateful to her because holy cow some of the things she is letting me use can be EXPENSIVE! It is so nice to have a sister-in-law who is so nice to me! Thanks Becca!

Also, thanks to Alicia Redding who has supplied me with a crib, carseat, walker, swing, highchair, diapers, woobie and so much more!

So there are so many more, like all the wonderful people who came to my showers and 'showered' me with great gifts and love. There is one person I am yet to see and that would my little sister Heather. Gosh I miss that girl. She is in Florida for a few more weeks working at Disney World! Lucky girl! Miss you sis!

Oh and a special thanks to the girls in my cohort at school who have made the last 9 months bearable to sit through with crazy professors and homework from the fiery depths of hell!

Okay, I could keep going but speaking of the 'homework from the fiery depths of hell' gotta get to that!

May I Have Your Attention Please?!

2011-04-14T20:43:00.002-06:00

My dear blog readers, we have miracles at work!

Miracle #1:

Yes the photo you are looking at is 10 toes, only slightly swollen, painted sparkly pink and feet, only slightly swollen in sandals. Why is this significant you ask? Well I will tell you!

I, MARY PATTEN, PAINTED MY OWN TOES!!!!

(and I'm only slightly swollen...)

Now this task hasn't always been a miracle, but trust me, the other day...IT WAS...aren't they just lovely??

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Miracle #2:

I took a picture of my face at 36 weeks pregnant and didn't hate it. It IS a MIRACLE. Enough said...

But who wants to see my face at 36 weeks pregnant?

Here's my belly (I took it myself so hopefully you get the idea that I am slightly ready to have a child)!

OH! Did I mention that our little son is measuring a WHOLE 3 weeks big? ON THE ULTRASOUND!!!

Let's just say I have a big little baby in my tummy.

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and last but not least....

Miracle #3

People have commented on my blog a lot more then they ever have in such short amount of time. I feel really special. Thanks all you awesome blog readers for commenting. I LOVE COMMENTS!

They make my day really... :D

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Almost There!

2011-04-12T20:37:00.001-06:00

If you look to your right ---------------------------------->

You will see that I am in my last couple weeks of pregnancy. Am I rejoicing? Not yet, he's still inside of me so I can't quite sigh with relief at being able to breathe and not have heartburn. But I am getting so excited. Casey and I will look at each other every once in a while and say...'HOLY COW, we are going to have a kid in a few weeks...HOLY COW!'

I can't help but love Casey more and more every day. He takes such great care of me. I am sort of a pathetic person these last 9 months of pregnancy. You name a symptom and I have it. The swelling has been INTENSE and super uncomfortable.

However, even though it has been pretty rough, it has been the most amazing experience I have ever had. I love to see my little guy moving inside of me. He is always sticking his back against my tummy so I have this odd shaped lump. I love when he has the hiccups, especially when I'm laying down. I will just lay there and watch my belly move in a perfect little tempo.

I think I will miss the movements inside of me. I still can't believe that I have been able to be a part of this miracle. I have many friends who have not yet had the chance to be pregnant even though they have been trying for years. It breaks my heart. They are wonderful strong people. I have tried so hard not to be a complainer, because I know that there are countless women out there who would give anything to be miserable and pregnant.

I am so grateful for this blessing and I can't wait to be a mom. I am nervous, but I am excited too! I can't wait to rock my little son and sing to him the songs my mom sang to me. It will be an awesome experience!

I am just so grateful!

Goodbye Facebook

2011-04-12T20:24:00.000-06:00

After a lot of thought I decided to delete my Facebook page.

It was a waste of time for me...

Goodbye Facebook, Goodbye!

25

2011-04-12T20:18:00.000-06:00

Casey turned 25 on Tuesday and I made him this card. I am quite proud of myself actually :D

Where Did My Ankles Go?!

2011-03-15T23:46:00.000-06:00

I'll be quick. The pictures pretty much speak for themselves.

I am retaining a LOT of water and following every rule in the book to get rid of swelling.

Too bad it's NOT working...

On Saturday Casey and I were in SLC at a work convention...we had to sit for quite a while.

I still got up and walked around quite often but this is what happens to me every day by the end of the day.

It doesn't hurt, it feels super tight and gross, but I still laugh every time I see my poor fat legs and feet.

Those dents you see close to my ankles are from my knee highs (yes I wore knee highs), I pulled them down about half way through the day because they were so tight. It really didn't do any good. Can you tell?

I love having this kiddo inside of me but man there are a LOT of side effects that are just TOO weird, lucky us we only have 8 weeks left until we meet our little man. WOOT to babies and WOOT, WOOT to no more enormous ankles!!!

PS...don't you dare judge my fluorescent white legs!

Charlie

2011-03-15T20:16:00.000-06:00

I told you I would tell you the story of how we got Charlie so here goes:

About a month ago I get a phone call from my dad asking if we would take is dog Charlie. I told my dad we probably couldn't because I fence wasn't finished yet. My dad solemnly said goodbye to me and I felt so bummed!

I loved Charlie and my dad of course so I wanted them to be happy. I called Casey right away and told him the situation. Casey said we could do it. So...we got our fence taken care of and brought our dog home.

I had one happy dad and we had one happy dog! Charlie is so funny and entertaining. He loves people but he is very protective of his owners. We are still working on socializing him with other dogs which is quite funny to watch. He LOVES going on walks and taking car rides. He'll just wait by the car forever and if we open the door he'll sit in there and wait...and wait!

He really makes me mad sometimes because he can be a real stinker. Like trying to jump up on my pregnant stomach or running into me from the back. He's getting a lot better at that though because Casey protects me and Charlie gets in trouble.

So there you have it, I'm sure you'll hear more about this cute dog. I am so glad to have him with us and I can't wait for him to meet our little guy. If we let Charlie, I'm sure our little guy will always be covered in licks and slobber from a very loving dog. Don't worry though, I'm not going to let him do that right away...eventually though I might have too...it builds character:D

Charlie adores Casey

He always lays down for a good tummy scratch

Isn't he cute!

We LOVE him!

Convinced:)

2011-03-01T21:27:00.004-07:00

So Casey and I registered tonight and he insisted we buy this. It wasn't to hard too convince me:D

Needless to say, he will be wearing this often!(The baby, not Casey)

Double Digits...But Who's Counting??

2011-02-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

So I am finally in the 3rd trimester of my pregnancy and let me tell you I'm sure feeling it! I am getting super excited for this little man to come! Only 92 days left! Here is a little belly update for the whole 2 or 3 people that read my blog :D

We also have a new addition to the family. His name is Charlie and he is three years old. He is a Chocolate Lab and we LOVE him. Don't worry, pictures will soon be coming of our giant lab and the story behind him joining our little bitty family!

The Wave...

2011-01-27T20:20:00.000-07:00

No one told me there was going to be a party in my belly all night/day long :) The other day I was sitting in class and my belly was moving around like crazy. I couldn't help but laugh every time it happened.

I'm loving these movements all the time...I know, I know...just wait til I'm further along...well I love the movements. I have already experienced the kicks in the ribs and the low blows at my bladder, but I'm just so pleased to feel my little guy moving because it is just a reminder that he's healthy and strong and doing great! I can't wait until May! The real party will start then...WOOT!

Seriously...A Miracle.

2011-01-19T20:36:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe how fast time has flown by. I keep forgetting to take belly pics. Honestly, I'm not loving my body in pictures right now...so consider yourselves lucky that you get this much. Pregnancy is definitely an adventure worth going through, hard, but worth it. My body is not mine right now, it's okay though I will get some of it back someday. (Crossing my fingers)!

Even though there are a lot of really tough things about being pregnant, I am so grateful to be able to feel my little one inside of me moving and growing. I know so many wonderful woman who are far more qualified than I am to be doing this, that still have not been blessed with being able to bear a child. I feel overwhelmed with the responsibilities that lay ahead of me but I feel so honored to know that the Lord is entrusting Casey and I with one of his sweet little spirits. I am looking forward to singing my baby to sleep and than staring at him for hours.

Life is so precious. It is truly a miracle. I am in awe that this human is growing inside of me and I have nothing to do with what is going on. The Lord is amazing in every way. Without him none of us would be able to handle this task.

I am just so grateful to be a partner with the Lord on this one. Seriously...a miracle.

How CUTE is this?

2011-01-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

We were walking through Scoreboard Sports this afternoon when Casey and I saw this at the same time...needless to say we HAD to buy it. Can you say cute?! We almost bought some matching Adidas shoes to go with it but the sizes were confusing. So little boy will just have to wear some cute socks until we know how to size baby shoes.

The News You've All Been Waiting For :)

2010-12-16T20:03:00.002-07:00

So today was my 20 week ultra sound. It was so neat. We saw babies arms, legs, face, mouth, hands and feet. Baby looks great and everything is going well!

Oh and we also found out that...

Needless to say we are SO excited for our little guy to get here in May!

Here is a belly pic at 18 1/2 weeks.

Here is little boy at 19 1/2 weeks. Can you see his little face?

Happy 23rd To ME!

2010-12-16T19:57:00.000-07:00

This year was one of the best birthdays I've had in a long time.

Casey got me an AWESOME sewing machine and my mom recovered a rocking chair

for me and Casey to rock baby. It looks amazing!

Some Crafts from the Past

2010-12-04T17:30:00.000-07:00

So I needed a break from homework for a little bit so I thought I would post some pictures from my Ceramics class that I took in the Spring. It was so fun, I learned how to throw a pot on the pottery wheel. It was an adventure and a LOT of work but I had a lot of fun.

I've also been making random flowers for headbands, purses, clothes, etc. I know everyone does these but they are fun!

Also, my mother-in-law taught me out to paint little ceramic trinkets. It was so much fun but took a lot of time because I'm such a perfectionist. What do you think? I'm especially proud of my carolers and Santa Claus. I painted the statue of Christ with pearl paint and than sparkly paint over the clouds. it turned out awesome but the picture doesn't quite do it justice.

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14 Days!!

2010-12-02T12:44:00.000-07:00

In exactly 14 days we will be getting our 20 week ultra sound. I am so, SO excited to find out what we are having. Boy or girl we will be stoked. I just can't wait to start decorating baby room and buying stuff!

Also, in 14 days, Casey and I will be done with this semester! I can't even express my happiness for this semester to end. It has really been rough!

Finally, I love this season. I love the feeling and the decorations and giving to others. I love the reason for this season, our Savior. I love the Savior and I am grateful I know he is our Savior. I love the beautiful music and being able to sing at the top of my lungs all by myself in my car. This is such a great time of year and I love every bit of it!

The Pattens are TIRED!

2010-11-09T18:53:00.001-07:00

So Casey and I are just about burnt out for this semester.

Casey is continuously working hard to support our little family as well as get an education.

I am so proud of him but the late nights are really killing him and I miss my honey when I go to bed and he doesn't come with me :(

I am doing my first run of Field work in the classroom.

It is 5th grade and not too bad but...

these early mornings are killing me and this semester has been a lot of work

and continues to get more and more overwhelming.

So, all in all, we need a break. We are tired and worn and ready for

finals to be done and have nothing to do but sleep in until 10...or whenever we want to wake up.

We should probably take advantage of being able to do this since come May

we will never see the beauty of controlling our own sleep again :)

Baby Bump

2010-11-05T20:51:00.000-06:00

Well here is the first bump picture, I sort of 'popped' these last couple of days.

I still feel huge for almost 14 weeks but I'm excited for baby to be growing!

Forget It!

2010-11-01T12:04:00.000-06:00

Okay so I am already sick of having a 'private' blog. I changed my mind pretty quick I know. Oh well, it just makes things easier.

Some Bullet Points:

We had a really fun Halloween party...we didn't take pictures...

We still haven't put our Halloween decorations away...:D

I am starting to get a hard bump in my belly! Wahoo! (still just looks like a little fat roll though ha ha)

We have some of the funnest friends on earth!

School will be over in just about 5 weeks...relief...I am done with this semester!

I am a really bad student when I'm pregnant...anyone else? Blah school!

A Little News

2010-10-29T12:07:00.000-06:00

Meet our little person.

That's right! Our first little one is due on May 11, 2010.

We had this ultra sound at about 11 1/2 weeks and I am now almost 13 weeks!

We are really excited and it still seems so unreal that there is a little person growing inside of my belly. It has definitely been quite the adventure so far and we can't wait until we get our little person to hold in our arms.

The Public Page

2010-10-29T11:16:00.000-06:00

So I am doing a public page so that everyone can still see when we post anything. Here it is!

http://cmpattenpublic.blogspot.com/

I didn't want to do this...But we are going private!

2010-10-28T09:15:00.002-06:00

So I got this spam message today. It was so annoying. I don't want spam messages from some random person looking at my blog. The end! So please leave your emails so I can invite you all to look at our blog still! K thanks!

More than good, they're GREAT!

2010-10-07T17:01:00.001-06:00

Today I went to Del Taco with some friends from school.

I got a bean and cheese burrito.

It was delicious!

I was hungry when I got home from school so I made my own homemade bean and cheese burrito and let me tell you it was so yummy, I even gave one to Casey.

Bean and cheese burritos are just really good.

That's all:D

OCTOBER

2010-10-01T11:28:00.000-06:00

Oh man I just realized that it is October 1st! Do you know what this even means. I sure do and I'll tell you. I'm breakin out the Halloween decorations and going crazy today. Yep, that's right I'm decorating! I am so excited. I love this month and next month and the next month. Which would equal October, November and December :D So yeah I am stoked and maybe I'll even post pictures of my decorations all up and ready! WOOHOOO!

So Weird

2010-10-01T11:03:00.000-06:00

This is a random post.

I have the weirdest dreams.

I'm a ninja.

I'm in class.

I'm craving a cinnamon roll from Maverick.

That was what I dreamt about last night.

Every night is a new adventure.

I like to think I am an Avatar.

I go to a different world in my sleep ya know...

Yeah it is kind of a stretch.

Do you have crazy dreams on a nightly basis?

It's That Time Again

2010-08-28T00:44:00.000-06:00

So I am actually really excited to be back to school. I am finally starting my Bachelor program in Elementary Education. So far it hasn't been too bad. I still haven't been to 3 of my 7 classes. Yeah you read that right, 7 classes in all. I can already tell that this is going to be a pretty rigorous program. I think things will go great though and in just about two years I will be done! Wow I can't wait!

2010-08-03T20:53:00.000-06:00

Lately Casey and I have been going on late night walks and I have really loved them. We just walk and talk about everything and it is probably one of my favorite free dates ever. I knew I would be happy with him and that our lives would be amazing but I didn't realize just how happy and amazing our lives would actually really be. I am sure it just gets better this love thing and I sure can't wait to find out:)

WFG Las Vegas Convention 2010

2010-08-01T22:03:00.000-06:00

Casey and I had such a great time in Las Vegas at the 2010 World Financial Group Convention of Champions. It was a great experience and we left with some awesome information and new motivation to work harder to help others and to also work on ourselves. WFG has been a great thing for us so far and it is an amazing opportunity that we are so grateful to have!

***********

We also did a few really fun things besides convention stuff all day. We went to the wax museum which was really neat. We also went to the M&M store and that was really fun! We also got to go see The Lion King at the Mandalay Bay hotel and OH MY GOODNESS I loved it! Despite the fact that we were there for a work convention, the play as well as the other fun things were for our 2 year anniversary. I really had so much fun and Hard Rock Cafe is definitely one of my new favorites:D

Does This Dress Make Me Look Fat?

2010-07-25T22:57:00.000-06:00

Hmm..maybe I should have asked myself that question this morning before church.

Conversation at church with a VERY silly older woman...

Lady- "Are you going to have a baby?"

Me- "Uh, no I'm not...do I look like I'm going to have a baby?"

Lady- "Yes you do, right here (she rubs my stomach.)"

Moral of the story...

If you're not sure...don't ask...and if they say no...hahaha...do not say 'Well you sure look like it!"

I could not stop laughing about it with my friends in the nursery. Wow...some people are just amazing to me! Considering who it was that said it, I shouldn't give it any second thoughts, but for the rest of the meetings I made sure I held my little fat roll in really good:D Just in case anyone else happened to be wondering if there was a person inside of me.

Two Years and More to Come!

2010-07-22T19:04:00.000-06:00

Casey and I have been married for a whole two years today! My how time flies! I love him and he is the best hubby a girl could ask for:D

Look What I Did!

2010-07-18T21:21:00.000-06:00

So my sister-in-law is about to have her first baby. I decided to get crafty and make her baby boy a rag quilt. It was a lot of fun to make and it turned out quite well if you ask me:D The "lil' champ" is dedicated to his dad. Bryce has this thing where he emphasizes that he is a real champ...it's a long story and one of those that's like, 'well you sort of had to be there,' but he loved it.

Robin and I also decided to make some cute little cupcakes and it was our first time trying to so you are not entitled to judge. We did great I think and they tasted delicious!

River Rafting and A Calling

2010-07-11T23:53:00.000-06:00

So the last two Saturdays Casey and I have gone river rafting with some of his family.

The first Saturday we tried doing the Spanish Fork river and we ended up with a flat boat and me and Casey being stuck on the wrong side of the river. I lost my shoes and my sunglasses too.

I still have to laugh about that experience. It was a lot of fun actually.

Just yesterday we went up to Jackson Hole Wyoming and we took a trip down the Snake River. It was gorgeous up there and we had a great time. My 8 month pregnant sister-in-law even went with us and sat in a nice comfy seat in the middle while the rest of us took those rapids on. They weren't too crazy so she was okay. We had a blast and took two trips. I can't wait until we go again next year, and we might actually try Spanish Fork river one more time at the end of August after Robin has the babe.

This morning Casey tells me that we meet with a member of the Bishopric before church. A lot of people have moved out so I have no idea what calling they are going to switch me too. I figured it was the nursery and lo and behold, I got called to be a nursery worker. I was the ward choir director before so this should be a nice change. Hopefully:D I am actually excited which is a surprise to me and I think the fact that I said yes so easily surprised the bishopric member who asked me to do it. It was fun today and some of the little kiddoes in our ward are sooo cute. I can't help but have fun in there because they are all just so adorable. We'll see if my attitude stays that way ha ha.

Oh yeah, I quit the Census job. WOOT!

Life is good!

Trinkets,Yardwork and BBQ

2010-06-21T22:05:00.000-06:00

Casey and I had a BBQ tonight and it was such a blast! Hot dogs, chips, cookies and Dr. Pepper are a super good combination. We also did yard work before and after and attempted to weed our enormous garden...OUCH...it was a back killer!

The second picture doesn't even do the garden justice. It is the same size as our whole back yard!

WOW!

Also, I have been finding little trinkets and doing some crafts to make my little flowerless flowerbeds look better:D

ps...while I was at my new favorite store Family Dollar I found some stove covers and I was so excited I had to buy them and take a picture for you all to see.

I'm In LOVE...

2010-06-21T21:52:00.000-06:00

Whenever my sister Sara brings her two munchkins to Utah I go nuts...

I am so in love with them...

Just look at these cute pictures!

Sam loves to take pictures, this one makes me laugh, I had to lean way over because he was holding the camera all crooked:D

I wish they lived closer so I could see them more often!

HAIR CUTS

2010-06-21T21:47:00.000-06:00

So it was time to cut Casey's hair so I did...

then I decided I would give my bangs a little trim...

I made full frontal bangs, no more swoopy bangs...

What do think?

By the way...isn't my husband a super sexy hunk?

...we just had to do the classic kissy face...

HE'S GONE MAD!

2010-06-19T10:20:00.000-06:00

So my hunk Casey was the Mad Hatter for the Orem City parade this last weekend. Unfortunately I couldn't be there to see it but he got someone else to take a picture.

CHECK IT OUT!

(I still can't believe he let someone put make up on him:D)

Family and Friends

2010-06-19T00:18:00.001-06:00

I don't have any pictures to post, but I just am super glad that a huge chunk of people that Casey and I love are here in town. Some for short and some for long! Sara, Marcus and their cuties and Madi and her cutie! YAY!

SHE'S MY SISTER

2010-06-16T22:31:00.000-06:00

I love my little sister. We have such a great time together.

She is one of my closest friends and I love her more than anything.

I am a little over protective of her at times...but hey that's my job.

She's a doll and the kind of person we all wish we could be.

I love you little sister.

WOW...LIFE...

2010-06-05T22:16:00.000-06:00

So our life has been crazy...

a while back our 50 gallon fishtank decided to start leaking...

so after a LOT of hard work Casey has figured out how to get it fixed.

He did a great job...

Our fishies have non-leaking home!

I have been working for the Census Bureau the past couple of months...for all those haters out there of the 2010 Census...

I hate it too, but it pays me so if someone calls you from the Census Bureau...just be nice...

PLEASE...Um cause it could be me or one of my fun friends from work:D

I wasn't always in outbound calls but they moved me a few days ago...

it's been hard and I have cried a couple of times because well people are just not very nice.

It has been a rough last two days.

I've decided that you can tell a lot about someone by the way they treat someone they don't know. When I was in inbound calls, some people would yell and scream and swear at me and I didn't even know what they were mad at. Now I totally hate calling people at their homes, but hey I'm just trying to make a little extra money for me and the hunk that I call husband.

Outbound calls are not my favorite...and I'm sorry if I happen to be the one calling you, but add a little softness to your hearts k, cause well these people I work with are really good people and the only reason why they are working this job is because of this terrible economy.

I have met so many wonderful people and for the most part this job has been a blessing in so many ways!

Also, Casey has Strep throat AGAIN!

My poor honey is not feeling good. I feel so helpless. I wish I had the Mama sense already, I wonder where that comes from anyway? I'm guessing Mama's just pass it down because they learned from their Mamas.

I need to learn from my Mama I guess.

Hopefully my hunk gets feeling better.

Now life isn't all that bad, I just needed to share those few thoughts, I mean that is kind of our lives right now...our fish (children for now :D) and work, and being sick. Well also, family too. We love being able to live so close to our families. Memorial day was really nice. Casey and I relaxed and spent some nice time together. Than we went over to his parents house and we had a little BBQ. Here are some pics from that:

Honestly, Case and I have so much to be happy about. We have been continually blessed and we know that we will always be taken care of. Life is a blessing and even though it is a little rough sometimes it is good and of course we will learn from each and everyone of the bumps in the road.

I have a saying in my house that says:

"Life is what happens when you are making plans."

I am a DIE HARD believer of this. Casey and I have learned over the past two years that this is one of the most TRUE statements we have heard:D

You know what though?

I love my Casey and I am so grateful for him! He is fantastic and thoughtful and super handsome and he is my best friend. LOVE HIM!

All Better and Some Friday Night Cravings...

2010-05-28T22:34:00.000-06:00

So Casey and I have recovered!

I had Strep throat. Once I got the meds in my system I was feeling so much better!

Casey didn't have to get meds because his body got better with out them...lucky.

It probably just means he is super great and has the body of a real man:D

So I was really happy today because I got off work early.

So since I haven't taken a nap in FOREVER...

I took a nap. It was wonderful and beautiful and I really needed it.

When I woke up though I was HUNGRY! Casey was really hungry too. We couldn't decide what we wanted to eat and then I got thinking and began to crave these 4 items.

So we went to Wal * Mart and got all of them. Dinner was delicious! We also rented GIJOE via RedBox, and we liked it a lot! Anyway, tonight has been a lot of fun and Casey and I are really looking forward to this 3 day weekend!

Sickies.... :(

2010-05-17T21:08:00.001-06:00

We're sick over here at the Patten house...

Casey is getting better...

Now I have it...

PLEASE GO AWAY SICKNESS!!!

Lately...

2010-04-26T22:46:00.000-06:00

Life has been super HECTIC!

But...

are HAPPY!

Casey had birthday...he turned 24...HAPPY BIRTHDAY HONEY!

I love him...

He loves me...

It's Great:D

OH! We were such great kids this last year that the EASTER BUNNY came!

I Liked This...

2010-03-30T11:10:00.000-06:00

Belief in God

Posted: 30 Mar 2010 01:00 AM PDT

"Some wonder, why is belief in God so important? Why did the Savior say, 'And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent'? (John 17:3; emphasis added)."Without God, life would end at the grave and our mortal experiences would have no purpose. Growth and progress would be temporary, accomplishment without value, challenges without meaning. There would be no ultimate right and wrong and no moral responsibility to care for one another as fellow children of God. Indeed, without God, there would be no mortal or eternal life." Robert D. Hales, "Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 29
Topics: God the Father

I'm SOO Glad Families Are Forever!

2010-03-29T17:02:00.000-06:00

It was this cute baby girl's birthday last week. So of course the family had a party for her. Don't worry she attacked this little cake. My Mom is so beautiful and she is such a great Grandmommy. I'm glad she will always be my Mom!

Look how full her cheeks are! Oh Joseline!

Vincente is a happy big brother!

Silly Conner!

Me and Levi

Heather and Ammon

Dad, Heather and Me

My Best Friend

My cute Mama and Dad

ReNae, Dad, Mom, Rebecca and Heather

Beautiful ReNae

Birthday girl's Mama, Becca

Casey and I (I love his silly faces!)

Anna, ReNae, Heather and Me!

I love my family and especially my sisters! We are missing Sara this time but I am so grateful that I have 3 beautiful sisters and I love that our family is growing always. My nieces and nephews are so cute and I love loving them. I am so glad I am sealed to all of these amazing people for eternity. What a blessing!

BEST DAY OF MY LIFE

2010-03-26T20:48:00.000-06:00

So I just can't help but think back to that great day when I married the man of my dreams. It was such a great day and I love him so much. Casey is a FABULOUS hubby and I couldn't have been married to someone better! We have so much fun together. We love to laugh and go on dates and watch movies and everything great! Basically we are superly in love and it's great...enough said!

We Ran Into Him...

2010-03-26T19:11:00.000-06:00

On March 13th Casey and I were walking out of an 8 hour work convention of Casey's that was held at the Little America Hotel. We were all pumped up after such a motivational meeting but needless to say ready to go home and get some ZZZZ's.

So I run to the bathroom before our 45 minute drive home. It wasn't too eventful in there, just a LONG line. :D Anyway, as Casey and I were walking to the elevators, my heart starts beating super fast and I am hitting Casey saying, "Casey do you see who that is!? Is that the Prophet? Is that President Monson? That IS President Monson! OH MY GOODNESS!"

So the rest went down like this...I walked through the crowd of people with my hand sticking out right up to the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! So he asks me my name and I say "Mary Patten." I think President Monson thought it was done after that but I just really couldn't leave him yet. I asked him for a hug and how cute he said, "Well my wife is right here but okay." So he gives me a hug and of course just like myself, I started to blubber. I don't mean a few tears, I was literally bawling my face off in front of all those people. I felt so silly and I even told President Monson how silly I felt for crying. He asked me my name again and I squeaked out, "M-m-maaarry P-p-patten." He gave me a big smile and I looked at him was I said, "Gosh it is just so nice to meet you!"

So I walked away after that because I was out of control crying and there were a LOT of people. Casey saved me and we walked down the stairs to our car. Anyway, it was the coolest experience of my whole life! I didn't cry because I was sad. No, I cried because I was so overwhelmed with joy that I had the opportunity to be in the presence of our Prophet, the Lord's mouthpiece on this earth. It was such a blessing to be so near to him and I could just feel his goodness radiating off of him. My heart was touched and my testimony strengthened. I am so grateful for the gospel that we have and I am so grateful for that opportunity that Heavenly Father gave me to meet his prophet. It was truly amazing!

My Red Headed Heather

2010-03-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday March 6th 2010 one of my closest friends Heather Wiscombe got married! It was wonderful day and we were so privileged to be a part of it. We we able to go to their sealing which was done by Ed J. Pinegar. He was amazing! So funny and the spirit was just so strong. It was a beautiful ceremony!

Heather and Konrad are the cutest couple and I just felt so happy for them all day long yesterday. I love this girl!

A Day of LOVIN!!!!

2010-02-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

So this year was our 2nd Valentines day together. It was a lot of fun to get Casey stuff. I got him a GIANT card, a cute little stuffed puppy and some yummy Reeses. Casey got me a BEAUTIFUL orange rose, some yummy heart candies, chocolates and the cutest card ever! I love him...enough said...

SNIP!

2010-02-20T11:14:00.000-07:00

So I have been cutting Casey's hair. At first I was pretty nervous about the whole thing but I figured it out with some lessons from his Mom. I think I've got it down really good now! Check it out! Oh, just for fun they are mugshots :D

BEFORE

AND VWALA!

AFTER

I think it looks great...

Star Written Lovers

2010-02-02T20:11:00.000-07:00

So my friend Jessica inspired me to see if mine and Casey's love was written in the stars. Result:

Two Fire signs soar with shared exaltation towards ambitious ideals and adventure. The Sagittarian's candor puts the Ram in his or her place if necessary, and communication flows readily between the two, limiting the damage from conflict. Energetic and intimate activity is part of their daily routine. These two individuals have energy to burn, and an appetite for mutual love and seduction. No clouds on the horizon as long as each accepts that the other will make no compromise...

You BETCHA! Aries surely was meant for Sagittarius!

Thanks Jessica for the inspiration!

I Love This Place...

2010-01-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

I love the temple! It is the greatest place to go. I guess I've never been to the Louisville, Kentucky temple, but Casey has on his mission so I thought I would pick this one. It doesn't matter where you go all of the temples are beautiful and their purpose is beautiful. I am so grateful for the temple! The fact that there is going to be yet another temple in Payson, Utah is pretty awesome. The LDS website says that will be the 15th operating temple in Utah. That is so crazy! I am just so grateful for all that we have and this place that we live. We are so blessed and I love it!

14 Little...

2010-01-27T21:32:00.000-07:00

FISHIES!!!

Casey and I have had these fish tanks since we've been married and we finally decked them out with some cool accessories. We also bought some more fish for them and so we now have 14 new members of our little household. Sometimes we sit on the kitchen floor and watch them. I know it sounds way boring, but we actually find it way relaxing!

CHECK IT OUT!

This is Miss. Parker. She is our Angelfish and she is my very favorite! This picture doesn't do her any justice at all she is really pretty and very feisty!

Love Them...

2010-01-27T21:26:00.000-07:00

So my sister Sara came to town with her two cute kids Samuel and Emma.

They have Uncle Casey and Aunt Mary wrapped around their fingers:D

We celebrated Sara's 24th birthday while she was here! It was lot of fun and the cake was delicious! Happy Birthday Sara!

I'm REALLY....

2010-01-16T09:56:00.000-07:00

...going to miss my Mads!

Another friend is moving to Alabama. At least it is only for a couple years but I still can't handle how sad I am that we are now two friends in Alabama and two friends in Utah. I am glad Lyss is still here but we are sure going to miss our people! Love you Madi! SMILEY FACE (dedicated to Madi). :D

I'm REALLY going to miss this SASSY little munchkin too!

Love you and miss you Madi and Kimber!

Favorite Person Ever <3

2010-01-16T09:49:00.000-07:00

I just really love my Casey!

What A Man!

2010-01-04T18:53:00.000-07:00

So during the huge snow storm last week I went outside Casey's parents house to find him doing this! What a great guy:D I think he looks pretty dang good on that 4-wheeler too!

'New Years Eve'

2010-01-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

Casey and I are really excited for this new year. We both have a couple of goals that we are excited to make happen. I want to lose a couple pounds(like everyone in the whole world) and Casey really wants to get his new business rolling. We are also really focusing on paying off our debts and finding a good health insurance!

Good luck to everyone with their goals and wish us a little luck if you get a chance!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Christmas #2!

2009-12-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

Casey and I had a lot of fun this Christmas! We both had a lot of fun

exchanging gifts:D Here are some pictures of our Christmas and some of

our family too!

Casey opening his Christmas Jammies!

Me opening my jammies!

We loved our jammies!

Loved all my gifts! Thanks honey!

Casey loved his too!

The pups:D

Lonnie and Bandit

Kyle

Bryce and Robin

Melanie and Anissa

Me, Robin and Anissa

Can't wait until next year!

My First Quilt!!!

2009-12-28T11:02:00.000-07:00

So I started this quilt in the summer and I finally finished it last night! I have been waiting anxiously for this break so I would have time to finish it and I did! Casey's mom helped me A LOT and she quilted it for me with her quilting machine. But I did everything else:D I love it!

What do you think!?

A Wonderful Time of Year

2009-12-27T23:30:00.000-07:00

I think this year was the first year I really felt the true spirit of Christmas. I really felt an understanding of the birth of our Savior. There is no greater joy in this life than to know that we have a brother who was born for us, lived his life for us, and then gave that life that was so precious for us. The spirit has been close to my heart. With past events reminding what Christmas is truly about. The birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. My heart is full of joy when I think of the glorious blessings I have received from the birth of a sweet little heavenly baby boy that night in the manger. Oh how Mary and Joseph must have felt at this moment when they looked at this tiny miracle literally sent from heaven that was placed in their care by a loving and trusting Heavenly Father. It must have been a glorious, awing moment for them.

Something that has always meant so much to me is that I too have the name Mary. I can't say if I was meant to be named after the Savior's mother. However I was named after a woman of greatness. My Aunt Mary who has endured many trials that many of us can never begin to comprehend. She is a woman of integrity and purity that most people will never be able to grasp in this lifetime. I am so far from the woman that she is, but it gives me great strength and motivation to know that I share my name with the mother of my Savior but also another great woman who has influenced my life in ways that she will never know. I love them both. I am grateful for them both.

Casey and I have had a lot of spiritual experiences this past year and it is been wonderful for our marriage. He is my best friend and the greatest example to me. I am so grateful for his priesthood and for his willingness to do all that he can to be worthy of it. It truly is a sacred and wonderful blessing that should not be taken lightly.

Also at this time of year I have thought a lot about our prophet Joseph Smith. We celebrate his birth just two days before Christmas. I think of his mother Lucy Mack Smith who is similar to Mary in so many ways. Though Joseph Smith is not the Savior of the world, he did indeed bring his full truth back to us. What a wonderful blessing we all have to have the fullness of the gospel in our grasp. We have the keys to be sealed for time and all eternity and to do work for the dead. I just can't imagine what all of our lives would be like without these amazing men and women who came before us and set the way for us to succeed and be happy. We are so truly blessed!

As we spent so much time with both of our families, building friendships and our love for one another I was constantly reminded of my own eternal family and I like to imagine that when we are all together happy and enjoying one another that our Father in Heaven is looking down from Heaven and smiling a beautifully perfect smile. It makes me so happy to know that he is happy.

This time of year is a wonderful one. I am always a little sad to see it go. Yes, the presents are great fun. But the best part is spending time with family and concentrating on serving others and really being able to remember the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. He is our redeemer and we truly owe all that we do to him.

Christmas Decorations

2009-12-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

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We really REALLY love Christmas time:D I put Christmas decorations up the day after Thanksgiving and I am quite excited each day when I wake up to my cute little Christmas tree and decorations all around the house. Here are some of the cute little decorations we have.

CHRISTMAS TREE

STOCKINGS

NATIVITY

CHRISTMAS CUPS AND NATIVITY #2

TABLE DECORATIONS

These are just a few of our cute decorations. Our camera isn't quite top notch either so you sort of get robbed of how cute they truly are. So you are just going to have to trust me when I say that our house is looking super cute and stylin this Christmas season!

22!!

2009-12-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I turned 22! It was kind of an interesting day but it ended great

with my VT coming and bringing me a foot warmer for our C~O~L~D bedroom:D Casey took me to Red Robin for dinner and then we went and saw The Blind Side. SUPERB movie! Loved it! Casey also got me chocolates...YUMMY...and the cutest little card ever! He is such a good hubby! We definitely had a great time! Thanks honey!

Thanksgiving Fun

2009-12-02T16:32:00.000-07:00

We had a GREAT Thanksgiving break. We spent a lot of time with my side of the family. It was the first time we had all been together in about a year and a half. One of the days we got family pictures taken of the whole family and before the photographer came, my little sister used her photography skills and took pictures. Here are some of the great pictures she took!

Dad and Mom

Jeff and ReNae Family

Left - Right: ReNae, Anna, Ammon, Levi, Conner, Jeff

Russ and Becca Family

Left-Right: Becca, Joseline, Vinecente, Russ

Marcus and Sara Family

Left-Right: Sara, Emma, Marcus, Samuel

Casey and I

Youngins Still at Home

Left-Right:Dad,Heather, Jesse, Brady, Jordan, Mom

Here are a few more fun and silly pictures from the great family fun:D

Heather and I

Casey and I being silly :D Casey is making a SUPERLY silly face.

We are both so grateful for all of our family and for each other. We both love these holiday seasons and all of the fun times we get to have! We are already looking forward to the yummy Thanksgiving dinner next year!

We LOVE Christmas

2009-11-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

So the we just love this Christmas season! I mean we like Christmas day and all but we just LOVE all of the Christmas festivities and the wonderful spirit of giving and the celebration of the birth of our Savior. What a wonderful time this truly is!

We Got Elfed!

2009-11-19T15:04:00.000-07:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Fall Fun :)

2009-11-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my little brother Jordan slept over while our mama was out of town being the amazing woman that she is, running a half marathon! Casey and Jordan had so much fun raking leaves and than jumping in them. The pile was huge and just so you know, there was more than one this size! We have so many leaves!

I forgot to put this picture of the amazing cookies we made together on my Halloween post. They were delicious and pretty cute if you ask me:)

Should We Go Private?

2009-11-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

So we've been hearing all sorts of things about why it's better to have a private blog. I'm not sure I want to. We put a poll up so I need you all to let me know your thoughts. A comment would be fine too! Let us know what you all think about "Going Private."

Halloween Fun

2009-11-05T13:41:00.000-07:00

This Halloween was a lot of fun for us! We went to a whopping four Halloween parties which is more then I've been to in my life! They were all a lot of fun and we got to eat a lot of really yummy food! Casey and I started off the week of Halloween being Hill Billies but I got really cold in my costume so we switched to a sort of GI Joe and GI Jane look. It was much warmer and a lot of fun still. A lot of people didn't recognize me at first because of my blond wig. I did get a couple comments saying that I would make a great blond. I thought that this was pretty funny. Casey looked great in his mullet and we got a good laugh out of how good he looked in it with his handlebars to match. All in all it was a lot of fun but now we are pretty excited for Thanksgiving!

My whole family is coming! All of the siblings haven't been together in at least a year. Which is a long time if you ask me! We get to meet our little niece Joseline and see our other nieces and nephews that all live faraway from us. We are really excited and we can't wait!

New Blog!

2009-11-05T11:31:00.000-07:00

Well here is our new blog! I will hopefully be getting updates on here

about Halloween and all of our fun adventures from over the last couple of weeks! Hopefully this blog isn't faulty and you can all leave as many comments as you like!

P.S.

WE LOVE COMMENTS!