Jacob and Kristin

Precious moments

2011-12-12T21:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, since I've become a mother, I've had some moments in my life that I just want to bottle up and put them in my pocket so I can always have them with me. I don't know if it's just me being crazy pregnancy hormonal or what but really, children are so precious. They make everything that's hard or frustrating or anything seem worth it. I love my sweet Kimball. Today I had to lay him down for a nap in my bed and decided to lay down with him for a minute and he just fell right asleep lying curled up next to me, one arm slung over my stomach, mouth open, and all of the sweetness that comes with watching your child sleep. Sometimes I can't help but marvel at how much I love my baby. I am so grateful that I get to be a mother, and that in 20 more weeks I won't just have my sweet Kimball but my little Lincoln as well. Man, being a mom seriously rocks.

I just wanted to put up this picture because it's adorable, and I miss Koen! Also, I didn't realize it until we bought them matching shirts but I cannot wait to buy my boys matching outfits! I don't care how cheesy of a mom I am, it's adorable.

I am Thankful

2011-11-21T13:32:00.000-07:00

I just want to start by saying, I LOVE this time of year!!! I've been listening to Christmas music since the beginning of November, and I have no shame! I think it's funny when people "confess" on facebook about that, because I think a lot of people do and like it, they just are silly. So anyway, I'm finding this time of year to be refreshing. There's just something about the weather changing that makes everything seem wonderful.

I really wanted to get on here though, because I've been thinking about how we need to be grateful always, and this time of year is here to remind us of that. So I just thought I would let out all of those feelings of gratitude I've been feeling lately.

I am grateful for my new, little, and still growing family. All of it. I don't think Jacob gets enough credit sometimes for how wonderful he is. Not only is he hardworking, loving, and funny, but he is sweet, determinded, and the best person I could ask to be with. I am so thankful to be able to have him by my side forever. I love having a partner, companion, and best friend. Words don't really express my love and gratitude for him. I also am so thankful for my sweet Kimball. I am so grateful for the gift of motherhood. There is nothing like watching your little man grow and change and learn. He is so funny, so smart, and so perfect. Of course it's challenging, but nothing in my life thus far has been as rewarding as being a wife and mother.

I am grateful to be pregnant. Maybe that's silly but I enjoy being pregnant. It's hard in the beginning, and unpleasant in the end, but it is such a sweet process. Knowing that I am growing another little member of my family inside me, and what comes at the end of it all, and getting to feel those sweet kicks and tumbles... it's just amazing.

I am thankful for the Sunbeams we teach on Sundays in church. We have about five of them most times, and they are not only sweet, but so funny! Every Sunday is a new learning experience for us, and we always leave church with a smile because of them.

I am thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love the gospel. The scriptures truly teach of Christ. I know that life isn't meant to be perfect or easy, and that the Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to have faith and remember him always, and we will ALWAYS be okay. I believe that we need to experience hardships, because we truly become who we can be through them. And so, for all of our challenges and trials over the last few months, I am very grateful. It has taught us quite a bit.

I am thankful for my family. So many have helped us in so many ways. We have been so blessed to have family around us to support us where we are and where we are trying to go. I love my family. I am so grateful to have been raised by such wonderful parents, and for siblings who I love so much. I am also grateful for my new extended family. I'm thankful that I don't have to feel awkward or uncomfortable around them, and that they are people I love to spend time with.

I am thankful for so many things. For this holiday season, for a roof over our heads, that we have enough to take care of our needs, laughter, good friends, and all things that we have been so very blessed with. I love my life. It's interesting because I've been watching the news more now than I ever have in my life (mostly because Jacob likes it so much), but I've really become intrigued with how people value things. That we have to have so much money and that success is valued by how much stuff you can have. To me, I am rich. I have all of the things I need to have joy in my life, even if everything around me isn't perfect.

2011-09-07T22:18:00.000-06:00

I think I just get worse at blogging the longer I have this thing... Either way, I decided to update.

So first of all, I just want to say it's almost 10 pm, and I am exhausted! Is that what parenthood does to you? Knowing that I am going to be awake by AT LEAST 7:30 am, which isn't the worst time I've had to be awake, but who wants to be awake then? That probably sounds really pathetic to most people. So sorry for all of you productive people, who are, obviously, more productive than I seem to be, yes, I am lame.

I think that those of you who read this have the general "down low" (or whatever), on my life, so I won't share it all. We're happy and at least trying hard to be where we should be, if we're not in our "ideal" situation. Last night Jacob and I had actually discussed where we are in life, and I totally realized that I am not the best person that I could be. So I am going to try to be better. I remembered reading this artice from General Conference, and I'm spacing on who actually gave the talk, but he quoted President Monson saying (essentially),

"Fear not, for your future is as bright as your faith."

When I first read that it really touched me, made me feel like Jacob and I really could do whatever it was we decided, so long as we were doing all that we were in faith and with the guidance of the Spirit. And then we got to Utah, and things didn't work out how I thought they would, or how Jacob thought they would, and I quickly and easily let that thought slip through my fingers. And last night is when I finally realized that. After that, and a wonderful conversation with my amazing mother, who shared her words of wisdom with me, I realize that everything will be fine. That I need to deal with my problems with faith, not fear. The only thing that will accomplish for me is making me stressed out, and who needs that... So as of now, I am resolved to be of better faith, a stronger support for my husband, and a more tender and loving mother of my precious baby boy.

One year

2011-05-16T11:49:00.003-06:00

So I know I'm a few days behind but I still wanted to get this up here before things change and I forget. My little man is one year old... Where did that year go? Oh yeah, it went to my Kimball. I cannot believe how much things can change in such a short amount of time. This time last year, I was just trying to stay afloat figuring out how to be a mom and still get to eat and shower myself as well. Now Kimball and I (and Jacob of course) have our own little schedule down for most days of the week, and we eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, and our snacks sitting together at the kitchen table. I love it.

I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the concept of a year. How did I get from this:

To this:

Kimball is now running everywhere we go, saying, "bye bye," shutting himself into rooms and then knocking so I will come and get him, trying to hang out with the "big kids," and throwing away his own diapers (with lots of encouragement from mom and dad). He is the smartest kid I know. I am so proud of all he does.

We got him some blocks for his birthday, and he loves to knock them down and mess them up.

I really enjoy this kid. I can't imagine life without this little family that I have. So, happy birthday Kimball! I love you more than I can say!

And we're walking!

2011-02-23T11:06:00.002-07:00

And there you have it - my baby is a walker!

2011-02-21T10:52:00.002-07:00

Since Kimball has been born, I have come to appreciate several things in my life.

The smell of a freshly mopped floor (because that means that it's clean from clutter and germs!)

Time with Jacob (sometimes I forget just how good of a friend he is for me)

Watching how fast my baby is progressing

Teaching Kimball and seeing him pick it up

Quiet time

Cleanliness in general (it's just so nice...)

Sleeping without being woken up by anyone, or when I am, it's by my baby crawling over my face and screaming

I love my life. It's awesome. Kimball is my baby angel monster. He is into so much right now, and everyone keeps telling me that when he really gets the hang of walking it only gets worse! I don't know how that's possible.

Speaking of walking, he's taken six steps in a row now! We tried getting a video last night, but he was too tired. So I'll try again today and see what we get.

Slap happy

2011-02-09T21:01:00.002-07:00

Kimball's new fetish

2011-01-17T10:01:00.002-07:00

My kid is crazy. Don't worry, the sock is clean.

Six months

2010-11-17T15:55:00.005-07:00

I cannot believe my baby boy is SIX MONTHS old! Time flies. So far he has turned out to be a totally awesome baby, and a totally adorable handful. This is what's going on in the world of Kimball:

He is now weighing in at 20 lbs.

Eating his fruits and veggies and whatever else I give him

Loves playing with his cousins

Crawling and exploring

Chewing on just about anything he can get with his two teeth

Loves when daddy comes home from work

I'm not even going to pretend --- Kimball is awesome. Motherhood is one of the coolest things ever, and I am so glad to have my little family!

This is the best video of him crawling that I could get, and it's also a little taste of what life is like here... I love it.

The Defeat of Insanity

2010-10-27T16:14:00.003-06:00

So I know last time I posted it was about Insanity, and I just wanted to let the record show that I actually finished it! Boo-ya Insanity. I was thinking about posting before and after pictures if I was confident enough in my result photos, but I've decided against it, because I don't feel the need to put up pictures of my super hot new bod... or maybe I mean my still stretched out baby belly grossness. Oh well.

I must say though, I think the last four weeks of the program were much more effective. I think the first four were to get you in decent enough shape that you can actually do the last four weeks. Total I was able to lose a little over two inches around my waist, and I can definitely see the difference now. I think, had I followed the diet portion of the program, I would have seen the results I really wanted, but I lack self control. Also, I only have one pair of pants that I can actually fit into now, so hopefully soon I will get to go shopping! Too bad pants cost money, and you can't just trade in a pair of your old ones right? That would be nice, but whatever. My favorite part about finishing Insanity, though is --- get ready for it --- I am officially BELOW my pre-pregnancy weight! That's right, I actually did it! So once again I say, "Boo-ya! Insanity!"

So now that I'm done with the craziness, I'm trying to figure out what to do with the exercise portion of my day. I have yet to try running again, but sometime I will get back to it. Lately Sandy and I have been doing these super awesome video workouts that are actually from the same company that produced Insanity, only older. They are cheesy and fun, and not quite as hard, so I like them. But I think it would be cool to make up my own work outs, so I'm trying to get up the courage to take a stab at it, and I don't know what's holding me back, so that's my next goal to achieve. We'll see what becomes of my new goal.

Insanity

2010-09-17T16:02:00.002-06:00

Suprise for everyone, I'm posting again! So for those of you who don't know, Jacob and I, and also Adam and Sandy who we live with right now, are participating in a program called "Insanity." Basically it's a sixty day program where you work out at your max level for a few minutes and take a 30 second break for recovery. The workouts vary every day but you follow a predetermined schedule from week to week. We're halfway through the program now and I can't decide how I feel about it.

On the one hand, I am definitely a lot stronger than I was when I started, hands down. I can tell because I can do more in the workout and there's a fitness test you do every two weeks. My muscles are getting more defined and such, and I guess I've lost about an inch or so around the middle.

On the other hand, I have not lost ANY weight. I initially lost two pounds, then gained two pounds, and ever since then I just keep fluctuating right around where I started. So even though I probably am seeing results, I don't feel like it. I'm only two or three pounds (depending on the day) from my pre-pregnancy weight, but I just cannot get there.

This next month, however, we start a more serious schedule and I'm really hoping that the first month was more for prep and this next one holds the results I want. I also think, however, that I need to be more resolved to actually get where I want to be. So this is what I am resolving to do today:

-Put my scale away and only check it once a week
-Eat healthier (I'm not cutting out sweets though because I'm not crazy)
-Not sit around all day after I've worked out

That last one is definitely the hardest because I feel like I need to get moving more than just the forty minutes or so I'm exercising, but it's been challenging because I feel like with Kimball that's all I can do for now. It's only three things but I really want to get results, and I'm getting frustrated. I actually really enjoy the workouts and pushing myself and getting sweaty, but I want to know that it's working too. So here we go "Insanity," part 2. We're going to do this thing, and it better work.

4 months among other things

2010-09-13T20:19:00.000-06:00

Pretty sure he's not big enough for this yet but because we went back to Rexburg and I didn't want to have to ask for a ride everywhere I went, we went ahead and got it. Best buy so far, he loves it!

Who needs toys when you can play with a Subway cup?

We started trying him on rice cereal, he doesn't really get the concept of a spoon quite yet but it was fun! This was the beginning of our first time trying, it didn't stay that clean for long...

He went to the doctor last week to get his four month shots and he did suprisingly well! It wasn't nearly as bad as the two month ones. Here's where we are now and what he's up to:

15 lbs. 15 oz. (72nd percentile!)
25.25 inches
Rolling from back to stomach
Smiles at just about everyone
He wants to see everything around him (hence, the stroller that we got being so great)
He loves to talk
Reaching for toys, mostly so he can chew on them

He's basically doing really well, he's such a good baby!

3 Months

2010-08-07T19:18:00.002-06:00

I cannot believe my handsome little man is three months old! I absolutely love it, I feel like every day I can see him growing! Here's what he's up to now:

He is now 13.4 lbs and wearing 3-6 month clothes.

He has laughed a few times (first from Becca and then Jacob got him to do it). Sorry, I have yet to capture it in video.

He loves attention! I can set him down to get things done, but he still wants me to be right there talking to him.

So smiley! He's either scowling at nothing or smiling at his new best friend, Mr. Fan.

Holding his head up! He likes tummy time much more than he used to.

He is the drool king! I swear my shirt gets soaked every day, and my arms constantly are wet with Kimball's awesome drooliness.

Basically, Kimball is awesome.

2 Months

2010-07-16T13:52:00.004-06:00

So Kimball is two months old now, and in a little under three weeks he's gained two pounds! These are his stats:

Weight: 12lbs. 2oz. - 59th percentile
Height: 23.25 in. - 62nd percentile

I know it's blurry but it's the only one of him smiling

This is what he's up to now

Smiling
Getting good control of his head and neck
He loves laying on his stomach for tummy time, until he figures out that he can't move his head and then he gets upset

2010-06-22T20:55:00.007-06:00

I cannot believe my handsome baby boy is six weeks old already! Everytime people see him they tell me how little he is, but he is SO big! He is now 22 inches, and 10 lbs, 2 ounces!

He even poses while he sleeps

He's starting to like bathtime, until you get his head wet

Pretty much the face he always makes, like there's always something to be concerned about

Daddy and Kimball watching the World Cup, it's been like this every day since it started, and I'm not complaining

This was taken earlier today, he actually sat in there for a few minutes and looked out the window, it was great!

So that's my baby boy, he's starting to get little leg rolls, and he's started smiling, but mostly in the mornings, or when he knows he's supposed to be sleeping. It's a good thing he's so completely adorable, or parenthood would be a lot harder.

Pictures of Delivery

2010-05-10T22:51:00.002-06:00

This our new son Kimball Douglas Buffington. He is a handsome fellow that is just perfect in many ways. When he was coming out and the nurse noticed he had hair, Kristin and I then had a exciting high-five moment. However, we didn't know how hairy he was later on in the delivery. His whole scalp is covered with hair and even his back. He was 7 lbs and 7 oz, 19 in long, and was born at 8:10pm. So, enjoy his adorable pictures.

10 Honest Things

2010-04-30T18:08:00.002-06:00

I figured since Caitlyn challenged me to do this, and I haven't posted in awhile, I'll go ahead and write ten honest things. I'm assuming it's to be about me and my life, so that's what I'm doing:

1. I worry about what kind of mom I am going to be. I'm sure every new mom worries about it, but when I get upset I am very impatient and tend to cry a lot. I'm worried that I won't be able to cope with the frustrations of parenting, not that I will hurt my children, but that I won't be able to raise them like they need to be. I also worry that they won't take me seriously, because I will have an emotional breakdown in the middle of trying to reprimand them.

2. I like being pregnant. Maybe part of that stems from the fact that I technically have a child, and I don't actually have to worry too much about them quite yet, and so it's easy. Even at 38 + weeks, mostly I'm still really happy with just being pregnant for now. I like that I am not stressed out about eating or exercising, and that I still feel really good about my body. I like that I have not gotten stretch marks yet, and trust me, I check every day for them. I like feeling him squirming around because it means he is doing well and he is alive.

3. My mood is easily affected by the weather. I don't like snow anymore, partly because it is still snowing in Rexburg on some days, but mostly because people have to drive in it. I am terrified of driving in the snow or any kind of bad weather. Thunderstorms, because of more recent past experiences, make me nervous. Again, especially while driving. I start shaking if we're in the car and the weather starts to turn bad. All I can think of at those times is that something bad is going to happen. Wind also makes me mad. I don't know why, maybe because it messes up my hair or something, but everytime that it is noticeably windy, I get cranky.

4. I really love my in-laws. I always worried about that before I got married, that my husbands family wouldn't like me, or that I'd feel really awkward around them because of how quiet I can be. What I love is how I feel comfortable with all of them, and that I enjoy spending time with them. It's awesome.

5. I hate it when people talk about fad diets of any kind. I think all fad diets are stupid and so are people that try them (sorry). They don't work. I also think things like lipo and other weight loss surgeries are a cop out unless they are medically necessary, but usually they aren't. The only proven way to lose weight and keep it off is diet and exercise, sorry but that's proven.

6. The only career I really want is to be a stay at home mom. Sometimes I feel like I'm lazy because people ask me what I'm going to do with my degree, and I'm too scared to tell them that I want to use it solely to raise my kids. But that's what I really want. It would be cool to be a personal trainer or do something like that if I need to work, but in all truthfulness, I just want to have Jacob work so that I can take care of our children. It may be lazy to some people, but I don't think so.

7. I am an awkward person. I think one of the reasons Jacob and I work so well together is because he always has something to say and I hardly ever do. Sometimes I even have a hard time with people I've known all my life. Sometimes I just feel awkward.

8. I like reading books more than I like watching tv. Books seem to be much more captivating, and you really get to understand the characters so much better. It's just so much easier to have the tv on, because I can do other things while I'm watching it. I watch tv more, but I like books better.

9. I don't have any hobbies. I tried crocheting, and it got boring half way through. I don't think I'm crafty enough for a sewing project, plus we don't have a sewing machine. It makes me wonder what I really will be doing with the rest of my life. I don't want to resort to tv because it's there and get really lazy. I can't even keep myself occupied on the computer for more than 15 minutes, and that's when I'm trying. I do want a hobby though, because the one time I did successfully crochet I felt so accomplished. Too bad it got really boring for me. I think it's not so much that I want a hobby, but I want to be doing things that make me feel like my life is worth while and productive.

10. I'm not worried about the future. There are so many things out there that say that I should be. Having a baby while my husband is in school, looking at the state of the economy and jobs, not knowing where we'll be three years down the road... The list is forever long. But, ever since I've known I wanted to marry Jacob, I haven't worried about my future. It may just be Heavenly Father's way of telling me that things will turn out just fine, or it may just be that I am completely in denial. Either way, for now, I am really happy with the way things are and I know that everything will turn out however it turns out.

Things I have discovered

2010-04-07T20:19:00.004-06:00

I have learned recently that I am not only capable, but that I have actually finished a craft! Yes, I am crafty! I made this blanket for Kimball, and all of you crafty-er people out there, don't tell me what's wrong with this blanket, I don't want to know, nor am I going to fix it.

This isn't a new discovery, but it's a fun past time that I have developed since becoming pregnant.

So, living where we do, we have DVR. If you don't know, when you pull up a show you can read a brief description of the show. We are new found fans of American Idol this season, and so I was going to pull it up to watch it and just happened to catch the description:

2010-02-15T15:15:00.007-07:00

I always wait until I have like six different things to post about and then can't decide which one to start with. Let's see...

Well, I went in to get my hair fixed up the other day. I've decided I've had enough of two inch long roots. It got bad enough that I hated straightening my hair because it looked really awful. So I decided that since I'm pretty awful at keeping up with my hair I'd just go back to my natural hair color. As most of you remember me, I've always had hair that was something like this:

So when I told them to go back to my natural hair color, I wasn't quite expecting that, but something in between blonde and brown. This is what I got:

So, I guess this is my natural hair color. I didn't think it had gotten that dark, but that's what I've been told, so it must be true.

Next up: I have graduated college, and for real this time! I can prove it:

Yay, my degree came in the mail today, so it's official! Woo hoo!

And this is me, not quite 28 weeks pregnant, and officially in my third trimester!

And this is me on Valentine's day, yay for chocolate!

And this is Jacob's new favorite place to study:

Yes, that is our bathtub. Luxurious, no?

Cooking... story of my life

2010-01-28T17:52:00.002-07:00

So, as most of you know, I am not an expert chef, and that is not my greatest desire, but I am generally happy when I'm able to cook something and it turns out to be good (Or so Jacob tells me). These last two nights I thought I would try something I've never done before, as easy or traditional as they may be. I just thought I'd share my experiences with you:

MEATLOAF: Night #1

I mentioned trying to make this a few weeks ago and Jacob got really excited. Of course, it takes me a few weeks to get around to actually trying it, so two nights ago he was gone and I thought I'd give it a go. I mixed it all up, as disgusting as it looked, and threw it in the oven to cook. I was clearing off my dishes to throw in the dishwasher, it doesn't really clean it, just sanitizes. As I was washing one of my favorite mixing bowls, I went to put it in the dishwasher, but it slipped out of my hand, fell a whopping two inches onto the counter, and cracked perfectly in half. Amazing. Not only is this bowl perfect for mixing things for me and Jacob since it's so small and there are only two of us, but it was from our wedding. Being the pregnant and semi-irrational person I seem to have become, I was angry for about an hour at nothing in particular, so I grabbed one of our Jone's soda's and had at it. Thank goodness Jacob liked the meatloaf, because I discovered/remembered upon taking my first bite, that I did not.

SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN: Night #2

So the next night rolls around and I'm feeling pretty good and in the mood to cook, and I really want Asian food. I found a recipe for it that looked SUPER easy, and I had all the ingredients, which is rare, so I thought I'd go for it. Sadly enough, I did not have the right size mixing bowl because of the prior night's events, but I made due. So I mixed up the sauce, and set it on the stove to boil, as the directions say. I turned around and was getting the chicken ready to put on the stove, and turned around just in time to see the contents of my sauce boiling over. Now, this may not seem too bad, but it was. I quickly removed the pot from it's location to a cooler spot and turned off the stove, but a majority of the sauce had already spilled over, and then it got awesome. It's an electric stove, and so even when you turn off the heat right away it takes a while to cool down. Because so much had spilled over, it started to smoke. And not just a little smoke, LARGE, DARK clouds of smoke! It very quickly filled up the house, even though we opened the doors and turned on the fans, and very soon after, the fire alarm went off. Again, amazing. All the residents got really confused and kept trying to do things (like shut the door) while me and the worker were trying to clear the smoke to get the fire alarm to go off! And where is Jacob? At school. So I'm freaking out, because the sprinkler system is supposed to go off, thankfully it didn't. But it took us a good ten to fifteen minutes to get that loud, screeching alarm to stop. And go figure, right as we're about done, who walks in the door? My wonderful husband. By this time I'm not a happy camper and on the verge of a breakdown, and he asks me why I didn't turn off the fire alarm. Needless to say, I decided not to answer that one. Partly because he couldn't have heard over that ridiculously loud alarm, the other part... goes for itself. Well, it finally turned off, and what did I do? I grabbed our last Jone's soda, and drank it. Thankfully the meal turned out well.

So, here's to hoping that I have no more cooking excursions like that, because I finished off the last of our Jone's soda.

23 Weeks and counting!

2010-01-14T15:11:00.004-07:00

So I posted this on facebook, but not everyone is on facebook all the time so I thought I'd put it here too, for those of you who keep telling me to post more belly pics.

I don't know why all of our pictures have a blue tint. It always bothers me so sorry if it bothers you too! We're looking into getting a new camera, we'll see when that actually happens though!

"YES, we've done it!"

2010-01-03T15:24:00.006-07:00

In the words of the movie Little Giants, we did it! We're having a boy! I'm pretty sure everyone who reads this already knows but, that's fine with me. I'd put up a picture for everyone, but during the ultrasound our little man decided he'd like to stay put on his tummy rather than roll over for us, so that we couldn't get a good shot of his profile, and some other essential things, so we get to have another ultrasound next month! Nothing to worry about though, everything else looks fantastic, he's just decided to either be a really stubborn child, or really lazy. I'm not hoping for either but that's how it goes. So I'll get pictures up when I get them. This is a picture of what I look like though:

This picture is actually from about three weeks ago, so I've expanded a bit since then, I just never get around to taking pictures. I've had to buy my first set of maternity clothes and such, which are so much more comforable than my jeans, thank goodness!

I also bought our little boy his first outfits, and it is so cool! I am totally loving knowing what he is, so now I can really plan for it! I'll have to take pictures of those too, because they are super cute, and I know everyone wants to see them (Ok, maybe just me).

Aside from being super psyched about having a boy, it's been a fantastic few weeks! I have finished college (although I am secretly waiting for them to contact me and tell me I haven't taken all of the right classes). It is the weirdest thing to be done, mostly because I have nothing to do all day now. So if anyone has hobbies they would like to introduce me to, now would be the time.

We also got to spend a fantastic Christmas with Jacob's oldest brother and his family! I had a blast, even if it wasn't the full-blown Buffington Christmas. We had such a good time relaxing and spending time with them, we always wish it would last longer! We did get new pajamas from the Elves also, and they are super comfy!

These other pictures are just some from what we've been doing the last few weeks.

Moving right along...

2009-11-30T19:42:00.003-07:00

My apologies that it's been so long, it's been a crazy last few weeks. I know that most of you follow my blog religiously, so here's our life right now:

We moved! I don't know if I posted about this last time, but we got a job out at a home with people who have ahlzeimer's, and we work the night shift. So far, we completely love it! It's pretty low stress, we just make sure they're good through the night. They are so fun, I am so happy we got this opportunity.

We celebrated our one year anniversary last Sunday! It was so awesome! We didn't do much, but we went out to eat at Olive Garden on Saturday and they have this amazing Pumpkin cheesecake thing with caramel and ginger cookies crumbled on top of it! SO good! Sunday we chilled and just enjoyed the day. I love being married to Jacob! It has been the best/hardest/happiest time of my life!

One thing I am also super psyched about: GRADUATION! I can't believe my college days are really almost over (so long as I pass all my classes...)! I can now understand all of my friends who graduated before me and absolutely did not like their last semester! There's just something about it, possibly the knowledge that it's almost over, that makes me want to not do my homework anymore! And it does not help my grades, but I will be fine. I can't wait to be done!

Also, I am now 17 weeks along! It is so fun, I love this part of pregnancy! I'm definitely hoping to find out what it is before Christmas, since I turn 20 weeks on December 22nd!

This is where we are!

2009-11-05T10:28:00.001-07:00

Interested in pregnancy? Read about being

10 weeks pregnant, 20 weeks pregnant,

30 weeks pregnant and 40 weeks pregnant.

2009-10-06T17:16:00.004-06:00

So, just by looking you wouldn't think there is anything in this belly of mine...

And yet, there is!

It's our little baby, and we are so excited! I found out today that I am exactly 9 weeks along, which is funny because I was so nervous that they were going to tell me that I was only like 7 weeks, and yet Jacob was convinced that I was 13. So I guess we meet in the middle at exactly where I am supposed to be. Also, our baby's heart was beating at 177 beats per minute! And, I saw it move! It was so cute, it was just wiggling and it made me so happy! Everything has gone really well so far, nothing too bad as of yet. Anyway, just thought I'd update!

2009-09-29T19:44:00.004-06:00

A lot of times I get so caught up in what is going on around me that I forget to appreciate where I am and the people around me. I feel like these last few weeks have been nothing short of that. So many new things are happening that I keep forgetting to stop and think. This picture is probably not good to anyone who knows anything about photography, but it was all I could find to represent what I've been thinking about tonight. I have so much to be grateful for in my life. I have:

*A husband who works so hard and is passionate about everything he does. I thought I loved him the day we got married, and yet everyday, he seems to remind me how blessed I am to have his influence in my life.

*The opportunity to bear children. I've learned it's not always pleasant, but it's a gift and a blessing.

*The chance to not only attend college, but to graduate with an education that I can use in multiple aspects of my life.

*An apartment to live in that is affordable.

*The gospel and knowledge of both my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.

*A family (those who have recently become such and those I've grown up with all my life). I love them all.

*Friends who inspire me to be better

*The opportunity to live less than five minutes from the temple, it won't always be that easy.

There is so much that I have to be thankful for. I think a lot of times I let these moments go unnoticed when I start to appreciate my life a little bit, but for some reason I couldn't do that tonight. I am so grateful for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Everything I have in my life seems to stem from that blessing.

These last few weeks... are over!

2009-09-03T19:32:00.007-06:00

Well, it's been an exciting last month for us, and it went by so fast! I feel like we've traveled the whole country within a month, and frankly, I am SO thrilled that we will not be driving anywhere long distance for awhile. We went from Idaho to Utah, Utah to Ohio, Ohio to Colorado, back to Idaho, down to Utah again, and now we are safely back in Idaho. Jacob and I never thought we'd be so excited to pull into Rexburg! We have decided that from this point on, if we can fly there, we will. We have driven through the absolute WORST rain storms I have ever been in in my life (twice within a week in fact), once I thought for sure we were heading directly into doom, and driven when our car seemed to be giving up (I think it felt overworked... I can see why). Aside from that, though, it has proven to be a fantastic month!

Linds is happily married, and side note - they have a super cute apartment!

It's nice to have them so close by. They are pretty awesome.

It was so much fun hanging out at home with my family! I really liked playing with Chaela, she's getting so big and she is so funny! I loved it when Jacob taught her how to fist bump, it was great.

Also, we went to the beloved Cedar Point! We brought Nick with (Lindsay's husband) because he had never been (or me). I have to say, I was pretty nervous, and almost didn't go, but I'm glad I did. Jacob decided to put me on the craziest one first, the "Millenium Force," and I'm glad he did. After that one, all the others we super easy, and fun. My favorite was definitely the "Raptor" because you don't climb amazingly high and get the gross falling feeling, which Jacob loves. I will say, I was pretty proud of myself for riding all of the rides! I didn't ride the last one, but that's only because I was positive that I was going to get sick! I was actually pretty bumbed because it looked like fun.

After that we went to Colorado to visit Jeb and Becca. It was so much fun! We only got to stay there for three days, and we definitely wished that we could have stayed longer! I feel bad, but I didn't take any pictures there, I don't know what I was thinking (I must have gotten too picture happy and Linds's wedding). After this trip Jacob and I are now huge fans of Colorado! We went hiking and people are so active out there! There are tons of people who play sports and bike ride and jog everywhere! I definitely loved it.

After Jeb and Becca's we went to Twin Falls for Lindsay and Nick's next reception, and it was very nice. Then we went back to Utah to get our headlight fixed, hopefully this time it means our car is better, and now we're back in Rexburg! I am thrilled to be back. It was such a fun trip, but it's also so nice to come back to your own little apartment. Now we're getting back into the swing of things, Jacob's already got some good prospects for a job, and I'm just hanging out until school starts, making sure everything is ready for my final semester!

Pictures!

2009-08-05T14:28:00.003-06:00

As promised, here's some pictures of what we've been doing for the last week or so. The first one is from when Jacob, Lindsay, Nick, and I went to the Capitol building in Salt Lake. It was really pretty. The picture's not the greatest, but it was awesome!

The next picture is from when Jacob and I went to the Draper temple in Utah. We've decided to try to get to as many as possible since we have nothing else to do. It's been a really cool experience so far! Plus the view from all of these temples is so beautiful!

Other than that we haven't been doing a whole lot. We went to a family outing for Pioneer day with some of Jacob's family, and it was really fun. I don't have any good pictures of that or I'd put some up. We also got a good day's work in yesterday! Jacob and I found some temporary work at a factory for Smith's (or Kroger's, it's the same company). The beginning wasn't too bad, but towards the end it was pretty much awful. We stood in an assembly line and took cupcakes out of muffing tins for two hours. And it wasn't just like you do it on your own time, it's a continuously moving belt so you have to do it as the trays go by and you don't have time to take a break because you'll miss the next tray! Seriously, not something I want to do again. It made us both glad to think that we were getting our college education so hopefully we won't have to stand in assembly lines for the rest of our lives. But I do respect those people who can. Just not for me. Anyway, that's about it for us. I hope everyone's doing well!

It's been awhile...

2009-07-29T09:40:00.002-06:00

SO, I figured since neither Jacob or I has posted in about three months, it was time to get back on track. I wish I had pictures to show you about all that's been happening, but seeing as we forgot to pack our camera adaptor thing, you will have to wait a week. First and foremost, SCHOOL IS OVER! For now at least. But it made me really excited when I took my last test! And, I am officially graduating in December! I put in my grad. report and talked to my counselor. I am registered for all of my remaining classes plus my internship. So, I'm almost done! It's so weird that that part of my life is coming to a close, I thought it would never come! I'm still slightly undecided as to where I'll go from there, but I have some options and we'll see what happens. As for Jacob, he still has at least two years left but is now looking into getting his Associate's and then transferring down to Utah to finish. But everyone knows that we are completely undecisive so I don't know where we'll be come January.

Now that we're done with school and out of work, we're hanging out in Layton, UT with my mother in law! It's been really fun, and we've made a goal to visit as many different temples as we can. On Saturday we started with Draper (we tried to go to Bountiful and drove all the way there, but then found it was closed for cleaning until August 4th!), and then last night we went to Mt. Timpanogos. They are so beautiful! It has been really nice to be able to do so. We plan on getting to Salt Lake and possible Ogden too. Either way, they are all SO pretty!

Aside from that we've put in applications for some temp. work since we'll be here for awhile. We leave for Ohio in two weeks for Lindsay's wedding! I am super excited, and Jacob is too, but mostly because he wants to go to Cedar Point! He's been talking about it with Nick (Lindsay's fiance) ever since we found out they were getting married in Ohio. After that we plan on visiting some of Jacob's family in Colorado, and I'm really excited because we haven't seen them since Thanksgiving I think! So it's been awhile.

Sorry I don't have any pictures, this weekend we're headed back to Rexburg to get everything we'll need for our Ohio trip (mainly Lindsay's things), and I will be able to grab our camera adaptor thing. So when I get back I'll post pictures so you can all stalk me again. I love you all!

Eventful weekend!

2009-04-27T16:39:00.005-06:00

So this weekend was insanely amazing! My friend Nicole got married in Los Angeles on Saturday, so of course Jacob and I went! We drove down to Las Vegas on Wednesday night and stayed at my old roomates house. On Thursday, Jacob got his first experience at In & Out burger, which he loved! Then we spent the day with Adam and Sandy and went to Red Rock Canyon, which was awesome! We got to go exploring in the red rock area, I'm guessing that's why they call it that... Then we headed for the strip! That was definitely an experience for both of us. It was cool, but I think that Jacob thinks its the epitomy of evil.

Then on Friday morning we headed to California! I think one of the things that was the most insane was the traffic! Holy smokes it was crazy. I think my favorite part was the beach! We were on the pier and there was this awesome pelican! Jacob was afraid to get too close to it though, which was funny. You learn new things about your spouse every day! The funniest part, though, was when we had just walked on to the pier, we looked over and there was this kid just dancing! Like, Napoleon Dynamite only worse... I couldn't tell if he had an Ipod in or not, but it was seriously the funniest thing ever! I could not stop laughing! I was sad because we had a video but I accidentally deleted it... Oh well. But then we got to play on the shore. For some reason, I really like running out when the water goes out, and then running when the waves get close to me. It makes me feel like a kid, which is awesome!

The next day we went to Nicole's wedding, and I was just glad we made it! We got lost so we found the Temple like, 10 minutes before it started, and then we couldn't find the entrance! So we actually got there and had 5 minutes to get in, but luckily, we made it! And that was amazing also! She was a very pretty bride. And now she's married! So Saturday was all wedding stuff and some homework in between, and then Sunday we drove straight back up to Idaho! It was kind of a bummer, because it was so nice there and we got back to our 40 degree weather! Not so pleasant, but it was totally a fun weekend!

Mission Reunion weekend

2009-04-12T20:40:00.002-06:00

So, last weekend Jacob and I went down to Utah for his mission reunion, and it was a pretty cool experience! I got to meet a lot of awesome people, most of whom I had no idea who they were. But it was so fun. This picture is of us with his mission president and his wife. They flew all the way from Korea! They were really nice. Anyway, just wanted to put up this picture, and my computer actually let me! Love it!

Changes

2009-04-03T14:10:00.002-06:00

So, since spring is supposedly on its way (I say that because we had a snow storm this morning), things will be changing for Jacob and I soon, and we're pretty excited! First of all, I changed my hair color! I figured it was time to see what it would be like being blonde with long hair. I just did it yesterday, and I think I'm still adjusting, but I think that I like it, or will soon come to. But I thought I'd put up a picture for those of you who forgot what I looked like growing up (minus these last few years).

Also, we'll be moving in a few weeks! Just down the hallway, but I'm pretty excited for that. I have a feeling I'm going to get confused a lot on which door I'm supposed to be going to in order to get to my own apartment. I'm not much of a fan of moving but it's only a few feet away, so I figure I can manage this since we won't have to pack up the car.

Aside from that, our only other change is the school semesters, which, I am probably most excited about! I will be able to go back to part time work, and I'll actually be doing something I am interested in again! I'm sure once it starts I'll be saying differently, but for now, it's a welcome change. Jacob will be done with this semester next week, which I think will be a pretty big relief for him. We're actually about to head down to Utah for his mission reunion right now, and he's definitely excited, and I am too, just because I think it will be oool to see all the people I've heard so many stories about. Speaking of that, I actually need to finish getting things ready, so I'm going to head out, but I am trying to post my picture of my new hair color for you Caitlyn and mom, my computer just doesn't like to have too much pressure put on it so it might now work, but I'll see what I can do.

Time after missing Stake Confrence

2009-03-08T14:44:00.002-06:00

If you were wondering why the title is way it is, it's very simple! We woke up this morning and basically missed stake conference! I guess we're going to go to Hell. Or I mean heck if Kristin reads this. But for the record we did get ready for church but then received a call from our friends asking what time was stake conference. We didn't know it but soon found out that we did missed it from other friends of ours. Now we're sitting in our living room waiting for the snow to pass by so we can take pictures outside, and in the mean time we're watching Peter Pan. Pretty good times!
You know it's funny to watch Peter Pan, because we never knew how racist it is. Think about the song Following the Leader. At one point the lost boys sing "we're off to fight the injuns!" (meaning the Indians) Also John refers to them as savages. How about the song What makes the Red-Man Red? Man Disney is pretty racist!! Kristin even brought up to me that there is no special meaning in the Little Mermaid. Think about it. She does everything to be accepted. She even sells her own soul. Really she just wants to hook up with Prince Eric. I now think she is a Mer-HO!!! If there is any good point to that movie I would like to see others respond to this post and explain what it is!
KRISTIN IS NOT PREGNANT!!!! We understand that many are excited for the day to come when we'll have kids, but when we're ready we'll let all know!! But yesterday Kristin did have something in the oven it was nice cookies she made for us. If anyone wants some just come over before they are all gone. Which wont be for long.
We only have a month left before the semester is over. Which is nice because as much as I love Biblical Hebrew I can't wait for it to be over. Kristin is also excited to get this year over so she can finish school and graduate. Life is good, but Rexburg could be better. Peace!!!

Exciting happenings of our life

2009-02-24T22:15:00.002-07:00

So I know it's been awhile again, I probably say something to that extent though every time so next time I just won't. There's really not a whole lot happening here though, Jacob's so busy with school and work that he hardly gets a break, which pretty much leaves time for me to sleep in and then do nothing but go to the gym or work, I prefer the first. We have both decided what we want to do with our lives, and that feels amazing! He wants to go into HR, I can't tell you how often I forget what that stands for, I just think of Toby on the Office. He's really excited about it though, and I'm really happy for him. I've been looking a lot into personal training, but that means I need to get myself into better shape. I've done pretty good and am staying at it, but I think my real issue is my eating habit, so I'm just going to have to work on that. I just really like treats! But it's definitely nice to be at the gym also, so I just balance them out...

Those are basically the exciting events of our lives. Next time I think it will be Jacobs turn to post something on here, seeing as how I am the only one yet to do so. And maybe next time I'll even have pictures!

No Caitlyn, our blog did not die!

2009-01-27T17:12:00.003-07:00

So I realize that it's been a few weeks since I last posted, but it's only because if I told you what I was doing you would be more bored than me! Well, maybe. I don't know. But as for exciting things in our life, Jacob is starting his new job! After Progrexion closed we weren't sure if he was even going to work or not, but then we decided we could always use the extra income so he's now working with me at Lexington! It's kind of cool to look over your cubicle and see your husband across the room... Oh the office romance!... Actually it's not a whole lot different than before because he's now just working on a different side of the room. But I've changed my schedule so that we can work at least similar shifts because basically all I do now is sit around all day if I'm not working! My plan is always to go to the gym, but I don't think people should be allowed to go outside when it's -20 degrees! Yes, it really was that cold. Kind of ridiculous! Welcome to Rexburg. Other than the cold and large amounts of snow though things are really good for us here! We seem to have a lot of nice people around who love playing yuker, even though that's probably not how it's spelled... Jacob's taught like ten other groups since he learned so that's pretty fun. I think he's practicing for the next time we go to Illinois. He'll definitely be ready!

2009-01-04T20:15:00.003-07:00

Yay I can post pictures! That's exciting. Anyway- I just thought the picture of Jacob and I was fun and the other is the temple we got married in - Rexburg! I love it! It's so beautiful! I just wanted to put it up because I'm learning how to post pictures. It's definitely not as hard as I thought.

Don't worry.. I didn't forget!

2009-01-04T20:02:00.002-07:00

So I know it's already been awhile since my last post but just so we all know, I haven't forgotten about our blog already! I'm trying to learn how to make it look nice still and I was going to wait to make my next post when I could, but I am taking too long to do that. Takes too much effort. So eventually I will get to decorating and I am even going to try to post pictures too! Lindsay told me so I'll probably try that today. Because I can.

So other than my lack of ability to understand computers not a whole lot is happening for us here in Rexburg. We had a really great break, I loved it because Jacob got to see where I grew up and vice versa. I met some of his old friends and that was really fun! It was also really nice to be home but it went by way too fast! Hopefully we'll be able to go back this summer but we'll see what happens! I also discovered that I am terrible at taking pictures (due to the fact that I did not take any when I was home), so my new goal is to work on that. It would probably be helpful to do something exciting, so we're going to work on that as well! This may be difficult, seeing as Jacob is back to school on Wednesday and I'll be working, but we're doing our best to not be boring I promise! I'll make sure to do something exciting, take a picture, and post it all soon!

First post! And hopefully not the last this time...

2008-12-14T22:18:00.004-07:00

So this is our official blog! We finally decided that it was time to not only have a blog but to use one too! As for the current events of our lives, I am done with school! Well, for now at least. Only two semester left though! And I am especially happy because Jacob is almost done with his second job, only one more night after tonight! I completely respect him for being able to work all of those long nights these last few months! He will be in school again in January and I will be working, hopefully finding a job that has something to do with what is going to be my degree! Actually, though, I am really glad to have the job that I have, because it's pretty good.

Also, we are heading back to the wonderful Ohio for Christmas! We leave in about three days, and I am so excited to see everyone! It will be nice because Jacob hasn't been back there in about four years! I wish we would be able to spend more time where he grew up, but our schedule, and most likely weather, is going to be pretty crazy! So hopefully we'll be able to go back next summer! That's about it for now, but I'm really going to try to figure out this blog thing this time, maybe even put some pictures up!