Finally!!!

So things are slowly coming together- We've moved in, have the much needed Internet-- the center where all questions and information can be found :) Especially in a new town! I had my first doc appointment today- still measuring 30 wks which is comforting since I haven't had an official ultra sound and since my due date was changed. As far as scheduling my ultra sound-- I can schedule it, however we're waiting for official insurance to kick in (so there's no problems-- since they seem to sneak up somehow!) So that will be Feb!! The rest of the pregnancy is fine- few extra added annoyances from the pregnancy that I didn't have in the first- but since that was a tolerable one, this one luckily is too. The last delivery was miserable-- but I'm hoping this one will be better! :s Its weird to think... 2 1/2 months! So much to do in order to get on top of household things so I'm not drowning when the new one comes! (yeah- I know, I'll see about getting a baby bump pic of me eventually....) :]

Things are good with Mark and work- he's running 6 offices, so that keeps him pretty busy. On the side he is studying programming which he loves- As for AubriLynn and I, things are going well. She is growing and identifying things like crazy! Its like age one is the magic number and there's no turning back. She loves blues clues- Its cute, she even tries saying it. Luckily she eats anything and everything we give her-- well, except cottage cheese- she doesn't like the texture of it, to weird for her. Her vocab is slowly being understood- she can say and identify kitty-cat, dog, ball, milk, struggles on lollipop but knows the pic, baby, Jesus, sock, saying 'whats that' to everything- and finally can communicate with the hand gesture 'more' and 'all gone' when it comes to food. And of course can say goodbye- still working on blowing kisses but will give kisses on the cheek! So cute!



Otherwise things are good, adjusting well.. Good ward, freezing weather!!! Its like we went from 116* to 7*-- our poor car!! Almost didn't start this morning cuz it was soo cold-- I'd be okay with it if there wasn't that breeze that went with it too! Its nice cuz the sun is out-- but its deceiving.. Snow doesn't stay too long, nor do we get very much of it. Anyway- that is my brief update for now :) Love and miss you all! Hope you had a great holiday!

I guess I've kind of overshot the holidays and Marks Birthday! All which were great! I'll just throw in those as pics since I don't have access or to much to add!

YAY For "My name is Earl"

No net

Wow-- Its hard to believe that this month is more than half over!! We're just barely starting to settle in! :) The reason it is taking so long is because since the time AubriLynn and I arrived, Mark has been needed in one of the offices 4 hours away from our place. So the first week we stayed with him... The next week our stuff came in from California, so we were able to get some stuff set up and sorted out. The next week Mark was there again... AubriLynn and I both miss Daddy so decided to go with him the next week-- which is this one :) Its like a little vacation :) And nights are still absolutely wonderful for the fact that she is sleeping throughout. It was one of her B-day gifts to us :) ~along with her first steps and now is being a little wobbly non-stop walking duck!! So cute!

Aubrilynn Through the Months

I can't believe a whole year has come and went!! Even harder to believe it was just a year ago this lil' one came into our lives and has forever changed us! She is the joy of our lives and we are honored to have her in our family. Her smile is contagious where-ever she goes. People can't help but smile and wave to Aubrilynn when they pass. She has grown up so much, is so happy and friendly to everyone, and is so clever!! Blame it on being first time parents, but we are amazed at her growth of awareness and abilities to recognize, mimic and..... she took her first baby steps yesterday and has continued today!!! Yikes! So the walking will soon begin! We love you soo much Aubrilynn and look forward to all the precious moments we will be sharing and experiencing with you! Love, Momma and Dadda :)

More Movement~

Wow~ who needs a year for lots of changes to happen!! So our updates...

First off- We have been on the move again, its true. We now find ourselves in Missouri! -okay actually its Illinois and Marks' work is in Missouri, we're just living on the border basically. I've officially been here one day so I don't know much... but it is nice, clean and spacious. Weird without mountains and so much space and plain land. Its just 'simple'. We are getting ready to move into our little townhouse which is nice.. I'm SOO- excited to actually have a room separate from the little one- at least for a few months til the next one comes. But it will be a wonderful, well needed break! Anyway- what brought us out here was the contract work that Mark was doing- turned into a full time job offer that we found acceptable and let us stay together. So we accepted the new adventure :)

As for the pregnancy~ There is definite, now turned constant movement being felt. Gender is still unknown due to all our moving changes and need for steady insurance. Next time that I update the blog I'll hopefully have more knowledge of how we're going about everything. But as for me I'm feeling fine-- its the good 2nd semester where I have finally regained energy and can survive throughout the day on limited sleep and no nap!! yay! So its a good time to be dealing with all these changes-- although some EXTRA emotional episodes due to the pregnancy have crept thru I must admit!! :) But, all is well.

I suppose there is probably other stuff to update, but right now I am so scatter brained that I can't pinpoint what.. So, as the rest of this month progresses I'm sure I'll update the holidays and everything else will just come! :)

Trunk-or-Treat!

So this is AubriLynns' first official Halloween. :) We went trunk-or-treating with Auntie Kelsey at her ward. -Nate had to work :( (yes, we missed you!)- AubriLynn thoroughly enjoyed it tho! Started off with a dinner then went for the treats! Even tho Aubri doesn't do the trick-or-treating, she scored some candy for Kelsey and Nate, while she was able to reap the reward of getting all the attention from the people for her cuteness! :) The night was short but sweet!

On the Road Again!

Drive to salt lake!

Okay--- I figure I should at least give you an idea of what is going on -- even tho we are still trying to figure it out ourselves!!! :) We are moving to Salt Lake.... (New added on news at the bottom! Its a new addition aside from what I explain in the next paragraph!)

Now the details from here get complex! Mark is looking into joining the National Guard and going to BYU. We are looking for a six month lease in Salt Lake because we figure the training for the Guard will be approx. 9 weeks, then the training for the area he is looking at going into takes another 8 weeks. After that- because he is looking into learning the language Arabic, he will be going to their top school in California for up to a year. Therefore, we will be going back to Cali for the time being (luckily we will be able to accompany him!). After this time period, he will finally be able to pursue his desire to learn more at BYU. So we will be coming back to Utah again so he is able to finish his schooling! Its a lot of moving-- which will probably drive me crazy! But, I am excited for the new adventures it will bring.

The transition for AubriLynn has been a little rough, but she is starting to be her happy, smiling self once again! So- much-so that she was even feelin good enough to have the courage to stand up on her own. It was for just a moment that she was up.... but she pulled herself up without support and then sat back down. Anyways, this is all the 'rough draft' of what is going on. We're still waiting for a few pieces of information to be filled in so we know specifics. But that is what we know for now!! Its good to be back among friends and family tho! Although please know Mary that AubriLynn loves you very much and still holds her special smiles for you and Randi!!! (Sissy too)

haha! I almost forgot the update on me and the lil' one!!! So much has been happening in such little time I loose track. So, I left Tulare still waiting for them to schedule my ultra sound... and they scheduled it, but it wasn't 'authorized by my insurance yet so they couldn't do anything. I told them we were moving this weekend and all I was really concerned about was (sure the gender!) but also my due date because my pregnancy just seemed 'off''. Anyway- he understood and said he'd do a quick glance because I was leaving and with the insurance/doctor switch he knew it would be a time hassle. So- not much of a result, its too early to tell the gender because I was apparently only 18 1/2 weeks along!!! CrAzY! But I figured because where was my 'bump' that comes a month early!! Funny thing is- within a matter of days my 'bump' appeared out of no-where, but right on time being a month early :)
So- now, who knows how long it will actually be before I find out the gender. Depends on how nice doctors and insurance work with me... Maybe I should do what Bethany says and just let it be a surprise since all signs are against knowing! ;)

OKAY-- so things are always changing... such is life.... Mark has been thrown another (intense) wonderful opportunity that we need to look into. Its involving another company like Global Drug Testing.... Only its in Missouri! :O So, if that is a good opportunity, all of this could change and we'd just pack up and move out there! Crazy eh! I don't know much about it because Mark just talked with the guy in charge-- so now we need to figure things out. Lots to think about in a short amount of time!! So any extra prayers would be great! :)

Now you know as much as we do, haha! That is my update on our crazy lives! No stress! All will turn out :) I'm still glad to be in Salt Lake!

Lil' Miss AubriLynn

~ Officially I believe AubriLynns' first word is 'dog': she is able to recognize the bark and dog itself and says it affirmatively ~ She will wave at her own will ~ Climb over anything in her way ~ Pull aside anything in her way to get through ~ Loves to try new foods ~ Will giggle if you scare her ~Have noise contests of who is louder ~Mimics word phrases from people or television ~Rubs eyes when tired and peacefully puts herself to sleep (with bottle of course!) ~Loves little animals (dogs, cats, bunnies) ~Loves to stare at you upside down ~Can crawl like a beetle-bug ~Cutest giggles and laughs at Auntie Randi's funny faces ~Crawls to greet G'amma Mary with smiles and luvs ~Plays 'attack' game with daddy ~Loves 'people' food ~ Loves to hang upside-down and be tickled ~ Always Smiling ~Loves to explore ~Expects you to notice her!!! ~ (her red hair has brought her a lot of attention.... so now its just expected cuz it always happens...)!!!

Jus' Movin Along

So typically I update every two weeks which would have been my 'first' appointment date... But of course there were complications with switching doctors so now my appointment won't be until Oct. 5th. Good news- for me at least, is that I was able to get an ultra sound scheduled for that day too! So I'll be able to be reassured with the due date and find out if AubriLynn will have a brother or sister!!!





Otherwise, not much is happening. Mark is keeping busy with his work and were looking into moving out of my mother-in-laws- Yay! I am doing well, energy has slowly started coming back so that is well appreciated. AubriLynn is 10 months! I still am in disbelief! She is growing so quickly and getting so big! She is being stubborn with walking and prefers to crawl-- on Sundays she has a 'special' crawl due to her dress getting in the way... It looks like Mogli on Jungle Book when he joins the march with the elephants-- butt in the air, legs straight... so cute! Right now I'm in no rush to have her start walking :) She gets into enough stuff around the house without that freedom, so I'm okay with it! ;)

As far as everything else goes... Its just been amazing to see the Lords hand in our lives as He guides and directs us. This past year has been a year of some hardships but INCREDIBLE learning experiences that I oddly would not trade for anything. We have gained so much through our experiences and come to realize so much about faith, love, sacrifice, patience and spiritual growth. I know we'll always have these times to look back on to help keep our focus in the main purpose of life.

Okay, I just have to add on because apparently I have underestimated the thinking and processing skills of my lil' daughter!!! I should figure her observant skills are on 24/7... OK-incident: When I want her to stay in the living room I block off the exit using the couch which is stationed against the wall, and bringing back the rocking chair to the couch and stuffing a pillow in the gap it makes... And its worked-- but she has obviously observed when people need to get by or out they remove the pillow and squeeze by. So this morning I caught her in the act of pulling out the pillow then making her escape!!! So, looks like I am going to have to try and find another tactic (and she doesn't even walk yet!) yes, I'm still in awe! :)

Answers

Okay- so I have been pregnant the past 3 months (now 4) and I didn't even know it... I know, I suppose Im spoiled because I obviously don't have morning sickness-- otherwise I probably would have suspected something!! The thing that gave it away was my intense-abnormal emotional reactions which I realized were me acting rediculous over nothing :S (sorry Mark!) :) umm- then came tiredness- ALL the time (i thought it was cuz I was chasing the lil one all the time ;) but, what confirmed it all was the fact that I realized the movement I was feeling inside, that began to surface, was all too familiar! Wow- 3 months without realizing! Im crazy! So now that I am in my 17th week, my first appointment will be for tests and being able to find out what I am having will apparently have to wait possibly for another month! Im still struggling with the docs! I have an appointment on the 23rd... but will need to end up switching docs again anyway so we'll see how it goes.

But what I do know is that I'm due around Feb. 19th! So that is that for now :)

As for Dad, he is excited-- AubriLynn, she is just crazy-- so happy, so hyper... and yet so demanding to mommy when its nap time or eating time-- wow-- if you only knew. But if Im not there, she is flexible with her routine :)

I know they look like 'boy' PJ's.... but its SOOO- HOT down here... they are the best ones to keep her cool in her sleep!

9 down...6 more to go???

Yay!! AubriLynn is 9 months old!!! Time has gone by fast, its hard to believe.... And yet now I find myself counting another 9 months?!?! What is this?!

However it is true! Crazy eh!

So, what do we think............

BOY or GIRL ?? :)

El mano de Dios

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you (3 Nephi 13:31-33).

There is nothing more important in this world than keeping the commandments of God and seeking after Eternal Life. "..for he that hath Eternal Life is rich." And what more could we want than to be bestowed the riches of a Heavenly King.

The Lord is ever manifest in our little family's life. A short while ago the Lord told me that if I wanted to better mine and my family's lives that I should forsake all unrighteousness and its associates and draw near unto Him. I quit my schooling and career path to do something more enriching and spiritual. Such a hard change can be a difficult occurance in any family. I started my mobile massage business, which has brought in some income but not much. The ultimate goal was to open a Spa. I told the Lord that in order to more fully serve him, and help "feed the hungry...and clothe the naked" that I desired to open a Spa business. Some opportunities presented themselves in which we could purchase an existing spa. After much mighty prayer the Lord told us that we would be blessed with the means to aqcuire a business, or to start one of our own. We started thinking of every means necessary to obtain funds for a down payment on the purchase of a business. We felt inspired that we should hold a yard sale and sale all of luxury/leisure items. Being fresh out of ideas on how to obtain money, and with savings funds running low to pay bills. The Lord blessed us again. We will be taking over a Hair Salon in Fresno, CA in 1-2 weeks. The required money down is the same amount that we made from our yard sale.

We know that the Lord is active in our lives, and are grateful that He is allowing us the opportunity to improve our financial situation, as well help some friends who we are going to involve in our business.

I can't help but to report on our families situation with including the reasons behind our actions and thoughts. For the Lord is the One who is in command of everything, and only to Him can we give thanks for our blessings. Life is great. Aubrilynn is crawling and getting into tons of trouble.

Trekin' Along

What is new to report-- wow, with everyone else... I got nothin goin on!! :) AubriLynn is continuing to reach new milestones; her first tooth came in a month ago and now 2 more are breaking through. She claps, and climbs-- she is a cutie!


Mark continues with his goals His web site is up and runnin. http://www.bodyliketemple.com/ -please feel free to give your input and critique! As for me, I continue to keep the ends tied together! We did go to Six-Flags Magic Mountain and a lil' get-a-way for our Anniversary last week. It was fun! I didn't get pics because we didn't want to risk loosing a camera (that happened to his sis!)

Change of Heart

A change of heart, and a change of an author for this blog entry. This is Mark writing. My wife felt that she should give an update on our current status, and being as we have had so many recent changes in life, I felt that I should personally write this and explain the joyous events that have taken place and enriched our lives. I had been working for Global Drug Testing for two years and had just moved to San Jose, California, with Melissa about ready to have Aubrilynn. In this time of severe change, the Lord made it known unto me, that in order to more fully fulfill my purpose on this earth spiritually, as well my family's, that I needed to immediately quit my career. After being haunted by a lifelong desire to produce video games, I was blessed with the opportunity to attend a school which offered programs that would allow me to do such. Eventually the Lord moved us to Tulare, with me going to school in LA. We have been humbled both spiritually as well as financially. This has been a joyous time of growth for the both of us. The Lord has supported me in my school endeavours and blessed me in many ways relating to my pursuits. But as I have gone to school, I have become better acquainted with the Spirit and the purposes of God, which is to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man". I have been exposed to much wickedness as I have lived in LA, which isn't anything that I haven't observed in the past years. However, while going to school I have re-realized the need for the gospel to be taught to the world. After much prayer and deliberation the Lord told me that, yes He will support me in whatever endeavors I decide to take, but to remember to "Seek not for riches but for wisdom; and, behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich(D&C 11:7)." Yes I could go to school and make games and keep in the favor of the Lord, but how much more fulfilling could my life be if I put myself in a place where I could focus fully on the gospel, and applying it into the lives of myself, my family, and my neighbors. With all of this in my mind I decided to quit school and to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you (meaning the material things and riches of the world)." So I am now living in Tulare full time and will be from this point on, solely dedicated to the things I know are important. I have been waiting for this moment since I completed a two year mission, and after much training and learning in the world, I feel that the Lord has seen fit to allow me to be a full time warrior in His kingdom once again. We will be finding a new apartment or home to rent soon. I have started a local body therapy and care business. We perform mobile, massages, hairstyling, cosmetology, and more, from the comforts of our clients own homes. (http://www.bodyliketemple.com/ -still under construction) The company is called BodyTemple Therapy. Life is good and we are deeply blessed. And that is what is happening in our life right now.

Mormon 9:8

-Mark

Get Ready...Get Set... GO!!!

AubriLynn has found her mode of transportation!! She is crawling, scooting, diving-- all of the above and loves to make her way around everywhere!

Her first tooth has also pierced its way thru!!! She's excited... No, actually she has been handling it really well and I was suprised to discover it.


Aside from that look at these new habits!!! >.<






Ah! j/k- We'd never! ;)

Mark has finished his finals week and has a break for 3 weeks!! Yay!



Now its just a matter of getting his demo finished over these next few weeks so it will be ready to be presented to his school.

As for me, my friend Amber and I are getting ready for the 2nd cake decorating course!! I've missed playing with icing! :)

Yay for Salt Lake!!

Wow! I can't believe the time has come and gone already! Our stay in Salt Lake went by so quickly. AubriLynn was excited to see family again in Salt Lake...as well as get a taste of the rainfall. (It rained every single day we were there! It was light and pleasant)
Our adventures included:



the wedding of Nathan and his beautidul bride!

Attending the Temple (I miss it bein so close!)

Chilin with the Fam-- and friends, sadly didn't get to see them all :(

Stayed with Grandpa Allen and G'amma Brenda (luckily they had everything we needed, such as the swing, stroller, and a booster seat!!



Somebody started their solids!!!




Visit to Great~ Grandparents house!!
Stopped in at Seagull Book to get books and entertainment for baby!!

We had a wonderful time, but it sure was nice to return home and see Daddy's smile!! He had AubriLynn doin giggles within 5 seconds of seeing each other!! She loves her Daddy!! Thanks to all for a wonderful time, we loved seeing you all.

Some Priceless Moments!!

Love My Family

This past Sunday I had an opportunity to listen to Mark give a talk in Sacrament, can I just say that I fell in love with him all over again… It was wonderful to feel the spirit strongly and I’m so thankful I was able to feel it. But the thing that I admired about his talk is how much he bore his testimony throughout it. Just hearing and knowing he has such a strong testimony is wonderful. His faith and trust in God is so incredible. I yearn to have that type of faith in my life, the faith like Nephi where there are no questions asked, you just do it knowing the way will be provided—and doing it without any doubt whatsoever along the way. This is the part I run into quite a bit! So, Mark—I just want to say again, I love you soo much!!

Sunny Days

Wow, what I would call the summer months seem to officially be upon us! (Only cuz I'm used to Utah weather!) we've only just begun in the 90's* and I'm dyin- they say 100's* are just around the corner. (This Sunday!) Luckily for us the house we are renting comes with a pool, so we are spending quite a bit of time out there to cool off. (Easier for exercising in it too!) AubriLynn loves bath water but still doesn't know quite what to think of pool water---

Also, the countdown is on for our trip to Salt Lake!! We will be arriving the evening of May 31, up to June 11th!! I am so excited!! My baby brother is getting married!! They are such a cute couple!! I miss my friends and fam!

As for Mark, since he is back in school, he is unable to come because finals are that week! :( I'm sad. He has been soo busy this past quarter. For a school project they are preparing a demo of a game to pitch before judges who will select one to present before some producers. (Something like that) If they get it they will work on the game in the school for next quarter. So he is busy pulling all that together. I don't know how he does it, but it is amazing how everything is falling into place. We are truly blessed. He has finally got his website up and running, its just in the beginning stages-- but its there :) If you want to check it out its http://www.blackenedgame.com/ --- good stuff!!

Baby's Giggles!!!

Aunt Randi is acting crazy and making AubriLynn giggle!! (sorry its not clear-- I didn't want to miss the laughs!)

Our Get-Away!

What your leaving?!


Bye Mom!!

I had a wonderful surprise this past weekend~ Mark went into his spontaneous mode and we were able to runaway this weekend!! Its so nice to be able to get a change of scenery every once in awhile and just have it be the two of us and leave the worries of the world behind. It was a mini getaway this trip- Our babysitter wasn't able to come with us to Universal Studios (Marks mom and sissy!) so we switched to plan B, Three Rivers, CA to a nice hotel with some fun amenities and went out to eat! We were able to just enjoy each others company with the drive and time away-- Since he is going to school during the week and I only get to see him basically on weekends (which of course are short and fly by!) But soon enough this schedule will change! I'm not worried cuz I'm lovin every minute!! Life is so good!! (Aside from he fact that yes, I do get homesick at times and wish I could let my family see their adorable niece and grandbaby!! She is so funny!!) Her personality is really shining through! So much more observant and getting soo- big!! I must admit with this being the first night of being away from her; I was pretty good :) and not worried about anything, however, I did miss her cute little face!!

G'amma Mary and Sissy~ our immediate sitters!!

Easter Sunday

AubriLynn's first Easter! We took her to go see the Easter Bunny and she actually loved him!! She was so happy and excited. We got some cute pics of her with him. As for Sunday, we woke up bright and early for church-- it was a good day! Celebrated Easter with G'amma Mary and her family. Had a nice home cooked meal, which Mark made (I did dessert) and AubriLynn dressed up in her new Easter outfit.. Her church Easter dress came from G'amma Brenda which was beautiful on her!! I missed my family so much this Easter! I missed the traditional egg roll! I don't know if that is a Mormon/Utah thing or Brewer thing. When I mention it, everyone stares at me blankly! :)


Were on the countdown for when we make our trip to Utah to visit~ Only 2 months left! Which I imagine will pass quickly. And that means 2 months left till my baby brother gets married!!! I can't believe it! I'm excited for it all!

New Beginnings

AubriLynn received her blessing today at church. Yes, were a little later than usual, but things have finally slowed down so we were able to get it done. It was beautiful! She was so peaceful and quiet while her daddy blessed her, she wore the pretty dress G'amma Mary made for her.

We were surprised to have received callings within one month of being here. Its so nice to be busy. Mark is the Ward financial clerk and I, the Media specialist- meaning I keep track of all the activities to post on the bulletin board and report on activities in the Ward blog.

Mark has finished his first quarter of school and on to the next! He is transferring from the Sunnyvale school to the one in LA which is more up to date in the classes and programs for computer design. He has so much enthusiasm for his school/career, that he has even been able to excite one of the students from Sunnyvale to transfer over with him to LA. They have become great friends and are working on a project of their own together... -more to report on that later ;)

As for me~ AubriLynn and I spend our days basking in every moment we have together. I love her so much- more and more every day! She scoots, bobs, grasps, coos, flops, sits with support and as they call it-- raspberries! We go for walks and as long as I'm in sight, I can get a few of my things done! She is getting so big-- 17 lbs!!