TroyerLife

Go Blazers!!

2011-03-21T13:45:00.000-07:00

So we had the privledge of going to a Blazer game with our good friends the Sargents...Emily needed to go to something where she could immerse herself in another culture...so she decided a game was a good idea, and who better to help her immerse than us Troyers! :)
So on a Sunday night we headed to out of town to a Blazer game...we grabbed dinner on the way and had a fun rainy walk to the game...we made it just in time for the beginning of it all..we had nose bleed seats but it was so awesome!!!

We all wore Blazer gear...we all cheered...we all enjoyed ourselves so much!! Can't wait to do it again!!!
Here are some fun pictures of our fun time...

Valentines Day and Daniel Visits!

2011-02-18T17:00:00.000-08:00

So for Valentine's Day Jeph and I went away for a whole weekend( the first weekend of Feb)...we stayed in Portland and got to spend a day and a half alone! :) We went to the $3 dollar theater and saw "Life As We Know It, " we picked up a bike trailer, we went Goodwilling, we went to lunch and out to a nice dinner, we also saw "The Dilemma"...it was just a fun weekend of togetherness..a night by the fire that is just so romantic. I feel so blessed to have this husband who I have been with for 10 years and who I love more and more everyday...our life isn't perfect but it's our life...we get to work through things together...I wouldn't want to go through this life with anyone else.

On Valentines Day...Daniel came to stay for 2 1/2 days while his parents and brother went to Idaho. We had two 1/2 very busy days...the boys loved to jump, run, watch Yo Gabba, Gabba, play with balls, trucks/cars...they were quite the pair I have to say! :) We really enjoyed having Daniel here with us...I am so thankful that Aiden has a buddy to grow up with!! On Valentines night the boys were both in bed by 8:30...so Jeph and I had a special "dessert" evening...what a fun and tiring couple of days!

Baby Pool

2011-01-31T09:53:00.001-08:00

http://bebepool.com/seahawksfans

We thought it would be fun to have our friends/family guess since we don't know...can't wait till June, to find out! Please go to our baby pool make some guesses! :)

20 week ultrasound/20months old

2011-01-20T20:00:00.000-08:00

It's official we are half way to our due date!!! I'm so glad to have made it this far with little problems. We are staying in Tillamook for this delivery surprise, we both really like Dr. Gerken and we are hoping this Tillamook Hospital birth experience is just lovely.
Yesterday, Jeph and I left Aiden with Grandma, Ty, and Hailey...and headed to our ultrasound. I drank 32 oz of water 1 hr before the apt. We got to the hospital and they got us in pretty quickly. After the tech checked my cervix, she let me empty my bladder and I was so thankful to get to enjoy looking at our baby.
She did a complete workup of the anatomy...we got so many great baby pics. We didn't find out the sex this time, so these pics are of our little munchkin, who does look quite a bit like an alien. :)
We went out to lunch after to celebrate..and we had chocolate covered strawberries/sparkling cider last night in honor of making it half way!

In other big news Aiden is 20 months old and a very busy boy!! He is really into reading and playing with his cars, trucks, and trains(we may have found his 2nd birthday theme). He is pretty smiley, and continues to run all over. He loves to be outside and play in the tub, his current favorite things to say.."in there" "thankyou" and he loves high fives, kisses, and sometimes fisties. He is such a joy and I think he'll make a great big brother!!!

He loves his new bench!

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-03T16:40:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!

I can't believe that it's 2011..2010 was such an amazing year, full of changes, heartache, and so many things learned.
Some of the highlights:
*Aiden turned 1
*We took our first road trip to Reno for a family reunion
*Celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary
*Fall trip to the Pumpkin Patch
*Zoo trip with Aiden's birth buddies
*Camping
*Bunce visit
*Jeph's 30th Birthday
*Getting pregnant again
2010 in review is seeming so small compared to the memories and the pictures we have. We enjoyed most every minute and we are excited for this new year.

Some of the things we are looking forward to 2011...Family size car, the house plans we have to begin building, a new baby, 2 cousins getting married(road trips), our 9th wedding anniversary, my 30th birthday, Aiden's 2nd birthday, many summer and fall activities. 2011 is off to a great start...hopefully we can keep the blog updated with all our goings on.

Happy New Year!

A 19month old and 4months pregnant!

2010-12-30T13:02:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's December and we have a 19month old and we are four months pregnant.
So far this pregnancy has been as easy as my first one...although some morning sickness but nothing I can't mangae with a little protein, I've had the flu a few times and a couple of colds, but right now I'm feeling great!

We are in full holiday mode...we have decorated the house to the nines and it feels so magical, we've done quite a few fun things with Aiden like Zoolights, mall shopping, christmas tree hunting, Christmas Eve candlelight service...but next year there are a few more things I'm adding to the list to do like seeing Santa in town, Polar Express event, Cantata at Naz. We have really enjoyed this holiday season...and before you know it next year will be here and so will baby #2!

(Aiden loves presents)

Mr Aiden oh boy, he is quite the little guy...he is still in his seperation phase but he seems to be turning a corner and not being so shy...I just keep enforcing the issue. :) He says and does so much...some of his favorite things...bathtime, reading, playing with trucks and balls, jumping(thanks to his friend Daniel), loves his cousins and friends...he is such a sweet and crazy boy. He has started doing fisties again and high fives are freely given. He loves to point at things and say this, or in there(when referring to baby). Everything this little guy does is just amazing!!

(Family pic on Christmas)

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Zoolights and More!

2010-12-14T22:22:00.000-08:00

This weekend we got to go into Portland and take Aiden to Zoolights! We rode the Max train which Aiden mostly enjoyed and then we got to walk around with Jon and his girlfriend Elizabeth. It was cold and crisp but no rain...the zoo was lit up, it was truly spectacular. We walked around, rode the train and had a wonderful time.

Family pic in the blue lights!

Riding the train...

Jon and Elizabeth on the train.

Daddy and Aiden on the Max.

Then Saturday we spent all over Beaverton area...we had lunch with John, Julie, Jon, and Elizabeth at Washington Square food court...we shopped, got most of our Christmas shopping finished. It was pouring down rain but still fun!
Then Jon, Jeph, and Elizabeth went to a movie while Aiden and I went to finish shopping and take a nap. We had pizza at Wendy's and we celebrated Adriennes birthday...we played games and had a wonderful time.

I do love this time of year and I look forward to taking Aiden and his sibling to Zoo Lights next year!!

Family Pics Take 2!

2010-12-03T13:31:00.001-08:00

These family pics turned out good...we got the only 35minutes of sun last Sunday after church. It was the perfect opporunity for some more family pics.
I am 3 months pregnant in these pics and I think I look pretty good:), Aiden loved being outside by the water and we had a nice time! Enjoy!!

Baby Oh Baby!

2010-11-23T13:30:00.000-08:00

So on November 15th we went to the doctor for the first time since finding out we are pregnant..we met Dr Gerken and I really like her, so that's a huge relief to me. I had a physical and blood work done..everything went really smooth. Then the best part, we got to see our baby...it was moving around like crazy, she had a hard time getting a measurement, but finally the size of baby confirmed our due date June 10th. This little 2.67 cm baby just blew Jeph and I away. It just overwhelmed both of us with so much emotion, excitement and wonderment of this new little baby that's growing.
We weren't able to get a picture but we really feel blessed to see our baby and hear from the doctor that everything looks great! Our prayers have been answered again, and we feel kissed by God!
We are officially in our 12th week and feeling pretty good..we are looking forward to sharing the news with our family at Thanksgiving!! :)

We wanted to commemorate our news and with Aiden we did it at the beach. Well last night it snowed so Jeph and decided to do this baby a little different.
Here are the pics from our snow fun!

Pregnant!!!

2010-11-22T20:56:00.000-08:00

That's right, we are pregnant!! :) We have been thinking that summer 2011 would be the perfect time to have another baby...well, God is so good and we are blessed to be pregnant!! We can't believe how easy it was this time...we are so thankful for that!!!!

We told Aiden and he held the tests...the pics are quite funny. In one he looks happy to be getting a sibling and one making him look upset. We can't wait to see what kind of big brother he will be :)
We are due in June 10th. We are not gonna find out the sex of the baby this time and we are not telling our name choices either. :)
This pregnancy is already different...not much morning sickness, hardly any yucky symptoms at all..I feel pretty amazing!!
We also are gonna be in the process of building a house the whole time we were pregnant so this should be interesting.
Biggest things on our list...find a double jogging stroller, find a bigger family car, build our hosue, scrapbook/journal this pregnancy, maintain our current schedule, enjoy the holidays, and just be thankful for the blessings that God has given us!

Family Pics

2010-11-22T12:20:00.000-08:00

It's the time of year when I work on Christmas cards...we got some professional pics taken for a MOPS fundraiser. The pics turned out great, but we can't legally use them for our Christmas cards :( So we went after church yesterday to attempt some beach pics/family pics.
Well here is our first attempt at a family pic...mind you it was pouring down rain(cold, cold rain), Aiden was ready for lunch and a nap, and it was windy.

Then we got home and it quit raining and we were all still dressed so we decided to try again...and we got this great pic that we will be using this year.

So we will attempt some beach pics again...but probably later this week when the weather is nicer.

Mr Aiden is 18 months

2010-11-18T17:00:00.000-08:00

It is offical Aiden is 18 months...wow, time has flown by!! Our big boy is growing and changing so much..he is in full toddler mode.
He is constantly blabbing and he now says up to 20 words or so...some of his newest and favorite words: bath tub, Dan(for Daniel), baa(sheep noise), moo, fish(goldfish), and Oh. We love listening to him babble it's really amazing to be able to communicate with your little guy. We still continue to sign...mostly diaper, baby, please, thankyou, milk, all done, drink, eat...he signs when he wants :)

He is quite the funny guy...he spins around, he has learned to "surf" on a towel that papa tony pulls around. He loves to read, sing, dance, and be with older kids. He does a touchdown move and now shows us his fake cough, and fake laugh. :) He is quite the character...Jeph and I think he will be a funny kid :)

He loves his cousins and friends...Daniel and Aiden even high-fived each other for the first time...it was cute! He loves bath time, and being outside...he is quite the little ham!

He is running everywhere and loves trucks/trains/cars and balls!!! He has quite the arm for a little guy! He recently had an 18th month well baby check.
His current stats: 31 and 3/4 inches, 22.9lbs, 19 3/4head

He is such a big boy and we are loving this toddler stage!!

Here is an attempt to get an 18 month pic with the sports balls that we have used in all the other month by month pics...and I thought it was hard to take a newborn pic:)

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

Jeph and I decided that one of our family traditions is going to be visitng a pumpkin patch in October. So on Saturday Jeph and I took Aiden out to Sauvie Island Pumpking Patch. It was a cloudy day...but the whole time we were there it didn't rain, however...everything was muddy, really muddy. We had a good time. We took Aiden into the barn so he could see some of the animals from his farm book. We went through the corn maze which was so fun, it was the shape of Oregon with a heart in the middle...Aiden loved going all over and he was gonna walk through the whole thing, and he did :)

Then Jeph climbed up the hay mountain with Aiden...he balanced Aiden on the top and they had a blast playing and climbing.

We had a wonderful day at the pumpkin patch...can't wait to do it again next year..mud and all :)

Jeph is 30!!

2010-10-24T14:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my amazing husband!!! I feel so blessed to have him in my life and the father of my child...we've been together almost 10 years and I love him more and more everyday. He is a wonderful man of God, he loves his family and takes such good care of us. He is a good leader, good friend, hard worker, great dad, best friend, good partner...and so much more.

This year I decided to surprise him with a 30th bowling birthday party!!! Boy, he was surprised...we had quite a good turn out of friends and some family. We bowled, ate pizza, drank soda...then afterwards we went and played games with the Webers...he had a great birthday!!

To top it all off..he got Agricola, Ticket to Ride Europe, some new sports gear...some money...he is one lucky guy!!!

Happy Birthday Babe!!!

17 Months

2010-10-17T10:47:00.000-07:00

This is Aiden at 17 months...my beautiful and amazing boy!

Summer in Review

2010-09-22T09:27:00.001-07:00

Tonight at 8:52pm it is offically fall...so I thought it would be fun to look back at summer. It was a busy summer...we started our house plans, we even scrapbooked "Aiden's ABC's of Summer" Aiden went camping several times, he learned to walk, we celebrated our 8th Anniversary, we went to the zoo, played at the park, played in the pool, first jamba juice, lots of family time...here is our summer in review in pics...enjoy!

Cousin time and Grandma time!

He loved the pool!!

September and 16 Months!

2010-09-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

Our sweet Aiden is now 16 months old today...it seems to me like time is flying by so fast! Mr Aiden is constantly growing and changing, today I thought he looked even more like a little boy!
This month has been full of all kinds of things...we got to help welcome Levi Sargent to the world on Sep 8th...it was really special to be apart of such a wonderful thing, Congrats Sargents!!

We have had the pleasure of afternoons with Tyler and Hailey, which Aiden especially loves. Play times outside on the swings, bike rides to the park, and good old play time. We celebrated Royces 2nd birthday, which included a ride on his new little tractor and cake!

Fall, fall, fabulous fall!

2010-08-29T17:36:00.000-07:00

Our house is buzzing with the plans of fall...this time every year, we are sad to see summer go, but so pumped for all things fall!
Some of our favorite fall things:
*Football (Seahawks and Beavers)
*Pumpkins
*Colorful leaves
*Rain
*Black Friday/Thanksgiving
*Pumpkin Patch/Corn Maze
*Cider and Fall Decor
*Jephs Birthday
*Festive Starbucks drinks
There are just so many things to love about fall...the clothes, the food, the rain, we just love fall in our house and we look forward to all things fall. This year it's especially exciting because we are working on our house and planning to be in the building process this fall!

Happy Fall Everyone!!

Finding joy in the little things...

2010-08-18T15:28:00.001-07:00

I love staying home with Aiden...even on his or my worst day, there is still no place I'd rather be. Nothing I have ever done compares to the pure joy I feel when I'm home with him. He lights up the rooms with his giggles...his enthusiasm is contagious, he loves music,dancing and claps his hands, I love to cuddle on the couch with him and watch cartoons, playing outside always lifts our day, he is so easy going, he is one good little guy, who brings lots of joy.
I also find that my husband brings me a lot of joy...he helps around the house, he is supportive of things I need or want to do, our house plans have been a team effort and he listened my requests or dislikes. He gets up at 5:30am to workout with me, he follows my strict eating plan, he makes sure I take my medication...I'm so blessed that this man loves me, and that he loves and serves God, and wants God to be the center of his life and our family. He makes me feel so loved and beautiful...he accepts me and my faults, and he makes me enjoy being a wife...I'm so blessed.
My life is not perfect but it is wonderful...I am feeling so joyful today. I love spending time with Aiden's cousins, I love having a house full of kids on those days..and although it gets loud, I somehow feel calm and at peace. Makes me think I am meant to have more than 2 kids and possibly even meant for daycare(in fact once we move and get settled I want to start up daycare in my home).
I'm finding joy in the 3 hrs I have to myself...joy in yoga, books, tea, catching up on shows.
I am finding joy in my current week of exercise and dieting...down 3 more lbs. Even though I may not fit into my skinny jeans...I know someday they will fit again. I found joy in the prospect of another baby..I am just finding joy everywhere.

I'm constantly being reminded that joy is everywhere, it's all in how you look at your day, or things in your day. I'm hoping that this joy finding will become more and more evident each day and that even on the hard days, I will be joyful.

15 Months

2010-08-15T15:10:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe summer is almost over and Aiden is just about 15 months!! We are constantly amazed at our little guy...he continues to blow our minds with all the things he can do.

He loves, loves to read...whether he is "reading" to himself or he is being read to, and he loves blocks, and balls...all toys
are a pretty big part of his life!!

He loves his daddy...dad was one of his first words and continues to be one of his favorites to say all the time.

He says quite a few words..Hi, yeah, no, bye, mom, dad, boo(book), papa, ball, bird and every once in awhile we hear what sounds like Ga(grandma)dog, cat, car, Aiden. He also is quite the communicator..he signs all done, milk, drink..and a few speratic others.

He loves, loves to be outside...as soon as we get outside, he gets quiet, interested..he then squeals in glee, he just seems to love the outdoors whether its camping, beach, swinging, Grandmas garden...he even seems to enjoy the wind in his hair. :)

Aiden loves his cousins and little buddies...he is just so cute! He really loves to giggle, pushes toys across the floor, walk everywhere as much as he can, and he is quite the little ham, he loves the camera!!

Aiden is such an amazing part of our life and we are so thankful he is our son! Happy 15 months Mr Aiden, can't wait to see what you do next!! We love you!!!

Aiden Walking

2010-08-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

So over the last week our Mr Aiden has decided it's time to walk...everyday he is walking more and more. He still loves it when he falls and it is such a joy to watch. Jeph and I both find ourselves incredibly tearful over this new stage, but they are tears of joy as our little boy is becoming even more his own little person. Here is some video of some serious steps. Enjoy!

Church Camping Weekend

2010-08-02T21:45:00.001-07:00

This past weekend was our church camping trip...although not as many camped this year, we still had an awesome time! We camped at Barview for 3 nights...we spent time at the beach, took bike rides and walks...Aiden loved to be outside of course!!
We had a church potluck Sat night...with lots of yummy food and fellowship..then Sunday there was a church service in the sun!! :) A good time was had by all and we look forward to next years camping trip up Kilchis!!

A Day At The Zoo

2010-07-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

So in July we spent a day at the zoo with The Fortenberrys, and 3/4 of the Sargents(sorry you missed it Jeff). It was a gorgeous day and about 85 degrees out..we had a fabulous time with our friends and their little guys.

We saw the dinosaur exhibit which was amazing, we got to ride the train through the park, we saw lots of animals, went to the petting zoo,had lunch at Afric Cafe..it was an awesome experience and I'm so glad Jeph made me wait to take Aiden...he really loved it and I can't wait to scrapbook the entire thing! We love the zoo and now our son does too!! Can't wait for our next trip!

To be or not to be...

2010-06-17T15:47:00.001-07:00

So Jeph and I have been thinking about baby #2 since January...The last 5 months just haven't felt like the right time. Now with this summer just about here and quite a few big changes in the works...mainly more space, we have been feeling more and more like number 2 should be coming sometime next year.
Now with my thyroid and body stuff...I have been working hard and recently taken a bit of a break, now I'm getting back into it and hoping to be within 10lbs of my wedding weight by end of July...so naturally I don't want to be pregnant yet but Jeph does...and after holding little Westin on Tuesday, I realized how much I do too!
This last month we thought we were pregnant, turns out we weren't but we both were a bit excited at the prospect of a sibling for Aiden.
With all that's going on in our lives we know that God has the "perfect" timing for us...and we pray it is sooner rather than later. :) I don't want to worry to much about it happening, I just want to be excited when it happens, not worried.

Here it is the summer of 2010...will we get pregnant or not??? We will see :)

Graduation weekend

2010-06-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

Momma Troyer has her Masters!!! We celebrated with a weekend in Newberg...we spent Saturday night at the Grosenbachs, we had dinner at Izzys and got to hang out with Josh, Sarah, and Nessa...it was a really nice evening. Then on Graduation day we headed to graduation, we stopped for Starbucks and we watched mom graduate! It was a really emotional morning...mom was beaming, you could just tell that she was proud of herself! We are so proud of her too!!
We spent the afternoon with all the family(minus Devin) celebrating her big accomplishment!!! We took family pics and enjoyed a bbq...it was a wonderful graduation weekend...way to go Mom!!!!!!!!!

Reno or Bust!!

2010-05-25T13:37:00.000-07:00

So the weekend after Aiden's first birthday we took our first long road trip...14 hrs to Reno Nevada to see my mom's whole side of the family!!
It was quite the adventure...Aiden was a rock star most of the time and it was great to see my whole side of the family together!

Aiden is 1!!!

2010-05-17T19:45:00.001-07:00

I can't believe my little boy is 1 already...where has this year gone???
It seems like just yesterday I had a newborn...we have had quite the year! There have been so many firsts: holding head up, crawling, standing, eating solid food, plane ride, road trip, holidays and more.
I am one blessed mama to have such a wonderful support system of family and friends. I even managed to keep up my scrapbooks and Aiden's baby book. :)
I'm really looking forward to what this next year holds.

The Boys Turn 1!!!

2010-05-13T13:24:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night we had our bible study birthday party for the three little guys who turn 1!! We had pizza, salad, and cupcakes...it was fun to all get together and celebrate making it through the first year! :)
Elliot, Daniel, and Aiden all ate cupcakes like troopers..it was funny to watch the diaper dudes eating cupcakes, but it was so special to celebrate with the boys!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLIOT, DANIEL, AND AIDEN!!! We love you all so much!!!

Mothers Day

2010-05-11T17:19:00.000-07:00

I had the best Mothers Day in the world! It started with an amazing breakfast of strawberry pancakes, sausage, eggs, and Starbucks! Aiden had a card and gift in his crib..how sweet! I got to go to church and honor the Mothers around me...it was such a joy and a very pleasant Sunday, with only tears of joy! Then Jeph and I passed out the Mothers gifts we had made...it felt so good to bless some of the wonderful moms we have and know.
Then Jeph took me down to Lincoln City...we dinked around, had dinner at Sambos(one of our favorite places), we didn't have time for a movie but it was nice to be together and celebrate Mother's Day. Jeph also gave me my present which was a mom charm for my charm bracelet. He is such a sweet and thoughtful guy.
We came home and got to spend the evening with our little man...it was a very special day, and I'm so blessed to be called mom, and I'm so thankful to have a good mom and mom in-law and wonderful mothers around me to guide me...I'm so blessed.

Jeph and I celebrating Mothers Day

My "Mom" stone

The reason I am a mommy!

Reflections

2010-05-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that Aiden is almost 1...he is such an amazing gift from God!!! I didn't really understand "God's timing" until our pregnancy in 2008...from the moment we found out we were pregnant, God blessed us in every way imaginable and more. My fears about miscarriage, pregnancy and birth were all taken away by God and He showed me how big and wonderful He really is. Jeph and I are both so thankful for his grace and mercy, but most importantly His blessings and love for us.
I can look back now and see how much God's timing was truly the best for us and I am focusing on "God's timing" through the next chapter in our lives...baby #2, house, and many other things.
I see God's love everyday through my friends, husband, Aiden, and family...even on the tough and exhausting days, I know I'm in the right place and on the right path, and I'm so thankful for this life God has given me.
In fact, one of my goals is to pray more and worry less...and not to be consumed by the things of this world..politics, fear, things etc. I know who I am in Christ and I love Him with all my heart.

Thank you God for this gift of Aiden, he is so precious and I feel honored to be chosen to be his mommy.

So proud of myself!

2010-05-05T11:25:00.000-07:00

So, I've been working really hard on a few things. First, getting my thyroid under control and then working off the extra weight I've put on because of it...Since my birthday I'm down 13lbs. Although it doesn't feel like much, and I know I have a long way to go...I feel like I may actually get there..with determination and God's help.
The second thing I've been working on is scrapbooking...I've been pretty diligent with staying on top of things, Aiden's 1 year/baby book are caught up, and I'm currently working on our 2010 yearly one...I'm feeling very motivated in that department. :)
I've started quilting...right now Jeph and I are both working on Aiden's 1 year memory quilt...we are 1/3 done, and I'm planning to be done with it by Aiden's 1st birthday! :) I'll post pics as soon as I can.

So now that it's May there is so much going on in our little world...but I'm determined to accomplish the rest of my goals. For the next 2 months my main goals are, keep losing weight, finish all the May/June things going on, plan the campout/possible retreat/4th of July church picnic, and enjoy this end of Aiden's first year.

Hope I will be posting more progress soon..back to the daily grind.

11 Months

2010-04-17T21:37:00.000-07:00

Aiden's favorite walking toy.

Aiden and his buddy Daniel

Aiden and Daniel swinging at the park.

Our Mr Aiden...just being himself.

He is Risen!!!

2010-04-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year...from Palm Sunday through till Easter. I love everything about Spring, but most of all I love what this time of year represents!
Christ is Risen...and He reigns forever!!!!
I love to hear the story of Christ's death and resurrection...it always gets me that He was so selfless to give His life so we could be forgiven and have eternal life.
There is this song we have been singing at church the last few weeks..."My God Is Mighty To Save" and He truly is and has! We were blood-bought and heaven-made...Jesus rose and conquered the grave!
This is such a crazy world...filled with good and bad, right and wrong..but God is always the same no matter what is changing around us. There is no fear in life and no fear in death because Jesus is here with us on both sides. We are never alone and it will be a glorious day when He calls us home.

Here are some pics from Palm Sunday and Easter...can't wait to get scrapbooking! :)

Scavenger Hunt

2010-03-23T11:53:00.000-07:00

Jeph and I love games...and we figured since our bible study gang loves games too we would plan a scavenger hunt that would end with a sort of birthday dinner for me.
So March 20th we did it...Jeph and I planned it all out and everyone showed up...it was rainy but really fun!
We had them do a few challenges and take pictures and collect some things, and then dinner at the Bite... it was fun to have everyone involved! Justyn and Courtney won the race...it was a good time by all! The pictures are great and I can't wait to scrapbook it!
We are so looking forward to the next one!

Aiden is 10 months!!

2010-03-17T14:43:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe our little man is 10 months already!! This first year is flying by, I wish it would stop or at least slow down. :) I have been really enjoying every moment of our little man's life, and of course documenting the best I can, I don't want to miss anything!
He is constantly amazing me every day...he weighs in at 17+ lbs and over 28 inches long...he still has Jephs amazing blue eyes, and the sweetest little face with an amazingly electric smile!!! :)
He can get anywhere he wants to go and so fast, he eats lots of food(such a little pig), he would rather drink from a cup than a bottle, he occupies himself for extended periods of time...sometimes I just find him playing in his room, everything at everyone's house is something to be pulled up on. Lately he even is taking a few steps at a time towards things while standing...cruising is just about here.
He loves to read...books are one of the best things to keep him satisfied, being outside is one of his greatest joys, dogs make him giggle..he loves, loves dogs!!
He is such a social butterfly and loves to hear his own voice...he can say hi, yeah...once in a while I hear a da...but I'm hoping for a mom! :)
He is in teething process(so not fun) but he sleeps through the night most every night(and has since about 6 weeks or so.
We are so blessed to call him our Mr Aiden...God knew what he was doing when he gave us Aiden!

Happy, Happy Birthday to Me!!

2010-03-10T21:56:00.000-08:00

"Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me!"
Today is my 29th birthday and I'm so loving this time in my life. I love the idea of my last birthday in my 20's...I am counting on the fact that I will get wiser with age and continually learn new things. My 20's were spent learning, loving, hurting and changing...the health obstacles alone have severely plagued me, the desire/loss/gain of a child has molded me in ways I never thought possible. I can't believe that I have been married almost 8 years...I am not the same girl I was when I turned 20 that's for sure...I'm so glad for that!
I am in constant changing mode it seems these days...I am thankful for my 20's and all the things learned in them, and as I cross over into this last year of my 20's I pray I grow/change even more into the woman of God that He has always intended me to be.
I will never be perfect and neither will my life...but I am always going to strive for a great and every progressing relationship with Christ, an even more wonderful marriage(I am truly a blessed woman), a good mother/child relationship, even better/closer relationships with friends and family.
I also have several goals for this fine 29th year:
*to get over my thyroid issues and back into my skinny jeans!
*get pregnant again!
*learn to sew and make 2 quilts!
*be more hospitable
*journal daily again
*get dressed and put at least mascara on every day
*be more involved in MOPS
*run a 5k/half marathon
*camp at least 3 times this summer
*save lots of money and use lots of coupons
*read one new book a month
*make my own magnets
*visit family out of town more often
*exercise 6 days a week
to name a few:)

As I accomplish these things, I will blog about them.
So, this morning I woke up to an amazing birthday day...my sweet son Aiden was up at his usual awake time between 7 and 7:30, he was sitting up in his crib, squeaking and talking holding two birthday present bows in his hands and smiling...next to him was his card and present(so precious, I totally cried). :)
Then Jeph got me breakfast, my friend Chanel brought lunch and we hung out and talked, and tonight I get to have an evening with the hubby! He brought dinner home and I got a few hours without kiddo to just be with him! This weekend I get to just craft from now until Sunday whenever I have time, I'm so excited about that!!I also got an ipod station for the car(which I have been dying to have)!!! :) So far an awesome birthday, I will post about the scavenger hunt/dinner birthday party goes!! :)
T

Frump a Dump Girl??

2010-02-24T20:36:00.000-08:00

Have I become a frump a dump girl??? No, not me...I would never do that. Or so I thought...since having Aiden, I find I only get presentable when I have to go out somewhere, otherwise I hate wasting the time and effort only to be spit up on.
I hate frump a dump girl...it's not me and although it's comfortable it's really quite pitiful. It makes me long for the days of even wearing jeans and a tshirt(without spit up on it). :)
I am determined to remain a frump a dump girl much longer. Even if it's as simply as showering after my morning workout, getting dressed in jeans and a shirt, maybe even a little mascara. :)
Being a frump a dump girl is ok for some people...but it does not make me feel good at all. I am shedding this current frump a dump girl..for a little of the old me but much more of the new me.
I'm getting back to being the fashionable girl I am!!

9 months old!!!

2010-02-17T12:20:00.000-08:00

Happy 9months Aiden!!! I feel like I just posted an 8 month blog...wow, it's going by so fast!!
These last 9 months have been exhausting, amazing, a learning experience, and have challenged Jeph and I both in so many ways!!! We had wanted kids for so long that it is still amazing to us that we are even here...within a few months we are going to be celebrating Aiden's first birthday!! This last 9 months has flown by and he is has grown and changed so much. There have been times of worry for sure but mostly joy and contentment!! We are so blessed to have been given Aiden and we are so thankful for his life!!!
9 months old has brought a lot of fun things...he is pretty much eating 3 meals a day plus snacks, and bottles only really before bed. He is crawling everywhere and into everything..I can't turn my back for a second, he is off and into something. He is really starting to pull up on things and being interested in what's out of his reach, his love for Jett is growing...he gets the giggles every time Jett leaps for the ball, it's so funny!! I have a feeling cruising is not far behind...and although I'm excited for upcoming milestones, I'm in no rush...my baby is disappearing so fast.

Valentines Day

2010-02-15T09:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!!!

In our house Valentines Day is a pretty special day every year...although I have to say that since Jeph and I are pretty romantic quite often, that Valentines Day is another day of romance and time together!
This year Jephs parents took Aiden Saturday night and he spent the night with them and the whole next day, until about 5pm. So, Jeph and I had dinner alone and watched NCIS season 1 on dvd, and scrapbooked/archived till around 11 or so.
The next day we got up...Jeph made breakfast and we scrapbooked/archived the whole day...we really enjoyed sleeping in, the alone time, and the catch up of one of our shared hobbies!!!
He even sent me on a scavenger hunt around Tillamook...super fun!!! He got me a book with a bookmark he made(I love his homemade bookmarks!), along with some pampering things and chocolate. I got him Blazer tickets(which he has wanted for 2 seasons, and we decided that he should get to go to at least 2 games every season. :)
All in all we had a great time...although I didn't really take any pics, so most of Valentine's Day will be ours!

Hope you had a wonderful Valentines Day too!!!

Catch up

2010-02-12T19:39:00.000-08:00

It's been almost a month since the last blog post...but we have been so busy! Seems like life has been flying by the last few weeks.
Aiden has turned into this busy, busy little guy...I turn away for 2 seconds and he is into something. He is exploring everything above his head, he is pulling up so much all of a sudden and he is so curious about everything!! He is just about 9 months old and getting so big!!! He is such a joy!!!
For Jeph, he's been working so much..not just his job with HIS Construction, but leading worship and bible study. He is really enjoying but feels sometimes like he doesn't know what he is doing. I know he is doing the best he can...I know God will bless him for that...and I can see him blessing our church and bible study as well.
I have had an amazing personal month...from being on the verge of returning to school full-time, things have gone in a totally different direction. We decided that I should put school off until we are done having kids(we only want 2), so we are going to be trying for Baby Troyer #2 this summer...we are very excited about that, I'm feeling so peaceful about the decision.
That's pretty much it in a nut shell...we are enjoying life and working towards some goals...through it all we are experiencing God's grace, love, and mercy.

Here are some pics of what Mr Aiden has been up to!

8 months old today!

2010-01-17T14:35:00.000-08:00

Our little guy is 8 months old!!! I can't believe it's been 8 months already...time has flown by!
He is such a busy guy...he is mobile, loves music/drums especially, books can actually keep his attention for more than a few minutes, he loves to high-five, he is very vocal/verbal, he loves the camera, and he is such a sweet guy!
He has been eating 4-6oz of baby food at meal times and he can move to wherever he wants to go(pretty much). We have been so blessed with a well mannered guy who is social and so precious.
We are so lucky God gave us Aiden...we are enjoying ever minute with him. :)

Dad + scissors = Aiden's First Haircut

2010-01-05T12:16:00.000-08:00

So, your probably thinking he needs a haircut already, he's not even 8 months...but he totally does. He has long hairs off the back and way over his ears. So Jeph and I decided it's time for his first hair cut. Of course it's a scrapbook and blog opp as well:)
Needless to say..I let Jeph tackle this, because it made me nervous to try. :) So he did it with a wet head and in the tub. It actually went really well...but I think we will have to do it again just to even it up a little better. :)

Happy 2010!!!

2010-01-03T16:46:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year...we rang in the New Year with our good friends Jeff, Emily, and Daniel...we played wii, watched Up and just hung out! We had a wonderful time!!! Love you Sargents!!! Then we spent most of New Years Day watching the storm down the coast with the Johnsons, we ate Chinese and had a great time with our dear friends. Then off to Portland where we enjoyed a lovely Christmas weekend with Wendy and Alice...we even learned a new game(much harder than Settlers)...and spent the whole time in fellowship. I can't believe it's only the 3rd of January!!! If this is a sign of things to come it's going to be one busy and wonderful year!!! 2010 is going to be filled with many milestones, changes, joys, laughter, new things, and so many amazing things..we are so looking forward to what God has in store for our little family.

Here are some pics from our New Years weekend.

Fine in 2009

2009-12-31T10:33:00.001-08:00

NEW YEAR...NEW BEGININGS

2009 has been a year of many changes...some big, some little, some unexpected. We have seen prayers fully answered and seen hurt at it's ugliest...through it all we saw God be bigger than we thought he could be.
We are so thankful for what we have come through...we could have only come through it and be on the other side because of God, and our family and friends.
It is with great joy, and hope that we move on to a new phase of our lives...we hope we have learned from our mistakes and we choose to move into 2010 with such determination and motivation for a wonderful new year and seeing what God has in store for our family of three!

Some of our 2010 goals:
*Consistent tithing
*Get out of debt
*Get a new car
*Scrapbook regularly
*Get into great shape...including run 5K.
*Spend quality time as a couple more regularly
*Be more generous with others.
*Camp a lot this summer.
*Plan/execute a great Mexico trip.
*Patience with everything
*To worry less
*Realize we can only control ourselves.
*Realization that some of these goals may only get close to completion, and if so that's ok...to keep trying!

Four Christmases

2009-12-27T09:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas, Christmas, and more Christmas...we are Christmased-out! One of the many joys of the holidays for us is that we live near both sides of the family, so we have a lot of Christmases.
This year was particularly busy...with four Christmases and our own little family of 3 Christmas! We also attended the Candlelight Service at Netarts which has become a tradition in our family...we both feel so blessed to have our families so close, even if it makes for a busy holiday!!!
This being Aiden's first Christmas we tried to keep with our traditions, year ornaments(including snowmen couple which now gets to have a baby snowman), and the collection of Aiden's own ornaments as well. We traditionally put up lots of lights, make a gingerbread house(which we did with ty and hailey), zoolights(which we avoided this year because Aiden is too little to enjoy them). It was so wonderful having him pull on the wrapping paper of his first Christmas present. :)
Christmas will never be the same for us...the joy and magic of it all will now be shared with our munchkin...our own Christmas gift from God!
We are so blessed and looking forward to Christmases to come...teaching Aiden that Jesus is the reason for the season and showing him all the magical things at Christmas time!!

Aiden is 7 Months!

2009-12-17T13:29:00.000-08:00

Aiden is 7 months old! We cannot believe how fast the time is flying...and now we get to celebrate our first Christmas as a family of three.
He is doing so many things...he is mobile for the most part. He isn't quite into everything and he isn't full on crawling, but he can move where he wants usually..he even does this "bear crawl" thing...so funny! He loves toys and books more than ever...he oohs/ahhs and books while we read them to him, he even objects when we take things away..especially the remote, phone, or book when it's done. He loves the shower..he opens his mouth and puts up his hands to "catch" the water. He sits up in his crib, and he really seems to want to walk/stand...he tries whenever he can, and loves it if you hold his hands so he can go!
He has become quite the ham...the camera turns on and he is all smiles...it's really adorable! He still has two bottom tooth buds, just waiting to come in...lately he has been fussier than usual so we think those teeth maybe just about to pop through.
He had a cold this week and oh the joys of a sick baby:( So glad that's over!
Jeph and I are just enjoying this stage with him and we love watching him interact with others..he is such a people person! We are looking forward to Christmas with our big boy!

Here Comes Santa Clause

2009-12-13T19:26:00.001-08:00

This past weekend we were planning to go into Portland and finish Christmas shopping. Due to weather we were stuck in Tillamook. So we decided to take the day and have a fun family time.
We went to my parents to visit Aiden's new cousin Elliot, cute boy! Then we went to Fred Meyer(which was a zoo) and did a little shopping. Aiden loved being carried around in the carrier, he squealed and smiled...he is such a people person, especially in the carrier.
On our way out the door we ran into Emily and Daniel...so while we waited for Jeph, we had Daniel and Aiden take their first picture with Santa Clause. Aiden was pretty smiley and Daniel loved Santas beard. It was a really fun time!
Then Jeph and I headed over to the Blue Heron for lunch...it was so good! We picked up an OSU football...that plays the fight song, Oh goodness!
We even took pics with the Blue Heron cutouts...Aiden loved this...especially the cow! He was squealing in such delight...the pics turned out great! :)

Elliot Parker

2009-12-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

We are an aunt and uncle again, and Aiden has a new cousin!! Elliot Parker was born to Cherise this morning at 10:22am...8lbs 1oz, 20inches. Mother and baby are doing well!

Welcome Elliot!!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year..

2009-12-02T08:24:00.000-08:00

It's December...Jeph and I love December. It is a wonderful time of year...we are such "Christmas people." We have so many traditions...we decorate the weekend of Thanksgiving, we go all out...we put lights.. inside and out, we put up our tree, we have year ornaments( we get a snowman couple, a snowflake, and an ornament of something big that year) we have had an amazing 9 Christmas together, we love going through each years ornaments...great memories.
This time of year is magical wherever you go...we decorated Netarts Church this last weekend..it was fun to turn the church into a Christmas wonderland. Jeph and I send out Christmas cards, attend the Cantata at Nazarene Church, we go to Zoolights, we go downtown and go shopping..we attend the Christmas Eve candlelight service, Christmas with our families...it's such an amazing time of year!!
This year we get to share it with Mr Aiden...we can't wait till Christmas...the next few weeks leading up to it are filled with such awe!!

Aidens Dedication/Thanksgiving Week

2009-11-28T09:34:00.000-08:00

We have had such a busy but wonderful holiday...it all started with Aidens dedication and the Troyer Thanksgiving...good food, family, and games! Then on Thanksgiving Day..Wendy came and joined us for a meal and of course games!!! Aiden loved sitting in his bumbo and squealing at Settlers. Then on Black Friday, I went shopping with my mom..it was a fun day and we got a lot of Christmas shopping done. Then on today we had a Thanksgiving at my Mom and Pauls house...4 sisters, several guys, and 5 grandkids...full house. We had great food of course and games!!! :) It was a great time..Aidens first Thanksgiving was full...we have so much to be thankful for!!!

6 Months

2009-11-19T15:44:00.001-08:00

So much has been going on in our little family...Aiden has been trying to get crawling, and working on sitting up, he took his first max ride, and he got to meet Amish relatives and ride in a horse and buggy, we visited the Bunces and got to see the Carlsons and some of Marcy family..we took our first plane rides(6 in all)..he was a rockstar!! What a good little traveler we have!!! He is enjoying solid food quite a bit, although his tongue is still getting in the way...he loves books, and watching football with daddy, he is such an amazing little guy!!! :)

Pumpkins Galore!

2009-11-01T14:04:00.000-08:00

Here are the pics from our fun pumpkin carving night with our friends.

We had our annual pumpkin carving night this year...it was so fun our bible study group joined us. We had such a fun time carving pumpkins, eating banana bread, drinking cider and enjoying each others company! Seriously best group of friends...we had such a good time! Looking forward to next years carving! :)

Cousin Time

2009-10-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

Since we live so close to many cousins...Aiden is so blessed to get lots of cousin time pretty regular. This past weekend he got to spend time with Ty, Hailey, and Naomi..it is always so fun to see Ty and Hailey playing with their little cousins. :)

It is especially fun to see Naomi(7months and quite mobile) playing with Aiden(5months and not mobile)..they are about the same size and squeal at each other and try to grab at each other...it's so wondeful to have cousins close to the same age.

Adventures in Baby Food

2009-10-20T12:10:00.000-07:00

These days feeding has become quite a bit messy...We have now tried rice cereal, sweet potatoes, green beans, and applesauce. Aiden is not quite a fan of baby food yet...he is more interested in trying to get to our food:)
We have decided that rice cereal mixed with a little applesauce is the one baby food he will gladly eat right now. :) So every morning around his breakfast time we have a breastmilk feeding and then a rice cereal/applesauce combo as well.
He seems to be enjoying that a lot right now. We are still having some issues with using a spoon, his tongue is usually in the way...so we are still trying to get the hang of it. :)
I'm sure in the next few weeks feedings will still be really messy but a little easier and he will probably get more in his mouth then on his face :)

5 Months!!

2009-10-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

Wow...Aiden is 5 months already, we really cannot believe how fast the time has flown by! He is such an amazing little guy!!!
He can scoot forwards and backwards...he has now had rice cereal, green beans, sweet potatoes...he had his first trip to Seattle and a Mariners game...he loves playing peek-a-boo, he will sit and listen to stories, he loves to watch football with daddy and mommy...he constantly blows bubbles...he is such a sweet boy...we are so blessed to call him our son!!! Here are a few pics of his 5th month.

Seattle or Bust!

2009-09-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

One glorious September day we headed up to Seattle for a day at Pikes Place and a Mariners game...little did we know that this fun day out as a family would turn into quite an adventurous trip. :) We were stopping every so often for bathroom breaks for me(drinking so much water), feeding breaks for Aiden and just getting him out of the carseat. Boy did we underestimate how much work traveling to Seattle in one day would be! :)
We got to Seattle...a bit tired of being in the car but were excited to show Aiden our city. He loved being in the carrier and looking at everything. We got a family pic taken outside the Original Starbucks, we enjoyed the crisp fall weather...Aiden and Jeph even took a pic by the Monk Fish(which is a tradition we started with the Bunces.)
We got to Safeco and got to get a certificate for Aiden(his first time attending a Mariners game), we got a baseball bat just his size, and he loved the lights, sounds. He squealed and laughed, he was a welcome distraction for the people behind us! It was enjoyable..he fell asleep about the bottom of the 6th inning and when he woke up he was crying(ready to eat), so we headed out but we stopped long enough to take a picture with the Mariner Moose...he even quit crying!!! We headed home and he slept the whole way!!:)
It's for sure harder to travel with a kid, but so worth it...and we can't wait to do it again!!

4 Months

2009-09-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

Aiden turned 4 months on Thursday...he had his 4 month checkup...12lbs 13oz, 24 1/2inches, head almost 20in cir..wow he is getting so big!!!! This little boy is amazing...tummy time has become a very constant thing, he loves to lay on his tummy and look around, play with toys. Everything goes in his mouth, he has discovered how to make raspberries,he is a very easygoing, and smiley boy!! He is a good eater, great sleeper...he likes to watch tv..especially baby einstein and football!! He loves peek-a-boo, books, his play gym, he looks at the camera for pics now, quite a ham! He went to his first Mariners game and did pretty good..he loves watching his cousins play, he is interested in Jet and what Jet is doing..he loves to talk..he is so social it's amazing that he is only 4 months. :)
He is such a joy to us, we feel so blessed that God gave us this little man...here are his 4month pics...and one of his birth buddies, Daniel also at 4 months! :)

First Bandaid...Ouch!

2009-09-12T14:12:00.000-07:00

At 3 1/2 months Aiden got his first bandaid...since he is a boy we thought he will have lots of bandaids(at some point) but not within his first few months of life.
It was saturday night and our nighttime ritual is bath, pajamas, last feeding and bed...Aiden loves bath time, it's truly an enjoyable part of the day for us..Jeph is the resident bath giver...it's good play time for daddy and Aiden. However this night Jeph was working on prepping for biblestudy and so I was giving him a bath...all was fine and I started rinsing him, all of a sudden he was screaming and I couldn't figure out what was wrong..then Jeph was shouting "the instahot is squirting on him!!" I started screaming and we turned the cold water on him instantly..Aiden was screaming, I was crying, and of course Jeph was calm. He got things undercontrol and calm again. I felt so bad...he had a blister on his finger and forearm, brown marks on his leg and arm..he was fine within an hour and he went to bed happy, and he slept all night...needless to say I was traumatized more than he was.
Here are the pics of our little guys first bandaid.

The Loincloth Manifesto

2009-08-30T19:39:00.000-07:00

Summer is dead! Long live the fall!
The collective sigh of relief you hear all around you is simply nature grabbing a lawn chair, kicking back with a pumpkin spice latte, and chilling with it's bad self.
It is also really really excited to watch football.
And for everyone to go back to school(sorry Emily:)).
Tis true,
Tis true,
Summer is gone.
We had to let it go to make room for another.
Sorry June. It's not you, it's us. We're just going in different directions.
Bye-Bye July. We'll always have the memories...the aquarium...um...and that thing, with the guy and the cookie buffet...no, wait, that was a dream i had...huh.
Fare thee well, August. You always try so hard to become part of autumn.
August.
Autumn.
Your names are so similar, and yet...it just wouldn't be fair. What would I tell the others? It would only create jealousy and infighting, the likes of which we haven't seen since King David took a walk on his rooftop(you see what I did there, bible study? Believe.)
So there you go summer. You are out on your tushy. But it was not without ceremony...
The troyer's said goodbye with a jungle-themed dinner party. Those present were treated to many sights(Aiden in a loin cloth), sounds(the jungle cry of his father, trying to scare the poop out of his nephew and niece), and not least of all tastes(two words for you...BAKED...ALASKA...mmmm.)
mmmm is not a word smarty pantses.
If you haven't had it before, allow me to describe:
Imagine monkey brains.
Now imagine that the monkey has a lemon meringue skull.
Now imagine inside his(or her) skull is filled not with blood and grey matter, but sponge cake, ice cream, and crushed cookie crumbs.
There you have it.
The worst way to entice you to eat baked alaska.
But seriously.
Do it.
Also, if you have a baby...
and a loin cloth...
seriously.
Do it.

Aidens is 3 Months!

2009-08-20T12:03:00.001-07:00

It's official Aiden is 3 months old! It's going by so fast..we are amazed everyday that he is here and he is ours...he is doing new things everyday!
He now is over 11lbs and 23 inches long, he can hold his head up all by himself..he is still a little wobbly but not much. He can push himself up on his arms and hold his head up while doing tummy time, and he has been rolling over for quite awhile from tummy to back, and he is sleeping in his own room in his crib. He loves to stand up while we hold his hands of course:) He loves to talk, smile, he's quite a giggler and he loves people. He already has a favorite toy...Octavius the octupus, and when we read books he likes to look at us and then the picture and back. :) He has been on a pretty good 3hr schedule since month 1 and he has been sleeping through the night since about 6 weeks.
Jeph and I are enjoying every minute with him...we are so excited to share this fall season and everything it holds with him. :) We are so blessed and he was well worth the wait!
Here are some 3 month pics with some of his cousins, and some of him doing tummytime.

3 Month Update

2009-08-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

Well, I had decided to quit blogging once Aiden came, then I was talking to Jeph about wishing I had kept it going and how much I wanted to have a blog, so Jeph and I decided we would write the blog together. :) I am so excited to have another contributor, so we are now a joint effort..I am looking forward to what Jeph will be doing on the blog. :)
Since the last post a lot has happened...Our friends Jeff and Emily had Daniel May 11we had Aiden, born May 17 2009, 7lbs 10oz and totally perfect, Josh and Marcy had Ethan May 23rd...the birth buddies are here!!The whole process of pregnancy/birth went really well and it was really easy to see God's hand in all areas of it, plus we really enjoyed sharing it with our dear friends!
We have been adjusting to new parenthood...On June 15th we left Aiden for 8 hours with Grandma while we went to Lincoln City with some friends, it was such a good time, really hard to leave him but it was ok. On June 21st we said goodbye to our dear friends the Bunces...it was really hard to say goodbye and we miss them alot. In July we celebrated our 7th Anniversary and Aiden hit his 2 month mark along with shots...we also took a 2 1/2 day/2 night Anniversary trip and left Aiden with the Grandmas, it was a good time to reconnect and Aiden did wonderful! We also took Aiden on our church campout trip he was about 2 1/2 months, he did awesome!:)
It's now August and Aiden is 3 months...he is giggling, smiling so much, has a very expressive face, he is rolling over, loving tummy time. He is a great nap taker, he sleeps 8+ hours a night and is now sleeping in his own room. Football season and fall are fast approaching(our favorite time of year) and things are about to get super crazy busy but so enjoyable and we are really looking forward to the upcoming seasons, and changes in our lives.
>LOOKING AHEAD> by Jeph
Crazy busy is right! We have football to watch, teams/players to make fun of, Mexico trip to plan, houses to build(finally!), bad habits to teach my son(and naturally, how to get out of trouble for doing it),places to travel(Kansas!Seattle!Fred Meyers!)
,and round and round and round we go...
I'm genuinely excited for this fall and winter. With so much happening, I know time is going to fly, but that just means we're having fun. Aiden is one reason I'm excited; fall is our favorite time of year and now we get to share it with our son. He's going to his first baseball game next month. Mariners vs. Yankees. He won't know why we hate the yankees, but he'll sense the vibe. Oh, yes. He will. He will also go to his first OSU football games, dressed up in the finest orange and black onesies he has. Don't worry Justin and Courtney, we'll take lots of pictures. That reminds me of the other reason I'm excited for these seasons. In the last couple of years we have met some outstanding people and made some very cool friends. It's true that we've had to say goodbye to some of the finest people on the planet(you know who you are), but it looks like we have a lot to be thankful for in the friends dept. Can't wait to have some guy's nights, some football parties, bible studies, worship practices, game nights, so and so, such and such. Life is good. Even though it's stressful at times, (when we're uncomfortable we grow) I'm appreciating the craziness for what it is. It's just life. Here's some pics!

One week till Aidens Due...

2009-05-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

So here we are one week from our due date...I went to the doctor on tuesday and he said I was dialated to 1 1/2 cm and 50% effaced, the head was engaged. So we are for sure making progress...now as to when he actually comes I don't know. I'm having a lot of pelvic pressure and it's hurting to walk. So we will keep you posted. Aiden will be arriving soon!!!:)

Pregnancy Pics and Baby Shower

2009-05-01T16:34:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday Jeph and I had the pleasure of sharing a babyshower with two of our favorite couples...Jeff and Emily Sargent, Josh and Marcy Bunce. Netarts Friends Church did a real sweet thing for all of us expecting couples...they threw us all a triple baby shower. We had a pasta/salad meal, ate cake, and all opened a ton of presents. It was such a blast to share this experience with our church family, we all enjoyed ourselves so much. :) Afterwards, we all took pregnancy pics behind the church, it was so fun and very memorable. I will never forget this experience, truly enjoyable, and once in a life time opportunity.

Bathroom Project Finished!

2009-04-20T17:51:00.000-07:00

So my project post was the beginning of the nursery and bathroom project...since I alread posted the nursery progression pics I thought I'd post the bathroom pics. I love, love the mirror and towel storage...it was a great idea and it turned out great!!

Pregnancy Pics

2009-04-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

Over the last few months I have been taking lots of pregnancy pics...so here are a bunch of prego photos from January through mid-April..I have grown a lot!!!!:)

It's About Time

2009-04-20T16:57:00.000-07:00

So I'm back to blog finally...A couple months ago our laptop died and we finally got it replaced a few weeks ago. Then the process started of uploading all my pics which is a whole thing that is finally figured out and now it's time to update! :)

So since my last posting of February 12...I had one of the best Valentines Day(Jeph sent me on a pic scavenger hunt and we had a romantic eveing together), we welcomed our newest niece Naomi on March 15th, I celebrated my 28th birthday, we have pretty much finished the nursery and all other house projects, Jeph went on a Missions Trip to Mexico, we celebrated Easter and we have taken a ton of prego pics...we only have 25 days to go!!!

Here are some pics of our 2nd step of the Nursery...

Projects..

2009-02-12T18:57:00.000-08:00

So Jeph and I have been working on some projects in order to get ready for baby Aiden. :) The last few weeks we started the nursery...we took off the trim(to be painted) we painted the whole room two coats. This week we are painting the trim so we can add the sports accents. In the next few weeks we are getting new carpet put in and building a armoire. By the end of march we fully intend to have it ready for the finishing touches(we'll post more pics throughout the process).
The other project is our bathroom...we had to replace the mirror/light combo because it was falling apart and we needed towel storage. So we moved an armoire into the bathroom and are making it into towel storage and making it beachy. :) The mirror is up and we have been working on the frame(I'll post the finished project pictures soon!!)
Below are our project pictures in the first stage...

6 month baby bump

2009-01-26T15:35:00.000-08:00

Jeph had to take this pic of me lounging on the couch with his cell phone...but it's a pretty true pic of me and my 6 month baby bump! So now we are 24 weeks and 4 days and heading into the third trimester!!! I can't believe it!!!
We have a busy couple months ahead..working on the nursery, some house projects, etc...so I hope this little man does not come early at all!!!:) I'm not experiencing morning sickness that much anymore(I'm taking unisom/b6 everynight which is helping), and I'm really enjoying being pregnant!!!I've kept up on my pregnancy scrapbooking, my pregnancy journal, and babysite. I'm feeling pretty accomplished!! Now if the rest of this pregnancy/labor/delivery go just as smoothly as the rest?!!:)

Nice Day

2009-01-17T14:13:00.000-08:00

Today on the coast it was beautiful...now it's always beautiful but for mid January it's amazingly nice. So Jeph and I took Jett out to the each and enjoyed the sun, sand, and lazy afternoon. We took some pics and played fetch with Jett. We had the best afternoon. :)
We got a lot done today but we also got to relax and enjoyed the nice weather! We love the Northwest and our afternoon at the beach was perfect. Here are some pics of our great day!!
(Our names plus Aiden, Jett and Jeph, Me and Jett at 6 months pregnant, Jetts ball and paw-so cute)

Baby Bump

2009-01-08T14:23:00.000-08:00

It's official as of 20 weeks I have a baby bump!!!! Each week I'm noticing more and more of a bump, infact I'm feeling Aiden move a lot more now it's so obvious it's him!! I realize I've been feeling him for over a month, I just wasn't sure.
So here are my 20 week pics...I'll post more as soon as I get them downloaded.

New Year...New Goals

2009-01-05T15:26:00.000-08:00

So it's a new year 2009..this is a big year for Jeph and I. We are going to have our first child in May. While thats exciting it's also scary. This is the first time we have been in this position and although we wanted it and are ready for it, we are both feeling a little inadequate. We are so thankful we are in this position but are also aware of how much we have to do/finish, and of course the financial aspect.
We know that no one is ever really ready for kids but we just never thought we'd(mainly me,LeAnne) feel so overwhelmed.
We have our project lists and plans laid out and we are taking things one day at a time. With love and support of our friends/family, and God's help we will make it! :)
We are so glad to be on this journey...no matter what comes our way.

So, since it's the new year Jeph and I have a few new goals:
*Serve God everyday with all our hearts, in all we do.
*Daily Devotionals more regularly
*Exercise 4-5 days a week(more regularly)
*Tithe at least 10% every months consistently
*pay off debt
*get our savings going again
*family car w/4 wheel drive
*no matter what happens with any relationship/situation do the right thing, even
if it means being on our own.

Some of these goals are ongoing to a point every year...this year a lot of things/priorites have changed. We want to set a good example for our son Aiden in all we do, and we want to do the best parenting job we can. We want to stand up for whats right and be more bold in our faith even if that means going against the popular choice.
We are so thankful for another year and this year God has given us the best gift of all...we hope we honor him in all we say and do.
It's gonna be fine in 2009!!!!!!!!

It's a Boy!!

2008-12-26T11:19:00.001-08:00

Jeph and I received the best Christmas present ever...on Christmas Eve we got to see our baby and we got to find out that everything is perfect/healthy!!! Praise God!!!
We had the tech write down what the baby is and we went to Freddies and picked out a boy and girl outfit then we had the cashier wrap the right gender. We were so excited we couldn't contain ourselves!!!:)
On Christmas morning we opened the baby present...and found out much to our surprise that we are having a boy!!!!!!!
Yes, a precious little man!!! We are both so excited and feel so blessed to not only have a healthy baby and mama but to have our first child be a son!!!
It made the whole season that much more magical for us and special...it made the ultrasound and pictures from it so much more precious. I'm feeling so connected to him and Jeph is just elated at getting a boy. I always thought that I wanted a girl first but as soon as I found out it was a boy I fell so head over heels for him and I feel honored that God would give me a little man to raise. Boys are so different from what I know but I am so excited to get into the trucks, dirt, legos...no matter what other children God gives me, this is going to be my first. The tremendous love and connection I feel for him already is overwhelming! I feel so blessed and I thank God for this precious gift of a son! Our little Aiden Anthony Troyer is already so loved and we can't wait to meet him!!!

Christmas Lights

2008-12-14T20:16:00.001-08:00

We have gone all out for Christmas...we have our tree up and the house is decorated in lights. Here are a few pics we took of our holiday inspiration.

16 Days and Counting....

2008-12-08T14:54:00.000-08:00

It's 16 days away...Christmas!! :) It's not just Christmas it's the day we finally find out if this baby is a boy or girl!! We are dying to know what this baby is, and we want to call it by it's name and finally decorate the nursery. :) We have names picked out and are so ready to be half way done and finally able to know what this little munchkin is. :)
We've had our house decorated for a over a week and we are finishing up Christmas shopping on Saturday...then the holiday festivities really get under way we have Christmas Cantata and dinner at the Nazarene church on Sunday evening, Young Marrieds Biblestudy Christmas Pary on the 19th, Zoolights on the 20th,Netarts Christmas Service on the 21st at 10am, the Nazarene Candlelight Service that evening...
Then on December 22nd we go and have our big 20 week ultrasound, and then we have our Christmas Eve time with my side of the family, Candlelight Service that evening, and then Christmas Day we find out what our baby is and then Troyer Celebration and more.
It's a busy, wonderful time of year...and we are on the countdown to the big day!!!!

Holiday Season Has Begun!!!

2008-12-01T18:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!This year despite some family drama, Jeph and I had a wonderful Thanksgiving!! We spent Thanksgiving Day watching the parade in the morning, off to Scott and Jessicas for Troyer family Thanksgiving. We had dinner, played games/Wii, and just spent the day/evening together. It was fun to all be together. On friday Jeph worked and for the first time in a long time I didn't go Black Friday shopping, I worked on decorating for Christmas, we had dinner at Scott and Jess's again and hung out for a bit. Saturday we spent the morning finishing decorating for Christmas, we had a Thanksgiving dinner with my side of family..it was Yummy!!! :) We went to see the Four Christmases, a nice date night.
Sunday was church(I was home with morning sickness), then we were off to Portland to visit with Wendy and Grandma Alice, we had leftovers for lunch and played Cities Knights..then it was off the Singing Christmas Tree...Jeph and I really enjoyed ourselves being together, kicking off our last holiday season without kids and being in downtown.
All in all, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend...it feels like Christmas is on it's way. We are so looking forward to all the holiday events we have planned!
Happy Holidays!!!

2nd Trimester

2008-11-18T09:07:00.000-08:00

It's official!!! We are in the 2nd trimester, in fact as of friday we are in our 16th week!!! I am feeling better overall, I still have a few yucky days here and there but mostly they are ok and even good. :)
In fact last night Jeph and I were watching the office, laying in bed and I felt something moving around like a fish...it was amazing! I am hoping that the baby movements get stronger and stronger so I can feel the baby more often and Jeph can feel it too! :)
So as for the 2nd trimester things are pretty good...I'm attending MOPS now, I have been working on my scrapbook, and making nursery plans/name choices. I am enjoying it a lot more now and I can't wait till Christmas, we are on the gender countdown..a little over 30 days till we know, boy or girl?!!
I'll post my first pregnant pic later this week...stay tuned, I'm not sure I look pregnant yet but for sure more then the last few weeks. :)

Just a Thought

2008-11-08T15:32:00.000-08:00

Pro-Life...Pro-Choice everybody has an opinion, everybody has a judgement thats ok we live in a free country and thats our right. I have to wonder why because I voted for Obama my Christian values are being questioned...I want to make it clear that although I voted for Obama it's because of his policies, all the issues that plague the US and the world he had the best plan for, not to mention he is a calm guy, he is not war hungry or just thinking about the US, he is also thinking globally.
Even though I did vote for Obama I still don't agree with his pro-choice or gay marriage but I also don't think that one president can change every law...California just voted on proposition 8 to legalize gay marriage and it didn't pass in a very liberal state.
When it comes to my vote...if and when the time comes to vote prolife/prochoice or legalize gay marriage, I will always vote prolife and no gay marriage. But I have to wonder about all the people so quick to question Obama for being pro choice and thats all your looking for in a preident??? Look at Bush he's prolife when it comes to abortion but when it comes to his own oil agenda his prochoice...prochoice to kill innocent people in Iraq! McCain is no better...he's a hot head with a war hungry agenda as well...so although it's great he is prolife when it comes to abortion...what about all the people being killed in wars???? Did they choose to be killed?? I don't think so.
What about all the poor people in war torn countries???? Does the Bush doctrine give a plan to help them out??? No, it doesn't and he hasn't done anything but continue the war since 2002...thats over 6 years of war debt, soliders/families lives changed, and innocent people killed.
Why can't we focus on other issues that are just as important??? Our countries problems are more then just prochoice/prolife...we need a president who will have a level head when looking at and dealing with all the issues. I've heard from so many people claiming Bush was allowed into office by God, and what a mess we have from that...why wouldn't God allow a president like Obama, giving a new way to do things in this country, extend goodwill and olive branches to other countries, and spark a new life in people that feel forgotten??!!!
It's our job as Christians to live our lives like Christ...I have to say the emails, comments I've received from fellow Christians have been more ungodly then the things I've heard coming from the Democrat camp towards the Republican camp...thats pretty sad.
Are we waiting for the perfect Christian to vote into office??? If we are thats not going to happen. We need to support and pray for our current president and help him clean up the mess Bush(so called Christian) has left behind. So lets leave all judgements to God and try to help get the country back on track...lets not forget that our hope should be in Christ!!!! No matter who is in office we still have to be Christians and treat others the way Christ would want.. that means the poor and unfortunate(the kind of people that Obama has been helping more than anyone), quit putting billions of dollars into a war that is about Bush's own agenda when our economy is suffering so much.

May God Bless America!!

Election Day 2008!

2008-11-04T11:03:00.000-08:00

I am so glad today is Election Day...finally all the ads will stop, the nasty emails from family who thinks Jeph and I are insane for voting Obama will stop too!!
Can I just say that Jeph and I are serving God with all our hearts and I think it's insane for some family to accuse us of not being Godly with our voting choice. Can I say thats judgemental and totally out of line, only God can judge us and he know our hearts...we love God and are serving God with all our hearts and we prayerfully considered both canditates. Based on policies and all the major issues in this country we believe Obama is the best for the job.
As Americans we have the right to vote for whoever we choose....we also as Christians have the right to vote and not be judged(especially by family/fellow Christians)for who we choose to support. It doesn't matter who we vote for to God, He is looking at our hearts and desires for the future of this country as it pertains to our children.
We should all be able to discuss and even debate politics without judging someones character based on who they are voting for.
For those of you who read this and think that because we are voting for Obama that must mean we support abortion, you are wrong. We will never support abortion, we will always support pro life...but in the grand scheme of everything going on...Jeph and I did not feel that we could vote for McCain just because he is prolife.
Inspite of this election and who wins I think I heard it best on Sunday the real predictions...

10 Predictions,regardless of Who Wins the Election
1. The Bible will still have the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross. (for each and everyone of us!)
9. Jesus will STILL love you
10. Jesus will still save the lost who come to Him.
God approves this message!
ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CONTROL?

Fabulous Friday!!

2008-10-31T16:35:00.000-07:00

It's Friday and I've had one of the best days in my life! I felt good enough to go to biblestudy(it's been a long time), I got to go tricker treating with my niece Jaden and nephew Royce, I got to have lunch at La Tea Da with a bunch of great friends and I got my haircut(I love it!)...Wow!!! This day has been amazing, one of the best!!!! :) I feel so happy and content, life is so good and God is so good to me. (I'll post hair pics shortly)
I hope this friday keeps getting better and better...

7 years ago today...Jeph proposed.

2008-10-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

Today is October 29th...7 years ago tonight Jeph sent me on a scavenger hunt to end up at one of our favorite places a balcony with a view of the bay. He had it all lit up with white lights and covered in rose petls, he was playing our song "The Luckiest" and he got down on one knee, he had this big, romantic speel/with card that he said and he took out the ring and asked if I would spend the rest of my life with him..it was so sweet, perfect, and romantic. :) Of course I said yes and 9 months later we got married 07/06/02.
Happy Anniversary babe...I love you so much!!!:)

Baby Troyer Ultrasound Pics!

2008-10-25T18:33:00.000-07:00

So we have our first pics of our baby!!! We are 11 weeks and 1 day, the doctor said everything went well for our appointment and everything looks good and healthy. :)
Such a relief and an answer to prayer.
It was great the baby was moving around like crazy(hard to believe I can't feel it yet). It even turned around and looked at us and waved! It was so precious!
Now we are two months away from founding out the sex...so this idea we've had for 3 years we finally get to do...we will have the doctor write down what the baby is and we will go to the store and pick out a boy/girl outfit, have the cashier put the correct outfit in a giftbox and we will take it home and open it Christmas morning.
After seeing this little baby yesterday...it just made me feel so calm, at peace, full of joy, and thankfulness for God and His precious gift to us. We actually get to do all the things we said we'd always do. It makes me feel so blessed, and just happy! We have a 16 week appt the monday before Thanksgiving and on december 22 we get to find out the sex(well three days later). :)
So here are our first pics of our little sweetpea, we are so in love and so happy...God is so good!

In need of prayer

2008-10-23T10:15:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up and was getting for a babysitting job and the day....I started having some cramps and some bleeding. I started to freak out..to put it mildly.
I called the doctor and they told me to relax and rest for the day...so I'm lying in bed and relaxing, well actually stressing. I feel so worried about everything, we prayed that God would only allow us to get pregnant if it was the right time. Health issues, complications anything...that it would only happen if everything would work out ok.
Now here I am stressing, having some cramps and spotting stuck in bed worrying.

*Please God help me relax, protect my baby and me...please help me to trust you and not be afraid. Please give me my baby, I really want it and I really need you to help me, I'm afraid if I lose it I won't be ok. So much has been ripped away from me I can't have this happen to my baby too. Please, please have mercy..help my appt tomorrow to go so well and give me some peace.
1 Peter 5:7

We are having a Baby!!!

2008-10-09T10:07:00.001-07:00

Jeph and I are having a baby!!!!!!!! Here are some pics from the day we found out...we are so excited and can't believe God is blessing us with this wonderful part of life! We already had our first appointment and they said everything looks good so far. We have our first ultrasound appointment in two weeks and we are both getting more and more excited!!
We have a nursery plan for each sex so once we find out at Christmas what the baby is..we can get started. :) We have a list of projects to finish in the next few months but we are so excited it doesn't matter that we have things to do. :)
We are just so happy right now and feel so blessed by God that we can hardly contain ourselves! Check back often for Baby Troyer updates!

Fall Favorites

2008-10-01T14:09:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite time of year, actually it's Jephs too! We love everything about Fall!!!! I just had to post about fall...in fact over the next couple months everything I post about will have to do with Fall. So whether you like Fall or not I hope by the end of this wondeful Fall season you will love Fall too!

Things I love about Fall:

Football...Seahawks and Beavers!
Weather...crisp chill, rain, storms basically all weather.
Food...whether it's soup/stew, hot chocolate, pie, casseroles, and we can't forget the holiday food.
Beverages at Starbucks...caramel apple cider,pumpkin spice latte,peppermint mocha
Fall Decor...I just love scarecrows, pumpkins, serveware is fall like leaf plates, and apple shaped bowl.
Clothes and Shoes: Boots, tights, hats, sweaters, wraps, pants, jeans, scarves, gloves, coats..you name it fall clothes rock!
Fall is the beginnng of harvest parties where we carve pumpkins, holidays are right around the corner...Fall puts a spring in my step and makes me feel alive. Nothing beats Fall and I am so thankful God gave us this magical time of year. I hope you enjoy Fall too! :)

Beach Pics

2008-10-01T12:54:00.001-07:00

On Sunday Jeph and I got to go down to Pelican Pub and celebrate my Uncle Jims 50th birthday! We spent the afternoon in Lincoln City we dropped stuff off at Goodwill, we stopped at the craft store and picked up some things. Then we headed to Cape Kiwanda a little early..we spent an hour at the beach and took some great beach photos for our beach bathroom. It was so warm and sunny we just enjoyed ourselves so much. :) Here are some photos from our wonderful Sunday afternoon...a much needed time to relax and be together...to top it off we got to have a wonderful dinner with family!

An Update

2008-09-14T15:42:00.000-07:00

So it's been awhile since I've blogged. I guess I was discouraged and just trying to focus on so many other things. :)Now summer is over and fall is here so our lives just keep getting busier but honestly better then they have been in so long. I'm really seeing God's faithfulness and direction in our lives and feeling content. Last month our summer ended with a huge trip down to a Stanford/OSU Beaver game in Palo Alto California...we also got to go down to Santa Cruz and the boardwalk, see family and friends and just get away. Here are some pics from Summers end for us...

Football Preseason is Here!!!!

2008-08-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

Finally...after many long months of everything but football...tonight the first preseason game is officially on!!! :) It's such a relief for Jeph and I...we are so excited to finally have football back on!!!! As you know we are crazy for our Seahawks and Oregon State Beavers!! My dad has season tickets to the Beavers and has given us a ticket to every game we want!! Seahawks we have shared season tickets with my uncle Jim for the last few years. This year we put in for our own season tickets(so by next year) we should have them...we still intend to attend 3 games in Seattle this year we just can't ever live without it now!!:)

So tonight we are watching Sunday Night Football...eating dinner and finally feeling like it's time for fall and football!!!

Bring it on!!!

Cats

2008-07-07T15:32:00.000-07:00

Well, Jeph and I have decided to get cats. They are 5 month old brothers with the best personalities. They are so sweet...we had a visit at our house last week and they were awesome!:) I can't wait!! By the end of July we will have 2 indoor cats..I'm actually excited to have cats and I hope that they will help me relax!
Here are some pics of Beowulf and Sebastian!

Happy Anniversary!!

2008-07-02T13:52:00.000-07:00

6 years ago fourth of July weekend on the 6th I married my best friend and soul mate Jeph in a nighttime church wedding. There were lots of white candles, roses, friends and family...most of all it's the day Jeph and I began our life together. We've been through so much since we got together 7 years ago...but it's all been worth it every bit. If I could do it all over again I would in a heartbeat. It's been an amazing journey and I know we will continue to grow together and continue this journey. Only God knows what is in store for us but I'm excited to see God's plan for us!

Thanks honey for being an amazing husband! Although your not perfect...you strive to be the best man of God you can be and you are leading our family in God's ways. You are the best husband in the world and I know someday you will make an amazing father! I love you babe!! Lets always go from here....Because God led me to you we now are becoming who God wants us to be. I will always love you! Thanks for your continuing romanticness, love, support, kindness, willingness to always try, thoughtfulness. You always try to serve God the best you can and you attack life with amazing zest/devotion...thanks for being who you are!

Women of Faith Weekend!

2008-06-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

So my sister in laws, mom in law have a tradition(this is the 2nd year)...we go one weekend in the summer to Seattle Washington for Women of Faith! It's a wonderful time...this year we were missing one sister Sarah :( but the rest of us were there and it was the best Women of Faith yet!
We stayed in a hotel in downtown Seattle, we volunteered one day which was so fun to be behind the scenes doing what we can do to help, we went shopping, we went out to dinner, we rode the monorail...it was just great! To top it all off God really was so present the whole weekend...in everyway. I feel so relaxed, rejuevenated, at peace and I know God is real and He is alive!!!!

Here are some pics from the trip! Enjoy!

More Decorating Pics!

2008-06-07T13:44:00.000-07:00

These pics are my bedroom....it's done all except a few candles and closet doorknob.
This is my new king size cotton/velvet bedspread...love it and 700TC sheets!!!! Bed is one of my favorite places..hope you enjoy the pics!

Decorating Pics

2008-06-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my decorating project pics! I have a whole bunch more pics to come soon...so stay tuned!

Decorating/Landscaping Craziness

2008-05-29T20:50:00.000-07:00

Well, my husband and I are in full finish decorating mode. We want our house and landscaping to be done so we can maintain and just have a fun relaxing summer. :)
So, we have been so busy and quite frankly exhausted! Things are looking great!

We have undertaken the yard...we pretty much redid the whole thing. Retaining walls, rip out old grass, plant new grass, we poored cement steps and are planning to do exposed rock in the center. We still have to pour a cement path and stamp it, as well as build an arbor and add path liners and bark dust. We also are trying to freshen up the front door/lighting fixtures/posts and add some hanging baskets, plants, and a welcome sign. We recently decided our dog Jett(see pics below) deserves a kennel so we are trying to get that done next. :)

As for the inside we have the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, office done. We are trying to finish the diningroom/living room. Which is taking the longest. I'm please to say Jeph has finished the hutch doors and giant entertainment center for our big screen. The last big projects!!! We are hoping to have all the little projects done in the next two weeks. By July 1 we hope to have our new leather couches/dining chairs/barstools.

As you can see we are crazy busy and have been decorating/landscaping fools! I can't find my digital camera or film for my big camera...but I will post pics soon!!!!:)

Meme...thanks Abbie!!!

2008-05-21T13:31:00.000-07:00

Ok..so here I go. I'm going to attempt this Meme thing!

*5 THINGS IN MY BAG
*wallet
*neutrogena lipgloss
*sunglasses
*excedrin tension headache
*cellphone

*5 THINGS I'M INTO
*decorating
*Leona Lewis
*Starbucks
*Pirates Cove(awesome game!!)
*My husband!!!;)

*5 THINGS IN MY ROOM
*my amazing bed that I'm totally in love with!
*silk/down bedding in black and white print!
*lots of candles
*tons of romantic pics of me and my hubby
*hope chest that Jeph made me

*5 THINGS I HAVE WANTED TO DO
*visit tuscany
*have kids(hopefully soon)
*a week long trip to the San Juan Islands(which I'm doing for my 6th anniversary)
*build my own house(someday)
*have total health

*5 PEOPLE WHO SHOULD MEME
*Krista...I'm sure you would have good answers
*Steph...you are a good meme kind of person!
*Tiffany..I just want to know you better.
*Anyone from Myspace that reads my blog..I'd love to see this as a Myspace
bulletin.
*Krista..you need to do a Meme!

Busy, busy...and projects!

2008-05-21T11:36:00.000-07:00

So things have been really busy at my house. My husband and I have been landscaping..which has really taken over our lives. Plus, we decided since we aren't pregnant yet we would decorate and finish the house. This has also turned into quite the project and I cannot wait to be done. By June 8 we will be completely done except our new leather couches/recliner, and dining room chairs. I'm so excited!!:)I am planning to be done with the furniture aspect no later then the end of July. Just in time for pre season football and fall! I posted a pic of the clock we made...I will post more house pics soon!

The thoughts that plague me...

2008-05-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

Why on earth can I feel good about life and be trusting God...basically be having a productive, good attitude, and all around good week. Then I get my period and the world is crumbling around me. I don't see any hope or end in sight to my pain. I tell Jeph no pregnancy this month either...I feel like I'm killing his spirit.
He puts on a brave face and tells me it's ok, it will happen, God's in control..pretty much he says and does all the right things. I can feel his pain. We love our nieces/nephews, friends kids so much and we do our best not to let our pain show..to stay connected and involved but afterwards we always feel sad we don't have our own kids, and we feel a deep, intense, pain that is around us everyday whether out in front or hidden away. I dont' understand, we don't understand...We know God's character to not give us this desire and rip it away. We don't know His timing...and are beginning to wonder if kids will happen for us. We are starting our 6th month of trying and I need prayer, support to get through this difficult phase(please God let this only be a short phase).
As Mothers Day approaches I am hurting more and more then ever before. The partial nursery is becoming a black hole in my house. I keep the door shut most of the time for fear I'll freak out and ball. I love to celebrate my mom(s) on Mothers Day every year in a special way..but this year especially I feel like I'm going to go insane with complete pain, emotional distress.
I need a huge relief, a huge healing, a huge act of grace to change my world out look right now. I need some serious motivation for so many things: house projects, busy schedule(just about to much), time/desire to exercise, the dedication to maintaining relationships(staying out of the black hole of depression.)
If these are the last few months of no kids for me...I want to spend them in a good mood, with a joyful and content heart, and a deeper understanding of myself, God, His purpose in my life, and stronger relationships.
Why? maybe thats not the best question...maybe it should be When? These things will happen and I have to get off the sidelines and be an active player. So although when is up to God...I have to be in the game whole heartedly doing my best in everything.

An Attitude Change

2008-04-30T09:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I have realized something...My circumstances are not changing and I'm in desperate need of help, Gods help. Nothing is going to change until my attitude changes and I quit being angry and resentful. It's time I trust God and take back my joy!
How on earth can I do that? I've been asking myself that for awhile....I've finally heard how from the great Beth Moore and her weekly morning talkshow. Praise God!!!!
Yes, it's true..Praising God is the best form of prayer...and in praising God it will change my attitude which will change my thoughts and feelings.
I believe God has brought me to this realization for a reason. It's time to quit stressing about us not being pregnant and everyone else being pregnant/having kids. God has given Jeph and I a desire for kids for a reason...and he has given us many signs...including scripture that say we will have a family of our own, soon. Jeph believes this with his whole heart. Whereas, I don't...but I think it's important that I believe it with my whole heart and trust "God is willing and able to do what he has promised. Rom 4:21"
With an attitude change and joy who knows what God will do. I want to see what living life again will feel like, I'm sure it's better then what I've been living with this last year.

*God I'm giving to you my life and every aspect. I've seen what you can do to relationships ie: my dad...truly amazing and wonderful! My husband, the best in the world...my friends, the greatest group of young marrieds/girlfriends that I can talk to/do anything with, real friends. Finances...tithing, such a release in trusting God. So knowing how amazing you are God in so many areas how can I not trust you with my health(restoring)and having 3 kids of our own?!! I will now!!! I choose to really let go and let you God be in control. Thank you for your patience, grace, love, and thank you for all the things you've done and all things your going to do!
I love you! I will serve you all the days of my life to the best of my ability.

Mini family reunion

2008-04-29T14:08:00.000-07:00

So last week Jeph and I went on a road trip with my mom, stepdad Paul, Ethan(my nephew), Krista(my sister), Sam(her hubby), and Miss J(my niece). It was good! We took 2 cars down and it was really fun. We stayed in K Falls one night...Sam, Krista, Miss J, Jeph, and I shared a 2 bedroom suite we all had a great dinner together and then the four of us watched Spiderman 3 and hung out.
The next day we got to Reno and went out to Verdi to visit with my uncle Les, aunt Kitty, and four cousins. We all hung out and enjoyed each others company. :)
The next day we went out to Carson City to a museum, it was really amazing to see the history of Nevada. We even got to go in a Ghost Town/Gold mine...really fun!
That afternoon Sam, Krista, Jeph, and I all went miniature golfing...the funny thing is it's the first place my dad had taken my mom on their first date. We had a good time! I love mini golf! That night we all went to my Grandpa and Grandmas house to hang out and then we all went out to dinner. Later that night...Jeph and Sam played pool and Krista and I watched "Why Did I Get Married." It was a fun time!
The next day we spent all day with Grandpa, Grandma, aunt Claire, Gabriella, Will, and the rest of us we even took family pictures and then we went to Cabellas the largest Cabellas I have ever seen. It had a huge fish tank(fresh/salt), and a huge safari scene. We had an amazing lunch and spent more time together.
Later that day we left for the airport...my dad picked Jeph, Ethan, and I up at the airport we had tacos for dinner and played together.
I had a really good time with my family and I will miss them. I look forward to another family trip soon, maybe September?!!!
Just remember to enjoy all the time with your family you can...you never know.

Jett...my baby!

2008-04-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

This is my furry baby! Jett is our 6 1/2 year old black lab/shelty mix who we brought home from my uncle Jim and aunt Jens house when we moved back to the coast 3 years ago. He is our big baby...our only child right now. He loves the beach, chasing tennis balls, treats, taking walks, and anything that means we are paying attention to him. I'm glad we have had a chance to have just him before kids, it means that for sure he will be mellowed out even more by the time we have kids for him to play with. :) It's really fun whenever our nieces and nephews come over and play with Jett, he's a real showoff. :) I love my big black furry baby and I wanted to give him a special blog just for himself.

Enjoy the pics of my precious!

Seattle Trip with Alex!

2008-04-23T14:48:00.000-07:00

So in January..my mom in law took Alex(our exchange student from Germany), me and Janessa(sis in law) to Seattle for a weekend. We stayed in downtown, we went to Pikes Place and went shopping, we had dinner at the Space Needle, we went shopping at a great outdoor mall, we even went on an underground tour of Seattle. We had so much fun...here are some pics from our amazing time!!

For my few readers info...my computer has been at the computer doctor so I will have quite a few catch up blogs this next week. Hope you enjoy reading all the stuff that has happened in the last 2 months. :)