this is us

utah, birthday, food

2012-01-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

For our first long weekend of school, we took advantage of the time and headed to Utah for the weekend.

We stayed at Jordan (Lukes brother) and Trisha's house, and they are great hosts. Most of the weekend was spent like this.. following them in the car. Now that we both have carseats, we have to take 2 cars everywhere.

Tracen and luke matched on Sunday (as per usual)

And Sunday night we got to go visit Auntie Wilma, Uncle Dave, nicole, chay, blade, their new puppy (which i am scared to spell wrong)

I don't have any pictures of wilma and dave, but Tracen sure loved playing with these cousins. And I sure loved the games, company and good food (as per usual)

Look at this great shot of Blade and Tracen, you'd never know they were related.

On Monday (my birthday) we headed back home to rexburg... but not before i tried to get Tracen to learn a few things from his cousin Hudson.

Tracen and I on my birthday.

I came home from school the day after my birthday to this...

Luke made dinner, a card, a cake, and the flowers kaiti sent me. Because i'm still not (really) eating dairy, i ate the middle of the cake. It was delicious!

This weekend we started Tracen on his solid foods.

And - Jamie and Jenelle got here!!

so far.. we have enjoyed some good food (chicken katsu this sunday - inspired by the chicken katsu we had last weekend at auntie wilma's), jenelle has changed her clothes like 4 times today (due to Tracen), playing lots of games, treats, laughs and some American Idol.

It's going to be a good week!

Mostly for my records

2012-01-09T20:15:00.001-07:00

Looks like I've let too much time pass without documenting life, so now there are a lot of pictures...

A few days before Christmas Tracen enjoyed his first bus ride, and we all enjoyed Christmas lights and the nativity with family and friends (thanks to the Palmers).

More than one person commented on how much they liked Papahashi's hat.

I tried to get a picture of the animals - not the most flattering view.

On Christmas eve we were lucky to spend it with both sides of our family. The nativity that we had performed for us was impressive... look at that cast:

(Back) Meika - Star, Papahashi - wisemen, Luke - wisemen (from hogwarts), Scott - angel, Jamie - angel, Corban - shepherd.

(Front) Tyken - Joseph, Brylie - Mary, Tracen - baby Jesus, Porter - wisemen

Christmas morning was magical of course.

we spent the day enjoying gifts and family time.

On December 30th my sister in law got married. Look who played the music while she walked down the isle? Erika and my other SIL Trisha.

the wedding was beautiful

this seems to be the only picture of the bride i have - she looked stunning!

After a full day of packing, New Years Eve was spent playing Rook and eating good food! We were so lucky to have Kristi, Greg, Elliot and Blair come visit too

On Jan 2nd we came back south of the border to begin school again. We are SO SO SO grateful for mom, dad, erika and jenelle coming and bringing our stuff in a van and helping us put together furniture and make our apartment more of a home. Plus we love their company.

Jan 4th school started, here is Luke and Tracen on the first day of school

Not enough pictures of Tracen yet? okay...

I realized one body part Tracen inherited from me - a jiggly, bum with cellulite (TMI?) - only difference is that his looks cute.

I used to tell Luke that when Tracen was born that i would dress them alike, he always would argue and say he wouldn't let me. Turns out HE wanted to dress Tracen like HIM. Saturday and Sunday their outfits matched.

Saturday we got out of the house.. Tracen and I waited in the car while luke ran into the grocery store to grab 2 (TWO) donuts.

he was gone longer than expected... and returned with:

a DOZEN donuts. He has since lost his privileges going into Brolims by himself.

I wanted Luke to take pictures of Tracen in his cute shoes he got from Jamie and Jenelle before church

oh yeah, you don't get to see the shoes because all the pictures he took cut the shoes out - and not on purpose, he just forgot why he was taking pictures...

Our happy baby is 5 months old now and currently surviving mom and dad both being in school.

Santa

2011-12-19T11:09:00.001-07:00

Last Thursday was a big day for Tracen and I. I finished my internship (i no longer have an excuse to sit and watch TV all day) and Tracen got to go see Santa.

We got him all dressed up in his best clothes.. and he got to talk to Papahashi about what we were going to do.

He seemed kind of unsure of whatever Papahashi was telling him

We went to Cross Iron mills for the free pictures with Santa, I probably wouldn't have taken him to see Santa had it not been free.

He seemed to like Santa, we sat him on his lap and he just sat there, no tears, no smiles, just content.

And because the angle was a little off the first time, we got another free shot.

I love how Santa is looking down at him.

Turns out Tracen made it to the Nice list this year!

Oh, and if anyone was wondering what Tracen would look like had be been part of the Jackson 5, here is the answer:

I always feel best...

2011-12-14T11:12:00.000-07:00

Lately, with talk of Christmas and it's true meaning I've been reflecting a lot about past Christmas' and times that I have really felt what i believe is true christmas spirit. And I realized that I always feel best when i am doing service.

I have also been thinking about a time where our Sunday School class took "Christmas" to a less fortunate family in Calgary (thank you sister paxman for this experience).

We (Luke and I) decided to do something similar with the 14-16 year old Sunday School Class we teach, they were really excited about the idea too. We got some decorations for them to paint, and then were praying to know who we could give a Christmas tree too. Our prayers were answered when we heard a sister bear her testimony and mention that this was her first christmas without any of her family (she is a recent convert and from the phillipines). We decorated a little tree with the ornaments the class painted and each member wrote her a card with a special christmas message. We invited her into our class and presented the tree and cards to her. A few members of our class explained to her that she had a ward family who loved and cared for her, the joy that we could see in her eyes filled our hearts. She was so grateful, but I think i felt almost as happy and as her, and so grateful for the opportunity to forget myself and do something for someone else. Luke and I have made a goal to do something like this every year.

Today my friend Stephy sent me this picture that she somehow found:

it literally brought tears to my eyes for a couple of reasons:

a) this is from my time at BYU in Provo, and i miss it

b) this is from Adaptive Aquatics that i used to go volunteer with every friday, and it was one of those times i felt my best. Adaptive Aquatics was a program where we would play with mentally challenged children for a few hours every friday, and it was the perfect way to start every weekend.

This picture helped remind me that there are opportunities all year round and not only at christmas. How wonderful would it be to take advantage of ALL these opportunities and feel my best all year round???

13 weeks old

2011-12-06T11:09:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Tracen will be 13 weeks old. I am pretty sure that I was never effective with my time before those 13 weeks like I am now.

Tracen is still a great baby - and just keeps getting to be more fun. He makes me laugh when he talks, and his smiles always make me smile - even if sometimes they have to be earned.

Sometimes he can be a little bit shy and is very good at ignoring people right in his face.

He was very excited that Grammie made her way home on Friday.

We went to a dance birthday party and he loved to listen to the music and dance with her.

He even wore his party hat without any complaints.

He even let me dance with him for a bit.

How cute is corban?? He thoroughly enjoyed the party as well.

I am pretty sure that if Tracen's eyes are going to stay BLUE!! YAY!

On Saturday we ventured out in the snow and made our way to our church Christmas party. A drive that usually takes about 30 minutes ended up taking us and hour and a half because of the dumping of snow. But it was worth the drive.

I particularly enjoyed the turkey feast and decorations.

This was Luke last night playing with an antenna. He wanted the picture on the blog - i don't even know what to say about the picture...

thoughts from last week

2011-11-27T18:27:00.000-07:00

Times sure have changed... we were driving downtown and saw a homeless man talking on his cellphone. When I was growing up, youth didn't have cell phones, let alone homeless people.

Jenelle pointed out to me that I can't have milk, but i make it. kind of crazy.

You know it has been a long time since you have worked out, when your almost 3 month old baby laughs at you trying to work out. Apparently my jumping jacks were hilarious, and my lunges were giggle worthy. Looks like even working out in the privacy of my own home can't keep me from being embarrassed.

happy birthday

2011-11-23T12:45:00.000-07:00

Tracen wanted to do something nice for Angie for her birthday, because he knows how good she is at singing. he wasn't so good with the words, so we decided to nix them and reasoned that it's the thought that counts.

Untitled from Alana Allred on Vimeo.

Happy Birthday Angie! Thanks for always being there for me, you are such a great friend, sister and mentor. I sure love you!

family picture

2011-11-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to post this family picture that Angie took on the day of Tracen's blessing.

Kind of looks like we took it in a studio, but we didn't.

Right now I am having a competition with Tracen to see who can 'sing' louder. The only thing he might like better than singing lately is putting his fist in his mouth and/or licking it.

Luke looked at some pictures from when he was born last night, and it made me cry. He used to be SO little - he is already almost 11 weeks old. Where does the time go?

first doctors appointment

2011-11-15T12:08:00.001-07:00

Last week Tracen had his first doctors appointment - a check up really. Because we used a midwife, we didn't need to go see the doctor until about 2 months.

I can't believe how big he is getting (doesn't every mom feel that way?)

So at 9 weeks he:

weighed 12 lbs and 4 oz (50th percentile)

is 23 and 1/2 inches long (75th percentile)

He is so much fun, and everyday is just so exciting to see what new sounds he makes and things he discovers.

He loves to talk and loves to try to sing while you sing (or maybe he's trying to get us to stop singing?)

It is interesting to see what traits he has already inherited from us.

Take this for example, he got his hand on a little candy bar and wouldn't let it go. If anyone knows Luke, he LOVES candy and is rarely found without some sort of treat. Looks like Tracen is already on to that.

And he has the Takahashi need to not miss anything, even if he's really tired, or maybe he gets his great apatite and ability to sleep from me (eating makes us sleepy, and sleeping makes us hungry)

Unfortunately our appointment with the US consulate did not go as planned in many ways. It took a lot longer than it should have, we had to pay $5 to check an empty diaper bag and carry all his baby stuff (and go through security twice), and turns out Luke didn't live in the US long enough for this baby to get citizenship. So now with a US father, and green carded mother, we need to find a way to not run into any trouble when we go down to school again with our baby. It may even be filing for a green card for baby... here we go again!!

Luckily the blessings in our lives outweigh the trials, and we are becoming experts in US immigration rules and standards. AND - we registered for classes yesterday and surprisingly Luke and I both got the classes we need and got it arranged so that we never have class at the same time, and are taking an online class together. I'm counting that as a major blessing.

This Never Gets Old

2011-11-08T15:39:00.000-07:00

Tracen is just one day shy of 9 weeks old. He is such a good baby and a blast to play with and cuddle with.

Trying to get good pictures of him smiling is tough though. Smiling for mom behind a camera isn't as good as smiling for mom sans camera.

Sometimes he still has a real serious look and when he does it reminds me of Luke so much.

But he really is such a good baby.
Last Thursday I had to venture back down to the USA for ANOTHER immigration appointment to try to finally actually get my green card (as if a trip to montreal and a trip to vancouver weren't enough). I scheduled an appointment for Helena, MT and Mom was gracious enough to drive us down, and Erika came along with us too. I couldn't believe how good he was in the car and we only had to stop one time each way to feed the little guy. He slept great at the hotel, and did great while we shopped.

My appointment was at 1pm and we got some good shopping done before it, and then we went there, and I wasn't sure exactly how long we would have to be there... my experience with these things is that you do more waiting than anything else. Well - I should have known that in Helena I would be one of two people with appointments and things were quick and all I needed was my fingerprints done. Turns out the people at the border neglected to gather those when I crossed. Hopefully this means I'll get my green card in the mail finally!

Then on saturday I got sick. Gross, can't-keep-anything-down, and my-body-aches-in-every-joint, kind of sick. We stayed the night at mom and dads and I am so grateful for a wonderful husband, great mom and good sisters that helped to take care of me and Tracen. I feel bad that I got mom sick, but so far her and I have been the only victims... and it wasn't fun. Luke still is taking good care of me, especially since I've been weary of food. He makes sure to keep me hydrated and trying to eat.

This week we are trying to get Tracen's US citizenship all figured out... seems like US immigration will always be on my to-do list in some form.

pictures... and halloween

2011-11-01T13:11:00.000-06:00

to read about Halloween, you need to look through these pictures first...

Tracen finally fits into his fortune cookie slippers Candi made him

You can see the fortunes sticking out.

On Saturday i was able to have the old 3rd ward girls over to hang out (at least the ones that still live here we missed the rest of them)...

It was really good to get together with friends, i don't do it enough. and our timing was good because Katelyn was due to have her baby soon, but we didn't know how soon (the next day). I am so grateful that I was able to grow up with such a great group of people.

this is our cute little guy after his bath... i am obsessed with Tracen. I just think every moment with him is so special and fun.

Tracen's first Halloween was a lot of fun!

He was our little monkey.

We tried to put him in a pumpkin, i don't know who was more scared about it.. Jenelle or Tracen?

They both calmed down after we took him out:

now some more pictures of our little monkey.... he likes to try to stand, even though he still hasn't quite mastered holding up his head completely.

This picture is funny to me, because Tracen is looking at Erika, who was holding up Candy to bribe him to look.

He didn't even get to eat any, and it already works as a bribe, it's not his fault his dad has a major weakness for sugar.

Lincoln even got some cuddles with the monkey

Dad and Luke didn't dress up for Halloween.. or did they? I can't tell if Luke was dressing like Papahashi, or Papahashi like Luke.

but being dressed as twins made them both happy. And they even got some work done on our car.. the grease on their hands is proof.

happy friday

2011-10-28T20:50:00.000-06:00

our baby is 7 weeks.. his smiles are my favorite...

for memories sake

2011-10-24T19:47:00.000-06:00

just so i have record...

1. Luke has been gone all weekend - a trip to Oakland (to see the Raiders with this brothers) and then to Las Vegas to pick up our car (hopefully it doesn't break down again) and finally HOME tomorrow. Tracen and I are excited, we miss him. But, it has been really fun hanging out at my parents.

2. I did power90x with erika today, it is really hard, and i actively participated in pretty much only the water breaks.

3. Tracen started to really smile today. I tried to get it on camera, he got shy.

4. Samples at Costco aren't as fun when you have eliminated dairy from your diet. But having a happier less fussy baby is worth it (although sometimes it doesn't feel like it).

5. I dyed my hair 'ombre' - too bad when i was looking up tutorials they were saying that that trend is on the way out and red hair is on it's way in... i'm so behind.

6. Tracen is really cuddly, sometimes he is fussy and all he wants is someone to hold him tight and cuddle, I gladly oblige.

6 weeks old

2011-10-19T12:29:00.000-06:00

Tracen is already 6 weeks old.

Today i went through his clothes and put away the things he had outgrown - it was sad for me. The little clothes he came home from the hospital in he no longer fits into.

Check out the little booties that Erika made for him.. he loves them

He's been swimming, out to dinner and to movies, but we still haven't gotten him smiling too much.

this kind of looks like a smile - but it is really his discomfort from the hiccups.

He is starting to coo and i think it is fun. This boy sure loves to cuddle and I'm enjoying every bit of our cuddles

Tracen's Baby Pictures

2011-10-18T12:04:00.000-06:00

One great thing that i have acquired since marrying Luke is his family in my life. Heidi is SO talented and took some newborn photo's for us, and i can't even really pick favorites i just love them all. I feel bad that Tracen peed all over her warm bean bags, but i think it was worth it - we got some great pictures!! Thank you Heidi!!!!

SO weird to think that he used to fit right there inside of me.

He has already changed so much, and i'm just so glad we have these precious pictures of him from when he was so new (about 2 weeks old)

Thanksgiving Day

2011-10-17T09:47:00.000-06:00

On Thanksgiving day (with both our Thanksgiving dinners behind us) we got to spend some time together as our small family of three. We went out for a yummy lunch (thank you McDonalds - i said yummy, not healthy) and then we went out for a walk...

It was so pretty and the weather was perfect.

Tracen slept the whole time

it was hard to believe that we were still in Calgary, it felt like we were out in Bragg Creek or Kananaskis.

We sure have a lot to be grateful for and it was so nice to relax and be together as family.

Tracen's new favorite thing is to sit like this in bed. He could sit like this for so long, and seems to like to be able to see what is going on - he just seems like he is getting so big so quick!

We did have an appointment this week and our not-so little boy weighed in at 11 pounds (he gained 2 and a half pounds in about 3 weeks) and he is 23 inches long and his head is 40cm around. His hair continues to look like it is receding in the front and he sometimes looks like an old man. He is just so cute, we sure love him!

Blessing Weekend

2011-10-17T09:46:00.000-06:00

I have a random collection of pictures from Thanksgiving weekend (Which was also the weekend we blessed Tracen, and Angie and Mike blessed Meika). We were so happy to have Angie and Mike and their family come to visit. Tracen finally got to meet his Takahashi cousins..

And people got to get their pictures with a baby in each arm...

The pictures are not decieving, Tracen is a lot bigger than Meika. She is so dainty and little, the perfect little girl, he is a lot more manly.

I realized that it doesn't matter where Tyken lives, to him shirts are optional.

Everyone enjoyed having meika around to hold.

Brylie enjoyed having her Aunties around to color, play in the leaves and do other art.

Grandma and Grandpa were able to come visit and Grandma took good care of Tracen while he was a little sad.

And I got to cuddle and hold Meika at last.

We got to enjoy the cookies that Candi and Jamie made.. there was even a native american one.

We were happy to have Jacqui come for the blessing

And Auntie Shelia and her family (she got some great pictures)

Jacqui and i dressed alike

Tyken is just cute

Here is Papahashi comparing his two new grandchildren

And with everyone home, it was the perfect opportunity for family pictures

Angie's family picture's are a lot more fun with Brylie and Tyken's faces

I found this little gem on my camera...

It was such a fun weekend and so nice to be with the whole family.

It is too bad we didn't get any pictures of Tracen and his Allred cousins and familly. Next time we'll do better!

updates

2011-10-05T13:51:00.002-06:00

You can tell i've been taking TOO many pictures of Tracen when he starts posing like this for them... I am kind of like the paparazzi apparently

Only kidding (about him posing like that at least.. i do take lots of pictures) but this is what he really looked like.. he often sleeps with his arms in midair...

Now for something not baby related - we had an early Thanksgiving Dinner with the Allreds on Sunday

I kind of like the idea of having it early... (and having another one next weekend) because I am able to think more about all that i am thankful for.. i have been making a mental list all week, and it is long.

Back to baby.. he also loves to cross his legs

But can you believe he is already 4 weeks old??? I sure can't. I tried to take some pictures of him to remember exactly what he was like at this point in his life.

unfortunately it seems like most of this day has been spent like the above picture...

i blame it on gas

i wish i had 'stats' to record. but i am pretty sure that he is gaining weight without any issues (just check out the pictures above...) , he might weigh almost twice as much as his older (by four days?), tiny cousin Meika. We are excited to finally meet her this weekend.

This first month with a baby sure has flown by... sometimes i get really sad about how fast he is growing up, so i have been trying to really treasure every moment with him. We sure love him more than i ever could have expected!

Monday September 26th, 2011

2011-09-27T14:45:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was a great day for Tracen. Thanks to Candi, we were able to take a day trip to southern Alberta and Tracen met all his great grandparents.

First stop was Raymond, and Grandma Andersons.

It was nice that he got to see her where all my memories of her are, at her house before she moves.

Mom was there helping her move and we were able to get a 4-generation shot.

Next stop in Raymond was Nana's (Luke's grandma's). She cuddled Tracen right to sleep.

She looked over him and admired his ears that lay flat to his head... something she never experienced with her boys

Then it was off to Picture Butte where we surprised Grandma and Grandpa. Candi had told them we she was coming but not that I was with her.

Grandma fed us and took care of Tracen while we ate

Tomorrow Tracen will be 3 weeks old. He might just be getting cuter everyday.

Thanks again Candi!!!

2 weeks old

2011-09-21T11:12:00.000-06:00

Look who is already 2 whole weeks old. Time sure is flying by!

He had a check-up yesterday with the midwives and he passed all the tests and weighs 8 lbs 12 oz, so he has almost gained a whole pound!!

He continues to sleep good and obviously by his weight gain, he eats good. And we just can't get enough of him.

He sure loves his Daddy

And this picture i just think is cute!

Perhaps in honor of his 2 week milestone he has outgrown his newborn diapers. the size 1 looks so big on him.

And this is us today... i just love cuddles from him.

First Bath

2011-09-16T12:17:00.000-06:00

Tracen's cord fell out yesterday and we decided to give him a bath.

i'd say he sure enjoyed it.

And he loved the rub down of lotion afterwards.

I don't think i know how lucky i am that i have a baby that is so mild tempered, his cries are few and far between... at least so far, and i hope they stay that way.

Luke's First Day of Work

2011-09-16T11:14:00.000-06:00

Luke had a successful first day at work on Wednesday, and was so happy to come home to party with our week old baby... i'm so lucky to be surrounded by such good looking guys!

1 Week Old

2011-09-14T15:45:00.001-06:00

I can't believe Tracen is already 1 week old.

I don't know if it has been the lack of sleep, or the hours spent staring at him, but the week seems to have flown by

This little guy already seems to be so much bigger, more aware and cuter

we got to spend a good chunk of the day with Grandma and Grandpa, Candi and Erika, and Tracen finally got to meet his Auntie in Saskatchewan, and two of his cousins - Angie, Meika and Tyken via facetime

And today was Luke's first day at his new job at Crescent Point Energy. We sure missed having him around all day to hang out with us, but we are SO proud of him and his new job!

I can't believe

Due Date

2011-09-12T10:50:00.000-06:00

I opened my email this morning and i had my weekly emails from babycenter in there saying I was 40 weeks today.

Today is Tracen's due date.

It was this day that i have spent everyday (minus the past 5) for the past 8+ months looking forward to.

I must say i am pretty happy to be looking at this today, and not still waiting with a pregnant belly

Is it possible to love anything more that i love this little babe? Not so.

Welcome!

2011-09-10T09:55:00.000-06:00

This week we have had the privilege of welcoming

Tracen Luke

into the world

He took his first breath on Wednesday September 7th at 1:14pm

He weighed in at 7 lbs and 14 oz

and is 21 and 1/4 inches long

He has been very happy soaking up the sun, sleeping, eating and pooping.

He is perfect (10 fingers, and 10 toes etc.) and we (probably mostly me) is happy to not be waiting for his arrival anymore and that he decided to come a few days before his due date.

It is amazing how much love we've been enjoying and just how cute everything Tracen does is.

things are cuter small

2011-09-02T12:06:00.000-06:00

After a whirlwind wedding weekend (Cassandra, Luke's sister got married) or actually more like a week, things have finally gotten to a point where we can really start to get ready for baby to come.

Luke put together the crib that he slept in as a baby... and i helped (?) by taking pictures.

and then organizing the changing area...

After an AMAZING baby shower (post to come) i feel like this baby is already pretty well loved by everyone, which he is.

I just can't get over how cute baby things are...

Luke and I are still busy and have been trying to take a day to celebrate our anniversary, but with prenatal classes, appointments, internship conference calls, and now work for Luke (at the golf course temporarily) we have yet to celebrate (he has something planned but we need a nice WHOLE day, and i don't want to know what it is he has planned so i won't be disappointed if time slips away without doing it), but we have been trying to enjoy the bits and pieces of time we do have with just each other before baby boy comes - grocery trips, picking up the mail, watching a tv show before bed, etc. life just always seems to never slow down and i know that this is all just a taste of what it will be like when there is a baby.

One Year

2011-08-28T17:03:00.000-06:00

Today marks one year since this day:

It really has been the most amazing year, my best one yet. Life is just so fun when you get to be married to your best friend. It has been a year of a lot of growth - love growing, faith growing, and family growing (no newborn baby yet).

Don't let the ice sculpture make you think of a tombstone - we still have eternity left to be together.

maternity pictures

2011-08-23T15:58:00.000-06:00

i had a great debate in my head for the past couple of months:

to take or not to take some maternity pictures

Do i really want pictures of myself with this (?) amount of excess pounds attached to my body?

And have you seen some of the maternity pictures people take? Awkweird (awkward and weird most of the time.)

Lucky for me my sister was around for a few weeks - and we got to do some tradesies.

The debate was decided - to take some maternity pictures.

And - because my sister is awesome, and we took the pictures the day before she moved - i am pretty sure that she probably stayed up WAY too late editing them for me...

but i love them

and i think that i'll be more than happy that i have them

37 weeks

2011-08-23T08:22:00.000-06:00

Our baby is now 37 weeks old - he's considered full term.

Oh the excitement (and braxton hicks)

I was fortunate enough to have Angie take some maternity shots for me...

Stay tuned for some more pictures

36 weeks

2011-08-14T12:36:00.000-06:00

in a month this baby could be here

which means

so much time, so little to do

strike that, reverse it

So much to do, so little time....

cabin '11

2011-08-12T10:59:00.001-06:00

I started this post yesterday - but it takes a LONG time to upload 41 pictures to blogger.

For August long weekend we headed to Shuswap for a few days at the Lake at the Allred's Cabin. Mom, Dad, Erika, Jamie, Jenelle and Brylie and Tyken came to join in the fun.

Even though the water was a bit cold, it didn't stop anyone (especially Brylie) from enjoying it. Most of our time 'in the water' was spent sitting on this: the relaxation station.

Here is Jenelle - i mean Jamie soaking up some sun:

Luke's Dad was hard at work, and even Dad got to help him out... Now Scott can't wait to have Dad back out there to help him finish the cabin.

I think the look on my face describes how i felt about the water.

Family Portrait - well not really, Luke, Porter, Me and Brylie down on the dock.

On Sunday we took a boat ride and went on a short hike.

We hiked to this viewpoint - and i don't have any pictures that really show the view.

Brylie found this huge pinecone, and wanted to bring it home, but we decided to take her picture with it instead so she could remember the trip.

i don't have any really good belly pictures.. but i was about 34 weeks here.

Tyken LOVED to ride in the boat. Especially when it went "SO FAST" and i have all these pictures of him smiling like this.

Mom and Dad with Brylie and Tyken in the front:

Before we left on Tuesday, Porter and Brylie decided they wanted to do some knee-boarding. You can see in the picture how happy Porter was after falling in once. But he did it and i am sure he liked it.

Jamie was nice enough to get in the cold water with Brylie and hold onto the back of the board to support Brylie.

Brylie loved it.

Then Jamie went on a solo knee-board ride

And then wakeboard ride.

She had one really rough wipeout, and i didn't get a picture of it, but i did get this one:

And then Erika rode the wake home

It was such a fun weekend and we ate LOTS of good food and read some good books and enjoyed our weekend. It is fun for me and Luke to be able to spend time like that with both our families and have them get to know each other so well. Papahashi has more pictures - so we'll have to wait and see what he says about the trip when he blogs.

Now we are back at home trying to get settled and ready for the baby

the weather has been pretty nice

My belly is growing (35 weeks in the picture) and baby boy is moving and kicking lots.

I am trying to read all i can about everything labor and baby related. There is no end to what i could read - and unfortunately now my address is outside of the city so a library card would cost over $100... looks like i'll ahve to borrow someone elses card.

But - good news is: i got an internship for the fall. I need one to graduate and this internship seemed to be a perfect fit (and blessing). For the next 4 or so months i have committed 12 hours a week to watching Food Network, the Cooking Channel, Travel Channel and some select cooking related shows on ABC/NBC and other networks. I have to report about what i see, what they are doing to engage viewers and biweekly i will have a conference call as well.

Anyways... it has been really fun to be home and close to family again. I am really starting to get anxious , excited and nervous about our little bundle of joy that is supposed to arrive in just over 4 weeks. :)

Happy America Day

2011-07-05T17:54:00.001-06:00

Canada Day was celebrated with Cafe Rio Salad and the movie THOR and grocery shopping. Not even lying when i say that all of those are some of my favorite things.

We decided to venture out to Driggs Idaho for some Celebrate America put on by the Huntsman family.

It was a beautiful day. I guess the Huntsman Family put on this celebration every year for free.

There were activities earlier that day.. a hypnotist, dog show, funny man (i am not sure exactly what that means... comedian?) and face painting and other stuff.. i'm glad we weren't there all day, i might have died from heat exhaustion.

we did admire some of the classic cars as we waited in line for Luke to get and try his first ever funnel cake.

Then we headed back to the little valley (on part of the Huntsman Spring resort).. as you can see there were lots of people there.. and we had to get our seats for the show.

A philharmonic orchestra from BYU played some music... i thought of Grandma Takahashi when they started to play songs from The Sound Of Music (her favorite).

The sun started to set.. and then Jon Huntsmans son introduced Jon Huntsman and his Wife.. who then introducted Glenn Beck... one of the real reasons we went to Driggs. Luke's Dad, but mostly his sister Cassie has a love for Glenn Beck.

He taught us all about our founding fathers, and about the national anthem and about the importance of celebrating the 4th with regards to our patriotism. (good thing i got my green card)

Then after there were fireworks. We headed to the car to watch them there to avoid traffic. And we underestimated just how good they would be, it was a good 30 minutes long and we left after about 10 minutes when we thought that it was the "finale".. and then watched them from the road for the next 20 minutes.

I have never been to driggs and it was really beautiful over there.. I even saw some canola fields and it made me think of Southern Alberta..

2011-06-28T12:21:00.000-06:00

this is what my belly looks like at 29 weeks.

this is what i look like after re-realizing that our microwave doesn't know how to pop microwave popcorn without burning it and having our apartment smell like burnt popcorn instead of fresh buttery popcorn:

29 weeks

2011-06-27T10:35:00.000-06:00

Last week he was the size of a chinese cabbage....

this week he is apparently the size of a butternut squash. He is weighing in at just over 2 1/2 pounds and is about 15 inches long. He is moving around like CRAZY and will probably take after his dad and it will be my luck that he'll end up being over 10 lbs and 23 inches long when I give birth.

an update...

2011-06-17T17:29:00.000-06:00

i am almost 28 weeks now... but here i am

26 weeks

Luke's birthday came and went (happy birthday) and he got some wonderful presents. Look at his surprise and confusion when we got this in the mail:

Then he realized it was from Candi

With this inside he knew he wouldn't be disappointed.

But there was a greater surprise... check out these cookies she made

Thank you Candi!! you sure are talented.. i was impressed with so much about those cookies.. the packaging, their capability to be all in one piece when they got here, how real they look and how delicious they were...

For Luke's birthday we headed to visit his brother and family in their new house. We were lucky that his mom was visiting too.

Trisha and Jordan's little Hudson is so cute. And it was good for Luke to get some experience holding him, i couldn't help but think about how there will be lots more of this in just a few months.

27 weeks. I think i may have "popped" as people say. or at least i feel like i have.

Luke and his mom on his birthday.. She made a delicious lasagna for dinner (Luke's favorite)

and we had his other favorite for dessert - angel food cake, whip cream and strawberries.

This past year of Luke's life has been full of lots of adventures and fun - can't wait to see what this next year will bring us..

i wonder

2011-06-17T14:04:00.000-06:00

will this baby look like this?

or more like this (me in the middle)?

i wish i had better pictures from around the same time in our lives. I think i will spend a good week when i get home collecting those.

but still... i wonder

May Long Camping!

2011-05-28T20:46:00.000-06:00

It seems to be a tradition of many to go camping on the May Long Weekend. Luke and I decided to cash in on the tradition.

Luke has a field trip next week to the Grand Canyon and after figuring out that it would be cheaper to buy instead of rent some camping supplies, we went to walmart and bought a few things.

One thing we bought: a tent for $15 (on sale from $20). This way if the tent isn't great, we didn't put a lot of money into it. But we wanted to test it out. So we had a campout last night...

a campout in our living room.

Luke barely fits in the tent length-wise. Like my Dad said "i've seen those two-man tents, and i don't know who those two men are"

But we are happy with our purchase(s). (we also got a sleeping bag, head lamp, waterbottle, foam for the sleeping bag all for less than renting them for the weekend)

We were even going to make smores - but i opted to make cookies instead.

Whether camping outside or in the living room, the worst part is still waking up and having to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

I am glad we got some camping gear - it made for a great start to a long weekend.

Family Visit

2011-05-28T20:37:00.000-06:00

I am now almost 25 weeks, but i neglected to post this picture from when i was 23 weeks. I swear my belly is twice as big now.

Last weekend we were fortunate enough to have some family come visit. Mom, Dad, Jamie, Jenelle and Candi all came down for a quick weekend visit. We opted to go to Salt Lake to visit Wilma and her Family (i didn't know if i could think of enough things to do here in Rexburg to keep everyone entertained for the weekend)

It was great to be with so much family. Dad got a great deal on hotel rooms thanks to William Shatner (priceline) as he would say.

We started our day early at Aunty Wilma's (old) favorite store of course. It's just not the same as it used to be.

Grandma Takahashi treated us to a great lunch at Tucano's.. THANK YOU GRANDMA!

(Blade looks great in this picture)

After lunch and some shopping (mostly window shopping) we were treated to frozen yogurt from where Nicole works.

Looks like Chay got something interesting

Then we headed to The church Museum.

I missed what i heard was the best part of the Museum, everyone dancing in the kids exhibit, but i hear there is video of it all somewhere.

The rest of the weekend we spend hanging out at the house. Lots of games were played, and tears shed as a result of lots of laughter. OHh and we ate some really good burgers and fries.

I failed to mention that this was Luke's first time meeting the Gathers - i hope they were as impressed with him as he was with them.

It was fun to spend time with everyone, and the weekend went by too quickly.

22 weeks

2011-05-13T14:58:00.000-06:00

22 weeks...

I am now 22 and a half weeks. plus a day.

I have a hard time imagining the "your baby is the size of an english cucumber" or "a head of cauliflower"

I can't eat enough Cool Ranch Doritos

Snacks are my best friend

my pants are getting really tight

Baby Allred likes James Taylor

i guess i forgot to mention...

2011-05-08T00:42:00.000-06:00

there are lots of things that have gone unblogged for quite some time. Candi's birthday, our packing, pictures i took while experimenting with my new camera in the snow.. etc. So here are some things that are worth noting:

First day of school April 2011

And now to more crucial news, which seems fitting with Mothers Day being tomorrow:

This news came in January. And our baby will arrive come September.

Happy parents after seeing this:

We decided to celebrate the day by going to the Olive Garden and going to see a movie at the dollar theatre. Both i don't have pictures of, but these pictures are both from that day.

And here are some pictures of my growing belly - mostly for my records.

15 weeks.

I have since enlisted Luke as my photographer..

19 weeks.

And at 20 weeks (and a few days) we went and got an ultrasound.

Baby Allred happens to be Baby BOY Allred.

The sex of the baby was quite obvious, the pictures aren't quite as cute as this one:

If you can see that is our little baby trying to suck his thumb (just like his Dad used to). His head is on the left and his arm is coming up into his mouth area on the right of the picture.

Because of our great news, and my growing body and new aches and pains, sleeping position, lack of sleeping etc we bought this:

It is a pregnancy pillow

Here i am demonstrating one way to use it.

It is actually REALLY comfortable, and Luke loves to steal it in the mornings after i get up. it is so comfortable that he did, infact, sleep in one morning and almost missed his class (a great story in itself as he got up quickly, ran his hair under the bath, broke the towel rack off the wall, ran to school and got a blister on his heel from not tying up his shoe, sat down in class only to realize he had gone to the wrong class, races to the right class, remembers he needs to print something, etc etc.. )

Here is my 'bump' at 21 weeks. I am more than halfway done now!!!

I don't know how apparent it is, but i do feel like i am growing at an alarming rate. I have got some cute (which is hard to find) maternity clothes that i have so far avoided wearing, because i know that soon that is all i'll be wearing.

We are more than thrilled for our family to continue to grow, and we are SO grateful for all the blessings that we have seen in our lives already. It is interesting to see how answers to prayers aren't always what you expect them to be, or what you think you are capable of. We have learned that when we follow those answers, we see doors open (like things working out with our Doctor down here, so we don't have to end up paying tons of $$$$$, me getting my green card in record time, being able to go to Phoenix AND Hawaii.. the list goes on) and we are just so grateful to always feel so taken care of.

Because it is mothers day tomorrow, Luke took me out for lunch to Olive Garden (i guess that is our place to go to celebrate - i think it is the cheap soup, salad and breadsticks). We had the best service we have EVER had at a restaurant i am pretty sure, and Luke is a raving fan. He told me he even wanted to blog about it on my blog - i'm still working on him actually doing that.

If anyone else is like us, one of the best things about Olive Garden is the chocolates they give you at the end of the meal - well Benji (our server) hooked us up. he brought us this 'to-go' box and told us not to open it until we were out of the restaurant.

We were beyond happy, and even more impressed with this service, when this is what we saw:

I feel bad for any server we have in the future - there is no way they can measure up to Benji.

Afterwards we got our groceries for the week and headed home. I enjoyed the evening by getting some chicken enchiladas ready for tomorrow and some chocolate chip cookies. It's been a great first (day early) mothers day.

So in closing, I just want to say Happy Mothers Day to my own mother, my mother-in-law, my grandmothers and all those other mothers in my life. I am only pregnant, but i can see that it's not as easy being a mother as i always thought.

Happy Birthday Papahashi

2011-04-19T12:53:00.000-06:00

I have all these old photo's of my dad on this computer... but could only get one to upload.

But it doesn't matter.. i want to wish PAPAHASHI A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

No one is as

funny

caring

loving

kind of clumsy

wonderful

smart

innovative

generous

etc. etc.

as you!!

Miss you so much!!

our new place

2011-04-17T00:13:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we flew back to Idaho Falls and made our way back to Rexburg and finally moved into our new home til the end of July. We hadn't seen what it actually looked like inside, and we were pleasantly surprise. We got a furnished apartment because of the short time we would be there, and everything is clean and feels almost new and there is even a little TV. It is small, but perfect for us.

This is what you see when you first walk in.

The kitchen leads to our bedroom,

We were really impressed with the great space in our closet.

our bedroom leads to the bathroom. Probably the weakest room in terms of storage.

Now.. after all these blog updates i must get back to Iron Chef.

phoenix part 2

2011-04-16T23:57:00.000-06:00

we flew on the red eye back to Phoenix for a few more days in the sun. Hawaii was warm, but the sun seemed to disappear on us. When we got back to Phoenix most of Luke's family was there.. we spent a lot of time at the lazy river

Corban loved the water.. and loved this spray park at the mall.

we did more shopping.. and Luke got himself a new wardrobe.. to go with mine i guess.. but we thrived on deals. Mostly found at the Pacsun sale section, did mention we have been to 5 pacsuns in the past week in 3 different states? Cause we have. Deals of the week: a hoodie and a pair of shoes i got for $12.50, and for luke the ultimate deal was a shirt he got for $2.50.

We were lucky enough to go and see the Easter Pageant at the Mesa temple. For those who have seen the nativity in Calgary - this is that but a WHOLE lot more, including more dancing and singing.

It was also Luke's anniversary of being home from his mission. He's been home one year now. Interesting fact: he sent me a picture of the Mesa Temple that he handcrafted to have us featured in front of it while on his mission.. and we finally actually made it to the Mesa Temple.

We THOROUGHLY enjoyed our 2 weeks of vacation.... and we are so lucky to have been spoiled so much before going back to school.

It was so much fun.

Hawaii

2011-04-16T23:42:00.000-06:00

We left Phoenix Thursday April 7th in the afternoon to head to Hawaii... a big thanks to Papahashi for making that happen.

The house we rented was close to Pounders (beach)

Brylie wrote everyone a nice welcome note...

Candi was smart enough to plan to get family pictures done while we were all there... that was a secret as well... After family pictures, because everyone behaved, Papahashi took us to Matsumoto's for shave ice.

oh and Brylie and Luke became best friends... she told him he looked different in pictures than in person, but a good different.

this is what Papahashi looked like pretty much the whole time we were there, happy that is.

mmm.. and while Erika went with Mom and Dad to a grad banquet... we chowed down on Domino's (and we would get more for dinner the next night as well)

Somehow i slept through everyone making lei's for Erika.. except this flower one Candi made.

Saturday we went to Graduation. YAY ERIKA!!

If you look closely you can see this guys eyes.. barely.

Then we had a BBQ and went to Turtle Bay.

Sunday Brylie wore her CUTE new dress... so we had a photoshoot.

After church we went sight seeing.. me and brylie were also twins because i did her makeup.

To the Pali lookout.

And we went to see some sights we've seen on the new (and old) Hawaii Five-O.

And to see this cool church in downtown Honolulu.

We saw the blowhole (not pictured) and took tons of pictures like true Japanese tourists.

Then early monday we headed to waimea bay to try to soak up the sun (it was cloudy and rainy most of the time we were there)... Papahashi has all the beach pictures on his cool underwater camera...

OH.. and we also saw some whales.. One at Turtle Bay and Erika and I saw two off the point on our early morning run.

We did some shopping and ate some frozen yogurt before we headed to Teddy's bigger burger and then to the airport. Our trip was too short.. but we were so glad we could have a few days there...

it was so fun to be with the whole family together again.

phoenix part 1

2011-04-16T23:13:00.001-06:00

We left for phoenix on Monday the 4th of April. Luke had one paper left to write for his online class.

He said he would work on it at the airport... this is him "working on his paper'

We were happy to arrive to see the sun and feel it's heat and Luke's parents.

I was happy to see some flowers in bloom.

We were taking pictures at the JW Marriot and Scott told us that this was a really cool picture to take.

We spent most of our time enjoying our time here:

we ate some REALLY good mexican food, swam, Luke golfed, and i got some major shopping done, we are so grateful to Luke's parents taking such good care of us.

Erika's Graduation

2011-04-16T10:57:00.000-06:00

Click HERE to go see a sweet video Erika did covering her graduation. You can also see us surprise her by being in Hawaii.

I am SO proud of Erika!!! And so grateful we could be there to celebrate with her!!!

moving/vacations

2011-04-09T11:09:00.000-06:00

Luke and I moved all our stuff to Idaho last weekend. We left on April 1st to Grandma and grandpa's for the night and enjoyed some time with them before we ventured to Idaho EARLY the next morning. We couldn't move into our apartment yet, so we were very lucky and grateful for Dave and Ashley Cichy opening up their apartment to us for two days.

Then on Monday we flew to Luke's parents in Phoenix. WE LOVE Phoenix and there will be lots of pictures to post. We soaked up the sun, got some shopping in and ate some GREAT food and then on Thursday we boarded another flight to surprise Erika, Angie, Mike, Bry and Tyke in HAWAII!!!

Erika Graduates today and the whole family was flying out here, but it was a little expensive for Luke and I. But - my Dad a few weeks ago offered the trip to us, and we couldn't refuse. So we booked flights for the weekend, and here we are. The surprise worked out well.. and the whole family is together in Hawaii (my Dad's dream come true). Luke was able to meet brylie and tyken for the first time, and i'd say that they've hit it off, Brylie told us all that Luke is her new best friend.

We are here enjoying the island and family and hopefully the sun til late monday night and it's back to Phoenix for a couple more days where we will be with almost all of Luke's family.

Yep.. we got a vacation from a vacation. Don't think that will ever happen again.

2011-03-14T21:34:00.000-06:00

i love pistachio pudding

so.. tonight i am happy

and yesterday Kristi and Auntie Sheila made me happy with Jell-O that was layered and colorful and Lemon Dessert.

OH.. and happy birthday to Auntie Sheila and Auntie Sharon today!

f..i..n..a..l..l..y

2011-02-28T23:12:00.001-07:00

Last monday i flew to montreal

I knew things were going to be good when i opened the door into my bed at the hotel (just kidding... about the knowing things were going to be good part)

We got a good deal on this hotel because of Luke's AMA membership... and it was right beside this:

and this....

which i am sure Luke knew and did on purpose to make me feel at home, or at least like i was in edgemont.

in all seriousness - it was kind of weird to get to montreal and suddenly not understand anything that was being said or was on signs. Luckily the guy at the 747 bus place at the airport (who actually didn't speak any english) looked at my map and told me to get off at stop 7 - and it was "not far, not far". That made me a little nervous, but the bus stop ended up being RIGHT outside the hotel lobby.

like the hotel, the bus was also cheap.

i wandered down to where the u.s. consulate was, and then went to back to my hotel where i watched the only english channels i had (which there were 3 of) and went to bed - in my winter coat, because the heat didn't seem to be working.

the next morning i woke up bright and early. and i got ready for my interview - here i am all ready:

i walked to the US consulate once more and found myself in a huge line to go through security - my first wait of 3 that day. after all the waiting, fingerprinting, paper dropping off and what not i finally had my interview.

all my anxiety was for nothing. it was the fastest interview of my life, and probably easiest - i think maybe 3 or 4 minutes. and it was ended with the interviewer saying "welcome to the united states of america"

so there you have it - i have my green card. in a record 4 and a half months (at least for those of us applying in canada). most of the people there had applied AT LEAST a year ago. looks like we were certainly blessed.

but... it was only 10am. and my flight didn't leave til 8pm. so i decided to wander downtown montreal

i have never been to Europe - but it felt like what Europe might feel like to me

between the french and the chinese i decided to have a familiar lunch

i found out that i wasn't too far from the "underground city" - so that is where i headed. it had TONS of shopping

i then boarded the bus back to the airport around 4:30

got there around 5:30

and waited some more

i was sure happy to get back home (to english) and my husband - with no more immigration worries

taking care of things - or not taking care of them

2011-02-10T18:39:00.000-07:00

this one time i couldn't find my camera. I figured it was at my mom and dad's house somewhere, safe and sound.

then to my dismay one day i got out of Luke's car and found my camera... neatly tucked underneath the car i drive, right beside the tire. I somehow managed to drive over it who knows how many times, and because of the weather the case and the camera were soaked through with water.

It was actually pretty sad for me... Since then my cell phone and my computer have also not been working. it's all kind of sad. you know what they say - things always happen in 3's.

Luckily i have a husband that lets me use his camera, cell phone and computer when i need it.

Anyways... my birthday was great

candi made me this cookie bouquet

my mom cooked me a great dinner

luke got me a great cook book

i also got a moleskin notebook from my dad - how he knew that i love those, and note books in general i'll never know.

i was spoiled and the best thing i think i got was a letter from US immigration - i could book my appointment!!!! and so i went on the website and surprisingly there was one day available in February , and the next date was April. So i took the February date in hopes that everything would work out with my medical in time.

It did... i flew to vancouver this week

I was fortunate to have my dad book a business trip for the same days i needed to be there - which meant he could pick me up from the airport, i could stay at his hotel with him, and he would have a rental car.

we went out for all you can eat sushi - and i ate all i could eat. It was really good. And kind of fun to just hang out with my dad for a night.

the jell-o for dessert reminded me of grandma takahashi.

The next morning i headed to my 6:30am physical.

It was a long morning of waiting, tests, waiting, doctor's and then more waiting.

Luckily our hotel was across the street and i could go back there and wait for the results to be ready at 1:30.

Before i left for home again, Dad took me to Stanley Park to check out something from my heritage.

The canadian japanese monument.

My great grandpa's name is on it

"Z.SHIMBASHI"

it was pretty cool to see.

Also cool to see - these little raccoons.

So... up next is a trip to montreal for an interview and then all of this immigration will be behind us. And hopefully better luck with cameras, computers and cell phones is in my future as well.

I do feel lucky i got my appointment so quickly - i talked to a guy that has his appointment the same day as i do, and he applied March of last year - it's taken almost a year for him, and about 5 months for me. Talk about answers to prayers!

2011-01-05T18:58:00.000-07:00

Christmas was a lot of fun. We were busy and it was a lot of fun to be surrounded by family and enjoy everything christmas.

Things seemed to work out nicely for us and we were able to spend time with both our families, and christmas eve with them together.

Christmas morning (this picture is from the morning) was exciting and Luke got me the best present ever.

I have been wanting pictures from our wedding ever since the wedding.

If only we had taken more pictures - but we left that to everyone.

2010 was a great year for us and we look forward to all that 2011 will bring.

what we've been up to

2010-12-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

1. background checks and fingerprinting - for me at least

2. viewing downtown from our lawyers office

3. Enjoying Christmas decoration, like this huge tree downtown

4. weekly trips to Costco just for fun (turns out comedian Russell Peters also likes to tour Costco's)

5. Making sugar cookies

(don't mind the awful picture of me - i had been sick for a few days)

6. Eating said sugar cookies

belated and early birthdays

2010-12-02T23:11:00.000-07:00

This week was Tyken's birthday

Tomorrow is Brylie's birthday

And Angie's birthday was earlier last week

I wish we lived closer...

But i am grateful for all the good memories and fun times we have had together

Happy Birthday you guys!

Love you.

before and afters of the cabin

2010-11-06T16:41:00.000-06:00

In no particular order, because i am feeling lazy...

here are a bunch of pictures of what the cabin looked like after we had been there for a week (when we got there initially there was no insulation)

This is Luke working on putting up tongue and groove.. that doorway to the left of him is one that him and his dad cut, bringing the old part of the cabin and the new part together... it was a big step

please check out Luke.

Luke and i worked on the basement and put cedar up on all the walls, it looks good and smells good too.

here are some after pictures of what we got done...

the hardwood seemed to transform the space and make it look a lot better...

i learned a whole lot being out there and working, and it was a lot of fun. i didn't think i would really miss being out there sometimes while we were working, but i really do miss it.

a few wedding pictures courtesy of Angie

2010-11-06T06:44:00.000-06:00

i am kind of in LOVE with this at the moment...

check it out HERE

what a beautiful day that was

B.C. Memories

2010-11-05T17:19:00.000-06:00

We've been home for the cabin for a few weeks now... and i found some pictures on my phone from some of our time there.

When we went into Salmon Arm we went to the Farmers Markets... I love Farmers Markets, and I LOVE the fresh fruit and veggies from BC.

We also went and wandered around a saw mill... their tools look ancient but considering that we used lumber from them, i would say it works good.

One memory from the Cabin was a little sad for Luke as battery acid did a number to his clothes

thank goodness it didn't get to his skin

there is so much i need to blog about - like my wedding in detail - it just seems overwhelming and i am consumed in a job search.

but hopefully soon - for my records mostly.

If anyone is wondering Luke and I are doing great - being married is a lot better than not being married, and Luke is kind of a dream come true.

we're still waiting to hear ANYTHING from immigration

in more recent news...

2010-10-07T16:11:00.000-06:00

Luke has always wanted a safe. You can imagine his joy when this week his dad had got one on sale at Costco.

He really couldn't wait to open it.

It is just too bad that we don't have too much stuff worth putting in a safe yet. We're working on that....

Yesterday we had the chance to play with Porter and Corban. We took them for some ice cream and then to the park.

As you can see Corban loved the Tiger ice cream more than he loved getting his picture taken.

Also yesterday we had our appointment with the US Consulate - which was booked 2 weeks in advance so that we could spend about 15 minutes in there waiting to hand in the paperwork we had been working on. We just started the waiting game and in 2-3 weeks they'll Open up a file for us and in 4-6 weeks they'll send us a checklist of things we will need to get done for an interview that they'll set the date for in Montreal and i'll need to get a physical done either their or in Vancouver. By the sounds of all of this it will be even longer til we have anything to put in our safe.

tomorrow it's back out to the cabin for a last week or so.

i promise.. more posts to come

mexico

2010-10-07T16:00:00.000-06:00

So i haven't yet written anything about my wedding.. but my dad did a great post about it here which will have to do until i get some pictures.

But on to the honeymoon:

We were lucky to go on a week long trip to the Now Jade Riviera Cancun for a week.

That was the view from our room.

it was an all inclusive and i don't have one bad thing to say about it - except that we aren't still there lounging by the pool.

we loved this infinity pool that made us feel like we were in the ocean, without all the salt water of course. But i did go in the ocean and was surprised when i felt just how warm the water really was. The whole beach and ocean thing made me miss my counterparts in hawaii.

If you look closely to the left of this picture you can see that it says "ASIAN". this was one of the restaurants there - not a place for asians to congregate, although i did go there - so it was kind of that too. the food was SOO good there.

Our favorite restaurant was the mexican one. these taco's were to die for! they were the appetizer, but the second time we went there, we opted to fill up on these instead of an entre - it was the right decision.

we started to look like real mexicans - they did actually try to speak to me in spanish, so i guess they really did think i was mexican, but a sombrero always helps.

Luke took me on a date to Tulum - the temple ruins. it was really cool, the temple ruins were at least, it was actually a really hot day and so we were really hot and sweaty.

we had a lot of fun soaking up the sun (we had unreal weather) and enjoying the ease of the all inclusive life.

we're married and....

2010-09-20T22:24:00.002-06:00

after that:

we met with our immigration lawyer

we went to mexico (ohh how i loved mexico)

we did errands (like days and days of them)

my last name changed

and we have gone out here to work:

and will be here for a few more weeks

i love luke

we're trying to finish this:

thank you's

2010-08-20T13:32:00.001-06:00

Since planning and prepping for my wedding, i have been overwhelmed a multitude of times by gratitude!

I have always known that i have been surrounded by people how love and care about me, but sometimes their acts of love and service still amaze me.

I really need to be more like these people - i think it would help me a lot in my life long goal to becoming like Christ, because as i find myself being grateful for all these people, i find myself feeling like i know Christ better through them.

i would make a specific list of people to thank, but i would hate to forget someone... i am surrounded by SO many good people.

I have the most wonderful family in the world!!! They love me and support me, and go out of their way to help me out... they are my psychologists, cheerleaders, they help me tie chair covers/sashes, they make hundreds of cookies, make beautiful music, and send me emails. I don't always treat them they way i should, but i hope they know how much i love them and appreciate them. this wedding has consumed probably too much of their lives, and it really means a lot to me to have them help me do so much. They laugh with me, and i am grateful for them putting up with me when i can be bratty. i love them!

I guess one specific person i should probably point out right now though, is my mom. She has been there doing all kinds of things for me, trying to take the burden off of my shoulders, and putting it on her own. her countless love and words of wisdom and advice, along with her listening ear and warm hugs have been answers to my prayers throughout this whole 'wedding' journey.

And i couldn't thank her, without thanking my dad as well. he's been great at coming up with {original} ideas that usually have us rolling our eyes, but he is great at keeping decisions light and not too serious with all his other ideas. it's hard for him to see his girls growing up, but he sure does do a great job at showing how much he loves us! Thank goodness for him and his technology.

I have been blessed to be marrying into an amazing family. I feel like i will be blessed with lots of new friends, and have been blessed by the way they have welcomed me into their lives, and for their willingness to help me out in whatever ways they can. Taking engagements, finalizing the menu's etc. I am sure lucky to soon be a part of this wonderful loving family.

I have great friends, who have great parents, who throw me bridal showers, and shower me with their love. Friends that also let me know that they love me who go on long walks with me. I have been blessed with some of the greatest friends ever.

I guess one other person that i am continually grateful for (other than a heavenly father who has heard my prayers and answered them - whether big or small) would have to be Luke. This has been a stressful time - i hate making decisions, and that is all i have been doing lately. but he is always there to love me, and support me and remind me that it will be the greatest day of our lives, because we are getting married in the temple. He doesn't always understand my complex female mind, but he always tries to figure it out and keep a smile on my face. Who would have thought that i would actually marry the guy i wanted to when i was 14 - but i wouldn't have it any other way - he is perfect for me! I love him so much!!!

only eight more days now... and each day i get more and more excited, and each day i find more and more reasons/people to thank heavenly father for in my life. it helps me to realize that he is there listening and he loves me and wants me to be happy.

in the words of george gershwin... who could ask for anything more?

what i've been up to...

2010-08-14T09:22:00.000-06:00

these pictures are actually pretty old now... i went shopping and bought a dress before i actually had a ring on my finger...

even though i didn't get what i thought i would, picking out a dress didn't seem as hard as it did on "say yes to the dress"

...

i didn't end up with ANY of these dresses. but i am in LOVE with the dress i did get

thank you to my team of supporters who were there to offer their opinions when i was trying on dresses

and thank you to ETHOS for having the dress and being able to order for me in time, WITH extra fabric to make it modest.

the proposal

2010-07-11T17:38:00.001-06:00

So.. the fact that i am getting married to Luke has been something that we have been planning for the past couple of months. The temple is booked, engagements taken, dress bought, but i lacked a ring on my finger. I would like to say i have waited patiently for a ring - but i guess Luke would be the one who really knows just how patient i really was.

Luke has been going to school since he got home from his mission - and our time together has been limited to a few days every couple weeks. Two weeks ago he came to visit and he assured me that he wouldn't be proposing that weekend, because the ring wasn't ready yet. So when he came to visit this past weekend - it was known that he would be proposing. I did make a point in saying that he still had to make it nice and thoughtful and he couldn't just hand me a ring, which would be difficult because i was expecting it.

It should be known that Lukes family has a thing for golf.. to say the least.

Well on Friday after work we were going to go to the stampede, but he called to tell me that he wanted to go golfing with his brother and sister and nephew porter, so he came and picked me up and we headed back over to his house. we had had plans to go to the stampede, and so this change of plans convinced me that he wasn't going to propose to me that night. His brothers family started golfing without us, and i just thought it was further proof that our plans to golf with them that night was unplanned.

We were at luke's house when we saw the golfing crew and decided to join them. Porter rode with Luke and I in the cart, and the first thing Luke pointed out to me on the GPS was a pond that 'everyone always hits their balls into'. They all golfed ( i am not a golfer and much better at observing) and i was just enjoying myself as a spectator. then they convinced me that i should hit just one ball, and conviently had a yellow range ball for me to hit, which i did (not very well). at the next hole, we were waiting for some other people to finish and Luke's brother Seth decided that he would hit his ball to the red tee box, but.. he hit his ball into the water.. yepp. .the same pond that takes everyones golf balls. and unbeknownst to me, he did it on purpose. Him and his wife, heidi went to go find it in the water, and Luke and i stayed behind talking to porter... (ohh i was so oblivious).

they came back, and everyone tee'd off, and we headed to finish up the hole. As we came to a bridge, Luke told Porter to look for golf balls in the pond. Porter began to point them out, and then saw a yellow one floating. He was convinced it was my ball that i had hit, and Luke brought up the fact that it was floating - golf balls don't float.

So Luke goes to find out why the ball is floating - it was weird... i wasn't really taken back by his interest in the floating golf ball. He took of his shoes and socks to pull it out of the water, and it turned out that it was a kids golf ball ( you know the foam kind of ones). he threw it to me and i caught it (yes the ring was inside) and i started walking to heidi and i was just tossing it up and down in my hand telling her it was a kids golf ball, i couldn't tell that the ball was cut in half and there was a ring inside. Luke came up behind me and asked to see it again, and i handed to him and then kept talking to heidi... then i heard my name..

i turned around and there he was on one knee with the ring out.

you all know the rest.. he asked, i said yes.

So - turns out Seth hit his ball into the water on purpose and that he and Heidi went ahead to plant the floating ball in the water.. which had floated away a bit and luke had to take of his socks and shoes to go get it, we're lucky he didn't end up having to go for a swim. the best part was that i was completely taken by surprise.

it was perfect.. but really i wouldn't have expected anything less from Luke. i pretty much just think he's the best.

AHh.. i just love this guy!

Also - my sister future in law is the one behind the awesome engagements! (isn't she awesome?)

Now that it's official....

2010-07-11T17:14:00.001-06:00

Rumors have been circulating about me not going on a mission to independence, but another eternal mission.

and they're true. I'm getting MARRIED!

fact: i always wanted to marry my highschool sweetheart

fact: i'm doing the closest thing to that.

fact: this boy is a dream come true

but first.. a walk down memory lane. when i was 14 (back in 2002) i met this charming young man:

(sorry for the bad quality pictures.. i'm too lazy to find a scanner)

Meet Luke.

Now- the instant i met this boy, i was in trouble because he had my heart since that moment. i have journal entries to prove it.

Luke and i seemed to hit it off quite well... but it would take the next 8 years for him to realize what i had always known--- that one day he would love me back and we would get married.

to cut a long (we're talking 8 years here) story short, i wrote Luke while he served his mission in Ohio Cincinnati - the first year of his mission i think we wrote a total of 4 letters (2 from me to him, 2 from him to me)... when i decided to go on a mission he was excited for me, and our letters increased in number and in sincerity and depth. when i found out that i would be leaving 2 weeks before he got home from his mission, i was devastated (if there was any one guy that could keep me from going it would be him). Luke had slowly become my best friend through our letters... and so through a series of events (each could be a blog post on their own) my feelings were put out there, his were as well - and then finally a question of me postponing my mission to be there when he got home.

Yes - my visa never came.. but the truth is, i had postponed, basically asking that it not come.

i have never been happier and more in love in my life. He was well worth the wait.. and a marriage to him is exactly what i was preparing for for the past year. He is so perfect for me and i couldn't be more excited!!! Not to mention the fact that i am the luckiest girl in the world!

August 28th can't come fast enough!

2010-06-01T23:09:00.000-06:00

it would be stating the obvious to say that i am not in independence.

but really that is only obvious to me and those who have seen me recently.. i randomly get messages on facebook asking me why i am on facebook while on a mission

i guess i kind of am on a mission - a mission called life

that is a good corny line

but really - i postponed my mission. the reason, well that could be a blog entry in itself and maybe one day i'll get to that

anyways.. we went to picture butte on sunday to celebrate grandma's birthday with her

but going there is always fun

i just gotta say happy birthday to the 'harryest' grandma around

thanks for all you do. i sure love you

off my cell phone

2010-05-16T21:49:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures i got off my phone tonight... from the past year or so

Me, Jenelle and Jamie. i don't know what we are doing... but it looks like fun

we thought this girl at the store looked like jamie...

I saw this at the stake centre.. a plaque from the guiness book of world records.

Me in somesort of distress at grandma and grandpa's in picture butte.

talking to our family stranded on an island.

yesterday i tried on Grandma's wedding dress

it fit pretty good. did you know she paid $30.00 for it?

this is why i can't have a serious conversation with my dad

he hates to talk about certain things, and so he gets all awkward, and is somewhat distracting

these are the cookies i made for valentines day.... mm how i love sugar cookies

the olympic torch went right outside our office.. and it was ran by Jamie's basketball coach there too.

jamie is SO SO SO SO cool

i wish i knew what erika and kristi were looking at

camera's on phones are fun.

beautiful girls... they've got nothing on you

2010-05-01T11:59:00.000-06:00

Today is Jenelle's birthday.

She is a pretty neat girl. She is crafty, thoughtful, giving, loving and has a great head on her shoulders, she is beautiful and smart, and recently went to hawaii and now has a great tan. She is the one that i drag along with me to run all my errands and i love her company. I enjoy poutine routine's with her on Saturdays, and she is also really talented.

I can't believe this little girl is growing up! I certainly love her, i am glad that i have been able to spend so much time with her this past year, and that i will be home for a bit longer to continue to do that! I definetly have learned a lot about how to be a great sister, aunt, friend, person from her - and i hope to continue to learn more!

Happy Birthday Jenelle!!!

2010-04-01T10:51:00.000-06:00

yeah..

i'm still here...

Yesterday was March 31st

(the day i have been counting down to for the past almost 6 months)

and it came and it went just like every other day had during the time i was counting down

today.. no one is calling me Sister Takahashi, and i am not currently residing in the Mission Training Center.

March 30th and March 31st were a little like this:

Home Alone.

Candi, Dad, Jamie and Jenelle are in Utah.

Mom went to Southern Alberta for the funeral of Grandma Ronnie...

and me? well

i made my family disappear.

i fought off these criminals using the tools found in and around my house

not really.

i may sulked around a bit, and then went to the mall for some retail therapy.

and now...

like Kevin, i just want my family back.

Luckily Mom got home last night... i am SO happy about that

But it is official, i really didn't get dropped off at the MTC yesterday.

I hope Auntie Wilma enjoyed her day off of work regardless.

Life is exciting, and it never goes exactly how you think..

sometimes it is a lot BETTER!

no.. this is not a April Fools Day joke

this is just my real life

so

2010-03-29T07:55:00.000-06:00

my visa's not here...

...but i still am...

i'll be here til at least May.

it isn't too sad

although the wait has been long

heavenly father has a plan for me