Fun at the fabric store

I asked Jared the other night if he would like to go to the fabric store with me. I knew he would go willingly just so that we would be together but I didn't expect him to actually enjoy it.

We were in Hancock Fabrics not finding exactly what I wanted. I was ready to walk out and try another store when I realized Jared had wandered over to the decorative fabrics so I followed. He explained to me that he was curious and just wanted to look so we did and dreamed of all the great things hat could be created with that fabric. At one point he exclaimed "this is so fun."

That's right my husband enjoys going to the fabric store!

We ended up browsing most of the store, found some of what I needed, then headed straight to another fabric store. I love that he enjoyed it and was able to help me make some great decisions on material.

Anniversary picture

On our anniversary Jared had been telling me about an old couple who had taken a picture of them kissing every anniversary. I thought that was a cute idea, considered doing it for a second but since I have never been a fan of kissing pictures I left it at that.
A couple days later my aunt gave us this great idea to take a picture of us each year holding a picture from the year before. The two of us smiling at the camera holding a picture? That is something I could feel comfortable with. Even though it is a few days after our anniversary here is our first picture of many to come.

And a few great ones of Jared while I was getting the settings right.

Swimming

After a couple moths of planning a trip to go swimming and then having bad weather the one day we were able to go Jared and I were finally able to spend a couple hours last Saturday at the West Jordan pool. It's always so refreshing to spend some time outdoors getting sunlight while staying cool in the water.

I really enjoyed watching Jared show me some f the few dives he still remembered learning while in a diving class at BYU before his mission. Most of them were really cool and I was very impressed but unfortunately there were a couple that resulted in a back flop. One in particular had the whole pool wide eyed and groaning for the pain Jared was feeling. Here is the lovely mark it left:

It's a BOY!

I worried for weeks that our baby wouldn't cooperate and we wouldn't be able to tell the gender. Fortunately I had no reason to worry. It was as clear as day. In fact we could tell it was a boy before the ultrasound technician had to tell us what we were looking at.  We of course are thrilled!

To tell our family who lives a bit further away from us we had to settle on just sending them a text or a phone call. For my family I wanted to do something fun. Not because I love them more than the Heaths but because they are the only ones close enough. I love you all! 

We made blue cupcakes and frosted them with chocolate frosting so everyone had to bite into it to see the gender. My younger siblings loved it.

Jared talking to Grandma Allred. There is nothing special about the one dark cupcake I just decided to thicken the frosting after I frosted that one so there is just more powdered sugar in all the others.

This is the first outfit we bought for our little man. We have had a hard time the last several months not buying all the super cute clothes we would see on sale. We didn't want to spend money on clothes when we had no idea what the gender was. So we promised ourselves that we could go straight from the ultrasound to buy something to bring our little one home from the hospital in. Isn't he going to be so handsome? It's very cuddly too. I have had to stop myself several times from looking ridiculous and cuddling the outfit as if my baby was already in it. What can I say I'm just so excited!

1 Year Anniversary!

We have now officially been married for a year! And what a wonderful year it has been. 

Before I tell you how we celebrated I have to get mushy for just a second and let you know that I married the most incredible man. I couldn't have even dreamed of marrying someone more perfect for me than Jared is. No one can make me laugh the way he does and I can honestly say that I have never been this happy. I think I am finally beginning to understand what every one was talking about when they talk about being one with your spouse, I feel so incomplete without him. I am so grateful for him and his love for me. If anyone has perfected putting their spouses needs before their own it would be Jared. I try every day to learn from his example. 

A few weeks ago we found some awesome mattresses at Costco for a good deal, like almost everything at Costco is. Since our mattress was staring to give ME back issues (I can sleep on just about anything. Go try the beds at the Glennwood and you will know what I mean.) and Jared has always had issues we figured now would be a good time to evaluate our finances and find a way to afford a new bed as our Anniversary gift. We figured that we could get the King size from Costco with some sheets now and then save up to get a frame and comforter later. In our search to make sure this is the type of bed we wanted we found a wonderful mattress warehouse not too far from our home. Because they were so cheap we were able to get a great bed with box springs, our dream headboard, two sets of sheets and a beautiful bed set for a couple hundred dollars less than we planned on spending. Jared is a good bargain shopper and we feel like the Lord has truly blessed us. I still thank him everyday for showing us where to look and giving us the funds to afford even a killer deal. 

Our beautiful bed. The bed set came with four other big pillow shams which I am in the process of making pillows for. It might be a few paychecks before I can get all the batting necessary to fill them. Until the I love it just the way it is.

The night before our anniversary Jared had to run to Walmart for a few things and came home with a beautiful bouquet of roses and some strawberries. I loved them.  

On our anniversary we went to the doctors where we found out the gender of our baby...... (coming in the next post.) We then had to take our car in because it keeps overheating. Once the car was dropped off and forgotten about we spent some time talking to family members and making preparations to announce it to my family who only lives a few minutes away from us. We then went out to one of our favorite restaurants, The Olive Garden, and stuffed ourselves. At least I stuffed myself. Something about being pregnant has caused me to be starving but when I actually start eating I can't eat much.

After having spent some time being excited about our baby with my family we finished off the night by watching Princess and the Frog and eating these wonderful lemon bars and chocolate covered strawberries. Everyone knows that the only reasonable thing to do with strawberries for your anniversary is to dip them in chocolate.

What was left this morning because I forgot to take a picture when the plate was so perfectly arranged.

  I love my husband and all the great things we do together!

17 weeks

People often ask what I do all day considering I don't have a job. On top of the normal house work, I have found several projects that are now on my to-do list. One of those projects that I am particularly proud of is the update of this glider.   

My parents found it for pretty cheap on KSL. Fortunately I was feeling ambitious enough to save the money it would have cost to buy a brand new one when this was in perfect condition. All it needed was a face lift.

Jared and I headed to Wal-Mart and found some great material on clearance so I could make covers for the cushions. With my basic knowledge of sewing and paying more attention lately to a few craft blogs and tutorials I was able to figure it out. Even though the covers aren't perfect I think they turned out pretty well.

I haven't recovered the ottoman yet. The material is just stapled on and we plan on either painting or re-staining the wood darker. Hopefully we will be able to get that done in the next month.