Dirt!

The days are getting colder and we're trying to make the most of the last weeks of summer. Jake's day-off means it is time for an adventure!

We loaded up the 4-wheeler and drove up to the Mesa-Falls area where we knew there was a good trail. It was the old train track that goes all the way to Yellowstone, though we didn't go near that far. I strapped Denym to me in a front carrier and let him enjoy the ride as well! Dad was careful not to go too fast and Mom made sure he was secure.

After a few hours of exploring trails, I told Jake we should find a place by a river to eat lunch. Not long after I made the request, he pulled into this perfect little nook that even had a picnic table! My man delivers!

A few sandwiches and snacks, then I decided to wade in the water a bit. Super cold, but I was feeling spunky.

Dad kept himself busy by catching grasshoppers and then throwing them to the fishes.

 

For some reason the ride back was REAL dusty, and those of us in the back (Denym and myself) came out of there covered in DIRT! I had him almost entirely bundled, so I got the worst of it. It took many a baby wipe to get me looking human again before the drive home.

 

Also in July...

July 7th
While Jake enjoyed a night out with the boys, me and my palsy Karrianne had a little R and R session at my place. (That's Rest and Relaxation, but it sounds cooler and much more like an event when abbreviated in such a manner.) Sadly, we took no pictures because we were obviously REAL busy. She mostly came up to snuggle my chubsy baby I am pretty sure, so we'll add a picture of him.... I might could dig one up. I don't know though... I hardly ever take any of him. ("Are you pickin' up my sarcasm? Cuz I'm layin' it on pretty thick.")

 July 13th
We went to visit Grandma Susan at the cabin. Jake had meetings on Friday so we high-tailed it up there on Thursday night and planned a glorious weekend getaway around his mandatory work shenanigans. It didn't quite start out glorious, as both of us fell ill with a nasty 24 hour bug on the way up. I thought I was just over-the-top carsick at first, and we made several several emergency stops along the drive, but it soon became apparent that it was more than motion sickness. We finally made it to the comfort of the cabin - although I was sure I would die before we reached the safe haven :)  Jake didn't get it too bad until the next morning, and we were both pretty much over it by the following afternoon. Strange little devil bug. So Jake made it to and through his meetings, then we commenced our enjoyment of the canyon trails.

Susan picked us out the perfect little hike that led to... I believe it was called "Lake Solitude" up by the ski resort. It was just right so I could carry baby boy, get a small workout, and still enjoy the surroundings. The weather turned a little drizzly, but the coolness was refreshing and who doesn't love the smell of rain?

 I am pretty sure Mr. Denym was born to be an outdoorsman. He was so happy the entire time - even in the rain; Looked at the trees in wonder, took a little snooze, ate a snack up at the lake, and watched the ducks with Dad.

 July 24th
Pioneer Day, and Hyde Reunion of sorts. Landry's family couldn't make it up this year because of their new baby, and Jake had to work - but everyone else made it. 

Our float wasn't very fancy this year, but hey, we got one put together! We are pretty much the only family who does one anymore so I guess you could say that we are the entire parade in and of ourselves. Yes, there are some four-wheelers, horses, an occasional buggy or truck, and then us. Ta Da! Don't worry, we go around the circle twice to make it longer. And stay tuned for next year, cuz we have a cute idea already cookin'.

All the other traditional activities commenced shortly after the parade; Chicken chases, tug-o-war, barrel races, dunk tank - although we did miss the egg toss this year. Someone forgot to bring eggs! Oh the horror! However, a new thrilling challenge emerged - The 5 person 6 legged race! Wowza. We were told it was hard to complete, let alone do it quickly... of course we couldn't resist such a dare. Many tried, most failed, and the Hyde sisters rose victorious! Go us!

July 28th
Time for the famous Preston night rodeo! We saw some mutton bustin' hilarity, some barrel-racing skills, some crazy bull-riding cowboys, all while enjoying the smells of caramel apples and cotton candy. We took some friends with us to share the experience of said ruckus - as well as the joys of the farm. When we all went out shooting I let Denym come along... He pretty much had HUGE eyes the whole time.

In other news
We have really enjoyed going to the Drive-In movies just outside of town. Summer nights under the stars while baby is sleeping make for awesome date nights. I just feed the little guy in the privacy of our very own pick-up, then bundle him in a snug bed of sleeping bags, and adjust the volume to promote uninterrupted snoozing --- (which I imagine are all very difficult things to do in a movie theater)  The first time we saw Ice Age 4 and Brave. Next the double feature was Bourne Legacy and Spiderman. We were hoping to see Batman in this setting, but it was playing with Borne Legacy... which we didn't care to see again. BUT, I still say Drive-In Movies for the WIN!

God shed His grace on thee...

For Independence Day this year we were actually in Rexburg! Since it fell on a Wednesday, and Jake's place of business stayed open, our options were a bit limited.

But that night we ventured to Idaho Falls to watch the epic firework show! Wahoo!

We had some good friends save us a spot right by the river, and we all hung out for a few hours before it got dark. Jake got us some oober yummy snacks to pass the time; swedish fish, fruit, and rootbeer!
 
It was fun to show off my babe in his patrotic digs, and just enjoy the summer vibe.

 
 The whole outing was a much different experience than it years past, full of diaper changes, feedings, and worrying about the noise --- but Denym did so well!  And I am glad that I got to look up at the sky in wonder with my hubs, and feel grateful for the freedoms we enjoy.

Gettin' kinda chubby

A few more weeks gone by, and a few more inches put on....
  
34 weeks in this one. Notice the the ridiculously cute little boy shoes. I recently found them at a second hand store and had to have them.I know they are still a bit too big, but the size of my belly is evidence that he knows how to grow! He'll be walking around in them before we know it.

 
This is the great grey whale sighting at 37 weeks. This is one of my favorite maternity shirts, and I never thought I would grow out of it. So much for that theory, as it barely covers the bottom of my belly.

 

This was taken April 26th, which marks exactly 38 weeks. The blossoming apple tree was a perfect background to show that spring is in the air - and everyone knows that Spring is the time for babies!

Jake bought me a single red rose on his way home from work one day -----'cause he's cool like that. It made me feel very feminine and motherish when I used it as a photo prop.

Only a matter of weeks or even days now.... It seems our little one will be here soon!

Raspberry Patch

Jake heard mention of some raspberry starts that were up for grabs - he pounced! He loves himself some berries straight from the bush! We have never been much for gardening... heck, we can barely keep our lawn mowed...but for raspberries we might just get our green thumbs in gear.

We selected a section of dirt behind our garage that sees some sun and some shade, rented a tiller for an hour, and voila` - Jake got the ground ready. We had lots going on, and really didn't have time to plant that day, but we didn't want to wait and risk the roots dying and drying out. So in the dark of the late evening we put them in by flashlight. ha! Good times we have.

There are just two little rows, but they look great! We might even have berries by the end of summer! Thank you Goss Family for your contribution to our little raspberry patch.

S.P.R.I.N.G.

Do I dare hope that Spring is here? Can it be so?
SHORTS
PUDDLES
ROBINS
INFANT
NEW BEGINNINGS
GREENERY

Maybe not quite yet. But I just wanted to acknowledge how GREAT it feels to have the sun coming through our windows and the breeze coming through our house as I open the door.

Not much else going on, except for me being VERY pregnant:

 This is the belly at 33 weeks, and I am thinking..... "Can I really grow much more in the next 7 weeks?"
As you can imagine, it is hard to get around and a bit frustrating to try - But doc says everything is going well.

With time racing forward, and due date coming rapidly you would think I would be using my time wisely. Meh... not so much. I do have the baby room mostly organized, and we have almost all the baby gear we will need - but there are still so many things on my "before baby comes" to do list.

...and said list does not exactly include making Easter crafts. Yet, I cannot help myself: I found a funny play on words that a few people were using on Etsy - so this is my version:


Of course I was EXUBERANTLY energetic about it and showed Jake right away. He applauded my efforts, but quickly came up with a "better" alternate suggestion.... So I made that one too!

Now I must warn you, it kind of requires a demented sense of humor to fully appreciate ---


We had a GOOD laugh about it, and then I just couldn't resist acting upon the crazy notion to actually create it....Poor little Peep in tiny little noose. 

I realize that my Spring Decor does not quite live up to the performance I gave last year. But alas, I will have to be content knowing that I took Jake's twisted enthusiasm and made it our reality.

May the weeks to come be warm and rejuvenating!

Happy Valentines Day!

A whole day to remember how much LOVE we have in our lives! And a good excuse to eat lots of sweets!

 Thanks to Pinterest,  my ever growing need to be crafty, and a little bit of extra time on my hands, there were lots of "lovey" projects going on at our house.

 I sent out some heartsy treats, a few V-day packages, and even some cheesy Valentines to my nieces and nephews! So many great ideas to show people you love them and so many people to love... So little time.

In order to avoid the crowds, Jake and I decided to have our night out, the day prior to V-day. We got a little fancy and ate at Olive Garden in Idaho Falls. Unlimited Soup, Salad, and Breadsticks makes for a happy pregnant lady. We also stopped at Sam's Club to stock up on cheap items in bulk --- how romantic :)

For some reason, I was under the impression that Jake had to work on Valentines Day. Hmmm... probably because he led me to believe such a thing. He's been sick, so I felt extra bad for him and woke up early to make him raspberry pancakes before he had to go.

A few hours after he left I had a plan to go kidnap his car, clean it out, vacuum, and leave a card or something on the drivers seat. Mwa hahaha! Well as I left the house, and was driving down the road --- I saw him! His car was passing me in the other lane!? What was he up to???

So I called him on his cell, and said "are you by any chance driving at the moment?" He confessed that he was, and was on his way home. What a little sneak! I turned around (because I obviously was not going to be able to steal his car.) And when we met at home he pulled a bunch of stuff out of the back seat......

Happy Valentines Day to me! I had been thoroughly spoiled the weekend before, as well as the night before, so I had not expected  this at all. He had bough 6 white roses and added a single Red Rose to remind me that I am "not like all the others." He got me some fun balloons, and one had a monkey on it cuz I'm his "love monkey" --- (it's from a song) and then a little plush monkey as well. We named him "Frostbite" cuz he has one tan ear and one red ear. Not pictured, was also some chocolate covered, macadamia nuts "I am nuts about you" - A Cadbury chocolate bar "I cannot bury how I feel about you." and some beach scented car-fresheners "As if we were on a tropical getaway." Double, super, extra brownie points for hubby! So this is what he had been doing this morning --- not working. hahaha

 I was still going to clean out his car for him, but I kind of got out of it since he was home and we wanted to make the most of the day together! We went to a matinee movie: "The Vow" --- a very sad story, but one that really made me appreciate our life together. I really enjoyed it - Let's just say it did not make Jake's top ten list. :) He liked to make comments about all the guys in the theatre who were suffering with him for the sake of Valentines Day.

For dinner Jake grilled up some steaks, while I made loaded baked potatoes, and asparagus.For dessert, I had lots of ideas but decided I try my hand at making cake balls.

 We received some really yummy ones for Christmas, and Jake loved them - so I tried duplicate the red velvet/cream cheese variety. They were pretty simple, but awfully messy!  I dipped them in white chocolate and they tasted quite heavenly.

What a day. I was tuckered out, having had a full week of fun-loving projects and activities. But what a way to get to the point of exhaustion - Good times!

Jake--- I feel overwhelmingly blessed to have such an amazing husband. Someone to spoil me on Valentines Day, and to spend forever with of course. You make me laugh every day, and keep me on track. I love being married to you. I can't even recall a time when you have "told me off" or "complained" about something I've done. Is that even possible? ( I mean, there are times when something comes up and we both get a bit grumpy - but that doesn't usually last too long.) You always treat me so well, and do whatever it takes to make me realize that I am important to you - and I love you for that. I love that I am comfortable around you - to the point of wearing feety pajamas and being downright ridiculous in front of you. Thanks for keeping me safe. I like that you do not like hot-spicy food. That you have a big vocabulary. That you are a good listener. That you know all my secrets, and keep them. And that you wear your clothes and shoes until they literally fall apart. You are my most tangible reminder that God really, really loves me and hears my prayers. You have an amazing ability to do what is right without drawing attention to yourself. I am so proud of you all the time, and proud to be your wife. Your life accomplishments impress me, and even the things you conquer from day to day are inspiring. You're pretty much way out of my league is what I'm really trying to say here :)  Thank you for all the happiness, strength, character, and stability you bring to our relationship. I appreciate your desire to be such a good person, and the way you have taught me by example to put other people first. I value your friendship more than... more than cookie monster loves cookies! Thanks for the times you call just to say "hey" or when you call me to ask a favor - because I know that means you trust me to get your back.  I think sometimes that you are too good to be true, and I just have to pray that it stays that way and thank our Heavenly Father for putting you in my life - or me in your life - whichever. You are incredible. I want you to know that waking up to you is the best thing on the whole planet (except for maybe parfait. And also that maple bar that I am craving right now.) I want you to know that I believe in us - and since we are about to be parents, I want you to know that you are the exact person I want to experience it all with. We know that our goals to be a good Mom and Dad, and do the work that needs to be done to satisfy our ambition and conscience is going to come at a price - (For instance we will probably feel like we have been hit by a truck at the end of every day. And that will be on the good days) --- But  thank you thank you for accepting the challenges with me before we even know what they are. Do you know how much I want our son to be like you? And how much I want to learn the words to the "Two Little Boys" song now? Thank you for your steadfast belief that we are going to be together without exception. I am amazed that when we first met, you didn’t seem to be the kind of man I was interested in. What was I thinking!? I am so lucky that I snapped out of it, and that you allowed me to know you better, so I could be here with you now, in the place that we are. Your charm is quite obvious to me now - It is in your burp cloud, most definitely. Sheesh, can't believe I didn't see it before :) Seriously though, you are the best. You're so clever and likable and perfect... except for 9 or 10 things. Thanks for choosing me, and continuing to choose me every day.  I love you, and I always will. 

I am grateful for a life full of love, and am very glad that there is a holiday to focus on this virtue. To our Family, Friends, acquaintances, and everyone we will ever meet in the years yet to come --- We love ya!

Early morning workout

I have learned that it's not always easy to get motivated and get up off the couch when you're 6 months pregnant. Not to do dishes, not to do laundry, not even to fix a good meal sometimes - let alone get to the gym and stay fit! But that little voice in my head tells me that if I do a little here and there, it will be much easier later... I fall for it every time!

Well, I usually take my exercise walks in the afternoon or even late at night. I guess it takes me that long to  talk myself into it - Actually it is because that is the part of the day when I feel my best and have the most energy.

So anyway, last week I was rudely awakened with some serious ninja kicks at early hours of the morning. Don't get me wrong, it's a pretty awesome and miraculous thing having all that movement going on, but while a person is sleepy it can be pretty startling :) Our little one was doing some morning exercise himself (swimming aerobics most likely) and it seemed he was not about to calm down - So that day I decided I would fit in a morning walk and not have to worry about it later on.

As I got dressed, and caught a glimpse of my "physique" in the mirror,  I almost passed out from the shock. I suppose it was the sleepy daze I was still in, or maybe the fitted shirt, but I couldn't believe how big my belly is! It just pokes right out!

I just look down and poof there it is, and I wonder where did this come from? (Don't worry, I know where babies come from... ) I mean, I could have sworn that I was an average size person just yesterday- petite even!

It looks like I am wearing "The Belly" from that movie: Ten Things I Hate About You. You know the one I mean - where the overprotective father makes his daughter strap on a big heavy prosthetic belly so she will understand the consequences of any immoral actions. hahaha

Okay, I realize this is how it is supposed to be, and will consciously and publicly own the fact that I am HUGE. I guess I just have to figure out how to rock this belly and make it look oh so fine - How is this?

Oh well, I tried.

Gingerbread Wonderland

So a few years back, around Christmas time, I saw a gingerbread-house-kit up at the farm (where Jake grew up.) I casually mentioned that I think gingerbread men are SO cute and that all the peppermint candies and gumdrops make me feel like a kid during the holidays.

Well, that Vickie ("you sneeeaky Mom!") overheard the comment and has been quick to spoil me with gingerbread decorations for my home ever since! She finds the cutest things and every time I receive one of these sweet little gifts, I really do feel  like a spoiled little kid!

So this year, as I pulled out all the Christmas decorations, I decided that I had enough to create a whole gingerbread wonderland in my front room. Here are a my top three favorites:

Number one: This adorable gingerbread boy and girl that she picked up in Disney World! It is so funny, because I would never ever think to buy something like this for myself, but I guess that's why they made such a great present! I wish the picture showed more of the detail of their clothes, hair, and little faces. Their little house on Candy Cane Lane, bought separately, is also an advent calendar - Just makes me happy inside :)

Number Two: This banner is about as tall as I am, and is thick, hand painted canvas. I just love the texture and how it makes the room feel like home - and it implies that I make cookies all the time, which I do!

 Number Three: This set of ornaments is also really textured and cookie-licious! They are bright and happy and perfect for our little family - soon to be three!

Some of the other things that I haven't pictured: Salt and Pepper shakers, oven mits and hot pads, Dish cloths, placemats, throw blanket, pillows, plug in night light, and a candle cover that is shaped like a gingerbread house and the smoke comes out the chimney!

My own Mommy caught onto this little trend and sent me a very sentimental item from my childhood:

A good friend of the family made it for her years ago, and I have always loved it. It has a sense of wonder about it, and let's not forget that my mind connects it with CANDY! nom nom nom. I filled it with cookies right away and love seeing it on our kitchen table.

Anyway, there is a little background on my gingerbread obsession and how it came to be. When you walk into our house, it's a little overwhelming - but it's that whimsical kind of notion that you just stepped into the North Pole candy kitchen or something.

So in order to stick with the unavoidable theme, I decided to make our Christmas Tree match! I got a really great recipe for gingerbread cookies from a good friend of ours (Thanks Amanda!) and made my own ornaments! Go me!

 They were a little bit tricky, but not too shabby for a first try. They make that room smell Delightful!

With just a little red string, they hang on the tree nicely. This is the artificial tree we have by the window (minus the mini candy canes I recently added):

I have recently discovered the ribbon look, rather than using tinsel and we love it. (Although, there is something to be said for that stuff - It's an "old school" look like the trees I had growing up: with tinsel, multi colored lights, snow spray, wonderfully mismatchy ornaments, and those little foil icicles everywhere! I think I have too much of a symmetrical sense about me now that won't allow me to create such a memory-filled masterpiece.) Anyway, our tree has been basically the same every year since we have been married, blue and silver stuff that we bought our first year, and this is the new look for 2011.

Also, I cannot bare to let you believe that we have only a FAKE tree in our house. That would be a disgrace! Okay, to each their own, but I really die a little inside if I don't get a REAL tree. I don't make Jake take me out to cut one, and I always get the smallest cheapest one I can find, and try not to spend money on decorations for it --- but I MUST have that pine scent lingering in my nostrils. haha 

 So here it is. My pride and joy. Got a great deal, and love it immensely!

I went with the rustic look and found some rusty jingle bells, etc to use as ornaments. I spent a LONG couple of days stringing popcorn and berries, but they look so awesome! I also had some rafia in a bag that I used to tie some bows, and  had some left over gingerbread cookies to use as well.

I didn't have a tree topper, but I did have some red and white checkered dishcloths that I cut up and used to sew this star! Yay, I actually sewed something. It's not really a skill I possess, but I have been using my grandmothers sewing machine a little and have made a few basic projects. This little pillow is a bit skiddy-wampus, but it adds to the whole "homemade" look, right? Ah, well, I love it.

I guess that's why I love blogs. As long as I love it, I get to post about it.

And while I am on the topic of things I love, how about the Nativity and the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ. The centerpiece of my "wonderland" and hopefully the center of our Christmas celebration:

 More of my thoughts on the Nativity will be published on my "other" blog.

I hope you all feel the JOY of preparing for Christmas and none of the stressful chaos in the coming weeks! Remember, it's a time for sparkly eyes and wonderlands - not for budgets and deadlines.

Oh Deer!

I looked out the window yesterday and caught a glimpse of some movement in the trees by the side of our house. After a few moments, we could plainly see a whole herd of deer! They hopped our fence and headed for the road:

In the four years we have lived in this house, I don't think we have ever seen deer right in our neighborhood before.We do have an elk refuge right across the street, which is actually way cooler to watch... but here I am sprinting to the front door with my camera for some deer :)

A few cars came down the road and split them up, so there were three in front of our house and the rest bounded back where they had come from.

Here is part of the line up in our back field. It will be a long way for them before they find a  mountain of any kind.

Hmmm, crazy little deer - thanks for comin' to visit!