tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77338884901097620972024-03-02T18:47:27.340-07:00The B Glad FamilyGlad You're Here. Glad To Help.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.comBlogger383125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-88516727357246230642013-05-17T14:28:00.005-06:002013-05-17T14:28:57.608-06:00Feel what you feel<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post was inspired by someone I don't even know. They're a friend of a cousin, who I don't even think reads this blog. But I had to get these thoughts down somewhere.</i></span><br />
<br />
In today's world, I think sometimes we're made to feel like what we feel isn't valid. Or right. Or that it's selfish to feel what we feel.<br />
<br />
This is something I strongly disagree with.<br />
<br />
I may not agree with how you feel. I may wholeheartedly disagree with how you feel. But that does not mean I think you shouldn't feel that way.<br />
<br />
You deserve to feel all your feelings.<br />
<br />
<br />
My cousin made a comment on Facebook about not looking forward to the pain of labor.<br />
<br />
I think that's a valid feeling.<br />
<br />
However, one of the comments she got was that she should just be grateful to be able to go through labor because some women can't or don't get to.<br />
<br />
First, let me state that I am not saying this woman is wrong.<br />
We should be grateful, those of us who can and get to have children.<br />
We should cherish that role and responsibility.<br />
<br />
But,<br />
<br />
That does not mean that we don't get to be scared.<br />
<br />
That does not mean that I don't get to feel frustrated at my child when he just won't sleep.<br />
<br />
That does not mean I shouldn't feel like locking myself in the bathroom for a few minutes just so I can have two minutes of privacy.<br />
<br />
That does not mean that I don't have the same right to complain when my body is sore and achy and stretched beyond what I think it should do.<br />
<br />
<br />
I feel for this woman.<br />
<br />
I know how this woman feels.<br />
<br />
For a year, I lived that mentality.<br />
Every month causing me to wonder if my body was broken.<br />
Every month wondering why every other woman I saw had a baby and I didn't.<br />
<br />
I'm a lucky one.<br />
I got to finally have my baby.<br />
<br />
<br />
But I think we need to let those around us feel what they feel<br />
<br />
As women we need to lift each other up and stop shaming each other into silence.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-7540764918945677252013-05-07T19:05:00.001-06:002013-05-07T19:05:55.040-06:00Good Mom DayToday I made my son laugh. A lot.<br />
<br />
We played and wrestled on the floor.<br />
<br />
We chased each other around the house and he giggled every time I said "I'm gonna getcha!"<br />
<br />
I tickled him and he "surprised" me from behind.<br />
<br />
He drooled all down my neck.<br />
<br />
<br />
I put aside the projects that need to be finished.<br />
<br />
I paused the shows.<br />
<br />
I put down the books that I wanted to read.<br />
<br />
The sink is full of dirty dishes and the dishwasher still needs to be unloaded.<br />
<br />
<br />
It was a Good Mom Day.<br />
<br />
And I needed to feel like a good mom.<br />
<br />
<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-19390682499584670532013-04-11T10:07:00.001-06:002013-04-11T10:07:58.120-06:00ParkingYou know how in front of some stores they have parking for expectant mothers?<br />
I totally get that. It's so uncomfortable, especially towards the end.<br />
Your feet hurt, your back hurts. You feel huge.<br />
<br />
But I want to know where's the parking for new moms?<br />
The mom who has to carry in a ten pound carrier plus a ten pound baby.<br />
Or the mom with a 25 pound toddler who she doesn't want to let walk in the parking lot?<br />
<br />
But then I guess the whole parking lot would be reserved for moms.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-7494852509995129662013-04-01T15:05:00.002-06:002013-04-01T15:05:45.921-06:00One of "Those Days"I believe that as mothers, God gives us "those days".<br />
<br />
They don't come as often as we'd like, but they do come.<br />
<br />
Today has been one of those days.<br />
<br />
Here's the back story:<br />
<br />
The week before we moved was the time change. This threw my baby for a loop.<br />
<br />
Bedtime was way off, though it did make waking up at 7:30 instead of 6:30. Nice.<br />
<br />
Add to that the fact that mom and dad were out at our new house trying to get it ready to move in. So grandma was watching him at night and putting him down. Totally not his usual routine. I figured we'd fix it when we moved.<br />
<br />
Then we moved (!) He got put in his own room, with a crib for the first time. He quickly learned how to pull himself up and shake said crib. And he couldn't get down. So again, naps all messed up, and bedtime taking much longer than usual.<br />
<br />
After a few days he adjusted, but then he turned one (!) This meant the start of loads of sugar. And whole milk, which took his little body a few days to adjust to.<br />
<br />
Mix in there a few nights of just not being home at bedtime, which means falling asleep in the car and then wanting to play when we get home instead of going back to bed, and short nap times all over the place.<br />
<br />
This all leads to mommy having a break down on Saturday because baby is not sleeping and I'm too tired to deal with it and finally daddy forces mommy to take a nap too.<br />
<br />
We finally resolved to spend this whole week just trying to get his bed time back to a normal time and hope that this would fix his naps and make our days go a little bit smoother.<br />
<br />
Today my baby has gone done for both naps, without a peep. Not one sound. It has been almost a month since that happened. And he's slept for a good long time. It's just the break that I needed.<br />
<br />
I know I was given this day so I would have the energy and belief to go on being a mom. Even when I don't think I do a very good job. At least for today, he slept.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-72366301320602598092013-02-27T13:58:00.000-07:002013-02-27T13:58:06.197-07:00My problem with "The Bachelor"I don't know how I even got roped into watching The Bachelor.<br />
<br />
I never had before. I was never interested.<br />
<br />
But it was on one night and I got sucked in.<br />
<br />
Now, I don't have a problem with the bachelor himself.<br />
<br />
At least this one. He seems nice and genuine.<br />
<br />
And if those girls want to put themselves in that situation, that's fine for them.<br />
<br />
But here's my problem:<br />
<br />
The kissing.<br />
<br />
It would really, really, REALLY bother me.<br />
<br />
When I was dating, that was one main rule.<br />
<br />
If I'm kissing you, you're not kissing anyone else.<br />
<br />
Otherwise, no more of these lips.<br />
<br />
I asked Brian if he would have even noticed me.<br />
<br />
If we had met on a show like that.<br />
<br />
He said yes.<br />
<br />
What else is he supposed to say?<br />
<br />
But I believe him.<br />
<br />
Because I would have noticed him.<br />
<br />
I noticed him when I was dating someone else in high school.<br />
<br />
And I'm so glad I did.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-58507934632092633472013-02-03T19:48:00.000-07:002013-02-03T19:48:06.960-07:00Mission MiraclesToday at <a href="http://www.lds.org/" target="_blank">church</a> it was Testimony meeting. Evan was doing pretty good for the most part, though Brian did have to take him out at the end. But that meant I got to listen to a few testimonies without distraction. One brother got up to share his testimony, and he and his wife are leaving for Singapore tomorrow. He talked about how serving a mission brings miracles into your life and the lives of your loved ones. Some people may call these things coincidences, but he chooses to call them miracles.<br />
<br />
It got me thinking about my brother serving in Madagascar. He comes home in 25 days! When he left he gave all of the siblings "challenges": Me & Nat - Have babies. Phil - Get married. Dani - Be funny. (I guess that last one is subjective.)<br />
<br />
We all laughed at these, knowing that he was just getting into missionary mode and we sent him off. I don't know if Brad knew or not, but Brian and I had been trying to start a family for almost a year. It was a long hard year. After my miscarriage I dreaded every month. So when he gave me that challenge, I laughed, but inside I was banking on some kind of blessing from his mission.<br />
<br />
Luckily, it worked! I know everything happens in the Lord's time, but I also know that my baby was a blessing from my brother serving a mission. I have wanted to be a mom for a very long time. And even though I sometimes wonder if I'm doing a very good job, I'm still so happy for the opportunity.<br />
<br />
So thank you Brad. When you get home I'll not only have a big hug for you, but my son will give you a high five, too.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-39363858039605225412013-01-27T19:47:00.001-07:002013-01-27T19:47:37.222-07:00Trying to do better<p>I don't know if anyone even looks at this anymore. Probably not seeing how it's been almost a year since I posted anything. Being a mom got the better of me. I cherish his nap times, (as fleeting as they are), but I can't ever seem to make myself use those times to blog when there are other things I need to get done. </p>
<p>But I'm going to try and do better. I'll probably just do a quick review of last year, (with lots of pictures) and then go from now. We've had a lot happen and hopefully some more exciting things will be happening in the next little while. </p>
<p>So for anyone still out there checking on us, I'm going to try and do better.</p>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-29923003430209167162012-03-25T15:05:00.000-06:002012-06-23T15:05:33.828-06:00Maternity PicturesWhen I was 8 months pregnant I had my really good friend Marci take some maternity pictures for me. We had fun taking them and I think they turned out really well. <a href="http://www.wix.com/marcipreece/photography" target="_blank">Marci Preece Photography</a><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhBgHl3eoe7iPoUPG8ArIX87N4uMQ1nROc8xoaUyvuLwzeZLnXZBzomeaOWvTdGSxyxob11XPlIM49JvozBwo4cKv74CztcomCy3opdKqVxHxDY1XIHB0hNYn8R6pbkoYL6qzrPkoRufg/s1600/melissamaternity46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhBgHl3eoe7iPoUPG8ArIX87N4uMQ1nROc8xoaUyvuLwzeZLnXZBzomeaOWvTdGSxyxob11XPlIM49JvozBwo4cKv74CztcomCy3opdKqVxHxDY1XIHB0hNYn8R6pbkoYL6qzrPkoRufg/s320/melissamaternity46.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-91971799608412448372012-03-23T12:43:00.000-06:002012-06-19T12:44:15.116-06:00Evan's Birth Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Evan is here!!!</div>
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And here is his story:<br />
<br />
I woke up on 3/19/12 (my due date) with small contractions. They were about 10 minutes apart but not very strong. Throughout the day I tried walking around the block multiple times to get them stronger, but they eventually faded.<br />
<br />
The next day, I woke up to contractions again. But stronger this time. They persisted throughout the morning and got stronger, but still 10 minutes apart. Brian decided to stay home from work, just in case. However, by noon they had stopped. I was pretty discouraged.<br />
<br />
We decided to drive over to his parent's house to pick up a few pieces of mail they had for us. While we were visiting, my contractions started again. And this time they were really strong. They weren't consistent times apart. Sometimes 8 minutes, sometimes 4. But after an hour of this I decided we should go home and get our bag and get to the hospital. The worst they could say is go home, right?<br />
<br />
We checked into the hospital at 5:00 PM. When they checked me I was already dilated 5 cm and 90% effaced. We had an awesome nurse who was so supportive and helpful during the first 6 hours we were there. (Her shift ended before the baby came, which made me sad.)<br />
<br />
At 6:00 they broke my water to help things along. That is the weirdest feeling. Every time I moved I felt like I was peeing my pants because apparently I had a LOT of water. :)<br />
<br />
One of the reasons I really loved my nurse was because when she asked if I wanted medication and I said I wanted to try and go as far as possible without it, she didn't act like she didn't think I could do it or that I was crazy. She just said OK and then said she wasn't going to ask if I needed medication from that point on. She just asked if I was comfortable and then suggested multiple things for Brian to do to help me through the contractions.<br />
<br />
So I labored on my own for the next five hours. I was feeling pretty good and was able to handle the contractions but I was getting pretty tired because I'd been having them all day. At 10:45 the doctor decided to start me on Pitocin because I was stalling at 7cm. After an hour on the Pitocin, I ended up throwing up after one of the contractions because they were coming even harder than before. I didn't want to "give up" and I cried, but Brian assured me that I had done a really good job and it was totally okay if I wanted the epidural. (I know that getting the meds isn't "giving up". I don't judge any women who get it right away. I was just tired.)<br />
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So I got the epidural around midnight. The doctor told me to curl up and touch my knees to my head. I just kept thinking, 'I haven't done that since I peed on the stick!' Then I was having a contraction while he put it in and he told me to just "breathe through it." I wanted to kick him across the room!<br />
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After the epidural was put in, I felt the effects immediately. Evan even started to relax, which they didn't want. They kept having to flip me from side to side to keep the contractions going. They finally got me in a good position and then I was able to sleep for a couple hours.<br />
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The nurse checked me at 4:45 and said it was time to start pushing. She said first time moms can push for 2-3 hours so I was mentally prepared for the long haul. But I only ended up pushing for an hour. It didn't feel that long though. I think by that point I was just so exhausted that time wasn't really relative. <br />
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Evan was born at 5:45 AM. He came out crying and they placed him on my belly for a second and I started to cry. I don't remember it, but Brian cut the cord and then they cleaned both of us up. We both got to hold him and we instantly fell in love. <br />
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He was 8 lbs 10 oz, which was way more than either of us expected! 21 1/4 inches long.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Funcle Phil</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With G-ma & G-pa Walker</td></tr>
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Brian's cousin Jason and his wife were also due five days before us. They ended up having their baby the day before Evan. We were in the same hospital so we requested to have recovery rooms next to each other. She was six days late and her son was 5 lbs 14 oz. Evan looked huge next to him. :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new dads with their sons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-26317832025611411332012-03-17T22:00:00.000-06:002012-06-19T10:09:43.047-06:005 Year AnniversaryAt my cousin's wedding back in November, she told me they were going to Disneyland for their honeymoon. I turned to Brian and said, "We should go to Disneyland for our anniversary!" As he did multiple times during this pregnancy, he just looked at me and waited. After a few moments I realized that I was due two days after our anniversary. So besides the fact that I couldn't fly there (no airline would even think about it) and I wouldn't want to spend 16 hours in a car to drive there, I wouldn't be able to go on any rides when we got there & I would be way far from home if the baby started to come. Hence, the plan for Disneyland went out the window.<br />
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Because I am 9 months pregnant for our anniversary, it was really low key. Brian had to work, but he came home and took me to dinner at Olive Garden. He offered to take me to a movie after, but I was so tired and uncomfortable, we settled on just going home and cuddling instead. Though we did stop at the store and he got me some Ben & Jerry's ice cream.<br />
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Even though we didn't do anything big to celebrate, I'm still so grateful for the wonderful man that I married. He is so good to me. He's been so supportive and helpful during this pregnancy. He takes such good care of me. I know he'll be a great dad and I'm so excited to see it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXkmzuAGXhQA-S5lX3IeCIxBT40pd_7AmxxzxSa6AiGOGA9fTDdAXfD-V3YSxhryxdsigXoz6vP0PtzZRnK0TJ6ADf4xfxoRpBXq9gZpKO5mdUFO_GG7IuE1Yqok96RzUPXhEVLOSMOeh/s1600/DSC_0847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXkmzuAGXhQA-S5lX3IeCIxBT40pd_7AmxxzxSa6AiGOGA9fTDdAXfD-V3YSxhryxdsigXoz6vP0PtzZRnK0TJ6ADf4xfxoRpBXq9gZpKO5mdUFO_GG7IuE1Yqok96RzUPXhEVLOSMOeh/s320/DSC_0847.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-40654987232254260242012-03-16T19:00:00.000-06:002012-06-19T09:57:56.045-06:00Last Day of "Work"I know that being a stay-at-home mom is a lot of work, so it's not like I'll be getting to relax and be lazy from now on, but today was my last day of work outside the home.<br />
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I've been training my replacement for about 2 1/2 months. I know she's really nervous because there's tons to learn and even though I've done my best to teach her everything, it's still going to be rough. <br />
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My boss bought lunch for all his assistants and his wife even came up to eat with us. I've technically only met her twice, but I've talked to her on the phone a bunch and I thought it was so nice of her to come to wish me good luck with the baby.<br />
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At the end of the day, I packed up my stuff, and my boss gave me a card and a hug and I left. It was a weird feeling, knowing I wasn't going to be going back. I was happy but a little.... I don't know. Sad? Disappointed? Scared? I don't know. <br />
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When I got home I read the card from my boss. He thanked me for all my years helping him and said how much he appreciated me. It was really nice. I cried a little. It's weird to think I won't ever be going back there. As much as it frustrated me sometimes, I was really good at my job. I knew how to do everything backwards and forwards. I guess it's a little intimidating to start this new "job" because I have no idea what I'm doing.<br />
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(Side note: On Wednesday (3/14/12) I went in for my appointment and the doctor walked into the room and said, "You haven't had the baby yet?" Really encouraging. I was 3 cm and 75% effaced. So the doctor had me make an appointment for next Wednesday but he doesn't think I'll make it until then. Cross your fingers.)Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-44210102099569081792012-03-02T12:26:00.000-07:002012-06-18T12:27:41.279-06:00A Few Last Pregnancy Pics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I don't know what sick need is causing me to post these pictures, but I do want to have it recorded.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2/4/12</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making fun of Aunt Dani's hat - 2/8/12</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing cuz Brian made me - 2/19/12 - 8 Months!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading my Kindle and holding the baby - 8 Months</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxing while Brian packed the hospital bag - 3/2/12</td></tr>
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Sadly, this was the last picture I got before we had the baby. I was a little too frazzled to remember to take a picture before we left for the hospital. :)Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-91677298462349195902012-01-07T19:19:00.000-07:002012-04-14T19:19:30.205-06:00Second Christmas!My sister came into town today from Minnesota. She wasn't able to come for Christmas because she is the new man at her work. Adam had come in last week, and came back from St. George to be with her at our house. She got in this afternoon (after many delays and stupidness on the part of the airlines) but her bags were not on the same flight as her. So finally at 10 o'clock at night, we were able to have Second Christmas! We had been teasing that we needed to have second Christmas because she wouldn't be here for the real thing, so we saved presents to her and Adam and they brought theirs for us as well.<br />
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The last present Nat had my mom open was a music box that said something about grandmothers on the top. She thought nothing of it (because I was having a baby so of course she was going to become a grandma) until she opened it. Inside was an ultrasound picture of Nat's baby!!<br />
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She's due July 24th so our babies will only be 4 months apart! We're all so excited and feel so blessed to welcome both of these long-awaited babies into the family.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-85888193593160988632012-01-01T19:10:00.000-07:002012-04-14T19:10:21.375-06:00New Year's Japanese DinnerMy Mom, my Dad, and both of dad's brothers went to Japan on their missions. My mom and two uncles all actually served in the same mission. So needless to say, they have shared the love of Japanese food with the rest of the family and their children. For New Year's this year, we all got together with the Walker side and had our "traditional Japanese dinner". I use quotes because I know it's not really traditional Japanese, but it's our traditional food. Everyone made gyoza (pot stickers) so we had three different varieties, and then we had egg drop soup and ham fried rice. It was so yummy! I loved it.<br />
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I also loved getting to see family. We don't get together nearly as often as we used to, and we're all growing up and starting our own families, but it's always fun to see each other.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOn_tGUCbtubXZX486kwHyHEyGcXJ3oWYzsiMHAEce9DFQ6c-CTVAgEdl-VjtDlBR4zC6X-2NsjaYYvQqfWMxg_Fe07qfeed1_Y9MXsQucT1UpXkIeM29CfDEAnAo7PuVHNBDkJoDT24RF/s1600/IMG_0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOn_tGUCbtubXZX486kwHyHEyGcXJ3oWYzsiMHAEce9DFQ6c-CTVAgEdl-VjtDlBR4zC6X-2NsjaYYvQqfWMxg_Fe07qfeed1_Y9MXsQucT1UpXkIeM29CfDEAnAo7PuVHNBDkJoDT24RF/s320/IMG_0176.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wendi & Breckin - 9 months, Marci & Kamri - 1 month, Me - 6 1/2 months</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-7765339834546419692011-12-31T19:01:00.000-07:002012-04-14T19:02:12.201-06:00New Year's EveNew Year's Eve was pretty low key this year. We just stayed home and played games and hung out. My brother-in-law Adam came into town that day and came over to hang out before going to St. George to be with his family. I won a game called Easy Money and Brian snapped this picture of me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAPWfbvvBdYVrYA2tHAJXKfKWwRsuEzPg-9WIPDeQQB8GOnH6lSjyGnq8g4Cs2DitVw0Z_L74tZCDAceceR8uLJKHDJfRFBiIEXJcqUgPE-duXqDoIF-l8X0JXTL-mQ3SEj20E33uP59e/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAPWfbvvBdYVrYA2tHAJXKfKWwRsuEzPg-9WIPDeQQB8GOnH6lSjyGnq8g4Cs2DitVw0Z_L74tZCDAceceR8uLJKHDJfRFBiIEXJcqUgPE-duXqDoIF-l8X0JXTL-mQ3SEj20E33uP59e/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-87014192813791493722011-12-25T18:52:00.000-07:002012-04-14T18:58:35.696-06:00Christmas Eve & ChristmasBecause Christmas was on a Sunday this year, the Glad's chose to celebrate it on Christmas Eve. So we got up early and headed over to their house to open presents and have breakfast. Unfortunately, no pictures were taken. (Probably for the best as none of us really got ready.)<br />
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Our big presents this year were a new camera lens for Brian's camera. He convinced me he needed it by saying it would be perfect for taking pictures of a new baby. Sold. And he got me a Kindle Touch. I love it!<br />
After presents and breakfast we hung out for a while, but then had to head home because we still had the Barlow Christmas party to get ready for.<br />
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Many pictures were taken with Brian's new camera but I'm sure you don't want to see them all. Here is just one to document how big I was and that my mom and I have the same faces. :)<br />
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We had an ugly sweater contest (which I refused to participate in because who wants to be wearing an ugly sweater when they already feel huge?) and a gingerbread house building contest. Having Brian the architect on our team definitely helped.<br />
We had the traditional pork roast dinner and white elephant gift exchange. And then of course brownie pudding and Christmas carols. I love traditions!<br />
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Christmas morning we woke up really early so we could talk to my brother Brad in Madagascar. It was so good to hear his voice. He sounded so happy.<br />
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Then we had breakfast with the Walkers, opened our presents then went to church. Then we went to the Glad's ward. After church we headed over to G&G Merrell's to spend time with the extended family.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLnoqKHHGD-FS-sYAhiSDY67iaoAco6N7cD5q1QDmO6GgA8ELhYOSOmJq6fW4jbCIEDKqRRsYVcK6xkM315brG94lbEdFY2o_CusK6vNjTb7K5_qzSyg2mhjia5NaDiatrCmCKjYixEz-/s1600/IMG_0166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLnoqKHHGD-FS-sYAhiSDY67iaoAco6N7cD5q1QDmO6GgA8ELhYOSOmJq6fW4jbCIEDKqRRsYVcK6xkM315brG94lbEdFY2o_CusK6vNjTb7K5_qzSyg2mhjia5NaDiatrCmCKjYixEz-/s320/IMG_0166.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-1138660377756723532011-12-23T21:30:00.000-07:002012-03-04T09:29:40.361-07:00Christmas PartiesDec 20th - Lorrie Merrell's Christmas Party - We headed out to Draper for this party. Lots of good food, and entertainment provided by everyone who came. (That's how you paid for your dinner, by performing.) Brian and I sang in a last minute quintet.<br />
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Dec. 21st - Madrigal Christmas Party - In High School, Brian was a Madrigal. I was in choir, so I also go to know the Madrigals pretty well, and following Brian around to his performances probably aided in this. Anyway, we haven't been able to attend any Madrigal get together's since we got married because Brian's always had school and projects getting in the way. It was a ton of fun to see everyone again and just laugh all night long.<br />
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Dec. 22nd - Gingerbread Houses w/the Bowen's - Ok, so it's not a party per se, but we had fun anyway. We drove up to Layton and made gingerbread houses while watching Elf. You can't see it in the picture but Brian also built a car out of candy. I know I'm a bad wife, because this is the first time we've done this activity since we got married. And yes, I know I married an architect. He had a blast. This will now be something we do every year.<br />
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Dec. 23rd - Glad Christmas Party - Soup, Stories and Singing. We had a good time chatting with family and catching up. We had the traditional "non-traditional" Christmas stories read by the uncles and then had our gift exchange and caroling.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-44093006523424358182011-12-17T21:30:00.000-07:002012-03-04T09:16:32.072-07:00Walker Christmas Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Walker Christmas Party</div>
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Lots of good food, lots of loud talking, and lots of even louder laughing.</div>
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It gets harder every year because not everyone can come, but we make the best of it and enjoy those who can come.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & Dani</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ash5GyjcbDptyIGK0L5xkYU_zFY00bva6U0QEZYCxgVUWjMBDzdtHjK6cEeUD2muQwIxu-MHNxHIsEZq4nv5Tu4rvigvY1Fc-K6h2M5qZiUWIA-CiO4xwmZ1Z5oAZEUCSY-D2SIMv3rV/s1600/DSC_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ash5GyjcbDptyIGK0L5xkYU_zFY00bva6U0QEZYCxgVUWjMBDzdtHjK6cEeUD2muQwIxu-MHNxHIsEZq4nv5Tu4rvigvY1Fc-K6h2M5qZiUWIA-CiO4xwmZ1Z5oAZEUCSY-D2SIMv3rV/s320/DSC_0115.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 Generations - Grandpa (only child), Merrill (oldest child), Me (oldest grandchild)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLluaSSsJR0hyphenhyphenA9zJSDBh_eQjqdjBk_txJxjG4Mtn3HDCeYOvNBwg_SZ8P2bor6WWnsGn1YTnFefHmWXH5Q5BTDtpmIDe6xVqIoa0SfFufJz35ZTFOehe2qkZgfPyf41Es2b2f0OPnFSyw/s1600/DSC_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLluaSSsJR0hyphenhyphenA9zJSDBh_eQjqdjBk_txJxjG4Mtn3HDCeYOvNBwg_SZ8P2bor6WWnsGn1YTnFefHmWXH5Q5BTDtpmIDe6xVqIoa0SfFufJz35ZTFOehe2qkZgfPyf41Es2b2f0OPnFSyw/s320/DSC_0117.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah & Me</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtInLOS7d616FyzFps95E1Jgthd7hK3vKcGT17-u1CK6s1pUpNG1uoB33NuinEwmd2Xz1gUEcNFk0upPA3Eqt_P9n4cpq02Q0svZhUl-LV3ojZ9iSv717vby98acbM2zIdJfZOgfiNN8B/s1600/DSC_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtInLOS7d616FyzFps95E1Jgthd7hK3vKcGT17-u1CK6s1pUpNG1uoB33NuinEwmd2Xz1gUEcNFk0upPA3Eqt_P9n4cpq02Q0svZhUl-LV3ojZ9iSv717vby98acbM2zIdJfZOgfiNN8B/s320/DSC_0118.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me - almost 27 weeks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOO7MI-HwkrULDJ0WBJG6UYbe6OKrdGredy515PHUSmXUqTRFKeSpEZlFmefEPGwxuCoiJZB9_OBeHFfiKg6YVLjBVtSrdbpdyB6tf78_-YnQFmPG76U8nDgDkbFZ_Wo5n30CGrDk9bZr2/s1600/DSC_0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOO7MI-HwkrULDJ0WBJG6UYbe6OKrdGredy515PHUSmXUqTRFKeSpEZlFmefEPGwxuCoiJZB9_OBeHFfiKg6YVLjBVtSrdbpdyB6tf78_-YnQFmPG76U8nDgDkbFZ_Wo5n30CGrDk9bZr2/s320/DSC_0119.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah, Me & Kamri - 2 weeks old</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYkND54-O40bdyuLIwnZ3wh_H-84bzrlF38_-PBbQlMqoYXMvWKIczc-lKriW16ArH0-mQ57X8z3jq10XhJHqrE_P7zqWUDLC6UismJ4VlIUMYDx2MQ5jcUS1g4XMOavkcLESxEB7AP8K/s1600/DSC_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYkND54-O40bdyuLIwnZ3wh_H-84bzrlF38_-PBbQlMqoYXMvWKIczc-lKriW16ArH0-mQ57X8z3jq10XhJHqrE_P7zqWUDLC6UismJ4VlIUMYDx2MQ5jcUS1g4XMOavkcLESxEB7AP8K/s320/DSC_0121.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & Kamri</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvzKhyREDfqLFbgfV26b5yGwyZA7X5KfZzonc6kBgEqf0AfAxHvVcVmRNqdn37txDs4o8P2NkZ5hdQEF6uePLMb1A5BkzH1pAEfn_ckymY_TdDPhOPjq_NunL0JfFnmCDUwdzbhPl9sUi/s1600/DSC_0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvzKhyREDfqLFbgfV26b5yGwyZA7X5KfZzonc6kBgEqf0AfAxHvVcVmRNqdn37txDs4o8P2NkZ5hdQEF6uePLMb1A5BkzH1pAEfn_ckymY_TdDPhOPjq_NunL0JfFnmCDUwdzbhPl9sUi/s320/DSC_0122.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kamri & Mom - It's not even her grandbaby and look how excited she is!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-4812152676472090142011-12-07T21:00:00.000-07:002012-03-04T09:04:35.907-07:00Live NativityWe went with the Glad's to see a live nativity in Sugarhouse. It was pretty cold, so we all bundled up and got some hot chocolate on our way. It was pretty fun, except for the part where the camel growled at us, exposing us to the worst bad breath you can imagine. I had to quickly walk away or I would've puked and just made the smell worse. Not a good idea for a pregnant lady. <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(This also may have been the last time I could zip up my coat.)</span></em><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaydhgthq_XDp_FchnDPhWy_DUq8X4K2ARUJBeYjdIYr2nmiH9x5BSFP-eXZ56VAEE1QeC8vb_VdlMf3u3CLpImSdmj-heALOjCfnJX740yVQPT2jCDCNQoLxcnIg4CCH-4ZwpvZ4QFu9/s1600/IMG_0151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaydhgthq_XDp_FchnDPhWy_DUq8X4K2ARUJBeYjdIYr2nmiH9x5BSFP-eXZ56VAEE1QeC8vb_VdlMf3u3CLpImSdmj-heALOjCfnJX740yVQPT2jCDCNQoLxcnIg4CCH-4ZwpvZ4QFu9/s320/IMG_0151.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Derek, Stuart, Nancy, Paul, Curtis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-55437573841554362382011-11-24T21:00:00.000-07:002012-03-04T08:58:26.226-07:00Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This year Thanksgiving was at my Grandma & Grandpa Walker's house. The food was delicious as always, and everyone had a good time catching up. Here are a few pictures to document. (Not everyone who was there is pictured. And not everyone was there. We missed those who couldn't make it.)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzEMUvPqEhQDZWpyjtsDE8mJ_QBGrb2kTa_9WXarkIWP38oTEYlZebJcaU-1DqGeC5CMEHozkLD-UwQJoDa99XGi58XKMKh99ia1goiNk88_I048_0iGB-YXjiorenw46OhvLAj_JU2fh/s1600/DSC_0018+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzEMUvPqEhQDZWpyjtsDE8mJ_QBGrb2kTa_9WXarkIWP38oTEYlZebJcaU-1DqGeC5CMEHozkLD-UwQJoDa99XGi58XKMKh99ia1goiNk88_I048_0iGB-YXjiorenw46OhvLAj_JU2fh/s320/DSC_0018+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brittany, Chris, Taylor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5odaGaW3KOjBWFIC9W4jDD3md7-vj_BB6Eh6omMUaieRnhd-0BqNGJa8Trg3SULjyvtLimSEj6jcEJt1D0l1ljIe5KAPpNYrIQcPI7vAisxtMmjiIZWvNCALIL8dcU4h39fD3pCBbYqf5/s1600/DSC_0019+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5odaGaW3KOjBWFIC9W4jDD3md7-vj_BB6Eh6omMUaieRnhd-0BqNGJa8Trg3SULjyvtLimSEj6jcEJt1D0l1ljIe5KAPpNYrIQcPI7vAisxtMmjiIZWvNCALIL8dcU4h39fD3pCBbYqf5/s320/DSC_0019+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aubrey, McKay, Austin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3wZb49eCWrZS7GpQVLKnfbcSdwYDV3mxrMj5aGHJjU0CORmBrAV6hb1lAgGj699_z7XR5zl8GzJe4E8IvhvZcL9mVQeYhXdA8Fbiwv3UV4d-M9F0q99a3pqgHJ9Lwg80iigCrlIE3SLi/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3wZb49eCWrZS7GpQVLKnfbcSdwYDV3mxrMj5aGHJjU0CORmBrAV6hb1lAgGj699_z7XR5zl8GzJe4E8IvhvZcL9mVQeYhXdA8Fbiwv3UV4d-M9F0q99a3pqgHJ9Lwg80iigCrlIE3SLi/s320/DSC_0021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dani & Parker</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & Marci</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJtFhSQ8KTV9WvpOUGSUID5NRjMoCjJ2EobJh859qNQKpVn7SdQcp7kFNLUeGDchFUndZFLdQ55T07WaddtVW_QLJR4Zl4rUEXdEG7wCyMloZxHt3SVP5GheFNqniKwEGf-qHfmNYgU_h/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJtFhSQ8KTV9WvpOUGSUID5NRjMoCjJ2EobJh859qNQKpVn7SdQcp7kFNLUeGDchFUndZFLdQ55T07WaddtVW_QLJR4Zl4rUEXdEG7wCyMloZxHt3SVP5GheFNqniKwEGf-qHfmNYgU_h/s320/DSC_0023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt & Phil</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGUXIdHmKLlAWDW_gYHeBE1gVtnqoufNA_51nYLs1LE2UNV2xuc_H1yRkfwbAJJKmMdJGFXt1G3Jz30KgoSfcLxv4BmwCgHWIy-8KxVx9e06e90YsFAwqUQCJ6cSI84p8G_URDLDs0Aa1/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGUXIdHmKLlAWDW_gYHeBE1gVtnqoufNA_51nYLs1LE2UNV2xuc_H1yRkfwbAJJKmMdJGFXt1G3Jz30KgoSfcLxv4BmwCgHWIy-8KxVx9e06e90YsFAwqUQCJ6cSI84p8G_URDLDs0Aa1/s320/DSC_0024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merrill & Shannan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxaqpu-WtsgWxmU7xBnP-FYk6bHrkcAHHuTHFPEcWPouvBF_KFaEo_qD9u_vC8TCyWXVpG_1AjQj6dn4ucVLrLRx2Q_MY0x360KVJXE8FVtdmJSaNLhzKCtq3j8uOeZTAkDRtSdgltxc6/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxaqpu-WtsgWxmU7xBnP-FYk6bHrkcAHHuTHFPEcWPouvBF_KFaEo_qD9u_vC8TCyWXVpG_1AjQj6dn4ucVLrLRx2Q_MY0x360KVJXE8FVtdmJSaNLhzKCtq3j8uOeZTAkDRtSdgltxc6/s320/DSC_0027.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa Walker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQm4CSR9TnHKAbrDwkAB3R2_vzQt1vb1oQroCH5O9-78d09-u7CMxkrKbNu4l6poEd7KuZPNxxRwFhxc1J173jmdh_OSksNYbm6OGYxJvrKQT_AuCx-zP-z7QqAod3mHdk4vfmOhMG00lT/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQm4CSR9TnHKAbrDwkAB3R2_vzQt1vb1oQroCH5O9-78d09-u7CMxkrKbNu4l6poEd7KuZPNxxRwFhxc1J173jmdh_OSksNYbm6OGYxJvrKQT_AuCx-zP-z7QqAod3mHdk4vfmOhMG00lT/s320/DSC_0025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meggan, Mom & Dad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-61018164485465952342011-11-19T20:30:00.000-07:002012-03-04T08:45:14.866-07:00Pie NightTonight we had our annual Pie Night and once again I forgot to take any pictures. I always get so stressed about making sure it goes well and that everyone has a good time. I think everyone did. We had some really good pies and everyone stayed late to visit, which is always my favorite part. (Ok, it's a tie between visiting and eating the pie. So really this night is a win/win for me.)<br />
<br />
Thanks to everyone who came! We love you all!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-1407837654823293122011-11-17T15:58:00.001-07:002011-11-17T16:09:23.332-07:0022 Weeks<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7gXtuU6-MH4Qcatsa7ON5j2HSZppC1zo08xGE1uOmAnHegNwKP_7TtNbwbxNprqPMV7hs0U_7yw-1KTKu1-ecY7eOOpDyR_xvPaxKItD1-ZW2L8FINk62BKg6onbkefwqFjjrEnTl47h/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7gXtuU6-MH4Qcatsa7ON5j2HSZppC1zo08xGE1uOmAnHegNwKP_7TtNbwbxNprqPMV7hs0U_7yw-1KTKu1-ecY7eOOpDyR_xvPaxKItD1-ZW2L8FINk62BKg6onbkefwqFjjrEnTl47h/s320/DSC_0018.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">22 Weeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well, there you go. I hope my sister Nat appreciates these pictures, because they're mostly for her because she's not around to see me get all big and round. And as I get bigger I get less inclined to want to post these. But I love you Nat. <br />
<br />
In other news, I have failed at NaNoWriMo. I had a good couple days, but then I needed a night of Brian just rubbing my belly and then there was a wedding and then I just gave up. Maybe next year I'll try again.<br />
<br />
Also, a couple weeks ago, Brian started feeling the baby move! Last night we were laying in bed and he was just talking about architecture stuff and the baby started kicking. He thinks it's a sign, but I think it's mostly that the baby likes Brian's voice. I can't argue with that. I often fall asleep to Brian talking (in a good way.)<br />
<br />
We're still struggling to find a name. It's really hard. I want to find something that none of our cousins have, or have used for their kids. That's a lot of names. And then there's the problem of finding something that doesn't make our parents go, "eh". I've decided to stop telling our parents any of the names until we know what we want, and then they have to like it. :) <br />
<br />
And I know it shouldn't matter, but I don't want people to think our name is weird, or that we're going for some theme (because we already know what we want to name a girl someday). I guess I'll just have to get some thicker skin.<br />
<br />
It's Thanksgiving next week! So excited. And then I get to decorate for Christmas! Yay!<br />
<br />
Again: Any suggestions for names are welcome. :)Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-41897732429562249772011-11-05T20:30:00.000-06:002012-03-04T08:40:38.288-07:00Cousin Sarah's Wedding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZRgbVX2acGkam_uRn5Tsy-G7prOgaoElWKNvnMLJuqq-4dTGr6lGKdskwjHAyOJX8YKBy2px5Xcix7HdB5mVSbUuLwrInknmozYIzj3ShO-Egj04MUPRIJ9D_R0MRgZdYaTUHyaj1yJq/s1600/DSC_0581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZRgbVX2acGkam_uRn5Tsy-G7prOgaoElWKNvnMLJuqq-4dTGr6lGKdskwjHAyOJX8YKBy2px5Xcix7HdB5mVSbUuLwrInknmozYIzj3ShO-Egj04MUPRIJ9D_R0MRgZdYaTUHyaj1yJq/s320/DSC_0581.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Today my cousin Sarah got married in the Mt. Timpanogos temple. It was a very special day for our whole family. There were a lot of emotions happening all very close to the surface. I sat in the sealing room next to my Grandma Walker and my Dad. (Brian had forgotten to get his recommend renewed, which we didn't realize until that morning.) The ceremony was beautiful and some special things were said, but I think more than that, some special things were felt. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. <br />
<br />
Sarah's dad, my dad's brother, passed away when I was 7 years old. Sarah was only 1. I don't know how much Sarah remembers her dad, but I know she is very close to him and feels his spirit with her constantly. My memories of my uncle Mitch are very special to me and I know that at the important events in my life, I've always felt him there. On this day, I knew he was standing there the whole time, watching his baby girl make this important step in her life and beaming with pride. We all felt his absence, but also his presence. <br />
<br />
Congratulations Sarah!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-77553664943952248162011-10-31T18:04:00.001-06:002011-11-01T10:51:08.784-06:00A few things to note<div>
* Today marks halfway thru this pregnancy! <br />
I'm feeling pretty good. I can't believe it has flown by so fast. I feel this little guy move All The Time. And he's already a strong kicker. We will see if he doesn't just kick right thru my belly by the end.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizh1jXlRTUGkOUVCT2qqCtrqgVIyEFp6dP60yusHOi19Ozcv-_fI_WOc8TktT2C9yGkeDEVStcptV00fEKq_tGMkGMq14djLjuvgrp3cQvlVHabe6-L4iVyFpyXgBdK893jxkUv5k6ZGy/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizh1jXlRTUGkOUVCT2qqCtrqgVIyEFp6dP60yusHOi19Ozcv-_fI_WOc8TktT2C9yGkeDEVStcptV00fEKq_tGMkGMq14djLjuvgrp3cQvlVHabe6-L4iVyFpyXgBdK893jxkUv5k6ZGy/" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">20 Weeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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* Happy Halloween!<br />
I thought of a few good costumes but then lacked the energy to actually make them. <br />
Let's just say my costume is Half-Baked. Cuz I'm 20 weeks.</div>
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<br />
* <a href="http://nanowrimo.com/">NaNoWriMo</a> begins tomorrow.<br />
Some of you may remember when I wrote 50,000 words in 30 days. I'm attempting to do it again in November. I will be joining a large group of people already involved in this project.<br />
So if I'm MIA that is why.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br />
* I wrote this whole post from my phone. Including the picture. I'm so proud of myself. It also means I have one less excuse to not blog.</div>
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</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7733888490109762097.post-35860875584201424852011-10-29T10:24:00.001-06:002011-10-29T10:24:40.573-06:00My Baby Brought My Laugh BackIn high school, back when life was easier & I had less to worry about, I was known for my laugh.<br />
<br />
It was loud & happy & maybe a even a little annoying. But it was mine. Unique. Resonating. Contagious.<br />
<br />
I was proud of my laugh. I knew you could hear it from way down the hall. But I figured it was a good thing, because maybe it put a smile on someones face.<br />
<br />
But life doesn't stay easy like high school. Life can get hard, real fast.<br />
<br />
At 21, I lost that laugh. I even lost my smile.<br />
<br />
I could still fake it & make people think I was fine. But the smile never reached my eyes and the laugh never came from my gut. Only those closest were able to see that.<br />
<br />
Then Brian came back into my life. And he brought my real smile that lit up my face and reached all the way to my eyes. And he even brought back my laugh. But it didn't come as easily as in high school. And it wasn't as common.<br />
<br />
I figured this is just the way life goes. You grow up & stop being loud & obnoxious. And I was so happy. So I didn't miss that old laugh.<br />
<br />
Then I lost my first baby. And my laugh and smile faded a little bit. Even though I found the healing I needed, I never found a way to bring my laugh back to what it once was.<br />
<br />
And then this baby came. And I screamed and cried for joy. And I could hardly keep it in because I wanted to shout to the world.<br />
<br />
And I started to notice my laugh again.<br />
<br />
I noticed that it not only reaches my eyes, but it comes from all the way down in my gut.<br />
<br />
Like my baby is laughing with me & wants me to be as happy as I can possibly be.<br />
<br />
So this is for you Baby Boy.<br />
<br />
This is to all the laughs I plan to have with you for the rest of my life.<br />
<br />
Thank you for choosing to come to our family.<br />
<br />
Thank you for bringing my laugh back.<br />
<br />
~~<br />
<br />
In case you didn't catch that:<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">IT'S A BOY!!!</span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711761415994513484noreply@blogger.com5