The Waites

Birth Story

2012-01-19T14:39:00.000-08:00

Our really sweet and wonderful friend Ashley is adding a new collection to here portfolio of photography. Usually she shoots weddings and engagements, in fact she did the photography for two of Dryw's sister's weddings. She is AWESOME at what she does and asked if she could tell our birth story via photography. Of course we obliged!!

Because I had a C-Section she was not able to be in the room when the babies were born for pictures, which is how it would work for traditional birth stories. Instead she was at the hospital the day the boys were born and captured the moments that I would never even think to get!! Once the boys came home from the hospital she was able to capture those moments as well. It is a two part story but you can read about it and see the pictures Here.

Thank you so much Ashley!!! We are so glad you were able to share our day with us and tell our amazing story!!

The Best Christmas Gifts Ever!!

2012-01-04T18:33:00.001-08:00

First off let me say that I am really terrible at keeping up with my blog...sorry to those who read it (if anyone still does!) Be prepared...this is a LONG post!

This year Christmas seemed to come so fast!! I was not prepared in any way for the events of this Christmas. Thanksgiving came and went and I was very excited for several reasons: 1) I love food and love to eat it, especially Thanksgiving dinner (YUM!), and being that I was pregnant it was a good excuse to eat more and no one would judge me! ;) 2) November 23 marked my official last day of work before I started maternity leave (YAY!) 3) Black Friday shopping!!

After the Thanksgiving holiday I was starting to mostly prepare for the arrival of our twin boys. Since I was now off work I could take care of the nesting problems I was starting to have and get down to business in our apartment and finish the nursery for the boys. During the first week I cleaned out the bathroom cabinets, cleaned out the hall closet, cleaned out my closet and donated tons of clothes and shoes to D.I., deep cleaned as much as I could with help from my little sis cause I could no longer get down on my knees and clean the floors (that is the best way to do it!), and started piecing the nursery together. Dryw would come home every day and I was excited to show him what I had accomplished each day. To my surprise he was not as excited as I was, in fact he would get mad at me and tell me I was doing too much and that I needed to rest. Who was he kidding?? If I didnt do it then who would?? Certainly not him...right ladies? ;) During this week of nesting I had my usually doctors appointments. It was during one of those appointments that I mentioned to my DR that I had been very itchy all over, not to mention the swelling that I had been dealing with since what felt like the 2nd month, was getting a lot worse. My legs literally looked like tree stumps! She sent me for blood work and recommended a lotion I could use for the itching.

During my second week of maternity leave I decided I needed to wash all of the baby clothes in dreft so I could put them away in my OCD manner in their nursery. I also decided that it was a great time to wash all of our laundry as well. So I packed up all of our laundry including all of the clothes for the boys and headed to my In-Laws. (We dont have a washer and dryer in our apartment and it is much cheaper to do laundry at my In-Laws instead of a laundry mat). On my way there I received a phone call from my DR telling me that my blood test results came in and that the enzyme levels in my liver were elevated, she was prescribing a medication that would help with this problem, but also wanted me to go get fetal monitoring done. I didnt think much of it, I mean I was carrying twins, I expected something to be elevated! I put off calling to make an appointment to get monitored for a couple hours while I did laundry, but something (or someone) kept telling me I needed to call. So I did and it was a good thing I did. They only did monitoring on Tuesdays and Fridays and being that it was a Tuesday they could get me in that day. I asked for the latest appointment I could because the OCD in me had to finish laundry before I went. As usual, I was running late so I threw all of the clean clothes in my car, ran home to change really quick (the plan was to shower but I didnt have time), and went over to the hospital for monitoring. (sorry this is so long, but we are getting to the good part!)

While laying on the very comfy (NOT) bed and being monitored, the nurse noticed how swollen my feet were. I told her that was nothing and she should look at my non-existent knee caps. When she pulled up the leg to my sweatpants she was shocked by how swollen I was. She decided to take my blood pressure and once the reading came up she looked at me like she was looking at a ghost. She asked me how long I had had high blood pressure and I said I havent. It hasnt been high ever and it has been fine this whole time. She checked the machine, did it on herself, used another machine, but the reading was still very high. If I remember correctly it was 163 over 110. (I am not very good with what this means, but apparently that is REALLY high for someone who has never had problems. So she decided I needed to go to labor and delivery to see them and it just so happened my doctor was there when I go over there. She decided I should get monitored there, get some blood taken and see what happens. Well folks, that was the beginning to an end! I called Dryw but he was on his way to the Temple with the youth so i told him I would keep him posted if something was going to happen because I was not sure if they were keeping me, so I called my mom.

The day then went from an average laundry day and turned in to a huge blur. My blood tests came back and the enzyme levels were elevated even higher, I had pregnancy induced hypertension (AKA Preclampsia), and a thing called cholestasis. The best medicine for all of these is early delivery. Now at this time I was a few days shy of being 34 weeks pregnant. As soon as I heard they were going to have to take the babies I freaked! I was not done cooking them yet! Being that I was only 33 weeks they decided to give me a steroid shot to mature the lungs of the babies and told me if I did not have them within the next 24 hours that they would give me the second round of steroids for the babies. Our prayer was that I would at least make it another 24 hours. Every hour seemed to go by so slowly, but yet so fast at the same time. I made it the 24 hour period and received the second dose. Each time the nurse came in we anxiously awaited any news from the DR on when the babies would be delivered. What went from possible having an emergency C-Section that Tuesday night went to an up in the air, it depends on A,B, & C game. (Thank you to everyone who played the waiting game with us!).

Finally word came and the C-Section was going to happen Friday December 9. That morning seemed pretty slow and I thought I had prepared myself pretty well considering I was about to have major surgery (my first form of surgery ever!) As soon as the clock struck 11 it was like the world was ending! The nurse came in and threw a pack of "special" clothes at Dryw and told him to get dressed, handed my my "party hat" and had me put it on, she hooked my IV back up, and said "Ok, you ready?" WHAT....NOW???? Oh man, I so was NOT ready! It happened so fast! They wheeled me in to the OR and because I was receiving a spinal and not an epidural and it was being done in the OR, Dryw could not be in there with me. I was FREAKING out! I am so lucky that the staff at St. Jude are so wonderful, they totally made me feel comfortable and I think by the time we left the hospital every one of the nurses had waited on us at some point and knew us by name. The spinal felt nothing at all like what I thought it would feel like, in fact it did not hurt one bit. The IV is WAY worse! Once I was on the table and ready to go Dryw was able to come in, and the show was about to start!

It seemed like FOREVER but it was not very long at all, maybe 45 minutes (since there were two of them), but at 12:18 and 12:19 p.m. Maverick Grant and Gavin Cole Waite were born. Once I was all sewn and stapled back up they took me back to my room to recover. Because the boys were born premature, they had to go to the NICU, something I was prepared for but did not want to happen. Maverick was 4lbs 15 oz and Gavin was 3lbs 14 oz. They were little guys, but they were doing very well. Maverick had to be on the CPAP machined for about 18 hours to help him with his breathing, but Gavin was a little fighter. He did not need any help breathing. They both were off of the IV fluids within a couple days of being born and they were maintaining their temps and eating well fairly quickly. I attribute it to the steroid shots I received and the answer to prayers pouring out from everywhere and everyone (thank you to to those who had us in their prayers!)

Sadly because I was on medication fro the high blood pressure I could not go in and see the boys in the NICU until I was off the medication. They were born Friday afternoon and I was not able to see them or hold them in person until Saturday evening...I was dying. That by far was the hardest part of this whole thing. St Jude has a really wonderful thing called the NIC View. They have cameras set up so you can watch your babies in the NICU 24/7 (minus the times when the DR is doing his check ups on them), so I was able to watch them from my room and we were able to give the log in to our friends and families so they could watch them as well. It was a really great tool, especially once I was discharged from the hospital I could watch them from home when I wasnt there with them (which was hardly ever! I was there so much I could have been a nurse!! JK.) The NICU staff was AMAZING!!! They knew us by name and we have pictures with each crew. It even got to the point that they wondered where we were if we werent in there because they were so used to seeing us all day every day!! They really became like a family for us and out little guys. It was their goal to have the boys home by Christmas if they were doing well enough to be released. Again, an answer to prayers because Thursday December 22 as I stopped by to drop off some breastmilk before visiting hours, they told me that we would be able to take the boys home that night! I almost fell over!! I could not believe it. They were doing so well and the DR was impressed with them and said they could come home. We were so excited!!

Needless to say it was a very Merry Christmas to us this year. I cant imagine a better gift or in our case, gifts!!

Here are some pictures...not many though...I dont like the ones we have of them with their IV's in and in their incubators--it makes me feel so bad for them and so sad and helpless. So here are some better ones. No joke we have like 1300 pictures of them so far...but I am only going to share a few. More will come--I promise--(eventually!) ;)

Gavin

Maverick

Look how little Maverick was

Gavin holding daddy's finger...makes him look so tiny!! (I guess it is beacause he was!)

Mommy and her boys!!!

First family photo! Gavin has a question!! :)

WOW...

2011-08-19T21:10:00.000-07:00

So here is the first "official" pregnancy picture...I feel HUGE!!! I am 16 1/2 weeks along here. (Remember there is 2 in there...dont judge!) Plus I had just eaten...my belly seems to get a whole lot bigger right after I eat! I am glad that I am starting to actually look more round, it is helping to justify that I no longer fit into any of my pants!!! (so sad!!)

I swore I was going to take a picture every week from week 1 of pregnancy, but between being so nauseous the first several weeks, working full time, and trying to be a wife, the plan didnt really work out that way. I hope I can get better at taking more frequent pictures. I would like to see the progression...but I am SO scared because I know I am going to get HUGE with twins!!

And we go from 2 to 4....

2011-08-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

This year has been really trying for Dryw and I in more ways than one. We have really learned a lot about each other and about the plan that Heavenly Father has for us. We are starting to see a silver lining in the near future and hope that we can stay worthy of the many blessings Heavenly Father has in store for us.

One of the biggest blessings (or maybe I should say two) is that Dryw and I will be expecting our first AND second babies this January!!! Yes, we are expecting TWINS!!!!!! I am SO excited! Dryw is over the moon--he couldnt be happier!! I am almost 17 weeks, and yes I do have a bump (that picture will have to be in the next post-not sure what happened to the one we had??) Yesterday we found out the gender...we are expecting 2 boys!! Oh wow, I have my hands full...I am officially out numbered!! Dryw is already making plans: soccer players, future missionaires, etc. He is so excited! Now we just have to decide on names...let the name war begin!!!

Here are some ultrasound pics to tide you over...if you have never seen one with twins its kind of crazy!!! They are too big now to get their full bodies together in 1 shot, so we got just their heads. So fun!!!

The next project....turning our office/2nd bedroom into a nursery. Oh man, my OCD is going to be hard to handle...poor Dryw!!!

Their heads together.

Baby B (that is his name until we can pick one). He is facing towards us, very alien looking, but still so darn cute!! Let me tell you, I think this one is going to be our problem child. He was not shy about showing us his stuff, we could tell right away he was a boy. He was letting it all hang out...just like his dad...we are in so much trouble!!!

Baby A is going to be my sweet one I think. He was very shy and reserved. We had to coax him into showing us his goods!! Poor little guy!! I cant wait to see how their personalities match what we see in the ultrasounds!!

We couldnt be more excited. We can't wait until they are here and we can just hold them. We are so lucky to be blessed with such sweet spirits! Any guesses on how many trips to the E.R. we are going to make?? After all, they are Dryw's sons....

TBD

2011-04-16T08:47:00.000-07:00

Yes....I need to post something...please be patient!!! A post to come soon!

Slingshot....Engage!!!!

2010-07-23T16:38:00.001-07:00

Last Summer Dryw, my little brother, my Mom, and I all bought passes to Knott's Berry Farm and Knott's Soak City. They were having a sale where you could buy a year pass to both parks for $99. The very first week of having the passes we had already used out money's worth...we were there just about every day.

We have had a ton of fun with our passes and it makes for lots of fun, easy, and cheap date nights. During the winter Dryw and I would catch the last hour of Knotts and ride almost every major roller coaster there. They have a new ride called The Excelerator. It is so much fun!!! It takes off super fast and goes straight up and around and straight down...it is gnarly!!!! One morning Dryw, my little bro, and I rode it about 5 times in a row. We switched seats every time and came to the conclusion that the very back seats are the best.

Right when it takes off and gets to the top and drops down, if you are sitting in the back row it feels like a slingshot and the weight of the front of the roller coaster snaps the back end down. It is so much fun...you have to try it for yourself!!!!!

Last week our passes expired so Dryw and I decided to go for the last hour the park was open and get one last slingshot in. We waited in line for about 15-20 mins (so good for how long the line can be) and engaged in our final slingshot of the year.

Just before we got on The Excelerator. We also we able to get on Supreme Scream...another one of my favorites, especially at night!!!!

We decided that we had to get a funnel cake...especially with the famous Knott's Strawberries on it. It was so good!!! So rich...I decided that even though the Strawberries are so yummy, I favor the plain funnel cake with powdered sugar

It just looked so good!!!!!

Not sure what is going on here...lol

It was dark and I was far which is why the picture didn't turn out very well...but I wanted to have something to document our night at Knott's. (If you look closely you can see The Excelerator...crazy looking right???)

Fabric Shopping!!!!

2010-07-23T16:05:00.001-07:00

Recently the boundary lines were re-drawn in our Stake and our ward became the home to a lot of young couples!!! Dryw and I were very excited because we were one of the few in the Ward up until this point and we couldnt wait to make new friends. Dryw has no problem making friends but I can sometimes be a little shy and a little bit of an introvert at first...but once I get to know people I can be load an obnoxious and a complete goof ball... I am so glad my husband has no fear and made friends quickly!!! I am starting to get to know some of the other girls and they are so much FUN!!!! I have been playing bunco with them once a month which is so much fun, and recently some of us went to the LA Fabric District to look for some quality fabric for less!!!

I have never sewed but always intended to learn and I thought this would be a great way to not only get to know some of the other girls but to also get motivated to learn. I can be crafty but I am so busy and my brain gets so scrambled with every day life on top of ideas that it all seems to mesh together and I cant seem to sort it out!!! So with the help of some of the girls I am going to learn how to sew and I have a feeling that once I get the hang of it that I wont be able to stop...Dryw is a little frightened to see what might happen if I learn...he may NEVER get to spend time with me!!! lol... I just hope all of the ideas I have in my head can come to fruition and that I will be able to master the art--even just a little bit!!!

Here are some pics from the shopping day:

Getting ready to start the shopping adventure...

I dont think LA was prepared for the swarm of LDS women this warm Saturday morning...

With children and goodies in tow we all headed back to the cars to grab some lunch

You can't go to LA and not eat at the original El Cholo's...so yummy!!!! The Enchilada Suiza is (are) to die for!!!

Some of the fabric I bought...I cannot wait to see how this turns out!!! I have a special project in mind for these pieces and once it is complete I will be sure to publish a post!

I am also excited for these pieces. Again, pictures will be posted when it is completed...

Let's hope I can learn well enough for my projects to turn out half way decent!! (I can't wait for our student/teacher session!!!)

Girls Camp!!!!

2010-07-23T15:47:00.001-07:00

Kirsten, Whitney, Mary Elena, And Abby

(Crazy girls!)
Kirsten, Mo, and my partner in crime, Sista B!!!

Some of our beautiful Camp Council Girls!

Testimony Night...our Theme was Wizard of Oz and the goal was to return home.

(only way to get there was to follow the yellow brick road and through Temple City to Heavenly Father )

Abby is notorious for bloody noses...so the girls thought it would be a good idea to use a tampon to clot the blood and stop the bleeding. It was hilarious to watch...we even have it on video. We sent her to the nurse and they too thought it was funny. Brother Waite (who was able to come for a night) was horrified and scared for life when he saw little Abby.

Sista B and I with the Camp Council in front of our cabin

The beautiful girls of the Euclid Ward along with Bishop, Sister Suarez, and myself

I walked in the door and this is what I found...along with a very clean apartment I might add (very impressed). I think my husband missed me.... :)

Ansley Marie Jackman/Nevada/4th of July

2010-07-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

Perfect Baby Girl...Welcome Ansley Marie!!!

The proud older brother...hence the shirt!

Very proud uncle Dryw...she alreayd has him wrapped around her little finger.

Already hamming it up for the camera...Watch out sis--you have a little star on your hands!!!

Taking a break from moving to get a quick tickle session and picture opportunity

My contribution to the 4th festivities/blessing.

Ansley taking a nap with Uncle Dryw...they were prepaing for the fireworks later that night! :)

So much stuff...so little time...

2010-07-23T15:02:00.000-07:00

So we have been up to a lot sine my last post...Here is what has been going on in the busy life of the Waites:

1) It is Official!!! Dryw signed his hire letter with LA County Fire Department and will enter the academy on September 3rd and graduate January 12th!!!! We are so excited...and so very lucky!! We have been blessed with this amazing opportunity and it hardly seems real!!! :)

2) My sister had baby number 2, our niece Ansley Marie Jackman!! She is adorable!!!! The pregnancy process still blowes me away!!!

3) My twinner and her husband, Amber and Justin, moved to Nevada because Justin was accepted into a masters program there. I was so sad and so excited for them at the same time. Dryw and I helped them move and we stayed with them in their cute little place and we managed to get them all set up before we left on Sunday--almost all of the boxes were unpacked and we even had things hung on the walls!! It was amazing. I didnt want to leave because I was going to miss my adorable little niece and nephew, but mostly because I was going to miss my best friend--my sister!!! I cried almost the entire way home. Every time I stopped something would remind me of her or Jasper and Ansley and I would tear up again. I am better now, but it sucks that I cant just hop in the car and drive 15 mins to be with them...but I guess that's life right?

4) Girls Camp!!! I was able to be a leader at girls camp this year and it was so much fun!!! We had some crazy days and nights and I cant believe what amazing young women we have!!! I was lucky enough to be one of the leaders over the camp council and it was amazing watching them interact with the other girls and watch them grow. Our Stake has some beautiful young women, inside and out!!!

5) 4th of July!!!! Amber and Justin came back to bless Ansley on the 4th so it was fun to be with the family and enjoy such a wonderful blessing and celebrate an amazing holiday!! We kept it pretty low key this year because it was on a Sunday, but we were able to spend it with friends and family and it made for an amazing time.

(I am going to post pictures in separate posts so you don't get overloaded with all of the craziness!)

6) Presently: Dryw's last day at Fed-Ex is next Friday (Yay!) so we are going to be able to spend a little bit of time together before he goes into the academy. I will still be working full time, but at least I will be able to see him when I get home from work!

That's about all I have for now!!! More to come later...

So bad....

2010-05-10T20:10:00.000-07:00

I really am so bad at keeping up with our blog...maybe it is because I sit at a compute rall day that I dont really want to come home and download pictures...or because when I get off work I have just enough time to get home, make dinner, and take it to Dryw before his late route...I dont know...but I really am going to try and get better at it!

Since I posted last there have been a ton of things going on...(too many pictures so ill post a few.

Halloween: We pretty much dont do anything right now because we dont have kids and Dryw is usually working that night (unless it is Sunday).

Thanksgiving: We took a few days and went to St. George Utah to visit my Grandparents. They moved up there almost a year ago and we try to go as often as possible. They arent members so it is kind of funny that they ended up there...but we always have so much fun visiting them!! Dryw and I got a chance to ride one of the numerous mountain bike trails there, Bearclaw Poppy (I think was the name)...it was so much fun.

**Side note: Dryw has always been into bikes...Dirt bikes, BMX, Mountain...so he saw a really good deal on Craigslist and bought a mountain bike. He had a blast riding it. I would get so jelous that I couldnt go and I told him that I really liked riding bikes and I did it a ton when I was little, so he said we woulb borrow someones and I could see how I liked it. Our awesome friends, Bennet and Michelle, let us borrow her bike and I fell in love right away. Dryw finally gave in and bought me a bike and I LOVE it!! We try to ride as often as possible. Dryw has more time during the day to go so we usually try to ride at least once a week together. I have fallen a couple times and have some battle wounds but I still have fun. Im not the best at it either. I enjoy it and its good exercise but I cant keep up with the pros!! haha :)

Christmas: We have a ton of family to visit on Christmas so we did our little thing together in the morning and then to Dryw's Parents, his Uncles, my Moms, and then back to his parents. Such a long day but so much fun to see all of the relatives. Since it was 5 months ago I will move on...but we had a great Christmas.

New Years: My little brother and his friend were here again for New Years and we chaperoned the Youth Dance...we love doing it. Our Young Men and women are so much fun. I can't help but dance when I get in there...I still feel so young and I love dancing and even if I try to stand still I cant help but move to the beat...its the weirdest thing!! haha...Dryw just laughs at me!

Valentines Day: Valetines Day happens to also be my Grandpa's birthday. So Dryw and I took a few days and went to visit him in St. George and Amber, Justin, and Jasper went as well. We had fun. We talked and played games, went to the St. George Temple and Jasper had fun flying (picture included), found some rocks to climb--Jasper had a blast, ate some amazing food (grandma is a GREAT cook), and Dryw and I snowboarded our last day there. Had a good time...weather was nice and we got to see our grandparents.

Birthday: My birthday fell on a Wednesday this year. I work during the week and I have never been the type of person who needs recognition for their birthday and I never take the day off but this year we decided that since my little sis works at Disneyland and Amber has a pass, that we would all go. We went the Tuesday before because Dryw has Tuesday's off and we had so much fun. I seriously love Disneyland... :)

Random Events: We went to Supercross in January (a tradition for Dryw and I) and we also went to Monster Trucks with the family...I absolutely love these two events. The only thing I cant stand are the girls who try so hard...I just dont get it. Most guys will tell you that make up caked on so thick is a huge turn off--so I dont get why girls think its cute?? I am so glad my mom would tell me if I ever looked ridiculous (not like I ever did ;))...but I dont know how some of these girls think they look so good when they in fact really dont!!! And as a girl, if one of my girlfriends looked hideous, I would say something... Girls these days-- (Thanks for letting me vent!! hehe)

This pretty much sums up what has been going on with us...I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my niece, Little Ansley Jackman...I keep looking up ways that Amber can go into labor sooner...none have worked so far!! haha... So here are a few pictures. Enjoy... (Oh and I dont usually spell check so I am sorry if some things are mis-spelled.)

Oh and the pictures are out of order because Im too lazy to put them in order...sorry!! My next posts will be better! :)

Mountain biking with Bennet and Michelle...they are animals!!!

The aftermath of my accident...not pretty. Still have the gnarly scar.

Oh yeah...Carey Heart. I really just love his wife Pink haha

Dryw's hillbilly look for Monster Trucks...he is so darn cute--i'm a lucky girl!!! :)

Supercross Track

Gravedigger...awesome!!! Dryw and Matt (Lil Brother)...they are "focused"

Grandpa carving the turkey...I am in my eating clothes!! haha I love my Grandma's face...

Mountain Bike Riding in St. George...such an amazing view

Yes, I did ride down this...pretty crazy. I just learned that I have to have my footing and just go! lol...

Jasper Flying at the St. George Temple...He was pretty high!

Uncle Dryw and Justin playing catch...with Jasper...He was having a blast!

Rock Climbing...Jasper is such a boy!

Snowboarding in Utah...awesome!! My first time in REAL powder!!!

My cousin got married in December...here are all of the cousins. Heather, me, Tim, Amber, and Nich

The 3 Amigos

These boys LOVE Dryw. They had this made for him (Matt and Leeyki)

These boys crack me up...typical 16 year old boys...too cool for everyone!

Disneyland

Buzz Lightyear Ride...I totally killed Dryw the very first time we played this...

He DOMINATED me this time...so sad!

Amber's Baby Shower...all the girls in the family (missing one)

Pennsylvania Trip!!!

2010-02-22T19:19:00.000-08:00

Dryw servced his mission in Pennsylvania and he has been talking about going back ever since he got home...well with our busy schedules we werent sure if it was ever going to happen--but it did!! We both took a week of vacation off in October and took a trip to Pennsylvania. I have never been to the East Coast before so I was super excited...and we planned to do as much as we could since we werent sure when we would get back that way again. And when I say we tried to do everything...we literally did everything. We needed a vacation from our vacation when we got home!! LOL

We took a red eye from John Wayne and flew into Philidelphia. We got there super early in the morning and Dryw tried to prepare me for the cold (mind you it had just rained and was sprinkling when we finally got our bags from the baggage claim) and as soon as the doors opened to go outside the cold hit me and went straight through my clothes all the way to my bones--totally different than the California cold im used to! I was super bundled up too!!! Dryw was in Shorts and a T-shirt and just laughed at the face I made when the cold hit me...what a punk!

We rented a car and decided to takes all the historic sites in while we were in Philly, and of course we had to get a Philly Cheesesteak...so good!!! After Philly we drove to our destination (and I wont even tell you what city we were in because I would probably get it wrong, I think it was Hanover?) we settled in with the Milam family--one of the coolest families ever!! It was fun listening to the stories they had to tell about Dryw and it was sweet watching him get all emotional and excited everytime he saw something that reminded him of a story.

We visited as many people as we could while we were in PA but we also visited Gettysburg--I cant even begin to tell you how amazing that experience was. We took so many pictures I think I would overload the blog if I posted all of them. The feeling that you have when you are walking/driving through there is a undescribable. I loved every minute of it. Lucky for us it only rained a very small amount while we were there and the rest of the time the weather was beautiful!!

We also visited Hershey Pa...so awesome!! As soon as you drive into the city it smells like Chocolate--I LOVED it!! Dryw of course had a hard time because he is allergic to chocolate...what a trooper!! That was a fun experience as well.

We also visited Dryw's sister, Kathryn, in Washington DC...also an amazing experience being able to see all of the government buildings and the memorials...I suggest everyone to try and make it to DC one day. Kathryn works in the Capital so she gave us a private tour--she did a great job!! We also were able to go to the White House--funny story about this...we were late getting to our scheduled time because our GPS kept cutting in and out so Dryw was freaking out thinking they wouldnt let us in and I was trying to be the calm and reassuring wife so we get there about 30 mins late and we walk up to security (i.e. Secrect Service) and tell them what happened and they were very cool about it so they let us in with the next group. While standing in line in the White House lobby (I guess you would call it that), one of the Secret Service men came up and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, you are in the right place at the right time. President Obama is leaving t go to Boston and you get to see him off." We were like no way--but they led us out onto the drive way right in front of the White House and his helicopter landed right there in front of us, he came walking out, and they took off!! So crazy...we were so close to the President of the United States...I dont think we will ever be that close to a President of the United States again. If we would have been on time we never would have been able to experience that...so once again the wife is always right!! :) Also kind of funny--as we were walking around the monuments that night President Obama came flying back in and we watched the helicopter land, but this time from a distance. It is true that they have 3 helicopters flying around to try and distract any enemies from the real one...crazy!!!

We were also able to go to the Washington DC Temple and with one of the stakes that Dryw served in. What a beautiful temple...and an amazing experience.

Lastly while on our trip we were able to drive to New York and we spent a day there taking in as much as we could. As soon as we figured out the Subway and we got a Map we were in good shape. That city is huge and has so much going on...its ridiculous!! We were not able to get over to the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island, but that is our excuse to go back now.

I know I am probablym missing a ton of other things we did--but we did so much driving and site seeing I cant even begin to tell you how amazing it was. I enjoyed every minute of it and it was even better watching Dryw's reactions. I suggest that everyone try to go back and visit the East Coast--you will LOVE it!! Awesome Rental Car

Isnt this beautiful?

One of the apartments that Dryw stayed in while on his mission. This was in Gettysberg and was also a civil war building...so cool!

This was very neat litte diner we ate at with Cory, who had converted right before Dryw was in the area, but Dryw was able to teach him the New Member lessons and they still talk to this day!

View in Gettysberg

We had to uset the tri-pod for this one...not too bad...

Dryw has a picture here as a missionary so we had to take another one.

So much history here it was amazing to see what I had learned in school with my own eyes. It really puts things into perspective

Hershey!!! The street lights are Kisses!!!

You know it!!

We were on the ride that takes you through a similation of the chocolate factory

Its a pillow of my favorite candy--Dryw said I couldnt have it though! :(

Dryw is eating the only thing that wasnt chocolate...a frsoted sugar cookie. What a great background as he takes his first bite! LOL

This is in Central Park. I thought it would be funny for him to wear my coat because almost evert guy we saw there had a similar coat on (duh...your in New York...that fashion capital). I thought he looked cute but he hates looking like a prety boy!

Middle of central park

The monument for the firefighters who died in 911...very humbling

The New York Temple...so crazy how it is right in the middle of a very busy city. If you werent looking for it you would walk right past it!!

Lol...in the subway--

This was in another are where Dryw served and he would ride his bike down this street...we wanted to try and get as many of the tree colors that we could...There were so many tree colors everywhere you looked. You just dont get that in Ca!

Oh I knew I would forget something...the Amish!!! We Were in Lancaster, PA. and we saw so many of them...so crazy that people live like this. Another humbling experience.

Dryw was very excited as we visited another one of his apartments

This was pretty cool. The city of Johnstown sits in a valley and they have had several major floods that have killed tons of people so they built this inclined plane that uses a pulley system to carry people to the top of the valley. It was a good idea, however they didnt realize that if it flooded, the electricity would go out and people would die anyway...and it tooks such a long time to get from the bottom to the top that there was no way they could save everyone at once. Now people use it to get from their homes at the top of the valley to work at the bottom. Gnarly...

The view from the top

When in DC we took the underground tram from the building that Kathryn works in to the Capital...I felt so important it was awesome!!!

The capital (and my Hot Chocolate!)

Kathryn and Dryw in front of the Washington Monument

The Lincoln Monument

Outside of the D.C. Temple

And finally, the only day it rained while we were in D.C. but it was till very beautiful

I may have some typos in here...sorry!! There was just so much information and so much to say and I really am too lazy to go back and proof read...im sure you forgive me!! :)

Once Again...

2010-02-22T18:48:00.000-08:00

I am way behind in posts!! I just can't seem to stay up to date!! Since my last posting we have done so many fun things!!!! I am going to try and remember everything and get it all up to date...I said try--at least I am doing that!! LOL Please stay tuned....

Sad Day

2009-10-10T13:51:00.000-07:00

Most people know that I am a total animal lover...I especially love cats! I have had my cat, Venus, for 13 years (since I was 13)...and I always thought that she would just live forever--unfortunately that was not the case.

When Dryw and I got married I had to leave Venus with my mom because Dryw is allergic to pretty much every animal...and I was so sad!! She has always slept with me...right above my head, so I felt so bad when I had to leave her!

About a month ago my mom called me and told me Venus wasnt doing well...she hadnt been eating or drinking. So I figured she was just sad and she wanted to see me. I went over there and tried feeding her all of her favorite foods, but she wanted nothing to do with them...she just wanted to be held and loved. I knew something was wrong so I called the vet and took her in to be seen...after the blood and urine samples it turned out that she had Luekemia and it had started attacking her liver. Her body was basically shutting down on her and the only thing we would have been able to do is just to give her daily injections to only prolong her life--but she was dying of the disease and even the doctor couldnt tell me how long we could prolong it for. So after much thought and tons of tears I decided I had to put her to sleep. It wasnt fair for me to keep her around just because I didnt want to put her down...so my sister, Amber, went with me and I decided to stay in the room when they gave her the shot. It was very sad, but I am glad I was there when they did it...I was with her right after she was born and I was with her up until the very last breath.

So I decided to post some of the last pictures I took with her...she always reminded me of a black panther...she was a gorgeous cat!! I have older pictures but that was before digital cameras. I miss her tons...but I know she is in a much better place!

Has It Been One Year Already????

2009-09-10T18:42:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that we have been married for 1 year already....time went by so fast!!! I have come to realize that even though we can be a pain in each other's necks, that I am very privaleged to be married to someone that I know loves me! It is questionable sometimes...and im sure he thinks that same about me...but all in all we have had a very wonderful first year of marriage. It has come with its fair share of struggles in all categories, and I am not going to tell you some made up story just to make us look good...but it truly has been a privalege and a joy to have a temple marriage and to be married to a worthy priesthood holder. We have both been blessed because of our struggles and we have a very strong bond that I know not many people have.

To celebrate our first year of marriage Dryw decided to plan everything himself and from now on he is going to plan all of the odd years and I get to plan the even!! I loved that he put a lot of thought into the celebration.

His Aunt has a Condo in Oceanside, and I have never been, so Saturday morning he called me from work and finally decided to tell me what we were going to do so I could pack. The very first thing we did is we went straight to the San Diego Temple. We had both been there before, but the only time I was there I was only able to sit in the waiting area...so this time we were both very excited to attend a session...it was very special. We both agreed on how beautiful the temple was and how it would have been our second choice to get married in if LA hadn't worked out.

After the session we went to dinner at the California Pizza kitchen...we were both very hungry and the food was awesome. We ate a ton, whch was good because Sunday was Fast Sunday!! We slept in on Sunday morning and went to the local church bulding for Sacrament at 11. There were a ton of people there...and we saw so many cute kids!!!!! After church we went back to the Condo and watched movies and took a nap. We did a lot of sleeping...and it was nice because we dont get to do a lot of that now!! Sunday was our actual anniversary so I made dinner and we ate it outside on a picnic bench. The weather was so nice!!! After dinner we rode our beach cruisers down to the beach to catch the sunset and walk on the peer.

Here is the sunset...people were still in the water cause it was so warm!!!

And here we are...beach weather and my hair dont really mix well...but Dryw looked good!! lol...

Monday was Labor Day (I think we chose the right weekend to get married because we will always have 3 days to celebrate it!). We got up early and went to breakfast. We were given free tickets to the San Diego Zoo and had planned on going, but we wanted to go to the beach for a little while. So after breakfast we went back to the condo and rode our bikes back down to the beach so we didnt have to find parking. We were there for a little while...Dryw taught me how to correctly body surf--it was a lot of fun!!! We laid out for a while and played soccer on the beach and decided we needed to head back so we could get to the zoo. When we got to the condo we were so hot from riding the bikes that we jumped into the pool and ended up hanging out there for a while. We decided that we didnt want to go to the zoo and fight massive crowds and be rushed for time...so we cleaned up and went to In 'N' Out for lunch and headed over to the Carlsbad outlets. After the outlets we decided we should go back and clean up so we could head out of town before traffic got bad. After packing up the truck Dryw asked if I wanted to get sushi for dinner...he has found this all you can eat place for $21.99 each and thought I would enjoy it. I LOVE sushi...but poor Dryw only likes the crunch rolls. He said he really wanted to do it so I agreed and we went for Sushi!!! It was amazing!!!! The fish was so fresh and the place was so nice!!!! We ate a ton of food. Dryw even tried some of the rolls I get...he didnt like any of them, but he made sure to eat his fair share of the Crunch rolls!!!! We wanted to make sure we got our moneys worth out of the food...and I think we did!!!

Here we are standing in front of the condo as we were getting ready to leave

Me and my portion of the sushi....

Dryw getting ready to chow down...he looks scared, but he loved it!!!

We ate so much food!!! We were so stuffed...poor Dryw had to eat a lot of my rice so I could eat the fish because if you didnt finish everything they would charge you full price!! he was hurting the whole ride home!!! lol...

It was a very special first anniversary. We relaxed together and we didnt have to spend a lot of money to know how much we love each other. Plus saving for a house doesnt exaclty give much spending room!!! We had a ton of fun...thank you Honey!!!!!

Road Trip!!!!!

2009-09-10T17:44:00.001-07:00

I hope everyone is ready for picture overload...and these are just the highlights!!!!

So I have family in Oregon and due to schedule restrcitions with the rest of my family, Dryw and I made a trip up to Oregon to visit my family alone. At first we were both kid of sad, but then we thought about how this was a great opportunity to take a road trip up the coast of California, stop in San Francisco on they way since we both had never been, and finish it off with the visit in Oregon. We also took this oppotrunity to stop at as many Temples as we could our entire trip...it was awesome!!! So here are some of the many pictures we took...

Here is one of the very first pictures we took while on our way up the coast. It was pretty early in the morning and it was kind of drizzly...but it was so pretty!!!

We used the car as our camera stabilizer...dont you just love timers!!!! This was a huge cliff that we sat on the end of and looked out over the water--pretty amazing!!

We stopped a few times on the way up to San Francisco and got to see some very cute towns like Carmell...so nice, but very expensive!!! Maybe some day we can retire there!! lol...

SAN FRANCISCO HERE WERE ARE!!!

I am sure you have all heard of the famous Lombard street in San Francisco...it is super windy and has super sharp turns...well Dryw and I decided we wanted to work off our Italian dinner from a cute little restaurant in "Little Italy," so we walked all the way up Lombard street!! It was so much fun...we later drove down it so we could get both affects!

This is one side of Ghirardelli Square...and for those of you who don't know what Ghirardelli is, well it's pretty much the most amazing chocolate ever!!
Our hotel was pretty close to Fisherman's Wharf so we were able to walk everywhere we wanted. We were going to try and ride a trolly but the lines were so long...and we never rode a cbale car but we were pretty amazed at how they worked!!

We had heard so much about these Clamchowder Bread Bowls and we decided we had to get them. We asked a local for the best place to get one...they were pretty awesome!! So good in fact that we had them twice while in San Fransicso (different days).

This was one of the many candy stores down in Fisherman's Wharf...I couldn't make up my mind because everything looked so wonderful!!!

We decided that we wanted ice cream and in the suqare you can go in and order from the Ghirardelli store...Dryw is allergic to Chocolate so he got a scoop of Strawberry Cheescake on a cone and I got a scoop of the Ghirardelli Rocky Road--it was amazing--very expensive but so worth it!!

Here we are enjoying the beautiful sunset down on one of the docks...if you look closely you can see Alcatraz in the background!!

This is a view of the Golden Garte Bridge at night...I had never driven across it before and I was a little nervous doing so, but it was pretty cool once we got across and took this picture.

This is Alcatraz...we decided that we really wanted to go to the Island because we werent sure when we would get another chance to take the tour. The way they had the tour set up was pretty cool. You had your own headset and it told you where to go and where to look and gave you the history...it was awesome. The feeling there is kind of dark...we heard interviews from some of the prisoners on the tour and it was gnarly. I can't imagin what it must have been like!! They even had a lady there that day who had grown up there as one of the officer's daughters. They had living quarters there and they would take a boat into San Francisco for school...pretty crazy!!!

The cells were soooo tiny!! I don't know how they liverd in such confined spots!!!

This is on our way out of San Francisco...this is a very famous picutre spot. That bridge is awesome!!!

We drove through some of the edwoods while on our way up to Oregon and I saw a sign where we could drive through a Redwood tree...we had to do it. You can see Dryw giving a thumbs up as he drove through it. I think you are only supposed to do it once, but we did it a couple times...it was cool!!!

Here is the Sacramento Temple..a little out of order here--we actually stopped by this one and the Fresno Temple on the way home...so beautiful!!! We were also able to go to the Okalnd Temple...but somehow I cant get the picture in here to show you!!!

FINALLY...OREGON!!!!

This was one of the many sunsets we enjoyed while we were there. This is the rive right across the street from where we stayed. It was very low and we could stand all the way out in the middle of it...pretty sad because it was so high when I was a kid that I would have drowned even trying to swim out half way!!!

We went into an Old Historic town by the name of Jacksonville. We took this trolly around the city and learned about the history of it. It was pretty neat...we also drove through the cemetary there. Some of the headstones are so old that they are just leaning against the trees...

We were able to enjoy a sessin at the Medford Oregon Temple...it was very small but very pretty!! We enjoyed being able to do this while on vacation.

We went fishing twice and the first day we didnt catch anything--I dont even think we had a bite!!! The second day was much better...I kept getting several bites and the next thing I know I was reeling in a fish!!!! I ended up letting him go because I felt bad and he didnt swallow my hook.

I am standing in the middle of the river fishing...

Dryw was upset that he still hadnt caught anything after I caught my fish and then all of a sudden...what do you know!!?? This fish put up such a fight...I laughed so hard when Dryw held him up...he was just a tiny little guy. We had to let him go because he wasn't legal size.

We also went to the wildlife reserve while we were there. They had tons of animals...most of them had been hurt or were pets and they were brough here to be brought back to health or to be protected. Most of the animals they bring in they are able to let go, but the ones at the reserve that we were able to see were permanent residents. Tis is one of the black bears there...he wa so polite, he looked at the camera as I snapped the picture!! lol...

Dryw brought his shotgun on the trip...I didnt think he was going to get to use it, but he lucked out and we were taken up to a spot where he could let lose. I shot it a couple times...it has such a big kick on it though...

We had such a great time on this trip. We were able to spend so much time with each other...time that we dont get to spend otherwise.

Misc. Pics from the summer

2009-09-10T17:03:00.000-07:00

Ok....here are a few things we have been up to this summer... We spent our 4th of July with friends and family. First we went swimming and then we went to an Angel Game with our awesome Friends, Dave and Vanessa!!! The Angels won--it was a great game...but the fireworks show was even better!! To top the night off we went and got some amazing mexican food--it only seemed amazing cause we were all starving!!

Some of our other awesome friends...Gary and Kelli...invited us to their cabin on Lake Tahoe (i think thats where it was...it is right below Big Bear)...anyway, we went wakeboarding and it was so much fun!! Dryw is pretty good and Gary and Kelli are awesome!! I am average--I like to focus on not falling as you can tell by my face! Dryw is pretty good at jumping, I could never get a really good pic of it though!!

I mentioned my little brother was here for the summer...Here he is with Justin (brother-in-law). Matthew and Dryw were always at the beach. They would do an early morning workout session and then go to the beach...some if the time they would hit up Knotts Soak City the same day!!...then they both would go to work--crazy!!!

They wanted me to take a picture of them riding together on this bike so badly...they will never admit it but I think they enjoyed that bike ride!! We met Matthew at Knotts one night when I got off work and he had ridden the bike there from our place earlier in the day. As soon as we got there they started goofing around and this was the result...they miss each other so much!! lol...

In need of....

2009-09-10T16:53:00.001-07:00

A very kind friend reminded me of how we havent had nay new posts lately...and I figured it was time to try and give you some updates! A lot has been going on with us...we are so busy that it seems like we dont even see eachother!!! Here is a quick run down of everything that has happened lateley: Dryw recieved his hire letter from LA County Fire which means that he successfully passed his background investigation and pending a physical we will get his academy date in the mail. He has already taken the physical so we should hoepfully hear something soon!!

We are both still working like crazy and Dryw has found a new love for mountain bike riding. He rides several times a week. I actually just went with him on Tuesday night to the Fullerton Loop and did a small section of it on a friend's bike (thanks Michelle!!) to see if it is something I want to get in to. I had a ton of fun but some of those hills are gnarly and ot knowing what to expect around corners on a downhill full of ruts is kind of scary--but I loved it!

My little brother was here for most of the summer and we all got Knott's Passes...we had a blast! We were there seriously at least 2 times a week...it was awesome. With our passes we got the Soak City Passes and my mom got one with us as well so its nice to have the time for her and I to go hang out in the water without the boys and without my sister's (no offense) hogging her up. I think Dryw got a feel for what it was like to have a brother because he is the only boy...Since Matthew has gone back home I think they text each other every day...poor guys!!! lol..

Well I have some pretty big blogs to post with some pictures of other things that have been going...enjoy!!

Mother's Day

2009-05-12T20:46:00.001-07:00

So I know Mother's Day was on Sunday and all...and I know that I am not a mother, but I would like to express my thanks to all of those mother's out there that actually care about their kids and know how blessed they are to have some of their own!!!

I have a wonderful mom who has been nothing but an example of an unselfish human being. She has gone through so much in her life and has sacrificed so many things just to make sure that her girls were taken care of. I hope that one day I will be able to follow in her footsteps and be an example to my children the way she has been for me. I really dont think any expression of gratitude to her would be able to fully express how much I appreciate all of the things that she has done for me...I love ya mom!!!

I also have a mother-in-law who has been a great example to me...she is a very strong person and would do anything for her children. I am very lucky to have a mother-in-law that I can get a long with!!! I have such great examples of women in my life and Dryw and I are both so very blessed to be a part of these families.

I also have to give some appreciation to my sister Amber...especially since the only thing she ever wanted when she got older was dogs!!! She got her wish and has 2 of those...but she also suprised me when she said she wanted a baby. At first I was skeptical, but she is such an amazing mother and another great example to me. She has managed to raise such a smart little boy and I can't wait until I am able to give him a cousin!!!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you mothers out there!!!

Spell Check...and fun...

2009-05-11T22:11:00.000-07:00

Dryw says that I have some grammatical errors in some of the posts...I told him that I really dont care and I am too lazy to go back and fix them all...so if you see an error, please excuse it--im sure y'all are smart enough to know what I mean!!! lol... He also says that I say "so fun" a lot...oh well!! I think everything we do is so much fun!! I cant help it!!!
Thats all I have for now!! I am pretty much caught up with out posts...I have 1 more post to do, but for now I am going to go spend some time with my husband!! (Like you guys care right?? lol)

Sporting events...

2009-05-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

Dryw and I both like to stay very active...especially in sports...He grew up playing soccer and I grew up playing softball...so far this year we have been blessed with the opportunities to go see our favorite sports in person played by some of our favorite teams. I was given a chance to chose tickets to a Galaxy game...we had four games to pick from and we had to rank the one we wanted to see first to last...luckily we got to see the game we wanted!! They were general admission seats, so it was a first come first serve basis, and they are right behind the goal...I thought they were pretty good seats because we could still see everything that was going on. We sat right next to the "fan" area...and those people are crazy!!! They had drums, streamers, their faces were painted, they had hats and scarves, they even sang songs!! They did it the entire game...talk about die hard!!! We both had a great time...the Galaxy played the New York Red Bulls and they won by 1!!! It was actually off of a penalty shot that was taken right in front of us...super cool!!!

We also have been able to go to 2 Angel games this year...so much fun!!! The fans there get pretty crazy too...We had pretty good seats each time and we were able to see everything at these games as well. So much fun!!!

We were really close to the field here and saw some pretty cools saves by the goalie and some pretty amazing kicks--they can curve the ball so much!! its crazy!! Dryw loved it...
Here another picture of the goalie...I have my own goalie at home!! Dryw is an amazing goalie...he cant wait until he is able to start playing again.

Here are the Angels on their way in to the dug out. I believe they lost this game, but it was still a ton of fun!

One of the Angel players was almost ejected, but we couldnt figure out why. All of a sudden he was batting and then he was getting ejected! So there was a pretty good argument behind the plate...but the batter ended up staying!! (I cant remember who it was)

Here we are...Dryw is sporting his red to show his Angel pride!! We got to go on the night they were giving out Angel fleece blankets...they are pretty warm!! I take mine to work every day cause I sit right under the vent and I freeze!! So my Angel blanket keeps me warm!! lol...

Easter!!!

2009-05-11T20:32:00.000-07:00

This year was our first Easter as a married couple!! So much fun!! We had Youth Conference the same weekend so Easter was pretty crazy!!! We were both so tired the day before and I knew that I wasnt going to want to go to the store the day before Easter...luckily for me I was smart and went shopping before I left!!!

Dryw had no idea that I had gotten him a basket...and it wasnt easier trying to hide it from him. I had to keep everything in my car in the garage so he wouldnt find it!! That morning I woke up earlier and made him blueberry muffins and as soon as he got in the shower I put together his Easter basket. He was so surprised when he got out of the shower...and he was pretty excited!!! He felt so bad cause he didnt get me anything but I told him he didnt have to...I was so excited that I got him something though...he is pretty on top of surprising me, but I won this time!! lol...

This was right after we got home from church...we had our Easter colors on!! lol...We kind of matched, and I swear we didnt do it on purpose!!

This is Dryw with his Easter basket pretending to eat his nerds...because he is allergic to chocolate and nuts I had to find candy that didnt contain either...but I think I did a pretty good job!

I found soccer balls that were supposed to be like the plastic eggs that open so you can put candy inside...so I bought some skittles and filled each soccer ball up...he loved them!!!

Here is his basket...I thought I did a pretty good job, and I didnt spend a fortune on it either!! He ate it all pretty quickly!!! lol!!!

Here is my sweet husband, looking as handsome as ever, with his Easter basket. It was such a great day!!! We went to church and were spiritually fed and then we got to spend time with each other...couldn't ask for anything more!!!

Youth Conference 2009!!!

2009-05-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

Dryw and I both have callings in the Young Men/Young Women programs...and we both love it!!! In April we got the chance to go with the youth, as their leaders, to youth conference. Being that I was not a member when I was this age, I was so excited to go and see what they would get to do. I took Friday off work and we drove out Thursday night to a YMCA camp down in Julian...the drive was so pretty!!! We went through the cutest little towns and I loved it!!!!
When we arrived it was pretty dark but we made it in time before they stopped serving dinner (we were so hungry!!). After we ate they showed us where we were staying...I was in the girls cabin and he was in the boys cabin (for obvious reasons)...it was pretty cool because they mixed all the kids up in the cabins so that they could get to know other kids from different wards. Luckily I was in the cabin with some of the girls from my ward.
After we found our cabins we went up to the lodge with everyone and they had all the youth broken up into "families" and they performed skits...they were super funny!!! Then we turned in for the night!!! The next morning was breakfast and then the youth had a bunch of different activities to do before they got their free time, so Dryw and I followed one of the groups around and heard from some pretty cool leaders...Dryw and I even got the chance to address the youth from our ward...it was a pretty amazing experience. Then it was free time!!! So fun...they had a rick climbing wall, archery, kayaking, a game called "Ga-Ga"...so fun!! (I actually dominated both the girls and the boys in one round...so much fun!!) Kind of ironic...as soon as the free time started, it started to hail!! The pour rain...so Dryw and I decided to go do archery in the rain...we had so much fun!! We are both pretty good shots!! Here are some pics...I didnt get pictures of everything...but I got some fun ones!

Here we are on Saturday morning getting ready to leave. It was Easter weekend so we needed to get them home to spend time with their families. This is our ward...we have some pretty amazing youth!!!

This was Friday night...they were doing a dance for the "music number" at the Fireside that night...I actually learned it and joined in. It was pretty funny...we learned the dance to Hannah Montana's Hoe Down...funny!!! Im in there somewhere...lol

here is Dryw getting ready to release the arrow...he looks so pro!!! He did a great job!!

Here I am...not as pro, but it was still fun! It was so cold I had to wear my old snowboarding jacket!!! But it kept me warm and dry!!

Here I am (in the green) with a few of my girls playing a big game with all of the youth...we never did learn the object of the game, but we were saved when it started to hail...so we went and did other things.

We had a great time...I think the funniest part was when one of my girls and I went to get water in the cafeteria Friday night and some boys from one of the other wards was in there and hit on me before they realized I was a leader...They didnt believe me at first but then Dryw approached them the next morning and said, "So I hear you were hitting on my wife last night..." It was funny and my girls think that was the best part of the whole trip. (they love Dryw...) So much fun! :)

Happy Birthday to me!!!!

2009-05-11T19:33:00.000-07:00

Ok...It has been over 2 months since my birthday, but I am still trying to catch y'all up on what we have been up to. So I turned 26 on March 3rd...pretty exciting!! lol... I had to work that day...I wanted to go to Disneyland because I would have gotten in for free, but Dryw was still on crutches and I didn't think it would be much fun without him!!!

Work was good, but it got even better when my wonderful husband surprised me with flowers at work. He went and picked them out (on crutches and everything) and brought them to me!! So sweet...they were the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen and they lasted so long!!!! (The secret was to mix 7up or sprite with the water and flower food). Everyone at work kept walking by my desk just to smell my flowers!! So cute!!!

Just a side note, my birthday fell on a Tuesday and Amber and I usually celebrate our birthday together (being that we are twins and all) so Monday night Dryw took me out to all you can eat Sushi...so amazing!! He likes only a few things like the crunch roll but I like it all...he is so good to me...he sacrificed his hunger that night to take me to eat one of my favorite things!!!

Back to Tuesday...I got home from work and Dryw had my gift waiting...a huge box!! What the heck--I was kind of upset because I didn't want him to spend a bunch of money on me...but it was an awesome gift...you will have to see below to find out what it was!! :) After I got home from work we went and got pizza with the family and our friends Kim and Tim and their son Johnny...then we went bowling!!! So much fun...too bad Dryw was still on crutches, but he got to throw a few...it was super cute watching him hop over to the lane to bowl. lol...

Here are my beautiful flowers on my desk at work right after I got them...pretty huh??!!!

Here is my little cubicle...you can see my flowers in the background. Everyone at work gets a banner when it is their birthday...I love it!!

Here I am opening my big box...he wrapped it himself-and he did a great job!!!

Here I am with my gift...a gift certificate to get an hour and a half massage!!! So amazing...it was the best present ever!!! I told you guys before how good he is at listening to me...and he proved me right once again!! He is so good!!

Here is Dryw with Jasper at the bowling alley...Jasper totally looks like he is picking his Uncle's nose...they are both way too cute!!!

Here is Dryw with Johnny...that kid is hilarious!!! He has the cutest smile...he loved Dryw!!

Here I am in action...it was not one of my best attempts at bowling...but we all had fun!!!

Here is Amber...I cant even find the words to say about this picture except, "that's just Amber!" Gotta love her...

Here is my amazing mother...she is so tiny...can you believe that she had 2 girls at the same time?? And now we both tower over her!!! So funny...

Here are my two best friends...my sisters are so funny...they took my camera and took a picture of themselves with funny faces. Aren't they beautiful?? I don't know what I would do without them!!!

The Birthday Girls!!!!! We took so many pictures trying to find the best one...we didn't want our smiles to be super cheesy, but we didn't want them to be too fake...we found the best one was our ear to ear grins...my mom loves when we smile like this!

The four musketeers!!! (if there is such a thing!! Lol) Kim, Amber, Nich, and Steph...Kim is pretty much adopted...we have known each other forever!!!

Here is Uncle Dryw with little Jasper...Dryw can't wait to have one of his own...he will make such a great dad!!! (and a good looking one at that! hehe)

I think this was a few days after my birthday...and look how much they opened up!!! So pretty...seriously, they lasted forever!! I think it was almost 3 weeks before I had to throw them out. The water never got dirty or brown...it was pretty amazing!!!

I had a wonderful birthday...I have such a great husband and family...I am so happy in life right now!! I cant wait for the years to come!

Valentines Day!!!!

2009-05-06T18:12:00.000-07:00

Since Valentines Day was only 4 days after Dryw's surgery I figured I would make him a nice dinner and let him rest in bed...he had different plans. He wanted to go to...can you guess where??...Yes, In 'N' Out. In 'N' Out has played a very large part in our relationship and happens to be his favorite place to eat. So all day I baked cookies for him and made him a card with a little poem (no you cant read it) and then we got ready and went to In 'n' Out. I didnt get any picutres of while we were there (I mean too...but I always forget I have the camera in my purse!) So here are some pictures from our Valentines Day adventure...

This was right before we went to dinner...that way you couldnt see the In 'N' Out gut after!! lol

This was one of my gifts...super nice mirror for our bedroom wall!! I kept telling him we needed to decorate our room some more and a mirror would look so nice!!! So he got me one!!

This is Dryw after we ate...ironically I got him a gift card to In 'N' Out...what else would I get him?? lol

Here I am holding my last gift...my favorite candy in the world!! Too bad Dryw is alergic to chocolate and nuts...he is missing out!!!!

I got Dryw the Iron Gym for his large gift...he really wanted it and I found it at Target so I got it...he uses it every day!!! He was pretty excited when he opened it.

This is Dryw's knee...still really fat!!! (remember it was only 4 days after the surgery) They marked his knee with "yes" so they knew which one!!! We scrubbed his knee as hard as we could without it hurting and this marked stayed on for weeks!!! You can still see the stiches hanging out...he had 4 marks.

These are also part of my gifts to him...I worked so hard all day to make them... He loves surgar cookies!!!

These are also part of my gifts...my first pair of flats!!! Woo Hoo!!! I wanted a pair so bad cause I wore heals every day to work and then to church so my feet were killing me!!! I have to get up somany times at work and walk around like crazy-including across the street to one of our conference rooms...so I told him I thought flats would be so much easier...and he listened!! What a good guy!! I also saw a pair of sandals that were really sparkly and cute and he noticed I liked them so he got me sme that were similar...he treats me so good!!!

I told him he didnt have to get me flowers cause I knew he couldnt drive to go get them...but he snuck out anyway and got them for me...my favorite color!!!

And here is my studdly husband rocking his crutches...he couldnt be any cuter if he tried!!

All in all we had a great day...and it turned out to be one of the best Valentines Day's ever!!!

Under the Knife!!!

2009-05-06T17:51:00.001-07:00

So I am contuining on the journey of updating our blog...

Dryw had ACL Reconstructive surgery on February 10, 2009. How did he tear his ACL you ask??...well for those of you who dont already know, Dryw decided it would be a good idea to get on his buddy's dirt bike the day before our wedding and pop up on a wheeling going down a resedential street in nothing but boardshorts and sandals... What do you think happened?? Yep--he wasnt used to the power band on the 250 dirtbikes because he rides a 450 and once it hit the power dand the bike went out from underneath him and he went sliding down the street with no shirt on and tweaked his knee right when he hit the ground...Lets just say he was in a lot of pain the day of the wedding and 4 months later we finally found out he had torn his ACL. (I wont ever let him live it down--and I give him no pity! lol)

Anyway...the day of the surgery was soooo long!! We woke up early and had to be at the hospital by 10:00 am...his surgery was at 1!!! They finally came in and wheeled him into the surgery room. It was supposed to only last an hour and a half...but lasted for almost 3!!! He was in the recovery room for a while because he has trouble coming out of the anastesia and no one was allowed back there...not even me or his mom!!! It was tough sitting there not knowing if he was ok...but finally they took him up to his room and we waited till he could keep food down and go to the bathroom so we could leave...it was pretty quick after he got back to his room...except he did keep falling back to sleep.

What was pretty funny...but I felt so bad...was that the nurse wheeling him out was pretty old and Dryw kept getting nauseous in the wheel chair on the way down so she kept having to stop so he could refrain from throwing up!! Finally outside and on our way home we had to do the same thing...stop because he felt like he was going to throw up...but he made it and he was a trooper.

A few weeks late we had to go back for the post op and his knee was still pretty fat, so the doctor had to drain it with a huge needle!! I had no idea he was gonna do it and I was in the room...I thought it was going to be worse than it was, but the needle was pretty huge!!! Here are some pics from the draining...(Dont look if you get queasy!!) Oh and I didnt take pictures the day of the surgery and now I totally regret it...oh well...enjoy these!!

This is Dryw right after the doctor drained his knee...he has a band aid where the whole was...it was pretty big!!!

Here is the dixie cup full of blood thagt the doctor filled...next to it is the needle he used...crazy!!!!

This is me after I saw how ig the needle really was...blood doesnt really make me queasy.

Great News!!!

2009-04-20T20:39:00.000-07:00

Most everyone knows that Dryw has been working very hard to get into the fire service for LA County Fire Department. It has been such a crazy process!!! He passed his physical test last summer and we were so excited because that meant we could apply for the departments. We applied to LA County and we heard back pretty quick. He had a scheduled written exam...which he passed...and then he received mail about an oral interview for the County...it was so crazy!! I only say it is crazy because it is a lottery...they basically put names in a hat and draw them out to decide who is going to take part in the interview. (and there is about 15,000 names in that hat) Well it was a grueling process...he studied so hard and had some great help along the way....and we finally recieved news that he passed his oral interview....with a 100%!!!!!! So awesome!!!!! What that means now is that he is basically put into the first bracket for the academy and all we are waiting on now is his background packet so we can fill it out and turn it in and then he will recieve his academy start date. If everything goes well then he should be in the academy by the end of the year beginning of next year. So 6 months after he starts the academy he will be done and he will be a firefighter!!!!!

I was so excited for him when we found out about him passing the oral interview...so I made him a cake!!! It wasnt very pretty...but I put some hard work into it!!!

Supercross!!!!

2009-04-20T19:21:00.000-07:00

So every year since Dryw and I have been together we have gone to Supercross. The first year he asked me if I wanted to go with him...which I guess is a BIG deal because for anyone who knows Dryw...he just doesnt bring sand to the beach. (Love you honey!) So last Christmas I decided since he took me then I should take him, so I bought him a ticket. And then this year one of my gifts were two tickets to supercross...and it was a tough decision, but I chose to take my hubby with me!! j/k I knew they were for both of us.

So we got to Supercross pretty early so we could walk around in the pits before the race and watch practice and qualifying...and it just so happens that the race happened to be when it was raining non-stop. I was kind of bummed but knew it would make for a good race because there were bound to be tons of gnarly crashes. We walked around in the pits for a while and tried to stay dry...we saw some pretty cool racers and then we saw...Carrie Hart...Dryw makes fun of him left and right, but I thought it was pretty funny because I saw him first and pointed him out and Dryw swore it wasnt him...but we got up close enough to see him, and of course, I was right!! Just so everyone knows...Dryw pretty much knew all of the other motocross racers there and pointed them all out to me...so I guess he kind of wins. It is actually kind of funny because we would be walking and all of a sudden Dryw would be like "Whats up___" and totally call them by name and stop to talk with some of the old school racers like he knew them...I was pretty impressed.

Oh and just a little side note...we got tickets for like $10 for the last Supercross race in Anaheim and I was so exctied because the last one got rained on and I figured this one wouldnt. So we bought three ticketes and were going to take Dryws dad...when the night before I got toally sick with the flu and threw up so much that my entire body ached...so needless to say, I missed out!!! Its ok though, it rained again and the boys were able to hang out and have fun. So here are some pics from this year's races...

This is Mike Alessi...the wholeshot king!! This kid has so much money because he is sooo good at making it out of the gate and across the wholeshot line first. He does it at about every race!! Crazy!!

Here is a pic of the track.

And of course you have to get a picture with us both in it...it was so much fun!

And....we are back!!!!

2009-04-20T19:17:00.000-07:00

It has been forever since we posted something...so I decided to take charge and update our blog!! Dryw hates when I sit down at the computer...he always says "babe...arent you gonna come hang out with me? You have been at work all day and I havent seen you..." So I blame the fact that our blog is not up to date on my loving husband!!! Its actually quite funny because it was his idea that we start a blog in the first place!!! He hates MySpace and Facebook so when he suggested a blog I jumped all over it!!

So the last time I posted something it was from Christmas. I am going to try and do an update on what we have done since December...Hope you enjoy!!!

Finally...I think I may have figured it out!

2009-01-08T14:51:00.000-08:00

So my sister, Amber, told me that I needed to do a blog...I had no idea what the heck a blog was! I am pretty hi-tech, or at least I like to think so...but it took me forever to figure it out! (Plus not having a computer and internet access made it a lot harder) However, we were very blessed this Christmas and recieved a computer from Dryw's parents (my in-laws). As of today we actually got set up with internet access and cable--we are part of the 21st century now! lol!! Anyway, I am going to try and keep this up to date as much as possible...but I am new at this, so bare with me!!

So this past Christmas (2008) was our first Christmas as a married couple...it was awesome! We had a debate on whether we were going to get a real or fake christmas tree. Dryw has allergies and he has always had a fake tree, but growing up I always had a real one. So we decided we were going to go to Home Depot and get a fake tree...well we got there 15 minutes too late and headed back home. On our way home we came across a Christmas tree lot and I gave him my best "awww--please!!" look...and it worked! We bought our very first REAL Christmas tree and made an agreement that we would look into a fake one for years to come (especially since a real tree costs just as much as a fake tree now-a-days! lol). So here are some pictures of us putting up our first Christmas tree in our very first (and really cute) apartment! Enjoy!

So this is me untangling the new lights we bought for the tree (exciting huh? lol)

This is me starting to put the lights on the tree...Dryw thought it would be fun to pretend first, and then he helped me put them on! (Im wearing Dryw's super thick sweat pants cause it was so cold in our apartment!)

Here I am again, sturggling to put the lights on by meself! lol... Dryw likes taking pictures, so that is why you dont see too much of him...yet!! :)

We finally got all of the lights put on the tree and turned them on (it was so pretty-this pic doesnt do it justice!)

Finally...we set the timer so Dryw could jump in the pciture. The lights are still on...but you cant tell too much!

I grabbed the camera so I could get a picture of him too...he is such a nerdA!! But I love him...its easy to see why--he so cute!! (I know-gag!! hehe)

We had a great Christmas and spent it with both of our families. It was very enjoyable! I will hopefully have more for you soon! :)