It's been 3 years already

Today is June 3, 2009 which means that exactly three years ago today Michael Richard West and myself got ourselves hitched! Yes, yes, that is right, today is our 3 year anniversary, and guess how we are celebrating it. GUESS!!!!

He's working from 6am-8pm and I'm bein' my baby's mamma. Which means we'll both be pretty dog-tired by the time he gets back, which means that anniversary day will most likely consist of a squinty-eyed game of Yahtzee followed immediately by some serious zzzzz's.

WHAT?! Oh yeah, that sounds fantastic to me (i know it's hard to sense sarcasm in bliggity blog posts so for the record, I am actually being serious.) Really, it's just nice to be comfortable and relaxed enough that we don't have to make a fuss. I mean, sure, we have both done little things for each other (write notes, send a cute little text here and there) but bottom line is...we're just dang happy to be married and,yes, while it is always nice to do a little celebrating (dinner and a movie or something)it's no big deal if we can't and it's just not necessary. We do have plans to go to the Sandy Aquarium this Saturday and we are using our anniversary for an excuse to do that but mainly it's because we think Andrew would love it.

Anyway, that being the scenario it's just kind of fun to see how we have evolved over the last three years. Last night Mike and I stayed up trying to make a list of all the things that have happened in our short three years together. The following is a few of the things we came up with:
-I graduated BYU
-Mike picked a major
-I got a job at the Utah County Health Department
-Mike worked at the HHP advisement center
-I got a second job (full-time) at BYU Independent Study
-Mike got a second job at another advisement center
-Mike had wrist surgery
-I stressed out over his wrist
-Mike's wrist healed
-I was grateful
-Mike got further in his schooling and picked up a couple jobs as an Athletic Trainer.
-We met a lot of good people and made a lot of good friends
-We traveled a lot (Moab, St.George, Hawaii, England twice)
-I got pregnant
-We had an amazingly cute little boy
-That little boy is now 1 year old
-I quit working full-time and Mike picked up a TON of hours at his multiple jobs(such a hard worker!)
-Mike got in to grad school
-I got really excited
In between all those things there has also been some weight gain, some weight loss, one major battle with a crib, three different apartments, the emergence of some gray hair, the loss of someone else's hair, a bunch of laughter, some bouts with crying (especially during the pregnant days), lots of fun and adventure, a bit of confusion and adjustments and a gigantic amount of HAPPINESS!

Mike it's fun to think about all we've been through and I look forward to all the rest to come. I couldn't have created a better person for me than you, and there has never been anyone who has made me laugh more or feel better. I sure do love you, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Here are some fun pictures of our last three years together (and a little extra too) :-)

Texting + Bike Riding = Dumb idea

First I just want to say thanks for all your comments about our move to Scotland. We are very excited and it is all set to go for December (on the school front that is...) we still have a lot to figure out as far as Visa's, passports, citizenship (for Andrew and I) and things like that but it will work out. :-)

Second I would like to make a tribute to my little brother, Alan, who just got his mission call to the Seattle, WA mission. Alan, I have never known anyone to be as prepared as you and I am so proud to call you my brother. I love you and you will be everything the Lord wants in a missionary!!!!

Anyway, this leads me into the funny part of this post because I had quite a humorous experience on my way back from my parents house (after Alan opened his call). Some of you may know that I currently live very close to American Fork high school and, in fact, have to walk right in front of it when I go home from my parents house. Well, as I was walking on the sidewalk I noticed the sound of a speedy teen-high boy racing away on his bike, heading towards me and my baby. I politely (and quickly) moved to the edge of the pavement, near the road, so that "speedy gonzalez" could make his way without any obstacle.

Now...before I continue it is important to know that about three or four feet ahead of me was the new, brick constructed marquee flashing neon announcements such as, "AF high rocks!" or something and at the base of the marquee was a lovely miniature courtyard comprised of 2-3 benches and a nice brick constructed garden (matching the marquee, of course) which contained some happily planted petunias and pansies and other colorful flowers. Just next to the garden was a broad, wooden telephone pole, complete with some sort of metal power box on the side.

Well, Andrew and I continued strolling along on the edge of the sidewalk when speedy-high-school-dude whizzed past and surprisingly did not follow the sidewalk that GOES AROUND the a fore mentioned courtyard-marquee combo. Instead he got closer and closer until...SMACK...his bike hit the brick wall of the garden and he toppled over the suddenly stationary handlebars of his bike and landed straight in the petunias. I was shocked and immediately rushed over to see if he was alright, but before I could cover much ground Speedy immediately got up and started stumbling towards the marquee. As he did this I noticed something strange in his demeanor. His head was bent down and his back was a little arched. He didn't look forward or backwards, or anywhere...he just stared at his hands that were semi-curled up in front of him. Perhaps he had a concussion...I sped up my walk. BUT, just as I was beginning to approach him, I noticed something foreign in his hand. It was purple, rectangular in shape and his thumbs were moving across it's miniature keyboard at lightning speed. Could it be? Yes, it was! My friend, Speedy, had been texting on his tricked-out, purple, flip-close blackberry the whole time. That must be why he crashed but what really through me was that he didn't stop. The guy continued texting DURING the crash and was STILL GOING! Either that is paramount dedication or...the stupidest thing I have ever witnessed. (I tend to go with the second option because you see....it gets worse...)

I was almost there when I now see "Speedy-the-texting-inferno" stagger right into phone pole as his head smashed into the metal power box, knocking him backwards!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!? I mean...

This time, as I was so close, I heard him shout a few inexcusable words as he dropped the oh-so-precious texting device. His water bottle (which I assume was in a back pocket) rolled slowly to my feet. I quickly picked it up and bent over the kid.

"Are you all right?" I asked, BEWILDERED

He stood up quickly and replied with a sheepish grin, "I guess this isn't my lucky day."

"I guess not. Here's your water bottle."

I handed him the beverage as he thanked me and ferociously rubbed his forehead. I lingered for a sec, just to be certain he was alright, but...I knew I was good to go as soon as he picked up the blackberry and continued his frantic key-punching.

WOW!! This kid was a trooper (is that the right word...maybe 'oblivious' is better). I mean, texting while riding a bike and not even caring to stop after he crashed...and then being so consumed to get injured AGAIN. I don't know folks...guess the moral of this story is, Don't text and drive...you could end up in a pile of pansies!

Part Two: More news...

So...as I mentioned in the last post, we have a few more pieces of news. Here they are:

1) We got a laptop. It's really nice, red Dell and we have been talking about getting one for a long time but what finally made us take the plunge into buying it was news number 2.

2) WE ARE GOING TO SCOTLAND! YAY!!!! (imagine bagpipes playing in the background) Put on the kilts and get your forks ready for some hagus, because this December we will be moving to Aberdeen, Scotland and staying for two years!!!

Some of you may have known that we applied to Physical Therapy school there and well....they offered Mike a place early last week. (And can I just say that after a phone interview and a lot of correspondence, Mike rocked! They said they were really impressed by him which prompted them to offer him a spot so early!) Anyway, we have been somewhat unsure about it up until this point. There are A LOT of things to consider but after much research and a lot of talking, we feel like this what we need to do. It's funny how things work out in the end, because ever since we made the decision we have both felt sooo good about it and that this is where we need to go.

So...that is our most exciting news of the moment. I will probably be writing more about later but Mike officially sent his acceptance yesterday so I wanted to share the good news. It's official!

Just for fun, here are some pictures of the beautiful place we will be calling home.

We're back!

Hello! For the two of you who actually read this blog, I apologize for being MIA this last month. Truth is that life has been extremely busy and I gave myself a little break. However, I am back and have no more plans to take breaks so please keep checking back as I will be writing a lot more!

Okay, so A LOT has happened in the last little while and I'm only going to share about half of it because the other half is still a little up-in-the-air but we should know in about a week. (Do I have you curious...HAH! You'll have to wait about a week to see what I'm talking about) So I'll call this post PART 1 of our news and...it focuses mainly on our little stink face, Mi...I mean Andrew. :-)

Andrew turned 1 on April 24th!!!!! I can't believe it has already been a year. I mean, it feels like I just got back from the hospital yet at the same time it feels like he has always been here. I can't imagine what life would be like without him. He had a lot of fun celebrating his birthday. That morning we went for a swim to test out one of his present, a new floaty-car-inner-tube thing (I don't know what it's really called, yikes). Anyway, he absolutley loves the water so we thought it would be a fitting gift. He had a blast and it was a lot of fun. After that I pretty much pampered him all day. I let him eat ice cream for lunch and stay up late to see dad get home before he went to bed. It was great!

The next day we got together with Gma and Gpa Moody and all the aunts and uncles for a party. (It was the best day to get everyone together AND Mike didn't have to work). First we opened presents and then we ate some yummy cake. His FAVORITE present was the most fitting toy I could have ever imagine for him. If you know Andrew you know he LOVED to hit things and make loud banging sounds. In fact, up until his birthday he used to hold my hair brush in his hand wherever he went because it was so much fun to bang it against walls or couches or...people! (I know, we are working on the people thing...) Anyway, well, Gma Moody got him a present that was a PERFECT fit with Andrew's love of banging things. It is a little stand that has four holes on the top. I ball fits snuggly into each whole and then Andrew has a hammer and can pound the balls down into the hole! Then the balls do through a little maze (kind of like in those fancy gumball machines) and he can take them out and do it again! HE. LOVES. IT. And good news for me...now he keeps the hammer in his hand all day and I get my hairbrush back!

He was a little pig when it came to cake. We got it free from Albertsons and it was decorated in bright, fun colors and tasted delicious! (For any of you mommy's out there, I learned that if you call Albertson's and ask them for a cake for you kids first birthday, they give it to you for free!!!!) We thought we would give him the whole cake but it turned out being bigger than we thought so instead we cut him a huge chunk and let him have at it! He sure did and he ate the whole thing!!!!! I mean, sure, there was chocolate bits and butter cream frosting smeared all over but the actual cake part all went into Andrew's belly! What a boy!!!!

Later that night we were able to meet up with some of our good friends from the ol' BYU ward. It was so GREAT to see everyone and we had a great time. Thanks again Jone's for sharing your lovely home!!!!

Another exciting event for Andrew is that HE FINALLY SPROUTED A TOOTH!!!! That means no baby denchers, HURRAY! It's kind of crazy that it took a full year before it finally started happening but I am sure glad it has! I will make sure to post a picture as soon as it comes through a little more...right now it's just a wee litte nubbin in the front of his bottom gums.

The last piece of exciting Andrew news is that we can walk! I haven't gotten good pictures or video yet but he literally started three days after his birthday! Up until now he had been taking a few steps here and there and walking along furniture but now he is a real life walker! Look out! :-)

Well, I have posted some pictures. I hope that this up-dates you on most of what's been going on. But, as I mentioned before, more is coming soon! :-)

Mike blowing up the new toy:


FUN!


Uh-Oh! Andrew ran over dad!



Some of the family, waiting around to open presents:


Getting ready to open it!




Yummy Cake!






See! Here is is even using his new hammer to eat his cake!




Andrew and his little friend Jackson decided they both wanted Laura at the same time! Laura you will be a great mom!

Sesame Street!

Today after I got Andrew all settled down, fed and ready for the day I flipped on the TV (for some background noise--I don't like it when it's quiet)and Sesame Street happened to be on. Andrew hasn't really ever watched TV, well..every now and then he'll catch a glimpse of a cartoon or funny commercial and it will make him laugh a little, but I've never prompted him to and I try not having it on too often in the day so we've never really explored it. Anyway, so I turn on Sesame Street and Andrew suddenly stops dead in his drool and looks up to the sound of Cookie Monster crunching cookies and gobbling cake. The kid bust up! Andrew has never really been a laugher, he does this cute little chipmunk giggle things but has only rarely done a full out belly laugh. Well, maybe it was the fuzzy, blue face or the silly chomping sounds but Andrew's new favorites are the Sesame Street characters.

I took this video to try and capture the laughing. It's not the best, he was laughing harder before but you can still get the idea.

We sure love this boy!
(P.S. Just ignore the mess...you know how it is. :-)

Some West News

Oh, so it's been a few weeks and I thought it was time for a bit of an update. So, here it is: not much.

You know how when you talk to someone whom you haven't seen in awhile and you eventually ask the inevitable question, "What's new with you?" and they respond by simply saying, "Not much." Cricket chirping follows and it's all awkward? Know what I'm talking about? Well, that's kind of how I feel our response is right now, I mean really, not much is new or 'happenin' but I don't like the lame-o, response of "not much" because I think the little things are interesting and fun so I have conjured up a few little experiences over the last few weeks to share. Sorry if it's lame, but...better than nothing, I say.

First off...I am very grateful for Mike! I mean, let's be honest I love him he is such a hard worker and great hubby/father but these last few weeks I was/am especially grateful to him. Here is why. I have been continually doing my daily Turbo Jam exercises that include punching, kicking and a lot of hideously awkward bouncing (I wrote a previous post on this if you want more info) anyway, I feel super comfortable with this workout now-a-days and have gotten much more energetic in my performance. So...the result (other than embarrassing jumps and dancing) is rib issues. Well, due to that and the fact that little Andrew is fast becoming heavy Andrew. See, I noticed a nagging pain in my back about a month ago and it never really went away and then one day a couple weeks ago I was doing a work out and just as I was throwing a nasty hook punch into the face of my imaginary foe I felt a sharp crackish kind of pain in where the nagging one had previously been. Luckily Mike was home. I went to him and starting trying to explain what I was feeling--like a roll of quarters were stuck in my back and boy, did it hurt to breath! Well, seeing as he is an awesomely smart and dashing athletic trainer he knew what was up and calmly told me to "relax, put some heat on it and then I'll pop it back in."
Me: "Excuse me? Pop what back in?"
MIke: "Oh, your rib is out. No worries, I can pop it back in."
Me: Gulp...

So I heat it for about 20 minutes and then Mike tells me to lay down on the floor, so I did. He then proceeded to curl me up into the fetal position and then roll me onto my back and then, CRACK, after a sickening sound and even worse popping feeling, the pain suddenly was gone. He popped my rib back into place, just like that. No doctor appointment or chiropractor fee. It was oober sore the next day but after that it's been like new. I am sure grateful he knows how to fix things like that, and I'm even more grateful that he's my own personal fix-it dude when it come to those types of injuries. HAH!

Another thing that we have done this last week is, well...enjoy the weather! It's been great and I sure hope it's staying! We have been on lot's of walks, played in multiple parks and/or just sat outside on the porch to enjoy the warmth. If you haven't taken advantage of this yet, I highly recommend it, even if it's just for a few minutes. It will definitely lift your mood.

Mike has applied to a PT school in Scotland and we are awaiting their response. We will most likely not hear anything for a month or two but it's fun to at least get the ball rolling on the grad school front. He can't apply to any schools in the states yet, so we'll keep you posted when those go out.

Andrew is a grower and a learner. He is just a little over a month away from his first birthday! I can't believe it! Some days it seems like I just got back from the hospital, but others feel like he's always been here. He can clap and climb on furniture and even stand without holding on to anything (although once he realizes what he's doing he gets scared and falls over) but I don't think walking is too far away. He still has no teeth though. Should I be worried? Everyone tells me no, but c'mon there is nothing there, just a cute, gummy, toothless grin. There was once when I thought I say a tooth. I really did, on the top...Mike saw it too and I even called my mom to tell her it was finally there. However, when I woke up the next morning it was gone. What?! Yeah, seriously I don't get it, we now refer to it as the phantom tooth, but that is not normal, MIke and I swear we both saw it. Obviously we were mistaken but I that was more than a month ago and I thought for sure there would be some sign of teeth by now. Who knows? And I have heard they make baby denchers...how funny would that be, just imagine! But other than the no tooth thing Andrew is a cute, thriving little mess maker and we sure love him!

That's it for out update. Hopefully it helps you see how regular our lives are. BUT regular is good, I like regular and I'll take it any day! Hope everyone else is doing great and I would recommend you update those blogs, even it you think there is nothing note worthy. We always love to make sure your doing well, even on you regular days! :-)

I am going to leave you with some funny pictures of Andrew (I thought they were funny, anyway...Mike might kill me for doing this) I like to call it, "Will the real Andrew West please stand up?" These are some pictures we have taken since his birth and you decide which one depicts the real Andrew. :-)

This one?


How about this one?


Or...this one?


Is this the real Andrew?


What about this or....


This?


Just joking! I really do have carton loads more of cute pictures than un-cute pictures, but then again I am extremely biased. :-)

When I went to get Andrew this morning....

Here is what I saw:



(I couldn't get a good picture of his back...that was the worst part, poor kid!)

Getting better (notice all the laundry in the background, YIKES!)


MUCH BETTER!!! :-)


I guess I've learned not to feed Andrew Oat Cereal before he goes to bed for the night.

Just feelin' grateful!

I don't quite know what it is, but for some reason over the last few days I have just been feeling extremely grateful. Grateful for EVERYTHING...for family, for friends. I just can't seem to find one reason to stay unhappy or sad. Sure I've had a few frustrating moments here and there but it isn't sticking.

Maybe it's the beautiful weather that is finally hinting of Spring or the fact that Mike continues to do exceptionally well in his busy classes AND I have gotten to see him more than we originally thought. Maybe it's because Andrew keeps growing and learning and making me so proud to be his mother! Maybe it's because I have been able to take peaceful strolls in the park and watch Andrew laugh as I push him in the swing. Maybe it's because I have recently run into several old friends or because I still keep in contact with so many others I love. Maybe it's because we finished our taxes and got a nice return. Maybe it's because my grandpa tells me the most colorful stories about training horses and winning races. Maybe it's because I am finally on top of dishes and laundry or perhaps it's because Andrew has been taking better naps.

Maybe it's because Costco is so handy or the woman at the check-out was so nice to me. Maybe it's because I have a sister-in-law on a mission and such fantastic in-laws and family members who are such great examples. Maybe it's because Mike actually bought me a flower (he hates flowers) or that he got me 'Charlie' and the Tarzan soundtrack for Valentines day. He remembered those things have a special meaning to me.

Maybe it's because I have so many fond memories in my life to keep my mind busy if it ever needs to wander. Maybe it's because fruit smoothies taste so good or because it feels so great when I finish Turbo Jam for the day. Maybe it's because I got to sleep in a little this morning or because Mike took out the trash on his way out. Maybe it's because I got some new mascara or because I have meals planned out for the rest of the week. Maybe it's because I did my visiting teaching this month and mine also came to visit me. Maybe it's because there are so many books to read and stories to tell or maybe it's because Andrew likes to bop to music. Maybe it's because of Josh Groban and John Schmidt or the small keyboard in our living room, where I can practice playing hymns.

Maybe it's for alarm clocks or imagination or the color green or freshly roasted vegetables, or for positive attitudes or kind words or conference talks or prayer. Maybe it's for blogging or away volleyball games or silly children songs or soccer, or for horses or hiking or for new goals and anticipation. I guess the point is that there are just so many things to be grateful for that I can't seem to keep from smiling. I'm glad this feeling has been with me and you know what, I think I'm going to invite it to stay.

Go Andrew!

This was fun so I thought I would quickly post it. Over the last few days I have worked at teaching Andrew how to pass the ball. So...here, for your viewing pleasure is Andrew and Daddy playing his new favorite game, "Pass the Ball." :-)

Go Away!

So I woke up this morning and this is what I found outside the living room window.




I know that I am being selfish, but I am DONE with the winter. No more snow! I'll take rain, I'll take hail, but PLEASE no more snow!

At least Andrew thought is was fun...

Tori, Tori, Ecuadory! (Plus a little for the Grandmas)

Hi! So, I felt the need to share my love for an item I have had in my possession now for oh...maybe 5 years or so. Has it really been that long?!? Sheesh! Anyway, I obtained said item whilst I traveled Ecuador as a "little" humanitarian clear back in 2004. There are many treasures I gained during my stay. Por exemplo, It helped me to establish a stronger sense of moral character, I learned how to be more charitable and selfless, I became good friends with some of the best people in the world (shout-out Quito chicas, "callate y besa me, tonto!, and I learned to LOVE deeper than I could of otherwise. However, of the monetary treasures, I still have a few things that are special such as: a small nativity set, a cool yellow Ecuador shirt (which I once wore in front of Mike during the world cup as England played Ecuador--BIG mistake), some crazy knitted slippers AND, the coolest, most amazing of them all--the item which has inspired me to write this tribute--the Tori Pants. (Umm..honestly I don't know if I am spelling it correctly, but oh well, continuing on...)

Tori pants, for those of you who don't know, are spectacular! They are spun out of wool or llama fur or Alpaca (I think) and come in all sorts of colors, patterns, shapes and sizes. As far as the style, think MC Hammer with a little clown pants. Yeah, how awesome is that?!? They are stylin'! AND practical, I wore these babies when I was pregnant with my baby and at nine months I still had room to spare! Oh yeah! AND I continue wearing them. You tell me how many of your regular ol' sweats or jeans can do that?!!

When I first arrived home from Ecuador I owned about 4 pairs. Unfortunately, since then, time did catch up to some and 3 have since met their maker. BUT, good news for me, I still have the coolest and most comfortable pair, and they don't appear to be wearing down anytime soon. No sir...these are resilient! They are rainbow with two big pockets on each leg and (as is typical of tori pant fashion) they have the oh-so-miraculous draw string at the waist (of course) as well as on the pant cuff at the bottom. RAD? How could it not be?

Tori pants are great and I am not the only who thought so. They were ever so popular amongst us volunteers--our equivalent of the Louis Vuitton handbag! Did the fine Ecudorian citizens wear them? Well, not really...but no matter, more for us! And I'm sure they thought we were the coolest walking around the streets of Quito as Albino as they come sporting the "native" clothing!

Anyway, so here is a picture of these fabulous pants. Aren't they great?! I sure think so... :-)


On to other news...It's been awhile since I have posted anything about Andrew or what's been goin' on around our house. So, for the sake the grandmas I decided to post some pictures. As far as what we've been doing...nothing too exciting. Mike is still busy as ever working for the MTC, putting in hours with the volleyball team and going to class. If her ever has spare time, he plays with me and Andrew (well, he always makes time for that) or else plays a little Fifa! I am busy with our little munchkin. He is growing so fast and I can't believe is already 9 months! He crawls everywhere and has even been attempting to stand on his own! YIKES! He has had a few bouts with a cold, but nothing very serious. He likes to play patty-cake and is great at clapping! He can definitely say 'Dada' and mean it...I think 'Momma' is there too, but it could be debated. Still likes to put EVERYTHING into his mouth, and his laugh sounds more and more like a chipmunk. Seriously so funny! I've been trying to catch it on video but have been unsuccessful so far. Here are some recent pictures. Enjoy!

Andrew having fun in his play pen!


SAD! He was not feeling well so I made him a little bed on the floor. He seriously sat there for about 45 minutes without moving. Proof of how bad he was feeling that day!




Tsk, tsk...got into some tissues while my back was turned.:-)