Here is a little update on what the West family has been up to these last few weeks.

GARDENING
Ho....what?! I mean, anyway...Mike and I have spent a lot of time fixing up my grandpa's (known as Papa) yard. It's been a lot of fun but A LOT more work. His backyard had this weird, randomly placed wood deck covered in chipped red paint located in the far left corner of the back. It was shoddily made and I swear it gave me splinters just looking at it. It took a little time but we finally convinced Papa to get rid of it (he didn't want to have to deal with the mess, understandably) but we figured out ways to do it so it wouldn't be that bad and he agreed! No surprise, it wasn't too hard to take apart but we were left with a huge stack of wood (didn't think to take pictures of it) but thanks to Mike, my brothers and a few other kind people letting us borrow their pick-up trucks and/or trailer we were able to haul all that wood to the dump and we were left with a lovely patch of dirt.

So...what did we do with the dirt? We made a garden!!!! (Provident Living, right?)I must confess this was actually a main motivation for tearing down the deck. We were very excited about the prospect of having our own little garden. I thought it would be easy, you know...till the dirt a little and then plant away! Not so! Apparently American Fork top soil is like a gravel pit. He spent almost a whole week just clearing out rocks so that something might have a chance to grow. We cleared a TON (literally, I wouldn't be surprised if that's how much it all ended up weighing) but there are still quite a few little rocky friends.



Oh well, we eventually got it good enough so we went to WalMart, bought some manure, some seeds and a few plants. We tilled in the manure (After I had a quite discusting incident of trying to throw one of the poop bags over the fence and, being the weakling I am, it only made it half way up, split, and I was then covered in stinky layer of cow mist...not my finest moment). After that we made rows and planted seeds and plants. It was a very rewarding feeling to see it all done! SO far it is growing great. Here are some pictures and a list of all the our future vegetables:
-Carrots -corn
-Zuccini -brussel sprouts
-tomotoes -beans
-parsnips (an ode to Mike) -yellow squash
-lettuce -herbs
-spinach -a little melon patch with honeydew and cantaloupe


MIKE taking a break!

This is how I felt most of the time...grrrrr!


FINISHED!


PARKS
One thing I absolutely love around here are the many parks! I try to take Andrew on a long walk at least once a day and we usually end up going to find new, fun parks to play in. Andrew is more of an outdoor baby and he loves it! I also love the exercise and sunshine! Mike doesn't have to work in the early mornings anymore so when he isn't studying, he comes too! It's been a lot of fun!




I also have a fun new tradition with my good friend Kristi. She and her two cute girls meet up with Andrew and I every other Thursday to play at the park. It's been so fun catching up with her!! I meant to take pictures of the last time we got together but it ended up being too rainy to stay long (I don't know what we were thinking that day). I will post some soon!


SEEING THE UTAH SIGHTS
Since we now know we will be living in Scotland, we really wanted to take this summer and do all the fun things that we can in Utah before we go. I like to call it the Utah Bucket list. One of the first things we have done is visit the Sandy Aquarium. It was a lot of fun! Although I think Andrew had a better time looking at all the other kids than the fish! (Think he needs a playmate?!?) It was kind of short but we thought it was great and we got some fun pictures too!

Andrew and I got to touch a string ray! It felt like soft, mossy slime!


Andrew and Daddy!


This was supposed to be a picture of glitter fish, can't really tell but they were cool!


I thought he looks like yoda! YODA FROG!


It looks like the fish weren't the only thing on exhibit!


Is that you girlfriend, andrew? He was trying to kiss the fish!


This was supposed to be of jelly fish, can't really seem them but daddy and Andrew are having fun!


Here is an octopus! WOW! Mommy needs a tan!


Watch out Andrew, the octopus looks hungry!


Thanks Sandy Aquarium!

I was on the fence, but now...

Ya, so...I'm at home right now, which is currently located in a dark basement, right? And Mike is working with the BYU Men's soccer team in Ogden and won't get back until midnight. It's rainy outside, dark and it's thundering. Usually this weather calms me, makes me feel all snuggly and stuff but not tonight.

Tonight I am...gulp...frightened! (Thunder claps in the background as my dark room eerily lights and fades with a florescent bolt of lightening and then...WHAT THE...! Oh, my phone seriously just made a noise indicating I have a new text message. PHEW, but definitely the wrong time for my friend to tell me she is currently partying at a Scottish festival. However, now that the initial shock has worn off, I better tell her to watch out for those kilts, it's a windy night)

Anyway...

WHY, you ask, am I so frightened? Well, I'll tell you why in one word: CLOWNS

I mean, isn't it obvious? Okay, maybe not so obvious to some so I'll explain. After I got Andrew in bed for the night, I made myself dinner and decided to see what was on the ol' boob tube. Just my luck, the first thing I come to is, The Dark Knight.

"My," I thought to myself, "I haven't seen this show. Mike saw it, said it was alright. Why not?" (For the record, I am astounded by my own stupidity at times...I mean, there was a REASON I didn't go see it with Mike the first time and now I suddenly think I'd be OK because--what--I'm sitting at home, alone, in a nearly windowless basement next to a storage room which, quit frankly, smells a little freakish?)

Well, it had just started so I began watching... and watching. I could have just turned it off, sure, but no! Instead, Einstein Emily, watched as it began with a sickly scene of joker making people rob a bank and then killing each other, or something, and then basically the same thing happened over and over again. And, let's be honest, no matter how cute that Christian Bale may be, it did nothing...NOTHING to make me see any light in that warped piece of cinema. However, the thing that made it worse was not all the dark undertones (actually, more like OVERtones) it was the freakishly disheveled, grotesque clown that Heath Ledger became as the Joker. (Ya, the guy definitely deserves the Oscar, May he rest in peace.)

Now, bear in mind, I don't wish to offend anyone because I know many a man (lot less women, though) LOVE this movie and to you I say, alright...more power to ya. But it's just not my thing. And it was the indescribably freakish joker that has now put me into a fit full of the heebie-jeebies!

So this is what it comes down to.

I have always been on the fence with clowns. Yes, I see how they are scary. I mean, an ADULT human being dressed up in stupid, over-size clothing with an obscene amount of face paint meant to "accentuate" their expressions. Not to mention, they have abnormally large feet and prefer the "Hyuk, hyuck" laughter. That's really not normal...even if it is meant to entertain small children, actually...ESPECIALLY if it's meant to entertain small children. BUT on the other side, I also saw how they can be fun. I grew up watching Bozo the happy clown who gave away prizes on his Saturday morning show to children and not to mention, Ronald McDonald? The guy was full of fun, and I think he was even on Sesame Street! So basically, it was these nice portrayals of this very un-natural phenomenon that have always made me stay on the fence when asked how I felt about our "friendly" circus pals.

But now...after seeing The Dark Knight I find myself way off the fence on this one. I mean, I have completely cleared the fence and sprinted half-way across the lawn to the door, but somehow can't quite make it to safety because a lunatic man equipped with a squeaky red nose and rainbow colored hair is trying to grab my ankle.

Also because of this movie every scary depiction of a clown I have ever seen has come racing back into my head. Like the one time my sister and I stayed home on a Halloween night and watched a part of that movie, IT (edited on TV). Or the one time, again, on a Halloween when that weird kid I sat next to in English came to class dressed like a clown and then ASKED ME OUT! I mean, scary memories...so what do I do now?

Ughhh...I'm all freaked out. Maybe you could do me a solid and leave a comment with some nice thoughts or happy memories?!?

THANKS!

For those who were wondering...

I WON!

A Battle of Epic Proportions

It's dusk. The sun is sinking beneath the horizon. The birds are beginning to slow their song as the crickets warm up their symphony of strings. I am alone, sitting behind a desk staring anxiously at the clock that slowly ticks the minutes away.

It's been 53 minutes...now 54.

I listen close. Nothing. Then, a little cry rings in my ears. It's Andrew. I put him to bed at 7:06, his usual bedtime. I know he is tired, it was evident in his manner. He wobbled around the living room like a drunken sailor, he would not stop rubbing his right eye and his screeching would only cease if I held him. This is typical evening behavior...proof that it's time for bed.

Seeing the signs--so clear--I went about my duty. I changed him, put on his blue pj's, with the trains and frogs, and got a bottle ready. I warmed the milk and retrieved the blanky. Andrew saw what I was doing and started to cry with excitement over the bottle. When it was ready, I took him to the rocker...his favorite place to sit. I snuggled him in, covered him with the blanky and gave him the bottle. He was delighted.

I rubbed his head and sang a little song. His eyes were droopy, getting droppier....closed! The bottle was empty, I know it's time to put him down. I slowly put the bottle on the chair and started to stand. However, just as I got to standing position, daddy made a little chuckle and then...he sneezed.

Oh no...this is a disaster.

I quickly looked down at Andrew as his eyes popped back open. He smiled when he heard daddy laugh. He knows that means fun...but what made it infinitely worse was the sneeze. I ask you, what one-year old baby is strong enough to resist such a sound? It is a clear invitation for fun. I hastily lengthened my stride and exited the living room. Perhaps it's OK, maybe I haven't missed my window yet.

When I reached Andrew's dark, cool room he was squirmy, trying with all his chubby might to look behind my shoulders and see what daddy was doing. By now I know...it's too late. Andrew is curious and his curiosity means only one thing...he will be stubborn.

I tried cradling him, but he wouldn't have it. I tried singing again, he only put his hand on my mouth. It was now or never, so I put Andrew in his crib. I swiftly covered him in his blanky and kissed his cheek. He seemed alright, like he might stay put. I was relieved.

I walked out the room and closed the door so only a small crack let in the faintest amount of light. I heard nothing. Ahhhhh! Relief. That was so close...too close! I smiled to myself as I realized the problem I only narrowly escaped.

"Andrew will go to bed", I thought to myself, relieved.

However, just as I was reaching my bedroom door, I realized that providence was not actually on my side. At first it started as a slight whimper, barely noticeable...and then...a loud bawling began streaming from the depth of Andrew's room.

That's when I knew...there will be a battle tonight.

I first waited for 15 minutes, expecting Andrew to let the drowsiness take over. But, alas, he is as stubborn as his mother and the crying has still not stopped. It has now been 65 minutes and I still hear a small whimper in the next room. It goes against every instinct I have, I want to get my baby, but I know I need to leave him alone. He needs to sleep. I bite my tongue and continue typing with only one question in mind.

Who will win this battle? Andrew--the small, cherubic titan? Or mommy--the stubborn, letter of the law?

Only time will tell...

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!