Tidwell Time--Last May

May 10-19-Trip to Utah

**Warning Picture Overload**

I'm slightly late posting this....but I had started it months ago so I thought I would finish it.

 

Last time we took our trip to Utah in October 2012, we were 1 minute late to check our bags onto the plane and so we had to fly out 6 hours later. I was totally bummed and upset. So this time we decided to stay the night in Fresno so we could more easily catch our flight that left at 6:30 AM. We made it on time :) which we were all happy about. 

When we arrived, I was so excited to see Mckenna!! The last time I saw her she was 6 weeks old and now she is 7 1/2 months old and she started to crawl while we were there. I played with her all day Friday and hung out with my mom. Trav, Shane, Josh and my dad went golfing at ???

You can see who is the star of the show in the family ;) We all can't get enough of her. What a DOLL!!

Travis text me while they were golfing and said, "Couldn't have picked a better day [for golfing]."

 On Saturday, we got up early and got all fixed up for family pictures. I'll have to post the pictures when I get them, but luckily we got some good ones. We then headed to the Bountiful Temple to do sealings. It was a very spiritual and uplifting experience to have my parents and all of my siblings and spouses in the temple together. What a neat opportunity that I am so grateful for. That night we had a great time mini golfing at Cherry Hill. I think Travis won.....as always.

My brother, Shane, got called to serve in the Rapid City, South Dakota Mission. He gave a wonderful talk at his farewell and is so ready to go and serve the Lord. He is bummed he is going to be gone when Nixon is born, but we'll be sure to send him lots of pictures. It was so good to see a lot of our extended family that we have hardly seen since we moved to California at his farewell.

 

My mom, aunt, and Grandma Ford threw me a darling sailor themed shower. Nixon got spoiled with tons of gifts. The food was delicious, but my favorite part was spending time with family.

 

My long time friends and their moms got together at Kneaders in Bountiful to celebrate Nixon's soon arrival as well.
From Left-Right
Sheri, Michelle, Lara Barenz, Peggy (Lara's Mom), Caitlyn Cottrell (who is also expecting), Tara (who is also expecting), Shauna (Tara's mom), Burgundy Heiner, and Tami (Burgundy's mom).

Every time we get together, it is as if we never have been apart. I am the only one that lives out of state, so they rest of the girls get together often, but I'm so glad they make the time to hang out when I'm in town. Nothing beats girl's time out!!

Nixon's Birth Story

Born: Thursday, July 25th at 6:45 am
Nixon Ray Guymon
8 lbs 2 oz
20.5 inches long

It was Wednesday night. Mark, Trav's brother, had just got home from his mission in Morristown, New Jersey that day at 1 PM. I had been at work all day and actually had taken a 2 hour break in the afternoon to go and do a free tour of the mother/baby unit that they offer at Kaweah Delta Hospital where I was going to have Nixon. It had been a typical day at work and I ended up working until about 5:30 that night, which is later than usual because I wanted to make the time I had missed while I was at the tour.  The tour that day had been very informative and actually helped to calm some of my worries about having the baby, where I would be in the hospital, and kind of how everything would go down. Travis and I were going to take the labor and delivery class, but the dates did not work with our schedule. When we asked my OBGYN, Dr. Wiseman, if he recommended we take them, he said, "You don't have to have a certificate to have a baby. The baby will come either way." He also told us that we seemed like a more relaxed couple and so he didn't think it was necessary and we could save the money, but we could if we wanted to. (I apparently had been hiding my anxiety pretty good, or it was more like it didn't really hit until I was in labor, which by that point it is too late anyways.) I did, however, read the manuals that my sister got from her labor and delivery and breastfeeding classes that she was so nice to mail to me. Those really answered most of my questions.

Also, it just so happened that earlier in the day, on July 24th, I had left work for a couple of hours to take a tour of the hospital with other expecting mothers. They showed us where to go and answered questions on what to expect. I am super glad I went on the tour that day because little did I know I would go into labor in about four hours and if I hadn't gone on this tour, would have had NO idea where I was going.

So back to the story.... Travis was on his way home from work and called me like usual. He told me he would be home in 10 mins and that we would Skype with Mark when he got home so we could hear about his mission and how it was to be home again. Trav asked me to text his family to let them know we would wanted to skype soon so they would be ready. After I got of the phone, I went to use the restroom. After I was walking back into the family room to chill until Trav got home. As I was walking I realized I was leaking. I couldn't decide if I was wetting myself or what, but I thought to myself...." I just used the bathroom, like what is going on." I realized my water had just broke. I ran back into the bathroom. I was kind of starting to freak out inside once the reality of the situation hit me. I started to shake a little and I was mildly, okay majorly, going into a kind of shock mode. Just as all of this was happening, I hear Travis walk through the garage door. I yelled to Trav from the bathroom kind of panicky, "Trav, uhhh my water just broke." He was like, "Are you sure?"  I was like, "If that wasn't my water breaking I don't know what it is."At that moment I don't think either of us quite knew what to do or say and we were both in shock. I immediately starting asking him to start to get my hospital bag ready.

Side note, I had been thinking about how I needed to get my hospital bag ready for weeks, but I just hadn't gotten around to it. Recently, like I think earlier that week, I had finally decided to go get something I could wear home from the hospital that would be comfy, some nursing bras, and small toiletries to take with me to the hospital. Thank HEAVENS I had at least done that much. All these items were sitting in their bags in a pile by my nightstand.

Right before we left to the hospital 39 weeks

I hurried and took a shower, (at the same time telling Trav what to grab), put on make-up, and did my hair (other girls had told me to do this so that you have a nice shower and feel good before you go through labor, since they don't let you shower for a little bit) Then we headed to the hospital, which is only about 10 mins away. They checked us in and sent us to the labor and delivery triage room. The nurse did a test to see if my water had actually broke. It is similar to a pregnancy test where if two lines show, then your water actually broke. She sat there for a while and looked at it and was like, I'm not so sure I am seeing the second line and walked out of the room. Trav and I were sitting there and I just kept saying, "I'm 99.9% sure that was my water breaking. I don't know what else it could have been." We waited about 15 mins and she came back in. She looked at the strip again and was like I think I might see a very faint second line. Then she showed Trav and I the strip to get our opinion (which I thought was interesting lol) Of course, we both said we saw the faint line. It was there, just almost invisible. At that point, they took us to the labor and delivery room. As we waited, I told Trav to start texting family. Then the nurse walked in and quickly stopped him. We didn't know we couldn't use cellphones in the labor and delivery room, so Trav went out into the lobby to let our families know what was going on.

They waited until I was dilated to a 5 before they even started getting ready for the epidural. The epidural wasn't too bad actually compared to the contractions. After the epidural, they checked me again and I was at a 9. I was progressing really fast for a first pregnancy. Finally at 3 am I was at a 10. I pushed for a while without of ton of success. So they asked if I wanted to take a rest. I said a 30 min rest would be nice so that hopefully I could regain more energy to push this little boy out. The nurse came back after 30 min and instead of having me push, she turned down my epidural majorly and gave me Pitocin. I sat there wondering what was going on. I was starting to feel the pain of the contractions again. I kept telling Trav, "should I call the nurse and see what the plan is?" I waited a while longer and finally I had to know what was going on. When the nurse came in I found out what was happening.  The Dr that was supposed to come and deliver me was busy with two other deliveries. My nurse assured me she would be in soon. We waited some more (remember that this whole time I was dilated to a 10).

 Finally the pain was becoming unbearable. I pushed the nurse button and told the girl that answered that the pain was killing me and I needed some sort of pain medication. She said she'd let my nurse know. When my nurse finally came back in it was now 6 AM, time for shift change. She brought in two other new nurses. I asked her for more pain meds, but she said it was too late. She did a run through of what had happened so far with the new nurses. I could tell by their faces that they weren't too excited to be taking on a situation where a woman in labor was in major pain she wasn't planning on. I can't say I was very happy or pleasant. I was super upset and frustrated. When they told the doctor was done with the other deliveries, I was thinking, FINALLY!! Then the nurses kept talking back and forth and running in and out of my room saying they couldn't find the doctor. They had called her cell phone, checked the bathroom, left her voicemails. They weren't sure where she was. I absolutely couldn't believe this was happening. I was having very hard contractions and had waited forever and now they couldn't find the doctor?!?!?! I can't even tell you how happy I was when she finally walked in the room at about 6:30 am.

 By that time my epidural was worn off. It was SOOOOOOOOOO painful!! I can't even describe how it felt. I can't believe that some girls choose to do it with no pain meds, but everyone is free to do whatever they want. Nixon was born at 6:45 am. Super healthy and perfect. When they placed him on my chest, I just couldn't even believe it. I was so relieved he was finally here and that the labor was finally over. Trav told me that he teared up when he saw Nixon. It is just an overwhelming feeling of joy, responsibility, and indescribable love.  He scored 9's on both his APGAR tests.  Once he was born, all the pain was forgotten because I had this precious angel in my arms.

Weighed 8 lbs 2 oz

 

Needless to say, Travis and I am so in love with Nixon. It is the most special experience to have your own child. There just isn't anything that compares to the immediate joy and eternal love we feel for him.

After a couple hours of nurses watching me and Nixon closely after I delivered him, they took us over into the mother baby unit. While we were there, we skyped with my family and Travis' family.  The nurse gave Nixon his first bath and Trav, me and Nixon just enjoyed our first day together. Friday at about 1 pm we headed home. It was kind of different not having all of our family come to the hospital to visit. I mean my whole life growing up I imagined what it would be like when I had my first child and had expectations of what the hospital stay would be like with visitors and all, but I knew that having Nixon in California would be different. I can say it would have been fun to have family there and to be able to show everyone his cuteness, but there was something really special about me, Trav,  and Nixon being able to bond together right from the get go as OUR new family.

Nixon's first bath

First Family Photo

Something I have definitely learned from living far away from our immediate families, is that I have to depend on Travis. He is my best friend, my strength, and I go to him for advice. Our relationship has grown even stronger from needing to lean on each other through the ups and downs of life.

Thoughts I wrote back on the week he was born- Nixon is such a good baby!! Seriously. He eats really good, sleeps really good, and honestly hardly cries. He loves to have his hands up by his face and he loves to be bundled up in a blanket and held close to your body. Basically, he is PERFECT and we are so in love!

Car ride home

2/3 of the way.....so excited...and yet somewhat nervous

Sunday, May 5

Yesterday I officially hit the 3rd trimester mark. I can't believe how fast it is going now!! I'm so excited to meet our little baby boy, but I'm getting nervous for all the unknowns of labor and being a new mom.

My sister sent me this in a magazine when she was pregnant and so she shared it with me. It really puts things into perspective as I prepare to have a life-altering change in my life. She sent this at a perfect time for me.

Getting Back to Normal
News flash: Life as you knew it is essentially over, or at least on hold for while (Try the next 18 years of so) You can't just pick up and easily to take a weekend trip, and happy hour now includes a baby bottle. Your sleep is no longer you own. If you wait for life to get back to the normal you once knew you're going to be very disappointed.
The fix: Realize there is a "new normal' dawning , and it's going to be brighter and better than anything you could have imagined. You'll say goodbye, and perhaps even grieve, the loss of certain aspects of your old life. But you'll also learn to love your new life with your precious baby. In the chaotic days and weeks that follow birth, it may seem like things will never be routine again  but rest assured they will. Soon you'll look back on your pregnancy and new motherhood with a great deal of nostalgia and maybe tell a labor story or two of your own.

23 Weeks

Between about 22 weeks and now (I'm currently 27 weeks), I feel our baby boy daily. I absolutely love it!! It is so crazy and cool all at the same time to know that I have my baby growing inside me. He is always with me, so I'm never alone. I really like that and I'm definitely IN LOVE!!

26 Weeks

Travis and I are continuing to try to get ready for his arrival. We got the dresser and crib yesterday. The dresser was already put together, but we put the crib together last night. I imagined what it will be like to have our little sweetie asleep in his crib, or even better in my arms. I just can't wait!

On Friday, April 26th we went to get a 4D Ultrasound. Our boy only cooperated for about 3 mins. After that he turned his head away and they couldn't get another 3D shot. The tech got a couple of pictures and we have about 3 mins of film, which is really neat. While they were filming in 4D he yawned and you can see his tongue  It is DARLING!! I wish he would have been a little less camera shy, but I guess he wants to save the surprise for when he makes his official appearance. :) I'm so grateful that I get to be a mother to mine and Trav's child. It is such a special blessing that I am and will be eternally grateful for.

It's a BOY!!

Sunday, March 31-Easter Sunday

 

This post is slightly past due. It is CRAZY how fast time flies now that I am past the halfway mark of pregnancy. We found out on Tuesday, March 12 that....

 

It's a BOY!!!

 

We were getting the ultrasound done and she said that there was something that we needed to keep our eye on... :) Sure enough, out little baby is a boy!! When the tech first said it was a boy I turned to Trav smiled and said "Now you don't have to worry about your name being carried on. lol" He was definitely grinning ear to ear. We are both so excited to finally know we get to meet our little boy in August. We had a few girl's names we liked, but nothing picked out as far as a boy name. We have been making lists of boys names and crossing them off as eachother looks over the other persons list. I even got on to church's ancestry website, NewFamilyTree.org, and was going back on both of our family lines to see if there were any names that I liked. We still haven't decided on a name. We haven't wanted to share any of the options we're considering with others because we would rather pick the name we both like and then let people know. That way we don't have everyone else's opinions to consider. It is hard enough to find a name that me and Trav like. If they don't like it at first, hopefully it will grow on them :)

22 weeks

 

It is Easter Sunday today and I can't help but think that I'm starting to look like an egg....very fitting. The past few weeks I have really been able to notice and feel our boy moving around. It is the coolest feeling and makes it seem even more real. Travis is dying to be able to feel him. Hopefully that time will come real soon. Every weekend going forward will be looking for baby boy stuff and figuring out everything we need to get ready to welcome this sweetie into our lives. WE CAN'T WAIT!!!

 

Deep Thoughts....

Life has a way of catching you off guard with challenges and the question of why.

I have many friends at work, but who would have thought that one of my best friends at work would be in her early sixties. Her name is Terry. She adores her three grand kids. She is an RN and has had a lot of experience in the medical field. She is very knowledgeable in the field of nursing and has so much wisdom to share about life. We go to lunch often together. Many times she refuses to let me pay for myself. She is so giving. She supplies a candy bowl at work that supports 80 people. She always makes sure to have plenty of yummy chocolates (butterfingers, kit kats, snickers, M&M's..etc) on Friday's because she understands it's usually a rough day for everyone. She is so giving, so caring, and always lends a listening ear. I always tell her that she is my grandma/mom/friend here in California. She watches over everyone at my work and she shows how much she cares about me. She is a such a good friend!! Terry was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2012. It broke my heart when I found out, but I honestly didn't know what this all entailed considering I had never had any one close to me have to go through chemotherapy. She went through chemo from November through February. She was sometimes at work, sometimes not. She felt pretty good sometimes and other times not so great. From the CT scan they felt the cancer was localized in the bladder only, but did chemo just be to sure it didn't go anywhere else. I sat with her during one of her chemo treatments and we chatted. We mostly talked about what was going on in our lives and at work. She never wants people to feel bad for her. She lost her hair and currently wears a wig, but she jokes about it and makes light of her situation. She is a strong women, who takes on this cancer with an optimistic outlook and is brave through it all. She makes you believe that it hardly phases her, but I know that deep down she was worrying about it. She is not free of cancer yet. She will soon have her bladder removed in hopes that this will rid her body of cancer completely. With her situation, I sometimes wonder why??? Why do these kind of things happen to such kind people??


Terry and I....this was when I visited her to deliver a basket full of love from the people at my work.

Little did I know that this experience of cancer would come to one of my close close loved ones in my family so soon. I won't go into all the details because I'm not sure I should be the one to share.  But, my world was turned upside down when I called my mom asking what was wrong with Kathy. Never would I have guessed that I would be told through the telephone that she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. At the time, I didn't even know the details or what that all meant. All I knew is that someone I consider my second mom had cancer and stage 4. I was torn to the core. I just fell apart. My boss asked if I needed to go home, but I didn't want to be at home, left alone to soak it all in. I tried to pull it together for 3 hours to finish up my work day.
Kathy is my second mother. I lived next to her for the first 4 years of life and basically we were at her house or she was at our house all growing up. We have always done many things with the Wilson's. We have gone camping together on a yearly basis. We spend Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Birthdays, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day always celebrating together. She was ALWAYS doing scrap booking with my mom. My mom and her do almost everything together, thus growing up I was around her all the time. She loves me like I was her own daughter and I love her like I love my mother. She has the most bubbly and funny personality. She always makes everyone laugh. I look up to her. I admire her.
The question of why? has been constantly running through my head. I feel bad I can't be there in Utah. I just want to give her a big hug, and I look forward to that when we visit our families in May. I try not to think about the reality of the situation. I try to keep a positive and optimistic outlook, but sometimes it is really hard. I try not to stress because I now I have my baby to protect, but it is very difficult at times. Sometimes I just break down. The friends I have shared this with in California aren't able to grasp how much this affects me. I think for some people an aunt is someone they see at a few family gatherings, maybe weddings, or family reunions, but Kathy to me is much more than that. She is a big part of my life. I share this because I can't hold it in. I need to express my feelings. It is uncertain what the future holds, as I guess is always the case, but I pray for Kathy, her family, and loved ones. These experiences help me to remember to enjoy every moment of life and always show love to those you care about. I am very grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the strength the gospel bring me.

Ellen and Kathy-Both wonderful aunts to me

Our New Little Addition

Sunday, March 10-

I can't believe I haven't posted about this yet, as it has been the most exciting thing going on at the Guymon home and my mind hasn't stopped thinking about it for the past 3 1/2 months.  I blogged on my personal blog about it before we told everyone and so I'll share some parts of those posts.

I'll let you know most of this is for journal purposes, it might not be interesting to read through, but I consider my blog a journal of my lives' events :)

November 26, 2012-Found out we were pregnant
"Well today was the big day! The day we have been waiting for. It seems so unreal to me right now, but I'm sure that it will hit sometime soon."
"It is such a sureal feeling, and I instantly feel a connection with our precious angel and am starting to feel my nuturing and motherly self come out. This is so EXCITING!!! I can't wait to welcome our baby into the world! This is going to be the start of a new phase in life and I've been waiting for this privilage and thank Heavenly Father for blessing us with this baby. "

December 7, 2012
"Shannon sent me the cutest pictures of Mckenna today in the mail. I just love her and want to squeeze her and kiss her. I think about what you might look like and how much I will adore you."

December 19, 2012-Ultrasound at 7 1/2 weeks
"He was doing the ultrasound and was talking to me a lot of my job, my husband, why I moved here, etc......it was making me nervous because I thought, "why don't you tell me what you see, or if you see anything?!?!?" When he was done with the ultrasound he still hadn't said anything about the baby. Finally I asked, "So by 7 weeks shouldn't you be able to see the baby's heartbeat". He answered "Yes, and he said he had seen it." OH MY GOODNESS, what a RELIEF. I really wish he would have said something sooner. I was kind of stressing the whole time. Next, he did a tranvaginal ultrasound (I was so glad that my doctor had ordered both). He was looking at the screen and said, "Let's make sure there aren't two in there," (Another relief, there was atleast one baby in there) and then he asked me if twins ran in either of our families. I told them they didn't. Finally he turned the screen towards me and was showing me the baby. I honestly couldn't even believe it. It was so surreal. I just couldn't believe that this was actually happening. That I actually have a child growing inside me and that it is mine and Trav's baby. We are parents!!! I still don't think it has totally hit me. It makes me so excited and I have been tearing up when I think about it. I am just so happy. I am just overjoyed and honestly this is the best Christmas gift ever!! This was all I needed to see and know that our baby is healthy and growing.

The ultrasound tech showed me the heart and then he turned on the volume so I could hear it. It was so neat and confirmed to me that everything was going well. It really is an absolute miracle that a baby can form properly and the organs start working right away. I was really really wishing that Travis was there to experience this with me. I was so glad when the tech reassurred me that he would send me home with several pictures. I text Trav once I was done and told him, "I'm done good news they say everything looks good and healthy thus far. I've got pics to show you :) wish you could have come." Then I called him right away because I was so excited and wanted to fill him in on everything that they told me.

I am absolutely in love with our little baby. I feel so privilaged that Heavenly Father has entrusted me and Travis with one of his special spirits to take care of and raise in righteousness. There is a lot to plan for and a lot to do before this little one comes in August, but I am just so JOYFUL and HAPPY! I felt like I was beaming walking around after seeing our child and being reassured that everything is developing correctly."

Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Today was finally the doctor's appt we have been waiting for. I have been anxious about this appointment since the day it go booked. I really thought it would never come. I was nervous and excited and just flat out wanted to know that everything was going well with our baby. Well they took me back, weighed me, took my blood pressure (which was of course high because I was nervous), and then we waited in the room to meet the doctor. I had done some research on OBGYN's and I decided on Dr. Wiseman. He is a little older, he is an MD, and he is the Chief Medical Officer at Kaweah Delta Hospital. I had looked up reviews for him online and everyone had a lot of good things to say. I think I made a good choice. He was really friendly, wanted to get to know us, took time to answer all of our questions in detail, and explained the ultrasound in detail.

I was so glad Travis was able to come with me. To get great news or get not so great news, at least I would have his support.[I didn't have very good reason to worry, but I was worrying all the time :)] Well he began the ultrasound and Travis was like, "I can see the heartbeat". Best words ever. I could see the baby and heart was beating. What a relief. I was so so happy. I loved watching our little one move around. We could see the legs, arms, head, and body. The doctor said the baby was really moving around and putting on a show, then he said "now he is just showing off." The baby was moving so much. it was so special and cool to see. We got several pictures. He told us that the baby was measuring 12 weeks old, but he gave us a due date of August 2, 2013. We cannot be more excited.

We couldn't wait to finally share the news with our parents. We surprised all of them!!! They didn't have any idea. The best reaction we got was from Shane. He just rubbed his head and didn't really believe what was happening. Their reactions were priceless. They were all so excited and we all couldn't stop smiling. It was so nice to finally tell people about it. It has been so challenging just holding it all in and only being able to talk to Travis about it. They all couldn't believe we waited that long to tell them, but Travis and I know that it was best. Travis' dad definitely caught on first with us having blue and pink shirts on. My mom caught on first when she saw oven on on my shirt.

Can I just say I am so grateful today. My heart is so full of happiness, joy, and gratitude. I can't believe that such a miracle can happen. That things can development correctly and work all together. I'm so in love with this baby already and I think it is finally starting to sink in that I am going to be a mom. What a privilege this is to be a mom. I can't wait to find out if we are having a boy or a girl. The next ultrasound won't be for another 6 weeks, but until then, I'll just enjoy knowing that things are going good. I am so SUPER SUPER happy tonight.

P.S. The only people we have told are Marian, Ray, Sheri, Reed, and Shane. We will tell everyone else on Thursday. Shane gets his mission call tomorrow and we don't want to take away from his special day tomorrow. I can't wait to tell everyone else.

Thursday, January 17- We  told the rest of our families. We sent this picture out to all of them through text. We are so grateful for the awesome family we have that support us.

Monday, February 4- We shared the picture on Facebook and said, "The news is out! Baby Guymon is on the way! — with Travis Guymon. "

A little on my pregnancy......

16 Weeks

18 Weeks

 

19 Weeks

 

I felt pretty nauseous and extremely tired from weeks 6-11. I never threw-up, but nothing sounded very good to eat and the worst part was probably having to act like I felt great because no one knew I was pregnant. My co-workers are used to a willing, upbeat, and smiling Michelle, so that is what I put on even though I felt like crap. I was so glad when I started to feel more like myself again as I moved into the second trimester. Lately, I have been having some heartburn in the day, mostly before I got to bed. I am still more tired than I usually am and I'm starting to show. It seems though that all of my symptoms are pretty common.

This Tuesday is a big day for us.....we find out if it's a boy or a girl!?!?! Then let the shopping begin. I am learning so much about pregnancy since this is my first and I don't know a whole lot about everything that happens. I will be going in for an anatomy scan on Tuesday, which to the parents we get excited about because we find out if it's a boy or a girl. Well it means a whole lot more than just that. They check all the developing of organs and everything with the baby. It makes me a little nervous, but we have been anticipating this for awhile now and I'm hoping everything will go smoothly as it has this far.

Trav and I are so excited and anxious to be parents. I can't say how much I feel it is important that you wait until both of you are ready and prepared. Trav and I waited until we both felt good about having children, and this has made it so enjoyable and joyous for both of us. I been feeling "flutters" over the past week, but I wasn't totally convinced it was the baby. Last night at the movies, I'm pretty dang sure I felt the baby. Such an awesome feeling!! I can't wait to feel more of it and even more strongly. So grateful to my Heavenly Father for this blessing that will forever be in our lives.

Happy Love Day!!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

 

Happy Valentine's Day!!

 

I love Valentine's Day....it just gives us an opportunity to express love to our loved ones. Trav had asked me what I wanted for Valentine's Day. I honestly couldn't think of anything that I really wanted or needed. He completely surprised me with these beautiful aquamarine stone earrings. I absolutely love them!! As I was in a mad dash to finish up his Valentine's gift before he got home from work on Valentine's Day I was thinking....I should have told him I would like some nice jewelery. Well sure enough he thought of that himself, which even made it mean so much more. He had paid attention to the times I had mentioned that I would love to have diamond earrings, but I would worry way to much about losing them. So these were absolutely perfect and I love them! I've got the perfect valentine.

I thought a lot about valentine's this year. I wanted to do something special and memorable for Trav. I wanted him to really know how much I love and appreciate everything he does for me. Needless to say, I took on a larger project then I really had time fore before Valentine's Day, but I think it got the message across. I got 20 balloons as I wanted to do the 20 reasons why I love you. I wrote each thing I loved about trav on a thick paper heart. My plan was to tape each heart on a balloon. I forgot to think about and found out real fast that the hearts would pull the balloon down so I was on to plan B. I ended up scattering the hearts across the table and had a ton of balloons. :)

 

The next thing I did was to go through all the emails that I wrote him while we were dating and pull out quotes that went along with this 20 reasons I love him. While we dated we lived 2 1/2 hours apart and only saw each other on the weekend, so needless to say we sent sweet and cute emails to each other often. I had a ton of good material. I typed up a little paper for each of the 20 reasons that included the date of the email and the direct quotes from our dating emails. Then I wrote a paragraph about how I feel today regarding that reason I loved him and how I still feel the same or more strongly than I did when we dated. It was TONS of fun to put together because I loved reading all the emails.

I bought one of those huge cards and then created these little envelopes to hold all the cute love notes. I thought it turned out really cute and even though Travis isn't much of a mushy person, I think it made him feel special. 

I also threw in a new golf glove and golf towel that I knew he would for sure like.

 

We had dinner together at Chili's and just enjoyed talking together. I still can't get over how nice it is to have Trav be done with school. I am grateful everyday for the time we get to spend together and that season of school is over. We have really grown so close together here in California with no family near. We have each other we can always count on. We really are best friends and I love that.