2015 Utah Trip #2

We are loving that we get to go to Utah and spend time with family so many times this year. There is a lot going on and next year we won't be doing much traveling with a little one so we are doing lots of it before the baby comes. This was a spur of the minute trip and one that was totally worth dropping everything for. Savage is our family business and they issued an endowment at BYU in honor of my Grandpa and his two brothers who were the founders of Savage. It is an endowed fund in business at the Marriott School in the global supply chain department. Eric graduated from the business school with his emphasis in global supply chain so this was something that we did not want to miss out on.   They were able to announce the first "Savage Scholars" and we were able to be at the luncheon where they did this at BYU. We were so glad that we were able to fly from Houston to attend this special thing in honor of Grandpa.

We decided that if we were going to be at the luncheon on Monday that we might as well go for the weekend. We flew to Utah on Friday night after Eric got off work and got into Salt Lake around 9pm. We went home and went to bed we were so dang tired. Pregnancy sickness and airplane rides don't go well together so I was not feeling so great. Saturday morning, my dad and Eric got us girls Einstein's bagels before they went off and did man stuff all day long. My mom, sisters, and I did the girl thing and shopped and ate Cafe Rio. Eric and my dad aren't a fan so they didn't come to Rio with us. It was so dang good but I had to pick all the meat out of my salad. Meat is something that this tummy of mine isn't liking so much right now. We also had to stop at Swig and get some of their delicious cookies and also to pick up some chocolate covered cinnamon bears. They are no where to be found in Houston so I am always bringing them back from Utah for friends. Saturday night, we had dinner at Zupas and then we saw the movie McFarland USA. It was a great show. Saturday night was spent with McCall and Austin and spending time with family. Sunday consisted of church and a yummy dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's house. We were able to see my grandma on my dads side, my moms parents, and my great grandma which was a treat. When you live far away, you cherish the times you get to be with all of your family at once. 

I taught primary with my mom on Sunday and she is going to be the best granny. She is so fun with kids and I can't wait until my little one gets here and can play with Grandma. #grannyshanny is out there but I think she just wants to be called Shanny. Macie loves to play Mario Kart and her sisters are not into it. She LOVES when Eric comes to town and will play it with her. Once Austin heard that she loves to play it and she and Eric were downstairs racing away, he was down there with them. Macie is blessed with some pretty fun brother-in-laws that will play games with her. 

I took a selfie with the puppy and my family was getting a kick out of it. She is such a cute little dog and one that is loved very much. I need a picture of her so of course, it is going on the blog. Monday, we spent the day on campus and then Eric and I went and had dinner with my mom and dad at California Pizza Kitchen before catching the 8pm flight out of Salt Lake. We landed in Houston at midnight and then once we got home and went to sleep it was 1:30am. We were exhausted but so worth it. It was a weekend full of spending time with family, eating at the places that we miss because we don't have them in Houston, and honoring Grandpa Savage. We miss him so so much but are so grateful for him and the legacy he has left for our family. My dad told me that my Grandpa is probably so excited that baby Cecil is coming in October and I think he is exactly right. I know my Grandpa and I know that he is smiling ear to ear about it up in heaven.

One of the best parts of the entire trip was being able to show these pictures to family and to have this little one tucked away with us. There is nothing I enjoy doing more right now than looking at the profile of my sweet little baby. Eric and I love this baby so much and feel so blessed that we get to be the parents to this little one. Being pregnant is not a walk in the park but I would not want to be anywhere else in my life right now. There is nothing I enjoy more than having my little one with me all the time. 27 more weeks to go and we will have this little one in our arms. We can't wait! Now, it is time to get ready for graduation. We will be going back to Utah 2 weeks from today so I am able to walk at my college graduation. These are some exciting times!

WE ARE PREGNANT!! Baby Cecil- 12 Weeks

How Far Along?

We made it to the 12 week mark! Wahoo!

Baby Size?

The baby is the size of a plum! It has been so fun to see how my little one is growing so fast each and every week. 

Sick?

Ever since the 6 week mark I have been pretty sick. I have been throwing up and super nauseous but I feel like I am starting to get better. Eric and I have wondered so many times how this little baby can make someone so sick but how worth it it is going to be. I guess the upside to all of this is I didn't gain a pound in my first trimester. I lost a bunch of weight when I got my tonsils out the beginning of the year and have been able to keep it off. Hopefully I start to gain some baby weight soon!

Showing?

I am not showing at all yet. The doctor thinks that within the next couple of weeks my tummy should pop a little bit. I keep wishing I would start to show but I need to give it some time. 

Maternity Clothes?

Since I haven't gained any weight and I am not showing I have been able to wear all my same clothes for the first 12 weeks. I find myself in Zella leggings almost everyday but I keep telling myself that whatever I want to wear is perfect.

Movement?

Not yet.. We had an ultrasound on Thursday and the baby was rolling over and kicking in there. We were able to watch it and I was so confused why I couldn't feel it. The baby is still so small but the doctor said within the next couple weeks I could start to feel flutters.

Making me Sick?

Meat is something that really makes me sick to my stomach. Tomato sauce is also something that doesn't settle well in this tummy of mine. I woke up really sick yesterday morning and went to the fridge to get a gatorade. I had made deviled eggs for Easter dinner and a big smell of egg came in my face which resulted in me throwing up all over the floor. There are some smells that are not going over real well right now.

Happy, Sad, or Moody?

Everyday is different! Eric was supposed to go on a overnighter with the Young Men in our ward on Friday night and as he was walking out the door, I had the biggest meltdown. He ended up staying home and we went stroller shopping. I cried all day on Friday for no reason. Yesterday, I was so happy all day and then there are some days where I am super mean and no fun to be around. Hormones are a real thing!

Looking Forward to...

Eric and I are so excited to start feeling this little one move and we can't wait to find out if we will be welcoming a little boy or a little girl into our family. We will find out in 8 weeks. Eric and I have an idea what it is but we will let the doctor tell us for sure. 

Eric and I are just so happy and feel so blessed that we get to be parents to this little baby. We love going to the doctor and having ultrasounds to see our little one. It has been so much fun to see our little baby grow. I have been looking at the profile of my sweet little one from the ultrasound pictures that we had on Thursday and we can already see the nose. My mommy ways are already kicking in and I can honestly say that I already love this little baby more than it will ever know. I can't wait to hold it and take care of it in just 6 months. October 21st better get here super quick! You have a very excited mommy and daddy little one and you are already SO loved. 

Getaway to San Antonio

Eric and I took a little getaway to San Antonio this past weekend and it was so much fun. Savage is involved with the Valero Texas Open and there were a couple extra tickets so my dad sent them down to us and we were off for the weekend. Eric and I had never been to a PGA tournament before so we were super excited. It was only a three hour drive so it wasn't a very far drive and the perfect weekend away.  We left on Friday afternoon and drove down. When we got there, Eric had heard about a hamburger place that he wanted to try. We went to this place called Fattboy's and it was most definitely an experience. Eric and I left and decided that we probably wouldn't go back there. It was an adventure! After dinner, we headed downtown to the Alamo and the River Walk. Everyone had said how great the River Walk was and it was so much fun. We were able to see the Alamo and then had ice cream on the River Walk. 

We then headed to the hotel and at 10pm we got hungry again so we headed out to get some more dinner before going back to the hotel and going to sleep. We were so dang tired. The next morning, we got up and got some breakfast and then we went and saw the movie HOME. We had seen the commercials and thought that it looked super funny and it was. It is a kids show but we were laughing through the entire thing. Eric and I love going to the movies and sharing a bucket of popcorn and a drink. 

After the movie was out, we headed to the golf course. It was beautiful and it was so much fun! It was probably the nicest golf course that we have seen. We were able to sit up in the Valero tent with all of the other sponsors and eat yummy food, sit in air conditioning, and watch the golfers. Of course, our favorite part was seeing Phil Mickelson play. We stayed at the golf course and watched golf for 5 hours and we loved every second of it. Eric thought that I was going to be bored out of my mind but it was so fun to be out in the sun getting some sunshine and watching golf.

Eric and I had a blast and loved getting away for the weekend. Some times it is so nice to get away with my husband and just get a change of scenery. It has been so fun living in a different place and experiencing the things around us. I sure love this husband of mine that is always up for an adventure. 

Golden Birthday

This birthday was one for the books. My sweet husband made it such a fun weekend. My birthday is on March 22nd and I turned 22. Wahoo!! My birthday fell on a Sunday this year so we celebrated for a weekend. Friday consisted of Cheesecake Factory and seeing the movie Cinderella. It was so fun and so yummy to get out and do some of my favorite things. Between dinner, cheesecake, and a bucket of popcorn at the movie, we were sick! I kept reminding myself that it was my birthday weekend so I could eat whatever I wanted. 

Saturday was spent doing some more of my favorite things. We went to Outback Steakhouse for lunch and then we headed to Nordstrom and Anthro to do some stopping. After we got done shopping, we headed downtown to the Houston Rodeo and the Brad Paisley concert. The Houston Rodeo runs for two weeks every year and every night a different country singer comes and does a concert. Last year, we saw Eli Young Band and this year we were able to see Brad Paisley. We had the best time and Brad is incredible live. On the way home we were starving so we stopped at the Taco Stand. It is the best place to eat. Eric and I go there all the time and whenever someone comes to visit or I meet a friend for lunch, we go to the Taco Stand. That is one place that we will miss for sure if we ever move from the Houston area. 

Sunday was spent at church meetings and attending church. Eric got up and made me pancakes and then I was off to ward council. My sweet young women sang to me and were so sweet to remember me on my birthday. We then had church and after church Eric cooked steaks. Delicious!! Our friends then came over for cake and ice cream. After they left, we opened some presents and it was perfect. 

@madisonsavagececil

My dad then came this past week for a couple days to go to dinner and my parents wanted to get me a Blendtec but that is way heavy to ship down to Houston so we went to Costco here. It was the most perfect birthday! It was so fun to get gifts, cards, texts, phone calls, and Happy Birthday wishes. Even though I live so far away from my family, they still make me feel so special and loved. Eric does such a great job every year making me feel so special. Sometimes it is the little things that mean the most. I could not be more grateful for the people that I have in my life. I am one blessed girl. I can't wait for this year and all of the exciting things that are happening in our family.

YW New Beginnings 2015-Conroe, TX

You don't realize how much time and effort goes into an organization when you are a youth. When I was 12-18, my parents always reminded me that my leaders went to a ton of work to make everything special for us so we should always be in attendance and make sure that we are giving it our all. Over the past five months, I have truly come to realize that what my parents were telling me was true. I tell my younger sisters all the time that they should go to their weekly activities because they do not know what goes on behind the scenes. I spend hours with the help of the other leaders planning activities, lessons for Sunday's, birthday gifts, musical numbers, on the phone dealing with situations, meetings, getting ready for girls camp, etc. Over the past month, we have been preparing for New Beginnings. Last week we had this activity and it turned out perfect. As a leader, I want to make things super special for the girls. I love handouts, treats, decorations, etc. However, when I was called to be Young Women's President, I was told that all of that stuff just didn't matter and my main responsibility was to help these girls feel loved and help them draw closer to their Savior. I have really focused on that and I hope that I am doing some good in these girls lives and helping them know that they are a daughter of God and they are special! 
When we sat down to plan New Beginnings, I was totally overwhelmed. With the help of my presidency and three great advisors, everyone took a job and it turned out perfect! From the invitations, to the program, a musical number (that I was so worried that we wouldn't be able to pull off...but it turned out great), the decorations, and the food, the night could not of been better. It was a stressful day and the activity it started at 6:30pm. We spent all morning setting up and all day cooking lasagnas and at 4:00pm, I still didn't have my talk written but it all pulled together. Wahoo!!

I love the opportunity that I have to work with the young women and spend time with them. They are such special girls and I have loved getting to know them better over the past five months. I could not be more blessed when it comes to the ladies that I get to serve with as well. They put so much time into everything and I cannot thank them enough. There is no way that I would EVER be able to do everything on my own. Between my last semester of school, my calling, watching my friends baby a couple days a week, and being a wife, sometimes I feel like I am drowning. Thank goodness for incredible leaders that want to help in anyway that they can. I am truly blessed to be in such a wonderful organization.

2015 Utah Trip #1

We have 5 trips to Utah planned this year. Can't wait! This past week my parents went to London. My dad had to go for work so my mom decided to tag along. Instead of my sisters staying with my grandpa and grandma or my aunt, I flew out and stayed with them. I am so sad that I didn't get many pictures but it was so fun to spend the week with my sisters and enjoy some quality sister time. The week consisted of being a mom in the mornings and the evenings and catching up with friends and spending time with family during the day. I came home on Friday so dang tired. I told my mom that I do not know how she does what she does everyday. Now she only has 2 at home and I am sure her life was double crazy when all 4 of us were living at home. I spent 50% of the time in my moms navigator running the girls everywhere that they needed to go. It was fun to decorate sugar cookies with my grandparents (I haven't had one of my grandmas sugar cookies since they left on their mission. It has been 3 years so I was in heaven eating them), I packed the girls lunches everyday and they were not nutritious at all (Whoops...Sorry mom), and it was fun to be in the new Savage office on Friday to have lunch with my mom and dad before I flew back to Houston (They got home on Thursday night). The new Savage office is beautiful and it is so fun to watch the company grow and expand. I know my Grandpa and his brothers are proud.

I came home Friday so I could spend Valentine's day with my sweet husband. The day consisted of roses, dinner, strawberries, and The Notebook. My husband sure knows how to make me feel special on Valentine's day. So grateful that I have Eric as my Valentine forever. Morgan was able to attend her first high school dance on Saturday and she looked absolutely beautiful. Her birthday was yesterday and my parents got here a brand new Rav4 so she is loving life. Morgan has so much going for her and I could not be prouder of the woman that she is becoming.

Next trip to Utah is in April for GRADUATION! I need to get going on my homework but being a senior and in my last semester is making me tired super quick. Two more months and I will be done. I CAN DO IT!

Cecil Family Theme: 2015

Eric and I decided to start a new tradition in our family. When a new year starts, we all think of our goals for the new year and ways we want to be better. This year as I was thinking about the new year, I got thinking that it would be such a great idea to do a family theme every year and really focus on that certain thing that we pick as a family to work on. I am a little late in the year to be just barely picking the theme for the year but, I wanted to find one that I truly thought would be great for Eric and I can work on. As we do this every year, we hope that our future children will be excited about it and we can talk every week how we are improving ourselves. 

This year we picked one about counting our blessings. I had it printed and framed and it is in our home so we can be reminded of it daily. There are so many times where we all get so caught up with everything going on and the daily grind that we forget to sit down and really count our many blessings. We have been blessed with so much and I never want Eric and I to forget it. This year, we are going to focus on counting our blessings everyday and taking time out of our day, morning and night, to thank our Heavenly Father for everything he has blessed our family with. I am hoping this new tradition can be something very beneficial and fun for our family.