Goodbye Houston, Hello Fort Worth

When Eric accepted the job with BNSF Railway in October 2013, we were so excited. Eric had graduated just 6 months prior in April 2013 and this job was something that he was really looking forward to. It meant moving to Texas but we were great with that and were excited for the many adventures ahead. BNSF is headquartered in Fort Worth, TX but Eric received a job in one of the smaller offices in Houston. We knew that a move to Fort Worth would probably be in the future because that is where corporate headquarters were but for the time being, we were excited to be in Houston. 
In January 2014, we packed up and moved to Texas from Utah. It was hard leaving what I had known all my life but, Eric and I were excited to go out and experience different things together. A year and a half later on May 1, 2015, Eric and I were traveling in Utah for my college graduation and we got word that he was getting a job transfer to Fort Worth. We prayed about it together and felt like it would be a good move for our little family and for Eric's career. If we were going to move, we especially wanted to get it done and out of the way and be settled before baby girl comes in October. 
Eric and I absolutely loved Houston! We lived near the Woodlands and it was so nice! The shopping is incredible but the only down side was the heat. The humidity is so bad in the summer that when you walk outside, it is sometimes hard to breathe. Eric and I had our first apartment together in Houston which was so exciting for us. We were able to get involved in our ward, Eric was able to start off his career learning so much and being able to travel around, and I was able to finish my schooling while watching a baby a couple days a week to keep busy. We were able to see the Houston Astros MLB team, Houston Texans NFL team, and the Houston Rockets NBA team. We experienced Galveston beach and we were able to make many friends that we hope to keep in touch with. In the year and a half that we lived in Houston, we feel like we were able to do many great things and spend a good amount of time in that part of Texas. 

Eric found out about the job transfer May 1st and by July 1st we had moved into our new house in Fort Worth. The move was quick and we were sad to leave. I had to say goodbye to the cute little boy that I was able to watch, I was released from being the YW President and had to say goodbye to all the sweet young women, Eric was released from serving in the YM presidency, and we had to say goodbye to our friends that we became so close with.

As soon as I found out that I was having a baby girl the end of May, my sweet friend threw me a darling baby shower with my old ward. Baby girl and I were spoiled and it was so fun to celebrate this little one before we left. She got so many darling clothes, diapers, etc. Made me even more excited for her arrival. 

When the moving truck showed up at our apartment in Houston on June 29th, it finally hit that we were moving. The movers were at our apartment for 12 hours. It was so hot and so humid in Houston that day and Eric and I felt so awful. They poor guys were so hot and had to pack everything and then carry things down 2 flights of stairs into the truck. Being pregnant I was not much help and it was a miserable hot day to be moving but they got it done. The next day (June 30th), Eric and I cleaned the apartment, turned in our keys, and packed up our valuables and liquids in the car and drove three hours to our new home in Fort Worth. 

Both of our cars were packed to the brim with liquids and valuables. Stay tuned for the story about finding our new home in Fort Worth and for the many adventures leading up to it. Eric and I are feeling very relieved knowing that we are settled in our home and we are hoping that the craziness slows down for a little while. 

A Piece of Paper...

This is going to sound so funny but since this is our little family journal, I wanted to be sure to write down what I was thinking. When I was a senior in high school, I remember telling everyone that I just wanted that piece of paper and wanted to get out of school. After my Certified Nursing Assistant course, I had a piece of paper that said I was officially a CNA and could work in the state of Utah. After seminary graduation, I had a piece of paper in my hands that said that I was a four year seminary graduate and I was so excited. After high school graduation, I had a piece of paper in my hands that stated that I had done everything that was required by the state and I was a high school graduate.
All of these things have been accomplishments in my life that I am proud of. However, I wish that I would of lived in the moment more and would of just taken it in. Life goes so fast and I will never be able to go back and relive those years of my life. The day Eric and I were sealed for time and all eternity in the Temple, we were given a sealing certificate. This is a piece of paper that Eric and I have in a special place and whenever we look at it, we are happy to have it in our home and cherish it. It is a great reminder of that special day and even though it is just a piece of paper, it is something that we are grateful to have.
As a freshman in college, I remember telling my family and friends that I just wanted that piece of paper and to be done with school. I never thought that I would have a college diploma but I was determined to get it and I was going to work hard until I did. I switched my major to nursing, then to dental hygiene, then I wanted to be a nutritionist, and then I finally ended up sticking with Emergency Management. I kept switching my major and in my mind, I felt like I was just adding more and more years onto my schooling and there was no way I was ever going to get that piece of paper that I had always wanted. After my sophomore year, Eric and I got married and moved to Houston which meant that I was going to have to finish my degree online. This was a hard thing but once again, I was going to do whatever it took to get that piece of paper. I found out that I was expecting during my last semester of school and I was super sick. I knew this was a possibility so I had tried to prepare myself for it by saving some of my easy courses for the last semester. There were many days where I did not want to do one thing but lay in my bed and not move. Instead, I would hang out in bed and be sick but also do homework because I knew that paper was just a few months away.

I received this piece of paper in the mail about a month ago and this is something that I look at often and am proud of. Even though I don't work and I am just planning on being a stay at home mom to my little girl and my future children, I find so much comfort in having this paper in case I need it. I am glad that I made the decision to not just "get the piece of paper" but to actually learn and grow. We are always reminded that the knowledge that we gain is something that we will have with us forever. Having this paper is a great feeling and even though it was hard work and there were many bumps in the road while trying to get it, I am glad that I was able to stick it out and am so thankful to have it in my hands. 

Eric and I love to have those "pieces of paper" that mean so much to us. In our home, we both have a four year seminary graduate diploma, a high school diploma, a bachelors degree diploma from a University, Eric has his mission plaque, I have a CNA certificate/license, and most importantly, we have a sealing certificate. Even though there are hard times and life throws curve balls at us sometimes, it is important that we are always keeping our eyes on the goals that we have set for ourself. We truly are capable of accomplishing whatever we set our minds to. Getting those "pieces of paper" is hard work and sometimes it seems that we do all of this work and we just a paper in return. I know I have felt that way sometimes but in reality, we get so much more than just a paper. The knowledge that we get from diplomas and certificates and the blessings that we get from serving missions and being sealed in the temple are far greater than the piece of paper that we are given. Those papers are just great reminders of the things you have accomplished.

Think about the "pieces of paper" in your home that you value and cherish and remind yourself of the importance behind them. They are truly a treasure and something that we should be very proud of. That was my little Sunday inspiration for the day. :)

Baby Girl Cecil- 24 Weeks

The blog has been put on hold while we have been moving. I am now 26 weeks but better late than never. One thing that I have loved about being pregnant is that I get to see my baby girl so often. I have been told by so many people that I am getting spoiled and that I can't expect to have so many ultrasounds every time I am pregnant. Because I was getting ready to move, my doctor in Houston let me have one more ultrasound before the big move to check her growth. I didn't know how long it was going to take me to get into a doctor in Fort Worth so he let me have one more before we left. Eric has been to every doctor appointment and I was so bummed that he had to miss out on this one. He had to travel for work and the doctor could only see me on that one specific day before we had to take off but I was sure to send him pictures of his little baby girl. I was so sad to leave my doctor in Houston but am so glad to have found such a great one in Fort Worth. 

Baby girl was hiding her face from the camera but, she let mommy see her fingers and toes which made me very happy. It is so crazy to see how much she has changed since week 5 and 8. It truly is a little miracle! 

How Far Along?

24 Weeks!! Can't believe it!

Baby Size?

Baby girl is the size of a Cantaloupe. When I went to the doctor she weighed 1 pound 5 oz.

Sick?

Heartburn and little aches and pains here and there but for the most part I am feeling great!

Showing?

Oh yes! This belly of mine is very noticeable now. People say that from the back you can't tell I am pregnant but as soon as I turn around there it is. Eric tells me that it looks like I have a soccer ball under my shirt. 

Maternity Clothes?

Nothing fits and I am just fine with it. I wear lots of leggings and t-shirts, dresses, and skirts. Sometimes it is hard to get dressed in the morning and find something to wear. When I start to get frustrated, I am always reminding myself that I have a healthy baby girl that is growing and I need to snap out of it. It is a good feeling when nothing fits but you have a good reason for it. 

Movement?

Absolutely!! This has been so fun. Every morning after Eric goes to work, I crawl back into bed and love to watch her move around. It has started to look like a tidal wave in there. She is always moving around unless she is sleeping. The kicks just keep getting stronger and I am loving it. I cherish the times that I just get to relax and watch my belly move around.

Making me Sick?

Dealing with raw meat makes me a little queasy. Other than that though, nothing is making me sick at all! Yippee!!

Craving?

Lemonade and Chinese food are now the cravings! I am trying to drink as much water as I am lemonade. Sometimes it is rough but, I am managing. 

Happy, Sad, or Moody?

It is hard to tell how I am going to feel on certain days. Most days, I am happy but I most definitely have my fair share of occasional breakdowns for no reason. I keep reminding my hubby that hormones are a real thing.

Looking Forward to...

Continuing to feel my little baby girl move and getting everything ready for her to get here. I can't believe how soon she will be here. Eric and I are getting into gear and are getting her nursery all ready. I have started to feel a little overwhelmed that I am going to be a mommy to this little child. There is so much responsibility that comes with being a parent but we couldn't be more excited. 

2015 Utah Trip #4- Wedding

Eric and I can both honestly say that this trip to Utah was the best one yet this year. There was nothing better than watching my best friend and sister be sealed in the temple for time and all eternity to a guy that we just adore. We couldn't be happier for McCall and Austin and feel so blessed that we were able to be there with them as they celebrated this special time in their lives. 
Eric and I flew in on the super early flight from Houston and were able to get into Utah at 10am. We spent the say visiting with family and then we were able to be with McCall as she went through the temple. This was something that was so special for me. I loved being in the temple with my parents, husband, sister, aunts and uncles, grandparents, and my soon to be brother-in-law and his family. It was also very fun to be sitting in the session and feeling my baby girl moving around. Nothing makes this mommy happier right now than knowing that my baby girl is healthy. 

On Thursday, Eric and I spent the day just hanging out. This mama went to go look at baby blessing dresses for my little girl, I helped McCall pack for her honeymoon, Eric went to Austin's bachelor party, and we loved catching up with friends and family. Friday was spent helping McCall and Austin move into their new place, catching up with more friends, and attending Macie's dance recital. Saturday was WEDDING DAY and it could of not been anymore perfect. My mom and dad left super early with McCall to get to the Salt Lake Temple and Morgan, Macie, Eric, and I drove up separate. I can't say enough how much I loved being in the temple with McCall and Austin. They walked in the sealing room and I started balling like a baby. Of course, as soon as one of us starts crying, it is a ripple effect. McCall saw that I was teary and she looked at me and told me to stop because she then started crying. Everyone kept saying that I was a mess during the ceremony and I like to blame it on hormones and my baby girl but deep down, I know that it was the spirit and my tears were happy tears for the new Mr. and Mrs. Nate. 

The luncheon was perfect and Morgan, Macie, and I wrote a poem that we read to Austin and McCall. It was pretty funny and people got a good kick out if. After the luncheon was over, my parents, Morgan, Macie, Eric, and I went over to the Grand America hotel to change. My dad was smart and planned ahead that we were going to need a place to change before the reception. He booked a room for us and we hurry and changed and cleaned up a bit before we had more pictures and the reception. The reception was perfect and McCall and Austin just looked so happy. The day could not have been more perfect. We don't have all of the pictures back but here are a few that we took throughout the day.

On Sunday, Eric and I packed up and came home to Houston. It was sad to leave and I miss living close to family but I am so thankful that we were able to go and be apart of McCall's wedding. McCall and Austin came home from their honeymoon to Cabo last weekend and this past week has been to fun to talk to my sister about married life. She is such a great wife already and she and I have loved swapping recipes, ideas, and just talking about married life. I am so glad to have a sister that is married now that understands everything that comes with marriage. I love McCall so much and Eric and I love that she and Austin are married for eternity and for their lives together. 

Baby Girl Cecil- 20 Weeks

Eric and I could not have been more excited when we went to our 20 week doctor appointment. We were most excited to find out if our little one was a boy or girl but we were also very relieved to find out that we have a healthy little baby and everything is looking good in there with our little one. Baby Cecil is a GIRL and we are absolutely thrilled. I thought it was a boy and Eric thought it was a girl so I was very surprised when the doctor told us it was a girl. She is already SO spoiled and loved more than she will ever know. 

How Far Along?

20 Weeks! Half way there!

Baby Size?

Baby Girl is the size of a Banana. She weights 13 oz. 

Sick?

I have been feeling like I am not even pregnant. Besides the occasional heartburn, I have been feeling so good. That first trimester is rough but around week 15 I started to feel like a normal person again. Yippee!!

Showing?

Absolutely!! I have a belly on me. It is so fun and I love everything about it. It makes me so excited to know that my little one is growing healthy in there. People tell me from the back you can't tell that I am pregnant but when I turn around you can totally tell because I most definitely have a tummy. I carry all in the front and not in the back or in my hips. I guess that is a good thing people are telling me.

Maternity Clothes?

Oh yes! I have only bought a couple things that are actually "maternity" but I have been shopping around and have been trying to find things that fit. It isn't easy to find things that I like but I have realized that when you are pregnant it isn't a fashion show and sometimes you just have to wear things that fit. J Crew has had some stuff that has been easy to fit into but mostly I wear dresses and leggings and long shirts. 

Movement?

She is moving around all of the time. I keep telling Eric that we have a little dancer in there. She wakes up super early just like her daddy and likes to go to bed early like mommy. I keep telling Eric that he can be on morning duty with her when she gets here. I love feeling her move around and Eric loves when he is able to feel her playing in there.

Making me Sick?

Nothing!! I feel great!!

Craving?

I crave the weirdest things! Lemonade, watermelon, and chips and salsa are a must throughout the day.

Happy, Sad, or Moody?

I have felt like I have been super happy recently. However, there are many times when I just break down in tears for no reason. Eric has come to realize that many times it is just hormones and I can't control my emotions many times. 

Looking Forward to...

Now that we know that our little one is a girl, we are looking forward to continue getting everything set up for her to come and to continue watching her grow. This mommy has been going crazy shopping for her and I know her grandma's and aunt's are having fun as well. Eric and I love our little girl so much and couldn't be happier she is healthy and growing strong. Now we just need to be patient and wait another 20 weeks until we can get her here and hold her. We can't wait to be a mommy and daddy in a couple months.

Baby Cecil- 16 Weeks

We got to hear baby Cecil last week and it was Mother's day weekend so that called for some shopping for our little one. This mommy and daddy are super excited and baby is already getting spoiled. I am afraid this is just the beginning!

How Far Along?

16 Weeks! We can't believe it!

Baby Size?

The baby is the size of an avocado. The baby is about 4.6 inches long and weighs 3.5 ounces. 

Sick?

By week 14 this mama started to feel so much better. There are some days where I still wake up and feel nauseous and if I am not eating as often as I should then I get sick. There are still some times when I throw up if I eat something that my tummy doesn't like while being pregnant but other than that I feel so much better. I didn't gain a pound my first trimester but once the second trimester started I have noticed that I am gaining about a pound every week to week and a half. Doctor says this is good so bring on the baby weight!

Showing?

Right around week 15 I noticed a little bump. It is nothing big but Eric and I can notice it. It is so fun to be able to see this belly of mine start to grow. My sisters have noticed it and I think it is starting to feel real for them that they are going to be aunt's.

Maternity Clothes?

YES! All of a sudden I needed some clothes that would work with this pregnant tummy of mine. All of my pants are tight enough now that I cannot wear them. Instead of buying maternity clothes, I am just wearing leggings and long shirts, dresses, and skirts. It is so hot in Texas anyway and pants are no fun to wear in the summer so I am most definitely not wearing pants while pregnant in the Texas summer.

Movement?

This week I was laying in bed and all of a sudden it felt like a muscle twitched and then it happened again. It was the best thing and as soon as it happened I knew that it was the baby. The doctor said that many first time moms start to feel movements right around now. Now that I know what it feels like, I am so happy when I feel it everyday. It makes me so happy to know my little one is safe in there.

Making me Sick?

I still don't eat much meat because it sometimes makes me sick. Eric deals with all the raw meat or I just gag while cooking dinner. The smell of fish also makes me queasy but other than that nothing is really making me sick anymore.

Craving?

Every day is different and I crave so many different things. Most of the time, I crave Mexican food or Pizza. So weird! There have been many nights where we have had pizza delivered or ran out late for some chips and salsa. Another thing that I crave big time is lemonade. I love Nordstrom's lemonade so I make a stop there a couple times a week and grab myself one. Chick-fil-a has yummy lemonade as well. I am always making sure that I am drinking as much water as I am lemonade.

Happy, Sad, or Moody?

Every day is different. My poor hubby never knows how his wife is going to be acting when she wakes up. I am usually pretty happy but if someone makes me mad then everyone just better stay away. Someone hit my car the other day in the Target parking lot and it was a hit-and-run. I was so sad and mad all at the same time. I ended up crying all day long. My husband was out of town on business in Utah which was already so hard and I was home with a messed up car. Thankfully, once he got home from his business trip he took my car to get some estimates and he is in the process of figuring everything out to have it fixed. Eric can say that one thing he has learned throughout this pregnancy is hormones are a real thing and they can do some crazy things to my emotions.

Looking Forward to...

We find out in 2 1/2 weeks if this little one is a girl or a boy and we cannot wait. When we were at our 16 week appt. this past week, I knew Eric was really hoping that the doctor would do a quick ultrasound and tell us what it is. The office was busy and I didn't have an ultrasound scheduled so we will find out the end of May. We are so excited and can't wait to find out what it is. Boy or Girl, Eric and I just hope for a healthy little baby. 

2015 Utah Trip #3- UVU Graduation and McCall's Bridal Shower

We spent the week in Utah last week and it was so dang fun. It is always so hard to come home. Eric was in Utah this week again for a day for some meetings and it was killing me inside that I was in Texas and he was in Utah. The Utah trip #3 was for my graduation from UVU. I attended campus at UVU for the first two years of school and then I got married and my husband had already graduated from BYU (the day before we got married) so we moved to Texas for work. Luckily, I was able to finish the last two years of my degree online. I was not sure that I wanted to walk at graduation but Eric kept telling me graduation probably wouldn't feel real unless I walked and I wanted to do it for my parents who made it possible for my to get my degree through Utah Valley University. I have not stopped thinking about my graduation and I am so glad I went back to Utah to walk. Eric, my parents, and my grandparents spent two days with me at commencement and convocation and it was so fun to have them there with me as I celebrated this exciting accomplishment. Mitt Romney was the commencement speaker and he gave a fabulous speech. His speech was something that many of us women could really relate to. You can watch it here. I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Emergency Services Administration with an emphasis in Management.

Eric graduated from BYU with his bachelors degree in Business Management in April 2013 and this was the picture that we have from his graduation. It was only fitting that we got the same picture at my UVU graduation exactly two years later in April 2015. My parents threw me a graduation dinner after convocation on Friday with some close family and it was very fun. We went to Brio and celebrated this exciting time.

Graduation from college is something that I will always remember. That diploma is hanging up proudly. Eric was joking that it didn't take me long to get it displayed in our home. I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have had these past 4 years to gain a college education. Right now, I am excited to be a mommy and to raise my family. However, I feel so much comfort in knowing that I have a college degree in something that I enjoy doing and if I ever want or need to go to work, I have my degree and I can raise my family on it if needed. Now that all this homework and school stuff is over we are preparing for our new little arrival!

Since I live in Houston, I am not able to attend all of my sisters bridal showers. Luckily, my sweet Aunt and Grandma threw her a family shower while I was there so I was able to attend at least one of them. It was so fun to be able to celebrate my sisters upcoming wedding with my family and Austin's mom and sister. It is only 6 weeks away and we are getting so excited to have another boy in the family. 

My mom and I were in charge of the cookies for the favors and mine is still sitting here it is so dang cute I don't want to open it and ruin all the darling packaging. McCall's favorite treat is Sweet Tooth Fairy cookies so we of course had to have those for dessert. I gave McCall a Scout beach bag, beach towels, and sunscreen for her bridal shower. That was one of my favorite things that I received for my wedding so I had to get her one. My sweet husband asked me the other day how much money I have spent on my sister for her wedding ;) I kept reminding him that when your sister gets married you have to get her all the exciting things that you got that no one else would think to get her or things that aren't on her registry. It has been so fun shopping for my sister for her wedding. 

Utah was so much fun celebrating my graduation from college and my sister's bridal shower. Eric and I are now home getting all of our outfits pulled together for the wedding in just 6 short weeks. It is so weird for me to think that my sister is getting married but Eric and I can't wait to be with McCall when she goes through the temple and then be with her and Austin in the temple as they are sealed for time and all eternity. I feel so much happiness knowing that they will be together forever. They are a great couple and Eric and I love and adore them.