Glaittli

Hadley's little sister now has a name.

2011-05-08T10:09:00.005-06:00

Emaline Gean Glaittli

This is the name we have finally decided on!

It is said Em-A-Line.

We are not really sure where we got her first name, we just love it. She will be called Millie, not Emma or Emmie.

We had a difficult time deciding on a name or his little girl. We loved the names Olivia and Grace as well, but they are too common.

Once we decided her first name we thought about her middle name. That was no easy task. I love middle names that have meaning. I wanted her to be named after somebody that is important to us. We had already used my middle name, which is after my amazing Grandma Faun. We thought about either of our mom's names... Kristie and Jeri. Neither one worked, although my mom teased about us using Jerilyn. Sorry mom, if you don't even like your name then we won't use it.

After neither of our mom's names worked we went back another generation, to our grandmothers and great aunts. Our choices were: Francies, Madonna, Delma, Blanche, Marsha, Jacqueline, Wanda, Louise, Opal, and a few others that didn't work either. We didn't like any of them well enough to use. We even tried one more generation back. The names were no better, I can't even spell them. We were stuck.

We decided to look at the special men in our lives and try to make their names feminine. Hmmm... Our options were limited yet again: David, William, Jeffrey, Mark, George, Neal, Larry, Royal, or Alton. No luck.

We thought about using our first initials to make a name: Jae. We liked it, but it wasn't the one. I asked Stratt "Who was or is the biggest influence on who you are today?" He thought about it for .1 seconds and answered, "My Papa Man." His papa is Alton Gean Burgett. We both knew that Gean was Millie's middle name. Stratt was so excited. I was hesitant because her initials are EGG.Oh well, I love her name. Hadley seems to like it too. We have taught her to say Millie, Emaline is too hard for her to say. It is so cute to see Hadley talk to "Mim-ee." Only 4-6 more weeks until we meet our sweet baby girl!

Hopefully I will be able to catch up on posting because Stratt switched his schedule. He now works during the day and is off nights!!! Yay! We will actually see each other!

Expensive.

2011-02-26T17:03:00.002-07:00

Child care can be VERY expensive!

We have been so spoiled to have family helping and a great babysitter (Michelle) for a year. Stratt has been working nights, and usually has 1-2 weekdays off, so he has been able to be home with Hadley until about 1:30 on the days he works and all day when he is off. That means that Hadders is only with a sitter for about 2.5 hours a day, usually about 3-4 days a week. Not too shabby.

Things are changing now.

Stratt has the opportunity to switch his schedule to days and be home at night! Hallelujah! I would love having his help at night, especially this summer as we will have another child to care for and I will still be in school full time. Not to mention working opposite schedules is really rough. Having an extra set of hands is really nice too. We only have one dilemma: Child care. Child care for one child is expensive, child care for two children is VERY expensive, especially when one is an infant. We have been looking into our options and it is a tough decision...

If he switches to days we will have a lot more family time and I won't be so tired at the end of the day due to my extra help. But we will have the triple the expense of child care. It will basically cost us my paycheck to pay for it. What to do?

We are leaning toward him switching if we can find a fairly inexpensive yet safe and fun place for our girls to go. Otherwise we will just have to keep our opposite schedules.

The tough thing about finding childcare is who? how much? and finding the who that will work with Stratt's changing-days-off schedule. I love my babies very much and I don't want just anybody caring for them while I'm at work. I also love not being completely and utterly broke all the time, so we have to find someone that is fairly inexpensive. The last thing that seems to be a problem is the schedule. Stratt's days off switch weekly. We have his schedule 3 months out, but most day cares prefer a consistent schedule. The times are the consistent, the days just change. This is tough.. I have only a few more days to decide.

Sometimes life has hard decisions.
This is one of them for me.

One year.

2011-01-30T22:25:00.002-07:00

It has been one year since my life changed forever.
One year since the most amazing experience of my life.
One year since "the two of us" became three.
One year since I became a Mommy.
One year since the most adorable face looked up at me and smiled.
One year since my little Hadley was born.

I can't believe I am so lucky. My baby girl is one year old today. Tears fill my eyes as I remember that day. So amazing, so precious, so sacred, so special.

My little girl is not so little anymore. She is so smart and so curious. She makes me laugh and worry and she makes me so happy. She is amazing. I did not know I could love so much.

For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be a mommy. I loved to play house and have five-dozen kids. I wanted to cook, clean, and do all the mommy stuff. I dreamed of what it would be like to be a mommy. I had so many fantasies and ideas about how amazing it would be. Nothing compares to actually being a mommy. It is the best experience I've ever had. I couldn't ask for a more rewarding and gratifying opportunity.
This is what life is all about.

I have been thinking...

2011-01-06T22:34:00.002-07:00

...which can really get me into trouble so I try to avoid thinking at all costs.

Seriously, ask anyone who spends time with me on a regular basis.

The reason I have been thinking is the new year. I love to set goals, and I really love to achieve those goals. My list of goals is usually enormous and basically impossible so this year I am going to try something new and see if I get better results.

I am going to stick with 5 goals.

That's it, 5.

First Goal: SIMPLIFY! I have too much clutter, too many lists, too much stuff.

Second Goal: Get above a 3.5 every semester. This could be tricky but I am going to give it my best.

Third Goal: Be debt free (or close to it) by December 31.

Fourth Goal: I am going to "Love the space I'm in."

By this I mean that I am going to take on at least 6 projects in my house this year.

My basement needs to be de-crap-a-fied.

My back yard needs a hug, a big bear hug.

The front room could use some character and pictures on the walls.

The upstairs bathroom needs some revamping.

My front closet is scary.

And the laundry area is not cute.

The last and final Goal: Read at least one book to Hadley every day.

I want to do more, but I know that some days I will only have the energy or strength or patience for one book.

Most days it will be 3 or 4, but occasionally it will just be her favorite, "There's a Wocket in my Pocket"

That's it. Those are my 5 simple goals.

Big, huge, long, great update.

2011-01-01T21:48:00.015-07:00

This is probably the longest post ever. I apologize. But I do believe it's a pretty good one.

The pictures loaded most recent to least recent and I don't know how to change it. Also, I skip Thanksgiving. I don't have those pictures yet, but it was great!

Christmas this year was so much fun. It was such a change to have a little one running around. She was so happy and excited for everything that happened.

This is our tree, I love it!

Santa came to our house pretty early, so I was able to get pictures of everything before it was touched. Hadley was really taken care of this year thanks to all of her grandparents!

Her gifts were in a new toy box. It is actually an old toy box that I used when I was a child and I was so excited to stain it and give it to Hadley! She loves it!

Hadley was so excited when we brought her to her gifts! She just giggled!

Hadley loves playing with her new toys!

Every year for Christmas Eve we go to my parents house to exchange our sibling gifts, open our Christmas PJs from mom, and eat FONDUE! Yum! I didn't get very many great pictures but we had a blast! It is always so much fun when we get the family together, and Cameron- our adopted brother!

Hadley loves her bath time! She will stay in the tub until the water is cold. She loves to splash and play and sing and SOAK mom!

She recently rediscovered bubbles and loves to eat them and put them on her face.

A few weeks ago we had the chance to go have lunch with Stratton's grandparents on the Glaittli side. He hadn't seen them for over a decade. It was great to finally meet some of his family. We had a blast. It was also pretty great to see where Stratt gets some of his good looks!

This picture is 4 generations.

Grandpa Don, Jeffrey Stratton, Hadley, Jeff(Dad), Grandma Blanche.

In case I forgot to mention it, Hadley is a climber. She climbs anything and everything, she especially loves to climb stairs. She also does not like to be told "No," and she is very stubborn. I can't figure out where she gets that from...hmm.

My mom does not have a baby gate, so she thought that blocking the stairs with a heavy chair and a stool would deter Hadley. Hadley found it quite humorous.

She also decided that she wanted to go upstairs.

The entire time she was doing this she said "No, No, No, No." I think that this is how she justifies disobeying, she now says it every time she starts to do something that is a "No-No."

It only took a few minutes...

Ta Da! She did it!

Such a cute little elf at the Sutterfield Christmas party!

"Always Jolly"

We want our children to be musical, so we started her young.

She is also learning how to cook.

She loves to climb the stairs at grandma's house and shout down to the people below!

She is very adventurous but has not gotten stuck yet!

She loves her walker, but doesn't really need it. She walks all by herself!

We had some visitors in October!

Great Grandma Faun, Great Grandpa Neal and Great Uncle Dave.

I love these two! They are my favorite people in the world!

Hadley makes the greatest faces!

Happy Halloween!

Our favorite photographer is Masterpiece Images. They were our photographers for our wedding and we just love them!

We got family pictures taken in September and they turned out great!

I couldn't choose just 2 or 3. I just love my cute family!

Clarification.

2010-10-28T22:50:00.001-06:00

I need to clarify something. My children will be 17ish months apart, not 9. Sorry for the mix up. I'm not that brave. Hadley is 9 months now(almost) and the baby is due in June.

slow down.

2010-10-26T22:40:00.006-06:00

Seriously, I am pretty busy. I don't enjoy it one bit. I leave too early in the morning and get home too late at night. I only get a few precious hours with my baby girl each day that are homework/cleaning/laundry/life free! I cannot wait until I am done with school and I can be home every night with her! I also dislike that I don't see my husband as much as I used to. I leave before her gets up (most days) and I go to bed before he gets home from work. I do believe I want this opposite schedule thing to change. Did I mention that I am sick of school?

We were lucky enough to have 2 days off together this past weekend - 1st time since he got this new job. Which by the way, he is amazing. He got promoted to lead! That's a good thing! He is just awesome.

Saturday was fun, we carved pumpkins at my sister's Halloween shin-dig. It was fun, Hadley especially enjoyed tasting the pumpkin guts.

Hadley's new sound is "Doo doo doo doo!"

My pumpkin took FOREVER! Hadley's ghost was fast and Stratt's seemed pretty simple too, but it looks great! It is the headless horseman if you can't tell.

A few updates on Hadley. She can crawl up the stairs but not down. She says "baby, baby, baby," when she sees her doll or another child. she says "mama," "dadda," and "hi, hi." "Nummy, nummy, nummy," when she wants to eat and "ja-ja" means Jack Jack (our dog).

She is so smart. She can stand without holding onto anything for a few seconds. She knows several sign language signs and can feed herself small pieces of food. We're still working on the sippy cup thing, sh doesn't seen interested yet.

Life is crazy right now. I never seem to find enough hours in the day and I have lost my brain several times this week. annoying. I also have a list of things to do that is very long. I need a good pair of scissors to cut it in half... will that work? Dang, didn't think so.

Speaking of being busy... It's only going to get crazier at our house... June 19, 2011 is our official due date! Yes, we are expecting again! Yes, it was planned and Yes, we know that Hadley is only 9 months. Yes, we know that some people think we're crazy. This is how we wanted it. I will be home all summer, getting paid, while I enjoy my children! I have always wanted my first 2 children close. We are very excited and can't wait. The only problem is that we have absolutely no names... Hmmph, oh well, we still have 33 weeks to think about it.

Ok, I am off to bed.

PS. if this is the first sign of insanity that you have seen from me then you don't really know me, or I am doing a great job at hiding it!

blessed.

2010-09-12T21:59:00.002-06:00

What an amazing life this is. I am so grateful. As I sit here typing with one hand, holding my beautiful Hadley in the other, I can't help but feel blessed. We were sick this week so my house needs tidying, the front room needs vacuuming and I need a shower, but I am blessed. I have so many amazing people in my life. My family and friends are so great. I am glad that they are some of my blessings.

I know that life isn't easy-at all. I've had more than my share of misfortunes, but somehow life still seems okay. I often have days that never seem to end. I have days when nothing goes right and even my bad things go wrong. I have hard days. Lots of them. Every week. They make me sad and upset and discouraged and angry and lost. They also make me strong and patient and wise and grateful.
They make me grateful for little things and big things. Grateful for good days and great days. Grateful for the hug from a first grader or a smile from a stranger. My bad days help me value my good days and cherish the happy moments.

This week has been a hard week. Not because of the usual things like money, cleaning and school. But because a lot happened. I was able to see my dad's (Bill) side of the family on Monday, for labor day. It was awesome. I was able to ride a gorgeous horse and just enjoy the weather. My uncle Richard gave me a cowboy hat that belonged to my dad. It is so special to me. I don't have anything else that belonged to him. I was pretty emotional on the drive home from Tooele.
Tuesday I went to work and I was the "teacher" in the classroom while the actual teacher was at a training all week. Hadley was sick, but her daddy was home with her. But by noon, Stratt was sick too. By 5:00 I was sick. Not just a little sick, but so sick that I could hardly walk. My amazing mom came and took Hadley for the night because Stratt and I were pretty much dead. We went to bed at 9:00 and woke up the next afternoon just before 11:00 - still sick. I was sick for two days. I felt awful. I did nothing. I couldn't eat or drink anything. Thursday evening I felt better. Hallelujah!
I am not sure why this week seemed hard. Maybe because my schedule was off. Maybe because I hate being sick and I was so physically exhausted after that I am still sore. Maybe it was the emotion of receiving a part of my dad that I've never had before. Maybe it was a combination of all of those. I just know that I am blessed.

I am blessed to have the knowledge that my Heavenly Father loves me. All the time. He loves me even when I have a hard time loving me. I am blessed to have a husband that expects me to be my best, a husband that loves me when I'm not. I am blessed to have a beautiful baby girl that has the most beautiful eyes and cutest grin. I am blessed to be here, on earth today. I am blessed to have so many trials to help me know what a good day feels like. I like being blessed.

I am going to take a hot bath.

2010-08-22T22:08:00.002-06:00

Hopefully that will help me relax. I go back to work and start school again tomorrow and I am anxious.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my summer. I love being with my baby girl and my family and friends. I have learned so much and I feel like I have grown so much as a person during that past few months. My house is more organized and I am more scatter-brained. I am closer with my friends, especially my Amanda friend, whom I love very much! Without her I would not make it through this upcoming school year. She is such a great friend. I feel like I've known her forever. I can talk to her about anything and she is always honest with me. She is always so positive and encouraging. I love you Amanda.

I have so many friends that have been there for me this summer. Bonks, Amanda, Liese, Kourtney, Trinity, Jenny, Angie, Dani, and my mom. You have all helped me so much, you really have no idea. I love that I can bug you with my silly questions or problems. I love you all. You are amazing people.

School. I was in school during the summer, but it was easy stuff. I wasn't even sure I wanted to continue going to school because I love my job and school is tough for me. After talking to some great friends I decided that I needed to go and at least finish my associates- I am 17 credits away. Now I go back to 12 credits including Math 1050, Microbiology, Strength Training and Computer Science. It might be really hard. I do not love school, but I love to learn. Weird. I know. I just hate homework. I have a hard time with school. I get stressed and worried and nervous. I just want to learn without being graded.

I am also sad to go back because Miss Hadley will be away from me for 8 hours a day. Stratt will be watching her the majority of the time and I have 3 GREAT, AMAZING friends, and my mom that are helping when Stratt goes to work. I love these ladies. Michelle, Awnaliese, and Amanda. They are answers to our prayers. I don't worry at all when Hadley is with them. It is so nice!

I am excited to go back and see my munchkins and see how they've grown. It will be nice to have my routine back and to see my LC team. I love my job and I really would be just fine to do this for the rest of my working life.

My husband is a great man. I love him so much. I am truly blessed that he is so supportive and helpful. He works so much ad still comes home to help me.

I'd be lost without all of the amazing people that help me everyday! Thank you so much! My words don't seem to express how grateful I am, please know that I appreciate your love and support from the bottom of my heart.

Thanks for letting me release my feelings. I just needed to express my insides. Now I am going to go take a bath.

Stuck.

2010-08-14T16:26:00.002-06:00

I. am. stuck. I am stuck in a rut and I can't seem to get my creative juices flowing today. Somewhat disappointing. So I am asking for your help. Help! See the poll to the right of this post? Yes, the one about a quote in my bedroom. Over a little more, Got it! Vote! Please help me. Also, I am putting Hadley's name in her bedroom above her bed. I can't figure out what font to do. And should I put "Hadley" or "Hadley Faun?" I cannot decide. Thanks for helping. That is all, you may go back to your life!

I must say I'm enjoying my summer...

2010-08-07T13:36:00.012-06:00

...too much maybe. I have not blogged once the entire summer. Life is so much fun! I love my stud-muffin husband and my adorable little Hadley.

A lot has happened, I'll try to remember all of it.

May 26: Hadley rolled over and over and over...

May 28: We got sealed (see post below)

May 31: I turned 25. Yes, I am now half way between 20 and 30. ugh.

June(whole month): Hadley mastered the art of rolling. Front to back, back to front, right to left and left to right. She also started scooting in circles. She is now a ROCKSTAR!

June(first week): Hadley started eating rice! She is a great eater!

June 1: Stratt started a new job at Island View Rehabilitation Center. He loves it and it loves him, seriously. He is great at his job.

June 4: School's out for SUMMER! Wahoo!

June 13: Hadley is blessed by her daddy! He did such an amazing job. Lucky little girl to have such a great daddy!

Handsome daddy and his girl!

June 18: Justin and Alain got sealed! (They wanted to be just like us)

There was just too much excitement for Hadley

June 19: Hadley get her first taste of sugar! Yum! She loves it!

June 23: Hadley and I went to Zermatt Resort with my family. Hadley went swimming for the first time while we were on our over-nighter. She loves the water!

Hadley had her first encounter with goats while we were at Zermatt. She loved them and they loved her.
July(whole month): Hadley says "mamama," dadada," and "hiiii."

July: I learned how to crochet! Thanks to my friend Amanda. I am one step closer to becoming a domestic goddess! One skill learned, many left to learn!

July 3: Hadley sat up by herself! We celebrated the 4th of July on the 3rd this year (the 4th was on Sunday).

I made this bow for her!
July 7: Hadley's first trip to the zoo. She wasn't really interested in the animals, but she had fun with the family!

All the girls! Shy, Caitlin, Me, Hadley and Alaine.

The boys. Justin, Jadyn and Jerem.

We're all monkeys!

July 8: Hadley gets her first taste of a Power Puff Girl ice cream. Yummy!

July 9: We went on our first date since Hadley was born! We rode the Front Runner down to the gateway and saw Despicable Me. It was great! We missed Hadley but it was so nice to have a night for us.

July 11: Hadley's first fireworks. We took her to Weber State's Annual Fireworks. She seemed to enjoy them. We had fun while we waited!

July 15: Coupon class. I now know how to save oodles and oodles of money when shopping! I was very excited because Smith's had double coupons the next week! I got everything pictured below(original cost of $408) for $187. There are diapers, paper towels, Tide, and a few other things that you can't see very well. Love it!

July 25: Hadley can crawl! Watch out! Here she comes. She is all over now!

July 28: Hadley signs milk, several times throughout the day. She is so smart!

July 30: Hadley turns 6 MONTHS!

May 28, 2010

2010-07-19T11:40:00.006-06:00

On May 28, 2010 we were sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple!

It was a gorgeous, overcast day! Our endowment session started at 1:00 but we were supposed to be there at 11:15 to get ready. Ha! Did you know that when you enter the Salt Lake Temple you don't actually enter the temple? We figured that out after we walked perimeter, TWICE! I was wearing 3 inch heels and Stratt was carrying Hadley. We were pretty flustered when we finally found the entrance but we made it, BARELY!

It was an amazing day and we had so much support from our friends and family. We were missing about 30 people that didn't stay for pictures. Wow! We have a lot of people that love us! It meant so much to us that they took the time to be there to support us! We love them all so much! Thank you for being there to support us.

Hadley looked like an angel! She wore a white dress that was mine when I was blessed. She was so happy the whole time. It was like she knew what was happening. She just kept grinning. Stratt looked so handsome in his new suit that his Dad, Mark gave him! He looked incredible, I am glad I get to be with him forever! I love the dress that I was wearing. I told my mom that I wanted to find a 1950s style shirt-dress. I wanted it to be white or have polka dots! I found a white, polka dotted shirt-dress! I love it!

Nik and Justin... Um...

It started to rain but we still had fun! I love my little-I mean younger brothers!

Some of the girls! Dani, Me, Miss Hadley, Awnaliese and Bianca.

Kade and Stratt. Kade is one of Stratt's best buddies. Kade and Bianca are getting sealed in August. I am so excited to be there for them!

We are so happy to be a forever family!

Workin mom

2010-05-23T11:21:00.003-06:00

This is what I miss when I am at work!

Yes, I am a working mom. Not by choice, but by the fact that I need to. It has been a big adjustment. I absolutely love my job- most days- but since Hadley was born it has been hard to be anywhere without her. I love the people I work with. They are a great support. I especially love that Jenny has a sweet angel that is 16 days younger than Hadders. It is nice to have somebody who relates to this dumb thing called work.

Our girls are adorable. And so far, they seem to like each other. It's amazing how they have such unique personalities.

The girls met April 23, Hadley was just a day shy of being 12 weeks old. It was so cute to watch them together. I do believe that Hadley and Jerney will be good friends!

Eyebrows...

2010-04-11T00:19:00.002-06:00

My dear sweet husband just read our new posts, there are several, and after her read them this is what he said. "I like that picture, but I think somebody is going to look at her eyebrows and say what an ugly baby."

I do not think she is ugly, I love her eyebrows! (he does too)

wow, updates

2010-04-11T00:14:00.001-06:00

So there are several new posts below this one... Starting with Jack!

10 weeks and some randomness.

2010-04-10T23:22:00.007-06:00

Little Miss Hadley Faun is already 10 weeks old! I can't believe it. She is so much fun! She is so smart and I am pretty sure she is the cutest little girl in the world. I am biased. Check out those adorable ears!

A few of her favorite thing are:

Her binkie, we always have several with us

Her tub, she loves to be naked!

Her tongue
Her bumbo chair, a recent discovery

The very hungry caterpillar book

Her toys

Being with mommy and daddy

Her carseat

Tummy time, she rolled over a few times about 2 weeks ago, but she refuses to do it again

Keeping mommy and daddy guessing what her next move will be. Up until about 2 days ago she was on a great schedule. Today she has decided that she doesn't want to sleep or follow a schedule. Mom and dad are quite puzzled.

Talking. This is her new thing. She talks all the time.

Her changing table!

I am annoyed when people tell me I have a cute little boy. Mostly because her carseat cover is very purple with bows on it and she usually wears pink. I have been putting bows on her a lot lately. She fell asleep like this so I moved it back to the top of her head. I came back about 5 minutes later to check on her and it was back over her eyes! She is so much fun!

Easter and 5 generations!

2010-04-10T23:07:00.003-06:00

Hadley is one lucky little girl. Not only does she have over a dozen aunts and uncles, numerous grandparents, and several great-grandparents but she also has one great-great grandpa!

Aunt Maddy and Hadley on Easter

Great-great grandpa Doss and Hadley

Five generations!
Great-great grandpa Doss, great grandma Donna, grandma Kristie, Daddy and Hadley.

Best Friends!

2010-04-10T22:56:00.003-06:00

Hadley's best friend aside from her mom and dad is Kendrix Hall! He is tall dark and handsome. His parents, Kade and Bianca, are our best friends! He is such a stud. He is 1 month and 3 days older than Hadders, but he a lot bigger than her! This is the darling couple on their first Easter.

Bath Time!

2010-04-10T22:28:00.004-06:00

Hadley loves bath time! As soon as we set her in her little tub she completely relaxes! She usually kicks her legs and splashes with her arms! She also loves when we pour warm water over her hair!

Hadley is starting to "talk" all the time. She is extremely talkative right after her bath or after she has eaten. Her favorite place to be is her changing table. She loves to lay on the changing pad and just kick, especially without her clothes on!

Look at those beautiful eyes! Such a sweet face!

Baby Jack

2010-04-10T22:09:00.003-06:00

Before we brought Miss Hadders home we were a bit concerned as to how our spoiled teacup poodle would take his being bumped from king to lowly jester... As you can tell he has adjusted quite well.

The only thing he doesn't like is that he is not allowed in Hadley's room. He sits right at the edge of the door and whines! Silly poodle.

6 weeks but 2 weeks late!

2010-03-31T22:34:00.004-06:00

So I am a slacker, I'll be the first to admit it. Our little girl is absolutely beautiful and I have several hundreds pictures of her but I have been lazy in loading them to the computer. Today you shall be bombarded with pictures of our amazing Hadley. These are her when she was 6 weeks old. She is so cute!

She is so sweet but she doesn't seem to listen to my simple request for her to stop growing so fast. In fact last Saturday she turned 8 weeks old, do you know what she did to celebrate? she rolled over! What? No, seriously, she did. Twice. And Sunday too. What the heck. Stop growing.

I enjoy her sweet spirit everyday.

I love to hear her coo and talk.

I love her precious smile.

She melts my heart completely.

I love to listen to her sigh sweetly while she sleeps.

I love to watch her drool while she is eating.

I love the look on her face when Daddy kisses her and she feels his prickly beard.

I love to feel her nestle her head into the corner of my arm when I am holding her.

I love to see her kick her legs as she figures out that water splashes when she moves.

I love that she can hold her head up and see this amazing world.

I love that when she hears my voice she smiles.

I love her dimples.

I love her incredible eyes.

I love that she is on a great schedule.

I love to look at her.

This baby of mine is pretty special and very spoiled.

We had two very dear friends ask if they could take some photographs of her. Of course we were delighted to have our sweet baby be their model.

I started back to work on Monday. I still love my job, but now more than ever I cannot wait to get home to see my Hadley.

I have so many pictures to post so I am going to make a few slide shows so that it doesn't take so long. I love all of the pictures of her. She is so beautiful!

The rest will come tomorrow!

You, yes you...

2010-03-10T22:33:00.001-07:00

I realize that people may be reading my blog and I have no way to contact them if they leave a comment or if I want to say hello... Please help me with this dilemma by leaving your blog address or email address in my comments! Thanks

Forever...

2010-03-09T15:32:00.005-07:00

We are kind of excited... scratch that, VERY excited to inform you all that we, the Glaittli family, will be sealed as an eternal family on May 28, 2010 in the Salt Lake temple.

It has been quite the journey to get where we are today. Our strength and faith have been tested on a daily, sometimes hourly basis since we decided to make this our goal. It was a huge decision for us because up until about a year and a half ago neither one of us had been to church for a few years.

We decided that something was missing and started going a few Sundays here and there, but never really committed. When we bought our home we decided that we either needed to fully commit or not at all. Our decision was made easier when we decided to start a family.

We both had to make a change, not a huge change, but a hard change. We both had to remove our piercings, we had to start actually going to church and we needed to pay tithing- all of which was very hard. I also had to wear more modest clothing - easy when its freezing outside, but I love tank-tops when it is warm out. Looking back these changes seem almost silly, but to this day I loved having 2 lower ear piercings as well as the top of my ear pierced. It was also a struggle to go every week to all 3 meetings.

I know that this change has been for the best. I don't even think twice about wearing modest clothing, I am not even comfortable thinking about sleeveless shirts and short shorts. My week is "off" if I don't go to all of my meetings, which is tough right now- we don't take Hadley yet, so we take turns going. I look great with only one piercing in each ear, and Stratt still looks smokin' without his. I think the biggest challenge for me was tithing and now I have to make sure it is paid first and in full- we started paying a full tithe this year- or the rest of our budget doesn't add up. It is truly amazing the blessings that we have received and that we are receiving since we had this change of heart.

I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason. We have been married for just over 2 years. When we were married in 2008, Justin, My younger brother was on his mission and he was not able to be there. Also, Stratt didn't have a strong relationship with his (step)dad Mark, since then they have become best friends. My grandma Faun will also get to be there, she was unable to be at our ceremony in 2008. (Grandma Faun is the amazing lady that I and my sweet baby girl are named after). I am so glad that they get to witness us becoming an eternal family, Mark is even going to be Stratt's escort.

We cannot wait to be an eternal family. I cannot wait to spend forever with my sweetie!

2 Years Later

2010-02-09T18:28:00.007-07:00

Yesterday was our 2 year anniversary.
I can hardly believe it. I am married to the most amazing man in the entire universe.

Stratt is my everything. He makes my life incredible and I always seem to have a good time with him. We have had so many experiences thus far and we have become so much closer.

When I look at where we were then and where we are now, I am so happy. Life is so much better than we ever could have imagined.

Also, I have recently learned that not only is he the best husband in the world, he is also the world's GREATEST daddy!

Introducing...

2010-02-09T16:45:00.010-07:00

Hadley Faun Glaittli

January 30, 2010

9:45am

6 pounds 10 ounces

19 inches

Hadley arrived on January 30, 2010. She weighed 6 pounds 10 ounces and was 19 inches long. Labor was easy- once it got going. I started having contractions the morning of the 29th, but they were small and about a half hour apart. I timed them all day while I was at work.
By about 4:30 that evening I told Stratt we needed to go the hospital-my contractions were about 7 minutes apart. We got there around 5 and I was dilated to a 3. They told me that I could have a UTI and that it could be causing the contractions. They also told us that our doctor had just signed out for the weekend. So I was under the care of his colleague. They monitored me for 5 hours, they put me on morphine for the pain and an antibiotic for the UTI, but there was no change. They sent me home. We went to get a bite to eat and headed to my mom's house. I took a warm bath and tried to sleep. By about midnight the morphine was wearing off and my contractions started getting stronger. I went and laid on the floor- on a sheep skin rug and waited. We timed my contractions for what seemed like forever. Around 2am they started to get pretty painful, and by 2:30 I had one that sent me into tears and caused my entire body to start shaking. That was all it took and Stratt jumped up and said "That's it, I can't watch her be in pain anymore I can't do anything to help. We are going back." So he called the hospital and told them we were coming back.

When we got there about 3:30, they checked me and I was dilated to a 5. They told me I would be staying and that they could now get my epidural! Yay for modern medicine! They had to pump saline in me first so I got it around 5am. Heaven! They said they were putting me on petocin- it keeps my contractions going-sometimes epidurals cause the body to relax and stop contractions. They told me that I would continue to feel some slight pressure, but not pain. Around 6:20 Stratt noticed a small pool of clear fluid on the side of my bed, but we all thought it was just from the empty saline bag. Over the nest 2 hours I stopped feeling pressure from the contractions. I told Stratt’s mom several times that the epidural was working or I wasn’t having contractions. Around 8:20 Stratt said that the little puddle of clear fluid was now a big puddle. Stratt’s mom thought it was my epidural so she ran to get the nurse. It wasn’t my epidural, it was the petocin-the reason I wasn’t having contractions. The nurse apologized several times (I think she thought I was upset, I just thought of it as a story to tell Hadley) and hooked me back to the petocin. They said that it would probably be a few more hours because my contractions had almost stopped, so we should rest. Stratt and I decided to sleep; it had been a long night. About an hour later- 9:14 to be exact, I woke up to my monitor beeping. My mom called the nurse in to check it and Stratt's mom asked her to check me. I was still groggy- kind of waking up and Stratt was barely stirring when she told me I was 100% effaced and dilated to a 9- the baby was coming within the half hour. Stratt jumped up off the couch and started to get really excited, I mean REALLY excited. He was literally bouncing and hopping up and down.

The nurse called my doctor and told her to come to the hospital to break my water. As the nurse started to get my bed ready, she lifted my legs into place and my water burst. The nurse then called the doctor back and told her to come deliver the baby. The nurse then told me I would need to try a few practice pushes. So we waited for a contraction and I pushed. Before I could finish the nurse told me to “STOP! We have to wait for the doctor.” She said the baby was ready. The doctor walked into my room around 9:34. She was wearing jeans, a sweater, boots and sunglasses. She got her booties, gloves and gown on and came over. She introduced herself and then she asked me to push- I did. We laughed and she told me that it was wimpy and to try again. She said "I can see the head!" Stratt asked “what color is her hair?” The doctor said “I can't tell, she looks bald.” I began to push again and her head started to come out- all the way, the doctor started to say one more big push for the body, but she came out on her own. So a total of 2 pushes, it was pretty easy! She was born at 9:45 am!

Stratt was so excited he didn’t know what to do. My mom and his mom were by Hadley, trying to take pictures as the nurses were cleaning her. Stratt just stood behind them. I looked over and kind of yelled “Mom, Kris, move so Stratt can see her.” They moved, but he still didn’t know what to do. He was so proud and so happy.

Hadley has been such a sweet baby. She is so beautiful and so happy. She rarely cries and smiles often. We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to be her parents. It’s amazing how life changed so quickly for us. The minute she was born, nothing else mattered. We love the way my Aunt JoDee put it- We now have some understanding of how much our Heavenly Father loves us. How even when we have to go through something hard, no matter how much it hurts Him, He knows that it is what is best for us.

Only 6 more weeks!

2009-12-29T21:35:00.002-07:00

Wow! Only 6 more weeks until our little baby girl is here!

We finally painted her room, we will post pictures soon. Also, I have been nesting a lot and we have finished a few other projects. I still have a few days off this week, so more will be accomplished and pictures will be posted!

59 Days to go!

2009-12-12T11:56:00.002-07:00

Wow! Hadley will soon be here! We are so excited. We finally bought the paint for her room and we have started putting everything together in our house.
I was looking through our old posts and I found this one on February 27, 2009, right before we purchased our home:
"I know the pictures of the house we're buying has a nursery- The people we are buying the house it from have an adorable little boy. That will be my craft room, until we have kids in a few years."

How funny is it that not even one year will have passed and we will have our Hadley! Life is funny that way, things usually don't happen according to plan, but we are so glad that the Lord knows what is best!

My goal is to have her room completely finished by December 31! That should not be a problem because I will have 2 whole weeks off from work and school! I will post pictures as soon as it is done!

New Belly Pictures!

2009-11-21T22:39:00.007-07:00

It has been several weeks since I posted any new pictures and my tummy has grown a lot! These pictures are from November 14th. I was 27 weeks and 4 days. Stratt felt a little left out and wanted some pictures too. Here he is at 27 weeks and 4 days!

Here are some picture from today! 28 weeks, 5 days! She just keeps growing!!!

This is a front view, Stratt says you can't see anything, but I think you can.

She has her mommy's nose...

2009-10-14T18:19:00.003-06:00

Monday was our target ultrasound for Hadley. We got to see her beautiful, smiling face- yes, smiling. She is absolutely gorgeous. She weighs 1.5lbs and has a strong heart and good spine. She was very wiggly- not a surprise- and she was trying to hide her face. After a few nudges from the tech and myself, we were able to see her face. We got to see her yawn and grin. She likes her tongue! We also got to see her little hands and feet. So tiny and sweet. So adorable. She has her mommy's nose and her daddy's mouth! Only 4 more months!

A good laugh...

2009-10-02T09:15:00.003-06:00

Pregnancy...

2009-09-22T21:45:00.002-06:00

Fun Pregnancy Survey!

About the mommy!
Name: Amanda
Age: 24
Hair color: Strawberry Blonde
Eye color: Blue-Green
First child?: Yep!

About the daddy!
Name: Jeffrey Stratton
Age: 21
Hair color: Dark brown, almost black
Eye color: Brown and green
First child?: Better be

What day did you find out?: Friday, May 29th, 2009
How did you feel when you found out?: Shocked, disbelief, unsure, ahhh! to excited!!
Who was with you?: My dogs
Who was the first person you told?: Shanna, I sent her a picture of the extremely faint double line and asked what she thought... Then I took 2 more and confirmed it!
How did they react?: She was so excited!
How did the daddy react?: I told him by wrapping the tests and a little bib that said "I love my Daddy" He looked at me, surprised and asked "Really?" (we had only been "not preventing" for 2 days when I got pregnant) and then he hugged me and started to get teary eyed! He was so sweet. I think he had a hard time believing me because I was still in shock.

Telling the grandparents!
How did your parents react?: We gave my mom a bib about "Grandma's House." She thought it was a joke. She didn't believe us for about 5 minutes.
How did his parents react?: His mom said "I knew it! But I'm not old enough to be a grandma!!!" His dad and step mom were really excited also, it took his dad a minute to realize that the bib was an announcement. Our baby is the first grandchild on all sides of our families.
Are they helping with baby names?: They are trying. My mom suggested Jerilyn- yuck, no way!
Have they bought anything for the baby yet?: Yes. Stratt's mom bought a little blanket. My mom bought the crib, the bedding, the first diapers, the baskets for the bedroom and some clothes. Stratt's sister also bought a really cute outfit.
How often do they call to check on you?: My mom calls about every other day, Stratt's dad calls about once or twice a week.

About the pregnancy!
When was your first appointment?: June 15th
When is your due date?: February 9th, 2010 - the day after our 2nd anniversary
How far along are you?: 20 weeks today
Pre-pregnancy weight?: Around 110
Weight now?: around 118
Have you had any ultrasounds?: Yes, we are lucky enough to get one every visit
Have you heard the heartbeat?: yes

Sex of the baby!
Are you finding out the sex or will you wait until birth?: We couldn't wait. It's a girl.
What do you want?: I didn't really care- a healthy baby
What does the daddy want?: Stratt wanted a boy- he has 5 sisters. Now he is so excited to have a girl!
If you have kids, what do they want?: This is our first!
What do you think you are having?: I was not sure either way
Have you had your big ultrasound yet?: yep!
If so, what are you having?: GIRL!!!

About the birth!
Do you know what you are taking with you?: Stratton and my blanket
Who is going to be with you?: Stratt and my cousin Alyssa. Everybody else will have to wait in the waiting room.
Are you going to videotape it?: Seriously? no way.
Natural or medicated?: Medicated!
Do you think you will need a c-section?: No, have you seen my hips?
Will you cry with you hold your baby for the first time?: I think so.
Do you think the daddy will cry?: Yes, he is very sensitive!
Do you know what you will say to the baby when you first hold him/her?: Hello Baby, I am your mommy!
Are you scared about the labor?: A little.

Names!!
Do you have a name picked out?: Yes, we have decided on Hadley Faun, but we also liked Charli and Spencer. We didn't agree on any boy names
Is your baby going to be named after someone?: Yes, my grandma Faun- who I am also named after.

Other random questions!!
Have you felt the baby move?: Yes, everyday. All the time.
What race(s) will your baby be? Really? That's a dumb question
Do you have stretch marks yet?: No
What was your first symptom?:I just wanted Arctic Circle Hamburgers and I was really tired.
Will your baby have godparents?: no, lots of family though
What is the baby's room theme?: vintage pink, green, white and yellow
What was the first thing you bought for the baby?: um, jammies
If you already have kids, how do you think they will adjust to the new baby?: n/a
Will you cloth diaper?: no
BFing or formula?: Breast feeding. much cheaper
What is your favorite pregnancy book?: not sure which one.
What do you look forward to doing again once you are no longer pregnant?: Not being so tired all the time, and my back won't hurt so much.
What physical features do you hope the baby will get from daddy?: His skin and teeth!
What physical features do you hope the baby will get from you?: My nose, Stratt's nose would look funny on a girl, and my petite size.
Is he ready to be a daddy?: He’ll be the world best daddy. But he'll be a softie.
Are you ready to be a mommy?: As ready as I can be I guess.

Half way!

2009-09-22T20:53:00.002-06:00

Today I am officially 20 weeks- half way! Wow, time flies. We still have so much to do.
So far we have put up her crib and bedding and decided the bedroom colors. We still need to get the changing table, paint the room, register for my showers, sign up for birthing classes, buy a car that will fit a car seat, buy a car seat, and high chair. What a list. Good thing we have such amazing families that are helping us!
My tummy isn't growing as fast as people seem to think it should. She is just over 10 ounces and very healthy. She wiggles all the time. Our target ultrasound is on the 12th of October. More updates on her then.

I hope Becky thinks that my copying her is flattering...

2009-09-19T11:18:00.002-06:00

I was reading my cousin Becky's blog and I was laughing really hard! I need to share some of what I read. Thanks Becky

* Why is it that I always find what I was looking for the day after I need it?

*Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

*Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.

*Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what was going on when I first saw it.

*How are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

*I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

*How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?

*How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?

*Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.

*"Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this, ever.

*I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Dang it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?*I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

*I hate it when I have put in several hours of creative thinking time and my project turns out wonderful-just like I wanted it, then I see yours and mine looks like trash.

18 weeks and 4 days!

2009-09-12T15:48:00.003-06:00

This is my tummy, as of today- about 15 minutes ago. I can see it, and Stratt can see it, but apparently not very many other people can. I am showing!

(Not a great picture- It is Saturday and I am cleaning and doing homework)

Stratt and I have both felt her kick and we now can see her kick. She is always moving! So exciting! We can't wait to meet her. She is already spoiled.

Jazz game and Steelers won!

2009-09-12T15:22:00.007-06:00

These pictures are old, but I love them!

Stratt's grandparents had season tickets for the Jazz last season, so we were able to go to the Jazz vs. Cavaliers game. SO much fun, and Stratt looked so hot!

For Super Bowl Sunday we went up to Stratt's dad's house! It was a blast! Stratt was cheering for the Cardinals, but obviously he was cheering for the wrong team!

In the pictures are his younger sisters and Brother. Justin, Katy and Isabelle.

Clothes for Hadley!

2009-08-19T16:24:00.003-06:00

These are the first few outfits we have for her!

It's a ....

2009-08-18T09:43:00.004-06:00

Girl!

We will be having a baby girl! We are so excited!

Her name will be Hadley Faun Glaittli.

The middle name is my Grandmother's first name, it is also my middle name

Funny thing... We didn't even have any boy names that we liked. I already told you that Stratt liked Thor. Ugh! I couldn't find the boy bedding I liked either, so it's a good thing she's a girl!

Stratt is delighted to have a Daddy's girl. He was completely overjoyed at the appointment! He has already decided that she can date when she's married and that she can grow until she's 4, maybe 8, but that's it-then time is supposed to freeze!

I am pretty thrilled myself, because she is going to be so adorable! I get to dress her up! Tutus and nail polish and girlie things!

So, I have already found her bedding- I actually found it weeks ago.

I love it! It is exactly what I was looking for!

Helllloooo

2009-08-14T17:39:00.002-06:00

This is my first time posting a blog. My name is Jeffrey Stratton Glaittli. I am twenty years old, soon to be twenty one on August the 27th 2009. I have a beautiful wife named Amanda Faun Glaittli who is pregnant. I have two dogs, Mr. Jack my teacup poodle, and Ms. Lucille my red dog. I am excited to have a baby. Yay.

Boy or girl?

2009-08-14T11:29:00.004-06:00

Well, the tummy is starting to grow!
Its still not very big, but none of my pants fit unless they are unbuttoned! I feel like everyday is Thanksgiving and I just ate to much! Now that I am into the second trimester, I feel as though my energy is returning. I do not have to take 2 hour naps everyday to accomplish anything. And it has returned just in time, I start back to work, with 5th and 6th graders in just over a week. We also start back to school the same day. I am sure it will prove to be a very exhausting week.

Stratt's birthday is the 27th! Yay! He will be 21.

On Monday- this upcoming Monday, we get to find our if we are having a baby boy or a baby girl or a baby goat! (If anybody watches Reba, you will understand my reference) We are very excited! However, if it is a boy we need to find a name. You see, I refuse to name him Thor- Stratt's clever suggestion. Stratt said that nobody will ever tease a Thor. Ha! I said everybody will tease him- and I do not like that name! Yuck! Its a horrible name. Stratt's dad and my mom keep telling us that is will be a cute little girl- they like to tease him because he has 5 sisters- no brothers.

I have heard that sometimes the mother has a hunch as to what it is... not me. I have not a clue! So we'll just wait and see.

We watched part of a pre-season football game the other day! I must say, I can't wait for football season!!!! Yay!

February 9th!

2009-06-24T11:54:00.002-06:00

We went to the doctor's on Monday and he gave us a due date of February 9th- the day after our anniversary! We heard our baby's heartbeat and saw it move! So amazing! We are so excited!

Baby Glaittli is on the way...

2009-06-02T15:02:00.002-06:00

Yes, we are expecting our first child! Wow! I think we are still in the shock stage, but we are so totally stoked. I am only about 3 weeks along. Anyways, we just wanted to spread the news.

Today...

2009-05-27T12:28:00.002-06:00

I have a lot going on. Life is pretty crazy. I am sitting here on my lunch break, listening to the kids out at recess. I only get 7 more days with them. I currently have 10 kiddos in my class, and 6 of them will not be here next year. Sad. I am going to miss them. So I've been really lazy about blogging lately, and I need to blog more often. I have been working like crazy on house stuff, refinishing a chair, starting Mary Kay and we sold our green civic.
Um, what else... not sure. My grandparents from Michigan came out to visit for a week, that was awesome- Stratt finally was able to meet them. Well, more later.

Technology.

2009-04-27T00:06:00.003-06:00

Can I just say that I am very grateful for the blessing of technology, yet at the same time I absolutely hate it.
I am so glad that I can blog, email and shop online. I think it is amazing that we can communicate in so many ways, and all over the world. I love that we have computers for school and such. I like digital cameras- still not 100% sold on them- and I am so grateful for electronic banking. But I don't really love TV, I am not loving video games (more and more each day), and I don't love fancy, touchy, expensive, confusing cell phones and gadgets. I do not like how impersonal all of this technology makes us.
What happened to face-to-face conversations; a good, old-fashioned telephoned call; a hand written thank you note; an actual- not virtual- game of cards, with a person face-to-face? I feel as though the world- maybe just my world- is losing touch with the classic, simple things in life. We are so focused on bigger, better, newer, faster, more, and we want it now!
Ugh. I guess I am just annoyed.
I do love my simple cell phone and I don't want to upgrade...

house progress...

2009-04-21T20:45:00.002-06:00

We've been working on our house for several weeks. We were really diligent the first two weeks, then we got just enough unpacked to live without unpacking the rest. Not a great idea if you want to stay motivated. Anyway, I promised pictures of our house when we finished with our own touches. Good news, we are almmost done. We only have a few more things to do. As soon as both bathrooms are painted, our bedroom pillows are stuffed and pictures are hung, I will post pictures! We're close, I promise. We've been pretty busy, but this is our last week of school then we will have lots of time to finish! Hooray!

Good day...

2009-04-21T17:15:00.001-06:00

Today has been a good day. Nothing very exciting has happened. Its just been a nice day. the sun is shining, the kids at work were great while we worked on their state reports and I just feel like smiling. That's a good day.

Justin!!!

2009-04-07T08:47:00.002-06:00

My sweet, little brother will be back in the United States, in Utah, next Friday! Can you believe it? I am so excited. I can barely see straight! I have missed him so extremely much and I'm so grateful that he was able to go to Russia! He is such an amazing person and I'm so proud of him. He will be home the 17th and his homecoming is the 19th. Yay! Justin is coming home!!! I can't wait!

We have been hard at work...

2009-03-19T13:51:00.003-06:00

We have been extremely busy! We started painting on Wednesday night and finished Friday night- or should I say Saturday morning around 3:30am! We had spring break last week, so instead of staying up late to study, we stayed up late to paint. We painted our entire kitchen, the baseboards, ceiling and one wall in the master bedroom. We painted the 2nd bedroom and part of the main bathroom. Thanks to Stratt's little sister, Maddy, we finished quicker! It looks great!
On Saturday we moved all of our belongings into our basement, and set up our big furniture. We had help from my parents, Stratt's Dad, Mark, Stratt's sisters, Stratt's friends and even some of our new neighbors helped! Thank you!
We have been unpacking box by box and we are almost completely unpacked! We feel like we have a home!
We still have plenty to do: We need to finish painting and decorating both bathrooms, finish putting in our new back splash, finish painting the 2nd bedroom, and finish decorating to house!
We will post pictures as soon as we finish! Also, we will be having a house warming party, but we aren't sure when! We'll keep you updated!

We have a new address!

2009-03-10T10:38:00.002-06:00

Finally, we closed on our house! We get to move in on Wednesday if all goes as planned... yeah right, so hopefully by this weekend. We have the paint picked out and we're ready to get to work!
We will most likely be moving our large furniture in this weekend after the paint has dried... Youa all are welcome to come see or help. We are so excited to have our own place! As soon as we have the keys. I'll take some before pictures, and post them with the after pictures!

No, I'm not pregnant!

2009-02-27T14:05:00.002-07:00

I know the pictures of the house that we're buying has a nursery- the people we are buying it from have an adorable little boy. That will be my craft room, until we have kids in a few years!

We finally got a house!

2009-02-26T13:43:00.005-07:00

Yes, you read the title right, we are finally going to be moving into our first home! Yay! We are so extremely excited. Many of you know that we have been trying to get into a house since November. This crummy economy certainly has made things more difficult. We thought maybe it just wasn't the right time, then we found this great townhome. We went to look at it and we knew after walking through that it should be our home. That was in January.
The past few weeks have been pretty stressful, because we weren't sure if we would be approved- Stratt needed 6 months of full time work at his current job, the last 2 weeks of the six months he missed 2 days to escort me to the Doctors office for CT scans and bloodwork... The underwriters wanted to know why he missed 2 days in the last 6 months. Ugh. What a headache.
We got our great news on Tuesday night. We should be closing next week. We are so excited to finally have a place to call ours. We're excited to paint and decorate- ok maybe I'm the on excited to decorate.

It was built in 1995. It is in Ogden, Utah. It has 1725 square feet- 575 each floor. currently the basement isn't finished, which is great. There are 2 bedrooms and 1 3/4 bath- one in each level. Also, there is a small yard in the back, so we can bring Lucy and Jack! We will live about 10 minutes from Stratt's mom, 6 blocks from his sister, 20 minutes from his dad and about 15 minutes away from my mom. We plan to be there for several years.
The pictures above show the house the way it is right now. As soon as we do it our way we will post pictures!

6 Random Things...

2009-02-10T10:49:00.003-07:00

Here ya go Caitlin...
Here are 6 completely random things about me...

1. I have this green, tied blanket, that my Grandma Faun made for me. I take it almost everywhere with me. Yes, I know I'm too old for a security blanket, but I don't care. I love it! I love to twist the twistie things. I scrapbook with it, I sleep with it, I take it camping, to hotels, and when I sleep away from home. I have even taken it to a late night cinema. I just love it!

2. I make lists all the time, about everything. I always have one with me. It seems to help me stay somewhat sane. Currently, my lists consist of what we need to buy for our new house, things to do at work, homework and craft/sewing projects for the near future.

3. I hate, hate, hate being cold. Ugh! I absolutely hate it. It seems like I am always cold if I don't have at least 3 layers on. I love to sled and walk in snow, but I hate driving in it.

4. I love home improvement ans home decor stores! I could get lost there for hours. My favorites are Tai Pan, Rod works, Lowes, RC Willey, JC Penney...

5. My favorite shows are "Because I said so," "Singin' in the rain," "the family stone," "the notebook," "August Rush," and "Mona Lisa Smile."

6. I love classic vintage style everything. Clothes, furniture, cars, music. I love the 1940s and 1950s. SO classic.

I tag Holly, Gina and Alyssa

A look back at 2008...

2008-12-31T22:07:00.007-07:00

January: Stratt started another semester of school at Weber State. Amanda finished her last month at Skywest Airlines. Stratt continued work at Willey Honda.

February: We got married on February 8th! We went to Disneyland for a week for our honeymoon. Amanda started a new job at Summit Orthodontics in Park City.

March: Amanda had an appointment with her doctor and found out that she is hypoglycemic - it was on her chart for over a year, but she had never been told. Oops! We spent Easter at Aunt Jana's.

April: We decided to move to New York for the summer so that Stratt could work for APX. Stratt finished a semester and we drove 31 hours straight to Rochester, NY.

May: Stratt started working for APX. Amanda Flew back home for work and Caitlin's wedding! Amanda flew back to NY for her 23rd birthday. We adopted Jack on the 30th.

June: Amanda flew back to Utah for work. Stratt worked long days at APX with little payoff.

July: We spent the 4th of July in Syracuse, NY. Amanda left Stratt(and Jack) one final time in NY, she flew home for work, again. Stratt finished work in Rochester and the team moved to Syracuse. Amanda quit Summit Orthodontics.

August: Stratt moved from Syracuse to Utica, NY. Then the team moved to Providence, RI. When he was finished, he drove 38 hours straight to get home- he didn't want to stop. April got married on the 16th. Stratt started his new job at Harper. Amanda Started her new job at Tolman Elementary. Both Amanda and Stratton Started school on the 25th. We took the same classes- to save money on books and gas.

September: We both worked full time and had a full school schedule. We decided to start looking at houses.

October: Stratt went hunting and killed his first Elk. She was BIG. Now we have a freezer full of elk meat. We found "the house." We signed the agreement and expected to be in by Thanksgiving...

November: We waited for our approval but it didn't come. Ugh. We spent Thanksgiving at Kevin and Michelle's. We shopped with Amanda's mom and Aunt Michelle for almost 8 hours on "Black Friday."

December: We got our answer, but it wasn't what we wanted. Stratt need to have 6 months on the job- we were 2 months away. We talked to the seller and agreed to rent for 2 months starting in January. We were so excited! Then our seller broke the contract and put the house back up for sale. Bummer! The hunt for another house began... We both finished fall semester with great grades. Amanda was especially nervous because she had taken 4 years off from school. Christmas was white and beautiful. We were able to talk to Justin. He is doing great and is coming home in April of 2009! Yay!

We have had a lot of trials and blessings this year. We have learned that life doesn't always go as planned. We're so glad that the Lord can see the big picture and that He knows what is best for us. Thank you to all of our family that have supported us and loved us this year. We wish you all a Happy New Year with many blessings.

Holidays

2008-12-15T22:09:00.005-07:00

Merry Christmas! I'm slow a loading pictures to my camera, so I have a bunch of pictures. There are some from the Sutt family Christmas party and some from the Rigby family party.

At our family party we exchanged sibling gifts and played guestures. We had a great time!

Thankful

2008-12-02T10:49:00.004-07:00

I'm a little late, but I wanted to post about what I am grateful for this year. There is so much that has happened and so much to be thankful for.

First of all I am so extremely thankful for my husband. Being married to him is a dream come true. He is absolutely the most amazing person in the world. He is such a strong and supportive husband. I love his smile and his laugh. He keeps me going when I've had a tough day or week. He seems to always be happy and so calm. He makes my life incredible.

I am also thankful for my family. They are the best family, every one of them. This year I married into such an amazing family that treats me as one of their own. They are so funny and easy to be around.

My mom, she has done so much for us - especially this year. She is such a strong support and I've had a blast hanging out with her.

I am grateful for Justin, he is just awesome. I'm so proud of him and so grateful to be his sister. He is such an example to me.

Stratt's family is a great blessing as well. I have so much fun with them. He has great sisters-I'm so lucky.

I am grateful for my job. I love it! I have had so much fun with the kids. They are so smart and they teach me something new everyday- sometimes its just patience, but I learn something everyday.

I am so thankful for my friends. Shanna makes Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays my favorite days of the week. She always knows how to make me laugh, and she's always there to listen when I'm stressed out. And she's so adorable. Holly, well she is a pretty amazing person, I can't help but want to be around her. And my Hannah and her girls. How much fun do we have together. It doesn't matter what we are doing, Its always fun and usually an adventure.

I am so glad that we've had some rough things happen this year. Mainly because it has made us stronger, but for many other reasons as well. We've learned patience and endurance and we've learned to rely on each other.

Life is a blessing everyday and I'm grateful for everyone of my friends and family members.

I've been tagged...

2008-11-19T22:22:00.001-07:00

Four of my Quirks:
1. My food cannot touch on the plate- EVER! Only things that "go together." There are rules, but I can't explain them. My food just can't touch, except for things like rice and chicken or mashed potatoes and gravy.
2. My closet has to be organized in color order and sleeve length. It drives me nuts if there is a brown shirt in with the green ones.
3. I make lists for everything. It helps me stay sane and somewhat organized
4. I twist the twisties on my blanket. I'm not sure why but I can't resist. Its weird.

4 TV shows I love to watch: 1. Reba 2. Law and Order SVU 3. CSI 4. John and Kate

4 Things that happened yesterday:1. Received phone calls regarding our house. 2. Took a nice shower 3. Went to school 4. Slept

4 favorite places to eat:1. ABC -Chinese 2. Olive Garden 3. Pretzel maker 4. Zoggers

4 things I am looking forward to:1. Our House 2. Christmas! 3. One day being a mom. 4. Justin coming home!!!!

4 things on my wish list 1. Swim with a dolphin 2. Going to Europe and New York City 3. going on a safari 4. Kids - one day

I tag Jandee Jo, Kelsie Dahl, Jen Dahl, Alyssa Taylor, Gina Wurtz

Waiting for a closing date...

2008-11-19T20:30:00.004-07:00

Well I am very sick of paper work and phone calls regarding paperwork. We have all needed paperwork in now and we're just waiting for a closing date. For the last 2 weeks we have been digging into our past for every possible W2 and pay stub and college transcript. I think our title company now knows more about us than anybody else.

We put our offer in on October 26th and they accepted immediately. We were so excited, both parties agreed that we didn't want to use a realtor. So the sellers are paying closing costs. On top of that we just got a grant from Layton city for buying a home in Layton. Everything is looking great, we just have to wait.

I don't think waiting would be so hard for me if I had all of my winter clothes from storage, but i don't. All of my winter clothes are in the very back corner of our storage unit. Bummer. Not only that, my mom and I just redecorated her living room. It is absolutely gorgeous. So now I want to redecorate my new living room!

The house is 2024 square feet. It has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom upstairs. Its on .19 of an acre. The sellers are leaving an incredible dog "condo" for our Lucy and Jack. It really is a condo, it has a thermostat and a porch light. The kitchen was recently redone as well as the "big room." Our bog room is 16x20 and it has a gorgeous oak hearth and fireplace. The basement is really ugly. It hasn't been touched since the 60s or 70s, so it has the gross wood paneling and linoleum floor. I'm excited to get it finished.

We're so excited and we can hardly wait. These pictures are just the front of the house. I'll post more later- after its officially ours.

Stuffed pancakes!

2008-10-17T17:00:00.005-06:00

I recently visited the Williams Sonoma website and they have a new stuffed pancake pan! I just might have to invest...

Mmmmm...Yummy! I just want to eat fruit filled pancakes covered in cream and powered sugar!

kids...

2008-10-17T15:51:00.002-06:00

While being a teacher aid I have learned a lot about life. I work in a learning center with 9 amazing children. One of which is extremely autistic and very honest. They are all fifth and sixth graders. A co-worker told me I need to share some of my new findings with others, and maybe write a book. So here goes, I'll share:

It was about the third or forth day of school and we were taking them in for a bathroom break. We got to the bathroom and decided to let them all go in at once- mistake- they just play! A few minutes later several of the boys came out very quickly snickering and giggling... A few minutes later on of the boys came out and said the following: "It's OK guys, everybody farts. Its natural and I do it all the time at home. You shouldn't be embarrassed, Alex." It was all we could do to keep from laughing.

A few weeks later we were working on spelling and one boy raised his hand to tell me he farted - the boy sitting next to him then asked if he could move so he "wouldn't die." Needless to say it was a horrible smell and we had to take an early recess. The stinky child then explained that he had 2% milk for lunch and that "2% milk makes my body extremely smelly and gassy!"

On Columbus day we got all three learning centers together to watch a video about Columbus. One boy sighed when we explained that it was Columbus Day and that we are going to watch the video. He quietly muttered "I wish this video was about Joseph Smith, I like him better, and he's important too."

Most recently, Wednesday, we had the school officer come in to talk about stranger danger. After the officer left the kids were asking questions about what to do when a stranger is trying to take them. One child asked "If a mean guy is trying to take me and he grabs me can I kick him in the crotch?" We told him that he should do whatever he can to get away and find help. Another boy said with a lot of vigor "No, I can't kick somebody in the crotch! I can't because that is sexual abuse!!!!"

Every day is new and exciting! I love my job because I get to work with short little comedians all day. I have truly enjoyed this great position and I'm excited to keep learning more!

Hunting season!

2008-10-13T17:46:00.002-06:00

Well, it is once again hunting season and Stratt went down to Scholfield with his Papa . He got one! Yay he shot a cow elk...Now we have to get a freezer 'cause that's a lot of meat! I took some pictures but I haven't put them on the computer yet...

2008-09-04T22:21:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday to Stratt!

Its official! I'm not married to a teenager anymore. Stratt turned 20 on August 27th!

This is Jack right after a bath- just before we trimmed his ears. The groomers did a great job shaving his body, but they left his ears long and he looked extremely ugly, so we fixed them.

Jack's new haircut!

We've both been working at our jobs for about 2 weeks now and we're doing great. I love the kiddos that I work with. Stratt is working hard and always has a smile. When he comes home he looks so HOT!!! I'm talkin Smokin' HOT (and dirty)!

I have yet to take pictures of myself and my new haircut.... I will soon. Sorry its taking so long.

A little update...

2008-08-21T12:18:00.002-06:00

Wow, it has been way too long without an update... Sorry!

I flew back to Utah the 10th of July, and i didn't go back. Plane tickets are getting really expensive. I missed Stratt like crazy, but I kept myself pretty busy. I went up to Grandma Faun's for a week and cleaned her house before the reunion. Then camped at the pond for the reunion and went on a sweet rafting trip. Then I looked for a new job, registered us both for classes, helped my mom with Aprils wedding details and quilt, and a bunch of other little stuff that just needed to be done. Oh yeah, and I cut 9 inches off my hair! Its pretty cute, and Stratt loves it. I'll post pictures soon!

I succeeded in getting a new job, I am now a Teacher aid in a learning center for Davis county. I am really excited to have such a sweet schedule and I'm looking forward to helping the kiddos!

As I said before, Stratt stayed in New York until August 13, and drove almost 37 hours straight to get home. He told me he just wanted to get home fast and sleep as little as possible on the way... He missed me! He got home around 12:30am on Friday morning! He was exhausted! I was very excited to see him and Jack!

We took Jack to the vet on Friday aafternoon, he wasn't very happy about it. Everything was fine, he just needed a haircut. Saturday morning we took him to get a haircut. He is now very ugly. Lol. He needed to be shaved because he had several matts. The groomer left his ears long and left the mohawk! He is very front heavy. Lol, he looks like a cross between the mohawk gremlin, a chicken and an old man!

The next day was April and John's Wedding! (April is my oldest sister) It was a great day, beautiful weather and the place looked amazing- thanks to my mom. April looked great ans John was so excited!

This week we have been trying to get life figured out. Stratt needed a job that would work with his screwy school schedule, somewhat close to home but still pay him a decent wage! HA HA HA. funny funny. Yeah right. So we rearranged his school schedule so that he could go work with Alex -Stratt's best friend. Well, it worked! We rearranged his school schedule on Monday, he went in for an interview Tuesday and trained Wednesday. Today he is working! He is now an employee of Harper Construction! What a blessing! We are so lucky to have good friends looking out for us! Stratt even gets to carpool with Alex and Alex's dad.

And, on top of that, we are taking some classes together. It will save money on gas, and parking, and it will be nice to have a study buddy!

We are living with my mom (thank you mom) so that we can save some money and buy a house. Its been great so far! The boys love having Stratt here and I think my mom does too.

I will post pictures as soon as we get our laptop back from being fixed!

2008-07-01T14:37:00.001-06:00

Life update

2008-06-30T15:26:00.006-06:00

Stratt has been rocking at the APX thing. He got 10 deals in 12 days. That is great considering before that he only had 8 total for the summer. I'm so proud of him! He is learning a lot and looks smarter everyday- at least I think he does.

We gave Jack a bath and decided that he needed a hair cut. I'm laughing because I'm not a dog groomer. We cut the hair around his eyes so he could see us. Then we decided to give him a mohawk. It was pretty ugly at first, but its growing on me.

Here are some pictures of Rochester:

These are the apartments! They're old but they're nice.

This is the cute little address sign for our parking lot. And our park. Its a great park. There are 3 little playgrounds, basketball courts, horse shoe areas, tennis courts, and swings!

Rochester is great...and I hate bugs!

2008-06-23T19:12:00.004-06:00

Rochester has been fun. Stratt works long days so I am home all day. I work for 8 hours then I do any one of many things. I usually hang our with Kelsie, Riley, and Kaylee. But sometimes I have to do chores such as laundry, cleaning the bathroom or just tidying the front room.

Here in Rochester we have 8 apartments to each building. Every building has a coin-operated washer and dryer. Ugh. $1.25 for the washer and $1.25 for the dryer. Its become almost a game for me. First, I have to make sure nobody else is using them, which is rare. Then, once I've started I have to check back frequently or my laundry from the wash will end up on top of the dryer with somebody else's laundry getting cleaned. Its funny, really it is, right? No, not really. Its annoying, and expensive.

Also, I've learned that I hate all bugs in New York that fly. They are gross. I don't know what any of them are, except for misquitos. About 10 minutes ago I was peacefully doing laundry, minding my own business when a stupid giant, yellow, flying beatle-bee, long legged bug started flying on the inside of my window. A few questions ran through my head. What the heck? What is it? Is he ready to die? As I was asking these questions, panic set in. I franticly ran around our small apartment looking for something that would kill it without me having to get within 10 feet.... NOTHING! ahhhh. Wait, I found hairspray and airfreshener... That would at least make his wings stick together until Stratt gets home, right? I thought so and i was pretty proud that I defeated the bug. But when I went back in the bedroom after putting my weapons away he was nowhere to be seen. Dang! So now I am stuck in the front room with the bedroom door shut until Stratt comes to defeat the killer bug.

Now I know that it is just a bug and that it probably wouldn't hurt me, but the truth is: I'm a whimp! I hate flying bugs and spiders. Its actually kind of funny to think of me standing as far away as possible, arms reaching with hair spray in one and air freshener in the other, ready to run if he moves.

So Rochester has been an adventure and I like it here, i just hate bugs.

Pets

2008-06-20T13:28:00.008-06:00

I finally loaded some pictures of our animals!

First is Lucy. She is a dingo-heeler. I have had her for 5 years, she is 8 years old. Lucy hates cameras so i could only get one picture that is good. She is full pf energy and loves to run. She is a very smart dog, too smart actually. She has figured out that she can jump, very high. She is now kept on a long chain because she likes to jump our 6 foot fence. Lucy has a very special place in my heart. She is my baby, very spoiled. She has such a sweet personality.

Next is our spoiled brat! This is Spice, our cat. We adopted her from a family friend. She is a manx- which means she has no tail. It looks really funny, but she doesn't seem to mind that we laugh at her. She is the strangest cat I've ever met. She is very affectionate and extremely stuck-up and so soft.

She is Stratt's baby. When I get mad at her for laying in our clean laundry so goes and pouts to Stratt, as if to tell on me. She is very entertaining... she does "pretty kitty rolls" for treats and will stand on her hind legs and dance. She's very spoiled and very talented, but hates sweaters.

Last is the newest member of our family, Jack-Jack! He is the baby of the family. He is with us in Rochester. He is such a good dog. He's very obedient. He has a great personality, very energetic. He can walk on his hind legs and Stratt is trying to teach him to roll over. He is with me all the time. He thinks he's the size of a Great Dane and barks everytime he hears a noise. That is funny because he is only about 3 pounds. But the barking is annoying, so he's learning that its not ok. He is very smart, he knows when Stratt is due home, he'll go wait by the front door. It's so cute.

I have learned a lot about how we will be when we are parents. I will be the enforcer and he'll be another kid! I am always the one telling jack to stop barking, Stratt gets on all fours and barks with him. It's a blast! Ah! I love him, he keeps life fun.

We now have Justin's approval!

2008-06-12T23:14:00.004-06:00

I emailed Justin a link to our blog. He said "It looks great, but it's missing one picture, here it is." So here it is:

This is my amazing brother, Elder Justin Mitchell. He is in Russia, and he's been out since May 2007. We are very proud of him, he's doing great! Its still crazy to think that he is all the way on the other side of the world.

Landon's Mission Farewell

2008-06-10T21:42:00.003-06:00

This past Sunday was Landon's Farewell.

This is Elder Landon Slater. He'll be in New York!

Look how cute! Jordan is practicing being a daddy with baby Penny!

And here's beautiful Jandee... and baby Jones.

My family and Landon.

Funny Picture!

2008-06-10T21:35:00.003-06:00

I was looking through my mom's camera and I found this picture. It's pretty funny.

My brother-in-law, Chase, is in the Army. He had to wear these awful glasses instead of contacts. I put them on and asked stratt if he'd still love me if I had to wear them.

We are finally blogging...

2008-06-03T11:55:00.005-06:00

We have never blogged before so I'm kind of excited. It will be great to stay updated with family and friends. We will be posting more as soon as I can.