Showing Our Aggie Pride

As Kevin was getting ready to graduate from Utah State, he thought it would be a great idea to get pictures of us wearing our Aggie t-shirts. Kevin's mom, Cathy, took us up on campus and took these adorable pictures. Can't you see our Aggie Pride?

Kevin's Big Day

On May 1, 2009, I walked to the Spectrum with Brynnlee. I hadn't been there for a long time-probably years. I was so excited for the event. No, it wasn't a USU basketball game. It was the day that had been six years in the making. Kevin was graduating with his Master's degree in Corporate Wellness.

I think back to when Kevin started school. We were about to get married, and he was going to major in something to do with outdoors. I always teased him that he was going to be a Forest Ranger. Then his schooling was interrupted by war. He got through only one semester of school before he was called to active duty with the Marines. He spent the next year and a half serving our country.

Finally he was able to go back to school. And boy did he go back to school! He took as many classes as he could each semester, and I couldn't even get him to "sluff" any. He worked at school even when he had to work hard at his job and church callings. He also decided to major in Exercise Science. What a great decision for him!

The ceremony was great. There wasn't a long, boring speech that made me dread being there. I watched in amazement as Kevin was hooded and as he walked across the stage. I was so proud of him, and I know Brynnlee was too. It is interesting how they call it a commencement. It certainly is the beginning. The beginning of something big. Kevin has been doing all he can to support our family, and this was a big step for all of us.

Easter Time

Every year since little Hallie Potter has been alive, we have gone to Baby Animal Days. Our little group has grown to include Hannah and sometimes Jackie. Hallie and I have always had so much fun. So this year I was even more excited because I have Brynnlee to also share this experience with.

We had a lot of fun looking at the baby animals. Brynnlee loved them and showed this by squeezing them a little too hard! When I showed her the duckling, she grabbed his bill and wouldn't let go. She tried to grab the fur off the rabbit. I really had to protect these little guys. But she wasn't afraid. I was very glad to see that.

The next Sunday was Easter. Kevin and Brynnlee were very excited to see what the Easter Bunny had left in their basket. Brynnlee found bubbles, and boy did she love them!

Brynnlee also enjoyed being all dressed up in her adorable Easter dress. She loved posing for pictures. Isn't she a doll?

Our Tiny Vacation

Early in March Kevin, Brynnlee, and I went on our first family vacation to St. George. We packed up the car and drove down. Things were great until the blizzard! I tried to stay calm as Kevin gripped the stearing wheel and squinted to see past the snow. We drove 35 mph down I15. Finally after hours longer than we had planned, we made it to St. George. Of course, the weather was perfect there!

We spent a couple of days hanging out together and visiting Tesha and her family. I went to their sealing. They adopted a little boy six months earlier, and now it was time to include him n their eternal family. It was beautiful. It was such an experience to see this sweet family add another eternal member.

After Kale's baby blessing on Sunday we headed down to Las Vegas to visit Grandma Boggio and Aunt Vickie. They were going to meet Brynnlee for the first time. It was so fun to see them hold her, and it was cute to see Brynnlee sitting in her great-grandma's lap. We only spend a day in Las Vegas--I think that is plenty.

Thinking about Uncle Robert

Sometimes my mom calls with a panic in her voice. "Lindsay," she says, "I have something to tell you." My heart starts beating faster. I wonder is it my grandma, my brother, my dad? Usually she tells me her something, and I roll my eyes. Another silly story or tidbit she heard. On February 9th, I received on of these calls. Only this time it wasn't silly. She called to tell me that my uncle Robert had died of a heart attach. I have thought of him almost every day since.

I hate death. I hate when people die. I don't understand how the whole world doesn't stop when someone you love dies. But I went to the funeral and learned a lot that day. I was reminded of who Robert Eames was and why we have death.

My aunt Sally was one of the speakers. She told great stores of when Uncle Robert was young. She retold the story of how he broke his wrist after falling out of a tree. She told stories of how he tricked my dad and others. One of my uncle Robert's friends also spoke. He reminded us how giving Uncle Robert was. He would give his time, money, or anything he had to others in need. He and Aunt Linda would jump in their Suburban and drive for miles and hours for to visit and to help others. They put over 800,000 miles on two Suburbans in their travels!

As I listed to these two, I thought about what Uncle Robert meant to me. He was the first person I had ever known who went on a mission, and I thought he was so cool because of that. He also knew Spanish from serving his mission, and I was also very impressed with that. Uncle Robert was a funny guy. When I was younger, he would entertain us with jokes or stories and amaze us with his detachable thumb. I would work for hours trying to perfect it like him.

As I sat crying at his funeral, his bishop spoke and really made me think. He said nothing that I didn't all ready know, but for some reason it touched me more. He told us that life is short, and we need to live it in a way that isn't wasteful. I really thought about how I live. I decided that it is wasteful. I'm always worried or mad or complaining. I decided at that moment to change. I won't lie and say I have had a dramatic turn around-ask Kevin. But small steps have led me to be a little more happy.

I try to think of Uncle Robert every day. He didn't waste his life. If I remember his example, I won't either.

Eight Random Things

I was tagged clear back in February to do this. Sorry Heather! Here we go....

Eight Favorite T.V. Shows

1. The Closer
2. Bones
3. Any Braves game
4. The Mentalist
5. The Ghost Whisperer
6. Monk
7. How I Met Your Mother
8. Life
   

Eight Things To Look Forward To

1. Kevin finding a job that allows me to stay home with Brynnlee
2. The next Harry Potter movie
3. June 4th -- the last day of school
4. Buying a house
5. Brynnlee saying "Mom"
6. Learning it's my choice
7. Having time to do all of the things I need to
8. Growing old with Kevin

Eight Yummy Restaurants

1. The Coppermill
2. Olive Garden
3. Cheesecake Factory
4. Wingers
5. Old Grist Mill
6. McGrath's
7. Red Lobster
8. Chili's

My Eight Item Wish List

1. New wardrobe
2. Laudry washed and put away
3. Visit my family and friends any time I want
4. Work in a library
5. Personal trainer
6. Live by the ocean
7. Students with great attitudes
8. Thicker hair

Eight People I Tag

1. Keri Beth
2. Amy
3. Becca
4. Jenna
5. Valerie
6. Richelle
7. Alicia
8. Natalie

Where Does the Time Go?

It has been awhile since I have posted anything. I am sorry to those of you who keep coming back to find out how we are. Sometimes something's got to give. This blog has been it. We are doing well, but we are busy. I am working and trying to get to the end of the school year. I am trying to balance grading papers, cleaning my apartment, and taking care of Brynnlee. I don't think I am doing a very good job. My school work is piling up and my apartment is a mess. Kevin is looking for that awesome job that will allow me to stay home. We have something that looks promising, so we will see where that leads. And Brynnlee...she is perfect. She is just spending her time growing and learning and being awfully cute. We have had some fun times in the last few months, and I will finally get it together and share the stories and pictures.

She's in Love with the Boy!

I wanted to make Valentine's Day special this year. In the end it was Kevin who made it special for me. I came home from school on the Monday before Valentine's. Kevin said, "Did anything interesting happen today?" I told him no....even though I was sure that something did. After all I work with 8th graders, but I didn't think he would think it was interesting. He seemed disappointed. I was confused. Why would he be disappointed? Later that evening, he came home with a beautiful new curling iron. I was really surprised. He told me to expect something everyday until Valentine's Day. When I got to school, there was a gorgeous arrangement of flowers waiting for me. Ahhh, I thought here was the something interesting Kevin was talking about. Throughout the week I received a box of chocolates, an adorable frame with our family picture in it, and a really cute Valentine's Day card. Kevin made this Valentine's special.

I could not do anything to match Kevin's surprise. Yes, I gave him a Valentine's Day gift, and we had a romantic night, but he put so much thought into everything this year. Because of this I want to make it up to him by telling all of you why I love Kevin so much.

Here are the top ten reasons why I love Kevin.

1. He is a wonderful father. I always knew he would be. This is why I wanted to have a baby so much. He is so cute with Brynnlee. I know one day he will play house or dress up with her just to make her happy.

2. He is a hard worker. Let's see.... how many jobs has he had this winter? He is always making sure we have what we need and want.

3. He puts up with me. Maybe this is the number one reason.


4. He is smart. I am constantly amazed with the information Kevin has stuck in his brain. And the words he knows....sometimes I don't even think they are real words.

5. Kevin loves the Lord.

6. He is strong. I will be trying to move or lift something, and I am panting and having a hard time when Kevin will come by and lift it up like it weighs two pounds. I love that whenever there is something heavy to move, I know he can and will do it. And I always have someone to open a jar for me.

7. He serves others. Have you ever had to move? Well, Kevin was probably there with his truck to help you out.

8. He always wears his wedding ring.

9. He makes up songs and sings them to Brynnlee and me. Sometimes when we are in the car, he puts new words to songs on the radio to fit our lives.

10. He is a wonderful man. He does a lot for Brynnlee and me. Kevin will do dishes or vacuum the floor. He even gets up with Brynnlee during the night and early morning. I love that he is home with Brynnlee so that we don't have to take her to daycare.

These are just some of the reasons why I love Kevin. I could go on, but I think you all get the point that he is a spectacular person!

The Valentine's Problem

Kevin and I are approaching our 13th Valentine's Day together. The day starts to get boring when you do nothing or the same thing each year. I need help. What should I do? I want to have a wonderful Valentine's Day this year. We need it....we live boring lives. Remember we have a five month old to factor into our plans.

Thanks for your help in advance!

Feed the Kid All Ready!

Have you ever wondered why a baby cries? There are a lot of reasons. She needs a diaper change, she is sleepy, or she is bored are three good ones. It turns out another reason may be that she is hungry. What you ask? You didn't think about that? I know it's crazy!

Brynnlee has been fussy since I went back to work. We thought that it must be the change. Mommy's gone so she is sad right? Turns out she was just really hungry. Great parents she has huh!? Well, we did some experimenting with the amounts of her bottles but decided it was time for this sweet five-month-old to try some cereal. Sunday morning was the big day, and you know what? She loved it. Here are some pictures of her enjoying her first spoon-fed meal.